| Author | Message | ||
     Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2591 Registered: 5-2001 |
There’s no by-line on the article about the ball in today’s News-Record, so I assume the piece was written by the organizer(s). Ironically, the ball’s Chairwoman, Theresa Harris (who ironically moved to Westfield), said in the paper “If we are politically in a position (emphasis added) to hold another Mayor’s Ball next year, it will be better than ever – we have big plans for next year if Fred is still Mayor.” So, what does that mean? If Fred isn’t mayor, if he’s a mere member of the TC he won’t do any fundraising for worthy causes? I have nothing against charity events, but the mayor’s ball is nothing more than another sign of how for Fred, it’s all about Fred. Why is this event called the “Mayor’s Ball?” Why not the Maplewood Annual Fundraiser, or the Maplewood Community Fundraiser, or something less elitist, less self-aggrandizing, more inclusive, and something that, once again, doesn’t seek to elevate the titular head of the Township Committee above his peers? If the current mayor was truly interested in maximizing the potential of a Township Committee person to use their position to raise private funds for the public good, then he would include other Township Committee members to be co-hosts, thereby expanding by some exponent, the funds raised. Everyone on the TC could tap into their own networks. As Fred set it up, this is just Fred’s thing. | ||
| sbenois Supporter Username: Sbenois Post Number: 15137 Registered: 10-2001  |
What exactly prevents the other TC members from doing that now? The title of the event? | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2592 Registered: 5-2001 |
What exactly prevents you from commenting on the totality of what I wrote? Trying to still assign stinky points equally? | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave  Post Number: 9812 Registered: 4-1997  |
LOL Sbenois: hint: see BOLDED text. | ||
| sbenois Supporter Username: Sbenois Post Number: 15138 Registered: 10-2001 |
Whatever. | ||
| Fruitcake Citizen Username: Fruitcake Post Number: 304 Registered: 9-2003 |
Sounds like sour grapes to me. You don't suppose Wendy was hoping for a different mayor next year? | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2593 Registered: 5-2001 |
Fruitcake, the only thing sour here is your nom de plume if it has been passed around each Christmas from one relative to another. I suppose your mantra is if you can't sound incisive you might as well sound like a slanderous gossip writer. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5174 Registered: 9-2001  |
"So, what does that mean?" ...how fast we forget. Don't you remember the Annual Mayor's Day Golf Outing at the Maplewood Country Club. So, what did that mean and what was that all about Wendy? IMHO, it doesn't mean anything. It IS what it IS, and that's all it IS... Why don't some of you stop trying to make something out of nothing... | ||
| mjh Supporter Username: Mjh Post Number: 595 Registered: 5-2001 |
Wendy; I thought the same thing when I read it. Boo Hoo if I'm not Mayor, I won't do it next year (stomps foot). So there. | ||
| kathleen Citizen Username: Symbolic Post Number: 548 Registered: 3-2005 |
The timing of the "Mayor's" ball -- one week before the election -- should have clued in everybody that this was a political rally under the cover of charity fundraiser. Fred often purchases entrance tickets for his political allies, who therefore attend for free, and his chief political organizer does the seating charts (or at least did last year!) to make sure Fred's political supporters are paired with tablemates they'll enjoy and find flattering, while Fred's political opponents are put with tablemates they are sure to find annoying. (Yes, folks, they are that petty, even when advertising themselves as the most generous people around.) Nobody has anything against charity, right? But one can have a very realistic, pragmatic objection to Fred's campaign to degrade the public sector in favor of private charity, a la A Thousand Points of Light and other such "compassionate conservatism" ruses. He wants to substitute private charity for tax-supported programs that guarantee equal access. It was no coincidence that the minute the liberal Board of Education lost its majority, Fred showed up to present a personal check for $50,000 to the Board and said he was starting a private charity of alumni to give more. (Dave, mem, the fruitcakes: Where's your $50,000?) It was the crowning piece of Fred's long campaign to punish liberals and reward conservatives, beginning with sending Ken Pettis to slap down school funding with a symbolic "nick." It's a real crowd pleaser with people like Strawberry and Sbenois, who every year contribute more money to Fred's political schemes than they ever would in taxes for public services. Whatever. Fred would probably like to be a Democrat, but reflexively he's a Country Club Republican who believes in private, not public services; concentrating authority in an executive rather than in democratic structures, and waging war against liberals -- who, of course, do believe that equity, not charity, is the essence of community. | ||
| ffof Citizen Username: Ffof Post Number: 4755 Registered: 5-2001  |
First of all, Theresa Harris ran a great party that raised $51,000 net. SHe used to be a Maplewood resident, and is a good friend of Fred's. She is not new to politics or fundraisers, and my hat's off to her for taking on this project. Also, if I'm not mistaken, lots of communities have a "mayor's ball". If someone else is mayor, that person could easily continue this new great worthwhile fundraiser. I don't think that it means that if he isn't mayor he won't fund raise. Fred does an awful lot for COlumbia High School (via the alumni association as well); I can only applaud someone for spearheading and jumpstarting these events that benefit our kids. Wendy- I totally see your point, about being inclusive, but there is nothing to prevent the other TC members from contributing their time, talents or money. And as I recall, I saw them all at the ball. | ||
