An excerpt from the change.org petition sponsored by Jon Smith:
“As a resident of Westwood, New Jersey, I have witnessed firsthand the unprofessional conduct of our town’s zoning officer. This individual has not only been repeatedly disrespectful, but dealing with him is incredibly challenging due to his demeanor and the constant dissemination of false information. My personal experience, sadly, is not an isolated one in our community. It’s distressing to see a figure in such an important position, whose responsibility is to serve our community, treating residents with disdain and conveying incorrect information. Zoning officers are crucial in managing and regulating land use, ensuring our town develops uniformly and sustainably. However, when this role is marred by negative behavior, it can result in confusion, frustration, and a breakdown of trust within the community. This situation is not just a personal grievance but one that affects the entire fabric of Westwood. We deserve officers who are COURTEOUS, professional, and dedicated to their duty of accurately informing and ASSISTING residents. The actions of this specific officer have caused unnecessary stress and misunderstandings that could have been easily avoided with a more professional approach. Furthermore, others in the community have also reported similar experiences. We need a zoning officer who will work collaboratively with the town residents, not against them. It is time for change and accountability. We are calling on the Westwood town authorities to thoroughly review the conduct of this zoning officer. A formal inquiry should be established to investigate the complaints and behavior. Should the findings confirm the misconduct, appropriate disciplinary actions, including possible reassignment, should be considered.”