CLARK—FormerCouncilmanBill Caruso addressed the mayor and council on Tuesday evening and pushed the governing body to consider implementing term limits.
“I’m asking you for the good and welfare of this town put in an ordinance limiting the council and the mayor to serve two terms,” said Mr. Caruso, “Our fathers who founded America never intended for people to have a career in politics that’s why we have so much trouble in Washington.”
Mr. Caruso stated that the town needs turnover and younger people in office, adding that an ordinance on term limits will allow this to be more of a possibility.
“I did my service to the township of Clark. I’m not out to hurt anybody,” he said, “but we can’t allow administrators or people to be in there 24 years. That’s what causes corruption.”
Resident Martha Kamichoff defended the mayor and council. She expressed disgust with how others have spoken about the governing body, stating she has seen nothing but good come from the current Clark council, recalling an incident when her daughter was in a crisis at the Quick Check and was comforted by Mayor Sal Bonaccorso.
“To hell with term limits; stay up there as long as you want,” she said. Mayor Bonaccorso thanked Ms. Kamichoff for her comments. He also pointed out how former Councilman Caruso urged for the mayor and council to be re-elected during the election back in 2020. Mayor Bonaccorso also stated that, “he might have changed his mind. He’s allowed to do that.”
Councilman Brian P. Toal was the only member of the governing body to state his support for term limits. However, he stressed that, “ term limits are done not by a politician or a piece of paper. It’s done on November 5th, 2024.” “ The Democratic process will be heard in this town as it’s been done for all these years,” Mr. Toal continued. “ If you don’t believe in politics, you don’t believe in Democrat or Republican, it doesn’t matter; Clark comes first always.”
Councilwoman Angel Albanese stated she doesn’t support term limits or an ordinance on them believing people have voting rights. She also noted that former Councilman Caruso never advocated for term limits during his time on the Clark Council and repeated Mayor Bonaccroso’s statement that he once supported the current mayor and council.
“People should come out and vote; it’s a shame in this country we’re so used to freedom we take it for granted. If you want a voice, if you want to come out a run, go ahead; that’s what you need to do,” said Councilwoman Albanese.
Mayor Bonaccorso’s term – along with those of at-large council members Bill Smith, Jimmy Minniti and Angel Albanese – are set to expire at the end of this year. All four positions will be up for grabs in November.
