For years, Board of Education candidates in East Brunswick have followed the same old playbook: Stay neutral, smile for the camera, say all the safe things, and try to keep everybody happy.
Those days are over.
East Brunswick voters have been paying attention. The community has been watching how this current Board of Education operates. And it is impossible to ignore the elephant in the room.
Where do you stand on the current BOE President?
Where do you stand on Superintendent Victor Valeski?
Where do you stand on the complete lack of accountability?
Because silence is an answer too.
In past elections, many candidates avoided these topics altogether. People who liked them gave them the benefit of the doubt. Others stayed skeptical. But either way, it left voters guessing. And that is not fair to the people of this town.
East Brunswick deserves clarity.
We have already seen what happens when candidates hide their real opinions to win. Over eight thousand voters were conned by a candidate who flipped her views the second she was elected. That cannot happen again.
This year is different because the community is different.
Groups like East Brunswick Action and East Brunswick Progressive Parents and School Group have been instrumental in ensuring residents know what is happening. They have created a level of awareness in this town that did not exist years ago.
There is now an expectation.
If you want to run for the Board of Education in November 2025, you must speak clearly and publicly about how you feel about the current BOE leadership.
No more guessing games.
No more “private conversations.
No more hoping voters will assume.
We urge every East Brunswick resident to pressure any candidate who tries to avoid these conversations. If they are unwilling to speak up now, do not expect them to suddenly grow a backbone after being elected.
Today years since one of the most notorious and still-unsolved murders in East Brunswick history.
On April 12, 2007, Frank Lagano, a 67-year-old reputed associate of the Lucchese crime family and co-owner of the Seville Diner on Route 18, was found dead in the parking lot of his own business. Two bullets to the head. Execution style. Broad daylight.
It didn’t take long for whispers of a mafia hit to start circulating. But as the years went on, this story only got stranger — and more disturbing.
Who Was Frank Lagano?
Lagano wasn’t just a diner owner. According to multiple reports, including North Jersey Media Group and News 12 New Jersey, Lagano had ties to organized crime and had previously been caught up in “Operation Jersey Boyz,” a massive gambling investigation back in 2004.
That investigation ultimately fell apart. The charges were dropped. Nobody went to jail.
But the real bombshell? Lagano was working as a confidential informant for law enforcement at the time of his death.
Betrayed From the Inside?
Lagano’s family believes this wasn’t just a mob hit.
They claim that Frank’s status as a government informant was deliberately leaked — by law enforcement itself. Specifically, former Bergen County Chief of Detectives Michael Mordaga.
Court records revealed that Lagano and Mordaga weren’t exactly strangers. They allegedly had financial dealings together and even referred cases to one another. Mordaga has denied any wrongdoing or connection to Lagano’s murder.
But the allegations were enough to send shockwaves through the legal community.
No Arrests. No Answers.
To this day — 18 years later — no one has been arrested for Frank Lagano’s murder.
No suspects. No closure. Just a dead man in a diner parking lot and a trail of rumors, corruption allegations, and mob connections that lead nowhere.
It’s a Jersey story if there ever was one. But it’s also a reminder of something more troubling — what happens when people on both sides of the law are playing their own game.
The Details from 2007 News Coverage
Contemporary reporting from The Record (May 11, 2007) and Newsday (October 28, 2007) gives us a deeper look into what was known — and suspected — at the time.
According to The Record, law enforcement immediately treated the murder as a mob hit. Frank Lagano, 67, was getting out of his BMW in the parking lot of the Seville Diner on Route 18 when a lone gunman walked up and shot him once in the head.
Lagano wasn’t just a businessman — he was well known around Tenafly and East Brunswick as a former loan shark with ties to the Lucchese crime family. In fact, the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation had named him in a 1983 report on organized crime.
He was also arrested in 2004 as part of a massive offshore sports betting operation that prosecutors said raked in millions of dollars.
