The more things change, the more things remain the same.

Over the years our republican organization has undergone many changes. We had leaders that... well... we had leaders that stuck around an never went away. Our leaders did good for the county. They built the fine place we all live today (minus the current administration in HQ).

Way back when, there was a freeholder name Ed. Ed was well liked by his piers, but Ed did some legal but silly things with his campaign money. Then he said some silly ( and I do mean silly) things to the APP. The result, dear Ed was lamb based and publicly destroyed. Some even say he became radio active for a spell. The shame was that Ed was a good, if not a great freeholder, and he was loved by many (and still to this day might I add).

The then leadership decided in their ultimate wisdom to get rid of him. He would bring down the party. He would loose us a freeholder seat... and so it was done. As the legend goes, Ed was removed from the line through a "Screening" Committee in a living-room along the Navesink. On a whim, the leadership tossed Ed out. Ed ran and lost in the primary and we held the seat for freeholder (enter Freeholder Clifton).

Ed was fighting a 500 lb Gorilla with the name of APP. As we all know, if you are chosen by this APP to be sacrificed, you are OR horrible things will happen. Much like a volcano on a tropical island or the evil machine in the Steven King Classic Movie "The Mangler", Human sacrifices seem to be necessary to keep this evil 500lb Gorilla the APP in check. The good news is that this creature does tell you who should be the next one on the chopping block. If you try to sacrifice the wrong person, god help you. (See last years election results)

This past year the 500lb Gorilla began to attack Mal-Colmbed Carton. But he survived the attack (only by the skin of his hair). The director decided to shoot the Gorilla with a B-B gun. This only infuriated the Gorilla. The Gorilla did not get its pound of flesh from the director or Mal Colmbed Carton... so it attacked our weakest point. Our two young freeholder candidates in a scathing anti endorsement endorsement. One survived and one was ultimately destroyed. (good-by Andrew Lucas)

Recently, there was a freeholder named Anna. She was well loved by many (and still is). Some were jealous of here popularity, others felt she didn't live in a big enough house or drive a nice enough car. Some just didn't like here because she didn't do what they asked when they wanted. She spoke her mind, disagreed openly with the Party Leadership and fought for the tax payer. Perhaps they could feed her to the 500lb Gorilla like Ed. Perhaps that will keep the Gorilla happy.

The then leadership decided in their ultimate wisdom to get rid of her. She would guarantee the win. She would keep the republicans a freeholder seat (if not two)... and so it was done. A "Screening" Committee was convened with the expressed purpose of removing Anna from the Line. They were successful. The difference, the Gorilla was not interested in Anna, he was however interested in those that took the line away. Anna was left with options unlike Ed. Anna can run in a primary, as an independent or as (god forbid) a democrat.

Only time will tell.

One Down, One to go or I for Incumbent / I for Independant

Now that Freeholder Little has left the process, the relative silence from the screening committee has been broken. I guess some of the rumors Director Barham was spreading were not rumors at all ".... She doesn't have the support of the committee members..." and "... It was my Idea, a way for us to get Anna off the ticket, and get her out of freehold..." (I am paraphrasing here).

It seems that if you are an incumbent or an independent thinker the leadership requires replacement. "One down and one to go!!" This committee had another dark purpose. This purpose was to also eliminate Freeholder Clifton. Yes, another Incumbent that thought Independently out the door. I think our chairman needs a lesson in how to run a political organization(Incumbents are good). He does have experience, right. Read Bill's blog to get a brief history lesson. He did the same thing in Aberdeen with that organization and according to some left it broken and in shambles. (Hmm this sounds familiar)

"I made many hard decisions, and numerous mistakes. One of those mistakes cost me an important friendship. I chose to use my power as Chairman to punish dissent, instead of healing, bringing people together, and fostering debate without resentment."

Freeholder Clifton, get out now while you have the chance. It may be the only way to save our organization. If you refuse to go though the screening committee, it will be discredited further. Perhaps it will completely collapse. You and Freeholder Little can run off the line and keep your seats. You worked hard 3 years ago when you ran. You deserve respect. You have towed the line and worked with all sides to maintain peace. You are not a yes man and now you are now the next target. You have the support of the committee.

