OVID TUZENEU DAY

Art Gallagher of More Monmouth Musings has a great idea:

"We could use some of the old Tuzeneu spirit. The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders should declare February 4, the day that Corzine comes to Monmouth County, Ovid Tuzeneu Day and everyone should bring a toy axe to Marlboro High School to protest Corzine's crazy plan."

I hope the freeholders make such a proclamation. I also hope talk show host Jim Gearhart of New Jersey 101.5 picks up on the idea; there could be an Ovid Tuzeneu Day for all of the Bozo-coiffed Gov. Corzine's remaining appearances!
Notwithstanding, I'll start this show. Corzine's Town Hall Meeting will be from 7 to 9 PM at Marlboro High School, 95 North Main St. in Marlboro. Note: North Main St. is Route 79! (Nice try, Gov.) The high school is just south of Route 520. Even if you didn't make the RSVP to get into the meeting, a large outside gathering will be good for our cause.

Try to bring a toy axe. If you can't get one, cut one out of cardboard. No real axes, please! Let's make Corzine never forget Monmouth County. Let's have Ovid Tuzeneu's trusty axe be Old Monmouth's version of torches and pitchforks.
Participants be warn! Corzine has shown that he has no qualms about playing hardball here. You could get arrested. Hopefully there will be no problems. Remember, the police are not the problem here.

OVID LIVES!!!

SHUNPIKING

shunpike

Main Entry: shun·pike
Pronunciation: \ˈshən-ˌpīk\
Function: noun
Date: 1862
: a side road used to avoid the toll on or the speed and traffic of a superhighway
— shun·pik·er \-ˌpī-kər\ noun
— shun·pik·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

Source: The Merriam - Webster Online Dictionary.



That's what's going to happen if the Bozo - coiffed Governor Jon Corzine gets his way. Motorists will simply avoid the state's toll highways. It's been all over the print and online media for some time now.

Interesting how the debate has shifted, too.

Back in the early 1990's, during the anti-Jim Florio fervor, a movement arose proposing the abolition of tolls on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike. (This harkens back to the 1890's, when Middletown resident Ovid Tuzeneu fought an anti-toll battle against the toll roads of his day which made the New York Times.) Then, in 2001, gubernatorial candidate Bret Schundler proposed a plan to abolish tolls on the Garden State Parkway; his opponent, Jim McGreevey, felt that E-ZPass was the way to go. McGreevey won and the tolls stayed up.
Now we have a governor so extreme, he is throwing out trial balloons to establish new tolls on other highways. Routes 78, 80 and 440 were a part of this scheme. While 78 and 80 are off the table (for now), 440 is still in play, with opposition.

Interestingly, the tolls were originally imposed to pay off the bonded indebtedness of the roads. Once the debts were paid off, the toll booths were to be thrown down and the roads would become a part of the State Highway System. Unfortunately, the toll road authorities soon learned that by continuing to borrow, they would keep the tolls and their bureaucracies indefinitely. Now Corzine takes it one step further by proposing linking the general state finances to the toll roads, making it well-nigh impossible to ever remove the tolls, even if a future governor or legislature wanted to. Ever.

This is a dangerous man. Corzine poses as a reformer, all the while taking state government to new levels to feed the Democratic behemoth. Case in point: The voters soundly defeated his embryonic stem cell research proposal, which was intended more as a plum for Newark and Camden than anything for science. In spite of defeat, the governor intends to go forward with the scheme.

What is to be done? The state G. O. P. needs first to realize that they are not dealing with Florio or even McGreevey. No, this is a foe who is far more crafty, totally, shall I say it? Machiavellian. Voting no or compromising is not enough.

In the meantime, if you don't like the tolls, take the shunpike.

UPDATE!!

Sen. Barry Goldwater at The Voice of Reason has a great take on the issue by Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan.

DIRECTOR BURRY!

Happy New Year!

History was made yesterday afternoon with the unanimous selection of Lillian Beneforti Burry as the first woman to serve as Director of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. She is also the first Italian - American to lead the Board.

Director Burry's selection also puts to rest fears that her predecessor as director, Bill Barham, would continue to hold the post in a Larrisonian imperial directorship.

Rob Clifton, who was reelected at the last election, will be deputy director for 2008.

The Asbury Park Press article is here; in the hard copy of the paper an editorial decision was made to place the article not only "below the fold", but at the very bottom of the page. For all their crying about Bill Barham's second year as Director last year, I guess an actual change in the directorship is not really newsworthy in their eyes.

A big thank you to Bill Barham for his service as director for the past two years. This blog has sometimes been critical of Bill, but director is a tough job and we thank him for his time. We also thank Highlands Mayor Anna Little for her service as a freeholder during the same time. During her term on the Board, she was subjected to vitriolic attacks from a faction within our own party, the ultimate source of which is yet to be exposed. Freeholder Little handled these attacks with class and aplomb, and I'm sure we have not heard the last of Anna Little.

