jimmurphy said:
Are party labels really necessary at the township level? 


Local issues have virtually nothing to do with the national party platforms. 

 Correct, but that's the way the Township Government was set up when the Township came into existence in the 1920s. South Orange went the other way with "Non-Partisan" elections. I have always found Maplewood to be better governed than South Orange whether by those elected as republicans or those elected as Democrats.

@HarleyQuinn  For those of us who do vote the issues, can you please tell us where you stand on increasing the number of multifamily/mixed use buildings in Maplewood, pedestrian safety, ways to improve communication between the town and its residents, making the town more accessible to seniors and the physically disabled, expanding public transportation and making currently available public transportation in town more accessible, proposed construction of a parking deck in the Village, and any other current issues under the purview of the TC that you think should be addressed in this election?  Please site specific steps/strategies you would take in addressing each of these issues if you were appointed to the TC.

LOST said:
I guess some people have never heard of Primaries.
After posting the above I remembered that one of the Candidates running for re-election, Lembrick, got on the TC by defeating the "official" Democratic candidate in a Primary.  

I believe yahooyahoo’s objection is, as it was in a past discussion, that it took tens of thousands of dollars for a challenger to prevail in a local primary.

DaveSchmidt said:

LOST said:
I guess some people have never heard of Primaries.
After posting the above I remembered that one of the Candidates running for re-election, Lembrick, got on the TC by defeating the "official" Democratic candidate in a Primary.  

I believe yahooyahoo’s objection is, as it was in a past discussion, that it took tens of thousands of dollars for a challenger to prevail in a local primary.

 Just read his/her post. It mentions an "independent" candidate, not a Primary Challenger.

Elections are very expensive nowadays but I am not convinced that a well-known member of the community would have to spend a lot to mount a Primary challenge. He or she would have to spend a lot of time campaigning.

Frankly if Joan Crystal decided to run she probably wouldn't have to spend any more than it would take to fill up her gas tank and, perhaps, buy a new pair of shoes. There are probably other members of our community who could run a successful campaign on a shoe-string.    

Ileana,

Please reply to Joan when you get a chance. I am not totally pleased with the incumbents running for re-election but you have to give me something if you want my vote.

Thanks.

author said:

Steve said:
These last two posts are emblematic of how someone like Trump got elected.  

 Not even close.   The guy  was the underdog and he knew it.   He would make three campaign stops a day where as the other one would make one and go home and take a nap.
There were a few times the condition of her health came into question.   Who makes a public appearance while suffering from pneumonia?   And who then motorcades to her daughters apartment after nearly collapsing?

rather than a hospital.   My daughter is a doctor actually head of her department but I would certainly make a bee line for a hospital.
The Republicans  knew the ultimate winner needs take the votes if the Electoral College.
No one told all those vaunted advisers

She read and believed her own press clippings.............he did not
The only elections in which she participated and won before were cake walks.
Not this one

 Nothing to see here folks.   Just the local ignorant curmudgeon doing what it does. 

Red_Barchetta said:

author said:

Steve said:
These last two posts are emblematic of how someone like Trump got elected.  

 Not even close.   The guy  was the underdog and he knew it.   He would make three campaign stops a day where as the other one would make one and go home and take a nap.
There were a few times the condition of her health came into question.   Who makes a public appearance while suffering from pneumonia?   And who then motorcades to her daughters apartment after nearly collapsing?

rather than a hospital.   My daughter is a doctor actually head of her department but I would certainly make a bee line for a hospital.
The Republicans  knew the ultimate winner needs take the votes if the Electoral College.
No one told all those vaunted advisers

She read and believed her own press clippings.............he did not
The only elections in which she participated and won before were cake walks.
Not this one

 Nothing to see here folks.   Just the local ignorant curmudgeon doing what it does. 

 Someday there will come a time and  place when comments like that are not allowed.  I have always felt that we debase ourselves when we stoop to name calling rather than offering a cogent counter argument.   

Also it happens to be one of the more or less by laws of Maplewood on Line that personal attacks are not allowed.

So keep at it Mr. Little Red Sports Car.  As they say in Maine,  I have a lot of haad baak

That is hard bark to you.

