Monmouth County Democrats Announce Passing of Long-Time Democratic Leader Joe Caliendo

Fellow Democrats,

It is with deep sorrow that I report the passing of Monmouth County Democratic leader Joseph P. Caliendo.

Joe spent over five decades leading the Democratic Party in Monmouth County. In 1962, Joe became a Democratic county committee member in Middletown. By 1969, Joe became the President of the Middletown Democratic Club. He led the Middletown Democrats for 25 years, 10 of which Democrats controlled the local offices. His commitment showed as he ensured decades of a full county committee slate in Monmouth’s largest town. Until his passing, Joe served as the Monmouth County Democratic Sergeant-at-Arms where he ensured that Democratic traditions were maintained within the party for years.

Joe was a committed labor leader as well. He spent 32 years leading the members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Monmouth County. Joe retired in 1990, but continued to advocate for labor when he was elected President of the IBEW Local 400 Retiree Union. Joe was also the Vice-President of R.A.C. and served as a delegate for the Monmouth & Ocean Central Labor Council.

Joe’s number one priority was always his family. Joe was married to Patricia Caliendo for nearly 60 years. He is also survived by his three committed daughters, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Former Chairman Victor Scudiery offered the following thoughts on Joe's passing:

"Joe was a tremendous Democratic leader and ally to me throughout my 20 plus years as County Chairman. More than anything, he was a friend. I am heartbroken over his loss and my thoughts and prayers are with Pat and his entire family"

U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone also offered the following thoughts on Joe's life and legacy:

"The passing of Joe Caliendo is a tremendous loss to all who knew him and the entire community. His dedication to our shared Democratic values never wavered, and he championed our party for decades in Middletown and Monmouth County. I considered Joe a personal friend, extend his wife and his entire family my condolences, and join you all in mourning. We can honor his memory by continuing to stand strong for what we believe in, no matter how difficult the fight."

The viewing will be on Saturday, December 13th from 9:00am to 11:00am. It will be held at John Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Road, Middletown, NJ. A service will be held at the funeral home followed by the burial at Mount Olivet Cemetary, 100 Chapel Hill Road, Red Bank, NJ.

On a personal note, Joe introduced me to Democratic Party politics in Monmouth County and has been instrumental to my life during the past ten years. The Monmouth County Democratic Party has lost one of our greatest minds and hardest workers. He will be missed dearly.

Yours Truly,

Vin Gopal
Chairman, Monmouth County Democrats

Chairman Gopal Announces The Passing Of Three Prominent Monmouth County Democrats

It is with deep sadness and regret that I write to inform you of the passing of three of the strongest supporters of the Monmouth County Democrats. In the past two weeks we have lost Former Bradley Beach Mayor Julie Schreck, Former Atlantic Highlands Committeeman Joseph Hawley, and prominent Democrat Stanley Bauman of Marlboro.

Not only was Julie Schreck the first female mayor in Bradley Beach history, but she was also a loving wife and mother. After a brave battle with cancer, she passed away early Sunday night. Julie had been elected mayor in 2008 at the young age of 45. Current Bradley Beach Mayor Gary Engelstad stated that "Julie Schreck was one of the smartest individuals I have ever had the opportunity to work with. Her comprehensive grasp of every nuance of every issue was beyond impressive. I learned a great deal from her and always appreciated her guidance." Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

Former Atlantic Highlands Democratic Committeeman Joseph Hawley passed away May 1st after a long battle with an illness. Coming from a prominent local family, Mr. Hawley dedicated his life to public service. Not only was he extremely active in the Democratic party, but he was extraordinarily philanthropic, spending his free time raising money for various charities or caring for homeless or injured animals. Known as the “unofficial mayor” of Atlantic Highlands, Mr. Hawley was incredibly loyal and dedicated to the borough. Visitations were held from 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. May 6 at the John P. Condon Funeral Home in Leonardo. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 7 at St. Agnes Church in Atlantic Highlands. The cremation services will be private. In lieu of flowers the family asked that mourners instead opt to make memorial donations to the Genevieve M. Hawley Memorial Foundation, c/o Saranne Weimer, 34 E. Lincoln Ave., Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716.

