Clark Police Union Issues Vote Of 'No Confidence' Against Mayor

CLARK, NJ — Clark's Police Benevolent Association issued a vote of "no confidence" against Mayor Sal Bonaccorso on Friday after recordings of him using racial slurs and sexist language were released a few weeks ago.

Clark PBA Local #125 is a union that represents the majority of police officers in Clark Township. In an open letter to the community, the PBA called the language utilized by Bonaccorso "disgraceful" and members of the group unanimously issued a vote of "no confidence" in the mayor's continued leadership.

"The recordings which have recently come to light reflect language utilized by Mayor Bonaccorso which is disgraceful," Clark PBA wrote in a letter. "His words reflect an attitude which has no place in our society, and more importantly, no place in a position of leadership nor elected office."

In the secret recording that whistleblower Lieutenant Antonia Manata brought forward to the township two years ago, Bonaccorso, as well as two top-ranking police officials, refer to Black people as "shines," "spooks" and the N-word. This recording was made public after NJ.com published its investigation into the matter on March 31.

Bonaccorso issued an apology to the community via video message, but several local officials have called for his resignation.

Read more: Gov. Murphy 'Disturbed' By Clark Mayor Scandal, Calls For Resignation

Manata was also paid $400K by Clark officials in order to avoid a public lawsuit, according to NJ.com.

Clark PBA said they believe the mayor's "disdain for people based on their gender or the color of their skin" is counterproductive to the principles that the PBA stands for.

In their vote of "no confidence," the PBA has called for the immediate resignation of Bonaccorso from office.

"The failure of his insight and judgment into his actions is so severe as to have irreparably compromised his ability to supervise our membership and our Township," the PBA wrote. "We see no other course of conduct short of resignation of Mayor Bonaccorso which will allow our membership and our community to begin to heal from his disgraceful statements."

The PBA said the taxpayers of the township should not condone the mayor's statements, and they believe the mayor's suspension is justified.

According to the PBA, New Jersey statutes provide that the town's business administrator may be designated to serve in place of the mayor.

"We are confident that our established relationship with the Township's Business Administrator, Jim Ulrich, will continue to be principled, honorable and in the best interests of the Township, our PBA members and the residents of the Township of Clark," the PBA wrote.

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