I have talked with fellow republicans and committee people from all over the county. The are ashamed that they put our chairman in power. Some have suggested a impeachment, some are so disgusted they just want to walk away. I beg you please stay with us. Don't let a few bad apples spoil the bunch.

Although I don't agree with the chairman on many his political decisions. He is a decent fella and he has done many good things with his life... his non-profit for example. He should consider stepping aside or changing direction. A course correction does not make you a weak Captain but it will save your ship. With ideas and personalities as diverse as our organization is, we really need someone to heal wounds and unite. Not someone to say "Do what I say or else".

A final thought, the chairman is "Croatian". He has bragged about this fact publicly and made jokes about it privately. I see some similarities between our internal battle and the war that took place in "Croatia".

Another brief history lesson (from Wikipedia):

....The civil wars ended with much of the former Yugoslavia reduced to poverty, massive economic disruption and persistent instability across the territories where the worst fighting occurred. The wars were the bloodiest conflicts on European soil since the end of World War II....

CMR

Inconsitancies, lies and contrived processes

I am deeply saddened from the news I just read in an email I received from Freeholder Little(link to MMM). Even more concerning is the post from our chairman(link to MR site).

Freeholder Little did hold the line on this screening process and not for her own benefit. It would have been easier for her just to go along like everyone else. She stood up and questioned the process. She has a backbone. For that she has been publicly criticized and scorned. Freeholder Little decided not to go through the screening process because of the contract. This contract was so poorly contrived that she would not let a client sign it. I have read it, I would not sign it. (Ask Bill Seward for a copy if you want a good read).

OK, get ready for a little RANT here. I apologize in advance for any one offended by my comments. I know if the Chairman knew who I was, I would be "Kicked" out, after all I am one of those "Dissenting" Voices.

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R A N T B E G I N N I N G

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Today in the APP, a reference was made to a soft deadline that Freeholder Little had not responded to.

"GOP Chairman Adam Puharic said Little has missed a "soft deadline" for submitting paperwork for a background check and agreeing to other party rules."

Hmm sounds like that contract to me.

Today the Chairmans Response to Freeholder Little's announcement:

"In her comments, she will claim that the candidate agreement our party asked candidates to sign is the sole reason she is leaving our party – but nothing could be further from the truth. She did not have to sign it, and I told her this."

Wow, the rules changed again.

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Adam also made another change to the rules (major insight here)

"On March 3, our screening committee will convene to select two Freeholder candidates among a qualified pool of four great Republicans, including Freeholder Robert Clifton, Ocean Twp. Councilman David Hiers, Marlboro Council President Jeff Kantor, and Spring Lake Councilman Brian Reilly. Freeholder Clifton has publicly supported this process, along with all of the Assembly and Senate candidates. They deserve our support and our unity."

So the Republican Committee will not be able to choice between the 4 candidate, we will get handed two. Which two?? I hope Freeholder Clifton can make it. No vote I guess, only voice acclamation.

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"Truth be told, Anna Little was not living up to her promises when she ran for office. She has proven ineffective in reforming county government, and instead attacks her fellow Republican Freeholders. She has not lived up to her responsibility as a party leader. Instead of being an active part of the 2006 campaign, Anna’s supporters organized into a counter-organization known as “Anna’s Army.” They met independently of the true campaign, making decisions counter-productive to her great running mates Andrew Lucas and Rosemarie Peters. They made independent campaign expenditures without consulting their running mates."

OUCH Mr. Chairman... I will gather the FACTS on this and make them public. Are you sure you want to open this can of worms? I believe Mr. Rasta used the Term "Anna's Army", are you sure you are not related. This is a convenient way for you to NOT to take responsibility for the loss of a freeholder seat. Blame someone else.

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Mr. chairman, last I checked Rasta was undermining our party. Where were you when attacks were made against her family. Where were you when party leaders were spreading baseless rumors about her??

"As a result, I will honor her request and I remove her for consideration as a Freeholder candidate in 2007. Despite her attempts to undermine her running mates, Monmouth County Republicans like Claire French, Joe Kyrillos, Sean Kean, and Jennifer Beck will prevail in the fall."

