Under Fire, Prasad Steps Away From Council Duties For ‘A Few Weeks’

Township Councilman Rajiv Prasad has decided to step away from his council duties for “a few weeks,” he told his colleagues in a memo read at the Oct. 9 Township Council meeting. (File photo).

Embattled Township Councilman Rajiv Prasad has decided to take some time away from council business.

A statement from Prasad (D-At Large) to that effect was read at the Oct. 9 Township Council meeting by Township Clerk Ann Marie McCarthy.

“I would like to thank the voters of Franklin Township who have placed their confidence in me and elected me as a Councilman at large,” Prasad wrote. “I fear recent events in the news and the distractions it has caused, have hampered the council from serving the residents of Franklin Township.”

“After consulting my colleagues on the council, I have decided to spend a few weeks away from council business, so that the council may focus on the Franklin Township agenda,” he continued. “Due to these distractions my family and business have also suffered and need my attention.”

“I expect to join the council meetings soon,” Prasad wrote. “I am grateful for the confidence and trust the Franklin voters have placed in me, it is an honor and privilege to serve you.”

Prasad’s statement did not mention a possible return date.

There was no comment on Prasad’s statement by any of the council members.

Prasad will still be eligible for his councilman’s salary and benefits, said Township Manager Robert Vornlocker. Council members earn between $9,000 and $10,000 per year and are offered health insurance.

Prasad has come under fire in recent weeks for the way in which he handled the approval process for a proposed “Peace and Non-Violence” monument park on some township open space, and for a racially charged comment he made to the administrator of licensing issues for the estate of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. for a statue for that park

Prasad’s actions in apparently steering a township landlord to a municipal court judge to help the landlord with an eviction matter are also apparently under review by the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct.

A citizen’s committee has been formed to ask for a recall election of Prasad, and Township Councilman Ted Chase has called for his resignation.

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