Scharfenberger To Seek 13th Assembly Seat

I'm a little late to the party on this one but I just have to give my thoughts on the matter.

It was reported on the Middletown  Patch (and other places) this past Monday, that Middletown's appointed mayor Gerry Scharfenberger,plans to seek a seat in the NJ State Assembly for District 13 and made his intentions known on his Facebook page.  It was also reported that current Monmouth County Freeholder Serena Dimaso and Fair Haven Councilman Bob Marchese will also be seeking that seat. The three will face off against each other during the June Primary to see who will run against the eventual Democratic nominee.

The Assembly seat that the three are vying for will either be Assemblywoman Amy Handlin's seat or Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon's. Both are seeking the party nomination to succeed retiring Monmouth County Senator Joe Kyrillos, in the NJ State Senate.

I knew that when Joe Kyrillos announced that he wasn't seeking reelection that someone on the Middletown Township Committee would be looking towards Trenton.

 At the time, I personally thought that it would have been Tony Fiore, seeing how he's a co-chair for the Monmouth County Republicans and may have been looking for a venue change. However, I changed that opinion recently when Scharfenberger's buddies on the Township Committee reappointed him mayor during Reorganization day on January 1st.

It's always been the M.O. of the Middletown Republicans to appoint those that are seeking reelection as Mayor or Deputy-Mayor, which would have made either Stephanie Murray or Tony Fiore, the ones to fill those positions. It was in fact Murray this time who was appointed Deputy-Mayor and Scharfenberger who was appointed mayor. I suppose it's more impressive if you give the impression that you are the appointed elected mayor of Middletown, seeking higher office rather than just a sitting Committeeman.

That being said, here is my primary day prediction; Gerry Scharfenberger will bee seeking Amy Handlin's seat in the Assembly. I think both Handlin and Scharfenberger will win their primary campaigns easily. The reason is simple; nearly a third of all registered GOP voters in the 13th District are from Middletown! That's one hell of an advantage for anyone seeking election in the 13th to overcome.

Amy Handlin Gets Tony Palughi Loyalty Award

This scathing letter that doesn't pull any of its punches against Republican Assemblywoman Amy Handlin, appears online at the Atlantic Highlands Herald.

The letter was written by the former Republican Chairman of Freehold Township Romeo Cascaes and gives some very strong reasons why she shouldn't be supported by fellow Republicans in a reelection bid for her 13th District Assembly seat tomorrow.

Dear Editor,

I would like to nominate Amy Handlin for the Tony Palughi Loyalty Award. She has certainly earned it.

The Tony Palughi Loyalty Award, which I just created, should be awarded to the person who has consistently spit upon those most responsible for their own success.

As you know, some years back Tony Palugi got himself into a peck of trouble with the feds, then turned on Harry Larrison by incriminating him in order to receive a lighter sentence. Harry had been like a father to the bum.

Now, once again, Ambitious Amy throws Harry Larrison under the bus, when in fact she should thankfully pray for him and for all Harry did to further her career in politics (Harry would affectionately call Amy, “The Gentle Lady”).

First, he supported Amy in her initial quest for the nomination. Without his support she would never have advanced up the political ladder. Moreover, when Amy rankled many Republicans who had worked hard for her elections over the years, it was Harry Larrison who, on at least two occasions, saved Amy from being dumped from the ticket. When most Republicans abandoned her, it was Harry Larrison who asked me to help her raise funds for her empty war chest, produce campaign materials and other such necessities of a successful re-election effort. I assure you Harry did a lot more than I did on Amy’s behalf.

I knew Harry Larrison for 40 years. I never once detected a crooked bone in his body. He loved Monmouth County and worked very hard for it. He was a visionary who looked beyond the problems of the moment to plan for a Monmouth County “for our children’s children.” No one, dead or alive, has done more for this county than Freeholder Director Harry Larrison, Jr.
Now, on the eve of her latest re-election campaign Amy comes out with a new book about her years on the Board of Chosen Freeholders – calling it “Crony Capitalism.”

She was a member of the Board for 16 years; why has she waited so long to “expose” this nasty system. Where was she for 16 years? She had 16 opportunities to vote against Harry Larrison as Director of the Board, the leader and head crony; 16 opportunities to speak out and do something.

She did nothing!

Instead, for 16 years she was an integral part of it - she was a Principal Crony - and helped perpetuate its existence, if in fact it did exist at all, other than in her mind.

