Middletown Democrats Calling

Matawan mayor needs to get priorities straight

2007-02-09T22:55:00.000-08:00

Matawan Mayor Mary Aufseeser has an issue. She talks about government reform and that kind of thing and then she wants to turn around and give the bond counsel job to Peter Carton's firm. She says that Carton's firm is the best firm for the job. Anyone who has been involved with government reform for any period of time knows that the Carton boys are the problem in this county.

Democrats have tried for decades to get rid of Carton's influence in this county. Meanwhile, a Democratic mayor that everyone at the county backed, Mrs. Aufseeser, made it her business to fight for Carton's firm to keep the arrangement it had in Matawan. This arrangement was made by the former Republican Administration that Mrs. Aufseeser made such a big deal about being wrong and corrupt. Well, the first thing she does when she gets in last year was keep Carton's firm. Then, this year, she fights for Carton's firm again. But, this year, real reformers were in office in that town and didn't let her get away with it.

Congratulations to Bud and Megan Mullaney, as well as Mike Canon. They're trying to do something for taxpayers.

Mayor Aufseeser apparently thinks a lot of Holmdel Mayor Serena DiMaso. She thinks Mrs. DiMaso is some kind of non-partisan person. Mrs. DiMaso is a hack for Joe Kyrillos in Holmdel. She has made n obones about it, but Mrs. Aufseeser is buying her bull.

If Democrats are actually going to reform government in Monmouth, people like Mary Aufseeser have to figure out where they are standing. If she is a Democrat, then she needs to be one. If she is a Republican, then she needs to become one. And if she wants to ignore the last 20 years of corruption in this county, then she shouldn't be in office at all.

If Mayor Aufseeser doesn't want to be a Democrat, or reform government, then she should lose the line in her town. If she can get her act together and stop appointing corrupt Republicans and helping to fill Republican campaign attack literature with nonsense then maybe there's hope yet. If she had been a Republican turning on the GOP machine, there wouldn't have been any talking about it. But if Democrats don't do things differently, then that would be a mistake. Mary Aufseeser needs to clean her act up and stop acting like a Republican hack to keep Democratic support in case she does want to run again, I think. And that means penning blogs under her initials as well. Democrats have been fighting corruption in this county for years and if she doesn't want to do that then she can be not elected as quickly as she got elected.

WALSH BACKS UP SHORT ON BENEFITS

2007-02-08T16:56:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE/LETTER TO THE EDITOR

For Immediate Publication

POC: Patricia Walsh
Democratic candidate for 13th District Assembly
Tel: 908-601-1252
Email: walshforassembly@yahoo.com

February 9, 2007

Walsh backs Short’s plan to
eliminate benefits for politicians

I attended a recent Township Committee meeting in
Middletown, where Committeeman Pat Short brought forth
a resolution that part-time township committee members
should forgo pensions.

Until Mr. Short was elected it was unknown to the
public that these pensions are voluntary. They are not
required by law to take them.

Meaning they could save the taxpayer money by not
opting for them.
In addition, he introduced another resolution
encouraging local committee people from opting for
family health and dental insurance coverage at
Middletown taxpayer’s expense, which he has declined.
Imagine my surprise when the former mayor, Tom Hall,
and current Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger vehemently
opposed both resolutions.
Mr. Hall and Mr. Scharfenberger were joined in
attacking the lone Democrat on the committee by the
township administrator, Bob Czech, and by the township
attorney, Bernie Reilly.

Other members of the committee sat silent.

It is this type of self-aggrandizement that is part of
the reason the state is struggling from the
overwhelming costs of pensions. Instead of leading by
example and forgoing optional pensions and benefits,
they are part of the problem that Trenton and
taxpayers have to deal with. They are part of the
reason our taxes have escalated to the degree that we
find New Jersey leading the pack in the burden our
taxpayers carry.

Several times Mr. Scharfenberger attempted to
incorrectly state the position of Mr. Short that as
Scharfenberger put it “you are in favor of increasing
the committee’s salaries”. The record will show that
that is not Mr. Short’s opinion but just the attempt
by a political adversary to incorrectly state Mr.
Short’s position on the issue.

It seems rather hypocritical of the committee to pass
resolutions and issue press releases pointing the
finger at Trenton.

As politicians they always point their proverbial
finger over there, when they should be pointing at
themselves. They had the opportunity to show taxpayers
in Middletown that they were willing to be part of the
solution, and said “NO.”

I agree that the issue of pensions and benefits for
part-time elected and appointed officials is one that
legislators in Trenton will have to deal with. I look
forward to being part of the solution, as a full-time
Assemblywoman from the 13th district. Tough issues
require tough people to deal with them. I will not sit
idly by and watch the abuses take place. I will speak
out about the reforms necessary to provide the tax
relief that our residents really deserve. You can
count on it.

Patricia Walsh
Middletown resident
Candidate for 13th District Assembly

HERGET, APP BACK TO SIDING WITH THE GOP

2007-01-29T10:07:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

January 29, 2007

POC: Joe Caliendo
Chairman, Middletown Democrats
8 Daniel Drive, Middletown, NJ 07748
Cell: 732-299-6470/Email: joe_caliendo@yahoo.com
Web site: http://www.democratscalling.blogspot.com

HERGET, APP BACK TO SIDING WITH THE GOP

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): Asbury Park Press reporter Alison Herget published an article in the Bayshore Reporter on January 25, 2007 entitled “Motor vehicle agency opens new office in Hazlet.”

In that article, Ms. Herget was decidedly biased against Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Victor Scudiery, Middletown Democratic Chairman Joe Caliendo said.

While Mr. Scudiery owns Airport Plaza, where the motor vehicle agency recently opened, there has never been any finding from any governmental agency or elected official that there was any influence used by Mr. Scudiery as part of this deal. Caliendo said, “All this deal has done is saved taxpayers statewide money. Despite the Asbury Park Press making claims to the contrary, the fact is that Vic Scudiery’s plaza is just a better site for the agency and that is why the state Treasury Department made the deal. There’s also the fact that the state will spend a lot less money for relocation to his plaza also.”

Caliendo said that is it his opinion that Ms. Herget is biased toward the Monmouth County Republican Organization. “That was made clear last election when, in Middletown, the Republican chairman had unobstructed access to her while I would not even get a call on stories about the Democratic Party involving me personally. This is despite the fact I gave her all my numbers and my e-mail address. Everything has been one-side with her and with the Press, in favor of county and local Republicans. Democrats don’t get a say even when stories are about them to any degree like Republicans do. I think this is about clear partisanship.”

Caliendo said that prejudice in APP reporting is evident. “The paper even went so far as to have a reporter, Bob Jordan, work on the Scudiery storyline who had a relative with an axe to grind with county Democrats and especially Victor Scudiery,” Caliendo said. “How is that ethical, and how is that supposed to be anything like ‘best practices’ in journalism? That’s a conflict of interest.”

Caliendo added, “When it comes to Ms. Herget, she has never written a good word about any Democrat in her career. When it comes to the story she wrote in the Reporter, she was more than happy to use ‘facts’ presented by Bob Jordan. But those ‘facts’ of Mr. Jordan’s have yet to accurately give either the floor space or the accurate rent the DMV is going to pay. Likewise there is nothing by way of even intelligent speculation that anything was wrong with the Airport Plaza deal. To the contrary, all digging into this situation has proved there was no inappropriate conduct by Mr. Scudiery at all. This is about some kind of ridiculous vendetta. Someone has a grudge over in the APP, whether it is Mr. Jordan, Ms. Herget or the powers that be over in the APP. But it sure isn’t any kind of straight reporting that is going on.”

For more information, call Caliendo at (732) 299-6470.

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SCUDIERY CALLS OUT JORDAN ON REPUBLICAN-SLANTED ARTICLE

2007-01-25T16:32:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

January 26, 2007
POC: Victor V. Scudiery
Chairman, Monmouth County Democratic Party
Tel: (732) 739-3232

SCUDIERY CALLS OUT JORDAN ON REPUBLICAN-SLANTED ARTICLE

Questions Puharic on GOP credibility on criticisms of party funding

HAZLET TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): In a January 24 article written by Asbury Park Press Staff Writer Bob Jordan, the reporter wrote an advocated piece that appeared on Page A8 entitled :Treasurer: Monmouth County Dems owe chairman $150G."

In response to allegations made in the article by Jordan, Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Victor Scudiery said, "Bob Jordan is saying that I am owed $150,900. He is saying I forgave $4,000. He is saying in one paragraph in his story that "...The amount owed to Scudiery -- whose benefit from political clout was called into question when the state Motor Commission began renting space for more than $100,000 a year in a Hazlet shopping plaza he owns â€“ has accumulated over a number of years."

In fact, Scudiery said he did lend the party over $200,000 when he took office 18 years ago as the Monmouth County Democratic chairman. "This was a promise that I made when I sought office as the county leader. I have been personally forgiving the debt and that is something that is not negative. It is not even something that is unusual in politics," Scudiery said.

Scudiery cited a written report by The Courier, a weekly Monmouth County newspaper, which stated that under former Monmouth County Republican Chairman Fred Niemann, Republicans received $200,000 in contributions and in-kind contributions from the state Republican Party, largely when it was under the leadership of Sen. Joe Kyrillos (a Monmouth County Republican).

"No one has accused Sen. Kyrillos of doing anything wrong. But, in that case, it was political contributions and not personal funds. In my case, I used my own money to back a party I believe in. I am not beholden to anyone and, as anyone in my party can tell you, I don't make anyone beholden to me," Scudiery said.

Where it involves the state Motor Vehicle Agency, Scudiery said, "Bob Jordan is trying to give the impression there was some misconduct involved. In fact, he is throwing around the fact that Rebecca Aaronson is a Democratic leader and she is a MVC manager as having something to do with this deal and there is no relationship involving Mrs. Aaronsson and this deal. The Asbury Park Press has yet to quote pricing for the space correctly, or the floor space involved, and when it comes to the bidding process, which has already been examined by governmental oversight. There was no politics involved in the move to Airport Plaza by the MVC. This deal only benefited the state of New Jersey and its taxpayers."

Scudiery said that, among other errors in stories by Jordan, the Asbury Park Press identified two towns, Matawan and Hazlet, as being represented by the 12th Legislative District. Those towns are actually represented in another legislative district. "I do not see a lot of attention to detail," Scudiery said.

Scudiery said that Bob Jordan should closely examine where he stands on this subject as a reporter, since it has been reported to Scudiery that there are family relations that Jordan has who are both political and adversarial to Scudiery. "Mr. Jordan is related to an ex-municipal chairman and county committeeperson by marriage and that person is someone whose actions I have not approved of now or in the past," Scudiery said. "I have been very vocal in my disapproval of this family member of Mr. Jordan's."

"If I was a reporter who had a relative with a problem involving a political leader, I would not write about that leader since it would be a conflict of interest involving family, in my opinion," Scudiery said. "News reporters need to have a certain distance and objectivity with what they are writing. When family is involved, how does that objectivity exist?"

Scudiery questioned Jordan's motivations and methods involved with this story, as well as the Asbury Park Press's oversight of Jordan and his work.

###

CHAIRMAN DEFENDS COUNTY CHAIR ABOUT DMV DEAL

2007-01-03T19:39:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

January 3, 2007

POC: Joseph Caliendo
Chairman, Middletown Democrats
8 Daniel Drive, Middletown, NJ 07748
Tel: (732) 299-6470/Email: joe_caliendo@yahoo.com
Web site: http://www.democratscalling.blogspot.com

NEWS MEDIA GOES AFTER SCUDIERY
OVER DMV DEAL WITHOUT CAUSE

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): The News Media has been going after Democratic County Chairman Victor V. Scudiery recently over this Dept. of Motor Vehicles issue involving Airport Plaza, a center Mr. Scudiery owns in Hazlet, according to Middletown Democratic Chairman Joe Caliendo.

The DMV is moving from Matawan to Hazlet next week.

"Basically, for almost two years, Mr. Scudiery has been negotiating with the DMV after that state agency approached him after the site was put out to bid, and
no one bid the project, and then the state came to Mr. Scudiery about perhaps moving the DMV into his center," Caliendo said.

“No one bid the DMV because no one had the facilities to be able to handle that kind of activity in the vicinity,” Caliendo said. “Airport Plaza is really the only facility large enough and with enough parking to be able to handle this kind of activity.”

The DMV used to pay about $30 a square foot for its building in Matawan, Caliendo said. Now, the DMV is paying about $18 a square foot for its facility. “The state is saving money here and getting more parking and its closer to the Garden State Parkway, which has an exit in Keyport,” Caliendo said.

The Middletown Democratic leader reminded that Victor Scudiery is not an elected official for the public. He is a chairman of the county Democratic Party and has
been doing business as a businessman for more than 40 years in this state.

