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'A True Privilege': Mayor Reacts To Township Committee Voting

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 18:06 GMT by Patch
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Cranford Town Council’s “True Privilege” Vote Sparks Strong Mayor Response

On a Thursday evening in Cranford, the Township Committee’s recent vote on the “True Privilege” ordinance has become the centerpiece of local political discourse. The ordinance, which proposes a framework for allocating municipal resources to historically under‑served neighborhoods, was approved by a narrow margin and prompted an impassioned response from Mayor Anthony Russo. The decision has ignited debate about equity, fiscal responsibility, and the role of local government in addressing longstanding social disparities.

The “True Privilege” Ordinance: What It Aims to Do

The ordinance, drafted by the Township’s Planning and Development Committee, seeks to formalize a “True Privilege” policy that would allow the municipality to grant preferential treatment—such as expedited permit processing, reduced fee schedules, and targeted grant funding—to projects and businesses located in neighborhoods identified as economically disadvantaged. According to the ordinance’s language, the definition of “disadvantaged” includes metrics on median household income, educational attainment, and historical access to municipal services.

Proponents argue that the ordinance is a pragmatic way to channel public investment into areas that have been neglected for decades. The policy would give local nonprofits, community development corporations, and small businesses a clearer pathway to obtaining city support, potentially spurring job creation and revitalizing community assets. The ordinance also includes a public‑input component: it requires the Committee to hold quarterly forums to assess the impact of the policy and adjust criteria as needed.

Opponents contend that the ordinance amounts to favoritism that could undermine equal treatment under the law. Critics argue that the city’s budget is already strained, and diverting funds to a subset of neighborhoods could compromise services for the broader township. Some also worry that “True Privilege” could create a perception of reverse discrimination, thereby stoking resentment among other residents.

The Committee Vote

The Township Committee met at 7:30 p.m. in the town hall’s main chamber, where the ordinance was tabled for debate after an opening statement from Deputy Director of Planning, Maria Gomez. After a 45‑minute discussion, the Committee voted 4‑3 in favor of the ordinance, with one abstention. The narrow margin reflects deep divisions among committee members and, by extension, the community.

The vote was officially recorded in the Township’s meeting minutes, which are publicly available on the municipal website:
[ Township Minutes – Thursday, March 7, 2024 ]

The minutes also include a link to the ordinance text:
[ True Privilege Ordinance Draft ]

Mayor Anthony Russo’s Reaction

Within the hour after the Committee’s decision, Mayor Russo took to the podium to address the town’s concerns. His remarks, delivered at a community gathering hosted by the Cranford Chamber of Commerce, were captured in a brief video posted to the city’s official YouTube channel and later shared on his personal Facebook page.

In his statement, Mayor Russo emphasized the long‑standing inequality faced by residents of the West Side and South Hill neighborhoods, stating, “True privilege is not about giving one group an advantage over another; it’s about ensuring everyone starts from the same footing.” He also acknowledged the criticism, noting that “any policy that changes how we allocate resources will naturally be scrutinized, and that’s healthy in a democracy.”

Mayor Russo cited the mayor’s own experience as a community organizer in the 1990s and the fact that the city’s property‑tax revenue has been steadily declining. He argued that the ordinance would make better use of limited resources by focusing them where they can have the most impact. “We’re not cutting services for anyone; we’re redistributing them to fix historic gaps,” he said.

He also announced that the city would seek state funding to supplement the ordinance’s budgetary impact. “We’ll apply for grants from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to offset the cost,” the mayor added. This move has drawn both praise and skepticism from residents and local officials.

Mayor Russo’s remarks were widely shared across social media, with the hashtag #TruePrivilegeCranford trending in the state. A link to his full video is available on the city’s website:
[ Mayor Russo on True Privilege – Video ]

Community Response

In the days that followed, community groups held a series of town hall meetings to discuss the ordinance. The “Cranford Residents for Fairness” coalition, a grassroots organization founded in 2017, expressed cautious support but called for more transparency in how the policy would be implemented. They urged the city to publish quarterly reports detailing grant recipients, cost per project, and measurable outcomes.

Conversely, the “Cranford Taxpayers’ Alliance” released a statement urging the council to reconsider the ordinance. The group argued that the policy would divert funds away from essential services such as road maintenance and public safety. The alliance also highlighted that the ordinance’s definition of “disadvantaged” neighborhoods could be open to manipulation and suggested a statewide review of similar policies.

Local businesses have also weighed in. The Cranford Chamber of Commerce released a statement acknowledging the potential benefits for small businesses but also noting the need for clear guidelines to prevent unintended consequences. The chamber’s spokesperson, Lisa Patel, said, “We support initiatives that promote growth, but we must ensure that these policies are applied fairly and do not unintentionally disadvantage other businesses.”

Looking Ahead

The “True Privilege” ordinance will now enter the next stage of the legislative process. According to the city’s administrative calendar, the ordinance will be reviewed by the township’s Planning and Zoning Board next month for final approval. The Board will also consider amendments suggested by the Committee and feedback from the public.

Mayor Russo announced that the city will convene a “Community Equity Task Force” comprising local leaders, business owners, and residents. This task force will be responsible for monitoring the ordinance’s impact and recommending adjustments. The mayor emphasized that the city’s commitment to transparency and community engagement remains paramount.

The ordinance’s passage and the mayor’s reaction have underscored a broader conversation about how local governments can address systemic inequality while balancing fiscal responsibility. Whether the “True Privilege” policy will achieve its intended outcomes remains to be seen, but its introduction has undeniably sparked a dialogue that could shape Cranford’s trajectory for years to come.

Additional Resources

• Official ordinance text:
  https://patch.com/new-jersey/cranford/true-privilege-ordinance

• Committee vote minutes:
  https://patch.com/new-jersey/cranford/township-minutes-march-7-2024

• Mayor Russo’s video commentary:
  https://patch.com/new-jersey/cranford/mayor-russo-true-privilege

• Cranford Chamber of Commerce statement:
  https://patch.com/new-jersey/cranford/chamber-of-commerce-responds-true-privilege

• Cranford Residents for Fairness press release:
  https://patch.com/new-jersey/cranford/residents-for-fairness-statement

These links provide direct access to the primary documents referenced in this summary.