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: I'm surprised that they didn't mention Uncle Harvey having the answers passed to him...

: : SECOND DEBATE AS USEFUL AS THE FIRST

: : Urban Times News

: : October 8, 2004 - October 14, 2004

: : UTN Staff

: : Jersey City mayoral candidates Louis Manzo, Willie Flood, L. Harvey Smith, Jeremiah Healy, Steve Lipski, Alfred Marc Pine and Hilario Nunez Jr. attended a mayoral forum hosted by Jersey City Lesbian and Gay Outreach (JCLGO) organization at St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church , 85 Wayne St., Jersey City. Graciously hosted by Pastor Gladys Moore, the event was scheduled for a 7:30pm start. Constituents gathered in the basement vestibule and fellowshipped while awaiting candidates detained by the city council meeting (and the historic designation for the Warehouse District that would help save the residents of 111 First St.) now a priority as votes are needed and the election draws near.

: : Ms. Flood was the first to arrive and awaited the other candidates. Pastor Moore greeted her making small talk that revealed a mounting annoyance with the circumstances. This particular constituency feels slighted in much of every day politics as the issues often ignore the observance of their basic rights. As was murmured in the crowd, the voters would blackball a no-show at this venue. At 8:00 they filed upstairs to take their seats in the church. Willie Flood was the first to arrive (on time) and waited patiently for the others. Lesser known candidates, Alfred Marc Pine and Hilario Nunez Jr., also arrived before those detained by the Council Meeting. They introduced themselves to the audience and made some opening statements as Lipski arrived. Lipski made opening comments, confident because his assistant was in the organization and comfortable before the crowd. He quickly grabbed some glory for the designation vote and stated his case like the others. The platforms continued as Manzo, Smith and Healy also made their entrances. Smith shook all hands but Ms. Flood's as he sat, while Healy simply faded into the crowd of candidates.

: : The JCLGO is a political and social organization representing the causes and interests of its Jersey City gay, lesbian, trans-gender, and b1sexual constituency. The organization is especially earnest in its political motivations this year given the recent events with governor McGreevy as well as the Bush position on a constitutional denial of gay rights. While their issues are specific the consequences are far-reaching. Infringement upon their rights is only a precursor to infringement upon other basic liberties for all of us. The issue with these debates however was that the reassurances sought by the questions were rendered mute in a town where 55% of voters support Governor McGreevy, don't think his resignation was motivated by this sexual preference, and would support pro-gay legislation. In effect the candidates had the basic sense to acknowledge human rights.

: : On city issues everyone had something to say but no one seemed to be saying anything different. Ms. Flood's comments were limited and her time was shortened by a previously scheduled engagement, so she left about midway through the forum. Smith, Healy, and Lipski took turns claiming credit and regurgitating key points that have played well in Council Chambers. While Mr. Smith had planted a very obvious cadre of loyal city employees in the middle of the audience, they overplayed their hand when the crowd noticed that they clapped before Smith had said anything. Later the moderator would ask for no reaction to the answers to neutralize the political gamesmanship, but the Harveyites had other instructions.

: : The unknowns made themselves heard by radically criticizing current policy and espousing personal issues they'd like to see corrected. Mr. Manzo seemed at ease with the crowd but did not galvanize support any more effectively than the others. All in all, there was no incentive to change one's mind, about whomever they had originally considered.

: : Earlier in the day, candidate Ron Buonocore, whose residency was challenged in court, had his case thrown out. With his ineligibility confirmed, Buonocore is out of the race, and perhaps a job as well. The less than forgiving Acting Mayor has made no indication that he will remove his appointee, Acting Police Chief Lieutenant Robert Blake. The remaining candidates have already chosen their positions on the ballot.


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