The council meeting of May 9th in Oakland contained veiled references to the possibility that the Oakland town carnival would be cancelled this year.
Frank Monaco, the new acting chairperson of the Public Events Committee, yielded to Mayor Schwager who was not prepared to address the issue due to personnel issues and the advice of counsel; but, Monaco’s remarks indicated personal motivations and pharisaicalness had corrupted the Public Events committee.
Mr. Monaco, known to many who watch the Oakland council meetings on television, is a long time resident of the community and was recently honored for his previous work in recreation. Known as a straight shooter who speaks his mind, Monaco only hinted at a Public Events Committee in shambles.
Mayor Schwager declined to confirm or deny Monaco’s assertions that a carnival would not be taking place, and seemed to imply that efforts are underway to assure that the banner already stretched across Ramapo Valley Road announcing the carnival continues to ring true.
Unofficial sources are describing a situation where almost the entire Public Events Committee resigned, and no official reasons have been put forth. The mass resignation of an Oakland committee responsible for an event that impacts the entire community is unprecedented, and with only weeks before the scheduled date there is rampant speculation.
The Oakland carnival has become a tradition that Oakland children look forward to with anticipation, and a major source of funding for numerous local non-profits who line the perimeter selling food, drinks, and promoting their individual causes.
The mass resignation, devoid of reasons, has provided fertile ground for speculation. Rumors range from political motives intended to embarrass the new mayor, to beliefs that members of the Public Events committee are taking steps to protect themselves from a potential criminal investigation.