Running for Maplewood Township Committee as Independent

alias said:
I have given this some thought and have not arrived at a satisfactory answer, so I open my question to the group.  
What might the rationale be for a stronger affirmation by a signatory to an independent's survey to run in the general election ("Support and vote for") versus a partisan's survey to run in a primary ("Indorse") for the same office?

I wondered the same thing. My best guess is that it was seen as a way to put an additional curb on the number of candidates in November — that restricting signers to one petition wasn’t enough, and that the state wanted at least some evidence of a candidate’s viability.

Now i have a question .. can a person sign two candidates petitions ? 

I ask, because someone didn’t sign my petition (they wanted to) because they had already sign another candidate petition. But later on someone told me a person is allowed to sign two petitions. 

Is this correct ?? 

Thank you !! 

"We the undersigned, hereby certify that we reside in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey, and we are legally qualified to vote for such candidates and pledge ourselves to support and vote for the person named in such petition, and that we have not signed any other petition of nomination for the Primary or General Election for such office, and request that your cause to printed upon the official General Election ballots the name of the following candidate and his/her designation of party or party principle."

ml1 said:
"We the undersigned, hereby certify that we reside in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey, and we are legally qualified to vote for such candidates and pledge ourselves to support and vote for the person named in such petition, and that we have not signed any other petition of nomination for the Primary or General Election for such office, and request that your cause to printed upon the official General Election ballots the name of the following candidate and his/her designation of party or party principle."

Thank you ml1, that is what i originally thought but double checking.  

I would sign but I'm ineligible to vote. Sorry! But good luck with the election!

ridski said:
I would sign but I'm ineligible to vote. Sorry! But good luck with the election!

Is the intention that counts .. thank you !!  

DaveSchmidt said:

alias said:
I have given this some thought and have not arrived at a satisfactory answer, so I open my question to the group.  
What might the rationale be for a stronger affirmation by a signatory to an independent's survey to run in the general election ("Support and vote for") versus a partisan's survey to run in a primary ("Indorse") for the same office?

I wondered the same thing. My best guess is that it was seen as a way to put an additional curb on the number of candidates in November — that restricting signers to one petition wasn’t enough, and that the state wanted at least some evidence of a candidate’s viability.

Yes, but why would the same need to curb the number of candidates and prove viability not exist for one to be included on a primary ballot?

HarleyQuinn said:

joan_crystal said:
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.  

I am running for the Maplewood Township Committee because I love Maplewood. I have been involved with the town and it’s events in a variety of ways,  and I have always enjoyed the people, and their curious intelligence and steadfast commitment to the town. 
I am not a politician by any means. I am a single mom with two great kids;  however I love our community, volunteering, building relationships and solving problems. 
I simply want to represent all voices and views, address the concern of the community, and challenge our current TC matters that affect our community that are not being addressed to our satisfaction. Thank you so much for asking and i am happy to meet with you (or anyone) also to listen and discuss!

Thank you. Can you list some of the events in which you have been involved?

As to matters currently "not being addressed to our satisfaction" some have mentioned traffic and parking. Are there some others that concern you?

HarleyQuinn said:
Now i have a question .. can a person sign two candidates petitions ? 
I ask, because someone didn’t sign my petition (they wanted to) because they had already sign another candidate petition. But later on someone told me a person is allowed to sign two petitions.  Is this correct ??  Thank you !! 

That is interesting.... say there is an election like Board of Ed., where there are two or three positions up for election. Shouldn't one be able to sign three petitions? according to the posted law, no.

alias said:

Yes, but why would the same need to curb the number of candidates and prove viability not exist for one to be included on a primary ballot?

I think states generally leave primaries up to the parties, and are more concerned about oversight of the general election.

(ETA: Does N.J. care, for instance, if 36 candidates scramble for a party nomination? As long as it has 64 days to set up the ballots, probably not. Does it care if a 36-candidate field in November affects who wins the seat? Probably more so.)

Formerlyjerseyjack said:

HarleyQuinn said:
Now i have a question .. can a person sign two candidates petitions ? 
I ask, because someone didn’t sign my petition (they wanted to) because they had already sign another candidate petition. But later on someone told me a person is allowed to sign two petitions.  Is this correct ??  Thank you !! 

