North Wildwood GOP to back Rosenello

Last Updated on Friday, January 18, 2013 01:18 pm Written by Christie Rotondo Friday, January 18, 2013 01:16 pm

NORTH WILDWOOD- The city’s Republican Municipal Committee announced Thursday night that it plans to endorse current City Council President Patrick Rosenello in the June primary for mayor.

The committee also announced that Rosenello will be joined on the Republican ticket by Councilman-at-large Ed Koehler, as well as 1st Ward City Councilwoman Peggy Bishop and 2nd Ward city Councilman Sal Zampirri.

Rosenello’s endorsement follows current Mayor Bill Henfey’s Jan. 2 announcement that he would not seek reelection. Henfey has served as the city’s mayor since 2006, and previously held the position of Councilman-at-large for 12 years.

“I’ve completed 20 years in government office,” Henfey told the Leader on Jan. 2. “You got to know when to fold them.”

When Henfey announced he would not seek re-election, he also said he endorsed Rosenello as his successor.

“I know that I have very big shoes to fill,” Rosenello said in a prepared statement. “I am confident that along with the entire ticket, we will continue to provide North Wildwood with positive leadership into the future.”

Koehler, Bishop, and Zampirri are all seeking reelection for their current seats on City Council.

“This ticket is very representative of what we have tried to offer the residents of North Wildwood,” said Koehler in a prepared statement.  “Peggy and I certainly are familiar with the issues facing retired residents in our town, while Patrick and Sal are both young business owners who are raising families in North Wildwood.”

“I am honored to have been selected to run for reelection to City Council,” said Zampirri in a prepared statement.  “Being able to contribute to the ongoing improvements in North Wildwood is something that I am very proud of and hope to continue if I am reelected.”

Peggy Bishop had previously served on City Council in the 1980s, and if reelected, this will be the second term of her second stint on the council.

“Together, our team works very well and I believe we are making the right decisions for North Wildwood,” she said in a prepared statement.  “I am honored to have been selected to run for reelection and I look forward to working with the mayor and my fellow councilmembers.”

The primary is set for June 4.