Reversal of Controversial “Flag Ban” Prompted by Public Outcry
Edison, NJ – Calls for the Edison Council to rescind the “Flag Ban” ordinance have prevailed, as they are taking steps to overturn a recent ordinance that banned the display of the American flag during council meetings. The motion to rescind the “Flag Ban” ordinance was introduced by Councilman Joe Coyle after hearing concerns from numerous residents during the public comment period.
“It’s been a mistake this ordinance. I believe it went too far. I will be in support of the repeal,” said Council President Nish Patil, who introduced the “Flag Ban” ordinance and is up for re-election next year along with Councilman John Poyner and Mayor Sam Joshi who both supported the “Flag Ban” ordinance. Councilwoman Margot Harris is also up for re-election next year and has been against the ordinance as well as limiting the publics time to speak since first proposed in September.
“Referring to the U.S. flag as a prop should never have happened,” said resident Russell Azzarello who has been on Fox and Friends twice in the last week calling for the Council to rescind the “Flag Ban” ordinance. “Show the country and the world you will be proactive. Actions speak louder than words.”
“Council President the right thing to do is just repeal this ordinance. It’s obvious in the middle of this, It’s very vague, what’s a prop, what’s a costume, it’s going to be redefined a hundred times. When there’s a vote I’ll be the fourth vote. It just makes no sense.” said Councilman Joe Coyle who originally voted to approve the “Flag Ban” ordinance, expressing his commitment to representing the will of the people.
The council’s decision to revisit the issue is a testament to the power of public engagement and the importance of local government responsiveness. The final vote to rescind the “Flag Ban” is scheduled for January 8th. It is also not the first time Council President Patel and Mayor Joshi had to change course due to public pressure. In February, Patel and Joshi had to back away from controversial marijuana re-zoning ordinance after tremendous public backlash.
The Edison Council’s decision to remove the American flag from its meetings wasn’t a sudden impulse, but rather the culmination of months of escalating tension between Council President Nish Patel and residents who dared to challenge him. Patel, increasingly intolerant of dissenting voices, resorted to using the police to silence his critics. Residents like Joyce Ship-Freeman, Lois Wolke and Christo Makropoulos were all removed from meetings by the police for expressing their concerns. It all came to a head when Council President Nish Patel had resident Joel Bassoff removed by the police for holding an American Flag while addressing the council.
This heavy-handed approach to public dissent has sparked a backlash. Seeing free speech silenced, a new wave of activists emerged, determined to defend the right to free speech and hold the council accountable. Patrick Duff, Edward Grimes, and Mikey Vintzileos became regular presences at the meetings, their voices growing louder in defiance of Patel’s attempts at suppression. They transformed the council chambers into a battleground for the fundamental principles of democracy.
These activists see themselves as champions for the residents, fighting for transparency and open dialogue in local government. They argue that Patel’s actions are not only an affront to the First Amendment, but also a betrayal of the public trust. Their unwavering commitment to holding the council and mayor accountable has turned the Edison Council meetings into a crucible for the ongoing struggle between authority and the right to dissent.
“Banning the American flag in Edison, it’s unAmerican, a black eye on Mayor Joshi, the Coughlin law firm and Democrats across the entire state. It’s a decision that makes you question their judgment and their understanding of the values this country stands for.” said resident Rithvik Patel.
“I wish people would understand. Take a look at that law firm, take a look at how they are benefiting and right now they benefit from giving you bad advice under this resolution. Every OPRA request they tell you to deny, every OPRA request they tell you to take a slow effort, delay and be mean to people. They make more money in billing, so they are leading your town down a bad, bad Road” said Alan Levy speaking of the law firm of Rainone Coughlin Minchello who serves as the township attorney and reported $8,309,033.76 on their Business Entity Annual Statement for 2023, filed with the New Jersey Law Enforcement Election Commission on April 1st 2024.
“Coughlin’s Law Firm has 21 attorneys, who’s the adults in the room? Where’s the common sense? I knew someone was going to bring a flag in. How did you not know someone was going to bring a flag? How did you not know?” Said Rob Kentos a 15th generation Edison resident questioning Township Attorney and Coughlin partner Dave Minchello who refused to answer.
With the upcoming vote on January 8th, both Council President Patel and Councilman Coyle have commited to repealing the “Flag Ban” ordinance that had resident Joel Bassoff removed for holding the flag while addressing council. The outpouring of support for the first amendment and the expressive display of the flag has demonstrated the strong sense of patriotism that exists not only in Edison but across the country.
“This is about more than just a flag,” said Vietnam Veteran Peter Pisar. “It’s about respecting our history and honoring the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom.”
The council’s decision on January 8th is expected to be closely watched by the community and could have significant implications for the future direction of local governance in Edison.
