The Committee is aware of the heavy responsibility it carries as the organization responsible under the election law for the selection of candidates. The decision NOT to nominate an incumbent was not taken lightly. However, Mayor Heveran's claim that incumbents should be automatically renominated flies in the face of the Democratic process. When Mary made such a request for support at a meeting with Senator Loretta Weinberg, Assemblymen Valerie Huttle and Gordon Johnson, and Bergen County Chairman Lou Stelatto her request was not supported. On the contrary, I was informed by those present that they supported the absolute right of the DMC to select its own slate. If incumbents were automatically supported for reelection, there would be no need for a duly elected Committee.
The Committee concluded that Mayor Heveran had made a number of questionable leadership decisions; for example, destroying an excellent website and dispensing with its world-class, volunteer experts. She removed highly qualified people from boards and commissions without cause, only to replace them with political allies. We believe that at least one highly respected commission chairman resigned over the issue of political appointments.
The Committee felt that last June's landslide vote for John DeSimone and DarrylWhitter for Council and for an entirely new Municipal Committee reflected a strong community desire for new leadership and a desire to move away from self-perpetuating political appointments. We believe that the vote reflected a sense of being ignored and unheard.
The Committee chose to nominate Councilman John DeSimone for Mayor because he has the kind of experience we feel is needed now. This was a unanimous choice. John has a proven record as a successful businessman, demonstrating skills of great value in the present climate. Moreover, we value his reputation for integrity, his straight-forward character, his independent judgment and his tireless willingness not just to listen, but to hear and respect the concerns of Leonians.
Vote Column 1 Democrats - - Tuesday, June 7 - - 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Chair, Leonia DMC
see Campaign Blog at http://leoniademocrats.blogspot.com/
