The Monmouth County Republican Convention was held earlier today at Freehold Township High School, attended by over 400 people. The official Party endorsements were given for the 2014 candidates.
Congressman Chris Smith was given an acclamation endorsement in the Fourth Congressional District. Hari Eppanapally having withdrawn his name from the race, Anthony E. Wilkinson in the Sixth CD was also given an endorsement by acclamation.
Four U. S. Senate hopefuls participated in the convention; Richard Pezzullo, Brian Goldberg, Murray Sabrin and Bob Turkavage. Jeffrey Bell did not participate. Goldberg and Turkavage were eliminated in the first round of balloting. In the runoff, Pezzullo bested Sabrin for the Monmouth County endorsement.
For Freeholders, Director Lillian Burry and Deputy Director Gary Rich held off a close challenge by Howell Councilman and former Mayor Bob Walsh. After the winners were announced, Walsh endorsed Burry and Rich and urged all to get behind the slate.
The time is now to set our sights on defeating the Democrats this November.
Showing posts with label Freeholders. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Freeholders. Show all posts
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Sunday, September 09, 2012
WILLIAM K. HEINE, R. I. P.
We have just learned that Monmouth County spokesman Bill Heine passed away today at his Howell township home. The County's website is posting a portrait of Mr. Heine with the simple message:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill's family, as well as the official family of Monmouth County.
William K. Heine, 6-23-58 to 9-9-12
Monmouth County thanks Bill for his proud and dedicated service to the county, its staff and its residents.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill's family, as well as the official family of Monmouth County.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
REALLY?
Anna Little is one of the toughest people in politics today. A tireless grass roots organizer and campaigner, she challenged the Party Establishment, winning both the 2010 and 2012 Primaries off-line, and would have won off line for freeholder in 2007 if she chose to run that year.
She has gone up against some pretty tough customers, including Bill Barham, Fred Niemann, Adam Puharic and his Rasta sock-puppet and others. She was elected Mayor of Highlands beating a Democrat, an Independent and a write in (presumably sent in as a spoiler) orchestrated by country club RINOs on Navesink River Road in Middletown!
Sounds like she's just the kind of fighter we need in Congress.
So where does Art Gallagher get off thinking that he is going to prevail against Anna Little? Really?
She has gone up against some pretty tough customers, including Bill Barham, Fred Niemann, Adam Puharic and his Rasta sock-puppet and others. She was elected Mayor of Highlands beating a Democrat, an Independent and a write in (presumably sent in as a spoiler) orchestrated by country club RINOs on Navesink River Road in Middletown!
Sounds like she's just the kind of fighter we need in Congress.
So where does Art Gallagher get off thinking that he is going to prevail against Anna Little? Really?
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
FIVE - O!
FIVE - O!
That's what the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders will be come January when Freeholder-elect Gary Rich takes his seat. He will replace the last Democrat Freeholder, Amy Mallet, who along with running mate Bill Shea was soundly defeated. Surrogate Rosemarie Peters was reelected by about a 22,000 vote margin.The 2012 Board will initially consist of Robert Clifton, Lillian Burry (just reelected), John Curley, Thomas Arnone and Gary Rich. Rob Clifton will then leave the Freeholder Board to take his seat in the State Assembly, as Amy Handlin did in 2006.
By State Law, the Monmouth County Republican Committee must convene and select a replacement freeholder.
Our teams swept all the Monmouth Legislative districts, too.
11th District:
Senator Jen Beck - WON
Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande - WON
Assemblywoman mart Pat Angelini - WON
12th District:
Senator Elect Sam Thompson - WON
Assemblyman Ronald dancer - WON
Assemblyman Elect Rob Clifton - WON
13th District:
Senator Joe Kyrillos - WON
Assemblywoman Amy Handlin - WON
Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon - WON
30th District:
Senator Bob Singer - WON
Assemblyman Elect Sean Kean - WON
Assemblyman dave Rible - WON
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
UNION BUCKS COMING IN
Ready for the labor bucks? We thought so.
It's really not a lot this year (so far), but more will probably be reported after the election. Lately the Democrats have been trying to make their ELEC filings as complicated as possible, what with multiple accounts and whatnot.
Under the Monmouth County Democrats account, we only have a contribution from the Monmouth - Ocean Central Labor Council in the amount of $275.00 dated August 23, and Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 9 dated August 31 for $1,000.00. Both these unions have been known to contribute to both parties.
William Shea for Freeholder has more. They do not appear on Freeholder Amy Mallet's report or the Joint Campaign account report.
7/15/11 - IBEW Local 400, $1,500.00.
7/18/11 - Monmouth & Ocean Building & Construction Trades Council, $500.00.
7/21/11 - Plumbers Local 900, $1,000.00.
7/26/11 - Sheet Metal Workers Local 27, $500.00.
8/1/11 - Amalgamated Transit Union, $500.00.
8/4/11 - Insulators & Allied Works Local 89, $350.00.
8/10/11 - ATU NY COPE Fund, $2,600.00.
10/16/11 - IBEW Local 400, $500.00.
11/6/11 - NJEA, $1,250.00.
Again, these numbers seem pretty low campared to past years. As in the past however, it is notable that none of these unions are county public employee unions so it raises the question as to their interest in a Freeholder campaign in the first place. Knowing Mallet's past associations with South Jersey Democrat boss George Norcross and his lieutenant Steve Sweeney, we believe it all fits in.
It's really not a lot this year (so far), but more will probably be reported after the election. Lately the Democrats have been trying to make their ELEC filings as complicated as possible, what with multiple accounts and whatnot.
Under the Monmouth County Democrats account, we only have a contribution from the Monmouth - Ocean Central Labor Council in the amount of $275.00 dated August 23, and Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 9 dated August 31 for $1,000.00. Both these unions have been known to contribute to both parties.
William Shea for Freeholder has more. They do not appear on Freeholder Amy Mallet's report or the Joint Campaign account report.
7/15/11 - IBEW Local 400, $1,500.00.
7/18/11 - Monmouth & Ocean Building & Construction Trades Council, $500.00.
7/21/11 - Plumbers Local 900, $1,000.00.
7/26/11 - Sheet Metal Workers Local 27, $500.00.
8/1/11 - Amalgamated Transit Union, $500.00.
8/4/11 - Insulators & Allied Works Local 89, $350.00.
8/10/11 - ATU NY COPE Fund, $2,600.00.
10/16/11 - IBEW Local 400, $500.00.
11/6/11 - NJEA, $1,250.00.
Again, these numbers seem pretty low campared to past years. As in the past however, it is notable that none of these unions are county public employee unions so it raises the question as to their interest in a Freeholder campaign in the first place. Knowing Mallet's past associations with South Jersey Democrat boss George Norcross and his lieutenant Steve Sweeney, we believe it all fits in.
Thursday, November 03, 2011
UNION COUNTY BUCKS COMING IN
Is Union County the Democrats' idea of "where Democrats are doing a better job governing than Republicans?"
Well?
We've been monitoring the Monmouth County Democrats ELEC Reports and sure enough, they are getting some big bucks wheeled in from their Union County bosses.* The Democrats have been very coy with their filings, with separate filings for County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) candidates Amy Mallet and Bill Shea and Surrogate Candidate Michael Steinhorn, as well as a joint Mallet-Shea account. They try to hide behind sworn statements for the candidates and run the show out of the Monmouth County Democrats account. Most of these are from the Monmouth County Democrats account, except for that from Joseph Cryan, who contributed directly to Friends of Freeholder Mallet.
The Dems are obviously utterly unfazed by criticism of their wheeling. It's just what they do.
