By PETE WALTON
Neptune City Councilwoman Gail Oliver has resigned.
She announced her decision to step down in a letter to Mayor Rachel McGreevy and her fellow council members.
“Please accept this e-mail as formal notification of my resignation from my position as a councilwoman for the Borough of Neptune City, effective immediately,” Oliver said.
“As you know, I was honored and humbled to be elected by the residents of this borough late last year to serve the community,” she continued. “This was a responsibility I took very seriously, and I was initially eager to contribute to the well-being and progress of Neptune City.”
“However, after careful consideration, I have come to the difficult conclusion that this is not the right time for me to serve in this capacity,” Oliver said. “The experience of running for and potentially holding public office has brought to light the significant and increased burden it places on one’s time and personal life.”
Oliver was the leading vote getter in November’s general election for two seats on the council. Oliver received 1267 votes, followed by her fellow Democrat and now council member Kimberly Karalovich with 1262 votes.
Republicans Dana Farley and Deborah Galindo received 1167 and 1126 votes, respectively.
A longtime resident of nearby Neptune, Oliver is a former AT&T employee and experienced election poll worker who founded a nonprofit which helped to improve neglected areas of Neptune.
“I am an African American woman, and representation of our diverse community matter
s,” Oliver said as she sought election in Neptune City. “I would like to see a more diverse governing body to be more equivalent of what our town currently looks like. I will work with our governing body to be as fiscally responsible as possible.”
In her resignation e-mail, Oliver said that “the residents of Neptune City deserve a council that can dedicate the necessary time, energy, and focus to the important matters facing our borough.”
“I believe they are entitled to representatives who can fully commit to the responsibilities of this office, and at this juncture, I am unable to provide that level of dedicated time and effort,” she said.
“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity I was given to serve, however briefly,” Oliver wrote. “I wish you all the best in your continued work for the betterment of Neptune City and its residents.”
