By Kate Delany

Earlier this week, the cruelty of George Norcross’ political machine, which is often whispered about in a hush, was laid bare for all to see.

The occasion was the unelected South Jersey political boss’ appearance before a servile state Senate committee tasked with whitewashing a deepening scandal over more than $1 billion in tax breaks Norcross’ companies and friends have been awarded.

This scandal has prompted an independent investigation by a task force of former federal prosecutors convened by Governor Murphy, as well as news reports of a state grand jury investigation and questions from federal prosecutors.

As the scandal has deepened and threatened to tarnish Norcross’ image as the savior of Camden, he and his minions sprung into action, scheduling a rare public appearance by the political boss in front of a legislative committee stacked with political allies prepared to lob softballs at their political overlord.

But the image of Norcross as benevolent statesman was exposed for the fraud it is when State Troopers seemingly targeted progressive advocate Sue Altman for removal from the hearing room before Norcross was scheduled to speak. Without warning, they surrounded her and physically dragged her outside -- grabbing her by the arms in a brazen act of physical force that stunned onlookers.

All the while, Norcross serenely looked on.

I was one of the members of the public blocked and threatened with action by law enforcement for daring to enter the committee room that morning.

I stood huddled in company that included children, elderly and disabled citizens since the seats were “reserved for invited guests only,” for George Norcross’ personal cheering section, brought in by the busload.

I was beside Altman when she fell on the ground and the troopers hauled her away.

The proceedings I witnessed might have been easier to process if it were a nation new to democracy where freedom of speech and assembly are still alien concepts. But this happened here, in New Jersey. Here in New Jersey a female activist can be publicly manhandled by three male officers and police can suppress the people.

While the incident garnered national attention -- including a supportive tweet from Elizabeth Warren -- many local officials simply turned a blind eye.

The forceful removal of @NJWFA State Director @SueAltman from a public hearing is outrageous. I stand with her and @WorkingFamilies. https://t.co/DEaJiC6iQA — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) November 19, 2019

The governor issued a strong statement condemning the incident, and Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced an investigation.

Yet Senate Majority Loretta Weinberg, who portrays herself as a godmother to progressive feminists, commended chairman Bob Smith for work done “despite the disruptions at today’s hearing.”

Unlike Weinberg, I was at the hearing. More than disruptions, I saw business as usual -- misogynistic machine politics buttressing the male party boss.

My 11-year-old daughter, Samara, was standing right beside Sue when she was manhandled out of the hearing. Being an elected official while raising young kids means often those duties intermingle. My children wanted to go with me to the State House, to see the proceedings, having listened in so many times on adult conversations about social and economic justice in our state.

In the company of so many trusted activist friends, I felt confident they were safe to attend.

My 7-year-old son sobbed when Sue fell to the ground and was dragged out by state troopers.

An officer walked over to suggest I take my children out -- that this was too upsetting for them. I responded that it was the harassment of women and the public, the lack of democracy, that was upsetting.

Taking my kids out of the room wouldn’t solve that problem.

Make no mistake: Norcross and those who loyally serve him are determined to go after the female-led movement that is building to take on the machine.

The progressive movement knows there can be no papering over the cracks. Systemic change is needed.

Elected officials have to make a decision about more than just tax incentives. They have to decide who they serve: the party boss or the people. I look forward to the brave voices who will speak up for a more democratic state, a brighter New Jersey for my kids’ future.

Kate Delany is chairwoman of the Collingswood Democratic Committee.

The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.com’s newsletters.