| Author | Message | ||
     ziefert Citizen Username: Ziefert Post Number: 12 Registered: 11-2001 |
The Nominating Committee of the Maplewood Democratic Committee is seeking candidates for the Township Committee election of 2006. The committee invites qualified candidates who are registered voters to submit their resume and a cover letter of interest. Please send submissions to Michele Davis, Nominating Committee Chairwoman, at mfd23@verizon.net with a copy to Allison Ziefert, Democratic Committee Chairwoman, at awz@comcast.net by no later than January 27, 2006. Interviews will be scheduled shortly thereafter. Questions about the process can be addressed to Allison Ziefert at the above email address. | ||
| oots Citizen Username: Oots Post Number: 338 Registered: 6-2001 |
which seats are up for grabs? oots | ||
| bill671 Citizen Username: Bill671 Post Number: 287 Registered: 6-2002 |
The machine needs input? Or just the appearrance? | ||
| anon Supporter Username: Anon Post Number: 2489 Registered: 6-2002 |
oots: The terms of Kathy Laventhal and Ken Pettis will expire at the end of 2006. I do not know whether either or both are seeking re-election. bill: Machine? You think a bunch of local folks, friends and neighbors who choose to be civically involved, are a "machine"? | ||
| bill671 Citizen Username: Bill671 Post Number: 289 Registered: 6-2002 |
It strikes me as unusual that any party would be publicly advertising for candidates. My thought is anyone who would even be considered for a run under a party banner should already be known within the organization, and have a history of pitching in. They should already have done time in the trenches. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 11928 Registered: 1-2003  |
Maybe there is some sort of obligation to make a public invitation? Should my previous sentence have ended with a question mark? | ||
| Hank Zona Supporter Username: Hankzona Post Number: 5121 Registered: 3-2002 |
anon posted.... You think a bunch of local folks, friends and neighbors who choose to be civically involved, are a "machine"? I didnt realize they were all friends!  | ||
| Joan Supporter Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 6900 Registered: 5-2001 |
At least they are all neighbors! I think it is great that the Democratic Party is inviting anyone intersted in running for TC to apply but this doesn't necessarily mean that if you apply, you will receive official party backing. | ||
| ziefert Citizen Username: Ziefert Post Number: 13 Registered: 11-2001 |
The purpose of the public solicitation of interest is to make sure that the best candidates are nominated by our party. For the past couple of years we have "advertised" as a way of opening things up. The new leadership, of which I am a part, wanted the process to be accessible to people who aren't "insiders" and wanted to avoid the cycle of automatic nomination of incumbents. Again, if anyone has questions feel free to email me at awz@comcast.net. | ||
| aquaman Supporter Username: Aquaman Post Number: 665 Registered: 8-2001 |
Ziefert, It's about time the MDC took the nominating out of the smoke-filled rooms and into the spot light. I daresay it's time to dust off my resume and toss my hat into the ring. Seriously Ziefert, thank you and I'm pleased as punch to see the times they are a changin' xoxo Aquaman | ||
| Hank Zona Supporter Username: Hankzona Post Number: 5122 Registered: 3-2002 |
it sounds like its not something new this year, but at least something the MDC has been doing for a couple of years (and yes, re-reading the thread, according to ziefert, it is)...and I seem to think it might even be the third year...so theyve a-changed the times for three TC election seasons now, which makes it pretty much a regular practice. I guess it was a successful enough addition to the candidate nominating process to be continuing it for a third year. | ||
| mtierney Citizen Username: Mtierney Post Number: 894 Registered: 3-2001 |
Oh, wouldn't it be more "proper" for the local Dems to find out if their incumbents would like to run again before advertising for others? The N-R seems to think Kathy and Ken intend to seek reelection. Or are we talking again about that other Democratic Party in town?  | ||
| anon Supporter Username: Anon Post Number: 2493 Registered: 6-2002 |
In 1946 a group of businessmen in California put an ad in the newspaper looking for a candiadte to run for Congress. The person who responded who ended up as the candidate was named Richard Milhouse Nixon. | ||
| johnny Citizen Username: Johnny Post Number: 1528 Registered: 5-2001 |
You can grab my seat, oots. | ||
| cjc Citizen Username: Cjc Post Number: 5089 Registered: 8-2003 |
What kind of democrats are they looking for -- neo-liberals like Profeta or paleo-liberals like DeLuca? | ||
| drewdix Citizen Username: Drewdix Post Number: 1115 Registered: 7-2001 |
cjc- why don't you step up and try to make a difference by getting the Republicans oragnized in this town and take some action---- oh, that's right, I forgot...you would, but things are "hopeless" in this state (and town)for republicans. Easier to name-call and complain. | ||
| Haight-Strawbury Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 6748 Registered: 10-2001  |
Why no Republicans in Maplefart? Simple: Watching a Maplewood TC meeting is like watching a 3 Stooges episode. Why mess with that? Those in the majority want the left to have some fun.. We will run the country and you as a reward can run Maplewood. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 10608 Registered: 5-2001 |
