Clifton fills all seven city council seats every four years in a November non-partisan election that typically draws a large field of candidates.  The top vote-getter – by tradition, not ordinance – becomes the mayor.

It’s a tradition in Clifton that when a city council seat becomes vacant, the interim appointment goes to the person who received the next highest number of votes in the last general election.

Following the recent passing of three-term Councilman Bill Gibson last month has created a deadlock, after three of the six members of the governing body decided to bypass the tradition and appoint Gibson’s widow, Robin, to fill the remaining seven months of his term.

Gibson is the second council member to die since the 2022 general election.  When Lauren Murphy passed away in 2024, Councilman Gibson nominated and supported along with the other council members to appoint Chris D'Amato based on tradition.

When the appointment of Mayor came up, Councilwoman Mary Sadrakula supported Ray Grabowski and pointed to the importance of following tradition as the highest vote-getter. When Councilman Matt Grabowski passed away, Joe Cupoli was selected to fill the vacancy.

To replace Gibson, three city council members supported Fahim Abedrabbo, a former school board member who polled just 15 fewer votes than D’Amato in the last election.  Joe Kolodziej nominated Fahim Abedrabbo, seconded by Rosemary Pino, and supported by Mayor Grabowski - that vote was 3-3. Three other council members supported an alternative appointment for an individual who has not been tested through the municipal election process. Both votes ended in a tie, leaving the seat vacant and the council divided. 

The consequences of leaving the seat vacant are already evident. A six-member council split evenly 3-3 creates recurring deadlocks and makes it more difficult for the city to address important issues facing residents. Without a seventh council member, Clifton risks continued stalemate on matters that require leadership, collaboration, and progress.

It is crucial for the City Council to remain consistent with its practices and fulfill its duty to the citizens by appointing Fahim Abedrabbo, the next highest vote-getter, to fill this vacancy in order to keep a functional government. Allowing Fahim Abedrabbo to serve demonstrates Clifton's commitment to honoring the will of the voters.

 Fahim would become the first Palestinian American on the Clifton council, a milestone reflecting the rich cultural diversity of our community. Ensuring representation that mirrors our community can result in improved policies and governance that address the needs and concerns of all residents.

We respectfully call upon the Clifton City Council to hold a special meeting and appoint Fahim Abedrabbo to fill the vacant council seat in accordance with Clifton’s longstanding tradition of selecting the next highest vote-getter, and recognize the will of the people as expressed in elections.

Join us in appealing to the Clifton City Council to make this appointment and demonstrate our commitment to diversity, tradition, and democratic values. Please sign this petition and help make a difference in our community today.