Now is the time to take a stand and recall Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick. His failed leadership has increasingly put Toms River residents at risk. The Recall Committee, led by Philip Brilliant, Dana Tormollan, and Chris Raimann initiated the recall process on Friday, June 27, 2025, with the filing of the petition with the Toms River Municipal Clerk Steven Hensel. The recall committee invited, “Join us to demand accountability and restore Toms River’s future. Together, we can make a difference.”
The recall is sparked by community outcry over the Mayor’s irresponsible actions. The Rodrick Administration is failing to ensure residents’ safety, quality of life, and deterring businesses from succeeding in Toms River. Key issues include:
● DEFUND and failure to properly staff the Toms River Police Department!
● SHUT DOWN Silverton EMS, taking needed ambulances off service!
● CLOSED the Toms River Animal Shelter!
● FAILED to provide proper animal control services!
● CUT code enforcement—properties falling into disrepair and slumlords invading our quiet residential neighborhoods!
● BREACH of public trust—complete lack of transparency at Council meetings and blatant disrespect to residents!
● GOVERNMENT OVERREACH—seizing an active church by eminent domain!
● TARGETING the vulnerable homeless after evicting them from encampments and shutting down Just Believe Cold Blue assistance!
“The actions of Rodrick are unconscionable, putting the safety and security of our town in jeopardy. We must take action now, our town deserves better,” stated Ward 3 Councilman Jim Quinlisk. In the past two decades, our population has grown significantly, yet police numbers have declined due to the Mayor’s failure to hire replacements. Our town faces unprecedented violent crime, including a recent stabbing in Ortley Beach, a fatal stabbing on Fischer Boulevard, a drive-by shooting in North Dover witnessed by children, and the murder of a homeowner whose residence was used to harbor a suspect who later committed suicide after a police standoff in East Dover. Since 2024, at least 15 officers have left, with five more expected to retire soon.
Unprecedented government overreach in Toms River threatens citizens’ rights. Recent actions by the Rodrick Administration include breaches of the Open Public Meetings Act and misuse of governmental power. Notably, the ordinance authorizing the seizure of property without notice to the property owners is a stark example of leadership failure. The Christ Episcopal Church on Washington Street, a longstanding community fixture since 1865, symbolizes the town’s rich history and resilience, and is one of the properties subject to the eminent domain ordinance. Ward 4 Councilman David Ciccozzi stated, “This is pure evil! The Mayor has violated his oath of office and his duty to the residents! The recall is the path to stop his destruction of Toms River.”
Former Ward 4 Democratic Councilman Terrance Turnbach, who was elected in 2017 alongside Rodrick, before Rodrick switched political parties and served 4 years with him on Township Council believes that Toms River deserves more from its elected officials. Turnbach said, “Elected Officials who demonstrate an indisputable inability to lead must be recalled. The residents of Toms River can ill afford another two and a half years of the Dan Rodrick revenge tour.”Since the Rodrick administration took charge, transparency has diminished. Council meetings are marred by last-minute agendas, restrictive public comment limits, and even a virtual meeting designed to sideline residents. Despite these issues, a minority of Council Republicans—Quinlisk, Ciccozzi, and Tom Nivison—continue to advocate for integrity and openness. Republican Council Ward 2 Candidate Clinton Bradley remarked, “Upon joining the US Army, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution and uphold the duties of office. I take this vow seriously. Rodrick has no regard for the duties of his office or his responsibilities towards the residents.”
Concerns also extend to Mayor Rodrick, accused of misusing municipal vehicles and fuel for personal reasons, including allegations involving a failure-to-educate termination from Middletown Township schools. His behavior, characterized by constant interruptions and disrespect towards both council members and residents, undermines effective governance. Robert Bianchini, a Veteran, Republican, and Ward 1 Council Candidate, concurred, stating, “Rodrick’s actions are egregious. Toms River cannot afford 2 more years of his chaos. The recall will allow a more qualified individual to honorably and ethically serve our town.”
Former Ward 3 Councilwoman, a Democrat who campaigned and won with Daniel Rodrick in 2017 said, “This isn’t about politics, this is about the future of out town. This mayor has already degraded our public services and damaged the reputation of Toms River WORLD WIDE! When the elected leader of our community is more concerned about getting his name on a park than preserving the rich history and strong fellowship of an institution like the Christ Episcopal Church, then the people need to remove that leader.”
The community demands accountability and a return to transparent, ethical leadership. Citizens’ rights must be protected, and local government held accountable. Nearly 20,000 signatures in 160 days are needed for the recall petition to succeed and for a special election to remove Rodrick and elect a qualified individual to return transparency, needed services for residents, and proper staffing of the TRPD. This community-driven initiative will include rallies, petition education events, and fundraisers scheduled in the coming weeks and months. This is a non-partisan action rooted in the community’s desire for effective and responsive leadership.
Continue to follow this website, our Facebook page and press releases for more information. Together, Toms River residents are standing up for their rights and the future of their township. WE ARE TR!
Media Contact and For More Information:
Email: trresidents4transparency@gmail.com
Philip Brilliant
(732) 597-1580