Politics & Government

Tubbs Will Not Seek Re-Election

The former mayor announced he will finish his term, but not seek a third.

Chatham Township Committee Member Kevin R. Tubbs said Thursday he will not run for re-election in November.

"I've had a great time on the township committee, and I think we've done a lot of great things on the township committee," Tubbs said. "After the time I've spent on the township committee, I've decided that I will not stand for re-election."

Tubbs cited commitments to his family and business as his reasons for not seeking re-election. "It's just not something I'm going to be able to do, to commit to the citizens of Chatham Township for the next three years," he said.

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He and his wife, Michele, have two children, Jessica, 16, and Matthew, 13. Without their "support and indulgence," Tubbs said, he would not have been able to  fulfill his job on the committee over the past seven years.

He said he has been considering the question since the November elections.

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"When the people before you go, you start to think about what's going to happen when [you're] up," he said.

Other committee members said Tubbs has been an asset to the committee over the years. Committee Member Bailey Brower, Jr. described him as a "moderate, reasonable, resident-friendly, positive [and] productive" member of the committee. "I can go on a little bit longer, if you like," Brower said.

Hagner said she understood Tubbs' commitments and that it has been "a real pleasure" to work with him on the committee.

Tubbs said he has had "a great time" on the committee and has done "a lot of productive things, but it's tome for someone else to step up and take my place."

By coming forward in advance of the filing deadline, Tubbs said he hopes any qualified residents can still file to run for the committee. "I would encourage anyone, because it's been a terrific experience, to do just that."

The former mayor of Chatham Township is currently in his last year of his second three-year term. He was elected in 2006 and 2009. He served as mayor for three years after he was selected to fill John Demeo's seat on the committee in 2005.

The filing deadline for the June primary is Monday, April 2 at 4 p.m. Eligible residents who wish to run for the Chatham Township Commitee can file their applications with Township Clerk Greg LaConte.

Editor's note: A previous version of this article incorrectly spelled Michele Tubbs' name and said Tubs' son's name was Michael. The errors have been corrected and Chatham Patch apologizes to our readers.


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