When Tony Palughi was appointed Bridge Superintendent, did Freeholder Handlin rise in protest? No! She did nothing! In fact, she willingly accepted Tony’s help in all of her re-election campaigns without so much as a whimper.

So now, Amy Handlin authors a book about the bad Republican freeholders just before her two Republican running mates are vying to retain their well-deserved seats on the Board. The timing of the release of her book is intended to help Handlin get re-elected but it sure won’t help her fellow Republican freeholder candidates.

As always, Amy Handlin thinks only of Amy Handlin.

Amy Handlin is a self-absorbed, self-righteous human being who doesn’t deserve the loyalty of Republicans nor the electorate.

Romeo Cascaes
Former Republican Chairman
Freehold Township

APP: Lack Of Compelling Candidates Leads To Incumbent Endorsements In The 13th LD ??

The Asbury Park Press Editorial Board came up with some really scary reasoning as to why it decided to once again back incumbent Republicans as opposed to endorsing any of their opponents in the 13th Legislative District race this year.

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

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

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!

Profiles Of The 13th District Race Online At The APP and NJ Spotlight

The both the Asbury Park Press and NJ Spotlight have race profiles online for the NJ 13th Legislative District races featuring the issues and candidates in those races.

In the 13th race for State Assembly Democrats Kevin Lavan of Hazlet and Patrick Short of Middletown are running against Republicans and current members of the State Assembly Amy Handlin 0f Middletown and Declan O'Scanlon.

This race also features two other candidates running together for the State Assembly William Lawton and Frank Cottone, as members of the Constitution Party.

In the 13th race for State Senate Democrat Christopher Cullen of Hazlet is running against current State Senator Joe Kyrillos of Middletown.

The candidates for Monmouth County Surrogate race have also been posted online at the APP website. In this race Democrat Michael Steinhorn from Rumson is looking to unseat Middletowner Rosemary Peters. The APP headline "Monmouth County surrogate race not drawing attention" is an understatement, which is a shame because Steinhorn is an extremely capable and affable guy, who deserves more attention.

13th Legislative District Candidate Kevin Lavan Supports Unions and the Middle Class

I support unions. While the consequences of the recent pension deal between Governor Christie and Trenton lawmakers remains to be seen, now is the time for New Jerseyans to consider how best to protect the middle class in an era of high unemployment and declining pay. Unlike my opponents, Assemblywoman Amy Handlin and Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, I recognize that union membership translates into higher wages and better workplace conditions for Garden State workers. Handlin and O'Scanlon not only want to reform public employee benefits -- an idea that has merits -- they want to restrict the rights of private sector workers to negotiate with management.

O'Scanlon is the sponsor of a bill that repeals the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act and the Public Works Contractor Registration Act, a move that essentially ends prevailing wage standards. That's an assault not only on union members, but on non-union construction workers and others in the building trades who rely on fair wage protections as a guarantee that they will be paid at a rate commensurate with their work.

Just this month, O'Scanlon and Handlin introduced a bill that makes New Jersey a “Right to Work” state. Although the legislation was pronounced dead on arrival, I am disappointed that my opponents are pursuing such a radical agenda. Right to work really means right to be fired. Passage of Handlin and O'Scanlon's legislation will result in lower wages and have a negative impact on workers safety and health.

My opponents are not only on the wrong side of working families, but quite literally, they are writing the laws that will set back the clock one hundred years and remove the protections that helped build our middle class.

It is important that New Jerseyans, especially those residing in the Thirteenth Legislative District, understand that the current debate extends far beyond public employee pensions. Elected officials should do everything in their power to protect taxpayers. While in office, I did just that. However, Garden State workers -- both union and non-union -- deserve to know that Handlin and O'Scanlon seek to undermine the very provisions that have allowed countless families to enter the middle class. I want no part in that, and if I am fortunate enough to be elected to the Assembly, I will be a champion of working families.

Kevin M. Lavan

Democratic Candidate

13th Legislative District

Hypocrite Handlin's "Right to Work" Article Is Biased And Fails To Tell The Whole Story.

Readers may find Amy Handlin's article about the "Right to Work" and unions rather interesting even though it is somewhat biased and fails to tell the whole story.

Since I am a life member of the Communications Workers of America" union ( a member since 1953 when I went to work for the telephone company...it was New Jersey Bell then and was Bell Atlantic when I retired in 1989 and is Verizon today) ,and CWA was a union that represented only telephone workers and was an "agency shop" not a "closed shop", my view of the situation differs from Ms. Handlin's point of view.

