Upper Twp. mayor at helm of government for 22 years
By BILL BARLOW/Special to the Sentinel
UPPER TOWNSHIP — After eight terms and 24 years on Upper Township Committee, Mayor Rich Palombo has decided not to seek re-election in 2021.
“I do feel that it’s time. I feel like I’m going out on top,” he said Tuesday morning. “I so appreciate the privilege of serving the people of Upper Township.”
Palombo will serve the remainder of his term but will not stand for election this year, the first time in decades. Once his term concludes, he said, he will have more time to spend with his family and enjoy the beach.
Serving on Township Committee is technically not a full-time job but the demands can be extraordinary.
“It does take a lot of time. It really does put you on call 24 hours. You have to be ready to take a call at any time, no matter what you’re doing,” he said.
Upper Township voters do not directly elect the mayor. Instead, the mayor is chosen each year by Township Committee from among its members. For the past 22 years, Palombo was that choice each time. He described that Tuesday as a huge compliment, especially considering the changes on committee over those years.
In a letter announcing the decision, Palombo cited progress in the township, including athletic fields and government offices, master plan revisions and replenished beaches. He also cited the upgrades in communications.
“We have accomplished so much!” he wrote.
He also wrote of difficult times, including the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the effects of Hurricane Sandy, a derecho storm, winter storm Jonas and the tornado that slammed through Marmora last year, spun off from Tropical Storm Isaias. He also mentioned the ongoing crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Despite our challenges, the residents of Upper have shown their friendship, generosity and sense of community spirit,” he wrote.
Palombo is a pharmacist by trade and owned a pharmacy on 34th Street in Ocean City for 15 years. He grew up in North Wildwood, where he said he acquired his love of the beach and ocean, and where his father, Aldo Palombo, served as mayor for years and spent 20 years on North Wildwood City Council.
Rich Palombo has his dad’s record beat.
“It wasn’t to one-up him, though,” he said, adding that he enjoyed the work and wanted to help his community.
“There are so many great families in the township,” he said. “It really was easy to put the time in to serve the people of Upper Township.”
In his prepared statement, Palombo said it is time to pass the baton to a new leader.
“The timing just feels right and I look forward to new adventures that lie ahead,” he wrote.
Palombo said he would support the Republican nominees for Township Committee, including the nominee for his seat. Ed Barr, who serves as deputy mayor, is also up for re-election this year, as is Committee member Kim Hayes, appointed to serve the remainder of Hobby Young’s term.
Palombo supported Hayes and Barr, describing them as excellent candidates, and said the party will go through a process to pick someone to run for the seat he will vacate Dec. 31. He also promised to work for a smooth transition.
“I have full confidence in both Ed and Kim,” Palombo said.
So far, local Democrats have not announced a slate of candidates for Township Committee.
Palombo, 65, said he was 41 when he first ran for Township Committee.
“It’s a long time,” he said. “I really have never regretted being involved, helping to run the township. It is really such a privilege and honor to be able to do it.”
He wrote that he is looking forward to having more time to spend with his family, “especially with our five busy grandchildren.”
“I hope to see all of you on the beach, at our parks and fields and our seasonal celebrations,” he wrote.