Caliendo said, “If you want to find some dirt in government, then you’re not going to find it by chasing someone who is charging the state less than its paying right now for more service, better access and a longer lease (that basically involves a 20-year
period, with options figured in).”

Caliendo countered, “Why is one individual not elected by the public being looked at like this when people like Assemblywoman Amy Handlin and Freeholder Robert
Clifton are not looked at by the News Media?”

Caliendo said that Amy Handlin worked for years on one of the most corrupt Freeholder Boards in the state and watched corruption take hold of this county for years as an elected official without doing anything about it. Robert Clifton is someone who has been proved to have taken wheeled money from a Middlesex County developer, who was doing business in his town, when he was a Matawan mayor, Caliendo said.

Caliendo said, "Mr. Clifton named this developer the “Lead Redeveloper” for a train station project when this Clifton was still serving on the municipal level. He gave the $5,000 in wheeled money back to the PAC after he was found to have it, but in the meantime he made a big deal about some big ethical campaign he was running during his election. And, he was running with Amy Handlin as his running mate at the time."

Caliendo said, "This Airport Plaza deal saves the taxpayers money, it was done in the right kind of way and it makes sense. It makes a lot more sense than elected officials turning a blind eye to criminal behavior for years, contractors being in elected office on the county level working government contracts in the county, and having someone who has a campaign finance problem sitting in charge of the county.

The News Media is singling out Victor Scudiery and trying to make something that is not political that way, but turning a blind eye to the real problems in government here in Monmouth County, Caliendo said.

30

_________________________________________

ANSWERING HALL IN THE INDEPENDENT

2006-12-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

For Immediate Publication

December 20, 2006

POC: Joe Caliendo, Chairman
Middletown Democratic Party
8 Daniel Drive, Middletown, New Jersey 07748
Email: joe_caliendo@yahoo.com
Web site: http://www.democratscalling.blogspot.com
Tel: (732) 299-6470

Dear Editor:

The Middletown mayor, Tom Hall, and the deputy mayor, Gerard Scharfenberger, are making statements that the Middletown Democratic Party is somehow supporting the developer for the Town Square project in town.

I deny those statements and believe the only reason these things are being said publicly is because the mayor and deputy mayor are campaigning this year early. No Democratic candidate in Middletown, including former candidate Mr. Irvin Beaver who only recently as an individual expressed support for the project, has ever come out in favor of the Town Square. This year’s winning candidate from Middletown in the committee race was even one of the founders of the organization against the Town Square.

Any assertion that the Democratic Party in Middletown is “pro Town Square” is a lie. Individual Democrats and Republicans have expressed support for Town Square, but that is something called “free speech” in this country and have nothing to do with parties.

It is this Middletown Committee, encouraging any number of new developments in town, that are clogging this town’s roads, filling up the schools even more with larger class sizes and eating away at the quality of life in town. It was Republicans, in the mid 1990s, which created Town Square. No Democrat ever voted in favor of Town Square: That was something the Republicans did.

This Town Square project is going to get solved in court one way or the other, and no Democrat is going to have anything to say about that either. But Town Square was the last issue the Republicans in town successfully buffaloed the voters with so I guess that is why the Democratic Party is getting this latest round of abuse.

Joe Caliendo
Democratic Chairman
Middletown

CALIENDO CRITICIZES CARTONS AND GOP

2006-11-27T17:29:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

POC: Joe Caliendo, Chairman
Middletown Democratic Party
Tel: (732) 299-6470/Email: joe_caliendo@yahoo.com/ Web
site: http://www.democratscallings.blogpsot.com

CALIENDO CALLS COUNTY GOP ON ALLEGED REFORM

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): According to Middletown Democratic Chairman Joe Caliendo, the recent November 7 election did a great deal to send a message to the Monmouth County Republican Party's top leadership.

"But it's not enough," Caliendo said. "There is a lot of talk about the county republicans reforming this and that…being less corrupt and not being as bad or as flagrant about their corruption as before. But Middletown Chairman Peter Carton's Newark law firm is still running the majority of the bonding in this county, his relative Malcolm Carton is still getting rich as the county counsel, meanwhile most of Carton's lawyer relatives are working for the governments in Monmouth one way or the other. All that has changed over the last 25 years are the front men that these people are using to make the quotes to the newspapers; talking about reform."

Caliendo said there are republicans trying to make a difference in that party, but not enough to change the grip of powerful financial interests in Monmouth County by GOP supporters and vendors. "The only solution for bringing integrity to Monmouth County and Middletown Township especially, is through supporting the Democratic Party and its candidates," Caliendo said.

Caliendo said corrupt Republicans are still running the county because nothing has been reformed by the people in charge in that party and nothing has been changed. "And it won't be changed until the Republicans get rid of the most corrupt among them. But they haven't because Middletown the rest of the county is still 'Club Monmouth.'" Significant steps have been taken to send corrupt Republicans a message, "but there is certainly a lot more to come on that subject," Caliendo said.

For more information, contact Caliendo directly at (732) 299-6470, or go to his Web site at: http://www.democratscalling.blogspot.com.

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NEWS MEDIA SHOWS BOAS AGAINST DEMOCRATS, AS USUAL

2006-11-25T10:25:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

November 25, 2006

For Immediate Publication

POC: Joe Caliendo, Chairman
Middletown Democrats, 8 Daniel Drive, Middletown, NJ 07748
Tel: 732-299-6470/Email: joe_caliendo@yahoo.com/ Web site: http://www.democratscalling.blogspot.com

"REPUBLICANS" AREN'T BEING IDENTIFIED WHEN IT COMES TO CONVICTIONS

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): According to Middletown Democratic Chairman Joe Caliendo, many Republicans charged and in some cases convicted as part of Operation Bid Rig were identified by their name and former office held. However, when it comes to identifying their party, newspapers and other media are reluctant to put the word "Republican" before defendants.

Meanwhile, when it comes to members of the Democratic Party charged, "before either their name or their title, the media isn't shy about putting 'Demcorat,' " Caliendo said. "This is another way the media manipulates people and it is wrong, in my opinion."

Caliendo said the Republican Party has been in charge of Monmouth County for the past 25 years. "There are Democrats that have been identified as having done corrupt things in this county and they should face the full weight of law without any doubt, but when it comes right down to it the Monmouth County Republican Party has been in the driver's seat here since Reagan was in office. Despite any 'reform' these Republicans are doing the same gang of shady characters are still in charge in Monmouth since Reagan too."

Caliendo said that even if the news media hasn't made it clear that the top leadership of the Monmouth Republican Party has been the single largest proponent of corruption in the county, the voters were still aware of it, with the results of the most recent election in mind. "People are tired of a small group of Republicans, who are really only out to pad their pensions and get whatever they can from the taxpayers, legally and illegally, getting away with whatever they want to in this county and the voters are finally doing something about it," Caliendo said.

The veteran Democratic municipal chairman said that whether or not the media wants to note what party these corrupt office holders are from the result will be the same. "Voters in Monmouth County know what party was in charge of making its top leaders and professionals rich by any means necessary to make a dollar off the backs of the taxpayers," Caliendo concluded. "It would be nice if the media was fair, though, even every now and again."
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A Letter From Concerned Citizen

2006-11-22T07:34:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

As you all well know I monitor the activities at the Port Monmouth beach front, almost on a daily basis. Since our beach front changes almost on a yearly basis, with development popping up anywhere, I took note and this is what I found.

The well to do folks, who bought the new Condo's on the beach, I think the builders name is Kevorkian, Kovanian, or something like that. (You know, the Condo's that burn so well on a windy nite). The lucky tenants there have the honor of their property being named "The Dunes at Shoal Harbor" Isn't that wonderful!

Now across the street and a little down the road, are more new Condo's. Now these Condo's are for the not so well to do, but still have some bucks people. These aren't on the beach front (you know the Condos that have the first floor 10 feet above Sea Level, so they won't drown in their sleep in the event of a catastrophic storm. The A/C units are about 5 feet above Sea Level, when the flood water hits these they will act as alarms that danger is eminent.) Now these lucky people have the privilege of having their homes named "Park Ferry at Shoal Harbor" The title "Dunes" is obvious, but Park Ferry???? Then it dawned on me, that's where NY Waterways will Park their Ferries in the event of a great flood.

OK, enough of the History, now the good news. Now on the Blue Collar, Middle to Low income group Beach, commonly known as Spy House Beach at Bayshore Water Front Park, new Condo's have appeared. Better yet, a gift to us working people, with no additional taxes, to which we are already over burdened, by the Politicians who run this area, and state.

As you all know, I have pretty much referred to this beach as the "Dump at Port Monmouth Beach". Well now I can announce a new name for this parcel of land located on an Historical Site, which is on Green Acres Land, sitting directly below, and in front of, our American Flag.

I present you with: "RIB & D at Shoal Harbor"

RIB & D at Shoal Harbor? You ask. Yep RIB & D. Rat Infested Beachfront and Dump at Shoal Harbor.
These little marvels of nature have moved right in. Rat Condo's they are! How lucky can we get? Just think about it, Garbage and Rats just for us poor folks, sure we make good money, but we live in Middletown. Think about how exciting it will be when some child or pet gets bitten by a RAT, We can worry about infection, not to mention Rabies epidemics, Not only is our bay being polluted and our beach spoiled, we can look forward to small children going home after an outing with their school at this beach and telling Mommy and Daddy, Middletown has the coolest beach. Tires, Roofing material, appliances, sewer pipes, rusted steel, garbage bags with surprises in side and most of all Rats, you adults really know how to set a good example for us kids. "Now I know how an Historical site, Park, and Green Acres site is supposed to look.

Please, send all your friends this email, and they can consider it as an invitation to bring their family to this wonderful parcel, where they can romp and play, chase rats and climb what the EPA has deemed a "Dangerous Solid Waste Dump Site". Tell your friends not to worry, it's been there over 3 years and no child has died yet.

So, next summer, tell your travel agent you want to go visit the Historic Spy House and RIB & D at Shoal Harbor, don't worry, it will still be there. Our government will see to that, I'm sure.

Vic

PS Isn't it Ironic that people on the local and county level of government got busted, and this entire mess was created by people of the local and county level. Hmmmmm.

Mason congratulates Short, MT Dems

2006-11-16T14:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Chairman Caliendo,

I would like to congratulate you, the Middletown Democrats and especially the man of the hour, Middletown Committeeman-Elect Patrick Short on an incredible win. For so many years, Middletown has been known as a Republican stronghold, but I guess those days are over.

I like the message you and your party and your candidate are putting out about inclusion and bringing people together for the common good. There is not enough unity on the municipal level when it comes to getting things done. Partisanship is really pretty ridiculous when it comes to getting the simple things done.

I know that Patrick is trying to reach out to his fellow Committee people in Middletown and I wish him the best of luck. The victory he accomplished, I am sure, could not have been possible without the support of so many Democrats and Republicans alike. That says a lot about your club and the caliber of your people.

All the best,

Glenn Mason
Hazlet

Thanks to Middletown for victory

2006-11-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

The Middletown Democratic Party welcomed a great victory on November 7 in the Middletown Committee race. Patrick Short won a three-year seat on the governing body. But it is a hollow victory if this is just a Democratic win.

For Democrats to have won in this township, then every resident must have won or it has not meant anything. But I believe every resident has won with the election of Patrick Short and this town will have someone of great character on the job. Patrick Short is a good man who is seeking to reform government here in town. He wants to lower taxes and stop part-time politicians from raiding the hard-earned tax money that residents pay. I believe in him and I think it is clear that the majority of Middletown residents believe in him.

I know that Patrick will be reaching out to groups all around the township. During elections, people are Democrats or Republicans. But now is the time for Democrats and Republicans to come together and stop the divisive nature of government in Middletown once and for all -- and become neighbors again.

It is time to change things for the better and I believe in Patrick and I hope that the rest of the Middletown Committee can leave the acrimony at the door to work for the betterment of our community.

Of course, winning did feel pretty good and that has everything to do with Patrick, who campaigned so hard and well, the Democratic Executive Committee, who has worked tirelessly for years, and every Democrat in this township who supported this ticket and year after year supports this party and bipartisan government in this community.

Also 'thank you' to all of Middletown. It is a special trust the Democratic Party has been given, specifically Patrick Short. This trust is appreciated and it is something I am sure this candidate and this party will live up to.

THE MONMOUTH POST IS THE NEW REPUBLICAN NEWSPAPER IN MONMOUTH

2006-11-01T12:57:00.000-08:00

On the front page of this Monmouth County Post that the Monmouth County Republican Party has tieS with, on October 22, the newspaper takes a pretty hard whack at the Asbury Park Press and its reporter, Bob Cullinan.

The publisher for this new "county newspaper" is the former executive director of the Monmouth County Republican Partty, Dan Gallic.

