Mercer County Republican Committee
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Roy Wesley, Chairman
(908) 930-7494
MercerGOP.com
GOP CHAIR RESPONDS TO ATTACK
Hamilton, NJ, July 2, 2009
Mercer County GOP Chair Roy Wesley responded to Mercer County Democrat Chair Rich McClellan's attack on the GOP freeholders candidates. Calling our candidates "anti-patriots" for criticizing wasteful and redundant spending is another example of how out of touch and out of tune our all Democrat county government has become with the fundamental principles of the democratic process. Since when is legitimate dissent 'anti-patriotic'?" stated Chairman Wesley.
Wesley stated, "Rich McClellan could use a history lesson. American patriots tarred and feathered the tax collectors not the citizens fighting higher taxes. Instead of threatening the opposition with historically incorrect violence, Mr. McClellan should be demanding that the Democrat freeholders he is supporting for re-election provide real tax relief to Mercer counties families before being their campaign cheerleader. "
Wesley continued, "For a number of years now, Rich McClellan has been the mouthpiece that elected Democrats in Mercer County love to hide behind. Rich McClellan ran interference for Glen Gilmore for years as a taxpayer funded confidential aide. Now he is running interference for County Democrats running for re-election, while holding another taxpayer funded position at the Bridge Commission. Obviously, he is handsomely rewarded for his efforts as Party Boss, having collecting over one million dollars in salary from taxpayer funded positions in Hamilton and at the Bridge Commission, in exchange for writing one liners attacking Republican candidates exercising their right of free speech. How does any of this help the democratic process? Why should the public have faith in elected officials who will not speak for themselves or party officials who have a vested interest in speaking for them?
Wesley demanded "Instead of hearing from the party boss, the tax payers deserve an explanation from their elected officials. Can Ann Cannon, Pat Colavita, or Dan Benson explain why they agreed to throw a duplicative festival when they raised taxes for Mercer? Can they explain after threatening hardworking rank and file employees with layoffs and furloughs they couldn't follow Mayor Bencivengo's lead and secure 100% corporate sponsorship of this event? Can they explain why Mercer's taxpayers had their taxes raised this year and a promise of more increases to come?"
Wesley stated, "Rich McClellan is not elected to any office in Mercer. He should not be responding on County business. The people who make the decisions should be the one's responding. And, since Rich McClellan still is on the tax payer dime, the public is entitled to assurance that he is not playing party boss when he should be doing his taxpayer funded job at the Bridge Commission."
Wesley stated, "Rich McClellan's response is a perfect example of why we need a change in Mercer County government. Elected officials should be accountable to the taxpayers. Every citizen has the right to open and honest government. It s time for the Democrats' 'million dollar mouthpiece' to let the officials and candidates respond for themselves. Our GOP candidates, Randazzo, D'Angelo and Wojtenko , can and will speak for themselves. Cannon, Colavita and Benson need to stop hiding behind party boss McClellan and speak for themselves, too. "
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Mercer County Republican Committee
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Roy Wesley, Chairman
(908) 930-7494
MercerGOP.com
GOP ANNOUNCES STATE & COUNTY SLATE
Hamilton, NJ - April 9, 2009
Mercer County GOP Chair Roy Wesley announced the GOP's slate of candidates for the November elections.
"We are excited to have put together such a well qualified team. Mercer County voters deserve to be represented by the best and the brightest. From top to bottom, this year's GOP slate is ready, willing and able to clean up the mess of sky rocketing taxes at the state, county and local level. This year we are able to present the voters with candidates who will bring responsive and responsible government back to the people of Mercer County," stated Chairman Wesley.
"The Mercer GOP held its convention on Wednesday March 25, 2009 at La Villa. The members of the County Committee voted to give the "Regular Organization Republican" line to: former federal prosecutor Chris Christie in the race for Governor: Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande in the in the race for the Assembly in the 12th Legislative District ; local Hamiltonian Robert Calabro in the race for the Assembly in the 14th Legislative District; Lawrence resident Kim Taylor and Hopewell resident Werner Graf in the race for the Assembly in the 15th Legislative District and Assemblymen Ronald S. Dancer and Joseph R. Malone, III in the race for the Assembly in the 30th Legislative District. The Committee also nominated former Hamilton Mayor Jack Rafferty for State Committeeman and former County Executive candidate Janice Mitchell Mintz for State Committeewoman."