Checking the 48 hour reports, we find big bucks from two out of three 20th District (Union County) legislators. On October 26 the Assemblywoman Annette Quijano Election Fund contributed $5,000.00. Two days later, on October 28, the Election Fund of Senator Raymond J. Lesniak contributed $10,000.00. The third representative from that district, rootin' tootin' double-dippin' Undersheriff/Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, made his $1,000.00 contribution directly to Amy Mallet's campaign on September 18. Quijano's predecessor, child-porn impressario Neil Cohen has contributed to legislative races in the past.
Union County's neighbor to the north, Essex, has also shown its generosity through the largess of Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-34). On April 12 the Committee to Elect Sheila Oliver gave $1,000.00 and on July 7 she ponied up another $500.00.
Between Union and Monmouth Counties lies Middlesex, always fertile ground for wheeled bucks. On July 8 the mysterious Sayreville-based Democracy in Motion PAC contributed $5,000.00; they gave another $10,000.00 on September 15. This contributor first appeared here in 2009. Also from Sayreville is 19th District Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski; on February 10 the Election Fund of John S. Wisniewski contributed $1,000.00 and another $2,500.00 on September 15.
This is what has surfaced so far. Certainly more will come to light after the election. Meanwhile, we will be delving into their Big Labor contributions.
*Of course, with the Democrats, down is up and up is down and wheeling isn't wheeling, so I guess the money isn't really wheeled. Or something.
Well?
We've been monitoring the Monmouth County Democrats ELEC Reports and sure enough, they are getting some big bucks wheeled in from their Union County bosses.* The Democrats have been very coy with their filings, with separate filings for County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) candidates Amy Mallet and Bill Shea and Surrogate Candidate Michael Steinhorn, as well as a joint Mallet-Shea account. They try to hide behind sworn statements for the candidates and run the show out of the Monmouth County Democrats account. Most of these are from the Monmouth County Democrats account, except for that from Joseph Cryan, who contributed directly to Friends of Freeholder Mallet.
The Dems are obviously utterly unfazed by criticism of their wheeling. It's just what they do.
Checking the 48 hour reports, we find big bucks from two out of three 20th District (Union County) legislators. On October 26 the Assemblywoman Annette Quijano Election Fund contributed $5,000.00. Two days later, on October 28, the Election Fund of Senator Raymond J. Lesniak contributed $10,000.00. The third representative from that district, rootin' tootin' double-dippin' Undersheriff/Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, made his $1,000.00 contribution directly to Amy Mallet's campaign on September 18. Quijano's predecessor, child-porn impressario Neil Cohen has contributed to legislative races in the past.
Union County's neighbor to the north, Essex, has also shown its generosity through the largess of Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-34). On April 12 the Committee to Elect Sheila Oliver gave $1,000.00 and on July 7 she ponied up another $500.00.
Between Union and Monmouth Counties lies Middlesex, always fertile ground for wheeled bucks. On July 8 the mysterious Sayreville-based Democracy in Motion PAC contributed $5,000.00; they gave another $10,000.00 on September 15. This contributor first appeared here in 2009. Also from Sayreville is 19th District Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski; on February 10 the Election Fund of John S. Wisniewski contributed $1,000.00 and another $2,500.00 on September 15.
This is what has surfaced so far. Certainly more will come to light after the election. Meanwhile, we will be delving into their Big Labor contributions.
*Of course, with the Democrats, down is up and up is down and wheeling isn't wheeling, so I guess the money isn't really wheeled. Or something.
Monday, October 31, 2011
RIDES FOR THE FAT CHILDREN
Saturday, July 24, 2010
THE MONMOUTH COUNTY FAIR
This year's Monmouth County Fair has seen great feedback for all of our candidates. The Monmouth GOP booth has been well staffed and well attended by the public. With all the shenanigans going on down in Washington, people are ripe for real change, and we've got the people to provide it.
Interestingly, 2010 has seen the unprecedented circumstance of the Democrats having no County Fair booth. None. Zip, zero, nada. Why would they do that? Lack of volunteers? Naah, they pay their volunteers. They'd show up for a check.
Think about it.
Imagine County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) John D'Amico a/k/a "Flippy" campaigning among the great unwashed masses, the hoi polloi (οἱ πολλοί). Exactly. He would be out of his element and would likely lose votes by talking down to people. Not to mention that if you give him time, he will switch sides on an issue, hence the moniker Flippy in the first place.
But it probably really has to do with their congressional candidates. I don't know about their 4th District candidate, Howard Kleinhendler, but could you just imagine Frank Pallone and Rush Holt in an unscripted moment? They would have to face actual questions from actual constituents! They both would probably wander off to the woods looking for ACORNs. Actually, couldn't you imagine the bully Holt trying to grab funnel cake or cotton candy out of some kid's hand?
So it's pretty obvious that the Dems would prefer to rely on glossy mailers and smooth commercials than actual impromptu contact with the public.
In the spirit of the County Fair and impromptu comments, I'd like to close with some nostalgia from County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) Amy Mallet, from last year's fair. Remember her very chipper shot about"rides for the fat children"?
Since last year the county took down the link. We searched YouTube but couldn't find the video, so here's the text of what Mallet said:
"You look around, first of all, the sun is shining, it's a beautiful day here, but rain or shine it's a great place to be, and it's a great place to be able to celebrate our county and all that it has to offer. And we've got folks here with crafts, 4-H; we've got rides for the fat children, for families; we've got something here for everyone. So I say everybody should just come out and enjoy the fair."
Interestingly, 2010 has seen the unprecedented circumstance of the Democrats having no County Fair booth. None. Zip, zero, nada. Why would they do that? Lack of volunteers? Naah, they pay their volunteers. They'd show up for a check.
Think about it.
Imagine County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) John D'Amico a/k/a "Flippy" campaigning among the great unwashed masses, the hoi polloi (οἱ πολλοί). Exactly. He would be out of his element and would likely lose votes by talking down to people. Not to mention that if you give him time, he will switch sides on an issue, hence the moniker Flippy in the first place.
But it probably really has to do with their congressional candidates. I don't know about their 4th District candidate, Howard Kleinhendler, but could you just imagine Frank Pallone and Rush Holt in an unscripted moment? They would have to face actual questions from actual constituents! They both would probably wander off to the woods looking for ACORNs. Actually, couldn't you imagine the bully Holt trying to grab funnel cake or cotton candy out of some kid's hand?
So it's pretty obvious that the Dems would prefer to rely on glossy mailers and smooth commercials than actual impromptu contact with the public.
In the spirit of the County Fair and impromptu comments, I'd like to close with some nostalgia from County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) Amy Mallet, from last year's fair. Remember her very chipper shot about"rides for the fat children"?
Since last year the county took down the link. We searched YouTube but couldn't find the video, so here's the text of what Mallet said:
"You look around, first of all, the sun is shining, it's a beautiful day here, but rain or shine it's a great place to be, and it's a great place to be able to celebrate our county and all that it has to offer. And we've got folks here with crafts, 4-H; we've got rides for the fat children, for families; we've got something here for everyone. So I say everybody should just come out and enjoy the fair."
Sunday, June 27, 2010
CURLEY SPEAKS OUT
Freeholder John P. Curley expressed concern at the June 10th Freeholders' meeting about the county's bidding process for trucks and equipment in the Department of Public Works and Engineering.
His concern stemmed not from the activities of the County Purchasing Department (cub reporter Bob Jordan or his editors left that part out), but from the actual writing of specifications within Public Works and Engineering itself. This is of severe concern, as we do not want to go back to the years of the past where corruption led to the F. B. I.'s big Operation Bid-Rig investigation.
