| Author | Message | ||
     Aquaman Supporter Username: Aquaman Post Number: 948 Registered: 8-2001  |
Allison Ziefert should not seek re-election as Chairperson of the Maplewood Democratic Committee. There are simply too many reasons she should step aside. Here are a few: Under her leadership, the Democratic voter turnout was the lowest since the party split 5 years ago. Under her leadership, the rift between camps grew wider than ever. Under her leadership, the Democrats in town have grown tired of the bickering. Under Allison Ziefert's leadership, Bart Albini and Jamie Ross have the best chance a Republican or Independent have had at winning a seat on the Township Committee in over a decade! Allison was a paid employee of the Mayor. A clear conflict of interest. Allison received a paid political position on Dick Codey's staff. Demonstrates that influence can be bought. Allison was not invited to the Booker Campaign fundraiser in Maplewood, primarily due to the perception that the "Essex County Democratic Committee" was the Sharpe James line. (We talked about this before, but someone argued there was no connection between James and DeVincenzo. - wink) Step down, Allison. Let Annette DePalma run the show. For the good of the Democratic Party, for the good of the electorate, and for the good of the libs. Thankey | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5186 Registered: 9-2001  |
"Step down, Allison." ...I say why not step up Allison? Hey, why not run against Huemer next year and put a few of these nuts back in their shells where they belong?  | ||
| Duncan Supporter Username: Duncanrogers Post Number: 6502 Registered: 12-2001  |
Makes me think of the English Beat i said i see no joy i see only sorry i see no chance of your bright new tomorrow so stand down Margaret stand down please i say stand down Margaret stand down Margaret stand down please stand down Margaret i say stand down Margaret stand down please [instrumental] you tell me how can it work in this all white law what a short sharp lesson, what a third world war i sometimes wonder if i'll ever get the chance just to sit with my children in a holiday jam our lives seem petty in your gold grey hands would you give a second thought would you ever give a damn, i doubt it stand down Margaret⌦㔲㬴Awhoa | ||
| johnny Citizen Username: Johnny Post Number: 1634 Registered: 5-2001 |
Democratic Party blah blah blah blah, bickering blah blah blah blah, split blah blah blah, Profeta blah blah blah, Huemer blah blah blah........ I'm not sure who should lead the Democratic Party in Maplewood but they have become a big, giant, embarrassing mess. Get it together Dems, unless you want to become as relevant as Al Gore and John Kerry. | ||
| algebra2 Supporter Username: Algebra2 Post Number: 4109 Registered: 5-2001  |
Allison Zeifert is my district leader  | ||
| Strawberry Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 7407 Registered: 10-2001  |
I voted for Allison.. | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1948 Registered: 5-2001 |
I've worked/liked/admired Alison - she was a good district leader, but a lightening bolt for the other side. As far as who is chair on the MDC - all the in-fighting and name-calling and star-bellied-sneetchiness among the Democrats has succeeded in destroying the credibility of the MDC. Adams and Lewis-Powder ran without the endorsement of the MDC and it didn't seem to matter to the voters. People still vote for their district leaders, but anybody who wants to get involved and knock on doors could probably have as much influence as an "official" door-knocker. I don't think this is a good thing, just more fall-out from the fighting. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11779 Registered: 5-2001 |
Am I the only one who has figured out that Aquaman is really an undercover operative of the Profetatistas? If you look at his posts while he seems to be supporting the DeLucaites, his posts really undermine the candidates he is claiming to support. | ||
| Joan Supporter Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 7581 Registered: 5-2001 |
Lydia: If you look at the results of this year's local Democratic primary, it appears that neither of the two major lines on the ballot has decisive control of the party. This result may seem bad for the party's organizers who are seeking to control the town politically but I think it provides a real window of opportunity for the less active in party politics among us to "ring a few door bells" and have a greater influence on who will be elected to local office in at least the near future. It certainly seems to bring us closer to the non-partisan local elections so many in Maplewood have been pushing for at the TC level. While primaries may be expensive, if done right, they force us to be more aware of both the problems and possible approaches/solutions to solving them as well as the comparative qualifications of those who chose to compete for office. Not such a bad thing IMHO. | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1949 Registered: 5-2001 |
Joan, That's pretty much my point. If the MDC becomes a toothless tiger, that's bad for the Committee, but it gives grass-roots candidates a real chance to get involved, and possibly get elected. So that's a good thing - when one door closes another door opens. | ||
