The Spoils of Monmouth

Millions of dollars in jobs and contracts are at stake now that the Democratic party is preparing to take control of Monmouth County's government for the first time in 23 years.

In remarks to the Asbury Park Press published on Sunday, Democratic Freeholders Barbara McMorrow and John D'Amico acknowledged that while there will be changes, that the good of the county residents, not partisanship, will guide their hiring and firing policies.

That would be nice, and let's hope it happens. But even if McMorrow and D'Amico mean it, there will be a great deal of partisan pressure on them to reward cronies and contributors from throughout the state.

MoreMonmouthMusings has learned that during the provisional vote count, the Democrats were represented predominantly by Trenton heavy hitters.

The Executive Director of the State Democratic Party, Robert Angelo, was present for most of the provisional vote count. As was Paul Josephson, Jim McGreevey's former counsel and the Obama campaign's NJ counsel. Jersey City attorney Bill Northgrave, the Democratic state committee's counsel (and Matawan bond counsel)also spent quite a bit of time watching the provisional votes be counted.

Obviously, the Trenton Democrats wanted this one badly. They bought it with their funding of the campaign and now they will want to get what they paid for: Jobs and contracts.

County Democratic spokesman Mike Mangan has taken a lot of heat for his remarks calling for the current Republican majority not to "burrow" employees, consultants or attorneys, i.e. give them jobs or appointments now that he or his friends might get when the Democrats take over in January. The APP has made hay of Mangan's remarks and Freeholder Director Lillian Burry called Mangan's comments counterproductive. Burry said no such plans are in the works. McMorrow's and D'Amico's comments to the press that changes would be made for the good of the county residents, not based on partisanship, are an obvious spin to mitigate the reaction to Mangan's remarks.

Well, let me come to the defense of Mike Mangan. He makes a good point that Republicans and Democrats alike should listen to. County residents will be well served if those with the power of the purse heed his advise.

Just as the Republicans should not burrow their cronies into long term jobs now, the Democrats should not make appointments for longer than one year. After all, control is at stake again next year, and the year after that.

Good idea, don't you think so Mike?