Politics & Government

Galloway Council Splits on Towing Question

Mayor Don Purdy, owner of a towing company, recuses himself from the vote.

In a 3-2 vote on Tuesday night, Galloway Township Council narrowly passed the first reading of an ordinance related to companies that tow cars for the township.

The scope of the ordinance is relatively narrow, reducing the required amount of insurance coverage from $2 million to $1 million for companies that are on a list to tow cars after accidents or impoundments.

Councilman Jim Gorman characterized the amendment as a simple business-friendly measure aimed to reduce premiums for companies that face little likelihood of ever having to pay out $2 million.

But two councilmen questioned the need for the change.

Councilman Tony Coppola suggested there was no call for the new threshold from approved towing companies.

He called the measure "something that was dreamed up from behind this dais."

He and Councilman Brian Tyrell voted against the ordinance. Gorman, Councilwoman Whitney Ullman and Councilman Jim McElwee voted in favor.

Mayor Don Purdy recused himself from the discussion and vote.

Purdy owns DP Towing, one of the companies on a list for towing cars for the township.

DP Towing was on the list before Purdy was elected in 2009. When he took office, the city solicitor determined the continuation of the company on the list posed no ethical violation for Purdy.

The "Restore Galloway" slate for the November election of Councilman Jim McElwee, Bill Montag, Cliff Sudler, and Mike Suleiman called on Purdy to end his business relationship with Galloway Township.

“The idea that the police department calling the mayor to tow vehicles is not a conflict of interest doesn’t pass anyone’s smell test,” the team said in a written statement. “Mayor Purdy should do the right thing and end this conflict of interest by dissolving his business relationship with Galloway Township.”

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"Even though the mayor recuses himself on these votes, this does not negate the fact that the mayor financially benefits from his business relationship with the township," Suleiman said.

The second reading and public hearing on the amended ordinance is set for July 23.


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