FREEHOLD – As his time in his hometown comes to a close, a community volunteer and Freehold Borough councilman has been recognized for his years of service.
Dec. 17 marked the final meeting for Councilman Ron Griffiths, a lifelong borough resident who joined the Borough Council in 2013. Griffiths did not seek re-election in 2018 because he is moving to Oregon.
Although Griffiths’ service on the council totaled six years, Councilman Kevin Kane noted that his service to Freehold Borough spanned decades.
“When my dad (Roger Kane) was a councilman and mayor in the 1970s, Ron Griffiths was very involved in a lot of things that were going on in town. He has been on every committee in town and worked behind the scenes,” Kane said.
“He wasn’t able to run (for office) due to his work with the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Navy, but he had a major part in a lot of things that happened here. As surrounding towns were developed, they copied the plan Ron Griffiths and a number of others put together for recreation programs in municipalities,” Kane said.
Other elected officials saluted Griffiths.
“Ron, thank you for volunteering, giving your knowledge and making Freehold Borough a better place to live today,” Councilman Michael DiBendetto said.
“You’re always prepared with the facts and the numbers and each topic was thoroughly researched,” Mayor Nolan Higgins said. “You were an advocate for our residents and our community at large.”
Higgins said Griffiths was a 20-year member of the Freehold Fire Department Engine Hose Company No. 1, the Freehold High School Reunion Group and Scholarship Committee, and the St. Rose of Lima choir.
The mayor said one of Griffiths’ most important accomplishments was the development of the Hudson Manor senior citizens’ apartment building.
“Ron has served as a board member from the founding of Hudson Manor through its now nearly 40 years of providing quality senior housing and services to our residents,” Higgins said. “His service as chairman of the board provided leadership and direction in serving our senior community.”
Griffiths was praised for his role in bringing a participatory budgeting program to Freehold Borough. The program allows residents and business owners to vote on how a portion of the municipal budget is spent.
“Participatory budgeting has really galvanized parts of our community,” Councilman George Schnurr said. “Now they are part of the team up here. My hat is off to you for bringing that here and taking it to the goal line.”
Council President Sharon Shutzer, who campaigned with Griffiths in 2012 and 2015, said, “This is a speech I never wanted to write or present. Six years ago, when I was told Ron Griffiths would be my running mate, I thought I had died and gone to heaven.
“A tough first election when we were challenged in the primary started it all, but it was the beginning of six wonderful years. Ron became more than my running mate, he became my friend. He always scolded me when I said this, but he truly is the smartest man I know. When we were campaigning for fair school funding, I always said Ron was the brains and I was the passion.
“Ron is a gentleman and a gentle giant,” Shutzer continued. “He is the whole package. He is intelligent, compassionate, innovative, logical, unselfish, kind-hearted, and I could go on and on. Throughout it all, he never lost his sense of humor.
“Ron has served his beloved Freehold with dedication and distinction. The impact he had on our town will reverberate through the years. From the bottom of my heart, I thank Ron and his lovely wife Nancy for their service and for their friendship. I will miss you in immeasurable ways, but I will continue to be inspired by all you are and all you have done,” she said.
Griffiths praised the borough’s volunteers and professionals and reflected on his time on the Borough Council.
“This town could not have the quality of life or even financially exist without our fantastic volunteers. The professionals are a team of great people, those who pick up the leaves and plow the roads, and make sure clean water comes out of our faucets, our streets our safe, our bills are paid, our elected officials are sagely advised and the taxes are well spent,” he said.
“It has been a privilege to serve my hometown. The truth is, I probably would have never committed to this job if Mayor Higgins had not been elected the year before I ran. I knew him as a friend and as a fellow member of Engine Company No. 1. I’ve known Councilwoman Shutzer for years as her late husband Richard was a friend and also a member of Engine Company No. 1.
“Councilman Kane, I’ve only known him since he was born. His dad and I have been friends for decades. Councilman DiBenedetto, he’s my barber. I’ve trusted him to cut my hair and shave off my beard. Trusting a politician with a razor at your throat is real trust,” Griffiths said.
He wished incoming council members Annette Jordan and Margaret Rogers well and thanked voters and his fellow members of the governing body. He reserved special praise for Shutzer, calling her an “icon” in Freehold Borough.
“Lastly, I want to thank my wife Nancy,” Griffiths said. “She has always supported me, even when I decided to run for office. Thanks for putting up with the numerous and sometimes late meetings and all the other obligations that took time away from us doing things together. I promise you I won’t run for office in Oregon. Well, unless you say it’s OK.”
