UPDATE: N.J. GOP Leaders Drop the Ax on Embattled Roseland Council Members

WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – The long knives are out this weekend in NJ GOP-land, Save Jerseyans, after a politically incorrect text message chain featuring racial/ethnic slurs between the all-Republican council membership and mayor came to light.

The messages were first reported by a local paper, The Progress.

In one particular textual exchange reportedly from May 2016, Councilmen Thomas Tsilionis inquired of Councilman David Jacobs (who is Jewish), “David how do I become Jewish? I want to be half Jewish (cheap) and half African American (endowed).”

“First the Rabbi needs to take a bigger cut,” Jacobs replied.

“I am legally changing my name to ShwartzNigga,” Tsilionis shot back.

Not all of the six council members participated actively in the chain.

Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr. and Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick consequently issued a joint statement on Saturday specifically calling on Tsilionis and Jacobs to step down.

“Whether in private or in public, this type of behavior is unacceptable under any circumstances and these councilmen should resign immediately,” said Guadagno. “I was disgusted when I read these messages and the people of Roseland deserve better from their leaders.”

“Councilmen Tsilionis and Jacobs should resign,” added Kean. “Their demonstrated poor judgement makes it clear they are incapable of serving. There is no room for racism in public office. Their comments were inexcusable and their constituents deserve better.”

Whether the pair plans to heed their party leaders’ calls wasn’t clear as of Saturday afternoon.

____

The Staff
About The Staff 2899 Articles
SaveJersey.com's Network of Contributors keeps you up-to-date on everything worth knowing in the Garden State. You're welcome!