Neptune public works boss suspended without pay after Facebook comments brought to light

NEPTUNE - The Township Committee suspended Department of Public Works Director and Office of Emergency Management Assistant Deputy Coordinator David Milmoe for 30 days without pay after what appear to be Milmoe's social media comments were brought to the attention of township officials.

Deputy Mayor Robert Lane, Committeeman Derel Stroud, and Committeeman Kevin McMillan voted to authorize the suspension and Mayor Tassie York abstained. Committeeman Keith Cafferty was absent.

No official reason was given to the personnel decision, but the suspension is happening after comments from what appears to be Milmoe's Facebook account the were brought to light.

In one screenshot obtained by the Asbury Park Press, a Facebook account with the name Dave Milmoe used a homophobic slur in one comment on a friend's post from 2011.

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In another screenshot obtained by TapInto Neptune/Neptune City, the account with the name Dave Milmoe said in one comment "… you're becoming a gay firefighter now? Next you'll be playing the flute at rest stops," and in another comment, "I'm just trying to see if we raising the flag in your honor, Stevie wonder." To which the other individual in the exchange responded, "this the wrong month to say this statement," referring to June, which is recognized as Pride Month for LGBTQ and allied communities.

Milmoe's annual salary is listed at $146,547. The suspension will last from July 9 until Aug. 19.

The Township Committee would not provide any comments on personnel decisions.

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Charles Daye is the metro reporter for Asbury Park and Neptune, with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. @CharlesDayeAPP Contact him: [email protected]