Prominent Democrat and strong supporter Stanley Bauman passed away April 22nd at Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood, NJ. Originally from New York, he moved to Marlboro 46 years ago and has been extremely active in the community ever since. Services were held on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels, Manalapan. Interment followed at Mount Sinai Cemetery in Marlboro.


Best Wishes,
Vin Gopal, Chairman
Monmouth County Democrats

Monmouth Republican Leader and Manalapan Mayor Andrew Lucas Arrested Today

For Immediate Release:
February 7, 2014


The following is a statement from Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal regarding news today of the 11 count indictment of former Manalapan Mayor and Republican Party Leader Andrew Lucas.

Mayor Andrew Lucas

"Today, we see yet another example of corruption from the Monmouth County Republican Party. Former Manalapan mayor Andrew Lucas is in federal custody today on an 11 count indictment for fraud, identity theft and obstruction of justice, among other charges.

The scandal involves the use of taxpayer funded programs for a land deal that funneled $1.2 Million dollars directly into the pockets of Lucas - with the help of the local and County Republican politicians. In order to receive the money, the deal was approved by the Republican controlled Monmouth County Freeholder Board.

We demand answers from Freeholder Board and especially career politician Lillian Burry, who endorsed and voted to approve the deal. Burry raised thousands of dollars at a fundraiser sponsored by Lucas on the very property that was up for consideration by the Freeholder Board.

We need change on the Freeholder Board in order to stop the pattern of corruption and taxpayer abuse.

###


Please see coverage in past few hours

http://www.app.com/article/20140207/NJNEWS14/302070102/Andrew-Lucas-Manalapan-mayor?odyssey=mod|breaking|text|Frontpage

http://www.politickernj.com/71344/monmouth-dems-react-arrest-gop-former-mayor-manalapan

http://www.tribtown.com/view/story/af91a3fd37f04c8a95dddc5c2ab209bd/NJ--Former-Mayor-Indicted

http://holmdel-hazlet.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/former-manalapan-mayor-andrew-lucas-arrested

http://www.oceancountysignal.com/2014/02/07/former-republican-mayor-of-manalapan-arrested-for-falsifying-tax-returns/

http://www.politickernj.com/71341/fbi-take-former-manalapan-mayor-custody-11-count-indictment

http://longbranch.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/former-manalapan-mayor-andrew-lucas-arrested

MC Democratic Chairman To Appear " On the Record with Michael Aron"

Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal will go "On the Record with Michael Aron" this weekend. Since becoming Democratic Chairman, one of Vin's most sought after goals has been to increase awareness of the growing number of Democrats in Monmouth County.

Tune in Saturday at 6:30pm and Sunday at 10:00am on NJTV.

ICYMI: Monmouth Chairman Gopal Discussed The US Senate Primary and The Gubernatorial Race On NJToday This Past Weekend

In case you missed it, Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal appeared on NJToday's Political Roundtable where he discussed the governors race and the US Senate primary.

Watch Political Roundtable: July 12, 2013 on PBS. See more from NJToday.

Monmouth County Democrats Back Pallone for US Senate

The Monmouth County Democrats will back one of their own for the U.S. Senate in the upcoming special Democratic Primary scheduled for August.  Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal issued a statement ealier announcing his organization's intention to back Congressman Frank Pallone for U.S. Senate.

"I am proud to endorse Congressman Frank Pallone for the Democratic Nomination for US Senate in August's special election for the seat previously held by the late Senator Frank Lautenberg. In consultation with Democratic Mayors and elected officials across the county, from Marlboro to Belmar, the overwhelming majority of our Democratic elected officials are supporting their home county Congressman, in Frank Pallone. Congressman Pallone has been a tireless advocate for families across Monmouth County. During his 23 years in the U.S. Congress, Frank Pallone has been New Jersey’s strongest voice for protecting and preserving all 127 miles of the Jersey Shore from Cape May to Sandy Hook.

