Keffer “Mugged” At Final Township Committee Meeting as Mayor

Hugh Keffer ended his year as Springfield’s Mayor and term as Committee member with a symbolic honor for his service to the township, kind words from his fellow and a campaign keepsake from a member of the public.

Deputy Mayor David Amlen presented Keffer with a mug at the Springfield Township Committee meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 20. Springfield Township Administrator Anthony Cancro started the mugging program, where municipal employees are presented with oversized coffee mugs donated by ,  in recognition of exemplary work.

Springfield resident Sandy Weinger, a frequent and vocal presence at Township Committee meetings, thanked the outgoing Mayor for his service to Springfield during the public comments section. Also, he gave Keffer a memento from his political career: a “We Want Hugh” pin distributed in his political campaign.

At the close of the meeting, Republican Committee member Jerry Fernandez, who often dissented with actions by this year’s Democratic Committee majority, thanked Keffer for his work as a Committee member and Mayor.

Keffer, a Democrat, lost his re-election bid to Republican Ziad Shehady in November. He has served on the Committee for three years, and as a Mayor for one year.