Matthews Resigns from Brick Township Council

Township Councilman Anthony Matthews submitted a letter of resignation to the township clerk's office today. He is stepping down from his position on the township's governing body as of Aug. 1, the letter says.

Matthews said in his letter than he has been "called to serve the public in another capacity, specifically, serving some of our most vulnerable populations."

Matthews did not answer his phone Thursday afternoon. It was not immediately known what the new role he mentioned might be.

Matthews has served on the township council for the past seven years, and had announced his intention to be part of the Republican ticket and make a run for a third term this November.

Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis said that, in accordance with state law, the township council will have the task of selecting Matthews' replacement on the council. Acropolis also said that members of the township's Republican organization might try to convince current Councilwoman Ruthanne Scaturro – who said she would not seek an additional term on the governing body – to replace Matthews on the ticket.

In his letter of resignation, Matthews thanked the residents of Brick, his family, friends and the township's Republican organization for their support.

"While my course may be changing, my purpose remains constant, and that is to serve the public well," Matthews wrote.

More on Matthews' departure from the council will be reported once more is known on the circumstances of his resignation.