Burns Will Resign from Avalon Council Dec. 31

AVALON – Avalon Borough Council member William Burns announced his resignation from council Dec. 13.
According to the borough’s website, Burns’ resignation will take effect at midnight on Dec. 31. Council now has 30 days to appoint a successor to Burns, or leave the seat vacant until the May 9, 2017 municipal election. 
“I want to extend my most sincere gratitude to Mayor Pagliughi, Borough Council, and to the residents of Avalon for their guidance and support during my 17 months on council,” stated Burns in a release. “I can assure residents that they have the most proactive, capable leadership of any governing body I know, and I pledge my full support to help advance the numerous initiatives and policies that make Avalon the greatest place to live in the State of New Jersey.”
Burns was appointed to the council on July 22, 2015 to fill the unexpired term of David Ellenberg who resigned and moved out of state. Burns was elected to the position during the Nov. 3, 2015 election to serve the remainder of the term which ends on June 30, 2017.
Burns cites the growing demands on his business, Burns Construction Consulting, LLC as the reason for his departure from council; Burns serves as president of the company as well as president of Burns Associates. 
“The gradual and steady improvement in the local and regional economies have placed increased responsibilities on my business interests which has forced me to give up an elected position that I completely enjoy,” stated Burns. “My consulting business will likely involve more interaction with various Avalon departments and I do not wish to put my professional and public service lives in conflict. It is in the best interests of the residents of Avalon and with complete respect to the leadership in Avalon that another individual who can commit more time than I can continue the tremendous progress in our community.”
Council has 30 days to appoint a successor to Burns. Avalon is a non-partisan community which provides council with an opportunity to appoint a successor, if it chooses to do so. Avalon voters will have the opportunity to elect an individual to this four-year term during the May 9, 2017 municipal election.
“Councilman Burns made significant contributions to the Avalon Borough Council during his tenure,” stated Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “We look forward to continue working with Bill on various projects throughout the Borough and also look forward to welcoming his successor to Avalon’s team.”
Burns has served numerous Avalon and charitable organizations including nearly a decade of service with the Avalon Board of Education. He is the past president of the Avalon Chamber of Commerce, a former board member with the United Way of Cape May County, and a 22-year member of the Avalon Republican Club.
The next meeting of council is Dec. 14 at 4 p.m.