VILLAS – The public would not be silenced at Lower Township Council’s meeting Oct. 7. A crowd, brandishing signs with such phrases as “Fire the Liar Ecker” and “Ecker Threatens Violence Against Whistle Blowers,” filled Township Hall and did not disperse until their concerns were heard.
The meeting marked the second time protestors picketed a meeting over allegations of corruption and abuse within the Lower Township Municipal Utilities Authority. On Oct. 2 nearly 60 attended the Board of Commissioners’ regular monthly meeting. While the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office will neither confirm nor deny involvement, various sources and reports suggest an investigation is currently underway.
Lower Township Municipal Utility Authority Assistant Treasurer Thomas Frisoli, a former councilman, was the first to address council regarding, what he called “the problems down there.”
“The biggest concern I have, at this time, is that the commissioners are not together on anything,” said Frisoli. “And my concern is the safety of the union.”
Township Solicitor Charles Sandman said that council was only recently made aware of supporting documentation and recordings, and he said that more time was needed before council could discuss the issue.
“When we have the opportunity to be well-versed in the facts of the matter then we could discuss it,” explained Sandman. “We’re not trying to kill your voices. We’re not trying to stop you from being heard.”
Shortly thereafter, Michelle Douglass, an attorney representing five Municipal Utilities Authority employees, and a small band of protestors, approached Mayor Michael Beck and council. Beck repeatedly said he and council would not be discussing the matter that evening, but Douglass was undeterred.
“We’re here at a public forum and we’re here to publically comment,” she said as the room erupted with applause. “We’re not asking for your feedback, but we are asking that these gentlemen have a voice to be heard.”
Beck tried to remain steadfast in his decision. “We’re not going to listen to it,” he said. With that, the shouting amongst the crowd increased. Beck asked council if he had a motion to go into closed session, and the crowd yelled, “No!”
Cries of “This is so typical,” “Boo,” and “Remember him at election time,” filled the air. Beck, left with no other option, signaled to Sandman and said, “You’re in charge here, Chuck. Go ahead.”
In an attempt to appease the protestors, Sandman said Douglass could make a short presentation, but that council would make no comment that evening. Once again the crowd broke out in thunderous applause, but then in celebration that their collective voices would finally be heard.
“I represent five individual employees from the Municipal Utilities Authority, and for the record, the Municipal Utilities Authority was on notice that we were going to attend the meeting so they had every right and every opportunity to be here tonight,” Douglass began.
“In short, we are asking for the board, the council members, to examine the activities of what’s going on in the and at the Municipal Utilities Authority before the situation gets out of hand.”
“We are asking you, the mayor, the council members, and Mr. Sandman if need be, or any other designated legal authority to examine the facts,” Douglass continued. “Examine one audio tape of many, of which we have, and then it is your job to determine whether or not Mr. Matt Ecker continues as the executive director.”
Following Douglass’ presentation, council adjourned.
For more information, read The Herald’s Oct. 7 article, “Protest at the LTMUA“
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