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BCDO still won't share books

by: carolh

Thu Jun 21, 2007 at 12:10:58 PM EDT



In a letter sent to members of the Bergen County Democrats, Joe Ferriero responded to the Letter sent by Robert Gulack and signed by other County Committee members including me.  Basically, he is stalling for time in regards to passing the resolutions.  I hope they actually invite Senator Weinberg - who is on the Bylaws Committee - to the meetings when they discuss these resolutions. 

Long story short - Joe Ferriero and Dennis Oury will not let any of us actually see any financial information other than what they saw fit to report to the government.  The BCDO books will remain closed books.

In other news, the BCDO appears to be distancing itself from Senator Coniglio.  Just like the spiders in the Lost in Space movie, and some Congressional Republicans, The BCDO usually eat their wounded, or at least run far far away from them. 

In other words, things are Status Quo at the BCDO. 

carolh :: BCDO still won't share books
His letter:

Dear Democratic Leader,

Last week the Bergen County Democratic Organization received from Robert Gulack and various members of the committee a petition calling for a County Committee Meeting and the adoption of 10 resolutions.  I am enclosing for your review a copy of the 10 proposed resolutions.  While many of these resolutions are not objectionable and represent a practice currently utilized by me as Chairman, the counsel to the party has indicated that the first 9 resolutions are modifications to the bylaws and as such must be submitted to the Committee on Rules, Resolutions, and By-Laws for their review, study, and recommendation prior to being submitted to the county committee.  I have forwarded these resolutions to the Committee on Rules, Resolutions and By-Laws in accordance with Article XI of the by-laws.  Upon the review and comment of the Committee on Rles, Resolutions and By-Laws, these resolutions will be brought before the full county committee for consideration.

As to the tenth resolution calling for dissemination of the November 30th 2006 financial report, the Bergen County Democratic Organization files quarterly reports in accordance with the NJ Election Law Enforcement Commission, which are available online at www.elec.state.nj.us for review by anyone, and they are also available for inspection at BCDO headquarters upon appointment.

As such, there is no need for a meeting as requested in the petition on these proposed changes.  I am enclosing for your review a copy of a letter explaining same to Robert Gulack.  In addition, I believe that it is a total waste of resources to forward copies of financial reports to every County Committee Member when same are available online and/or at Bergen County Democratic Organization Headquarters.

If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me at BCDO 201-487-0001.

Very Truly Yours,
Joseph A. Ferriero
Chairman
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BCDO still won't share books | 92 comments
ELEC? (3.00 / 1)
If all of the finances are disclosed on the NJ ELEC web-site how are the BCDO's books closed?

I'm new at this whole blogging thing, but can't you just go check it for yourself instead of wasting time/money/resources of the BCDO to mail out information readily available on the internet?

Shouldn't we be worried about holding our seats in the 37th & 38th and flipping the 39th instead of this intra-party bickering?

Reread (0.00 / 0)
my second paragraph.  We are not allowed to examine the books.  We must be content that they filed properly.  You may be willing to trust these guys.  I am not. 

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
[ Parent ]
But.... (3.00 / 1)
"As to the tenth resolution calling for dissemination of the November 30th 2006 financial report, the Bergen County Democratic Organization files quarterly reports in accordance with the NJ Election Law Enforcement Commission, which are available online at www.elec.state.nj.us for review by anyone, and they are also available for inspection at BCDO headquarters upon appointment."

What about just making an appointment and viewing the books?

[ Parent ]
I posted my reponse below n/t (0.00 / 0)


One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
[ Parent ]
No. (0.00 / 0)
People are quite tired of one person believing he should run the entire party as well as county government as he is enabled by those puppets currently on the freeholder board as well as the robots installed in the legislature.

Don't worry about 37, the Democrats are actually okay there...But you might think about replacing the consultant as your nominee come the fall...that could in fact hurt any chance of winning in 39....

[ Parent ]
Meetings are a nuisance (0.00 / 0)
Ferriero is too busy organizing his birthday party to deal with such mundane concepts such as organizational transparency and the wishes of committee members duly elected by the public.

Reread again (0.00 / 0)
Why bother going to only view the elec report?  THAT is what is online.  They don't care if we see the REPORT - its THE BOOKS Oury and Ferriero DON'T want us to see. 

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
So... (0.00 / 0)
You've set one of these appointments up and all they did was show you the ELEC report online, or are you assuming that is what they do?
[ Parent ]
We have tried. (0.00 / 0)
Joe's letter says if we set up an appointment - all they will show us are the ELEC reports. 

You have to reread Ferriero's letter again, too. 

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

[ Parent ]
Resolutions Need to Be Bylaws? (0.00 / 0)
The focus of most comments are on the demand for a full and complete accounting of party revenues and expenditures. Ya know, a P&L statement. Our chances of getting such information may be as good as the prospect that a stuffed Lab I received as a gift for Father's Day will greet me with a bark when I get home tonight.

Meanwhile, let's look at another portion of Ferriero's letter. He says his legal counsel has informed him that the other nine resolutions qualify as changes in the bylaws and must therefore be treated as such. Here are two resolutions, verbatim,from the Gulack petition:

RESOLVED, that it is the sense of the Bergen County Democratic Committee that, prior to a vote by the Committee meeting in convention, representatives from all sides should be allowed to check that the ballot boxes are empty prior to voting, and should be allowed to be present when the votes are counted.

RESOLVED, that it is the sense of the Bergen County Democratic Committee that, during the taking of a secret ballot by the Committee meeting in convention, no member of the Committee, whether or not that member is a County employee, shall be asked to reveal the contents of her or his marked ballot prior to placing that marked ballot in the ballot box.

Checking that the ballot box is empty before votes are cast? Not asking a voter to show the ballot before depositing it? Definitely, those need to be in the bylaws. Of what group? Well, there was the Nazi Party, for one. And perhaps the Politburo. How embarrassing is the company we Bergen Democrats keep?
 

While we're at it (1.00 / 1)
we should have included a resolution stating that only members of the county committee who are currently LIVING can vote.

