By Ruth Luse
Following the recent announcement that Hopewell Township Committeeman John Murphy had decided not to seek re-election in November, the Hopewell Township Democratic Committee endorsed Vanessa Sandom, committeewoman and former mayor, to run in his place.
Had he chosen to remain on the ballot, Mr. Murphy would have been seeking his third term.
Explaining the reason for his decision, Mr. Murphy, in an e-mail message, said: “Despite my deep desire to seek another term and continue to serve the residents of Hopewell Township, the travel demands of my other job require me to withdraw my candidacy. It was a personally difficult decision to make, but you cannot run a successful campaign long distance.”
Mr. Murphy has served on the Township Committee since 2006, including two years as deputy mayor. He will serve out his current term, which expires at the end of 2011.
“Serving the residents of Hopewell Township has been an honor and a humbling experience,” said Mr. Murphy. “It is a special town with special people who care deeply about their community and have the talent and determination to preserve and enhance that which is best about Hopewell; our history, our natural resources and our sense of community. It was the works of other residents that inspired me to first run for the Township Committee and their enduring efforts while I have been in office have continued to inspire me.”
Committeewoman Sandom — who had decided prior to the April primary election filing deadline not to seek re-election — has served on the Township Committee for nearly a decade, since September 2001. She now will run again — this time on the ticket with Allen Cannon, of Titusville.
“It’s been a great privilege and pleasure to have worked with John on the Township Committee for these past six years. I know how strong his dedication and commitment is to our community. We will all miss his vision and keen insights, and most importantly his terrific sense of humor, which have proven invaluable when working on the many difficult issues before us,” Ms. Sandom said last week.
“We wish John success in his career and are grateful for his inspired leadership as member of the committee over the last five and a half years, including as deputy mayor,” said Carol Kleis, chairwoman of the Hopewell Township Democratic Party.
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