In a letter to the editor, Jersey City resident Michael P. Hussar explains why he believes it’s long overdue for the city to reinstate the police officers fired for marijuana use.
I am writing to comment on recent articles regarding the Jersey City police officers who were terminated for their use of recreational marijuana, which has been legal in New Jersey since January 2021.
This situation raises serious concerns about adherence to the rule of law and the principles of fairness and justice.
The core issue here is not whether officers should be allowed to use recreational marijuana—an argument that Mayor Fulop has repeatedly made—but rather the legal obligations and responsibilities that come with the role of a public official.
Mayor Fulop has chosen to ignore several rulings from both the Civil Service Commission and an Administrative Law Judge, which have found in favor of the officers.
Despite these decisions and a final order stating that the city could face a $10,000 fine if the officers are not reinstated, the mayor remains steadfast in his refusal to rehire them.
In light of a recent complaint filed by Mr. Rubas, an attorney representing the officers, it is increasingly clear that Mayor Fulop’s hard stance will incur additional costs for city taxpayers.
His continued defiance not only disregards legal rulings but also constitutes a violation of a court order, which is a breach under New Jersey law.
This ongoing resistance will only exacerbate the financial burden on the public and undermine the integrity of our legal system.
This situation is troubling because it highlights a blatant disregard for the rule of law. As both a councilman and a mayor, Fulop took an oath to support and uphold the laws of New Jersey and the Constitution.
By refusing to comply with these legal rulings, Fulop is failing in this fundamental duty.
While he may personally believe that certain professions should have exceptions to marijuana laws, it is essential to note that such carveouts should have been addressed during the legislative process, not imposed retroactively to the detriment of employees who are simply exercising their legal rights off duty.
Furthermore, the ongoing legal battle incurs significant costs to taxpayers.
The city’s persistent resistance against the Civil Service Commission, administrative judges, and federal courts only adds to the financial burden on the public. These resources could be better allocated to community services and programs rather than fighting a losing battle against established legal decisions.
Regardless of where one stands on the issue of recreational marijuana use, it is crucial to recognize that respect for legal processes and fair treatment of employees should prevail.
Mayor Fulop’s actions undermine these principles and set a troubling precedent for how public officials handle legal obligations.
I urge Mayor Fulop to stop the waste of taxpayer funds, reinstate these officers, and restore respect for the rule of law at Jersey City Hall.
It is time to prioritize justice and fairness for all residents, and uphold the legal and ethical standards that govern our city.
Michael P. Hussar
Jersey City resident