Is it possible that Will Anklowitz’s days on council are numbered? Anklowitz may have to resign his seat on the West Windsor Township Council if he is nominated as a judge on the state Superior Court in Mercer County.
A report in the Times of Trenton said that Governor Jon Corzine has filed a notice of intent with the secretary of the state Senate to nominate Anklowitz, a public defense attorney, along with another Mercer County attorney, as judges.
When asked to confirm the reports, Anklowitz said “it’s really up to the governor to make a public announcement to something like that.”
According to the state judiciary website, the initial term for a judge is seven years. After the seven years is up, judges who are reappointed have tenure, which then allows them to remain in their posts until they reach the age of 70.
Also, according to state law on the website, “without prior written approval of the Supreme Court, requested through the Administrative Director of the Courts, judges may not hold any other public office, position, or employment.”
If Anklowitz becomes a Superior Court judge, he will have to resign from council, which could either mean the council would be in charge of appointing his replacement, depending on the timing of an Anklowitz resignation with regard to the May 12 election. The new council member, if appointed, would serve until the next election, when he or she would have to run to fill out the term. Or there could be a special election in November if no one is chosen by council before then.
