On Tuesday, March 4, I attended the Borough of Bergenfield’s Council meeting.
I listened as they explained why they were reintroducing their ordinance on public gatherings, an ordinance very similar to the one discussed at Teaneck’s Council meeting last week. Some changes were made at the request of their attorney and the ordinance will be voted on and hopefully adopted on March 18.
As described confidently by their borough attorney, the ordinance is content-neutral, it provides guidelines for time, place and manner for protests and public gatherings, and it complies with what has been put forth by the Supreme Court.
This ordinance, similar to the one Mayor Schwartz, Deputy Mayor Katz and I attempted to introduce at our last meeting, will protect free speech and will also protect the right to worship and other aspects of the First Amendment. It provides guidance and protection for their police departments.
I wish to thank Mayor Amatorio, Council President Kornbluth and Councilmembers Almonte, Deauna, Lodato and Rivera for their clear leadership and for voting to uphold the Constitution on behalf of their residents.
