Councilwoman Patricia Hansen submitted her resignation on Aug. 16 after saying her opinions were often slighted.
At an August meeting, Patricia Hansen announced her decision to resign, effective Aug. 16, as a one of the five members of Evesham council.
Hansen was first elected to a four-year term in 2018, alongside fellow Democrats Jaclyn Veasy, Evesham’s mayor, and Councilwoman Heather Cooper. Hansen won reelection in 2022, with her current term set to expire at the end of 2026.
This November, township residents will vote for candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties to serve out the two years remaining in Hansen’s term. Evesham’s Democratic committee has the option of submitting three candidates who would serve until January.
Earlier this year, the committee announced its support for Joseph Fisicaro Jr. – a teacher at Cherokee High School and an Evesham board of education member – and former township Fire Commissioner Christian Smith as its council candidates for the November ballot.
That move came after Hansen, along with Deputy Mayor Ginamarie Espinoza and Councilman Eddie Freeman III, opposed Veasy and Cooper at a January council meeting, voting 3-2 to replace township Solicitor Robert Wright Jr., of Malamut & Associates, and replace him with Christopher Orlando of Parker McCay, the law firm run by Philip Norcross, brother of South Jersey Democratic power broker Georgee Norcross.
As a result, Evesham’s Democratic committee said it wouldn’t back Freeman and Espinoza for reelection, creating two vacancies on township council at the end of the year, since Freeman and Espinoza would not be running.
During the council comments portion of the August meeting, Hansen cited the recent division among council members and lack of communication as reasons for her resignation.
“The situation has been particularly challenging, and the environment has become increasingly difficult to endure,” she said. “I often felt my opinions were disregarded when they did not align with those of other (council) members. “It’s clear that change is needed.
“We should put the community above all else,” Hansen added. “Unfortunately, this disconnect has created division that prevents us from collectively being at our best. It’s my sincere hope that whoever is chosen to fill this seat as I depart is treated with respect, fairness and more trust and transparency than was afforded me.”
Hansen commended several township staffers during her farewell address, including former Township Manager Mary Lou Bergh, who passed away in September of last year.
“it is with heartfelt emotion that I recognize Mary Lou Bergh, who has left a lasting impression on me,” Hansen noted. “She ensured that we had a solid succession plan for her office, and her compassion and insights were instrumental in helping me understand what our council can truly accomplish. I was very fortunate to have her as a guiding light.
“Any achievement and progress I have done has only been made possible by the outstanding staff here in Evesham,” Hansen continued. “Clerk’s office, parks and rec, tax offices, accounting, community services, HR – all of the staff. Their reliability is the cornerstone of success in Evesham.
“The consistent quality of their work is something to be proud of,” she maintained. “Many things would not have been completed without each and every one of them. Thank you once again, good luck in the future, and don’t forget to shop, eat, drink, and support local.”
Hansen’s full comments from the council meeting can be viewed on the township website.
