JACKSON – Some were shocked, many were saddened and most offered accolades and thanks to Robert Nixon who resigned as councilman during the Tuesday, November 26 Township Council meeting.
Nixon served as council president this past year and opened the meeting saying when an elected official often faces decisions that require “care and deep thought and some decisions are personal and there is nothing more personal for an elected official than deciding about their future in office. I have decided that now is the time for me to step down from council.”
“I did not come to this decision lightly. Fortunately, I have several personal and professional opportunities ahead of me that require my full attention and they must become the priority of my life. For almost eight years I have placed Jackson ahead of myself, my job, my family. It is time I put them first,” Nixon said.
“This being politics I am sure there will be Facebook agitators and bloggers focused solely on their greed and fake news sites who peddle in lies will find some alternate meaning or find some false storyline to explain my early retirement from council. There is no hidden message in my decision but I know I can’t control the misinformed or the liars or the political cowards who seek only to claim to office. I can’t control the special interests. I am not concerned about them. Nor should any of you,” Nixon said.
The Council President who was elected twice to council, added, “I leave council knowing that those who want to tear this town apart will fail to divide our community and I wish to add this decision was not based on politics. Based on my record and my commitment to our residents that I would have easily won re-election next year. But winning an election is not what motivates me because doing this job has never been about me or the title.”
Nixon added, “my actions as a councilman have always focused exclusively on how to make this town better.” Nixon praised those closest to him singling out a special bond of friendship that he and Council Vice President Barry Calogero have had in their 11 years in knowing each other.
Calogero described Nixon as “always being respectful and a true leader. I am proud to call you a friend.”
Councilman Alex Sauickie said Nixon had inspired him to run for public office and also noted that Nixon had been “unfairly targeted by people hide behind anonymity. I thank you for your leadership.”
“The knowledge that you bring to this dais will be missed,” Councilman Andrew Kern said.
Councilman Ken Bressi also wished Nixon well saying, “you took me by surprise tonight. I think the part the public is missing is just how much time this takes away from you family.”
Mayor Michael Reina commended Nixon for his eloquent commentary saying “you covered just about every base. We should be the ones thanking you. He (Nixon) kept me level. A lot of people try. You have a good way of speaking. You wear your heart on your sleeve and you mean what you say. I am shocked, surprised and sad. We have worked together on many issues of the town together. I will always be here for you.”
Several times during the meeting, the audience rose up in applause of thanks to Nixon. In response Nixon said he was humbled by this response. “I did not know ti would be this emotional. I did not do this job for compliments. I am sad right now as I leave.”
Nixon added that he felt social media was often poisonous and asked everyone to “stop and listen. We can’t learn from one another until we stop shouting at one another.”
