HAMMONTON - Three political parties received permission Monday night to hold a televised debate in Town Hall, but a council-imposed condition disrupted their tenuous cease-fire.
The council voted 7-0 to reserve its meeting room, which holds 190 people, for 7 p.m. Oct. 19 - four Sundays from now, and 16 days before the Nov. 4 election. Three candidates each from the Democrats, the Republicans and the Hammonton First independent bloc are competing for three two-year council terms.
The intersection of politics and governance is murky ethical territory, and the principal players stepped lightly. The campaigns conferred in the parking lot as the meeting began, then made a joint request during the public-comment period.
Three men stood at the podium to represent the campaigns: Sam Mento from the Democrats, Dwight Baldwin from Hammonton First and Vincenzo Penza from the Republicans. They'd had two meetings to painstakingly draw up ground rules for a debate, Penza said, and they plan to have at least one more before the event.
The three Republicans on council, James Bertino, Anthony Marino and Jerry Vitalo, are also the three re-election candidates, and they asked solicitor Brian Howell whether they should vote on the matter. Howell said it seemed OK to do so, and added that he'd want to meet with the campaigns to work out legal details about the debate.
A written agreement between the parties called for 25 seats to be saved for each, with the remainder of the attendance open to people who would clip relevant vouchers from the Hammonton News. However, Councilman Jerry Barberio made a motion to approve the use of the room only if there would be no restrictions on attendance. Two of Barberio's colleagues in Hammonton First's controlling majority, Mayor John DiDonato and Councilman Ed Wuillermin, agreed they'd prefer that approach. None are up for election this year.
But Vitalo is, and he objected to the rule change. What if his rivals' supporters flooded the room well in advance, leaving his family nowhere to sit?
"They could watch it on TV, I guess," Wuillermin replied, to which Vitalo said, "No way."
Vitalo's protest spurred Baldwin to say something the Republicans interpreted as sarcastic.
"Could we rope off a couple rows for Councilman Vitalo's family?" Baldwin said.
"That's not appropriate," Penza replied.
Campaign representatives exited to the lobby after the vote to approve a debate open completely to the public. Democrats and Republicans grumbled that the signed agreement seemed to have been invalidated by the council's condition. Penza complained also that a completely open debate could present a security problem.
"I'm holding him responsible if we get 4,000 people here for this," Penza said of Barberio. Then Baldwin entered the lobby from the meeting, prompting dead silence for several beats before new arguments started.
Despite the dispute over terms, all three sides indicated they'll still take advantage of the permission to use the room. They'll need to pay for costs associated with televising the event, and they're trying to arrange the League of Women Voters to moderate.
E-mail Eric Scott Campbell:
Our main concern is ensuring that there is equal representation for the people of Hammonton. Jerry Barberio, by making his motion, has set up a situation where one political party can block townspeople from the other parties from attending this important event. Any one of the parties or any group of individuals can fill all of the seats in the relatively small chambers of town hall, effectively blocking the rest of the taxpayers and voters from attending this debate. After many hours of discussion in the two meetings held between the two parties, the ticket system was devised to make sure that no one was blocked from attending. Many debates have been done in this same fashion from Presidential all the way down to municipal level. Councilman Barbario has created the very situation he claims he was trying to prevent.
The Hammonton Democratic candidates, Anthony Falcone, Jim Mac Lane, and Mike Perrotta, continue to look forward to this debate and sincerely hope that no political party or group of individuals attempts to stack the room and prevent others from attendance.
I read the paper today. I just want to say what a piece of garbbage Vinchenzo Penza is.
This kid, who never lived in Hammonton... shows up and thinks he can take over. That's a real smart move playing right into Hammonton First's Hands....
On November 3rd him and Jerry can walk off into the sunset.
I read the paper today. I just want to say what a piece of garbbage Vinchenzo Penza is.
This kid, who never lived in Hammonton... shows up and thinks he can take over. That's a real smart move playing right into Hammonton First's Hands....
On November 3rd him and Jerry can walk off into the sunset.
