Wayne council member steps down
Long democrat decides 'after much thought'
By: Philip DeVencentis
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
WAYNE - Francine Ritter, a two-term member of the Township council and its only democrat, has resigned.
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Ritter announced that she planned to step down effective March 6 [2026] in a Facebook post on February 20. [2026] She said the decision was based on "personal and professional consideration" and made "after much thought."
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She thanked her constituents of the 5th Ward, as well as her council colleagues, the municipal clerk and the township administration.
..... "I appreciate the opportunity to have served, to have listens, and to have worked on behalf of the people of Wayne," Ritter said. "Thank you to everyone who shared there though, my time on council. Your engagement mattered to me."
..... Ritter, 61, an attorney, was first elected in November 2019 after winning the nomination of her party in a contested primary. She was reelected four years later in a very close race. this past fall, [11/2025] she ran unsuccessfully for an at-large counsel seat.
..... Before joining the council, Ritter was the president of the condominium board at Brittany chase on Berdan Avenue. She entered that role when doubts arose about a $3 million emergency assessment at the 395-unit complex. she and fellow unit owners led an uprising to oust incumbent board, later recovering $1.1 million in restitution through a legal action.
..... Ritter cemented a reputation for asking tough questions and challenging the status quo on the governing body.
..... But her opinions on affordable housing emergency response and other matters were usually rejected by the Republicans, who have an 8-1 majority on the council.
..... On the issue of housing, for example, Ritter said the township approached the state mandate the wrong way. She has repeatedly held the Wayne could satisfy its obligation to provide affordable units without relying on private developers.
..... The Wayne Democratic Club said in a statement that its members were grateful to Ritter for allowing them to be heard "though her lone voice on the council, even when it must have been so difficult to do so."