Running for Maplewood Township Committee as Independent


ml1 said:
no left turns into parking spaces!


Hahahahahaha this made me laugh .. maybe I should it have it on my platform. wink



mikescott said:

LOST said:
To get on the ballot you need signatures. I do not know about anyone else but I would not sign a petition for a candidate until I knew what he/her stood for.
Lucky for her, most will sign and withhold judgement about her until it comes time to vote.   I don't know her but would say it is safe to say that anyone who is running will put together a platform, and be prepared to answer questions.  

This.

Everyone that have sign my petition (thank you so much !! For ever grateful) have not quesion my platform but like the idea of having another candidate and see what they will offer. wink 


You don't think this Township is diverse? In what way should it become more diverse?

All current members of the TC were elected as Democrats, but Mr. Lembrich won a Primary against an incumbent backed by the Party.

Tell us more about yourself and what you would do differently from the current TC.



LOST said:

You don't think this Township is diverse? In what way should it become more diverse?

All current members of the TC were elected as Democrats, but Mr. Lembrich won a Primary against an incumbent backed by the Party.

Tell us more about yourself and what you would do differently from the current TC.

What he said. And by the way, "he" is a very knowledgeable person regarding politics - local and national.


I believe in this case, "diverse" refers to ideas that differ from traditional party ideas.




"I ask you to remember,  Democracy is a very bad form of Government.  But all the others are so much worse."



Formerlyjerseyjack said:
I believe in this case, "diverse" refers to ideas that differ from traditional party ideas.

What are "traditional party ideas" in the context of the Township Committee?

The OP has yet to tell us about her ideas. I've tried to find posts by her concerning Township issues and/or political issues and have been unable to find any.

She has chosen to announce her candidacy here. I'd think she would give some information as to why she is running.


Tell me again why Maplewood has party affiliations for the TC? 



kthnry said:
Tell me again why Maplewood has party affiliations for the TC? 

sanity test


Good for you for getting signatures and running!  We need more people to be involved in the political process.  I have no idea what you stand for other than what you've posted on MOL and Soma Lounge (which I think you left). However, you asked what we would like to be addressed and the biggest issue for me is traffic.  I really want to see enforcement of parking laws in Maplewood Village.  I'd also like to see greater enforcement by the police so that pedestrians can use crosswalks safely.  Let's go after speeders!  Lastly, I'd like to see fewer residential streets being used as cut throughs for speeders. 


ETA:  I really think that if you ran campaign solely on traffic issues, you might do pretty well based on Facebook and MOL! 

HarleyQuinn said:



LOST said:
To get on the ballot you need signatures. I do not know about anyone else but I would not sign a petition for a candidate until I knew what he/her stood for.

You are correct, I need signaturees so I can submit my petition and be officially a candidate for Maplewood Township committee as Independent. At this moment I want to hear the communities concerns, thoughts or any issue they wish our township should address.

Also the current TC of Maplewood is all one party and other voices are needed to represent all views and perspectives of all of Maplewood. 




It would be interesting to have a diverse township wink 




LOST said:

Formerlyjerseyjack said:
I believe in this case, "diverse" refers to ideas that differ from traditional party ideas.

What are "traditional party ideas" in the context of the Township Committee? The OP has yet to tell us about her ideas. I've tried to find posts by her concerning Township issues and/or political issues and have been unable to find any. She has chosen to announce her candidacy here. I'd think she would give some information as to why she is running.

You know, I have no dog in this race, since I live in SO, so if you don't want to sign her petition, fine, but give it a break.



Perseverance said:
Good for you for getting signatures and running!  We need more people to be involved in the political process.  I have no idea what you stand for other than what you've posted on MOL and Soma Lounge (which I think you left). However, you asked what we would like to be addressed and the biggest issue for me is traffic.  I really want to see enforcement of parking laws in Maplewood Village.  I'd also like to see greater enforcement by the police so that pedestrians can use crosswalks safely.  Let's go after speeders!  Lastly, I'd like to see fewer residential streets being used as cut throughs for speeders. 
ETA:  I really think that if you ran campaign solely on traffic issues, you might do pretty well based on Facebook and MOL! 
HarleyQuinn said:



LOST said:
To get on the ballot you need signatures. I do not know about anyone else but I would not sign a petition for a candidate until I knew what he/her stood for.