| ffof Citizen Username: Ffof Post Number: 4756 Registered: 5-2001 |
And to k's point about where they sit...people can arrange their own tables, many do. and k- your "coincidence" theory is a crack up. | ||
| BGS Supporter Username: Bgs Post Number: 1056 Registered: 10-2003 |
What a bunch of sour grapes...If anyone raises money for the good of this community my hat is off to them...This is almost as bad as some people in the world pulling the race card every single time something happens that involves a person who is not caucasian. Give it a rest.... That is my rant for the day! B | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9816 Registered: 4-1997 |
I think Wendy was asking about the quote, which no one seems to be addressing. Why should anyone be mentioning politics at the ball? The question goes to the heart of what the purpose of the ball was and is. Also, Wendy didn't mention race at all. | ||
| ffof Citizen Username: Ffof Post Number: 4757 Registered: 5-2001 |
I thought I did. Well, maybe she means that if Fred is mayor, she'll help him run the event (he's her friend after all). If someone else is mayor, she probably won't run the event, but it doesn't mean someone else can't. I also read quotes in the News Record warily in terms of is what was said in context etc. But I'm sure Theresa answers her phone, and someone can ask her about it. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9817 Registered: 4-1997 |
There's no need for a phone call because the words are printed on the front page of the paper. That's the context. | ||
| BGS Supporter Username: Bgs Post Number: 1057 Registered: 10-2003 |
Dave-if you are addressing my post...I know that Wendy did not mention race. I also did not mention Wendy...the whole thread just seemed like a bunch of sour grapes...whether you like the present leader of this town or not, it seems like the guy cannot blow his nose without someone having something negative to say about it...much like people who pull the race card at the slightest thing...that is what I am commenting on. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9818 Registered: 4-1997 |
It can be sour grapes and be valid at the same time, no? We have ELEC laws to protect against excessive spending in campaigns. And many people who attended the event perhaps were interested in helping the raise money for the schools but didn't at the same time support Fred Profeta. Do you see the problem now? It will actually detract from people turning out in the future for the ball and halve the amount of donations from grassroots support for a good cause. | ||
| ffof Citizen Username: Ffof Post Number: 4758 Registered: 5-2001 |
Dave- you seem to be trying to wring something out of this that is not there. If someone else became mayor, and had a fundraiser that was going to support a cause I was for,like the schools, I would probably support it. THe people at this ball were not all Fred supporters, but they were supporters of the cause. THat was the great part. THe community was really together on this, but some of you want to tear it apart. Detract from turning out in the future? 270 people attended this year. Up from something like 240 last year. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11771 Registered: 5-2001 |
If Fred isn't Mayor, how can he run an event called The Mayor's Ball? I think that is all Ms. Harris is refering to. If a new Mayor decides to continue the tradition, it is up to him or her to organize it. I hope that the Ball continues for the good of the community, if it is run by a new Mayor or by Fred under some other name. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9820 Registered: 4-1997 |
So why interject politics in the quote as if it could only happen if Fred is mayor? Why not simply say "This was a great event for all involved. I know Mayor Profeta is very pleased with turnout." Is all I'm asking. It goes to a mindset I'm not in touch with, I guess.
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| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4180 Registered: 5-2001  |
Yeah, I think it is great that Fred and Maplewood has raised over $50,000 for our schools. In South Orange, a fundraiser was recently held for a sculpture.  | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11772 Registered: 5-2001 |
I think we are getting to the point where every word someone speaks or writes is being, well, over analyzed. Dave, I agree that a savy politician would have handled it differently and your point is well taken. In reflection it may speak to the polarization that has become Maplewood, but may just be a reflection of everyday speech. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9821 Registered: 4-1997 |
No, Bob, it is a non-political event and political quotes were uncalled for. It's that simple. Just agree and let it drop if it's not a big deal. The continued defense of it is built up around "I like Fred, he's a good person" and that's a good defense of voting for him, but not of politicizing non-political events. MHD, excellent reminder. | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2595 Registered: 5-2001 |
If anyone thinks I'm trying to "tear apart" a great event, then they really don't know me. If anyone thinks I wouldn't have started this thread if the quotes were the same but the mayor was someone else (Vic, David, Ken or Kathy) then they really don't know me. Wendy Lauter | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5177 Registered: 9-2001 |
