WEST ORANGE, NJ – During the recent town council meeting, members discussed cannabis businesses. Council President Bill Rutherford reported, “The Planning Board has heard its first cultivator, and we're hoping to have cannabis businesses up and running very certainly this year.”
Two of the cannabis retailers that have been approved by the township haven’t communicated with the township in a while, and the council talked about revoking their letters of support. Township attorney, Stephen Gengaro, explained, “Even if we do the revocation of the two, I believe the two that we're all referring to are Kemistry and Peace of Mind.” He continued, “They’re two separate processes. In order to revoke them just because of where we're at with both. So for Kemistry, we gave them an opportunity to cure [complete] their application, but it's been several years. So with that one, you can do a resolution to revoke it.” He noted, "Revoking Peace of Mind would just be a separate resolution doing the same thing, but there's no requirement from what I'm told to get noticed.”
One of the attendees and speakers at the meeting was Jennifer Hardell, who’s trying to open a cultivating business called Blue Violet Grow, LLC. She has appeared at many town council meetings in an effort to move forward with her business. She always requests an update on when she can set up shop.
The township has a moratorium on cannabis businesses right now. Council members have considered ending the moratorium on cultivators because the public doesn’t patronize them, and they can be located away from business districts. Council Member Michelle Casalino warned that if the township opens a space, “Once we open it up, then you will have all this pressure of five more applicants coming to us, and we're going to expand and because it's a political year this year.” She added, “We need a mechanism in place because you have an apartment there with a lot of children living across the street from the playground right there on that corner. The delivery trucks have to go to the Park Avenue entrance, so it doesn't interfere.”
Williams pointed out, “The Planning Board will issue conditions, because this is a new industry that will regulate the odor, and it is within their purview and control. They can say if there is a complaint from a neighbor, and they can create whatever mechanisms they want. They can also implement something that says if there's a complaint that the entity has 30 days to remediate it.” She also suggested taking an inventory of space to ensure there’s space for more cultivators.
Council Member Casalino and Asmeret Ghebremicael spoke of the revenue that cannabis taxes would bring in.
Council members are holding a cannabis workshop to discuss ending the moratorium and welcoming new distributors and cultivators. There will be no public comment, but residents can watch the meeting.
]]>WEST ORANGE, NJ – During the recent town council meeting, members spoke about the new Senior Café and senior citizen programs. Council Member Sue Scarpa praised the Senior Services Program Director. “Laura Van Dyke has done a tremendous job with our Winter Cafe for the seniors. She is one of those people who juggle so many balls, and when we asked her to put this program together with us, I knew it was a little bit of extra work for her.”
Scarpa said that the senior citizens are very happy to gather at the Toby Katz Center, especially in the winter, because they go to the Ginny Duenkel Pool in the summer but need a cool weather destination. She reported that the Teen Techie Program, in which high school students teach senior citizens to operate computers and devices, will return this summer.
“Some of the programs that the nursing homes have put in place have been wonderful to watch. [They learn about] diseases and things that affect seniors," Scarpa also shared.
Council Member Tammy Williams commented, “I want to remind our seniors to come out to the Senior Café. The grassroots foundation, in combination with the Mountaineer Mentors and me, go on a monthly basis to do an intergenerational reading program with our seniors in conjunction with the Senior Services Department.”
Williams remarked that the students and senior citizens share stories and have great conversations. She also gave accolades to Scarpa, who she called “the biggest advocate for our seniors this year and since her election.” Williams mentioned that she and Scarpa visited the senior facilities before COVID and always tried to find something entertaining for them each month, like a dance or similar.
]]>WEST ORANGE, NJ -- In the heart of West Orange High School, two unsung heroes reign supreme: Gene Palatianos and Ashley Sivo. As National Athletic Training Month takes center stage, we shine the spotlight on these dynamic athletic trainers "From Head to Toe" whose passion and dedication fuel the spirit of the game.
With 26 years of experience in the trenches, Gene Palatianos embodies the essence of athletic training. From his roots at Kean University to the halls of West Orange High School, Gene's journey is one of relentless dedication and commitment. For Gene, the thrill lies not in the victories on the field, but in the triumphs of his athletes' recovery journeys. From the weight room to the sidelines, Gene's presence is felt — a beacon of strength and resilience for those in need.
