Councilman Kevin Gsell bows out of Morristown race

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Kevin Gsell had to wage a court battle in 2009 to win a seat on the Morristown council, because he actually lived in Morris Township.

Turns out he can’t resist the Township’s tug.  The councilman is dropping his Morristown re-election bid because he won a bid on a home in the Township, according to Morristown officials.

Kevin submitted a letter late on Monday withdrawing from the June primary, said Morristown Town Clerk Matt Stechauner.

The surprise move, coming just days ahead of Morris County’s deadline for printing primary ballots, left the Morristown Democratic Committee scrambling for legal advice on how to replace Kevin on a slate that includes council incumbents Michelle Dupree Harris and Toshiba Foster, and Mayor Tim Dougherty.

They face council challenges from Democratic contenders Tommy Alexander, former head of the town’s human services department; planning board member Michael Pooler; and Jessica Williamson of the town environmental commission.  The Mayor is unopposed.

Kevin could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.

The Mayor said he had hoped that Kevin would buy a house in Morristown. But the councilman got a “great deal that he couldn’t turn down” in the Township.

“I’m disappointed he’s not running,” said the Mayor, “but I respect the choices people make for their lives.”

GOING, GOING... Morristown At-Large Councilman Kevin Gsell, pictured here at a 2011 road race, is stepping down to move to Morris Township. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
GOING, GOING... Morristown At-Large Councilman Kevin Gsell, pictured here at a 2011 road race, is stepping down to move to Morris Township, officials said. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Back in 2009, Kevin said he thought his rented carriage house on Conklin Road in Morris Township actually was in Morristown, based on prior elections in which local officials allowed him to vote in the town. A judge ruled that Kevin should not be penalized for Morristown’s mistakes, and allowed him back on the ballot. Subsequently he moved to an apartment on South Street.

Kevin, the liaison to the town redevelopment commission, is the council’s youngest member, at 32, and also its quietest. His most extended public comments–a few sentences–are captured on video here and here.

He also has walked a tricky tightrope between family and municipal obligations during council deliberations on bar applications submitted by members of the Walsh family. Kevin’s sister is married to Billy Walsh, and their brother, David Gsell, has in interest with the Walshes in Sona Thirteen.

While Kevin has recused himself from some bar discussions, he voted this month for the expansion of Tashmoo, a DeHart Street bar represented by Dave Walsh.

“Although he didn’t speak a lot, he was a very effective councilman,” said Mayor Dougherty, adding that the town’s loss is the Township’s gain.

“The Township is always looking for good Democrats!” the Mayor said.

 

 

 

 

1 COMMENT

  1. It will be difficult to replace Kevin but there are many good options in this upcoming election. I look forward to a closely contested election, it should be interesting.

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