In its article, the Monmouth County Post makes it clear that the Republican Party in Monmouth is trying to shut reporters up, when the unnamed Post reporter who wrote the front-page story on the Press quoted an "unnamed county official" as saying, "We have asked the Asbury Park Press to replace Bob Cullinane on more than one occasion, offering interviews to anyone else, but the Asbury Park Press has refused."

Well, I took exception with the Press some time back because the reporter in Middletown would not call me about a story involving the Democratic Party, which I am the chairman of here. I have never refused to talk to a reporter and I think any elected office holder who is trying to pick and choose what reporters they are going to talk to is trying to slant the news. I do expect a call from a reporter if they are doing news about my group. But these freeholders are absolutely spoiled -- if they don't like tough questions from good reporters then they run away and ask for a second stringer.

I give a lot of credit to the Press for standing up to this kind of intimidation by the Board of Freeholders.

As for the Monmouth County Post, I think it is ironic that Monmouth Republican Chairman Adam Puharic wants to limit the amount of dollars that come into county races given there is a mysterious, brand new Republican newspaper in Monmouth that just happens to push his party and its candidates.

All the taxpayers have taken from the Monmouth Republicans over the last few years and they still cannot manage to tell the truth about anything.

Joe Caliendo
Chairman
Middletown Democrats

CARTON COMPLAINT MOVES AHEAD

2006-11-01T05:57:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMEMDIATE PUBLICATION

November 1, 2006
POC: Joe Caliendo, Chairman, Middletown Democrats
Email: joe_caliendo@yahoo.com, Tel: 732-299-6470,
Site: www.democratscalling.blogspot.com

Complaint Against Carton Heads To Essex County

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): An ethics complaint from the Middletown Democratic Party’s chairman, Joe Caliendo, was forwarded to the Essex County Bar Association after being reviewed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey’s District Ethics Committee for Monmouth County, District IX.

Caliendo was notified of this in a copy of an October 18 memorandum from Kathleen A. Sheedy, Esq., the secretary for the District IX Ethics Committee, to Seth Zuckerman, Esq., of the Essex County Bar Association.

In his September 15 complaint, Caliendo said, “Peter J. Carton, an attorney employed by Gibbons, Del Deo, Dolan, Griffinger & Vecchione, Newark, has admitted in print within the large daily newspaper that, under his authority, he did issue a press release (in his capacity as the chairman of the Middletown Republican Party), which wrongly identified an advisor to the Middletown Democratic Party, Mr. Charles ‘Chuck’
Fallon as an individual who had been convicted criminally of attempting to bribe or bribing an elected official in ‘North Jersey.’ ”

Caliendo said, “That never happened, and this is an absolute lie that Carton should have known was untrue because he has known Mr. Fallon for years. What Carton did was politics at its worst.”

Now that the complaint is heading to the Essex County Bar Association, if sanctioned by that board, Mr. Carton faces severe punishment. “And that is OK because Mr. Carton should be responsible for his behavior and what he says, just like anyone else,” Caliendo said.

Caliendo said that he is pressing forward on the complaint because it is time for “dirty politics” to stop being the focus of elections and for campaigns to start being issue oriented and about what elected officials will and can do for taxpayers.

Caliendo said Carton should step down as chairman of the Republican Party in Middletown, as a Sewer Authority commissioner also and his firm should be terminated as the bond counsel for Middletown Township.

“It’s time to stop dealing the cards off the bottom,” Caliendo concluded.

###

SHORT LEADS MIDDLETOWN TAX REVOLT

2006-10-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

October 24, 2006

POC: Patrick Short, Middletown Democrat for Committee,
Tel: (732) 796-9574

Short takes the lead in Middletown Tax Revolt

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): Middletown Democrat for Township Committee Patrick Short has vowed that he will take the fight for township tax relief to the governing body when elected.

“On the first day in office, I will introduce three ordinances, which I call ‘Delay,’ ‘End’ and ‘Ban,’” Short said.

He explained that he intends on delaying the planned property revaluation in Middletown. He will also end pensions for elected and appointed officials who work part-time. And, he will ban any contractor who works for the town from holding an appointed or elected office.

“It is time for us to get serious and I am willing to take the necessary action to control our out of control spending here in Middletown,” Short said.

Short, 52, is a retired lieutenant colonel from the United States Army. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1977. In addition, he holds three master’s degrees in management and human relations, contract management and strategic studies and decision-making, respectively.

“I am a highly sought after project manager who manages multi-million dollar projects to cost and schedule. That is how I make my living and that is what I am bringing to Town Hall in my hometown,” Short said.

According to Short, his 30-day plan when he is elected includes: restricting the amount of credit debt that the committee can authorize; elimination of health benefits for elected and appointed officials who work part-time; elimination of “tacking,” where officials hold multiple positions to boost their retirement packages; and implement best business practices to pare down government and fully implement shared services with other agencies.

Short said he also intends on fighting for fair and equitable distribution of state funding for school and community grants.

“It has been time for change,” Short said, “our community has been dealing with a need to re-look how Middletown is spending money, where it is spent and what course we will collectively chart for the future.”

Short concludes that the time for change to finally take place in Middletown is this year, this election and in this race. “This tax revolt is not some public relations stunt, nor some campaign trick…this is about bringing sound management principles to this town this year and every year in the future,” he said. “This is sorely needed and it is time.”

###

DOWD & REILLY GIVES $1,000 TO SODON CAMPAIGN

2006-10-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

October 23, 2006

POC" Joe Caliendo, Chairman, Middletown Democrats
Cell: 732-299-6470/Email: joe_caliendo@yahoo.com/ Web site: www.democratscalling.blogspot.com

SODON ACCEPTS $1,000 FROM TWSP.
ATTORNEY'S FIRM IN MIDDLETOWN

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): According to Middletown Democratic Chairman Joe Caliendo, Middletown Republican candidate for Township Committee Tim Sodon has accepted $1,000 from the law firm of Dowd & Reilly for his campaign.

The campaign contribution was made by Dowd & Reilly, Red Bank, during May this year. Perhaps the most prominent problem with this, Caliendo said, is that Bernard Reilly is the long-serving township attorney for the committee where Sodon wants to gain a seat.

Last week, Caliendo reported that Sodon had also accepted $2,600 for his campaign during May from the township's engineering company, T&M. Caliendo said, "I keep hearing about 'Fresh Faces,' but all it is looking like to me is more of the same by way of political patronage and pay-to-play for the Middletown Republican Party."

As well as accepting money from township vendors, Sodon is also the majority owner of a company, Sodon Electric, Middletown, which received $92,000 from the township during a 9-month period. Sodon's company does municipal work for the township Parks Department and the Road Department. In addition, Sodon's company has performed work on the "ill-fated, over-budget and absolute money pit known as the Banfield Cultural Arts Center," according to Caliendo.

Adding to all of this is the fact that Sodon also sits on the Recreation Advisory Board in town, as its chair. Caliendo said this board influences business decisions made by the Recreation Department, which influences the work Sodon's firm also receives from the township.

"There used to be a time in the township's history when members of the governing body used to choose whether they were going to be a vendor, contractor or elected official, but I guess that sensibility is gone these days with the Republican Party," Caliendo said. "Mr. Sodon measures the ethics of being a contractor for the township while sitting on the governing body that approves his bills by whether or not he can be in violation of the law by doing so. Is that what ethics means these days? What is right and moral is whatever one cannot get arrested or indicted for?"

According to Caliendo, the only real ethical choice this year for Middletown voters is Democrat Patrick Short. "Patrick is the only candidate in the race who is not a vendor, a contractor or ever plans to be one," Caliendo concluded. "That gives him a lot more credibility in this race than Sodon has."

###

Patrick reads letter to the committee

2006-10-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

Open Letter to Middletown Township Committee 13 October 2006
To: Mayor, Middletown Township
From: Patrick Short

Subject: Middletown Township Committee Must Address Appearance of Conflict of Interest Issue

I was surprised to find and disappointed to learn that the “Good ‘O Boy” and even Pay for Play may still be active and taking place in Middletown. Despite steps taken to remove this type of conduct in Monmouth County and in Middletown, I do not understand why the Township Committee would permit the appearance of this unacceptable practice to take place.

The relationship between the Parks and Recreation Department and Sodon Electric Inc. may be an example of this impropriety. In the past 10 months, the town has paid Sodon Electric Inc. a total of $92,072.26 for services’ performed from December 2005 through September 2006. This has occurred while the principal partner of Sodon Electric Inc., Mr. Timothy Sodon, is the Republican Party Candidate seeking a seat on the Township Committee; the same committee that approves payment to Sodon Electric Inc. as a contractor in our town. Mr. Sodon is also the chairman of the Recreation Advisory Board; a board that influences projects performed for the Parks and Recreation Department. Any electrical maintenance service that is performed, it is done by Sodon Electric Inc. Most troubling is the fact that payment to Sodon Electric Inc for services performed has more than tripled since Mr. Sodon became the Republican Party candidate and a member and chairman of the Recreation Advisory Board.

Mr. Sodon will have to decide whether he wants to remain a contractor who provides a service to the town or whether he wants to be Committee member, if elected, who approves contractors and the work that they perform within the town. Doing both promotes the appearance of a conflict.

However, it is the responsibility of the Township Committee to ensure that conflict of interest or the appearance thereof does not take place. And if it does, action should immediately be taken to remedy the situation. Our town ought to be viewed as a town that treats all contractors/vendors fairly, impartially, and in the best interest of the tax payer. Our town ought not to be viewed as a town that selects a contractor/vendor off a “Good O Boy” list or because it is an insider to the Republican Party.

I would hope that the Township Committee would view this situation from the eyes of the other twenty-seven (27) electric companies in our town that may want to do business in Middletown. These electrical companies must have confidence that they will not be excluded from doing work in Middletown if they do not subscribe to political patronage. Rather, they subscribe to a high ethical standard and provide quality of service at a cost that is in the best interest of the Middletown taxpayer.

To demonstrate that the Township Committee embraces these principles, I recommend the Township Committee remedy this situation by taking the following steps:
1. Establish a policy to prohibit any elected and/or appointed official from performing contractual work in the township and any contractor/vendor from being an elected and/or appointed official.
2. Replace Mr. Sodon as a member/chairperson of the Recreation Advisory Board.
3. Place an immediate “Stop Work” on all work currently being performed by Sodon Electric Inc.
4. Re-Issue a Request for Proposal Competitive Bid for electrical maintenance services performed in the Township of Middletown.

Respectfully,

Patrick Short

SODON RECEIVED T&M MONEY FOR ELECTION

2006-10-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

October 19, 2006

POC: Joe Caliendo, Middletown Democratic CHairman
Tel: 732-299-6470/Email: joe_caliendo@yahoo.com / Web site: www.democratscalling.blogspot.com

SODON ACCEPTED $2,600 FROM T&M ENGINEERING

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): According to Middletown Democratic Chairman Joe Caliendo, the Middletown Republican candidate for Township Committee, Tim Sodon, accepted $2,600 from the township's engineering firm, T&M, during May this year in campaign contributions.

This comes after Caliendo and Middletown Democrat for Township Committee Patrick Short have already been critical about Sodon's status as a township contractor. As well as being a contractor and candidate for the governing body that approves his company's bills, Sodon also chairs the Recreation Advisory Board in town, which influences the work that his company does in the township.

"This would be funny if it wasn't so serious," Caliendo said. "I do not know what kind of ethical compass Mr. Sodon or the Republican Party leadership in this town has but it is obviosuly off course."

According to Caliendo, if Sodon had accepted this $2,600 from T&M had he already been elected then it would be something that would have had to receive law enforcement attention, but because he is not elected this act of the town engineering contributing to his campaign is not illegal -- just incredibly unethical.

"Is this the kind of leadership that Middletown deserves and can expect from Mr. Sodon?" Caliendo questioned.

During a 9-month period, Sodon's company, Sodon Electric, has earned $92,000 from the township. His firm works for the Roads Department in town, not to mention the Parks Department and even works on the Banfield Cultural Center project.

"Mr. Sodon does not deny the work his firm does and has primarily worked in this election to rationalize him wanting to be a committeeman whose company is on the township payroll, Caliendo said. "He cannot deny the T&M contribution either and I am very interested to hear his rationalization for this too."

###

Highlands GOP press release about vandalism

2006-10-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

I think what happened to the Highlands Republicans' signs is wrong. But I do not think anyone should rush to judgment about blaming the Democrats over there. I do not know what happened, and neither does anyone else. This is a weird time of year and people do strange things, in both parties.

I know for a fact that both Mr. Caizza and Mr. Urbanski have a lot better things to do with their time than shimmy up a sign and put a moustache on anyone. Yet it is clear someone did have that kind of time and that bad intention. So, I think whoever they are did something very distracting to the campaign there and the police should find them.

