EDISON, NJ – A recent Edison council meeting erupted into a heated debate over transparency concerns, following a complaint from resident Sue Malone regarding the consistent delay in posting meeting minutes online.
Malone expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, stating, “It reinforces a lack of transparency… The administration is always being accused of a lack of transparency.” While acknowledging that the issue falls under the council’s purview, she emphasized the importance of adhering to the law and improving practices.
Councilman Brescher then questioned the Business Administrator Sonia Alves- Viveiros about the staffing situation in the clerk’s office, which has been understaffed for roughly a year. The BA admitted that a fully staffed office would likely resolve the delays in posting minutes.
However, Councilman Coyle dismissed Councilman Brescher’s concerns, attributing the issue to the clerk’s workflow rather than understaffing. He further accused Councilman Brescher of unfairly targeting the administration, claiming, “I just don’t listen to anything Councilman Brescher says, it’s just wrong… he’s just beating up the administration.”
This ignited a fierce exchange between the two council members, with Councilman Brescher responding, “My council colleague seems to think it’s okay if you don’t get your meeting minutes, it’s okay if you don’t get your opra request, here’s the difference between me and my council colleague, I had a business for 30 years that was very successful, he ran his into the ground so who do you want to follow, do you want to follow my advice or Bankruptcy Boy.” Referencing Councilman Coyle’s to his past financial troubles.
The personal attacks and accusations quickly escalated into chaos, with the council president struggling to maintain order amidst shouting and interruptions. The meeting eventually adjourned, leaving the transparency concerns unresolved and highlighting deep divisions within the council.
The incident has sparked further criticism of the council’s lack of transparency and raised questions about its ability to effectively address important issues facing the community. Residents like Sue Malone are left wondering whether their concerns will ever be taken seriously in a council seemingly consumed by infighting and personal vendettas.