| Aquaman Supporter Username: Aquaman Post Number: 952 Registered: 8-2001 |
Lydia called Allison Ziefert a "lightning bolt" for the other side.  Ya mean lightning rod? Bobk called Aquaman an undercover Profetista. Boy, you're a real crackerjack detective. The reorganization meeting is where the local reds and blues of the Democrats elect their leaders and committee chairs and members. It should be interesting to see if The Chiefest Executive and DTR can elbow their way into the feeding trough and get their people in leadership positions. If it's all Camp Profeta or all Camp DeLuca, expect the fighting to continue for the next 3 years. And if Vic & Dave don't get what they want in the reorg, then Aquaman predicts: Jamie Ross will be sworn in as Township Committeeman on January 1, 2007. | ||
| algebra2 Supporter Username: Algebra2 Post Number: 4115 Registered: 5-2001 |
"Jamie Ross will be sworn in as Township Committeeman on January 1, 2007." It's a little early to make that type of statement. He has no experience in government, no experience that I can tell running an organization and I'm not even sure he's a homeowner. That's 0-3 in my book. He's a nice guy but nice guys usually finish last. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11794 Registered: 5-2001 |
Aquaman, you are coming very close to saying that Jamie is basically a front man for the DeLuca/Huemer wing of the party. This is something I don't want to believe. I also don't want to believe that he is "Plan B" for this group after they came away from the primary empty handed, as would naming Annette a Chair. | ||
| jeffl Supporter Username: Jeffl Post Number: 1732 Registered: 8-2001  |
The bickering and back-biting on both sides of the TC lead me to look for reasons to vote FOR Jamie. He's got my vote until proven otherwise. | ||
| Hank Zona Supporter Username: Hankzona Post Number: 5697 Registered: 3-2002 |
at this stage, no government experience is a big plus. | ||
| Joan Supporter Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 7594 Registered: 5-2001 |
... no experience running an organization.... What do you call the Underground Concert Series? What do you call MOL? | ||
| Hank Zona Supporter Username: Hankzona Post Number: 5698 Registered: 3-2002 |
Susan Joseph would be a good person to chair the MDC. | ||
| Andrew Zorn Citizen Username: Andrewzorn Post Number: 204 Registered: 1-2002 |
WTF "DTR"? I see it all the time around here. | ||
| algebra2 Supporter Username: Algebra2 Post Number: 4116 Registered: 5-2001 |
"What do you call the Underground Concert Series? What do you call MOL? I call them local performances and a web site.. | ||
| Hank Zona Supporter Username: Hankzona Post Number: 5699 Registered: 3-2002 |
Andy, DTR...Dave The Rave | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave  Post Number: 9860 Registered: 4-1997  |
Exactly. And what makes you happier? Fake awards and resumes about some boring experience at some anonymous corporation you can never really verify, or great music and a cool place to post stuff? It's going to be a happy campaign. | ||
| algebra2 Supporter Username: Algebra2 Post Number: 4117 Registered: 5-2001 |
Ok, now is the perfect opportunity to learn more about Jamie. Why is he qualified to be a TC member? I'd like to know why I should vote for him. | ||
| Nohero Supporter Username: Nohero Post Number: 5499 Registered: 10-1999  |
Jamie Ross is simply another in a long line of entrepreneurs from the world of information technology to seek elective office. Think Frank Lautenberg, but without the mean streak. Think Ross Perot, but with better jokes. Think Michael Bloomberg, but with a better sense of rhythm. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9861 Registered: 4-1997 |
September is a perfect opportunity to learn more. | ||
| fmertz Citizen Username: Fmertz Post Number: 129 Registered: 5-2001 |
Hank Zona - Are you serious? | ||
| Paul Surovell Supporter Username: Paulsurovell Post Number: 628 Registered: 2-2003 |
Some thoughts on the discussion of Jamie's qualifications: No one is an expert in all the areas that come under the Township Committee's jurisdiction -- taxation, development, health and safety, building codes, police methods, landscaping, street repairs, school safety, employee benefits, regional, state and national policies impacting the Township, etc. The Township Committee calls on experts when expertise is needed. When the TC votes on an issue, its terms should have been clarified and simplified by experts, committees and community input, such that any resident of Maplewood can understand what is at stake and what are the options. What is needed for the TC is not an expert, but someone who will look at the issues from a perspective of what is in the best interests of the citizenry, balancing competing interests with a sense of fairness, compassion and concern. I think all of our current TC members meet this criteria. But factional rivalry is embedded in every discussion and looms over every vote, and potentially colors the perception of the TC's actions. And the virtual even split in the electorate is an exacerbating factor. As Ken Pettis was quoted, "It could have gone either way." In my News-Record letter I suggested a remedy based on power-sharing, which I still think would be the best way to resolve the split and enable the TC to move forward together with a sense of unity. Ironically, I think the majority faction would reap most of the political benefit from such a remedy. But absent that remedy, the electorate may decide that the TC needs an independent member who is respected by both sides -- who also meets the criteria mentioned above -- to bring the Township Committee -- and the community -- back together in harmony. | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1964 Registered: 5-2001 |
