Courier News Editorial - Plainfield officials have once again made their jobs much more difficult with a foolish decisions.
In other words, normalcy reigns in the Queen City.
Here's just the latest example of a governmental blunder: The City Council has hired an old ally of the late former mayor, Al McWilliams, to conduct an investigation of Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs' expenditure of $20,000 on a summer radio appearance by the Rev. Al Sharpton.
That event — a part of the city's anti-gang initiatives — is a legitimate target for investigation, considering the dubious value of Sharpton's show as well as the mayor's failure to gain council approval for the spending. It also reinforces Robinson-Briggs' history of poor fiscal management.
But the choice of Jacqueline Drakeford, McWilliams' former corporation counsel for nearly a decade, virtually guarantees that the probe will be tainted, regardless of the outcome. And that has nothing to do with Drakeford herself, but rather the enduring divisions in the city's Democratic party and its leadership.
McWilliams rose to power as the leader of the so-called "New Democrats," who positioned themselves primarily as an alternative to the old-guard Dems operating under the favored hand of Assemblyman Jerry Green. While some of those battle lines have blurred in recent years, the fractures clearly remain, and Robinson-Briggs, fairly or not, has been characterized as little more than a Green puppet. So we can presume it's no mere coincidence that McWilliams' daughter, Council President Annie McWilliams, was among those supporting the choice of Drakeford.
Residents at last week's council meeting in which the choice of Drakeford was approved complained about the potential conflicts involved, but the council wasn't deterred.
It should have been.
What city officials don't seem to understand here — or are ignoring - is that the perception of conflict is more than enough to warrant a more independent investigator. If the public believes, rightly or wrongly, that a probe may be compromised in some fashion, then it's already effectively tainted, even if the investigation itself is carried out with complete integrity and professionalism.
Any particular expertise Drakeford may bring to the investigation isn't necessary to root out the facts. This isn't a complex issue. Robinson-Briggs has countered that most of the money was reimbursed by an unnamed sponsor. And what seems to trouble council members most of all is whether the proper legal protocal was followed in allowing such an expense of taxpayer money.
What Plainfield needs is someone without any agenda — or just as importantly, perceived agenda — taking a look at this issue. That should have been obvious from the start.
Ps
I am happy to see that the Courier News has finally opened their eyes to the New Democrats and how they operate. If we are going to investigate something, we surely should do so in how the City spent thousands and thousands of dollars to sponsor a train ride to Washington, D.C., where alcohol was flowing freely.
Secondly, we have one vendor that the past administration never paid, and is now considering suing the City. We currently have another vendor who the City hired who donated thousands of dollars to the New Democrats and Cory Storch, and winds up being charged by the State for activities that embarrassed the firm and the City.
We bought thousands and thousands of dollars worth of pipes and to this day, no one can tell the City who ordered the pipes, nor who paid for them. This is why I agree with the Courier News, we need to have an impartial attorney to investigate ALL of these activities. How can you ask an attorney to investigate current expenses when in fact, she served as legal council for the City when the above-mentioned activities transpired?
The City needs to wake up and realize that whether it is over at the BOE or the City’s governing body, the New Democrats have been in control. I want to personally make it very clear that I do not get involved with the day-to-day operation of government, so for the Courier to mention my name in the article, I find it very offensive. I do not tell the Mayor nor Council what to do. Fortunate enough, I am doing my job in Trenton, which I have been elected to do.
I have taken great pride as Chairman of the Plainfield Democratic Party, helping to get our current President elected. This last election, with the support of the City, I was able to get Frank Pallone elected, wherein Pallone amassed nearly 8,000 votes, his opponent got 675. As Chairman of the party, I am to do my best to support the Democratic ticket in its entirety, regardless of any personal problems I may have with members. In the past, I have supported the Mayor, just like any other Democrat I have supported.
So just like I should not be blamed for the actions of the President, Congress, or Freeholder Board, I also should not be blamed for the actions of the Mayor of the City of Plainfield. Over the years, this has been the strategy of the New Democrats, which cannot challenge my record as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, but has tried to tie me into local politics, a place where it seems no one listens to anyone. My position has been to offer help where ever the local body needs. Unfortunately, when elected officials in the City do something wrong, they do not publicly make it clear that I have nothing to do with it.
