Parent puts issue with board member to rest
Petition did not get enough signatures to support recall
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP
Staff Writer

ALLENTOWN - Howard Krieger will remain a member of the Upper Freehold Regional School District Board of Education, despite allegedly having used a racial slur and curse words against a parent.

Krieger allegedly called Dr. Arun Singh an "[expletive] dothead" at the Feb. 7 board meeting. Former Board of Education member Jeanette Bressi and Township Committeeman Stephen Alexander told the board they witnessed Krieger using the racial slur and curse words and making an obscene gesture toward Singh after Singh made public comments at the meeting.

The board censured Krieger on Feb. 21 based on the allegations that he had used inappropriate language. It voted 7-0 to censure Krieger but did not ask for his resignation at that time.

Singh demanded a full public apology and urged the board to ask Krieger to resign.

Although nonattendance is the only legally binding reason a board member can be removed from office, the Board of Education passed a nonbinding resolution in a 5-4 vote on March 21 to instruct board President Joseph Stampe to send Krieger a letter asking him to resign without condition.

Krieger's response to Stampe's letter stated that he was considering Stampe's request but needed time to consult with his family, his attorney and the New Jersey School Boards Association.

At the May 16 meeting, Krieger publicly addressed the matter by reading a written statement.

"I have been called a racist, a bigot and all kinds of other vile names by people who don't know me or what I do for our community," Krieger said. "Their feigned moral outrage over an alleged comment, I believe, is part of their political agenda to discredit me and the new Board of Education.

"They think that by making me and the current board look bad," he added, "it will make them look better."

Krieger denied making the gesture and said that he was saying to himself, "Don't be a [expletive] hothead" instead of what the witnesses alleged that he said.

In a written statement urging members of the community to support recalling Krieger, Singh said that he and those who support him, including people of his own ethnic background, are offended at Krieger's remarks. He also said he considers Krieger and the school board arrogant because Krieger remains a board member.

Singh tried to organize a recall election recently. In order for a recall election to take place, he needed to get 25 percent of the registered voters in Upper Freehold to sign a petition. Singh needed approximately 1,100 signatures. During a recall election, voters could opt to vote Krieger out of office or choose to re-elect him.

Krieger addressed Singh's attempt at a recall election during the last board meeting.

"If Mr. Singh and his group are successful in getting a recall election scheduled, I will gladly abide by the community's decision," he said.

When contacted for comment on Krieger's decision to remain on the board until a possible recall, Singh said, "As of this point, the recall petition is below the number of signatures needed to file a petition.

"I have decided to put this issue to rest on my part," Singh continued. "I would like to thank all of the people who have supported me."