'Clark is Not an Unsafe Community,' Mayor Declares

Mayor Sal Bonaccorso took a moment during Monday night's council meeting to assure residents that Clark is a safe community, discussing the murder of Clark resident Joseph Galfy and the recent robbery of Investors Savings Bank.

Regarding Galfy, the mayor said, "What happened is sad and shameful, but this was an insider, not a break in. This was someone brought into the home. I want to congratulate Chief Alan Scherb and the Union County Homicide Task Force for solving this crime within 48 hours, but what I do get alarmed about is what I'm reading on Facebook and different blogs that says, 'Oh my god, what's happening in Clark?'"

The mayor continued, adding that a community is unsafe in his eyes when there is "gang activity, drive-bys, drug dealers hanging on the corner," and promised residents he would be the first to notify them and react if any of that was happening in Clark.

"[Business Administrator] John Laezza would have to bring money in for the police budget on a forklift, because I'd do anything to keep this community safe," said Bonaccorso. "I understand you being alarmed, but folks, as your mayor, I will be the first to tell you if you need to start panicking. Believe me, I will. Politics out the window."

Bonaccorso again reminded residents to always feel comfortable calling the Clark Police Department with anything they deem suspicious, no matter how minor it may seem.