| Author | Message | ||
     Nancy - LibraryLady Supporter Username: Librarylady Post Number: 3586 Registered: 5-2001  |
From Today's S-L..gotta see the photo too.. Comedian is serious about local politics Standup comic plans to run in Maplewood Sunday, June 18, 2006 BY PHILIP READ Star-Ledger Staff Jamie Ross, a standup comic, has filed petitions to run as an independent for Maplewood's township committee. But he insists he isn't pulling a Pat Paulsen, the late comedian who made a career of running for president with such comments as "If elected, I will win." "Oh, no no," he insists. "This is serious, but it'll add more levity, too." Instead, he's running as "Maplewood's On-line Independent" since he's the brains behind maplewoodonline, the town's cyber town square. "I have good name recognition," he says. "But no platform, at least not yet. "To me, most of the platforms that people run on are common sense anyway," he says. But he is politically astute. "I'm not going to say I'm going to lower taxes or anything like that." By the day of the June 6 primary -- the filing deadline -- the single, 37-year-old Ross had turned in enough petition signatures to get on November's general election ballot. Word of the candidacy made its way to incumbent Ken Pettis, the top vote-getter in Maplewood's contested Democratic primary. He would normally be assured a November win in a Democratic town where Republican opposition is consistently weak. But as the votes were coming in, he was sounding cautious. "This was only the primary," said Pettis, saying he heard a comedian had filed as an independent for one of the two committee seats up this year. "Literally, I mean literally, a comedian." On Monday nights, Ross can be found at Here's 2 the Arts Performance Showcase Cafe, just down the street from his second-floor apartment overlooking downtown's Maplewood Village. "He emcees our comedy night here," says owner Art Gartenlaub, who once ran as a Republican for township committee. "And as you can imagine, got slammed." To Gartenlaub, Ross is polite and personable, skills he says could work well to soothe some of the head-butting by the Democratic factions on the committee. Besides, Gartenlaub says, he's funny. "He's got a drum routine, which is very, very funny, a mixture of Tibetan overtone singing and classic rock," Gartenlaub says. At Ross' apartment, the epicenter of maplewoodonline and the perch for its "Village Cam," the independent candidate calls up his own personal Web site at jamieross.com. "You've entered the world of Jamie Ross," proclaims the cyber locale that's gotten 9,521 hits in three years. He clicks on the video of himself doing his comic routine at the Martini Bar at Tiffany's on Route 46 in Pine Brook. In one segment, he's pounding on the drum on his lap and singing a verse from a Bruce Springsteen hit. "Baby, we were born to ..." he sings before chanting the final word "run." Laughs ring out from the audience. "Oh my God," says the T-shirt-wearing Ross, sounding a bit embarrassed. "I had this weird following in college. It's hard to pin down, but somehow it works. Oh man." The Web site might morph into a campaign site come Labor Day, though. "I should probably change it now," Ross says. "I'm not sure whether it will win me or lose me any votes." The Internet locale is a eclectic mix with pictures of a normally clean-shaven Ross sporting a beard. "If you would like to book Jamie WITH a beard, please give at least two weeks notice," it reads. There, too, you'll find Ross' autograph collection, including an Aug. 23, 1982, one from a famous writer of the macabre. "To Jamie -- Best, Stephen King." That was just before Ross entered Columbia High School, where he was a member of the Class of 1987, he says. From there, it was on to Rutgers University and a degree in environmental economics and business. A decade ago, he started the cyber town square known as maplewoodonline, which claims more than 3 million visitors in the past 5 years, and he subsequently became a promoter of the Underground Concert Series and, more recently, a standup comic. "I don't make any money doing standup or concert promotion. It's mostly Web work," Ross says. "It pays the bills. I'm not making a ton of money." What he is hoping to make is an impression. "It's always something I had in the back of my mind," he says of his candidacy. "I just felt the timing was right." Vic DeLuca, a former mayor who now sits on the five-member township committee, says he's attune to the Ross candidacy. "Sure, Jamie. He's the one who started maplewoodonline," DeLuca says. "He'd fall into the mix." But any other aspirations might have to wait. "He probably wouldn't be voted mayor," DeLuca says. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave  Post Number: 9902 Registered: 4-1997  |
Jamie is currently in the Galapagos Islands doing opposition research. | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1977 Registered: 5-2001 |