That is interesting.... say there is an election like Board of Ed., where there are two or three positions up for election. Shouldn't one be able to sign three petitions? according to the posted law, no.

There was one instruction sheet that said if more than one seat is being contested a signer could sign more than one petition. For instance there are two TC seats up for election this year so you would be able to sign the petitions for two candidates.

I would also think that signing a petition for a Primary would not preclude one from signing a petition for the General Election. Suppose I sign a the petitions for both A and B running in the Dem Primary. They might lose to C and D and then I might vote for the Independent in the General. So I think I would be able to sign that petition as well as the two for the Primary.

LOST said:

HarleyQuinn said:

joan_crystal said:
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.  

I am running for the Maplewood Township Committee because I love Maplewood. I have been involved with the town and it’s events in a variety of ways,  and I have always enjoyed the people, and their curious intelligence and steadfast commitment to the town. 
I am not a politician by any means. I am a single mom with two great kids;  however I love our community, volunteering, building relationships and solving problems. 
I simply want to represent all voices and views, address the concern of the community, and challenge our current TC matters that affect our community that are not being addressed to our satisfaction. Thank you so much for asking and i am happy to meet with you (or anyone) also to listen and discuss!

Thank you. Can you list some of the events in which you have been involved? As to matters currently "not being addressed to our satisfaction" some have mentioned traffic and parking. Are there some others that concern you?

Events that i have volunteered & Organized:

First Night

My Annual Easter Egg Hunt (going 7 years)

Organized Fundraisers/ Silent Aution for residents in our community. 

Helped Maplewood residents with their charity/organization 

Volunteered for the Book Fair

Volunteered for the Anual Halloween Party 

Volunteered helping the Pet Rescuers 

Part of the PTA at my children’s School.

Just joined Maplewood Civic Association to volunteer for the 4th of July. 

I have also organized many gatherings - Cookie Swap, Single Moms, Pet Rescuers (Cat Ladies) etc. 

Don’t get me started with South  Orange

I try to help and support as much as I can, in fact my children have volunteered in many of these events helping their mommy  

Thank you for your response.

LOST said:
Thank you for your response.

You are welcome  

Math:

To run as an Independent is a bold move but…

As both a past participant and still avid observer of local politics in Maplewood for decades I have been amazed by the number of residents who don’t even know who the freakin’ Mayor is much less have given reason to kick-out two dedicated and competent incumbents who’s names appear at the top of the ballot. At least not without a really really shouting good reason.

This is particularly true in a town with overwhelming numbers of registered Democrats who tend to trust and vote the party line, -ESPECIALLY in a national mid-term election such as the one coming up in November. At least not without a really really shouting good reason.

Often during a campaign, all candidates tend to find themselves in a admiring potentially deceptive bubble of support by folks who encourage them, but then reality eventually comes-a-callin' on election day. It’s name is Math and it is cruel but certain.

Anyone considering running as an independent here would be well-advised to discuss it with perennialy present Fred Profeta. Even he couldn’t pull it off and he was already a well-known born-’n raised, over-achieving and energetic local icon at the time, -with money.

Lee Navlin also tried it, determinably fast-talking, sweat-walking from door-to-door-to-door-to little avail come election results although I will say that he does not regret the experience.

I would still very-much encourage “HarleyQuinn’ to have at it but felt obliged to offer an historical (if unavoidably possibly discouraging) review. BTW: a really thick skin is an absolute requirement in this endeavor.

As the great Norwegian polar explorer Roald Admundsen once said, “Adventure is just poor planning”.

steel said:

Math:

To run as an Independent is a bold move but…

As both a past participant and still avid observer of local politics in Maplewood for decades I have been amazed by the number of residents who don’t even know who the freakin’ Mayor is much less have given reason to kick-out two dedicated and competent incumbents who’s names appear at the top of the ballot. At least not without a really really shouting good reason.

This is particularly true in a town with overwhelming numbers of registered Democrats who tend to trust and vote the party line, -ESPECIALLY in a national mid-term election such as the one coming up in November. At least not without a really really shouting good reason.

