Dear Residents of Toms River,
The time has come for the Residents of Toms River to take a stand against the leadership of Mayor Daniel Rodrick. It is with a sense of urgency that we propose to initiate the removal of him from office and his administration. The issues we face are far too dire to ignore any longer.
In accordance with New Jersey State Law, specifically NJSA 19:27A-1 et seq., a recall petition requires the signatures of at least 25% of registered voters, which translates to roughly 18,000 signatures in our township. Meanwhile, if we choose to change our government structure in accordance with the Faulkner Act to a Council-Manager format, we need only 10% of registered voters—approximately 7,200 signatures per NJSA 40:69A-1 et seq. This would result in 7 at-large Council Members, the elimination of the strong mayor and ward system format. If we act now, these changes will happen in 2025!
This administration has proven incapable of leading our community effectively. During Mayor Rodrick’s tenure, Toms River Council meetings have devolved into chaotic displays of disrespect and disarray, where council members often vote in favor of measures without adequate understanding of the law or their responsibilities. Council member Justin Lamb has publicly stated he is obliged only to his Ward, neglecting the broader needs of all residents. Meanwhile, Council members George Lobman, Lynn O’Toole, and Craig Coleman have pledged their unwavering support to Mayor Rodrick’s agenda instead of serving the diverse interests of the Residents of Toms River.
We have witnessed a significant decline in our town’s operations under Rodrick’s leadership— the Toms River Animal Shelter has been closed, over 75 township employees were fired, and he even returned a critical $5.6 million federal grant (BUILD Grant) intended for road improvements and flood protection. Furthermore, he has cut our Police Department, undermined emergency services due to personal grievances, and overspent on non-essential expenditures, such as fireworks and entertainment.
The collective frustration of our community is palpable. As concerned residents, we have launched a petition to gather the necessary signatures for the removal of the Mayor and the entire Township Council. To date, we have collected approximately 1,200 of the required signatures. We need your help. If you are a registered voter in Toms River, we urge you to join our cause and add your name to the petition.
The process is straightforward: once we gather enough signatures, the township clerk must certify them, and the matter will be put to a vote. The new proposed structure will ensure a more stable and accountable government, where a seven-member at large council governs, the mayor is elected by council members every two years with no more power than any other council member, and a Municipal Manager runs the township, who must meet strict qualifications to ensure effective governance.
As we head into the New Year, we want to offer Mayor Rodrick the gift of his walking papers. Toms River cannot afford to endure another moment of his chaos. Let us unite for the sake of our community and reclaim our town’s future together. For more information go to https://trresidents4transparency.com/ or on Facebook at Toms River Residents for Transparency.