MontClairVoyant: Candidate Approbation and Amended Litigation

1. Thank you, Dave, for your endorsement and for supporting the other members of our Montclair Good Government Team. We will do our best to make positive changes in Montclair that benefit all our fellow Montclarians! I appreciate your encouragement (and humor.)

2. You’re very welcome! The slate you’re on is an excellent one. (If Second Ward independent contender Eileen Birmingham wasn’t such an unusually strong candidate, I would have ended up endorsing all five “Good Government” slate members rather than four.)

3. “If Second Ward independent contender Eileen Birmingham wasn’t such an unusually strong candidate, I would have ended up endorsing all five “Good Government” slate members rather than four.”

   Thank you Dave. I think you have resolved my dilemma who to vote for Mayor. The 2nd Ward is blessed with two great candidates for a seat on the Council. I am going to pilfer one and write-in their name for Mayor.

4. Thank you for the comment, Frank. Not sure if your statement about doing a write-in vote for mayor was 100% serious or part-comedic, but every voter can of course choose who they want to choose. I personally think Renee Baskerville (my preference) and Christina Thomas are strong enough mayoral candidates not to need a write-in alternative, but that’s me. Re Eileen Birmingham, I wish I was still in the Second Ward to vote for her.

5. I was totally serious about my write-in solution. If I could get more to coalesce around these two choices I would be be overjoyed. C’mon people, I’m proffering an appealing alternative to None of The Above.

   Renee? First, I’m dead-set against any current or former Councilperson for oh so many good reasons. It is time for some new perspectives. A mix of generations would be ideal. Above all else, a fresh start.

   If I wanted a spiritual leader for Mayor, I still wouldn’t choose Renee. Her handling of her CommUnity Event episode kinda shot that to hell. On a secular level, she has not distinguished herself as a leader.

6. Thank you for the follow-up comment, Frank. I think much more highly of Renee than you do, and think the former councilor could be an excellent mayor. And she can’t be blamed for the problematic actions of the 2020-24 Township Council majority because she’s of course not on the current Council.

7. Long-time reader, first-time writer. I can’t say I am thrilled with either of the mayoral candidates and have been undecided until recently. However, after watching the video from the library event, I’m leaning towards Christina Thomas. Mostly because she sounds fiscally responsible while Renee Baskerville has a penchant for finding pet ‘causes’ to merrily blow money on. Further, Thomas seems to have testicular fortitude necessary to remove bad characters currently in key positions in administration. Baskerville keeps maniacally clapping for Lapolla and Burr at council meetings, which I do not find reassuring.

   My sense is that all Baskerville wants is to prance around with the badge “Mayor of Montclair” pinned to her chest, whereas Thomas seems to have more of a drive to address issues the Town has been plagued with during this council’s term.

   Going back to the Library event, the number one priority cited by Renee was ushering in a “world class transition team”? Huh? Is she confusing herself for the president of the US or something? If, after spending 3 terms on the council (plus observing goings-on during the present term) a person still cannot determine what needs to be done without a ‘team’, I do not see how such person is qualified for a leadership position.

   As far as Eileen Birmingham, I have always been impressed by her intellect, her research skills, her poise, and her unwavering dedication to educating the public. Those are invaluable assets in a leader. My only concern is that she used to be a staunch supporter of Peter Yacobellis. I do not know whether she still remains one. While I see how much she brings to the table, I could never vote for anyone connected to or supportive of the disgraced Councilor who ran away after betraying his constituents and harming the Town by selling his voting power for money and influence. That is a deal-breaker for me.

8. Thank you, s. wilkes. I appreciate you being a long-time reader, and am glad you decided to comment under a column of mine for the first time. 🙂

   I hear you about Dr. Baskerville. Not a perfect candidate (no one is). But, as I said in my column, “Years of experience as a councilor, served on the Board of Education, goes to countless community events, hard-working, compassionate…” Yes, her also-accomplished mayoral opponent Christina Thomas does seem to have a “tougher” persona, which can be a positive at times. But there’s something to be said for Dr. Baskerville’s combination of quieter strength, cordiality, governmental experience, and (like Thomas) none of the “pay to play,” “cronyism,” and stepping-stone-to-a-higher-office tendencies alleged with the current mayor. I’d also like to see some changes in our town’s unelected leadership — changes that would be more a majority Council decision than a strictly mayoral one.

