JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – A Trump 2020 flag was attached to a telephone pole this week on a residential street in Jackson and some residents were upset about it. Jackson has been fighting right of way and utility pole usage battles with First Energy and local Jewish Orthodox residents for years, as they sought to attach eruv wires to the poles. This time, it’s an oversized Trump flag that has residents up in arms.
Township code says no objects can be placed in the streetside right of way, but the township has found that the utility company owns the poles and decides what goes on them, so for now, it’s up to the utility company or those in the community to take the flag down.
Some in the neighborhood said they are concerned the presence of the flag might attract people to come to their neighborhood and cause damage. Others worry that the flag at the entrance to the development might lead people to believe the flag represents the entire neighborhood. Others joked, saying at least it wasn’t a Joe Biden flag.
Most agreed, whether they support the president or not, the flag should be removed in light of the current volatile climate in America and surge in violence nationwide.
Several years ago, Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina was forced to remove an American flag he attached to a telephone pole outside his Hawkin Road home. The call came after the mayor was working to remove Jewish eruvs from telephone poles in other parts of the town.