Unions are businesses also and they are in the business of representation..........thus CWA represents public workers today because technology has diminished the number of telephone workers. Since it requires many members to accomplish goals on behalf of membership,CWA expanded it's membership into the public sector where the growth of potential membership existed. The old adage is "there is strength in numbers " .

Everyone benefits from the unions accomplishments,even management who are not usually unionized ( police are one exception). CWA was always considered one of the most democratic ( not in the political sense) of the major unions in this country.

Distortion of the facts for political purposes serves no one . The republicans do a good job at the blame game but they have no compunction in failing to tell the whole truth for political purposes. Union membership is comprised of both Republicans and Democrats........lots of people from each party. It is not all about politics, it's about "fair representation" of workers rights.

Barbara Thorpe
Lincroft NJ

Hypocrite Handlin Is Wrong On "Right-To-Work"

Republican Assemblywoman Amy "the Hypocrite" Handlin (LD13), has a guest column appearing in print and online in this weeks edition of the Independent, in which she states that she will be introducing a bill that will essentially strip all workers of their right to collective bargaining.

This guest column of her's first appeared online at newjerseynewsroom.com back on May 31st and does not seem to have been updated since.

Since the first publication of Handlin's column appeared over at the newsroom, I would be remised if I didn't point out that her proposed legislation, which just so happened to be co-sponsored by her running mate in this years election Declan O'Scanlon, was dead on arrival. Good reporting and follow-up to Handlin's commentary piece was done by Newjerseynewsroom reporter Tom Hester Jr.

In his follow-up which appeared July 8th, Hester spoke to NJ Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and is quoted as stating:

“This legislation is dead on arrival. It’s that simple. Dead on arrival.

Radical conservative ideology such as this has no place in New Jersey. This type of move may play elsewhere, but, quite simply, this anti-worker bill will never see the light of day.

Not only is this legislation an atrocious assault on worker rights, but it’s terrible economic policy, it would set back any chance we have under Gov. Christie of a strong recovery."...

“Democrats and Republicans can work together for the common good and when appropriate to improve our economy and protect worker benefits, but this wage-cutting, anti-business bill is a line in the sand that cannot be crossed,”

Hester also quoted New Jersey AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech who stated, “The deceptively named “right to work” policy is currently law in 22 states and is considered one of the most anti-union policies in the nation,” about Handlin and O'Scanlan's proposed bill (A-4223).

So what is the purpose of having this old and out of date commentary printed in the Independent other than to mislead and misinform readers of her district, many of whom are hard working members of unions in both public and private unions? It is obviously a play at gaining support from the more conservative residents in the district and members of the TEA Party, who feel that she is out of touch and a "do-nothing".

If this legislation ever where to be signed into law here in New Jersey it would undermined the livelihoods of not only union members, but all workers, white collared as well as blue collared.

Wages would remain stagnant and pension and health benefits would slowly dwindle away anytime a employer was concerned that his bottom-line was no longer big enough to support his mansion or yacht club membership.

Below are a few reader responses to Handlin's commentary posted on the NewJerseyNewsroom, it seems that they also have a problem with her proposed and non existent, dead on arrival typically hypocritical legislation that is meant to pander instead of providing serious answers to her district's problems:

"Right to Work"is a misnomer. It's really the opportunity for any company to pay any employee any amount the company wants. Just what we need: more people earning less than a living wage and without any access to health care other than visits to the emergency rooms. So good for NJ! The assemblywoman cannot be so naive that she believes employers would care about safe working conditions. After all, money spent on safe working conditions would be better off lining the pockets of the wealthy. And, by law, union dues cannot be used for political purposes. Members must choose to donate into a separate fund. Now, if members are too scared to tell the union bosses they won't donate, shame on the members. (Sarah H)

"Unions need a balance" - For the most part I agree with Ms. Handlin. I don't think it's an all or nothing deal though, unions are good things to have in otherwise unsustainably-low paying situations, but for professionals it makes less sense. Let the legislation you craft not try to swing the pendulum so far that it undermines the good side of unions, or it will surely fail.
( Ashley_)

" Handlin comments" - According to Handlin:“Right to Work would also quicken New Jersey’s economic revival. Right-to-Work states had 497,000 new businesses from 1993 to 2009, compared with 340,000 in forced union states, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently cited by the Wall Street Journal. That’s remarkable because just 40 percent of American workers live in Right-to-Work states."