After reading Mr. Penzas' letter to the editor, which I found most amusing I was wondering why so many Republican Club members do not have signs on their lawns. One would think with all the great support for Jerry Vitalo, they would be covered with signs. Mr. Penza, try the truth when you write a letter ,the Club members think he is a joke.The towns' people should demand this guys' benefit and salary money back for the past two years he has done nothing. I only hope the debate is opened up to the public for some questions of the candidates. One for Jerry should be do you even know how much the town budget is? or how many employees do we have in Hammonton? Simple ones nothing tough.And then take it from their. Maybe we could ask him how many water towers we have, or do we have snow plows for the trucks in the winter? Or more importantly what has he done on his committee this year? All good questions. Its time for Hammonton to move forward. Please allow the public to ask questions from the floor. It could get very interesting, that would be a true debate.Hammonton needs to know exactly what we are getting when we elect council persons.
that vincenzo penza sure is a bad guy. did you read how he came out and showed public support from his republican club for their councilman jerry vitalo? he sure has some gall to push back when joe giralo puts up anti-republican signs on his yard (wasn't giralo a republican at some point?)
i'll tell you what, if joe giralo ever tried to make a public mockery of me or the club i was in, i sure wouldn't want vincenzo on my side. he would go out and actually stand up for me. it's much better to hide your head in the sand.
that vincenzo penza sure is a bad guy. did you read how he came out and showed public support from his republican club for their councilman jerry vitalo? he sure has some gall to push back when joe giralo puts up anti-republican signs on his yard (wasn't giralo a republican at some point?)
i'll tell you what, if joe giralo ever tried to make a public mockery of me or the club i was in, i sure wouldn't want vincenzo on my side. he would go out and actually stand up for me. it's much better to hide your head in the sand.
1. Spinchenzo isnt even from Hammonton. His family got him a position at the GOP, and now he's running wild. The kid has broken out and is going crazy. At the same time costing GOP votes.
2. Jerry only won because H1st picked a losing fight with the police chief. Which by the way, if you watch the video on youtube in front of Saint Joe. THe lady says "You dont have a uniform on, how do I know your hte police chief" For hte record, the Chief had on a Pete Lancettaesque under armor golf shirt. So hey maybe he could be mistaken as a scout for the Clevland browns ?
Anyway...
3. This campaign was a late term abortion from jump street. Bertino and Marino had... and I stress had a shot. But now with the Spinster picking fights with 75% of the GOP its over.
Maybe people don't tell him to his face, but they think he's an idiot.
Enough about Vinchenzo... let me move onto Jerry...
Jerry... just a thought... dont tell the voters your not the sharpest knife in the drawer... Jerry... put a muzzle on your wife, she's killing you out there... Jerry stop listening to Vincenzo... Jerry... don't pick a fight about hte debate, its not your strong suit.
That's enough for now... much much more to come...
How true, How very true. Sometimes the truth hurts! but it will also set you free. The above post is dead on truth. With the help of the NFT spinzo Hammonton is once again a two party town.
I read the paper today. I just want to say what a piece of garbbage Vinchenzo Penza is.
This kid, who never lived in Hammonton... shows up and thinks he can take over. That's a real smart move playing right into Hammonton First's Hands....
On November 3rd him and Jerry can walk off into the sunset.
wacka wacka wacka.
He most certainly lived in Hammonton with his mother who was a teacher in our school district. That being said he was an out of control snot nose that no one could stand being around. Those that went to school with him remember him. He's just an immature kid as he has been all his life.
Jerry Vitalo is on council now because he wasn't a member of Hammonton First. He will not be back and Joe you should have used the duct tape more wisely. You should have put it across his mouth.
Either way there will be no more republicans on council this year. It will be down to Hammonton First and the Democrats. I prefer the Democrats and I like what they are saying.
Marino and Vitalo only when because people did not want Hammonton First. This election is going to be about do we really want Bertino, Marino and Vitalo back again.
