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Post by Freehold Resident on Apr 11, 2007 12:30:53 GMT -5
Wilson seeks re-election to keep mayor's position
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer
FREEHOLD - Mayor Michael Wilson has plans to extend his own record as the top elected official in Freehold Borough.
In a prepared speech he delivered during the Borough Council's March 30 meeting, Wilson, 56, announced that he has decided to run for re-election this year in a bid to continue serving in the position he has held since May 9, 1985.
Wilson said he will run on the Democratic ticket with council President Kevin Kane and Councilman Jaye Sims.
The filing deadline was April 9. At press time that day the only confirmed Republican candidate was Joseph Liguori for Borough Council.
If Wilson wins re-election in November his new term will run through December 2011, at which time he would have served 26 years and seven months in office.
During his present term, on May 10, 2005, Wilson became the longest serving mayor in Freehold's history, eclipsing the previous mark set by Dr. Peter F. Runyon, who was mayor from Jan. 1, 1926 to Dec. 31, 1945 (20 years).
Wilson began his speech by saying he had something he wanted to share with residents.
"Some of the friends I grew up with here in Freehold moved away a long time ago, looking in other places or what seemed to them better things. I didn't. I stayed and I tried to make things better here. And I think I have, with the help of a lot of people, the people who have served up here with me, the people who sit on all of our boards, who volunteer with all of our organizations, the people of our community who believe, as I do, that we have a special town here, a town that's worth fighting for," Wilson said.
The mayor said he was aware of the fact that the town has faced some difficult times.
"When I was growing up the rug mill packed up and took its jobs south. Main Street was pockmarked by vacant stores, our cops had riot gear and wore it. But we made it through all that and our town grew stronger because of it," he said.
Wilson saw much of what he referred to as the difficult times as a borough councilman in the early 1980s when he served during the administration of his friend Mayor Jack McGackin.
After McGackin's sudden death in April 1985, Wilson, then 34 and serving as the council president, was appointed interim mayor. He was elected to the position later that year and has been re-elected five times since.
During his speech he referred to what he called "recent difficult times."
"Difficult in different ways, as our community has joined the long list of other communities in our nation that are bearing the inequitable burden of a failed immigration policy," the mayor said, noting that Freehold has been addressing the issue of illegal immigration for more than 15 years and has learned some hard lessons.
"The first lesson learned was that the federal government has neither the will nor the means to address this problem," Wilson said. "Back when the INS at least pretended to listen to us, a raid took away a bus load of illegal immigrants one day, and most of them were back later that afternoon.
"And when we tried to take some action ourselves by closing a muster zone that had made us the center of an illegal labor market by stepping up enforcement of dangerous and overcrowded dwellings, where did we end up? In federal court. Other similarly frustrated and overburdened towns have taken steps that from afar, seem like reasonable remedies, but that have landed them in court, too," he said.
Wilson said officials have learned they cannot fight a national battle.
"Our leaders in Washington will ultimately have to wrestle with this issue that they have ignored for so long, and we will have to keep up our pressure on them. What we can do, however, is to keep fighting for our community, the way we always have," he said.
Wilson referred to a recent public meeting when residents gathered to address state legislators about the issue of school funding. He said hundreds of residents packed a school gymnasium and showed legislators the people of Freehold Borough are "thoughtful, passionate and most of all united, fighting for equity in school funding, fighting for our children, fighting for our community."
Wilson said that is a fight he wants to continue.
"Along with council President Kevin Kane and Councilman Jaye Sims as my running mates," the mayor said, "I have decided to run for re-election as mayor. I want to keep following through on that decision I made a long time ago - that decision to stay, to try to make things better here, in our hometown."
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Post by richardkelsey on Apr 12, 2007 7:51:43 GMT -5
Wilson seeks re-election to keep mayor's position BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer FREEHOLD - Mayor Michael Wilson has plans to extend his own record as the top elected official in Freehold Borough. In a prepared speech he delivered during the Borough Council's March 30 meeting, Wilson, 56, announced that he has decided to run for re-election this year in a bid to continue serving in the position he has held since May 9, 1985. Wilson said he will run on the Democratic ticket with council President Kevin Kane and Councilman Jaye Sims. The filing deadline was April 9. At press time that day the only confirmed Republican candidate was Joseph Liguori for Borough Council. If Wilson wins re-election in November his new term will run through December 2011, at which time he would have served 26 years and seven months in office. During his present term, on May 10, 2005, Wilson became the longest serving mayor in Freehold's history, eclipsing the previous mark set by Dr. Peter F. Runyon, who was mayor from Jan. 1, 1926 to Dec. 31, 1945 (20 years). Wilson began his speech by saying he had something he wanted to share with residents. "Some of the friends I grew up with here in Freehold moved away a long time ago, looking in other places or what seemed to them better things. I didn't. I stayed and I tried to make things better here. And I think I have, with the help of a lot of people, the people who have served up here with me, the people who sit on all of our boards, who volunteer with all of our organizations, the people of our community who believe, as I do, that we have a special town here, a town that's worth fighting for," Wilson said. The mayor said he was aware of the fact that the town has faced some