You are correct, I need signaturees so I can submit my petition and be officially a candidate for Maplewood Township committee as Independent. At this moment I want to hear the communities concerns, thoughts or any issue they wish our township should address.

Also the current TC of Maplewood is all one party and other voices are needed to represent all views and perspectives of all of Maplewood. 




It would be interesting to have a diverse township wink 

As a resident of Maplewood Village I can tell you moving traffic there needs to be addressed.  Also,the other day I sat in Village Coffee around noon.  The same blue painting company van circled the block four times seeking a parking space.  This situation is frustrating to shoppers, tradesmen and store owners who are losing business as potential customers simply resent the effort needed and go elsewhere.





kthnry said:
Tell me again why Maplewood has party affiliations for the TC? 

Apparently, that's the way it was set up when the Township was established in the 1920s, but if you compare the way the Maplewood TC has functioned to the way the South Orange Board of Trustees, whose members do not run with party affiliations, has functioned, you might conclude that party affilaitions for TC are positive.

kthnry said:
Tell me again why Maplewood has party affiliations for the TC? 





 
Perseverance said:
Good for you for getting signatures and running!  We need more people to be involved in the political process.  I have no idea what you stand for other than what you've posted on MOL and Soma Lounge (which I think you left). However, you asked what we would like to be addressed and the biggest issue for me is traffic.  I really want to see enforcement of parking laws in Maplewood Village.  I'd also like to see greater enforcement by the police so that pedestrians can use crosswalks safely.  Let's go after speeders!  Lastly, I'd like to see fewer residential streets being used as cut throughs for speeders. 
ETA:  I really think that if you ran campaign solely on traffic issues, you might do pretty well based on Facebook and MOL! 

Have you ever checked out how many traffic tickets and parking tickets are written every week by the Maplewood Police and Parking Enforcement Officers? If you run into the acting Police Chief.Jim DeVaul or the Maplewood Prosecutor, Annette DePalma, you might want to ask. Or you might want to visit the Municipal Court one Monday evening. You might be surprised.




vermontgolfer said:

LOST said:

Formerlyjerseyjack said:
I believe in this case, "diverse" refers to ideas that differ from traditional party ideas.

What are "traditional party ideas" in the context of the Township Committee? The OP has yet to tell us about her ideas. I've tried to find posts by her concerning Township issues and/or political issues and have been unable to find any. She has chosen to announce her candidacy here. I'd think she would give some information as to why she is running.
You know, I have no dog in this race, since I live in SO, so if you don't want to sign her petition, fine, but give it a break.

No. The OP has announced her candidacy on here. There is no reason to do that other than to seek support. I am registered to vote in Maplewood. If a candidate for public office wants my vote he or she is going to have to give me a reason.

What is the purpose of this thread other than to have a political discussion?


You're likely to get my vote!



LOST said:

No. The OP has announced her candidacy on here. There is no reason to do that other than to seek support. I am registered to vote in Maplewood. If a candidate for public office wants my vote he or she is going to have to give me a reason.

What is the purpose of this thread other than to have a political discussion?

“Wish to run.” There’s not really a candidacy to announce until the petition passes muster. (And a signature is not necessarily an endorsement.) First things first, is probably what some others are thinking.


She did not leave voluntarily, but was removed from Soma Lounge. I wish her luck, but she will not get my support.

