Resident accuses city attorney’s firm and state officials of conflicts and calls for removal

During the Sept. 24 public-comment period, resident Vincent Lepore alleged that the law firm that represents the city and which has contracts with state entities had a conflict of interest and that city attorney Reynold (as named by the speaker) should be removed from his post. Lepore cited public-contract totals he said were disclosed in business filings and claimed the firm received $8,134,700.72 in 2024 through agreements and contracts and that the firm had contributed $158,600 in reportable contributions to candidates or committees in 2024. He also said a $5,000 contribution had been made to a local mayoral campaign and that the firm had received $377,880.43 from the city under contracts, which he described as “pay to play.” Lepore referenced Title 52 of the New Jersey Revised Statutes (NJSA 52:13D-12) and section 18 concerning conflicts of interest for lawmakers and urged the prompt removal of the city attorney prior to the next council meeting. He also criticized a prior statement by the city attorney regarding tax abatements and their impact on the Board of Education’s revenue, saying he had consulted the county assessor and found the attorney’s statement to be incorrect. The council did not act on Lepore’s demands at the Sept. 24 meeting; no motion or investigation was recorded on the public record that night. The statements are allegations made by a member of the public and have not been substantiated in the meeting transcript.