Cooler Heads Prevail in Brick Mayor-Council Row

Brick Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis and Council President John Ducey may still have their disagreements, but found common ground and avoided a standoff that could have meant the two would hold dueling public meetings.

Acropolis, a Republican, said that before the Jan. 10 township council meeting Ducey, a Democrat, told him not to speak unless spoken to or during a designated time period near the end of the meeting. Acropolis said he had the right under state law to contribute during meetings, and if he was not allowed to do so, would along with the township business administrator and attorney, effectively forcing the council to have its meeting without key personnel at hand.

The bad feelings from a week before seemed to have melted away by the time the Jan. 17 meeting began, with the two men smiling and joking about a meeting they had together where they hashed out their differences in how town meetings should be run.

"Myself and the council president had a meeting in a steel cage a few days ago," Acropolis joked.

Acropolis contributed at several points during the meeting, answering questions posed by council members and Ducey himself. During most of the exchanges, Acropolis motioned or politely called out to Ducey, who recognized that the mayor had the floor. Likewise, Ducey directed many of his questions for Jean Cipriani, the township attorney, or Scott Pezarras, the business administrator, through Acropolis.

"We're going to work together," Ducey said. "Obviously, an atmosphere conducive to coming to agreements, having discussions and coming to a consensus is best."

Acropolis told Ducey he appreciated his courtesy, and that Tuesday's council meeting "ran very well."

Council members agreed.

"I think this was a very good meeting compared to all the others," Councilman Jim Fozman said with a smile. "Less stressful for me."

"I'm glad everything is going well for us now," Councilman Dan Toth concurred, complimenting Ducey on a well-run meeting.

Several members of the public also commented on the improved atmosphere between officials of opposing political parties.

"I enjoyed tonight's meeting much better than the last one," said Councilman Joe Sangiovanni said. "Civility always works."