Frank Pallone has championed worker’s rights, environmental rights, LGBT rights, women’s rights and other progressive causes important to Democrats. In consultation with my executive board, we will proudly designate the Monmouth County Democrats slogan to Congressman Frank Pallone, our next U. S. Senator."

In response Congressman Pallone issued the following stated:

"I would like to thank Chairman Gopal for publicly declaring his support for my campaign for United States Senate," said Pallone. "Monmouth County Democrats have proven time and again they have a remarkable capacity for organizing and fighting for the principles that make our party great. In the coming weeks of this campaign we will be taking our message directly to people all across New Jersey to let them know that as United States Senator my focus will be on getting people back to work. We need to fight for New Jersey's working and middle class and I am proud to have Monmouth County Democrats by my side in that battle

Monmouth County Democratic Chair: Buono Can Beat Christie

Monmouth County Democratic Party Chairman Vin Gopal says Sen. Barbara Buono will be able to defeat incumbent Chris Christie for governor once she gets her message out to voters.

Watch Monmouth County Democratic Chair: Buono Can Beat Christie on PBS. See more from NJToday.

Two More Top Democrats Refuse To Take On Christie

PolitickerNJ is reporting this morning that both NJ Senate President Steve Sweeney and U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-9)  have passed on the idea of taking on Governor Christie this fall.

Their decision not to seek the Democratic nomination to challenge Governor Christie leaves State Senator Barbara Buono, as the only declared and likely challenger to him.

It's too bad that none of these supposedly "top democratic" guys, have the balls to take on Christie the way Senator Buono has.

As Monmouth County Chairman Vin Gopal has stated before, Governor Christie is very popular right now but Democrats in NJ have a 700,000 advantage in voter registration with the election 10 months away. A lot will change in that time and Senator Buono will provide a great contrast as a strong progressive woman fighting for New Jersey's middle-class.

Winners Gamble and Gopal is Betting on Buono

Last week, Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal was named as one of PolitickerNJ's Winners Of  The Week, for coming out early and endorsing the campaign of Sen. Barbara Buono for governor before South Jersey Democratic leader George Norcross III and Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo issued statements of support for Buono.

Monmouth Dems Chairman Vin Gopal

Now in an article posted yesterday on NJ.Com, Gopal is being called a gambler after he "rolled the dice" backing Buono for governor before many other Democratic County Chairmen or party leaders in the state -  who have preferred to wait for some other, higher profiled candidate such as former governor Dick Cody or Congressman Bill Pascrell  step forward.

In explaining why he came out and supported Senator Buono for governor early, instead of waiting for some other candidate to eventually emerge Gopal stated:

“I have a lot of respect for Dick Codey and the other people thinking about running, but our county committee and municipal leaders support Barbara Buono 100 percent, she is still the best candidate, and the greatest contrast, to Governor Christie.

With Barbara Buono, you have a strong, progressive woman who has been Budget chair in Trenton, who has been Majority Leader, who has raised a significant amount of money in a short period of time, and who is overly qualified for this position. Some of the men in the party are a little nervous, but she’s going to attract women voters all over the state. She’s going to connect with working-class families, who are dealing with a 9.6 percent state unemployment rate, the second-highest foreclosure rate in the country, and property taxes that continue to go up. She is on the right side of all of these issues, including marriage equality, which the governor vetoed....”

Monmouth University pollster Patrick Murrary also sees Gopal's gamble on Buono as a positive rather than a negative and helps him stake a claim as a  future statewide power broker:

"Even if Dick Codey ran and got the nomination, it’s still not going to come back and bite Vin Gopal that he went out early for Barbara Buono. If Codey runs, wins the nomination, but loses to Chris Christie, it’s probably going to be his last hurrah. The party leaders are going to look beyond that, and nobody is going to hold a grudge against Gopal for not supporting Codey in a primary.

“Gopal has been working almost council seat by council seat to build up the Democratic base in Monmouth County. Now, he’s also making a statement with his support of Barbara Buono – Monmouth County should no longer be ignored by the Democratic power brokers as an afterthought.”

