John Tyler Jr. at home on Leighton Avenue with the family dog, Goldie.
On Nov. 4, Red Bank voters will have four ballot choices for two seats on the borough council, now composed of four Democrats and two Republicans.
Both open seats, by happenstance, are held by Republicans: Grace Cangemi, who is running for re-election, and James Giannell, who is not running; he’s serving out the tail end of the term from which freeholder candidate John Curley resigned in July.
This week, redbankgreen is posting interviews with each of the candidates. Instead of transcripts, we’ve got the complete audio. The interviews are between 22 and 33 minutes in length. [See the editor's note at bottom of story.]
The interviews are not meant to be literal head-to-head comparisons. Rather, they cover some common issues — including taxes, a community center and healthcare coverage for the mayor and council — while exploring each candidate’s own experiences a bit in order to shed some light on who they are and how they think.
We’re running them in reverse alphabetical order; Democrat Ed Zipprich’s interview ran Monday, his running mate, Juanita Lewis, will be featured tomorrow, and we’ll wrap up with Cangemi on Thursday.
Today, we spotlight Republican John S. Tyler Jr.
To the extent that John Tyler has a public profile in Red Bank, it is as one of several Leighton Avenue residents who for more than two years have been tying to get Best Liquors shut down as a public nuisance. Frustrated by what he sees as foot-dragging by the governing body, Tyler is a regular at council meetings, where he presses for updates on the case. (A ruling is still pending at the state Alcoholic Beverage Control division.)
As a candidate for council for the second time in two years, Tyler says he’d like to have the town push for a “good neighbor” policy in which troublesome businesses agree to clean up their acts or suffer consequences. His broader agenda includes creating a police substation on the West Side to improve response times and pushing for a community center funded by grants and supported by volunteers.
“I just think it’s something everybody’s got to chip in” for, he says. “To have a community center maybe where the cost isn’t that much of a burden to the general public — I think that would be great.”
Tyler is active in borough parks and recreation issues.
Here’s the full 33-minute conversation, held on the morning of October 6 at the home Tyler shares with his wife, Krishna, and two daughters. It begins with Tyler asking about an emergency incident on Central Avenue and Tyler telling his dog to lie down:
[Editor's note: When we interviewed the candidates, we did not plan to run the actual recordings; that decision came later. All candidates consented to being recorded, but at the time, they were told that "verbatim transcripts" of the interviews would appear.
One of the candidates has since expressed a concern about not having been aware that the full recording would run. For that, we apologize to all the candidates. But we'll take our lumps for deciding after the fact to use the recordings. We think they reveal more, both positive and negative, about the candidates, than a transcript ever could, and are thus more valuable to voters.]
I am not sure if it is just my connection or not, but the interview stopped about 4 minutes into the recording (just when the interviewer started talking about his hole in his shirt). I tried it twice and it occured at the same exact spot. It did not get to any of the substantive part of the interview. Anyone else have the same problem?
Are you kidding me Red Bank Green? This feels so sleazy to listen to. At least edit these audio files. It doesn't seem like these people know that they will have thier every sound posted on the internet. This is ridiculous and really feels sleazy.
Yes, from what I understand John Ward did not inform the candidate that he was recording the interview.
I thought that it was a law that you are supposed to let the person know that you have to inform them if you are recording conversation.
Richard
The recorder was placed directly in front of each interview subject with his or her awareness and consent. All candidates were informed that the interviews were to appear verbatim.
John T. Ward
redbankgreenman
It's clear that John wants to help the town, but it's also clear that he's still learning how the local government works. Basic things, like the fact that it's illegal for the Council members to have a private meeting, or that development plans don't get approved by the Council. But in another year John may be ready for prime time. I hope he'll stay involved no matter what.
But John is right. They do have what is called an executive session. Which is a private session for council members.
i=I still would rather have John Tyler in office..a person with fresh ideas and not under the influence of the democrats!
This is exactly why NO ONE should deal with Red Bank Green. I personally will not be voting for Mr. Tyler, but this action by Red Bank Green is completely sleazy and unprofessional on every known level of journalistic integrity.
If you are going to release recordings of someone who is generous enough to give his time to submit to an interview (something Mr. Tyler did not have to do) then you owe him the courtesy to warn him the recording is going to be released to the public.
If you tell someone you are going to publish the transcript, then you are limited to the transcript.
