Resident upset at mayor, official's meeting manners

I was in attendance at the Brick Township Council meeting on April 29 and was appalled at what I saw and heard. My shock and outrage has nothing to do with the issues or the agenda or even the political party of the offenders, but rather the demeaning manner in which Mayor Stephen Acropolis and Council President Ruthanne Scaturro spoke to a council member and a township resident.

This meeting can be viewed online at the township'sWeb site, where you can see for yourself the unprofessional and shameful comments which were made.

Councilwoman Kathy Russell directed a question to Scott Pezarras, business administrator. The mayor interrupted and proceeded to answer by asking, in a very condescendingmanner, "How long have you been on the council?" Councilwoman Russell answered and repeated she would like Mr. Pezarras to answer. The mayor's response? "Mr. Pezarras works forme and the taxpayers of Brick, I can answer the question and I would like to try." He proceeded to answer and would stop and say, "Is that OK so far? All right, good." He spoke to Councilwoman Russell as a person would in an obvious effort to humiliate her.

Later during the public portion of the meeting, Mr. Joe Lamb went to the microphone to ask a question. He said a few words and hadn't even gotten to a question when Mayor Acropolis rudely interrupted himand told himhe was wrong. Themayor then berated him by stating, in a voice filled with resignation, "you're a CPA, you have to know…" "I'm going to go through the same exercise with you that I did with Councilwoman Russell. She got it, so I'm sure you will, too." The mayor then stated, "If we're just going to sit here and throw bombs, I have no problemwith that." Great way to lead Brick Township.

AsMr. Lamb was returning to his seat, council President Ruthanne Scaturro stated into the microphone, "…because he doesn't understand or he doesn't listen, I'm not sure which, or he's just grandstanding." That's how you speak about a member of the public, ridiculing him behind his back?

These are just a few examples of the embarrassing display which I witnessed that evening. These two elected public officials display their arrogance toward anyone who asks a question they don't like or anyone who makes a statement which shows their disagreement with the elected officials. It seems they like to rule by intimidation and fear. How discouraging for people who may seek answers but are discouraged by the tone these officials have set.
Lonna Doyle
Brick