CALIENDO CRITICIZES SODON FOR CONFLICT OF INTEREST

2006-10-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

October 14, 2006

POC: Joe Caliendo
Chairman, Middletown Democrats
Tel: (732) 299-6470
Email: joe_caliendo@yahoo.com
Blog: www.democratscalling.blogspot.com

CALIENDO CALLS SODON'S SEAT ON REC ADVISORY COMMITTEE A CONFLICT

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): Middletown Democrat Chairman Joe Caliendo says that the fact that Middletown Township Republican Committee Candidate Tim Sodon sits on the Recreation Committee's Advisory Council, influencing the Recreation Department in town in its financial decisions, is a conflict of interest given the fact that Mr. Sodon's company is paid for work it does in township parks.

"There is no way for this Republican Township Administration to make the case that someone who sits on this advisory committee for Recreation, and then turns around and his company does the work on township recreation sites, is not conflicted," Caliendo said. "On top of everything else, the person who is conflicted, Tim Sodon, is then made a candidate for Township Committee by the Republicans and presents even more of a conflict of interest."

Caliendo said that there is no way to say that the best person for the job of Township Committee is someone who is already a contractor for the township, who sits on a committee already that indirectly influences the work his company receives from the township he works for, and profits from government. "Well, it's plain to see that Sodon Electric is making a pretty good dollar off of the taxpayers in Middletown already and this idea of Tim Sodon being a committeeman is another 'Good Old Boys' special from the Middletown GOP," Caliendo said.

The veteran Middletown Democratic chairman said that "nepotism, political patronage and political favoritism runs Middletown right now and it is time for this nonsense to stop," Caliendo said. "This is taxpayer money we're talking about here and the budget isn't supposed to be a slush fund for Republican friends and supporters, even though that's what it's starting to look like right now."

###

GIBADLO WANTS MANAGERS HELD ACCOUNTABLE

2006-10-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

October 13, 2006

POC: Greg Gibadlo, Democrat for Freeholder
Email: gibadloforfreeholder@hotmail.com/ Tel: (732) 671-4181

GIBADLO WANTS MANAGERS HELD ACCOUNTABLE

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): Monmouth County Democrat for Freeholder Greg Gibadlo said that holding managers accountable for their departmental budgets is a priority that is not as emphasized as it could be right now in Freehold.

According to Gibadlo, “I am not saying that the current Board of Chosen Freeholders are losing money in every department. But, just because the county saves some money in one department does not give it license to go over budget in another department. That strategy doesn’t make sense.”

Gibadlo said that, in some areas, the Board of Chosen Freeholders have done well. When it comes to purchasing fuel, the county has done a strong job, Gibadlo said. “This is not about bashing incumbents, that isn’t going to solve the county’s problems. But in the same vein, a county government isn’t about hiding long-term systemic fiscal issues either and I think it is time that a strong review, department by department, in a collaborative working manner be conducted,” Gibadlo said.

Gibadlo believes there is too much emphasis right now on making things “look great” to media and the outside world. In fact there is work to do and too much emphasis on how things look as opposed to how things operate.

A structured review process is what Gibadlo is calling for that involves leaders and managers throughout the county administration on a regular basis, with a focus of economic savings.

“Managers have to be held accountable for production,” Gibadlo said. “This is a fundamental practice in any good business organization.”

###

GIBADLO SAYS MONMOUTH COUNTY NEEDS TO CHANGE

2006-10-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

October 14, 2006

POC: Greg Gibadlo, Democrat for Freeholder
Email: gibadloforfreeholder@hotmail.com/ Tel: (732) 671-4181

GIBADLO SAYS MONMOUTH COUNTY NEEDS TO CHANGE

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): According to Monmouth County Democrat for Freeholder Greg Gibadlo, “Monmouth County Republicans paint a blissful picture of the county that does not hide the aura of corruption that this county has become well known for in this state and in this country.”

Gibadlo said there is an evident need for change in the county, especially on the county level. “This has been made clear by several prominent symptoms of dysfunction in this county,” Gibadlo said.

Specifically, Gibadlo pointed to the emerging gang problems in Asbury Park, pockets of economic depression and joblessness in the county and the recent stream of Operation Bid Rig officials from both political parties netted by the FBI in the county.

“There are Crips and Bloods that have set up shop in our county and that is a real concern when it comes to our youth,” Gibadlo said. “This is something that has to be addressed even when that means restructuring our priorities.”

Gibadlo said the most important thing someone can give someone else is hope and dignity. “But when it comes to families and their health, that starts with fathers and mothers having jobs that can pay the bills that give their children a better life. Monmouth County can do better than it is right now, by encouraging small business people, creating tax incentives for corporations to come here and giving working people such basic support as sound public transportation,” Gibadlo said.

But when the subject turns to government helping others, Gibadlo said that government couldn’t do that if it is riddled with corruption. “People are fallible and no one should forget that. With that said, government officials have got to be held to a higher standard and accountable for their actions,” Gibadlo said.

Gibadlo said he knows that some residents in Monmouth have been disappointed by some of their leaders. He knows that there is voter apathy in some corners because of that disappointment. But, he said that he “also knows that all it takes for that apathy to start to change is hope borne of hard work, action out of honesty and communication with integrity.”

Gibadlo said he does not want to chastise anyone for creating a condition that has allowed gangs to take root in Asbury Park, or punish leaders for creating conditions that led to economic hopelessness by some in this county, or even revel in officials being led away to prison. “I think there isn’t enough time for that,” Gibadlo said. “I think there’s only enough time to change these things by changing the priorities of this county government to address the issues that exist today and stop allowing partisan county government to try and dictate what is and is not happening in Monmouth.”

###

SODON SHOULD CHOOSE EITHER BEING A CONTRACTOR OR PUBLIC OFFICIAL

2006-10-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

POC: JOE CALIENDO
Chairman, Middletown Democrats
Cell: (732) 299-6470/EMAIL: joe_caliendo@yahoo.com
Web site: www.democratscalling.blogspot.com

SODON SHOULD CHOOSE EITHER BEING A CONTRACTOR OR PUBLIC OFFICIAL

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): Sodon Electric, the Middletown company primarily owned by Township Republican Candidate Tim Sodon, made $92,077.26 from the town last year, according to Joe Caliendo, Chairman of the Middletown Democrats.

“So now what?” Caliendo asked. “Mr. Sodon owns an electrical company doing business with Middletown and he is going to become yet another vendor who wants to be elected in this town?”

Caliendo said, “This practice is not right and is not ethical no matter how many times this Township Committee or this Republican leadership says it is. Ethically and morally this practice flies in the face of any common sense where it regards someone putting himself up for elected position.”

Whether it is bond work for the township being done by the Newark law firm of the Middletown Republican Boss, Peter Carton (who also sits on the Sewer Authority) or the same law firm who employs Brian Nelson (an attorney for the bond firm who also sits as an appointed member of the Sewer Authority), this practice is not something that in any way helps or is in the interests of the taxpayers in Middletown, Caliendo said.

“How many hundreds of thousands of dollars from Middletown taxpayers every year are being wasted on pensions and benefits on people who either should only be making some minimal figure or volunteering their time?” Caliendo said. “The Republican Administration is actively working to get their top appointments a living off of the backs of Middletown taxpayers.”

According to Caliendo, the appointed positions on the Sewer Authority, Planning Board and other posts should not be garnering pensions and health benefits. The attorneys and other professionals employed by the township should not be making a pension from Middletown, as Township Attorney Bernie Reilly will (because of special arrangements made by this all-Republican Township Committee), Caliendo said. And the number of attorneys, Caliendo said, is too many.

The veteran Middletown Democratic chairman said the only alternative to corruption in Middletown this year is the election of Democrat for Middletown Committee Patrick Short, who will end the free ride for partisan professionals and begin the process of finally relieving taxpayers in this township of excessive and unnecessary burdens.

###

CARTON CAN'T MAKE THE CASE THAT THERE AREN'T PLENTY OF QUALIFIED WOMEN IN THE GOP

2006-10-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

October 6, 2006

POC: PAT WALSH
Member, Middletown Democrats
Phone 732-747-0688

CARTON CAN'T MAKE THE CASE THAT THERE AREN'T PLENTY OF QUALIFIED WOMEN IN THE GOP

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): According to Middletown Democrat Pat Walsh, "It seems that GOP Chairman Mr. Peter Carton has yet arrive in the twenty-first century, where women now commonly fill leadership positions in business, industry and politics. The Vice Chairman of the Middletown Republican Party is Clifford Raisch, while the chairman of the group is Peter Carton. It is common protocol that these leadership positions are normally held by two persons of opposite gender."

Walsh asked, "Why is there a complete void of a woman in such a key leadership position in the party, Middletown Democrat Pat Walsh said. Does the party chairman have something against women as leaders?"

While there are times when, for some extraordinary reasons in a community, there may be only two Republicans or Democrats in a given place who are active, and there should be an exception to the general rule in that case, this is not the situation in Middletown.

"By there being a male chairman and vice chairman in Middletown that is the Middletown Republican Party saying there is no woman either interested enough or qualified enough to hold the vice chair seat," Walsh said. "I think the fact of this situation is absolutely wrong given the number of talented and enthusiastic Republican women who live with our community."

Walsh, a former Middletown Republican, said she does not know if Carton's decision to go with a male vice chair marks any other decisions he has made about women holding office in behind-the-scenes party politics. "But, it sure isn't the best sign of the state of affairs in the Middletown Republican Party," she said.

###

Sodon shouldn't be town vendor and elected official

2006-10-03T04:32:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

October 3, 2006

POC: Joe Caliendo, Chairman, Middletown Democrats
Tel: (732) 299-6470/Email: joe_caliendo@yahoo.com and
Web site: www.democratscalling.blogspot.com.

CALIENDO CALLS SODON ON TOWNSHIP WORK

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): The chairman of the Middletown Democratic Party, Joe Caliendo, is criticizing the fact that the Republican candidate for Committee this year, Tim Sodon, is a municipal contractor.

“In Middletown, it has become a practice for vendors here, people whose businesses make money from the town, to hold office as elected officials,” Caliendo said. “This is despite the fact that this practice is inherently flawed and dangerous to the taxpayers.”

Sodon Electric, whose owner is Tim Sodon, does municipal work not only at the Banfield Cultural Arts Center, but also works for the township’s Roads Department.

“No candidate and no elected official in this township should own a firm that does business with this township,” Caliendo said. “The practice of electing and appointing vendors to office has left Middletown with a party boss, Peter Carton, who is in-charge of bond work for his company and that company has the bond work in Middletown. Mr. Carton also sits on the Sewer Authority, drawing pay and benefits (including retirement benefits), and he selects the Republican candidates for office and they become the committee people. As if this wasn’t bad enough, Mr. Carton even has one of the lawyers at his law firm, Brian Nelson, sitting on the Sewer Authority.”

Caliendo said, “How far is this going to go? Mr. Sodon will not debate in public. He has not said he will give up the township work. At what point will the Republican Party here in Middletown stop playing the ‘Good Ol’ Boys’ game?”

###

SHORT INVITES OPPONENT TO DEBATE ISSUES

2006-09-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

September 28, 2006

POC: Patrick Short, Democrat for Township Committee
Tel:732-796-9574

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): Democrat for Township Committee Patrick Short invites his Republican opponent this year to debate the issues within Middletown.

"I think it is only fair that the electorate has an opportunity to hear both my opponent's views as well as mine," Short said. "I do not believe that a debate has to be conducted in a rude atmosphere, quite the contrary. A debate should be a time when the ideas and plans that candidates have made are shared with the public about the most pressing matters of the community."

Short said his opponent, Tim Sodon, can pick the time and even the place if he likes. "The important thing is for the information to get out to the public so they can make an intelligent choice for the next person to fill the slot on the committee," he said.

In particular, Short said he would especially like to address the issues of eminent domain, tax relief and governmental reform. "Middletown cannot afford to keep doing business the way it is," Short said. "That not only means the business of just government. Our voters here in Middletown need as much information about what the candidates running for office are prepared to bring with them should they be elected."

Short said he hopes to hear from the Republican Party about this matter at their earliest convenience.

###

RESTORATION OF 2-PARTY SYSTEM IS ABOUT TAX MONEY BEING SAVED

2006-09-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

September 26, 2006

POC: Patrick Short, Democrat for Township Committee
Tel:732-796-9574

SHORT BACKS TWO-PARTY SYSTEM RETURN

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): Democrat for Township Committee Patrick Short said the return of the two-party system in Middletown is essential to reforming taxation in town.

"The return of the two-party system in Middletown is not something purely ideological," Short said. "There are issues associated with one-party rule that go back to patronage; and patronage costs money in towns -- tax money."

According to Short, dual office holding, pension padding by elected and appointed officials, vendors being appointed to municipal boards and commissions and political favoritism to companies that favorpolitical parties all have economic consequences for taxpayers.