Here are some other entertainment folks who were literally, I mean literally, actors, musicians, and yes, even comedians, who ran for political office: "Grampa" Al Lewis (actor, writer, restauranteur, radio host, comedian) - ran for Mayor or Gov. - can't recall which, didn't win. Clint Eastwood (actor) - won Gopher (forget his real name, actor) won U.S. Senate - I think Bill Bradley (athlete) won Fred Thompson (actor) won Jesse Ventura (wrestler, actor) won Sonny Bono (singer, actor) won Jello Biafra (rocker, political wag) lost, but he is being courted by the Green Party Pat Dinizio (rocker) lost Mayoral bid in Scotch Plains, ran for Senate, lost Arnold (actor, bodybuilder) won Ronald Reagan (actor) won big time Shirley Temple Black - won I can't think of anymore now - except for that Italian porn star (she won) who married Jeff Koons. Good luck Jamie - Stand-up experience is as good a training ground as any to run for office. | ||
| Carl Thompson Citizen Username: Topcat Post Number: 203 Registered: 4-2003  |
How about Howard Stern? He ran for governor of New York at least once. | ||
| Soparents Citizen Username: Soparents Post Number: 1182 Registered: 5-2005  |
England Glenda Jackson (actress and oscar winner) won (MP - Labour) Jeffrey Archer (writer) won (MP Tories) | ||
| Strawberry Supporter Username: Strawberry Post Number: 7457 Registered: 10-2001 |
Let's play Jamie Ross lookalike!   | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1978 Registered: 5-2001 |
Jamie is a hirsute doppelganger for Dave Ross IMO. | ||
| Larry Seltzer Citizen Username: Elvis Post Number: 49 Registered: 4-2006  |
Shirley Temple Black actually lost her run for Congress and subsequently held appointed diplomatic posts. I got nothing against Jamie, but personally I'm waiting to hear *something* about what he stands for and what his goals are for township government before celebrating his candidacy. | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1980 Registered: 5-2001 |
Larry -
I'm waiting too - so far I like that he isn't going to vow to lower taxes - every politician goes there and they never deliver. It's refreshing to hear a candidate announce right away that lowering taxes is ridiculous. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5402 Registered: 1-2004  |
All you Maplewood people should prove this WRONG!!! "He probably wouldn't be voted mayor," DeLuca says..." VOTE FOR JAMIE!!! Hey, if I lived in Maplewood ***I'd*** vote for him! At least with Jamie you know you'd have someone who is not tarnished by all the mudslinging! Too bad he doesn't live in South Orange! He'd give our BOT a run for their money. | ||
| Wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 2624 Registered: 5-2001 |
JTA, we can't vote for Jamie for mayor. We can only vote for him for Township Committeeperson. The mayor position (the nominal head of the TC) is chosen by the TC. | ||
| anon Supporter Username: Anon Post Number: 2794 Registered: 6-2002 |
So, Speaking of performers running for office, did you all just see the 60 minutes piece on Kinky Friedman? | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1981 Registered: 5-2001 |
Anon - I didn't see it, but I heard Kinky F. on the Penn Gillette show (92.3 FM - 2-3 pm) around 2 months ago - I disagreed with much of his platform, but he's pretty irresistable. He's one of those rare people that it's fun to disagree with because he doesn't take it personally + he's so smart and funny. If my TiVo worked, I'll watch it tomorrow. | ||
| Factvsfiction Citizen Username: Factvsfiction Post Number: 680 Registered: 4-2006 |
IMHO Committeeman De Luca's quoted comments in the Star Ledger betrays a deep concern that Jamie Ross may have a shot at becoming Mayor after Mr. Profeta , perhaps as a compromise candidate. I accordingly hope that Mr. Ross does not have a gate in front of his apartment.  | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1982 Registered: 5-2001 |
Facts - repeat after me: "I do not live in Maplewood, I do not have a horse in this race, I do not live in Maplewood..." | ||
| Factvsfiction Citizen Username: Factvsfiction Post Number: 681 Registered: 4-2006 |
Lydia- Anyone who finds Kinky Freidman to be somehow engaging, or even mildly entertaining, should really be spending their time doing the Texas two-step at some hootananny joint or spitting chewing tobacco whilst they milk their cows, rather than posting on MOL. | ||
| Nohero Supporter Username: Nohero Post Number: 5514 Registered: 10-1999  |
Mr. FvF, I think you may have missed the point about Mr. Friedman. It's Texas country satire, boy. Well, a redneck nerd in a bowling shirt was a-guzzlin lone star beerhttp://www.lyricsfreak.com/k/kinky+friedman/they+aint+makin+jews+like+jesus+anym ore_20079424.html As for the candidacy of Mr. J. Ross, I thought it was interesting that one of his opponents was quoted in the article saying, "[H]e heard a comedian had filed as an independent for one of the two committee seats up this year. 'Literally, I mean literally, a comedian.'" As if he had never heard of Mr. J. Ross before, or that "comedian" was the only term one could use to describe a lifelong Maplewoodian, founder of MOL, internet entrepreneur and concert promoter. Sure, Mr. J. Ross will have to give reasons why people should vote for him. But, that goes for all of the other candidates, who will have to tell us why we should vote for them. All in all, it should be an interesting election in November. | ||
| Factvsfiction Citizen Username: Factvsfiction Post Number: 685 Registered: 4-2006 |