 So, is Gopal's decision to back Senator Buono really such a gamble? I think not. His decision was both  a  bold and smart political move on many levels. It has allowed the Monmouth Dems to have a significant say in defining the values that progressives in the state feel are important for their gubernatorial candidate to have and it focused attention of Party stalwarts Monmouth's way, showing them that Monmouth County, under Gopal's leadership, can't be taken lightly.

Buono Accepts Monmouth County Dems Endorsement for Governor

Last night at the I.B.E.W. Local 400 union hall in Wall Township, the Monmouth County Democrats held, what was billed as a "New Years Party with a special guest speaker" to mingle with fellow Democrats and ring in 2013. What it turned out to be was a huge reception to endorse State Senator Barbara Buono as the Monmouth Democrats choice for Governor in 2013.

When I walked in, the hall was packed with nearly 300 party faithful all eager to hear one of the worse kept secrets that I can remember in recent years, which was that the Monmouth Dems were endorsing Senator Buono for Governor and that she would be in attendance to accept that endorsement.

When Chairman Gopal stated before introducing Buono, “We’re going to work hard for you, senator, not just in June, to make sure you’re the next governor of New Jersey,” the crowed in attendance roared with approval.

Gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono

When Senator Buono took to the podium, she accepted the Monmouth Dems endorsement she talked tough about Governor Christie's failed policies and empty promises, about how nearly 1 in 10 residents in the state are unemployed with no job plan to put them back to work and how his  2016 presidential aspirations have hurt and will continue to hurt New Jerseyians.

By the time she was finished, there was no doubt in the room that she would be a very strong and formidable challenger. I was once again impressed.

If you want to read a more indepth accounting of what went on last night, san my bias, Max Pizzaro of PolitckerNJ and Mark Bonamo of NJ.com have very good write-ups today.  

Here are a few more pictures from last night of Senator Buono that I took:

Monmouth County Democrats Formally Endorse Barbara Buono For Governor

Press Release - 

Chairman Vin Gopal today announced the unanimous endorsement of the Monmouth County Democratic Party Executive Committee along with over 75 municipal chairs and committee chairs from throughout the Monmouth County Democratic Party Organization in support of Senator Barbara Buono for Governor of New Jersey.

“I am pleased that over 40 municipal leaders will join me in supporting the candidacy of Barbara Buono as the next Governor of New Jersey," Gopal said. "She has the guts, the independence, the courage and the will to take on Chris Christie toe to toe on every single issue. As the 4th largest county in the state with over 100,000 registered Democrats, we look forward to aggressively supporting Senator Buono for Governor. This past election cycle, we defeated eight Republican incumbents here in Monmouth County and not a single Democrat was defeated anywhere in the county. We look forward to building on that this November with Barbara Buono at the top of the ticket."

Monmouth County Democratic Party leaders offered their quotes of support to Buono.

“As a candidate on the ballot this November in a competitive re-election, I look forward to campaigning alongside Barbara Buono. She is gutsy, progressive on social issues and as Budget Chair, she cut nearly $5 billion but still prioritized spending for public education and healthcare,” said Red Bank Councilwoman Kathy Horgan.

“Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of getting to know Senator Buono on a personal level, and in speaking with others about the Senator, there is one word that I have consistently used - genuine - a trait that can sometimes seem tragically rare in our nation's highest offices. I am deeply confident that the more that our state's voters get to know her history and what she has been fighting for her entire career - from a progressive education policy to women's economic empowerment to critical measures against bigotry - the more that they will see what I and others have had the privilege of seeing first-hand,” said Sami H. Elmansoury, a New Jersey small business owner and active Monmouth County Democrat residing in Marlboro.

“Senator Barbara Buono is someone who came up from modest means to become a State Senator - worked three full-time jobs to put herself through college, sometimes not knowing where her next meal would come from. She graduated from law school and chose to became a public defender instead of a corporate attorney. Her struggle and her deeply-rooted values connect with working-class residents across Asbury Park,” said Asbury Park Democratic Party Municipal Chairman Joe Grillo

“Barbara Buono provides a unique and clear contrast to Chris Christie. I look forward to watching her take him on in the debates and represent what the Democratic Party stands for,” said Hazlet Township Mayor Joe Belasco.