There are of course always exceptions to any generalizations, but I feel like there are a couple of sets of people who are looking for change on the TC just for change's sake.  First, there are the Republican voters who are frustrated that the TC has been all Democrats for a generation.  I also think there's another group of people who are probably Democrats, but are relatively recent arrivals to Maplewood.  They look at someone like Vic DeLuca who's been on the TC since before they moved here, and believe the TC has people on it for life.  They may not be paying attention to the fact that four of the five current members have served for less than three years.  Even Vic was voted out in a primary in the early 2000s, and was off the TC for a couple of years.  He won a primary election against the MDC endorsed candidate (without spending a boatload of money I should add).  So Vic himself proves that the MDC endorsement doesn't guarantee success in the primary.

I've found that folks like me who've been in Maplewood longer than 20 years generally like the status quo on the TC.  That's not to say I don't have some disagreements with some of the things that a couple of TC members have done.  But I remember a time when crime was a lot worse here.  Cars were regularly stolen right out of people's driveways, and burglaries were fairly common.  I remember when Springfield Ave. was as likely to tip toward blight as it was to be redeveloped.  Nothing here is perfect, but I've seen slow and steady progress in a multitude of aspects of life in Maplewood over the past two+ decades.  I don't see any reason to vote for change just to make a change.

ml1 said:
There are of course always exceptions to any generalizations, but I feel like there are a couple of sets of people who are looking for change on the TC just for change's sake.  First, there are the Republican voters who are frustrated that the TC has been all Democrats for a generation.  I also think there's another group of people who are probably Democrats, but are relatively recent arrivals to Maplewood.  They look at someone like Vic DeLuca who's been on the TC since before they moved here, and believe the TC has people on it for life.  They may not be paying attention to the fact that four of the five current members have served for less than three years.  Even Vic was voted out in a primary in the early 2000s, and was off the TC for a couple of years.  He won a primary election against the MDC endorsed candidate (without spending a boatload of money I should add).  So Vic himself proves that the MDC endorsement doesn't guarantee success in the primary.
I've found that folks like me who've been in Maplewood longer than 20 years generally like the status quo on the TC.  That's not to say I don't have some disagreements with some of the things that a couple of TC members have done.  But I remember a time when crime was a lot worse here.  Cars were regularly stolen right out of people's driveways, and burglaries were fairly common.  I remember when Springfield Ave. was as likely to tip toward blight as it was to be redeveloped.  Nothing here is perfect, but I've seen slow and steady progress in a multitude of aspects of life in Maplewood over the past two+ decades.  I don't see any reason to vote for change just to make a change.

 Have to differ slightly in that I feel that even though he had no Party endorsement Vic did have name recognition from having been previously on the TC which gave him more than a ton of cash

could do.

Also, yes I agree about the wave after wave of New Yorkers coming here and helping bring change.

I have been in town for over 40 years and was introduced to it much earlier by my college room mate.

I want to take this opportunity to announce that next year I will be running for the self created post of Emperor of Maplewood Village.    Now I know their may be some overlapping jurisdiction with

the TC but that should work out amicably as I can be bought

The only running mate whom I will accept for the office of Vice Emperor is Mr Red Barchetta.

Thank you and God Bless America

author said:
 Have to differ slightly in that I feel that even though he had no Party endorsement Vic did have name recognition from having been previously on the TC which gave him more than a ton of cash
could do.

 Yes.  But that was the point that LOST was making -- anyone who has been active in the township for a number of years would already have the kind of name recognition that would allow them to run for office without spending a ton of money.  I know a few people who would have a leg up if they ran because they volunteer, they're visible and lots of people know their names.

Now in the heat of all the elections on Nov16..........with back to back TV ads saying "vote for this one"

And " don't vote for that one",   thank the gods that our TC candidates can not afford TV coverage.