No one is "Undermining" anyone but YOU. You undermined her candidacy from the day that she won the election. You told people on the screening committee that you could not work with her and that Mr. Lucas would not fund raise for her. You set up a screening committee that would never let her pass through to the convention.

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"And last night, Anna’s supporters attempted a quiet boycott of Lincoln Day in a poor attempt at protest. Instead this backfired, with over 500 Republicans of good cheer replacing them without much effort. This party is moving on. We have moved past the angry scowls and negative spin of an agenda-driven cabal."

Mr. chairman, the reason many of the supporters did not show up was not to "Boycott" anyone but YOU. I asked a friend that was not going this year, the answer was simple. "I am disgusted with Adam."

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Mr. chairman (and I use that word loosely) Did you read Freeholder Little's Statement before you wrote yours? She is "Evaluating" her candidacy. I see nothing about running a primary or as an Independent or as a Democrat.

"Tonight, I received word from the Asbury Park Press that Anna Little has decided not to seek our great Republican Party endorsement, and instead is considering to run off the line in a primary or has even hinted at switching parties. Switching parties? This is an outrage to every good Republican – over 550 of us who attended Lincoln Day last night -- that she would betray our hard work, use the election victory we all worked towards together, and throw all of it away for her personal glory."

Freeholder Little Said:

"I will continue to serve as a Monmouth County Freeholder for the remainder of this year, and I am in the process of evaluating other alternatives for my candidacy for re-election."

The only person "throwing it away" is You by creating a contrived and controlled screening process. You for personally recruiting candidates to "screen" against our incumbents. YOU for NOT standing up to the dark forces in our party and NOT doing what is right.

"Voices" did not destroy our party, your poorly planned and executed actions have.

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R A N T E N D I N G

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CMR

What a week!!

Now you might think, this Concerned Monmouth Republican was salting roads for the county or maybe I was busy fixing the power lines for JCP&L. NOP wrong again... I was at the airport... on a runway... waiting ... I had allot of time to think (12 hrs or so to be exact). Also to play with my camera, here is a picture of me while I was board on board. [My uncle was a famous comedian (I hope you see the resemblance...) ] Was I headed to a warm tropical destination... nop... just a quick business trip to the Midwest (Brrrr). By the time I got there the 1 day trip ended up being 4 days wasted... oh well... that the way the ice freezes.

I have been working hard at the investigation into Mr. Rasta. Many have emailed me information, (thank you and please keep it coming) I had a chance during my 12 hr wait to draw some lines and create some ERDs (Entity Relationship Diagrams). The more I dig the more concerned I become. I was hoping the initial claims about relationships between the chairman the director and this blogger would weaken. Instead the links are getting stronger.

One thing that really stands out is that our chairman has been completely quite on the Rasta blogger. Our chairman is constantly attacking the bloggers that post meaningful commentary and opinion about our organization. These bloggers do criticize, but they don't attack his person or any person. Would it not have been strong for our chairman to stand against these attacks? Stand up for fellow republicans?? NO!! The chairman had to wait for a Democrat to call him. Then he then kindly asked Rasta to go home to spend more time with his family. WOW. Thanks allot Mr. chairman for standing up for the team. To make it even worse, who is the only person willing to take a stand and defend Freeholder Little?? Non other that a Democrat from Middletown.

Speculation(NOT FACT YET):
Some information I have collected suggests that Rasta has an inside track to information only the chairman would know. Some of the examples that were sighted in the emails are compelling. I will release them after they have been completely confirmed.

Confirmed
Some other lies Mr. Rasta has released seem to be based on rumors from Director Barham. Our Freeholder Director has been spreading negative rumors about Freeholder Little for months now. (This I have confirmed from multiple sources). Question: Is the director directly feeding them to Rasta or is he doing it by opening his BIG MOUTH accidentally. Either way Director Barham knows and talks with Rasta regularly. (Though he probably does not know who he is)

My humble opinion... the director should stop breaking the 11th commandment "Thou shall not speak ill of any Republican." and apologize to Freeholder Little. If he is the source for Rasa's propaganda, it will stop.


