TOMS RIVER, NJ – Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick has confirmed his administration has fired a head building department official for his alleged role in a scheme expedite construction approvals for developers and construction firms tied to a prominent Orthodox Jewish leader.
According to Mayor Rodrick, the former head of the building department provided favors to an individual who operates a business that handles permits and inspections for numerous construction companies.
Benjamin Silkowitz worked as a head of the building department for the Township of Toms River, and in November, he was placed on a leave of absence as the township investigated allegations against him.
“The Administration has received credible information that you have violated Township procedures regarding issuance of certificates of occupancy and construction department inspections in order to benefit an individual with whom you have a close personal relationship – and possibly a [financial] relationship,” the letter sent by Business Administrator Jon Salonis stated.
Salonis also notified the building official that a formal investigation would be conducted.
Silkowitz was later fired after the inquiry, but not before confronting Mayor Dan Rodrick at the annual League of Municipalities convention, where he repeatedly shoved the mayor and called Rodrick a “motherf-cker” for placing him on leave and conducting an investigation.
Silkowitz filed a lawsuit, on file with the Ocean County Superior Court, for wrongful termination, saying he was not given a hearing.
Rodrick said Silkowitz turned down the township’s offer to hold a hearing on January 21st.
“Mr. Silkowitz was terminated for repeatedly giving special favors and preferential treatment to a prominent member of the Orthodox Jewish Community who runs a business managing permits and inspections for construction companies,” Mayor Rodrick said. “When the Township first learned of these allegations, Mr. Silkowitz was placed on paid leave, and the town hired an outside lawfirm to conduct an investigation that lasted over two months.”
Rodrick dismissed the lawsuit filed by Silkowitz, saying that, regardless of the investigation and its findings, his confrontation with the mayor was cause for termination in and of itself.
Rodrick said the investigation confirmed complaints that Silkowitz repeatedly did favors and gave special treatment to the individual while he was representing his clients.