Letting us only view the Elec report is like having the IRS audit you and all you do is show them the same 1040 you sent them already and telling them it's good enough. 

We need open honest leadership. Now. 

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

[ Parent ]
Bad analogy (0.00 / 0)
Let me start by saying that I agree that the Bergen Party needs new leadership.  Now that the hard work of taking over the county has been done, sometimes ruthlessly and through means many are uncomfortable with, what is now needed is a unifying and progressive strategist-type to maintain the hold on Bergen.  Ferriero has become a serious liability to the party he brought back from the brink.

However, I do not understand that obsession with seeing their books.  I've heard indications that it's in the party's bylaws, but I have no idea personally if this is true.  If it is, I think it should be removed.  There is absolutely no need for any party, the machine in Bergen or the good government organization in Mercer, to report anything to the public or its membership outside of what is already given to ELEC.  If the State Division of Elections has questions, that is a different story.  But just because Bob Gulack doesn't like Joe Ferriero doesn't mean that the organization should waste its time on silliness like this.

More to the point, the above analogy is inaccurate.  BCDO is not putting any burden on you and then refusing to let you in on the process.  You are attempting to put a burden on them and then asking for more when you only receive what is legally required.  This obsession with rules and bylaws is a waste of time and energy.  Get out there and primary their candidates.  That's how you take power.  Not by being a pain in Joe's ass.

[ Parent ]
It IS in the bylaws. (0.00 / 0)
Do you want us to have absolutely NO WAY to detect corruption in our organization?  You think it is OK for them to handle the finances of our organization with ABSOLUTELY no oversight whatsoever? By their own members? After the way they wasted money on the Borgata last year?  Wow.  There IS no opposition party this year.  If we are going to put our house in order, now is the time to do it, BEFORE we have serious challenges against the Republicans. 

The main suspect in the forgeries in Bergenfield is on the BOARD OF ELECTIONS.  I don't know how else or in how many ways I can say, I don't trust these guys. 

Should the slogan of the BCDO be UNITY BEFORE INTEGRITY?  Unity before honesty?  or "Don't worry your silly little head about all those big bad numbers, you just leave that to us, honey?"

We should take that statement OUT OF THE BYLAWS?  The one allowing us the ability to see the books?  Because you say so?  Because you don't think we should want to know what our Democratic organization is spending its money on? 

I got one word to say about that.  Yikes!

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

[ Parent ]
Enough yelling (0.00 / 0)
When you distort people's comments and refuse to take support from anyone who merely agrees with the vast majority of your agenda but not 100% of it, you lose valuable support.  Explain to me why you disagree.  Do not browbeat, scold, chide, and yell.  Much like a Bush Republican, it is what you always fall back on when anyone who disagrees.

I do not think that the party needs to show it's checkbook to its members.  I'm sure the Real Bergen Democrats do not do this, and I do not think BCDO should do this.  The connections of corruption can and are drawn from ELEC reporting, antecdotal evidence, and the hard work of research.  You do not need to see their books to know about the Borgata or the Bergenfield forgeries or the rest of the pay-to-play machine.  It's a dangerous precedent that will not serve the party in the future.

I shudder to think what a BCDO under your leadership would look like.  The hapless, breathless reformers and the fatcat Ferrierocrats cannot seriously be the only options.

[ Parent ]
Recipe for Corruption. (1.00 / 1)
Your insistence that the party not have to follow its own bylaws and prevent its own members from seeing the books is a recipe for corruption.  We need our party to be accountable.  You are simply being naive to just trust them.

As for your comparisons between Weinberg and Ferriero, make up your f'ing mind.  People commend them and you say it's hero-worship.  People criticize them and you say Ferriero's worse. 

What is your point?  Are you trying to say all politicians are the same?  That would be a highly uninteresting point. 

Honestly, when the only person that agrees with you is BlueBergen, you know you're doing something wrong.

[ Parent ]
whoa (1.00 / 1)
do you think that because I disagree with a lot of folks on the internets here about leadership in Bergen County that I am somebody who shares no progressive principles or opinions with anybody on this site?  I love the friendly folks like you.

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
huh? (0.00 / 0)
No retort?

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
silly (0.00 / 0)
All sides are there when the votes are counted.  Folks know how many votes were cast and there have been no problems.  I am tired of all the accusations.  I am tired of people on here accusing the BCDO of unproved wrong doing.  The GOP is the enemy.  They would still be in power if it weren't for Ferriero.  Where were all of you when the GOP controlled Bergen?  What did you do to turn it blue? 

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
Give me a break (0.00 / 0)
"Unproved wrong doing"?  That's ridiculous.  There are many well-documented cases of wrongdoing on the part of BCDO.  Your hero worship of Ferriero is both frightening and pathetic.  He's a leader who did his job, but has has worn out his welcome and out-lived his usefulness.  The hero worship of Weinberg on the other side as an above-it-all saint who can do no wrong is just as bad.  The $100,000 of pork in the state budget for Frank Huttle's BergenPAC pet project is enough to dispel that myth.

Are there any sane Democrats in Bergen County?

[ Parent ]
Sorry for shouting (0.00 / 0)
but Weinberg is popular with MOST of the voters in the 37th, regardless of party.

BTW, the Pet Project you mention - the Bergen Pac is an important community asset to the area around Englewood - including Tenafly.  When I was a child - years ago - it took a major effort to restore that venue. It was a very big deal then, and many people who live in this area feel it is a part of the community here we must keep. It brings folks to the downtown. I remember what that part of Englewood used to look like - bad parts of NYC.  The steel grates with graffiti on them over the windows after 5.  Just scary.  Englewood is not a bridge to nowhere in Alaska - it is one of our most diverse and vibrant Cities in NJ. Bergen PAC enables Bergen county residents to attend the performing arts without traveling into NYC or going as far as Newark all the time.  Anything that encourages business in the evenings in our downtowns helps curb crime and improve quality of life while bringing in more money to municipal coffers. It's just smart.  As an elected official in nearby Tenafly, I consider the Bergen Pac a very welcome addition to this area. 

