Gadfly, official can't co-exist worth a lick
Rockaway Twp. councilman files charges over alleged 'tongue-lashing'
Friday, March 30, 2007
BY BILL SWAYZE AND PAULA SAHA
Star-Ledger Staff
Tongue-lashings from perennial gadfly Tucker Kelley are nothing new for elected officials at Rockaway Township town hall, but police say he crossed the line when he licked a councilman from chin to nose during an argument.

The alleged unlawful lick last month on the face of Councilman Mike Dachisen resulted in harassment charges against Kelley, a 37-year-old council meeting fixture and critic.


The charges were filed this week and Kelley, who remains free, is facing an April 12 municipal court hearing, police said.

The Feb. 27 incident took place 10 minutes before a council meet ing, in the hall outside the council chambers.

Dachisen said yesterday he was "happy" Kelley was charged "be cause now I feel safer for me and my family."

Kelley denies the charges and will use Dachisen's height as part of his defense. "He is 6-feet-4 and I'm under 6 feet. I'd need to stand on something to reach his face," Kelley said.

Dachisen said yesterday he was 6-feet, 3-inches tall and 270 pounds, and that he "had to show a lot of restraint" after Kelley attacked him. At the same time, he said, "I was protecting the township of Rockaway. That's what he wanted. He wanted me to hit him so he could sue the town."

Kelley, a Rockaway resident and vice president of an automobile parts company, said the argu ment with Dachisen was over building complaints Kelley has raised.

Dachisen declined comment on his history with Kelley, but the two have had many disagreements dur ing public council meetings over the past few months. Former councilman Max Rogers, who has also had disagreements with Kelley, said Kelley had attacked Dachisen in the past, even calling him a "snake oil salesman" during a council meeting.

But Kelley said he's the one who is being picked on. "When you pick on somebody, you better know who and what they know be cause it might come back to bite you in the end."



Paula Saha may be reached at psaha@starledger.com. Bill Swayze may be reached at wswayze@starled ger.com. Both of them may also be reached at (973) 539-7910.