There is new leadership in Southampton Township.
Mike Mikulski II, who’s been mayor since 2020 and a member of the township committee since 2015, announced his resignation in October.
“I have accepted a new career opportunity and the position does not permit me to be an elected official in New Jersey,” Mikulski wrote in the township’s November newsletter to residents.
The Republican will now be a Superior Court judge in Camden County’s Family Division, according to an order by Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner. Mikulski began his new role on Oct. 21.
Committeeman James F. Young served as acting mayor and Committeewoman Elizabeth Rossell is now mayor. She made history in 2022 by becoming the first woman deputy mayor in Southampton, as well as the only elected official in the state to have achieved Pioneer Level in the New Jersey League of Municipalities’ Local Elected Officials Leadership Program, according to the Burlington County Republican Committee.
Mikulski noted in the newsletter that he’s proud of what he and others accomplished over his nine years serving the township, including “the creation of the Red Lion Recreation Park and keeping taxes flat more often than raising them.
“As a resident of the township,” he added, “I am confident that we have hired excellent employees dedicated to serving the township’s residents. This committee will continue to serve the township effectively and excellently.”
Mikulski also thanked his fellow committee members – Rossell; Young; Ronald Heston, now deputy mayor; William Raftery; and Arnold Harrison III – for entrusting him with the job of mayor in the last five years.
“It has not always been smooth,” Mikulski acknowledged, “but I hope you all understand that every decision and recommendation was made solely with the best interest of the township in mind. You are in good hands with Brandon (Umba) as (township) administrator and Melanie (Brown) as clerk. Use (township attorney) George (Morris) often. He’s an underutilized asset.”