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

[ Parent ]
Thanks, but... (2.50 / 2)
Thank you for the apology.  I really am sorry to both sides if I have been too vitriolic about my position.  But I view Bergen County as too important an asset to Democrats to either be smashed by outsiders or lost in a backlash against Ferriero's relentless arrogance.  There MUST be a third option.

On the topic of Bergen PAC, you know the saying: "one man's pork is another man's dinner."  Earmarks are earmarks and there may certainly be redeeming social and civic value to the venue -- I have no doubt that there is.  But the connections between Frank Huttle, Bergen PAC, and the 37th District legislators is hard to ignore.

Correct me if I am mistaken, but isn't Bergen PAC in the same building as the Weinberg, Huttle and Johnson campaign headquarters?  And isn't that building owned by Weinberg ally and donor Ilan Plawker?  So couldn't it easily be said that they funneled taxpayer money into the hands of a donor?  And isn't that exactly your complaint with the likes of Joe Ferriero?

I am not calling Weinberg or her team corrupt.  I am merely pointing out that these issues are not nearly so black and white as you would like to make them seem.  Hero worship on either side is a dangerous thing.

[ Parent ]
Correction. (0.00 / 0)
Correct me if I am mistaken, but isn't Bergen PAC in the same building as the Weinberg, Huttle and Johnson campaign headquarters?

You are mistaken.  bergenPAC is owned by bergenPAC.  It happens to be on the same block as the Real Bergen Democrats HQ, as well as City Hall and a number of restaurants and stores. 

Meanwhile, the Real Bergen Democrats HQ was paid for with campaign donations.

[ Parent ]
Obfuscation (2.50 / 2)
No, actually I'm right.  I never said that anyone other than Bergen PAC owned Bergen PAC.  I also never said that the campaign office was paid for with anything but campaign donations.  Your obfuscation and refusal to address my assertions shows that you are just as dishonest as the Ferrierocrats who claim that pay-to-play has nothing to do with the operations of Bergen County government and politics.

Their earmarks for Bergen PAC undeniably benefit one of their biggest supporters.  That's a fact you cannot deny.  And you troll rate me for saying so?  Shame on you for trying to shut me down for saying something you don't like.

[ Parent ]
Unproductive (0.00 / 0)
Actually, I gave you an unproductive rating because you are making unfounded allegations that are "unproductive." 

Explain how Weinberg, Johnson and Huttle are funneling taxpayer money to a donor.  If bergenPAC is run by bergenPAC and the earmark is for bergenPAC, what does that have to do with a building two doors down?

[ Parent ]
oversensitive (0.00 / 0)
Your obsession with making the 37th District legislators look pure is blinding you to what I actually wrote.  I never accused them of "funneling taxpayer money" to anyone.  I said that you have a different set of standards for Bergen machine Democrats and the 'Real Bergen Democrats.'  If I shared your view of political ethics, I could convince myself of their corruption.  Since I don't, I have no problem finding their earmarks perfectly acceptable.

Does Ilan Plawker NOT own the building that houses Bergen PAC?  Is Frank Huttle NOT the President of the Board of Trustees of Bergen PAC?  How is any of this "unfounded"?  And how are any of these statements "allegations"?  I'm simply stating facts.  When I asked people to correct me if I was wrong, I was met with responses to statements I never made.  To me, that is a clear sign of someone who wants to change the subject and not face reality.

Your oversensitivity here is unwarranted and, dare I say, unproductive.

[ Parent ]
FACT (0.00 / 0)
Ilan Plawker does NOT own the building that houses bergenPAC.  As I said already, bergenPAC owns bergenPAC.  Got it?
[ Parent ]
Got it (0.00 / 0)
My mistake.  Then the $100,000 in earmarks simply removes the burden for raising $100,000 in funding for Bergen PAC from Frank Huttle and the rest of the Board of Trustees.  My point is the same, but Ilan Plawker has nothing to do with it.

When you said "Bergen PAC owns Bergen PAC," I did not understand that you were talking about real estate.  I thought you were implying that I was claiming Frank Huttle owned Bergen PAC, which is obviously not the case.

[ Parent ]
Many people (0.00 / 0)
want to see Bergen PAC succeed.  Folks as diverse as Dae Bennett, Paul Sorvino, and me.  Many folks have helped over the years.  I was actually present at the grand reopening years ago when I was a kid.  It was a HUGE event.  I think even Peter Jennings was there as MC if I'm not mistaken.  Paul Sorvino sang opera, the young Broadway star of Annie came and sang as well.  That was before I ever even knew Assemblywoman Huttle or Senator Weinberg.

I remember talking to a well known theater owner in these parts.  He said the only problem with the Bergen PAC is that it is too small for the large acts and too big for the small ones.  It is a unique size and finding the proper acts for it's size is the only challenge.  But it is a historic building and needs to be preserved, preferably as a performing arts venue. 

Anyone from Northeastern Bergen County -Englewood, Tenafly, Teaneck, Bergenfield knows what a gem Bergen PAC is.  The fact that the Huttles care about it makes sense. I'd be surprised if they didn't care about it.  And so for someone looking for a conspiracy, there is just no there, there, as usual. 

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

[ Parent ]
For some perspective. (0.00 / 0)
Maybe you wouldn't call bergenPAC a "pet project" and "pork" if you actually knew its history.  Then again, maybe you think the government should cut even more arts funding.
[ Parent ]
pot. kettle. black. (0.00 / 0)
it is amazing how the Vainieri-Huttles of Englewood can do no wrong. 

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
Trolling... (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
No (0.00 / 0)
Expressing one's honest opinion, even if you disagree with it, does not qualify as trolling.
[ Parent ]
Honest? (0.00 / 0)
I'm not sure how honest that "opinion" is.  That is more of an anonymous smear against the Huttles. 

I provided information about the history of bergenPAC.  It's disappointing that you and others would use this nonprofit organization to make political hits against people you clearly dislike.

[ Parent ]
dislike? (0.00 / 0)
I do not dislike the Huttles or Loretta Weinberg or Gordon Johnson.  To the contrary, I supported their fight this year and will likely support them in the future.  This is not about personal vendettas for me.

