| Author | Message | ||
     Sagitar Citizen Username: Sagitar Post Number: 2 Registered: 3-2004 |
Today's News and Record reports that Maplewood Township committee member David Huemer plowed his car into the historic iron gates that border Mayor Fred Profeta's home, the morning after last month's school board elections. (This is what's great about small town politics--sometimes you just can't make it up!) The gates are remnants of the historic Theodore Roosevelt estate, and considered a town landmark; the Historic Preservation Committee has discussed making them an official landmark. According to the News-Record, at around 9 a.m. Huemer drove his car into the gates, which are at the corner of Ridgewood and Hickory, and caused "extensive damage." Risa Olinsky, a resident of Hickory, witnessed the incident. She said Huemer was okay and drove away. The article goes on to say that Profeta, who was home at the time of the incident, did not hear anything from Huemer about the incident for 9 days. On April 27th, Profeta got an email from Huemer offering to pay for the damages, which Profeta estimates to be in excess of $1,000. The article says Profeta wrote back to Huemer: "The damage to the gate is extensive. In fact, it is difficult to understand how you could have been proceeding carefully through that narrow location and have caused that amount of damage. Parts of the gate are now missing, and may have been dragged away by your vehicle when you extricated it." In classic News-Record fashion, the article leaves many obvious questions unasked and unanswered. Among them: What did Huemer say in his email to Profeta about how and why the incident happened? Did he offer any explanation or apology? Have the Maplewood police been contacted about this incident and are they investigating it? If so, what's the status of their investigation? If not, why not? Clearly, if Huemer was driving the vehicle that crashed into the gate, he was operating his vehicle in an unsafe manner in a residential area. Did he call the police and report that there had been accident? Did Profeta or witness Olinsky call the police? At best, if Huemer didn't call the police, then it would seem that he was leaving the scene of an accident. At worst, if you put the incident in the context a political rivalry between Huemer and Profeta--which is how the News and Record positions it in the article--then it looks like some sort of malicious destruction of property, on top of unsafe operation of a vehicle. It's quite possible that the News and Record has missed the police investigation aspect of this story. Certainly, if any average citizen was seen plowing his car into the mayor's fence, you'd expect a visit from the police and an investigation. If anyone knows any more about this, I'd be interested to hear. Thanks. | ||
| Monster© Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 3048 Registered: 7-2002  |
I find it highly doubtful the David would intentionally ram the gate, and Profeta should get a grip. If David lived on the same street as I did, and he hit my gate, I would just go to his house and ring the doorbell to discuss it like a man. the article says that the gates are historical, in my opinion to many trivial things are considered historical, it's a fricken old as gate, sheesh, it's just a gate, if it was important it would be in a museum. All that article did for me when I read it was to make me think that Profeta won't be getting my vote. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5061 Registered: 9-2001  |
"I find it highly doubtful that David would intentionally ram the gate..." Monster, I find it highly doubtful that anyone would intentionally ram that historical gate. So would you mind telling us why David hit the gate? From your comment it sounds like you think Fred made him do it, and then told David to take off without calling the police. What's up with that? Then you say that after the fact Fred should go up to David's house on the other side of town and talk to him like a man, don't you have that backwards? I can tell you if I ran into someone’s gate I'd damn sure get out of my car and apologize, and then make arrangements to fix it. One more thing Monster, they're not just gates... | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11410 Registered: 5-2001 |
Monster, the gate doesn't belong to Profeta, it is Town property. As I stated in the Soapbox thread about this it was damaged several years ago. While, to be honest, I find the whole thing amusing, actually rofling amusing, David should own up and either pay for the damages or report the accident to his insurance company. I also feel Fred is milking this for all it is worth. Did David leave the scence of an accident? Did he report the accident later? Was he only caught because a neighbor (who is a Profetaista) saw the accident? People don't always report property damage accidents to the police. The only way this is more than a minor incident is that if David tried to avoid responsibility for the accident. | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1813 Registered: 5-2001 |