It's hard to believe so many people fall for statements like this of Handlin's, and support radical legislation like this. The truth is, what's really remarkable is that ALL of the businesses she cites to being created from 1993 to 2009 weren't created in Right-to-Work states...after all, in their pursuit of profits, businesses will do anything to keep the costs of labor down. Why is all the greatest economic growth now going on in China, India, etc? Because people will work 16 hour days for $12. Handlin sees that success spreading to the south, and now wants to bring it here to NJ. If it's been so great for those 22 states, why is our per-capita income and standard of living so much higher here?

Thanks but no thanks, Amy Handlin, you're just a rich legislator who wants to be even richer like all the others in your party. Some of us can still see right through all your party's BS. (Richard W)

Santiago convinced he has a shot in newly configured LD 11

By Max Pizzaro @ PolitickerNJ

Still reeling from Gov. Chris Christie's 2009 cannonball that undid their meticulously constructed designs for county control, Monmouth County Democrats are trying to re-inflate enthusiasm around the candidacies of Freeholder Amy Mallet and an 11th District legislative slate that benefits from redistricting.

At the the top of the ticket for the Democrats as they try to unseat state Sen. Jennifer Beck, (R-12), of Red Bank stands Ray Santiago of Freehold Township, a Puerto Rican born success story who grew up in Brooklyn and hung up the law shingle in lush Monmouth County about ten years.

Coming off back to back losses at the local level and deprived of the two years of fundraising he says he, of course, would have preferred, he took the short runway shot at a Senate candidacy based on redistricting and his belief that the district is winnable. Registration in a district composed in part of old 11th District towns, including Asbury Park and Long Branch, favors Democrats: 36,643 to 26,405 Republicans with an additional 68,899 undecided voters, but again, the overall trend lines in Monmouth have been steadily Republican in the Christie era.

Santiago plans to run against Beck in part on a platform of wanting to improve the schools funding formula in order to exert fairness for Monmouth County towns. Part of his argument for election includes the pitch that he will be more independent than Republicans forced into line by the animated Christie.

"I'm not a fan of Governor Christie's," Santiago told PolitickerNJ.com. "I don't like the mannerism in which he makes his case. It's my way or the highway. Moreover, all of his talk of cuts simply forces the towns to raise taxes at the local level."

As for Beck, "What positive things has she done?" Santiago wanted to know.

Challenged to explain how he thinks another lawyer in Trenton can make the case to regular voters that he would effectively answer their constituent needs, Santiago said, "As an attorney, I have first-hand knowledge of how these laws impact people. Who better to draft and create legislation? I would say this, too, importantly, my sense of the law - my sense of my profession - is that it is the service of human need. The way I approach the law, it is in service of the disadvantaged."

Handlin Thinks It's ‘unconscionable’ To Consider Water Rate Hike But Remains Silent on Proposed Gas Tax

Assemblywoman Amy Handlin (R–District 13) thinks it is "unconscionable" for New Jersey American Water (NJAW) to proposed to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) a rate increase and tiered pricing that would raise the average customers yearly water bill by $83 but would pay for capital improvements that were made to its facilities over the past two years. But she has thus far remained silent on the proposed idea of her colleague, State Senator Sean Kean, when he proposed earlier this week raise the state gas tax to fund needed road projects.

Kean's proposed gas tax increase has the potential to take hundreds, if not thousands of dollars out of ordinary commuters pockets, which would have far greater impact on residents lives and standard of living than an average 23 cents a day for the cost of clean and safe drinking water.

During her re-election campaign this past fall, she was against raising the state tax on gasoline when it was mentioned by one of her opponents as a way to refund the state transportation trust fund that is on the brink of collapse.

If she was opposed to a hike in the gas tax last November, then what is the difference now that would change her mind and potentially support it now other than her Republican colleague in the state senate, Sean Kean, has proposed it?

This is another example of Handlin Hypocrisy

Hypocrite Handlin Took $3000 From NJEA

13th Legislative District Assemblywoman Amy Handlin(R-Monmouth) has to be one of the largest hypocrites in Trenton.

