Leadership changes Councilman Marra resigns; Democratic chair opens
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The resignation came as somewhat of a surprise as Democrats from the 32nd District were preparing to fill two vacancies left by Impreveduto, who also served as the chairman for the Secaucus Democratic organization. Both the chairman position and that of a councilperson are filled through similar processes whereby the 34 Democratic committee members from Secaucus' 17 districts vote on the matter. Each district has two elected representatives, one male and one female, as stipulated by state statute.
However, in the case of the Democratic Party chairman, the committee will have a direct election. In the matter of the council resignation, the committee only votes on a nominee who is then recommended to the mayor and council for election.
At a Democratic committee meeting held Monday night at La Reggia restaurant, Mayor Dennis Elwell was elected by the municipal committee to take over as Democratic Party chairman, and rumors circulated over who might be recommended for the 1st Ward council seat.
"I am very excited about the new position," said Elwell. "It's really a huge honor for me and affords me the opportunity to further my contributions within the party."
Sources at the meeting said the name of Ed Barkala was mentioned more than once as a possible appointment to the council as Marra's replacement. Barkala is the husband of Peggy Barkala, the chief financial officer of Secaucus, and is active in the community with the library and the Secaucus Youth Alliance.
Marra, whose term ends Dec. 31, 2005, was first elected to the council in Nov. 1999 and completed a successful re-election campaign again in Nov. 2001. Prior to that Marra served on the Board of Education from 1992 to 1998, where there is currently another vacancy yet to be filled with the recent resignation of George Heflich. The councilman will step down on Dec. 31 of this year citing the "planned reorganization and expansion of programs" at his agency as the primary reason for his departure. Marra has been the director of the EDC since 1993, but regrets having to cut his term in Secaucus short.
"I want to thank all the residents of the 1st Ward, and all of Secaucus, for their confidence in me during my time in office. It was an honor and privilege to serve them. I gave them my best effort during my tenure," wrote Marra in a very sincere letter of resignation.
Marra went on in the letter to describe his feelings towards his fellow council members, whom he also thanked for their intense determination in making Secaucus "a wonderful town for residents of all ages."
But he saved his biggest thanks for Mayor Elwell, whom Marra said guided him during his two campaigns on the council.
"Mayor Elwell is a take-charge, progressive leader with a great vision for the town," stated Marra. "Mayor Elwell enthusiastically accepts the enormous responsibilities of being mayor and works tirelessly each and every day to make Secaucus a town that everyone of us can be proud to say we live in. I wish him and his administration continued success in the future."
Said Elwell of Marra, "Christopher was a great councilman and served Secaucus extremely well. His presence will be missed by all of us and his seat hard to fill."
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