Transparency, Truth, and the Future of Fieldsboro

A Comprehensive Campaign Update from John Errigo

Why I’m Writing This

Between May 15 and May 24, 2025, political dialogue in Fieldsboro—particularly on social media—has been overtaken by a flood of anonymous posts, misinformation, and personal attacks. I’ve responded to over 120 comments during this time—not because I enjoy online arguments, but because I believe residents deserve clear, honest answers.

Some of my posts were later removed—not to avoid accountability, but because they became platforms for trolling, twisted narratives, and deliberate misrepresentation by anonymous users and bad faith actors. My focus remains on real conversations and constructive engagement—not fueling chaos

This post serves as a full, transparent summary of what’s happened, what’s been said, and where I stand.

Section 1: HOA-Style Government and Why That Must Change

While describing how things work in our borough, a friend told me it sounded like Fieldsboro was run like a Homeowners Association. That comparison stuck with me—and the more I thought about it, the more I agreed.

For 14 years, decisions in Fieldsboro have been made by a few, often behind closed doors. Residents aren’t informed until after things are decided. Communication is sparse, and real dialogue is missing. That’s not leadership—that’s maintenance of power.

As mayor, I’ll implement:

• Quarterly digital newsletters recapping council decisions.
• Biannual budget summaries in plain English.
• Open town halls shaped by resident input.
• A new formal Communications Committee created as a standing committee within council.
• Direct mail postcards for major issues and updates.

My campaign has seen attacks from a range of anonymous accounts, and even named residents like B. (first initial only), who dismissively said he supports the mayor because “he helped at a cleanup event.” And did not register within a party so they are able to vote, but feels left out. My advice is to claim a party during the primary season and then change to another party status after the primary season.

Section 2: Misinformation, Anonymous Trolls, and the Real Vibe Online

Let’s be clear:

• I’ve worked 48+ hours a week as an Operations Manager and still spent 15+ hours this week additionally replying to residents.
• I deleted redundant or circular conversations—not honest dialogue.
• Many critics never show up to meetings or post under real names.

Section 3: The Hidden Sewer Talks and Why It Matters

One of the most serious issues we’ve faced is the mayor’s behind-the-scenes talks on our water and sewer system. Here’s what happened:

• Talks began in January 2024—council was only informed in November 2024.
• Nobody was told there were any talks going on, in a prior meeting in late 2023, the mayor asked about our thoughts about selling the sewer system, but there was not much support it seemed, I thought that was a dead issue. But talks went forward without disclosure for 11 months.
• Emails were BCC’d to council, avoiding quorum but limiting discussion.
• The borough attorney was not involved early on. No public notice was issued.

Key issue: If we sell, we lose control over rate increases. Residents deserve transparency on deals of this scale from day one.

Section 4: Budget Gaps and the “Miscellaneous” Defense

Vague line items like “Miscellaneous” and “Other Expenses” dominate our borough’s budget. I’ve called them out. The response from the Treasurer? “It’s normal.” The mayor drafts the budget from input from our CFO and council input. But I have asked to remove the misc. categories, but they still remain.

• The real drain was an $81K EPA fine—not small tech upgrades.
• Software was mandated by the state—not optional.
• The website was low-cost and necessary for transparency.

As mayor, I will: eliminate vague entries, demand justification for each item, and publish easy to read categories “searchable” budget categories on our local gov. website.

Section 5: The Push for Communication and Openness

Some have said the mayor was “just doing research.” But research without transparency isn’t leadership—it’s exclusion. Residents should be part of the process from the beginning.

That’s why I’ll implement:

• A financial dashboard available to the public that is easy to read and understand.
• Community input sessions before key votes – like town hall style platforms.
• Spending reports posted online at least every six months.
• Establishing a new standing Communication Committee within the Council.

Section 6: What I’ve Faced—and Why I’m Still Running

I’ve been insulted, misquoted, and accused of everything from raising taxes to trying to “take over” and merge the town with Bordentown City. What I’ve actually done is propose real solutions:

• Cutting waste to lower taxes, reviewing line item by line item and cost caps for departments.
• Exploring shared services over costly staffing increases.
• Putting residents—not insiders—at the center of government.

Conclusion: This Isn’t About Me—It’s About Us

If you’re tired of being left out, misinformed, or ignored—this campaign is for you. Let’s stop governing like an HOA. Let’s lead like a democracy.

– John Errigo
Candidate for Mayor of Fieldsboro

Updated: May 24, 2025