People will respond differently when they know they are being recorded for release. That doesn't mean they are trying to hide something, just that they might comport themselves a bit differently.
For instance, I'm sure the dog wouldn't have been in the room if he knew the recording would be released.
John - this is completely unfair on your part. I hope others see what Red Bank Green is all about and begin to understand why less and less people in the community are willing to cooperate with RBG when it calls.
I mean is it really necessary to include the pre-interview portions? Give me a break!
I'm sure Mr. Tyler, for one, will never trust you again.
John Tyler posts on this sight all of the time. Let him make this complaint.
We all have to start somewhere if you want to serve our town. If you can't get appointed to a board or commission because of politics, how would you get your foot in the door?
John Tyler is exacting what this town needs. He has no agenda, no ties to political cronies and is honest. He can learn as he goes. It is not like he is running for the President of the United States.
John,
You have my support! We need someone to take care of the people and not take advantage of them. Nice Photo with Man's Best Friend that should get a few extra votes! Don't forget, the Lord's Day is only 5 days away and we need some extra cash during these difficult times. Thank you.
Thank you God..Kim and everyone else.
Well I have to say the interview was different or shall I say the outcome was. I talked to John Ward later on and expressed my concern that we should have been told that the interview would be played. I know he wanted to do something different but the results didn't come out looking to good.
Sorry for the yelling at the dog..but we were playing and sometimes she gets a little carried away.
I asked John if we could do another debate with just us 4 candidates, himself and maybe another reporter. I wanted to do a debate where just us candidates really could get into it and let him ask questions and record the outcome. Not enough time was the reply!
I would like to thank all that came to the debate. It was a rather mellow one at that.
I would like all that really are tired of the Dem's or shall I say tired of the way things are being runned in Red Bank and are looking for a change to do me a favor?
Tonight..go to your window, open it and yell..
I'm made as HELL and I'm not gonna take it anymore!
Feel better? I think you just scared all the dem voters out of Red Bank!
See you on Nov. 4th..remember cast that vote for Grace Cangemi and John Tyler it's "TIME FOR A CHANGE IN RED BANK!"
Thank You
John Tyler is RIGHT. None of the candidates knew that those recordings would be released to the public. Shame on you, Red Bank Green.
God is behind Tyler and so am I. Tyler appears to have no agenda and is trying to make Red Bank a better place for his children and others. He is not "owned" by the former mayor, as are so many other council memebers. The exception is Grace Cangemi. Tyler and Cangemi on the council will be much much more benificial than more of the Democrat Machine owned and operated by the master puppeter Ed Mc Kenna
Dear red Bank lady,
I could not have said it better. You and John have welcomed me into your lives and I will do my best to not let the good people of Red Bank down. The Red Bank Democrats have never asked for my help because they are evil Satan lovers. This election is not only Republican vs Democrat but Good vs Evil. If it was just a political battle I would not even bother to get involved as I am busy with other problems all over the world. I am omni-present, I have seen what the Democrats have done and it is not pretty.
More than 100 Democratic supporters — party backers, friends, and local developer Patrick Nulle — indulged in pizza and beer at a victory party held at the recently vacated Bon Ton department store.
Fast Forward….
The applicant, Siros of Monmouth, proposes to demolish the existing commercial building at 120 Monmouth St. and construct a four-story, mixed-use building consisting of 6,000 square feet of retail space and 24 condominium units in its place.
The use "d" variances include variances for: number of units on each floor, with two apartments permitted and eight apartments proposed; the number of apartments per building, with four apartments permitted and 24 proposed; and for floor area ratio (FAR) with 1.75 permitted and 2.25 proposed.
He said principals Anthony Busch Sr. and Anthony Busch Jr. were on hand to explain the proposal and the context of the application. The other principal in the application is Pat Nulle.
I do not see John T blaming Ward. He said it was different. I think it was modest of him. But listening to the audio definately tells me that the candidates were not informed about the audio taping. John W could have edited the unnessary talking (yelling at the dog) the dressing and so on. At one point John T did say this is between me and you. John W could have stopped and said, by the way I am taping this conversation.
John W I think you messed this one up.
Observer
Is it supposed to end with "Let me ask you if you don't mind…"?
I made a mistake in saying John Ward called me. He called me first to ask my opinion on the interview.
And about the Dem part as a friendly jab I should have said just Juanita and Ed instead of saying the Dems.
And I promised my wife not to post anymore on Red Bank Green until after the election.