Often during a campaign, all candidates tend to find themselves in a admiring potentially deceptive bubble of support by folks who encourage them, but then reality eventually comes-a-callin' on election day’. It’s name is Math and it is cruel but certain.

Anyone considering running as an independent here would be well-advised to discuss it with perennialy present Fred Profeta. Even he couldn’t pull it off and he was already a well-known born-’n raised, over-achieving and energetic local icon at the time, -with money.

Lee Navlin also tried it, determinably fast-talking, sweat-walking from door-to-door-to-door-to little avail come election results although I will say that he does not regret the experience.

I would still very-much encourage “HarleyQuinn’ to have at it but felt obliged to offer an historical (if unavoidably possibly discouraging) review. BTW: a really thick skin is an absolute requirement in this endeavor.

As the great Norwegian polar explorer Roald Admundsen once said, “Adventure is just poor planning”.

@jamie Ross, another born and raised Maplewoodian, ran for TC as an Independent.  Despite having strong name recognition and a ready made pulpit, he was unable to get elected.  Steel makes a good point.  To get elected this year, you will need a good issue where you can present yourself as a viable alternative to one or both of the incumbents running for re-election.

I am not sure what value an endorsement from me carries.  But I feel too strongly about this issue to remain silent.

I have known "Harley Quinn" for some years now.  Unknown to her we have both suffered some of the same

"slings ans arrows" of outrageous fortune".  She has borne hers with a rare nobility which I admire.

She is a person of passion and compassion and represents the human element very much needed on any

governing body.  To take on the task of being elected to the TC without the Democratic Party endorsement

is a daunting task but I noticed based on the number of people signing her petition at the Pub the other

night and the interest on this thread ,a true concern for the matter.  Let the people decide.

there's a reason it's difficult to defeat the party-endorsed candidates. They get the endorsement by being strong, accomplished, with a record of service. It's not like any schmoe can get the endorsement. 

That said, a contested election is much better for everyone than an uncontested race. 

While all candidates should be commended for stepping up to run or serve, I am just curious what people think Lembrich’s SPECIFIC accomplishments are that make him worthy of another term?  His claim to fame when he ran was he was going to save the Post Office and since being elected he consistently speaks down to anyone who questions him.  Does he deserve another term simply because he kissed the party ring?

I’m so glad we are non-partisan in SO.  

michaelgoldberg said:
While all candidates should be commended for stepping up to run or serve, I am just curious what people think Lembrich’s SPECIFIC accomplishments are that make him worthy of another term?  His claim to fame when he ran was he was going to save the Post Office and since being elected he consistently speaks down to anyone who questions him.  Does he deserve another term simply because he kissed the party ring?
I’m so glad we are non-partisan in SO.  

Michael Goldberg,

Could I convince you to move to Maplewood ?

michaelgoldberg said:
While all candidates should be commended for stepping up to run or serve, I am just curious what people think Lembrich’s SPECIFIC accomplishments are that make him worthy of another term?  His claim to fame when he ran was he was going to save the Post Office and since being elected he consistently speaks down to anyone who questions him.  Does he deserve another term simply because he kissed the party ring?
I’m so glad we are non-partisan in SO.  

you ask this as if you assume a bunch of other candidates came forward seeking the endorsement.

Are you still part of that "cabal", Mr. Ml1?

ml1 said:

michaelgoldberg said:
While all candidates should be commended for stepping up to run or serve, I am just curious what people think Lembrich’s SPECIFIC accomplishments are that make him worthy of another term?  His claim to fame when he ran was he was going to save the Post Office and since being elected he consistently speaks down to anyone who questions him.  Does he deserve another term simply because he kissed the party ring?
I’m so glad we are non-partisan in SO.  

you ask this as if you assume a bunch of other candidates came forward seeking the endorsement.

Congrats on throwing your hat into the ring.  Might I suggest running on the pro-leaf blower ticket?  There is a silent majority/single issue voter bloc waiting to support that candidate!

Heh-heh. “Silent majority.”

michaelgoldberg said:

I’m so glad we are non-partisan in SO.  

Why? Seriously, the politics in SO have always seemed bizarre to me. You elected a very young man as your "President". There appear to be frequent bitter factional disputes. I see more complaints from SO residents about the way the Town is run than I see from Maplewood residents.

