Lakewood Township has become a national disgrace, as its elected officials blatantly deny residents their basic democratic right to attend public meetings in person. While virtually every town in the country has returned to in-person governance, Lakewood’s officials hide behind Zoom screens, avoiding accountability and thumbing their noses at the very people they were elected to serve.
This brazen abuse of power, now plastered across the front page of The Asbury Park Press, has left residents furious and embarrassed. The township committee’s refusal to face their constituents in person reeks of cowardice and arrogance, with critics calling it a direct assault on democracy.
“This isn’t just poor leadership—it’s a complete betrayal,” said one outraged resident. “Our officials are supposed to represent us, not hide from us. Their refusal to hold in-person meetings is an insult to every voter in this town. It’s a disgrace, and it’s making Lakewood look like a laughingstock.”
Worse still, the committee has failed to provide a single coherent explanation for its decision. Reporters seeking answers are met with evasive, incoherent responses or outright silence, leaving residents to wonder what their officials are so desperate to hide.
Adding to the outrage is the deafening silence from local power players like the Vaad and Avi Schnall, who have refused to speak out against this flagrant abuse of public trust. “Their silence makes them complicit,” another resident said. “They’ve abandoned the very people they claim to represent. It’s a slap in the face to every voter in Lakewood.”
Lakewood officials’ refusal to reinstate in-person meetings has left the community feeling alienated, silenced, and disrespected. Many argue that conducting business solely on Zoom creates unnecessary barriers for residents and undermines the transparency that should be the cornerstone of local government.
“This isn’t about convenience—it’s about power,” said a local activist. “By hiding behind screens, these officials are sending a clear message: they don’t care about the people. They care about protecting themselves from accountability. It’s corruption, plain and simple.”
The backlash isn’t just local. The township’s shameful policies have now made national news, further tarnishing Lakewood’s reputation and giving the impression of a government more interested in secrecy than service.
“This is cowardice at its worst,” another critic stated. “Our officials are too scared to face the public, too arrogant to admit their mistakes, and too spineless to do the right thing. They are embarrassing this town, and they need to be held accountable.”
As public anger mounts, the demand for change grows louder. Lakewood residents are calling for an immediate return to in-person meetings and a full accounting of the committee’s actions. Whether the officials will finally listen—or continue to hide—remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: the people of Lakewood have had enough of the cowardice, the corruption, and the disgrace. It’s time for their leaders to stop running and face the very community they’ve sworn to serve.
5 comments:
These are all valid points. But as being a democracy, these people can be voted out. Unless someone wants to take the initiative, nothing will change. Complaining won't get very far.
The problem is the illegal self appointed VAAD endorsements of these candidates is a real problem and probably illegal. The VAAD should probably be registered as a PAC. Then the VAAD gets all of the BMG Roshey Yeshiva to endorse the corrupt cabal pick, which can potentially invalidate the Yeshiva's tax exempt status. The system is rigged by the Deepstate, and it invokes and pressures the faces of BMG to say that we must vote for these same self enriching politicians. This scam needs to end, as our elections are manipulated and not what the people want. They invoke religion in to every election, that's pretty low.
Even the Republican club in Lakewood is manipulated by the VAAD. According to their bylaws all endorsed candidates must endorse only Republican candidates, so why are all 3 Republicans in Lakewood Township Committee voting for a Democrat to be Mayor every single year? The Republicans have 3 members and Democrats have 2 members on the Township committee.
This is the only place in the world where 1 party votes to put in power the other party's candidate to lead them, which is Democrat Mayor Ray Coles in Lakewood. Do you need any more proof of how the system is rigged with smoke filled backroom deals?
The chasidim will likely be the first to try upsetting the monopoly that these incumbents have on Lakewood 's citizens
I don't think you can blame the Roshei Yeshiva. They trust the VAAD to look out for the interests of Lakewood. They are fed what the VAAD tells them and trust them completely. The VAAD is the culprit for pulling the wool over their eyes.
Dear Menashe Miller,
I am writing to address some pressing issues in Lakewood Township that require immediate attention to improve the quality of life, safety, and functionality for residents and visitors alike. Below are the key concerns and proposed solutions:
1. Traffic Congestion
Traffic has become a significant issue throughout the township. Measures should be implemented to manage traffic flow effectively and alleviate congestion.
2. Burnt-Out Streetlights
Many streetlights remain burned out, creating unsafe conditions at night. Since maintaining streetlights is the township’s responsibility, they must be repaired promptly.
3. BMG Parking
Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG) urgently needs to construct a parking garage to accommodate all students. Currently, students park in private residential lots, local businesses’ parking areas, mikvah lots, and on sidewalks and grass, which is unacceptable. As a college, BMG is required by law to meet parking requirements for its students.
4. Municipal Parking Garages
The township should transform municipal parking lots into parking garages with fees. For example, a parking garage on 9th and 10th Streets at Clifton Avenue with controlled access could generate significant revenue for the township while addressing parking shortages.
5. Parking Enforcement
A dedicated parking authority is necessary to ticket vehicles illegally parked throughout the township, including in handicapped spaces, near fire hydrants, and on corners.
6. Speed Monitoring
Speed tracking devices and cameras must be installed to curb reckless driving and improve safety.
7. Traffic Tickets
The Lakewood Police Department should aim to issue at least 100 tickets daily to discourage illegal driving practices and ensure compliance with traffic laws.
8. Code Enforcement
The township’s Code Enforcement Department should inspect properties regularly and issue fines for violations to maintain community standards.
9. Street Maintenance
All streets should be inspected regularly to ensure potholes are repaired promptly, improving road safety and vehicle longevity.
10. Traffic and Safety Management
Lakewood Township must take greater responsibility for managing traffic and ensuring safety throughout the community.
11. Railroad Activity
Railroad activities along Route 88 should be restricted or closely monitored to avoid disruptions to traffic and residents’ safety.
12. Graffiti Removal
The township must prioritize cleaning graffiti to maintain the aesthetics and reputation of Lakewood.
13. Fire Lane Violations
The Fire Department should enforce penalties for illegal parking in fire zones, particularly near schools, to ensure accessibility for emergency vehicles.
14. Shopping Center Security
Shopping centers should be required to hire their own security and enforce towing of vehicles parked in fire lanes.
15. BMG Parking Enforcement
BMG must enforce parking regulations for its students and restrict them to the designated parking garage. A parking garage must be built without delay to address these issues.
Thank you for your attention to these important matters. I urge the township to take immediate action to resolve these issues for the benefit of all residents and businesses.
Sincerely,
Mack Globe
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