Scouts Honor
John T
I think the Democratic party gets a bad rap in Red Bank, it's not representative of the national party and Democrats locally are known as "McKennacrats" it seems that the local Republicans are the ones who have an independent voice and perspective and are more in favor for the town folks instead of local corporate interests, that being said as a life long Democrat I am voting the local Republican ticket
I agree with RiverRat. I will probably vote Democrat nationally, but plan on voting republican locally. Nothing personal against Lewis & Zipprich, but I see the reublicans here being more for the people in town than for outside interests.
I'm tired of the "progress" of this town. Progress isn't allowing everyone and their brother to acquire variances to build high rise mixed use buildings that sit empty even before the economy went sour. That is simply irresponsible.
RiverRat just what have the Republicans in town done for us? They get elected to make there resume look better, and move on. They continue to bash the ex mayor who was elected by the residents all those years. Continue to make a bunch of bulls##% accusations with out providing any proof what so ever.
I do believe John T does mean well. However his interview clearly shows that he has no answers. He wants a police sub-station and a community center, all wich will raise our taxes in the long run. One needs more than, vote for me because I am friends with Curly, to earn my vote.
Dear You must be kidding,
You need to visit Father McFeeley and repent your sins for cursing as well as make a very large donation this weekend at Church. If you ever criticize Mr. Tyler again, I will move your expiration date up from what I have previously prepared for you. Thank you.
Possible conflicts of interest to be probed
Residents: Landlord-tenant relationship could mean conflicts for attorney
BY LAYLI WHYTE
Staff Writer
RED BANK - After some borough residents pointed out a possible conflict of interest at last week's Zoning Board meeting, the board decided to have an attorney look into the issues.
The possible conflict was first pointed out by Steve Fitzpatrick, of Chestnut Street, who said he was uncomfortable with the fact that Board Attorney Kevin Kennedy is a tenant of land use attorney Martin A. McGann, who represents many applicants appearing before the board, including Matrix I and II.
A few months later…
Kennedy also recused himself from the proceedings because Martin McGann, the attorney representing the applicant, owns the building in which Kennedy has an office.
The sole principal of BLT listed in the disclosure of ownership form is Patrick Nulle, Bodman Place.
The suit asserts that certain facts and assertions arose during the proceedings that caused the plaintiffs to believe that “other persons and/or corporate entities including, but not necessarily limited to one Daniel Murphy Jr.
The suit includes a charge that Murphy, a restaurateur in Red Bank, has an on-going business and social relationship with one or more board members.
In retaliation Danny Murphy, one of the principals of Building and Land Technology, distributed a flier of his own. Titled "It Fits Red Bank: The Other Side of the Story," the three-page flier says that the "monstrous structures" are "only three stories high — smaller than town hall, Oakland Street School, and the five-story building on the north side of Monmouth Street." It also says the project would "reduce traffic and congestion" as well as bring the borough’s west side "to its full potential as a place to work and play."
Saying that the Zoning Board was treating residents unfairly during the application hearings, many of the project’s protesters showed up at the Aug. 26 Borough Council meeting to state their case.
"From the minute we started the application process, you could tell the Zoning Board [members] had already made up their mind and are advocates of this project," William Myer of Monmouth Street told the council.
While Mayor Ed McKenna deemed discussions on a zoning application during a Borough Council meeting "inappropriate" and "illegal," Councilwomen Jennifer Beck and Betty Thompson as well as Councilman John Curley urged residents to air their concerns.
"Sometimes when people are rejected and not listened to by one group, they appeal to the next group that will hear them," Thompson said. "We are the elected officials. We are the elected ones. We have a responsibility to them and they have come to us."
"The residents are here because they want to be heard," added Beck, who has regularly attended hearings on the pending application. "Our Zoning and Planning boards have not treated the public well. Our residents have been disrespected. "
Though her comments were well received by council meeting attendees, Beck’s assessment of the borough’s Zoning and Planning boards were not as well received by McKenna.
"I am sick and tired of you criticizing the Zoning and Planning boards," he told Beck with his voice rising. "Especially when they put more hours in than you put on the council," he told her. "Our municipality has received a number of awards for planning and zoning. I was Planning Board Official of the Year in the state of New Jersey. I find it amazing how you constantly criticize our board."
Residents, outraged by McKenna’s outburst, lashed back.
