JUDGE: DEMARZO CAN’T BE MAYOR UNTIL HE DECIDES

A Superior Court judge ruled this afternoon that Wildwood Mayor Gary DeMarzo cannot serve any duties as mayor or a city commissioner until he decides if he wants to be a mayor, or a police officer.  Judge Valerie Armstrong ruled today that DeMarzo cannot put himself on a voluntary layoff list in the city to avoid choosing; he must either choose being mayor, or a police officer.  The judge also ruled that DeMarzo has until 4 p.m. on Thursday to make a decision, or he will be forced to give up his police job. The decision must be submitted as a written letter of resignation to the other commissioners. Wildwood Police Lt. Rich Adair filed the lawsuit that would force DeMarzo’s hand on the issue, and Armstrong heard the arguments in court on Wednesday.  DeMarzo was voted onto the city commission in 2007, and became mayor last year.