If you see Giraldo in town, point him towards South Orange.

author said:
Now in the heat of all the elections on Nov16..........with back to back TV ads saying "vote for this one"
And " don't vote for that one",   thank the gods that our TC candidates can not afford TV coverage.
If you see Giraldo in town, point him towards South Orange.

 just in case anyone is confused, election day is in fact November 6

ml1 said:

author said:
Now in the heat of all the elections on Nov16..........with back to back TV ads saying "vote for this one"
And " don't vote for that one",   thank the gods that our TC candidates can not afford TV coverage.
If you see Giraldo in town, point him towards South Orange.

 just in case anyone is confused, election day is in fact November 6

 Mea Culpa

joan_crystal said:
@HarleyQuinn  For those of us who do vote the issues, can you please tell us where you stand on increasing the number of multifamily/mixed use buildings in Maplewood, pedestrian safety, ways to improve communication between the town and its residents, making the town more accessible to seniors and the physically disabled, expanding public transportation and making currently available public transportation in town more accessible, proposed construction of a parking deck in the Village, and any other current issues under the purview of the TC that you think should be addressed in this election?  Please site specific steps/strategies you would take in addressing each of these issues if you were appointed to the TC.

All the candidates running I assure you Joan that no one is more concerned about seniors in this community who are being forced out of town than me. The current TC are part of the machine that values the wealthy making Maplewood wealthier at the expense of those of us who have lived here the longest. That includes me a single mom struggling to support my children and that includes seniors like you who likely struggle just to stay in the community they’ve always lived in. That bothers me greatly and I want to help remedy the situation. - yes, you’re asking for specifics at this time but with a short time before the election I need to focus on hearing the residents concern and working on my campaign (which I am doing alone). I promise you if elected you and I will sit down and hammer out a plan to fully address each and every one of your concerns. That much I promise you.

LOST said:

HarleyQuinn said:

lord_pabulum said:

HarleyQuinn said:

LOST said:
I guess some people have never heard of Primaries.
After posting the above I remembered that one of the Candidates running for re-election, Lembrick, got on the TC by defeating the "official" Democratic candidate in a Primary.  

 Who did Lembrich defeated ?? 

 I think Ryan

 Thank you !! Even thou Lembrich defeated Ryan he was still representing the democrat party correct ?? 

 No. First of all, "Democratic" Party is the correct name.
The Democratic Committee endorsed Ryan. Lembrich launched a Primary challenge, which means he obtained enough signatures to get on the ballot. ( I guess you had to do the same).  Once he defeated Ryan he became the Democratic Candidate. So I guess in some sense he was "representing" the Democratic Candidate but he was actually just a citizen seeking election on his own individual merits.
Because of the National policies of the Republican Party it's label has become toxic in Maplewood.
You have chosen to be an Independent. What is it about the Democratic or Republican Parties that you don't like?

 Thank you for correcting my English. It’s not my first language as you know. I guess the difference between you and me is that you follow politics and I don’t, but I want to help my community.  I don’t believe in politics as usual. That said, I’m hoping you reconsider and vote for me!”

HarleyQuinn said:

joan_crystal said:
@HarleyQuinn  For those of us who do vote the issues, can you please tell us where you stand on increasing the number of multifamily/mixed use buildings in Maplewood, pedestrian safety, ways to improve communication between the town and its residents, making the town more accessible to seniors and the physically disabled, expanding public transportation and making currently available public transportation in town more accessible, proposed construction of a parking deck in the Village, and any other current issues under the purview of the TC that you think should be addressed in this election?  Please site specific steps/strategies you would take in addressing each of these issues if you were appointed to the TC.

All the candidates running I assure you Joan that no one is more concerned about seniors in this community who are being forced out of town than me. The current TC are part of the machine that values the wealthy making Maplewood wealthier at the expense of those of us who have lived here the longest. That includes me a single mom struggling to support my children and that includes seniors like you who likely struggle just to stay in the community they’ve always lived in. That bothers me greatly and I want to help remedy the situation. - yes, you’re asking for specifics at this time but with a short time before the election I need to focus on getting as many votes as I can. I promise you if elected you and I will sit down and hammer out a plan to fully address each and every one of your concerns. That much I promise you.

The way to get votes from those who follow the issues rather than voting the straight Democratic ticket is to give these voters some idea as to what you would like to see accomplished by the TC during the time you would be in office.  I am trying to help you by outlining some of the issues that concern these voters most in this year's TC election.  The straight Democratic ticket voters are going to vote for your opponents.  The issue voters already know where Nancy and Greg stand on the issues.  They are looking to see some specifics as to where your position on the issues differs from that of each of the incumbents.  

