Mahwah Faces Tight Deadline to Find Council Retiree’s Replacement

By Patch Editor Jessica Mazzola

Members of the Mahwah township council said they were surprised at the end of last month when their colleague, longtime Councilman John Spiech, announced he was retiring from politics. But, they don’t have that long to absorb the shock before making a decision about whether or not he will be replaced.

According to Council President Harry Williams, the council may decide this Thursday night whether or not it will appoint an interim council member to replace Spiech until the November election.

To fill the seat, “we have 30 days, so we will need to take a vote by [July 30] or the spot will stay blank until November,” Williams said.

In November, candidates will run to fill out the remainder of Spiech’s term, which expires in December of 2014.

The township has not yet announced when residents can start filing petitions to run for the open seat.

This Thursday night, the council also plans to discuss the recent resignation of township Business Administrator Brian Campion, who announced last week he will be stepping down this September.

Finding a replacement for Campion, “is a mayoral selection that is approved by council, but hopefully [Thursday’s] discussion will provide input for the mayor's consideration,” Williams said.

Spiech did not give a reason when he announced his retirement, but implied that it was so he could spend more time with his family. Campion reportedly decided it was time to move on from the position he’s held for 12 years, though to no specific new job.