Connections to Other Crime Figures
Newsday reported that federal prosecutors believed David Brooks, a former CEO of DHB Industries, had close ties to Lagano. While there was no suggestion Brooks was involved in Lagano’s murder, prosecutors claimed that Brooks once told witnesses he “had guys” who could handle his enemies — using Lagano as an example of the type of person he knew.
At the time of his death, Lagano was also under indictment on racketeering and gambling charges.
This part of the story really shows you how messy and layered this thing was. Lagano wasn’t just a random diner owner — he was connected, he was dangerous, and apparently, he was worried enough about his own safety that he kept a low profile.
The Seville Diner Has a New Name — But Its History Remains
In 2024, the Seville Diner officially got a new name — it’s now called High Point Diner. The change has sparked plenty of local conversation on Facebook, with East Brunswick residents sharing memories of the old spot and curiosity about what’s to come.
Some are excited for a fresh start. Others still can’t forget what happened in that parking lot 18 years ago.
As one local Facebook user put it:
“April 12, 2007. Tomorrow, 18 years ago, they found John Lagano dead in the parking lot with 2 bullets to the head. Mafia hit.”
No matter how much remodeling happens inside, it’s safe to say the story of Frank Lagano will always be part of the lore of that corner on Route 18.
Over the last year watching the East Brunswick Board of Education meetings, I’ve never expected Superintendent Victor Valeski or Assistant Superintendent Bernardo Giuliana to resign. Not because I believe they’ve done a good job; I don’t. And certainly not because I think staying is right for the district, but it isn’t.
It’s simply human nature.
When people are nearing the end of their careers, with pensions and benefits on the line, most aren’t walking away voluntarily. I’m not saying that to justify it. I’m not saying that because I think it’s right. I’m saying it because it’s reality. And it’s precisely why East Brunswick needs a strong, independent, and courageous board president; without that, there is no accountability. And without accountability, nothing changes.
The Problem Isn’t Leaving — The Problem is Leadership That Won’t Lead
Every board member who voted to make Heather G. the current Board President should be embarrassed. Not because she’s a bad person. However, her presidency represents the continuation of the same old problem: protecting Victor Valeski instead of holding him accountable.
Victor isn’t going to leave on his own. Bernardo isn’t going to leave on his own. And frankly, I don’t blame them.
But that’s precisely why we need leadership willing to do the hard things. That’s why Board Presidents matter. That’s why who sits in that seat matters. Right now, and for far too long in East Brunswick, the person in that chair hasn’t done the job.
Effort Isn’t Enough — Results Matter
Let me be clear about something else: I don’t believe for a second that Victor Valeski or Bernardo Giuliana aren’t working hard. I believe they are. I think they are probably working harder now than they ever have. But sometimes, hard work isn’t enough in life, business, andleadership.
I know this personally.
There are times in my business when I’ve poured everything into helping a client, hours of strategy, creativity, andproblem-solving, and yet, for whatever reason, I can’t crack the code. And when that happens, I do the responsible thing: I fire myself before they fire me.
It’s rare. It hurts financially. But it’s the right thing to do.
Unfortunately, that kind of self-awareness doesn’t often exist in public education leadership. And in East Brunswick, with Valeski and Giuliana both nearing the twilight of their careers, I don’t expect it to show up now.
Which Brings Us Back to Accountability
This is why leadership on the Board matters more than ever.
When you have a superintendent who isn’t leaving, an assistant superintendent who isn’t going, a central office that isn’t producing results, and schools that are losing programs, trust, and talent, you have a district in crisis.
The Board of Education, specifically the Board President, becomes the last line of accountability between a struggling administration and a community desperate for better.
And right now? That line is weak.
Until that changes, until East Brunswick elects Board members and installs a Board President willing to lead, challenge, and demand more, it won’t matter how many good ideas come from public comment, how many concerned parents show up to meetings, or how many headlines or blog posts get written.
