Letter to the Editor from Mickey Bradley: Is Bergen County a Democracy or a Tyranny?

Is Bergen County a democracy or a tyranny?

On October 30th, Mr. William Brennan, a community activist, went to the Bergen County Administration Building (as reported by Hackensack Scoop) wearing a “Tedesco for County Executive “ t-shirt. Mr. Brennan was immediately confronted by a Bergen County Police Officer and told that he would have to remove the shirt. The Officer went on to say that One Bergen County Plaza is a polling place. Mr. Brennan inquired, “Is that your decision it’s a polling place or did somebody tell you it’s a polling place?” The Officer responded with, “If you wanna go that route it’s my decision.”

Let’s flashback to a debate between Democratic County Executive candidate James Tedesco, and County Executive Kathleen Donovan; Ms. Donovan stated the following:

“What I’ve said from the very beginning…you never put a politician in charge of a police department, that’s a recipe for disaster.” (Video)

Kathe, we couldn’t agree with you more. Even a federal judge agrees!

As reported earlier, on October 23rd, Officers James Tassillo, Alvin Nunez and Elby Tineo of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office were denied entry to the County Administration Building because they were wearing “Team Tedesco” t-shirts. These officers, who were off duty, were invited to an employee breakfast honoring them and other county workers for their respective years of service to the County. These officers believed that their First Amendment rights were violated when they were denied entry.

On Friday October 31st, United States District Court Judge Esther Salas ruled that Plaintiffs James Tassillo, Alvin Nunez, and Elby Tineo are entitled to a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction against the following defendants named in their individual and official capacities:

• County of Bergen
• Bergen County Police Department
• Kathleen A. Donovan
• Brian Higgins
• James Giblin
• John Does 1-10

“The Court also grants the Plaintiffs’ motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction enjoining defendants from preventing Plaintiffs and other members of the public from entering One Bergen County Plaza and displaying support for a candidate for public office by clothing, pins, buttons, or other modes of peaceful expression on days other than Election Day. Furthermore, the Court preliminary enjoins Defendants from threatening or engaging in disciplinary action against Plaintiffs, or any other member of the public, for expressing support for candidates for public office on days other than Election Day.”

The real question is how could someone possibly endorse a candidate who, as a federal judge found, more than likely violated the most basic civil right of a citizen, the right to vote?

If the media are permitted to exercise their right to free speech and press without restriction, yet fail to cover and report on a possible violation of these same rights being suppressed by public officials, then not much can be said for the integrity of journalism in Bergen County.

How ironic for these public officials who, upon taking office, swear to uphold and protect the Constitution, yet when faced with opposition to their re-election, put their personal and political interests ahead of these same values and principles they swore to uphold for all.

Mickey Bradley

(201) 390-8715