In the future, I have no problem, just as I am doing today, letting the public know that I have nothing to do with any false accusations voiced against me on the local level.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Arbitration Reform & "Back to Work NJ" Proposals
We are working on a proposal for Arbitration Reform and a new "Back to Work NJ" job and economy agenda. I am taking this opportunity to share both sets of talking points used by Speaker Shelia Oliver during Tuesday's Arbitration Reform Press Conference and today's "Back to Work NJ" Press Conference.
We’re here today because we have built a strong consensus around a responsible plan that will help taxpayers while protecting the rights of police and firefighters.
Everyone recognizes that arbitration reform is a substantial component in controlling runaway property taxes.
Now it’s time to put partisanship aside and join together in doing what’s best for New Jersey…not what sounds best in a sound bite.
We’ve taken a careful approach to this legislation and I think we have achieved a well-crafted balance that will, at once, control costs…
…while at the same time taking into account that there may be a need to enhance this legislation down the road, should any unforeseen consequences arise from it.
Simply put, the legislation would:
· Impose an average 2 percent cap on base salary increases for all police and firefighter arbitration awards.
· However, this cap would sunset in three years – which is the average length of police and firefighter contracts – in order to allow us to gauge its effectiveness.
· The cap would only affect interest arbitration, not collective bargaining.
· Pay for longevity, length of service and other similar compensation would be required to be included in the 2 percent cap.
· All contracts that expire within this 3-year window would be required to adhere to the cap.
· Municipalities would have the right to ask the state to force arbitration if it believes a union is not negotiating in good faith.
· Unions would also have the right to ask the state to force municipalities back into fact-finding and mediation if they believe the municipality is not negotiating in good faith.
· They legislation would also establish “last offer” as the terminal procedure for resolving contractual impasses between public employers and police and fire departments when it comes to benefits.
· Furthermore, it would change the process for selecting an arbitrator for interest arbitration in order to ensure a more varied and impartial group of arbitrators are making these important decisions.
· Arbitrators would also be required to meet stringent professional responsibility, impartiality and ethics and guidelines.
· Lastly, the process by which judgments are appealed would be changed.
I want to thank Senate President Sweeney for his commitment to ensuring that we get this done right.
I know that we are both committed to continuing to work toward reforming the state’s civil service system and tackling other key issues such as local government consolidation and shared services.
What gets lost in the day-to-day rhetoric is the fact that we have advanced more than 20 property tax reform bills this year, including many in the Governor’s so-called tool kit.
Rest assured, we will continue pushing forward with our reform agenda.
Unfortunately nothing will undo the damage from the Governor’s cuts in state aid to schools and municipalities and the decision to eliminate property tax rebates this year.
Those decisions are driving up property taxes throughout our state, but we are committed to long-term reforms that will especially benefit working class New Jerseyans.
Speaker Sheila Oliver
“Back to Work NJ” Press Conference
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
As our unemployment rate hovers above 9 percent, the administration has focused little attention on stimulating the economy and creating jobs.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that all the property tax reforms in the world won’t mean a thing if people cannot afford to keep their home.
With this in mind, I think we can all agree on the importance of creating new jobs, reinvigorating our economy, and putting residents back to work.
In the coming weeks and months, we will turn a keenly focused eye towards a new landmark job creation package designed to stimulate employment and jumpstart economic development throughout our state.
The bills included in this package will be the focus of legislative activity through December and into early January as we complete work on key property tax reform measures.
Known as “Back to Work New Jersey,” this package will help lift our state out of this recession and make it more affordable for working class residents struggling to make ends meet.
For over two months, Senate President Sweeney and I have regularly convened roundtable meetings of business leaders to hear ideas for jumpstarting the state’s economy, improving its business image and creating jobs.
The plan involves putting ideas garnered from that group into action.
These initiatives are a great step toward retooling New Jersey as an economic force primed to lead the pack in the economic recovery.
Our goal is to create jobs for residents, ease outdated burdens on businesses and spark economic growth throughout the state by encouraging investment.
It’s a plan that benefits everyone.