This district will continue to spiral, and it won’t be because of a lack of effort but because of a lack of leadership.
More Apartments? More Traffic? More Views? Yes, Please.
Here at Eyes on EB, we’ve been watching East Brunswick grow faster than a middle school rumor — and honestly, we love it.
Thousands and thousands (and thousands) of apartments are going up all over town — and while some people clutch their pearls and type angry Facebook posts from the parking lot of ShopRite, we here at Eyes on EB see nothing but opportunity.
Apartments? Oh, you mean future Eyes on EB fans.
Traffic? Oh, you mean future impressions.
Construction delays? Oh, you mean content creation opportunities.
Rob W is Built Different (and Apparently Built for Route 18 Traffic)
See, while the average resident is banging their steering wheel in traffic like it owes them money, Rob W sits peacefully in his car, staring at brake lights like they’re dollar signs.
“Sure, I’ve been sitting in traffic for the past three years,” Rob W says while missing yet another left turn near Tices Lane. “And I fully plan on sitting in this same traffic for the next three years. Why? Because every new apartment built is another poor soul who might stumble across Eyes on EB while Googling: ‘Why is East Brunswick traffic like this?’“
And that, friends, is called organic reach.
In Rob W’s Perfect World…
Listen, if Rob W had it his way, he’d be cutting a secret deal with one of these developers faster than you can say “luxury vinyl plank flooring.”
Imagine it:
“Hey Rob, $425,000 for this one-bedroom apartment.” Rob W: “Or… hear me out… $1,200 if I post a reel about how nice your lobby smells?”
But alas, no such deal exists. So for now, Rob W is content with the next best thing: views.
Views from the new residents. Views from the angry locals. Views from the Facebook comments section where someone’s great aunt just discovered sarcasm for the first time.
Final Thoughts from the Eyes on EB War Room (aka Rob’s Car, Parked in Traffic)
So while others complain about “overdevelopment” or “no infrastructure” or “why does every new building look like a college dorm in Hoboken,” we at Eyes on EB say bring it on.
Build every apartment.
Fill every lane.
Extend every traffic light by an extra 47 seconds.
Because every one of you is either already an Eyes on EB fan…
“Coach buses were promised. Coach buses were expected. Coach buses did not arrive.”
This morning, just before the Fairview trip, something unimaginable happened. Yellow school buses pulled up instead of the expected coach buses—and the collective East Brunswick WhatsApp community hasn’t known peace since.
We were accidentally added to the group chat (yes, like that time Pete Hegseth added a journalist to a Signal thread with national security secrets), and what we witnessed could only be described as suburban meltdown in real-time.
The Chat Heard ‘Round the Town
“So yellow buses showed up instead of coach buses??!” wrote Melissa, setting off the spark.
“Wait WHAT?” replied Kim, her disbelief practically shaking the chat window.
“No AC, no bathroom? This is so wrong.” added Dana, clearly already Googling private shuttle rentals.
Lauren summed it up with precision: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They’re sitting three to a seat in polyester.”
Expectations vs. Vinyl Bench Reality
The kids were equally shook. One fifth grader asked if the bus even had cup holders. Another was reportedly at 11% battery and panicking—because how does one survive 40 minutes to Fairview with no charger port?
A parent volunteer overheard a student mutter to the driver, “You’re lucky I’m even getting on.”
Even friendships were tested. Ava refused to board until Mia did. Mia paused, took one look at the situation and said, “This isn’t giving luxury. This is giving field trip from the 1900s.”
A Budget Crisis Comes for the Buses
In a town still reeling from a $12 million school budget deficit—where arts, language, and staff cuts have already hit—this bus debacle struck a raw nerve. Coach buses weren’t just transportation. They were a symbol. Of comfort. Of class. Of air-conditioning.
