Edison Politics: State Democrats Attack Decorated Air Force Chief Master Sergeant David Tingle

Edison, NJ — On the same day that mayoral candidate David Tingle, a U.S. Air Force member and police officer, celebrated his birthday, the New Jersey Democratic State Committee (NJDSC) mailed a flyer attacking his “lack of experience.”

The attack has drawn criticism from residents across the political spectrum. Many questioned why the state party would target someone currently serving in the Air Force and in law enforcement, while concern grows over how state party leadership, Edison’s largest legal vendor, and Mayor Sam Joshi’s campaign are financially connected.

State Party and Legal Contracts

According to public records, NJDSC Vice Chair Peg Schaffer serves as an attorney at Rainone Coughlin Minchello (RCM), a politically connected law firm that has received extensive legal contracts from the Township of Edison during Joshi’s administration.

ELEC filings show that Mayor Sam Joshi’s campaign has raised nearly $1 million, including more than $36,000 in combined contributions from partners at RCM — the same firm that was awarded a township contract worth up to $625,000 for ongoing legal work.

Campaign Spending Raises Questions

Public ELEC reports reveal campaign spending on hotels, restaurants, and political events — that appear to have little to do with election or campaign activity.

Joshi also faced criticism after uniformed police officers appeared at a political event in Chicago (https://edisonreporter.com/may...) which some residents viewed as blurring the line between official duties and campaign activity.

Recurring Legal Controversies

RCM’s legal representation of Edison has been linked to several high-profile disputes documented in public records:

• Silver Lake Litigation (2025): A court fined Edison after Mayor Sam Joshi admitted during deposition that he had only “skimmed” filings before submission. Additional coverage details how the court sanctioned the township for procedural misconduct in the Silver Lake property dispute.
• Conflict-of-Interest Case (2024): A developer sought to disqualify an RCM attorney who had previously represented their company, raising questions about conflicts of interest within Edison’s legal representation.
• Flag Ban Controversy (2024): RCM’s legal advice was cited during a council meeting that led to the ejection of a resident carrying a U.S. flag, sparking national backlash and prompting an apology from the council president.
• Glendale Deposition Dispute (2025): Attorneys from RCM filed a motion to block release of Mayor Joshi’s deposition in ongoing litigation, a move criticized by transparency advocates.

Critics argue these repeated legal challenges have drained taxpayer funds while deepening concerns about accountability.

A Machine Under Pressure

Despite record fundraising, Mayor Joshi’s campaign has leaned heavily on paid canvassers from outside Edison and drawn complaints from residents who say campaign workers intimidated property owners over lawn signs supporting other candidates.

Political observers note that the mayor’s campaign mirrors a broader machine-style approach that rewards insiders and punishes dissent.

ELEC filings show Joshi’s campaigns have raised nearly $1 million, including more than $36,000 in contributions from RCM partners — the same firm that billed Edison nearly $750,000 in 2024.
In January 2025, the firm again received a township legal-services contract capped at $625,000.

With Few Party Endorsements, Joshi Turned to Powerful Legal Donors and Employee Unions

In the months leading up to the election, Joshi’s administration reopened Edison employees union contract on September 25th, 2025 (https://www.mycentraljersey.co...), adjusting overtime and compensation provisions. Meanwhile, the Edison PBA announced its endorsement of Joshi’s re-election in December 2024 in spite of alleged scandals (https://edisonreporter.com/edi...). When David Tingle raised concerns and asked for reconsideration, a smear campaign was launched against him. Government city employees were seen putting signs on people's properties without permission and taxpayer funded employees campaigned on Joshi's behalf.

Shortly after securing that endorsement, Joshi’s campaign mailed an attack ad targeting opponent David Tingle, claiming he was “overwhelmingly rejected by his own union.”

The mailer omitted that the same union had recently benefited from a reopened contract and enhanced pay approved by the mayor’s administration. Critics say the sequence highlights a campaign that leans on intimidation, institutional loyalty, political favors, and financial leverage rather than public trust.

As Election Day approaches, voters will decide whether Edison continues under the same network of political and legal influence or moves toward a new direction built on service, transparency, and accountability.

About David Tingle

David Tingle has built his career on service, integrity, and commitment to community. A member of the U.S. Air Force and a dedicated police officer, he understands what it means to lead with accountability and the courage to fight for what is right.

David Tingle is running for Mayor of Edison to restore trust, prioritize Edison, and make local government work for the people again.

Contact:
📧 dave@tingleformayor.com
📞 908-227-7957
🏠 1043 Amboy Ave, Edison, NJ 08837

David Tingle’s mention of his service as a police officer and in the U.S. Air Force is for identification purposes only. Reference to his law-enforcement or military status does not imply endorsement by the Edison Police Department, Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense, or any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.