Retired Officer Vows to Get Answers; Commissioners Seek New ‘Brand’

WILDWOOD CREST – “I will get to the bottom of this.” Those words and more filled the municipal courtroom of Wildwood Crest April 1. Intensity crossed both sides of the aisle and proceeded from several commissioners as well.
The meeting of the Wildwood Crest Borough Commission passed in routine fashion – a series of resolutions and even a few chuckles filled the room until the floor was opened for public comment.
That’s when Michael Hawthorne, retired police lieutenant from Wildwood Crest Police Department, expressed concerns. According to Hawthorne, he discovered a litany of misconduct in the Crest, including time fraud, theft, misuse of a federal grant, and allegations of members running “multiple businesses.”
Hawthorne gave additional statements after the meeting concluded, saying he was “forced out” and accused of improperly storing files. Hawthorne denied the allegations, saying how could he store files in a desk he “had not sat at for a number of years. We can’t allow officers to accuse other officers of doing something wrong in order to be set up. For what?”
Commissioners responded to Hawthorne’s statements, as did Eugene Taylor, director of public safety. “I disagree with Mr. Hawthorne’s comments,” Taylor began.
In response to alleged unanswered emails and other matters, Taylor said, “I have answered emails, your questions, and have delivered checks to you personally.”
The Crest’s official position on the matter was made clear and they advised Hawthorne to return with counsel if he wished to discuss the matter privately.
“I will come uncounseled – I don’t need anybody,” Hawthorne replied, defending his desire to have a discussion with Mayor Carl Groon and other members involved. Hawthorne pressed that his emails have gone unanswered. Due to the internal investigation still in progress, specifics could not be given or disclosed by commissioners.
“Enough,” Groon said when the discussion reached its height and the agenda points resumed. When later asked for a statement on the matters Hawthorne presented, Groon said, “No comment.”
Before Hawthorne resumed his seat, he said, “I’m not going away and I will get to the bottom of this.”
Agenda Items
Resolutions included an amendment to the municipal budget: a request for approval for insertion of a special item of revenue.
Approval for $25,750 from Greater Wildwood Tourism Improvement and Developmental Authority for tourism event funding was unanimously passed.
Support for a proposed pipeline by South Jersey Gas to B.L. England Generating Station, Beesley’s Point also received approval.
Joseph Gallagher was authorized to provide tax appeals on behalf of the borough for 2015, “for disposition by the Cape May County Board of Taxation.”
A rental agreement with the Performing Arts Center in Middle Township for a dance recital secured approval as well – “Crest Dancers” will perform there May 9.
Alison Christy’s request for permission to hold her wedding at the Heather Beach pier in September was granted. “It also happens to be my 50th anniversary,” Commissioner Joyce Gould said with a smile. Dreams of a shore wedding will also come true for Leslie Gable and Thomas Fulmer in August at Sunrise Park, as authorized by commissioners.
New Business
A school generator became the topic of discussion. “We’ve been talking about this for a long time,” Groon explained and noted how large the school complex actually is in scope. “I’m not looking for answers right now, just ideas.”
In the board’s estimation, a generator could not efficiently support the entire complex. Discussion for reducing the scope of the unit varied.
Installing a generator will most likely begin next year. “We are putting the pieces together,” Groon said. Other emergency generators for municipal buildings will also be considered in the near future.
Seeking a Brand
Wildwood Crest is also seeking to “brand” the community and secure its identity among Five Mile Beach communities. A meeting with various services will be held later this month. Website upgrades, logos, and other improvements will go through a process of revising and changes.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.