Dear Editor:
I felt compelled to respond to the letter written by Dawn McAdam as I feel clarification is needed
Frankly, at the council meeting scheduled for February 10th Councilmen Bueckner, Gonnelli and I were of the assumption the council would be discussing the candidates nominated by the Democratic Committee and would agree on dates to hold interviews so we could learn more about each individual. After all, appointing a new Councilman or Councilwoman is of utmost importance and requires careful thought and deliberation. Anything less would be a disservice to the constituents of the First Ward. Therefore, when I learned that it was the intent of the council democratic majority to move forward with an appointment, I stated that I would like to interview the prospective nominees before rendering a decision. This seemed like a logical request for an individual seeking to be appointed to a position as important as councilperson. Unfortunately, Mrs. McAdam disagrees with me and feels she should receive an appointment without the council being afforded the benefit of an interview. Needless to say, I do not share her view.
I clearly stated to Mrs. McAdam and Mr. Zych, who were in attendance at the caucus meeting, that I was not happy the democratic majority did not inform the independent councilmen the nominees would be attending the caucus, thereby, giving us an opportunity to prepare questions we may have had. This information could have been easily transmitted via a phone call. I think all would agree that proper notification of the council majority’s intentions would have been a matter of simply common courtesy. In fact, I made it clear to Mrs. McAdam and Mr. Zych that my displeasure over the circumstances had nothing to do with either of them and it appeared they understood.
Since being elected to the council one of my biggest complaints has been the lack of communication from the majority. This is just another example of the significant gap in communication.
Mrs. McAdam points to the fact that no interview was done when Richard Kane or Robert Kickey were appointed to their seats. I would suspect the interviews were dispensed with due to the fact the democrats held the majority and did not need to seek approval from other council members in order to secure an immediate appointment. Regardless, if the council makeup at the time Mr. Kane and Mr. Kickey were appointed was as it is now I have no doubt interviews would have taken place.
Considering the importance of filling the seat vacated by Councilman Kane, is it too much to ask that I be given the opportunity to make as informed of a decision as is possible? I think not. At the very least an interview will assist the council in making an informed decision and help ensure the Democratic Committee’s choice is in the best interest of the residents of Secaucus. Prior to Mrs. McAdam publishing her letter I hoped she would have brought another independent mind to the council, however, it appears my estimation may be wrong.
Councilman Gary Jeffas