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Resident alleges cyberbullying and demands resignations during heated Wildwood Crest public comment
Summary
During public comment, resident Lisa Ripo alleged she was cyberbullied, accused borough officials and police of failing to act, and publicly called for resignations; the mayor cautioned against disruptive behavior and directed residents to follow formal protocols and the tax collector for a late-bill dispute.
Public comments at the Borough of Wildwood Crest meeting included a tense exchange in which Lisa Ripo alleged online harassment, said municipal officials and police failed to address the matter, and called for officials to resign if they were involved.
Lisa Ripo read an email and said she had been “cyberbullied” and that she had filed a police report. She told the governing body that if members “are directly involved in this or were aware of the harassment or cover up... I am asking for your immediate resignation.” The mayor cautioned that comments that disrupt the meeting could prompt law enforcement involvement and repeatedly urged the speaker to follow established protocols, including filing formal complaints with the appropriate agencies. In response to questions about a late tax bill Ripo received after she paid, borough officials advised residents to consult the tax collector and indicated a 10-day grace period may apply.
Other public commenters raised separate local issues: John Ripo reiterated his support for his wife and described the alleged material as “pornographic” and criminal; Jack Von Savage, representing the seller of a property at 2011 West Pittsburgh (block 158 lot 1), asked how to pursue purchase of a small triangular municipal parcel to square off a lot and was told staff would place the matter on a future agenda; Katherine Hughes asked about dune vegetation trimming and whether cutting cedars or pitch pines would cease; borough officials said trimming conducted under Army Corps permit rules is routine and that maintenance will continue.
Why it matters: The allegations of cyberbullying and the call for resignations prompted direct public criticism of municipal staff and police; officials emphasized following formal complaint channels and advised individuals to work with the tax collector on billing disputes. The exchange illustrates public frustration and the importance of transparent follow-up on resident complaints.
What’s next: Officials did not announce any investigatory findings during the meeting. The mayor and staff encouraged residents to file formal complaints and to meet with the tax collector or relevant departments to resolve billing issues.
