Mayoral raise to go to Vernon voters

VERNON — The third attempt to give the Vernon Township mayor a raise will go to the ballot in November for the second straight year and the third time since 2012 after a petition was unanimously approved by the Township Council.

The $6,000 raise for the mayor was approved on June 22, an ordinance that would have raised the mayor's pay to $36,000 per year retroactive to January 2011.

“The Mayor can’t stop asking the taxpayers to fund his lifestyle,” former Mayor Sally Rinker said. “You can’t keep the retroactive pay from the voters; it’s their money.” Rinker is one of two candidates challenging incumbent Mayor Victor Marotta in the election. Harry Shortway also is seeking the office.

The petition filed by Rinker and the Vernon Taxpayers Association, was blocked by a majority vote at the Aug. 10 council meeting. However, after a review of registered voters provided by the Sussex County Board of Elections, it was determined that the 875 signatures were enough to put the measure to the voters.

According to Township Attorney John Ursin, the county gave the council a printout with 700 less registered voters than what was on record with the clerk.

“After some back-and-forth with the County Board of Elections, that number (of voters) was drastically reduced. We have to take direction from the county. The petitioners met their necessary number of signatures,” Ursin said.

To meet the 5 percent requirement, 777 signatures would have been required, making the 875 more than enough to place the question on the ballot.

“I find it utterly amazing that within a month’s span, there are 700 less voters (in Vernon), “ Councilman Brian Lynch said.