We call upon the leaders of the Haddonfield community to issue statements and public apologies regarding racist remarks made by Commissioner John Moscatelli at the Feb. 26 meeting regarding the redevelopment project at the Bancroft site in Haddonfield, New Jersey.  Moscatelli was quoted as saying this in response to opposition to offering affordable housing:  “This is what we have to do,” the commissioner said, asserting the homes would house police officers and other public employees. "A lot of the affordable housing is not going to go to people that we don’t want in the community,” he said, adding residents should not expect “ghettos.” 

Our elected officials have a duty to represent our town in its best light: as an open and  welcoming  place where people of all socio and economic backgrounds can become part of the community.  The language chosen by Mr. Moscatelli can be construed to hold  racial undertones and does not reflect the values the majority of our community shares in regards to inclusiveness.