Dover’s Mayor Cites Safety Concerns After Burqa-Clad Activist Halts Meeting
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Dover NJ, in a controversial move, Dover Mayor James Dodd announced on May 27 that all future town council meetings will be held virtually following a string of disruptions, culminating in a bizarre confrontation at the latest session.
“We’re gonna go virtual,” Dodd declared, after a person dressed in a full burqa halted proceedings for nearly 40 minutes.
🏛️ Dover Council Votes to Suspend In-Person Meetings
The Dover Town Council swiftly passed a resolution—drafted during the meeting—citing “emergent circumstances” as justification for suspending in-person sessions. The resolution passed 8-1, with Councilwoman Sandra Wittner casting the lone dissenting vote, raising concerns over the legality of the abrupt decision.
“To say this is a safety risk is insulting to those who died during COVID,” Wittner said, referring to when meetings last went remote during the pandemic.
🧕 Who Was Behind the Burqa? Activist Identified
The controversy erupted during the public comment portion of the meeting when a person fully covered in a blue burqa spoke in a falsetto voice, claiming to be a Muslim woman. Mayor Dodd later identified the speaker as Edward “Lefty” Grimes, a well-known activist and critic of town leadership.
Grimes has frequently confronted officials about a smoking ordinance he claims violates the rights of medical cannabis users. He refused to reveal his face, citing “religious reasons.”
“There’s a law against impersonating a religion — and that’s exactly what you’re doing,” Dodd shouted before adjourning the meeting and calling for Grimes’ removal.
📹 Virtual Meetings Coming Soon, Mayor Says
After Grimes was escorted out, the council resumed and passed the emergency resolution to suspend in-person attendance. Dodd stated the change is temporary, and meetings will soon be streamed online, allowing for virtual public participation.
“I don’t expect this to be forever,” said Dodd. “But we need to conduct business, and we will.”
Dover had suspended live streaming in 2023, citing outdated equipment and an $80,000 cost estimate. Dodd pledged to resume streaming within 30 days using funds from this year’s budget.
⚖️ Is It Legal to Bar the Public From Council Meetings?
State Sen. Anthony Bucco, who represents Dover, called the move “unusual” and speculated it could be challenged in court.
“Outside of something like COVID, this is not common,” Bucco said. “It may not hold up if challenged.”
Bucco, however, expressed concern over increasing public disruptions at municipal meetings statewide, citing behavior that “hijacks the democratic process.”
📣 Mayor Dodd Defends the Decision: “Enough Is Enough”
In a statement issued May 30, Dodd defended the decision, saying meetings have been derailed by individuals making “sexually explicit” and “vulgar” remarks under the guise of anonymity.
“This decision wasn’t made lightly,” Dodd wrote. “But we cannot allow a small group to hijack the democratic process and create a toxic atmosphere that discourages community participation.”
📹 Activists Continue Pushback
Grimes, when contacted, denied nothing but claimed the speaker was a woman named Elram Pador. He criticized Dodd for reacting emotionally, calling it a violation of free speech and religious expression.
“All he had to do was let that woman speak for three minutes,” Grimes said. “Now he’s got a show on his hands.”
Grimes and others have repeatedly clashed with the mayor and Councilman Sergio Rodriguez, who faces multiple assault charges but retains the mayor’s support.
🧾 What’s Next for Dover?
As of now, Dover council meetings will be held online, with a plan to restore live streaming capabilities within a month. Public comments will be accepted virtually, though residents and legal experts remain divided on the legality and long-term implications of the move.
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