Since then, we have discovered that the freeholders met with Public Works Director John W. Tobia, and while we are not privy to the actual discussion that went on in the meeting, we understand that he was directed to refine the spec-writing process in his department so as to avoid any taint of favoritism. When the freeholders give a directive to a subordinate it is to be obeyed, and we are told that any misunderstanding in this matter has been resolved.
John Tobia has been a very capable official; time will tell whether that continues or if he becomes the next "curmudgeon".
Anyone wanna guess why else this is relevant? And why are we bringing it up now? Here's why: It puts to bed County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) John D'Amico's whole concept that Monmouth County needs an inspector general or ethics board. Why? Because a freeholder did his job. It's that simple. When an item of concern was brought to John Curley's attention, he researched it and brought it to the entire Board of Freeholders for further action. Some may not like it, but it is what it is. Once presented with the information, the Board, after reviewing the facts and depending upon the severity of the situation, can dismiss it, reiterate and clarify county policy to the official in question, use the county's in-house disciplinary process up to and including termination (firing), or refer the case to law enforcement for prosecution. In this case a clarification was seen as sufficient. We're sure that Curley and the other freeholders will continue to monitor this.
Ironically, for all his talk about ethics, Flippy D'Amico ("This county can not afford to have another Bid Rig"), never expressed any concern about the specs and never brought it up to the Board. Seems he was more interested in theory than in practice.
This should be the final nail in the coffin for D'Amico's inspector general or ethics review board or whatever the hell he wants to call it the next time he brings it up. With an accountable Board of Freeholders, engaged in their responsibilities, there is no need for an additional layer of bureaucracy in county government.
There's also no need for Flippy D'Amico in county government.
His concern stemmed not from the activities of the County Purchasing Department (cub reporter Bob Jordan or his editors left that part out), but from the actual writing of specifications within Public Works and Engineering itself. This is of severe concern, as we do not want to go back to the years of the past where corruption led to the F. B. I.'s big Operation Bid-Rig investigation.
Since then, we have discovered that the freeholders met with Public Works Director John W. Tobia, and while we are not privy to the actual discussion that went on in the meeting, we understand that he was directed to refine the spec-writing process in his department so as to avoid any taint of favoritism. When the freeholders give a directive to a subordinate it is to be obeyed, and we are told that any misunderstanding in this matter has been resolved.
John Tobia has been a very capable official; time will tell whether that continues or if he becomes the next "curmudgeon".
Anyone wanna guess why else this is relevant? And why are we bringing it up now? Here's why: It puts to bed County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) John D'Amico's whole concept that Monmouth County needs an inspector general or ethics board. Why? Because a freeholder did his job. It's that simple. When an item of concern was brought to John Curley's attention, he researched it and brought it to the entire Board of Freeholders for further action. Some may not like it, but it is what it is. Once presented with the information, the Board, after reviewing the facts and depending upon the severity of the situation, can dismiss it, reiterate and clarify county policy to the official in question, use the county's in-house disciplinary process up to and including termination (firing), or refer the case to law enforcement for prosecution. In this case a clarification was seen as sufficient. We're sure that Curley and the other freeholders will continue to monitor this.
Ironically, for all his talk about ethics, Flippy D'Amico ("This county can not afford to have another Bid Rig"), never expressed any concern about the specs and never brought it up to the Board. Seems he was more interested in theory than in practice.
This should be the final nail in the coffin for D'Amico's inspector general or ethics review board or whatever the hell he wants to call it the next time he brings it up. With an accountable Board of Freeholders, engaged in their responsibilities, there is no need for an additional layer of bureaucracy in county government.
There's also no need for Flippy D'Amico in county government.
Monday, January 25, 2010
SOVIET FLIPPY?
Now, we're not exactly saying that County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) John D'Amico (a/k/a "Flippy") is a communist (well, kinda sorta), but the Honest Abe Research Foundation has uncovered an article in The Great Soviet Encyclopedia which sure sounds like him! Interestingly, it's the article on counties.
Here's the text:
COUNTY. (1) In the feudal period, a hereditary feudal possession headed by a count.
(2) An administrative-territorial unit in several bourgeois countries. In the USA, 47 states are divided into counties (a total of more than 3,000 counties). Counties are governed by elected county councils. In Great Britain there are administrative counties and county boroughs. The administration of counties is directed by elected councils, including so-called aldermen, who are co-opted by the council. The administration of counties also includes representatives of the central government -- for example, the lord lieutenant and sheriff. The Australian Commonwealth, some Canadian provinces, and New Zealand also have counties.
The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, Third Edition, Volume 7, Alexander M. Prokhorov, Editor in Chief, Moscow, 1970 (English translation by Macmillan & Co.)
Now it sounds like the Soviets were kind of talking out of their ass, but isn't that Flippy to a "T"? Maybe we should be calling him County Commissar instead of County Commissioner!
Speaking of Flippy, about a month ago we wrote a post about how the Freeholders, on a strict party-line vote, passed a resolution "recommending substitution of the term 'Commissioner' for the term 'Freeholder' in Statutes pertaining to County Government". At the time, we called for its speedy repeal by the new Board.
The new Board has recently repealed the resolution, albeit again on a party line vote, with Republicans John Curley, Rob Clifton and Lillian Burry voting in favor of repeal, and Democrats Flippy and Amy "Fat Children" Mallet voting against.
Here's the text:
RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO 09-1230 RECOMMENDING SUBSTITUTION OF THE TERM "COMMISSIONER" FOR THE TERM "FREEHOLDER" IN STATUTES PERTAINING TO COUNTY GOVERNMENT
WHEREAS, in the judgment of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the County of Monmouth, it is advisable and in the best interest of the County to rescind Resolution 09-1230 which recommended the substitution of the term "Commissioner" for the term "Freeholder" in statutes pertaining to County Government; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the County of Monmouth that Resolution 09-1230 be and same is hereby rescinded in its entirety.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution shall be sent to Governor Jon S. Corzine, Governor-Elect Christopher J. Christie, the President of the New Jersey State Senate, the Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly, all State Legislators representing legislative districts in Monmouth County, the New Jersey Association of Counties, and the Boards of Chosen Freeholders of all of the Counties in New Jersey.
Short and sweet.
So, hopefully this quixotic endeavor at PC crap is over and done with. The Republican majority did the right thing in repealing last month's resolution. It shows what a clueless whack job D'Amico is and what a blind follower Amy Mallet is.
They should be repealed when their terms come up.
Here's the text:
COUNTY. (1) In the feudal period, a hereditary feudal possession headed by a count.
(2) An administrative-territorial unit in several bourgeois countries. In the USA, 47 states are divided into counties (a total of more than 3,000 counties). Counties are governed by elected county councils. In Great Britain there are administrative counties and county boroughs. The administration of counties is directed by elected councils, including so-called aldermen, who are co-opted by the council. The administration of counties also includes representatives of the central government -- for example, the lord lieutenant and sheriff. The Australian Commonwealth, some Canadian provinces, and New Zealand also have counties.
The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, Third Edition, Volume 7, Alexander M. Prokhorov, Editor in Chief, Moscow, 1970 (English translation by Macmillan & Co.)
Now it sounds like the Soviets were kind of talking out of their ass, but isn't that Flippy to a "T"? Maybe we should be calling him County Commissar instead of County Commissioner!
Speaking of Flippy, about a month ago we wrote a post about how the Freeholders, on a strict party-line vote, passed a resolution "recommending substitution of the term 'Commissioner' for the term 'Freeholder' in Statutes pertaining to County Government". At the time, we called for its speedy repeal by the new Board.
The new Board has recently repealed the resolution, albeit again on a party line vote, with Republicans John Curley, Rob Clifton and Lillian Burry voting in favor of repeal, and Democrats Flippy and Amy "Fat Children" Mallet voting against.