The Monmouth County Republican Blog wishes Director Burry, Deputy Director Clifton and the entire Board of Chosen Freeholders the best of luck in 2008!

Some Friday Randomness

Many of you have been following the news coverage of the dispute between the Board of Chosen Freeholders and the County Board of Elections vis-à-vis who has the authority to hire Election Board staff. (Here and here.)

We hate to say we told you so, but we told you so. Back in 2005, then-County Chairman Fred Niemann decided that he would make changes on the County Board. He began by replacing Commissioner Robin Lemesevski of Freehold Township with Howell Municipal Chair Norine Kelly. He followed up in 2006 by replacing Election Board Chairman Barbara Muzetska with Karen Haines of Middletown, his county headquarters office manager.
This threw the seniority on the Board to the Democrats, led by Leah Falk of Aberdeen Township. We now have the dispute leading into the February 5th Super Duper Tuesday Presidential Primary.

Giving the issue the flavor of The Jerry Springer Show is a near Rasta-esque comment by loose-cannon Chairman Adam Puharic publicly bashing an applicant for one of the positions to be filled, and by currency bashing the Board of Freeholders for recommending the applicant. This is standard Puharic policy, making foes where friends used to be, and it appears to go back to his days as a Municipal Chair, when he chose to use his power as Chairman to punish dissent, instead of healing, bringing people together, and fostering debate without resentment. Since becoming chairman, Adam has unnecessarily alienated many, including a former freeholder, at least two out of the three remaining Republican freeholders, the past sheriff and others.

We now come back to candidate screening, which may have the chairman really cycling up to a crescendo. Read Art Gallagher's analysis at More Monmouth Musings.

Have a nice weekend!

Presidential Primary Ballot for February 5, 2008

An eMail was sent out by Chairman Adam Puharic today announcing the ballot order for candidates in the February 5th Presidential Primary. Adam also reiterated his support for Gov. Mitt Romney for president, and pointed out that the Romney state campaign chairman was Sen. Joe Kyrillos of Monmouth County. (He didn't point out that Alan Moretti, a/k/a Monmouth RastaMan, is also a Romney supporter and is also from Monmouth County.)
Still no word yet on whether Adam required the Presidential candidates to undergo background checks.
From the eMail:
Ladies and Gentlemen, your 2008 Republican Presidential Primary Candidates in Ballot Order (Note: Click on candidate's name for link to their website -- H.A.):

John McCain
Fred Thompson
Mike Huckabee
Mitt Romney
Ron Paul
Rudy Giuliani

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MCRC

SATURDAY DECEMBER 15, 2007
Re-organization Day for the Monmouth County Government!

I'm inviting all good Republicans to please join us for the reorganization of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders on Thursday, Jauary 3, 2008. We will be swearing in our great County Clerk Claire French, and our new Sheriff Kim Guadagno!

It will be held at the Monmouth County Police Academy on Kozloski Road, Freehold at 4:00 pm. The real celebration will begin at 6:00 p.m. at SouthGate Manor (the old Van's), Rt. 79, Freehold. All are welcome!

If you have any questions please contact Kathleen at kddonohue@optonline.net or 732-431-6664.


--------------------------------------------------------------
Monmouth County Republican Party
www.MonmouthRepublican.org
info@MonmouthRepublican.org
732.431.6664

GANGSTA COPS A PLEA

Last week, we saw the guilty plea of gangsta developer Anthony Spalliero; he pled guilty to bribing former Marlboro Mayor Matt Scannapieco to the tune of $100,000.00. Other charges were dropped as part of the plea deal.
Spalliero is to be sentenced on March 17, 2008; he will remain on bail until that time.
Spalliero's bail arrangement is to continue, namely, he is to wear an ankle bracelet while living with his daughter.
He had been free on bail until two years ago, when he attempted to abduct a 22-year old Brookdale Community College student at gunpoint, after which he attempted to hide out at his ex-wife's Holmdel home. After a brief stay in the Passaic County Jail, he was deemed "too sick" to stay in jail and "near death" and the current arrangement was set up.
This blog has criticized Spalliero for "play acting"; we have criticized the judge and prosecutors for falling for it. Seemingly every time he was due for a court date, Spalliero would fall ill with some ailment, usually the day before court.
This continues to this day, as the Asbury Park Press reports, "But Spalliero has been stricken in recent years by a rash of ailments, which were detailed in a six-page memo his attorney submitted to Judge Thompson on Wednesday.
The memo reports that Spalliero suffered a heart attack six weeks ago and additionally suffers from diabetes, arthritis, gout and Parkinson's disease. Spalliero currently takes 25 medications, his attorney says, which are administered in 37 pills and five injections daily." (CUE: World's smallest violin.)
Spalliero was well enough to attempt to abduct the woman at Brookdale, but too sick to stand trial? Ask yourself: If you attempted the things he did, while already on bail, would you get the treatment he did??? Uh, huh, I thought so. Of course not.
Expect more of his shenannigans as his sentencing date approaches.