difficult times. "When I was growing up the rug mill packed up and took its jobs south. Main Street was pockmarked by vacant stores, our cops had riot gear and wore it. But we made it through all that and our town grew stronger because of it," he said. Wilson saw much of what he referred to as the difficult times as a borough councilman in the early 1980s when he served during the administration of his friend Mayor Jack McGackin. After McGackin's sudden death in April 1985, Wilson, then 34 and serving as the council president, was appointed interim mayor. He was elected to the position later that year and has been re-elected five times since. During his speech he referred to what he called "recent difficult times." "Difficult in different ways, as our community has joined the long list of other communities in our nation that are bearing the inequitable burden of a failed immigration policy," the mayor said, noting that Freehold has been addressing the issue of illegal immigration for more than 15 years and has learned some hard lessons. "The first lesson learned was that the federal government has neither the will nor the means to address this problem," Wilson said. "Back when the INS at least pretended to listen to us, a raid took away a bus load of illegal immigrants one day, and most of them were back later that afternoon. "And when we tried to take some action ourselves by closing a muster zone that had made us the center of an illegal labor market by stepping up enforcement of dangerous and overcrowded dwellings, where did we end up? In federal court. Other similarly frustrated and overburdened towns have taken steps that from afar, seem like reasonable remedies, but that have landed them in court, too," he said. Wilson said officials have learned they cannot fight a national battle. "Our leaders in Washington will ultimately have to wrestle with this issue that they have ignored for so long, and we will have to keep up our pressure on them. What we can do, however, is to keep fighting for our community, the way we always have," he said. Wilson referred to a recent public meeting when residents gathered to address state legislators about the issue of school funding. He said hundreds of residents packed a school gymnasium and showed legislators the people of Freehold Borough are "thoughtful, passionate and most of all united, fighting for equity in school funding, fighting for our children, fighting for our community." Wilson said that is a fight he wants to continue. "Along with council President Kevin Kane and Councilman Jaye Sims as my running mates," the mayor said, "I have decided to run for re-election as mayor. I want to keep following through on that decision I made a long time ago - that decision to stay, to try to make things better here, in our hometown." So FF and his team didn't file for a primary fight? One would think with all the ground-swell of support he and the LLA have in Freehold, they would have fielded a candidate. Oh yeah -- that's right -- none of their supporters live in Freehold, and virtually none of them are eligible to vote. (An injustice I am sure they are working to remedy.) |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 12, 2007 8:10:26 GMT -5
Cause as Mayor, FF could not handle the HEAT! Its easy to complain and call the ACLU for do your BIDDING!
To provide real solutions, Govern and engage residential /constituent support is a completely different world from "ACTIIIIVISM"!
Besides maybe the LLA Press Secretary position pays better then being Mayor!
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Post by sonofsilencedogood on Apr 12, 2007 9:43:04 GMT -5
When are we going to learn in this town? When are we going to learn that despite all his "fiery talk" Mayor Wilson has done little to spur the development and the advancement of this town. That whole "downtown revitalization" thing that made Main Street what it is today was started and kept afloat by some of the businesses downtown and people like Jeff Jones, not Mayor Wilson - though he'll take the credit for it. The Rug Mill...great deal you made there to really help out the image of the town, Mayor Wilson. Not to mention the damage you did to the schools by working out your PILOT deal with them, putting more kids into our schools while providing no additional tax dollars for them. Great job!! Illegal Immigrants...sat on your A$$ and watched as they flooded into our town, doing nothing!!! Then, when you finally do take action, you run away at the first sign of adversity, costing the taxpaying citizens of town upwards of an additional $300,000. He talks about other towns that are doing things that "seem like reasonable remedies"...well at least they're doing something!!! Where are our efforts to deputize our police? Don't want to use ours? Fine...how many times have we approached the county to deputize their officers?  !!!! I have read some posts on here from last week by someone named "angry guest" and I have to agree with them on one issue...STOP TALKING AND START ACTING!!! But, once again, he'll run unopposed, so even if we wanted to vote him out of office, we couldn't. Wait just one minute...One of the beauties of the voting system is that we have the right to write in our votes for whomever we choose. Let me be the first to start the ball rolling, I propose a massive write-in vote for Marc Levine for Mayor. Marc, if you don't want it, I'll put forth someone else's name, but it's time...no, it's long overdue that Mayor Wilson's run ends. If we don't do it now, when will we? I'll be writing in my vote, please...for the good of our town, do the same. |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 12, 2007 10:10:53 GMT -5