Yesterday's News Record indicates that occasional MOL poster Annette DePalma, wife of BOE President David Fraser btw, may be a TC candidate this year. Ms. DePalma is usely thought of as closely associated with the DeLuca/Huemer faction in the local Democratic party and I imagine she will only run if Huemer is not guaranteed the mayors job next year, although I admit the second paragraph is pure speculation on my part. | ||
| aquaman Supporter Username: Aquaman Post Number: 705 Registered: 8-2001 |
Bobk: "Ms. DePalma is usely thought of as closely associated with the DeLuca/Huemer faction in the local Democratic party and I imagine she will only run if Huemer is not guaranteed the mayors job next year..." You suppose that Ms. DePalma, whose husband is running for BOE, will only run if there's no guarantee that David Huemer will be Mayor in 2007? She'd be willing to run an exhaustive campaign, raise money, attend coffees, debates, and pound the pavement for weeks all so Dave Huemer can be Mayor? During her husband's campaign? I sincerely doubt she will be willing to go through all that, I doubt she's electable, and I don't think electing someone (or running for office) because a certain other person wants to be mayor is a very compelling reason to vote (or run). I believe Kathleen has made that observation before. But Bobestk, nice use of the word "usely". | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 10629 Registered: 5-2001 |
So I can't spell, especially before 5:00am. There has been a rumor arond town, and I repeat rumor, that if David doesn't get the center squeaky chair down at Town Hall he will run a slate of candidates against Ken and Kathy. And hey, I was just repeating what was in the local "paper of record", the News Record. | ||
| Haight-Strawbury Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 6754 Registered: 10-2001 |
Annette should run anyway. Nice looking gal. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 4753 Registered: 9-2001  |
Yea, but looks ain't everthing Straw... "if David doesn't get the center squeaky chair down at Town Hall he will run a slate of candidates against Ken and Kathy." Well, maybe David will be willing to clear up these rumors for us folks on MOL? I sure hope so… I mean we’re not chopped liver, are we? In the mean time, IMHO, the mere thought of running a new slate of candidates and another expensive Primary battle in June deserves some serious consideration. “If” is the operative word here, and “If” David doesn’t get his way he’ll dump Kathy and Ken? Are you sure about this so called rumor Bob? The first thing that comes to my mind is, “If” this is the case, why wouldn’t David dump them either way? I can only suspect that “If” in his mind Kathy and Ken are expendable, or not doing a good job, he should step up now and explain why. Hey, “If” he really wants to be Mayor of Maplewood, wouldn’t he want what’s best for Maplewood? I’m sure it can’t be just about himself, or is it? BTW, for the record, during the past three years I have watched Kathy and Ken work long and hard for “ALL” Maplewood residents. And, IMHO, they deserve another term to continue the good work they have started. Time after time I have seen them represent the swing vote on both sides of the issues before them, sometimes with Fred, and sometimes with David. Certainly David, and now with Vic on the committee, there is sufficient voice on the far left to provide a fair and balanced Democratic slate for three more years... Of course I would like to see a Republican again sometime in the future, but the Republican Party in "this" town has a long way to go the way things look at present... ;-) | ||
| Haight-Strawbury Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 6755 Registered: 10-2001 |
Great point AJC. Isn't it sad that we have 5 Dumbocratic TC members and they can't get along. Bunch of bratty half wits. David hates Kathy and Ken. Ken's mad at Fred, Vic hates everyone. David yells at Fred supporters. I mean, what the heck?? democrats...always out to lunch...(except for Fred) | ||
| sbenois Supporter Username: Sbenois Post Number: 14568 Registered: 10-2001  |
Despite her abysmal track record in terms of diagnosing medical situations here on MOL, I think a run by AnnetteDePalma is well worth keeping a serious eye on. I believe that she could absolutely win one of the two slots that will be open. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 12460 Registered: 1-2003 |
I know Annette somewhat. She strikes me as a person who would do what's right for the town even if it costs her politically. We need people like that. I think David Frazer is like that, too. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 4756 Registered: 9-2001 |
What's the chances of two family members being elected to public service in the same town at the same time? Hey, and who's going to raise their children? And, don't talk to me about Chelsea and the Clinton Clan! BTW, "S" are you giving odds? | ||
| Hank Zona Supporter Username: Hankzona Post Number: 5249 Registered: 3-2002 |
Art, David and Annette are already both highly involved Maplewoodians. I know their children...they are some of the most polite and pleasant kids around; they are bright and active in a variety of things. It seems to me the two people raising these kids have been doing a great job all along. | ||
| Nohero Supporter Username: Nohero Post Number: 5034 Registered: 10-1999  |
Great response, Hank. And for what it's worth, a comment like "who's going to raise their children?" is inappropriate. | ||
| wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 1995 Registered: 5-2001 |
Of course it's an inappropriate comment. I also agree with Hank's response and agree with Nohero that it's a great response. | ||
