ERUVS, Park Ordinances & No Knock Laws

I find it very interesting the controversy surrounding the issue of an ERUV created by a group of people who don’t even reside in Mahwah or indeed our state. Given the fact that there is no one living within the existing ERUV or proposed expansion of same, that requires its accommodation. The whole argument is deceptive at best. Now while it is true that everyone in this country has the right to practice their faith as one see fit, I find it appalling that any religious organization would seek to impose its practices, traditions, or observances on the rest of society.

The notion that our government has the legal authority or obligation to intercede on behalf of any religious group because of its self imposed adherence or practices that result in hardship to its members is preposterous. If any sectarian group religious or not, wish to live a cloistered life that is their right however, they do not have a right to impose any part of that factional existence on the rest of us. The state Attorney Generals Office in its rush to file a lawsuit against Mahwah and its Township Council is failing to observe the tenants of separation of Church and State. It is also ridiculous to think that anyone has the constitutional Right to affix any object religious or other wise to a utility pole, tree, or governmental property in a public right-of-way.

On the proposed park ordinances all local, county, and state parks even national recreational areas, have laws and ordinances governing their usage. Some of these rules can be restrictive but they are assigned to protect the delicate nature of these facilities. When towns and cities apply for and receive Green Acres Funding the intention is to preserve or improve open space for recreational purposes for their respective residents. While it is understood that the spaces are public, many localities have them fenced in with locked gates. We have all seen them at the ball fields, courts, and playgrounds that are used for organized sports by the residents. I think most of New Jersey will have to return these funds. An attempt to withhold green acres funding in this case, is akin to The Federal Government’s attempt at withholding funds from sanctuary cities, it is a form of extortion. I don’t think this is a Pandora’s box that needs to be opened. With this in mind, Mahwah invites all to visit its open spaces, follow the rules, and be respectful is all that is asked.

As for the no knock ordinance, how many of us have been interrupted by someone going door-to-door selling something? In the past year I have had at least three sales people pushing their television services, a window and door company, a driveway repair outfit, a young man selling candy for some cause, various nonprofits looking for donations and yes, a real estate agent. Just like a do not call registry, a no knock law is welcomed.

There is a governmental process in New York and New Jersey that’s called home rule. Our Township Council is attempting to practice it for its constituency. No where is this process adhered to move than is the township of Lakewood New Jersey, Towns and Village of Rockland County, New York and most striking, in a place named Kiryas Joel, New York where the process is radically justified and enforced with disregard to any social, moral, or economic norms. The town of Kiryas Joel, as well as a 60 Minutes expose reported by the late anchor, ED Bradley can be googled and found on YouTube. The report may be dated, but nothing has changed except that the town has grown tenfold.

Some of the components of home rule are long time residents, senior citizens, extended families, public servants and employees of the locality; volunteers, Civic assoc., Clergy, and elected officials. It has been around for well over 100 years. Together they form a coalition that decides what is right or wrong, good or bad, and needed for the residents in their town or cities. There is nothing wrong with this, it’s not perfect but it’s part of our democratic process. Now, there are some that would like to see it go the way of the horse and buggy, but good luck with that in places like Hudson County, Essex County, Passaic County and South Bergen County. To all the highly vocal instigators I say look in your own dwelling, get off our backs, and don’t tread on us!

I attended every council meeting in Mahwah since May and did not see or hear one remark that could be construed as xenophobic, racist or anti-Semitic. I also did not witness our Democratic candidate for governor Phil Murphy, Alfred Doblin of the Bergen Record, or our Attorney General Chris Porrino in town. All of who maligned, defamed, and slandered the good people of Mahwah in their attempt to try this case in the media. Their reasons, take your pick, a effort to acquire a large voting block and acknowledgment of a sizable political donation, fake news, self righteousness, or political correctness all of which can score points depending on the game being played. Alfred Doblin and the Bergen Record have written extensively on this topic, repeating the same talking points over and over. They are following the old axiom that if you say something enough it must be true. Yes there is something happening in Mahwah, it’s called a communities concern for its environment, political involvement, and home rule. What it’s not is: anti-Semitic, racist, or xenophobic. As I travel around town talking to friends, family, neighbors and elected officials I encounter nothing but good, decent residents who welcome all people from everywhere to play, shop, and live in the Township of Mahwah. Just don’t come riding in on a Trojan horse.