Toms River Mayor Told Resident to "Get a Job" During Council Meeting

Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick told a resident to "get a job" during a heated public-comment exchange at the township's October 19 council meeting, according to reports published October 29.

Resident Dana Tormollan had approached the council about a letter included with her tax bill. She objected to what she described as political messaging and acknowledged using angry language herself.

Rodrick asked whether she had found a job and whether she was still living in a basement at home. Tormollan responded that she lived in her own house and paid her own bills. The mayor then told her to "get a job."

The argument came during a meeting marked by a dispute over an affordable-housing ordinance supported by Rodrick's administration. Supporters said the plan was needed to protect the township from developer lawsuits; opponents questioned the proposed use of municipal land.

Tormollan told NJ.com that she regretted losing her temper but considered the mayor's response unprofessional. The outlet reported that Rodrick did not immediately respond to its request for comment.

The featured photograph is illustrative and does not show the Toms River council meeting.