Council Accepts Grasso's Resignation

The Manasquan Borough Council officially accepted former Councilman Donald Grasso's resignation Wednesday evening.

The governing body unanimously voted (with Councilman Edward Donovan absent and Councilman Michael Mangan missing the vote) to accept Grasso's , which was received via letter by Mayor George Dempsey on Monday.

The vote passed without comment from governing body members, the mayor or residents who attended the special meeting.

Borough Attorney Mark Kitrick explained that he spoke with Grasso after receiving the resignation letter to inform him Dempsey would be sharing it with the borough clerk and the rest of council.

"That extra step was taken," Kitrick said. "The law has been satisfied regarding the process."

Grasso, who has not returned a call and email for comment, cited "malicious attacks, no compromise, hateful mail and vile comments by bloggers" in an email accompanying his letter Monday to explain why he "cannot fulfill the balance of my term."

His resignation leaves one Republican, Patricia Connolly, aboard the now five-member governing body. However, the municipal GOP will get the chance to preserve the current partisan split, as the local party has the responsibility of forwarding three names to the borough for council's consideration.

While Grasso is a Conservative Party member, he was initially elected as a Republican. Dempsey said earlier this week the party that nominated him would have the legal responsibility to screen potential replacements.

Kitrick said after Wednesday's meeting that the GOP has 15 days from receipt of the letter, April 23, to submit three possible replacements to council, which expects to have the choices in hand by its May 7 meeting. The governing body then has 15 days to select a replacement by majority vote, Kitrick said.

Grasso's replacement only will serve through the end of 2012, when the former councilman's term expires.

Connolly's seat also is up for grabs this year, and the councilwoman not to seek another term. The parties will avoid a June primary, with from each side having filed to run in the fall for the two seats: Republicans and Democrats .

The full text of Grasso's resignation letter:

Mayor Dempsey,

Effective immediately I am submitting my resignation as Councilman of the Borough of Manasquan. I am currently involved in opportunities that will require my utmost attention, energy, and immediate extensive travel.

Over the past 2 years as your Councilman there were many policies enacted, reports instituted, and "Bold Fresh Ideas" recommended by me to assist Manasquan. I'm  proud that I had the courage and moral conviction to ask all questions that needed answers in helping not the few but the many whom live in here.

It was a pleasure being associated with the employees at Borough Hall, and I want to thank them for their hard work and dedication in helping the residents of Manasquan.

I honestly wish the citizens of Manasquan all the best and good fortune.

Councilman Don Grasso

The Borough of Manasquan