Ashley Sivo is a force to be reckoned with in her own right. With nine years of experience under her belt, Ashley's journey from Seton Hall University to West Orange High School is a testament to her passion for the craft. For Ashley, the joy of athletic training lies in the moments of redemption -- when sidelined athletes rise from injury, their determination burning brighter than ever before.
In a playful homage to their craft, Gene and Ashley partnered with the West Orange High School Sports Media Association and took to social media to showcase the quirks and nuances of life as athletic trainers at West Orange High School. From the legendary "best ice" to the ever-present AED by their side, their Instagram escapade captures the essence of their profession — a delicate balance of professionalism and camaraderie, where every detail matters.
Click HERE to watch the video.
During National Athletic Training Month, let us raise an extra toast to Gene, Ashley, and all the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Theirs is a world of grit and determination, where victory is measured not in touchdowns or goals, but in the resilience of the human spirit. So here's to you Gene and Ashley —the silent guardians of the game, whose dedication keeps our athletes safe, healthy, and ready to conquer the world, one game at a time.
]]>WEST ORANGE, NJ -- First ballot Grammy nominated R&B artist Carl Brister will release his debut country music single "Will Be Spring Again" on March 22, 2024. Inspired by Carl's own true story, "Will Be Spring Again" is a toe-tapping song of hope that can be sung every day of the year. Carl's, whose cover of Janet Jackson's "Let's Wait Awhile", achieved impressive reviews from fans and critics alike, will release his upbeat new single "Will Be Spring Again" along with an official music video directed by Fredy Mfuko, followed by a downloadable comic book in April and May during Stress & Mental Health Awareness Months.
Produced by Brister & Scott Packham, "Will Be Spring Again" also marks the professional debut of Carl's teenage son, Jordan "J-Maestro" Brister as co-writer and co-producer. Carl, who married his college sweetheart and has two teenage sons, shared, "We had a lot of fun, and it turned out to be a great father-son bonding experience."
In addition to his music, Carl is very active in his community through his own non-profit organization, Music Village, which provides Music and Arts Scholarships to young artists and hosts The Love+Unity Fest, an event he founded in 2016 in response to racial intolerance, hate crimes and other forms of divisiveness threatening the community.
Carl described The Love+Unity Fest, "It is a free, week-long, family-oriented event that was founded with the purpose of bringing the community together in love through music and the arts. It takes place from May 13 to May 18 throughout West Orange." The event is produced by Carl and Music Village in partnership with West Orange Public Schools. Now in its 9th year, The Love+Unity Fest has been honored with virtual and in-person appearances by NJ legends Dionne Warwick, Robert "Kool" Bell, Nat Adderly Jr., opera's Alison Bolshoi and more. Carl will perform "Will Be Spring Again" at The Love+Unity Fest along with songs from his upcoming album "The Journey To L.O.V.E." to be released later this year.
"Will Be Spring Again," the debut country single by Carl, arrives on all online and digital platforms everywhere on March 22, followed by the "Will Be Spring Again" downloadable comic book in April through May.
Click HERE for a Love+Unity video.
]]>WEST ORANGE, NJ -- On Saturday, March 9, at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, West Orange native, Sandy Guerrero, earned her third time All-American wrestler status. She is the senior captain of the #9-ranked New Jersey City University (NJCU) Women’s Wrestling program run by Coach Barry Hart. Sandy triumphed at the National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championship (NCWWC), claiming the national title at 191 pounds. This victory marks the first individual national champion in the women's wrestling program at NJCU and the first for New Jersey.
According to her mother, Claudia, "Sandy's journey to the championship was nothing short of spectacular. She began her weekend with three consecutive victories by fall, propelling her into the semifinals with unmatched momentum. In a decisive match against Alexa Garcia of #3-ranked King University, Sandy emerged victorious with an 8-1 decision."
Sandy faced off in the finals against #3-ranked Jaycee Foeller of the University of Iowa, in the championship match in front of a stadium full of Iowa fans. Guerrero showcased her resilience and skill, executing a flawless take-down. She then completed her victory with a pin at 2:22, securing her place as the 191-pound National Champion.
Sandy also was awarded the Outstanding Wrestler Award, which is voted by all participating university wrestling coaches at the national level. This is a very impressive award to attain out of 240 wrestlers who competed.
Sandy concluded the season with a program-record of 29 victories, including nine wins by fall and a program-record nine wins by technical fall. She also stands as NJCU's all-time leader in career victories (63), solidifying her legacy within the program.