When are we going to learn in this town? When are we going to learn that despite all his "fiery talk" Mayor Wilson has done little to spur the development and the advancement of this town. That whole "downtown revitalization" thing that made Main Street what it is today was started and kept afloat by some of the businesses downtown and people like Jeff Jones, not Mayor Wilson - though he'll take the credit for it. The Rug Mill...great deal you made there to really help out the image of the town, Mayor Wilson. Not to mention the damage you did to the schools by working out your PILOT deal with them, putting more kids into our schools while providing no additional tax dollars for them. Great job!! Illegal Immigrants...sat on your A$$ and watched as they flooded into our town, doing nothing!!! Then, when you finally do take action, you run away at the first sign of adversity, costing the taxpaying citizens of town upwards of an additional $300,000. He talks about other towns that are doing things that "seem like reasonable remedies"...well at least they're doing something!!! Where are our efforts to deputize our police? Don't want to use ours? Fine...how many times have we approached the county to deputize their officers? !!!! I have read some posts on here from last week by someone named "angry guest" and I have to agree with them on one issue...STOP TALKING AND START ACTING!!! But, once again, he'll run unopposed, so even if we wanted to vote him out of office, we couldn't. Wait just one minute...One of the beauties of the voting system is that we have the right to write in our votes for whomever we choose. Let me be the first to start the ball rolling, I propose a massive write-in vote for Marc Levine for Mayor. Marc, if you don't want it, I'll put forth someone else's name, but it's time...no, it's long overdue that Mayor Wilson's run ends. If we don't do it now, when will we? I'll be writing in my vote, please...for the good of our town, do the same.  |
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Post by sonofsilencedogood on Apr 12, 2007 11:40:59 GMT -5
When are we going to learn in this town? When are we going to learn that despite all his "fiery talk" Mayor Wilson has done little to spur the development and the advancement of this town. That whole "downtown revitalization" thing that made Main Street what it is today was started and kept afloat by some of the businesses downtown and people like Jeff Jones, not Mayor Wilson - though he'll take the credit for it. The Rug Mill...great deal you made there to really help out the image of the town, Mayor Wilson. Not to mention the damage you did to the schools by working out your PILOT deal with them, putting more kids into our schools while providing no additional tax dollars for them. Great job!! Illegal Immigrants...sat on your A$$ and watched as they flooded into our town, doing nothing!!! Then, when you finally do take action, you run away at the first sign of adversity, costing the taxpaying citizens of town upwards of an additional $300,000. He talks about other towns that are doing things that "seem like reasonable remedies"...well at least they're doing something!!! Where are our efforts to deputize our police? Don't want to use ours? Fine...how many times have we approached the county to deputize their officers? !!!! I have read some posts on here from last week by someone named "angry guest" and I have to agree with them on one issue...STOP TALKING AND START ACTING!!! But, once again, he'll run unopposed, so even if we wanted to vote him out of office, we couldn't. Wait just one minute...One of the beauties of the voting system is that we have the right to write in our votes for whomever we choose. Let me be the first to start the ball rolling, I propose a massive write-in vote for Marc Levine for Mayor. Marc, if you don't want it, I'll put forth someone else's name, but it's time...no, it's long overdue that Mayor Wilson's run ends. If we don't do it now, when will we? I'll be writing in my vote, please...for the good of our town, do the same. Let's see...Marc once ran as a Republican (but was not elected), now he's a Democrat.... Independent is the next step I would presume? |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 12, 2007 12:17:13 GMT -5
Let's see...Marc once ran as a Republican (but was not elected), now he's a Democrat.... Independent is the next step I would presume? As a republican, all he needs is ONLY 13 write in's on primary day, and he's drafted. ;D Next step...he has 7 days to change parties and submit a written acceptance! The again you can draft anyone through the write in for a republican ticket with only 13 ballots! WOW, TB as a Republican, or FF as a Republican. EVEN Casual as a Casual Republican! Imaging the possibilities??? FR, Marc and TB all on the same ticket, where's my camera? (Sorry Marc, just funning with yha) |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Apr 12, 2007 12:43:03 GMT -5
I'm very flattered by your encouraging words and I DO love our town, but I am part of a Council that includes Mayor Michael Wilson and I am more than honored to be serving Freehold Borough as a Councilperson, seated next to him. I am not, at all, stiffled in my capacity and do not see myself getting anything more done as a Mayor than I can as the very active councilperson that I already am. So, please save your write in votes. Thanks.
Marc
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Post by Guest on Apr 12, 2007 14:52:29 GMT -5
 Chris Guest  Mayor Wilson |
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Post by Guest on Apr 12, 2007 14:55:21 GMT -5
 Chris Guest as the Mayor |
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Post by Freehold Resident on Apr 12, 2007 15:07:55 GMT -5
Sonofsilence:
You mentioned that Councilman LeVine once ran as a Republican but was not elected.
That's not true, actually. I believe he won two terms as a Republican years ago.
Thank god he didn't stay one!
FR
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Post by Marc LeVine on Apr 12, 2007 15:29:42 GMT -5
Freehold Resident:
You are correct. 1991 - 1997, served two terms.
Lost in Nov. 1996 to Crawford and DiBennedetto with John Rosseel as my running mate.
Ran again in 1999 on Jeff Jone's mayoral ticket with Pete DeFonzo and lost. Guess who beat us - Mayor Wilson, Bob Crawford and Mike DiBennedetto.
Marc
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Post by admin on Apr 12, 2007 15:52:37 GMT -5
[
As per last years election for Borough seats, I will refrain from much commentary on the candidates. To this day, nobody knows who I voted for last year. I am going to maintain that air for the purpose on not endorsing any Freehold Borough candidate.
I will say that I hope to see a race in our town. I believe that is healthy for our Democracy. It does appear that Joe Liguari is running again, and that is good. We should always have competition.
As I wrote last year, all the candidates are our friends and neighbors. They all do care about this town. Let the ideas fly!
To Mayor Wilson,
Clearly people are not lining up for your job. The task of being the Freehold Borough Mayor has become an increasingly difficult job. We all know you care, even with the criticisms and compliments you are bound to get.
