HILLSDALE—A council member has criticized another for refusing to recuse himself from a committee advising on police negotiations due to an alleged conflict of interest, calling it “smelly” and “poor decision-making” by the mayor and council.
At the Aug. 29 special meeting, where Robert Colletti, Jr. was appointed to fill former councilwoman Abby Lundy’s seat, Councilman John Ruocco reiterated his stance that Councilman Justin Fox should step down from the police negotiations advisory committee because he is a police officer and a member of the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) union.
Ruocco, the immediate past mayor, said Fox showed him a confidential letter from the state Department of Community Affairs (DCA) that claimed no conflict of interest for Fox. However, Ruocco still believes Fox should recuse himself. Fox has declined to release the letter to the press, citing its confidentiality, and the DCA has “neither confirmed nor denied” the existence of the document.
Councilman Fox, a police lieutenant in another town and a PBA member in a different chapter, said his role on the committee benefits the town due to his experience with police matters. He insists the DCA found no conflict of interest.
Ruocco called the situation “smelly” and accused Fox of trying to limit understanding of the issue. He added, “Even if it’s legal, it doesn’t mean it’s right.”
The advisory committee’s work is subject to full council approval, which will take place at a future public meeting. Ruocco has criticized the council’s transparency practices, noting that contracts are not made publicly available until after they are approved.
Mayor Michael Sheinfield expressed hope that the disagreement wouldn’t create unnecessary animosity among council members. The next council meeting is set for Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.