The following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to [email protected].

Question:

Dear Mayor,

In light of the recent accusations directed at the Orthodox Community in Lakewood, I would like to know the local proper protocol to responding to hate crimes.

Yesterday evening at 6:26 pm I was walking down Chestnut Street when a red sedan sped by and the gentleman inside yelled out “THIEF!!” preceded by a profanity. I managed to obtain part of his license plate and noticed a tattoo on his left arm. Is there any reason to report this and similar incidents and how should the community go about doing so?

Thank you.

Response from Mayor Coles:

Hi Moshe,

Any time you feel threatened or witness a potential hate crime, the proper response is to report it to the Police Department. The information you provide could be crucial to a future prosecution if they commit any other illegal acts. I am very sorry you were subjected to that.

Ray

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Have a question for the Mayor? Send it to [email protected]