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DKMplwd
Citizen
Username: Dank3265
Post Number: 20
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 21, 2005 - 11:09 am: | 
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Grassroots Action [GRASP] is compiling background information on the nine candidates (see below) for South Orange Village Trustee in preparation for our candidates night and endorsement meeting on April 12. If anyone has information about these candidates that they would like to share, or if there are specific issues or questions you'd like to have addressed, please post under this heading or email directly to: grassrootsaction@comcast.net
SO Village Trustee Candidates
Janine Bauer
David Belasco
Eric De Varis
Jeffrey Dubowy
Stacey Jennings
Howard Levison
Terriann Moore-Abrams
John Pogany
Paul Savatoriello
Thanks |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 783
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 21, 2005 - 11:18 am: |
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Perhaps it would be better to email rather than posting here, so that you can vet the information. Given the proclivity here to exaggerate, speculate, and hyperbolize, your organization (and thus the voters) would probably be better served with accurate info rather than the above (exaggeration, speculation, and hyperbole) |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2725
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 21, 2005 - 11:35 am: |
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susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 462
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 21, 2005 - 9:46 pm: |
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Rastro, that's assuming that I trust another anonymous poster to vet the information better than I can. I'd rather sort through the gossip, exaggeration, etc., using my own BS meter that get information presorted and edited by someone whose agendas I don't know.
I'm happy to hear what DK and his organization decide, but also more than ready to keep reading postings here. |
Dave
Moderator
Username: Dave
Post Number: 5671
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 12:19 am: |
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http://www.ericdevarisfortrustee.com
hope that helps |
argon_smythe
Citizen
Username: Argon_smythe
Post Number: 552
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 8:08 am: |
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Have you considered approaching the candidates themselves? Or are your efforts geared toward looking for mud to throw?
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Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2730
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 8:43 am: |
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Argon: Have you ever attended a GRASP meeting? Do you personally know any group members? Why would you attribute such negative motives to an organization you know nothing about?
-s.
BTW: For that matter, do you already know whom you'll be voting for, or could such information as that which GRASP is seeking be potentially useful to you in your decision-making? Just wondering... |
Sitoyan
Citizen
Username: Sitoyan
Post Number: 49
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 10:50 am: |
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So far the only candidate who has come out with a clear, thorough, and well thought-out platform, with a plan of action attached to it, and a list of his many accomplishments for South Orange, is Eric DeVaris.
The other candidates have given answers in bits and pieces on this board, but none an all-encompassing platform, with a look at the big picture, like Eric DeVaris does in his website:
www.ericdevarisfortrustee.com
When are we going to hear from the other candidates?
Com' on guys and girls. We want to hear what have you done for South Orange so far, where do you stand on our issues, what are your plans for action.
Communicate with us if you want our vote. |
DKMplwd
Citizen
Username: Dank3265
Post Number: 21
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 11:52 am: |
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I don't usually waste my time responding to cynical, uninformed people who make hasty judgments, but I will respond to Argon, so as to clarify what GRASP in doing in conjunction with our candidates' night.
First off, all candidates have been invited. As a condition of participation, they are asked to provide us with position papers on three issues that they consider most important. These will be distibuted to our members. If you wish to be on our mailing list to receive this material(and actually become informed of what we are doing), please contact me at: grassrootsaction@comcast.net.
At the meeting, each candidate will be given the opportunity to make an opening presentation. Each will then be asked to address questions, we have developed to insure that critical issues get addressed.
And finally, there will be a Q&A for the public.
The request we put out online was to: (1) get widespread public input; and (2) help educate ourselves, which is a primary element of our mission.
Dan |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 793
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 12:10 pm: |
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Dan, given that no information was provided about your organization, I can easily see how argon was cynical. While not quite as cynical, I had the same concerns.
Soda, since no information was given about the group, assumptions are all we have. Perhaps if Dan has started with more information, we could more easily undestand the intent and methodology of GRASP. I didn't see argon's post as implying there was no value to the information, just that without an background on GRASP, there is no reason to give any more credence to their request than to other posts here.
A concern that I had about using this type of forum (MOL) is how information will be vetted. That is why I suggested emailing directly, then reading GRASP's summary. I would hope that they will be confirming any information that they are provided with before publishing it.} |
DKMplwd
Citizen
Username: Dank3265
Post Number: 22
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 12:21 pm: |
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Grassroots Action Supporting Progress [GRASP] is a recently formed political organization with a progressive focus, whose goals are to develop informed positions on issues and candidates, share this information with the public and take effective actions in support of these positions. We are made up of residents of Maplewood, South Orange and neighboring New Jersey towns.
