The Million-Dollar Mistake: How a NJ Mayor's Decision Cost His Town Dearly

Picture this: a small, beloved New Jersey shore town, its mayor, and what seems like a straightforward piece of legal advice. Now, imagine that advice being completely brushed aside, only to boomerang back and cost the local taxpayers a staggering two million dollars. It's a scenario that played out dramatically in Seaside Heights, where Mayor Anthony "Tony" Vaz found himself at the heart of a truly costly blunder.

The story, quite frankly, is a stark reminder of the financial consequences that can arise when those in power choose to disregard sound counsel. The borough's own attorney, Steven Zabarsky, had issued a clear, unequivocal warning to Mayor Vaz way back in November 2017. His message? Recuse yourself, Mr. Mayor, from any and all personnel decisions involving a former borough employee, Michael Campbell. It was a crucial piece of guidance, designed to steer clear of a potential conflict of interest, but sadly, it went unheeded.

Why the warning, you might ask? Well, it turns out the mayor's son, Anthony Vaz Jr., was Campbell's direct supervisor, and let's just say there was no love lost between the two. Any seasoned legal mind, including Zabarsky, would instantly flag this as a textbook conflict. The attorney explicitly advised that the mayor's involvement in Campbell's employment decisions could create a perception of bias, opening the door for legal challenges down the line. It was an obvious red flag, waving right in front of the mayor's eyes.

Despite this clear-cut advice, Mayor Vaz reportedly pressed ahead, continuing to participate in the very decisions the attorney had cautioned him against. And, as legal experts often predict, ignoring such warnings rarely ends well. What followed was a lawsuit filed by Michael Campbell, who alleged retaliation for reporting sexual harassment within the department. The timing was particularly damning: Campbell was, in fact, fired just days after making those reports. This kind of situation, you know, just screams trouble.

The legal battle dragged on, ultimately culminating in a monumental settlement in 2024. The price tag for Seaside Heights? A cool two million dollars. Yes, two million. It's a sum that hits hard for any municipality, but for a smaller town like Seaside Heights, it's a truly significant blow to the coffers, funds that must now be covered by the hardworking residents through their taxes.

Interestingly, when the existence of the attorney's memo first came to light, Mayor Vaz initially claimed he hadn't received it. Then, his story shifted slightly to him simply not recalling it. However, the document itself, dated November 29, 2017, eventually surfaced, leaving little room for doubt about the explicit warning he had been given. It just goes to show, some things have a way of coming back around.

For the people of Seaside Heights, this isn't just a political squabble; it's a very real financial burden. Two million dollars could have been allocated to vital infrastructure projects, enhancing public services, or even providing some much-needed tax relief. Instead, it's a payment made due to a decision, or perhaps an indecision, at the highest level of local government. It serves as a potent, if painful, lesson in accountability and the profound impact that a single ignored warning can have on an entire community.