In pursuit of the Union County Democratic Committee chairmanship, Hillside Democratic Committee Chair Anthony Salters urged Assemblyman Jamel Holley (D-20) to dial back the rhetoric in the aftermath of Holley rolling out a Bull Connor reference to denounce Senator Joe Cryan (D-20).

“The statement by Assemblyman Jamel Holley comparing Senator Joseph Cryan to Bull Connor, [the racist former Public Safety Commissioner in Birmingham Alabama who suppressed peaceful protests by black and white people in the 60’s civil rights era with water hoses and dogs] was a bit too extreme for the circumstances of an alleged political discussion that supposedly went awry with Plainfield Mayor Mapp,” Salters said.

“This painful time for many black and white people was filled with daily intimidation, segregation and voter suppression. It’s 2018. We are fighting today to never go back to that time or tactics. It’s important not to ever forget but let’s keep Bull Connors despicable actions in its proper context. This in it’s simplest form is an election. Not Armageddon.

“Political discourse is a byproduct of democracy,” the local chairman added. “It’s ok to disagree. We can’t let election emotions override logic and the greater good here. This Chairman’s election will be over in 18 days. We need our state senators, Assemblypersons and Mayors working together. Not going to lower levels of insults” said Anthony Salters, Hillside Democratic Chairman.