Candidate appalled at behavior by officials

My wife, daughter-in-law and I attended the Vernon Township council meeting on Aug. 24. Our son, Derek and other military personnel were honored for their recent deployments into harm’s way. However, as the meeting continued civility eroded and Councilwoman Murphy became the target of rudeness exercised by Councilmen Mr. Rizzuto and Mr. Lynch.

The lack of professional integrity and sensitivity was also evident during Mr. Marotta’s fundraiser at Minerals, sponsored by the Skyland’s Victory PAC. The video can be accessed through the Vernon Vibes link, http://www.vernontwp.com, our Township’s homepage.

Mr. Rizzuto and others mocked Mr. Marotta’s Italian-American heritage by correlating Mr. Marotta with the Mafia. Many Italian-Americans desperately strive to shed this stereotype. The Mafia is a criminal organization that commits acts of illegal gambling, prostitution, drug dealing and murder. Although I understand this was a “roast”, public officials should not engage in ethnic stereotyping.

The show also featured Mr. Zuckerman, a Florham Park councilperson and Vernon Township employee ridicule a councilperson and identified her by gender. Our only female councilperson is Ms. Murphy.

Ms. Murphy attempted by motion to have the link removed from the Vernon Township website stating that she felt she is “being abused” by said officials. Mr. Kadish seconded the motion. Mr. Rizutto prevented the motion to go forward because it was not listed on the agenda. Mr. Ursin, township attorney, supported Mr. Rizzuto’s actions. Mr. Ursin is a member of the PAC and Mr. Rizutto supports Mr. Marotta’s reelection.

The evening was topped off by Mr. Lynch calling Ms. Murphy a “pain in the a$$” outside the municipal building when she asked him not to smoke a cigarette in the presence of the public including a child.

It is appalling that in a public meeting, a councilperson states she is “being abused” and no one would validate, apologize or act on this allegation. Insensitive and inappropriate conduct by public officials cannot be tolerated.

Harry Shortway
Vernon