UPDATED: Citing DWI Charges, East Windsor Deputy Mayor Resigns from Township Council

Walter T. Daniels Jr., a 15-year member of the East Windsor Council and 2011’s deputy mayor, resigned from his position on the council today, Tuesday. Daniels faces charges of driving while intoxicated and related charges in Hightstown stemming from a .

In reports released after the incident, Hightstown officers said to downgrade the charges against him and to call their superiors on his behalf.

In a letter addressed to Mayor Janice Mironov and dated March 22, Daniels, 67, cited the charges as the reason for his resignation. Copies were also sent to the other members of the all-Democrat council and some township employees.

“I have greatly enjoyed my service on the Council and, in particular, working with you in providing the highest level of public service to the residents of East Windsor Township,” Daniels wrote. “However, on March 2, 2011, I was involved in a traffic stop in the [sic] Hightstown Borough which resulted in a DUI/DWI charge.

“Though the case is still pending I think it is best that I resign my position on the East Windsor Township Council because I do not wish this situation to diminish or distract from the important work being done by the Township Council or reflect [sic] negatively on the Council’s past achievements.”

Hightstown police records indicate the incident was March 1, and that Daniels was charged with DWI, DWI within a school zone, refusal to submit to a breath test, reckless driving, careless driving, speeding and failure to maintain lane.

Mayor Mironov, who announced after the charges were filed that Daniels would not be performing any duties as deputy mayor, said today that the council will begin looking for a new member.

"The circumstances are unfortunate," she said. "Walt has performed a great deal of
good service to the community over many years. But I understand and respect his decision. We will move forward in accordance with the process provided for in New Jersey law to fill the vacated council seat."

Daniels declined to comment on the situation, as did the office of his attorney, Mark Shane of Edison-based Shane and White, LLC.

Daniels is scheduled to appear in at 1:30 p.m. April 6.

To see a copy of the letter, click "View Gallery" at the bottom of the above image.

This article was updated at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday to include Mayor Mironov's comments.