Term Ending, Zipprich Thanks Red Bank Residents, Gets Proclamation

RED BANK, NJ — Borough Councilmember Ed Zipprich, whose term ends this month, reached out to thank the public before he departs office June 30. And he also received some thanks of his own in the form of a proclamation from the Borough Council at its meeting June 14.

Zipprich, who served for 15 years on the council, did not choose to run for office in the May 9 nonpartisan election.

On July 1, the newly elected Red Bank's Ready team, which includes current Mayor Billy Portman and Councilwoman Kate Triggiano, will be installed on the council, along with their five running mates, as part of the change to a new, nonpartisan form of government.

Zipprich, however, said he wanted to thank the public for its support over the years as he leaves office.

"Since my election in 2008, I have fought hard for quality-of-life issues that affect each and every resident," he said.

And he said he wishes "the incoming Mayor and Council the best."

Zipprich is also the former Democratic party leader in the borough, replaced by Councilmember Triggiano, and was instrumental in creating a team of his own that held a majority on the all-Democratic council before the recent election.

The proclamation, which is available in full on the borough website, lists many highlights of a career in government and personal accomplishments and recognizes Zipprich "for his dedication and service to the citizens of the Borough of Red Bank."

Apart from Red Bank issues, most recently, Zipprich shared that he attended the White House Pride celebration on June 10.

"As the first openly gay elected official of Red Bank, it is fitting during this Pride month to thank the electorate of Red Bank for placing their trust in me," he said.

He said he "would be remiss if I didn’t thank President Obama and President Biden for the numerous Pride Month Proclamations they bestowed on the Borough each June during their administrations."

He thanked his husband, JP Nicolaides, and their daughter and son-in-law for their "support, encouragement and advice" all these years.

In a letter, he cited several initiatives he and the council have been involved in, one of which was the renovation of the Senior Center, which reopened June 9.

"As I reflect on my 17 years of public service, as a member of the Historic Preservation Commission, the Planning Board, and the Council, I am struck by both the challenges and the rewards I experienced," he said in the letter.