DEVINE BUSTED

James J. Devine, Union County's Democratic, goose-stepping, oompaloompaesque publisher, was arrested Tuesday for being $20,000 behind on his child support obligations. In 2005, Devine became infamous for the now-defunct Handlin-Thompson.org weBSite.

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. (That's what we call Schadenfreude.)

SILLY SEASON!

Well, "Silly Season" is now over, and now it's time for...
Silly Season???
Yes, campers, Election Season '08 is upon us faster than Santa can slither down a KY Jelly-slathered chimney. With the early Super Duper Tuesday Presidential Primary slated to go off on February 5th, there'll be no rest, as filing day is on December 10th. Other events will keep us Republicans very busy as 2008 draws near.

Freeholders Reorganization. Around the first week of January. Who will be the Director? Will the board follow the Harry Larrison tradition and choose Bill Barham for a third straight year? Or will they choose another freeholder to take the helm for 2008? Some have recommended Rob Clifton for the post, due to his recent reelection in a tough year and his conciliatory demeanor. However, Lillian Burry, the current deputy director, lobbied for the post at the last reorganization, and would have to be considered a tantalizing possibility this year. Barham, Clifton and Burry are the three remaining Republicans on the board; the other two members are Democrats Barbara McMorrow and John "Flippy" D'Amico. At this time it is unknown where their votes would fall.
Also, would the board vote to reappoint former Democratic Red Bank Mayor Ed McKenna's law firm as Assistant County Counsel? You know, under curmudgeonly County Counsel Malcolm Carton? If so, Red Bank Councilman John Curley is poised to throw his hat in the ring. More on that below.

Super Duper Tuesday. February 5th. The Presidential Primary. New Jersey has opted to move its presidential primary up from June so as to be more relevant in the presidential selection process. Here in Monmouth County, Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney so far have a lot of support. We'll see who files next Monday and see where the support lines up.
So far, no information on whether Chairman Adam Puharic will require background checks on the presidential candidates.

Lincoln Day. Somewhere in the midst of all this will be Lincoln Day.

Primary No. 2. Yes, there will be two, count 'em, two primaries this year. The regular Jersey primary will go off as planned in June, with a filing date presumably in April. It is said that both Bill Barham and Lillian Burry are each looking for new running mates this year, and may oppose each other in a primary. A possible third ticket may be in the offing as well. If Democrat Ed McKenna is reappointed as an assistant county counsel, John Curley of Red Bank will run. It is not known which slate he will be on, though it's a safe bet that he will oppose Bill Barham. Presumably there will be some kind of a steering committee with the requisite background checks; so far no details on that.
Also no details as to whether or not there will be a Rasta-esque persona this year to trash opposition within the party.

Chairman's Election. Yes, the Chairman's Election. Adam's two-year term will be up in June, a week after Primary. Will he be challenged?

Welp, that gets us to the middle of 2008. More to come! And fasten your seatbelts folks - Howell will have a local election this year!

MAYHEM IN MARLBORO

UPDATE!!!

Barry Goldwater at The Voice of Reason has offered a rebuttal to the below account. In fairness to all involved, I recommend reading his post. Simply click the linc.

*****

This just in.
Our sources report that at a recent Marlboro Republican Club meeting, County Chairman Adam Puharic walked in, along with an as yet unidentified woman who had not been to a club meeting in some time. The woman proceeded to criticize the club's president, Captain Shital Rajan and call for his resignation.

Captain Rajan has been identified with the Republicans for Hornik faction, which backed Democrat Jonathan Hornik for mayor over the Republican incumbent, Dr. Robert Kleinberg. Hornik overwhelmingly defeated Kleinberg, sweeping in two Democrats for Council as well. The split in Marlboro, the New Howell, is said to have cost Jeff Cantor the election for freeholder.
Voices in the crowd then criticized the woman for her absence from Republican Club meetings. Others then questioned who Puharic was, to which Puharic replied, "I'm your Monmouth County Republican Chairman who just won one seat!"
This was met with catcalls of, "You mean you just lost one seat!" This was apparently in reference to Jeff Cantor's narrow defeat by Democrat John "Flippy" D'Amico.
Puharic is said to have left the meeting at that time.

ABOUT THOSE LOCALS

As posted last week, here's some information on some of the local races in Monmouth County.

