David Stahl ran as a Democrat but switched to the Republican Party.
EAST BRUNSWICK -- David Stahl, the mayor of East Brunswick, is expected to step down soon to take a position as municipal judge in Woodbridge.
The East Brunswick township administrator said that Stahl's judge appointment hadn't gotten final approval yet, but plans are already in motion to replace him.
"The tower is keeping us in a holding pattern before we can land, but I think it's inevitable," administrator James White said.
Winnie Comfort, a spokeswoman for the state judiciary, confirmed that Stahl's appointment was under review after Woodbridge voted to make him a judge on New Year's Day. Superior Court Judge Travis Francis has to sign off on the new job, and, because it would mean an additional judge in Woodbridge -- rather than a replacement -- the Administrative Office of the Courts will also review it, Comfort said.
If Stahl's appointment as a judge is approved, "he would have to leave his post as mayor," Comfort said.
Stahl was first elected in 2008, and was previously a longtime councilman. After his re-election in 2012, Stahl switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party and ran unsuccessfully for state Senate in 2013, losing to then-Assemblyman Peter Barnes.
http://www.nj.com/middlesex/index.ssf/2015/12/barnes_judgeship_rumors.html
The judge term lasts for three years.
Stahl did not respond to requests for comment.
Because he was elected to his current term as a Democrat, the local Democratic Party will pick three candidates for the council to choose from to serve out the rest of Stahl's term, said White, the East Brunswick administrator.
Before that happens, White is expected to serve as acting mayor.
"My first choice was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns," White said.
The four-year position will come up for election again in November. The council is currently controlled by Republicans.
Among the possible Democratic candidates for mayor are Councilman Michael Spadafino and Board of Education President Brad Cohen. Republicans who may run include Council President Michael Hughes, Councilman Jim Wendell and Councilwoman Camille Ferraro.
Brian Amaral may be reached at bamaral@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bamaral44. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
