Mayor Susan McCartney is
calling for unity after the town received a threatening message directed at a candidate. McCartney says the "racist, threatening and vile" message was directed at councilwoman and mayoral candidate Tammy Williams. McCartney said she's urged the police department to review its security protocols.
This follows a controversial week for Williams' campaign. She is the candidate under investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office for suspected campaign sign theft.
AirTagged signs urging residents not to vote for Williams pinged at her home earlier this month, and police bodycam footage shared with News 12 shows her handing over two signs to police.
Williams said she had permission from the building owner to remove the signs.
Earlier this week, the New Jersey Globe reported that mailers went out listing endorsements of Williams from Gov. Mikie Sherrill, Sen. Andy Kim, Sen. Corey Booker and the Essex County executive.
News 12 reached out to those offices - so far, the county executive and the Mission to Deliver PAC have said they did not make these endorsements.
"The mailers circulating throughout our community were neither produced nor endorsed by my campaign," said Williams. "This matter has been reported to local law enforcement and U.S. Postal Service Fraud Department."
Williams is one of seven candidates running for West Orange mayor.