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Reactions To Scarpelli Scandal Range From Anger To Disappointment
By Catherine Snipe
People are disappointed and angry at the events surrounding resigned Mayor Joseph Scarpelli's guilty plea to accepting money from an unnamed developer.
"Scarpelli broke the public trust," said newly appointed Mayor Daniel J. Kelly, who serves as Scarpelli's replacement through November.
Kelly said the former mayor did years of good for the township over his 13 years as mayor, but, "that legacy is now gone."
"It's sad, and I'm sad for it," Kelly said, and added he'd be praying for Scarpelli and his family of children and grandchildren.
"We all know children can be very cruel, and they have a burden they didn't ask for," Kelly said.
Although it remains unclear which and how many projects are linked to Scarpelli's admission of accepting bribes, residents and council members expressed disappointment during the township council's caucus meeting this week.
"I realize people are very angry, very mad," Council President Steven Acropolis said. But he urged the council and public to keep comments driven by those feelings to a minimum.
Councilman Dan Toth said that he also had the Scarpelli family in his thoughts: "My heart goes out to them."
Councilwoman Kathy Russell, the lone Democrat on the council, said the events deeply saddened her.
"I ran with him, worked with him and
never would have dreamed of this," she said. "The person that did something wrong is the
person responsible for those actions."
Councilmen Michael Thulen and Joseph Sangiovanni declined to comment, and Councilwoman Ruthanne Scaturro urged governing officials to come to a meeting of the minds.
"We have to continue to move the business of Brick Township forward," she said.
Acropolis said getting through all of this will be a monumental task.
"This is a very difficult time for the township, and it will continue to be a difficult time," he said. "Both the mayor and the council are committed to do what's right for Brick Township to move forward."
In a written statement, Acropolis said that his "worst fears about Mr. Scarpelli have been realized."
Councilman Anthony Matthews said that despite these issues, the township staff hasn't dropped the ball. He had concerns that residents may now distrust township officials, and part of the work of the new year will be restoring that trust.
"I hope the citizens of the community can get past this," Matthews said. "I believe in the political system, I believe in the country, I believe in the township."
Acropolis agreed and said, "We need to put this behind us as quickly as we can."
Matthews said that includes continuing to provide residents with open government they can have access to, whether viewing it or joining it.
"We will continue to televise council meetings, and we have citizens committees," said Matthews. "Do not allow a mayor and seven-person council to determine the entire fate of 80,000-plus residents."
Acropolis said after these events it will take some time to rebuild the integrity of the township.
"The taxpayers of Brick deserve better," Acropolis said.
In a packed room, three residents spoke out during the public portion of the meeting, and referenced that this is not the first scandal Brick has braced and survived.
"Let's use another phrase than 'In the spirit of cooperation,'" said resident Nan Coll, who said she's heard that phrase too much during council meetings where there wasn't cooperation. "I certainly hope we can mend things. Only one person is responsible, but (Scarpelli's) children will suffer greatly."
Resident Mike Moran said he doesn't want to see anymore fighting, referencing the tension over appointments not made by appointed Mayor Kelly.
"I'm concerned because the emphasis is put on mayor making new appointments, and
the legal wrangling that might ensue if new
appointments are put in place," Moran said. "This can really take the focus out of a positive
mode and reintroduce tension and strife."
However, at the swearing in of Kelly as mayor, he pledged cooperation. Acropolis said he is looking to move the township forward, but 2007 comes with its baggage.
"This is a new chapter in the township, for good and bad," Acropolis said.
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