Edison Council Faces Backlash Over Proposal to More Than Double Its Own Salaries
Residents call pay ordinance a “slap in the face” as council members defend workload and responsibilities
One of several images celebrating the legacy of inventor Thomas Edison is located outside the Edison Municipal Building. (The Central Jerseyan)
Chris Howell | January 29, 2026
The Edison Township Council advanced a controversial ordinance Wednesday night that would more than double the salaries of council members, sparking sharp criticism from residents during a meeting held in the wake of a major winter storm and a Route 1 water main break.
The combined council meeting came just days after a massive snowstorm blanketed the region, leaving communities dealing with parking restrictions, icy sidewalks, and bitter cold. Travel headaches worsened when a water main break shut down Route 1 the day after the storm. While the meeting drew sparse in-person attendance, many of the residents who did attend spoke forcefully against the proposed pay raises.
The ordinance establishes new not-to-exceed salaries for Edison Town Council members only. If approved, the council president’s salary would increase from $18,500 to $39,500, while the salaries of regular council members would rise from $17,500 to $38,500.
Critics repeatedly pointed out that the proposal would more than double council pay in a single move.
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Former Council President Margot Harris said she was “absolutely incensed” by the ordinance, calling it a “slap in the face” to residents.
Harris also noted that the previous council — which included many of the same members now voting on the pay raise — rejected a proposal to restore six-minute speaking limits during public comment.
Former Councilmember Joyce Freeman questioned why council members needed such a large raise at all.
“I’m very, very disgusted with it,” Freeman said, comparing the proposed salaries to school board members, who serve without pay.
Resident Sue Malone-Barber was even more blunt.
“It’s pretty cool that you can write up an ordinance to give yourself a raise and then vote to give yourself a raise,” she said.
Council members strongly defended the proposal, saying residents often underestimate the scope of their work.
Councilman Richard Brescher said council members frequently handle constituent issues that go far beyond formal votes taken during meetings.
“Residents call us, and residents come here, and they ask for all kinds of things from us,” Brescher said. “That’s not what our job is. That’s for the mayor and his staff.”
Brescher argued that the council’s role in building Edison’s annual budget alone justifies higher compensation.
“For us to go through the budget, we should get $50,000 — or even $100,000,” he said. “We give ourselves raises, but you can fire us.”
Council Vice President Rob Kentos described the role as consuming far more time than a typical part-time position.
“Over the past two days, I’ve fielded no less than 50 calls,” Kentos said. “I’ve dedicated practically my life to this, missed family events. People say it’s a part-time job, but when does the part-time job stop?”
Council President Joseph Coyle framed the ordinance as a way to make public service more accessible to younger residents and those in the middle class.
“This salary from 1966 at $1,200 to 2026 at $38,500 will open the doors to the young and middle class,” Coyle said. “This gives the youth more of a chance to get involved.”
Throughout the discussion, council members emphasized that voters ultimately hold them accountable.
“We give ourselves raises, but you can fire us,” Brescher said, referring to council members’ elected status.
Critics, however, argued that accountability alone does not justify the size or timing of the increase, especially as many township employees receive far smaller annual raises.
The ordinance was introduced and advanced on Wednesday night, setting it up for a final vote.
The council salary ordinance is scheduled to return for a final vote on February 11.