Formerlyjerseyjack,

Now if you were running you would probably get my vote.

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.

The Democratic Party is currently the dominant party in Maplewood politics.  I can remember when the Republican Party dominated the TC.  I can also remember in the not too distant past when the Democratic Party in Maplewood was divided into warring factions, each of which supported a different slate of candidates. Some of this was evident in the election three years ago when Greg defeated Jerry in the primary election. Watching the current TC members in action, I see considerable variation in points of view and priorities.  I am not sure if the term "machine" is all that accurate at the present time.

Come now , Joan, it is completely inaccurate.

yahooyahoo said:

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.

 Ok, to clarify I dispute:

“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.“

LOST said:

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.

 +1.  Maybe too far to the left.  

Does anyone remember Vic’s red-faced rant at a debate at DeHart about single mothers being rent-priced out of Maplewood?  I sure do.  

LOST said:
Formerlyjerseyjack,
Now if you were running you would probably get my vote.

 That's nice of you to say. Problem is, I don't want to do the work, necessary to represent the town in a fair and creative manner. That's why I do appreciate anyone who gets off their *** to do so. 

I just want the people who do run to be specific on what they believe and not blow smoke up.....

Formerlyjerseyjack said:

I just want the people who do run to be specific on what they believe and not blow smoke up.....

 We have been waiting in vain for the candidate active on this thread to do that.

LOST said:

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

A reward system does not have to mean jobs or money.  It can mean a position on a key committee or access to the TC or the ear of the mayor.

There is a political machine in Maplewood. It's certainly not on the scale of the stereotypical machine but it exists.

Red_Barchetta said:

LOST said:

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.

 +1.  Maybe too far to the left.  


Does anyone remember Vic’s red-faced rant at a debate at DeHart about single mothers being rent-priced out of Maplewood?  I sure do.  

 Then why does the Town continue to approve high-rent apartment buildings with minimal affordable units?

yahooyahoo said:

Red_Barchetta said:

LOST said:

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.

 +1.  Maybe too far to the left.  


Does anyone remember Vic’s red-faced rant at a debate at DeHart about single mothers being rent-priced out of Maplewood?  I sure do.  

 Then why does the Town continue to approve high-rent apartment buildings with minimal affordable units?

 "All animals are equal but some are more equal than others"

  George Orwell

Chair of the "machine" here. I invite all those with great ideas, initiatives, and plans to put their interest into action and come and speak with the Democratic Committee in the Spring. That is when we do talk with all those who express an interest. We reach out via Maplewoodonline, social media, online news sources serving Maplewood, and word of mouth. We look forward to meeting those who are interested this Spring.

When TC/DC members endorse candidates before the DC even meets with interested candidates and votes, it's not a very open process.

yahooyahoo said:
When TC/DC members endorse candidates before the DC even votes, it's not a very open process.

 Sure it is.  Open to the TC/DC.   Anything else would be messy.  Consider it as an abbreviated form of Super Delegate voting.

In the past it has been possible for independent candidates backed by such community based organizations as CCR and the Hilton Neighborhood Association to field viable campaigns without the backing of either the Democratic or the Republican Party.  With the evolving of local community groups on social media that have an IRL component, the number of such groups that could support a successful TC campaign is expanding.  

joan_crystal said:

I am not sure if the term "machine" is all that accurate at the present time.

 it's nonsense

author said:

yahooyahoo said:
When TC/DC members endorse candidates before the DC even votes, it's not a very open process.

 Sure it is.  Open to the TC/DC.   Anything else would be messy.  Consider it as an abbreviated form of Super Delegate voting.

 Super Delegates are not elected. Every Member of the Committee is elected. Mr. Grodman chose to post here and welcome input. Why not take him up on it rather than just complain on a message board?

Individuals whether members of the TC, DC, RC or completely independent have the right to endorse someone at any time.

Since 2001, there have been three mayors.  

