West Orange Leaders Condemn Capitol Chaos: ‘Far Beyond Protest’ – Patch.com

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — For decades, mayors in West Orange have met each spring with third grade students in the township to speak about how the government works. They’re lessons so essential – and so simple – that even a child can understand them. And they are among the bedrocks that make the United States what it is, according to West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi.

So what happened on Wednesday?

Seeking to halt the Electoral College certification of Joe Biden as the next president of the United States, supplanting Donald Trump, protesters stormed their way into the Capitol in a violent siege. READ MORE: Trump Supporters Breach Locked Down Capitol; 1 Shot In Melee

Elected officials across New Jersey, including West Orange, were quick to speak up and condemn the violence.

Parisi offered a message on social media Wednesday, adding the hashtags “#testingourstrength” and “#butstillbelieve”:

“For decades, West Orange mayors have met each spring with all third graders from our town to speak about government and how government works. Each year I have the opportunity to participate, among the important characteristics of our republic, I always speak of the peaceful transition of power, since our inception, as being one of the tenants of our government and one that separates us from many other countries throughout our history. Far beyond just protest, the violence incited today in our nation’s capital today strikes at the heart of our democracy, that republic and the traditions and values that have defined us. We have not always been perfect, nor are we yet, but the important strides and progress we have made as a country, and as a people, has always been working within the framework of the American democracy. Today is a stain on that tradition. It is a sad day for America…we have a lot of work to do.”

West Orange Township Council President Cindy Matute-Brown said Wednesday’s events are “not what democracy looks like.”

“The attack on our democracy has been steady and what we are witnessing is its direct result,” Matute-Brown wrote. “What we are witnessing is America’s two systems of justice or what for people of color is its injustice. We are not this. True patriotism is a defense of our democracy which at the end of this chaos, we will return to as the American people we are. The American people who fought and died to protect it. The American people who love and treasure our democracy, its protections and its freedoms.”

“Pained and heartbroken, I stand with you and ask that we not let this break our faith but make us more determined to continue to restore and reform our democracy,” Matute-Brown added.

Former New Jersey governor Richard Codey, who now represents the 27th District in the state Senate, wrote that he was “praying for everyone’s safety.”

“Can’t believe something like this is happening,” Codey said. “What is wrong with our country?”

In addition to West Orange, Codey represents several towns in Essex and Morris counties: Caldwell, Chatham Township, East Hanover, Essex Fells, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Livingston, Madison, Maplewood, Millburn, Roseland and South Orange.

John McKeon, who represents the 27th District in the state Assembly, called Wednesday’s acts of violence “unconscionable.”

“The rioters who forcibly and illegally breached the capital must face the full force of the law,” Assemblyman McKeon said. “Our nation cannot and will not allow a few radical conspiracy-minded individuals to derail our democracy. I am praying for the continued safety and wellbeing of all the members of Congress, their staff, the members of the press and the capital police.”

Scott Cascone, the superintendent of the West Orange Public School District also offered a statement about the Capitol riot, noting that the district is providing counseling resources to the community.

He wrote:

“In the aftermath of the events that took place in our nation’s capital yesterday, I am reaching out to all parents/guardians, students, faculty, and staff with measures to safely move forward as well as offering my thoughts and understanding of the conflicting emotions many may be experiencing at this time. Your well-being and safety remain the top priority of mine and of the entire staff that serves the community. I remind you that your school district is here to offer support in several ways. First, the School Counseling Department has put together a short list of resources and considerations to assist parents and caregivers in supporting their children. These resources have also been shared with all district staff. Second, our Director of School Counseling Ms. Cheryl Butler has briefed our school counselors as well as our school principals, availing the counseling staff to teachers and students who may be in need of assistance. Third, our district Supervisor of Social Studies Mr. Michael Figueiredo has shared instructional resources with our elementary teachers as well as all social studies teachers grades 6 through 12 to help facilitate conversations in a balanced way with their students.”

Cascone added:

“Please rest assured that your school district is here to help lead the way through these turbulent times. I know you join me in my hope and belief that peace and calm will prevail in our nation. West Orange is deeply rooted in community, family and respect for all. It is in this spirit that we navigate these difficult times together. I thank you in advance for your time and attention and wish you a good day.”

President Trump tweeted about the incident on Wednesday afternoon, asking people to “remain peaceful” and avoid violence.

Several elected officials across New Jersey, however, have accused Trump of fanning the flames, including Rep. Donald Norcross, who said the president “incited a riot.”

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