I heard about the "incident" and went to look at the gates myself last week. Honestly, I thought it was a hoax, for the life of me I couldn't see what the damage was. I spoke to someone on the historical commission who explained what to look for, and I thought it was old damage, but I guess it's new. More importantly, this rivalry has gone too far. David Huemer hit the gate on Hickory. Risa and Fred have gleefully been telling everyone in town that Huemer hit "Fred's gates". When I first heard the story, I thought it was very funny, but I am really surprised that such a big deal is being made about it. It was an accident and Huemer has offered to pay for the damages. I wish they would both stop bickering and focus on governing Maplewood - BOTH of them. | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 7554 Registered: 5-2001  |
Oh, come on Lydia. If it was in the News Record, every word must be carefully researched fact. Perhaps David and Fred should have a duel in Ricalton Square at dawn tomorrow. New campaign slogan for future Maplewood TC candidates: "I've never rammed Fred's gate." | ||
| mjh Supporter Username: Mjh Post Number: 498 Registered: 5-2001 |
"I wish they would both stop bickering and focus on governing Maplewood - BOTH of them." Good idea. This is embarassing. | ||
| Darryl Strawberry Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 7150 Registered: 10-2001  |
Wait a minute? Why did David leave the scene? How did word get out it was David? Just a few questions that come to mind....Not accusing, just wondering.. | ||
| Aquaman Supporter Username: Aquaman Post Number: 893 Registered: 8-2001  |
Here are some more questions, Sagitar: Why are personal emails being published in the local paper? Why doesn't Mayor Profeta just put in a claim with his homeowner's insurance? How did Philip Curran hear about this? Is he an investigative reporter? Did Risa Olinsky call the police? Was the gate damaged before the alleged occurrance? Was it in pristine vintage condition? Does Profeta own the gate? Were the gates open or blocking the road? Why are there gates there? Why is this a matter of public debate? | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5062 Registered: 9-2001 |
"Perhaps David and Fred should have a duel in Ricalton Square at dawn tomorrow." Forget about it Greene, not in Ricalton Square, I already plan on dueling Aquaman there tomorrow morning!!!  | ||
| Nohero Supporter Username: Nohero Post Number: 5361 Registered: 10-1999  |
Maybe one of the new police surveillance cameras can be set up opposite the entrance to Hickory. Keep this from happening again, or at least get the perp on tape next time.  | ||
| Darryl Strawberry Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 7152 Registered: 10-2001 |
"or at least get the perp on tape next time." Humor aside (no pun intended), this again strikes at the heart of the question. How do we know it was David? | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11413 Registered: 5-2001 |
I think the woman quoted in the story is a reliable witness even though a Prfetaista, which isn't surprising since they are neighbors. I rather doubt she and Fred cooked up the story over beer and brats to embarass David. | ||
| Hank Zona Supporter Username: Hankzona Post Number: 5560 Registered: 3-2002 |
is there any truth to the rumor that the Maplewood Democratic Committee will in the future not only ask for applications from candidates seeking the party's nominations, but will require driving tests? I can see confusion though with some folks not knowing the local rules regarding turning to the left or turning to the right. "talking points" would take on a different meaning in local politics than it does on a national level. instead of a duel in Ricalton Square, may I suggest a demolition derby fundraiser? All proceeds can go to the Columbia H.S. field improvement fund that was also prominently written up on page 1 of the News Record. | ||
| Darryl Strawberry Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 7154 Registered: 10-2001 |
How about a beer chugging contest? | ||
| johnny Citizen Username: Johnny Post Number: 1615 Registered: 5-2001 |
So many questions: Did Huemer leave the scene of an accident? Did he report the accident to his insurance company? Did he report the accident to the police? Was the only reason he emailed Profeta due to the fact there was a witness? If the gates are town property why is Huemer allegedly offering to pay Profeta for the damage? What caused the accident? Why did Huemer wait 9 days to send the alleged email? And so on...... | ||
| Darryl Strawberry Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 7156 Registered: 10-2001 |
This would be the right time for David to post his side of the story.. Afterall, he's read this thread and he will continue to do so.. DAVID, WHAT HAPPENED? | ||
| Aquaman Supporter Username: Aquaman Post Number: 894 Registered: 8-2001 |
.... and on..... Did Huemer's airbags deploy? Was the car damaged? Did the MPD take transferred paint samples for chemical cross-matching? Did Risa Olinsky, a reliable witness, report the accident, as is her civic duty? Did the police test Huemer for DWI? Does Profeta have a remote control gate closer? ... this is really big news! | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5063 Registered: 9-2001 |
"How about a beer chugging contest?" ...come on Straw, let's get serious about this! Are you saying David was drinking at nine or so in the morning? Maybe David, like Kennedy is on medication or something, or maybe he never went home after learning of the election results. Who else lives on Hickory that would have needed consoling? Ryan? Davenport? What's with all these Democrats anyway? | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 7555 Registered: 5-2001 |