On that note, you must be a glutton for punishment. But good luck to you and all of the council candidates.
Brian
admin
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Post by sonofsilencedogood on Apr 12, 2007 16:08:08 GMT -5
Sonofsilence: You mentioned that Councilman LeVine once ran as a Republican but was not elected. That's not true, actually. I believe he won two terms as a Republican years ago. Thank god he didn't stay one! FR ...did I miss something? when did it become so terrible to be a Republican? I know...most Democrats like to lump all Republicans into that extreme right wing and decry them as terrible human beings...which is exactly why too many people don't even vote for individuals anymore, they just throw that party switch at the top of the voting machine. Here's a novel idea...vote for the person, not their party affiliation!! |
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Post by For sales Signs on Apr 13, 2007 0:14:13 GMT -5
"And when we tried to take some action ourselves by closing a muster zone that had made us the center of an illegal labor market by stepping up enforcement of dangerous and overcrowded dwellings, where did we end up? In federal court. Other similarly frustrated and overburdened towns have taken steps that from afar, seem like reasonable remedies, but that have landed them in court, too," he said.
Wilson said officials have learned they cannot fight a national battle.
"Our leaders in Washington will ultimately have to wrestle with this issue that they have ignored for so long, and we will have to keep up our pressure on them. What we can do, however, is to keep fighting for our community, the way we always have," he said.
Wilson referred to a recent public meeting when residents gathered to address state legislators about the issue of school funding. He said hundreds of residents packed a school gymnasium and showed legislators the people of Freehold Borough are "thoughtful, passionate and most of all united, fighting for equity in school funding, fighting for our children, fighting for our community."
Wilson said that is a fight he wants to continue
with no oppositions, what happened to this Mayor, this Mike been clear that he did not get involved with the Public Schools, and stayed out of board of education business.
What gives, this is a disapointing about-face. Are we now a sanctuary city
"Those who have shown no respect for the laws of this sovereign nation by crossing our borders illegally, and once here, by working here illegally, demand greater rights than those who have worked and toiled to be a part of this country through legal means.
"These protesters are doing here what they cannot do in their own country - enjoy the right of free speech. Imagine these protests occurring in front of (Mexican president) Vincente Fox's home.
"And while it is the very essence of who we are as Americans to allow everyone to speak freely, it is a bitter pill to swallow when that right is being used to taunt law-abiding citizens and legal immigrants by demanding that they should be exempt from the laws and regulations that govern immigrants from every other nation or part of the world who seek a better life here in America. While workers from Eastern Europe, Africa and all other reaches of the globe spend years of waiting and filling out forms and requests to immigrate to this country, today's protesters feel that they should not be subject to these same requirements. They believe that they, above everyone else, have the right to cross our borders and avail themselves of all the benefits that our nation has to offer without being subject to our rules and laws," the mayor said.
"They come without vaccinations or medical clearance, without criminal background checks, and without legal documentation.
"The alleged message today is that these millions who cross our borders illegally are vital to our economy. They claim they do jobs Americans will not do. The truth is that they get jobs because they undermine the American worker by undercutting wages and benefits. In truth, they place a severe burden on our economy by overcrowding the schools and housing stock, by availing themselves of medical care at hospitals that is reimbursed from the public pocket for this uncovered care. And all this is happening at the same time that the working poor of America cannot find affordable housing and are denied medical care - when the displaced poor of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast are still homeless and jobless after Hurricane Katrina," Wilson said.
"Until we can care for our own poor and homeless, people who are willing to work for a decent and legal wage, until we can provide affordable housing for Americans who work full time, we should not entertain any thoughts of legitimizing illegal immigrants. We cannot lose sight of the ideals upon which this nation was founded - E Pluribis Unum - From Many, One."
What gives, why an about-face. is the Borough now a sanctuary city
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Post by Casual Reader on Apr 13, 2007 9:00:18 GMT -5
I will withold my official endorsement of a mayoral candidate until all the information has been brought before me.
I want to be the first on record to suggest that Mayor Mike debate himself.
There can be "Good Mayor Mike" and "Bad Mayor Mike."
Good Mayor Mike defends all of his accomplishments -- of which there are countless.
Bad Mayor Mike attacks his accomplishments and says what he plans to do differently in the next 20 years.
There could be a series of these debates -- one could be held at the muster zone.
Casually electoral
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 13, 2007 12:56:00 GMT -5
Methinks, too, that he may be Casually Fixated on the mayor... He is a good look'n guy for 56, not that there is anything Casually wrong with that ....  |
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Post by Hawkeye on Apr 14, 2007 17:16:55 GMT -5
People -- I just ate lunch -- I feel my stomach roiling -- I'm changing threads now! Saw this in another topic. You do have a weak stomach, dontcha toots...er hotlips. Anyway, how about Frank Argote Freyre for Mayor or council he appears to be a man on a mission. Just we we need. |
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Post by Hawkeye on Apr 14, 2007 17:33:52 GMT -5
Such an inspiring race in Freehold Borough. I can envision a conversation ten years from now.
What every happened to Freehold Burrio? It was a nice place with so much potential.
Answer: Nobody cared! There was only ten Democrats and one Republican with a whole lot of people who couldn't vote!