We represent a diverse group of community members with an interest in political and advocacy activism, who are interested in participating in the political process outside the traditional party organization structure. We have committees involved in such areas as local and regional campaigns, foreign policy, and electoral reform. In addition, our members receive such benefits as a periodic mailing of a broad range of events of interest.
Hope that provides some more background on the group. We have regularly posted information about the group and schedules of meetings on both MOL and SOL. |
singlemalt
Supporter
Username: Singlemalt
Post Number: 849
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 12:30 pm: |
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Dan, can you publicly say your group is non-partisan? |
LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 2336
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 12:33 pm: |
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The Village election is non partisan. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 1996
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 12:35 pm: |
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DKMplwd,
Will the "meeting" you reference be instead of or in addition to the usual League of Women Voters debate?
Sitoyan,
I imagine soon enough, huge lawn signs for Calabrese's puppets (Moore-Abrams, Jennings & Savatoriello) will spring up all over town. Since that is the only "ticket" and therefore will likely have the largest campaign budget (funded by "the machine") they will have the APPEARANCE of being the only game in town, unfortunately. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 797
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 12:37 pm: |
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LL, I believe singlemalt is talking about having no agenda, not having no party affiliation or leanings... |
singlemalt
Supporter
Username: Singlemalt
Post Number: 850
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 12:45 pm: |
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Thanks LL. However, I am curious what the motivations and desires of GRASP really are. Since the election is "non-partisan" can we assume the endorsement the group will make is from a "non-partisan" perspective?
In the past, the Democratic machine of Essex County has unofficially thrown their political muscle into the South Orange "non-partisan" election. Perhaps someone from GRASP can share who they've endorsed in past elections, what current local politicians are members or active in the group and what agenda items were discussed at their previous meetings.
I heard a rumor they requested Hot Bagels Abroad turn off CNN since it's "too liberal" and may send their customers the wrong message. Remember, this is just a rumor and I doubt they would do something as silly as this. But I'd like Dan to deny or confirm whether they would make a request of a local business to make sure the news channel they choose to broadcast is in compliance with the local political views of GRASP.
Good questions to ask so you know where they are coming from when they make their endorsements.
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doublea
Supporter
Username: Doublea
Post Number: 977
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 1:14 pm: |
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Dan - You state that your membership is made up of inviduals from South Orange, Maplewood and neighboring towns. What percentage of your membership is from neighboring towns? What percentage from Maplewood? Why should such a group be getting involved in a local election? I don't think many (if any) SO residents get involved in Maplewood elections.
Where do you live? |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2732
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 1:14 pm: |
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Rastro: Dan has been posting information about the Grassroots group (including invitations of attendance and participation in meetings) since January. Where have you been? You could have come to one of the meetings held at the Baird Center, and inquired directly about the group's make-up, political leanings, etc... None of the comments or questions by you, Singlemalt, MHD, or other uninformed GRASP detractors are based upon real in-person involvement. If you wish to cast aspersions on an individual or group, let them have a basis in fact.
-s.
BTW: What "agendas" are held by MHD, Singlemalt, and yourself? Whose interests do YOU champion? |
argon_smythe
Citizen
Username: Argon_smythe
Post Number: 553
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 1:23 pm: |
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Please. I (try to) question just about everything. And in the process I've helped you much more clearly articulate yourself than you bothered to do on your own. If you're going to be part of the political process, I suggest you thicken your skin a little, and revise your usual policy of not "wasting your time responding to cynical, uninformed people" when you are apparantly trying to be a source of information (to whom? the already informed?). It is not "cynical" to inquire as to the motive behind your mission, especially when you provide absolutely no information of your own up front, not even a web site link identifying your org, or a mission statement.
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singlemalt
Supporter
Username: Singlemalt
Post Number: 851
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 1:24 pm: |
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Soda, you can take a good look at a T-bone by sticking your head up a bull's •••, but wouldn't you rather take the butcher's word for it? |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 1997
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 1:40 pm: |
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singlemalt,
Have you READ any of Soda's posts? Let's just say he has a very close-up view of a T-bone steak...and it's not from being in a butcher shop.
