SOUTH JERSEY
Cherry Hill Courier-Post
(This story has been updated to add new information).
Some are calling for the resignation of Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca following the DUI and child endangerment charges filed against her March 17.
At a township committee meeting March 20, residents and neighbors from surrounding municipalities called for LaPlaca to resign.
"I'm asking you guys to to the right thing if she's not going to do the right thing, and she needs to resign," a Chesterfield resident said during the meeting. "She needs to be the best version of herself."
Several residents stepped forward to address the mayor's charges at the committee meeting during the public comment portion.
"As we all know, there is a huge black eye and black cloud over our town right now," one resident said.
"I do believe that we need to move forward as a community, and for us to truly turn the page I believe that cannot occur with her on our council," she added.
A fellow township official also called for LaPlaca to resign.
"My immediate wish is for Gina to be selfish. Selfish enough to realize that her mental and physical wellbeing comes first," Committeeman Terrance Benson said at Thursday's township meeting.
"My personal opinion is for the mayor to step down and to heal herself."
According to court records, LaPlaca was arrested March 17 for allegedly driving while intoxicated with a 2-year-old child in the rear driver-side seat of her vehicle.
The mayor's husband, Jason Carty, posted a Facebook comment in a Lumberton group that LaPlaca was "in treatment and getting the care she needs."
"Thank you to the countless residents who have reached out to extend their words of encouragement as she begins her road to recovery," Carty wrote.
LaPlaca is facing multiple charges in municipal court including driving under the influence and child endangerment.
This story will be updated.
Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at [email protected]. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.