Laforet Finds It 'Unwise' To Pass Parks Ban, No-Knock Ordinance, Won't Sign Them

MAHWAH, NJ — Mayor William Laforet is refusing to sign two controversial ordinances that crack down on solicitors and activities in local parks.

Laforet's signature is not required to make the legislations go into effect, he is refusing to sign the ordinances as an act of protest against the township for adopting them.

Laforet issued a statement online Saturday regarding his decision:

"At the core of this issue is the Mayor’s sworn obligation to uphold the rights that our Constitution affords us. I do not take that oath lightly, even though It may not be popular or politically expedient to take such a position. At a time when our Township is under great scrutiny, investigations and criticism by the State of New Jersey Attorney General subpoena for Civil Rights claims. I find it demonstrably unwise to pass ordinances which can only add fuel to this already caustic situation. I therefore refuse to join the Council in their reckless action."

Residents complained that ultra-Orthodox Jews from New York state have appeared at their houses and offered them money for their homes or urged them to sell them.

Other residents have said over the summer that local parks were overcrowded by Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox Jews. The parks ordinance prohibits out-of-state residents from using local parks.

The attorney general's office is investigating the ordinances and launched a probe in August.

Authorities requested town officials turn over documents related to the ordinances, including emails, text messages, social media posts and meeting transcripts, according to a NorthJersey.com report.

Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal told township police not to enforce the ordinance on the grounds that such enforcement violates the U.S. Constitution.

Laforet challenged the council on the no-knock ordinance in a media interview. Laforet stated that Mahwah had no history of any objections by residents about people banging on their doors. Several residents at the meeting disagreed with this point, saying they had unwanted people bang on their doors in the past.

"I do want to say [to the council] what are you thinking?" Laforet said in the interview.

Council President Robert Hermansen motioned for a vote of no-confidence against Laforet at a Sept. 28 council meeting. The council approved the motion 6-0, with one abstention.

RELATED: Mahwah Council Casts Vote Of No Confidence In Mayor Laforet

RELATED: Mahwah Council Approves Updated 'No-Knock' Ordinance

RELATED: Prosecutor Tells Town Police Not To Enforce New Parks Ordinance

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