In addition to this amazing accomplishment, Sandy’s other accolades include:
● The only wrestler to have won the NJ State Wrestling Championship from West Orange in her senior year of high school in 2020 (male or female)
● A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple belt who has been teaching kids since her early teens at No Limit Martial Arts in West Orange
● Member of the USA Sambo National Team holding a national championship title for the USA in Sambo
● 2023 IBJJF Gi World Bronze Medalist
● First woman in NJ to commit to a New Jersey University wrestling program
West Orange, the state of New Jersey, NJCU, family, friends and students, extend their congratulations to Sandy Guerrero on her historic achievement and exemplary representation of New Jersey grit. Her dedication, perseverance and leadership on and off the mat have been instrumental in her success and the elevation of women's wrestling on the national stage. Sandy will be honored at the next West Orange Board of Education meeting on Monday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Liberty Middle School.
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WEST ORANGE, NJ – Environmental Commission member Joe Berwin shared a slideshow at the Town Council meeting summarizing a meeting that the commission had in conjunction with town council members to determine what to include in the new Tree Ordinance.
Berwin said, “We brought a lot of data to the table, and we were able to understand that from 2015 through 2022, we've gone from a little over 30% canopy coverage to just over 27%.” He mentioned that, without intervention, the tree canopy will drop to 15% by 2050.
Berwin estimated that residents have cut down $480,000 worth of trees without paying for permits to replace them. The permits cost $600 per tree multiplied by 800 trees, is almost half a million dollars. He reported that the trees that were cut down were mostly healthy.
He noted that the new tree ordinance needs to be strong and include outreach, education and replanting. “It is not a punitive tree ordinance, it's a supportive tree ordinance," Berwin explained. He continued, “The tree ordinance deals with bringing the benefits of a restoration of our tree canopy such that we have a resilient environment and that we get that resilience in the least cost, most economical way.”
He spoke about the accredited township forrester, Walter Kipp, providing a professional opinion and residents replenishing trees that they remove. Berwin mentioned environmental justice and that high resolution satellite imagery shows that many trees have been removed in the last five decades. He commented, “Trees are necessary in order to prevent storm water runoff in neighborhoods, and in those neighborhoods where there are fewer economic resources, this tree ordinance provides a means by which they can be reached out to and educated. They can enjoy replanting, and they can enjoy the benefits of a growing tree canopy.”
Berwin talked about the “moral imperative” as well as the economic and financial imperative of protecting the canopy and remarked, “The township's role in planting and maintenance is also codified.” He touched upon climate change causing an increase in rain and the township needing to act before costs increase to fix the canopy.
“We are drafting and enforcing an effective tree ordinance, and we need to pass it,” he concluded.
]]>WEST ORANGE, NJ – During Tuesday night’s town council meeting, Mayor Susan McCartney read a proclamation in honor of the fire department’s 130th anniversary:
On March 6, 1891, the West Orange Fire Department was organized by the appointment of Foreman Owen Kennedy, Driver John Higgins, Assistant Director James Sheehan, hoseman Charles Wagner, John Bohner, William Scalley, Edward McGuirk, FI Fitzpatrick and Edward Meyers; and
WHEREAS, Simeon Harrison Rollinson, a West Orange councilman at that time, who was of significant wealth, allowed for the first firehouse to be built on one of his tracts of land on Valley Road, currently known as Main Street; and
WHEREAS, there was a personnel turnover due to a 24-hour shift cycle of 7 days, with the eight day off, those who stayed with the job were eventually appointed “regular firemen” after West Orange was incorporated into a town in 1900; and
WHEREAS, through a series of resignations and punishments, James Sheeran rose through the ranks within a year and became the first to hold the official title of chief; and and the current fire headquarters on Valley Road was dedicated in 1971 and supported by four other fire stations throughout the township. Four strong hose wagons transformed into state-of-the-art automotive fire apparatus over 130 years.
WHEREAS, the current Fire Headquarters on Valley Road was dedicated in 1971 and is supported by 4 other fire stations positioned throughout the Township. Horse-drawn hose wagons have transformed into state-of the-art automotive fire apparatus over 130 years. The number of personnel making up the department has grown from the 9 original appointments to 88 firefighters and officers today.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Mayor Susan McCartney and the West Orange Township Council wishes to congratulate Chief Anthony Vecchio and the West Orange Fire Department on the occasion of its 130th Anniversary.