And when they didn’t show up? Screenshots started flying. Comparisons to 2019 were made. “Remember when my daughter got reclining seats and a DVD player?” said Jessica. “Now she’s stuck next to a window with gum on it.”
No, it’s not the biggest problem we’re facing. But it’s the one everyone saw. And like one parent wrote near the end of the thread:
Eyes On EB: A Tariff, a Tantrum, and a Trending Thread
Mayor Brad Cohen made waves this week—not for fixing potholes or announcing a new recycling initiative—but for wading knee-deep into the boiling national discourse on Trump’s new tariffs. If you haven’t been keeping up, the Mayor’s Facebook post sparked a virtual wildfire on the Mayor’s Page, with hundreds of comments, barbs, graphs, insults, and what can only be described as a performance piece between a few regulars whose fingers need a rest.
Let’s get to it.
Should the Mayor Have Gone There?
Yes… and maybe no.
On one hand, Brad Cohen’s a citizen, a voter, and a father. He’s allowed to have an opinion. And let’s be real: when someone with an MBA sees what they believe is economic sabotage playing out in real-time, staying silent might feel like complicity. Many appreciated his thoughtful take, and he did what most elected officials don’t—he engaged. Civilly. Repeatedly. While others were swinging personal insults like dodgeballs in middle school gym, Cohen held his ground without getting in the mud.
But then again, he’s the mayor. The mayor of East Brunswick, not the Federal Reserve Chair. And when the thread started spiraling into culture war territory—bathrooms, pronouns, children, and whether America is actually Brazil in disguise—it probably became clear this wasn’t a healthy civic dialogue. That’s where some argue he should have exited stage left, fast.
Still, I give him credit for staying in the arena while many others are busy anonymously trash-talking from the bleachers.
The Vibe in the Comments: A Country Divided, Even on Egg Prices
The conversation was… a mess. A democratic mess. Democracy at its best? Maybe. At its loudest? Definitely.
Some were clapping for Trump like he was headlining a Broadway revival of “Make America Great Again: The Musical.” Others were lobbing economic statistics, quoting Nobel Prize winners, or reminding the thread that yes, actually, empathy isn’t a radical leftist plot.
A recurring theme was fear—fear of decline, of change, of economic uncertainty, of bathrooms. It’s not just politics at play here, it’s identity, personal values, and in many cases, a deep exhaustion with being told what is or isn’t true. People don’t just disagree anymore; they don’t trust that the same set of facts even exists. And that’s the real story.
“Take Back Our Country” — A Phrase That Rings a Bell
This was the closing line in the mayor’s original post. It’s also the part that made my skin crawl a little—not because of who said it, but because of what it evokes.
“Take Back Our Country” has been used many times in American political rhetoric, especially when people feel like outsiders in their own homeland. Sometimes it’s empowering. But other times, it’s a dog whistle. Take it from 1960s segregationists to post-9/11 nationalists to Tea Party rallies to January 6, 2021. It’s a phrase that flirts with the edge of populism and exclusion, depending on who’s shouting it and what they mean by “our.”
If “take back” means restoring dignity, truth, and empathy to our democracy—great, sign me up. But if it means scapegoating the vulnerable or sowing division for power’s sake, then we’ve been here before. And history tells us it doesn’t end well.
Folks, I don’t say this lightly. But we here at Eyes on EB are tremendously flattered—really, just honored—that the Township of East Brunswick, including our very own mayor, has taken it upon themselves to start copying the work we’ve been doing here for about a year. I’m talking podcast videos, content strategy, messaging—you name it. They’re watching, they’re learning, and they’re trying so hard to keep up.
And that’s okay. Because as they say, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” But let’s be clear: we’re not just flattered—we’re amused. There’s nothing like watching someone try to paint like Picasso with a coloring book and some broken crayons.
We’ve been dominating the content game, absolutely dominating, while they’re just now realizing that maybe—just maybe—talking directly to the people in an engaging, unscripted way actually matters. Who knew, right?
