Councilman Danny O'Sullivan Bids Farewell At Summit Meeting

SUMMIT, NJ — Councilman Danny O'Sullivan said his goodbyes at last week's Common Council meeting, as it was his last time on the dais.

O'Sullivan was first elected to the council in 2019 and has served the city for the last three years, including during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Republican Delia Hamlet defeated O'Sullivan in the general election by a small margin and will be sworn into the Ward 1 seat at the Tuesday, Jan. 3 reorganization meeting.

Read more: Summit Reorganization Meeting To Be Held Jan. 3

"I want to thank the people of Summit for the privilege of serving this community," O'Sullivan said at last week's meeting.

He also thanked his fellow councilmembers and praised the mayor and council president for their hard work.

"From just about the beginning of my term, the COVID pandemic was upon us," O'Sullivan said. "The compassionate and strategic leadership from both [the mayor and council president] is beyond words. We are all grateful for what you were able to accomplish during those difficult days."

O'Sullivan also praised the fire and police departments for their professionalism and thanked his wife and kids.

"I could not have served these last three years without their love, support and their sacrifice, as well," he said.

Other councilmembers chimed in about their time working with O'Sullivan on council.

Councilman Andy Minegar said he appreciated the guidance and insight that O'Sullivan provided during his first year on council.

"Your work in the past three years not only resulted in high visible improvements in Summit, but in many ways it set the stage for accomplishments that are still to come even after this year," Minegar said. "While in this temporary role, you made a really tangible difference in the city that you live in."

Mayor Nora Radest added that O'Sullivan's "detailed approach to every problem is something we should all aspire to."

Councilman Greg Vartan described O'Sullivan as a "passionate, humble and a selfless public servant who has made the most of his time here on council."

Vartan also highlighted many of O'Sullivans accomplishments on council, including pushing for the renovation of the Community Pool, upgrading the tennis and basketball courts, expanding composting options and removing the gates from the DeForest parking lots.

He also mentioned that O'Sullivan supported and led the efforts to hold Summit's first Pride events and offer more culturally diverse programs on the Village Green.

"Some of these initiatives saved us money, some improved the experience for young athletes and some made our city more welcoming. But all of them improved the city of Summit," Vartan said.

In terms of future plans, O'Sullivan told Patch that up to this point in time, he has not submitted a volunteer application with the City to serve on any committees, but he still has an interest in helping when and where he can — whether it’s on Recycling or with the Tiny Forest.

"It’s incumbent upon all of us to do what we can to contribute to the future well-being of our city. Volunteers are the secret to Summit’s success," he said.

O'Sullivan also shared some of his proudest accomplishments on Council:

"There are a number of things that I’m so proud to have played a role. We live in a more welcoming City by flying the Pride Flag and hosting Pride events on the Village Green, lighting a Hanukkah Menorah, and celebrating Juneteenth. Our recreation facilities have been greatly improved with the renovation of the Summit Town Pool and new basketball courts at Tatlock and Memorial. There’s more work to do but it is a great start. Everyone should have a nice place to enjoy the outdoors."

"I wish our governing body well as we move into 2023. Their success will be our success," he added.

O'Sullivan and former Councilmember-at-Large Beth Little will be formally recognized at the reorganization meeting on Jan. 3.

You can check out the full Dec. 20 council meeting on YouTube.