Democrats look to fill Crawford's seat on dais
Longtime member of Freehold council moves to Howell
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer

Robert Crawford has resigned his seat on the Borough Council in Freehold Borough now that he and his wife, Barbara, have moved to Howell.

FREEHOLD - Democratic leaders in Freehold Borough are searching for a person who is willing to take a seat on the Borough Council.

A seat on the town's governing body opened on Dec. 3 when Robert Crawford, 75, a native of the borough, stepped down from the council. Crawford said it was with "deep regret" that he was leaving the governing body because he is moving to Howell.

Because Crawford is a Democrat, that political party has the ability to submit the names of three candidates to the council, which will choose a person to fill Crawford's seat.

Crawford was serving his fourth threeyear term on the council at the time of his resignation.

"It has been my honor to have served the residents of our community for the past 11 years," he began. "I have been privileged to be a part of a dedicated and progressive-thinking governing body."

Crawford wished his fellow council members the best in their future endeavors and encouraged residents to volunteer if possible and to attend and participate at meetings.

"Thanks for your participation," he told the audience. "You challenge us."

The councilman reiterated what he has said numerous times during his tenure on the governing body: "This town belongs to you, not us. Help to make it a better place."

Calling the council members a "fine bunch of people," Crawford said he would miss all of them.

Mayor Michael Wilson told Crawford it has been a privilege and an honor to have had him serve on the council.

"You have been a public servant to Freehold Borough as well as to St. Rose, the Knights of Columbus and the Little League, among other things," Wilson said. "You epitomize the meaning of the words public service. Your family should be very proud of you and we wish you and your wife Barbara only the best."

Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer, who has served on the council with Crawford for the length of his tenure, said it has been a pleasure to have served with him.

"We have yelled at one another and not always agreed," she said, "but we have always known that the other did what their heart dictated. We'll miss you."

Councilman Michael DiBenedetto, who was Crawford's running mate for the last four terms, called Crawford a "walk dog," referring to the councilman's ability to canvass Freehold's neighborhoods so well.

"I don't know how many pairs of sneakers Bob's gone through knocking on doors in town talking to residents," DiBenedetto said. "He also made sure he followed up on every question residents asked him. He's relentless. I couldn't have had a better running mate."

Councilman Marc Le Vine recalled that Crawford defeated him in the 1996 election when he (Le Vine) was a Republican incumbent. Le Vine has since changed his political affiliation to Democrat.

"Yet here we are, in December 2007, seated beside each other as fellow councilmen. Who would have thought?" Le Vine said. "I thank fate for giving me the opportunity to serve alongside Bob Crawford. He was always there for consultation and always took the time to help me. I know him as a warm, caring, kind, bright man who will be missed very much at this table. He will also be missed in this town."

Le Vine wished Crawford a long, happy and healthy retirement.

The newest member of the council, Jaye Sims, said Crawford was a great help to him when he began his term on the governing body.

"I am certainly pleased to have served on the council with Bob. When I first came aboard he gave me his phone number and told me to call with any questions I had. He was real helpful to me as I was settling in and learning the ways and how things operate on council," Sims said.

"Bob has a great passion for the town. He cares and he was always active even before he was elected to council. People like Bob, who are willing to give their time to community service, are hard to find. He will definitely be missed," Sims said.

Crawford served on the council's finance committee for eight years and on the Shade Tree Commission for six years. He was the council's liaison to the Freehold Community Alliance to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse and to the Freehold Center Partnership. He served as council president twice.

Crawford was a member of the Planning Board in 1996.

He is retired from a position with the U.S. Army at Fort Monmouth, Eatontown. From 1987-90, Crawford taught undergraduate and graduate courses in purchasing and material management at Monmouth University, West Long Branch.

He and his wife of 52 years are the parents of five grown children.

Although Crawford said he is looking forward to some more free time, he still intends to keep doing the things that keep him busy now, like doing all of the bookkeeping for his sons' businesses. He said he intends to become active in the association of the adult community where he will be living in Howell.

Crawford served on the council's finance committee for eight years and on the Shade Tree Commission for six years. He was the council's liaison to the Freehold Community Alliance to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse and to the Freehold Center Partnership. He served as council president twice.

Crawford was a member of the Planning Board in 1996.

He is retired from a position with the U.S. Army at Fort Monmouth, Eatontown. From 1987-90, Crawford taught undergraduate and graduate courses in purchasing and material management at Monmouth University, West Long Branch.

He and his wife of 52 years are the parents of five grown children.

Although Crawford said he is looking forward to some more free time, he still intends to keep doing the things that keep him busy now, like doing all of the bookkeeping for his sons' businesses.

He said he intends to become active in the association of the adult community where he will be living in Howell.