No, he was probably taking Ambien. Maybe he was just out looking for WMD, thought that he saw some plutonium sitting on the front stoop of a house across the street and got distracted. | ||
| Nohero Supporter Username: Nohero Post Number: 5362 Registered: 10-1999 |
Maybe it was a bookstore promo gone awry ...  | ||
| steel Citizen Username: Steel Post Number: 1052 Registered: 2-2002 |
I gotta agree with BobK on this one. I too confess that I find it "rofling amusing". I also have to confess that I never heard the word "rofling" before, (roiling yes, rofling no), -had to "google it" and was again amused to discover that it is considered to be a cure for chronic pain, which brings me to Lydia's excellent point about "bickering". I think that those that mange to rise above it will be perceived favorably with welcome relief. I hear voices about this and not just in my head. This particular incident will definitely be going in my book, (with a few embellishments although it barely needs any), about Maplewood and MOL which I hope to one day finish in peace away from the watchful eye of surveillance cameras and other charming distractions. (Don't worry, -all the names have been changed, -mostly to better suit their character). I very much plan to have a character called "Mr Bickerson" I just can't decide who it will be. -So many to chose from including myself, -head of the local "Contrarian Society". (Actually I'm the only member since I can't get along with anybody for too long at a time.) And to all who aren't aware, -that entrance to Hickory is freakin' narrow and near blind so be careful if you wish to drive by and observe the "scene of the alleged-by-some crime". PS: If anyone wishes to consider a new design for the gates, I made these 6 ft beauties years ago. They seem to better suit our present political climate and may one day be considered hysterical if not historical.  | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11417 Registered: 5-2001 |
Actually I was trying to modify the old internet shorthand for "Rolling On The Floor Laughing". Steel my vocabulary ain't that good.  | ||
| Darryl Strawberry Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 7158 Registered: 10-2001 |
Actual snapshot from scene of crash.  Yes, that's a horses •••.. | ||
| Hank Zona Supporter Username: Hankzona Post Number: 5561 Registered: 3-2002 |
I got it from a most reliable source that Sbenois Engineering, thanks to their Eye In The Sky capabilities, is currently reviewing digital video of the incident as well as sifting through transcripts of the emails between the parties involved in this incident and a most thorough and probing report is in the works and will be posted in the very near future. Some excerpts of the expose were leaked to me and if they are any indication, the final product will be a remarkable piece of local news journalism (and devoid of any typos or grammatical errors, as often found in other local news outlets). | ||
| Monster© Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 3062 Registered: 7-2002 |
ajc, Yes, I do not think that someone would intentionally barrel down the street and ram those gates, accidentally yes. Why it happened, I don't know, I suppose the only one that does is the guy that was driving. The paper made it seem as if the part of the gate that is on Profeta's property is his gate (it doesn't say anywhere about them being town property), it's his responsibility to upkeep the gate, so he has to pay to fix it. If I was in that situation, and knew who had done the damage, I would confront them about it, I wouldn't wait to see if they would come to me. | ||
| mplwdian Citizen Username: Mplwdian Post Number: 134 Registered: 3-2003 |
Blame the victim, Monster! If I damaged someone's property I would be "man" and tell the person whose property I damaged. Not blame the person who was hit for not approaching me. Maybe the Mayor was trying to give the man the benefit of the doubt. This is a question of law and character- not just some silly feud. I expect my elected officials to uphold the law and be honorable in their behavior. The duel great idea. Profeta is a former champion fencer. This would put Huemer out of his misery very quickly. | ||
| mplwdian Citizen Username: Mplwdian Post Number: 135 Registered: 3-2003 |
I meant "a man". | ||
| Darryl Strawberry Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 7162 Registered: 10-2001 |
Has anyone spoken to Fred about the incident? Does he feel threatened? In other words does he think this situation is a sign of things to come? | ||
| Fruitcake Citizen Username: Fruitcake Post Number: 292 Registered: 9-2003 |
Duel? It should be a Demolition Derby. Duh. | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 7563 Registered: 5-2001 |
Maybe in the next election, the loser gets tied to a gate and crashed into by the winner? | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5067 Registered: 9-2001 |
