Rockaway Township Mayor Michael Puzio expected to resign

Rockaway Township Mayor Michael Puzio is stepping down from office, multiple sources confirm. 

Council President Joe Jackson said he expects Puzio to turn in his letter of resignation on Monday, elevating Jackson to the position of acting mayor. The council meets on Tuesday.

"It took me by surprise," Jackson said. "It took everybody by surprise, certainly. Mike's done a great job as a mayor and public servant. He'll be missed by the township in terms of his contributions."

Puzio, a Republican, was elected as mayor in 2019. He ran unopposed by Democrats after crossing party lines to endorse Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-Montclair, over Jay Webber in the 2018 11th Congressional District race.

He could not be reached during the weekend for comment but posted a goodbye note on Facebook.

"My journey started in 2000 when I ran for the board of education and ultimately I ended up as mayor in Rockaway Township, a position that I had no intention of pursuing," Puzio wrote. "I did my best to step up to the plate and give it my all. I met so many wonderful people along the way who made the effort worthwhile."

Retired from the Morris County Sheriff's Office, Puzio was hired as a school resource officer for the Parsippany district in 2018. 

Jackson, a manager for ADP, was the top vote-getter among candidates for three at-large council seats in 2019. His term expires in 2023.

"I think we have a good team," Jackson said. "I think the majority of the council for the last few years has been working together well with the mayor's office. I have a strong relationship with many of the council members, so hopefully that will translate into a smooth transition."

Mighty winds:Threat from Sunday storm as much about the wind as the snow accumulation for North Jersey

See food:The opening of Uncle Giuseppe's in Morris Plains

Jackson also outlined the process to select an interim mayor. Because Puzio was a Republican, the township branch of the Morris County Republican Committee has 15 days to solicit resumes from any registered Republicans in the township who are interested in the job.

The top three vote-getters from the committee will be sent to council members for them to pick one as interim mayor. If they don't, the selection goes back to the committee.

Should Jackson be elected as interim mayor, the Republican committee would begin a similar process to fill Jackson's council seat.

"Being mayor is a very difficult job in a town this size," Puzio wrote. "But it is also very rewarding. Thank you all for placing your trust in me. I’m off on a new adventure. Thank you for having me."

William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com Twitter: @wwesthoven