Expletive Comments Over Masks By Hillsborough Committeeman Caught On Video

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough committeeman Frank DelCore has come under fire after a video recording captured him explicitly commenting under his breath before a resident spoke out about implementing a mask mandate in town (see video below).

During the Jan. 5 Township Committee Reorganization meeting DelCore could be heard saying under his breath "Oh Jesus, same thing, mother****ing masks," according to a video recording of the meeting. During the public comment section Didier Jimenez, a member of Our Revolution Hillsborough (ORH), suggested a mask mandate be implemented in town.

ORH is a local chapter of Our Revolution, a grassroots political action organization, that aims to educate residents about issues such as social justice, voting and more.

"I've come here to advocate for reasonable safety measures that I believe and other Hillsborough workers strongly believe in the ability to set in Hillsborough a mask mandate," said Jimenez during the meeting.

Jimenez, also an employee in the township ShopRite, pointed to many customers coughing, buying medicine and COVID-19 tests, yet not wearing masks.

"As an essential worker, I have to put my life on the line," said Jimenez.

After Jimenez spoke and as Fowler was approaching the microphone DelCore can be heard saying under his breath "Oh Jesus, same thing, mother****ing masks."

Deputy Mayor Janine Erickson can be seen turning to look at DelCore as he is mumbling. The comment can be heard around 52:20 in the video.

"I am appalled by the comment, and believe that it was inappropriate, especially when comments are supposed to be heard with cordiality. Expressing offensive language as a townsperson approached the committee with a comment is a direct infringement of democracy," said Tiffany Fowler, a Hillsborough resident and volunteer with Our Revolution Hillsborough (ORH).

Fowler said she thought she heard someone say, "Jeez" as she came up to the microphone and went back to examine the footage of the meeting. That's when she heard the comment.

"My voice was silenced and belittled before I even opened my mouth because of that comment. I and Didier feel disrespected not only by the comment, but by the lack of proper action to address the comment," said Fowler.

"I am in disbelief by what happened live at the last township committee meeting. Committeeman Frank DelCore owes our member Tiffany an honest apology. I am not asking any public servant to love us but to be professional. I am disappointed at Deputy Mayor Janine for not standing to Commietteman Frank immediately condemning those words. She sat right next to him and paned to him as he said that foul language as Tiffany walked to the microphone. In her speech that night she spoke about empowering more women in politics and getting them further involved. She had a chance to walk the walk and failed to come through. Regardless of political affiliations, we need to respect each other," said Jimenez.

ORH also sent out a public statement about the meeting on Monday.

"As an organization committed to increasing visibility, diversity, and accountability in local politics, the incident is an example of why ORH is an important fixture in the community. ORH remains steadfast in their commitment to express comments at Township Committee meetings despite the disrespect shown towards ORH members on the very first meeting this year. Therefore, the actions of Committeeman Delcore and the committee as a whole on January 5, 2022 for not addressing the issue properly are condemned by ORH," according to ORH.

DelCore did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment.

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