In an unusual scene that fused local politics with a slice of hip hop culture, a New Jersey man running for a township committee seat tried to make his point about rising taxes by breakdancing during a town hall meeting.
Will Thilly, a Cranford resident and frequent agitator at public hearings, approached the podium Tuesday night but stopped short to launch into a sloppy breakdance routine. With no music to guide him but the squeak of his shoes, Thilly spun awkwardly on the floor, even attempting a seated windmill that left him looking more like an overturned turtle than a b-boy.
Breakdancing, one of the four foundational elements of hip hop culture alongside DJing, MCing, and graffiti, has long been a symbol of expression and rebellion, but in this context, Thilly’s performance felt more like parody than protest, leaving much of the audience confused. Some stifled laughter behind their hands, while others simply looked away.
After nearly a full minute of shuffling, sliding, and moonwalking, Thilly finally picked up his notes and water before stepping to the microphone. He briefly digressed about his recent trip to Monterrey, Mexico, then pivoted to his central concern: local taxes.
“Why did our taxes go up so much?” he asked the town officials in front of him. Thilly claimed his own bill had risen by around $900, and he pressed for answers on whether the increase was linked to a $55 million referendum approved in January to fund local schools. He argued that developers weren’t contributing enough to the educational system, leaving the financial burden to residents.
Despite the theatrics, the audience offered little response, even when Thilly tried to cue applause. He ended his remarks by moonwalking off the floor in silence, staying on brand with his unusual mix of civic advocacy and hip hop-inspired flair.
Thilly’s past appearances at town hall have been equally unorthodox, from urging developers to shoulder tax responsibilities to calling for more community bonding among residents. But with his latest stunt, he may have cemented his reputation as Cranford’s most unpredictable political hopeful; part local watchdog, part would-be breakdancer.