Hank, are there really any MOST reliable sources other than the one who said it? ...bring it on Sbenois! In the mean time Monster, let's you and I carry on a bit about the rules of the road, being responsible, and all that jazz. Now the way I understand you, you have upon reading the News Record article have suddenly and unexpectedly decided to CHANGE your vote three years from now, and NOT vote for Mayor Profeta. Did I understand you correctly? You also said, "If I was in that situation, and knew who had done the damage, I would confront them about it, I wouldn't wait to see if they would come to me." That being said, how would you feel about such a person who damaged your property and just took off? What would you say to this person when you did confront him? Would you want to know how he happened to damage your gate and why he didn’t ring your bell at the time he did the damage? Is this the example we want to set in Maplewood for dealing with hit and run accidents? I guess this is just another example and typical of the liberal left and their “Cut and Run” mentality.  Last question Monster. Given this matter is effecting your decision on how to vote, do you still want to vote for David to be your next Mayor and just throw Fred to the curb as more Huemer Road Kill? | ||
| Morrisa da Silva Citizen Username: Mod Post Number: 448 Registered: 12-2003 |
I was just wondering, Do we call this GateGate? | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2439 Registered: 5-2001 |
Mplwdian, 1) it's clear you didn't read the part in the News Record where David Huemer said he looked at the gates and didn't see any damage. According to Lydia's above post, she didn't see it either at first. 2) it's clear you're not concerned about who got this story first and who shared whose email first. 3) Based on the News Record article David's email offered to pay for the damage. Fred's email in response sounds like a nonsequitur. Since I haven't spoken to any of the parties but fully read the article and this thread, this is all I'm going on. Perhaps you'd like to explain why you think David did not uphold the law and was not acting honorable in this case? It seems like you certainly know more; at least you're doing a real good job in faking it. Strong biases can do that every time. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11420 Registered: 5-2001 |
My question is who owns the gates? There are. from memory,three streets with the gates and I always labored under the impression that they belonged to the Township since they are on the streets, not the individual property owners. I tend to agree that this is getting blown way out of proportion and it is easy to infer a lot that is not being said, probably incorrectly. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5068 Registered: 9-2001 |
...call it Maple Gate, or anything you want. But what ever it is, it's sure a mystery that should be solved by David if he wants to maintain his high profile position in our community. I've never known cover ups to be successful, and the longer this hangs around the uglier it will get. Simple problems should have simple answers. It's becoming obvious with the lack of a simple reply by him, this is not a simple problem... | ||
| Straw Kennedy Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 7163 Registered: 10-2001 |
"Simple problems should have simple answers. It's becoming obvious with the lack of a simple reply by him, this is not a simple problem." agreed. | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2440 Registered: 5-2001 |
Bobk, from the News Record, fwiw: "Profeta, who also lives on Hickory Drive, was home the day of the accident. A portion of the gate runs along his property, which he is responsible for maintaining[emphasis added]. The mayor estimates that it will cost in excess of $1,000 to fix the damage, and he’s asking Huemer to foot the bill. But he said he’s received no response from Huemer for the last two weeks. “I’m still waiting for a phone call,” he said. In an e-mail Huemer sent to Profeta on April 27, he wrote: 'If there is damage that I caused, please send me an estimate or the contact information of whomever has maintained it in the past, and I will arrange to have it fixed or pay the bill if you would rather arrange it.'" | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5069 Registered: 9-2001 |
The fact is the gates are on both sides of Hickory and belong to the town... Wendy, you're repeating what we all already know, why not tell us something we don't know. Being you seem to be taking David's side, why don't you ask him the questions we all have a right to know? I mean he is a public official and all! It did make the front page of our town newspaper. Was he drunk, or was he just not paying attention and had a stupid accident that happened at 9AM on the way home? Listen, trees and sidewalks are also on our property and we're responsible to repair them with permits from the town. But honesty, I don't see why Fred has to do anything! Let David clean up his own mess and run around getting estimates. The town should oversee any repairs to town property anyway, not Fred. If the gate falls off later or some other stupid thing happens the town will be sued and we'll all have to pay. | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2443 Registered: 5-2001 |
I'm not taking anyone's side Art. That's really all I feel like responding to you about. If you actually read your posts sometimes, you'll see why it's fairly impossible to respond to them. Between asking if David was drunk or assuming that Kathleen and I are in cahoots together (there's a picture) you're like the proverbial "when did you stop beating your wife" questioner. I have no idea what you have against David, but you clearly do. I have nothing against David, nor Fred, nor any of the members of the TC. Any differences I have, I say to them in a public meeting or in person, not on a message board for the most part. My prior posts were responses specifically to mplwdian and bobk. Bobk at least had the decency of responding and questioning some people's motives. |