Some of the highlights will include:
· Legislation based on the successful Georgia Works program. This program allows unemployed job seekers who have registered for employment services to receive workplace training from a potential employer for up to 24 hours per week for up to six weeks. Remarkably, in Georgia, more than 11,000 employers have participated and about 63 percent of participants have found jobs.
· Legislation to reform our corporate business tax by modernizing the formula…essentially switching from a three-factor formula to a single sales factor formula, something that has been a priority for our business community.
· Small business tax reform legislation to modernize the small business tax code to provide a meaningful tax break to entrepreneurs.
· Legislation that would expand the state’s Business Relocation and Retention Assistance Grant program to allow more companies to benefit and keep jobs in-state.
· Legislation that would create the New Jersey Closing Fund to stimulate economic activity by encouraging and promoting the retention and expansion of existing business and industry and creating and attracting new business and industry to the state.
Moving forward, we expect numerous other initiatives to be considered as well.
As we turn our attention to the pro-jobs agenda, the business roundtable discussions will continue so that participants can offer more ideas and track the progress of pending measures.
Rest assured, the legislature can walk and chew gum at the same time.
Property tax reform will remain a priority.
But as I said before…the two are intrinsically linked.
Residents cannot even begin to think about purchasing a home without a job.
Worse, countless others are being forced out of their homes because of foreclosures brought on by joblessness.
These are very real situations and I think each and every one of us knows someone seriously affected by this economic crisis.
Stimulating job growth, putting people back to work, giving businesses the tool to grow…all of these things should have been a priority for the past year.
Now it’s time to get back on track…with “Back to Work New Jersey.”
Speaker Sheila Oliver
Arbitration Reform Press Conference
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Arbitration Reform Press Conference
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
What New Jersey taxpayers want and need is reform that controls property taxes but at the same time recognizes the brave men and women who risk their lives daily to protect us…and thus rewards them fairly for their sacrifices.
We’re here today because we have built a strong consensus around a responsible plan that will help taxpayers while protecting the rights of police and firefighters.
Everyone recognizes that arbitration reform is a substantial component in controlling runaway property taxes.
Now it’s time to put partisanship aside and join together in doing what’s best for New Jersey…not what sounds best in a sound bite.
We’ve taken a careful approach to this legislation and I think we have achieved a well-crafted balance that will, at once, control costs…
…while at the same time taking into account that there may be a need to enhance this legislation down the road, should any unforeseen consequences arise from it.
Simply put, the legislation would:
· Impose an average 2 percent cap on base salary increases for all police and firefighter arbitration awards.
· However, this cap would sunset in three years – which is the average length of police and firefighter contracts – in order to allow us to gauge its effectiveness.
· The cap would only affect interest arbitration, not collective bargaining.
· Pay for longevity, length of service and other similar compensation would be required to be included in the 2 percent cap.
· All contracts that expire within this 3-year window would be required to adhere to the cap.
· Municipalities would have the right to ask the state to force arbitration if it believes a union is not negotiating in good faith.
· Unions would also have the right to ask the state to force municipalities back into fact-finding and mediation if they believe the municipality is not negotiating in good faith.
· They legislation would also establish “last offer” as the terminal procedure for resolving contractual impasses between public employers and police and fire departments when it comes to benefits.
· Furthermore, it would change the process for selecting an arbitrator for interest arbitration in order to ensure a more varied and impartial group of arbitrators are making these important decisions.
· Arbitrators would also be required to meet stringent professional responsibility, impartiality and ethics and guidelines.
· Lastly, the process by which judgments are appealed would be changed.
I want to thank Senate President Sweeney for his commitment to ensuring that we get this done right.
I know that we are both committed to continuing to work toward reforming the state’s civil service system and tackling other key issues such as local government consolidation and shared services.
What gets lost in the day-to-day rhetoric is the fact that we have advanced more than 20 property tax reform bills this year, including many in the Governor’s so-called tool kit.
Rest assured, we will continue pushing forward with our reform agenda.
Unfortunately nothing will undo the damage from the Governor’s cuts in state aid to schools and municipalities and the decision to eliminate property tax rebates this year.
