The recent introduction and tabling of a resolution to permit a township-wide eruv in Jackson has many people questioning how and why such a resolution ever came to be.
With both Jewish and non-Jewish residents of Jackson opposing the proposed resolution, many have wondered whose idea it was in the first place.
Audio recently obtained by TLS seems to answer that question.
At a Meet the Mayor event held on October 28th, Mayor Mike Reina told residents that the township-wide eruv was his idea. While discussing the failed resolution, Reina can be heard telling the residents in attendance that the resolution was “something that I suggested months.. almost a year ago.”
This revelation raises several questions. Why didn’t Mayor Reina reach out to any Orthodox Jews to find out if a township-wide eruv was indeed a good idea?
If the resolution was meant to accommodate Orthodox Jews, would it not be only rational to ask them if it does, indeed, accommodate them?
Secondly, if the resolution was Reina’s idea, why was he not in attendance at the Council meeting where it was introduced and eventually tabled? If this was his plan to take all sides of the debate into account, why didn’t he show up to answer questions about the resolution directly from residents?
So Reina set up Calogero..how nice
Reina us a loser..county takes care of him…dumb man
Reina..resign your a foolish and ungrateful man who begged for Orthodox support but wasn’t thankful and stabbed us in our backs
Perhaps Reina and Calogero knew when they proposed that Jackson allow only one single Jackson wide Eruv covering all 96 miles of Jackson that permitting for such an endeavor could take a decade or more.
Securing homeowner’s permission for the many places when it inevitably would have crossed private lands another few years (there are many lots on the borders of Jackson and neighboring towns that are privately owned). Funding it another few years. And then construction just another few years.
Yet even this idea, intended to help these officials improve their standing in court carried a tiny risk. MB was that risk. This risk was understood by those who don’t want Jews in Jackson.
They worried that if the town passed this law, despite it being unfeasible, MB would find a way to get it done!
So, once again, instead of reaching out to a Jewish neighbor with friendship and comity, they came out yet again to yell about Jews and world conspiracies.
MB and the Orthodox did not support the “let’s not allow Eruv’s except one Eruv to be built in 30 years” idea – Reina and Calogero did not consult with single person familiar with Eruvs, Jew or non Jew, and the Orthodox knew that the concept was not feasible.
It is time for peace in Jackson. Just a bit of courage and that day can come.