Things heated up at the Aug. 8 meeting of the Hudson County Freeholders. An argument that centered around whether or not Freeholder Bill O’Dea could introduce a last-minute resolution soon escalated into a schoolyard brawl. At the height of the dispute, O’Dea challenged Freeholder Chairman Sal Vega to a boxing match in which O’Dea promised to make Vega “eat leather.”
Despite these high school antics, Hudson County Democrats may have stumbled onto a new way to resolve their disputes, saving taxpayers needless court costs (such as County Executive Bernard Hartnett’s resistance to appear before the freeholders last May which ended up in Superior Court) or costs associated with primary elections.
By putting potential political contenders into the ring, taxpayers would also be spared significant costs of campaigns. Printing and mailing costs for the load of junk mail as well as the costs for television ads could be cut. Campaign war chests would no longer need the helpful contributions of county vendors and professionals, who in their civic pride have heavily funded particular politicians in the past. Voters would no longer have to be marched to poling places at gunpoint by the dedicated army of political workers on primary day.
Instead, regular bouts held in various municipal and county locations could help generate revenue to offset costs by increasing the yearly surplus. Ticket sales to such events could also go towards noble causes such as the Bob and Beth Janiszewski Defense Fund. These events – depending on their level of interest – might even get broadcast on ESPN2 as the recent professional bouts in Secaucus were in July.
Followers of particular candidates would thus get vicarious thrills by watching their favorite politicians “beating the hell” out of their opposition without the disappointing interference of paper ballots or hanging chads.
The Vega and O’Dea bout, of course, would generate increased interest because both are considered viable candidates for the 2003 County Executive Primary next June, despite the fact that the November election has all good Democrats supporting Tom DeGise against Republican Ira Jersey. Although many Democrats have already crowned DeGise as county executive, Vega himself cautioned O’Dea at last week’s caucus meeting not to presume anything.
“It could be Ira Jersey who will get elected,” Vega said, a sentiment echoed by Freeholder Nidia Davila-Colon two days later at a regular meeting.
If Vega does win his bout against O’Dea for the Democratic nomination for county executive in 2003, he might have to face an immediate second bout with Assembly Speaker and West New York Mayor Albio Sires, a grudge match over Vega’s failure to support DeGise for the post. Sires, of course, might be pitted against Bayonne’s Assemblyman and Mayor Joe Doria for a winner-take-all bout for assembly speaker.
A non-title bout might also pit Jersey City Mayor Glenn Cunningham against Rep. Bob Menendez for unofficial control of the Democratic Party. (Menendez did take a trip to Las Vegas this week for a conference, and possibly checked out betting odds on the O’Dea-Vega bout).
This, of course, leaves plenty of other non-title fights possible, such as Dennis Enright against Jay Booth in a match of financial giants. Another possible grudge match might pit state Sen. Bernard Kenny against former Hoboken Mayor Anthony Russo, although ring rules would have to prohibit the use of motor vehicles.
Whereas rounds in the ring between Hoboken Mayor Dave Roberts and Councilman Tony Soares might seem unfair, many political observers would put their money on Soares. Of course, Soares could also be pitted against Councilwoman Theresa Castellano.
Although a Secaucus November election bout could pit council candidates against each other, no one should expect bloodshed since council challenger Sal Barone in the 1st Ward has already complemented his opponent incumbent Mike Grecco on a job well done. In the 2nd Ward, Board of Education Trustee Tom Troyer and Incumbent Councilman Bob Kickey might find equally little enthusiasm, since each would rather face off against Town Administrator Anthony Iacono.
Other possible slates around the county could include Freeholder and Union City Mayor Brian Stack against Board of Education Trustee Lenny Calvo. Stack would have an uphill battle since Calvo would be defending the jobs of 13 relatives. This would be a pleasant change for Stack since in the past he has been forced to shadow box.
In Jersey City, challengers to Councilman E. Junior Maldonado may find relief in the boxing ring because of his overwhelming victories in other venues. Councilman Mariano Vega could seek similar relief, but for opposite reasons. Former Freeholder Lou Manzo might find the ring an easier battleground for his hope to knock Menendez out of the 13th Congressional District seat.
Although once a promising title bout for the county’s labor legal contract, Donald Scarinci will not likely face off against Ray Lesniak, since the county is currently looking to go back to awarding a contract to only one firm with hints of Scarinci getting the nod. Another possible bout spoiled by changing sides would have pitted Scarinci against Paul Byrne. There’s always a next time, boys!
The possibilities, of course, are endless, and suggestions from the public are welcome.
Who would you like to see in the ring together? Write editorial@hudsonreporter.com.