Well said Paul. | ||
| Hank Zona Supporter Username: Hankzona Post Number: 5700 Registered: 3-2002 |
fmertz...I sometimes am serious, but youre anonymous. Whenever youre ready to not be, in here or elsewhere, Id be glad to have a serious discussion with you. Cheers. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5201 Registered: 9-2001 |
"No one is an expert in all the areas that come under the Township Committee's jurisdiction --" True, and this statement applies to politicians way above and beyond the Township Committee level. It goes for every elected official all the way up to the President of the United States of America. However, it's NOT true that everyone in town is capable of understanding what is at stake or fully comprehend what the options may be to govern fairly and in the best interests of the majority. Therefore, whereas we may not need all experts, we do need members with the maturity, experience, and skills to be able to make these important decisions you have so clearly defined. IMHO, the balancing of competing interests with a sense of fairness, compassion and concern for all residents in our community is NOT present with all of our current Township Committee members. And, any thought that a remedy based on power-sharing will resolve the split and enable the TC to move forward is foolish. Furthermore, it should be clear that after last weeks Primary it’s the majority faction who represents the will of the people. FWIW, if the two minority members don’t shape up pretty fast, I’m willing to bet they will both be voted off the committee in the next two years. BTW, in the absent of your remedy Paul, your idea that any new elected member will be respected by “BOTH” sides is just plain nuts... | ||
| sbenois Supporter Username: Sbenois Post Number: 15143 Registered: 10-2001  |
It's pretty clear? The winners hardly won in a snoozeathon. What's clear is that Jamie has a legitimate shot of beating Kathy in the November election. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5203 Registered: 9-2001 |
Dearest Sbenois, Jamie is one of my most favorite people in town and I love him like a brother... well, make that a son... Listen pal, I would no more wish a seat on the Maplewood Township Committee for him than a three year tour of duty in Bagdad! Jamie, listen to me, running for the experience and fun of it is one thing, but always remember what one wise politician once said: READ MY LIPS, I WON'T RAISE TAXES! A political career is a losing proposition no matter how you look at it, plus you’re too young to have all these problems on your shoulders. Get married first, have some children so that you’ll look forward to being out to meetings almost every night in the week. Property taxes are going to continue to go up, the school budget will keep increasing every year, and all the NIMBY’s in town are enough to drive a person crazy. And, with all these Democrats and liberals who have all but taken over the town, the chance of finding the balance that Paul is suggesting is possible is in fact impossible! Listen, everyone loves you, so why in the world would you now want get in the middle of the political wars in this town and lose half your friends? Please take my advice and do yourself a favor. Quit while you’re ahead... | ||
| Andrew Zorn Citizen Username: Andrewzorn Post Number: 205 Registered: 1-2002 |
Thanks for the DTR clarification Hank. I continue to marvel at the jargon here. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9870 Registered: 4-1997 |
You got that right, A2Z | ||
| tom connelly Citizen Username: Brightontom Post Number: 58 Registered: 3-2005 |
It's clear that the "majority faction" lives west of Valley Street. | ||
| Nohero Supporter Username: Nohero Post Number: 5504 Registered: 10-1999 |
As reported in today's News-Record, Mr. Grodman is the new chair of the Maplewood Democratic Committee. Not a bad choice at all. | ||
| bottomline Citizen Username: Bottomline Post Number: 443 Registered: 8-2003 |
I believe only 9 of the 42 district leaders live west of Valley Street. Ian Grodman doesn't live west of Valley Street, neither do the two new vice-chairs. | ||
| bottomline Citizen Username: Bottomline Post Number: 444 Registered: 8-2003 |
Oh, and I agree with Nohero: Ian is not a bad choice at all. In fact, I'd say he is superb. | ||
| Larry Seltzer Citizen Username: Elvis Post Number: 43 Registered: 4-2006  |
