JACKSON – After nearly 18 years as mayor of the township, Michael Reina has tendered his resignation.
Reina’s term was set to expire next year. In speaking with The Jackson Times, the mayor noted an article posted on another media outlet that linked his promotion at his county job to his resignation. Reina said that was untrue and that he actually received that promotion last year and that it did not involve his resignation as mayor.
He became superintendent of Ocean County bridges in 2015 and was promoted to the title of bridge department director last year as part of the county’s reorganization of engineering, road and bridge departments.
The Republican official first took office in November of 2008 and has had an interesting run during his tenure in office. He was the founder of Jackson Township’s Tea Party and served as interim mayor following Mayor Mark Seda’s resignation. He won his first full term election in 2009.
During President Donald Trump’s first term, Reina was the only Ocean County mayor invited to attend a special meeting in Washington D.C. of mayors from across the country where he met the president. He won reelection in 2022 against Council President Martin Flemming.
Reina was interested in filling the assembly seat of the late 12th District Assemblyman Ron Dancer in 2023 but withdrew from the race. Jackson Councilman Alex Sauickie, who was endorsed by Dancer’s widow, ultimately secured that seat which Dancer had held for many years.
Had Reina resigned before September 16, a special election for mayor could have been added to the ballot. Instead, an acting mayor will be voted on by the all-Republican council to serve out the remainder of his term.
Reina told The Jackson Times that counting his time on the planning board before he became mayor, he had served the people of Jackson for 38 years and while he had enjoyed and even had fun as mayor he had at times, “neglected my family.”
“I feel that I put Jackson in a good place so this this is a bittersweet decision that I had to make.” He noted his time as leader of the town during the events of Superstorm Sandy and other serious storms over the years. “It was time. I have had the support of the people,” he added.
The mayor did acknowledge that there had been some issues earlier this year when an apparent political rift developed between himself and members of council including Council President Jennifer Kuhn. Kuhn ran on Reina’s ticket in 2022 along with Councilman Scott Sargent, who died in May.
Kuhn was critical of Reina’s handling of certain issues such as communication with the council when the township’s e-mail system went down in April and how the Jackson Food Pantry facility closure was addressed.
Reina also received some criticism by members of council and the public for rarely attending council meetings this year.
The Council cut his $60,000 plus salary in half to $32,000 through a resolution this year as a cost cutting effort. They also reduced their own salaries as well.
Another issue of contention was over this year’s municipal budget. The Council noted this year’s budget had not been submitted in the usual time in the spring and the mayor said part of that delay was due to the council but both agreed that the resignation of Terence Wall as business administrator and the resignations of Jackson’s longtime chief financial officer and deputy financial officer also contributed to the delay. The township’s municipal spending plan was recently presented and adopted.
His resignation letter sent to the Council, Business Administrator Lavon Phillips and Township Attorney Gregory McGuckin noted his resignation would take effect on October 1. “I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to serve the people of Jackson and be a part of such a supportive and dynamic administration over the last 17 plus years.”
His letter, dated September 23, added “I have been extremely fortunate to have worked alongside the outstanding employees and volunteers of Jackson Township throughout my tenure, for which I have to say, a better team I could not have found. Moreover, I am truly humbled to have had the ongoing support of the residents of Jackson for all those years as well.”
“The experience and education that I have gained during my time here will be invaluable to me in my future endeavors. While this decision was not in an easy one, it is one that I felt is the best for me and my family at this time,” Reina’s letter noted.
Reina’s letter also stated that he was committed to ensuring a “smooth transition with whoever takes this office, and I am willing to assist in any way I can to make certain Jackson continues to move forward.”
He thanked everyone for the opportunity “to serve in such an honored position representing all the wonderful residents and families here in Jackson. I wish you all the best.”
The Township Council will be interviewing prospective candidates for the mayor’s spot and if that spot is taken by a currently seated council member, they will have the added task of interviewing those who apply to fill that vacancy as well.
Sargent’s unexpired seat is up for grabs. It was filled by former councilman Ken Bressi but he is not running in the November general election to retain it. Political newcomers Al Couceiro and Chris Pollak are candidates in that race.
The Jackson Times reached out to Council President Jennifer Kuhn to seek an update on the transition of power and for further details concerning the mayor’s resignation. Further information will be expanded in future articles.
