'We have lost our way': Red Bank councilman quits, may have given opponents the edge

RED BANK - Councilman Erik Yngstrom has resigned, citing divisiveness in the split all-Democratic council.

“We have strayed far from this collaborative mindset and seem more focused on political gains and people trying to keep their perceived political power,” Yngstrom wrote in his Wednesday resignation letter. “I am not sure where we went wrong but this divisiveness needs to stop, and the best interests of Red Bank need to be put first. The best interests of Red Bank should be the only interests that matter.”

With the election of Councilwoman Jacqueline Sturdivant and re-election of Councilwoman Kate Triggiano in November, the Red Bank council has been evenly divided into two camps.

Councilmembers Yngstrom, Triggiano and Kathy Horgan have often voted together on issues that councilmen Michael Ballard and Ed Zipprich have opposed. Sturdivant was backed by Ballard and Zipprich during her election campaign.

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Red Bank has a borough form of government. This means that Mayor Pasquale "Pat" Menna only votes during committee meetings to break ties.

“I tried to set an example for others that hard work and civility can get things done in this town,” Yngstrom wrote. “I also thought it was very important to be open-minded and work with anyone who wanted to help Red Bank, regardless of their party affiliation.”

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He wrote that, in addition to the divisiveness during council meetings, rumors about his personal life contributed to his decision to resign.

Yngstrom wrote that he recently married and had made arrangements with his wife to finish his term in Red Bank.

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“A few misinformed individuals have alleged that I no longer live in Red Bank,” Yngstrom wrote. “This is simply not true. However, I cannot allow my family to be subjected to this toxic rhetoric and behavior.”

Yngstrom was up for re-election this year along with Horgan and Menna.

Yngstrom wrote that “Unfortunately, the impact of my resignation at this time will trigger an action by the local Democratic Chair wherein he will set forth three handpicked suggestions to replace me for the rest of the year.”

Zipprich is the chair of the Red Bank Democratic Municipal Committee.

“Those three candidates will then be voted on by the sitting council,” Yngstrom continued, “which he is part of and now has a three-to-two advantage. Rather than working together and bringing people together, the Democratic Chair is likely to use this situation to make town politics and council even more divisive.”

Zipprich said the Red Bank Democratic Organization will "have a caucus meeting with the executive committee" to decide on nominations for Yngstrom's vacant seat. He said he didn't know at this time when nominations for the seat will happen.

"I just wish (Yngstrom) all the best in his future,” Zipprich said.

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Last November, a ballot question asked voters to vote on a committee to study how to change Red Bank’s government. Yngstrom voted for the question to be added to the ballot and over 70% of voters backed the initiative.

“The Charter Study Commission is so important to the town’s future,” Yngstrom wrote. “We have lost our way by putting too much power in the hands of a few individuals. We need to correct our path: a change in the form of government and the type of elections would be a good start. Based on what I have seen over the past five years, that is the only way for us to put the interests of all of Red Bank over the interests of a few.”

Yngstrom could not be reached for additional comment.

Olivia Liu is a reporter covering transportation, Red Bank and western Monmouth County. She can be reached at oliu@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Red Bank councilman quits, may have given opponents the edge