On October 25, 2024, Matt Platkin, the Attorney General for New Jersey issued a statement addressing antisemitic language allegedly used by a Lieutenant Colonel in the New Jersey State Police. A portion of that statement was as follows, “I will reserve judgment until that investigation is complete,” Platkin said. “But I want to make clear that we must never tolerate antisemitism or bias of any kind. Too often, those in leadership feel comfortable dismissing or ignoring allegations of bias, particularly when the perpetrators hold positions of power. When allegations of bias are met with silence or, worse, reflexively defended by people in power, rather than seriously and swiftly investigated, it sends a clear message to all victims who might consider coming forward: don’t bother.” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also made a similar public statement saying, “Antisemitism of any kind has no place in our society. The alleged comment about Attorney General Platkin and his son, if true, is abhorrent and contrary to the values of the New Jersey State Police and my entire administration,” Murphy said. “Because an investigation is underway, I will not comment further on this matter until the investigation is complete.” Many other political leaders have also commented publicly on this matter including Jersey City Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Steve Fulop, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Former Senate President Steve Sweeney, Rep. Andy Kim, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, Former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, and Rep. Josh Gottheimer. I commend Attorney General Platkin, Governor Murphy, and the others who stood up and made statements. I respect their public stands against hateful speech. On October 16, 2024, news broke about Arch Liston, Trenton’s current Director of Housing and Economic Development. Mr. Liston, while conversing with a Jewish female member of Trenton’s police department, and in front of other municipal employees, allegedly “referenced her and others who work with Columbus Kennel as Nazis. He allegedly added that all they do at the shelter is euthanize dogs in a manner similar to the operation of a Nazi concentration camp.” Mr. Liston allegedly has a “patterned history of misconduct and inappropriate behavior” in Trenton’s city hall. A tort claim was subsequently filed against Mr. Liston and the City of Trenton by the officer. Comparing the statements made by the Attorney General and others to the lack of any similar public statements by Mayor Gusciora, any of the seven members of Trenton’s City Council, or any other local or state public official that has previously made statements on hate speech leaves me scratching my head. I am not trying to force a statement from anyone, I am merely comparing the reactions of public and elected officials to similar situations. If the Attorney General, the Governor of New Jersey, and many others can separate potential litigation and make sound, cogent, and powerful statements condemning hate speech as they have, what is preventing any of the public officials in Trenton from doing the same? None of the public statements jeopardized due process or potential litigation. All were able to separate the issue of hate speech from any legal matter and make strong statements that reflected their personal feelings and values. There is no reason for Mayor Gusciora or any council member to hide behind “we don’t comment about ongoing investigations or personnel issues.” If a statement like Mr. Platkin’s can be made and not negatively affect any potential litigation, local officials in Trenton can certainly do the same. The will to do so just does not appear to be present. Mayor Gusciora would be highlighting abhorrent behavior in his own administration, but leaders sometimes need to make tough decisions to place themselves on the right side of a situation. Silence is not placing oneself on the right side of this situation. Contrast this with the many public statements made by Mayor Gusciora after then Councilperson Vaughn directed hateful comments at him and also go back the public statements from a current sitting Councilperson when the same former councilperson made comments directed at her family. In each instance they swiftly, strongly, and very publicly spoke out against hateful speech. What is the difference between then and now in the matter of Trenton Director of Housing and Economic Development Arch Liston? The question I would like to pose to anyone reading this is if the Attorney General of New Jersey, and so many others can make public statements condemning hate speech as they have, why are we not hearing the same from Trenton’s Mayor Reed Gusciora, any of the current seven sitting council members – individually or as a body – or any other public official that represents the city of Trenton and its residents? — Michael Ranallo, Trenton, NJ Sources for quotes: 1. https://www.trentonian.com/2024/10/16/tort-claim-says-trenton-economic-director-compared tpd-lieutenant-and-animal-shelter-employees-to-nazis/ 2. https://newjerseymonitor.com/2024/10/25/state-polices-second-in-command-under investigation-for-antisemitism/ 3. https://newjerseyglobe.com/state-government/murphy-has-platkins-back-in-latest-state-police scandal/