In a press release issued yesterday, before today's stunning US Supreme Court ruling that overturned decades worth of campaign finance reforms put in place by Congress, Handlin praised Governor Christie's executive order that "...created a more fair political system for taxpayers by applying pay-to-play restrictions to contributions made by labor unions or to legislative leadership committees... "

So why is Assemblywoman Handlin a hypocrite you ask? Handlin had no problems with the pay-to-play laws while taking a $3,000 campaign contribution from the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) while seeking re-election last year!

That's right, Handlin took money from the largest labor union in the State and now says that it is wrong for unions to be politically active by making campaign donation to candidates who seek political office.

It seems that as long as Handlin got her money from the NJEA everyone else can now be damned.

Do you think she has the decency to return the money to the NJEA? I doubt it.

What a hypocrite!

Sean Dunne, Independent Candidate for NJ State Assembly District 13, Answers 10 Questions

Sean Dunne is the Independent Candidate for the NJ State Assembly District 13, and since he reached out to me a few weeks ago, I decided to send him a copy of the 10 questions that I had written and sent to other State Assembly candidates from Monmouth County.

I thought that it would be interesting to hear what he had to say and see if his answers would differ much from the other respondents once their questionnaire's were returned.

The one response that I found interesting was his answer to question 4. Sam Thompson and Amy Handlin have received the endorsement from the environmental group, The Sierra Club eventhough Sam Thompson supports Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) terminals off the coast of Monmouth County and Amy Handlin had no position on it because she didn't have a clue about it!

Sean Dunne opposes these terminals as does his Democratic oppennents Jim Grenafege and Bob Brown.

Since Sean was the second to respond, so he gets his answers published today:

1. What is your motivation for seeking a seat in the NJ State Assembly and can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was first interested in volunteering for someone else’s campaign, but I did not find any Independent candidates in the District. After giving it a lot of thought, I decided that I could dedicate enough time and recruit enough volunteers to launch my own campaign.

I grew up in the area. I graduated from Holmdel High School, and I went on to attend James Madison University in Virginia. After graduation, I moved to Ireland where I lived for approximately ten years. I was involved in postgraduate studies, college lecturing and Irish agriculture. I obtained a Master’s Degree in Sociology at University College Dublin, and a PhD in Sociology at Trinity College Dublin. I was also involved in the running of a family farm, which I was able to integrate into the European Union’s Rural Environmental Protection Scheme. I moved back to New Jersey last year.

2. As you meet residents throughout your district what seems to be the greatest concerns they are expressing and how do you plan to address them?

Property tax is a major concern. This needs to be addressed by implementing the necessary laws to reduce the very costly corruption problem in the state, and by cutting through the entrenched waste that taxpayers have to fund each year.

3. What do you hope to accomplish once you are elected to the State Assembly?

I want to put forward many of the “common sense” bills that many people want implemented. Both parties have refused to do this, and it’s time we get an Independent candidate in the Assembly to force the parties to take action or to admit they simply will not. If they take no action, then the voters will know who to vote out in the next elections.

4. What is it that makes your district unique and how does that uniqueness impact your campaign?

If District 13 does not help to protect the Jersey Shore, who will? We need to oppose the Liquefied Natural Gas Terminals proposed off the Jersey coastline. The Democratic candidates also oppose them, but Sam Thompson supports them, and Amy Handlin has stated that she “is still looking into them”.

5. If elected, how would your professional background enhance your ability to be an effective State Assembly representative?

I would draw upon my experience in Irish politics to suggest alternatives to certain practices that exist in government here. I also aim to incorporate insights from my own studies (environmental sociology) to policies that I would like to suggest here in New Jersey.

6. Do you have any thoughts on how to contain the growth of state government?

We need to break down the superfluous hierarchies found in areas that range from education to policing. This is critical. We need to abandon the placement of high-ranking officials in every area of government in every small town in New Jersey.

7. Is there any aspect of state government that you believe there is a need to be expanded upon?

The number one priority is cutting back various agencies of state government. This must be done first, as New Jersey simply cannot afford any more growth of state government. After this is done, we can examine areas that might need further aid.

8. Why should residents of your district trust you to represent them in the legislature ?

I am not involved in a political party that has had other members brought to prison for corrupt politics. Both Democrats and Republicans have. My campaign has received no donation of over $250 from anyone other than myself. I therefore answer only to my supporters, which lets me sleep well every night.


9. Why do you identify yourself as an Independent as opposed to a Republican or Democrat?

I’m an Independent because I feel that both parties haven’t done enough, and I feel the current electoral system is undemocratic. Both established parties benefit from their duopoly, and this needs to be attacked at its very base.

