TOMS RIVER, NJ—Toms River Regional Schools Superintendent Michael Citta is facing ethics charges following allegations of election interference and the use of school resources to promote a Democratic candidate. William Byrne, a Republican candidate for Toms River Township Council, filed the charges, accusing Citta of hosting a political rally for Progressive Democrat Zachary Dougherty at Toms River High School North.
The ethics complaint, filed by Byrne, claims that Citta organized a rally at the high school, attended by over 100 voting-eligible students, and promoted Dougherty through an outdoor billboard at the school. Dougherty, a former aide to U.S. Senator Cory Booker, is running in the upcoming November 5 election.
Additionally, Citta is facing further ethics allegations from school board candidates Diane Oxley and Marisa Matarazzo. These candidates claim that Citta violated their right to free speech by sending them a cease-and-desist letter, demanding they stop discussing the district’s 9.9% property tax increase. Citta has denied these allegations, stating that the candidates’ claims were defamatory.
In a related controversy, township officials have questioned the release of the legal notice sent to Oxley and Matarazzo. According to the officials, the letter was shared by Philip Brilliant, a political ally of former Mayor Hill, before the candidates received it. This has raised concerns about political interference within the school district.
Citta and the school district have not responded to requests for comment regarding the ethics charges.
