WEST MILFORD ~ Matthew Conlon, Republican Municipal Chairman of West Milford Township, finds local GOP Vice-Chair-In-Title-Only Michele Dale’s comments criticizing the local American Legion post vile and disgusting.

“Dale has stooped to a new, despicable level,“ said Conlon, who is also Passaic County’s State Committeeman to the New Jersey Young Republican Federation and one of the youngest municipal party leaders in the state. “Her disgusting tactic of politicizing our military veterans, many of whom served multiple tours in active duty defending our country, simply showcases her true lack of character as a shameless opportunist who will do anything to attack the coalition of volunteers who have repeatedly defeated her in local elections.”

The comments made by Dale, a twice rejected local candidate, criticized West Milford’s official Republican Council candidates Tim Wagner and Paul Zarrillo for bringing in Passaic County’s supported candidate for U.S. Congress in District 5, respected attorney John McCann, to hold a public information session for veterans and senior citizens last night.

“Dale should be ashamed of herself for attempting to silence the voices of West Milford residents once again,” said Conlon. “She has criticized Tim and Paul for facilitating the open exchange of ideas and hearing the most pressing concerns of taxpayers, while updating them on the progress made to benefit West Milford. ”

Conlon continued, “The 50+ West Milford residents in attendance at the meet and greet asked questions about issues facing taxpayers and engaged in productive discussions with the candidates.” Conlon said. “It is outrageous that Dale is attacking candidates for holding a free public gathering to share ideas and hear concerns from West Milford residents.”

Conlon cited Dale’s hypocrisy in attacking the real Republican team for renting a private room for the meet and greet, when she has held multiple fundraisers at a Township firehouse in past failed campaigns. In 2016, Dale lost her Council race by the largest margin in West Milford history.

“Above all else, to use our nation’s veterans – those brave men and women who have risked their lives to defend our freedom – as a political ploy hits an all time low for Dale,” he concluded.