The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Shanel Robinson was unanimously chosen by the Democrats on the Township Council Aug. 11 to fill the unexpired term of former Councilman Brian Regan.
Mayor Chris Kelly, a Republican, did not vote on the appointment because, he said, he was not given enough information on the candidates.
Robinson was one of three candidates proffered by the township Democratic Party to fill Regan’s seat. Regan resigned last month to pursue his race for Somerset County Freeholder.
Robinson is also an At-Large candidate for the council in November’s election. She’s joined on the slate by Deputy Mayor Kimberly Francois and Councilman Rajiv Prasad, both D-At Large. At the top of the slate is Councilman Phil Kramer (D-Ward 3) who is running for Mayor against current Mayor Chris Kelly.
Kelly was himself appointed to the seat when former Mayor Brian Levine resigned in January to become a Somerset County Freeholder. Joining Kelly on the GOP ticket for At-Large seats are former Township Councilwoman Catherine Barrier and newcomers Raleigh Steinhauer and Scott Siegel.
Robinson thanked her family and friends and fellow Democrats.
“Thank you for your faith in me in joining a great team,” she said.
Robinson called for unity for the good of the township.
“We are Franklin,” she said. “So let’s get to work and take care of the business of Franklin.”
State Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (D-17), chairman of the township Democratic Party, stopped by to congratulate Robinson.
“I have no doubt you will be successful,” he told her. “You have earned my blind trust. You will be successful and you will win the hearts of many.”
Township Councilman Phil Kramer (D-Ward 3) said Robinson is “smart, she is hard-working and you are going to love her.”
