Middletown BOE Candidate Says School Board VP Threatened Him

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — A candidate running for Middletown school board filed a police report against sitting Board vice president Jacqueline Tobacco, after he said Tobacco implied a threat of physical violence during an argument the two were having on Facebook.

The candidate who filed the report is Mark Soporowski and he filed the report Monday night at Middletown Police headquarters.

At issue is the following comment Tobacco wrote to Soporowski on Facebook: "You want to accuse me of abusing taxpayer funds or anything else my husband would be more than happy to come right on in to your bar and discuss it. Let me know."

Soporowski said Tobacco's comment that her husband would come to his bar implied physical violence.

"I think it's definitely an implied threat, for sure," he told Patch. "If she had said she would come in and talk to me, I absolutely would not take it as a threat. But she said she would send her husband. She not only targeted me, but also made a veiled threat related to my personal business."

Middletown Police pressed no charges against Tobacco.

On Wednesday, Soporowski also sent a letter to the entire Middletown school board and acting superintendent Jessica Alfone reporting Tobacco's comment; the subject line of his email to the Board was "Notice of Threat Made by a Board Member During the Campaign."

He said he was advised by a lawyer to both file the police report and notify the school district.

His letter in part read:

"Dear Jessica Alfone, Frank Capone, and Members of the Middletown Township Board of Education,

On October 16, 2023, a formal police report was filed regarding an incident in which a member of the Middletown Township Board of Education, Jacqueline Tobacco, allegedly threatened me, a candidate in the election. This incident took place through social media, and the details of the threat and related circumstances are well-documented in the police report, a copy of which is available from the Middletown Township Police Department. Such behavior is not only unacceptable but also raises concerns about the integrity and decorum of the Board of Education. We expect our elected officials to uphold the highest ethical standards and to maintain a respectful and civil tone in their interactions, particularly during campaigns, which are essential for the democratic process."

Soporowski asked the Board to investigate Tobacco's comments. Board president Capone is Tobacco's running mate.

Soporowski often initiates debates on Facebook and has frequently told the people he banters with to come his bar and talk directly to him face to face, usually about issues facing the Middletown school district.

Tobacco said both filings by Soporowski are "campaign stunts."

"Mr. Soporowski’s failing campaign strategy is to just attack me personally and ignore any factual debate on issues or his obvious conflict of interests as a BOE candidate," she said Thursday night. "Clearly, Mr. Soporowski likes to try and intimidate females with personal attacks but that will never work on me. Middletown isn’t fooled by weak candidates reaching for pity headlines. Our residents are looking for proven leaders."

Seven residents are running for three seats on the Middletown school board.

The election was always intense, but it has now turned personal for many of the candidates: Patch broke the story earlier this month that one of the candidates, Justin Meehan, has an arrest record. Soporowski said people have been following him at private events and taking photos of him — "It's creepy. I never thought this would happen by me choosing to run for a say in how our school district is run." Tobacco said she's been the victim of personal attacks, as well.

The candidates:

• Frank Capone: Putting Children First slate
• Jacqueline Tobacco: Putting Children First slate
• Caterina Skalaski: Putting Children First slate
• Ashley Studd: Be The Change slate
• Justin Meehan: Be The Change slate
• Kelly Del Sordi: Be The Change slate
• Mark Soporowski: Students-Teachers-Taxpayers

The Be The Change slate said of the Tobacco-Soporowski scuffle:

"This unfortunate situation serves as a clear example of why we urgently need a change on the Board this November," said Meehan . "Instead of resorting to bullying tactics and smear campaigns, we should be fostering an environment that encourages our best and brightest individuals to step forward and run for the Board of Education. It is crucial that we promote inclusivity and support those who are willing to contribute their skills and ideas for the betterment of our educational system."

The election is Nov. 7.