My position is this.  The tone and political sensibilities of the outspoken supporters of the Real Bergen Democrats, both here on this website and out in the real world, is what I do not care for, nor support.  It is based on hero worship, not political acumen.  It is not a realistic alternative to Ferriero's iron fistedness.

[ Parent ]
I don't worship anyone. (0.00 / 0)
In fact I do not think that Joe Ferriero turned Bergen County blue all by his lonesome.  I do think that I hear a lot of talking and see very little walking from the folks who make the most noise in Bergen.  If some of these "activists" would show up and pitch in when we try to elect a Corzine or Menendez or an Aronsohn they would see something very different than the Tammany Hall they see in their heads when they think of BCDO.  When you are sitting at a table in BCDO making phone calls to get people to vote for our Senator or our Governor you notice more the folks who are absent than the folks who are there working hard to elect Democrats.  Safe within the confines of the reliably democratic 37th district its easy to not lift a finger.

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
While you were sitting in the airconditioned (0.00 / 0)
BCDO, and making phone calls, which is commendable, I was actually getting blisters walking my town to get elected.  Bob was representing Tenafly by being at the BCDO volunteering, while we were working to win half the council seats up for grabs.

We were also handing out literature for Paul Aronsohn's campaign.  In fact, Paul and I walked together one whole day. I got the blisters to prove it.

Sorry if I was safely in my 37th district, but we happened to win in ALL 12 voting districts in my town - unprecedented.

When Dean was running I started a meetup group right here in town, then when Kerry was running, I spent all my time organizing here in town and WALKING the hills of Tenafly with the help of Jenn from the BCDO who did an awesome job, by the way.  Just because someone is not sitting at 50 Main St in Hackensack making phone calls does NOT mean they are not WALKING the WALK.

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

[ Parent ]
selective (0.00 / 0)
folks are selective in who they will lift a finger for.  canvassing is a lot of fun.  I have canvassed in tenafly and it is tough (a lot of hills and distance between democratic households). 

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
ok (0.00 / 0)
I was specifically referring to the implications that these conventions are all rigged.  I was not present at the 2005 convention.  The by-laws convention and the Gulack Show were definitely fair and square. 

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
BS n/t (1.00 / 1)


One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
[ Parent ]
The rooster taking credit for the sunrise - again (0.00 / 0)
Tenafly turned nearly completely blue without Ferriero's help.  And actually DESPITE his attempts to kick all of us who are on the council OFF THE COMMITTEE last year.  Stop giving Ferriero credit for everything.  This year there are NO Republicans running for two council seats at all.  Please.  We have been turning our town blue all on our own, thank you very much.  THAT's what we have been doing to turn Bergen Blue. And we didn't FORGE anyone's name or give out Pay to Play contracts to do it.  Oh, and we didn't use any money from Joe's $1,000 a plate dinners to do it either.  And we didn't commandeer the employees of the County government for political purposes either.

Don't forget the fact that NYC is mainly Democratic and we have had a tremendous number of new residents from NYC move here after 9/11 who already were Democrats.  George Bush is also not popular here.  That has an impact on the number of Republicans elected too.  Many factors contributed to Democratic wins - including hard work by many Democrats who Joe Ferriero tried to get rid of - including Senator Loretta Weinberg.  So, forgive me if I don't kiss Joe's ring, I have heard too many stories of Democrats who left the party BECAUSE of Joe Ferriero. 

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

[ Parent ]
well (0.00 / 0)
I am sure that tenafly benefitted in no way to strong tops of tickets at the county and state level.

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
I had to call EVERY Dem in my district (0.00 / 0)
to get re-elected for the County Committee because Joe Ferriero put us on column 4.  So just like the Real Bergen Democrats, we got re-elected on a DIFFERENT column.  So don't tell me the BCDO top of the ticket helped us.  You are rewriting history yet again.  Do I have to call you on it every time?  This is getting exhausting, I can't leave you guys alone on this blog for two seconds. 

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
[ Parent ]
lol (0.00 / 0)
I think I called every Democrat in your district too. 

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
Strong ticket? (1.00 / 1)
Who?

Dennis the Menace?

Padilla? The fat guy?

Are you kidding me?

This collection of county political misfits can't get out of there own way. They are a figment of Ferriero's political success and imagination.

[ Parent ]
wow (0.00 / 0)
Dennis Mcnerney is a great county executive.  Tommy Padilla is a fantastic public servant and, frankly, they are both great guys.  I think the personal attacks reinforce your arguments.  Keep it up.

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
Great? Fantastic? (0.00 / 0)
What are you basing this on?  It's comments like this that lead people to believe that you are little more than a Ferriero lapdog with no credibility to speak about Bergen County politics with any objectivity.
[ Parent ]
well (0.00 / 0)
I am basing this on my interactions with the two men and it is my opinion that they are doing a good job.  I don't believe calling Tommy "fat" or any other name calling is productive regardless of your opinion of the job they are doing.  I am no one's lap dog.  Can't someone support something that BigDaddyDem is against?

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
furthermore (0.00 / 0)
I don't hear anyone stating what is so bad about the job the Dems in the County are doing.  I know, I know, "pay to play" right?  I'm sick of the single issue folks: RBD's, Bergen Grassroots and The Bergen Record editorial board act like this is the ONLY issue of our time and guess what? it happens to be legal.  Many of us think it should be illegal.  Fine.  We can continue to debate that, but what is so bad about the jobs McNerney and the Freeholder board are doing?  I happen to support pay-to-play in a limited way.  I might not be too popular here because of it but I believe that Democratic Officials will hire Democratic Professionals and same goes for Republicans.  I think that instead of going after this practice and completely gutting it (don't get me wrong it should be more limited) we should allow for independent oversight that can make sure that folks who get contracts are doing their jobs properly.  We don't need any heckuva job Brownies or Halliburtons happening anymore but I do not believe that folks who work on campaigns or write checks should be disqualified from involvement.  Especially the folks who have good reputations.

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
Didn't Padilla (0.00 / 0)
lose for county committee in Park Ridge? Didn't he also lose the first time he ran for freeholder?