Here's the text:
RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO 09-1230 RECOMMENDING SUBSTITUTION OF THE TERM "COMMISSIONER" FOR THE TERM "FREEHOLDER" IN STATUTES PERTAINING TO COUNTY GOVERNMENT
WHEREAS, in the judgment of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the County of Monmouth, it is advisable and in the best interest of the County to rescind Resolution 09-1230 which recommended the substitution of the term "Commissioner" for the term "Freeholder" in statutes pertaining to County Government; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the County of Monmouth that Resolution 09-1230 be and same is hereby rescinded in its entirety.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution shall be sent to Governor Jon S. Corzine, Governor-Elect Christopher J. Christie, the President of the New Jersey State Senate, the Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly, all State Legislators representing legislative districts in Monmouth County, the New Jersey Association of Counties, and the Boards of Chosen Freeholders of all of the Counties in New Jersey.
Short and sweet.
So, hopefully this quixotic endeavor at PC crap is over and done with. The Republican majority did the right thing in repealing last month's resolution. It shows what a clueless whack job D'Amico is and what a blind follower Amy Mallet is.
They should be repealed when their terms come up.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
MORE ON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
With John D'Amico's undying interest in renaming our state's 21 Boards of Chosen Freeholders, the vast editorial staff here at the Monmouth County Republican Blog thought we would look at what other states call their county legislatures.
County Commissioners may be found in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia (Georgia has a phenomenon in some counties calles a "Sole Commissioner", where the governing body consists of only one commissioner - right up Flippy's alley.), Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Kentucky counties are governed by a Fiscal Court, consisting of a County Judge/Executive and either the Justices of the Peace or County Commissioners.
6 states; Arizona, California, Iowa, Mississippi, Virginia and Wisconsin call it the Board of Supervisors. Hawai'i used to have County Supervisors, but it now has County Mayors and County Councils. There are no municipal governments in Hawai'i. South Carolina has County Councils.
New York counties are run by a County Legislature, except the five counties making up New York City, which are merged with the city government.
Maryland has County Commissioners in 16 of 23 counties; the others are governed by a County Council. Illinois counties are governed by a County Board, whose members are called Board Members, except for Cook County, which calls them County Commissioners. And Nebraska has some counties with County Commissioners and others with a Board of Supervisors. Go figure!
Indiana has a system of two boards per county. The County Council is the legislative branch, and a Board of Commissioners, a collective executive body, carries out the legislation of the Council.
Two of our neighbor Delaware's three counties are governed by a County Council; the third is governed by a Levy Court, whose members are called Levy Court Commissioners. All of Delaware's counties once operated under the Levy Court system.
Vermont's counties exist as judicial vicinages only; other functions are performed by local or state government. Connecticut and Rhode Island have nothing; having abolished counties decades ago.
Alaska calls its counties Boroughs, and they are governed by a Borough Mayor and Borough Assembly.
Louisiana calls its counties Parishes, most of which are governed by a Police Jury. Others use the Council - President form (with the President equivalent to a County Executive and the Council as the legislative body), and the Council - Manager form (where an elected council appoints a manager).
County Commissioners may be found in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia (Georgia has a phenomenon in some counties calles a "Sole Commissioner", where the governing body consists of only one commissioner - right up Flippy's alley.), Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Kentucky counties are governed by a Fiscal Court, consisting of a County Judge/Executive and either the Justices of the Peace or County Commissioners.
6 states; Arizona, California, Iowa, Mississippi, Virginia and Wisconsin call it the Board of Supervisors. Hawai'i used to have County Supervisors, but it now has County Mayors and County Councils. There are no municipal governments in Hawai'i. South Carolina has County Councils.
New York counties are run by a County Legislature, except the five counties making up New York City, which are merged with the city government.
Maryland has County Commissioners in 16 of 23 counties; the others are governed by a County Council. Illinois counties are governed by a County Board, whose members are called Board Members, except for Cook County, which calls them County Commissioners. And Nebraska has some counties with County Commissioners and others with a Board of Supervisors. Go figure!
Indiana has a system of two boards per county. The County Council is the legislative branch, and a Board of Commissioners, a collective executive body, carries out the legislation of the Council.
Two of our neighbor Delaware's three counties are governed by a County Council; the third is governed by a Levy Court, whose members are called Levy Court Commissioners. All of Delaware's counties once operated under the Levy Court system.
Vermont's counties exist as judicial vicinages only; other functions are performed by local or state government. Connecticut and Rhode Island have nothing; having abolished counties decades ago.
Alaska calls its counties Boroughs, and they are governed by a Borough Mayor and Borough Assembly.
Louisiana calls its counties Parishes, most of which are governed by a Police Jury. Others use the Council - President form (with the President equivalent to a County Executive and the Council as the legislative body), and the Council - Manager form (where an elected council appoints a manager).
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
HERE IT IS AGAIN
We've previously reported on how County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) John D'Amico, Jr. (a/k/a Flippy) wants to change the title of Freeholder to County Commissioner. Well, he's back at it.
Last night the Board of Chosen Freeholders, in a strict party line vote (with Director Barbara McMorrow coming down squarely on the left), approved a resolution "recommending substitution of the term 'Commissioner' for the term 'Freeholder' in Statutes pertaining to County Government".
This lame piece of left-wing, PC crap has some real doozies of reasons why the title should be changed. Here's the text:
RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING SUBSTITUTION OF THE TERM "COMMISSIONER" FOR THE TERM "FREEHOLDER" IN STATUTES PERTAINING TO COUNTY GOVERNMENT
WHEREAS, county government in New Jersey has grown in importance and scope, handling regional needs and problems in the areas of health, human services, law enforcement, regulatory compliance, court and jail facilities, emergency management, vocational and post-secondary education, solid waste disposal, recycling, water supply, storm water and wastewater management, environmental protection, libraries, parks, planning, consumer affairs, economic development, community development, fair housing, employment, agriculture, tourism, transportation, roads, bridges, public works, and many other areas.; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of New Jersey need to have a clearer understanding of the nature and functions of county government because far too many county residents do not realize that they are constituents of their Boards of Freeholders, and they are unaware of the services and programs provided by county government; and
WHEREAS, in Monmouth County, in addition to being mystified by the use of the phrase "Boards of Chosen Freeholders" to describe the governing body of the county, many county residents believe that they cannot vote for a candidate for "Freeholder" because they do not live in Freehold Township or in the Borough of Freehold; and
WHEREAS, the term "Freeholder" is a feudal anachronism, having originated in Medieval England to designate a free white male who owned an estate or land free and clear for an indefinite period of time, as opposed to a tenant or serf; and
WHEREAS, the term "Freeholder" is incompatible with our advanced democratic form of government that welcomes the participation of citizens who do not own real property, as well as women and persons of diverse racial and ancestral origin; and
WHEREAS, New Jersey is the only state that retains the title of "Freeholder", which is equivalent to "County Commissioner" in other states; and
WHEREAS, county government in New Jersey operates under the commission form of government, with each Freeholder being assigned responsibility for particular departments and functions;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders urges the New Jersey Legislature and Governor to substitute the title of "Commissioner" for "Freeholder" in the statutes pertaining to county government in order to facilitate public understanding of the role and importance of county government and the responsibilities of its elected governing officials.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution shall be sent to Governor Jon S. Corzine, Governor-Elect Christopher J. Christie, the President of the New Jersey State Senate, the Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly, all State Legislators representing legislative districts in
Monmouth County, the New Jersey Association of Counties, and the Boards of Chosen Freeholders of all of the counties in New Jersey.
