Council President Apologizes, American Flag Permitted At Edison Meetings

EDISON, NJ — Council President Nishith Patel on Tuesday apologized to the community and his colleagues for the “confusion surrounding the decorum ordinance.”

The ordinance adopted by the Council indicated that the American flag, the Constitution and other props were not allowed to be used by the public when addressing Council.

“Let me be very clear, the Edison Council has never, nor will we ever, ban the American flag from our public meetings. Our nation's flag as well as our state's flag are both prominently and honorably displayed in our council chamber. We proudly and humbly begin each council meeting with the pledge of allegiance to our flag, reaffirming our commitment and loyalty to our country and the history and values upon which it stands,” Patel said in a statement.

“It was never ever the intent of this council to ban the American flag. In fact, nowhere in the ordinance is there even a reference to our nation's flag being banned. If any of my remarks during the previous council meeting implied that, I apologize. We are all proud Americans and respect the history, morals, and principles of our great nation.”

During the heated Nov. 25 meeting, a resident was ejected from the council meeting for holding up the American flag.

Resident Joel Bassoff first held up the Constitution when speaking about an ordinance, and he was told by Patel that he was using it as a prop, in violation of council rules.

“As you have continued to use the Constitution as a prop, as I’ve warned you, your time is forfeit,” Patel told Bassoff.

The Police then prevented Bassoff from speaking further. When Bassoff came back to speak about the ordinance banning props, he held up an American Flag and was ejected from the meeting by officers.

Former Councilwoman Joyce Ship Freeman said she was “highly offended” that the Constitution of America “was treated in that manner.” Ship Freeman called the situation and ordinance “an embarrassment throughout the whole state.”

In fact, several residents expressed their displeasure that the American flag and Constitution were labeled as props.

Although the ordinance does not explicitly ban the American flag or the Constitution, Patel told residents that when a flag or the Constitution is used "performatively" it can be considered a prop.

Council adopted the ordinance along with another that limits public speaking time from six to four minutes.

“The decorum ordinance that was passed was intended to prevent the chronic and chaotic disturbances that have found their way into our council chamber which at times prevent us from doing the important business of our township,” Patel said in his statement.

“Our residents deserve our undivided attention as we attempt to deal with the challenges we face together every day. Once again, I apologize.”

Councilmen Richard Brescher and Ajay Patil were the only ‘no’ votes on the ordinance, while Councilwoman Margot Harris was not present. But during previous discussions on the ordinance, Harris was vocal about her objection.

On Tuesday, Mayor Sam Joshi released a statement saying he spoke to Patel on the matter, who then issued an apology.

“Our nation's flag has never, EVER, been banned, nor will it ever be banned in our municipal complex, or any government building that we solely operate. We are all proud Americans who believe in the principles, morals, and values the American Flag represents,” Joshi said.

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