Paramus Mayor Calls Blue Laws Repeal Argument 'Ridiculous'

Paramus Mayor Richard LaBarbiera is calling Westwood resident Rosemary Shashoua's argument to repeal county Blue Laws "ridiculous."

During Tuesday's council meeting, the mayor defended the Blue Laws and the Paramus residents who have been criticized for wanting to keep peace and quiet in this town on Sundays.

"Don't worry about Paramus and we won't worry about what you do in your town," said LaBarbiera.

"I won't stop whining as some outsiders have challenged us," said the mayor referring to the hefty debates that have been going on in the comment sections of recent articles and on Facebook pages

Shashoua's group "Modernize Bergen County" has the goal of repealing Bergen County's blue laws via a voter referendum on the premise that allowing shops to open on Sundays would create more jobs and bring more money into the area that may be spent in other counties or New York.

The mayor says one of the biggest reasons people move to Paramus is because stores are only open 6 days a week. He's also been greeted by employees of retail stores who have told him how happy they are that they have Sundays off.  It is also why many businesses choose to come to Paramus, he says.

Former Councilman Sam Cassiello said Bergen Blue Laws have been challenged before, they have been upheld and knows Paramus will see to it that it continues.

"Don't waste your time and energy with petitions," said Casiello.

Former Mayor Jim Tedesco echoed the same message telling LaBarbiera he knows Paramus will continue to protect the Blue Laws and will overcome this challenge.

The blue laws have been challenged twice before: once in 1980 and again in 1993. The plans to repeal the laws were defeated 192,394 to 157,648 in 1980 and 185,821 to 105,040 in 1993.

See related stories:

Residents Dismayed at Push to Repeal Blue Laws

Westwood Woman Seeks Repeal of Bergen Blue Laws

'Like' Paramus Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.