Rinker drops out of mayor's race

By Nathan Mayberg
VERNON — Sally Rinker, who has been Mayor Vic Marotta's most vocal opponent has withdrawn from this November's mayoral contest.

Rinker filed petitions and was set to challenge Marotta on the "For Truthful, Transparent, Ethical Government" line.

Instead, she notified Vernon Township Clerk Lauren Kirkman on Friday that she will not run for the office.

The Sussex County Clerk's Office confirmed this week that Rinker has been removed from the ballot. Ballots were not drawn up yet at the time Rinker withdrew from the race.

On Wednesday, Rinker cited a serious injury to her son and her pursuit of a nursing degree as the chief reasons for pulling out.

"Right now, I have to take care of my family," Rinker said.

"The best thing for me to do at this time is to withdraw from the race."

Rinker said she will be in touch with her supporters and will be making a decision on who to support against Marotta.

Rinker has led opposition to raises proposed by Marotta for himself and town employees, fought against the purchase of Camp Sussex and most recently has supported a request from the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post to ask the town for relief from thousands of dollars in sewer hook up fees.

Rinker's decision leaves two challengers, Harry Shortway and R. Gary Martinsen, left in the race for Marotta's seat. Marotta is seeking another four-year term.

The order of the ballot was randomly drawn by the township clerk's office on Friday before Rinker's announcement. Rinker would have been second in the order.

Candidates in Vernon races do not run under party lines. Instead, they run under slogans.

The order of the mayoral candidates as they will appear on this November's ballot, along with their slogans are:

Harry Shortway "Safety, Community, Integrity";

Victor Marotta "Progress, Not Perfection";

R. Gary Martinsen "One of Us that's for us.";

Township CouncilThere are four candidates running for two seats on the town council.

Councilman Brian Lynch is not seeking re-election, leaving his seat up for grabs in November's election. Councilman Daniel Kadish will seek re-election and will be at the top of the ballot.

The order of the ballot for council, along with political slogans are:

Daniel Kadish, "For the People";

Sandra Ooms, "Committed to Community";

Edward Nitch, "For Continued Progress and Stability";

Edward Snook, "For Effective Government".

Reporter Nathan Mayberg can be reached at comm.reporter@strausnews.com or by calling 845-469-9000 ext. 359