"I am especially pleased to announce the County Committee's choices for the office of Mercer County Freeholder: Cindy Randazzo, Joe D'Angelo and Russell Wojtenko, Jr. are ready, willing and able to bring responsible, accountable and balanced government back to Mercer County", stated Chairman Wesley.
"Cindy Randazzo, who ran last year for the unexpired County Freeholder term, is an excellent choice. Randazzo is a resident of Princeton Township. She and her husband Jim are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters. She is a successful business woman, who has dedicated much of her life to serving the local community as a member of the Junior Achievement Board, former basketball coach and Girl Scout leader. Randazzo also serves on the Princeton Education Foundation and with the Princeton Newcomers at the YWCA. An accomplished equestrian, Randazzo is a member of the Greater Mercer Ride Program", stated Chairman Wesley.
Randazzo added "Now more than ever we see the need for a change in the way that Mercer County does business. Years of one party rule have led us into dire straits - layoffs, furloughs and reports that the County is 'broke'. Mercer County needs Freeholders who can and will say no to the Administration. If elected, I will work to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is used effectively. I understand that in these tough economic times MercerCounty needs Freeholders who answer to the people not their party. I look forward to a clean campaign were my opponents and I can discuss their records and the issues facing Mercer County."
"Joe D'Angelo, a lifelong Mercer County resident, is also an experienced candidate who brings unbounded energy and enthusiasm to the slate. Joe and his wife Patrice make HamiltonTownship their home. D'Angelo is a former member of the Board of Directors of Neighborhood Housing Services, who helped many local residents to achieve the dream of home ownership. Joe D'Angelo has a long history of working to better his community having previously worked with many local agencies including Capitol South, The United Way, Catholic Charities, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and Trinity Area Soup Kitchen. D'Angelo is also former Vice President of the Hamilton Rotary," stated Chairman Wesley.
D'Angelo added "The Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders holds the purse strings. The most important responsibility of the Freeholder Board is the adoption of the County budget. For the past five years, the all Democrat Board has failed in their responsibilities to the people of Mercer County. Instead of being watchdogs, they have acquiesced to nearly every single demand of the County Executive. This is not the time for quick fixes and band aid solutions. Fundamental change is needed. I am excited to have this opportunity. I look forward to an energetic campaign and meeting as many residents as possible. Mercer County's concerns are my concerns, and I hope to be able to bring balance and a positive approach to MercerCounty government."
"Russell Wojtenko, Jr. completes our outstanding Freeholder slate. Wojtenko is an accomplished attorney certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney. Wojtenko is a lifelong New Jersey resident and graduate of Rutgers University and Fordham University School of Law. He and his wife, Helen, live in West Windsor with their three children. Wojtenko is a member of the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance and Friends of West Windsor Open Space. He was appointed by the Governor as the Vice Chair of the Board Trustees of the Ann Klein Forensic Center. Wojtenko is a small business owner and also serves as an alternate municipal prosecutor," stated Chairman Wesley.
Wojtenko added, "I look forward to a positive issued based campaign. If elected, I want to use my legal and business skills to improve the quality of life in Mercer County. My opponents must answer to the people that elected them. It is time to put away the rubber stamps and bring out the red pens. Balancing the budget is the single most important function of the Freeholder Board. Not one single taxpayer dollar gets spent without the Freeholder Board's express approval. We need to get back to basic balanced government in Mercer County."
"Insanity has been defined as doing the same thing over and over expecting a change. Mercer County is 'broke". Layoffs, furloughs and rising taxes are what years of one party Democrat control have brought us. I believe that Mercer voters are ready to make a change. People are sick and tired of the same excuses and politicians continuously reaching into their pockets year after year. This year we can stop the madness and create a government that represents everyone and is responsible and accountable to all," stated Chairman Wesley.
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Mercer County Republican Committee
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Roy Wesley, Chairman
(908) 930-7494
MercerGOP.com
GOP DEMANDS LARKIN RESIGN OR GIVE UP DOUBLE DIPPING PENSION
March 24, 2009, Hamilton, NJ-
GOP Chairman Roy Wesley outlined one of the more expensive practices of the Hughes Administration and demanded Sheriff Kevin Larkin either retire or give up his double dipping.
"Brian Hughes claims that the County is not broke, but he and the all Democrat Freeholder Board are threatening to layoff County employees anyway. What County Executive Hughes and the Freeholder Board have failed to do is to set an example by stopping the double dipping by Sheriff Kevin Larkin, before even thinking about laying off hardworking county employee to balance the budget. It is the height of arrogance to take away the jobs of the hard working rank and file county employees but allow your political friends to take every advantage that the system has to offer. Obviously, our Democrat controlled county government isn't broke, as long as the taxpayer's pockets can be reached into to pay for the advantages provided to the politically connected," stated Wesley.