Aberdeen Twp. The Democrats won again, and will continue to hold a monolopy on the council. Republicans came close this year, with a little more work they might have pulled this one off. A slate of Greens was also in the race.

Atlantic Highlands - If awards could be given out for an effective sign campaign, the Atlantic Highlands Republicans would walk away with it. It seems that nearly every home, business or even doctor's office sported a sign! The election went Republican, too, with Frederick Rast elected as mayor over the Democratic incumbent and Louis Fligor reelected to council along with newcomer Jacob Hoffmann. Good work guys.

Hancock Twp. There is no Hancock Township.

Hazlet Twp. In a split vote, Democrats gained a seat on the township committee, bringing the ratio to 4 - 1. Scott Aagre was elected on the Republican ticket, and will be the committee's lone G. O. P. member in '08. Hazlet, once all - Republican, has seen Democratic gains ever since former mayor "Big Paul" Coughlin got banged in the big Operation Bid Rig investigation.

Highlands - As reported last week, Freeholder Anna Little was elected mayor. Her running mate, Councilwoman Nancy Thomas, was reelected.

Holmdel Twp. Another split. Mayor Serena DiMaso was reelected, but her running mate, Jerry Allocco, was defeated by Democrat Janet Berk. DiMaso and Allocco were on opposing slates in the primary, but teamed up for the general election. Sadly, it is reported that some Republicans worked for the democrats, resulting in a close race and Allocco's loss.

Howell Twp. Thankfully, Howell had no local seats up this year. Hopefully local Republicans used the pause to pull together for next year.
Of course, this year, we have Wall and Marlboro.

Keyport - Keyport Republicans went into a tailspin when Mayor John Merla and Councilman Bob Hyer were caught in Operation Bid Rig. They have reason to celebrate this year with the election of the Lincolnesque John Kovacs to the Borough Council. Kovacs is a respected former councilman and will send the message that the adults are back in the house.

Manalapan Twp. As reported last week, Mayor Andrew Lucas and Committeewoman Susan Cohen were reelected by comfortable margins.

Marlboro Twp. An absolute blow-out. Democratic sweep. Mayor Robert Kleinberg was considered one of the all-time political "saves" four years ago in the aftermath of the corruption arrests of former Mayor Matthew Scannapieco and former Councilman Thomas Broderick. This year, Kleinberg seemed to self - destruct, with one gaffe after another. To top it all off, a Republicans for Hornik movement erupted, supporting Kleinberg's Democratic opponent. I thought Manalapan was supposed to be the new Howell! Marlboro's problems likely caused the defeat of freeholder candidate Jeff Cantor. This bears further investigation and we are not finished with this one.

Matawan - Squeaker! Councilman Paul Buccellato is currently one vote behind Democratic Mayor Mary Aufseeser for the mayoralty. He is seeking a recount. Republican Linda Clifton was elected to the council. Once a G. O. P. bastion, Matawan has been Democratic the last few years.

Middletown Twp. Yet another split. Mayor Jerry Scharfenberger was reelected, but his running mate, Tristan Nelsen, fell short to Democrat Sean Byrnes. Hey Middletown G. O. P.: You're the biggest town in the county. Pull it together. We need big numbers from you. One more Dem gets elected and that's the ball game, guys.

Upper Freehold Twp. Reliably Republican, even in the face of a split. Lori Horsnall Mount and Stanley Moslowski Jr. were nominated in the Republican primary. Republican Mayor Stephen Fleischacker opted to go it as an independent, bypassing the primary process. Moslowski then ditched his running mate and teamed up with Fleischacker, leaving Horsnall Mount out in the cold, so to speak. Atfer all was said and done, however, it was Moslowski and Horsnall Mount who won.

Wall Twp. Howellesque. What else can we say? No Democrats filed for the two full - term committee seats. Jeffrey Foster and Clint Hoffman, two Republicans running as independents, defeated longtime G. O. P. committee members Robert Peters and Mary Burne. For the two year unexpired term of John Tobia, Republican Michael Clayton defeated Democrat Sherri West. The 2008 make up of the Wall Township Committee will be 2D - 1R - 2I. It remains to be seen whether the independents will work with Clayton or the Democrats. Wall is an important town and what goes on here can affect the county races.

This has been but a sampling of some notable local races in Monmouth County.

LUCAS & LITTLE WIN!

No, sports fans, you're not reading a draft from last year's election. Mayor Andrew Lucas of Manalapan was reelected to the Township Committee along with his running mate Susan Cohen, overcoming both an independent candidate and a local party split to defeat two Democratic opponents. And in Highlands, Freeholder Anna Little handily won election as that borough's next mayor, defeating a Democrat, an independent and a write-in candidate backed by Middletown Republican Judith Stanley-Coleman. Earth to Judy: While Highlands may be somewhat surrounded by Middletown (Sandy Hook is part of Middletown.), it is not a part of Middletown, having seceded many decades ago. Butt out.
Election night was, all in all, not too shabby for Monmouth County Republicans.