Those decisions are driving up property taxes throughout our state, but we are committed to long-term reforms that will especially benefit working class New Jerseyans.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speaker Sheila Oliver
“Back to Work NJ” Press Conference
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
With all the talk over the last few months focused on property tax reform, it seems to have been forgotten that we are still firmly in the clutches of an economic crisis.
As our unemployment rate hovers above 9 percent, the administration has focused little attention on stimulating the economy and creating jobs.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that all the property tax reforms in the world won’t mean a thing if people cannot afford to keep their home.
With this in mind, I think we can all agree on the importance of creating new jobs, reinvigorating our economy, and putting residents back to work.
In the coming weeks and months, we will turn a keenly focused eye towards a new landmark job creation package designed to stimulate employment and jumpstart economic development throughout our state.
The bills included in this package will be the focus of legislative activity through December and into early January as we complete work on key property tax reform measures.
Known as “Back to Work New Jersey,” this package will help lift our state out of this recession and make it more affordable for working class residents struggling to make ends meet.
For over two months, Senate President Sweeney and I have regularly convened roundtable meetings of business leaders to hear ideas for jumpstarting the state’s economy, improving its business image and creating jobs.
The plan involves putting ideas garnered from that group into action.
These initiatives are a great step toward retooling New Jersey as an economic force primed to lead the pack in the economic recovery.
Our goal is to create jobs for residents, ease outdated burdens on businesses and spark economic growth throughout the state by encouraging investment.
It’s a plan that benefits everyone.
Some of the highlights will include:
· Legislation based on the successful Georgia Works program. This program allows unemployed job seekers who have registered for employment services to receive workplace training from a potential employer for up to 24 hours per week for up to six weeks. Remarkably, in Georgia, more than 11,000 employers have participated and about 63 percent of participants have found jobs.
· Legislation to reform our corporate business tax by modernizing the formula…essentially switching from a three-factor formula to a single sales factor formula, something that has been a priority for our business community.
· Small business tax reform legislation to modernize the small business tax code to provide a meaningful tax break to entrepreneurs.
· Legislation that would expand the state’s Business Relocation and Retention Assistance Grant program to allow more companies to benefit and keep jobs in-state.
· Legislation that would create the New Jersey Closing Fund to stimulate economic activity by encouraging and promoting the retention and expansion of existing business and industry and creating and attracting new business and industry to the state.
Moving forward, we expect numerous other initiatives to be considered as well.
As we turn our attention to the pro-jobs agenda, the business roundtable discussions will continue so that participants can offer more ideas and track the progress of pending measures.
Rest assured, the legislature can walk and chew gum at the same time.
Property tax reform will remain a priority.
But as I said before…the two are intrinsically linked.
Residents cannot even begin to think about purchasing a home without a job.
Worse, countless others are being forced out of their homes because of foreclosures brought on by joblessness.
These are very real situations and I think each and every one of us knows someone seriously affected by this economic crisis.
Stimulating job growth, putting people back to work, giving businesses the tool to grow…all of these things should have been a priority for the past year.
Now it’s time to get back on track…with “Back to Work New Jersey.”
Arbitration and Economic Development
This morning's Star Ledger contained an editorial by Tom Hester praising the compromise arbitration proposal put forward by the Senate President and Speaker yesterday. The Senate President and Speaker are in the process of distributing this article to mayors and trying to get them to call the Governor in support. If you can assist in that effort, it would be greatly appreciated.
It is also worth noting that this proposal was endorsed by the Association of Counties yesterday, as well as by the incoming president of the Conference of Mayors. Mayor Chiarello, who is President of the League of Municipalities, also endorsed the proposal at the press conference yesterday (though the League itself has not yet officially taken a position).
In addition, for two months Sweeney and Oliver have regularly convened roundtable meetings of business leaders to hear ideas for jumpstarting the state’s economy, improving its business image and creating jobs. The plan, being announced today, would involve putting ideas garnered from that group into action.
The plan is being finalized but highlights will include:
· Legislation based on the successful Georgia Works program. The Georgia Works program allows unemployed job seekers who have registered for employment services to receive workplace training from a potential employer for up to 24 hours per week for up to six weeks. In Georgia, more than 11,000 employers have participated and about 63 percent of participants have found jobs.
