| Author | Message | ||
     Dave Supporter Username: Dave  Post Number: 9831 Registered: 4-1997  |
Please note: I think breal's comment is directed to Kathleen, whose arguments are partisan-based ones and are separate from my point. (This will be on the final exam.) | ||
| breal Citizen Username: Breal Post Number: 929 Registered: 6-2002 |
MAYOR'S BALL PLANNED BY NON-MAPLEWOODIAN! | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2598 Registered: 5-2001 |
breal, you are responding to one post. Not the original poster (me) nor Dave. But it's always refreshing to start the weekend being called a big fat baby. Yes, I've put on a few pounds but somehow I don't think anyone would characterize most of the posts here (regardless of where they come down on this) as babyish except perhaps your own and one other's. Wendy Lauter | ||
| ffof Citizen Username: Ffof Post Number: 4760 Registered: 5-2001  |
"neutral observer"?- with a brother running for TC in the fall?!?! Anyway, Dave, I think it is you who are not processing. BGS summed it up quite nicely (even though Aqua and I already did) and I'm talking about the word Politically, dave. In other words, 'if Fred is mayor (that's the political part), then we (Fred and committee) got big plans". Good night! | ||
| breal Citizen Username: Breal Post Number: 930 Registered: 6-2002 |
VIC SEATED NEXT TO ART! | ||
| breal Citizen Username: Breal Post Number: 931 Registered: 6-2002 |
Wendy my lovely you are NOT fat. If you were fat what would that make me? But you are wrong to get pissy about this charity event. IMHO | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9832 Registered: 4-1997 |
ffof, Again, not my point. This is the musical symbol for go back and repeat :|| except here it means re-read. Also candidates in Maplewood don't run for mayor. They run for the Township Committee, who select the mayor among themselves. The mayor still has equivalent powers as the other legislative members like the Prime Minister in England is first of equals. | ||
| breal Citizen Username: Breal Post Number: 932 Registered: 6-2002 |
I CAN'T STOP. THIS IS REALLY FUN! | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2599 Registered: 5-2001 |
Breal, I get pissy about ego-pissing contests, regardless of who is doing the pissing. The thing I feel most strongly about which I put in my original post was:
I frankly don't care how many towns, regardless of their governing structure, hold Mayor events, I don't like it. That's why I wrote what I wrote. I thought the same thing last year but the News-Record article and the quotes contained in it finally crystallized my thoughts for me this year. But hey, it's all politics anyway. Right? But ffof has a point Dave. The more you point out things that increase the divisiveness within Maplewood, the more Jamie has a real great chance of getting elected to the Township Committee. But to quote Seinfield...."not that there's anything wrong with that." | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9834 Registered: 4-1997 |
If Jamie is on the ballot, if he wins, if he is selected as mayor... I still would stand to gain nothing. And there's nothing wrong with that either. I think he'd probably hold a mayor's picnic and charge less per person and let kids and doggies in free. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5187 Registered: 9-2001  |
...I think I get it! You're trying to feed the rabbits and you lost your key to the veggie garden and nobody cares. Listen, I understand you want to be "politically" correct here, but if you really want our full attention you need to first answer the question of who told you, or what makes you think that the Mayor's Ball is a non-political event? I'll try once more, then I have to go out to the barn and feed my neighbors, so please give the next sentence your full attention... Who said, or what makes you think the Mayor's Ball is a non-political event? Art, Your Pal, and your Maplewood neighbor who also gains nothing and also wishes you and candidate Jamie a fine Friday. Not to worry, I'll teach your brother everthing he needs to know about on-line campaigns...  PS: VIC SEATED NEXT TO ART! FWIW, that's what happened at the Mayor's first Ball last year!!!  I got to sit with the former Mayor on the sidelines... | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2600 Registered: 5-2001 |
Dave you would gain nachas* if Jamie were elected to the TC. Don't start fibbing now. *"Yiddish for joy or blessings,pride especially from ones children, grandchildren" and in this case from one's brother | ||
| Fruitcake Citizen Username: Fruitcake Post Number: 305 Registered: 9-2003 |
"Also candidates in Maplewood don't run for mayor." Oh yes they do, and it only takes three votes to get elected. | ||
| mem Citizen Username: Mem Post Number: 6291 Registered: 5-2001  |
"Dave, mem, the fruitcakes: Where's your $50,000?) Queen fruit kathleen, Where's YOUR $50,000? Where's your contribution to this town? I would vote for Wendy, and she's not fat. | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2602 Registered: 5-2001 |
