Daijiworld Media Network – New Jersey

New Jersey, Sep 6: A township meeting in Cranford, New Jersey, turned unusual when an independent candidate for the Cranford Township Committee, Will Thilly, chose to raise concerns over rising taxes with a breakdance routine and a moonwalk.

Thilly, who works as a genetic researcher, walked toward the podium but suddenly broke into an elaborate dance, leaving other attendees struggling to contain their laughter. After a short performance, he casually asked about everyone’s weekend, shared about his trip to Mexico, and finally raised the core issue – the sharp rise in local taxes.

"We were told the referendum was going to bring [taxes] up for an average household [by] around $40 and mine went up like 900 bucks. We were told like that was from the schools or something? But the school referendum said it would only go up...like 400 bucks on an average assessed home," he said.

Thilly demanded clarity on why taxes had increased beyond the projected figures and questioned if additional school expenses had not been disclosed during the referendum. Having made his point, he gathered his papers and water bottle, then moonwalked away from the podium in silence.

Mayor Terrence Curran, who presided over the meeting, thanked him with a smile and remarked, “Thank you, Mr Thilly. I like the interpretive dance.”

The video quickly went viral on social media, drawing amusement and praise for his unorthodox but attention-grabbing approach. “A creative way to ensure more eyes get on the issue. I salute you, sir,” wrote one user, while another commented, “He accomplished more in that time than the city council has in the last decade.”

Reports say Thilly is no stranger to unconventional town hall appearances. This is his third attempt at running for the committee, and he frequently posts similar antics on Instagram, using humor and performance to highlight governance issues.