NJ Mayor Admits He 'Snapped' in Confrontation, Vows to Repeat Action

Pemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini has admitted to "snapping" during a contentious council meeting where he lunged at a resident, but he also stated he would repeat his actions if faced with a similar situation.

Bianchini, 59, acknowledged that his behavior was inappropriate but claimed it was "a long time coming." During a heated exchange on Wednesday, resident Michael Sawka was seen gesturing dismissively at comments reportedly made by Bianchini's wife and daughter, before making an obscene gesture toward the mayor. Bianchini then charged at Sawka, shouting threats, and had to be restrained by others present, including a councilman and a recently dismissed community development director.

The incident occurred as the former community development director was presenting an employment appeal, accusing Bianchini's administration of misconduct.

In a statement to WPVI-TV, Bianchini expressed regret for his words, stating, "I should not have said that. That was wrong. It was in the heat of the moment. I’m not gonna get anybody." However, he reiterated his stance, adding, "Don’t attack my family. I think any good husband, any good father, would’ve done just what I did."

Sawka, however, denied making any comments directed at Bianchini's family and called for the mayor's resignation and for him to face charges. Sawka stated he remained seated and calm throughout the meeting, only waving his hand to suggest silence when Bianchini's family members began speaking.

Bianchini claimed Sawka had been harassing him and his family both online and in person since Bianchini assumed office. He described Sawka as a "thorn in this township’s side for a number of years" and accused the resident of spending "endless hours day after day posting stuff about me, negative posts about me, lies about me."

Sawka countered that he was the one subjected to personal attacks from the mayor's family and that his activism was driven by a desire for responsible financial management of the township's resources. "My biggest thing – all I’ve ever been trying to do is show that we’re wasting money," Sawka told WPVI-TV.

Bianchini, a Republican, is currently seeking re-election and faces a challenge from Democrat Belinda Fontanez and Republican Councilman Dan Dewey, who is running a write-in campaign. Footage from the meeting showed Sawka sitting next to an individual wearing a Dewey shirt, receiving glares from the mayor and other administration officials before the confrontation began.