Wirths' nomination for state post is challenged

Wantage — Wantage Township resident Harold J. “Hal” Wirths Jr., who is Gov. Chris Christie’s nominee for Labor Commissioner, has not yet been approved for his new position. Wirths testified in late March before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which then adjourned without deciding on his nomination because Democrats said he didn’t have enough votes to be approved, according to an article by the Associated Press. Wirths has been a Sussex County Freeholder since 2000 and is currently that body’s deputy director. His term expires on Dec. 31. County Administrator John Eskilson said that Wirths remains a freeholder throughout the nomination process for the state post. “Hal Wirths has not resigned; he is still a freeholder,” Eskilson said, adding that if Wirths is confirmed as Labor Commissioner and resigns as freeholder, there is a set process the county will follow to select his replacement for the remainder of his term. Frankford resident and township committee member Sam Castimore has erected a sign in support of Wirths at his farm on County Route 565. “I believe that he’s the best man for the job, which is why I put the sign up at my farm,” said Castimore, who described himself as a friend of Wirths for many years.