Nohero- I think Freidman really just reflects a lowbrow ethnic shtick and is not really very interesting. How about a muslim fundamentalist that does gospel tunes? I mean that would be interesting. Freidman also appears on Imus. No one under 65 listens to Imus and that Imus guy looks very scary and mumbles a lot. If you like Freidman don't feel bad about my opinion though, I think people who listen to Garrison Keillor should be locked up. They are the REAL menace. As for Mr. Ross I believe an independent comedic candidate is what any town would benefit from. I sense endorsement deals here, in the event Mr. Ross does not get a seat on the TC anyway. | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1984 Registered: 5-2001 |
Facts - The Kinkster is very entertaining - I don't cotton to you high-falutin' MSO types funnin' on my dime. I see you like to proctor, but have you noticed you're a one-woman band? Nohero - I thought Pettis' quote was condescending, and he insulted comics. It may sound silly, but being a stand-up involves a lot of skills - sussing the audience, thinking on your feet, keeping up on local and national news, etc. I've never met a stand-up comic who wasn't scary-smart and courageous. Pull off a tight 6-minute to a house of disgruntled drunks and you've earned a Masters in Life IMO. | ||
| Nohero Supporter Username: Nohero Post Number: 5515 Registered: 10-1999 |
Well, it's a long way from "Anyone who finds Kinky Freidman to be somehow engaging, or even mildly entertaining, should really be spending their time doing the Texas two-step at some hootananny joint or spitting chewing tobacco whilst they milk their cows"to "I think Freidman really just reflects a lowbrow ethnic shtick and is not really very interesting"We kinda smoked you out, yes? I was just pointing out who the guy was. I don't have any of his albums, or anything like that. On the other hand, given the quality of Texas gubernatorial candidates, there's no reason to think that Mr. Friedman would be the worst choice. Anyway, back to Maplewood government ... | ||
| anon Supporter Username: Anon Post Number: 2795 Registered: 6-2002 |
FvF: You have very strange opinions. The most entertaining things I've seen recently are the interview with Kinky and the movie "Prarie Home Companion". Oh Yeah, "Deadwood" was pretty good tonight. Lydia, NoHero, How about the three of us form the Maplewood Chapter of Citizens for Kinky? | ||
| anon Supporter Username: Anon Post Number: 2796 Registered: 6-2002 |
On the other hand, given the quality of Texas gubernatorial candidates, there's no reason to think that Mr. Friedman would be the worst choice. AMEN! | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1985 Registered: 5-2001 |
Facts - missed your last post. Shouldn't you finally reveal who you really are? The election is over, all you're doing is hurting your candidates. I got annoyed when the "other side" pulled this nonsense, and I get annoyed when you do too. I'll not only reveal who you really are, I'll start to post e-mails from a certain "black-ops" candidacy that you were enough involved in that you (and your husband) woould have to withdraw your elected position(s). So think hard before you slam me again or try to sway the voters. | ||
| anon Supporter Username: Anon Post Number: 2797 Registered: 6-2002 |
Lydia: Now you're making me curious. I thought FvF was just an ordinary resident of next-door Millburn trying to have some fun. | ||
| Factvsfiction Citizen Username: Factvsfiction Post Number: 689 Registered: 4-2006 |
Lydia- You seem to continually think I have had some type of gender change. Must be listening to too many Kinky Freidman " songs". I would move to Maplewood just to please you, but not where I have to drive on Ridgewood Road, just in case. Doesn't seem safe these days. Anon- I am suprised that liberal/left Americans do not recognize Keillor for the subversive that he is IMHO. Distracting average Americans from the struggle by brainwashing them that somehow (via dopey monologue) that banjo music and biscuits and gravy are the core values of American life. Bet Karl Rove is behind this. Yes, yes it has to be......BUSH! | ||
| anon Supporter Username: Anon Post Number: 2799 Registered: 6-2002 |
Have you read his book? Good night. | ||
| Nohero Supporter Username: Nohero Post Number: 5517 Registered: 10-1999 |
I am suprised that liberal/left Americans do not recognize Keillor for the subversive that he is IMHO.Actually, we do. But, maybe you don't realize what it is he is "subversing". Spiritual Liberals scare the cr*p out of conservatives (See, e.g. Ann Coulter). But, as I said before, back to Maplewood ... | ||
| Factvsfiction Citizen Username: Factvsfiction Post Number: 691 Registered: 4-2006 |
Nohero- Naw. Keillor is a conservative plant! As far as Maplewood is concerned your fall race may turn quite interesting if Mr. Ross brings the right questions and issues to the table. Incumbents are in a tougher position generally. To me your lovely town's key issue is commercial ratable expansion and essentially putting away it's nuts for the coming cold fiscal winter in NJ. We may have a significant economic shakeout on the horizon. Interesting article in today's Times Business section about Goldman Sachs hiring one of the country's top bankruptcy lawyers to run it's "restructuring" practice. Could be a very telling sign. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5406 Registered: 1-2004 |
