RED BANK – Councilwoman Kathy Horgan has been chosen to be the new Borough Council president.
Horgan, a Democrat, succeeds former councilman Arthur Murphy, who resigned from council Aug. 10.
“Arthur Murphy III was a great council president who executed his duties professionally and graciously. I have big shoes to fill,” said Horgan.
Murphy’s seat on the council remains vacant, however.
According to Red Bank Democratic Chair, Councilman Ed Zipprich, the local party will put forward three names for Murphy’s seat after a committee meeting.
The council will decide on a successor to fill the seat until the seat expires at the end of the year. The person named will have the option of running to retain the seat in the November municipal election.
Democratic Councilman Michael DuPont nominated Horgan at theAug. 26 Borough Council meeting and members voted in favor of the motion unanimously.
“We’ve had a man’s perspective for 12 years. Horgan, under her leadership, has carried the day on a number of committees,” said DuPont in support of the nomination.
“I think it’s time to have a woman as the council president.”
Horgan serves on the Parks and Recreation, Education Technology, DPW Committee, Code Enforcement committees. She is also the council representative to the Library Board and Rent Leveling Board.
She was elected Borough Council in 2007. Horgan will remain council president until the end of the year.
As council president, Horgan is responsible for filling in for Mayor Pasquale Menna in his absence.
“I hope I will [fill] this position honorably,” said Horgan, who expressed surprise at the nomination. “It is hard standing in for the mayor.”