Lavallette Borough Hall (Photo: Daniel Nee)
Just over two weeks after members of the Lavallette community were shocked to learn of the death of beloved borough councilman and retired police Sgt. Robert Lamb, his colleagues on the governing body selected a new member to serve the remainder of his term, which runs through the end of the year.
In New Jersey, vacancies on municipal councils are filled by a member of the same political party as the person who previously filled the seat. The party screens candidates and submits three names to the council as a whole, with one of those three people then being voted into the seat by a majority of members. Seven candidates screened with the county Republican committee to serve out the rest of 2025, with the final three being narrowed down to Michael Vastola, William Burns and George Shenewolf.
“All three candidates are highly qualified,” said Mayor Walter LaCicero.
Vastola has led the Lavallette Republican organization while Shenewolf currently serves as vice president of the planning board. Burns currently serves as borough attorney, which would complicate such an appointment since the town would need to find new legal counsel. The council ultimately – and unanimously – nominated and voted in favor of Shenewolf filling Lamb’s unexpired term.
Lamb’s term was due to end at the end of 2025, meaning his name will still appear on the ballot for the June primary election. The party will select a candidate to run in his stead, whether it is Shenewolf – should he seek to serve a full term – or another candidate. That candidate will then run in the general election in November to begin the new term on Jan. 1, 2026.
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