Sippel Sworn as Lower Mayor

VILLAS – Lower Township Council’s Jan. 22 meeting began with Solicitor David Stefankiewicz explaining the process for replacing former Mayor Erik Simonsen, who was elected to the state Assembly in November 2019.
“Three names were sent over by the Lower Township Regular Republican Organization, since the former mayor was elected as a Republican,” Stefankiewicz said. “Council can now nominate any of those three or reject those names and send it back to the organization.”
The three candidates’ names were read by the clerk: Frank Sippel, current deputy mayor of council, Robert Basco and Joseph Wareham.
Councilman David Perry nominated Sippel and Councilman Roland Roy voiced a second. A roll call vote made it official, and Sippel became mayor of Lower Township.
He concurrently resigned as deputy mayor. He will serve out Simonson’s term, which ends in November 2020.
Sippel, deputy sheriff of Cape May County, was sworn by his boss, Sheriff Robert Nolan.
After thanking family, friends and dignitaries, Sippel recognized a special group of well-wishers.
“I would like to give a special thank you to my military brothers and sisters that are here tonight to support me. I had the honor and privilege to serve with them for many years, here at home and overseas,” Sippel said. He asked all who have served, or are currently serving, to stand and be recognized.
Command Sgt. Maj. Sippel, N.J. Army National Guard, retired after 36 years of active service. He was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for Heroism, Bronze Star, Army Meritorious Service Medal (three times) and numerous other medals and accommodations.
He has also served the community for more than two decades, as a youth sports coach and referee.
Sippel said he would continue to work hard, along with his fellow council members, for the residents of the municipality.
“We care very much about all the residents of Lower Township, especially those hard-working families living paycheck to paycheck. The measure of a great township is how it provides for and how it treats the least among us,” Sippel said.
The newly minted mayor went on to thank Lower Township Manager James Ridgway, the police department, public works, recreation, township employees, teachers, coaches, firemen and others who work in the municipality.
Sippel’s first meeting was a short one, with a handful of resolutions and ordinances and no public comment.
The next council meeting, Feb. 3, is likely to include a vote on three candidates presented to fill the deputy mayor seat vacated by Sippel.
To contact Carl Price, email cprice@cmcherald.com.