HarleyQuinn said:

joan_crystal said:
@HarleyQuinn  For those of us who do vote the issues, can you please tell us where you stand on increasing the number of multifamily/mixed use buildings in Maplewood, pedestrian safety, ways to improve communication between the town and its residents, making the town more accessible to seniors and the physically disabled, expanding public transportation and making currently available public transportation in town more accessible, proposed construction of a parking deck in the Village, and any other current issues under the purview of the TC that you think should be addressed in this election?  Please site specific steps/strategies you would take in addressing each of these issues if you were appointed to the TC.

 The current TC are part of the machine that values the wealthy making Maplewood wealthier at the expense of those of us who have lived here the longest. 

 Hi Ileana.  I’d like to vote for some new energy on the TC but I think this statement is both unfair and inaccurate.  You are clearly sincere about your desire to improve the community and from what I know of the TC members they feel the same.   This role is a lot of work for no money or praise.  If elected you will mostly be paid with complaints; a lot of them unfounded.  Please keep up your pursuit.

joan_crystal said:

HarleyQuinn said:

joan_crystal said:
@HarleyQuinn  For those of us who do vote the issues, can you please tell us where you stand on increasing the number of multifamily/mixed use buildings in Maplewood, pedestrian safety, ways to improve communication between the town and its residents, making the town more accessible to seniors and the physically disabled, expanding public transportation and making currently available public transportation in town more accessible, proposed construction of a parking deck in the Village, and any other current issues under the purview of the TC that you think should be addressed in this election?  Please site specific steps/strategies you would take in addressing each of these issues if you were appointed to the TC.

All the candidates running I assure you Joan that no one is more concerned about seniors in this community who are being forced out of town than me. The current TC are part of the machine that values the wealthy making Maplewood wealthier at the expense of those of us who have lived here the longest. That includes me a single mom struggling to support my children and that includes seniors like you who likely struggle just to stay in the community they’ve always lived in. That bothers me greatly and I want to help remedy the situation. - yes, you’re asking for specifics at this time but with a short time before the election I need to focus on getting as many votes as I can. I promise you if elected you and I will sit down and hammer out a plan to fully address each and every one of your concerns. That much I promise you.

The way to get votes from those who follow the issues rather than voting the straight Democratic ticket is to give these voters some idea as to what you would like to see accomplished by the TC during the time you would be in office.  I am trying to help you by outlining some of the issues that concern these voters most in this year's TC election.  The straight Democratic ticket voters are going to vote for your opponents.  The issue voters already know where Nancy and Greg stand on the issues.  They are looking to see some specifics as to where your position on the issues differs from that of each of the incumbents.  

 I oppose machine style politics that loses focus on working families. The current TC is more interested in lining the pockets of  wealthy developers and landlords than they are in helping struggling families remain a part of this community. I’m here to be the voice of those including seniors struggling to stay in Maplewood. I”m here to be the voice to residents who believes they are not being represent because of their political believes.

And believe me when I tell you that MANY democrats won’t vote for me simply because I am not running as a democrat - that is a fact. Many just listens to me just to “humor me” which I don’t find it funny. 

Being pro seniors is much appreciated but is not a factor that will distinguish you from the incumbents running for reelection to the TC.  Maplewood has already signed on to SOMA Two Towns For All Ages, been accepted into the World Health Organization/AARP network of age friendly cities, and created a Seniors Advisory Committee.  Age friendly guidelines have been issued and are required for permit applicants for major events and block parties in town. Channels of communication have been opened between the town administration and the senior community and proven to be very responsive. These are achievements that took place during your opponents' term of office. This late into the campaign, I would suggest focusing on ways in which your position on the issues varies from those of either or both of your opponents.

Red_Barchetta said:

HarleyQuinn said:

joan_crystal said:
@HarleyQuinn  For those of us who do vote the issues, can you please tell us where you stand on increasing the number of multifamily/mixed use buildings in Maplewood, pedestrian safety, ways to improve communication between the town and its residents, making the town more accessible to seniors and the physically disabled, expanding public transportation and making currently available public transportation in town more accessible, proposed construction of a parking deck in the Village, and any other current issues under the purview of the TC that you think should be addressed in this election?  Please site specific steps/strategies you would take in addressing each of these issues if you were appointed to the TC.

