Hamilton Councilwoman Ileana Schirmer will not seek re-election

Councilwoman Ileana Schirmer
Hamilton Councilwoman Ileana Schirmer at a townhall meeting. Photo by Michael A. Sabo

Pens Open Letter to the Residents Regarding Her Decision

Hamilton Township Councilwoman Ileana Schirmer has decided against seeking re-election in 2019.

Schirmer, a Republican was appointed to council in December of 2012, to replace the vacant seat on Council of Kelly Yaede who was appointed to Mayor. She was elected in 2013 and then re-elected in 2015.

An outspoken and independent voice on Council, Schirmer was Hamilton’s first elected Hispanic female.

Schirmer’s unwavering independence quickly put her at odds with both Yaede, her administration and Yaede supporters.


Letter to the Residents of Hamilton Township from Councilwoman Ileana Schirmer

Dear Hamilton Township Residents,

           Allow me to begin by saying it has been an incredible honor and privilege to serve you as your Councilwoman. My time on the governing body has been an incredible gift. Throughout my years of service, I have been involved in and supported many of our community’s organizations, programs, churches, schools and incredible individuals.  

As my term comes to an end this year and as a supporter of term limits, I have decided to not seek re-election. As a mother of two, and with my son in high school, I look forward to having time to support him, attend his baseball games and spend more quality time with my family, who have supported me throughout my terms on Council. Additionally, I simply cannot support an Administration I no longer respect.  An administration defined by bullying, intimidation, retaliation, secrecy and self-absorbed attitudes that puts residents last.

 I am forever grateful to all the individuals who throughout the years have provided support and guidance. Those friendships will always mean the world to me, and while I will no longer serve on the governing body in 2020, I will continue to be involved in serving the Hamilton Township community in different ways. I will always speak my mind. That is who I am and who I will always be. I am a very loyal person, but that loyalty is not blind. I look forward to seeing many of you as I continue to work with the great organizations I care so much for and support, including the Hispanic outreach programs and events for our ever-growing Hispanic community.

 Once again, thank you to the Hamilton residents who put their faith in me to serve the entire community, not just a select few. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the first elected Hispanic female in Mercer County and Hamilton Township.  

With much respect and deep gratitude. God bless you.

Ileana Schirmer

Hamilton Township Councilwoman

About The Author


Irving Lawrence Duckwald III is a freelance writer and blogger based in Central New Jersey. He has a penchant for fried chicken, fast cars, and fancy suits. With a knack for "setting the record straight", he can argue till the cows come home why it's Pork Roll and not Taylor Ham.