"Kevin Larkin retired as Sheriff under the Police and Fire pension system on January 1, 2009. He collects an $85,000 plus pension. He also still collects his $129,364 salary as Mercer County Sheriff. Why are we paying for his retirement from the same job that we are paying his salary for now? The Hughes Administration signed off on his retirement, and Brian Hughes signs every single paycheck that Kevin Larkin gets," advised Wesley.
"Kevin Larkin also got a large lump sum payment to 'buyback' his unused sick and vacation time after his shadow retirement. These feckless financial practices at the County are at the expense of every single one of us who pay county taxes. It is outrageous that the political bosses, without challenge from our elected representatives on the all Democrat Freeholder Board, are allowed to go to such lengths to take care of their own at the expense of the taxpayers and the hard working rank and file employees who may now end up out on the street. Where is the oversight these Freeholders are suppose to provide to prevent this type of abuse? Sheriff Larkin should either retire or stop his double dipping immediately, and the Freeholder Board should immediately investigate to ensure such practices are banded from county government now and in the future," stated Chairman Wesley.
"It is time that our elected leaders and the all Democrat county government are held accountable for their actions. I hope that Brain Hughes, Kevin Larkin and their friends on the all Democrat Freeholder board will explain their actions to the rest of us and tell us why we should have to pay higher taxes to pay for this clearly abusive practice. This time the public deserves to hear directly from the Democrats who hold office and are responsible for these actions and not their Democrat party boss Rich McClellan."
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Mercer County Republican Committee
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Roy Wesley, Chairman
(908) 930-7494
MercerGOP.com
GOP PROVIDES BUDGET SOLUTIONS
March 12, 2009,Hamilton, NJ-
Mercer County GOP Chair Roy Wesley came out with several suggestions for the all Democrat controlled County government which is reportedly broke..
"Sound fiscal planning is not rocket science. Just like the rest of us our Mercer County politicians need to curtail their spending in these tough economic times. The taxpayer funded gravy train has got to come to a halt," stated Wesley.
"The elected leaders at the County have told us we are broke. They say that we may have to cut services and hard working public employees will be forced to forgo their paychecks- that is absolutely ridiculous," added Wesley.
"We believe that there are solutions for the County's budget issues. Specifically, every single County department needs to submit a udget that is slashed by ten percent. If the department budgets cannot be cut then the department heads should report why at a public meeting. Second, when he was a Freeholder Brian Hughes insisted that there was no need for a Chief of Staff. He should take his own advice and remove his $140,000 plus Chief of Staff. Third, as suggested in the past unless and until a real benefit can be shown from the Inspector General then that position should be eliminated. Fourth, all County vehicles should be reserved for county business only. Personal use of county vehicles should be strictly prohibited. Fifth, the people should be able to get their answers from the people who are elected to hold office. There is absolutely no reason that County Executive Hughes needs two spokespeople, Peter Daly and Julie Wilmont, especially when party boss Rich McClellan seemingly does all his talking for him. Now more than ever the taxpayers deserve to hear the answers from their elected officials not political mouthpieces."
"Finally, before the rank and file hardworking public employee families are forced to suffer furloughs and/or layoffs, all politically appointed employees should take a voluntary three day furlough and all employees receiving another publically funded pension in addition to their county salary should take a five day furlough."
"These simple suggestions are a good start to finally providing responsible and accountable County government. It is time to put away the rubber stamp and pick up the red pen. I hope that the County leadership has the courage to do what's right and say no to the political bosses."
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Mercer County Republican Committee
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Roy Wesley, Chairman
(908) 930-7494
MercerGOP.com
COUNTY SHOULD NOT BE BROKE
Hamilton , NJ, March 7, 2009-
Mercer County GOP Chairman Roy Wesley pointed to recent headlines regarding the county's budget deficit for this year and next and the possible layoff of employees as a result, as further evidence of the need for bipartisan representation in Mercer County government. He released the following statement:
"Clearly one party rule is not good for Mercer County. And, it is not good for our taxpayers or county workers either. It is an outrage and an absolute scandal that Mercer County along with the State of New Jersey cannot pay its bills and may have to lay off employees, because Democrats cannot control their urge to spend taxpayer dollars or keep taxes low enough to keep taxpayers from leaving both the county and the state!