Really something, huh? First of all, the way you reform supposedly anachronistic institutions is not by changing the name, it is by changing the substance of the institution. As such, Monmouth County has elected African-Americans as well as women to the board; indeed, this and previous years have had female majorities. In colonial times, public officials were often subjected to a religious test to ensure that they belonged to the established, Protestant church. Monmouth's board has had both Jewish and Gentile as well as Protestant and Catholic members. Neighboring Burlington County recently had an African-American Republican Freeholder Director. Those living centuries ago would never have dreamed that institutions would change so.
Thus, the term "freeholder" has evolved from its original, narrow meaning to encompass the modern county governing bodies of today.
As to the resolution's assertion that "New Jersey is the only state that retains the title of 'Freeholder'", this blog has pointed out that Washington State also uses the "freeholder" title, albeit for a different office. So, if Flippy (who usually talks out of his ass) gets his way, only Washington State will have freeholders!
Republican Freeholders Lillian Burry and Rob Clifton were absolutely right to vote no on this drivel. With all that is going on these days, both the Board of Freeholders and the State Legislature have more important things to take up their time.
This crap should be repealed by the new board. The 2010 Organization Meeting on January 7th can't come fast enough.
Last night the Board of Chosen Freeholders, in a strict party line vote (with Director Barbara McMorrow coming down squarely on the left), approved a resolution "recommending substitution of the term 'Commissioner' for the term 'Freeholder' in Statutes pertaining to County Government".
This lame piece of left-wing, PC crap has some real doozies of reasons why the title should be changed. Here's the text:
RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING SUBSTITUTION OF THE TERM "COMMISSIONER" FOR THE TERM "FREEHOLDER" IN STATUTES PERTAINING TO COUNTY GOVERNMENT
WHEREAS, county government in New Jersey has grown in importance and scope, handling regional needs and problems in the areas of health, human services, law enforcement, regulatory compliance, court and jail facilities, emergency management, vocational and post-secondary education, solid waste disposal, recycling, water supply, storm water and wastewater management, environmental protection, libraries, parks, planning, consumer affairs, economic development, community development, fair housing, employment, agriculture, tourism, transportation, roads, bridges, public works, and many other areas.; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of New Jersey need to have a clearer understanding of the nature and functions of county government because far too many county residents do not realize that they are constituents of their Boards of Freeholders, and they are unaware of the services and programs provided by county government; and
WHEREAS, in Monmouth County, in addition to being mystified by the use of the phrase "Boards of Chosen Freeholders" to describe the governing body of the county, many county residents believe that they cannot vote for a candidate for "Freeholder" because they do not live in Freehold Township or in the Borough of Freehold; and
WHEREAS, the term "Freeholder" is a feudal anachronism, having originated in Medieval England to designate a free white male who owned an estate or land free and clear for an indefinite period of time, as opposed to a tenant or serf; and
WHEREAS, the term "Freeholder" is incompatible with our advanced democratic form of government that welcomes the participation of citizens who do not own real property, as well as women and persons of diverse racial and ancestral origin; and
WHEREAS, New Jersey is the only state that retains the title of "Freeholder", which is equivalent to "County Commissioner" in other states; and
WHEREAS, county government in New Jersey operates under the commission form of government, with each Freeholder being assigned responsibility for particular departments and functions;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders urges the New Jersey Legislature and Governor to substitute the title of "Commissioner" for "Freeholder" in the statutes pertaining to county government in order to facilitate public understanding of the role and importance of county government and the responsibilities of its elected governing officials.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution shall be sent to Governor Jon S. Corzine, Governor-Elect Christopher J. Christie, the President of the New Jersey State Senate, the Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly, all State Legislators representing legislative districts in
Monmouth County, the New Jersey Association of Counties, and the Boards of Chosen Freeholders of all of the counties in New Jersey.
Really something, huh? First of all, the way you reform supposedly anachronistic institutions is not by changing the name, it is by changing the substance of the institution. As such, Monmouth County has elected African-Americans as well as women to the board; indeed, this and previous years have had female majorities. In colonial times, public officials were often subjected to a religious test to ensure that they belonged to the established, Protestant church. Monmouth's board has had both Jewish and Gentile as well as Protestant and Catholic members. Neighboring Burlington County recently had an African-American Republican Freeholder Director. Those living centuries ago would never have dreamed that institutions would change so.
Thus, the term "freeholder" has evolved from its original, narrow meaning to encompass the modern county governing bodies of today.
As to the resolution's assertion that "New Jersey is the only state that retains the title of 'Freeholder'", this blog has pointed out that Washington State also uses the "freeholder" title, albeit for a different office. So, if Flippy (who usually talks out of his ass) gets his way, only Washington State will have freeholders!
Republican Freeholders Lillian Burry and Rob Clifton were absolutely right to vote no on this drivel. With all that is going on these days, both the Board of Freeholders and the State Legislature have more important things to take up their time.
This crap should be repealed by the new board. The 2010 Organization Meeting on January 7th can't come fast enough.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
Governor-elect Chris Christie and Lt. Governor-elect Kim Guadagno roared through Monmouth County towns last week, from Aberdeen to West Long Branch, steamrollering the Bozo-coiffed, now lame-duck Gov. Jon Corzine in an overwhelming majority of towns. One of our own will be going to Trenton.
We are well aware of what this means locally insofar as the Sheriff's office goes. Kim vacates the office upon taking office as Lt. Governor and Christie must appoint her replacement, who must run for a full term in November.
We also know that Christie will appoint an entire new Cabinet, including a new Attorney General, who the governor-elect has said will be faced with the task of fighting political corruption. This will make John D'Amico's (Flippy) ethics board much less relevant.
Christie will also have the authority to appoint county prosecutors, including a successor to Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis Valentin, who's term expires in 2010. Valentin was appointed by then-Governor Dick Codey with input from Christie, but I believe that Christie would be looking to appoint his own person, one that will be more aggressive than Valentin on public corruption. This, too, will make moot a county ethics board, no matter how distinguished its members.
Another important position to open up during Christie's tenure is that of Commissioner of Registration / Superintendent of Elections, currently held by Democrat Hedra Siskel of Marlboro. Her term expires about 2012. This is an important office, as it oversees the actual registration of voters in the county, as well as the investigation and removal of ineligible voters from the roster. With groups like ACORN and its ilk operating in the urban areas of our great county, it is important that the right person is sitting in that office, working to prevent the corruption of voter fraud.
The transition will be an interesting, bracing time for Monmouth County Republicans. But that will continue beyond the transition, into the administration itself.
We are well aware of what this means locally insofar as the Sheriff's office goes. Kim vacates the office upon taking office as Lt. Governor and Christie must appoint her replacement, who must run for a full term in November.
We also know that Christie will appoint an entire new Cabinet, including a new Attorney General, who the governor-elect has said will be faced with the task of fighting political corruption. This will make John D'Amico's (Flippy) ethics board much less relevant.
Christie will also have the authority to appoint county prosecutors, including a successor to Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis Valentin, who's term expires in 2010. Valentin was appointed by then-Governor Dick Codey with input from Christie, but I believe that Christie would be looking to appoint his own person, one that will be more aggressive than Valentin on public corruption. This, too, will make moot a county ethics board, no matter how distinguished its members.
Another important position to open up during Christie's tenure is that of Commissioner of Registration / Superintendent of Elections, currently held by Democrat Hedra Siskel of Marlboro. Her term expires about 2012. This is an important office, as it oversees the actual registration of voters in the county, as well as the investigation and removal of ineligible voters from the roster. With groups like ACORN and its ilk operating in the urban areas of our great county, it is important that the right person is sitting in that office, working to prevent the corruption of voter fraud.