 The current TC are part of the machine that values the wealthy making Maplewood wealthier at the expense of those of us who have lived here the longest. 

 Hi Ileana.  I’d like to vote for some new energy on the TC but I think this statement is both unfair and inaccurate.  You are clearly sincere about your desire to improve the community and from what I know of the TC members they feel the same.   This role is a lot of work for no money or praise.  If elected you will mostly be paid with complaints; a lot of them unfounded.  Please keep up your pursuit.

Thank you !! 

You are correct the role for TC is a lot of work for no money or praise and I’m ok with that. I’m not even elected and I get complains, insults, dirty looks and avoiding me. It’s tough out there. I can see why people don’t want to step up.

HarleyQuinn said:

joan_crystal said:

HarleyQuinn said:

joan_crystal said:
@HarleyQuinn  For those of us who do vote the issues, can you please tell us where you stand on increasing the number of multifamily/mixed use buildings in Maplewood, pedestrian safety, ways to improve communication between the town and its residents, making the town more accessible to seniors and the physically disabled, expanding public transportation and making currently available public transportation in town more accessible, proposed construction of a parking deck in the Village, and any other current issues under the purview of the TC that you think should be addressed in this election?  Please site specific steps/strategies you would take in addressing each of these issues if you were appointed to the TC.

All the candidates running I assure you Joan that no one is more concerned about seniors in this community who are being forced out of town than me. The current TC are part of the machine that values the wealthy making Maplewood wealthier at the expense of those of us who have lived here the longest. That includes me a single mom struggling to support my children and that includes seniors like you who likely struggle just to stay in the community they’ve always lived in. That bothers me greatly and I want to help remedy the situation. - yes, you’re asking for specifics at this time but with a short time before the election I need to focus on getting as many votes as I can. I promise you if elected you and I will sit down and hammer out a plan to fully address each and every one of your concerns. That much I promise you.

The way to get votes from those who follow the issues rather than voting the straight Democratic ticket is to give these voters some idea as to what you would like to see accomplished by the TC during the time you would be in office.  I am trying to help you by outlining some of the issues that concern these voters most in this year's TC election.  The straight Democratic ticket voters are going to vote for your opponents.  The issue voters already know where Nancy and Greg stand on the issues.  They are looking to see some specifics as to where your position on the issues differs from that of each of the incumbents.  

 I oppose machine style politics that loses focus on working families. The current TC is more interested in lining the pockets of  wealthy developers and landlords than they are in helping struggling families remain a part of this community. I’m here to be the voice of those including seniors struggling to stay in Maplewood. I”m here to be the voice to residents who believes they are not being represent because of their political believes.

Really?  You believe this based on what?  Evidence please.  You’re really not helping yourself.  If anyone is being under-represented (in Maplewood) because of political beliefs it is Republicans, and if you pay attention to state and national politics you know that they are the last people interested in helping  the underprivileged.   

Controlling costs/real property taxes is a legitimate issue worth pursuing.  It is true that as taxes increase, more and more families are being forced out of town.  Low income seniors have the ability to apply for the State's Senior Tax Freeze program, the below age 65 group don't have this option.  There are forgivable home improvement loans available, based on income and in some cases neighborhood, as part of the town's affordable housing initiative.  Pressure will be felt even more this year as a result of changes to the Federal Tax Law.  By far the largest culprit is the school budget.  To control that will require changes in the way the State funds education. The bond question on the ballot in this year's general election will do little if anything to assist us in this regard.  I hope by now that you have taken the opportunity to study the municipal budget for this year and seen just how lean it is.  If we want to continue providing the services Maplewood provides to its citizens, we will need to find a way to pay for them.  How would you cut costs?  What grants would you apply for? What feasible assistance programs/budget cuts would you recommend that would enable struggling families to afford to remain in town?  How do you see the increase in multifamily housing, including the affordable housing units requirement, impacting the demographics you describe?

There are 49 other states in the Union.  Every single one has a method of paying for school expenses that is an alternative to the NJ method of taxing the homeowner till he/she cries for mercy.

Has no one ever studied the means used by other states ?  Half my extended family has fled the State 

to obtain Property tax relief.