   Re supporting Peter Yacobellis, I think the impressive Eileen Birmingham or anyone else that might have done so can potentially be given a pass. I also was mostly a supporter of Yacobellis during the first two-thirds or so of his 2020-23 Council term, impressed by how hard he worked and how much he communicated. All that of course masked some flaws that were always there, but I do feel his Council performance took a noticeable downturn in the latter part of his tenure — including suing constituents, getting indirectly “indebted” to the Lackawanna Plaza developer, and aligning more with the problematic Council majority after seemingly being closer in approach to admirable maverick voices Robert Russo and David Cummings.

9. Dave,
   You did a Trump. Dr Baskerville served 3 terms on the Council from 2008-2020.

   My favorite accomplishment of all of her 3 terms was Valley & Bloom in the 3rd Ward. What a spectacular 3rd Ward landmark! Just takes your breath away. And let us not forget it she wanted even a more spectacular landmark by voting for ordinance that could have facilitated an additional 2 stories to the 6-story Valley & Bloom we settled for and we manage to enjoy today.

10. This press release 4 days afterwards really captures her leadership:

    https://montclairlocal.news/2020/01/dr-baskerville-releases-statement-regarding-importance-of-dialogue-at-comeunity-engagement-meeting/

11. I “did a Trump,” Frank? 😂 I disagree, of course, but whatever. 🙂 I do respect a different Trump: Donald’s truth-telling niece Mary L. Trump.

    As I previously said, I know that Dr. Baskerville has served on the Township Council. But the 2008-12, 2012-16, and 2016-20 councils — while they certainly did some problematic things (overdevelopment, etc.) — were not as problematic as the 2020-24 council majority has been. And, as I also said, Dr. Baskerville is not on that current council.

    Yes, Valley & Bloom was and is awful. And, yes, re your link, Dr. Baskerville can be wordy in her written statements. But I get the sense that, overall, her heart is in the right place and that she has integrity. If she’s elected, I think (hope) she’ll do a good job as mayor.

12. Dave,

    I gave you just two lowlights. But, I get it. You have made your choice. FYI, Hope is a plan of last resort.

    My plan is to get a sizable minority of 2nd Ward voters to pick their candidate and use their Mayoral vote for the other candidate. If I can get about 15% or so of the other Wards to vote for a 2nd Ward candidate as Mayor I think we will have a first-ever write-in Mayor. I like my plan better.

13. Frank, I don’t think we’ll have a write-in mayor.

14. Hey, Dave – what are you doing bursting Frank’s bubble??

    This is the very first time ever I see the man wanting and planning to do something other than sitting on his couch and writing missives on bnet and you are actively discouraging him from action? What is wrong with you? 😉

    Carry on, Frank. Don’t let Dave be a wet blanket! You have my support!

15. Ha, discipulus! 😂 I enjoyed your comment very much. 🙂 (Actually, as you probably know, Frank takes public action in ways in addition to commenting here on Montclair Local. For instance, he has spoken at Township Council meetings, including the most recent one.)

16. discipulus,

    First, thank you for your support. It means a lot. Have you picked a write-in name for your Mayoral vote?

    Second, you could have punched up your criticism of me by asking what have I ever undertaken that has succeeded. I am a modern-day disciple of Jude, the RC patron saint of lost causes. As Dave referenced above, I was 0-3 at the last Council meeting. I mention this because I would like you to remember what I was specifically advocating for when you see the results of this Council’s related actions, or lack thereof. My night wasn’t a total loss. I had a ringside seat for the Council’s full card and the public’s engagement.

17. Dave,
    Well, I like reading your column so enjoyment is mutual. Now that we established that, we should give Frank all the encouragement for his (at this point quixotic) write-in project!

    Frank,
    While I was excited to read about your plan to write-in a mayoral candidate, it’s time we see some action! You are not waiting for someone to do it for you, are you? I’m afraid you may have to get off your tush and do some hands-on work in this direction! I’m told a write-in campaign requires full mobilization, intense focus, concerted effort, and significant money. I assume you have all this lined-up and ready to go?

    In the event you were “just talking”, perhaps it’s better to direct your energies towards the more pragmatic goal of electing at least 4 honest and competent people who will do a decent job governing, even if whoever ends up as Mayor is less than ideal.

    Personally, I’m weakly rooting for Christina Thomas, because she seems to have a decent grasp of finances. With that, both candidates are honest people with no ulterior motives, both genuinely care about the Town, and both have the heart in the right place.