Can anyone name anything these two statesman have done?

The floor is yours. You'll need it for weeks.

[ Parent ]
oh my (0.00 / 0)
Are you saying that people who don't win every election are disqualified from the BigDaddyDem super awesome rad award forever?  Didn't Loretta lose when she ran for county executive? 

Here is some information about County Executive McNerney: http://www.co.bergen...

and Tommy Padilla:  http://www.co.bergen...

It would take me weeks to list the accomplishments of this administration, that part you've got right.

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky

[ Parent ]
Accomplishment? (0.00 / 0)
You don't know what the word means.

Gave you the floor and you direct me to some super fluff website promoting these two with tax dollars?

As I suspected, you couldn't name a single thing they have done.

Please, don't compare Loretta to the do-nothing Padilla....

[ Parent ]
BigDaddyDem (0.00 / 0)
Forgive me sir, I hope that you understand how much I appreciate you "giving" me "the floor." Give me a break. 
  I do not sit here and blindly defend the imperfect politicians I support the way many on this blog do (see Englewood report, Moxie, CarolH, etc.)  I am willing to admit to the things dems I support do wrong.  I tend not to get all worked up about it because I understand that politics is a fundamentally corrupt business.  I reject the ideologically pure rants that some of these folks on here go into whenever anyone disagrees with them.  It is a "with us or against us" mentality that doesn't seem to fit into the progressive wing of the democratic party I consider myself to be a member of.  Agree with me or not, this is about discourse, debate and dialogue.  Sometimes I get snarky, its fun to be sarcastic.  Overall though, I try to remain civil and I hope that I am not just baiting or throwing-up conjecture on my keyboard.  BUT BigDaddyDem, I would appreciate it if you would tone down the personal attacks on Democrats you don't like.  You do not hear me make any comments about the physical appearances of the members of the 37th RBD's, though I have made it clear that I disagree with them on some things. 

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
Thank you again for avoiding the question. (0.00 / 0)
For the second time you still can't point to a single accomplishment of Ferriero's puppets...

You've made my point.

[ Parent ]
here you go (0.00 / 0)
McNerney Accomplishments:

reauthorization of the Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund

the senior citizen prescription discount card which helps seniors afford their drugs and doesnt rip them off the way Bush's medicare does

despite what you may think, Mcnerney did pass the first ethics legislation in Bergen which got rid of silly percs elected officials had in the county some kind of "freeholder getaway car"

there has been a lot of work done in support of and on behalf of working people.  Maybe every aspect of the agenda does not fit into you ideologically pure expectations, but I don't care what you think.  You are nasty to people which is all too easy to do on the internet.

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky

[ Parent ]
Tenafly is not alone (3.00 / 1)
Changing demographics have really been the driving factor behind the resurgence of the Democratic Party in Bergen County.

Democrats competed very well throughout the 70's and early 80's until about 1984 when Reagan, Kean and the Florio debacle all but killed off the Democratic Party. It wasn't that long ago when the Executive Director of the Bergen Democrats was raising the white flag proclaiming we couldn't win.

But with so many ex-New Yorkers as well as Hispanics from Hudson & Essex Counties have made realignment very possible.

There are many towns where Democrats are winning even in the most Republican of areas. A good example is Park Ridge where Democrats seems to win all the time. Another example is Haworth and even Ramsey the Democrats won until infighting forced a divide.

The BCDO and Ferriero are to be congratulated for there success. But a high tide raises all boats and the way Republicans enjoyed unprecedented success in the mid 80's to the late 90's, it seems to the turn of Democrats to govern the county. The difference this time of course is the proliferation of local communities that are now Democratically controlled.

[ Parent ]
read the whole letter (0.00 / 0)
Come on folks!  Just read the letter.  It says that many of the "resolutions" are good ideas, and already in use. I've been at BCDO elections, including the bylaws vote this past winter.  I watched representatives from both factions, including Martin Cramer, one of Weinberg's attorneys, inspecting the ballot box ahead of time, attending the counting, and assuring everyone that the process was fair.  No one has been asked to reveal their vote.  Also take a look at Robert's Rules.  Bylaws govern the procedures to be used by an organization.  Only ministerial acts can be performed via resolution.  You cannot change or add to the bylaws unless you follow the procedure provided in the bylaws for change. 
[ Parent ]
People were asked to reveal their vote (0.00 / 0)
Are you telling me Bob Falanga lied to me?  The bylaws states we can inspect the books. You are either misinformed or lying.  The ONLY reason we were able to be there for the vote counting was because we put up a fight.  Don't rewrite history. 

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
[ Parent ]
let me just say (0.00 / 0)
That Bob Falanga is a great guy.  He actually volunteered on the Corzine and Menendez campaigns in Bergen County unlike some others.  I hope that there is some sort of mistake in this because i would hate to see some bad apple in the BCDO turn off a good Democrat like Mr. Falanga.

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
We agree on one thing (0.00 / 0)
Bob Falanga is a great asset to the BCDO. I ought to know, I recommended him for the County Committee when Joe Ferriero threw us both onto Column 4 last year for my district.  Bob does not lie.  He told me firsthand he was asked to show his marked ballot. 

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
[ Parent ]
bergenPAC et al (0.00 / 0)
I don't live in Bergen County, but I can remember being very upset when I heard that the John Harms Center was closing down and very happy when I heard that the county with help from the state was going to keep it afloat.

I know that the devil is in the details, but when it comes to pork, sometimes there is a difference between a breaded pork chop served with a side of fettucine alfredo prepared perfectly al dente and a can of Spam.

Our state needs more places like bergenPAC, not less.  The Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn is on the verge of shutting down.  If it takes a BBQ pig roast to save it, so be it.  With the gigantic multiplexes putting older and smaller movie houses out of business, our communities need to be able to rescue them and convert them into performing arts centers.