Well now mem you really started my weekend out nicely and I haven't even had my first scotch yet. (I would love to go tonight but I don't think that's going to happen. I hope it's wonderful and WhatExit makes tons of money. Cheers.) | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9835 Registered: 4-1997 |
sound good, Art? | ||
| breal Citizen Username: Breal Post Number: 933 Registered: 6-2002 |
The event was a success. Money was raised for charity. Sure, some glory accrued to the host. So what. Isn't that how these charity balls usually work? I think you are accenting the wrong sy-LA-ble here. | ||
| Factvsfiction Citizen Username: Factvsfiction Post Number: 656 Registered: 4-2006 |
AJC- I would instead term it " cojones ". More colorful. I always thought Aquaman was a woman anyway. | ||
| Aquaman Supporter Username: Aquaman Post Number: 950 Registered: 8-2001  |
Some Balls are held for charity. And some for fancy dress. But when they're held for pleasure They're the Balls that I like best. | ||
| anon Supporter Username: Anon Post Number: 2765 Registered: 6-2002 |
What I would like to say is that hopefully we will be politically in a position to hold another Mayor’s Ball next year, it will be bigger and better than ever – we have even tremendous plans for next year if Jamie Ross beomes Mayor. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11777 Registered: 5-2001 |
I think the one thing that will come out of this discussion is that people such as Ms. Harris will be reluctant to volunteer their time, skills and service when they are subject to the kind of working over that has gone on here. I find this sad. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5188 Registered: 9-2001 |
"The Maplewood Mayor’s Ball is a non-partisan initiative intended to support the community through the work of effective programs." ...David, non-partisan does NOT mean non-political. A Mayor's Ball, regardless of why, where, or who the Mayor may be, is by its mere name alone a political function. However, the event wasn't meant just for Democrats, thus they promote a non-partisan position. The event is in honor of our Mayor, thus the name Mayor's Ball, wherein funds are also raised to go toward worthy causes. It is what it is and I must assume that you, Wendy, and Kathleen believe differently. It is a political event and political quotes, posture, and pressing the flesh are called for and in order. That's why all the politicians, including your brother are there. Now that I cleared that up I will no longer try to change your minds... | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9837 Registered: 4-1997 |
So there will be an ELEC report? | ||
| andream Citizen Username: Andream Post Number: 85 Registered: 9-2002 |
Theresa's words and views should not be taken as anything other than her own and should not be attributed to anyone in the community. She moved out of Maplewood to Westfield a few years ago, is not involved in Maplewood politics and has no authority to speak regarding the intentions or motivations of anyone here. | ||
| crabby Citizen Username: Crabbyappleton Post Number: 660 Registered: 1-2004 |
The other side is just looking for sour grapes. They could have found sour grapes in a fingernail. It's too bad, because the real winner is Columbia High School. | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2603 Registered: 5-2001 |
I find it sad that BobK finds it sad for the woefully sad reason he gave. He talks as if Ms. Harris's feelings will be hurt and there can be no other person to organize a successful COMMUNITY charitable event. I find it ironic and legalistic in the worst sense of that term that we now are discounting many people's different opinions voiced in this thread about the terms "Mayor's Ball" and "political" because it was organized by someone living outside of Maplewood. What, if Ms. Harris still lived here would she then have more "authority to speak regarding the intentions or motivations of anyone here"? (No one is attributing a talking point position to her. It was a starting point for my opinion as well as others.) I find it too bad that some are seeing this as taking sides. I find it laughable that Art can take the term non-partisan and still say it's not political.  I am happy that CHS will benefit from the proceeds of this event. Wendy Lauter | ||
| anon Supporter Username: Anon Post Number: 2766 Registered: 6-2002 |
Wendy: I think that next year you should be in charge of organizing the Mayor's Ball - in Westfield!!! | ||
| andream Citizen Username: Andream Post Number: 86 Registered: 9-2002 |
Wendy, Well, yes. I have no idea who Theresa is referring to as "we". It would make more sense if she still lived here. | ||
| Crazy Guggenheim Citizen Username: Crazyguggenheim Post Number: 894 Registered: 2-2002  |
Call me crazy, but what's all this talk about mare's balls? | ||
| Cherry Picker Citizen Username: Cherry_picker Post Number: 4 Registered: 4-2006 |
