Adler resigns from council in Cherry Hill

Shelley Adler, wife of freshman U.S. Rep. John Adler (D., N.J.), has announced her resignation from Cherry Hill Township Council, citing time constraints resulting from her husband's new job in Washington.

"I have found that his service in Washington, D.C., has placed unanticipated and extraordinary demands on my time," Shelley Adler said in a letter to the township clerk dated Monday.

After already missing two council meetings this year to care for the couple's four sons, Adler wrote, "I have now come to recognize that that may be a sign of the future."

The attorney, who lives in the township's Siena neighborhood, was appointed to council to fill an open seat in 2004 and was elected in 2005.

Mayor Bernie Platt said in a statement yesterday that Adler's name was "synonymous with integrity and intelligence in Cherry Hill."

"I am disappointed to lose such a sharp mind and a dedicated public servant," he said.

"However, I understand Shelley's undying devotion to her family and her need to focus more time on raising four sons and honing her professional career."

Adler's resignation is effective next Monday. The Cherry Hill Democratic Party will have 15 days to offer the council three nominees to fill the seat. The council then has 30 days to make an appointment.