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Post by For sales Signs on Apr 15, 2007 11:12:38 GMT -5
Hot Lips
I sincerely doubt that Frank Argote-Freyre would want to devote his time or energies into bearing a councilperson. I do agree that he is impassioned in his mission. Hitler, Stalin, and Mao were all impassioned too, what are you say here Hun? Frank Argote-Freyre is a Commie, typical ultra leftest University Professor. In the real business world where you have to do hard work to earn his pay, Frank Argote-Freyre would fail. Hot lips, read Frank Argote-Freyre lips closely please.
You sound like such a defeatist. There are folks who will take challenges and try to find reasonable solutions, and there are folks who bow down in resignation and defeat, and complain bitterly. OK Frank Argote-Freyre is impassioned, and Hawk is defeatist? Why not the other way around, they both sound impassioned. You must be a Frank Argote-Freyre sympathizer. Are you here legally?
That said, I am not your enemy here. I do respect your emotions -- so my question is -- how would you propose to tackle the problem of a large population of illegal immigrants -- that would not incite LLA attacks and potential for further baseless and frivolous lawsuits? If you respected Hawks emotions, why accuse him of being defeatist, are you confused? Can you explain why Hawk, you, me and all 300 million lawful Americans need to welcome criminals? Answer this, If a person broke into your home, next, proceeded to clean, cook and providing you with domestic services cheaper than your current domestic laborer. OK, since you benefit by cheap labor, your logic is this breaking and entry is forgiven. Now friends of your new cheap domestic laborer invade you street, break into all your neighbors homes and now the same thing. Can you not grasp the fact that illegal immigrants are criminals, and the punishment is deportation! About the LLA, who cares about them, you are intimidated "by baseless and frivolous lawsuits"?Your logic has been horribly compromised, and your allows near a voting booth?
Seriously -- ideas are golden -- if nobody shares what they think can work, how can any resolution or solution even begin to take place? How coy, suggesting amnesty for criminals. No phunking way, excusing criminal behavior with a growing criminal segment who have least of all not earned anything other than deportation.
Lack of local action caused by fear of "baseless and frivolous lawsuits" is why 60% of our homes are for sale. LLA is doing a good job acording to you then.
Cheers and enjoy the rain..
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Post by Casual Reader on Apr 15, 2007 12:19:39 GMT -5
For Sales Dude:
I admit I woke up in a groggy state from too much partying and I am still sitting in my jammies.
But, dude, you are so insulting to Calliope I had to write a quick message.
You sound like one of those guys who cannot stand strong women -- real uncool in 2007.
Why call her "Hun"? You are addressing her as if she is a "foolish female"
Then on top of that dude you don't even understand her position -- she has never said she favors amnesty. Her earlier message did not imply that she does.
Keep your sexism to yourself dude.
Casually Feminist
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Post by sonofsilencedogood on Apr 16, 2007 7:31:34 GMT -5
That said, I am not your enemy here. I do respect your emotions -- so my question is -- how would you propose to tackle the problem of a large population of illegal immigrants -- that would not incite LLA attacks and potential for further baseless and frivolous lawsuits? Seriously -- ideas are golden -- if nobody shares what they think can work, how can any resolution or solution even begin to take place? Cheers and enjoy the rain... Calliope... I know your questions wasn't directed at me...but let me throw out my opinion just the same. The reason why the LLA and other such groups continue to make headlines and bring lawsuits is because they know that the overwhelming majority of people and towns will run scared and they will emerge as victorious (I would say "seemingly victorious" but let's be honest, they are winning the battle). So let's be realistic, there is nothing that can be done that will not bring about lawsuits and other attacks from advocacy groups. What this town needs to do is make the tough decision, and then stick by our convictions. Talking about issues, trying to defer to the federal government...these are not the answer. Most politicians...from state senators and assembly people, to county freeholders, to local council members, to school board members...all like to point to the federal government and say that "immigration is a federal issue, we can't do anything about it". I don't know how many times I have to say this, but that is WRONG. The Federal government gave local officials the power and ability to take steps to stem the flow of illegal immigration into their towns and cities... once again, section 287g (8 U.S.C. 1357) as amended by section 133 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 gives the town the ability to apply to have our own police officers lawfully act in matters of federal immigration laws. I know...I know...people keep saying our town does not have the ability to house the people that we would detain, and that it should go to the county...I say, read on further into the law... section 133, paragraph 1, "...to be qualified to perform a function of an immigration officer in relation to the investigation, apprehension, or detention of aliens in the United States (including the transportation of such aliens across State lines to detention centers)" Is there an expense to this...yes. Is the expense worth it in order to deal with an issue that is killing our town...absolutely. And what's best about this... it's a completely legal course of action that the town can take. The law is on our side here, and we are still not using it!!!Stop talking, Mayor Wilson and Town Council members. You know what the majority of the legal people in town think about the illegal immigration issue. TALKING ABOUT IT DOES NOTHING!!! "Opening lines of communication and dialog" have gotten us NOWHERE. Talk, without action, is useless. The LLA and the other advocacy groups know this, which is why they grow stronger and stronger everyday in our town...they know that the Mayor and the Town Council are not going to take any real action to back up their words. Once again...let's look at the one real tangible thing they tried to do, shutting down the muster zone. We all know what happened...the advocates file a lawsuit, the town eventually (and it didn't take that long) backed down and not only paid for their lawyer fees, but money to re-reimburse illegal immigrants who were given loitering or other such tickets during that time. Did you hear that??? The town actually had to pay back, to illegal immigrants, fines that were issued to them for breaking local ordinances. One quick question...did those illegal immigrants ever actually pay those fines to begin with?? Or are we simply paying them money for fines we never collected? Just curious...but I digress... I am at wits end. I don't know how many more times I can say it. The leaders of this town, when you look at the whole picture over the last 10 years or so, have done little to nothing to deal decisively with the illegal immigrants who have flooded into, and are now destroying this small town. I hear time and time again how the Boro is made up of "proud, working class people"...really? well then our elected leaders do not truly represent the make up of our town. Proud working class people take care of what's their's. When do our town leaders start to do this? |
