JACKSON, NJ — The Jackson Township Council has appointed former mayor and longtime councilman Ken Bressi to fill the vacant council seat left by the recent passing of Councilman Scott Sargent. The death of Sargent left the township council with a large void. Sargent, who spent his life as a public servant in Jackson had a vast wealth of experience when it came to government, including his years spent as a member of the Jackson Board of Education.
Bressi, a Vietnam combat veteran and U.S. Marine, brings decades of experience in township government to the position. He has served Jackson in multiple capacities since 1989, including roles as mayor, deputy mayor, council president, council chairman, planning board chairman, and member of both the planning board and zoning board of adjustment.
During his career in public office, Bressi served on many township boards and committees.
Bressi has long been an opponent of Jackson Mayor Michael Reina, having run against him unsuccessfully for mayor once. In 2022, he dropped out of the race against Reina’s ticket after a smear campaign was waged against him by loyalists to the mayor that year.
Bressi has long been an opponent of overdevelopment, using the township’s Master Plan as a defense against it.
Council President Jennifer Kuhn cited Mr. Bressi’s decades of institutional knowledge of Jackson, zoning laws, and knowledge of government operations. Bressi was first elected to office in 1992.
The vote for Bressi was unanimous among the four members of the council. He was sworn in by New Jersey Assemblyman Gregory P. McGucking, with his wife Karen at his side.
In his application to the council, Bressi stated, “Due to the untimely passing of Councilman Scott Sargent, sadly there is now a vacant seat on Jackson’s Governing Body. Even at this very sorrowful time, the Council’s work must continue and I would like to be considered for that position.”
The appointment followed the council’s review of more than 20 applications submitted by township residents seeking to fill the vacancy. After consideration, council members cited Bressi’s extensive background in township matters as the deciding factor.
Bressi has also participated in several township subcommittees, including those dealing with COAH/Affordable Housing, Pinelands, and Township Master Plans.
The appointment is temporary and will last only for the remainder of the year. Jackson Township will hold an election in November to fill the unexpired term, with the newly elected council member scheduled to be seated at the reorganization meeting in January 2026.