Fire Chief Anthony Vecchio responded, “Thank you to the council and the mayor for the proclamation. As I said to the mayor, 130 years is kind of an odd number to celebrate, but it's quite a milestone. So thank you again for recognizing us.” He continued, “Most of the historical facts I can’t take credit for. Thanks to our Town Historian Joe Fagan and John Dandolo, who some of you may or may not know, between the two of them, they've really gotten a handle on the history of the town and the fire department.”
He noted that West Orange’s police department was founded before the fire department due to Orange’s fire department responding to the West Orange fires. Vecchio mentioned that a suspicious fire destroyed the West Orange police department building and some other structures, and township officials realized that they needed their own fire department.
Vecchio also reported that some current members of the fire department are related to the original founders. “Current Captain Brian Akers, some of you may know, is actually the great-grandson of Firemen Charles Ryan who died on November 6, 1918, of influenza.” He added, “Captain Daniel R. Shelley is the great-grandnephew of former chief Martin Kennedy, who served from 1926 to 1942 when he suffered a line of duty death.”
Fagan shared some old photographs (see above). “The wooden firehouse was moved to the corner of Valley Road and Dean Street in 1907 and is a private residence today. But you can see the top facade is entirely recognizable as the firehouse in 1966,” he explained. Fagan commented that the 1970s firehouse had to be demolished because of Route 280, and the fire department then moved to its current location and opened in 1971. He pointed out two plaques commemorating when the firehouse was built in 1907 and 1893 in honor of when the wooden firehouse was first erected.
]]>WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange ShopRite was one of two stores that sold a lottery ticket valued at $554,194 on Monday, March 11.
New Jersey Lottery officials reported that two tickets matched the five numbers picked and the two people who chose the numbers will each receive half of Jersey Cash 5’s jackpot of $1,108,388.
The winning numbers were: 08, 22, 25, 33 and 35 and the XTRA number was: 02.
The other lucky winner purchased his/her ticket at Stop & Shop on Route 35 in Middletown.
The retailers are also winners and receive $2,000 for each winning ticket sold.
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WEST ORANGE, NJ - The 71st Annual West Orange St. Patrick's Day Parade highlighted not only the Irish community, but the diversity of all residents as it wound its way along Main Street on March 10.
Residents and visitors to town lined the streets to see marching bands, schools, bagpipers, police, fire, government, and local community groups. This year's Grand Marshal was Patrick E. O'Rourke, Jr., with Dennis Cleary, Larry Lonergan, and Matthew Mulligan, Jr. serving as Deputy Grand Marshals. The parade has become not only a source of pride for the Irish community, but the entire Township.
TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE PARADE, GO HERE.
]]>WEST ORANGE, NJ – The West Orange Arts Council (WOAC), in partnership with the Visual and Performing Arts Program at West Orange High School (WOHS), presents the work of Advanced Placement Studio Art students:
The exhibit began on Saturday, March 9 and will be on display until Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the West Orange Arts Center Gallery and Gift Shop, 551 Valley Road, West Orange, New Jersey. Exhibit hours are Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment. The community is invited to an artists’ reception on Saturday, March 23, from 1-3 p.m.
According to Patricia Mitrano, Chair of the WOAC, the students installed their exhibit at the gallery on March 8, led by Advanced Placement Art Teacher Heather Young. They were supported by WOAC’s Elizabeth Berwind and Vice-Chair, Lois Condon of the Exhibits Committee.
“Our students prepare for this show all year and for many, it is their first gallery experience,” says Heather Young. “Although in recent years our talented young artists have been invited to exhibit in the NJ Teen Arts Festival, SOPAC Inspiring Minds and Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.’s distinguished Congressional Art Reception.”
Elizabeth Berwind, who participated in this same show as a senior (WOHS Class of 2019) added, “It’s exciting for me to give back as an adult artist in this show, which meant a lot to me when I was a student at West Orange High School. I’m glad that the tradition is continuing.”
This is the seventh year that WOHS Visual and Performing Arts Director Louis Quagliato and the WOAC have collaborated on this display. A press release stated, “The WOHS Arts Program offers a variety of visual and aesthetic art courses designed for personal enrichment or in preparation for an art-related career.”
