Just when I was getting used to writing 2011, things will change and a new number will take its place. Seems like only yesterday it was 2010 and we were faced with the same dilemma.
Looking back over the last 12 months, there are a few notable events to consider as we forge into the new 365 days. Among them was the political earthquake, followed by the partisan tsunami of Republicans wresting control of local governing bodies in Dennis and Middle Township. That odd sound is a legion or two of stalwart departed Dems rolling over in their graves, but hey, it’s a new day, baby.
It wasn’t truly “wresting,” because that means to pull away forcibly, which we know wasn’t the case. It was more of a party implosion, and Republicans were the ones left standing after the fall. I’m still figuring whether to wish the soon-to-be solons well or extend condolences. They’ll find out soon enough all that glitters isn’t necessarily gold. When the phones start ringing at inopportune moments they’ll have begun to realize just how much fun it is to be an elected official.
Whoever assumes control of remnants of the Cape May County Democratic Party has a full-time job ahead in 2012. Hopefully the rank and file will rally and regroup. Secretly, even the Republicans hope for a resurgence of the party of Roosevelt, Kennedy and Johnson. At least that would give a semblance of a choice during elections, something lacking last year on the county level. Little do many party faithful realize there are posts that must be given to equalize boards, among them the Board of Elections to cite one. So there is good cause to bolster the failing ranks with some good people.
Of course the sun will rise and set without a D or R being present, so we’ll let that one sit on the back burner.
We learned a lot about ourselves when a nasty windstorm, (when it arrived on our shores) was the remnant of a hurricane that cleared this peninsula in record time. We learned that recalcitrants must keep a handy pack of index cards along with flashlights and bottled water. That’s so they can tuck one inside their shoe with name and next of kin when the next storm takes aim. That chiding was from our county emergency management director, long to be immortalized for that directive. I have mine, how about you?
We also learned that when an evacuation is ordered, someone ought to make prior arrangements so there is enough gasoline to fuel vehicles that are fleeing our pleasant shores.
Poor old ex-governor Jon Corzine was getting raked over the coals for losing a ton of investors’ loot. His furrowed brow wasn’t really about that little blip on the radar screen, it was because one of his prophesies, uttered at the Middle Township Performing Arts Center a few years back, “When pigs fly.”
Remember when he was public enemy number one for wanting to hike tolls on Garden State Parkway. Well, good pals, when the clock sweeps across the 12 on January 1, guess what? That’s right, tolls will rise. So, watch out for flying pigs and think of old Jon as you shell out more to go ‘atraveling on the Parkway.
I’m already counting down the days on my nifty Old Farmer’s Almanac 2012 Appointment Calendar until Memorial Day Weekend. I’m planning a big to-do after Cape May’s new Convention Hall opens. Nothing brings back childhood memories in the Nation’s Oldest Seashore Resort quicker than recalling the entertainment over the ocean in the ancient (gone with the wind in March 1962) Convention Hall. Maybe the new one will make new happy memories. I hope, I need a few smiles to carry me through the summer.
While average bathers will still have to fork over cash to dip in the drink in some resorts, Avalon, Sea Isle City, Stone Harbor to name a few, will provide to active duty service members and their families free tags. That’s a monumental accomplishment. Another, still in the “sausage works” in Trenton is one that would give free beach access to veterans. It’s being introduced by Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1st) at the urging of Rio Grande resident Joe Griffies. Good going, Joe! Will it be law by Veterans Day 2012? We’ll see.
Griffies proves that if an average guy or gal is incensed enough about something, and is relentless in pushing, laws can happen. If only guys like Joe ran and got elected to places like the House of Representatives or the Senate, what a wonderful world this would be.
Thinking of free, what are the odds of The Free Meal Center on Route 9 in Burleigh opening its doors to the county’s hungry in 2012? As a long-time friend recently told me, “If this was Japan, and a tsunami it, they’d be out there on hibachis cooking food for the hungry. What’s up in Cape May County?
Maybe the New Year’s dawning will make it happen.
Speaking of sunshine, as things look brighter when you read this on Dec. 28, consider that, since last week’’s column, days are lengthening. So what if it’s only two minutes, we’re heading in the right direction. Today we have nine hours, seven minutes of daylight. Like debt, the days increase a minute or so, then, voila!, before the end of this month, we’ll have nine hours, nine minutes. As we bid adieu to 2011, the sun will rise at 7:13 a.m. and set at 4:22 p.m.
As long as you see the sun rise, and have a dollar in your pocket, you are truly one of the world’s richest people. Happy New Year!
Wildwood – So Liberals here on spout off, here's a REAL question for you.
Do you think it's appropriate for BLM to call for "Burning down the city" and "Black Vigilantes" because…
