In doing so they have attempted to dispel readership criticism of their obvious bias toward incumbent Republicans and the lack to follow through on their own rhetoric towards incumbency.
"...We often bemoan the power of incumbency and the lack of competitive legislative races in this state. A big part of the reason so many races are uncompetitive is that those who run against the incumbents are not compelling candidates...."
Not compelling candidates? Really? That one is a bit hard to believe.
How much more compelling candidates do you need than 2 former mayors of Hazlet and the first Democrat elected to the Middletown Township Committee in over 25 years, who have stressed the importance of maintaining the line on property taxes and getting hard hit middle-class families struck by the recession back on their feet and back to work?
Mayor Christopher Cullen who is running for the Senate against Joe Kyrillos was elected in 2000 to the Hazlet Township Committee. His focused was on preserving open space,preserving a record amount of open space and improved Hazlet’s quality of life. while stabilizing property taxes, and improving youth recreation. He served on the Planning and Zoning Boards and was liason to the Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, Recreation Commission. He is also a committed environmentalist.
Mayor Kevin M. Lavan who along with Patrick Short is running against incumbents Amy Handlin and Declan O'Scalon, served as committeeman, deputy mayor, and then mayor, during which time he increased transparency in local government, improved youth recreation, and delivered the lowest property tax increases in a generation. Prior to beginning his tenure on the Township Committee, Kevin served on the Planning and Zoning Boards as well as the Bayshore Regional Sewerage Authority.
Committeeman Patrick Short became the first Democrat elected to the Township Committee in nearly two decades. During his tenure, he voted to increase transparency, fought for fair and ethical bidding practices and against municipal tax hikes.
How much more compelling do these guys need to be? They all have a list of accomplishments which have shown that they have the voter's best interests in mind first over their own or Party's.
In the dismissal of Cullen and Short's candidacy, the APP admits that they are credible but dismisses Cullen because they perceived his stance to protect district workers and families and speaks of the frustration faced by local officials who must deal with unfunded mandates and shrinking state aid as being in "lockstep with standard Democratic positions".
In Short's case before dismissing his candidacy, they actually say that he is "...a credible, well-spoken candidate who favors reducing property taxes by increasing income taxes and expanding the sales tax to other items."
And for no apparent reason at all Kevin Lavan wasn't even considered.
Here is what a few readers of the APP had to say about the endorsements of Kyrillos, Handlin and O'Scalon:
watchdoggg
5:42 AM on October 31, 2011
watchdoggg
5:42 AM on October 31, 2011
Kyrillos, Handlin and O'Scanlon.
These three stand out alright, as doing the LEAST as representatives.
All three are in lockstep with the Christie administration which has done absolutely NOTHING to curtail property tax increases which continue unabated, contrary to the claims of this self serving Gov.
Kyrillos has been with the Monmouth County "boys" for how many YEARS, and what noteable legislation has HE ever passed ?? Interesting how many officials were arrested by federal officials, and more importantly, HOW MANY WERE NOT (from the republican side). I wonder if Christie made a deal with the then GOP party chairman (Kyrillos).
Handlin. How many years did she sit in with the boys from Club Monmouth, and claim she never knew what was going on.
O'Scanlon. The right hand boy to then state senator John Bennett, whom Christie (then federal prosecutor) vilified as the biggest double dipper in NJ.
These three standout alright, for all the wrong reasons to be reelected.
GRIP,,,.Get Rid Incumbent Politicians.
NOPOLITICALPARTY
6:26 AM on October 31, 2011
6:26 AM on October 31, 2011
Three more incumbents endorsed by the Press. And come the new year the Press will be writing editorials telling us the problems we have are because voters always re-elect incumbents. They will call for new blood later, but for now they are satisfied with the same old-same old. Go figure!
gaborbacchi
10:36 AM on October 31, 2011
Totally irresponsible journalism. Declaring some candidates as "no shot at winning", "does not warrant serious consideration", and "a wasted vote" WITHOUT ANY REASONS WHY is hack at its best. Why not list the stance of each and let voters decide. Sure the APP can endorse, but to DENOUNCE without any reason is journalistic treason that is insulting to readers who are not robots that need to be told who to vote for. We are looking for where candidates stand, idiots! Tell us!
bchbum
3:31 PM on October 31, 2011
the LAST thing this district needs is MORE of the same! UNELECT kyrillos, handlin and o'scanlon!
4 comments:
Thank you for this important blogging, MIke. It's worth noting that Patrick Short worked the hardest in MIddletown to come up with some kind of solution for those flooded unceasingly in Port Monmouth. What other committee person came up with any kind of resolution for this years' long problem or even cares that they are still suffering and losing their property?
Patrick Short served with distinction
and really represented the people in Middletown, battling desperately with a very uncooperative republican regime. They did not like "their boat" rocked!
He was attacked from every direction by some of the most integrity challenged Republican TC members that have ever served in this township. It actually became pitiful conduct on behalf of the then serving Republicans.
Having lived in this township for decades.have seen it all happen and can say only this , the people in this township get what they deserve,they continually vote for the integrity and ethically challenged characters we have today.
Party is more important then good government!
It is a disgrace in a democracy to be faced with the lack of civility toward the residents and taxpayers. Outrageous behavior from incredibly arrogant and ignorant individuals... the six on that dais...five elected and one self appointed!!!
APP writes ….”Stop protecting the incumbents. Incumbency has given rise to complacency and a well-warranted belief among elected officials that voters will re-elect them regardless of how corrupt or unresponsive they are.” What hypocrites … to endorse “write a book of how to get into office and do nothing there …. Handlin” and then to give thumbs up to a scandalous … O’Scanlon. Bush league editorial at best!
APP writes ….”Stop protecting the incumbents. Incumbency has given rise to complacency and a well-warranted belief among elected officials that voters will re-elect them regardless of how corrupt or unresponsive they are.” What hypocrites … to endorse “write a book of how to get into office and do nothing there …. Handlin” and then to give thumbs up to a scandalous … O’Scanlon. Bush league editorial at best!
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