Students are required to complete two semesters of foundation courses before proceeding to Advanced Placement Studio Art, producing portfolios for college admission and earning up to six advanced placement college credits.
"It’s a great partnership that allows us to support and celebrate West Orange’s student artists,” states WOAC chair Patricia Mitrano. "We are working hard to find funds to expand our high school program to ultimately offer internships in gallery management.”
The West Orange Arts Council's mission is to cultivate, inspire and support the arts in West Orange. Area artists and community leaders remain the core of the all-volunteer organization that operates the West Orange Arts Center Gallery and Gift Shop at 551 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ. For more information, visit www.woarts.org, www.facebook.com/woac.org or email info@woarts.org
The New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts funded part of the exhibit, which was administered by the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs and the New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation.
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WEST ORANGE, NJ – The Town Council is meeting Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Some of the agenda items include
HERE is the full agenda.
Click HERE for Zoom link.
]]>WEST ORANGE, NJ -- Before West Orange's St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 10, Daniel Cunningham is leading a group of volunteers to clean up the parade route. They will be picking up litter on Saturday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Volunteers will meet at 80 Main St. Cunningham reported, "We have grabber tools, bags, buckets and gloves. I don’t think the rain will happen till the afternoon."
Get some fresh air, exercise and meet people while cleaning up the township for the parade.
]]>WEST ORANGE, NJ -- West Orange's 71st St. Patrick's Day parade is Sunday, March 10. Main Street will be closed from Eagle Rock Avenue to Northfield Avenue from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There's no access to side roads.
The parade begins at West Orange Town Hall, 66 Main Street, at 12:15 p.m.
The parade organizers invite residents to, "Come celebrate a day filled with Irish American heritage proudly on display. Each March the familiar green strip down Main Street comes alive, marking the route of West Orange's St. Patrick's Day Parade."
The Grand Marshal is Patrick E. O'Rourke. The Marshal Deputies are Dennis Cleary, Larry Lonergan and Matt Mulligan.
Click HERE for additional information.
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WEST ORANGE, NJ -- On Saturday, March 9, the township will host its first annual Ramadan Crescent Lighting at Town Hall, 66 Main Street from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Township officials invite residents to, "Join us with your family and friends to celebrate the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan. Refreshments and kids' activities will be available to enjoy."
The rain date is Sunday, March 10, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
]]>WEST ORANGE, NJ – This year, the West Orange Recreation Department’s fifth grade basketball team was undefeated!! Coaches Michael Gordon, Corey Jones and Damien Betances are very proud of their team members who played hard during each game and won.
The players have become close friends and have a great time playing. Coach Gordon shared, "Each and every one of them has contributed to the success we have had over the years. These kids go and play with other teams throughout the year but come back each winter to be a part of this team for more than just basketball. They honestly have truly become a family."
Students include (alphabetically) Maximus Baldwin, Montez Betances, Kristian Gaddy, Kyle Gordon, Isaac Greenberg, Cayden Jones, Shawn Lopez, Marcel Lubin, Maddox Merene, Josiah Sanders, Cameron Warsager, Joel Widener and Greyson Willis.
Congratulations!
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WEST ORANGE, NJ – Downtown Alliance Executive Director Meg Brill presented the organization's budget at a recent town council meeting. She began with their website, “We've jumped a great deal in our social media reach on Facebook, Instagram and our website and have three times the number of users.” She credited Amy McCampbell for increasing social media reach. Brill shared that the alliance has 300 businesses and McCampbell is an invaluable help to her.
Brill spoke about the alliance’s income. “This year, it's $135,000. We took a little bit of money and put it into economic development. We are bumping that up a little this year. We also were able to find that money because we reduced the marketing budget by $3,000. And we ended up putting that extra three and visual improvement,” she reported.
She spoke of the 100 snowflakes and 60 banners that adorn Main Street during Christmastime. They cost $18,000 and one snowflake is $500. “It's important for us to brighten up downtown, especially in the cold winter months, and that's a large part of the money that we put towards the township contribution,” Brill explained. She added, “We also are in charge of garbage cans and maintenance. I talked about garbage cans costing $1,000, and we were able to paint a bunch of cans for only $150.”
She emphasized that the alliance looks for things it can improve and tries to do it in the most cost-effective way. Brill mentioned that there’s a new coffee shop at 8 Main Street called Orange Sky Coffee Roasters. They have some food, and just had their soft opening and ribbon cutting.
