Thornton Responds to GOP Chairman Von Savage’s Statement

COURT HOUSE — Freeholder Gerald Thornton on Friday, March 26 issued the following in response to County Republican Chairman David Von Savage’s statement earlier this week regarding the party’s endorsement of Ralph Bakley Sr. for reelection and John McCann for election as freeholder in November.
“While I am reluctant to respond to the nonsensical press release issued this week by Cape May County Regular Republican Chairman David Von Savage, given the disparaging attacks and inaccuracies of his statement, I feel I must.
“If David Von Savage wants to talk about the need for new leadership, he needs to look in the mirror. The main reason there is now a growing split in the CMCRRO is because of Mr. Von Savage’s complete lack of leadership. He has not built the Republican organization since he took over in 1996. He has driven away anyone who showed real talent. He has surrounded himself with three “yes” men who are taking orders from him and others and ruining the Republican Party in Cape May County. He and his “New Direction” friends have been exposed and Republicans are outraged and disenchanted.
“Mr. Von Savage’s tactics in securing a slim majority of the Republican Committee men and women at the recent preference vote to back his pre-selected candidates for Board of Chosen Freeholders was reportedly dishonest and intimidating. People should not be afraid to speak their minds and vote for what and who they believe in.
“I and others have repeatedly suggested the use of a voting machine so that our Committee People could vote without intimidation. This has not happened because those few men who are holding the CMCRRO hostage are not interested in democracy, only control. There has been an undercurrent of fear in the organization for quite some time and it must end. Members of the Republican Organization understand loyalty, integrity and honesty – qualities which are nonexistent among the current Chairman and his cohort. I and many others want to restore these qualities to our Republican Party in Cape May County.
“Mr. Von Savage claimed in his statement that I had looked for another position in the past. This is just a misrepresentation. The positions he mentions were offered to me, not any that I was seeking. Mr. Von Savage’s selective memory omits the fact that my interest in the County Clerk’s position was generated by his disparaging comments, at that time, about Mrs. Rita Fulginiti. I have always supported Rita, and have been loyal to her over the years.
“To set the record straight, contrary to Mr. Von Savage’s misinformation efforts, I have served a total of 26 years on the Board of Chosen Freeholders since 1976. I have brought and continue to bring new thinking to the Board. My independence has always been apparent and respected by all of the members I have served with, until now. This Board has stifled freedom of thought, speech and transparency at every turn in order to further the narrow self-interests of Mr. Von Savage and his friends.
“As the Director of Health and Human Services, I have been instrumental in creating many innovative and quality programs that serve the residents of this county – our seniors, veterans, families and those in need.
“In the upcoming campaign, I will highlight areas where, with proper leadership, the Board of Chosen Freeholders could have better served the people of Cape May County. I will show clearly the ways I have promoted lowering taxes and making government more efficient.
“Mr. Von Savage refers to my “lack of enthusiasm and leadership.” There is no lack of enthusiasm or leadership on my part. If there was, I would not have been the only Freeholder to publicly oppose the purchase of the 80-year-old decaying Beesley’s Point Bridge, which will be a burden on the taxpayers for years to come. Of course that bridge should be open and should have been maintained by the millionaire, private owners or paid for by the State. Perhaps Mr. Von Savage’s idea of leadership is four Freeholders voting to purchase, for $1, the Beesley’s Point Bridge!!! That $1 expenditure is now a $32 million repair bill that our grandchildren will be paying for. How’s that for a great deal?
“I have been recently questioned by many regarding who I would support if I run in the Primary or the General Election. I have made it absolutely clear that I will strongly support Congressman LoBiondo and, although I am disappointed in Mrs. Fulginiti’s position in this process, I understand the pressure and difficulty that she is experiencing; I will continue to support her in her re-election.
“It is very clear, however, that Cape May County Republicans have lost their enthusiasm for Mr. Von Savage due to his utter lack of leadership. In the coming months, I fully expect the Republicans in Cape May County to rise up and reject the tactics employed by David Von Savage and his “Wrong Direction” comrades. A new day is about to dawn for Cape May County Republicans and all of Cape May County’s citizens.”