"I am extending my deepest apologies to my council colleagues," Zachary Chester said. Watch video
TRENTON - Council President Zachary Chester apologized at the outset of Thursday's City Council meeting for his actions last month that led to a heated confrontation with Councilman George Muschal.
"I am extending my deepest apologies to my council colleagues," Chester said, before individually naming each one. He also apologized to the city clerk, deputy clerk and Mayor Eric Jackson's administration.
"I also want to apologize to the people of the city of Trenton, the city that I love and which I am committed," he said.
The meeting then went on as scheduled without comment from the council.
Later, during public comment, several people spoke of the Aug. 20 fracas, taking Chester to task for his actions.
Some said the incident was an embarrassment, some faulted Chester for taking too long to apologize, and others said it was time to move on.
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The council chambers were almost full for the meeting, including former Mayor Douglas H. Palmer, who stood in the back before Chester pointed him out.
Palmer was semi goaded into speaking, saying, "I try to stay in the background," as he made his way to the podium.
"Let's just get along. Use this as a teaching moment," Palmer said. "Let's show everyone we're all here together," he said to applause.
Also speaking was Crystal Feliciano, the person Chester and Muschal were arguing about just before they nearly came to blows.
Feliciano said Thursday she was not happy that Muschal brought her private issues into public light, touching off the Aug. 20 confrontation.
Muschal had accused Chester and Feliciano of sending people to verbally attack him at a council meeting over a contract.
The exchange eventually escalated into a shouting match and both men rose from their seats, prompting other council members and security officers to hold the two back from an impending physical altercation.
Councilwoman Phyllis Holly-Ward has called for Chester to step down as the council's president.
Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.
