Heated Tensions Arise Over Nonprofit Fundraising For Bernards Township Police

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A heated discussion arose at the recent Township Committee meeting over accepting donations from a nonprofit fundraising for the Bernards Police Department.

"It has become very clear to me that accepting any money from the fund would not be in the best interest of the department, the Township, or the residents," said Deputy Mayor and Police Liaison Andrew McNally at the Aug. 12 Committee meeting.

The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Bernards Township Law Enforcement Fund (BTLEF) was formed by residents Erin Witte, Christine Ziegler, and then-Mayor Jennifer Asay formed the BTLEF in March 2024 following a surge in home invasions and crime in the Township. The group acquired its 501(c)(3) status in May 2025.

The BTLEF planned to raise private funds to enhance training, safety, community outreach, and professional development — beyond what is possible through municipal funding alone.

In May, Police Chief Tim King expressed his support for the nonprofit, saying, "The creation of the BTLEF is a powerful show of support from the community we proudly serve. These additional resources will allow us to expand our capabilities, strengthen community outreach, and continue raising the standards of excellence in law enforcement."

However, recently, some Township Committee members began to express concern over the group and its affiliation with Committeewoman Jennifer Asay.

Witte's husband, Paul, spoke during the public comment portion, addressing McNally and his comments at a previous meeting. Wittee claimed that McNally accused the BTLEF of impropriety.

"I ask the committee and the town, is there indeed a committee position that the Bernards Township Police Department will not accept donations from the BTLEF, which are provided without reservation, asking nothing in return, by citizens who are solely interested in supporting their community and making it as safe as it can be?" questioned Wittee.

Asay added that she was "not aware of any policy that prohibits donations that can be given to the town or the police department."

She added that the Township has accepted donations in the past from other organizations.

"It does raise a question for me, a municipal official sitting on a foundation, and in this case a police foundation, could create a conflict of interest, particularly if their involvement impacts decisions, actions related to the police department or city resources," said Committeewoman and Police Liaison Ana Duarte McCarthy. "As an example, sitting on a foundation could provide the officials with undue influence over the department, potentially leading to preferential treatment. I am not saying that this is the case, but it's a potential. So it's something that again I think it needs further consideration, so we can move forward without questions and concerns around conflicts of interest."

"I think Ms. Asay is hopelessly conflicted on this and shouldn’t be taking public positions on this dais as anything to do with this matter or doing anything behind the scenes on this matter," added McNally.

During the meeting, Asay said she spoke with Township Attorney John Belardo previously who she says cleared her of any conflict of interest.

Belardo told Patch that he had "no comment" when questioned at the BTLEF and any conflict.

Some of the concerns raised among Committee members included BTLEF not having its mission, objectives, or bylaws completed.

"Everything has to be vetted in this town. So you are asking us to make a decision to take the money from an organization that I don't know if it's a legitimate organization because no one came to me to talk to me about it," said Mayor Janice Fields.

McNally also raised a concern from National Night Out when he says BTLEF requested a presence at the event and had to be told "no" several times.

"The inability of the organization to take a simple no for an answer on National Night Out on top of everything else was the final straw for me. It was the clearest signal that accepting funds from the organization is destined for additional problems and further drains on the department’s resources," said McNally.

Fields also noted that the Township already funds its police department. "We give them what they need. You pay enough in tax dollars that you should be able to fund our police department and give them what they need."

Overall, McNally said he didn't believe the Township should accept funding from the BTLEF.

"I realize that some people have come to this with good intentions, but good intentions aren’t enough to warrant draining the township’s time and resources on top of all the other issues that this fund presents. I want a police department whose resources are fully committed to police work, and all of our residents deserve that. That won’t be possible if we were to accept resources from this fund," said McNally. "Therefore, it is my firm and unwavering position that the Township will not accept any money or any other resource from the Bernards Township Law Enforcement Fund."

Previous Reporting:

• Residents Fight Back Against Crime, Form Nonprofit Supporting Bernards Twp. Cops
• Residents Launch Nonprofit Supporting Bernards Township Police
• Light Up Bernards Township In Blue To Support Local Law Enforcement

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