Middletown Township Public Library Board of Trustees President Randall Gabrielan resigned his post Monday after facing criticism for approving payments from the library for copies of a book he authored.

Mayor Anthony Fiore called for Gabrielan’s resignation last week after learning of the submitted vouchers, calling his actions unethical at the very least. At the time, Gabrielan called the move political retribution for his vocal opposition of the township’s request for $500,000 in the library’s surplus to balance the municipal budget.

In his resignation letter, however, Gabrielan said he had read over New Jersey statutes following the controversy and understood the submitted vouchers were not permissible.

“I understand that signing vouchers for my minor sales constitutes a violation as the small amounts involved do not matter,” Gabrielan said in the letter.

Fiore said he accepted Gabrielan’s resignation letter and he and the Middletown Township Committee will actively search to fill the vacancy and that of Board Treasurer Sherry Miloscia, who resigned her position Jan. 20.

“In his letter Mr. Gabrielan acknowledged that his actions were wrong and understands the position I was put in to ask for his resignation from the board of trustees,” Fiore said. “I believe Mr. Gabrielan is acting in both the best interest of the Middletown Township Public Library and the taxpayers of Middletown by doing such.  The governing body and I appreciate all that Mr. Gabrielan has done for the library through his many years of service as a trustee.”

Patch will feature more information in a follow-up story on this issue.