Perseverance said:
Good for you for getting signatures and running!  We need more people to be involved in the political process.  I have no idea what you stand for other than what you've posted on MOL and Soma Lounge (which I think you left). However, you asked what we would like to be addressed and the biggest issue for me is traffic.  I really want to see enforcement of parking laws in Maplewood Village.  I'd also like to see greater enforcement by the police so that pedestrians can use crosswalks safely.  Let's go after speeders!  Lastly, I'd like to see fewer residential streets being used as cut throughs for speeders. 
ETA:  I really think that if you ran campaign solely on traffic issues, you might do pretty well based on Facebook and MOL! 




mantram said:
She did not leave voluntarily, but was removed from Soma Lounge. I wish her luck, but she will not get my support.
Perseverance said:
Good for you for getting signatures and running!  We need more people to be involved in the political process.  I have no idea what you stand for other than what you've posted on MOL and Soma Lounge (which I think you left). However, you asked what we would like to be addressed and the biggest issue for me is traffic.  I really want to see enforcement of parking laws in Maplewood Village.  I'd also like to see greater enforcement by the police so that pedestrians can use crosswalks safely.  Let's go after speeders!  Lastly, I'd like to see fewer residential streets being used as cut throughs for speeders. 
ETA:  I really think that if you ran campaign solely on traffic issues, you might do pretty well based on Facebook and MOL! 

 The Adm of SOMA lounge, messaged me and we discuss of taking a break on Lounge. And I agreed. I can come back when I want. At this moment I’m ok not being part of it, I am focusing on other things. And thank you for wishing me Luck wink 



DaveSchmidt said:

LOST said:

No. The OP has announced her candidacy on here. There is no reason to do that other than to seek support. I am registered to vote in Maplewood. If a candidate for public office wants my vote he or she is going to have to give me a reason.

What is the purpose of this thread other than to have a political discussion?
“Wish to run.” There’s not really a candidacy to announce until the petition passes muster. (And a signature is not necessarily an endorsement.) First things first, is probably what some others are thinking.

Thank you David for this post. You expressed it perfectly well. wink



shestheone said:
You're likely to get my vote!

Thank you so much for this !!!  big surprise very sweet of you !! wink



Perseverance said:
Good for you for getting signatures and running!  We need more people to be involved in the political process.  I have no idea what you stand for other than what you've posted on MOL and Soma Lounge (which I think you left). However, you asked what we would like to be addressed and the biggest issue for me is traffic.  I really want to see enforcement of parking laws in Maplewood Village.  I'd also like to see greater enforcement by the police so that pedestrians can use crosswalks safely.  Let's go after speeders!  Lastly, I'd like to see fewer residential streets being used as cut throughs for speeders. 
ETA:  I really think that if you ran campaign solely on traffic issues, you might do pretty well based on Facebook and MOL! 
HarleyQuinn said:



LOST said:
To get on the ballot you need signatures. I do not know about anyone else but I would not sign a petition for a candidate until I knew what he/her stood for.

You are correct, I need signaturees so I can submit my petition and be officially a candidate for Maplewood Township committee as Independent. At this moment I want to hear the communities concerns, thoughts or any issue they wish our township should address.

Also the current TC of Maplewood is all one party and other voices are needed to represent all views and perspectives of all of Maplewood. 




It would be interesting to have a diverse township wink 

Thank you so much for this post. It is really good to see Maplewood residents who embrace future candidates with open mind and give them an opportunity to run without judgement.

About your biggest issue, believe me I have had many residents complain about what you just mentioned, the parking situation, traffic and crosswalks safety. It’s definitely on my list wink 



mantram said:
She did not leave voluntarily, but was removed from Soma Lounge. I wish her luck, but she will not get my support.
Perseverance said:
Good for you for getting signatures and running!  We need more people to be involved in the political process.  I have no idea what you stand for other than what you've posted on MOL and Soma Lounge (which I think you left). However, you asked what we would like to be addressed and the biggest issue for me is traffic.  I really want to see enforcement of parking laws in Maplewood Village.  I'd also like to see greater enforcement by the police so that pedestrians can use crosswalks safely.  Let's go after speeders!  Lastly, I'd like to see fewer residential streets being used as cut throughs for speeders. 
ETA:  I really think that if you ran campaign solely on traffic issues, you might do pretty well based on Facebook and MOL! 

This is not accurate, this is mean, and it has no bearing on whether or not anyone should run for office. 


