COURT HOUSE — Republican Freeholder Gerald Thornton sent letters and e-mails to nearly 250 Republican committee members Feb. 27 in a bid to win votes in the upcoming March 15 organizational meeting to win the party’s endorsement for reelection.
Two seats are up for election in November, those of Ralph Bakley Sr. and Thornton.
Thornton, of Court House, has served nearly 26 years on the board in two segments, he was director twice.
Last week, the four other freeholders and the county’s constitutional officers, clerk, surrogate and sheriff, issued a release supporting reelection of Freeholder Ralph Bakley Sr. and election of Ocean City resident John McCann.
A week prior to that, on stationary of New Direction for New Jersey, a release said Norris Clark, Matthew Buesing and Brian Sciarra supported Bakley and McCann for two of three freeholder seats.
Bakley, Thornton and McCann submitted letters of interest to county GOP Leader David Von Savage.
Following is the text of Thornton’s letter:
“As you are aware, after many years of dedicated and loyal service to the County of Cape May and the Republican Organization, a well orchestrated effort led by a few men is underway to remove me.
“I was elected to represent you and the citizens of Cape May County to the best of my ability. I have always followed my conscience and pursued a course that I believed was in the best interest of the people of Cape May County. Sometimes this approach has conflicted with the narrow political interests of those who are now trying to get rid of me.
“As an example, I was the only freeholder who took a public position against the county saddling the taxpayers of Cape May County with the Beesley’s Point Bridge. Of course the bridge should be open. But, this is an 80-year-old bridge, located on a state highway, that is seriously deteriorating and which had been closed for approximately four years due to unsafe conditions.
“Over my objections, the county accepted the estimate of the state and the owners that we could repair the bridge for $20 million dollars and cover the cost with tolls.
“After a year of owning the closed bridge, the county completed a taxpayer funded study which has revealed that the cost to repair the bridge will be $32 million plus. An article in the local paper last week quoted a county official as stating that the tolls would not cover the cost of these repairs as previously thought. Now, public opinion is moving against this fiscally reckless plan. Without an independent voice on the Freeholder Board, you are not well represented.
“I cannot be an automated “yes” vote. While our county has received awards for being well run, and I have been a hard working part of that effort for many years, I cannot ignore the commitment and hard work of fellow Republicans in favor of back room deals and the political sabotage of our own candidates. Especially when, like the bridge deal, it hurts the taxpayers of Cape May County.
“We have an opportunity in this process to send a clear message to those who believe our Party is their own play toy. We have a chance to push back against the forces in our own ranks that have put their own self interest ahead of the interests of all of us who have been loyal to the cause. There is no threat and no promise that should be enough for any of us to sacrifice our principles. I certainly have not sacrificed mine.
“I hope that you will consider hard work, dedication and loyalty an asset, not a liability and I respectfully ask that you consider giving me your continued support when you cast your preference vote.”
Contact Campbell at (609) 886-8600 Ext 28 or at: al.c@cmcherald.com
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