Anonymous wrote:He most certainly lived in Hammonton with his mother who was a teacher in our school district. That being said he was an out of control snot nose that no one could stand being around. Those that went to school with him remember him. He's just an immature kid as he has been all his life.
You guys are cracking me up today. It's good to see the other campaigns focusing their attacks on a campaign manager. That'll get you votes!
Who said it was the other campaign? It's your campaign that is attacking you. Your own people are wondering if Jerry found his clean underwear to put on one leg at a time to welcome the Pope. Jerry is right about one thing, he is the most powerful man in Hammonton right now. My argument is based upon that he is the only person that could blow up Bertino and cost him the eelection. Th-th-thank you J-j-j-jerry Vitalo!
P.S. Spinchenzo doesn't even care that Bertino will be part of the body count!
After hearing Vitalo, I've decided to make the switch. I'm Voting Republican. Here's a video that work me up. http://www.youtube.com/v/FiQJ9Xp0xxU&hl=en
I hear Jimmy Bertino is so useless he couldn't even fill his election paperwork out correctly. Now I hear he is off the Republican ticket. It is just another reason to vote Democrat this year. It is important to have attention to details in government. Bertino has been doing nothing for years!
Are you talking about the forms that must be submitted showing who donates to a campaign? Hammonton First has not filed any ELEC reports showing who controls the purse strings.
I hear Jimmy Bertino is so useless he couldn't even fill his election paperwork out correctly. Now I hear he is off the Republican ticket. It is just another reason to vote Democrat this year. It is important to have attention to details in government. Bertino has been doing nothing for years!
Falcone MacLane Perrotta!!!!!
What a dope Bertino is. He can't even fill out forms correctly to get on the ballot. After all these years playing lifetime politician, you would think he could at least do something. It is time for a change.
The Repubicans are the only group that did not sit down for an interview on Hammonton TV. Jimmy Bertino must have known he wasn't going to be on the ballot and Marino and Vitalo are too stupid to be interviewed. This year the Democrats are the only real alternative to change what Hammonton First is doing.
It's pretty sad to see the Democrat blog knowingly smear Jim Bertino when it was their candidate, Antony Falcone, who didn't files his papers.
The Republicans constantly make excuses and attack a good man like Anthony Falcone. The Republicans are even the only party who did not sit for an interview with HammontonTV.com! Jimmy Bertino is now trying to tell the people at Pulte Homes he is trying to help him. Senior citizens do not be fooled by a bag of veggies. Bertino voted years ago FOR Pulte Homes! He helped cause your problem!
OMG Bertino voted to have them build Polte homes! How horrible! You mean to say he approved a building project? Only a nazi or a kommie would do that. To think, the Donios don't even own a piece of that development. How dare he approve it without the D brothers getting a taste or DiDonato building it!
It's pretty sad to see the Democrat blog knowingly smear Jim Bertino when it was their candidate, Antony Falcone, who didn't files his papers.
The Republicans constantly make excuses and attack a good man like Anthony Falcone. The Republicans are even the only party who did not sit for an interview with HammontonTV.com! Jimmy Bertino is now trying to tell the people at Pulte Homes he is trying to help him. Senior citizens do not be fooled by a bag of veggies. Bertino voted years ago FOR Pulte Homes! He helped cause your problem!
There is not way the Republicans would show up and answer questions. Bertino is so lazy he didn't even campaign with the other other two. And Marino and Vitalo are idiots.
It's pretty sad to see the Democrat blog knowingly smear Jim Bertino when it was their candidate, Antony Falcone, who didn't files his papers.
The Republicans constantly make excuses and attack a good man like Anthony Falcone. The Republicans are even the only party who did not sit for an interview with HammontonTV.com! Jimmy Bertino is now trying to tell the people at Pulte Homes he is trying to help him. Senior citizens do not be fooled by a bag of veggies. Bertino voted years ago FOR Pulte Homes! He helped cause your problem!
There is not way the Republicans would show up and answer questions. Bertino is so lazy he didn't even campaign with the other other two. And Marino and Vitalo are idiots.