| I "Straw"buried Paul Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 6758 Registered: 10-2001 |
Art, I see your point. If both are elected they're both going to spend too much time away from the family all in the name of local partisan politics. What's the point? Hank and Nohero. Cut it out with the chick responses.. Wendy, you get a pass because you my lady are 100% women. | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1664 Registered: 5-2001 |
Inappropriate or not, I don't know a single local politician that hasn't said off the record that holding an elected office is an enormous strain on the family. I think that a big reason why there aren't more women serving on the "big" committees. The TC and BOE demand huge amounts of an individual's (unpaid) time. My hat is off to all the men and women and their families who make the enormous and often thankless sacrifice for our community. I think also if there was less rancor within and among the supporters of the TC and the BOE, more qualified people would be willing to serve. | ||
| anon Supporter Username: Anon Post Number: 2592 Registered: 6-2002 |
I don't know a single local politician that hasn't said off the record that holding an elected office is an enormous strain on the family. Lydia: Are you saying that every local politician has personally told this to you? If you "know" that all of them have said it "off the record" what else can you mean? Ms. Ziefert: Would being married to an elected official be deemed a negative factor in evaluating a potential candidate? | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1665 Registered: 5-2001 |
Anon,
I'm saying that people talk behind the scenes - I have friends on the TC and friends on the BOE and when we get down the the nitty gritty, everyone has the same complaints. Public service is a trade-off, that's no secret. On one hand, it's a good example for the kids, on the other hand, they have fewer cookie-baking moments. Not a judgement, but an observation. Speaking as a woman who is an activist, it's frustrating. Very difficult to balance Mom-time with community-time. To paraphrase Gloria Steinem - there aren't many men asking how to juggle career and children. | ||
| dytunck Supporter Username: Dytunck Post Number: 279 Registered: 3-2001 |
Lydia, I believe juggling children is illegal. Thankey. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 4758 Registered: 9-2001 |
I think the people who take on the responsibility to run our town need to be able to give up a lot of personal time and give it all they've got. Anyone with young children better have their priorities in order... Listen, this is not personal, so let’s get serious and stop all this “inappropriate” rhetoric stuff. I'm not interested in getting into a war of words with the David and Annette fan club. The question raised is fair and deserves an honest reply, not an admonishment of the messenger. Public service requires a tremendous amount dedication and commitment. Two parents in elective office with young children would be a strain on any family, I don't care who they are. I just love the way all the Hero’s and Nohero’s come out of the woodwork when someone clicks onto one of their icons. FWIW, the Primary is a little over three months away, and IMHO, real politicians by this point should be able to do is speak for themselves. So where are the candidates? This thread started off with a request for submissions to be sent to Michele Davis, Nominating Committee Chairwoman, at mfd23@verizon.net with a copy to Allison Ziefert, Democratic Committee Chairwoman, at awz@comcast.net by no later than January 27, 2006. Times up folks… When do we know for sure who the candidates are, or have did I miss the announcement while I was away? | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 12463 Registered: 1-2003 |
Art, we're talking about candidates for TC, not candidates to raise the Frazer children. If you want to vote against David or Annette, I suppose it's your prerogative to base it on those kids' welfare, but it would be unusual. Lydia said, To paraphrase Gloria Steinem - there aren't many men asking how to juggle career and children. Quite incorrect, Lydia! That's largely what the fatherhood movement is about. | ||
| Crazyguggenheim Citizen Username: Crazyguggenheim Post Number: 874 Registered: 2-2002  |
Call me crazy, but I saw Jon Stewart juggle 3 babies while driving his car! | ||
| Hank Zona Supporter Username: Hankzona Post Number: 5250 Registered: 3-2002 |
Since the Little Man of MOL saw fit to refer to my comment as a "chick response", Im even more comfortable with what I had to say. Art, The point you raise might be valid, but if you are referring to me as a "Hero who comes out of the woodwork when someone clicks onto one of their icons", I am not in their political inner circle, nor am I in anyone else's. My comments were based on personal experience, not politics. My children go to school with two of their children and it has given me a chance to get to know them all. There are kids out there who have parents who are way less involved who arent as well-adjusted and respectful as these kids...period. | ||
| Nohero Supporter Username: Nohero Post Number: 5036 Registered: 10-1999 |
Hank - Art always accuses those who disagree with him, of being someone else's mouthpiece. It doesn't matter that it's incorrect, it's just his way of telling someone to shut up. | ||
| I "Straw"buried Paul Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 6762 Registered: 10-2001 |
Nohero, Sounds like Hank Zona wants you to be his Valentine.  Hank, gotta say, you sound like a housewife with your above comments. As my Dad likes to say: Be a man. |
