to the editor:

Regarding your article "Independent Switches Sides," (page 1, April 18 edition) let me state that, for the record, that I haven’t. I’ve been and continue to be opposed to our local Democrat government.

My voting record shows I have been a life-long Democrat. I joined the Independent Coalition for a Better Edgewater, which consists of members from all political parties, as a Democrat. When I first ran for office I re-registered as an independent. However, a couple of years ago, the state of New Jersey stopped recognizing independents, and now those trying to register as independents are designed "unaffiliated." That is what my voter registration has shown.

I decided to re-register as a Democrat this year and run against local Democrats in the primary because I feel I will have a better chance at making a difference. That is why I run and why I serve.

Denis Gallagher
Indepndent councilman
Democratic candidate for council

Gallagher brings a ’touch of class’ to local politics

to the editor:

It’s several months away from election night and already the mudslinging is starting

Someone posted the question of what is more corrupt than a politician who hurls slanderous allegations at the Democratic Party and then changes his party affiliation to join them on an online message board

Well, I do not know Denis Gallagher personally, I have only run into him during campaigns and occasionally at the post office. He is one of the few individuals elected or running for election that I did not feel like I had to wash the slime of my hands or count my fingers after shaking hands.

Every time I run to catch the 158 bus in Port Authority and see the lines for the other gates I thank Mr. Gallagher for gathering the signatures that got more buses on our route.

In my opinion Mr. Gallagher brings a touch of class to Edgewater politics.

Norman Villatoro
Edgewater

Residents can expect more personal attacks

to the editor:

I find it interesting that ex-councilwoman Maureen Holtje chose to make personal attacks, rather than discuss the issues that affect Edgewater residents in a recent story ("Independent Switches Sides," page 1 April 18). Does Ms. Holtje really believe that residents care more about party affiliation than rising taxes, congested roadways, and overdevelopment?

It is not surprising that Ms. Holtje chooses to deflect the issues. One only has to look at her abysmal record as a councilwoman to see why. During her three years as councilwoman Ms. Holtje’s main focus was stifling the public’s right to speak during public meetings, this included but was not limited to the introduction of legislature that would restrict the public’s ability to speak to three minutes, one time a month.

Edgewater residents should be forewarned that we can expect Ms. Holtje to continue to engage in the politics of personal destruction during the upcoming campaign, instead of focusing on the issues.

Valory Bardinas
Edgewater

Democratic process is alive and well here

to the editor:

I would like to comment on ex-Councilwoman Maureen Holtje’s comments on her running again for council. Her entire "platform" seems to be that Denis Gallagher should not be running as a Democrat. For some reason she seems to think that only she should have a lock hold on that political designation.

I do not see where it is written that someone who is independent cannot also be Democratic. It is the State of New Jersey that has emasculated anyone who had the designation of "independent" to now be "unaffiliated."

In this president election year it is very refreshing to see that the Democratic Party should have two candidates vying to be their part’s presidential candidate. It certainly makes the average citizen more aware of the process of choosing a candidate.

And in America that is what we are most proud of and what we fight wars about and why our young men die in them – freedom of choice. I am proud that the democratic process is alive and well and living in Edgwater.

Mary Hogan
Edgewater

Principles have not changed

To the Editor:

This is in response to the "Independent Switches Sides" article in the April 18 Edgewater View and the quotes of some of the candidates you interviewed. Let me make one thing clear: Denis Gallagher and I have changed our party affiliations, not our principles. It’s our right as Americans. Regarding Maureen Holtje’s comments about Mr. Gallagher, I can vouch 100 percent for his integrity, I commend him for his long history of service to the town, and I am proud to have him as my running mate for council on the Real Bergen Democrats ticket.

We would like this campaign to focus on issues. The Democratic Party has historically been an inclusive organization that accommodates disparate viewpoints, including those associated with independents. The Bergen County Democratic Organization (BCDO) does not own it.

Indeed, Edgewater’s Democrats have strayed far from the party of Thomas Jefferson and now more closely resemble the party of Dick Cheney. It’s time they were brought back to their roots. The following are some other issues I have with the BCDO Democrats and their candidate, Maureen Holtje.

Their endangering people by allowing housing, recreation, and office space on contaminated land and in buildings with glaring safety violations.

Their stocking the borough's professional positions with campaign contributors and pliant, unqualified people.

Their not addressing state-mandated affordable housing obligations until their back was pushed against the wall.

Their complicity in an increasingly treeless "Tree City."

Their allowing the Palisades to be destroyed.

Their whistling while residents' basements flood from ever-increasing runoff.

Their abruptly adjourning council meetings, and other procedural maneuvers so that they don't have to listen to the opposition.

Their well-documented effort to discourage public participation at council meetings.

Their $10 ferry and the expensive infrastructure to support it.

I could go on. After being voted out of office last year, Holtje should spend less time worrying about her fellow Democrats’ former political affiliations and more time worrying about whether she and her running mate appeal to voters.

Regarding affiliation, in recent years there has been a confluence of events. First, New Jersey has marginalized independents in the election process, even legislating away the term "independent." The legal term is now "unaffiliated."

Second, there has been an ongoing effort to reform government in Bergen County at both the municipal and county levels. It has had success despite the vast resources the BCDO machine threw against it. The people involved in this effort are Democrats, who challenge the system from within. We share common values and I am throwing in my lot with them.

Please vote the entire Real Bergen Democrats ticket on June 3, top to bottom.

Michael Trachtenberg
Democratic Council Candidate
Edgewater