Attacks and Pleas for Civility at Woodbridge Council

The final Woodbridge Council meeting before Election Day unfolded on Tuesday night with pointed accusations, emotional defenses, and calls for civility. The exchanges reflected the political tensions felt locally and across the state just two weeks before Election Day in New Jersey.

In the final council meeting before voters cast ballots, Republican council candidates Ken Gardner (1st Ward), Paul Lund (2nd Ward), and Bruce Banko (3rd Ward) used the public comment period to challenge the long-dominant Democratic administration.

The GOP rivals criticized what they called a lack of transparency and rising taxes. Their comments followed weeks of heated exchanges between residents and council leaders over tone, decorum, and claims of favoritism at prior meetings.

Lund accused township leaders of ignoring public safety complaints and allowing “a sense of lawlessness,” pointing to frequent speeding and scooter violations. He also questioned the integrity of township redevelopment deals and suggested that a political “machine culture” had allowed “corruption and patronage” to take root.

Banko, also running for council, said the mayor and council operate as a “rubber stamp,” adding, “It feels like the council agrees with the mayor every time, right or wrong. Taxpayers are paying hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for meetings where dissent is dismissed.”

Gardner questioned Council Vice President Sharon McAuliffe’s decisions not to vote on township bill lists that include purchases from her family-owned business, Knot Just Bagels. “It’s not about the cost of a few bagels,” he said. “It’s about doing the full job, reviewing every bill and holding every dollar accountable.”

Several residents echoed frustration over what they described as dismissive behavior toward speakers. Some claimed Council President Cory Spillar had talked down to residents during previous meetings.

Spillar addressed that criticism directly. “It’s absolutely not my intention to talk down to anyone,” he said. “But if someone continues to repeat incorrect information after being corrected multiple times, I’m going to correct it again. That’s not disrespect, that’s transparency.”

The evening also brought vocal defenses of township officials. Mary Natale, a resident of Woodbridge proper, praised McAuliffe as “a dedicated, selfless leader who always shows up for families in need.”

Longtime resident Tim Riley, responding to the corruption allegations, delivered an impassioned speech in defense of Mayor John McCormac. The mayor is not on the ballot this year, but his leadership has been repeatedly criticized by the Republican challengers.

“How can you question the character of John McCormac?” Riley asked. “When people have problems, he solves them. That’s the Woodbridge I know.”

Residents Raise Safety Concerns at Route 1 Motels

Beyond the election debates, several Avenel residents voiced alarm over safety issues near the string of Route 1 motels.

One resident who lives on Jensen Avenue said her car was broken into in the middle of the night and that she no longer feels safe in her neighborhood.  Her neighbor added that thefts are happening even in broad daylight.

A third resident described repeated fights behind a nearby property owned by a local nonprofit and asked for a security fence to separate it from the adjacent hotel.

Council President Spillar acknowledged the complaints, saying the township and police department are closely monitoring the Route 1 corridor.

“That’s one of our top priorities,” Spillar said. “It’s one of the most heavily watched areas for code enforcement and traffic patrol.”

The complaints mirror discussions at the last Edison Town Council meeting. Residents there also called for tighter oversight of motels along Route 1, citing disorderly conduct and property crimes that spill into surrounding neighborhoods.

Progress In the Push for Cat Control Program?

A group of residents also seemed to make progress on the township’s approach to controlling its feral cat population.

Marge Petrow, of the Woodbridge Animal Society, told council members her group has trapped, neutered, and returned 268 cats across the township. “We’re a small group of volunteers,” she said, inviting council members to attend the group’s next TNR day in Avenel. “Most of the money comes out of our own pockets.”

Petrow asked the mayor to support efforts to secure funding and allow the group’s mobile TNR vehicle to operate at township events.

Mayor McCormac responded that the township’s grant writer would assist the organization in finding and applying for outside grants.

“We’ll help you find places that offer grants and help you write them,” the mayor said. “We just can’t apply for or give out the funds directly because of procurement laws.”

McCormac added that the township could likely allow the group’s TNR vehicle to take part in community events such as health fairs or concerts once licensing and insurance requirements are confirmed. “We think it can work,” McCormac said. “We’ll make sure everyone’s protected: you, the vet, and the township.”

Several residents spoke in support of the organization’s efforts, describing the TNR program as a compassionate approach to maintaining public health by helping to prevent disease and control feral populations.