Stick a fork in him. He's "Well Done."

That's right. Assemblyman Sean Kean coasted to victory over former assemblyman, former freeholder and all-around supporter of curmudgeonly County Counsel Malcolm Carton, John "Well Done" Villapiano; Dave Rible and Mary Pat Angelini defeated the other two Democratic johns in the 11th District.

Back to the Christmas tree farm, Ellen!

Jen BECK! romped to victory over incumbent Democratic Senator Ellen Kärcher. Kärcher was rocked by ethical questions about her Camden County connections and her property's farmland assessment. Desperate, she went viciously negative against BECK! and that was all she wrote. Democratic assemblyman Mike Panter will pant no more in Trenton; he and his running mate Amy Mallet having been bested by Declan O'Scanlon and the underestimated Caroline Casagrande. The 12th District thus returns after a brief hiatus to the G. O. P. column.

13th an easy GOP win.

In the 13th District, Sen. Joe Kyrillos soundly defeated Democrat Lenny "ELEC" Inzerillo for another term representing that district. Inzerillo's campaign was known for the pink placards pasted to his posters promoting pandering points. (Like that? I wish I thought of it before the election!) Assembly members Amy Handlin and Sam Thompson crushed Democrats Pat Walsh and Robert Brown, keeping the 13th solidly Republican.

Had Enough?

The voters in the 30th District clearly spoke that they had had enough of the Trenton Democrats and their games and defeated the Democratic ticket of Steven Morlino for senate and Jeffrey Williamson and Sharon Atkinson for assembly. Sen. Bob Singer and Assemblymen Ron Dancer and Joe Malone soundly defeated the Democrats. The 30th, like all districts representing Monmouth County in Trenton, will be solidly Republican.

County to remain under GOP control; Silent Steve silenced

In the county races, we won at least three out of four, with Jeff Cantor's race up in the air. Kim Guadagno was elected Sheriff over Democrat Jack Hill. She will become the first woman to hold the Sheriff's office in Monmouth County. In 2008, all Monmouth County Constitutional officers will be women.
County Clerk Claire French roared to victory over Amod Choudhary of Colts Neck for another five year term. Claire has run the Clerk's office in a modern and professional manner, and will continue to do so.
On the freeholder level, things were closer. Freeholder Rob Clifton was high vote getter. For the second seat, John "Flippy" D'Amico (A supporter of curmudgeonly County Counsel Malcolm Carton from way back.) right now holds a razor-thin edge over Jeff Cantor. This should be decided once provisional ballots are counted; Jeff's a good guy and hopefully he can pull it off. "Silent Steve" Schueler was low man and will definitely not be a freeholder. Shows what silence can do.
As we get more information, it will be posted. We'll probably also talk about the towns, too.

?

Art Gallagher at More Monmouth Musings has a very informative post on the Public Questions that all should read before voting; likewise Teddy Roosevelt at Monmouth Bull Moose.

DEMS GONE WILD

In the last week or so the highly funded Democratic legislative candidates have really amped it up. The volume, that is.

It's shrill.

In the 11th District, they are airing a radio commercial blasting Dave Rible and Mary Pat Angelini. In it they say that Rible is accepting contributions from developers and Angelini awards no-bid contracts. Barry Goldwater, the Voice of Reason, refers to a shrill e-mail from ex-NFL player Phil Villapiano supporting his brother, Malcolm Carton supporter and former assemblyman and freeholder John "Well Done" Villapiano.

In 12, incumbent Senator Ellen Kärcher (D - Monmouth/Camden), has brought the rhetoric to new levels of cattiness with her Rastaesque attacks on her opponent, Assemblywoman Jen Beck, where she digs into the long-ago driving record of a then-twentysomething Beck. Kärcher also attempts to defend her farmland assessment.
On the assembly level, the Democrats appear to have distanced themselves from Kärcher, and are attempting to run as pseudo-Republicans. Assemblyman Michael Panter is airing commercials with himself as a corruption fighter. Earth to Mike: Your bosses in Trenton, Camden and Newark will never allow any worthwhile legislation to see the light of day. Amy Mallet is trying to portray herself as a born-again conservative. Her latest commercial piece calls for cuts in state government. Amy, get real. Your bosses will make sure that you vote to send our tax dollars to the cities. For more in-depth reading on the 12th, see The Voice of Reason. Barry's writings are informative and very well researched.