My only "agenda" is for progress in South Orange and elimination of the nepotism, incompetence, political patronage and dare I say "corruption" in the way things have been done under the current regime. We all deserve much better. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 799
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 1:44 pm: |
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Soda, you're reading way too much into these posts. No one is accusing GRASP of anything. Yes, I am unaware of GRASP (amazing, isn't it?). I tried searching the boards about it, but the search crashed each time.
Questioning is not accusing. And how does one alleviate their ignorance, if not by asking questions? And though I can't speak for MHD or Singlemalt, I am not a "GRASP detractor," as you put it. All I said was that it would have been useful to I have more information about the group, since I could not find anything on MOL about them. No one cast aspersions on the group or any individual as far as I can see.
I have no agenda, other than hoping that the current state of affairs in South Orange government changes. I don't know any of the candidates personally, and I doubt very strongly that any of them know of me. I don't know Dan. His usename implies he lives outside South Orange, which makes me more curious about the group. Not positive or negative, just curious.
I champion MY interests. And while I never challenged your or anyone else's integrity here, you seem to want to challenge mine (and Singlemalt's, and MHD's). |
singlemalt
Supporter
Username: Singlemalt
Post Number: 852
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 1:58 pm: |
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I agree Rastro. I've re-read this entire thread and asking with whom GRASP is affiliated, what their intentions are, is in my opinion, not out of line.
I plan on supporting the candidates who speak directly to the voters, are independent in thought, communicate a vision for change and are easily accessible.
That is MY agenda.
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doublea
Supporter
Username: Doublea
Post Number: 978
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 2:21 pm: |
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I have searched the archives and in the South Orange Specific section found a post dated 11-23-04 "Grassroots South Orange - Continuing Forward" where Dan explains the purpose of GRASP. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 801
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 2:33 pm: |
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doublea, thanks. Search wasn't working for me. |
DKMplwd
Citizen
Username: Dank3265
Post Number: 23
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 3:23 pm: |
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For the record, GRASP is a four-month old, start-up, grassroots organization. Like any new organization, we are still learning as we go, which means that, as yet, we don't have any formally approved by-laws (we're working on that) and no formal leadership (we do have a steering committee).
Our membership, of about 120, is comprised almost entirely of political novices who have never held any elected office. The mix is probably about 60/40 Maplewood/South Orange. About 40% were involved in some capacity with the Kerry campaign. The rest learned about us through MOL or word-of-mouth.
Many of the SO Trustees and Maplewood Council are members, but most have never attended a meeting, and none have been actively involved in any of our activities (as a sidenote, no elected official can vote in our endorsement proceedings).
We haven't been in operation long enough to hold any previous endorsements. We have absolutely no affiliation with any political organization, although we do maintain regular contact with other progressive organizations.
As for our political agenda, we would encourage members to actively work for candidates whom we endorse, but have no formal requirements to do so, and members are free to work, if they choose, for whomever they wish.
Since we are endorsing individual candidates (if candidates have formed a slate, that's their business, not ours), we obviously are not non-partisan. Regardless of the election, however, we will ask all candidates to participate.
As for our candidates' night vs. LWV, I'm not that familiar with their event, but I believe their format is more like a debate and is generally held closer to the actual election date, and of course, they don't endorse candidates. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 7973
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 3:57 pm: |
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DK, who are your officers and who is on your board?
I think there should be some transparancy in organizations such as yours. |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2733
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 4:05 pm: |
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Dan: The LWV Candidate's Night Debate is usually videotaped for public access cable broadcast by CHS' Columbia Cable Network; perhaps GRASP could contact CCN's faculty sponsor (and Executive Producer, Television Arts Head Mr. Frank Mullins) to see whether your 4/12 Baird meeting could be similarly taped... |
stefano
Citizen
Username: Stefano
Post Number: 431
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 4:20 pm: |
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Isn't Grassroots Action Supporting Progress actually GASP?
dr stefano |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2734
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 4:42 pm: |
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Singlemalt: (A)Did you borrow that homey little slice of country wisdom from Dan Rather? and
(2)DKMplwd being relatively new to this board, my guess is that he didn't expect to be immediately challenged as to motive, agenda, history, blood type, etc. just for offering and requesting factual information on a subject which concerns us all. Now that he's responded (rather politely, I should note) to your inquiries, I do hope that if you have further questions you'll come to a GRASP meeting and get your answers "direct from the butcher".
Rastro: Your integrity's intact so far as I'm concerned, and you're probably right about my reading a bit much into the above posts, too. I can't imagine how posting on MOL could bring about that result, can you???
