Edison Mayor Antonia Ricigliano exemplifies the lack of integrity that is so prevalent in our politics today. Mayor Ricigliano recently hosted a Women Empowerment event in which she superficially embraced this political cliché. Instead of orchestrating a grand public relations stunt, for an otherwise abysmal and incompetent term as mayor, she should recognize and adjust her own flawed leadership style.
Mayor Ricigliano’s leadership throughout her term as mayor has epitomized the negative stereotype of women in leadership positions: governing by emotion instead of in a strategic and tactical manner. This has been exemplified numerous times throughout her administration. She began her term with demoting police officers, an extremely ill-advised and costly action, which was born out of a desire for political retribution. Next, she refused to engage in dialogue with the Township Council on numerous issues, especially regarding their concerns over the hostile and toxic work environment that her initial management team was instituting. The lawsuits that were filed by several employees are a testament to her embrace of a dictatorial management style. This irrational behavior culminated with the ill-advised decision to “furlough” employees, which was a dramatic spectacle designed to bully the council into expending funds without having answers to vital questions surrounding several budget inconsistencies. This “furlough” turned into paid vacation days for all those who were told to stay home, costing the township money for her emotional reaction.
Mayor Ricigliano, with all due respect, shouldn’t you practice what you are preaching with empowering women? Lead by example and dignify your superficial attempt to celebrate women in leadership roles by recognizing the flaws in your own administration and correcting them. Now that would be a real tribute to celebrating women in leadership roles. Walk the talk!
Dawn Santana
Edison