Bravo, Joe

by: Adam L

Fri Jan 09, 2009 at 02:52:19 PM EST

Bergen County Democratic Chairman Joseph Ferriero, under indictment on federal corruption charges, will resign on January 22, and has called a special election to pick a successor. Ferriero says he is ending his leave of absence effective immediately so that he can help raise money for the party's January 17 fundraising event.

---snip---

Ferriero says that while he had "strenuous disagreements with a few members of the party including (State Sen.) Loretta Weinberg and (U.S. Rep.) Steve Rothman," he said "we are all Democrats that want what is in the best interest of the party."

He's also calling for a special county committee meeting on January 22 and a special election for his successor. What is interesting is that earlier today, the Record noted that Buzzy Dressel and Loretta Weinberg were not too thrilled with the idea of Michael Kasparian (who has close and longstanding ties to Ferriero) being elected as the next BCDO Chariman.

While I am not sure that there is as strong of an overall dissent as the Record noted earlier - especially because I have no idea whether this includes or is in addition to the Real Bergen Democrats - we will now at least know the outcome in a few weeks.

As I've been pretty vocal about what a dragged out process would lead to in terms of morale and potential electoral disaster, Ferriero's statement points out that doing what is right for the party is the most important thing. He may very well be found not guilty. But guilt or innocence should have no bearing on what the overall process would do to tarnish the Democratic Party's image here in an area that the Party is making some good gains.

I'm sure committee members will quickly support one of the two (or maybe more) candidates, and things will get pretty tense before the 22nd. As it should, because the future direction as well as the reputation of the BCDO is at stake here - which could very well have an impact on the Gubernatorial race in addition to the local races.

Good on you, Joe. For now.

Adam L :: Bravo, Joe

Tags: BCDO, Democrats, Joe Ferriero, (All Tags)

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Bravo, Joe | 7 comments

I'd reserve judgement (0.00 / 0)

just yet. I suspect Joe finally realized he had enough votes to basically guarantee a Ferrierocrat his seat. A handpicked successor. There may be a few crazy folks looking for their 15 minutes of fame who think they know "the man's soul" as it were, but the folks who have known Joe for decades don't buy his act of getting religion right now.

The Ferrierocrats at two separate meetings that were supposed to be about inclusion were ugly, angry mob affairs with a few flunkies using parliamentary maneuvers to silence ANY and ALL dissent.

Hardly a democratic Democratic Party, my friend. It was a disgrace. And THESE folks are gonna do the right thing? HIGHLY doubtful.

They don't know how to do an election without drama, crooks who shouldn't be voting, challenging anyone who they know is allowed to vote but won't vote the way they want, and condoning forgers just to get the result THEY want.

One Vote. Yours. It really does matter.

by: carolh @ Sat Jan 10, 2009 at 03:02:02 AM UTC

by: you @ soon

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If Ferriero Is Replaced With Another Pay2Play Boss..... (4.00 / 1)

Xpost from politickernj http://www.politickernj.com/ed...

.....then the BCDO will have gone from the frying pan into the fire. Richard "Buzz" Dressel represents our best shot at reform for now and I hope he becomes the next Chairman. It's bizarre and insane that this case even has to be made.

Pay to play is corrupt, dirty, dishonest, thievery and bribery. The fact that it's legal doesn't morally legitimize it. On the contrary, that fact only makes people have less faith in the integrity of government, which is why so many don't bother to vote.......and the corrupt types like it that way. Whether Ferriero is convicted or not is almost irrelevant to the core issue, and that's the corruption of the legalized bribery known a pay to play. Given the current makeup of the CC it will take a minor miracle to elect a real reformer.....this fight is far from over. As for the old boss, I wish him fair and objective justice; in full measure, in this world and in the next.

by: Nick Lento @ Sat Jan 10, 2009 at 06:35:52 AM UTC

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agree about Buzzy, but (0.00 / 0)

what are your thoughts on Sarlo? His name is being mentioned.

My guess is that this wouldn't have happened if Kasparian didn't already have the votes...

Scott Garrett - on the wrong side of, well, everything.

by: Adam L @ Sat Jan 10, 2009 at 18:56:18 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I agree (0.00 / 0)

Sarlo is too over-extended as it is. And he is too close to the Endcap scandal. I don't get all warm and fuzzy over Sarlo. He is very much supported by Joe.

One Vote. Yours. It really does matter.

by: carolh @ Sun Jan 11, 2009 at 00:04:56 AM UTC

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