There's a perfectly valid reason for holding the Mayor's Balls the week before the big Election. See, if you wait until July, the Balls can get very hot and sweaty. No one likes sweaty Balls. That would be a very hairy predicament, I can assure you. So, please, hold the Balls in June. And please respect the Mayor's Ball staff. If you want results, stroke the staff, cradle the Balls. | ||
| Cherry Picker Citizen Username: Cherry_picker Post Number: 5 Registered: 4-2006 |
That was the best one yet. No doubt, | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5189 Registered: 9-2001 |
"I find it laughable that Art can take the term non-partisan and still say it's not political." Wendy, are you being a wise guy, or can't you read? I never said non-partisan is not political. What I said was, "...David, non-partisan does NOT mean non-political. A Mayor's Ball, regardless of why, where, or who the Mayor may be, is by its mere name alone a political function." The fact that you started this stupid thread shows us how small minded you are. I think we all got your message that you don't like the idea of a Mayor having an annual fund raising event in his own honor. As "S" said to you early on, "What exactly prevents the other TC members from doing that now?" Listen, IMHO, if anyone is laughable here it's you... | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2604 Registered: 5-2001 |
Art, I consider your comments to me and to others on this board incredibly offensive, banal and of no import to the world at large or locally. Leave me the heck alone bub. | ||
| fredprofeta Citizen Username: Fredprofeta Post Number: 121 Registered: 10-2001 |
I have publicly spoken about the Mayor’s Ball on many occasions. I have repeatedly stated my hope that it becomes an “annual tradition” in Maplewood. I have also mentioned my desire that the tradition continue no matter who is Mayor. Unfortunately, the critics on this thread were apparently unaware of this intention. I apologize for not making the point more clearly. Theresa Harris devoted hundreds of hours to this cause. Because of her considerable abilities and dedication, more than $52,000 was raised for the youth of this community. What is most sad about this thread is that her good work has been sullied by those who wish to take political shots at me. Ms. Harris deserves the thanks of this community, not the treatment which she has received here. Fortunately, in the “non-virtual world”, the gratitude has been real and considerable. Ms. Harris’ statement to the News-Record has been seriously misconstrued by some, and it seems intentionally so. How difficult is it to understand what motivated her language? She was overjoyed by the success of the Ball. She would love to see it happen again next year, and she has already prepared notes on how to improve the event. But could she presume that she would be running it again? She knows full well that she has the job for certain only if I am the Mayor next year. In her statement (“we have big plans for next year if Fred is Mayor”), the “we” refers to her and her committee. As I have repeatedly stated, I am personally committed to helping ANY Mayor continue this tradition, whether Ms. Harris is involved or not. Dave should rest assured that the Mayor’s Ball was not a “political event” in any legitimate sense of the word, although Art is right that mayors get political heat or credit whatever they do. It goes with the territory, and I think I am used to it by now. Kathleen would have been well advised to make some appropriate inquiries before launching her latest scurrilous charge that the timing of the Ball was dictated by the date of the primary election. After checking the town and school calendars of events, we had several dates that appeared not to conflict with other activities. The Country Club however was not available on any of the dates we requested between March and May. We were forced to go into June, a notoriously busy month. In fact, we were concerned that this date would adversely affect attendance. As for Kathleen’s opinion that acts of charity are the trappings of right wing Republicans, I would simply encourage others to remember this view when evaluating the worth of her other posts. For all of its unfortunate impact, I think this thread makes an important statement about MOL culture. The Ball was, after all, of enormous benefit to three worthy youth programs. That is deserving of comment by involved Maplewoodians. But good news gets little play here. The town’s entire Youth Initiative is never mentioned. Not a positive word is spoken about the Alumni Association’s $3.5 million Capital Campaign for CHS (although Kathleen considers it to be an attack upon liberals). Likewise, no comment can be found about our drive to establish a Coalition of Green Communities, or the proposed merger of Health and Recreation departments with South Orange. But as soon as Ms. Harris’ statement appeared on page 3 of the News-Record, some MOL regulars smelled “blood in the water” and went on the attack. The negativity of the latest primary campaign got a lot of attention here. It was vigorously and continuously criticized, and with good reason. But MOL’s own obsession with negativity is rarely mentioned. Don’t MOLer’s understand that their negativity infects the political process, as well as the other way around? Don’t they know that many people are so turned off the meanness reflected here that they avoid the Message Board like the plague? Being vicious is fun for some – but it does have real consequences. And this thread has already produced such consequences. I wish it were otherwise. | ||
