HIGHTSTOWN: Isabel McGinty resigns from council president

NEWS BRIEF

By Jen Samuel, Managing Editor
   HIGHTSTOWN — When the Borough Council brought forward a measure to approve a retirement agreement with police Chief James Eufemia, the move sparked Councilwoman Isabel McGinty to resign as council president at Monday’s meeting.
  Her decision came as a surprise to both audience and council members.
   StilChief James Eufemia’s retirement contract passed 5-1, with Ms. McGinty casting the only "no" vote.
   "I see it as a duty to ask questions," Ms. McGinty said, also suggesting  that the council seemed to prefer that some questions remain unanswered.
   "I am stepping down as president," she said.
    She then told the chief that she very respectfully could not vote in favor of the measure to approve his retirement contract.
   "I, for one, don’t see a conspiracy of council," Councilman Mike Vanderbeck said in resposne. "I see a career in its totality – and it just shines."
    The council is slated to appoint one of its current members to the position of council president at its next borough meeting.