DiBella, Schomaker will not run in Howell
BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer

HOWELL - There will be a new mayor and at least one new Township Council member in office in January.

Republican Mayor Joseph DiBella has announced that he will not seek re-election for a second four-year term as mayor.

At the same time, Republican Councilwoman Cynthia Schomaker announced that she will not seek re-election to a third four-year council term. After almost eight years of service on the governing body, Schomaker said, "it is now time for someone else to step up."

Under Howell's form of government the mayor is directly elected by voters but is a member of the five-person Township Council and votes on all legislation.

In addition to DiBella and Schomaker, the other three members of the council at this time are independents Robert Walsh, Michael Howell and Angela Dalton, who were elected to four-year terms in 2006.

In announcing his decision to step away from municipal politics, DiBella issued a written statement to residents in which he said, "This was a difficult and deeply personal decision. However, having served as a councilman for two years and now nearly four as your mayor, I believe it is time to step aside for now and allow others to have the awesome privilege of serving Howell.

"There is no calling more important or more fulfilling as public service and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity this community has given me. Being the mayor of Howell has been one of the highlights of my life and the experiences I have endured will stay with me forever.

"Without having to spend time on seeking re-election I shall now be able to devote all of my time and efforts toward carrying out the balance of my term this year with absolute clarity and focus. Accordingly, I remain completely focused and committed toward fulfilling my duties as mayor and doing everything I can to make our community a better place," DiBella said.

Howell, the councilman who is serving as deputy mayor this year, said he had no idea DiBella was considering leaving the council dais. When asked if he would run for mayor, Howell said, "I never even considered it."

Walsh said he has not decided if he will run for the mayor's seat.

"I would like to, but at this point I am not sure," the councilman said.

With the deadline for residents to decide whether they will make a bid for public office this year fast approaching, it should be clear by mid-April who will be seeking office. The municipal clerk will certify all candidates to the county clerk on April 16, according to information provided by the township's InternetWeb site.