Officials: Former Councilwoman Under Consideration For Township Clerk Position

Though no such resolution appears on a posted agenda for Tuesday night's township council meeting, elected officials in town have confirmed to Brick Patch that discussions have taken place that would result in the appointment of a former council member to the position of township clerk.

The move would displace current clerk Lynnette Iannarone, who has been in that position since 2010 following the retirement of longtime clerk Virginia Lampman. Iannarone has worked in the clerk's office since 1996, the year she was hired by the township.

Rumors have circulated for months in township political circles that former Democratic councilwoman Kathy Russell could be appointed to a township job, and multiple sources confirmed that she has been considered for the clerk's job, one of the few positions in Brick government that is under the direct control of the township council.

The council currently has a 4-3 Democratic majority.

Council President Bob Moore, a Democrat, confirmed that discussions to appoint Russell as clerk have taken place, but said he supported keeping Iannarone in the position.

"As of right now, that is still being discussed out there in the political world," he said, of the clerk appointment, but added that to his knowledge a resolution to appoint a new clerk had not been added to the meeting agenda.

Moore did not rule out the possibility that a motion could be brought up during Tuesday's meeting, however.

The idea of appointing Russell as clerk drew anger from Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis, who said he will "do everything in my power as the mayor to make sure we don't politicize this office."

"Lynnette has been a dedicated employee of the township for over 17 years and has served exceptionally as the township clerk," said Acropolis, who recommended her reappointment in a statement released Monday.

Acropolis said he, along with council members Dan Toth, Joseph Sangiovanni and Domenick Brando – all Republicans – would support keeping Iannarone in the clerk's position.

Toth, however, will not be able to attend Tuesday's meeting, and Acropolis said he will not be able to come due to the death of his father over the weekend.

In Brick's form of government, the mayor does not vote on policy matters, though all council members do.

Councilman John Ducey, a Democrat, said Iannarone's appointment as clerk runs out June 30, and there has been no determination made as to who will be appointed for another three year term.

"We have to keep our options open," he said.

Brick Patch left a voicemail with Russell seeking comment on the matter, but the call was not returned.

The council is scheduled to meet Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at the township municipal complex on Chambers Bridge Road.