It is certainly counter-intuitive to think partisan elections at the Municipal level are better, but in reality they seem to work better.

star chamber

nohero said:
Are you still part of that "cabal", Mr. Ml1?

ml1 said:

michaelgoldberg said:
While all candidates should be commended for stepping up to run or serve, I am just curious what people think Lembrich’s SPECIFIC accomplishments are that make him worthy of another term?  His claim to fame when he ran was he was going to save the Post Office and since being elected he consistently speaks down to anyone who questions him.  Does he deserve another term simply because he kissed the party ring?
I’m so glad we are non-partisan in SO.  

you ask this as if you assume a bunch of other candidates came forward seeking the endorsement.

LOST said:

michaelgoldberg said:

I’m so glad we are non-partisan in SO.  

Why? Seriously, the politics in SO have always seemed bizarre to me. You elected a very young man as your "President". There appear to be frequent bitter factional disputes. I see more complaints from SO residents about the way the Town is run than I see from Maplewood residents. It is certainly counter-intuitive to think partisan elections at the Municipal level are better, but in reality they seem to work better.

I can understand if some people are frustrated that our TC members are elected with no more than token opposition. But the fault lies with the insanity within the national Republican Party, which has damaged the brand so irreparably in places like Maplewood that no GOP candidate can win.  People rightfully question why someone would run for office representing the party of Donald Trump.

LOST said:

michaelgoldberg said:

I’m so glad we are non-partisan in SO.  

Why? Seriously, the politics in SO have always seemed bizarre to me. You elected a very young man as your "President". There appear to be frequent bitter factional disputes. I see more complaints from SO residents about the way the Town is run than I see from Maplewood residents. It is certainly counter-intuitive to think partisan elections at the Municipal level are better, but in reality they seem to work better.

We (I'm a South Orange resident) now have a woman who is our President, Sheena Collum. The issue that a few of us have been noisy about, was the loss of our animal shelter which was shared with Maplewood. Fighting for a solution gave me the opportunity to go to both town hall meetings and speak. To be fair I was afforded courtesy by both the Maplewood Town Council as well as the South Orange Board of Trustees. Both your mayor and our president have listened to our complaints as well as both Health Departments. So all seems equal there.

That said, since it is an issue that has haunted both towns, maybe Ileana might make a local shelter, this time located in Maplewood an issue for her platform.

What do you think Ileana, I know you have a soft place for animals?

LOST said:

michaelgoldberg said:

I’m so glad we are non-partisan in SO.  

Why? Seriously, the politics in SO have always seemed bizarre to me. You elected a very young man as your "President". There appear to be frequent bitter factional disputes. I see more complaints from SO residents about the way the Town is run than I see from Maplewood residents. It is certainly counter-intuitive to think partisan elections at the Municipal level are better, but in reality they seem to work better.

I think that notion of SO politics is old news.  The township seems pretty well run these days.

max_weisenfeld said:

LOST said:

michaelgoldberg said:

I’m so glad we are non-partisan in SO.  

Why? Seriously, the politics in SO have always seemed bizarre to me. You elected a very young man as your "President". There appear to be frequent bitter factional disputes. I see more complaints from SO residents about the way the Town is run than I see from Maplewood residents. It is certainly counter-intuitive to think partisan elections at the Municipal level are better, but in reality they seem to work better.

I think that notion of SO politics is old news.  The township seems pretty well run these days.

Max is correct. The town is so well run that I don't feel the need to watch BOT meetings - seriously. Sheena and the BOT are really doing an  excellent job. In the old days (pre-Sheena,) Lost is correct. 

eta - South Orange is on a roll. A settlement has been reached (or is close to a settlement) with the objector to the proposed Village Hall restaurant/beer garden, three major hotel chains (Marriott, Wyndham, Hilton) have expressed interest in operating a proposed hotel on the vacant lot a South Orange Ave. and Church St., Bayleaf Indian Cuisine and Jackie and Son have opened, both with excellent reviews by residents of SOMA. 

The proposed tax increase is 1.94%, and a fair amount is going into surplus to help pay for the $20 million needed for maintenance of municipal buildings, which have not been adequately maintained in the past.