Former Committee Candidate Arrested As Public Comment Disrupts Cranford Meeting, Police Say

CRANFORD, NJ — Tuesday night's Cranford Township Committee meeting took an unexpected turn as repeated interruptions during public comment led to multiple warnings from Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty, two recesses and a police response involving a former Township Committee candidate.

One of the evening's first speakers approached the podium using the name "Bong Holio," carrying a bong prop before singing a Lizzo song as part of his public comments.

A short time later, former Township Committee candidate Will Thilly, who frequently speaks during meetings, stepped to the microphone holding a sign reading "Refuse a government abuse" while criticizing what he described as government overreach.

When his five minutes expired, Miller Prunty repeatedly instructed Thilly to stop speaking and turn off his portable sound system.

"Mr. Thilly, turn off the sound system," Miller Prunty said. "That's a first warning. Your time has expired, sir."

Thilly continued speaking despite the repeated warnings as the exchange with the mayor continued for several minutes.

The Township Committee then voted to recess the meeting. Thilly was removed from the meeting, and police said he was arrested following the disruption.

Officials later returned to continue public comment, but the interruptions did not end there.

Leon Truth used his speaking time to criticize how the situation had been handled, describing Thilly as "creative" and "courageous."

Truth also read a parody poem aimed at the Township Committee before ending his remarks by repeatedly chanting, "Free Will Thilly."

Later in the meeting, audience members again interrupted commissioner reports.

Diana Senn repeatedly called out, "Point of order!" while attempting to speak after public comment had already closed.

Miller Prunty reminded those in attendance that public comment had ended and repeatedly asked audience members to stop interrupting the meeting.

As the interruptions continued, the Township Committee voted to take a second recess before eventually returning to complete the meeting.

To watch the Township Committee meeting, click here.