Maplewood election results

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I was questioning supporters at the polls about what they considered the main issues/problems the town committee faces. No one mentioned zoning and the multi unit constructions. 

Nor was anything else mentioned, except a reference to budget which is mainly controlled by the school budget. 

Do you have a concern that the town committee could address?

That was pretty close. I like Malia, she truly cares about the community. She was instrumental in making some changes in the community pool policies. 

Formerlyjerseyjack said:

I was questioning supporters at the polls about what they considered the main issues/problems the town committee faces. No one mentioned zoning and the multi unit constructions. 

Nor was anything else mentioned, except a reference to budget which is mainly controlled by the school budget. 

Do you have a concern that the town committee could address?

The policy issue that seemed to drive the conversation most was the incumbents' rejection, as members of the Board of School Estimate, of the authorization to put turf on Ritzer Field, which was unanimously passed by the Board of Education.

The incumbents seemed to recognize this and oddly highlighted their support for "improving grass fields" or something like that in their mailer. Certainly the grass fields had never been improved at all (if that's even possible given their use) during their time on the TC.

The major issue that came up in discussions I have had with other voters was the lack of research one of the candidates demonstrated before taking actions based on fake news that exacerbated divisiveness in our community.   

joan_crystal said:

The major issue that came up in discussions I have had with other voters was the lack of research one of the candidates demonstrated before taking actions based on fake news that exacerbated divisiveness in our community.   

Yes, that came up as well, which is why I distinguished the Board of Estimate vote as the top policy issue. 

Are candidates allowed to have people canvassing at polling sites? I didn't think so, but I could be wrong. All TC candidates had somebody canvassing at my polling site.

jfinnegan said:

Are candidates allowed to have people canvassing at polling sites? I didn't think so, but I could be wrong. All TC candidates had somebody canvassing at my polling site.

They can, as long as they are 100 feet (I think) from the actual polls. Tape measures were de rigeur in the old days, but now I suppose people use their phone to measure the distance off.

chalmers said:

jfinnegan said:

Are candidates allowed to have people canvassing at polling sites? I didn't think so, but I could be wrong. All TC candidates had somebody canvassing at my polling site.

They can, as long as they are 100 feet (I think) from the actual polls. Tape measures were de rigeur in the old days, but now I suppose people use their phone to measure the distance off.

There are always volunteers canvassing for their candidate at my polling place. As chalmers stated, they have to be at least 100 feet away from the location (my interpretation is 100 feet from the entrance). I have had words with some volunteers that were far enough away but blocking the sidewalk. 

yahooyahoo said:

There are always volunteers canvassing for their candidate at my polling place. As chalmers stated, they have to be at least 100 feet away from the location (my interpretation is 100 feet from the entrance). I have had words with some volunteers that were far enough away but blocking the sidewalk. 

You are correct. It is 100 feet from the "outside entrance" of the polling place. 

Jaytee said:

That was pretty close. I like Malia, she truly cares about the community. She was instrumental in making some changes in the community pool policies. 

I believe it was Jamaine - who I supported along with Nancy Adams - and not Malia - who focused on needs based actions as to the pool. I am sorry Jamaine will not be able to continue her good work on the TC as of 1/125 but am confident that her energies will not be put to waste and she will continue in her good work for our community. But I am sorry she lost.

There are always volunteers canvassing for their candidate at my polling place. As chalmers stated, they have to be at least 100 feet away from the location (my interpretation is 100 feet from the entrance). I have had words with some volunteers that were far enough away but blocking the sidewalk. 

Blocking the sidewalk? How? Please educate us if you don't mind. TIA.

wendy said:

Jaytee said:

That was pretty close. I like Malia, she truly cares about the community. She was instrumental in making some changes in the community pool policies. 

I believe it was Jamaine - who I supported along with Nancy Adams - and not Malia - who focused on needs based actions as to the pool. I am sorry Jamaine will not be able to continue her good work on the TC as of 1/125 but am confident that her energies will not be put to waste and she will continue in her good work for our community. But I am sorry she lost.

I think it was a focus for both, so hopefully the momentum does not change with Herman replacing Cripe on the TC. Here's a passage from her site:

https://www.maliaformaplewood.com/

"Recreational and outdoor activities are critical for mental health for all ages. All residents deserve affordable access to our community pool — and swim lessons for all ages and abilities, at times convenient for working families."

I hope the momentum does not change either however I don't see what she herself has done to help get affordable access. Anyone can write anything and frankly say anything on their website, in an interview, on a debate. We know from the former president that that doesn't mean crap. Let's hope she works for the good of the town and not for any particular self or other interests. I'll be hopeful until proven otherwise.

Wendy Lauter

Real person real voter

wendy said:

There are always volunteers canvassing for their candidate at my polling place. As chalmers stated, they have to be at least 100 feet away from the location (my interpretation is 100 feet from the entrance). I have had words with some volunteers that were far enough away but blocking the sidewalk. 

Blocking the sidewalk? How? Please educate us if you don't mind. TIA.

Standing in (not next to) the only sidewalk that leads to the entrance to the polling place. The only choices were to ask them to move out of the way or walk around them in the grass.

That sounds very uncool regardless of who they were supporting. I probably would have asked them to not block the sidewalk and just have one person standing there as one person would not block others from walking past them.