Pemberton Mayor Admits to Losing Control During Meeting Altercation

The mayor of Pemberton Township, Matthew Bianchini, has acknowledged that he “just basically snapped” during a council meeting when he charged at a critic, but he stated he would “do it again.” The incident unfolded last Wednesday, and while he called his behavior inappropriate, he also claimed it had been building up for some time.

Bianchini, who is 59, defended his actions by saying, “Was it wrong? Absolutely. Was it justified? Absolutely. And I would do it again if I had to.” The confrontation was captured on video, where resident Michael Sawka could be seen dismissing comments apparently made by Bianchini’s family and then directing an obscene gesture towards the mayor.

During the exchange, Bianchini suddenly charged at Sawka, shouting, “I am getting you, I am f—ing getting you!” This outburst led to Councilman Perry Doyle Jr., a retired police officer, and Kenneth Gerber, a recently dismissed community development director, intervening to restrain him.

The encounter occurred amidst Gerber’s accusations of misconduct against the mayor’s administration during an employment appeal, as shown in the meeting footage. On Thursday, Bianchini offered a somewhat hesitant apology, saying, “I should not have said that. That was wrong. It was in the heat of the moment. I’m not gonna get anybody.” However, he added, “Don’t attack my family. I think any good husband, any good father, would’ve done just what I did.”

In contrast, Sawka insisted that he had not made comments about Bianchini’s family and has called for the mayor’s resignation along with potential charges related to the altercation. Sawka explained, “I’m just sitting there. I never got up. I sat there the whole time. I was calm the whole time.” He indicated that he simply waved his hands to discourage comments from the mayor’s family.

According to Bianchini, Sawka has been a persistent source of trouble since he took office, claiming that the critic has been harassing him and his family both online and offline. “Mr. Sawka has been a thorn in this township’s side for a number of years. I’m not the first mayor he’s attacked,” Bianchini stated. He accused Sawka of dedicating considerable time to posting negative and false information about him.

Conversely, Sawka maintains that he is the one facing personal attacks from the mayor’s family and insists that his focus is on promoting responsible financial management for the township. “All I’ve ever been trying to do is show that we’re wasting money,” he commented.

Bianchini is currently preparing for an election this year, contending against Democrat Belinda Fontanez and Republican Councilman Dan Dewey, who is attempting a write-in campaign. Footage from the meeting showed Sawka seated next to a man wearing a Dewey shirt, drawing disapproving looks from Bianchini and other officials prior to the incident.

The administration has been approached for further comment.