MHD: You site "nepotism, incompetence, political patronage and corruption" as the way things are done in S.O. today, then claim "progress" as your only agenda. Grow up. Join GRASP. And stop sniping from the sidelines. It's old already.
-s.
BTW: The following letter has been sent to the nine South Orange Village Trustee Candidates:
"Dear South Orange Village Trustee Candidates,
Grassroots Action Supporting Progress [GRASP] is pleased to invite you to a candidates' night on April 12, 7.30p at the Baird Center that will be open to the public. In the attachment to this email, we have provided the procedures that will be followed for the meeting.
At the conclusion of candidate presentations and discussion, GRASP members will vote on whether to endorse any candidates, according to rules previously established by the organization.
If you wish to participate in this program, we request that you submit to us, via Word document or pdf file attachment, position papers on the three issues that you think are most critical to South Orange.
Since we need to be able to distribute this information to our members, no other format will be accepted. The deadline for submission is 11.59pm, April 4."
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DKMplwd
Citizen
Username: Dank3265
Post Number: 24
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 5:29 pm: |
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What I find so ironic about the dialog on this thread, and this may reflect my lack of experience as a regular forum participant, is the fact that through all this intense grilling and questioning of motive, no on has yet bothered to provide any input on the fundamental question, which was simply info on candidates. If I had merely been an SO resident, would I have been subjected to the same scrutiny. It seems to be a sorry state of affairs, when a organization with a truly pure motive, offering a clear public service, is questioned to this extent. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 7974
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 5:58 pm: |
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DK, every election time a number of new posters show up. This is fine. Support your candidates. However, a fair number of these "posters" end up being political attack dogs. I don't think your organization is like that. However, a group that is going to be endorsing candidates should be transparent. The officers and/or directors should be known if you expect your organization and its endorsements to be taken seriously. |
singlemalt
Supporter
Username: Singlemalt
Post Number: 853
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 11:46 am: |
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Dan,
My intent was not to "attack" but really understand who GRASP is, why you were formed, what you stand for, what are your goals, who your members of influence are and ultimately, why you feel the need to investigate and endorse candidates in the "non-partisan" South Orange election. While I understand your group is only 4 months old, as a voter I’d like to understand what an endorsement from your group means to our “non-partisan” elections in South Orange.
First, you mention in your reply above that 40% of your membership "were involved in some capacity" with the Kerry campaign. Ok - great. How does that give you the right to endorse candidates in our "non-partisan" elections? Is GRASP simply a way to keep the Kerry campaign organization together? If it is, fine, but you should mention your political ties and not attempt to appear as non-partisan.
Second, in announcing your last meeting here on MOL, you brought in a member of the current Essex County administration to speak where you said he would, "...suggest actions County residents can undertake to support the County's (Democratic) political efforts." If you convince candidates to vote for whoever GRASP endorses are you helping support the efforts of Joe D. and the Essex county Democrats in our "non-partisan" election? Since we are non-partisan, why would a group that brings in speakers to support these political efforts feel the need to endorse anyone in our “non-partisan” elections?
Finally, a few more questions and observations:
1. You mention having a steering committee, can you share who the members are and if they have any current or past political affiliations?
2. Interesting observation from your post:
Paragraph 1 “…we don't have any formally approved by-laws”
Paragrpah 3 “as a sidenote, no elected official can vote in our endorsement proceedings”
So, is this your own personal policy or have by-laws for endorsements been created?
3. From your post you mention other progressive organizations you keep in contact with, can you share who these groups are?
4. Finally, please comment on whether the rumor is true. Does GRASP feel they need to contact local places of business to make sure they only show news stations that are in line with their own political beliefs?
I ask these questions since organizations that endorse candidates usually stand for something well known. When the NRA (guns), NOW (pro-choice), or any other group makes an endorsement, I know the candidate they support meets the requirements set fourth by the group making the endorsement. Other than some general statements and a speaker from the Essex County Democrats, I have nothing to go by with GRASP. If the Montrose Neighborhood association endorsed a candidate it would carry more weight to me than what I know from your group so far. Please educate all of us and maybe it will increase your membership and allow your endorsements to carry more weight.
My suggestion would be to explain what type of candidate would best meet the agenda of your organization before making your endorsements. However, until we know the agenda of GRASP, we are left wondering why your are getting involved in our non-partisan election process.
Thank you.
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