DeLisa joins Zambrano in stepping down in W. Long Branch
Asbury Park Press
March 17, 2005
By CAROL GORGA WILLIAMS
WEST LONG BRANCH — Councilman Joseph DeLisa, who along with then-Mayor Paul Zambrano was among the 11 county and local officials arrested Feb. 22 in a corruption sting, has resigned.
The council Wednesday night formally accepted Zambrano's letter of resignation, which he submitted March 4, and also accepted DeLisa's letter, which he delivered to borough hall on Tuesday.
"I have dedicated my life to serving the people of West Long Branch as a councilman and mayor," Zambrano wrote in his letter, which makes no direct reference to his arrest on accusations of extorting $15,000 in bribes, of which $2,500 was to go to others. "I am sad that I can no longer continue to serve them in an honorable fashion and will resign to prevent any further harm to the citizens of West Long Branch."
Zambrano was elected mayor in 1997, after being appointed the previous year to serve out the unexpired term of Frank "Clint" Sorrentino, who died in office.
DeLisa's letter makes direct reference to the allegations, which he said would make his attendance at borough meetings and public votes a "distraction" to governing.
But he also left open the possibility that he would seek election again if cleared of a charge that he extorted a $1,500 bribe from a building contractor who was working undercover for the FBI.
"I look forward to meeting the allegations against me," DeLisa wrote in his letter.
And he said he hoped residents would "again find me worthy of their trust" should he seek another council term. DeLisa was first elected to the council in 1997.
DeLisa is the third elected office to resign as a result of arrests Feb. 22. In Hazlet, Paul Coughlin has also given up the mayor's office but remains on the governing body.
Town hall examination
Councilman William J. Boglioli announced Wednesday night that the council has agreed to seek proposals from engineers to look into the structural integrity of the old borough hall at 95 Poplar Ave., where borough police operations are currently headquartered.
DeLisa is accused of telling the undercover operative that he could use his influence to help get him a contract to demolish the old town hall. DeLisa had previously been a strong supporter of tearing down the building, which has mold problems.
Boglioli and Council President Richard F. Cooper Jr. had been considering the issue since January and believe determining whether the building is structurally sound is the place to begin.
There are "so many different paths we could go," Boglioli said. "We need to get it prioritized in the proper order first."
Dorothy Schulze, a Monmouth Road real estate agent, said she was sad to hear about the arrests and resignations but expressed confidence in the remaining council members.
"This was a very sad month for me and every taxpayer and homeowner in town," Schulze said. "Our thoughts should be with them, especially Mayor Zambrano. I know the rest of the council people here are devoted to this town."
Boglioli, who two weeks ago failed to attend the first council meeting after the arrests were announced, did not explain his previous absence.
It has fueled rumors in town, but the councilman has not responded to numerous telephone calls and an e-mail asking him to explain his absence.
Borough Attorney Gregory S. Baxter explained that the council is currently considering three candidates to replace Zambrano. The names were provided by the local Democratic Municipal Committee and include Marie Sorrentino, widow of Frank Sorrentino, and Thomas Manzo of Maple Avenue.
For the mayor's post, the council has 30 days — or until April 3 — to pick a successor who would serve until November when he or she would run to fill the remainder of Zambrano's term, which expires Dec. 31, 2006. In the case of the council vacancy, the council has until April 14 to act.
There will be a special meeting 5 p.m. April 1 at borough hall to swear in a new mayor, Cooper said.