The transition will be an interesting, bracing time for Monmouth County Republicans. But that will continue beyond the transition, into the administration itself.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
THE INSPECTOR GENERAL RESURFACES; also A MALLET GAFFE
"...I'm afraid this could turn into a witchhunting tool."
...Freeholder Candidate John P. Curley
It is alive!
Just in time for Halloween, the Democrats on the Board of Freeholders have disinterred the Inspector General. Only this time they're not calling it the Inspector General.
The Asbury Park Press reported last week that the Democrats are proposing an "Ethics Board" to keep County Government in line, following the lead of Union County, which called theirs the "Economic Crime / Inspection Bureau".
The prime proponent of this is, yes, you guessed it, County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) John D'Amico, known affectionately as "Flippy". Citing two incidents involving employees, Flippy stressed the need for an ethics board, stating, "This county can not afford to have another Bid Rig".
Fine. But let's look at the two incidents. One was a case where an employee is alleged to have used a county computer for political purposes, and the other case alleges that an employee was removing one party's lawn signs from roadsides. Hardly rises to the level of Bid Rig, Flippy. Really. The county has a disciplinary code for such matters. I am sure that the two employees were disciplined or will be. Maybe even fired. I don't see what more Flippy wants, unless maybe the real issue here is that the employees dissed the Democrats? (This blog is not privy to any specific information in these cases.)
Looks like just another case of the Democrats trying to expand government.
County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) Amy Mallet, known affectionately as "Hammerhead", must really enjoy the taste of her own feet, because this past summer she stuck her foot in her mouth, calf deep. On the TV show Monmouth in Focus, a very chipper Mallet, speaking about the Monmouth County Fair, notes the "rides for the fat children".
I don't know what it is about the Democrats. Bad enough that the Bozo-coiffed Governor Jon Corzine used Republican candidate Chris Christie's weight as a campaign issue, but did Mallet really have to take a shot at the children? Really.
Just in case the county takes down the link, here's the text of what Mallet said on the video.
"You look around, first of all, the sun is shining, it's a beautiful day here, but rain or shine it's a great place to be, and it's a great place to be able to celebrate our county and all that it has to offer. And we've got folks here with crafts, 4-H; we've got rides for the fat children, for families; we've got something here for everyone. So I say everybody should just come out and enjoy the fair."
We've previously referred to Mallet as "Biden with boobs". Hey, if the shoe fits...
...Freeholder Candidate John P. Curley
It is alive!
Just in time for Halloween, the Democrats on the Board of Freeholders have disinterred the Inspector General. Only this time they're not calling it the Inspector General.
The Asbury Park Press reported last week that the Democrats are proposing an "Ethics Board" to keep County Government in line, following the lead of Union County, which called theirs the "Economic Crime / Inspection Bureau".
The prime proponent of this is, yes, you guessed it, County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) John D'Amico, known affectionately as "Flippy". Citing two incidents involving employees, Flippy stressed the need for an ethics board, stating, "This county can not afford to have another Bid Rig".
Fine. But let's look at the two incidents. One was a case where an employee is alleged to have used a county computer for political purposes, and the other case alleges that an employee was removing one party's lawn signs from roadsides. Hardly rises to the level of Bid Rig, Flippy. Really. The county has a disciplinary code for such matters. I am sure that the two employees were disciplined or will be. Maybe even fired. I don't see what more Flippy wants, unless maybe the real issue here is that the employees dissed the Democrats? (This blog is not privy to any specific information in these cases.)
Looks like just another case of the Democrats trying to expand government.
County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) Amy Mallet, known affectionately as "Hammerhead", must really enjoy the taste of her own feet, because this past summer she stuck her foot in her mouth, calf deep. On the TV show Monmouth in Focus, a very chipper Mallet, speaking about the Monmouth County Fair, notes the "rides for the fat children".
I don't know what it is about the Democrats. Bad enough that the Bozo-coiffed Governor Jon Corzine used Republican candidate Chris Christie's weight as a campaign issue, but did Mallet really have to take a shot at the children? Really.
Just in case the county takes down the link, here's the text of what Mallet said on the video.
"You look around, first of all, the sun is shining, it's a beautiful day here, but rain or shine it's a great place to be, and it's a great place to be able to celebrate our county and all that it has to offer. And we've got folks here with crafts, 4-H; we've got rides for the fat children, for families; we've got something here for everyone. So I say everybody should just come out and enjoy the fair."
We've previously referred to Mallet as "Biden with boobs". Hey, if the shoe fits...
Sunday, October 25, 2009
ASBURY PARK PRESS ENDORSES CHRISTIE (And Other Random Stuff)
"Pulling the lever for (Chris Daggett) as a protest vote will only ensure four more years of Corzine and his Democratic administration. That must be avoided at all costs."
"...Christie is the only hope for change." Asbury Park Press editorial, Sunday, October 25, 2009.
Today's Press carries the editorial endorsement of Chris Christie for governor. It outlines the Bozo-coiffed Gov. Jon Corzine's many failures and foibles, as well as cautioning voters not to turn down the primrose path of Chris Daggett, which will only lead to the poison ivy of more Corzine.
The editorial also has some criticism of the Christie campaign and how it was run, however they make no bones about the fact that Christie is the best choice for the job. Still, we believe the Christie campaign is light years better run and more aggressive than that of the mild Doug Forrester, who blamed President George W. Bush for his defeat.
This editorial is informative, well-written and analytical, although Corzine may disagree. However, it would seem that the Press has more than one individual writing their editorials. Their gushing endorsement of Democrat Sean Byrnes for freeholer last Sunday would seem to have been written by cub reporter Bob Jordan or Mike Mangan more than any impartial editor. They claim that "Byrnes does not appear to be beholden to his party's political bosses", but the very fact that he is the Democratic nominee would put the lie to that claim.
Last December the Democrats were criticized for going to out of county political bosses to try to fill appointed county jobs. County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) John D'Amico, Jr., a/k/a "Flippy", was a prime mover and shaker on that fiasco. If not for his fellow Democrat, Director Barbara McMorrow reaching across the aisle and siding with Republicans on certain issues, things would have been a lot worse. And who could forget the dalliance with Gloucester County initiated by County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) Amy Mallet, a/k/a "Hammerhead". Gloucester County is led by none other than the double-dipping Democratic-State Senate Majority Leader-3rd District Senator-Freeholder Director-Ironworker Union Boss-Stephen Sweeney-Billygoat-Legs.
If Byrnes wins, Flippy will be the Director of the Board, and would provide a third reliable vote for D'Amico and his cronies. This must not happen.
"...Christie is the only hope for change." Asbury Park Press editorial, Sunday, October 25, 2009.
Today's Press carries the editorial endorsement of Chris Christie for governor. It outlines the Bozo-coiffed Gov. Jon Corzine's many failures and foibles, as well as cautioning voters not to turn down the primrose path of Chris Daggett, which will only lead to the poison ivy of more Corzine.
The editorial also has some criticism of the Christie campaign and how it was run, however they make no bones about the fact that Christie is the best choice for the job. Still, we believe the Christie campaign is light years better run and more aggressive than that of the mild Doug Forrester, who blamed President George W. Bush for his defeat.
This editorial is informative, well-written and analytical, although Corzine may disagree. However, it would seem that the Press has more than one individual writing their editorials. Their gushing endorsement of Democrat Sean Byrnes for freeholer last Sunday would seem to have been written by cub reporter Bob Jordan or Mike Mangan more than any impartial editor. They claim that "Byrnes does not appear to be beholden to his party's political bosses", but the very fact that he is the Democratic nominee would put the lie to that claim.