10. Is there anything that is important to you that I hasn’t been asked, that you would like to address?

-We need to cut salaries and benefits for this position. It is a part-time job that pays $48,000 a year with benefits. I’d slash the benefits and reduce the pay to $35,000 a year.
-We need mandatory minimum sentences for corrupt politicians and we need term limits.
-We need to review all of the undemocratic policies and structures that both Republicans and Democrats enforce that keep smaller parties and Independents out of office.

To learn more about Sean Dunne visit his website @ www.votedunne.org

Independent Candidate for NJ State Assembly District 13, Sean Dunne

For the benefit of those who live in New Jersey's 13th Legislative District and in the spirit of being "fair and balanced", I thought that I should let people know that there is a 3rd party candidate seeking to upset Republicans Amy Handlin or Fred Thompson for their seat in the State Assembly.

Holmdel resident Sean Dunne is running as an Independent this year.

Sean sent me an email, reaching out, in hopes that I would give him and his campaign a mention. He said a few nice things about me and the MiddletownMike blog in his email (let's just say he knows how to be politically correct).

I responded back to Mr. Dunne by letting him know upfront that I was a democrat and that I would be supporting his Democratic opponents Jim Grenafege and Bob Brown while I pointing out to him that his positions on the issues weren't that different from Jim's and Bob's.

He responded with some nice words of understanding and goods words for both Jim and Bob and added:

"You and I do have something in common. We both want Handlin out. I personally think Thompson has been there far too long, and I just think that Handlin has done nothing, besides raise fines for underage drinking at the arts center. Here's my point: If Handlin rushed out legislation to punish underage drinking after the unfortunate event at the Arts Center, why has she not done anything meaningful to punish corruption when it happened right under her nose? I have noticed that Democrats do focus on Handlin, and I can understand why...."

So with that, I decided I would thank him for his good words and tell you a little about him and his campaign.

His "bio", which can be read at his website www.votedunne.org states;

"...Sean grew up in Monmouth County, New Jersey. He attended Monmouth County schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. After graduating from James Madison University, Sean moved to Ireland where he lived for nearly ten years. He completed postgraduate work that led to the completion of his Doctorate in Sociology in July, 2008...."

On the issues, Sean would like to see mandatory minimum sentences for corrupt politicians and term limits. He would like to end the careers of political entrepreneurs - those who see public office as a financial opportunity and he feels that members of the State Assembly are over paid for the part-time work that they do. He feels that at $45,000 a year, Assembly members are over paid. Their salaries should be immediately cut to $35,000 which would save the State $800,000 annually.

Sean Dunne also sent along this letter to the editor that he wished for me to post:

As an Independent Candidate for State Assembly in District 13, I have
had the opportunity to speak with many people who live in our area.
Many are disenchanted and disillusioned by the rotten corruption that
sits at the heart of New Jersey politics. No amount of advertising
from Republicans or Democrats is capable of convincing voters that
either party has taken the necessary steps to prevent the corrupt
practices that several members of both parties have engaged in
throughout the years.

Albert Einstein told us that “The world is a dangerous place, not
because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do
nothing”. I’ve asked the people at their doorsteps if Assemblyman
Thompson or Assemblywoman Handlin of this District have done anything
to end the culture of corruption in New Jersey. Their answer has
consistently been, “no”. Voters can do something about the corruption
that raises the already high cost of living in our state. They can
vote for an Independent that will fight the rancid corruption that has
been found within both political parties. I ask all readers who also
believe that Republicans and Democrats “look on and do nothing” about
the issue of corruption to join our fight and vote Sean Dunne for
State Assembly on November 3rd.

Dr. Sean Dunne

I would like to wish my new friend Sean Dunne good luck in his quest for the State Assembly. His positions on issues are not that much different from my own thinking and those of his Democratic opponents. In the future it would be nice if Sean Dunne, Jim Grenafege and Bob Brown could work together to help solve issues that effect the 13th district and New Jersey as a whole.

Video: Grenafege For Assembly

State Assembly Candidate for 13th Legislative District, Democrat James Grenafege, released a new campaign video today.

Grenafege, a Middletowntown resident, is running to unseat Republican Amy Handlin from her cushy assembly seat in Trenton.

The video contains a brief biographical profile on Mr. Grenafege and details some of the issues that he feels are important to residents in the 13th district as well as the State.

