Council adopts appointment of Cheryl Lynn Hodges after debate over resignation proof

The Paterson Municipal Council on March 25 adopted Resolution No. 26149 appointing Cheryl Lynn Hodges to the Rent Leveling Board after a contentious discussion about whether a vacancy had been properly confirmed.

Councilman Velez said a public social-media post from the outgoing commissioner constituted a resignation and moved to appoint Hodges immediately. Several colleagues questioned whether social-media alone satisfied legal or administrative confirmation. The city’s corporation counsel said the law department had reached out to the Rent Leveling Board to confirm a vacancy and that the office seeks to ensure actions are legally competent before the council votes.

Councilwoman Cotton said she would follow corporation counsel’s guidance and could not support the appointment without official paperwork in front of her. Another council member initially abstained, then changed to a yes vote after colleagues pointed out that the item before the council was an appointment resolution rather than acceptance of a resignation.

During debate a council member read aloud what they said was the public post and quoted the line, “I am resigning as your commissioner on the rent leveling board.” The corporation counsel cautioned that while the post had been brought to the law department’s attention, formal confirmation was still being sought to ensure the appointment process complied with legal requirements.

Roll-call voting produced six votes in favor, one against, and two absences; the clerk announced the resolution was adopted.

Vote tally: 6 yes, 1 no, 0 abstain, 2 absent. The council adopted Resolution No. 26149 appointing Cheryl Lynn Hodges to the Rent Leveling Board.