Last December the Democrats were criticized for going to out of county political bosses to try to fill appointed county jobs. County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) John D'Amico, Jr., a/k/a "Flippy", was a prime mover and shaker on that fiasco. If not for his fellow Democrat, Director Barbara McMorrow reaching across the aisle and siding with Republicans on certain issues, things would have been a lot worse. And who could forget the dalliance with Gloucester County initiated by County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) Amy Mallet, a/k/a "Hammerhead". Gloucester County is led by none other than the double-dipping Democratic-State Senate Majority Leader-3rd District Senator-Freeholder Director-Ironworker Union Boss-Stephen Sweeney-Billygoat-Legs.
If Byrnes wins, Flippy will be the Director of the Board, and would provide a third reliable vote for D'Amico and his cronies. This must not happen.
Friday, July 31, 2009
COZY WITH THE UNIONS
D'ya really wanna go there, Flippy?
County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) John D'Amico, Jr. has accused Sheriff Kim Guadagno, candidate for Lt. Governor, of being too cozy with the unions.
The Honest Abe Research Foundation took a look at Sean Byrnes (Lil' Flippy), Democratic candidate for County Commissioner (neé Freeholder), who D'Amico backs, to find out how cozy he is.
So far, his only major contribution is:
$2,600.00 from the Local Union 400 PAC Fund, received on May 29th, 2009. This was filed as a 48 hour filing, received at ELEC by fax on June 9th. May 29th to June 9th. I guess in a party where up is down and down is up and wheeling isn't wheeling, 48 hours (2 days for us) can stretch out to nearly 2 weeks. Amazing.
NOTE: The Honest Abe Research Foundation will continue looking into Sean Byrnes. We told you it's not going away, Lil Flippy. See?
County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) John D'Amico, Jr. has accused Sheriff Kim Guadagno, candidate for Lt. Governor, of being too cozy with the unions.
The Honest Abe Research Foundation took a look at Sean Byrnes (Lil' Flippy), Democratic candidate for County Commissioner (neé Freeholder), who D'Amico backs, to find out how cozy he is.
So far, his only major contribution is:
$2,600.00 from the Local Union 400 PAC Fund, received on May 29th, 2009. This was filed as a 48 hour filing, received at ELEC by fax on June 9th. May 29th to June 9th. I guess in a party where up is down and down is up and wheeling isn't wheeling, 48 hours (2 days for us) can stretch out to nearly 2 weeks. Amazing.
NOTE: The Honest Abe Research Foundation will continue looking into Sean Byrnes. We told you it's not going away, Lil Flippy. See?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
FLIPPY SPEAKS OUT ON GUADAGNO
Yesterday (July 21, 2009), County Commissioner (nee Freeholder) John D'Amico, Jr., a/k/a "Flippy", expressed his opinion about Sheriff Kim Guadagno's bid for Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey. Flippy took the Sheriff to task on her dealing with public employee unions.
It was reported in the Asbury Park Press.
Here are the pertinent parts of the article:
D'amico said county officials decided in January to ask two-dozen unions to accept wage freezes that would prevent job losses, but Guadagno "essentially sabotaged the county's plan as it related to the unions within the Sheriff's office and made constructive dialogue with other groups virtually impossible," he said.
"For instance, there was a group within the Sheriff's Office about to accept the wage freeze, and she essentially talked them out of doing it. All this spilled over to the other unions," D'Amico said.
A Sheriff's Department spokeswoman denied that Guadagno persuaded a union to turn down an agreement. "That's just nonsense," said the spokeswoman, Cynthia Scott.
At a March 12 freeholder board meeting attended by hundreds of union members, Guadagno was openly defiant to the freeholders, telling them layoffs would lead to overtime costs that would outweigh the savings.
"I'm not going to stop serving warrants on violent criminals, and I'm not going to turn the lights out at the jail because I have fewer officers. I'm just going to run the department on overtime," Guadagno said at the meeting.
D'Amico says he recalls those comments vividly.
"She threatened that jail overtime would more than offset the savings. That was the threat clearly. She grandstanded at the public meeting. In fact, she turned her back on the freeholders, turned to the union members, and said essentially, 'You're right and the freeholders are wrong.' This was while we were trying in good faith to preserve as many jobs as possible," D'Amico said.
According to county figures, overtime within the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office has jumped 40 percent for the first two months since the county's work force was reduced by layoffs.
However, the overtime budgetfor the Sheriff's Office, year to date, is up only 3.6 percent. Guadagno had said the overtime numbers will fall as the department adjusts to the reduced manpower.
Okay, first of all, we know that D'Amico talks out of his ass half the time; I mean, he is known as Flippy, isn't he? He'll say anything to get press.
Secondly, The Monmouth County Republican Blog has reliable sources imbedded deep inside the Hall of Records, and we don't rely on Flippy to provide factual information.
Sheriff Guadagno had consistently attempted to find some common ground between the unions and the freeholders, and in that she clearly demonstrated statesmanlike behavior.
At the meeting in question, Guadagno pleaded with union members to accept the wage freeze so as to avoid layoffs. At the same time, far from being defiant to the freeholders, she simply stated that, for public safety reasons, certain levels of staffing are required to operate a jail and to serve arrest warrants, and that to provide those staffing levels, the Sheriff's department would rely upon overtime. If D'Amico is upset with the unions for not listening to the Sheriff and accepting the freeze, he should be equally upset with himself and his fellow Democratic freeholders in not heeding the Sheriff's warning that overtime would exceed savings.
At the same meeting, it was actually D'Amico who was castigated for interfering in the labor situation in the Sheriff's Department. We will also point out that D'Amico, who seems to think it's okay for prisons to be run on reduced staffing (maybe he feels that prison gangs are just a celebration of diversity), is also a disciple of the Union County Democrats. That's Union County, folks, where jailbreaks are not out of the question.
Finally, we will point to the third paragraph in the Press article, which says, "...Democratic Freeholder John D'Amico, Jr. said Guadagno was too cozy with the unions..."
Too cozy with the unions? Do you really want to go there, Flippy? Well, do you?
It was reported in the Asbury Park Press.
Here are the pertinent parts of the article:
D'amico said county officials decided in January to ask two-dozen unions to accept wage freezes that would prevent job losses, but Guadagno "essentially sabotaged the county's plan as it related to the unions within the Sheriff's office and made constructive dialogue with other groups virtually impossible," he said.
"For instance, there was a group within the Sheriff's Office about to accept the wage freeze, and she essentially talked them out of doing it. All this spilled over to the other unions," D'Amico said.
A Sheriff's Department spokeswoman denied that Guadagno persuaded a union to turn down an agreement. "That's just nonsense," said the spokeswoman, Cynthia Scott.
At a March 12 freeholder board meeting attended by hundreds of union members, Guadagno was openly defiant to the freeholders, telling them layoffs would lead to overtime costs that would outweigh the savings.
"I'm not going to stop serving warrants on violent criminals, and I'm not going to turn the lights out at the jail because I have fewer officers. I'm just going to run the department on overtime," Guadagno said at the meeting.
D'Amico says he recalls those comments vividly.
"She threatened that jail overtime would more than offset the savings. That was the threat clearly. She grandstanded at the public meeting. In fact, she turned her back on the freeholders, turned to the union members, and said essentially, 'You're right and the freeholders are wrong.' This was while we were trying in good faith to preserve as many jobs as possible," D'Amico said.
According to county figures, overtime within the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office has jumped 40 percent for the first two months since the county's work force was reduced by layoffs.
However, the overtime budgetfor the Sheriff's Office, year to date, is up only 3.6 percent. Guadagno had said the overtime numbers will fall as the department adjusts to the reduced manpower.