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Post by sonofsilencedogood on Apr 16, 2007 7:38:56 GMT -5
...and as a footnote... to keep to the title of this thread, let me state once more that Mayor Wilson, in his 20 or so years as mayor, was here while the immigrants came flooding in and did nothing. Even if you don't agree with that...isn't there something in your heart that feels that, "you know what...20 years is long enough...it's time for someone else to have a shot at being the mayor" I pray someone gets their name in as an independent candidate...if for no other reason than the fact that no one should be able to run for political office un-opposed. We all sit here and talk about it...but the reality is that Freehold Boro is a community comprised largely of apathetic complainers. I understand that we are hard working people who don't necessarily have time to run for political office...but when people don't even show up to vote for those who are running for office...that's the very definition of apathy, plain and simple. |
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Post by richardkelsey on Apr 16, 2007 14:42:50 GMT -5
...and as a footnote... to keep to the title of this thread, let me state once more that Mayor Wilson, in his 20 or so years as mayor, was here while the immigrants came flooding in and did nothing. Even if you don't agree with that...isn't there something in your heart that feels that, "you know what...20 years is long enough...it's time for someone else to have a shot at being the mayor" I have been fairly quiet in this thread -- mostly because the call for Mayor should be made by lawful, engaged, Freehold voters. I am not one -- though I am arguably more engaged than many. I do subscribe to a general belief that from an executive stand-point -- longer is not usually better. (A good argument can be made that legislators serving long consecutive terms are better positioned to help bring money and influence back to a given area.) That is not the case here -- and to the extent the Mayor has served long and made numerous party contacts -- the Town's size has probably hampered his ability to deliver any influence such service might have garnered. (If he were a kingmaker in a 100,000K municipality -- he might have additional value -- for example.) The problem, of course, is who will step in his place? Replacing someone who may not have lived up to every expectation is certainly a worthwhile undertaking -- however -- I don't see much talent in the minor leagues. Also -- with all due respect -- I don't think you are suggesting that he be replaced by one of the current council members -- which I think is the most likely place from where a replacement would come? I think you replace an executive when you have a better replacement -- with a new plan -- and a means to deliver on that plan. That well-spring must come from the community. I do think your points are well taken. I am not sure I agree that he has done nothing. I think the Borough, collectively, was slow to act -- like many Municipalities. I think they then adopted an absolutely destructive position of cooperation and encouragement. However, I think the Council did something extraordinary too -- I think, behind the Mayor -- they reversed course of of cooperation with the open border's lobby and worked to reverse what happened in Freehold. For that -- they get credit from me. (which together with a 1.25 might get them a cup of joe a Sweet Lew's). If the Borough had a strong three person slate -- running on a platform of action -- that would be exciting and would give Freehold voters cause to consider if change were now appropriate. However -- no such group or set of candidates exists. The Republican -- running alone against three candidates -- is shoveling sand against the tide. (Though I give him great credit for standing and giving voters a choice!) I think Mayor Wilson needs to complete the metamorphose and change tactics completely -- going on the offensive. I think he could use his position very well if he were to do so. I'd like to see that. I am rooting for it. I can't see replacing him now -- because I see no team in ether party willing to make change from the status quo -- and change just to change is silly. This was the three seat year -- and an off election year. This is the year a team might have been assembled. The ground work might have been laid -- and change might have transpired. But none emerged. Here's the good news. Only two kind of people can take the type of action Freehold needs to change course. One would be an insurgent campaign that wins change and claims a mandate. The other would be the longest serving elected official -- wrapped in credibility -- and driven to action. I think the Mayor said it best. He chose to stay when so many others chose to leave. I am one of those others. It is his home -- and he did chose to stay, live, serve, and take on the challenge. Now -- he must ask himself what is he prepared to do to save the town he chose to defend? |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Apr 16, 2007 15:34:54 GMT -5
Rich:
Pretty good expression of thought. Let me just point out one thing to the readers. Not everything discussed or comtemplated (on ANY topic) by the Mayor and Council is published on this board. It would be simplistic and wrong for anyone to think that what you see (here) is all you will get. On the other hand, much of what you discuss on this board DOES find its way to Council.
I've worked side by side with Mike Wilson for years (as a Republican and Democrat) and I don't think he gets enough credit. There is not a single topic that has been brought up on this board or anywhere in town, for that matter, that has not been either accepted or ruled out in his mind or among the rest of council. Ideas are always taken seriously by us all.