Two-party representation is a fundamental principle of the American political system. The Founding Fathers created the two-party system to prevent governmental corruption. "The founders of this country created this system so one party would not enjoy total power or total power for too long," Short said. "In Middletown, Republicans have been entirely in charge of this governing body for 25 years and what has resulted is a government that is spending money far more liberally than it can afford."

Short explained that the Middletown Township Committee bonds excessively, resulting in a bond debt that equals about $80 million. "No business and no private concern that is $80 million in debt can say that it is doing well and that it has operated effectively," Short said.

According to Short, municipal bonding is tantamount to credit card debt. "Anything any politician will tell you about how a budget is balanced with an $80 million debt on the books is not being entirely honest," he said. "I believe that the only way to dealing with the amount of bonding debt this township has is to start spending money in a prudent way and not a way that considers politics, politicians or political parties in any way, shape or form."

Short, a business executive in the private sector, said he intends on seeking the appointment of the best and most economical firms to office in Middletown and not the most politically connected. In addition, he does not intend on supporting Democratic or Republican builders or trades people. "I intend on seeking the appointment of the best possible and most professional builders and trades people where needed by the township," Short said.

In conclusion, Short said, "I simply intend on taking the politics out of local government here in Middletown."

SHORT ASKS COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER BENEFITS ISSUE

2006-09-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

September 19, 2006

POC: Middletown Democrat for Township Committee Patrick Short/Tel:
732-796-9574 or Greg Gibadlo, at: gibadloforfreeholder@hotmail.com

SHORT ASKS COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER BENEFITS ISSUE

Gibadlo weighs in on benefits issue for elected, apointed officials

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): Middletown Democrat for Township Committee Patrick Short said the issue of part-time politicians being eligible for pensions and health care benefits from the public is one that the Middletown Committee should be dealing with, regardless of any upcoming election.

Democratic Freeholder Candidate Greg Gibadlo, Middletown, joins him in this call for reform.

Short said that he is raising as an issue full-time benefits for part-time politicians and appointees. "I welcome the input and support from Mr. Gibadlo," Short said.

Short started the discussion of this issue in June, without response by GOP office holders or any candidates. In Middletown, the all-Republican Township Committee has not considered the idea of revisiting who receives pension and health benefits in both elected and appointed office. "There are times when partisanship is innocuous and then there are times when such partisanship just costs taxpayers too much money. I think there is a real opportunity for savings to taxpayers from revisiting elected and appointed benefits and it is an area that is worthy of investigation by the governing body," Short said.

"What kind of compensation package someone gets in an elected or appointed position should be on the table, especially during these economic times," Gibadlo said.

"When people are hurting and going through difficult times, we need to rethink the elaborate benefit packages for the elected and appointed officials who serve the taxpayers. Regardless of the economic prosperity of residents, the providing of benefit packages to county employees, and even municipal employees, must be consistent," Gibadlo said.

In Middletown, Short explained these are especially difficult times for township residents to be bearing the burden of excessive patronage. "If the committee chooses not to work with Democrats then that is fine, but any progress in this area would represent a step in the right direction," Short said.

Short noted that anyone who seeks public office has an impetus to do good in the community. "All I am saying is that there is tax money that is, in some very important ways, being wasted and this situation warrants a thorough and thoughtful examination and the likelihood of action," he said.

Reducing and eventually eliminating full-time benefits for part-time office holders is one of Short's platform issues during this year's General Election. Others include: Adopting a standard of 2,000 hours worked in a year to earn pension and health care benefits and eliminating pension and health benefits of local vendor's who provide professional services to the township.

One possibility to consider is adopting 401k benefit plans for newly elected officials and political appointees that are eligible for benefit plans.

Another possibility is the elimination of "tacking" where employees hold multiple public jobs to increase their salary on which their pension is based. And, require employees to designate one job on which their pensions would be calculated.

Short said, "What I am talking about at this specific moment applies strictly to the elected and appointed people on the various boards and commissions. However, I would like to gain a better understanding on why it should not be applied across all township departments."

###

IN SUPPORT OF MENENDEZ

2006-09-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

September 18, 2006

POC: Joe Caliendo
Chairman, Middletown Democrats
Tel: (732) 299-6470
Email: joe_caliendo@yahoo.com
Blog: www.democratscalling.blogspot.com

CALIENDO CALLS INVESTIGATION POLITICALLY MOTIVATED,
QUESTIONS TIMING, MOTIVATION OF CHRISTIE CONTRIBUTIONS

Middletown Democrat Chairman Joe Caliendo has called the investigation into Sen. Bob Menendez highly suspect.

"We have a U.S. Attorney who is playing politics for a party he owes deeply," Caliendo said. "At the end of the day, Christie is a political appointee."

Caliendo noted that it is difficult for the U.S. Attorney to claim objectivity in investigating a Democrat candidate in an important national race, especially when the money trail between Christie and the state Republican Party are seen in the broad light of day.

"Look, the timing of the contributions by Chris Christie and his family are pretty suspect, if you ask me," Caliendo said. "First, you've got the fact that Todd Christie, the U.S. Attorney's brother, has helped raise over $200,000 for the Bush White House. But you've also got to look at what's been paid to the state Republicans."

Caliendo said election reports show that before 2001 Christopher J. Christie and his family members donated a total of $800 to the New Jersey Republican Committee.

But in the months before September 2001, when Christie learned of his appointment, Christie donated $10,000 to the party and his brother Todd's household contributed $64,000 to the party. Todd Christie went on to contribute $70,000 to the party in three lump sums from 2002 to 2004.

"Look, you don't just jump from giving $800 in a lifetime to giving $74,000 in less than a month without strings being attached to both sides," Caliendo noted. "That's just not how politics works and certainly not how politics works in New Jersey."

Caliendo noted that while the U.S. Attorney launched a curiously timed investigation into Menendez's finances, Christie has ignored potential wrongdoing by the state's GOP brass.

"Christopher J. Christie will not investigate the dealings of the Matawan-Aberdeen Train Station, in which over $50,000 passed between John Lynch business partner Jack Morris and state Sen. Joe Kyrillos' campaign accounts," Caliendo said. "Christie will not investigate the fact that Sen. Kyrillos may have used some strangely times campaign contributions to influence the Keyport Republican Party (including two councilmen arrested for corruption) to help his
employer Woodmont Properties develop condos on waterfront property in the town, which he's supposed to represent."

Caliendo said Christie would not investigate these dealings by Kyrillos because of his very relationship to Kyrillos and the Middletown Republicans.

"Look, Kyrillos is this same man who swore Chris Christie in as a Morris County Freeholder, the same man who Todd Christie called a 'family friend' and the same man who was taking the helm of the state GOP just as the Christies dropped $74,000 a couple months before the U.S. Attorney learned of his appointment."

Caliendo concluded by saying, "Of course Christie is going to investigate Menendez. Menendez isn't George W. Bush's candidate, and Menendez wasn't taking the helm of the state GOP when the Christies were paying tribute to that organization's coffers."

Caliendo characterized the State Republican Party as being both "corrupt and vindictive" and may come after him in some political way because of this. "But the truth is just that and I do have proof about every assertion that I am making," he said.

###

COMMUNICATION FROM THE STATE

2006-09-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

I JUST GOT THIS FROM THE STATE, SO I AM POSTING ON THIS SITE:

Cryan Points Out Republican Hypocrisy

Joe Cryan, chairman of the New Jersey Democratic Party, issued the following statement in response to the partisan rhetoric by Republicans on political corruption:

"The partisan diatribes by the Republican Party and the self-serving rhetoric from the campaign of Tom Kean Jr. intentionally ignore the fact that political corruption and the abuse of power occur with individuals in both parties.

"From a lineup of Republicans in Monmouth County to a score of Republicans in Congress, and with elected officials, candidates and lobbyists in between, Republicans are full participants in the problem.

"The soapbox that Tom Kean Jr. wants to stand on is tarnished with his own abuses, including a fundraising scheme that collects campaign cash from corporate officers who sit in boardrooms with his father and from executives of a health insurer taken the same day he voted to allow the company to keep a $40 million tax break.

"The problem of political corruption is not unique to either party, but the Republicans are certainly cornering the market on hypocrisy."

Short stands up against eminent domain

2006-09-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

September 15, 2006

POC: Middletown Democrat for Township Committee Patrick Short
Tel: 732-796-9574

Short lauds county Democratic campaign, expresses concern over bridge
issue

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): Middletown Democrat for Township Committee Patrick Short said the battle against eminent domain abuse in Monmouth County, and especially in Middletown, is one that has grave consequences for residents.

"I am pleased that the Democratic ticket running for county office this year has become involved with the fight to stop eminent domain abuse," Short said. This year. Barbara McMorrow, Freehold Township, is running with Greg Gibadlo, Middletown, for seats on the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders. Beverly Bova-Scarano, Middletown, is also running for
surrogate.

Since the spring, Short has been involved with the fight against eminent domain abuse very aggressively in Middletown. In particular, Short supported the municipal acquisition of the McCormack Farm before the Middletown Committee could agree on preserving it under Open Space.

In addition, he has been a staunch advocate for the Walsh family's land rights, in River Plaza. Currently, the county is considering taking up to one-quarter of her property to construct a curved bridge to replace the West Front Street Bridge that currently spans Middletown and Red Bank.

While there are a few versions of this plan being considered, Short said, "I fail to see why one very prominent alternative is not rebuilding the bridge on the footprint of the existing bridge. Why a curved configuration is necessary has not yet been adequately explained.

And, before the government starts talking about taking anyone's property, under any situation, there clearly needs to be some essential public good that patently overrides the lawful rights of a property owner. I do not believe this public need has been expressed or demonstrated by the county."

The issue of the safety of the bridge is also paramount. "Engineering reports from the county have stated the bridge is not safe, and yet the bridge is open and I do not know why. So the county has not answered the
question of current safety. My chief concern with the Middletown Committee is why, as local elected officials, they are not making more of a case about bridge safety with the county," Short concluded.

For more information, or to speak with Short directly, call 732-796-9574.

###

MONMOUTH FREEHOLDER CANDIDATES

2006-09-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Publication

September 15, 2006

POC: Greg Gibadlo
Democrat for Freeholder
Cell: 908-461-1619
Email: gibadloforfreeholder@hotmail.com
Web Page: www.democratsforfreeholder.blogspot.com

Freeholders, surrogate candidates come out against eminent domain abuse

FREEHOLD (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): Homeowner land rights are the corner-stone upon which democracy was founded.

Today, there are serious concerns in Monmouth County that government is over-stepping its powers and adversely impacting individual rights by exercising eminent domain in a way that is inconsistent with the intended use of such laws.

“What has happened to homeowners in the City of Long Branch is a prime example of the concern shared by every citizen in Monmouth County,” Democratic Candidate for Freeholder Barbara McMorrow said.

“In speaking with residents of Long Branch, there is great concern that private property is being seized by the government without proper consideration of individual homeowner rights.

“In some cases, very viable family homes are in jeopardy in a way that is inconsistent with the principles this great nation was founded upon,” Democratic Candidate for Freeholder Gregory Gibadlo said.

“In Middletown, my hometown,” Surrogate Candidate Beverly Bova-Scarano said, “there are similar concerns about how the county freeholders are abusing the use of eminent domain in the case of the West Front Street Bridge, which joins Middletown and Red Bank.”

“The county is proposing the construction of a new bridge in River Plaza because the old one is unsafe,” Gibadlo said. “Yet, one of the plans being considered by the county engineer rebuilds this bridge into a curved configuration that is a waste of taxpayer funds and would take one quarter of the property that the Walsh family has owned for more than 20 years.”

“There are questions how this project was noticed to the public and what is the purpose of new curved bridge,” McMorrow said. “In short, there are just more questions than answers. But these questions must be answered.”

“Why it is not tenable for a new West Front Street Bridge to be constructed on the footprints of the old one has not been credibly answered, in my opinion,” Bova-Scarano said. “And, before government starts taking anyone’s property these are exactly the kind of questions they have to answer.”

30

Eminent Domain Abuse is an Issue

2006-09-11T18:11:00.000-07:00

I think one of the biggest issues of this race in Middletown is going to be eminent domain. The rights that people have over their property are important and being trampled on. I don't believe ther eis any "maybe" about it.

I am behind Patrick Short wanting to curttail eminent domain, as well as Mr. Gibadlo saying so o nthe county level.

Greg Gibadlo is in county race

2006-09-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Middletown Democratic Party is proud to announce that one of our own, J. Gregory Gibadlo, has been duly elected and named as a candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder this November. He is running with Freeholder Candidate Barbara McMorrow and Surrogate Candidate Beverly Bova-Scarano. Best of luck to Greg, Barbara and Bev.

Democrats will win with integrity

2006-08-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

The problem with politics is that it's easy for people to lose sight of what they're in it for in the first place. This Peter Carton issue with Chuck Fallon is a good example of that.

