PHILLIPSBURG MAYOR STEVE ELLIS CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO SOCIAL MEDIA THREATS AGAINST HIS CHILDREN.

Cyber-Bullying Targeting 11-Year Old Son Launched by Political Opponents

PHILLIPSBURG, NJ (April 8, 2019)—Phillipsburg Mayor Steve Ellis is calling on authorities to investigate a cyber-bullying campaign launched by his political opponents against his 11-year-old son, the mayor announced today.

The Facebook posts targeting the 11-year old began over the weekend. Many of the posts were made by an account identified as “Josh Fulper.” In denouncing the attacks against his children, Mayor Ellis said he did not know if Council President Robert Fulper was behind the attacks.

“I certainly hope that Council President Fulper is not involved in a cyber-bullying campaign against an eleven-year- old child,” Mayor Ellis said. “We have notified Facebook and are discussing our concerns with authorities. I realize that as a public figure, I am fair game, but anyone with a shred of decency would consider a child off limits,” Mayor Ellis said.

This is not the first time Mayor Ellis’ young children, particularly his son, have been targeted on social media by his political opponents. Since Ellis took office, his minor children have been the target of derogatory social media posts. Last week, Council President Fulper publicly threatened to cut Mayor Ellis’ salary if the mayor did not stop speaking out about the cyber-bullying directed at his children.

“I am not going to be blackmailed or extorted into silence about this reprehensible behavior,” the Mayor said. “These despicable attacks against my children are intended to intimidate me and my family and discourage me from seeking re-election, but my family and I are united in believing we must stand up to bullies,” the Mayor said.

“We are also united in believing that the people of Phillipsburg will not tolerate this behavior and do not want this in their community. Phillipsburg does not want to be governed by bullies who target children,” Mayor Ellis said. “If they will do this to us, they will do this to the children and families of anyone they decide they don’t like. My wife and I will always protect our children, but we feel we have to stand up to this on behalf of others who might become targets,” the Mayor said.

Mayor Ellis called on his opponents to campaign on the issues affecting Phillipsburg.

“I welcome debate and disagreement on issues of policy, on the best approach for moving our town forward, and am eager to participate in civil discussions on how to go about the business of Phillipsburg,” the Mayor said. “I am challenging my political opponents to campaign on the issues that are important to Phillipsburg, and to stop this endless cycle of personal attacks that do nothing but tarnish the reputation of the entire community, impede progress, and discourage the investors we need to bring economic growth and opportunity to our town,” the Mayor said.

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Council President Fulper responded here.