Performing Arts (0.00 / 0)
My comments about about Bergen PAC and pork and the 37th District Legislators is not meant to attack arts funding.  Instead, I am trying to point out that no one in government is pure and that connections can be drawn between donors, supporters, and earmarks on all sides.  It's the hero worship I find troublesome, not the funding of Bergen PAC.
[ Parent ]
It isn't "hero worship" (0.00 / 0)
If you think your legislator is doing a good job.  It also isn't hero worship when you know the facts and try to clear the air when someone is being slandered by proven forgers or worse. 

Now lets talk about conspiracy theories and the way that you have been swayed by the Ferrierocrats attempts to make a White Water case out of a community theater.  You swallowed the story hook line and sinker.  The Ferrierocrats have been trying to make hay out of the Bergen PAC for a while now.  Congratulations on being the first patsy at Blue Jersey to take the bait. 

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

[ Parent ]
Please... (0.00 / 0)
You are mistaken for thinking that any of this came to me by way of the Ferrierocrats.  Just like North Jersey Community Bank, they're not spreading it around because their fingers are all too sticky from messing around the very same honey pot.  Why do you think this was never an issue in the 37th District primary?

You keep digging the hole deeper here, not me.  I don't think that there's anything wrong with the earmarks.  But by the standards of purity you have laid out for BCDO, it's clear that you ought to view this as corrupt.  Otherwise, you're a hypocrite.

You insist on claiming that I think Weinberg and her team are corrupt.  I do not.  I support them and their fight 100%.  Do I mind that they and their supporters have built a network to prop up Bergen PAC or other pet projects?  No.  I believe that their pet projects are worthwhile and focused more on improving people's lives than enriching themselves.

My point is this.  You and other Weinberg supporters have laid out a set of standards of conduct for BCDO that is more focused on harming Ferriero than improving the county party.  This is why I hope a third option emerges between the current BCDO and RBD organizations.  (Likewise in Hudson County, I hope to see a non-HCDO or DFHC organization come to the fore.)

What is Paul Aronsohn up to these days?

[ Parent ]
Why? (0.00 / 0)
Do you really think that Paul Aronsohn is going to be that third option that you are looking for and a voice for progressive change?

Keep dreaming.

If anything, you should keep an eye on what Camille Abate is doing.  It is more likely that she could be what you are looking for than Paul Aronsohn, who would never cross Ferriero or the BCDO.

[ Parent ]
Camille (3.00 / 1)
Oh the personality cult of crazy that is Camille Abate.  How I have missed you.
[ Parent ]
Aronsohn (0.00 / 0)
I think Paul is probably thinking about whether or not he should run again.  I hope he does.  I like Paul and though I have nothing against Cammille Abate, I don't see her beating Garrett.

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
You have called... (0.00 / 0)
...bergenPAC a "pet project" and "pork."  That seems like an attack on funding for the arts and arts education.  The District 37 legislators should be commended for supporting this important community asset.  That's not hero worship.  That's giving credit where credit is due. 

In the meantime, you should provide facts, not allegations, on how tax dollars are funneled to donors.  That will help to shed more light, rather than heat, on the situation.

[ Parent ]
Real Bergen Disasters (0.00 / 0)
Ilan Plawker is a donor to the campaigns of Weinberg, Johnson and Vaineiri-Huttle.  Ilan Plawker owns the building that houses the real Bergen Dems and Bergen PAC.  Bergen PAC recieves state funding with the help of the RBD's.  Bergen PAC pays rent to Plawker.  Frank Huttle is fattening his pockets, Gordon Johnson is fattening his pockets and padding his pention with numerous government gigs, Jackie Kates works....... shall I go on?  I am not saying that there are not plenty of people in the BCDO who you can say the same things about.  What I am saying is that the Lorettacrats run a pay-to-play fiefdom of their own.  I have no problem with it.  Unless laws are broken or laws are changed to dissallow this stuff, I say more power to them.  I like Democrats.  I want to see them get good things done.  I just don't like hypocrasy.

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
If Gordon Johnson wanted to fatten his pockets as you say (0.00 / 0)
he would have accepted the job offered to him as a bribe to get out of the Assembly race.  He also would not have just come out for the Dual Office Holding Ban.  The ONLY reason he ran as Councilman at Large was because Englewood really needed someone who was a voice of reason instead of a Michael Wildes pick. 

How is Frank Huttle fattening HIS pockets here?  Explain please.  Do you ask who your landlord donates to?  Is the rent that Bergen Pac pays Plawker excessive of market rate?  And exactly where were you going about Jackie Kates?  Lots of people work.  If you are going to slander folks, don't do it halfway - finish your sentences and while you are at it - try spell check. 

If Plawker owned the Bergen PAC then gave money he got from the taxpayer to run it back to the RBDs - THAT would be a problem.  That is not the case. 

Most people involved with Bergen PAC have given money to the Bergen PAC to keep it going.  They haven't fattened their wallets at the expense of the BergenPAC.  They have been GENEROUS and have GIVEN money.  I know that's a unique concept for the Pay-To-Play boys who throw lavish parties but it's the truth.

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

[ Parent ]
holy cow (0.00 / 0)
you are so blinded by your loyalty and infatuation with boss loretta that you can not even recognize the holes in what you are saying.  Decoitis, Plawker..... what is the difference between what these folks are doing and the pay-to-play at BCDO?

People work?  That is an answer?  So people on your team "work" and people on my team are stooges. 

I can't even have a discussion with you Carol.

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky

[ Parent ]
You brought up (0.00 / 0)
Jackie Kates.  What were you going to accuse her of?  If you are going to ask "Should I go on?"  I am asking you to fully articulate your accusations so someone can at least respond to them. 

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
[ Parent ]
Once Again - Sigh - (0.00 / 0)
You are the "victim".  Here are some real facts for you:

The Building that houses the Bergen PAC is actually OWNED BY THE BERGENPAC not by Ilan Plawker. 

The building NEXT DOOR to BergenPAC where the Real Bergen Dems HQ was is owned by VAN BRUNT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP of West State Street in Trenton.  Not Ilan Plawker.

The Real Bergen Dems paid rent to Van Brunt Limited Partnership in Trenton - NOT Ilan Plawker.

