By Emily Schopfer
RUMSON – James “Jamie” McManus was appointed Sept. 2 to serve the remaining term of resigning Rumson Borough Council member Gary Casazza. Casazza was serving his fourth term with the council, set to expire Dec. 31, when he announced in a letter to the borough that he would be resigning from the council, effective Sept. 1.
McManus also replaced Casazza on the ballot for the upcoming Nov. 3 election.
“Gary’s dedication, experience and commitment to public service have left a lasting mark on our borough,” Rumson Mayor Joseph K. Hemphill said. “On behalf of the Borough Council and the entire Rumson community, we thank him for his many years of service and for everything he has done to help make Rumson stronger for the future.”
Andrew Ward, chairman of the Rumson Republication Committee, provided a letter to the borough presenting three potential candidates to fill the vacancy left by Casazza: McManus, Charles Jones III and Aidan Ehrenberg.
The council held a special meeting Sept. 2. Following a closed session discussion during the meeting, McManus was selected to fill the vacancy. McManus was sworn in by Hemphill that day.
McManus’ “commitment to service within the borough is well known by us all,” Hemphill said. “Jamie brings with him a strong record of volunteerism, leadership and thoughtful service to Rumson. We are grateful that he has once again answered the call to serve our community, and I am pleased to welcome him tonight as the newest member of the Rumson Borough Council.”
McManus has served on the Rumson Board of Education, as well as the chair of the Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade, according to Hemphill.
McManus was appointed to fill the remaining few months of Casazza’s term. The county clerk’s official website has updated its Official Municipal Candidates List, to show McManus running alongside fellow Republican Robert Eyerkuss III. The two candidates are running unopposed for the two open full-term seats. Hemphill confirmed that McManus will appear on the November General Election ballot.
Council member Linda J. Smith will finish her current term Dec. 31, 2026. Smith ran for reelection in the June primary election but did not win and will not be on the Nov. 3 election ballot.
The article originally appeared in the September 10 – 16, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
