A former top official in Howell Township has filed a sweeping lawsuit in Superior Court, alleging a campaign of retaliation, harassment, and discrimination by township leadership after he opposed what he says were illegal and discriminatory housing policies.
Joseph Clark, who served as Township Manager until July 2025, filed the civil action against Howell Township and several officials, including Mayor John Leggio and Councilmembers Ian Nadel and Susan Fischer, as well as Township Clerk Diane Festino.
Clark claims he was forced to resign from his position following months of retaliation for raising objections to proposed township ordinances that he says targeted immigrant communities and encouraged racial profiling. Among the proposed measures were ordinances that would have tied housing rights to immigration status, penalized property owners for arrests near their rentals, and implemented CO (Certificate of Occupancy) revocations based on tenant background.
The complaint outlines that when Clark and his deputy manager raised legal and ethical concerns about these proposals—calling them unconstitutional—they were met with hostility, threats to their employment, and public attacks. One such public attack allegedly involved township officials implying Clark bore responsibility for a homicide in Howell, despite his cooperation with law enforcement.
According to the filing, a disturbing pattern of discriminatory behavior is described, including text messages referencing “Mexican” teens, references to targeting residents based on recycling bin contents (specifically, Modelo beer bottles), and proposals to penalize property owners based on arrests or police calls, regardless of fault or involvement.
In June 2025, Clark filed a formal internal complaint detailing what he viewed as unlawful directives and age-based discrimination. Rather than addressing his concerns, Clark says township officials illegally discussed his employment without proper notice and ultimately suspended him without cause. He later submitted a resignation citing a hostile work environment.
The lawsuit, filed on July 25, seeks reinstatement, back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and broad corrective measures—including mandatory anti-discrimination and civility training for township officials.
This legal action comes as Howell continues to face scrutiny over housing enforcement practices and alleged bias against certain communities.
Township officials have not publicly commented on the lawsuit.
he should have sued the Federal government, they have lots of cash and much less patience, they just pay and settle.
here in Jersey, people actually enjoy the back and forth.
if he wanted money he should have sued them instead.
Sue Feds for what? Enforcing laws already on books for illegal entry into this country? Some people like liberals learned NOTHING since 9-11 terrorist attacks. Now that terrorists probably here I guess people like yourself will rush to try to make $ by suing. Shame on you totally unamerican.
nobody said he should sue, just that if he was suing because he was after the money then he should sue the Federal before the State.
The fact that they asked for proof that someone bought a house as investment property, thats unconstitutional. They have no right to ask for private info in order to give a rental CO.