PITTSGROVE TWP. — After serving in Pittsgrove Township as a committeeman for 15 years, Jeffrey Ridgway has stepped down.



For Ridgway, 51, a Democrat, his venture into public service was his following of the example his father had set years earlier.

Ted Ridgway was a councilman in neighboring Elmer for more than 22 years.

“I knew I wanted to be like my dad — my dad did it, so I’ll do it,” Ridgway said, remembering when he first made the decision to run for (Pittsgrove) committeeman in 1999.

“It was one of those things where I started talking to people and I was involved with the community.”

In his 15 years as a member of the five-person committee, Ridgway served as mayor for one year and deputy mayor for nine.

“I’m very happy and always tried to do the best I could,” Ridgway said.

Feb. 28 was Ridgway’s final day on the committee, and “it was time,” to leave, he said.

Ridgway announced last year that he would not be seeking re-election and with the spring and summer coming, it was the best opportunity to leave, he added.

The Pittsgrove Democrat Association presented the names of three candidates — Shannon Morgan-Leonen, Norman Lenchitz, Deborah Turner-Fox — to complete Ridgway’s term which ends this year.

Morgan-Leonen was an unsuccessful candidate for township committee in November and Turner-Fox formerly served as Pittsgrove Township administrator.

“He's one of those guys. You don’t always agree with but are able to have a discussion and come up with a compromise because we were all there to do a job for the township,” Republican committeewoman and former mayor Linda DuBois said.

During his time as committeeman, Ridgway also served on the planning board, recreation, finance and administration committees.

Ridgway works as Salem County's director of public works and facilities management. He also owns a private lawn service.

Although he is leaving the committee, Ridgway added that he will always be around for the community.

“I’m always here if they need any thing to help out. I’ve been involved for years but I’m not moving away,” Ridgway said.

Ridgway and his wife, Terry, have two boys.

Pittsgrove Mayor Ralph Padilla, a Democrat, spoke highly of Ridgway’s dedication to the township and residents.

“I’m sorry to see him leave the township committee, but I fully support his decision. Jeff has been a role model, a public servant in our community. He has been dedicated to improving the quality of life in Pittsgrove,” Padilla said.

Pittsgrove Township Committee will discuss the filling of the committee seat at the upcoming meeting, but it is unclear if a decision will be made then.

The next scheduled committee meeting is Wednesday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the municipal building off Centerton Road.

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Contact staff writer Brittany M. Wehner at 856-935-1500 or email bwehner@southjerseymedia.com