Since there are 5 districts completely west of Valley st i would think there have to be 10 district leaders there. And Fred's the only Township Committee member west of Valley Street. | ||
| fmertz Citizen Username: Fmertz Post Number: 132 Registered: 5-2001 |
Is it bad to live west of valley? Should there be guilt involved? | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11850 Registered: 5-2001 |
Anybody know the vote count on Ian's election? Larry, maybe one of the seats is already vacant. It is interesting how the "Westside" has now grown to include the strip between Valleyt and Maplewood Avenue.  | ||
| Duncan Supporter Username: Duncanrogers Post Number: 6539 Registered: 12-2001 |
Art...for all the reasons you say Jamie shouldn't run, I think he should! He isn't married or a parent so wouldn't have the guilt of leaving family everynight to work for the town. He has been a resident his whole life, and he is a populist.  He may not have run any major organizations, but I would like to see some of the people who have done so run the Underground Concert series. Or keep this site up and running as smoothly as he does. And this east and west of Valley street •••• is really annoying. I suppose to some people and on some issues it matters, but it is still really annoying. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5226 Registered: 9-2001 |
... Duncan, as I said before, "Jamie is one of my most favorite people in town and I would no more wish a seat on the Maplewood Township Committee for him than a three year tour of duty in Baghdad! If Jamie wants to make a difference in town he has all the tools to do it. He doesn't need to subject himself to the abuse that will surely come his way via the political process here on MOL and in town. Furthermore, in all the years I've known him, I've never known him to be politically active or for that matter even interested. Now, if you really want to talk about a Ross running for office, lets talk about Dave Ross... | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5227 Registered: 9-2001 |
...BTW, congratulations to Ian Grodman on his election to the Democratic County Committee Chairmanship. Four years ago when Mark and I ran against Ian and Fred for Township Committee I got to know him pretty good. He's a gentle giant of a man and has a heart of gold. If anyone can bring the Democratic Party in town together, it's him. Good luck Ian... | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1972 Registered: 5-2001 |
Duncan, I agree with you about Jamie running, well said.
I totally agree with you on that, it's a specious political tool that's really gotten old. Even if you live in a house "only" worth $250K - good news - you're rich. | ||
| Duncan Supporter Username: Duncanrogers Post Number: 6542 Registered: 12-2001 |
Art..well said and so refreshing to read well wishes to a dem from a rep. Strike that, from one man to another. That sets a fine example and makes me really glad to know you. | ||
| bottomline Citizen Username: Bottomline Post Number: 445 Registered: 8-2003 |
Larry et al, This is really insider baseball. The block with Town Hall is in District 1, and one of the new district leaders lives there. So, by my quick estimate, the other nine leaders from those five districts are west of Valley. Also, FWIW, I believe a small portion of District 6 lies west of Valley, but the current district leaders don't live there. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11853 Registered: 5-2001 |
And the vote electing Ian was 22 to 18, meaning it was almost certainly along strict faction lines. I don't think this bodes well for the future. | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1975 Registered: 5-2001 |
BobK - Maybe the vote was close, but Ian Grodman is fair and the rest of his executive committee (some from both "factions") is an example of his willingness to work towards consensus building and healing. Give it a chance Bobbest-one. | ||
| Larry Seltzer Citizen Username: Elvis Post Number: 45 Registered: 4-2006 |
bottom - I didn't mean to make a big deal of it, I just saw what I thought was a factual error and tried to correct it. According to the district map on Nancy and Lester's site the block with town hall is in district 6, but I think I see what you mean about Dirk Olin. Perhaps Nancy and Lester's map is wrong? I'll have to look into that. You're right about the west parker area being part of that district. | ||
| bottomline Citizen Username: Bottomline Post Number: 446 Registered: 8-2003 |
Larry, I'm just being a geek -- I admit it. | ||
| Factvsfiction Citizen Username: Factvsfiction Post Number: 674 Registered: 4-2006 |
An independent candidate is always the best way of ensuring real issues get discussed. Jamie's decision to run benefits the entire Maplewood community. People who offer themselves for election, and are willing to accept the related abuse are to be commended. Just don't wear a cheap suit like Ralph Nader to the candidate's debate Jamie. Also don't mention anything about a "giant sucking sound" or NAFTA, like Ross Perot did. You'll be fine. | ||
| popiu Citizen Username: Popiu Post Number: 3 Registered: 3-2006 |
larry, their map is wrong...theres like a sliver of park road in it now i believe |