CMR

Don't worry, just sign here...everything will be alright.

One month of my "background checking" of our fine organization has given me allot to say. My last post was a bit long, for that I most humbly apologize. I will attempt to make them smaller and easier to chew in the future.

Today the APP gave us (Republicans) another kick in the teeth OUCH!!. Who do we blame?? I think the answer is "Us". Why? . Well perhaps we all should be paying better attention to those at the helm. True... we elected our captain to steer the ship. He makes all the decisions. If we see a reef or perhaps dare I say a GIANT WAVE, we really need to speak up. After all, if the boat sinks we are all done.

Process is important with any organization. When a process is in place, we know what steps need to be followed. We also understand where and when the process stops. I have been told that this Screening Committee is a process we need to help manage the candidate selection. BUT we will only need it for this time since we do not have any by-laws yet. Perhaps this is putting the cart before the horse but OK.

Now this process was created by a Resolution. HMM... That sounds good. Here is the catch. A Resolution makes you think of more process, like a vote of some kind. Ahh but remember, there are not any by-laws. Who then voted on this "Resolution"? one vote cast, a "Yea" from our chairman. That is OK. Since we do not have any by-laws, he is the law. Therefore why not call it what it is: a decree. I do not have any problem with this. We elected Adam (me included) . We Trust him.

Next the screening committee must be selected and according to the resolution... only those open positions and those who have not yet served a full term would be required to screen. I expect only OPEN positions will be contested the rest just screened for any anomalies. Who would allow incumbents to be challenged? Without good reason, that would be a nightmare. I Trust our chairman would not put the party in that position.

The screening committee is made up of elected officials and other people from the party all selected by the chairman. The chairman's power is "the Line". That means he can say who runs as a Republican and who can't. How can an elected official NOT feel any pressure from the chairman. If they do not cooperate with his wishes, they don't get the line. OK, OK... again we need to Trust our chairman. He wouldn't do that.

I would expect the committee would have a good balance of representation both politically and geographically. Not in this case. Many have expressed discontent in the selections made. They feel left out.... "Wait now, please..." We NEED to Trust the chairman. Don't be a dissenter.

Trust is a thin line in the sand. A little rough surf and the line disappears. In wavy conditions, such as this, one needs to maintain the line with actions...positive actions. I have been following the press over the past week. I have heard all the rumors about one of our Freeholder candidates being "thrown over board". The problem is there has not been any positive actions to maintain that line of trust. Inconsistency from our chairman has made the waves grow bigger and the damage become worse. The candidate contract is the latest major inconsistency. This one may have swamped the boat.

How is it that an elected official serving on this committee (see APP Article: Amy H.) has not seen or even read the contract. How is it that the Screening Committee had no idea of the process they were undertaking for the selection. How is it that Republican Chairs, Committee and Candidates had no idea of the process? Finally, how is it that what our chairman has been telling the press seems to completely contradict what the contract says?? Because it is not a "PROCESS" it is a "FARCESS" The line of TRUST has been washed away.

I have requested and read this contract. (I think the part about the bridge in Brooklyn that candidates were to receive was missing). Those who signed it should be AUTOMATICALLY disqualified as candidates!! Why??? TRUST Do you want an elected official to just rubber stamp a document, or do you want an elected official that will question its contents. How can we TRUST a person that would blindly sign a contract that is PERSONAL harmful just because he was told to.

JUST SIGN HERE OR VOTE YES, EVERYTHING WILL BE OK, TRUST ME.

CMR

How did we get here?

I was ecstatic this past year with our party. First Anna Little, then Andrew Lucas and finally Adam Puharic were chosen. All young, all energetic and all full of great new ideas. I was proud to vote each time and proud to be a Republican. I saw a convention process that was giving power back to the core of the republican party. It was a bit rough and perhaps needed a little refining but it was democracy at work!!

I have not been paying attention since we lost a Freeholder seat in November. It took me most of December to feel better. The election of 2006 was a tough one for Republicans everywhere. My town even lost a seat. I was happy 2oo6 was over and we were entering the new year. I was looking forward to an all incumbent run with some superstars from the Monmouth GOP.