Executive Committee Endorsement:
Chairman Vin Gopal (Long Branch)
Vice-Chairwoman Mary Foster (Middletown)
Executive Director Giuseppe ‘Joe’ Grillo (Asbury Park)
Treasurer David Brown (Long Branch)
Recording Secretary Luis Pulido (Belmar)
Sgt-At-Arms Joe Caliendo (Middletown)
Regional Chair Ed Zipprich (Red Bank)
Regional Chair Eric Brophy (Wall)
Regional Chair Ray Santiago (Freehold)
Regional Chair Joy Tomczak (Keyport)
Deputy Corresponding Secretary Michelle Roth (Manalapan)
Voter Outreach Chair Mike Ryan (Lake Como)
Parliamentarian Allen Falk
GOTV Coordinator Bill Robinson
Women’s Caucus Co-Chairs Retha Onitiri (Millstone) and Patricia Teffenhart (Holmdel)

DEMOCRATIC PARTY MUNICIPAL CHAIRS:
Aberdeen Municipal Chairman Greg Cannon
Allentown Municipal Chairwoman Alice Lloyd
Asbury Park Municipal Chairman Giuseppe ‘Joe’ Grillo
Atlantic Highlands Municipal Chairman
Belmar Municipal Chairman Luis Pulido
Bradley Beach Mayor Julie Shreck
Brielle Municipal Chairman John Pirnat
Colts Neck Municipal Chairman Jerry Ceres
Eatontown Municipal Chairman Carl Sohl
Fair Haven Municipal Chairman Matt Cohen
Farmingdale Municipal Chairman Jan Zientek
Freehold Township Chairwoman JJ Mistretta
Hazlet Municipal Chairman Andy Bace
Highlands Councilwoman Becky Kane
Holmdel Municipal Chairman Tony Orsini
Howell Municipal Chairman Steve Morlino
Keansburg Municipal Chairman John McCarthy
Keyport Councilwoman Joy Tomczak
Lake Como Municipal Chairman Mike Ryan
Little Silver Municipal Leader Allison Make
Manalapan Municipal Chairman Gerry Ward
Matawan Municipal Chairwoman Adele Sammarco
Millstone Municipal Chairman Brian Dorf
Middletown Municipal Chairman Don Watson
Neptune Municipal Chairman Jim Mowczan
Oceanport Municipal Chairman Randy Wolf
Ocean Township Municipal Chairwoman Janice Robins
Red Bank Municipal Chairman Ed Zipprich
Roosevelt Municipal Chairwoman Ann Baker
Rumson Municipal Chairman Michael Steinhorn
Sea Girt Municipal Chairwoman Altha Morton
Shrewsbury Municipal Chairwoman Norma Rosenbloom
Spring Lake Municipal Chairman Tom Byrne
Spring Lake Heights Chairwoman Fran Enright
Union Beach Municipal Chairman Ken Connors
Upper Freehold Municipal Chairwoman Debbie Henderson
Wall Township Municipal Chairman Eric Brophy

Monmouth County Freeholder John D’Amico
Monmouth County Freeholder Amy Mallet
Former Monmouth County Surrogate Patricia Bennett

OUTREACH COMMITTEE:
Asbury Park Deputy Mayor John Loffredo
Asbury Park Councilwoman Sue Henderson
Hazlet Mayor Joe Belasco
Highlands Councilman Christopher Francy
Keyport Councilwoman Joy Tomczak
Middletown Democrats Executive Board Member Mike Morris
Lake Como Mayor Mike Ryan
Neptune Township Committeeman Randy Bishop
Ocean Township Young Democrats Executive Board Donald Yacavone
Red Bank Councilwoman Kathy Horgan
Roosevelt Borough Mayor Beth Battel
Farmingdale Borough Councilwoman Carly Immen
Former Manalapan Mayor Michelle Roth