Verona Council president Pat McCarthy has resigned, letters of interest accepted

Verona Council President Pat McCarthy has resigned.

Council accepted his resignation at Tuesday night’s meeting.

“It was a shock to everybody,” said Mayor Dave Ricupero, a one-time political opponent of McCarthy. “He stated it was for health problems and I just wish him the best. Family and health are most important. I don’t like to see anybody leave like this.”

McCarthy, 71, a former drug agent in the state Attorney General’s Office, served on council the past 11 years, including the last one as president.

McCarthy said in his resignation letter that it was “my honor and privilege to serve the people of Verona” and “due to recent events, resulting in health concerns, I am no longer able to perform these duties.”

He did not return calls seeking comment.

Ricupero and McCarthy faced off in the May 2017 primary election. The mayor would go on to retain his seat and McCarthy stayed on council.

“I’ve always got along with Pat,” Ricupero said. “I would be lying if I said I didn’t have ups and downs with him, but we’ve always got along. Anybody can run against me. I’ve had people run against me in my council years.”

Ricupero was on council from 1991 to 2010 when he became mayor and McCarthy got on council.

“He was always there available to help the community,” Ricupero said. “Any time we had any type of disaster he was always there lending a hand.”

Council Vice President Nancy Carpenter was appointed president in McCarthy’s stead. Dave Matlin was named vice president and Councilwoman Sylvia Provenza was named president pro tem.

“I was surprised (about the resignation),” Carpenter said. “Everybody appreciated his long service to the town and are wishing him well.”

Matlin said he sent a message to McCarthy’s family wishing them good health.

“I’m sorry he had to resign under these circumstances,” Matlin said.

Letters of interest are being accepted for the council vacancy. The deadline is Friday, Jan. 22.

Council has 30 days to fill the seat.

Carpenter said she is confident her colleagues will be able to make an appointment within the next several weeks.

An appointment could be made at the Jan. 26 or Feb. 9 meetings.

Council also voted Tuesday to appoint Vince Flotta to the vacancy board.

Ricupero announced part-time police officer Fred Hockenberry has resigned to take a full-time job at another police department. He was hired by Verona several months ago.

Verona officials are looking to fill at least three spots this year with the resignations of McCarthy and Hockenberry.

Borough Manager Jerry Kenna previously announced his resignation effective Jan. 30.

Both the council vacancy and manager position were posted on the borough’s website.

Council may appoint an interim manager within a few weeks as the search for a full-time replacement continues.