Missing in action

Former Mayor Joseph C. Scarpelli wasn’t just whistlin’ Dixie last January when he promised that 2006 would be a “very interesting” year.

Scarpelli made the pledge during his inaugural speech on New Year’s Day, when he was sworn in to an unprecedented fourth term as mayor.

“The path we take will be chosen by all of us,” he said.

But these days it’s difficult to find out what path Scarpelli has taken. Lately, it’s been difficult to even find the colorful, hands-on man who presided over Brick politics for 13 years.

Scarpelli’s last council meeting was the Nov. 21 caucus meeting. Council President Anthony Matthews told the public at the regular Nov. 28 council meeting that Scarpelli was “ill” and would not be able to attend. He was nowhere in sight at the Dec. 5 council caucus.

Then came the bombshell that many had been waiting for. The mayor sent a one-sentence letter of resignation to acting Township Administrator Scott Pezarras on Dec. 6.

“Due to personal reasons, I hereby resign my position as mayor of Brick Township effective midnight, December 8, 2006.”

No explanation. No farewell. No nothing.

And by resigning the way he did, the former mayor has stoked the fire and fed the rumors that have peppered the town for more than a year. Many had expected Scarpelli to step down. But no one knew when, and no one knew why.

They still don’t.

Personal reasons can mean a lot of things. If it was a medical problem that had flared up again, chances are he would have said so. These days, most public officials are fairly open about the state of their health and how it might affect their ability to serve.

Chances are, it’s something else. It could have something to do with Jack Nydam.

Former public works director John H. Nydam pleaded guilty last April to official misconduct, theft and witness tampering, only three of the 11 charges he could have faced. Part of Nydam’s plea bargain called for him to cooperate with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office if necessary in other investigations.

But whatever is in store for Brick residents over the next few weeks, it’s clear the man they elected to serve as mayor for four terms has done them a disservice.

And his silence is deafening.

Democratic Municipal Chairman Michael Blandina expects to have three names ready to submit to the GOP-dominated Township Council by the end of the week.

Council members would best serve the residents of Brick Township by naming Scarpelli’s replacement as soon as possible, in the interest of continuity.

Here’s hoping they put the residents ahead of what is most politically advantageous for their party.