Karla Timmons Appointed to Rahway City Council, Filling Vacancy Left by Parson’s Resignation
The former 2nd Ward councilwoman returns to the dais after stepping down last year. Parson, the first Black woman elected to the council, departed without public explanation.
Caption. (Source)
Chris Howell | May 8, 2026
The Rahway City Council unanimously appointed Karla Timmons to fill the 3rd Ward seat. The vacancy was created when Councilwoman Vannie Deloris Parson resigned, effective April 22, 2026.
Timmons previously served as the 2nd Ward representative from May 2023 to June 2025. She was selected from three nominees submitted by the Rahway Democratic Municipal Committee. The other two candidates were JoAnn Gemenden, a member of the Rahway Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Katherine Gonzalez, a confidential aide to Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe.
Mayor Giacobbe praised both Parson’s tenure and Timmons’ return.
“We thank Councilwoman Vannie Deloris Parson for her service to Rahway and wish her the very best,” Giacobbe said. “At the same time, we are proud to welcome Karla Timmons back to the Council. Her experience, knowledge of our community, and dedication to public service make her well-prepared to serve the residents of the 3rd Ward and help move our city forward.”
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Parson’s resignation marked the end of a historic tenure. She was the first African American woman elected to the Rahway Municipal Council. She also served as Council President during 2023-2024. No reason has been publicly disclosed for her departure.
Timmons stepped down from her 2nd Ward seat in June 2025 after moving to a different part of the city.
“I’m excited to be back here on the council and to be serving the city,” Timmons said.
Her return to the council comes with immediate responsibilities. She used her first remarks at the May 4 meeting to praise the Department of Public Works. She also called for monthly updates on stalled contract negotiations between DPW workers and the city.
The appointment runs through December 31, 2026. The 3rd Ward seat will return to voters in the November 2026 general election.
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