Fire Commissioner Rosemarie Logue sat for an interview with The Mount Holly Report on October 18, 2026. Logue is running to win a second term. She is running with Gary Brotz for the two Commissioner seats available this election cycle.
Mr. Brotz will be interviewed separately.
The Reporter’s first question addressed a central focus of her opponents – is firefighting experience necessary to be a commissioner?
Logue said it is not necessary to have firefighting experience and pointed out that law actually forbids holding certain active firefighting roles while also being a commissioner due to conflicts of interest it could invite. Logue hastened to add that she would welcome creation of the five standing committees called for by Fire District Bylaws which would include firefighter personnel working alongside board members. The practice has not been implemented during her time on the Board.
The Reporter’s raised another question which was a concern of her opponents – is it fair to say there is a “Romper Room” demeanor to Board meetings?
Logue said that Rossell’s observation was “not a poor characterization” although she likely disagrees with him regarding the reasons for that atmosphere. Logue believes one of the biggest causes of conflict is information “gatekeeping” that was practiced by the Chair of the Board. “I was often not provided with agendas, reports, or resolutions more than 24 hours before I was expected to vote upon them, if they were even provided at all.” The withholding of information caused Logue to ask probing questions which not only caused meetings to last longer than they otherwise might have, but it also caused an unnecessary “adversarial” atmosphere.
“I’ve never been able to stand down from a bully, and the people of Mount Holly put me in that seat to be their voice, to ask questions and make an informed vote. I think had I behaved more meekly, it would be standing in contrast to who I am as a person and who they elected me to be in that seat.”
The Reporter asked for comment on the Open Public Meetings Act violations that resulted in costly litigation for the fire district.
“I attempted to resist those violations and brought it to the attention of my fellow commissioners but to no avail. The fact that a majority of our board was then going to spend taxpayer dollars to defend an action they had to know was not only in violation of state law but unequivocally in violation of our bylaws is concerning to me as a taxpayer. Had a member of our community not used his wealth to pursue persistent lawsuits, that illegal action would have stood unchallenged. The people of Mount Holly should not have sue in order to expect law abiding governance.”
For more about the lawsuit, see rothmel wins carty out
The Reporter asked if a conflict of interest exists where a husband [George Gaskill] gets elected to Commissioner and his wife [June Gaskill] already serves as a Commissioner and where Mr. Gaskill is an firefighting officer for the District.
Logue expressed concern over public perception and potential conflicts of interest where a husband and wife serve together while the husband is actively involved in departmental operations. “I can envision scenario’s where one or both of them might face a choice of having to recuse from votes. I don’t know why someone would seek this role that has so much potential for conflict of interest that could invite lawsuits. I would rather foster other people who would very much like to do this work on their behalf”.
Logue added that “Commissioner June Gaskill has repeatedly made it clear that she will prioritize her personal goals against the advice of Counsel, and above the long term success of the District. Her husband George Gaskill has been publicly supportive of those decisions and the people of this town have no evidence that he would serve any differently.” See George Gaskill Steps Down
The Reporter brought up the issue of the State of NJ requirement for a 5 year plan and asked for comment.
Logue noted the success of Chief Mason’s five-year plan to address operational shortcomings. She said his version of the Duty Crew Program incorporates a volunteer requirement which has driven local recruitment and boosted daytime coverage. Chief Mason recently reported that roughly 15 to 18 volunteers have joined, with additional candidates pending. The district has identified small stipend reductions to stretch funding further, aiming to combine paid shifts and volunteer coverage more effectively.
Other Comments from Logue
Logue said she has a deep family history in firefighting, which gives her an understanding of the support required for firefighter safety needs and operational demands. She said she is committed to public accountability, transparent governance, and adhering strictly to state statutes and local bylaws. She emphasized that she intends to continue supporting Chief Mason’s State approved operational plan and modified recruitment efforts and hopes the Board will begin to resume a more appropriate role within the district that better reflects the bylaws.