Face it, people all over are grasping for straws when it comes to illegal immigration. All are looking for that one silver bullet -rather than a holistic approach to the issues. Every time a new "idea of the month" hits, everyone wants to immediately jump on it.
However, it is the Mayor and Council's job to coolly and calmly investigate any and all viable ideas and weigh the risks involved. We look at the short term and long term implications of everything that comes our way. We are never impulsive and we shouldn't be. In this business, mistakes can get very expensive. Calculated risk is the order of the day. ROI is very important - EVERY TIME.
Hey, I'm an activist-type in my approach to nearly everything. I have had to learn to be more pragmatic, which is good for me - because it strikes a wise balance. I am always thinking and researching about what may be good for our town. And, then I bring it to the Council. I am NOT the only one at the table that works this way, either. Tonight, for example, (as one item)we are going to talk about Chimineas and Fire pits (workshop). Everyone is buying them and we need to be sure they are used properly. That idea came to me in bed, one night. My wife wanted one for our WOOD deck - uhhh uhhh.
And, the Mayor is VERY MUCH like me - but he is the Mayor and even his ideas have to go before Council for general consensus. He may get his way more often than not, but not always. That is why we have a full governing "body." Our professionals are also valuable resources that help ground us with real world experience and specialized research.
Be careful, too, on this board. Casual Reader, other advocates and even some of the strictly partisan types have started these "Dump the Mayor" discussions via haiku poetry or whatever. People often forget who the initiator(s) or instigators are and quickly jump on the band wagon in agreement or without much thought given to the motives of others. Be sure you aren't being baited to join anyone else's bandwagon, because there are much more sinister motives for getting rid of this Mayor and the other members of this Council.
If anyone thinks they can do a better job than Mayor Wilson, let them prove it in a general election and not just impress us with armchair quarterbacking on this board. And, if anyone thinks they have better ideas that Council hasn't considered, then they shouldn't keep these to themselves. Write us, call us or better yet - come to our meetings and speak out, so that everyone can hear and weigh in.
Lastly, please respect Mike Wilson, the person, and refrain from personal attacks. Make every discussion issues oriented and do a little better research as to why some things are done and other things are not. Often, the rationale is less than merely superficial.
Marc
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Post by richardkelsey on Apr 16, 2007 16:11:26 GMT -5
Rich: Pretty good expression of thought. Let me just point out one thing to the readers. Not everything discussed or comtemplated (on ANY topic) by the Mayor and Council is published on this board. It would be simplistic and wrong for anyone to think that what you see (here) is all you will get. On the other hand, much of what you discuss on this board DOES find its way to Council. I've worked side by side with Mike Wilson for years (as a Republican and Democrat) and I don't think he gets enough credit. There is not a single topic that has been brought up on this board or anywhere in town, for that matter, that has not been either accepted or ruled out in his mind or among the rest of council. Ideas are always taken seriously by us all. Face it, people all over are grasping for straws when it comes to illegal immigration. All are looking for that one silver bullet -rather than a holistic approach to the issues. Every time a new "idea of the month" hits, everyone wants to immediately jump on it. However, it is the Mayor and Council's job to coolly and calmly investigate any and all viable ideas and weigh the risks involved. We look at the short term and long term implications of everything that comes our way. We are never impulsive and we shouldn't be. In this business, mistakes can get very expensive. Calculated risk is the order of the day. ROI is very important - EVERY TIME. Hey, I'm an activist-type in my approach to nearly everything. I have had to learn to be more pragmatic, which is good for me - because it strikes a wise balance. I am always thinking and researching about what may be good for our town. And, then I bring it to the Council. I am NOT the only one at the table that works this way, either. Tonight, for example, (as one item)we are going to talk about Chimineas and Fire pits (workshop). Everyone is buying them and we need to be sure they are used properly. That idea came to me in bed, one night. My wife wanted one for our WOOD deck - uhhh uhhh. And, the Mayor is VERY MUCH like me - but he is the Mayor and even his ideas have to go before Council for general consensus. He may get his way more often than not, but not always. That is why we have a full governing "body." Our professionals are also valuable resources that help ground us with real world experience and specialized research. Be careful, too, on this board. Casual Reader, other advocates and even some of the strictly partisan types have started these "Dump the Mayor" discussions via haiku poetry or whatever. People often forget who the initiator(s) or instigators are and quickly jump on the band wagon in agreement or without much thought given to the motives of others. Be sure you aren't being baited to join anyone else's bandwagon, because there are much more sinister motives for getting rid of this Mayor and the other members of this Council. If anyone thinks they can do a better job than Mayor Wilson, let them prove it in a general election and not just impress us with armchair quarterbacking on this board. And, if anyone thinks they have better ideas that Council hasn't considered, then they shouldn't keep these to themselves. Write us, call us or better yet - come to our meetings and speak out, so that everyone can hear and weigh in. Lastly, please respect Mike Wilson, the person, and refrain from personal attacks. Make every discussion issues oriented and do a little better research as to why some things are done and other things are not. Often, the rationale is less than merely superficial. Marc Marc All good reminders for our readers and guests. |
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Post by andrewd on Apr 16, 2007 16:15:36 GMT -5
Marc,
I usually try to keep my posts to the school board which is where my attention is focused, but I wanted to mention one thing in response to what you said above.