Regarding expenditures, Brill said, “We've been a National Main Street for 23 years, and we have to re-certify this year, so there's going to be time and effort. There will be lots of community involvement in order to get the accreditation back.” She mentioned that part of the budget will go toward supporting the redevelopment initiatives downtown. She also spoke of coordinating efforts so the studio complements downtown. “We do not want the movie studio to have a negative impact on the downtown businesses and our community. So, we're hoping to be able to pull in and modify whatever the plans are that come through to have a positive impact on our community downtown.”
She spoke about an AI event the alliance had with the New Jersey Economic Development Association. “We had about 25 different business owners. We’re going to have the “Bright Ideas Academy,” which will be a quarterly business seminar where our businesses come downtown and there will be different times and different places throughout the corridor.” According to Brill, topics will be storefront mastery, using social media to grow your business and presentations from the Business Action Center and NJ D EDA again.
The alliance is adding a “Thursdays is Movie Night” event that will take place at the Edison Museum, complete with food trucks.
Another downtown initiative that Brill talked about is “Invention Alley” next to Supreme Bakery on the bridge between Main Street and one of the largest parking lots. She stated, “We had a bunch last year. We bought a bunch of plastic items like leaves and flowers and all kinds of cool stuff to decorate the top of the alley. In this budget, we're going to create a mural like the one that's on the other side of the Supreme Bakery wall.” She called it a place-making effort that will brighten up the alley and enhance St Mark's.
She remarked that the alliance is going to request resident input to create the Strategic Plan. They’d also like to have volunteers to help out. Brill shared, “We also want to introduce the fall Music Festival event. There's some funding that's available for the arts that we are pretty sure we're going to be able to participate in and that will help us pull off a big music festival downtown.”
She explained that, including two buildings with second and third floor office buildings, West Orange’s downtown has 258 storefronts and is responsible for over 300 businesses. The alliance monitors their websites, their social media, their Instagram and their Twitter feeds to determine if they need help with promotion. 25 business owners live in West Orange.
She concluded, “This year, we did see a trend that folks are buying property, and then they're putting their stores there. They really are participating in the town and offering a good product or service.”
Email downtown@westorange.org if you have questions or would like to share ideas.
]]>WEST ORANGE, NJ – During the February 27 town council meeting, several residents told Town Council President Bill Rutherford and the rest of the council that they were sorry that the council had to experience the shocking and horrifying White Supremacist Zoom Bomb during the February 13 meeting. Rutherford said that he felt the council needed some training to help them recognize hate speech.
“I would like us to undergo formal training by a constitutional scholar -- an expert on those matters -- who can give us, not just the background, but some specific tools that we can use,” stated Rutherford. He noted that residents would benefit from it as well. Rutherford also mentioned that the Anti-Defamation League had contacted him about the incidents, and the West Orange police department continues to investigate the matter.
He reported, “Offensive speech is still protected as free speech. My thinking [during the Feb. 13 meeting] was about our rules for decorum.” Rutherford mentioned that other town councils have tried to stop offensive speech and were challenged – even legally. He continued, “I do think we need the tools to better understand where that line is and what our rights and responsibilities are as council members. If we are to go forward with it, we can put it not to exceed $2,500 I think was a number that we could get it done for, and I'd like to know what your thoughts are.”
Council Member Sue Scarpa suggested finding someone who would speak at no cost. Council Member Tammy Williams said the League of Municipalities would speak for $200. Rutherford said the Garden State Bar Association recommended a $2,500 speaker to Rutherford. He also commented that he had spoken to Council Member Michelle Casalino (who ill and couldn’t attend the Feb. 27 meeting) and she agreed with him.
Rutherford said, “I think the response to that horrific incident warrants training. I think it warrants much more than that. Waiting and trying to figure out when or how we can address the issue.” He continued, “The council inbox has hundreds of emails from residents in town who are hurt. I don't think our response should be to put it off. We should try to find a training program that each of us can go to register ourselves when we can get it done rather quickly.”
He also mentioned that residents seem confused as to what hate speech is and would benefit by hearing what the trainer says about hate speech.
Rutherford reiterated that Zoom comments will be suspended permanently. “Zoom isn’t a requirement, nor are Zoom comments.” Residents who can’t attend a meeting are encouraged to email questions and comments to Township Council.
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