Wayne councilman to resign, plans move out of NJ with family
WAYNE — Jason DeStefano, a two-term councilman serving in an at-large capacity, will resign to pursue a job opportunity out of state, he said.
DeStefano, 39, a Republican, announced his intention to step down at a Township Council meeting on Nov. 4. He said he would formally resign before the end of the month.
Deeply respected by his peers, DeStefano was twice chosen to be council president during his tenure of nearly five years. The Totowa native began his second four-year term in January.
His colleagues said he was an asset to local government in Wayne, describing him as a "model councilperson" and a straight shooter.
DeStefano thanked his many supporters and the township residents who elected him. "Serving this community has been one of the greatest honors of my life," he said.
"I asked you for a seat at this table, and I didn't ask as a politician," DeStefano added. "I asked as a dad who spent his weekends in the dugout and at community fundraisers. I told you that I was your neighbor first, and your councilman second. That was the whole plan — to leave this a better Wayne than I found it."
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The outgoing councilman and his wife of 11 years, Lauren DeStefano, have three sons.
DeStefano is a finance executive for Victaulic, a global manufacturer of fire sprinklers, pipe fittings and other products. The company is based in Easton, Pennsylvania.
The vacancy caused by DeStefano stepping down will eventually be filled by a Republican. The new council member will serve until the next general election, when voters decide who will finish the last two years of his term.
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Councilwoman June Fisher-Markowitz, a Democrat appointed in March to temporarily replace former Councilwoman Francine Ritter, also bid farewell to the governing body on Wednesday. She will be succeeded on Dec. 2 by Councilman-elect Dennis Marnick, who won a 5th Ward race on Election Day.
Philip DeVencentis is a reporter for NorthJersey.com. For access to the most important news in your community, subscribe or activate your digital account.
Email: devencentis@northjersey.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Wayne councilman to resign, plans move out of NJ with family