The 13th District has been pretty quiet, with the Democratic legislative candidates looking more like they are running for Middletown Township Committee. Lately, however, Senate candidate Leonard "ELEC" Inzerillo has had some stickers affixed to his signs. A recent late-night sojourn through the Bayshore has revealed at least two: "Control Traffic" and "Lower Tuition". The tuition stickers were all located around the Brookdale Community College area.
Huh? What's up with that, Lenny? Got a plan? Weird.
This has been an update on the zany madcap Democratic legislative campaigns.

THE CAMDEN COUNTY CONNECTION

"The same party bosses who are running Trenton are heavily funding the Monmouth County Democrats. Voters have to ask who's going to be beholden to the Trenton Democrats."
Chairman Adam N. Puharic


As we observed in the last post, Monmouth County Democrats are being funded - heavily - by the Camden County Machine.
Today's Asbury Park Press reports a $37,000.00 contribution from Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts (D - Camden), a lieutenant in the Norcross political machine. Another $37,000.00 came from the Election fund of Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald (D - Camden), another known Norcross associate, and $37,000.00 from the Bozo - coiffed Gov. Jonathan Stevens Corzine.
$37,000.00 is the max.
Another $10,000.00 came from the Election Fund of Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D - Middlesex), who represents Jim McGreevey's old district.
This shows a compelling connection between the Monmouth County Democrats (Where wheeling isn't wheeling) and the major Jersey political bosses.
I will add that it shows just a touch of hypocrisy on the part of the Press, which purports to be all for good government and reform. While they may have endorsed our Republican candidates for Senate and Assembly, the building blocks of political power in New Jersey are the counties. It is the county party organizations which control patronage - not only in the county, but also many state positions like tax boards and judgeships go through county chairmen.
To put the Monmouth County Democratic Party (Where wheeling isn't wheeling.) in power would also empower the likes of Norcross in Monmouth County, and add another jewel to his crown. (He's targeting Atlantic County, too.)
So, rather than good government, by endorsing the Democrats, the Press is endorsing the Norcross machine and all the baggage that comes with it. But then, this is the paper that ran stories about prostitution busts at an Ocean Township "massage" parlor, while allowing the same establishment's classified ad to run in the same issue that the story ran in.

FLIPPY AND SILENT STEVE

Today's Asbury Park Press editorial endorsing Democratic candidates John "Flippy" D'Amico and Silent Steve Schueler for Freeholders is true to form. Blast the Republican candidates for the past actions of the late Harry Larrison and his cronies, and praise the Democrats as reformers. Don't forget to throw curmudgeonly County Counsel Malcolm Carton into the mix.
A look at the Democrats' ELEC reports shows, as in past years, a bevy of attorneys and labor unions as contributors. And remember, like Alice in Wonderland, the Democratic Party is a place where wheeling is not wheeling.
They have even "beLittled" Jeff Cantor with, "Cantor, who has the least experience and seems to have the weakest grasp of the issues among the candidates, doesn't appear ready to step up to the freeholder board yet." Come on. That's just like their "we're dubious" comment about Freeholder Anna Little last year. Cantor has basically followed Little's lead on reform issues.
Their bringing up Carton in particular falls flat. Rob Clifton alreday has voted no on Carton's appointment, and Cantor has vehemently said that he should go. On the other hand, Flippy has hedged on Carton, and Silent Steve has been, well, silent. This blog has reported that D'Amico back in 1988 not only voted for Carton's appointment, he sponsored the resolution. You read it here first. And we have it on good authority that D'Amico and Carton maintain contact to this day, with Flippy even a visitor to the curmudgeonly counsel's palustrine palace.
Flippy is the epitomé of Club Monmouth.
Although the Press' endorsements of Republican legislators was widely praised among G. O. P. activists, their freeholder endorsement falls flat. To read it, one would deduce that they had first made the decision to back Flippy and Silent Steve, then come up with reasons for it later.
The Press is in the business of selling newspapers. If they don't do that, they're out of business. Fair enough. But at least if you're going to make an endorsement, use facts and make it convincing.

UPDATE

Today's Press (Oct. 29th) endorses the Democrats for Sheriff and County Clerk, namely Jack Hill and Amod Choudhary, respectively. This makes for a complete Democratic endorsement on the county level.
The Press continues to dwell on a supposed Republican connection to a dead man, Harry Larrison, Jr., while ignoring documented Democratic connections to live people like George Norcross III of Camden County, Raymond Lesniak of Union County and others, as well as all the labor bucks rolling in.