We’ve been setting the tone, crafting the message, giving the people real talk for the last year. And now, after all this time, the Township is finally catching on—like that one student in class who never studied but shows up to the final hoping to wing it.
Look, we’re not mad. We’re honored. We really are. It’s beautiful to see the Township finally admitting, without saying it out loud, that Rob W is the master of getting messages out. And let’s not sugarcoat it: we’ve got the numbers, we’ve got the engagement, we’ve got the voice. They’ve got… some microphones and a hope.
Do we think their podcast is cute? Sure. Like a kid in a talent show—you clap, but no one’s giving it a standing ovation. Their production is okay, but the substance? Not even close. No soul, no bite, no boldness. Just another box to check for the illusion of transparency.
Meanwhile, we’re over here stirring the pot, asking the hard questions, entertaining and informing—actually reaching people. We’re not just getting attention. We’re commanding it.
So yes, we see you. We hear you. And we’re so glad you’re finally catching on. But next time you’re setting up that camera and posting another episode no one watches—just remember who made it cool in the first place.
The foreign language classes, the instrumental music, the co-teaching support — these programs already existed with the taxes we were paying. They weren’t bonuses. They weren’t optional. They were part of the foundation of a well-rounded education in East Brunswick.
So how did we get here?
You can blame the state if it makes you feel better. But at the end of the day, this is a local failure. There was money. There were choices. And those choices led us to a place where restoring basic programs now feels like a heroic act.
On March 19th, the community made it loud and clear that the proposed budget cuts were unacceptable. Parents, teachers, and students spoke up. And now, in response to that pressure, Superintendent Victor Valeski issued an update:
“I will recommend the complete restoration of the Hammarskjold Upper Elementary School (HUES) schedule, including no impacts for foreign languages at HUES. I will also recommend the restoration of the co-teaching instrumental music program at both HUES and Churchill Junior High School (CJHS).”
That’s a step in the right direction. But let’s be honest — it should’ve never come to this.
We are not asking for extras. We are asking for the continuation of what our community already funded. When programs are pulled without a clear explanation of where the money actually went, we have every right to demand transparency — not just gratitude for our “patience.”
There’s a special board meeting on April 8th. It’s informational only — no action will be taken. But make no mistake: this is not the time to go quiet.
We shouldn’t have to fight this hard just to keep what we already had.
If you visit the East Brunswick Public Schools website, you’ll notice some recurring themes—most notably, repeated references to the district’s “11 National Blue Ribbon Schools” and a Redbook magazine article naming East Brunswick High School (EBHS) the best in New Jersey and one of the 51 best in the nation. The district proudly displays these accolades across multiple pages, including Our Schools, Staff and Community, Awards and Accomplishments 2021–2022, and Awards and Accomplishments 2022–2023.
But if you look closer—really look—you’ll see what’s not there: dates.
The Omission of Time Matters
It’s a deliberate choice not to include the years when these awards were granted. And when it comes to public trust and transparency, that matters.
The Redbook article? That was published in April 1996—28 years ago. The Blue Ribbon designations? The most recent was over a decade ago, and many date back to the early 1990s. Yet, on all three of these webpages, the district fails to provide that critical context. Instead, the accolades are presented in a way that suggests current relevance—painting a picture of a district at the peak of excellence today, rather than one coasting on achievements from a different generation of students, staff, and leadership.
Misleading by Omission
No one is disputing that the honors were real. EBHS was named one of the best in the nation—in 1996. Several schools were awarded Blue Ribbon status—in the 1990s and early 2000s. But to present these honors without the years is a subtle form of misrepresentation. It creates the illusion that the district is still being recognized at the national level, which is simply not the case.
In fact, since 2012–2013, East Brunswick has not received a new Blue Ribbon award. That’s more than a decade without the kind of recognition it continues to advertise as a defining trait.
