In a troubling turn for Clark’s election season, mayor Sal Bonaccorso, was initially set to appear in court on November 6, the day after Election Day, for what the online calendar labeled as a “PLEA BARGAIN.” Confronted at a recent town council meeting, Bonaccorso didn’t deny his intent to plead guilty—he simply said, “I will not be entering a guilty plea on November 6.” Four days later, the court date was quietly moved to November 20. This shift raises even more questions, suggesting he may just be pushing off the inevitable to avoid facing the consequences until after he’s asked for our votes.
This evasive response doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. While Bonaccorso denied plans to plead guilty on November 6, he left the door open for November 20, making it clear that his words were chosen carefully to dodge direct accountability. Changing the court date doesn’t change the reality of what he’s facing, and it doesn’t erase the impact his potential guilty plea could have on Clark’s stability.
During the meeting, Bonaccorso tried to downplay one of the charges against him, but what he failed to mention are the other, more serious charges: Tampering With Public Records, Forgery, and Witness Tampering. These are significant charges that point to deep breaches of trust and ethics. Trying to sweep these under the rug only adds insult to injury for Clark’s residents, who expect their leaders to be open and responsible.
Another clue pointing towards a guilty plea is that at a recent Union County Commissioners’ meeting, there was talk of ordering extra ballot paper. They said they might need it for a special election. Could it be because they know something we don’t about Mayor Bonaccorso’s plea? Is Clark looking at an expensive, exhausting special election if he steps down?
If convicted, Bonaccorso could be forced out of office, leaving Clark in turmoil.The costs to Clark would be high, both in dollars and morale. We’d have to pay for temporary leadership, and that person would only be a stand-in, with limited power and no long-term vision for Clark. Then, we’d be back at the polls for yet another election, barely recovered from this one. Moving his plea two weeks out doesn’t change the potential fallout or the cost to Clark in morale, reputation, and taxpayer dollars. This kind of instability and extra spending isn’t just inconvenient; it’s irresponsible leadership.
The bigger issue here is the lack of transparency and honesty. Bonaccorso has used our town as a shield for his own troubles, asking residents to overlook his legal battles and support him anyway. This isn’t leadership—it’s selfish and manipulative. Why should Clark’s residents go into this election uncertain about whether their mayor will be convicted of multiple serious charges just days after taking office? If he’s hiding the truth now, what else might he be keeping from us?
For years, we’ve seen Clark’s reputation take hits, our taxes go up, and our town’s stability be shaken. This potential conviction could be one last “gift” from a mayor who’s leaving us to pay the price. Clark deserves leaders who are transparent, accountable, and focused on a strong future—not another scandal that tears the town apart.
This November, it’s time to look forward. Let’s move beyond the costly drama and dysfunction and choose leaders who have Clark’s future at heart. Clark is ready for the next chapter, not the same old story.