| johnny Citizen Username: Johnny Post Number: 1636 Registered: 5-2001 |
Fred- Any comments on your feud with David Huemer? Will you two please end it for the good of everyone, most importantly the Town of Maplewood? | ||
| kathleen Citizen Username: Symbolic Post Number: 549 Registered: 3-2005 |
Fred, I think Johnny's point is well taken. Does Wendy have to ask her question a third time before you explain why it has to be called "The Mayor's Ball"? Or would you just prefer to go on attacking people who criticize your perfomrance on the job? There is nothing in your answer that causes me to feel obliged to retract anything I wrote about just how political the Mayor's Ball and your other ostentatious "acts of charity" are. There are 52 weeks a year, 365 days, for a ball. You and the Country Club (why always the Country Club?) could only find a date 6 days before the election? I think people here know how to take your striking pompous poses of selflessness or highmindedness for what they are worth, too. As for deploring the culture of MOL, why don't you quit sending operatives onto MOL to post vicious slander against your opponents at the start of every election? What might be persuasive as an answer is not another disingenuous MOL post but some action in the real world that doesn't show contempt for the public's desire to retain a township form of government where all TC members are equal, and the Mayor's chair is not used to concentrate power into the hands of one self-aggrandizing individual. Rotating the chair is a good check against that kind of self-serving, not town serving, behavior. Take a rest, Fred. | ||
| Strawberry Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 7413 Registered: 10-2001 |
Well said Mayor Profeta. | ||
| CM Townsend Citizen Username: Cm_townsend Post Number: 153 Registered: 2-2005 |
Fred, While your efforts here in attempting to set the record straight are commendable, you should neither demean your office nor yourself by responding to a few vitriolic ideologues whose only objective is to disparage you personally. I am positive that if you found the cure for cancer, stopped global warming, and ended poverty during your time as mayor, these miserable idiots would claim that you did so only to advance some personal agenda. Stay positive Fred and keep working for our HOMETOWN! You are doing a fine job. Sincerely, Mark Townsend | ||
| kathleen Citizen Username: Symbolic Post Number: 550 Registered: 3-2005 |
I'm sure some in Fred's cult believe he will cure cancer!  I guess you missed it the other day, Mark, when I publicly retracted with an apology misstatements I had made about Ken Pettis. Had I needed to do so to Fred this time, I would have done it. I'm through with Fred, for sure, but Wendy (who once tried to defend Fred to me on the sidewalk) and Johnny and other posters here have asked civil, community-minded questions to which Fred owes them and everybody an honest answer. I hope they will continue to press him for answers, here and elsewhere. It's a sign of a concerned electorate. I'd be surprised if anybody has criticized the culture of MOL more than I have, but as bad as I think it can get here, Fred's real-world flim-flamming, petty vendettas and dissembling to the public on just about every issue you can name, and his putting town business through contortions in an effort to hang onto the Mayor's chair, have done far more to destroy town government than MOL. | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2605 Registered: 5-2001 |
Fred, I appreciate your thoughts on this but they do nothing to change my initial position. I didn't insult Theresa nor did I do anything to "sully" the commitment she and others showed in creating such a successful charitable event. However, since it was her remarks that were the catalyst for communicating my position, I felt the need to quote them. My initial and subsequent posts were directed towards the title and structure of the event and the weaknesses of having it titled as (and run as) a Mayor's Ball. I must have repeated that as many times as you may have repeated how you want this event to continue even when/if you are no longer mayor. What's in a name? Here, a heck of a lot apparently. Vitriol was not present in anything I've said. Your saying it was doesn't in this case make it so. Wendy Lauter |