Why This Matters Now
This matters because East Brunswick is facing very real challenges. Recent years have brought deep budget cuts, arts program reductions, staff attrition, and parental frustration over transparency and leadership. And yet, in the face of all this, the district clings to decades-old accolades as if they still hold the same weight.
It’s not just about outdated facts—it’s about accountability. It’s about whether families and taxpayers are being presented with an honest picture of the current state of the schools.
A Call for Transparency
We should take pride in our history—but not at the expense of truth. The continued omission of dates on the district’s Blue Ribbon and Redbook references is not just a formatting oversight. It’s an editorial choice. And it’s one that misleads the community.
If we want to move forward—if we truly care about rebuilding trust and restoring East Brunswick’s reputation—we must start by telling the whole story. That includes when these accolades were earned, and more importantly, what has happened since.
On February 26, 2025, East Brunswick Superintendent Dr. Victor Valeski sent a letter to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) Ethics Commission requesting an advisory opinion. The subject? Whether Board Member Dr. Lou Figueroa should be restricted from voting on certain “key issues.” Specifically, it appears that Dr. Valeski wants Dr. Lou removed from voting on his future contract.
But here’s what makes this troubling: Dr. Lou Figueroa was just elected by thousands of residents who expected him to represent their voice—especially on matters like administrative accountability, budget decisions, and yes, contract renewals.
Who Is Dr. Valeski Worried About?
It’s becoming clear that Dr. Valeski sees Dr. Lou as a threat—not to the district’s mission, but to his own position. Why else would he take preemptive steps to silence a board member before any vote has even taken place?
Dr. Lou made it clear during his campaign that he would ask hard questions and demand transparency. Many voters supported him precisely because they felt unheard for too long. If the intent behind the advisory opinion is to sideline Dr. Lou before critical decisions are made, it’s not just politics—it’s a betrayal of the public trust.
Democracy Doesn’t Work Like This
When an unelected administrator tries to block an elected official from doing their job, we’ve stepped out of the bounds of democracy.
Imagine voting for a new mayor because you didn’t like how the old one handled budgets, only to find out the town manager is trying to have the mayor’s vote disqualified on key issues. Would anyone consider that fair? Of course not. Yet that’s what’s playing out in East Brunswick.
This isn’t about one contract or one vote. It’s about whether the voices of thousands of residents can be dismissed by a single administrator wielding obscure legal tools.
The OPRA Response Says a Lot
After confirming the date of Dr. Valeski’s letter to the DOE, Jeff Winston submitted an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request to obtain a copy. The district didn’t deny the letter’s existence—they simply refused to release it, citing the “deliberative process privilege.”
This means the public has no access to a letter that could directly impact whether their elected representative can vote. And yet the administration expects the community to trust that this is all being done in good faith.
A Pattern of Avoidance
This isn’t the first time legitimate questions have been shut down. When residents asked about the funding of the high school hockey team—largely funded by parents—the district claimed it was “too much work” to provide a breakdown. That request was also dismissed as “answered and closed.”
Why is there such a resistance to basic transparency? Why are questions met with legal barriers instead of answers?
A Dangerous Precedent
If Dr. Lou is blocked from voting on a matter as important as the superintendent’s contract—despite being duly elected by the people—what message does that send? It tells future candidates that standing up for the community could get them silenced. It tells residents that their vote only matters until it becomes inconvenient for those in power.
That’s not oversight. That’s control.
What Comes Next?
Some have suggested filing a similar OPRA request with the NJDOE directly. Others have brought up the “Doctrine of Necessity,” a legal principle that allows board members to vote even when a conflict is alleged, if their vote is necessary for a quorum. These are important avenues—but the larger issue remains:
Who decides who gets a voice in East Brunswick?
The November election is coming. Between now and then, residents should be watching, speaking, and demanding answers. Because if a superintendent can eliminate dissent by disqualifying opposition, East Brunswick has much bigger problems than just a budget shortfall.