HarleyQuinn said:

Red_Barchetta said:

HarleyQuinn said:

joan_crystal said:
@HarleyQuinn  For those of us who do vote the issues, can you please tell us where you stand on increasing the number of multifamily/mixed use buildings in Maplewood, pedestrian safety, ways to improve communication between the town and its residents, making the town more accessible to seniors and the physically disabled, expanding public transportation and making currently available public transportation in town more accessible, proposed construction of a parking deck in the Village, and any other current issues under the purview of the TC that you think should be addressed in this election?  Please site specific steps/strategies you would take in addressing each of these issues if you were appointed to the TC.

 The current TC are part of the machine that values the wealthy making Maplewood wealthier at the expense of those of us who have lived here the longest. 

 Hi Ileana.  I’d like to vote for some new energy on the TC but I think this statement is both unfair and inaccurate.  You are clearly sincere about your desire to improve the community and from what I know of the TC members they feel the same.   This role is a lot of work for no money or praise.  If elected you will mostly be paid with complaints; a lot of them unfounded.  Please keep up your pursuit.

Thank you !! 
You are correct the role for TC is a lot of work for no money or praise and I’m ok with that. I’m not even elected and I get complains, insults, dirty looks and avoiding me. It’s tough out there. I can see why people don’t want to step up.

In point of fact, the TC members do each receive a modest stipend which is intended to cover at least some of the expenses they incur in performing their duties.   Above poster is correct in stating that this is not considered a salary as such.

Do you want to change the direction of this discussion about the Township Committee, to the one in your post?  Because it has nothing to do with what the Township Committee can change, or for that matter the Board of Education (both of which have seats being contested in the election).

author said:
There are 49 other states in the Union.  Every single one has a method of paying for school expenses that is an alternative to the NJ method of taxing the homeowner till he/she cries for mercy.
Has no one ever studied the means used by other states ?  Half my extended family has fled the State 
to obtain Property tax relief.

LOST said:
I guess some people have never heard of Primaries.
After posting the above I remembered that one of the Candidates running for re-election, Lembrick, got on the TC by defeating the "official" Democratic candidate in a Primary.  

 Because he spent $50,000 

Red_Barchetta said:

HarleyQuinn said:

joan_crystal said:

HarleyQuinn said:

joan_crystal said:
@HarleyQuinn  For those of us who do vote the issues, can you please tell us where you stand on increasing the number of multifamily/mixed use buildings in Maplewood, pedestrian safety, ways to improve communication between the town and its residents, making the town more accessible to seniors and the physically disabled, expanding public transportation and making currently available public transportation in town more accessible, proposed construction of a parking deck in the Village, and any other current issues under the purview of the TC that you think should be addressed in this election?  Please site specific steps/strategies you would take in addressing each of these issues if you were appointed to the TC.

All the candidates running I assure you Joan that no one is more concerned about seniors in this community who are being forced out of town than me. The current TC are part of the machine that values the wealthy making Maplewood wealthier at the expense of those of us who have lived here the longest. That includes me a single mom struggling to support my children and that includes seniors like you who likely struggle just to stay in the community they’ve always lived in. That bothers me greatly and I want to help remedy the situation. - yes, you’re asking for specifics at this time but with a short time before the election I need to focus on getting as many votes as I can. I promise you if elected you and I will sit down and hammer out a plan to fully address each and every one of your concerns. That much I promise you.

The way to get votes from those who follow the issues rather than voting the straight Democratic ticket is to give these voters some idea as to what you would like to see accomplished by the TC during the time you would be in office.  I am trying to help you by outlining some of the issues that concern these voters most in this year's TC election.  The straight Democratic ticket voters are going to vote for your opponents.  The issue voters already know where Nancy and Greg stand on the issues.  They are looking to see some specifics as to where your position on the issues differs from that of each of the incumbents.  

 I oppose machine style politics that loses focus on working families. The current TC is more interested in lining the pockets of  wealthy developers and landlords than they are in helping struggling families remain a part of this community. I’m here to be the voice of those including seniors struggling to stay in Maplewood. I”m here to be the voice to residents who believes they are not being represent because of their political believes.