MONMOUTH BUSTEDMAN

UPDATE!
According to Art Gallagher, it appears that Rasta is Alan Moretti, 27, of Rumson. There may be others involved as well.
I think Alan needs a lawyer.
Many have wanted to (figuratively) Taser® this clown.
Monmouth RastaMan.
This blogger first appeared on the Monmouth County scene around the time of the 2006 County Chairman's election as a supporter of Adam Puharic's candidacy. Originally posting as "Donny D" and using a photo of former Governor Donald DiFrancesco as an icon, after the chairman's election he began posting as Monmouth RastaMan, a "lifelong Monmouth County Democrat who tells it as it is". He then began using a series of photos, changing them periodically.
Rasta's blog began pretty benignly, posing as a disheartened Democrat coming over to the G. O. P. His criticisms at the time were along the lines of criticizing Freeholder Anna Little for not resigning as a Highlands Councilmember soon enough.
After the 2006 election, Rasta amped up his criticisms of Freeholder Little, to the point of libel. Many other dedicated longtime Republicans were targeted; Rasta also went after Courier Publisher James Purcell. It was at about this time that I removed the link to his weBSite.
Purcell retained the services of attorney Tommy DeSeno, who aggressively pursued the case. Through DeSeno's tenacious hard work, Monmouth RastaMan is now Monmouth BustedMan. Found out. Purcell promises to reveal Rasta's identity in a press release later today. When we have the information we will post it here.
I expect this to have a cascading effect. Many will probably want a piece of the Rasta. He offended many people, many of them private citizens. Time will tell where this leads.
Also unknown is whether this extends beyond the civil realm into the criminal realm.
As more info is officially made public, I will post it.

ADAM PLUGS THE MONMOUTH COUNTY REPUBLICAN BLOG!

Hats off to the Monmouth County Republican Blogger Honest Abe for this fair reporting on Club Monmouth's own John D'Amico:
-- http://gop-of-mc.blogspot.com/ --

FORMER FREEHOLDER FLIPPY D'FLOPPA

(the rest of Adam's wireside chat is a re-print of yesterday's Former Freeholder Flippy D'Floppa post.)

Could the County Chairman be coming around on the blogs? Last month he plugged More Monmouth Musings.

Thanks for the plug, Adam!

FORMER FREEHOLDER FLIPPY D'FLOPPA

As the county campaign heats up, we find more and more that former Freeholder John D'Amico, Jr., far from being the reformer that he cracks himself up to be, was in thick and heavy with "the boys".

And on top of that, he's proving to be quite a flip-flopper. And this guy was a judge? And in charge of paroling offenders?

We already knew about his support for curmudgeonly County Counsel Malcolm Carton. You read that here first. Now Freeholder Rob Clifton has released documents showing that D'Amico twice voted for the appointment of Anthony J. Palughi as Director of Central Motor Pool Operations even though Palughi's job application was blank, save for "his name, his phone number, his address and his contact if he got hurt." Clifton points out that D'Amico voted to appoint Palughi twice.

As for Carton, in this year's campaign alone the chamaeleonic D'Amico flip-flopped from, "If we're elected, we're going to review that position and all the open positions that come up", to "It's time for Malcolm to retire. I'm not going to vote for him."

He lamely flip-flopped on the freeholders' dinner meetings of yore, which he gleefully participated in back in the 80's.

"I had dinner. I'm sorry."

Oh. I guess sorry makes it right. You had dinner all right John. On the taxpayers' dime!

It's clear that D'Amico was weak as a minority freeholder back in the 80's. How was he as a majority freeholder? You know, when the Democrats were in control.

Two matters come to mind. The first had to do with the appointment of Robert J. Collins as County Administrator. Collins had served as Administrator during the Democrats' control during the 70's, and the Democrats wanted to bring him back when they retook the majority in the 80's. In the interim Collins had worked in both public and private sector jobs. The Democratic freeholder majority voted to buy back Collins' lost pension time at county expense; normally an employee would have to do this at his or her own expense. That controversial resolution passed on a strictly party line vote, with Republicans Harry Larrison and Tom Powers both voting no.

The second matter that comes to mind is the appointment of John E. Westlake as Clerk of the Board, a position now held by the genial Jim Gray of Manalapan. Westlake would go on to both serve time on the Monmouth County Tax Board and to serve time for tax evasion.

So, D'Amico is no reformer. Not only is he known for cronyism as a freeholder, it would appear that he continued that behavior as State Parole Board Chairman.

Put John D'Amico back on the Board of Chosen Freeholders? You've gotta be kidding!!!

D'Amico Brings 'Club Monmouth' to the Parole Board

-- Tenure at Parole Board One of hiring Political Cronies --

"I am not here with any political agenda. What I've stressed with the board is that we are here to render a public service. We're not here to do favors. We're not here to forward partisan agendas.”
- John D'Amico in August 2003
(David Kinney, "Chairman Sets Stage For Parole Reforms,” The Star Ledger, August 7, 2003)

Freehold, NJ – The Monmouth County Republican Committee issued the following statement today:

"This summer John D'Amico and the Monmouth County Democrats mailed an attack campaign flyer criticizing the Freeholders' appointment of John Tobia, saying that ‘they'll put an end to the cronyism',” said Monmouth County Republican Spokesman John Raue. "A look at D'Amico's record at the state parole board shows that he in fact brought and retained political cronies with him from Monmouth County to the state parole board.”

