Franklin Borough Not Legally Able to Change Meeting Venue for Tuesday, July 8

FRANKLIN BOROUGH – Franklin Borough Mayor Paul Crowley has followed up with NJInsideScene.com this evening, with a statement regarding the request from residents to relocate the borough council meeting on Tuesday, July 8.

Crowley indicated that the topic was discussed with the borough attorney earlier today, who has been out of town since the incidents with Councilman David Fanale had erupted. Crowley said due to legal reasons, Franklin Borough cannot currently change the venue of the meeting to a larger location.

Changing the venue for Tuesday meeting is not legally possible,” Crowley said. “There is no way to advertise a change of location in such short time.”

Crowley’s statement echoes that of Franklin Administrator Jim Kilduff who told NJ Inside Scene on Friday that there were no plans to relocate the meeting. At the time, Kilduff said there were other matters of business the council planned to attend to, and members of the public could wait outside if the capacity of the crowd exceeded that of the room.

“The meeting will be, as advertised, at the Borough Hall and we will try to accommodate as many people as possible,” Crowley added.

Crowley had additionally asked Fanale yesterday to step down from his post, as he expressed in a statement that he also released to NJ Inside Scene.

“I have come to the conclusion that the furor and upheaval created by Mr. Fanale is harmful to the Borough and that Mr. Fanale can no longer effectively function as an elected official in Franklin Borough,” Crowley said.

Crowley’s decision hinged on a pornographic photo that Fanale posted on his Facebook Page, with a caption slandering and defaming a public official, and that person’s family member.

“I find his latest post highly offensive and crosses the line of common decency,” Crowley said.

NJ Inside Scene reached out to Fanale earlier today for a request for comment if he will in fact resign, and has not received a response as of this evening if he will or not.

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