Lakewood, NJ - Recall Petitioners Lay Low

Lakewood, NJ - The motives and the people behind an effort to remove Township Committeeman Charles Cunliffe from office remain murky as those involved stay in the shadows.

Cunliffe a Democrat, learned on Thursday that an organization has been formed in an effort to toss thehim out of office.

The recall committee took the first step in the recall process when it submitted a letter of notice to the clerk's office, informing Cunliffe that the recall group had been formed. The letter was signed by three women: Audrey Faust of Huntington Drive, Janet Heulitt of Sterling Court and Clara Ward of Malvern Court.

A source close to the recall movement said the women who signed the petition have support from a group within the Orthodox Jewish community. While there is no single issue, some people believe that Cunliffe isn't responsive to the concerns of the Orthodox community, according to the source.
Cunliffe, believes the recall movement may be related to his concerns about the influence of developers in shaping the township's approach to growth. Another reason for the recall effort may be his support of ousted Police Director Al Peters.

State law limits the recall effort to 160 days from the date of the notice of intention. The petition requires the signatures of 25 percent of the township's registered voters. That translates into about 8,900 signatures.