Restaurant Manager Files Police Report Against Howell Deputy Mayor

HOWELL, NJ — A manager at the Ivy League restaurant told the Township Council that one of its members, Deputy Mayor Pamela Richmond, threatened her with losing her job after she asked the official and her companion to quiet down.

Kimberly Shulskie of Jackson spoke at the public portion of the Howell Township Council Tuesday to say that Richmond and her friend were watching a football game at the Route 9 restaurant on Sunday, Oct. 9, and became angry with Shulskie when she spoke to them.

Shulskie said the couple was chanting "Let's Go Brandon," a phrase used in the past to denigrate President Biden at various venues.

Shulskie, who told the committee that she is a Republican, as is Richmond, said she had no political motivation in speaking publicly. She also said she is Trump supporter.

But she said she "calmly" went over to Richmond and her friend to ask them to not disturb the other diners and to "not go there" with the "Let's Go, Brandon," phrase because it might provoke others.

Shulskie said Richmond and her friend cursed at her, threatened her job and made other intimidating comments. She said she felt she had to make the incident known publicly to the council.

Richmond was at the meeting but left the dais to "recuse herself," she said, when she saw Shulskie was going to speak. She returned to the meeting afterward. Richmond said Thursday she had no comment "at this time."

Shulskie, meanwhile, told the committee that she has filed a report with the Howell Township Police Department and also has provided them with video of the event.

"I have nothing to gain from this," Shulskie said. She also wrote her comments in a letter to the township.

Police Chief John Storrow confirmed that a report has been filed but that a formal complaint has not been made as yet. A complaint would have to be made within one year, he said.

Mayor Theresa Berger told Shulskie she was "sorry you had to experience" the incident. Berger called for Richmond to resign.

Councilman John Bonevich said Richmond should take a leave of absence from the council until the matter is looked into. Both Berger and Bonevich are Democrats.

Bonevich said an Ethics Committee should be re-instated by the council to address issues like this.

"There are two sides to every story," he said and he felt the incident needed to be studied.

Berger also asked if Shulskie has lost her job as a result of the incident and Shulskie said she has not and that she was given a few days off by the owner.

These public comments were seen on You Tube and posted to the Howell Happenings site at https://youtu.be/OJDBGNFWpHY.

The entire meeting can also be seen on You Tube.