LAKEWOOD DEPUTY MAYOR MENASHE MILLER TOUTS EMPTY ACHIEVEMENTS WHILE IGNORING TOWNSHIP’S DOWNFALL

LAKEWOOD DEPUTY MAYOR MENASHE MILLER TOUTS EMPTY ACHIEVEMENTS WHILE IGNORING TOWNSHIP’S DOWNFALL

In a tone-deaf interview on Kol Mevaser, Lakewood Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller praised his own supposed accomplishments while conveniently ignoring the catastrophic consequences of decades of mismanagement by the township’s leadership. Miller’s remarks about digitizing town hall and basic municipal services were a shallow attempt to paint a positive picture, even as residents grapple with daily chaos caused by his administration’s failures.

A Digital Town Hall Won’t Fix a Broken Town

Miller’s big “achievement” of the past year—digitizing Town Hall services—was heralded as a game-changer. But for residents drowning in traffic, suffocating under skyrocketing property taxes, and being priced out of their homes, this feels like a slap in the face. “The real problems of Lakewood can’t be solved by a website,” said one resident. The gesture reeks of distraction tactics, not meaningful progress.

Snow Plows and Leaf Pickups: Leadership That Aims Low

In a desperate bid to show competence, Miller also celebrated the township’s snow plowing and leaf collection. Residents, however, are not impressed. “This is the bare minimum,” another resident said. “We’re drowning in traffic, we can’t afford to live here anymore, and he wants applause for picking up leaves?” It’s a pathetic attempt to distract from the real crises Lakewood faces every day.

Defending a Powerless Mayor While Residents Suffer

Miller defended Mayor Ray Coles, saying the role is merely symbolic, and that the deputy mayor holds equal power. He added that it’s “better to have a non-Jewish figurehead (eini meshelunee)” in the position. But residents see this as nothing more than political theater. The mayor’s office may be symbolic, but the township’s failings are painfully real. And as deputy mayor, Miller himself shares direct responsibility for the mess Lakewood has become.

The Silence on Real Issues is Deafening

Miller carefully avoided discussing the problems that have turned Lakewood into an unlivable town for so many:

• Traffic Catastrophe: Daily gridlock is unbearable, yet the township continues to approve reckless overdevelopment with no plan for infrastructure improvements.

• Housing Crisis: Kollel families and young couples are priced out of the very community they helped build. The township’s unchecked growth has turned Lakewood into a hub of unaffordable housing.

• Poor Planning and Overcrowding: Schools, roads, and public spaces are stretched far beyond capacity, creating a daily grind that leaves residents frustrated and exhausted.

Miller’s Multiple Jobs Raise Eyebrows

The deputy mayor made no mention of the numerous public positions he holds, all of which come with taxpayer-funded salaries and benefits. Residents are questioning whether Miller’s focus is on serving the community or padding his personal income. His refusal to address this growing concern only deepens suspicions about his priorities.

Why Are Mayor and Deputy Mayor Paid More?

Another issue causing frustration among residents is the disparity in salaries among the township committee members. While all members ostensibly share equal power and responsibilities, the mayor and deputy mayor positions receive higher compensation. Many residents are left asking: Why? If these roles are largely symbolic, as Miller himself admits, why shouldn’t all committee members be paid the same salary?

Why Does Menashe Keep the Deputy Mayor Seat for Himself?

Adding to the discontent is Miller’s apparent monopoly over the deputy mayor position. In many towns, leadership roles rotate among committee members to promote fairness and shared responsibility. Yet Miller has consistently claimed the title for himself, refusing to alternate with other capable committee members, such as Isaac Akerman. This raises serious questions about Miller’s motives and whether his focus lies in power retention rather than serving the community.

A Legacy of Neglect and Failure

Lakewood’s leadership, with Miller at the helm, has presided over decades of unrestrained development and mismanagement. The result is a township overrun by traffic, unaffordable housing, and crumbling infrastructure. Yet Miller continues to dodge accountability, preferring to highlight hollow accomplishments while the town spirals further into chaos.

Residents are left wondering: How much longer will Lakewood’s leadership bury their heads in the sand? The township’s problems aren’t going away, and neither will the frustration of those who call it home. If Miller and his colleagues won’t step up, perhaps it’s time for Lakewood to demand leadership that will.