Hail to the Chief

And the Chief can keep it. It is not easy being President. Any anger in the audience is directed at you. I can certainly take it, but I sure as hell don't have to like it. I don't understand why people need to be rude or accusative to make their point. But as I said last time, it's political season.

It might be shaping up to be an interesting race. Nobody has filed a petition, but petitions were picked up by half the town. I may not have it all right, but I believe for the Mayor position, petitions were picked up by John Gaskill, Mike Hoffman, Mike Kafton, Anthony Stallone, Mike Reina and Ann Updegrave (listed alphabetically!) For Council, I believe the people who picked up petitions were Ken Bressi, Kevin DiGesu, Peter Gjerzlak (spelling) and Howard Tilis. Again, I am not sure, but this is how I heard it, and candidates have until September to file. If they all choose to run, it will be a complete zoo. However I believe everyone has the right to seek office. I will make it a point to get along with whomever the township elects.

The wording of the open space referendum will be discussed at the next meeting. I wonder if Mike Reina fully heard the discussion we were having when we put the item off until the attorney can draw up wording. It was Mr. Gilmore's suggestion that we do so, and I don't understand what caused Mike's outburst. I am sure he didn't hear the whole discussion, and I'm sure it wouldn't have happened if he had.

I just wish the Council members and Mayor were in place for awhile. The politics are driving me nuts. When we are not in high political mode, all of the Council members, whom I like and respect, work well together. I am on many committees with Scott, and we really have worked together on creating ordinances. I also work on committees with Ann, Howard and Mike K. No problems at all. Mayor Seda did us no favor resigning when he did and causing this political upheaval two more times between now and May.

Well, I took this on for four years, and I am sure after the May election, the dust will settle, and we can get back to the business of running this town.

VP or not VP

At last night's reorganization meeting, I was elected once again to the post of Vice President. It was sincerely flattering to have the unanimous vote of my colleagues. It is humbling to get a vote of confidence on this Council. Mike Kafton was once again elected President, and so we continue as we were before.

Last night's appointments, both from the Mayor and the Council were quite seamless. There was little dissension on the appointees, and it was good to see the Council working together with the Mayor. The only fly in the ointment was that Blanche Krubner was not reappointed to either the Environmental Commission or the Planning Board. That is a true loss to the people of Jackson, as Blanche is very bright and very knowledgeable.

This is, of course, the election year. I expect to see the politics once again heat up as people must declare their intentions by September. It should be an interesting race, but really only a prelude to May when the real action will take place. I really wish everyone well, and I hope the race doesn't get nasty. HAH!!! I'm glad I am not a contender, as I don't have the stomach for another political Broo-ha-ha. Lots of luck everyone!