Caldwell Council Says 'No' to Former Councilman

At last week's Caldwell Council meeting, residents John Donovan and Beverly Crifasi were appointed unanimously by council vote to the Library Board and Historic Preservation Committee, respectively. But the appointment of a former councilman to the Traffic Commitee was rejected by a vote of 2-4.  

Among those voting former Republican Councilman Joseph Norton down were Republican Councilman Thomas O'Donnell, who is chairman of the committee, and Democratic Councilman Frank Rodgers, who also serves on the committee. The other "no" votes came from council members Richard Hauser and John Coyle, both Republicans.

Democratic Councilmen John Kelley and Ed Durkin approved appointing Norton to the Traffic Committee, which works on issues such as pedestrian safety and other traffic matters in the borough.

"I viewed his addition to the traffic committee as positive," Kelley said. "He has experience already in this area when he was on the council and understands many of the issues."

Kelley further said that "as a former council member it is disrespectful to deny his participating. Those who voted him down were the ones who sang his praises when he left."

Councilman O'Donnell did not respond to emails to comment on his vote. When reached on the phone last week, Council President Hauser declined to comment on his vote.

Norton served on the council from 2009-2011, but lost an attempt at re-election for a second term.