Mayor Called Out For Smear Campaign

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Mayor Called Out For Smear Campaign

The owner of Key Auto Body, a business that has been in Matawan for generations, stepped up to the podium at the last council meeting to question Mayor Buccellato on his statements made to the press regarding payments made for emergency services. Not surprisingly, the mayor tried to blame the newspapers and his lack of control over what they print for the amounts reported. When pressed for a retraction, the mayor refused. He doesn’t do that. It seems he doesn’t mind being misquoted when it smears a legitimate business and discourages Democrats who work locally to run for council.

When he ran out of excuses he tried his old diversion trick. He couldn’t offer a valid reason for smearing a Democratic councilman at the expense of a Matawan business so he decided to continue his mudslinging by bringing up the councilman’s compensation package. Councilman Mendes has enrolled in the Borough health benefits plan, an option open to all elected officials. The Mayor was armed with this information but he failed to mention any previous elected officials who have been enrolled in the plan. He left out all the Republicans who have ever been enrolled in the plan. Has the mayor ever been enrolled during his reign of destruction? This information was not made available to the public, through the press or otherwise.

In a strange twist, the Mayor said he carries the information on Councilman Mendes in his car. You have to wonder why this would be necessary. Mayor Buccellato, where do you lock up all the information on the Republicans? Can these records still be found at Borough Hall? This shameless attempt to turn the issue of Buccellato’s smear campaign against a Matawan business into a ridiculous episode of finger-pointing and name-calling is a clear indication of this mayor’s lack of leadership ability. When given a choice, he opts for conflict between the parties. There is never an expression of appreciation only open signs of hostility. Matawan voters made their choice and they deserve more respect and less contempt.

Mayor, it is time to take the high road. There is less traffic and Matawan needs direction. Concentrate on what will make Matawan better; leave these petty attacks behind you. Matawan has been a wonderful town to live in, to raise a family in and to work in. Since you have been involved in local politics the downward spiral is apparent everywhere we look. Councilman Mendes was elected by the people of Matawan to serve the borough, please respect the wishes of the residents who elected him and get down to the business of running the town.

The residents elected a bi-partisan council and you should abide by the decision of the voters. Enough of these petty attacks; start the process of progress in Matawan. Reverse the downward spiral that has started with your involvement in Matawan politics. The residents have elected six intelligent council people so please stop the sabotage and start rebuilding the town.