VILLAS — Thomas Frisoli, named to the Lower Township Municipal Utilities Authority, subject of a page one story here Feb. 1, refuted the allegation made by Lower Township Councilman Glenn Douglass that he had threatened Douglass.

Frisoli, of Villas, told the Herald the matter began when Douglass went to him and asked if he wanted a seat on the MUA.
Frisoli, educational facilities manager and supervisor of buildings and grounds at Lower Cape May Regional School District, is a former Lower Township councilman.

Frisoli said he made an application for the MUA in February 2011. At the time, he said, he had full council support for the appointment.

“Approximately two months before the appointment, I went to him (Douglass) in the presence of (Councilman) Tom Conrad and Peter Bitting, and asked if he was still supporting me. He said he would support me,” said Frisoli.
“On three occasions he assured me I had his support and his vote,” said Frisoli.
“The day prior to the (Wed., Jan. 25) meeting , someone gave me a heads up. They said ‘Check with Douglass because we’re told he’s not voting for you,’” Frisoli continued.

“I tried calling him all day. Finally, I got hold of him that night. I said, ‘Glenn I heard a rumor you’re not supporting me on the MUA appointment.’ He said, ‘Anyone can change their mind.’ I said, ‘I have a problem with that,’” Frisoli said.

Frisoli added that, because of the way he was raised, to follow through on promises and never back away from one made, “When someone makes a commitment with me, I take things personally and sincerely. I get upset when someone reneges. I said ‘If you don’t vote for me I will not forget it, and I won’t support you.’ He said, ‘I can’t support you either,’ and that is all,” Frisoli said.

Frisoli then, the night of the Lower Township Council meeting, went into the room and Douglass went in after him.
“I said to him, face to face, what you said on the phone the other the night before, I was hurt because you made your commitment to me. When was I going to find out?’ He said, ‘After the meeting.’ I said, ‘That is not even funny.’ And he walked out,’” said Frisoli.

“That is the end of the story,” Frisoli said.