"D'Amico said that he had no political agenda when he became NJ Parole Board Chairman, but the first appointment made by Governor McGreevey during D'Amico's tenure at the parole board tells a different story,” said Monmouth County Republican spokesman John Raue.

"Clearly the chairman of the state parole board has great influence over the appointments in his office, so lets look at the first appointment, that occurred by the governor, under D'Amico's tenure at the NJ Parole Board.”

In November 2003, D'Amico's former boss's wife, Veleria N. Lawson, became the first new parole board member hired under the D'Amico Parole Board. "Gov. McGreevey nominated Monmouth County school social worker Veleria N. Lawson to the state Parole Board yesterday. Lawson, a Democrat and the wife of Superior Court Judge Lawrence M. Lawson, would earn $104,118 in the full-time position.” (Sandy McClure, "Governor Selects Judge's Wife For Seat On N.J. Parole Board,” The Asbury Park Press, November 20, 2003)

"It is amazing that out of the hundreds of people who were qualified for this appointment it just so happens that D'Amico's ex-boss's wife got the appointment,” said GOP spokesman John Raue.

To make matters worse, during D'Amico's tenure, he retained Mike Dowling as Executive Director of the parole board. Dowling was the failed Democratic Sheriff candidate in Monmouth County immediately prior to his appointment to this lucrative position.

"D'Amico could have sent a clear signal for reform, and wiped the slate clean of cronies and politically motivated hires. Instead, he chose to maintain the system of perks and preferential treatment that was similar to the ‘Club Monmouth' abuses reported by the press.”

"Clearly John D'Amico's definition of not having a ‘political agenda' is overseeing the appointment of his ex-boss's wife for a political patronage position,” said spokesman John Raue. "These are just two examples of cronyism under D'Amico's leadership at the state parole board.”

"Once again the ‘good old boys' mentality is at work with John D'Amico while he claims he does not have ‘any political agenda',” concluded GOP spokesman John Raue.

SIGNS, SIGNS, EVERYWHERE!

We have gotten well into the time of year that campaigns are in full gear. That means signs, campers.

Our Monmouth County G. O. P. has always had a very efficient sign team, and this year is no exception. All over the county one may see the multicolored "Guadagno, French, Clifton, Cantor" signs on lawns and roadsides. (If you haven't gotten yours, call Republican Headquarters at 732-431-6664 and get one!)

Signs for our legislative teams are also appearing in their respective districts; the locals are getting theirs up in the towns. (If you think Howell is quiet, it's because they have no seats up this year. See Manalapan.)

The Democrats have been a tad slow on the uptake this year when it comes to signs. One month out from the general election, we have not seen any Democratic county signs. Their locals are up, as are the legislative candidates, but no county. [UPDATE! 10/10/07: Earlier today one lonely "Hill, Choudhary, D'Amico, Scheuler" sign was spotted on Crine Road in Colts Neck. All by its lonesome.] This does not mean that they have no campaign, however. We have it on reliable authority that their sheriff candidate, Jack Hill, sent out a mailer recently. This piece aroused the ire of postal workers due to its large size and slick texture; a darker side to it was the fact that several postmen received paper cuts from the Hill piece.

Democratic 13th District Senate candidate Leonard "ELEC" Inzerillo got his signs out in the Bayshore this weekend; this appears to have been done separately from his Assembly candidate running mates as they do not appear on his signs. It does not appear that Union County's goose-stepping, Oompa-loompaesque publisher James J. Devine is involved in the 13th District campaign this year.

Last year there were the "Republicans ♥ Barbara McMorrow" signs, this year we have the "Republicans for Hornik" (Democratic Mayoral candidate Jon Hornik) signs in Marlboro. These appear to be the result of a party split (Brought to our attention by Barry Goldwater at The Voice of Reason.) in the Marlboro G. O. P. relating to Mayor Robert Kleinberg. So far we have no names, but it appears to be actual Republicans who had a falling out with the mayor. It is our understanding that this group includes some long time party members. Hornik's father, the late Mayor Saul G. Hornik, was a longtime Republican who then switched parties in his first term. The signs do not list a treasurer's name, just paid for by Republicans for Hornik.
Note to Republicans for Hornik: The time to oppose a Republican candidate/official is in the Primary. The Primary, people. Don't promote the Democrats.
Im Marlboro, who is paying for something is always important to know, and it'll be interesting to see just who is funding this operation. If anyone has any info on this, let us know.

Finally, we are told that Mayor Andrew Lucas of Manalapan (Who should have been elected Freeholder last year!) tied the knot this past Saturday. We wish the Lucases much happiness in their marriage!