· Corporate business tax reform legislation (A-1676/S-1646) prime sponsored by Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald (D-Camden) and Sweeney to modernize the formula used to determine the portion of business income subject to tax by the state from a three-factor formula to a single sales factor formula. The change has been a priority for New Jersey businesses.
· Small business tax reform legislation (S-1540/A-3535) sponsored by Senate Majority Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex), Greenwald and Assemblyman Peter J. Barnes III (D-Middlesex) to modernize the small business tax code to provide a meaningful tax break to entrepreneurs.
· Legislation (A-3389/S-2370) sponsored by Sen. Fred Madden (D-Gloucester/Camden), Assemblyman Albert Coutinho (D-Essex) and Oliver that would expand the state’s Business Relocation and Retention Assistance Grant program to allow more companies to benefit and keep jobs in-state.
· Legislation (A-3352/S-1602) sponsored by Coutinho and Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland) that would create the New Jersey Closing Fund to stimulate economic activity by encouraging and promoting the retention and expansion of existing business and industry and creating and attracting new business and industry to the state.
If you have not had an opportunity to read the editorial please click on the link below:
http://blog.nj.com/njv_editorial_page/2010/11/new_jersey_democrats_offer_com.html
It is also worth noting that this proposal was endorsed by the Association of Counties yesterday, as well as by the incoming president of the Conference of Mayors. Mayor Chiarello, who is President of the League of Municipalities, also endorsed the proposal at the press conference yesterday (though the League itself has not yet officially taken a position).
In addition, for two months Sweeney and Oliver have regularly convened roundtable meetings of business leaders to hear ideas for jumpstarting the state’s economy, improving its business image and creating jobs. The plan, being announced today, would involve putting ideas garnered from that group into action.
The plan is being finalized but highlights will include:
· Legislation based on the successful Georgia Works program. The Georgia Works program allows unemployed job seekers who have registered for employment services to receive workplace training from a potential employer for up to 24 hours per week for up to six weeks. In Georgia, more than 11,000 employers have participated and about 63 percent of participants have found jobs.
· Corporate business tax reform legislation (A-1676/S-1646) prime sponsored by Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald (D-Camden) and Sweeney to modernize the formula used to determine the portion of business income subject to tax by the state from a three-factor formula to a single sales factor formula. The change has been a priority for New Jersey businesses.
· Small business tax reform legislation (S-1540/A-3535) sponsored by Senate Majority Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex), Greenwald and Assemblyman Peter J. Barnes III (D-Middlesex) to modernize the small business tax code to provide a meaningful tax break to entrepreneurs.
· Legislation (A-3389/S-2370) sponsored by Sen. Fred Madden (D-Gloucester/Camden), Assemblyman Albert Coutinho (D-Essex) and Oliver that would expand the state’s Business Relocation and Retention Assistance Grant program to allow more companies to benefit and keep jobs in-state.
· Legislation (A-3352/S-1602) sponsored by Coutinho and Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland) that would create the New Jersey Closing Fund to stimulate economic activity by encouraging and promoting the retention and expansion of existing business and industry and creating and attracting new business and industry to the state.
If you have not had an opportunity to read the editorial please click on the link below:
http://blog.nj.com/njv_editorial_page/2010/11/new_jersey_democrats_offer_com.html
A Letter from the Green Brook Flood Control Commission
GREEN BROOK FLOOD REDUCTION PROJECT STATUS UPDATE
Assembly Bill 444, For The Record
In reading Doc’s blog, I would like to set the record straight. The bill that I am sponsoring, A-444, in the Assembly is also being co-sponsored by 22 other Legislators in the Assembly. This bill disqualifies members of the board of education for conviction of certain crimes and requires members to undergo criminal history background investigation, specifically if they are not able to get their records expunged. Obviously, other Legislators have shown their interest in this bill. In fact, when this bill was voted out of the Assembly, the vote tally was 80-0.
As usual Doc, when I received word that the Council allowed this issue to be discussed at a Council meeting with false information, it showed me that the Council is more adamant about listening to misinformation and lies than they are about running the City. It is obvious that they are not concerned about the public image of this City. We are going into the 12th month of this year and the Council cannot show me anything that they have accomplished, other than feeding into this type of nonsense.
