Text of Speech Announcing Submission Recall Petition Signatures
On January 8th we notified the town clerk of our intention to circulate a Recall Petition so residents would have the option to vote to remove Mayor Laforet from office in this November's election. On January 19th the town clerk approved our Recall Petition and we began collecting signatures. We were given 160 days to gather the signatures of 25% of Mahwah's registered voters -- a total of 4,170 signatures.
We are proud to announce that yesterday, June 27th, the Committee to Recall Mayor William Laforet submitted in excess of 5,000 signatures representing over 30% of the towns registered voters -- more than the amount needed to put the question on the ballot, and many more than the number of people who voted for Mayor Laforet in the last election.
It is clear Mahwah voters want the opportunity to decide if William Laforet deserves to continue being mayor of Mahwah. We feel confident after talking to thousands of residents, that we already know their answer. He does not.
The town clerk is now in the 10 day process of reviewing the submitted signatures, after which the petition will be accepted and the Mayor can choose to challenge the Petition or resign. The mayor has 10 days to do so. If he does neither, then the Question goes on the ballot.
According to our attorney, and as has been our position throughout this campaign, the recall question will appear on the November ballot along with candidates for the office of mayor. If the recall question is successful, then the elected replacement will take office immediately.
We would like to thank the numerous volunteers who have worked tirelessly for the last 160 days, and their families who have sacrificed to make this a success. We would also like to thank all the residents who took the time to talk to us, learn about the issues, and sign the petition. The overwhelming support and encouragement from the community was a constant source of inspiration for us throughout this difficult task.
One of the most disturbing things we found going door to door was how many residents were afraid to sign because of their worry of retaliation from the mayor. In light of the accusations against the mayor in the Ed Sinclair lawsuit, and the numerous anecdotes from citizens who have been targeted by the mayor, we appreciate their concerns. Now that the question can appear on the November ballot, they can freely vote their conscience without fear.
In response to the filing of our Petition signed by an overwhelming number of voters, the Mayor has tried to spin this as an act of the Township Council and in retaliation for his standing up for civil rights. He is not being honest with you. The Petition was started by a group of concerned average citizens, who had enough of the Mayor’s lies, distortions, partisan bickering, incompetence, and failed leadership, not the Town Council.
As for his claims of standing up for civil rights, ask the family of Ed Sinclair or the merchants who supported his opponents about the mayor protecting their civil rights. Ask the residents, elected officials and first responders he’s blocked from access to information and participation in public forums how they feel about their civil rights being violated by the mayor. Listen to the footage of council meetings where he has been repeatedly called out for violating the rights of residents.
He has embroiled this town in multiple legal battles, undermined the town's legal positions, and defamed its reputation through his repeated lies and statements to the press against the interests of this town and against the advice of our attorneys.
Whether it is arrogance, ignorance, or political ambition, the mayor clearly thinks he's above the law. Anyone who has the contempt for the Constitution and his own residents that Bill Laforet has shown does not deserve to be mayor.
There are many of us who believe the mayor's actions are guided by the unlimited political ambition of the Mayor and the party politicians who support him. We believe his ambition far exceeds his intellect, his leadership abilities and his commitment to the Township of Mahwah and its people.
We are hopeful that in light of this recall the Mayor will reassess his ambition, and his values, and do the right thing for the people of Mahwah and resign.
It's time for this town to get the leadership it deserves. It's time this town was lead by people who want to work together for our common good and not for their own agendas or ambitions. This recall should serve as a reminder to every elected official that they first and foremost serve the people.
Important Notice for Media Outlets
Be advised that the only authorized spokesperson for the Committee to Recall Mayor William Laforet is Melanie Sue and the only outlets for statements by us are the press page on our website (www.RecallMayorLaforet.com) and our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/RecallLaforet). We disavow statements by any other persons or outlets claiming to speak on our behalf.