Really?  You believe this based on what?  Evidence please.  You’re really not helping yourself.  If anyone is being under-represented (in Maplewood) because of political beliefs it is Republicans, and if you pay attention to state and national politics you know that they are the last people interested in helping  the underprivileged.   

 There is definitely a dominant political machine in our town and it revolves around the Democratic Committee.  If you believe otherwise, you aren't paying attention.

HarleyQuinn said:

 

  The current TC is more interested in lining the pockets of  wealthy developers and landlords than they are in helping struggling families remain a part of this community.

So you are unaware that Vic DeLuca is pretty far to the Left politically? Frankly I find that statement absurd.

HarleyQuinn said:

LOST said:

 No. First of all, "Democratic" Party is the correct name.

Because of the National policies of the Republican Party it's label has become toxic in Maplewood.
You have chosen to be an Independent. What is it about the Democratic or Republican Parties that you don't like?

 Thank you for correcting my English. It’s not my first language as you know. I guess the difference between you and me is that you follow politics and I don’t, but I want to help my community.  I don’t believe in politics as usual. That said, I’m hoping you reconsider and vote for me!”

 I did not mean to correct your English. "Democrat" Party is what Republicans use pejoratively. Since you do not follow politics you might not know that.

However running for a political office without having followed politics would be like me applying for the job of Chef at The Cassidy when I hardly know how to boil an egg.

I ran for the Student Council when I was a College Freshman and was criticized by the student newspaper for having never attended a Student Council meeting. They were right. How many TC meetings have you attended? What were your reactions to the proceedings?

yahooyahoo said:

 There is definitely a dominant political machine in our town and it revolves around the Democratic Committee.  If you believe otherwise, you aren't paying attention.

 There is a dominant political party. I grew up in NYC where there were actual political machines. A candidate for Congress needed 750 signatures to get on the ballot. The "Machine" in my District turned in 21,000. Precinct "Captains" had patronage jobs on the City or State payroll and were beholden to the Party for their jobs. That does not exist in Maplewood or probably any small suburban community.

I do not know the current status of the Town Democratic Committee but in the past they often had difficulty recruiting people to serve.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_machine

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A political machine is a political group in which an authoritative boss or small group commands the support of a corps of supporters and businesses (usually campaign workers), who receive rewards for their efforts. The machine's power is based on the ability of the workers to get out the vote for their candidates on election day.

Although these elements are common to most political parties and organizations, they are essential to political machines, which rely on hierarchy and rewards for political power, often enforced by a strong party whip structure. Machines sometimes have a political boss, often rely on patronage, the spoils system, "behind-the-scenes" control, and longstanding political ties within the structure of a representative democracy. Machines typically are organized on a permanent basis instead of a single election or event. The term may have a pejorative sense referring to corrupt

Issues so far:

Multi-family, mixed use buildings. We have had several built or under construction in the past few years. Stopping this will require changes in zoning. Is this done by the t.c. or the zoning board? What do the candidates propose to change this? Do they want to change it? If so, to what and where?

Are they a net positive to the community or do they detract? How and why?

Pedestrian safety: How much of this is a council issue? What can the council do? Pay more more stupid signs in the roadway that get hit by cars? Replace the stupid signs with useful pedestrian crosswalk signs like at Springfield Avenue -- the ones that light up when someone is actually trying to cross? Who decides this? The police department or the T.C.?

Improving communication between the town and its citizens: It would be good to know what votes are coming before the T.C., B.oE. and zoning board. This information is probably available at some web site, somewhere. If so, snail mail should inform people how to opt in.

What other ideas might work?

Expanding public transportation: That took place when the town expanded the use of jitney to people during early evening hours. Beyond that, maybe one jitney cruising the town every two hours during regular days. Do we want this?  Who would ride it? What would it cost?

I guess, expansion beyond that would require N.J. Transit involvement. But they are already broke. What do T.C. candidates suggest?

Parking deck: Monstrosity or needed monstrosity? If not a parking deck, then what? Candidates, what is your position?

Citizens Budget Advisory Committee: This was abandoned several years ago. When it was functional, it offered a good service and saved money. Can this be brought back?

Candidates -- this is the time to consider these and make your opinion known.

Making the town safer, better transportation, better communication -- these are all nice ideas but without specifics, they are meaningless words.