Let me explain this issue so that everyone understands why 80 members of the NJ Assembly have supported this legislation. One, Doc mentioned the individual that he feels is being targeted. Let me be clear, this bill targets a statewide issue, not a Plainfield issue. Also, we are not talking about a juvenile who stole a pack of gum.
In the past, no individual had the ability to work for the BOE with any type of record. What this bill does is give those who have chosen to live a decent life after making a mistake a second chance. If you are eligible to get your record expunged, then you have an opportunity to work in this school system.
So what we are trying to accomplish is giving a person an opportunity to get a second chance. I am trying to give those who deserve a second chance, just that. Unfortunately, Mr. Haqq cannot get his record expunged. The law is very clear, if you cannot get your record expunged, you have done something very serious. No one involved in serious criminal activity should be involved in our school districts. This bill is not targeting one individual, but is giving those who need a second chance, who are able to receive one, just that. Now, if they get their record expunged, they will have that opportunity.
Unfortunately, Mr. Haqq decided early in life to be involved in criminal activities. That was his choice, not mine. If the courts make it clear that he is not qualified to get his record expunged, then why should the people in Plainfield take a chance on being embarrassed because we are doing something the courts would not do; which is clearing his record even though the courts ruled against it.
So Doc, before you jump on a bandwagon, you should get the truth and understanding about this issue, before you make it sound like we are penalizing some young innocent juvenile.
Ps
Last week’s activities proved to me that he has yet to change his ways.
As usual Doc, when I received word that the Council allowed this issue to be discussed at a Council meeting with false information, it showed me that the Council is more adamant about listening to misinformation and lies than they are about running the City. It is obvious that they are not concerned about the public image of this City. We are going into the 12th month of this year and the Council cannot show me anything that they have accomplished, other than feeding into this type of nonsense.
Let me explain this issue so that everyone understands why 80 members of the NJ Assembly have supported this legislation. One, Doc mentioned the individual that he feels is being targeted. Let me be clear, this bill targets a statewide issue, not a Plainfield issue. Also, we are not talking about a juvenile who stole a pack of gum.
In the past, no individual had the ability to work for the BOE with any type of record. What this bill does is give those who have chosen to live a decent life after making a mistake a second chance. If you are eligible to get your record expunged, then you have an opportunity to work in this school system.
So what we are trying to accomplish is giving a person an opportunity to get a second chance. I am trying to give those who deserve a second chance, just that. Unfortunately, Mr. Haqq cannot get his record expunged. The law is very clear, if you cannot get your record expunged, you have done something very serious. No one involved in serious criminal activity should be involved in our school districts. This bill is not targeting one individual, but is giving those who need a second chance, who are able to receive one, just that. Now, if they get their record expunged, they will have that opportunity.
Unfortunately, Mr. Haqq decided early in life to be involved in criminal activities. That was his choice, not mine. If the courts make it clear that he is not qualified to get his record expunged, then why should the people in Plainfield take a chance on being embarrassed because we are doing something the courts would not do; which is clearing his record even though the courts ruled against it.
So Doc, before you jump on a bandwagon, you should get the truth and understanding about this issue, before you make it sound like we are penalizing some young innocent juvenile.
Ps
Last week’s activities proved to me that he has yet to change his ways.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
An open letter to the 2010 Republican Candidates for Union Countywide Office
The following letter is being sent to the 2010 Republican Candidates for Union Countywide Office. Ironically the one name missing from those referenced within the letter is that of Cory Storch - a closeted Republican in Democratic sheep's clothing.
Dear 2010 Republican Candidates for Union Countywide Office;
One of Union County's greatest strengths is the incredible diversity we enjoy within our communities. That is why we are writing to express our sincere shock and utter astonishment at your comments after the General Election held on November 2nd of this year.