FALCONE MACLANE PERROTA: THE PROMISE OF THE FUTURE. THESE THREE PUT THEIR INTERVIEW RIGHT ON THEIR WEB PAGE. THE REPUBLICANS ARE THE OTHER GROUP WHO WOULD NOT BE INTERVIEWED. IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE AND THEY HAVE TO BE OUT! GO DEMOCRATS!
Now that Bertino is out of the race, hopefully people who do not want HF and their bag of veggies will unite behind the Democrats. They are running an exciting campaign. Jimmy Bertino is no loss to Hammonton. No Democrat ever pocketed health insurance buyout money like Bertino who took thousands of dollars.
Now that Bertino is out of the race, hopefully people who do not want HF and their bag of veggies will unite behind the Democrats. They are running an exciting campaign. Jimmy Bertino is no loss to Hammonton. No Democrat ever pocketed health insurance buyout money like Bertino who took thousands of dollars.
wake up dummy. falcone had insurance all those years too. get over it.
Now that Bertino is out of the race, hopefully people who do not want HF and their bag of veggies will unite behind the Democrats. They are running an exciting campaign. Jimmy Bertino is no loss to Hammonton. No Democrat ever pocketed health insurance buyout money like Bertino who took thousands of dollars.
wake up dummy. falcone had insurance all those years too. get over it.
What are you talking about? Falcone is a long term state employee he already has benefits. Nor can you blame him if there was a town ordinance that allowed him just like the town employees were allowed to have a buy out for the insurance each year if they didn't take the benefit. Shut up you all know you would jump at the chance to get extra cash in your pockets if given the legal opportunity to do so. Get off the subject already about buy outs. They are the least of the towns problems. This is why nothing ever gets accomplished and political leaders like Hammonton First can sneak things by us left and right because you piss and moan about stupid insignificant b/s. Grow up or do us all a favor and shut up and do us a bigger favor and don't vote at all because you are obviously to stupid to focus and make a decision that is beneficial to everyone.
I have an idea that can be addressed at the debate. A council seat in the town of Hammonton should not incuded health benefits and most definitely should not incude a cash buyout.
All parties should be asked in the debate to exclude health benefits or cash payouts for a very part time council seat. The federal government is broke, the state government is broke, the county and local governments are OK but we must stop wasting tax money.
Where do the Republicans, the Democrats and Hammonton First stand on receiving full time health benefits or cash buyouts for a part time council seat? The answer from each candidiate before the election would be very helpful to Hammonton voters.
Now that Bertino is out of the race, hopefully people who do not want HF and their bag of veggies will unite behind the Democrats. They are running an exciting campaign. Jimmy Bertino is no loss to Hammonton. No Democrat ever pocketed health insurance buyout money like Bertino who took thousands of dollars.
wake up dummy. falcone had insurance all those years too. get over it.
What are you talking about? Falcone is a long term state employee he already has benefits. Nor can you blame him if there was a town ordinance that allowed him just like the town employees were allowed to have a buy out for the insurance each year if they didn't take the benefit. Shut up you all know you would jump at the chance to get extra cash in your pockets if given the legal opportunity to do so. Get off the subject already about buy outs. They are the least of the towns problems. This is why nothing ever gets accomplished and political leaders like Hammonton First can sneak things by us left and right because you piss and moan about stupid insignificant b/s. Grow up or do us all a favor and shut up and do us a bigger favor and don't vote at all because you are obviously to stupid to focus and make a decision that is beneficial to everyone.
I have an idea that can be addressed at the debate. A council seat in the town of Hammonton should not incuded health benefits and most definitely should not incude a cash buyout.
All parties should be asked in the debate to exclude health benefits or cash payouts for a very part time council seat. The federal government is broke, the state government is broke, the county and local governments are OK but we must stop wasting tax money.
Where do the Republicans, the Democrats and Hammonton First stand on receiving full time health benefits or cash buyouts for a part time council seat? The answer from each candidiate before the election would be very helpful to Hammonton voters.