"Win at all cost" can mean "win at the expense of the truth" or "win with a bunch of lies if you have to just win." I'm not that7 kind of campaigner and neither is anyone in the Middletown Demcoratic Party.

When Middletown Democrats win, we're going to do it with integrity and with honesty. Democrats have waited for a long time, so it is good that this year there's finally going to be an end to the waiting with the election of Patrick Short to the Middletown Committee.

A fair story in the Press

2006-08-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

I think Alison Herget wrote a very fair story in the Press today about this whole mess that Peter Carton started with Chuck Fallon.

The long and short of it is that Peter Carton sent out a release saying that Chuck had been arrested and convicted of bribing a Hudson County official and, of course, he has never done that.

Carton won't even apologize for it.

The Democrats are going to see about a complaint to the Bar over this situation.

FRIDAY PRESS RELEASE

2006-08-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

August 26, 2006

POC: Joe Caliendo
Chairman, Middletown Democrats
Tel: (732) 299-6470
Email: joe_caliendo@yahoo.com
Blog: www.democratscalling.blogspot.com

IS NEWARK LAW FIRM MAKING IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MIDDLETOWN REPUBLICANS?

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): According to Middletown Democratic Chairman Joe Caliendo, he has serious concerns that the Newark law firm of Gibbons, Del Deo, Dolan, Griffinger and Vecchione is making in-kind contributions to the Middletown Republican Party.

"Brian M. Nelson is a Middletown Sewer Authority commissioner, who earns pay, pension and benefits from Middletown. He is also employed full-time by the legal
firm of Gibbons, Del Deo, Dolan, Griffinger and Vecchione in Newark, the law firm that holds all the bonding work in Middletown. Nelson has put out press releases on behalf of the Middletown GOP," Caliendo said. "The Middletown Democratic Party wants to know if Nelson's public relations work is a contribution tothe Middletown GOP by the firm."

"Mr. Nelson is a lobbyist among other things, used to working in the public relations arena," Caliendo said. "If this work on behalf of the Republican Party is on the company's time, then that means this is an in-kind contribution by his firm."

"Gibbons, Del Deo, Dolan, Griffinger and Vecchione are one of the largest Democratic law firms in the state of New Jersey," Caliendo said. "I do not understand why they have hired Middletown Republican Chairman Peter Carton and allowed him to behave this way in public office."

Caliendo said that Carton has worked against the two-party system throughout the county. "Carton has worked to ensure that only one-party rule is in place in Middletown most especially. The law firm gets all the bonding work, and as chairman of the Republican Party, Carton selects all of the candidates for office, all of the people who sit on boards, and the committee with all of the politicians he creates bond at nearly every meeting of the governing body," Caliendo said.

"Peter Carton has made sure that Brian Nelson gets a soft appointment on the Sewer Authority and gets his pension," Caliendo said. "So, Carton is a political boss, a political appointee, a vendor and who knows what else in this township."

"This is corruption, pure and simple, and the heart of it is right here in Middletown Township," Caliendo said. "It has to end, but right now I want to find out
if this law firm authorized this Brian Nelson to do public relations for the local Republican Party here."

Caliendo said he would be following up with the state Election Law Enforcement Commission with regard to this.

SUNDAY PRESS RELEASE

2006-08-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

Here's what the Middletown Democrats sent out on Sunday about this Carton and Herget issue. I think this party has made itself clear.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

August 20, 2006

POC: Joe Caliendo
Chairman, Middletown Democrats
POC: 732-299-6470
Email: joe_caliendo@yahoo.com
Blog: www.democratscalling.blogspot.com

CARTON, HERGET LEVEL FALSE ELEC CHARGES

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): In a move that is a bit early in the season, but not entirely unexpected, Middletown GOP Chairman Peter Carton has announced allegation of ELEC wrongdoing by the Middletown Democratic candidate and it was announced by the Asbury Park Press's Reporter Alison Herget last week.

"The Middletown Democrats, Candidate for Committee Patrick Short and myself did nothing wrong in ELEC reporting or anythng else," Caliendo stated.

However, those charges will likely not be resolved by the election in November, but Miss Herget will have the option to keep referring to them throughout the campaign in her "stories" in the APP. "Carton decided, Miss Herget typed and that's how I see it," Caliendo said.

This is despite the fact that Mr. Carton has been leveling charges for years against the Middletown Democrats (before, during and after elections) and he has yet to score one single legitimate complaint with ELEC. "Carton is trying to use ELEC for headlines to win a campaign he is going to lose, and Miss Herget is trying to make a name for herself while making friends with the Middletown Republicans and that is all it is in my book," Caliendo said.

This month, after Miss Herget wrote a story given by Carton about new ELEC allegations on August 7 on the front page of the "Our Town" section of the APP, without asking one question of Middletown Democratic Chairman Joe Caliendo (who is responsible for ELEC filing for the club and the candidate) she allowed Mr. Carton a one-way shot making accusations of wrongdoing. "I wonder how much press the Democrats are going to get in January or so when this thing is
decided in our favor?" Caliendo asked.

In an August 11 story in the APP, where she allowed comment by Caliendo, she further allowed Mr. Carton to continue making claims that he provided no proof for with regard to any ELEC wrongdoing.

"I think it's pretty clear that Pete Carton is getting hit pretty hard by the things his Township Committee is doing up there: deluxe healthcare packages for themselves, appointing crony friends every chance they get to township boards (and giving them benefits, pensions and pay to boot), bonding the town to death at darn near every session because Carton's company is the bond firm, threatening to condemn taxpayers property for ridiculous reasons, spending millions on lavish and unncecessary projects...well the list goes on but you get the point," Caliendo said.

With Democrat for Committee Patrick Short fighting eminent domain in River Plaza, helping to save a family farm in New Monmouth and joining the fight against the Lincroft Sports Complex, as well as taking up the fight to end flooding in the Bayshore sections of Middletown, Caliendo said. He noted that Carton's candidate for the committee "isn't looking as competitive so this is the way a lawyer-boss tries to make points -- accuse without likely resolution of something that this party, myself and this candidate are absolutely not guilty of," Caliendo said.

The veteran Middletown Demcoratic boss said this effort by Carton has been "significantly aided by the APP's Alison Herget, against any principles of fair
play, unbiased coverage or even common sense, I think," Caliendo said.

"I have asked Miss Herget to give Middletown Democrats fair coverage in this election, or simply to stop covering it if she finds she cannot seperate any other loyalties she may or may not have to the Republican Party or specifically the Middletown Republican Party," Caliendo said. "Miss Herget does not have the right to tamper with an election in Middletown, whether she covers it for the Asbury Park Press or
anyone else."

Caliendo explained that Carton had in his inner circle former Committeeman Ray O'Grady, who was convicted of federal corruption charges, as well as former Committeeman Pat Parkinson, who was sued by the former town clerk for sexual harassment. Parkinson settled the case out of court with the former clerk, and
Parkinson settled that case with town money and his lawyers were paid for by the town. "Why wasn't that a story for Miss Herget?" Caliendo asked.

Caliendo reiterated his position that the Middletown Democrats, Candidate for Committee Pat Short and himself have done nothing wrong. Caliendo said, "Pete
Carton is having a tough election and made a baseless ELEC complaint and that is an example of why false ELEC complaints should be a crime. As for Miss Herget, I think she has a preference in this election and I believe she's made that pretty clear through her work."

###

I AM NOT GOING TO LET THIS GO

2006-08-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

Peter Carton using the Asbury Park Press to throw a frivolous ELEC complaint against the Demcoratic Candidate this year, Patrick Short, is a campaign tactic. Maybe it's a cheap one but it's a tactic all the same.

This complaint is bogus. The reporting by Alison Herget is bogus and I plan on making that as clear as a bell through this contest.

I think Miss Herget has stepped over the line of journalism, into public relations for the Middletown Republican Club. They've been known to get friendly reporters jobs before. I'm not saying that is why Miss Herget wrote what she did, I am just saying that it has happened.

I will not allow them to slander this club or this candidate or myself through this campaign so I am not letting it go in August. If I do, every single story this Herget person writes in September and October wil lreflect the accusations and the "pending charges" with ELEC.

Well, if she writes that she better write that it is our assertion the complaint is frivolous and that I think she is a tainted reporter. I don't mind reporting with FACTS, and TWO SIDES of the story. But ONE SIDE and FALSE ALLEGATIONS are not going to fly with me and they will not fly with the Middletown Democrats.

I will be issuing another press release within a day about this. But I do not want anyone to mistake the Middletown Democratic Party's position on this issue at all. I will not see the Asbury Park Press throw ANOTHER election to the Republicans by false reporting, bad reporting or any other kind of reporting and sit idly by.

It is time to stand up against Republicans and Bad Reporting

2006-08-18T05:03:00.000-07:00

Every year, Republicans and the media they own in this county try to find a way to stop two-party government. Sometimes they are successful and sometimes they are not.

In 2001, the Asbury Park Press covered up the Parkinson Sex Harassment Lawsuit, which was filed against Committeeman Parkinson by the former Town Clerk, Rosa Garcia. The Press refused to print the lawsuit at the time, because Former Mayor Parkinson, who was also a Candidate and Committeeman at the time, said no suit existed. This happened despite the fact that Rosa Garcia attorney had served the Township with a Notice of Tort and that Notice had been sent to every Newspaper in the North Monmouth Area. That year, Beverly Bova-Scarano lost election by 30 votes and Parkinson and his running mate, Ray O'Grady, won their seats.

So rather than have honest Democrats on the Committee, the Republican Party got someone who would later be convicted of Federal Corruption Charges (O'Grady) and someone who spent an "UNDISCLOSED" amount of public money defending himself from the Clerk and her sex harassment charges (Parkinson). Parkinson had town attornies bought and paid for by the town.

In 2002, the Asbury Park Press refused to cover the Banfield Building. The property used to belong to a big Republican contributor, who couldn't unload the thing to anyone but his Republican friends that he donated to for years. The building didn't have a business plan, and there was no clear way to see how it would make money and STILL NOTHING HAS CHANGED. Originally Former Mayor Rosemarie Peters said the building was "structurally sound" but the Township has spent $ 9 MILLION making it 'more structurally sound' I guess. The building was supposed to open in 2003 and now it's 2006 and it's STILL NOT OPEN. AND THAT IS NOT NEWS TO THE PRESS OR TO ITS MIDDLETOWN REPORTER, ALISON HERGET.

EVERY YEAR the Middletown Republicans walk around telling THE BIG LIE -- something they can get away with -- whether it's a promise there will be a Middletown Prescription Plan (that was Committeewoman Peters), or the Committee is going to go out and Fight Terrorism (that was Committeeman Scharfenberger), or that someone lived in Middletown and didn't (that was Committeeman Wilkens) or that they are going to build a sports complex and everyone loves it, but they actually don't (that is Mayor Hall), the Asbury Park Press doesn't cover anything that can damage the Middletown Republicans, and that means the Republicans have Alison Herget and the Asbury Park Press on a short leash. Alison Herget isn't the only reporter the Republicans have had by the short hairs, but she's the latest one. This year though and every year after this, I am sick of it. I am sick of defending myself from false allegations while the Asbury Park Press ignores or covers up real ones. I am sick of one-way reporting and I am not alone. SO from now on the Middletown Democrats will not just ignore bad press coverage, inaccurate stories about us, no research in stories against us, irresponsible quotes that have no basis in fact, or stories that hit us but do not even have quotes from us about allegations that are untrue.

This year isn't the time for Democrats to move farther apart, it is the time to woprk more closely with each other to return two-party government and honesty to Town Hall, no matter what newspaper, reporter or other party wants different. Government shouldn't be about lining your pockets, no matter what Peter Carton, Alison Herget or anyone else think or want to do.

A LETTER TO ALISON HERGET

2006-08-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

I have sent Alison Herget, from the Asbury Park Press, a letter I want to share with every Democrat in Middletown. The fact is that the Middletown Democrats are a target, by the Republican Administration and its newspaper. It is not a time to back away from the truth, it is a time to make the truth clear and that is what I am doing, with no bones about it. Here it is:

Miss Herget:

I hope that, with this latest bull you have allowed
Peter Carton to throw on the Middletown Democrats,
that you will ensure this matter gets EQUALLY
publicized when this party and when Patrick Short are
vindicated by ELEC.

Then maybe the Middletown Democrats can get the same
press by being right that Peter Carton got by being
wrong.

This is especially in light of the fact that you have
overlooked absolutely every issue attendant to Peter
Carton and his multiple office holding, the fact that
his executive committee sits on nearly every paid
position in Middletown, the fact that his firm is
bonding this township to death because he is the
political boss of Middletown.

You have overlooked the Banfield Building, which was
supposed to be completed in 2003 and at a price of $5
MILLION. Now the building is still not open and it is
costing Middletown residents $9 MILLION for a building
that does not even have a purpose but is somehow
suppopsed to earn that back.

