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Russell out as judge in Woodbine
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WOODBINE - Council voted Thursday to replace longtime municipal court Judge Richard A. Russell with Upper Township lawyer Christopher Robertson.
Russell had served as judge in Woodbine for 18 years. He also serves on the bench in Ocean City and as solicitor in Corbin City.
"I've enjoyed being the judge in Woodbine for many years. I'll miss sitting in that court," Russell said Friday.
Council voted 4-2 to appoint Robertson with Councilmen David Rodriguez, Clarence Ryan, Harold Watkins and Louis Murray voting in the affirmative.
Councilmen Anthony Saduk and Eduardo Ortiz nominated Russell, Mayor William Pikolycky's choice, but were voted down by the other four.
"It's no reflection on Judge Russell. We just wanted a change," Rodriguez said. "Councilman Watkins oversees that department and made the recommendation. I supported my team wholeheartedly."
Rodriguez said Robertson has experience as an assistant prosecutor in Atlantic City and is a respected lawyer in Cape May County.
Robertson could not be reached for comment Friday.
Russell said it is understood that municipal appointments are never guaranteed. He said he did not know why he was not reappointed to another three-year term Thursday.
The Borough Council and Pikolycky have been at odds for the past few years. Council rejected the mayor's choice for municipal prosecutor and solicitor two years ago.
The former solicitor, Michael Benson, got some measure of revenge on Tuesday, when he ousted Rodriguez and won a seat on the council.
"I have been told that by others - it's nothing personal, just politics. It's the nature of the appointment," Russell said. "I've remained independent. I haven't gotten involved in local politics, which is forbidden."
Ryan said one reason for the change was the judge's reluctance to accommodate the schedule of a new prosecutor. Council replaced Benson as prosecutor with Mary D'Arcy Bittner. She later had to forfeit the job because of prior commitments.
"I don't know we were dissatisfied. I would say we may have been a little disappointed when we replaced the prosecutor," Ryan said.
Ryan said the later court hours were designed to help Woodbine's families who have trouble taking time off work.
"We were trying to offer night court to accommodate our residents who were working so they wouldn't have to lose time at work," he said.
Russell said he was willing to change his personal schedule. But changing the court schedule was impracticable, he said. This would have led to more court overtime and potential security issues, he said.
Ryan said night court is not uncommon in New Jersey.
"There are many communities that have court at night, and they don't have a problem," he said.
Contact Michael Miller:
609-463-6712
Posted in Cape_may on Saturday, November 7, 2009 2:10 am
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