"If Republican Freeholders had been elected to the board last year, we would not be 'broke' this year and county employees wouldn't have to worry about possible furloughs, pay freezes and downsized heath benefits. County finances would have gotten the attention, oversight and due diligence that only a Freeholder Board with Republicans as well as Democrats on it could have delivered. It's not rocket science! We need freeholders from both parties on the Board to keep taxes low and spending under control, so that taxpayers stay in our county and our county workers do not find themselves out on the street!
"Instead, the all Democrat freeholder board and the Democrat County Executive will dutifully tell us that county government is the victim of the economy, lament the continued outmigration of our taxpaying citizens to other states, and pray for a handout from Washington, where a Democrat Congress and President are working feverishly to see who can raise our taxes and spend our hard-earned tax dollars faster!
"Our County Executive Brian Hughes says, 'I see people leaving Mercer County every day, working over here , going to live in Pennsylvania..'. Well, shouldn't the all Democrat Freeholder board being asking why? Our county executive also says, 'My feeling is every time you raise those property taxes, somebody else is going to decide to pull up stakes.' So, what is the all Democrat Freeholder Board going to do about that? For that matter, what is he doing about it other than tell us there will likely be a tax increase?
"Sadly, none of this helps those who are now in line to be one of the 75 to 125 employees who may be laid off or lose benefits or the taxpayers of Mercer County, many of whom are seniors on fixed incomes, who may face a property tax increase in tough economic time, in order to offset a $20 million deficit this year and a $23 million deficit next year -- deficits we would not be facing if our tax base was not being siphoned off by states like Pennsylvania that have figured out that lower taxes generate more jobs and revenue in the long-run.
Rest assured it is not the rank and file public servants who are breaking the bank. And, it is not the local municipalities in Mercer County sharing services to economize and save taxpayers money that are the problem, either. It is the bloated salaries of the political appointees and contractors brought on by our all Democrat freeholder board and our Democrat County Executive with salaries significantly higher than those they replaced during the good times when nobody was watching. Will they see their salaries cut, be laid off or lose benefits or will it only be those employees at the lower end of the salary scale, who live paycheck to paycheck and may lose their homes if they lose their jobs?
"County Executive Bob Prunetti left Mercer County in great financial shape with a healthy surplus. When the Democrats took total control in 2004, the County was vibrant. Numerous projects had been initiated and completed and more were being contemplated. In five years since the one party rule started, Mercer County has not seen one major project undertaken. The inexcusable delay in beginning the County Courthouse construction will cost our taxpayers more money than needed to be spent. We have given away any additional profits that could have been realized from leasing the Trenton Thunder stadium. All bad decisions, rubber stamped by the all Democrat Freeholder Board. Bad decisions that would have been avoided, saving taxpayers money and county workers their jobs, had there been Republicans as well as Democrats on the Freeholder Board!
"In all of the years that the GOP held a seat or seats in Mercer County government; we had a good government, accountable to the taxpayer. Now we have a government with no checks and balances. This November Mercer County will have a chance to return to good government by choosing to bring back bipartisan representation to the Freeholder Board."
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Mercer County Republican Committee
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Roy Wesley, Chairman
(908) 930-7494
MercerGOP.com
GOP CHAIR SEEKS CANDIDATES
Hamilton, NJ, February 24, 2009 -
Mercer County Republican Committee Chairman Roy Wesley announced today that the Mercer County Republican Committee is seeking candidates for the office of Mercer County Freeholder. "Running for public office is the best way to ensure that your voice will be heard in New Jersey, especially at the county level." And, it may be the only way to change the way government does business in New Jersey, where out of control spending and taxing is driving away businesses and taxpayers alike," he said.
Chairman Wesley added, "Freeholders should be the watchdogs of the County government. In these difficult economic times, the public must have the opportunity to vote for candidates who are champions of fiscal responsibility and government accountability and will bring an end to one party rule and rubber stamp government, which Mercer County residents do not want and can no longer afford!"
Anyone interested in running for state or municipal office in Mercer County can contact the Mercer County Republican Committee, as well. Chairman Wesley noted, "Everybody talks about change, but only by electing candidates who believe in responsible, open and accountable government will voters get the change they want and deserve. Those who run for public office in Mercer County this November, whether it is for the New Jersey State Assembly, the Mercer County Freeholder Board, or their local township committee or town council can make a real difference in the war against government corruption and waste and out of control spending and taxation, a war none of us can afford to lose!"
Interested parties can contact the Chairman at (609) 838-1938 or by email at mercergop@aol.com.
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