Members of the Jackson Township Zoning Board have voiced their displeasure with recently hired lawyer Ryan Murphy, and some have even suggested a possible replacement in 2025 because of their doubts about his credentials and performance. After Murphy threatened legal action against the township and board members in a strongly worded letter if he was not reappointed, tensions increased.
Minutes before the board’s Wednesday night meeting, the letter was handed, making some members anxious about potential personal litigation. Murphy threatened to take legal action, including subpoenaing board members if needed, and accused the board of attempting to oust him politically in the letter.
Murphy said in the document, “Someone with knowledge informed me on Sunday, January 5, 2025, that my appointment as Counsel to the Zoning Board of Adjustment is in jeopardy and that it is unlikely that I would be reappointed.” Of course, I wouldn’t anticipate being reappointed if the cause had to do with my work performance and/or the Board’s displeasure.
Murphy stated that he intended to expose individuals involved in the attempt to remove him, but he offered no proof to back up his allegations of political reasons.
The letter seemed to have an impact on the board’s decision-making process, or at the very least, to impede it. Feeling under pressure, two members abstained from the vote, allowing Murphy to be reappointed. Shira Parnes, a member of the Zoning Board, subsequently claimed she was not aware that her abstention would essentially be interpreted as supporting Murphy’s reappointment.
Even in New Jersey, board members had never before been faced with legal action if they failed to rehire a professional.
Parnes clarified that she didn’t vote because she thought the board hadn’t talked about Murphy’s ideas enough. She asked to convert her abstention to a nay after recognizing the procedural ramifications of her vote, which would have prevented Murphy from being reappointed. They turned down her plea.
Murphy spoke to the board and addressed Parnes’ concerns after formally taking on the position of attorney of record.
Whether it bothers me or not, I’d like to take a moment to investigate that specific issue that Miss Parnes brought up so that this vote reflects what the board would want. I’m not quite comfortable with the fact that she wanted to amend her vote, Murphy said.
Murphy said, “My gut tells me that might be permissible, but I’d like five minutes to look into it.” Murphy admitted that he was unsure of the procedure for altering a vote. Since I’m not entirely sure, I asked for this. Once more, this might work against me because I know exactly which way that vote would go. But it’s crucial that we do this correctly.
Although Murphy’s letter, which accused Jackson Council members of meddling, contained no proof or evidence, it was sent to the zoning board members instead of the council. Since the members were not accused of meddling in the memo, it is unclear whether the letter’s purpose was to inform or to intimidate them.
At its upcoming meeting, it is unclear if the board will take action to name a new lawyer.