We are specifically referring to an article printed on November 4, 2010 in The Westfield Leader in which Freeholder Candidate Elyse Medved said, “These people (Democratic voters in urban parts of the County) are getting what they vote for, and it’s a shame because they won’t open their eyes, but we will eventually force them to open their eyes. It’s not over”. Freeholder Candidate Ellen Dickson continued by saying, “Those who are benefiting from the largesse are getting a bigger and bigger percentage, and that percentage is sucking all the rest of us”. Freeholder Candidate Brian Flanagan said, “We’ve tried so many ways...we just keep getting hosed out here in the western end of the county, and it’s got to stop”. Most dismaying were the comments made by Candidate for County Clerk Arthur Zapolski, who referred to the Democratic Party’s success, saying, “You hit them (people in urban areas) with a cattle prod, and they’ll go under; there’s no brain power involved”.
We find that comments such as these linger at the border of racism and are not appropriate viewpoints of candidates for Countywide, or any, elected office. These remarks practice the politics of divisiveness that have no place in society today.
The residents of our urban communities are just as pensive and deliberate in their voting decisions as those in our suburban neighboring communities and to suggest otherwise is both insulting and disrespectful. These calculated choices are exhibited when voters elect individuals fighting for those that best represent their needs. Both at the Congressional and State level Republicans have voted to extend benefits for the wealthiest while cutting programs and services for the vast majority of hard-working residents. House Republicans rejected a measure that would have extended unemployment benefits scheduled to lapse on November 30th, yet they continue to support extending the Bush tax cuts to the wealthiest two percent of Americans. At the state level, the Governor chose to support tax cuts for millionaires, yet submitted a budget that cut vital services to our children and senior citizens. We thank these urban voters who were also joined by thousands of residents throughout the suburban parts of the County and voted based on the real issues. We believe the voters of Union County knew exactly what they were doing on November 2nd. They voted for those that have their priorities in mind . . . the right priorities.
Your condescending statements are simply unacceptable. We collectively urge you to publicly apologize for these disgraceful remarks and to be more considerate and respectful of all voters in the future.
Sincerely,
Dear 2010 Republican Candidates for Union Countywide Office;
One of Union County's greatest strengths is the incredible diversity we enjoy within our communities. That is why we are writing to express our sincere shock and utter astonishment at your comments after the General Election held on November 2nd of this year.
We are specifically referring to an article printed on November 4, 2010 in The Westfield Leader in which Freeholder Candidate Elyse Medved said, “These people (Democratic voters in urban parts of the County) are getting what they vote for, and it’s a shame because they won’t open their eyes, but we will eventually force them to open their eyes. It’s not over”. Freeholder Candidate Ellen Dickson continued by saying, “Those who are benefiting from the largesse are getting a bigger and bigger percentage, and that percentage is sucking all the rest of us”. Freeholder Candidate Brian Flanagan said, “We’ve tried so many ways...we just keep getting hosed out here in the western end of the county, and it’s got to stop”. Most dismaying were the comments made by Candidate for County Clerk Arthur Zapolski, who referred to the Democratic Party’s success, saying, “You hit them (people in urban areas) with a cattle prod, and they’ll go under; there’s no brain power involved”.
We find that comments such as these linger at the border of racism and are not appropriate viewpoints of candidates for Countywide, or any, elected office. These remarks practice the politics of divisiveness that have no place in society today.
The residents of our urban communities are just as pensive and deliberate in their voting decisions as those in our suburban neighboring communities and to suggest otherwise is both insulting and disrespectful. These calculated choices are exhibited when voters elect individuals fighting for those that best represent their needs. Both at the Congressional and State level Republicans have voted to extend benefits for the wealthiest while cutting programs and services for the vast majority of hard-working residents. House Republicans rejected a measure that would have extended unemployment benefits scheduled to lapse on November 30th, yet they continue to support extending the Bush tax cuts to the wealthiest two percent of Americans. At the state level, the Governor chose to support tax cuts for millionaires, yet submitted a budget that cut vital services to our children and senior citizens. We thank these urban voters who were also joined by thousands of residents throughout the suburban parts of the County and voted based on the real issues. We believe the voters of Union County knew exactly what they were doing on November 2nd. They voted for those that have their priorities in mind . . . the right priorities.
Your condescending statements are simply unacceptable. We collectively urge you to publicly apologize for these disgraceful remarks and to be more considerate and respectful of all voters in the future.
Sincerely,
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