Tom DeGise has been the target of criticisms, barbs, insults, and other attacks during his career in public service for over 30 years, from Jersey City school teacher to city councilman and now as the Hudson County Executive.
But during that time, he has met numerous people with whom he has developed a friendship or a passing acquaintance. Some of these individuals will come together on Nov. 4 to get in a few jabs at DeGise’s expense, but for a good cause.
A political roast of DeGise will take place this coming Thursday at the Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre in Journal Square at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The organizer of the event and master of ceremonies for the night is Pat O’Melia, local TV and radio host of shows exploring Hudson County’s political landscape and producer of DeGise’s public access show.
“I put myself out there to be a piñata.” – Tom DeGise
________
O’Melia said the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Foundation for Autism Training & Education (FATE). O’Melia said the roast is an example of what he calls the three C’s: cause, charity, and civics.
“There’s always a different cause that someone is writing a check for, but with this, you can write a check, have some laughs, and rub elbows with local movers and shakers,” O’Melia said.
DeGise is also looking forward to the evening, as he plans to have a good time receiving and taking a few shots as well.
“I put myself out there to be a piñata,” DeGise joked. “But seriously, this was presented to me and I saw this was a good cause.”
All in good nature
DeGise takes in stride being up onstage at the Loew’s and being an object of some sharp digs.
“Dick Codey has one acid tongue and O’Dea also worries me, too,” DeGise. “You need to have a thick skin to be in politics, and I’ll find out how thick my skin is.”
DeGise also heard his daughter Amy will be one of the roasters, and said besides the scheduled roasters, he is aware that people “are lining up at the door” to take part.
He admits he never did a roast before although he has been in a “dunk tank” a few times.
Bill O’Dea is looking forward to firing his gibes at DeGise. O’Dea is known as one of the sharpest wits in Hudson County political circles.
“With Tom DeGise, there’s plenty of material,” O’Dea kidded. “It’s a good event and puts a little levity into this business, and God knows we need it.”
O’Dea even gave a sneak preview of some of his offerings for that night.
“When Pat O’Melia called me and said we are doing a roast of the most powerful person in Hudson County, I started writing some jokes,” O’Dea said. “I ended up doing four pages of material on Bill Gaughan.”
Gaughan is the Jersey City Councilman who also serves as DeGise’s Chief of Staff, and also is scheduled to be a roaster at the event.
O’Dea also said that DeGise is not the only one who should watch out, as O’Dea plans to point his mockery at his fellow roasters if the opportunity arises.
For more information or for tickets, call (201) 963-6700 or (201) 798-6055.
Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com.