By Shawnette Fiedtkou
The monthly statutory meeting of the Linden Mayor and Town Council experienced another disruption as vendors and residents from McKenzie Market interrupted proceedings.
The Town Clerk, Lennox Gasper, cited safety violations as the reason for his departure from the meeting.
The meeting, which commenced around 10 a.m., was briefly recessed by Mayor Sharma Solomon to allow councilors time to review the minutes.
However, before the session could resume, vendors entered the public gallery and began standing, prompting Gasper to request that they sit, as standing was not permitted.
The situation escalated when the vendors started clapping in protest.
Gasper left the chamber, citing the disruption and the rule against members of the gallery speaking or making noise.
He noted that the interruptions hindered the council’s ability to conduct its business effectively.
Following Gasper’s departure, Mayor Solomon addressed the vendors directly, acknowledging their concerns and promising to engage higher authorities.
He indicated his intention to call an extraordinary meeting in the coming week to propose a motion of no-confidence in the Town Clerk.