18. Thank you, discipulus! 🙂 And, Frank, speaking three times from the audience at a Council meeting is impressive, no matter what the results. 🙂

19. discipulus,

    Wow, only 3 hours before your support evaporated. Then espouse an all-to-common pragmatism like “a decent job”, “less than ideal”, and “weakly rooting for”.

    I very much value pragmatism. It is the lubricant of both our individual & collective existence. It preserves our precious intellectual capacity for greater pursuits. We often employ it when we lack certainty or conviction. We also employ it when we desire change, but don’t want to risk what we have for the benefit of others that will follow. It embraces the lowest common denominator outcome, a.k.a. “it’s good enough”. Pragmatism is always on the limited daily menu of our choices we can only accept, not change.

    However, voting should not be pragmatic. It is a right that shouldn’t be about conformity and lowering your standards. It should be about your closely held values. It should embrace, not irradiate one’s idealism. It should be an act you feel really good about; not an act of concession to pedestrian rationalization.

    I never worry the great majority like yourself will win the day. At least let me have my moment.

20. Frank,
    My last comment posted before I had a chance to see yours of 2:40pm. I think sometimes comments are reviewed and posted posted in batches, which is not a big deal. Anyway, I’m sure you undertook plenty of things that succeeded but you are too modest to flaunt them. If I’m wrong and you didn’t, then join the club of… ordinary people, lol!

    I watched last council meeting but I missed a few portions, your comment including. What did you talk about? From what you said, sounds like you suggested something tangible/feasible given that you say there’s a possibility they will act on it. I figure maybe it’s something traffic-related? Well, whatever it is, I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it succeeds!

    As far as my imaginary write-in, I’m humbled and honored that I’m being asked for my personal preference. Hm, I don’t really know off the top off my head; I’d have to think for a few minutes. But since this is just for kicks-and-giggles, I will let my imagination run! Ok, I would happily write-in Judge Stephen Petrillo (except that I don’t think he lives in town, lol!). Of those who do live in town, I heard great things about Bob Silver – successful businessman with artistic side and philanthropic leanings. Let’s see, who else sounds good? How about retired Judge Ernest Booker? Nothing wrong with having some Solomonic wisdom on that dais. Who else. Nancy Erika Smith? David Herron? Jessica de Koninck? Phil Elberg? We have so many cool people in this town!

    Ok, your turn. Who are your imaginary write-ins? I think I remember you say you were partial to Eileen Birmingham. Excellent choice (assuming he is no longer associated with Peter Yacobellis). Honest, intelligent, and a total workhorse. Who else?

21. – Yes, I’m in Club Ordinary.
    – Spoke to the scintillating topics of traffic and PFAS.
    – The Mayoral solution Dave inspired is not as hard as you think. To recap, I offered up either of the strong 2nd Ward candidates as a Mayoral write-in vote. 2nd Warders who agree both are strong are relieved of picking one over the other. They can have both on the Council. The alternative choice is right there on the ballot for all voters. Voters that find the Mayoral candidates lacking and are tired of compromise should seriously consider using their vote for one of these alternative candidates. Also, versus any off-ballot choice, they are participating in the full campaign process, have stated planks, are challenged by the voters and the media. Both have been very visible & active participants in municipal affairs over the years. Lastly, off-ballot write-ins haven’t yet shown they want to serve. Kinda important, right.

    You are correct that a free for all of write-ins will not succeed and focusing on 1 or 2 candidates is a critical requirement of a write-in success. If many voters feel there is a better alternative, I’ll certainly consider. But, I think for success, the candidates on the ballot is the pool from which to pick from

    In 2020 I voted for only two candidates – Carmel Loughman and Bill Hurlock. I will vote for Carmel again because she an even stronger candidate then she was then. I voted for Hurlock for the same reason many cite today for choosing Councilor Russo – continuity, experience, etc.. Hurlock was my mistake.

    I found the Mayoral candidates not worthy. I was in the minority that were troubled by the red flags even then with Yacobellis. I clearly am at peace with passing on these candidates.

    Remember Hurlock asked the critical question before the Council vote on the issue that has required a re-start of the Lackawanna Plaza review process – does the Council have to respond to the Planning Board’s findings on consistency. Hurlock is an attorney. I believe he already knew the answer to his question. I’m convinced he believed the answer he received was wrong. Rather than acting on this belief and not settling, pushing back as an experienced 3-term Councilor & Deputy Mayor, he did the minimum in voting against the Plan.