What I find MOST infuriating about this whole Bergen PAC story is the smear against Frank Huttle who has DONATED so much money and time to the BergenPAC to keep it alive.  It is a labor of love for him and he spends hours doing that when he would make much more money spending those same hours as a lawyer in his own business. 

Generosity.  Look it up.  I know it's quite a concept for you Ferrierocrats to handle.  Sometimes folks don't have a selfish motive for their actions.  Some people sing at nursing homes, some - like our Republican Councilman here in town, put a new roof on the senior center for free, some folks like my Dad run the food pantry. You have volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members give up time with their families to serve the community. We all give and do what we can.  And some folks, like Frank Huttle, an outstanding asset to the Community in Englewood, who has the ability and the means, donate both their money and time to keep a community together by investing their heart and soul into a joint effort like the BergenPAC. 

Frank Huttle, who came up with the business plan to bring back the John Harms theater as the BergenPAC, makes NO money from the BergenPAC even though he has donated much money to it as well as spending 7 days a week helping run it.  Contrast that to Dennis McNerney - the 3 Million Dollar Man (that's how much Ferriero spent on Dennis in the last election) who is also a trustee but has contributed NOTHING to the BergenPAC.

The Bergen PAC is not just a political badge of honor for Frank, as it appears to be for Dennis, it is something he cares deeply about as a resident of Englewood. 

One more thing: I am offended by your attempts to smear Jackie Kates.  Where does she work? You tell me. 

Better get your facts straight.  Then - as Mark Twain said - "you can twist them however you want".

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

[ Parent ]
Headquarters (0.00 / 0)
"The building NEXT DOOR to BergenPAC where the Real Bergen Dems HQ was is owned by VAN BRUNT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP of West State Street in Trenton.  Not Ilan Plawker."

I confessed to being mistaken about the ownership of the building that houses Bergen PAC.  The two buildings appeared to me to be contiguous from the outside.

And perhaps you're right about the actual ownership of the headquarters.  But the Plawker name is ALL OVER the building.  And if you check the website for Plawker Real Estate, 40 North Van Brunt, the building that houses the headquarters, is one of their listed properties.  So to pretend that there is no relationship is silly.

[ Parent ]
ADAM Plawker (0.00 / 0)
is the REAL ESTATE AGENT.  He does not OWN the building next door to the BergenPAC.  Remember - BergenPAC owns the BergenPAC building.

Ilan Plawker, who someone apparently told you to connect to a White Water scheme which does not exist - is not associated with the building at all. He DOES NOT OWN IT and HE IS NOT THE REAL ESTATE AGENT FOR THE BUILDING.

If someone wants to rent the building, they contact the REAL ESTATE AGENT - ADAM Plawker.  They make the checks out to the OWNER - VAN BRUNT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP. 

Simple, unless you are a conspiracy theorist and need to make things complicated.  How many times and in how many different ways do I have to tell you there is no there there.  Jeesh!

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

[ Parent ]
easy carol (0.00 / 0)
I think you are getting too worked up and venomous.  In fact, "somewhere in the swamps" (great name by the way) is hardly defending me or my side.  Yet you go after him with such venom and anger. 

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
Pay attention (4.00 / 1)
This has gotten absolutely insane.  I made a toss-off comment about something I observed when I passed by the Real Bergen Democrats headquarters -- it appeared to me to be in the same building as Bergen PAC and there were PLAWKER signs in the vacant windows.  It wouldn't take Rush Holt to do the math.  I was wrong and have said so more than once.

But it is exceedingly insulting for you to sit there and claim that I am so stupid as to be led by political interested players who are out to 'smear' Frank Huttle or the 37th District Legislators.  You are personally attacking my intelligence, my integrity, and my honesty, all because you believe - wrongly - that I do not support Senator Weinberg and Assemblywoman Huttle.

No one is ordering me to connect the dots, nor did I ever think there was some sort of conspiracy afoot.  (If someone had been pushing this, I would have likely had many more solid facts at my disposal.)  It is you and EnglewoodReport who have blown this into a fight of epic proportions.  My point of view is such that I do not believe there is nothing wrong with pork, or with throwing your supporters (or their children) business.  Calling things 'pork' and 'pet projects' is not slander.  It's just intellectual honesty.  The pork they bring home benefits their district.  And their pet projects are proof that they are focused on all of the right things, whether it's arts funding or autism research.

And this is why I cannot support the Real Bergen Democrats' takeover of BCDO, even though I very badly want the fatcat, do-nothing Ferrierocrats out of power.  You folks are not content to have alliances with like-minded Democrats who agree on 75% of the issues.  You demand 100% loyalty to, agreement with, and adoration of those you support.  At best, it's creepy.  And it is no way to build a lasting coalition that will both maintain Democratic control and bring progress and good government to Bergen County.

[ Parent ]
You accuse people (0.00 / 0)
of wrongdoing and then you are shown to be wrong on the facts.  You never even apologize to the people you are insulting with BAD INFO.  You seem too stubborn to admit you were wrong and now you go on the attack against those who pointed out that you and BlueBergen were spreading falsehoods.

Look, you are welcome to keep voting for the BCDO cronies.  If you prefer the status quo over the kind of leadership Loretta Weinberg displays, so be it.  You get what you deserve.

[ Parent ]
wow (0.00 / 0)
The guy wasn't even on my side, I believe he has even gone after me on some things.  How can you people be so outrageous?  I bet that you and I probably agree on 99% of things and I bet that you and "somewhere in the swamps..." agree on 99.999999% of things.  Why must you attack?

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
Taking sides (0.00 / 0)
You're right - I am not on your side.  I've said so in comments in this thread.  But since I do have that .00000001% difference of opinion with them and refuse to hate you or call you names, I am labeled an enemy.  And this is how the Ferrierocrats consolidate power despite obvious disaffection with Boss Joe's leadership - there are no viable alternatives.

And thank you for the kind words about the screenname.  If it were up to me, everyone on Blue Jersey would have Bruce-inspired usernames.

And NOW I am done taking part in this thread.

