The push to recall Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick has cleared a key hurdle after Municipal Clerk Stephen Hensel certified the recall petition this week, allowing organizers to begin collecting signatures.

The committee must gather about signatures from 25% of registered voters, approximately 18,900 valid signatures, within 160 days. Organizers say their goal is to have 22,000 by the January 25, 2026 deadline.

The recall effort is being led by Phil Brilliant, a Rodrick critic, along with Dana Tormollan and Christopher Raimann.

Supporters of the recall accuse Rodrick of weakening services, citing police staffing cuts, the closure of Silverton EMS and the township animal shelter, reduced code enforcement, and limited transparency in council meetings. They also oppose his plan to take over a local Church for recreation instead of a homeless shelter.

Rodrick, who took office in January 2024, defends his record, pointing to two straight years without a tax increase, an $11 million budget cut, blocking large-scale apartment projects, and delivering new parks, spray parks, cancelling the controversial inspection law, a municipal pier and a grant-funded extension of the Ortley Beach boardwalk. He has called the recall a political move by Hill’s allies.

If enough signatures are collected, a special election will be scheduled to decide whether Rodrick remains in office.