South Jersey mayor switches political parties. Here's what it means to the town
RIVERSIDE − The mayor here has switched political parties to become a Republican, a reversal that has turned political control of the township committee over to the GOP.
The party switch by Riverside Mayor John "Mike" Higgins was announced by the Burlington County Republican Committee following his decision.
Higgins joins fellow GOP township committee members Matt Kirk and Joe Peditto as the new 3-2 Republican majority.
However, Higgins said his priorities remain redevelopment, uptown Riverside improvement and combatting the drug epidemic.
The mayor said he also plans to run for reelection this year on the Republican ticket with newcomer Christy Veasy,
Why did Mike Higgins switch to the Republican Party?
The county Democrat Party tried to pressure Higgins into changes he did not believe were in the best interest of the local government, according to the mayor.
“Democrats deserted me and I'm thankful for the Burlington County Republican Party for accepting me … and my need to be able to vote for what I feel is right," the 61-year-old Higgins said.
"I'm trying to make my community a better place and have been disappointed at the resistance I have faced and the pressure I've felt to tow their party line.”
As an example, he said he was asked by the local party leadership to remove someone from a township position he has held for many years and whose family have been active members of the community for decades and appoint “their guy,” but refused.
He did not identify anyone involved.
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"I no longer recognize the Democratic party that I signed up for," the mayor said, "while the Republican Party is accepting my need to be able to vote for what I feel is right."
Burlington County Republican Committee Chairman Sean Earlen called Higgins a dedicated public servant whom he whole-heartedly welcomes to the party.
“We're proud to have a big tent party that welcomes all, including and especially former Democrats who are looking for a more welcoming home."
Democrat Party reacts to mayor Higgins' party switch
Riverside Democrat Party Chairman Gary Haman said Higgins switch last week came as a "total surprise" to him.
"Since last year he maintained he was not going to seek re-election and never informed me or others in the party that not only would he be running but it would be as a Republican. I found out Friday when I filed our local candidate slate running for election this year," Haman added.
Regarding the appointment pressure the mayor mentioned, Haman said there was no animosity on his part when the mayor told him he was voting with the Republican in January to retain a longtime member of the sewer authority rather than name a replacement suggested by the local Democrat party.
James Fazzone GOP candidate in NJ Senate race
The party also has announced its endorsement of James Fazzone, a former Democrat Burlington City mayor who previously switched parties after an election defeat, as the Republican candidate for state Senate in the Seventh Legislative District, now represented by longtime Democrat legislator Sen. Troy Singleton.
The district encompasses the Delaware River towns plus the larger towns Moorestown, Mount Laurel and Willingboro.
Carol Comegno loves telling stories about South Jersey life, history and military veterans for the Courier Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. If you have a story to share, call her at 856-486-2473 or email ccomegno@gannettnj.com.
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Riverside NJ: Political party switch impacts town council majority
