HAVOC AT THE LDC: MIKE MCNEIL DEMANDS EQUAL PRIVILEGE FOR MINORITY GROUPS, MAYOR COLES SHUTS HIM DOWN

Havoc broke out at the Lakewood Development Corporation's Board of Trustees meeting earlier this week.

NJ Rising Stars, also known as ITG, is an intensely unique business minded vocational program, offering support and hands-on training in technical and managerial skills to high school age boys who have dropped out of the regular school system.

Rising Stars opened its doors approximately 5 years ago. After being located in Monmouth County for several years, earlier this year the program relocated to Lakewood.

At the time of the celebration of the grand opening of their new facility, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by notable figures including Senator Bob Singer, Mayor Ray Coles, Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller, Commissioner Frank Sedghi, and various local officials.

As is typical in Lakewood, the pompous ribbon-cutting ceremony graced by the local officials has now been followed with a more quieter request for grant funding.

Jacob Stern, representing Rising Stars, presented a proposal to the LDC, seeking $250,000 in funding for their program. The funds would be used to hire a Director of Recruitment, a Director of Training, as well as for stipends to encourage the boys to come for training and assist in recruiting others to attend as well.

LDC Trustee Mike McNeil was excited at first, noting that he has a long history of investment in job training programs. Mr. McNeil then asked a number of questions about the program. All of his questions were answered by Mr. Stern.

At one point, Mr. McNeil asked how long they have been in operation and how they recruit boys. Mr. Stern indicated that a majority of the referrals come from mental health professionals in the Orthodox Jewish community.

Mr. McNeil pushed on and asked "what about the public school, have you reached out to them?" Mr. Stern replied "no."

Mr. McNeil again pushed on and asked "why aren't you serving the entire community?"

Suddenly at that point, Mayor Coles interjected and stated "Mike, this is a meeting. We will let you know when you are recognized." Mayor Coles then closed the discussion on the matter.

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