These are not the stories you have focused on. You
have not looked into Joe Kyrillos's campaign ELEC
problems, and these dwarf anyone's. You have not
looked into ANY Republican's ELEC problems. No -- you
have chosen to go on the allegations of Peter Carton
without even researching this matter or even asking me
for a quote during the first article on the front page
of the Our Town Section.

All I have to say is that if you are going to follow
this story up, I hope you have a lot more than Peter
Carton talking about how Democrats shouldn't be
elected in Middletown, which is what you have so far.
He is throwing around "rule of law" and all that
garbage but there has been nothing from ELEC and EVERY
ELEC complaint he has filed over the years has gone
NOWHERE. But YOU have decided to give him this great
amount of credibility THIS year despite that
performance. Or is it that you are looking to
interfere with the outcome of a political contest and
somehow make your name. Well, Miss, you are making it
alright, as a Republican-biased journalist, and if you
are not going to cover this race in a fair manner then
do not cover it at all because that would at least be
fairer.

I do not intend to sit by and see this party, this
candidate or myself maligned by your newspaper either
directly or through someone else's quotes for the
sport of it. But this is what has happened so far.

Joe Caliendo
Chairman
Middletown Democrats
Cell: (732) 299-6470

Pete Carton probably has a friend in Alison Herget

2006-08-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

The APP's Alison Herget wrote a story that included some of the Democratic side to the ELEC nonsense the Republican Chairman, Peter Carton, got big headlines for in the August 11th paper (where it was on the front page of the "Our Towns" section).

But at the end of the story, she let Carton get away with saying that the Democrats are doing something wrong and every year we "get away with it." Well, did this lady ever stop and wonder: If we are "getting away with it" every year that is proved because every year Carton files an ELEC complaint that has NO MERIT whatsoever?

EVERY YEAR the Middletown Democrats are accused of something by Carton and EVERY YEAR we are clean. And, it is for THAT REASON I am proposing that frivolous and groundless ELEC complaints be A CRIME in this state. Yet, none of that made it into the story. i wrote press releases and letetrs to the editor about it. The Star-Ledger is printing that letter, not the Press and that is nowhere in the story by Miss Herget.

Carton said at the end of the story he is going to "Push" ELEC on this investigation. But this guy has been pushing ELEC to try and find something wrong with the Middletown Democrats for years and there isn't because we aren't doing anything wrong, and most especially I am not doing anything wrong. So there's a newspaper reporter letting this guy get away with hitting the Democrats with ABSOLUTELY NO PROOF AT ALL. And, THAT is supposed to be from the "Best Newspaper" in the state. Well, if it isn't the Ledger, it's not the best paper in the state, the way I see it.

You know, it's all well and good for a young reporter to come in and want to make a big name for herself. But this Alison Herget is trying to make her big name on harassing and slanting stories against Democrats now. Pete Carton and the Republicans have a lot of great connections, and reporters have been known to enjoy some of those connections. I don't know if this is a case where this Alison Herget is a Republican or if she is looking toward her next job or she just wants to take up with a side and try to throw an election with her pen. Whatever it is, I do not think that Alison Hedrget is an unbiased reporter. The Democrats may have to work with her, but i do not believe we are going to get a square deal from this one at all.

A reporter is "crusading" if they find some dirt and put it out to the people. But what is it when there is no dirt, the reporter puts out big headlines about how there is and there is no merit whatsoever to the people who are accusing the Democrats of dirt. Miss Herget hasn't said what law we broke, what tranbsaction was wrong, or had anyone but Peter Carton tell her this Middletown Democratic Party is doing anything wrong. So, her chief witness is the Republican Chairman of the town.

This is the same Republican Chairman who would lose his place on the Sewer Authority if Democrats won. He is the same Chairman whose company would not be chosen as bond counsel if Democrats won. This Chairman would no longer pick appointees to sit on ther towns boards and commissions and Miss Herget, who is supposed to be some big deal out of Penn State, evidently didn't catch that.

She also didn't catch the fact that Federal felon Ray O'Grady was from Carton's inner circle, and so was Pat Parkinson (who settled out of court with the old clerk for sexual harassment charges). She's crusading alright, I don't know in what direction. Maybe instead of cornering the bad guys she's just going after people who DIDN'T do anything wrong.

WHY ISN'T IT A CRIME TO REPORT UNFOUNDED ELEC COMPLAINTS?

2006-08-13T05:12:00.000-07:00

The Middletown Democratic Party was unnecessarily smeared by the Republican munciipal chairman picking up a telephone and complaining about Democrats to an Asbury Park Press reporter. Whether the reporter didn't know enough to call me or didn't want to call me to respond isn't as important as the fact that when Peter Carton called the Asbury Park Press, he wanted a story done about a complaint he did not yet file with ELEC and he got it.

Of course, I fully expect Carton to file a complaint, because he does it every year. And, every year, there is nothing to his complaints, and ELEC determines this but only AFTER Mr. Carton gets his headlines in the Asbury Park Press, if the Middletown reporter at the time can be nudged into it by him. So he makes out, in the midst of a campaign, he gets a big splash, the other side is never reporterd (for what reason I have no idea) and his party and his candidate earn a cheap victory that Middletown Democrats cannot guard against no matter how right we are about the issue and no matter how available I am to the media.

Why shouldn't it be a crime to make a false ELEC complaint? Why shouldn't it be against the law to use ELEC's name for the purpose of advancing one candidate's agenda in an unfounded way?

I am not going to advocate for running a campaign based on smoke and mirrors. Patrick Short will stick to the issues. He was called about this APP article, but he is a candidate, with basically not that much to do with his ELEC accounts. The APP reporter blind sided him and didn't call me and here we are in the APP again with Carton going on about nothing, but with a headline behind him while he is doing it.

It would be a lot different if it were an offense, maybe even a criminal one, to render an unsubstantiated ELEC complaint or to publicly announce one that has no merit. I could certainly live with that. If a party has to win office using those kind of ridiculous tricks, then the people aren't getting much of a candidate. And, if a reporter has to resort to these kinds of stories then they should take a hard look at what they are doing to earn their pay every week. But there is nothing to be done about the media, it will report what it will.

It's just that locally, the APP seems very determined to report about allegations by Republicans against Democrats, but shy about reporting the reverse. For that matter, even in this case, I doubt if the Middletown Democrats are going to get a chance to get a story that tells their side of it (even though there should never have been a story about Carton's unfiled ELEC complaint in the first place in my opinion).

But we'll do the best we can and that is a lot better than doing nothing at all. The daily is already taking sides. When the APP took only Carton's side of this then it disregarded not only my voice, but the voice of every member of the Democratic Party in this township. I guess that's OK with them. I guess they're not interested in every side of something, at least not Democrats.

CALIENDO ANSWERS CARTON, APP

2006-08-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

For Democrats in Middletown, all I have to say is that it is that time of year again. The Fall is coming, as well as the campaign, and again the APP is lining up with the Middletown Republican Party to try and make it another Republican year.

This time not only was I not called but there wasn't any problem whatsoever with our ELEC account. So, once again, the APP has let Peter Carton have a lot of fun at the expense of the Middletown Democratic Party, only this time it was as much a surprise to me as all of you.

In the meantime, this is what I have sent out to everyone and their brother, in this state, in other states, in the academic community and throughout the Legislature on both sides of the aisle because if this party cannot be heard the same way as the Republican Party then we are just going to have to make our own trails to make sure we are heard.

Here's what I said...

CALIENDO ANSWERS CHARGE BY MIDDLETOWN GOP BOSS, APP

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ): In response
to a public allegation made by Middletown Republican
Boss Peter Carton regarding campaign contributions to Democrat for Middletown Committee Patrick Short,
Middletown Democratic Chairman Joe Caliendo refutes
any allegation of any wrongdoing or error.

“This is more of the same for Peter Carton,” Caliendo
said. “Every year, he makes it an institution to say
there is some problem with our ELEC accountability
when there isn’t. The only reason he does it is for
quick headlines in the Asbury Park Press and every
year he gets it without there being anything to it.
So, there’s no problem with our ELEC account but the
newspaper prints the allegation without printing the
fact that there’s nothing there later on. And, at this
point, there isn’t even a complaint to ELEC. So, why
was there a story about something that wasn’t a
complaint and why wasn’t I contacted about anything by
the APP before they printed in the newspaper on August
11th?”

In the Aug. 11 edition, reporter Alison Herget printed
a story about this entitled “Were Campaign Funds
Reported?” on the cover of the “Our Towns” section.

“The funds are reported because it was from our reports from ELEC that Carton is making his baseless
and ridiculous public claim,” Caliendo said. “There is
nothing wrong with our ELEC reporting, now or ever.”

“Why the APP reported this without my side in the
first place is absolutely absurd,” Caliendo said.
“This is especially true given the fact it is not the
Middletown Democrats who had someone: A. convicted of
federal corruption charges by the FBI and US
Attorney’s Office from their party; B. sued civilly
for sexual harassment charges by a former town clerk
from their party; or C. a present mayor who lied to
every resident in Lincroft about the fact the
committee was going ahead with a sports complex in
their backyard and didn’t bother to tell anyone until
it was almost too late."

“Peter Carton knows this is the year he loses,”
Caliendo said. “He’s scared about losing control
because this year — this year — there will be a
Middletown Democrat elected who will be watching the
store,” Caliendo said. “No more free passes on all the
bonding he wants. He’s already bonded this township up
to its neck in $85 million in debt or 23 percent of
our tax dollar here.”

Caliendo explained that Carton and his law firm
currently represent the township as its bond counsel
and, when Patrick Short wins in November, “the free
ride is over for Mr. Carton and his firm.”

“Now, I want to go back to that part in the article
where Carton said his allegations are
‘non-political,’” Caliendo said. “Are you kidding me?”

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR SEPT. 9 EVENT!

2006-08-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

Tickets are available for the SEPTEMBER 9TH fund-raiser gala where SEN. BOB MENENDEZ and CHAIRMAN VICTOR SCUDIERY will be honored with lifetime achievement awards by the MIDDLETOWN and HAZLET DEMOCRATIC CLUBS.

Proceeds from the event will be used in the campaigns of MIDDLETOWN DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE PATRICK SHORT and HAZLETG DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES JOE BILASCO and KEVIN LAVAN.

The PERNA DANCERS will be performing before the show kicks off, with CONGRESSMAN FRANK PALLONE hosting the night as emcee.

Tickets can be purchased for $175 (VIP tickets) and $100.

An ad journal is also being put together, with prices ranging from $150 for a gold page, $125 for a full page, $75 for a half page, $40 for a quarter page and $25 for a business card ad.

To purchase tickets or space in the journal, call me at 732-299-6470.

MENENDEZ IS COMING TO THE BAYSHORE

2006-07-31T12:09:00.000-07:00

United States Senator Robert Menendez and our county's Democratic Chairman Vic Scudiery are going to be honored by Middletown and Hazlet Democrats on Sept. 9th over at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands from 7:00 o'clock PM tp 9 o'clock PM.

The event is a fundraiser for the Middletown and Hazlet clubs. Middletown Demcorat Patrick Short and Hazlet Demcorats Joe Belasco and Kevin Lavin are going to receive donations to their campaigns from this event.

Basically, Hazlet Democratic Chairman Andy Bace and I are not only holding the event for the candidates locally but because we know that Robert Menendez is trhe right guy in the U.S. Senate not only for North Jersey but for all of Jersey. We are both very honored that Sen. Menendez could make an event here in Monmouth right in the heart of his campaign season.

Carton makes for a rocky ship

2006-07-26T04:24:00.000-07:00

The Middletown Republicans have taken patronage to a new high, even for Republicans in this state.

It is one thing to be compensated for one's time, through a salary, but quite another thing for anyone who is elected or appointed to make a living off of what they are doing a few hours per week.

Let me tell you how it is when it comes to these Republican big shots in Middletown. First, they get on these boards and commissions, and this goes for the committee too. Well, they get in the state pension system and then, with a little political angling they get multiple posts because they are in favor with the township's Republican municipal chairman, Peter Carton, who is also works for the law firm that has the bonding work for Middletown, who is also a Sewer Commissioner, who also picks the candidates for the Republican Machine in Middletown.

So, when someone cannot make it in the private sector then that is okay provided they can be of sufficient use to Peter Carton. Of course, for whoever it is to be of 'use' to Peter they really aren't doing everything they think is right in office, in my opinion. Because anytime the interest of one person, Carton in this case, is more important than the needs of a town then it's a rocky ship that someone is on. Unfortunately, every resident in Middletown is on that ship thanks to Republican leadership.

GOP wants "political welfare" in Middletown

2006-07-24T04:42:00.000-07:00

The benefits situation in Middletown is out of hand when it comes to these elected and appointed officials today. Middletown Demcorat for Township Committee Patrick Short is making a good case when he says that part-time officials should not be earning full-time pension and health benefits. The average working man or woman in a township department faces cutbacks and part-time from the township just so Middletown does not have to pay them pension or benefits. Keep in mind these people who work for our township departments are the backbone of our township. Whether it is the Public Works Department or any other, it is them and not the pampered politicians in our Town Hall that keep Middletown going.

