The Slimy Side of Millville

2 December 2009 @ 19:38 | Posted in » New Jersey, Politics

When I prepared to go away to school I recall my father telling me how I would meet people there with whom I would associate the rest of my life. It was my parents’ opinion that the students of the school we selected would be good influences upon me. Thus, they would be good company.

We judge folks all the time by the company they keep. All one has to do is join Millville First to see how this works. As soon as one does Mark Krull, slappythedoorman, or the many other pseudonyms he uses, will decry how pathetic one is. Just look at Krull’s initial comment on this post. It does support his previous claim that most who participate on the Daily Journal fora are negative.

Obviously, we judge those by the company they keep.

Lou Magazzu is a known liar. Besides lying to me, he has raised taxes on all property owners during his reign, created a one-party rule, and so ostracized members of his own party that some mounted a run against him. He even raised cash from those who do business with the county for his personal desires. During the most recent county election, several folks pointed out that the Democratic slate of candidates were suspect just because they willingly decided to run with Lou Magazzu.

I wrote in October:

She [Lauren Van Embden, Democratic County Clerk candidate] has willingly associated herself with a man who has lied directly to me, a man who is embattled in controversy for taking money from those who do business with the county for his own personal gain, and a man who declared war on county residents.

Folks popped out all over the place to point out that Van Embden was independent of Lou Magazzu; it was merely coincidence they are of the same political party. Van Embden is restoring the Levoy Theatre. Van Embden performs with the Off Broad Street Players. Van Embden is in the women’s club. Yet, there she was on video with Magazzu. At the racetrack with Magazzu. Defending Magazzu publicly.

Fortunately for Cumberland County residents, change for change’s sake was dismissed as Van Embden lost her bid to replace the county clerk. That election took place 29 days ago. Van Embden has kept busy since her entry into politics. The Daily Journal has featured her at least twice sprucing up The Levoy Theatre. But they missed Van Embden’s real story.

Independent of Lou Magazzu (wink wink, nod nod), Van Embden who was poised to overhaul the county clerk’s office less than a month ago, has secured the Millville prosecutor’s job.

It is rather incredulous, but Magazzu has declared he had nothing to do with this move.

Asked to respond to Swift’s allegation [that Magazzu orchestrated Swift's ouster to move Van Embden in], Magazzu said ousting Swift would “not be worth taking the time out of my busy schedule.

Obviously, Magazzu is to be believed.

So how did Van Embden get the job?

Millville City Commissioner James Quinn nominated her last evening. He stated that she would be the first woman prosecutor in Millville’s history. Then he added that she is “bright, talented, articulate.” But Quinn contends nominating her is not political.

Quinn even stated that Van Embden “may not be as great as Brock Russell” [Millville's current prosecutor].

Huh? Quinn admits his nominee is not as great as the current prosecutor, but that her appointment is not political.

Obviously, we need to believe the venerable Commissioner Quinn.

Millville citizens also need to dismiss the rumors that Magazzu has promised a county job to Quinn. Jim Swift was quoted as saying as much.

“I’ve been a vocal opponent of the county Democrats and specifically of Freeholder Director Lou Magazzu, and we’ll see in the future if commissioners Quinn and Finch later receive jobs on the county payroll as payment for their votes.”

Again, how did Van Embden get the job?

It is painfully obvious that neither Magazzu or Quinn are credible on this. Once a public servant has lost credibility, it is time to remove him from office. Just ask Robert Torricelli.

But more problematic is Lauren Van Embden. Young lady, the company you have kept will weigh you down. No longer can one pass you off as not entrenched in Cumberland County politics. You have cozied up with Lou Magazzu. He delivered for you. Jim Quinn took one on the chin last evening for you, all the while looking the fool.

As for Millville taxpayers, our new prosecutor is a novice, yet she is politically connected controlling $4.5 million of tax dollars for her pet project.

Welcome to the slimy side, Ms. Van Embden.