Wendy- Darn! I forgot, Maplewood doesn't do things the same way South Orange does. Hopefully he'll at least get on Township Committee! | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5407 Registered: 1-2004 |
Nohero- One of the main reasons I'd vote for Jamie if I could is he's not involved in any of the #$%^ that's been getting thrown. He's a decent guy who when he decides what his platform will be (something he admits he doesn't have yet) I'm sure it will be a level headed and honest one. Jamie is a decent guy, who I am sure will bring a breath of fresh air to the government in Maplewood. If Jamie happens not to win a seat on the TC I hope he considers moving to South Orange to run for one of the BOT slots that will be up for grabs in May 2007! GO JAMIE!!! | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11864 Registered: 5-2001 |
I agree with Lydia about Ken's quote. It seems out of character and gives the impression he doesn't know Jamie and views him only as a wannabe stand up comedian. In fact the whole article almost made it sound like Jamie's campaign is some sort of joke, which most certainly isn't the case. I always found Kinky's music funny and full of satire and stereotype busting. While his campaign doesn't have a snowballs chance in Dallas in the summer, he scores a lot of points in the interviews I have seen on TV. He and his band used to play NY clubs back in the early 1970s btw. You have to have some mid-western background to appreciate Kellior and his quote about the kids in Lake Wobegon is one of my favorites. I used to use it all the time on education topics here on MOL. | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1986 Registered: 5-2001 |
I can't get into Keillor - but, like the Bobbest-one, I love the quote about the kids, and I also use it often. Factsvfiction -
enough with the veiled insults, your schtick is getting old. I doubt there are many MOLers who really buy that you live in Millburn but rilly, rilly, rilly like to comment on local politics in Maplewood. | ||
| crabby Citizen Username: Crabbyappleton Post Number: 673 Registered: 1-2004 |
I find DeLuca's quote hilarious. What's he worried about?  | ||
| growler Citizen Username: Growler Post Number: 964 Registered: 11-2001  |
Wasn't this thread about Jamie? Not Kinky F. and what other people think of him? Start a new thread...you thread jackers!  . I hope Jamie wins. It would be refreshing. | ||
| Factvsfiction Citizen Username: Factvsfiction Post Number: 693 Registered: 4-2006 |
Modest Suggestions for the Ross Campaign- Slogans- " Better to Laugh Than To Cry. Vote Ross, 2006." " You've Met The Rest, Now You Need A Laugh. Vote Ross, 2006." Campaign Proposal- a comedy club district development ordinance. forget about the b&b proposal. | ||
| Factvsfiction Citizen Username: Factvsfiction Post Number: 694 Registered: 4-2006 |
Lydia- If I had a "shtick" it certainly would be better than Kinky Freidman's. In the event you really believe I am one of your Maplewoodian bete noirs, you are being a bit paranoid. I ain't dear. | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1988 Registered: 5-2001 |
Even if I'm wrong (which I doubt, seeing as a member of the K & K campaign team let it slip - dear) Here's one reason why I would be more likely to support a true independent (like Jamie Ross) than the star-bellied Democrats: Here's one of 100's of old e-mails I received (along with selected members of the MDC) Subject: D1 male Date: Monday, April 5, 2004 "Jurgens is happy to have Schafer run and will help him campaign and collect signatures. I am dropping off his petition and change of party card tomorrow. I need Chris or Doug to take care of filing the affiliation change card at the county. Thanks. Allison Ziefert" Translation: A new district leader is going to run as a Democrat. Alison Ziefert is going to provide him w/ the documentation to change his political party from Republican to Democrat. "Chris" is our current Essex County clerk and "Doug" was the chair of the MDC at that time. Kathleen was spot-on correct about the underhanded shenanigans going on behind the scenes. Clearly, my hands aren't clean in this either - I should have spoken up publicly years ago. Better now then never. | ||
| Factvsfiction Citizen Username: Factvsfiction Post Number: 700 Registered: 4-2006 |
Lydia- I believe you are confusing me with "Aquaman". Seems like he was working for "K&K", given the results of his postings. | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 1989 Registered: 5-2001 |
Not confusing you with anyone "Facts" I saw you trudging up Durand about 30 minutes ago - figured your follow-up post would come in right about now. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11868 Registered: 5-2001 |
So Lydia, you are suggesting that Fact is both a woman and an agent provaceteur (ok I mispelled it, so sue me) and lives on Durand? Let's see what prominent Maplewood Dem lives on Durand and is a woman. Uhm...maybe. I have felt that Aquaman is actually a Profetista. Hey these guys may be more clever than I thought. |