Vic DeLuca    2001-2003

Fred Profeta  2004-2007

Ken Pettis     2008

Vic DeLuca   2009-present

Many probably disagree, but this is a political system that is out of balance. As Author mentioned, we don't elect the mayor. For the record, I'm a registered Democrat.

yahooyahoo said:
Since 2001, there have been three mayors.  
Vic DeLuca    2001-2003
Fred Profeta  2004-2007
Ken Pettis     2008
Vic DeLuca   2009-present
Many probably disagree, but this is a political system that is out of balance. As Author mentioned, we don't elect the mayor. For the record, I'm a registered Democrat.

 The mayor is selected every year.  Look at your list.  There's a reason for a 2 year term, a three year term, and a one year term.  The longer term is because the same person was selected each year of that term.  Over that same time period, there was a lot of turnover on the governing body, even though the same person was selected as chair/Mayor over that time.  That's the system, but I wouldn't call it "out of balance".  

nohero said:

yahooyahoo said:
Since 2001, there have been three mayors.  
Vic DeLuca    2001-2003
Fred Profeta  2004-2007
Ken Pettis     2008
Vic DeLuca   2009-present
Many probably disagree, but this is a political system that is out of balance. As Author mentioned, we don't elect the mayor. For the record, I'm a registered Democrat.

 The mayor is selected every year.  Look at your list.  There's a reason for a 2 year term, a three year term, and a one year term.  The longer term is because the same person was selected each year of that term.  Over that same time period, there was a lot of turnover on the governing body, even though the same person was selected as chair/Mayor over that time.  That's the system, but I wouldn't call it "out of balance".  

 Bob Grasmere, a Republican, served as Mayor for most of the 25 years he was on the TC.

nohero said:

yahooyahoo said:
Since 2001, there have been three mayors.  
Vic DeLuca    2001-2003
Fred Profeta  2004-2007
Ken Pettis     2008
Vic DeLuca   2009-present
Many probably disagree, but this is a political system that is out of balance. As Author mentioned, we don't elect the mayor. For the record, I'm a registered Democrat.

 The mayor is selected every year.  Look at your list.  There's a reason for a 2 year term, a three year term, and a one year term.  The longer term is because the same person was selected each year of that term.  Over that same time period, there was a lot of turnover on the governing body, even though the same person was selected as chair/Mayor over that time..  That's the system, but I wouldn't call it "out of balance".  

I know the mayor is selected every year. The lack of change in this list is even more glaring because the mayor could change every year.

yahooyahoo said:

nohero said:

yahooyahoo said:
Since 2001, there have been three mayors.  
Vic DeLuca    2001-2003
Fred Profeta  2004-2007
Ken Pettis     2008
Vic DeLuca   2009-present
Many probably disagree, but this is a political system that is out of balance. As Author mentioned, we don't elect the mayor. For the record, I'm a registered Democrat.

 The mayor is selected every year.  Look at your list.  There's a reason for a 2 year term, a three year term, and a one year term.  The longer term is because the same person was selected each year of that term.  Over that same time period, there was a lot of turnover on the governing body, even though the same person was selected as chair/Mayor over that time..  That's the system, but I wouldn't call it "out of balance".  

I know the mayor is selected every year. The lack of change in this list is even more glaring because the mayor could change every year.

 How many different TC members held office over the course of those 17 years?   It’s not like the same 3 or 4 people are putting the same people in the Mayors’ office has very and over again. 

Eta:  I might take the time to look this up. 

My guess is the TC turns over an average of one person per year.  It will take some time to research.

yahooyahoo said:
My guess is the TC turns over an average of one person per year.  It will take some time to research.

yahooyahoo said:
My guess is the TC turns over an average of one person per year.  It will take some time to research.

 The Democratic nomination is tantamount to a victory.   There must have been some who lost but they don't come easily to mind.

Vic lost when there was a great deal of satisfaction over tax matters in town.

Ryan lost when Lembrich promised to spend more time studying the matter of the building of the Circus Bldg.......he had the public backing of Mr. Profetta and he paid a huge figure....in the thousands to finance his campaign,  In the past I would have said he bought his seat but now I am older . Hell since I sill admire HL Mencken I will say it anyway.