    Hope this satisfies you questions.

22. As you can see, our comments crossed again. The comical thing is that I unwittingly and somewhat tongue-in-cheek wrote about my IDEAL candidates in the comment I posted last night before I had a chance to see yours this morning. Anyway, I do indeed see voting for Thomas as pragmatic even she is less than ideal candidate in general. We have only two options so I’m selecting one that, in my opinion, is overall better. That doesn’t stop me from imagining how cool it would be if, say, Judge Petrillo moved here and got everyone to shape up. I also look up to Mark Sokolich, Mayor of Fort Lee. That guy has balls, and brain, and, apparently, he is adored in his town. Would love to have someone like that as Mayor of Montclair!

    Anyway, if I wanted to marry idealistic with pragmatic (and with theoretically feasible), I’d of course write former mayor Robert Jackson. Problem is, he won’t run. I know because countless people – including some of the local heavy-hitters – have approached him and he declined.

    As far as your triple public comment at the last council meeting, I can only commend you for exercising more hands-on civic participation. I will be keeping my fingers crossed that whatever you were lobbying for will materialize! (Can’t imagine if was something bad.)

    In the spirit of stoking this nascent fire of hands-on public engagement in you, I would suggest you write an email to all the candidates presenting all the reasons why Michael Lapolla should be let go ON DAY ONE. You may also suggest a few viable alternatives in case they feel skittish about it.

23. Tangentially, who knew Frank Rubacky was such an idealist. My goodness, the layers of character in this man! I don’t know if I’m brave enough to plumb the depths of his complex psyche.

    I’d love to hear Flipside’s thoughts on this but he’s been absent lately. Hey Flipside, I think Frank may need more than a padded milk crate for holding court by Krauszer’s on Church Street. I think he may also need a special kind of couch. 😉

24. Re: my 3x Public Comment sway? See above, Saint Jude.

    Re: New Council action on Mr Lapolla/this Council?

    I found Mr Lapolla’s creating a new titled position in Parks & Rec Dept for a dedicated employee of 33 years interesting. His rational, which the Council accepted, was to fairly compensate the employee for all the years of service and the job they were doing now. I hope it was for the latter reason as I was schooled promotional pay was future performance. We already paid the employee for past performance.

    But, how was this fair compensation rational not applied to the two Black firefighters retroactive pay they allege is due to them? Retroactive pay, like promotional pay, is also for future performance – just deferred. It is recognized as fair compensation – to make the employee whole.

25. Hey Dis,
    I have been a little lost lately. My Rubacky decoder ring is on the fritz so I haven’t been able to chime in. I do think Frank should do a PSA about how he has avoided Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. They guy is a keyboard beast.
    I would love for him to run for office and would vote for him in heartbeat. Frank making decisions and then coming here to criticize himself would be priceless.

26. Frank, you wrote: “The mayoral solution Dave inspired.” Perhaps what I wrote indirectly gave you the idea to advocate a write-in vote for mayor, but, as I said before and am reiterating now, it’s not an idea I agree with. 🙂 At this point, Dr. Baskerville is getting my mayoral vote on May 14.

27. Comments keep crossing! I’m responding to the one you posted at 9:52am.

    Don’t know if I’ll be able to address your points in detail (have to do some paid work to pay bills) but let’s see.

    I’m in the Club Ordinary as well so it makes the two of us. I believe this Club is much more populous than many like to think.

    Ha, I kinda thought your appearance at the last Council meeting would have been occasioned by your concerns with traffic! (Feel like making a crack about ‘pedestrian’ preoccupations but it’s just too juvenile, lol!) Anyway, if I have time, I’ll try to find those segments of the meeting tonight and see you perform!

    I would support Eileen Birmingham if she were written-in as Mayor. As I said earlier, my sole concern is her (former?) connection to Peter Yacobellis. I would see this as a serious liability in ANY candidate for a council seat. I agree with you on Carmel Laughman – I think she is a solid, desirable candidate for at-large.

    Voting for Hurlock was indeed an error. Don’t self-flagellate though as it was one committed by many, including the undersigned. Who knew Hurlock was so lethargic legislatively, temperamental behaviorally, and ignorant legally. The latter trait is supported by the evidence – not only he takes advice from Burr, he consistently voted to extend this fool!

    Further, Hurlock’s participation in this yucky ploy to sink Russo is simply inexcusable. It’s dreadful to observe how much hidden ugliness is coming out of these people during the last months of their term…

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