I have an idea that can be addressed at the debate. A council seat in the town of Hammonton should not incuded health benefits and most definitely should not incude a cash buyout.
All parties should be asked in the debate to exclude health benefits or cash payouts for a very part time council seat. The federal government is broke, the state government is broke, the county and local governments are OK but we must stop wasting tax money.
Where do the Republicans, the Democrats and Hammonton First stand on receiving full time health benefits or cash buyouts for a part time council seat? The answer from each candidiate before the election would be very helpful to Hammonton voters.
I agree also....no benefits or cash outs.....
Republicans Jimmy Bertino, Jerry Vitalo and Anthony Marino were the only people who grabbed the buyouts and insurance this year. Becuase of this, they are the three highest compensated town councilpersons in Hammonton's history. Bertino even had a town cell phone paid for by the taxpayers. HF put in an ordinance this year which ends all health insurance and buyouts for town council. The Republicans still wanted to grab the money, but they lost. That is why the Democrats are pushing so hard to replace Bertino this year. He has done nothing for the town and pulled down close to $100,000 from the taxpayers over the years. Enough is enough with this guy.
I have an idea that can be addressed at the debate. A council seat in the town of Hammonton should not incuded health benefits and most definitely should not incude a cash buyout.
All parties should be asked in the debate to exclude health benefits or cash payouts for a very part time council seat. The federal government is broke, the state government is broke, the county and local governments are OK but we must stop wasting tax money.
Where do the Republicans, the Democrats and Hammonton First stand on receiving full time health benefits or cash buyouts for a part time council seat? The answer from each candidiate before the election would be very helpful to Hammonton voters.
I agree also....no benefits or cash outs.....
Republicans Jimmy Bertino, Jerry Vitalo and Anthony Marino were the only people who grabbed the buyouts and insurance this year. Becuase of this, they are the three highest compensated town councilpersons in Hammonton's history. Bertino even had a town cell phone paid for by the taxpayers. HF put in an ordinance this year which ends all health insurance and buyouts for town council. The Republicans still wanted to grab the money, but they lost. That is why the Democrats are pushing so hard to replace Bertino this year. He has done nothing for the town and pulled down close to $100,000 from the taxpayers over the years. Enough is enough with this guy.
Bertino is a clown.He is terrified of debating with a guy who knows his stuff like MacLane. The Reps are the only party that did not show up to speak with HammontonTV because the know their candidatesare idiots. Bertino talks out of both sides of his mouth and then grabs for the health insurance buyout money. This clown is not worth the tens of thousands of dollars he`s taken fromthe taxpayers each year. Dump him and vote Democrat!
I have an idea that can be addressed at the debate. A council seat in the town of Hammonton should not incuded health benefits and most definitely should not incude a cash buyout.
All parties should be asked in the debate to exclude health benefits or cash payouts for a very part time council seat. The federal government is broke, the state government is broke, the county and local governments are OK but we must stop wasting tax money.
Where do the Republicans, the Democrats and Hammonton First stand on receiving full time health benefits or cash buyouts for a part time council seat? The answer from each candidiate before the election would be very helpful to Hammonton voters.
The Hammonton Democrats agree with this stance 100% and we were very vocal about this last year. Because we were so vocal on this subject, Hammonton Town Council voted last year to end insurance benefits and buyouts for council members. We pushed hard and council reacted.
Interesting the Dems remind everyone now that Bertino, Marino, and Vitalo won't get the health insurance and health benefits the pocketed this year anymore. If the Dems want to win this year, they have to get get all the anti-HF vote and not have it split with the Reps. If the Republicans split up the vote, both parties lose. Looks like the Dems finally understand that.
Interesting the Dems remind everyone now that Bertino, Marino, and Vitalo won't get the health insurance and health benefits the pocketed this year anymore. If the Dems want to win this year, they have to get get all the anti-HF vote and not have it split with the Reps. If the Republicans split up the vote, both parties lose. Looks like the Dems finally understand that.
Vitalo is a joke. It will be nice seeing MacLane replace that idiot. Bye Bye Vitalo!