"If we are politically in a position (emphasis added) to hold another Mayor’s Ball next year, it will be better than ever – we have big plans for next year if Fred is still Mayor. What is wrong with you folks? Again, making stuff up in your heads and putting meaning into everything said or done by the other side.... Shame, shame, shame.... What don't you people understand about the event being "THE MAYOR'S BALL"? It's not the Township Committee Ball, or the Columbia H.S. Ball, it's the Mayor's Ball and he gets to plan it and run it. He can have it or not have it. It can be a fund raiser for himself or for the the High School. He can change it back to a golf outing or anything he wants. It's his event for whatever he wants it to be, political or whatever. When someone else becomes Mayor they can do what they want or nothing at all. BTW, "it is a non-political event and political quotes were uncalled for. It's that simple." Dave, who told you or what makes you think that the Mayor's Ball is a non-political event? I think you and others here should take your own good advice and simply say "This was a great event for all involved" and move on... ...and Kathleen, your story is so sad...  All those poor Liberals sitting on the side lines. It's enough to make a grown man cry... | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9825 Registered: 4-1997 |
It would have different legal reporting requirements if it were a fundraiser for Fred or any Mayor. What you accuse me of "making up" was simply a quote from the chair of the event as published in the News-Record. Please get in touch with them with your claim about making things up. I'm sure they'd have all the answers. | ||
| Aquaman Supporter Username: Aquaman Post Number: 942 Registered: 8-2001  |
Here's Aquaman's take. Theresa Harris will only hold the Mayor's Balls when Fred Profeta is mayor. If Huemer is the mayor, he can hold his own. If Ken is mayor, who will hold the Ball? I'd think no one. Admit it, though, Fred's Balls were large and successful. Lots of people at Fred's Balls. I'd like to see Wendy step up and volunteer to hold Fred's Ball next year. Then she can be the spokesperson and in charge of the soundbytes. Maybe Fred should hold his Balls after the primary from now on. | ||
| ffof Citizen Username: Ffof Post Number: 4759 Registered: 5-2001 |
ajc- that was one of your best posts! Unfortunately, Dave focused on "It can be a fund raiser for himself..." when really, ajc is just making a point. Of course, Aquaman repeated what ffof already said at 10:13, but was much more Ballsy in his delivery. So now, at least two people have answered the question as to what Wendy put in bold at the top. Dave doesn't seem to like the answer. Tough balls! | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5179 Registered: 9-2001 |
"It would have different legal reporting requirements if it were a fundraiser for Fred or any Mayor." Who's talking about legal reporting requirements anyway? The question still remains, "Dave, who told you or what makes you think that the Mayor's Ball is a non-political event?" BTW, maybe if Aquaman had some balls he could pull himself out of the verbal sewer he lives in... | ||
| Aquaman Supporter Username: Aquaman Post Number: 947 Registered: 8-2001 |
if Aquaman had some balls he could pull himself out of the verbal sewer he lives in...if Aquaman had some balls he could pull himself out of the verbal sewer he lives in...if Aquaman had some balls he could pull himself out of the verbal sewer he lives in...if Aquaman had some balls he could pull himself out of the verbal sewer he lives in...if Aquaman had some balls he could pull himself out of the verbal sewer he lives in...if Aquaman had some balls he could pull himself out of the verbal sewer he lives in...if Aquaman had some balls he could pull himself out of the verbal sewer he lives in... | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5184 Registered: 9-2001 |
"I am starting to like your style, palomino." | ||
| Aquaman Supporter Username: Aquaman Post Number: 949 Registered: 8-2001 |
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| BGS Supporter Username: Bgs Post Number: 1059 Registered: 10-2003 |
"So, what does that mean? If Fred isn’t mayor, if he’s a mere member of the TC he won’t do any fundraising for worthy causes?" Since apparently this is the issue here...I believe that the only person who can actually answer this question is Fred. My speculation is that Ms. Harris said that she has big plans to run the ball next year if Fred is the Mayor because if she had said that she is already planning the Mayor's ball for next year or that she has good ideas for the next Mayor's ball then someone else would have probably said that she was being awfully "ballsy" assuming that Fred would be the Mayor... And now I remember why I stay out of political threads.... Have a great weekend all! BGS | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5185 Registered: 9-2001 |
...nice catch BGS. You have a nice weekend too.  | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9827 Registered: 4-1997 |
I'll try once more, then I have to go feed the rabbits in/with the veggie garden. Please give the next two sentences your full attention. The key word everyone is still as of this post not yet processing is "politically." If, as Art says, anyone can hold a fundraiser for any reason any time... why worry about being "politically in a position" to do so? (If there's still a block, I don't mind if you substitute another mayor and another fundraiser chairperson using the same quote in order to trigger an awakening.) Dave, Your South Orange neighbor and neutral observer who gains nothing by the outcome of your elections and wishes you a fine Friday. | ||
| shestheone Citizen Username: Shestheone Post Number: 292 Registered: 5-2003 |
Dave, FWIW, I read the quote just as you did. | ||
| breal Citizen Username: Breal Post Number: 926 Registered: 6-2002 |
Carping about seating arrangements? Saying private giving "degrades the public sector"? What a bunch of big fat ball babies. Can't wait to see the campaign mailers in the next primary. | ||
| breal Citizen Username: Breal Post Number: 927 Registered: 6-2002 |
FRED PROFETA GIVEN PREFERENTIAL SEATING AT MAYOR'S BALL! | ||
| breal Citizen Username: Breal Post Number: 928 Registered: 6-2002 |
SHRIMP SERVED DESPITE ALLERGIES OF SOME! |
