Mayor Apologizes For Drinking Too Much At Party, Passing Out

MAHWAH, NJ – Speaking publicly for the first time since the incident made headlines, Mahwah Mayor John Roth apologized for drunkenly passing out during a gathering at a township employee’s house.

During Thursday evening’s council meeting, Roth read a prepared statement confirming media reports about the Jan. 10 party, admitting he “consumed too much alcohol," removed his pants and climbed into his host's empty bed "to rest."

Related: Mahwah Mayor Admits To Drinking Too Much, Passing Out At Employee's Party

“To my family, the event host, the township’s employees, town council and all the residents of Mahwah, I’m sorry. I let you down,” said Roth, adding that he feels “nothing but regret, remorse and sincere sorrow” for his actions.

Following the incident, an anonymous letter was sent to township department heads and council members about what happened, he said. There was also claims he engaged in “inappropriate touching of a female employee” at the party, Roth said.

The letter, signed by two dozen employees, demanded private apologies or the mayor’s resignation, he said. It was obtained by media outlets, Roth said, which caused “embarrassment and hurt” and was an “unnecessary distraction for the township.”

Further investigation by Mahwah’s labor attorney, Raymond Wiss, determined “no crimes had been committee, no laws were broken, no assault or inappropriate touching occurred, no property was damaged and no complaints have been filed with the township by anyone,” the mayor said.

According to NJ.com, the report also recommended the mayor get counseling on township policies and anti-discrimination laws, as well as seek an evaluation regarding alcohol consumption and how it could impact his behavior.

While "censure" appears on Thursday's meeting agenda, the mayor was only reprimanded by the council in a resolution stating his "conduct on Jan. 10, 2020" was "inappropriate and represents conduct unbecoming an elected official."

During a public comment portion of the meeting, some residents spoke out about the incident, including one who said a third party should have performed the internal investigation and another who believed the mayor should resign.

Roth has been in public service for nearly 20 years, serving four years on the board of education, two on the planning board and 12 as a township councilman.

He became mayor two years ago after voters recalled Bill Laforet and his seat is up for re-election this fall.