Job Creation, Leadership, Ethics and the Environment are just a few of the issues that Jim Grenafege cares about.

To find out more about James Grenafege and where he stands on the issues, vist the candidates website www.assembly13.org

Amy Handlin the "Paper Tiger"

The following letter was sent to my by Jim Grenafege, Democratic Candidate for 13th Legislative State Assembly District.

Jim Grenafege is responding to a letter written by his opponent for the State Assembly seat, incumbent Republican Amy Handlin, which appeared in the Asbury Park Press on July 19th 2009:

An Asbury Park Press editorial, July 19, 2009, “Cut flood risk by fixing levees” focused on Assemblywomen Handlin’s ineffective letter writing effort to get federal and state government agencies to upgrade the levee protection system in the Bayshore area.

June 2008, FEMA held a public meeting for Bayshore residents. Congressman Pallone participated. Ms. Handlin failed to attend. She failed to fulfill her obligation to serve and listen to her constituents. She missed an opportunity to partner with Mr. Pallone -- one of the “regions federal representatives” who could have supported her efforts to improve the levee.

June 2009, Handlin “fired off a letter” to FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers and other officials in an attempt to “rattle some cages”. She waited over a year --just three months before the maps were to be implemented -- before lamely pulling the trigger on her pen. Letters, even if wrapped around bricks, do not rattle bureaucratic cages.

Handlin says, “An insurance policy is a piece of paper. It doesn’t hold back a flood.” Nor will her letters hold back the September 25 flood of new and higher insurance premiums for municipalities and 4300 affected Bayshore area residents.

Upgrading the levees is critical. Requiring property owners to carry the full financial burden of the premiums associated with the revised flood zone maps is unreasonable and unfair, especially in these economic times.

Primary lien holders – usually banks or mortgage companies -- benefit from insurance coverage; they should help pay. Legislation requiring primary lien holders to subsidize insurance premiums, without passing the cost on to the property owners, is needed. Insurance companies collecting the premiums should be required to dedicate a significant portion of the premiums toward flood control management.

James Grenafege

NJ State Legislative District 13, Candidate

Campaign Video For Bob Brown, Candidate for Assembly Dsitrict 13, Is On The Web

Democratic candidate for State Assembly, Robert "Bob" Brown, is an attorney and retired Old Bridge police officer who was wounded in the line of duty. He is running in the 13th district against Republican incumbents Sam Thompson and Amy Handlin.

He has a short biographical campaign video that has recently been posted on the web, you can watch it below:



To learn more about Bob Brown and his runningmate, Middletown's Jim Grenafege, and the issues that they will be fighting for check out their website www.assembly13.org

Middletown's Scharfenberger to seek 13th District Assembly Seat

This is big news that means there is a huge shake up going on in Monmouth County. I just heard from a very reliable source that Middletown's Deputy Mayor, Gerry Scharfenberger, will be running for Amy Handlin's Assembly seat in the 13th District.

How is this possible? It seems that there is a major plan brewing to regain Middletown for the GOP. NJ State Senator and Middletown resident Joe Kyrillos will be seeking the Lt. Governorship on the line with his long time buddy Chris Christie. The plan then has fellow Middletown resident ,Assemblywoman Amy Handlin, seeking Kyrillos's seat in the State Senate for the 13th district. Scharfenberger will then fill Handlin's seat in the Assembly.

This is all geared toward getting out strong GOP support in Middletown to elect Steve Massel to the township committee, which would then give the Middletown GOP their super majority once again and silence democratic opposition to their doings in Middletown.

I'll have more on this later.

Morehead To Announce Candidacy for 13th District

Matt Morehead, Chairman of the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats, has just announced that he will be seeking the Democratic Party line to challenge Republican Amy Handlin in the 13th NJ Legislative District Assembly race this year.

 The Middletown resident  will be appearing at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft to announce his intent to run for public office.

The press event will take place from noon to 1 p.m. in the Student Life Center’s Navesink II Room.

Will he actually get the go ahead from the Monmouth Democrats? It's hard to say, but I wouldn't rule it out. After all I haven't heard of anyone else that is willing to run against Handlin as of yet.

Matt Morehead is a fresh face that has worked very hard over the past couple of years to bring attention to youth issues. He could put up a very good fight if given the chance.

 
 Caption: Matt Morehead with Victory Scudiery and Brookdale Democratic Club President