A Community Transformed: The Inevitable Rise of Englishtown’s New Leadership

Englishtown, NJ – An Unprecedented Shift in Governance

In a startling shift, the small borough of Englishtown, New Jersey, renowned for its charming community of around 2,300 residents, has found itself engulfed in a whirlwind of controversy and intrigue. The appointment of John Alite, a former mob hitman, as a council member marks a dramatic turn in local governance. His rise comes on the heels of a series of unexpected resignations from key council members, prompting debates about leadership, community safety, and the future of this quaint municipality.

Resignations Spark Leadership Changes

Since February, Englishtown’s council has witnessed a swift exodus, with four members stepping down amidst allegations of discord and miscommunication. Mayor Daniel Francisco attributes these resignations to an unspecified incident involving the departing councilors that he claims “did something to me,” a statement he has yet to clarify. Local experts are left scratching their heads at this sudden leadership void.

“There’s a lot to unpack there,” remarked Marc Pfeiffer, a senior policy fellow at Rutgers University, highlighting the challenging tapestry of events unfolding in this small town.

Crime and Controversy Intertwined

The issues plaguing Englishtown are not just bureaucratic. The former police chief faces criminal charges related to aiding theft, compounding the local government’s challenges.

Adding to the controversy, four cannabis dispensaries have opened within walking distance of one another on Main Street, leading some locals to humorously label the town “Pot Town.” “It’s disgusting,” remarked former council member Cindy Robilotti, voicing the concerns of many about the rapid normalization of cannabis culture in their once quiet town.

For many residents, however, the burgeoning cannabis industry is a minor concern compared to the implications of having a convicted killer on the council. Alite’s violent past includes his admitted involvement in six homicides and countless shootings during his time with the Gambino crime family.

The Fallout of Recent Resignations

The turmoil within the borough council began to surface publicly in February when councilors William Lewis and Kyle Jewusiak resigned shortly after taking office. This was swiftly followed by the resignations of Meaghan Lewis, William’s wife, and Bill Sabin in March. While Sabin described their council as resembling “an autocracy” in his resignation letter, the mayor’s personal conflicts with council members appear to be a larger part of this tale.

“I’ve never seen anything like this in all my years of service,” Robilotti commented on the unusual wave of resignations, reflecting a growing sentiment among local government insiders.

Different Perspectives on Leadership

Meaghan Lewis provided insight into her resignation, stating it was not the mayor’s request that compelled her departure but rather his tumultuous leadership style. Issues like last-minute agenda changes and hasty votes about draining Lake Weamaconk brought over 200 residents to a town meeting, underscoring community concern for their treasured lake.

Local residents appear polarized regarding the current political landscape. John Soares, a new council member and local business owner, referred to the council’s infighting as “classroom bickering,” suggesting that personal relationships among council members fuel their disputes.

Alite’s Transformation and Community Perception

John Alite’s transformation from a mob hitman to a councilman is particularly striking. After a violent life that involved drug trafficking and multiple murders, Alite pivoted towards activism following the overdose death of his daughter in 2020. Now at 62, he aims to extend his life experiences into local governance.

“I’m here to redeem my whole life,” Alite candidly shared with media last month, reflecting a desire for change not only in his life but within the community he now represents.

Local Concerns and Future Implications

As Englishtown grapples with its unique challenges, ranging from a lack of leadership stability to an influx of cannabis businesses, many residents are left asking what the future holds. “I don’t want to say nobody cared, but we want to know what’s our next couple steps, rather than what someone did in their previous lifetime,” noted Brenden Sharkey, a newly appointed council member.

However, skepticism looms regarding the council’s ability to address pressing concerns, especially with a recurring theme of infighting and lack of transparency from leadership.

Legal Troubles and Controversial Leadership

The situation worsened when former municipal clerk Gretchen McCarthy filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the borough and former police chief Peter Cooke, alleging retaliatory termination after reporting misconduct. Allegations in her lawsuit detail long delays in responding to public records requests and unauthorized actions by Cooke.

In addition, Cooke faces charges for questionable activities, including violating database protocols and colluding in shoplifting offenses, raising serious questions about the governance and oversight in Englishtown.

A Town at a Crossroads

Despite the turmoil and the perception of chaos, many residents don’t view Alite’s past as a deterrent. “Not at all,” said Joann Damante, highlighting a disconnect between the council’s controversies and the daily lives of residents. Local business owners echo similar sentiments, with some emphasizing that their concern lies more with the burgeoning cannabis industry than the council’s past scandals.

As Englishtown stands at a crossroads, it remains to be seen how these challenges will shape its future. Will the infusion of new leadership, including a figure with a controversial past, steer the town towards positive reform, or will the deep-seated issues underlying its governance continue to unravel? Only time will tell.

The road ahead for Englishtown is treacherous but filled with potential—both for turmoil and transformation. As community members and leaders navigate this era, the question remains: Can a town steeped in controversy find its way back to stability?