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Nick Williams
By WILLIAM CLARK
Neptune Committeeman Nicholas Williams said he is stepping down from the Township Committee effective Jan. 31.
He cited health concerns as the reason for his resignation. He was first elected in 2015 and served two terms as mayor of the township.
“It’s been a great honor and pleasure to serve on this committee,” Williams said in a statement to the public during the Jan. 22 committee meeting.
Williams’ term expires in December. He was scheduled to run for reelection in November. He is a Democrat as are all the other four members.
“I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by my departure,” Williams said. “This was by no means an easy decision to make. But I am also confident it is the right one at this time for my family and myself.”
Williams served as mayor in 2018 and 2021. He worked with the marina, library, public safety and the local emergency team.
Several well wishes were given throughout the meeting by fellow members of the dais and the public.
“Nick was the one that was always there to give me guidance,” Mayor Tassie York said. “So it is with great, great sadness and disappointment because I hate that he has to leave but I do understand health and family.”
Deputy Mayor Rob Lane also acknowledged Williams’ coming departure.
“I want to thank you for all you did all these years for us and the residents of Neptune,” he said.
This is the second vacancy that the Committee will have to fill in the last three months. The late Michael Brantley’s seat was vacated through a majority vote due to his health related absences. He died earlier this month. Committeeman Kevin McMillan was chosen to serve the remainder of Brantley’s term. The seat will be up for a vote this coming November along with Williams’ seat.
The process for filling the vacancy will once again fall to the Neptune Democratic Party which will send its selections to the four remaining members.
McMillan’s name was put forward along with Eric Houghtaling andJason Jones. It is unclear who will seek the opening at this time.
Now, Williams said he will take the advice of his physicians and focus on his health, leaving the business of the township with the remaining members.
“I am proud of the work of my fellow committee members, administration and township employees to do what they do on a daily basis, and know that they will continue to do great things for our residents,” he said.