[ Parent ]
I hear ya (0.00 / 0)
I thought of making my screen name "the hungry and the hunted" from jungleland but didn't want to seem like I was biting your style.  I think we can disagree on the things we disagree about and not lose sight that we agree on a multitude of other issues.

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
Clearly (0.00 / 0)
You haven't actually read any of my comments.  I repeatedly owned up to being mistaken.  And exactly how many times must I insult Joe Ferriero and call for his ouster before you stop accusing me of "voting for the BCDO cronies"?

My first comment here opened thusly:

"Let me start by saying that I agree that the Bergen Party needs new leadership.  Now that the hard work of taking over the county has been done, sometimes ruthlessly and through means many are uncomfortable with, what is now needed is a unifying and progressive strategist-type to maintain the hold on Bergen.  Ferriero has become a serious liability to the party he brought back from the brink."

My last comment clearly stated that "I very badly want the fatcat, do-nothing Ferrierocrats out of power."  In between, nearly every one of my comments noted that I do not support Ferriero.

This just further illustrates my point - it's either all or nothing.  Since I do not support CarolH for party chair or believe that the 37th District legislators are angels made of the purest driven snow, I must be an evil person who hates democracy and loves Joe Ferriero.  My support for Loretta Weinberg as Senator is obviously not enough.  Can I say it any more clearly?  Ferriero needs to go.  End of story.  And while I'm at it, end of my participation in this ridiculous waste of time thread.

[ Parent ]
I appreciate (0.00 / 0)
your comments, but I had to clarify the situation, more for folks not familiar with the story than for your benefit. It was clearly a throw away coment to you, but the BlueBergen folks seized onto the thread with both hands and wouldn't let go.  I had to speak up.

Sorry if I offended you.  Don't worry, I am not going to be running for Party Chair.  I am just hoping all this BCDO craziness cools down eneough so I can finally finish my book - which has nothing to do with any of this. 

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

[ Parent ]
wait (0.00 / 0)
BlueBergen folks?  Are you implying that I am plural?  Why don't you go ahead and write that book, the county will be fine.

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
Lest we all forget (0.00 / 0)
why I posted this Diary.  The BCDO does NOT want to share the books with members of the BCDO who should have access.  That raises MORE questions than it answers and is why there are nearly 70 posts on this thread.  The Bergen Boys are tapdancing faster than Richard Gere in "Chicago".  They have to, to change the subject and divert attention from this story.  Why?  Why indeed......

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
Lest we all forget (0.00 / 0)
why I posted this Diary.  The BCDO does NOT want to share the books with members of the BCDO who should have access.  That raises MORE questions than it answers and is why there are nearly 70 posts on this thread.  The Bergen Boys are tapdancing faster than Richard Gere in "Chicago".  They have to, to change the subject and divert attention from this story.  Why?  Why indeed......

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
sigh (0.00 / 0)
You defend the folks you support with so much passion carol.  That is fine.  I happen to support BCDO leadership.  I do not level personal attacks at your folks even though many on this blog do not hesitate to attack Ferriero, Mcnerney etc.  In regards to my comment on Ms. Kates, I was just trying to show that there is an obvious inner circle that is rewarded by the RBD's.  I also said I didn't have a problem with that.  I think there is a clear difference in our approaches.  I wasn't trying to change the subject.  Everyone who commented on this blog who didn't focus there words on Gulack's "resolutions" is guilty of "changing the subject"

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
Again (0.00 / 0)
you aren't clear.  HOW is Jackie Kates a very competent former Mayor of Teaneck "rewarded by an inner circle?"  Are you going to keep smearing her by bringing up her name or are you gonna tell folks EXACTLY what you are accusing her of?????

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
[ Parent ]
cool it carol (0.00 / 0)
I haven't accused her of anything.  In fact I said I don't oppose the way Team Loretta conducts business, primarily because it is the same way the rest of the bergen democrats conduct business.  there is pay-to-play on both sides.  you can not deny that carol.  I have nothing against Ms. Kates again.  You would like me too so you have something else you can get all worked up about.  I won't say something bad about the councilwoman from teaneck who works in boss loretta's office.  I met her once and she seemed very very nice and competent.

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
Why do you keep bringing up Jackie Kates? (0.00 / 0)
Spit it out.  Let us know exactly what you are accusing her of.  You are implying pay-to-play etc. Bring it.  I will not "Cool it".  And Loretta is not a BOSS.  She works with her constituents and the Elected officials of her District.  This is not a dictatorship like you are used to.  You get "bossed".  We actually work with our State Senator. 

Your cowardly tactics of hiding behind an anonymous moniker while you accuse well-respected Democratic women in the 37th of wrongdoing while coyly avoiding telling us what exactly they are guilty of is tiring.  As is your whining about your own attempts to be "civil" while you routinely insult me and many others on this board.  Your sincerity is truly touching.  If you can't feel the sarcasm dripping off that last sentence, you aren't paying attention. 

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

[ Parent ]
wow (0.00 / 0)
I told you that I have nothing bad to say about Jackie Kates.  What don't you get about that?  I'm done with this thread. 

"That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be-it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." -Saul Alinsky
[ Parent ]
off topic (0.00 / 0)
I believe this conversation has gotten a little off topic.  Just as one more point of information, nothing in the bylaws of the BCDO provides for inspection of "the books" by the membership of the BCDO.  The bylaws do provide for the preparation of "a full detailed financial report" by the treasurer, but nothing in the current bylaws give anyone a "right" to review the day to day checkbook or ledger of the treasurer.  ELEC reports reveal every contribution and expenditure of the organization. No one is being denied a right or being kept in the dark.  If you don't like the bylaws, change them.  But don't allege misconduct just for the sake of having something to object to.

Perhaps not relevent to the main purpose of this thread, but certainly relevent to the themes herein, I'd like to know what people have to say about Loretta Weinberg exercising the extralegal and very undemocratic senatorial courtesy to prevent our very capable County Prosecutor from being reapointed.

[ Parent ]
No full financial report (0.00 / 0)
is ever given to the Members.  That is just plain wrong. 

Still tapdancing I see........

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

[ Parent ]
BCDO still won't share books | 92 comments
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