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Heated public comments and NAACP involvement as Elmwood Park council addresses allegations over social-media post
Summary
A long public-comment period at Elmwood Park’s Dec. 19 meeting centered on allegations that a councilmember’s social-media GIF had racial undertones; council members and the mayor said the matter is under investigation by the Bergen County prosecutor’s office and the Bergen County NAACP and residents urged accountability.
Elmwood Park’s Dec. 19 public-comment period became a prolonged, emotional exchange over allegations that a councilmember’s social-media post carried racial overtones.
Councilwoman (first name) Tracy defended a recent social-media post and told the council, "the post was not about race," saying it expressed personal relief after a local election. Councilwoman Tanisha Dennis said the GIF and subsequent online responses carried "racial undertones" and described the situation as an opportunity for dialogue and accountability: "If someone says to you that what you may have said or done is racist, that is an opportunity for a conversation," she said.
Members of the Bergen County NAACP spoke in support of Dennis. Jeff Carter, president of the Bergen County NAACP, said his organization — representing about 900 members — was "in full support of Miss Dennis" and pledged to monitor the situation and ensure it is handled appropriately. Rasheed Goins, a county NAACP officer, urged the council to "reach across the aisle" and to act as role models.
Multiple residents described feeling hurt and urged the council to pursue outside review. The mayor and other council members said the matter had been referred to the Bergen County prosecutor's office for independent review; the mayor told the meeting earlier that the matter was "under legal review." Council members cautioned against public attacks on borough employees, noting employees have rights and that public accusations could expose the borough to liability.
The public exchange included testimony defending the councilmember accused and pleas from community members for civility. Voices in the room called for a mediated conversation; several speakers said social-media posts can be read differently by different people and urged a process for resolution. After a heated interaction that led to an in-meeting recess, the council re-established quorum, continued public comment and closed the public portion before adjourning.
No formal municipal disciplinary action was announced at the meeting; council and mayor repeatedly emphasized an external investigation by the Bergen County prosecutor’s office (district attorney) and encouraged residents to allow that process to proceed.
