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A Letter to the Public Advocate Administrator
Posted 05-13-2008 at 08:04 AM by Jude Americk
Neil,Since I cannot reply to the NJO board, I will here. To begin, I applaud you for your attempt to "right" this city. However, playing the martyr isn't going to win you any further support, it will be just the opposite.Speaking for myself, the combination of work and work and work with a little bit of time spent on personal projects, doesn't allow for much time on city happenings, other than the usual. I voice my opinion's in several ways: NJO (before I was banned), on the Advocate (which takes days for any one to reply), and with emails and conversations with various city officials. I am concerned about the issues that affect my family. Selfish? You bet. Your post on NJO about how nobody is lifting a finger to assist you in your fight isn't going to put you in a good light with many, it will turn off the few that do show interest and support. As I believe cityedition said, what do you want or expect others to do? Some of us attend the meetings, some speak, some don’t (not always an easy thing to do). What are you doing to get the word out about the Advocate? Is it posted on Bayonne’s website? Can you work with Joe Chimento to maybe use both boards for better coverage?Lately you have been coming off a bit annoyed at everyone. Sorry, but that is life in the spotlight. You cannot take this all too seriously. And, you need not take everything so personally. If you are having issues with what some of us say, what do you think the other media and politicians will do to you? You need to lighten up a bit. And as I have suggested, you need to have more than just Bayonne politics for this board. You need to draw others that may not normally be attracted to a political forum. Think about it. You need to have a bit of fun as well, not all serious all the time.
Regards,
Jude <font face="Times New Roman"> </font>
Regards,
Jude <font face="Times New Roman"> </font>
Total Comments 10
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Jude AmerickNeil,
I read your note on NJO. You truly need to lighten up. You are coming off as a pouty kid who isn't getting his way. Being a public advocate isn't always going to go smoothly. Unfortunately, you may need to go at the BLRA / PA alone. Once you do and win, then you will get the press. Right now, you are just another "complainer". Not knocking you but this may be the view the JJ, Community News, etc. is taking on this endeavor. You work for the most popular newspaper in the world, why can't you get them to do something? They have done a piece or two about Bayonne, have them look into this further. If I recall, Al Sullivan looks at you as his competition, so don't count on the CN to cover you. The same with the JJ. A suggestion: if you are looking to still ahve a debate, having it at the Arts Factory would be a big mistake. I would suggest contacting someplace like a veterans hall. Jude |
 
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adminJude I am confused? I posted on NJ.com that I read your post and took it to heart, why do you feel as if I am still coming off as a pouty kid?
I do work for the NY Times, however they have no interest in covering the story right now, perhaps if I win they will cover it as you suggest. However I do not believe I will win this case. I believe that the case will be settled before trial. Curious, why do you believe that the Arts Factory will be a mistake? |
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Jude AmerickYou made a mention about not going to the BLRA meeting because I said to have some fun. Why would you miss a meeting that is vital to your cause? Beacuse I said to have fun? That would be fun "overall". Take my comment as you wish but you need to relax.
About the Arts Factory: The last thing needed at a debate is alcohol? Yes, it may draw more but not for the right reason. The location may turn off some who want to watch the debate but may look at it as a potential for a "drunken barn dance", the same could go for the reaction from the candidates. You don't want a place that offers a distraction like a bar. The focus must be solely on the candidates. I would think about someplace like the Catholic War Vets or Post 19. Not sure if those locations are conducive to a political debate but something along those lines. How about the Bayonne High Auditorium? I understand you don't want to come off as just another political organization but you will need to have someone sponsor the debate. This could give it more ligitimacy, in the eyes of the candidates and the voters. Maybe you can work with Mickey to have him help with sponsoring or securing sponsors. I have no idea on how to go about doing this but that is my take on the Arts Factory. If I am at one of the next meetings, I would be happy to ask Mark Smith about the interview. We go way back. Jude |
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adminJude, I am relaxed. I think your post made sense, maybe I misread it somehow? I think I just need a break for a bit. I give you credit for writing what you did but I do not believe that this one meeting is super vital to my cause. The last meeting I forced myself to go to I had a very frustrating night and it showed. I don't want to repeat that.
As I mentioned on nj.com, this effort is about more than just me. I think that with Stan & others attending, it will be well covered. And in general we all tend to voice a similar opinion, so I am sure our voices will be heard (not heeded mind you, just heard). The Public Advocate has to be more than just me if it is going to mean anything. If it is just me, then it will be useless, because I am not always right, and I cannot keep it going single handedly. Thank you for offering to speak with Mr. Smith, that would be a big help. You have made some good comments re: the possible debate. I think that we all need to meet again and discuss further how to go about planning this. There is a lot to hash out if it will happen. I would like it to, but I know that I will definitely need assistance from others. |
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luluNeil,
Jude's comments ring true, heeding his advice might be very beneficial. Your expectations for public support are going to be your downfall. Never embark on any civic matter that you're not willing to undertake by yourself. If per chance, assistance is offerred, trust me, it's both a blessing and a rarity. I've been wagering my own war with the city and BOE for many years. Others who were aware of my undertakings, encouraged me, but were never willing to sign their names to any correspondence or attend any meetings. The only time I ever got support was when money was actually placed in their pockets. I have learned to accept this, it's a sad scenerio but nonetheless a fact of life. Learning to choose the issues that are of importance to you is winning half the battle. I plan my strategy and never expect the infantry to show up and assist me. I also never take a contradictory decision as a personal affront. You're young and I'm afraid if you keep trying at the present pace, you are going to burn out. Select a single cause and give it your all. When that initiative has come to fruition, only then opt for a new target.The old cliche' " slow and steady wins the race" is a good motto to live by. Re: mayoral debate Jude's suggestion of a dry establishment is an excellent one. Unfortunately most places I can think of, have a bar. A televised debate, without a live audience, might be a consideration. Oft times the audience can become unruly and unmanageable. If you decide to take on this project, I wish you luck and success. |
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Jude AmerickLulu,
Thanks. I also don't want to see Neil burnout and lose the fight. Nothing can be changed overnight nor can it ALL be changed. Piece by piece. Although many possible venues for a debate may contain a bar, it doesn't mean they would have to have the bar opened. Maybe after. A place such as the BHS auditorium may be a good possibility. Jude |
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luluI doubt the school system would allow a political debate, but there would be no harm in asking. The schools are utilized for voting. It is food for thought.
The Jewish Community Center might open their doors, if approached. |
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Jude AmerickJCC? Great idea. If the school system didn't allow a political debate, it should be ashamed of itself.
Jude |
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KingBayRatNeil, Pls dont take my comments as anything but constructive criticism from someone who took his lumps along the way.
Your lawsuit while a noble cause is probably not going to be successful. Not due to lack of effort or the validity of your arguement, rather because technically it comes too late. Be that as it may, go for it and do all you can to embarrass the individuals responsible, BUT be careful, dont burn your bridges. After a time you will come to realize that you have to do a lot of work over a long period to get your self into a position where you will be taken seriously and be able to effect change. Unfortunately, in the real world the Dragon slays St. George 9 out of 10 times. Get inside the beast and work to make the changes you want to see happen. It will be a long hard road, but if you are tenacious, you can do it. Good luck to you. |
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cityeditionKBR,
excellent and honest advise. |
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Recent Blog Entries by Jude Americk
- A Letter to the Public Advocate Administrator (05-13-2008)
- Yitzchak David (05-06-2008)
- What is “Right” for Bayonne? (04-29-2008)
