| There is an old episode of The Simpsons where the release of a "hot new doll" threatens to take sales away from the traditional Barbie-type "Malibu Staci" doll. While the Malibu Staci brass met to discuss the next step to regain market share, they decide to go bold - and release a "new version" of the doll which is exactly the same as the old version, but with a new cowgirl hat.
Living in Bergen County and recently getting myself onto the County Committee, I had hopes that after what the Bergen County Democratic Organization has been through over the past few years, that there would be a bold new direction - something more than a name change to Democratic Committee of Bergen County, or a "new hat" would be warranted.
After all, this is an Organization that represented a Party which held pretty much every important position in Bergen County a few years ago - including County Executive, Sheriff, all seven Freeholders, a number of State Senators and pretty much every candidate for Congress in the District. Then there was embarrassment after resignation after embarrassment after indictment after infighting after embarrassment after resignation- and while new BCDO/DCBC Chairman Lou Stellato attempts to steer a badly wounded ship back in the right direction, even what seems like a great move is being handled clumsily.
Rumors were flying around recently that Paul Aronsohn is being looked at to replace David Ganz - one of the remaining 2 Democrats on the 7 person Freeholder board this November. All this while Aronsohn is supporting Ganz, who isn't taking this rumor lightly: "I'm running for re-election," the former Fair Lawn mayor told Patch. "I had a very good return in all the precincts [in the primary election]," he said, adding that he's "never stopped campaigning from the last election three years ago."
Now, I have known Paul for around 5 years - he is a Councilman in Ridgewood (where I live), and we stay in regular touch. When it comes to moving the BCDO/DCBC in the right direction, there are a few people - but not many - who can take a big role in doing so. Paul is most certainly one of them and he should be elevated in a way that gives him more exposure and makes Bergen County Democrats proud to be part of this Organization again. New "up and comers" need to be recruited and groomed, big ideas need to be considered as Bergen County Democrats try to right the ship and regain credibility with voters.
While Paul is on a relatively short list of people who can help in a big way, rumors and innuendo about forcing Ganz off the ticket - even if he is tied to former Chariman Joe Ferriero - is not a productive way to give Committee members and voters the warm and fuzzies. It's too bad that the BCDO/DCBC doesn't seem to be learning a lesson when it comes to showcasing its more valuable people. |
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