Okay, first of all, we know that D'Amico talks out of his ass half the time; I mean, he is known as Flippy, isn't he? He'll say anything to get press.
Secondly, The Monmouth County Republican Blog has reliable sources imbedded deep inside the Hall of Records, and we don't rely on Flippy to provide factual information.
Sheriff Guadagno had consistently attempted to find some common ground between the unions and the freeholders, and in that she clearly demonstrated statesmanlike behavior.
At the meeting in question, Guadagno pleaded with union members to accept the wage freeze so as to avoid layoffs. At the same time, far from being defiant to the freeholders, she simply stated that, for public safety reasons, certain levels of staffing are required to operate a jail and to serve arrest warrants, and that to provide those staffing levels, the Sheriff's department would rely upon overtime. If D'Amico is upset with the unions for not listening to the Sheriff and accepting the freeze, he should be equally upset with himself and his fellow Democratic freeholders in not heeding the Sheriff's warning that overtime would exceed savings.
At the same meeting, it was actually D'Amico who was castigated for interfering in the labor situation in the Sheriff's Department. We will also point out that D'Amico, who seems to think it's okay for prisons to be run on reduced staffing (maybe he feels that prison gangs are just a celebration of diversity), is also a disciple of the Union County Democrats. That's Union County, folks, where jailbreaks are not out of the question.
Finally, we will point to the third paragraph in the Press article, which says, "...Democratic Freeholder John D'Amico, Jr. said Guadagno was too cozy with the unions..."
Too cozy with the unions? Do you really want to go there, Flippy? Well, do you?
INSPECTOR GENERAL UPDATE
Tina Renna at The County Watchers has an update on the Union County Inspector General. Read about it here!
Is this what John D'Amico, a/k/a "Flippy" has in mind for Monmouth County?
Is this what John D'Amico, a/k/a "Flippy" has in mind for Monmouth County?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
STILL FLIPPIN'
"...D'Amico, who has now completely reversed his May support of the Red Bank route..."
The Asbury Park Press, Wednesday July 14, 2009, article by Larry Higgs.
He's doing it again.
County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) John D'Amico, Jr. has flip-flopped again. He can't stop it. It's what he does. It's how he earned the sobriquet, "Flippy". Keeping track of this one is like watching a tennis match.
When he's not busy attempting to create new county bureaucracies, Flippy is wasting no time doing what he does best: flip-flopping.
Last week, at the freeholders' meeting, D'Amico not only voted yes on the reappointment of County Engineer Joseph Ettore, he heaped praise upon Ettore like you wouldn't believe. Now, we believe that reappointing Ettore is a good thing, and his conduct is certainly praiseworthy. He is a professional who has served the taxpayers of Monmouth County well.
Our criticism of D'Amico stems from the fact that in spite of his praise of Ettore, he and County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) Amy Mallet (a/k/a Hammerhead) attempted to replace him with a political crony. Their scheme fell through when their fellow Democrat, Director Barbara McMorrow, refused to participate, giving Republican freeholders Lillian Burry and Rob Clifton the votes needed to reappoint Ettore.
Flippy flipped again in an article in yesterday's Asbury Park Press, in which he completely reversed his stand supporting passenger rail service from Manchester to Red Bank. D'Amico purports to be something of an expert on transportation issues, but he's all over the page on this one. I mean, Jim Howard he's not! It was only in May that he supported the rail line coming into Red Bank, and now he opposes it.
He was for it before he was against it!
John D'Amico stands to become Freeholder Director if the Democrats retain the majority on the Board after the November election. They would actually solidify their control because Sean Byrnes (a/k/a Lil' Flippy) is not as willing to step across the aisle as McMorrow, and would provide a much-needed third vote for Flippy and Hammerhead. This would allow the Trenton Democrats and the Union County gang total control of Monmouth County.
The prospect of Director D'Amico is a scary one. This is a dangerous, vindictive, fickle man. He must be stopped. John D'Amico would make a better weathervane than a freeholder. Or let him stand out in front of a cigar shop or something. That's why it's imperative that we take back the majority on the Board of Chosen Freeholders this year.
COUNTY JOB OPENING!
At last week's freeholders' meeting, County Commissioner John D'Amico (a/k/a Flippy) announced that the county was taking applications for the position of In-House County Counsel. The job announcement is on the county's website. This three-year appointment would replace the current outside curmudgeonly county counsel, Malcolm V. Carton.
John P. Curley, our GOP standardbearer in this fall's freeholder race, addressed the board and expressed concern that creating a full-time legal department would potentially evolve into a new layer of bureaucracy. He added that creating new county government jobs would be inappropriate in light of the recent layoff of many county employees.
Here's the announcement from the county website.
Job Details
Title: In-House County Counsel
Hours/Week:
Title Code:
John P. Curley, our GOP standardbearer in this fall's freeholder race, addressed the board and expressed concern that creating a full-time legal department would potentially evolve into a new layer of bureaucracy. He added that creating new county government jobs would be inappropriate in light of the recent layoff of many county employees.
Here's the announcement from the county website.
Job Details
Title: In-House County Counsel
Hours/Week:
Title Code:
- Starting Salary: DOQ - up to $150,000 Annually
Job Description and Requirements:
•In-House County Counsel
The County Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders on a broad range of subject matters. The ideal candidate will be a trusted legal advisor with a professional demeanor who will be proactive in bringing issues to the Board’s attention, be creative and have good judgment, and be able to multi-task and function effectively in a large government environment with shifting priorities.
This position is in the unclassified service under the NJ Statutes Annotated [40A:9-43] for a three year term.
Salary DOQ – up to $150,000.
Essential job functions may include any of the following but are not limited to:
◦meets with and advises the Board of Freeholders with respect to both legal advise and representations at all Freeholder workshop, executive and public meetings;
◦provides timely and comprehensive responses and recommendations regarding requests from the Board , individual Board members or the County Administrator;
◦adheres to the highest ethical standards in the discharge of all responsibilities;
◦monitors and supervises support legal staff’;
◦researches, interprets and applies laws, court decisions, statutes, ordinances and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of legal opinions and briefs;
◦assists the Board of Freeholders in the development and implementation of Board policies, regulations and operating programs as needed;
◦may represent the County in civil litigation, including preparation and trial of cases before courts and administrative agencies;
◦performs other related duties as assigned. - Education & Experience:
Juris Doctorate Degree with a minimum of 10 years of experience in the practice of law including substantial responsible experience as Counsel for a public jurisdiction.
A Certificate of Good Standing from the New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
◦Knowledge of applicable County and State statutes, codes and procedures.
◦Knowledge of methods and procedures required to provide legal services to governing body of a public entity.
◦Knowledge of managing a legal department of a city, county, or state department or federal agency, or a law firm or corporate law office involved in civil litigation.
◦Ability to conduct legal research and draft legal documents.
◦Ability to conduct effective presentations.
◦Ability to resolve problems and make decisions.
◦Ability to use and communicate by means of computer network systems necessary.
Candidates must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required in managing a legal department, the management of litigation in a cost-effective manner, and the technical and administrative direction of 2 in-house attorneys and outside special counsels.
Forward resume application in confidence to:
Mr. Robert M. Czech
Hall of Records
1 East Main St.
Freehold, NJ 07728
How to apply:•Individuals will only be considered if they possess the minimum requirements listed above.
•All applicants: In order to be considered for a job opening, an Application for Employment must be completed for each position. Resumes may be attached but are not considered as substitution for a fully completed job application form. E-mailed or faxed applications are not accepted.
•Mail: Completed applications referencing the job title code on the application to: County of Monmouth, Personnel Department, 1 East Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
•Phone: To request a Job Application be mailed to you, call 732-431-7300
•In Person: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
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