Ethics and Truth Exiled

The  following is a  letter to the editor I received  from Jim Grenafege, Democratic Candidate for Middletown Township Committee:

In support of candidates Fiore and Brightbill, Republican Middletown Mayor Scharfenberger continues his practice of distorting facts whenever possible. When facts cannot be distorted he will fabricate them.

In a letter published in the Atlantic Herald (Middletown Mayor Supports Brightbill and Fiore for Township Committee, October 6) Mayor Scharfenberger stated: “Pam and Tony’s opponents … bring a record of astonishingly high tax increases, vocal support for high density development through low-income housing and support for the destructive policies of Governor Corizine and the Democratic Party in Trenton.”

As an opposing candidate for one of the open seats on the Middletown Township Committee, I unequivocally state that Mayor Scharfenberger has completely fabricated everything that he attributes to the “opponents”.

In a subsequent e-mail sent from Monmouth [University].Edu (message from the mayor, October 19). Scharfenberger duplicated this letter and as part of my alleged record added: “serious ethics problems”. This is more intentional fabrication. This letter was sent, publically published, using Monmouth University electronic mail resources. This letter is signed: “Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger”. In so signing, his political status as a mayor along with his partisan political message was solidly linked to his status as a Monmouth University instructor and employee. He sent it to thirteen people with the instructions: “Please forward to as many Middletown residents as possible.”

In his zeal to have Republican candidates win at any cost, I hope Mayor Scharfenberger has not damaged the “leadership” brand image and the political impartiality important to financial standing and credibility of the University.

My concerns in this matter were discussed with the University’s Assistant General Counsel. I have been told that Dr. Scharfenberger has been reminded of the appropriate university policy. As an internal matter it has been addressed.
As an external matter the intended damage by Dr. Scharfenberger to my and my running mate’s campaign has not been publically addressed by the University, nor has Mayor Scharfenberger publically repudiated his fabrications. Who really has serious ethics and integrity problems -- possibly Mayor, or Doctor, Scharfenberger?

James Grenafege
Democratic Candidate
Middletown Township Committee