By Senior Correspondent Desirée Taylor
NJ Today
Amateur video captured what some Newark Council members described as a melee that ensued last night after Mayor Cory Booker showed up unannounced to cast the deciding vote for Shanique Davis Speight, his choice to fill a vacant council seat.
“What happened last night was … and a power grab by this administration on the second floor into the body of the third floor, something that has not been seen in these chambers in decades.”
Newark Councilman Ron Rice said “they committed a crime against all the people who voted even for John James. They committed a crime against those people.”
WATCH VIDEO:
Outrage over the mayor’s vote prompted some individuals to rush to the stage. At least one officer reacted by using pepper spray.
But the mayor claims he has the authority to vote for a council candidate. His office issued the following statement: “It was imperative that the mayor and the municipal council immediately take the necessary steps to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. the likelihood of a deadlock among the eight remaining members has been apparent for quite some time.”
But Councilman Rice says he boycotted the meeting in order to avoid a tie.
With Speight on City Council, Booker gains another crucial ally that Councilwoman Mildred Crump says will help him get his controversial MUA proposal approved.
“Many people have asked us why? Why did this happen? Ms. Speight will give the mayor his fifth vote for the MUA,” she said.
But Councilman Anibal Ramos says the division in council is over those who wanted to fill the vacant seat with John Sharpe James, the son of former Newark mayor Sharpe James. And Ramos avoided answering questions about whether power broker Steve Adubato, Sr. was behind the apparent carefully orchestrated vote last night.
“As far as Steve Adubato and his support for her, I’m sure you can call him and ask him as to whether or not he supports Shanique,” said Ramos. “But I support Shanique Speight because I believe the council needs more qualified women.”
The chaos at City Hall comes at a crucial time for Booker. He’s expected to announce soon whether he’ll run for governor.
Council members Rice, Ras Baraka, Crump and Shariff say their fight has just begun. Along with taking legal action, they plan to host a rally sometime next week.