“Whether in private or in public, this type of behavior is unacceptable under any circumstances and these councilmen should resign immediately,” said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. “I was disgusted when I read these messages and the people of Roseland deserve better from their leaders.”

“Councilmen Tsilionis and Jacobs should resign,” said Senator Kean. “Their demonstrated poor judgement makes it clear they are incapable of serving. There is no room for racism in public office. Their comments were inexcusable and their constituents deserve better.”

“Elected officials must be held to the highest standards,” added Assemblyman Bramnick. “The words and actions of our leaders set an example for our society. I truly believe that most leaders in our society are good role models and respect New Jersey’s diversity. Unfortunately, as in the Roseland case, there are times that we must all speak out against language that divides us as a society.”

The text messages were first reported this week by the local newspaper The Progress.