Adam has impressed me over the years. I met him a few times briefly when he was a chairman in Aberdeen. Having a young father from a young family is great. I hoped he would bring unity to the party. After all, he took his personal tragedy and made it into a positive force. I said to myself "Yes, young ideas, good ideas".

In early January I noticed a tone change in his posting on the Republican web site. He seemed a bit angry, or maybe worried. I didn't like what he said about the committee conventions. After all, that process had been used over the past few years to select Fred, Lillian, Anna, Andrew, Rosemarie and Adam. Adam called it a cancer ???? (bad choice of words).

The new screening process at first blush looked great. Perhaps it was a way to flush out the candidates for the newly open positions in the assembly and the senate. Perhaps this was a way to allow the party to build a process and to eliminate the factions. A new idea (well I guess an old idea recycled). I did not realize the power this committee would have.

After my December Hiatus, I started to read the Blogs again. Sometimes they are a bit edgy, but they give me a view into subconscious of the party. I then found Mr. Rasta. Hmm... Mr. Rasta.... there's an interesting blogger. I read his postings in disbelief. Boy this guy has some issues. Who was he? Why was he doing this? Is he really a Democrat?

After reading MRM's (Monmouth Rasta Man's) Blog, I needed to talk to people... Yes I dusted off by political buttons, banners, walking shoes and started to walk that crazy walk. Usually I take the beginning of the year off from the political scene, this year I will have to make an exception . The things I started to hear off the political street seemed simply CRAZY. The more I dug, the more insane the rumors became.

I have known many of these people for over 20 years. Some I trust, some I don't (with good reason) but all I know. If a blind man tells you that the light is green, you know not to believe him, not that he is lying, he just can't see. I have watched our party go through many ups and downs. I really thought we were on an upswing. Now it seems like we are imploding. Something is going terribly wrong here.

A few weeks ago, I created a blogging account and made my first post. And now here I am autonomously (hopefully) reporting to you what I find. I want to save the ship before it sinks. I hope I am not too late.

FYI: I will not attack a Republican unless I uncover facts that one Republican attacked another. Though I do not believe in an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, I do believe that the good in this world should be protected and the evil should be defeated.

If you are a Concerned Monmouth Republican, please get involved. Help me save the party. Speak up!!


CMR

WANTED *

Blogger Name: "Monmouth Rasta Man" monmouthrastaman.blogspot.com
Picture: Various (changes from time to time)
Purpose: To destroy the Republican party in Monmouth County.
Associations: RUMOR(Freeholder Director Bill Barham), RUMOR (Ed McKenna), RUMOR (Republican Chairman Adam Puharic)

Facts on Case:
Has existed under different aliases. Initially Claimed to be a Republican Committee Person. May Work for J&J. Likes Redbank (or is connected to it somehow). Uses Comcast as service provider. Has a vendetta against Freeholder Anna Little and anyone that seems to support her. Has contact in the Hall of Records.

DAMAGE LEVEL ************ (10 stars)

Offenses:
Routinely steals copyrighted information from other sites (both content and pictures)
Lacks the intellectual assets to complete a sentence.
Lies and twists facts.

UPDATE.... 2/9/2007
Thank you for all the emails (WOW). Your cooperation has opened up new leads. Remember all emails are confidential.

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If you have any other credible information about this Blogger, please email me the info, I will update his profile. Also, if you think you know who it is, please contact me as well. We have multiple assets in the field and online collecting information on this guy. Your info may help us identify and expose him.

Why Blog??

• To save the things I love.


• Monmouth County Republican Party.


• Monmouth County.

• To make a difference.


• I was inspired by our party last year, we picked 2 Freeholders , a Surrogate and a Chairmen though a process of pure American democracy.


• To counter the autonomous bloggers that choose to attack my party and my elected officials.

• To find the TRUTH.


• Bloggers will be uncovered though my large network of informers.


• Facts will be disclosed through my operatives from all around the "Great County of MoNmouth"


• I will not post rumors, only the facts. I will always require 3 independent sources before I call something a fact.


• Republicans that attack other Republicans will be exposed for who they are.
  

EVILDOERS BEWARE!!! You are not safe.