Ileana:  Could you please tell us why you want to run for TC this year and what you hope to accomplish if you are elected?  This sort of statement could give potential petition signers are clearer idea of who you are and how you might function as a member of the TC.  No need to come up with a platform at this time.  Most of the TC candidates I have spoken with at this point in their campaign preferred to speak with eligible voters and take time to familiarize themselves with the issues before coming up with a formal platform.  


There are two stages to candidacy. The first is the petition. Here, the candidate is assembling a number of people who are to attest to character. A candidate may choose to state positions at this point in time but this is not required.


After submission of the petition, begins the fun, mudslinging, statements of purpose and so forth.


Regarding political parties in local elections, parties are national institutions. issues include national defense with each party calling the other, weak and irresponsible, even though we spend more on military than several other militaristic countries, combined. Next, there is the problem of social spending. One party has been trying to end or limit these since 1932.  Next comes taxes and paying for expenses. One party borrows and spends. It just pushed through a trillion dollar budget while borrowing to pay for it. The other party wants to raise taxes to pay for expenses but is afraid to do so for fear of being called "tax and spend liberals."


Now what any of this has to do with local elections is beyond me. So if a town candidate is Republican or Democrat or independent, should this be an issue. (I would however, question the intelligence of any candidate calling themselves Republican in this day and age.)


So what are issues? Parking, entitled driving and speeding seem to be the main topics in Mpl. Are there regulations to be changed or is it the enforcement of existing laws? If the latter, do we want to pay for more cops and cars? What regulations, if any, would you change?


Property tax is another. Most of this is fixed with education taking the largest piece of the pie. Candidates will sometimes announce how they are going to cut waste. What waste do you see? These questions are not just for Iliana, they should be for all candidates. ---Side issue. There used to be a Citizens Budget Committee to review budget requests from town departments. I know one instance where this group saved MPL. a couple of hundred thousand $$$. It needs to be brought back.


Quality of life issues come into play. Senior issues are getting attention but they cost. (I am 75 years old). Maintenance of town property is important but require money. Spend the money now or spend more money later.


In summary, MOL'ers, what issues are important to you? What issues has the present town council addressed that you consider important? Was their vote in accordance with your values? If so, are you willing to vote to replace members?


I hope this helps.


Me? I would vote to get rid of those stupid pedestrian crossing signs that are in the middle of roads and present traffic hazards. 







crazy_quilter said:
This is not accurate, this is mean, and it has no bearing on whether or not anyone should run for office. 

It is accurate, and harleyquinn further clarified what happened behind the scenes.  I wished her luck, and I agree it has no bearing on whether or not she should run for office.  There is a lot I could say if I wanted to be mean, but it's just not my style. 


It is interesting that parking tickets seem to be at the top of so many lists of issues this election.  I would think that there are other parts of the townships' activities that are more impactful, such as business development, managing DPW priorities in times of limited resources, overseeing retraining in a police department that has recently seen the chief forced into retirement over issues of racial bias, managing the merger of the two fire departments, and growing geographic segregation by race.



mantram said:

crazy_quilter said:
This is not accurate, this is mean, and it has no bearing on whether or not anyone should run for office. 
It is accurate, and harleyquinn further clarified what happened behind the scenes.  I wished her luck, and I agree it has no bearing on whether or not she should run for office.  There is a lot I could say if I wanted to be mean, but it's just not my style. 

You are not accurate, I do not know what you mean by “further clarified what happened behind the scenes”. Crazy_ Quilter confirms what I said, who happens to be the Adm of Lounge. I am not sure what are your intentions but it’s clearly not a good one.


if you want people to attest to your character by signing the petition, you need to be upfront when answering questions. I don’t even know what the SOMA lounge is but if you were “asked to take a break” and people recognize that absence, you probably should explain why.


And I agree that you should also post and tell people WHY you want to run and touch on a few issues that are important to you. A few words on your qualifications/experience might be helpful to others as well. 


I’m not in SOMA so I can’t vote but just some advice. Good luck.


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