Hold Downe Accountable

Disclaimer: Portions of this article are based on a letter to the editor originally published on CNBNews.net on April 28, 2025, titled "Letter to the Editor: Road Collapse Incident and Political Concerns in Downe Township." The original letter can be accessed here . All credit for the initial reporting and public commentary goes to CNBNews.net and the original author. A 2024 vehicle accident involving the stepson of Downe Township Mayor Mike Rothman has ignited a storm of controversy, as residents demand answers about the use of taxpayer funds, potential conflicts of interest, and a lack of public transparency. On June 21, 2024, Nicholas (Nico) Haines was driving along Maple Avenue in Dividing Creek when the roadway allegedly collapsed beneath his truck. Haines later posted publicly about the incident, stating he suffered major financial losses — including the destruction of his vehicle and business equipment. While Cumberland County ultimately declined to offer him compe...

In a controversial decision drawing growing scrutiny across Downe Township , Mayor Mike Rothman has is said to have assumed the role of Acting Chief Financial Officer (CFO) — a move that residents and municipal experts say may violate New Jersey state law and raise major conflict-of-interest concerns. The self-appointment gives Rothman direct access to sign township checks , oversee Downe Township financial operations , and control municipal expenditures — powers typically reserved for state-certified financial officers, not elected mayors. New Jersey Law on CFO Appointments in Municipal Government Under N.J.S.A. 40A:9-140.10 , New Jersey law states that: “No person shall be appointed or reappointed as a chief financial officer unless they hold a municipal finance officer certificate issued by the Director of the Division of Local Government Services.” Municipalities are expected to appoint certified CFOs , and any temporary appointments must be formally approved by the Townshi...