Red_Barchetta said:

How many different TC members held office over the course of those 17 years?   It’s not like the same 3 or 4 people are putting the same people in the Mayors’ office has very and over again. 
 

yahooyahoo said:
My guess is the TC turns over an average of one person per year.  It will take some time to research.

Good guess.  Here is a list of every individual – all 17 of them – who served on the township committee sometime during the period 2001-2018, irrespective of when or how long each served.

Nancy Adams

Marlon Brownlee

Dean Dafis

Ellen Davenport

Vic DeLuca

Ian Grodman

David Huemer

Celia King

India Larrier

Greg Lembrich

Kathy Leventhal

Lester Lewis-Powder

Burt Liebman

Frank McGehee

Ken Pettis

Fred Profeta

Gerry Ryan

LOST said:

author said:

yahooyahoo said:
When TC/DC members endorse candidates before the DC even votes, it's not a very open process.

 Sure it is.  Open to the TC/DC.   Anything else would be messy.  Consider it as an abbreviated form of Super Delegate voting.

 Super Delegates are not elected. Every Member of the Committee is elected. Mr. Grodman chose to post here and welcome input. Why not take him up on it rather than just complain on a message board?
Individuals whether members of the TC, DC, RC or completely independent have the right to endorse someone at any time.

 Well of course Super Delegates are not elected.  They were not created till the crashing defeat of George McGovern, who won the Democratic nomination on a level playing field.  After that the Party in

order to better control who got the nomination,  and handicap outsiders like McGovern or Bernie

Sanders, created Super Delegates.

.

Good evening everyone ...

Tomorrow is the day to vote !! Yay !! Who ever you decide to vote go for it and make it count. 

Im sorry if I disappointed some of you with my answers . I am not the kind of person that will say anything or promise you things that I know you want to hear just for votes. I don’t do that. Some of you have seen me in the village or at events and I wish you would of ask me then all you wanted to know. I would of happily discuss with you all your concerns. Not everything is black and white. I could say I will do this and that, when the reality is I can’t do it because of some code, law or something else that doesn’t allow me to do what I really want and then you will feel disappointed or think i lied. I need to go to the bottom of things before i tell you “i will do this”. I didn’t want to have a long laundry list. I had a few platforms and I wanted to focus on those. 

Do I think there should be a little bit of balance in the committee ?? Absolutely. Many people in this community believe they have no voice or representation because of their political view, race and religion. And I want to be that person for them. 

If I lose your vote for being honest that’s unfortunate.

I will be all day @ Dehart Park (community center) talking to residents of why they should vote for me. If you still want to hear what I have to say please I welcome you.   

Implying your opposition is dishonest without giving examples is itself dishonest, you know.   

dave said:
Implying your opposition is dishonest without giving examples is itself dishonest, you know.   

 I don’t understand what you mean .. can you be more specific ?? 

Your opponents have accomplishments and positions on issues.  They have put information in front of voters about their intentions so voters can be informed when they go into the polling booth.  If your defense of saying you can't have positions on issues is because you can't make promises, then tell us where your opponents have made promises and failed.   At least that would be something for voters to know before casting a mystery vote for you.   This is the last I'll say on the topic.  Best of luck Tuesday.

dave said:
Your opponents have accomplishments and positions on issues.  They have put information in front of voters about their intentions so voters can be informed when they go into the polling booth.  If your defense of saying you can't have positions on issues is because you can't make promises, then tell us where your opponents have made promises and failed.   At least that would be something for voters to know before casting a mystery vote for you.   This is the last I'll say on the topic.  Best of luck Tuesday.

 I’m not saying I don’t have positions because I do. What I am saying I can’t promise you things  (ex. Lower taxes) when I need to have more info and get to the bottom of things. I can tell the voter I can look into it. And there is no mystery vote. There have been articles, interviews and ive been around in events & committees. I am no stranger. I’ve always welcome everyone to reach out if they wish to talk. I have nothing to hide. 

Thank you for the luck !!