A recent post on the Brennan and O’Donnell for Howell Facebook page called Mayor Theresa Berger an “anti-semite.” The Republicans made similar accusations of anti-semitism in 2016, based on Berger’s vocal opposition to “Lakewood Style Development.” According to News 12 NJ, Berger sent out two anti-development political mailers using the term “Lakewood Style Development.”

Mayor Berger responded, “The phrase ‘Lakewood-style development’ refers to high-density, overcrowding, and poorly planned building. It is false to call me anti-Semitic. Although I am a Catholic, my mother, husband and children are of the Jewish religion.”

Berger continued, “The issue here is responsible municipal planning – not anyone’s religious affiliation. These accusations of anti-semitism are meant to distract the voters and to discourage me from opposing high-density development. This strategy from the Republicans didn’t work last election, and it won’t work this time either.”

The post on the Republican’s Facebook page reads, “Berger ran an anti-semitic campaign in 2016 and now she’s doing it again.” The post was ‘liked’ by Republican Councilwoman Pamela Richmond.

During the previous campaign, the Republicans held a press conference in order to publicly attack Berger. Despite the attacks, Berger won the election and became the first Democrat elected to Howell’s local government since before 2000.

This year, Berger is running for re-election against Republican Suzanne Brennan. A single seat on the Howell Council is also up for grabs this year, with Democrat Andre de Garmeaux running against incumbent Republican Evelyn O’Donnell. The election is on Tuesday, November 3rd.