It is never OK to use the “R” word. This should be widely known by all, but especially by elected officials who we must hold to a higher standard. They must set an example of treating one another with kindness and, above all, respect. Earlier this month, NJ Advance Media reported that the mayor of Clark (Sal Bonaccorso) used the “R” word during a public township council meeting. This derogatory and hateful word carries with it a deep history of negative societal treatment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This incident exposes that, despite years of education on …