LACEY, NJ — After more than 20 years of serving Lacey Township in various manners, officials sent a fond farewell to Committeeman Mark Dykoff, who is retiring at the end of the month.
“It’s truly an honor, and I have enjoyed it so much,” Dykoff said of his time serving Lacey.
The Township Committee took time at their second-to-last meeting of the year to say goodbye to Dykoff, honoring him with a plaque and a standing ovation.
Find out what's happening in Laceywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In the new year, incumbent Robert Laureigh, current vice chair of the planning board, will be sworn in and take Dykoff’s seat.
“Mark always struck me as a strong man,” said Deputy Mayor Peter Curatolo. “He was a great mayor during Sandy.”
Find out what's happening in Laceywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“I always found that Mark wanted all the information before reaching a conclusion, and in particular, I always valued his ability to recall pertinent information when the committee was being questioned or criticized,” Committeeman Steven Kennis said. ‘He played good defense.”
Click Here: newcastle knights team jersey
Committeeman Tim McDonald said that he and Dykoff always respected each other’s opinions, even as “two strong-headed men” who couldn’t always agree.
“I wish you nothing but the best of luck and best of health,” McDonald said.
Township Attorney Christopher Connors, himself a recent retiree from a life of public office, likened it to being a grandparent. Just like how you can see your grandchildren whenever you want and then send them back to their parents, you can still attend political events, just without leaving with “a long list of things to do that people have given you.”
“Leaving public office is like being a happy grandparent,” Connors said.
Business Administrator Veronica Laureigh said she often uses one of Dykoff’s mottos with her fellow employees – “Don’t tell me why we can’t, but show me how we can.”
Dykoff fondly remembered his time sitting at the dais and the ability to exchange ideas with others.
“Am I sometimes adversarial? Yeah, I am,” he said with a smile. “But it only comes from my passion for this township and how much I love it.”
He said that he would continue serving Lacey in different capacities even during his retirement.
“Lacey Township is, by far, the envy of Ocean County,” Dykoff said. “I talk to people as I get older. I’m at that age. You know, anyone who talks about moving, where are you going to move to? They can’t give me a place they would rather be than Lacey Township.”
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.