Having now served a full year on an "elected body" I have seen first hand the very fact thing which you mentioned above...that just because something doesn't get mentioned either in the paper, or at a meeting doesn't mean it has not been discussed amongst the members of the school board (or town council).
As a school board member, I certainly know that this happens, but as a recently removed average citizen, I still understand the frustration that many have because they do not see all of the ideas being discussed. This is a frustration that I have dealt with for the last year, and I am sure to deal with going forward as well.
It's something that all elected officials have to deal with, but I also feel that as elected officials, we sometimes have the responsibility to let the public know that we have discussed an idea, and then the reasons why we do not feel it is feasible.
I may be living in my own little Utopian world sometimes, but I feel that for a true democratic society to really work, it can't just be based on interaction between those elected officials, but constant interaction between those officials and the people they are representing. In other words, when the town council (or the school board) discusses an issue and decides it is not realistic for whatever reason, that does not necessarily close the door on the idea. If the public comes up with a scenario that may make it more realistic, then the council or the board has to be willing to re-open the discussion and go through the process all over again.
It's vital for the elected officials to share their thoughts on all ideas that are presented to them. When we don't, we leave ourselves open to the criticism from the public that we're not considering every option. In other words, if we don't openly discuss all of these ideas with the public, how are they to know that we are discussing them "behind closed doors"?
This is something that I thought about a great deal before I got on the school board, and I think about as a board member constantly. I truly feel that as an elected official, we not only have the responsibility to make the tough decisions, but we have the responsibility to get the public involved in what it is that we are deciding on, and at the very least, give them as much information as possible so that they can never say that they were not informed.
Just my thoughts...
Andrew
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Post by Hawkeye on Apr 16, 2007 19:29:58 GMT -5
Hey, Hawkeye! Hot Lips here... I sincerely doubt that Frank Argote-Freyre would want to devote his time or energies into being a councilperson. I do agree that he is impassioned in his mission. You sound like such a defeatist. There are folks who will take challenges and try to find reasonable solutions, and there are folks who bow down in resignation and defeat, and complain bitterly. That said, I am not your enemy here. I do respect your emotions -- so my question is -- how would you propose to tackle the problem of a large population of illegal immigrants -- that would not incite LLA attacks and potential for further baseless and frivolous lawsuits? Seriously -- ideas are golden -- if nobody shares what they think can work, how can any resolution or solution even begin to take place? Cheers and enjoy the rain... Hotlips, Ferretface here.... I am no defeatist, but a realist. Part of that is realizing that the town government should not be worried about inciting the LLA and other advocates. If they are afraid, they are the real defeatists. Actually, if the advocates march or threaten to sue, then the town government is doing the right things. Look at the rental regulations that are supposed to be enacted. I will bet that they will be a whole lot of nothing. If there is no law suit, there is no meat to them. That's they way it works. And we know the advocates are doing nothing good for this town. That is why they should not be taken seriously, or even spoken to. They are a bunch of fake, phony, frauds. If they really cared about this town, the illegals and the rest of the population, they would have a very different tone. What the council has to worry about is more and more of the real tax payers moving out, like me. My closing date is in a little over a month. And yes, I do believe that a new rental will be opening up. and Hotlips, I saw your ex boyfriends tongue on another thread. What did you do to the poor fella? Wore him out, I'd say. |
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Post by LS on Apr 16, 2007 21:24:16 GMT -5
With all the clamouring that has been done about the mayor and his policies, you'd think that it would be the easiest thing in the world to defeat him in an election. The black and latino leadership have denounced him at every opportunity, but where is their candidate?
Last year there was that big brouhaha when Marc Levine was appointed to council - but only one man ran last year and the same man is running again. By the way, that man is not from the group of troublemakers that have only spoken out against the mayor.
So where are they? The people that want to be represented, the people that claim that the mayor and council are not looking out for them. They are hiding, and can only detract. Even when given the chance for input, they can't do it. FF is the perfect example, from what I have seen (human relations committee and the Rental Advisory Board), if you work with him you'd better watch your back.
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Post by admin on Apr 17, 2007 8:16:52 GMT -5
LS, you nailed it. If Mayor Wilson is doing such a terrible job, where is the opposition? Where is the advocates candidate? Why haven't the republicans given us more that one person? One would think that if our mayor and council is bad there would actually be a three way race.
My criticism to people from Hawkeye to the race baiter's is the same. Our town has dealt with issue we never should have. The answers are not easy or laid out in front of us. There is no sense in rehashing past errors or failings. Monday morning quarterbacking will get us no where. If the answers were so easy, why haven't all the whiners come forward and saved the day?
We all need to focus on the future. As I wrote before, I would love to see more of a race. That is nothing against the current crew we have in office, just a desire for choice.
I know that the Mayor reads this site. To all of you who have chimed in, put your ideas here. That is what we all need.
And to those of you who are elected leaders, pay attention. As you can see by this site, there is frustration out there. The voters will need to see action and vision. I am not even going into offline conversations I have had recently, but that frustration is found far more than just on this site.
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