Woerner resigns from Asbury Park City Council
Cites son's health, replacement will be appointed next month
Councilman Joe Woerner announced Wednesday evening that he will step down from his seat in order to focus his attention on his family and his ailing son Michael.
Woerner’s son was diagnosed in December 2014 with neurofibromatosis 1 [NF1], a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue.
In reading from a written statement, Woerner said, “Due to Michael’s health issues, and my need to focus on my family, I am stepping down as Asbury Park City Councilman.”
Woerner received a tearful standing ovation by his fellow City Council members and the audience following the announcement. His last day will be Saturday.
The City Council will have 30 days to appoint someone to the open seat.
Mayor John Moor said the Council will accept applications for a 7 to 10 day period before conducting interviews with potential candidates. An appointment is expected during the second City Council meeting in May, Moor said.
“I think he’s doing the right thing,” Moor said. “He did a great job for the city and always came prepared. He will truly be missed.”
Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn said Woerner was the single hardest working member of their campaign team, often contributing a sense of level headedness and motivating the team to push through.
“I’ve known Joe for 10 years,” Quinn said “And having run beside him in two campaign, I can say he was the hardest working guy. When we were all stressed out, Joe always remained level headed and driven. He brought that drive, level headedness and tenacity to the City Council and it will be sorely missed.”
“You have been rewarding to the city of Asbury Park and the Council,” Councilman Jesse Kendle said. “I’ve learned a great deal from you. You have our blessings.”
“Joe is passionate about this city,’ Coucilwoman Yvonne Clayton said. “He has put his all into making sure that Asbury as whole is a better place than when we first came into office.”
Woerner, a science teacher at Summerfield Elementary School in Neptune Township, obtained his degree from University of Vermont. He served as a Peace Corps volunteer before beginning his career as a high school science teacher in public and private schools.
He is a 10-year Asbury Park resident who volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club and the West Side Community Center. In 2005, he was part of a group that began a free surf program for city kids through the Boys and Girls club and in 2006 helped organized the first Asbury Park Family Day at the Beach.
The past chair of the Jersey Shore Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, Woerner worked to and remains an advocate for preserving the waterfront north end beach area from becoming the Bradley Cove townhome development.
In a written statement on the municipal website, Woerner said, “My greatest strength is working with, and listening to, all members of our community to create positive outcomes for our City. The challenges of crime, increasing taxes, unemployment, and disillusioned youth must be met head-on with open and transparent governance. My experience has shown that when our community is engaged in honest dialogue and leaders do the work of bringing people together, we are capable of great things. With true leadership and vision in City Hall, as well as an engaged and empowered community, I am confident we can work together to overcome our differences and create an Asbury Park with a safe and prosperous future.”
Woerner served on the Asbury Park Community Action Network, the Environment and Shade Tree Commission, the Asbury Park Home Owners Association, Jersey Shore Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, the Asbury Park Parking Committee, the municipal Planning Board, Wesley Lake Commission and the city’s Recreation Commission and its Quality of Life Commission.
He will keep his post on the Environmental Shade Tree Commission.
Woerner’s council seat is up for grabs for a four year term this November, along with the council seats held by incumbents Yvonne Clayton and Amy Quinn.
Below is Woerner’s statement in its entirety:
As many of you know my son was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) in December of 2014. We learned of his diagnosis weeks after the 2014 election where Asbury Together swept into office, but before the swearing in on January 1, 2015. NF1 is a genetic mutation that causes tumors to grow on nerves. NF1 manifest itself in wide variety of symptoms; from a few small tumors on the skin to ones that grown on vital organs that cause death. Due to the diverse manifestations of NF1 symptoms we knew Michael’s future was always going to be in question. In January 2015 I started my term as City Council member with excitement but also concern for my son’s health.
Last month we received a call days after his annual brain and neck MRI. The MRI showed a spot in his brain near his thalamus, tumors in his optic nerves, and a large tumor in the middle of his cervical spine. The news shocked and saddened us. We are seeing specialists at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Children’s National Hospital in DC. Michael’s treatment options will be determined by how fast the tumors grow. We had hoped to deal with these questions about Michael’s future much further down the road.
Due to Michael’s health issues, and my need to focus on my family, I am stepping down as Asbury Park City Councilman.
Running for, and being on, the Asbury Park City Council has been a true privilege. It has been rewarding to be a part of the remaking of City Hall and I am confident Michael Capabianco will run City Hall in a professional and responsible manner. I know the Asbury Together team will continue to guide the City in the right direction. John, Amy, Jesse, and Yvonne are the most honest and hard-working people I have ever been around. I will miss them all dearly.
Finally, I want to thank the residents of Asbury Park. Beginning with the One Asbury campaign through the Asbury Together campaign and as a Councilman, it has been an absolute pleasure to get to know so many residents and stakeholders in our little city. Getting to know and work with all of you, throughout the last four years, has been by far the single most rewarding part of this experience.
[Photos courtesy of Joe Woerner]
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