But it is the politicians who insist on deluxe dental coverage, health coverage and pension benefits. I keep on hearing about how qualified these men and women on the Committee are right now. They'll be the first ones to tell you how successful they are in life and such. But if I take them at their own word then I guess I have to ask if they are so successful then why do they need my money, and the money of every other tax payer, for their health coverage, for their dental and for them to get a free ride on when it comes retirement time.

There is very good precedent in this country and particularly in New Jersey whereby good elected officials on the municipal level did not need to milk the public when they were unable or unwilling to secure health coverage or retirement benefits elsewhere. The Township Committee is trying to run Middletown like a country club. The town pays for a cultural arts center, it gives out VIP passes for its top Republicans. Well, if that is the case, then they are forgetting the part of a country club that might even help Middletown's taxpayers and that is the part where everyone at the "club" has a job outside "the club."

This Middletown Committee and this Republican administration has been deserving to be voted out of office for years. They have bonded this township into $80 million in debt and it is not going to get any better in the near future beacause this governing body is beholden to their Republican chairman, Peter Carton, who is also the head of the public bonding division of his law firm (and that law firm represents Middletown).

BISHOP IS A SCARY SIGN OF THE TIMES

2006-06-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

In Gordon Bishop’s column on the Atlantic Highlands Herald [www.ahherald.com] on JUNE 20 “To Destroy, Bush, Liberal Media Lies About Iraq War” the man goes too far as usual.

Mr. Bishop said, “The rise and fall of the United States of America can be traced directly to liberalism and the liberal media undermining our once great Constitutional Republic.”

I find that hard to believe since Liberals haven’t been in charge of the government since Clinton, and he had a Republican house. So, where have Liberals had their hands on the wheel? And when they were in charge this country had a surplus and not a deficit.

Bishop talks about Iraq and said America’s taxpayers and voters have been brainwashed about the global War on Terror, specifically the war on Iraq. I don’t see how that is possible, since the government pretty much controls the media today.

He said, “What the liberal media purposely forgets to report is that the United Nations was responsible for the disappearance of the so-called ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction.’” Are you for real? The United Nations hid weapons of mass destruction. No sir, I think that’s a lot of nonsense.

“Hundreds of trucks and trains were sighted by satellites leaving Iraq before President Bush could declare war on Iraq because of the UN’s policy regarding dictators. Guess what was in those trucks and trains?” That’s what Mr. Bishop said. But I am more than confident that if Mr. Bush had that piece of information it would have been all over Fox. It hasn’t because it didn’t happen. Pundits under George Bush have taken to more than exaggeration, they’re down to lying.

He said that “Cleaning up the mess in Iraq with suicidal terrorists willing to blow themselves up, along with their own mosques and innocent children, women and men, has been difficult because America and its allies are forced to mass-murdering terrorists under the “rules of war” in the Geneva Convention.” The Geneva Convention was established to help countries by making war crimes illegal. It’s because of war crimes that nations stay in war for centuries. This pact helps to be able to keep a peace after a war is over.

He said that “the rules of war don’t apply to blood-thirsty terrorists.” Well, if the U.S. is fighting a war in another country then our service people must be fighting someone. If they take them prisoner, and the other side can only expect to be killed or tortured then what’s the use of anyone surrendering at all?

He said, “They are fighting a religious war in civilian clothes: Kill all those who won’t convert to Islam and the Koran, including all Americans who they consider ‘infidels.’” Well, actually, according to most polls over in Iraq, people don’t want us there. So, if some people take it to an extreme and start shooting people it’s terrible but Iraqis aren’t “good Americans.” They’re Iraqi and there’s this great big army that’s over there. And, to tell you the truth, I don’t know if that was a good idea in the first place.

The U.S. didn’t help France during the Revolution because we didn’t have the money to do it. Most early founders believed that foreign wars were a bad idea and that we should conserve our resources and strength. Those people called themselves conservatives. I’m not really sure what Mr. Bishop is.

He said, “Liberals better change their anti-religious attitude toward “God, Jesus, prayer, Christmas and anything connected with the Judeo-Christian ethical-moral code of behavior” before they find themselves as the “enemy” of a free society committed to the “rule of law.”

Well, that’s an interesting point. So, everyone better listen to George and not make a ripple on the water because then they’ll become enemies of the state…is that it? That doesn’t sound like a great idea. I’ve heard Hitler talked a lot like that. Only instead of talking about Germans, Bishop is naming presidents that didn’t believe in the nonsense he’s talking about.

He said “Liberals have become the enemy of “rule of law” contained in our Constitution. The Greek philosopher Plato was right: Democracy (liberalism) leads to anarchy, which is “Mob Rule.” And that’s where America is headed if liberalism prevails in our socio-economic-political system.”

Well, Plato wasn’t American and his ideas weren’t incorporated into our country. Guys like John Locke and Thomas Payne said a lot of good things, though, and maybe Mr. Bishop should look them up.

He said: “America became infected with liberalism in the 20th Century, led by President Franklin Roosevelt and his Marxist “New Deal,” which violated the U.S. Constitution and created a society of illegal “entitlements” that have made the people more and more dependent on bigger and bigger government for their survival.”

Franklin Roosevelt won the Second World War. Under his terms of office, this country went from a depression to the greatest power in the world. I don’t see the problem.

“Bush believes in freedom, liberty and opportunity for everyone, with a work ethic, can be the best they can be by not becoming a helpless ward of the State.”

Does he mean “helpless,” like hopelessly in debt, caught up in so many wars around the planet that if a country like North Korea or Iran did want to fight then there’d be a lot of good questions about how we’re going to do it? That kind of helpless?

He said, “Conservatism breeds independent individuals with a work ethic and strong motivational aspirations.” Well, that’s strange because the only people getting a living out of this war are Bush’s old companies and their affiliates. He sent all of our jobs overseas and now he wants to let every immigrant in the world into the country to finish off the economy.

I don’t care how many awards Mr. Bishop has won. He is entitled to his opinions. But in his ideal world, and the world of his right wing friends, my ideas would be banned and outlawed. I would probably be in a camp somewhere for writing this column, being tortured until I started to spout the garbage he’s saying or I’d be dead in a hole someplace after digging my own grave. Yeah, I can do without that kind of freedom and without Mr. Bush’s.

The founders didn’t believe in the nonsense he’s talking about. No one with their head screwed on straight does.

Eminent Domain is Everyone's Problem

2006-06-17T03:17:00.000-07:00

In Middletown, eminent domain abuse by the county is something that has to be fought. It's plain that the county has a pretty arbitrary way of viewing eminent domain statutes. They use them in the most frivolous of cases. Private property has to be a lot more important than the way it is being treated in several cases, not the least of which is in the matterof the Walsh property involving the West Front Street Bridge. Meanwhile, the township is no better. I do not know of any cases where the township is imposing eminent domain but until there are relatively strong and reasonable guidelines involving private property in Middletown there should be a moritorium on the imposition of any eminent domain locally and a strong lobby against the county imposing eminent domain too. This governing body's view of property rights is fairly irresponsible in my opinion and should be a real concern for residents. Committee people here are very much in line with Freeholders at the county who want to take peoples' property pretty much at the drop of a hat.

Republicans are choosing a new leader

2006-06-12T23:32:00.000-07:00

The Republicans are holding a convention tomorrow at Brookdale. It's going to be a hot one and, if it goes the way it could, they could get someone back in the chair that is a lot like Dowd. If a guy named Puharic ends up becoming the chairman, it represents an opportunity for Democrats. I don't have anything bad to say about either Adem Puharic or John Gimel, the Red Bank chairmen. It seems like their both people interested in the community. Puharic even runs a charity of some kind with the hospitals.

There are Demcorats who will tell you that getting registration from unsatisfied Republicans is a bad way to do it. I disagree with that point of view entirely. Most Republicans want to serve their towns in a straight-forward kind of way. Maybe they don't agree with Puharic or Gimel. If they do not then maybe there's another alternative. If any Republicans do become disillusioned, there is a place in the Democratic Party for people who want to make a difference in their communities in the right way. I know in Middletown and in The Bayshore clubs are looking for people who want to put their two 2 CENTS in and if this is the way to make the clubs grow larger with experienced people then I think anyone should be given an opportunity to help after Democratic leaders have a chance to sit down and talk with them. That's just my opinion. But I know in Middletown I'm around and can be reached at (732) 299-6470. If someone from the other side wants to call and talk about anything. Then I'm around. In other towns, Republican losses have equaled Democratic gains. I see no reason why that's bad at all.

Things are a lot more open in the Democratic Party than the Republican Party if what I'm reading is true. So I thnk young people and older people have something to think about.

O'Grady Case is Rested

2006-06-08T03:27:00.000-07:00

So here I've been saying that one party rule might not be such a hot idea for some years now. It's no secret that the Feds have been all over Monmouth County. In Middletown, they netted Committeeman Ray O'Grady on corruption charges and the case has just rested and gone to the jury. I think one party rule is a bad idea in Middletown, and it's led to a lot of abuse. Whether it's something as small as the township administrator, Bob Czech, having a vehicle that is too expensive, or as large as Peter Carton's law firm getting the business for the bonding work in town and the committee bonding at nearly every meeting, Middletown has a lot of problems and I think most of them have to do with one party control.

Sports Complex Issue in Lincroft

2006-06-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

Pat Short is going to be taking his case about the proposed Lincroft sports complex issue to the Middletown Committee this Monday night at 8 p.m. He has been in touch with the residents over at the Lincroft Village Green Association and has listened to some area residents.

A big part of this isn't just about leveling blame at the committee for not really telling anyone in the area about this project, though that is there. Patrick is proposing the committee take a look at the idea of helping to refurbish some ball fields that the school board has had to retire and then open them up not only to students but to the public at times. In this way, Lincroft doesn't have to accept a sports complex it doesn't want, the residents get the ball fields they want from around the township, and the kids in school get more fields back.

The worst sign of bad leadership is for elected people not to go with an idea simply because of who suggested it. Since Patrick is a candidate for the Middletown Committee this year, I am more than a bit cynical about this committee's ability to do what is right for residents based on partisan interests.

One party rule is what is wrong with Middletown, it is what has been wrong with Middletown and, unless residents go about the business of making a change, it is what will continue to be wrong with Middletown. However, I just don't believe that this Republican Party is as popular as it once was.

Middletown Committeeman Ray O'Grady is in the middle of a federal corruption trial, and he's bringing witnesses about more corruption that has taken place in the county and in Middletown. I think it's reasonable to say that if corruption is this big of a problem in the GOP that people should take a hard look at where they are casting their vote, and for whom.

Taking the next steps to victory

2006-05-25T05:42:00.000-07:00

Winning is about a lot of things. But, part of winning is getting news out about what's going on in town. Democrats did a good job getting the news out about the bridge between Middletown and Red Bank, and now we're going on to the ballfieds in Lincroft also.

The bridge issue isn't going away, and there are going to be at least another press conference at Pat Walsh's place, but the residents over in Lincroft are taking it on the chin with this ball stadium they're looking to build over there. Patrick Short has been incredible about the amount of time he has dedicated to the bridge and to the ballfields. He's getting the issues out in front of people and expressing himself articulately as well as the Democratic Party. I think Pat deserves to get Democrats and Republicans behind him this year, because he's putting in the work in town.

The West Front Street Bridge

2006-05-21T05:47:00.000-07:00

I think there are a few things to say about the West Front Street Bridge. There's many things I could say that might "first" be considered, but here's one or two at least. The county engineer is saying that the project is between five and 10 years away now...well that's interesting. That statement catches the eye because, if this county wants to inform people, why in the world are they telling people about an impovement to their slice of the township so early that most of those people may not even be living there by the time that the actual improvement is made? It doesn't make sense. Does this mean that the people who are living on West Front Street five or 10 years from now are going to be left in the dark without any say at all?

Here's something else: In 1992, the county of Monmouth spent $2.85 million to refurbish the West Front Street Bridge. Now, the county engineer is saying that, by 2001, the bridge only rated a "7" out of "100" for safety. Well, does that mean that whomever the county got to do the bridge is really bad at what they do for a living, or does it mean that the county's plan was to spenf that kind of money on a bridge that wasn't fit for people to walk across let alone cars to pass over? I think it's a fair question.

There's a lot of fair questions with this project, before we get to the considerable issue of eminent domain being evoked to take one-quarter of the Walshes' property.

Changing Middletown For The Better: Beginning With Gov't

2006-05-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

The governing body for any town has to be representative of the people that elect the government in the first place. I do not think that Middletown's governing bodyaffords that kind of representation at the moment.