"I am so personally offended by the way you spoke to my representative," said Marie Haggerty, an Oakland Street resident and first-time council meeting attendee. "I’ve read about you, Mayor McKenna. I’ve never known your face, and now I am embarrassed by the way you treated Ms. Beck. … Sometimes people have been around a little too long."
Saying he didn’t know much about the pending application, McKenna urged residents to take their concerns to Zoning Board Attorney Kevin Kennedy,
Then, he apologized for his behavior.
"I’ll eat my crow when it’s time to eat it," he said.
Borough Attorney Ken Pringle tells redbankgreen that faulty memory led to a situation in which his firm faced off against Verizon New Jersey on behalf of Red Bank while also working as a lobbyist for the telecom giant in Trenton.
Pringle, who's also the mayor of Belmar, says he and his firm have recused themselves from representing Red Bank in a tax appeal case brought by Verizon regarding its switching station on Broad Street.
A proposed settlement of the case, which would have reduced Verizon's two-year tax burden by a total $30,000, was tabled by the council a week ago, before the conflict of interest came to light.
Pringle said early this afternoon that law partner Tom Hall "simply forgot" that he and Pringle had previously recused themselves in Verizon business before the the council and neglected to check with the firm's lobbying office to see if the company was still a client.
Pringle said he didn't know that Hall had been dealing with Verizon over the tax appeal until last Monday's regular council meeting, when Hall described the proposed settlement to the council.
"I assumed he had had checked with our Trenton office and confirmed that we were no longer representing Verizon," Pringle told us.
But afterward, when he asked Hall if that was the case, he learned that Hall hadn't checked, Pringle said. Had he known that during the meeting, "I would have stopped the clock right away," Pringle said.
He said he and Hall discussed the matter more fully the following day and decided to recuse themselves from the tax case. Mayor Pasquale Menna, however, told us he didn't learn of the conflict until this morning, when he got a call from Hall.
Pringle said his firm, Pringle, Quinn & Anzana, has had a lobbying arm since 1998, and in recent years represented Verizon with regard to its interest in expanding its FiOS high-speed Internet business throughout New Jersey.
Take up power walking or join a gym Bill.
I hear Disney World is looking for some energetic individuals who have nothing to do ,and will jump around in costumes for free.
Hey God, get a membership at the gym with Bill.
Dear Athiest,
I am stronger than anyone you know. Do not disrespect me. You should spend more time worshipping Satan with the rest of your Democratic friends in Red Bank. You sir will rot in H_ll.
Dear Athiest,
You make it very clear that you do not believe in me and my powers. God means Good unlike you and your Red Bank Democrat friends who embrace Satan and all the evil it brings into your souls. You can only dream that someday you will be as strong as me. Remember, the Good always conquer the Evil!
Your Turn
Republicans will stop the budget insanity in Red Bank
Guest Column • Kim Senkeleski
Stop the insanity in Red Bank. I have read that the definition of insanity is doing the same bad thing over and over again …
According to the Red Bank Borough budget resolutions 04-206, 05-126, 06-175, 07-183 and 08-159, the borough of Red Bank has increased its budget by a whopping $3,972,353 in the short period of five years. Even more appalling is the fact that the increase in spending over the last two economically challenging years accounts for 73 percent, or $2,901,264, of that five-year-total increase. In addition to increasing our yearly spending like there's no tomorrow, the leaders of this town have increased borrowed monies by $1,032,597 during this same fiveyear span.
Budgets are passed by the Red Bank Council members by a "majority" vote. In the last five years, the Democratic Council majority has always voted "yes" for the budget and the Republican "minority" has always voted "no."
I bring up this point for one reason. The Red Bank Council currently has four Democrats and two Republicans. Those two Republican seats are up for election in November.
If Grace Cangemi and John Tyler, the two Republican Council candidates, are not elected, the Democrats' "majority" vote in the Red Bank Council will become a "monopoly."
Good piece on the Red Bank Green recorded interview controversy here:
http://tinyurl.com/5jnljm
Good piece on the Red Bank Green recorded interview controversy here:
http://tinyurl.com/5jnljm
Good piece on the Red Bank Green recorded interview controversy here:
http://tinyurl.com/5jnljm
All you must do is listen to the tape. This guy is so clueless. Thank you for making my decisoin so much easier. Thanks but no thanks Mr. Tyler.
I am not that thrill with the other candidates either. They too have no clue.
Listen again
While Zipprich maybe impressed with the work of the Democratic mayor and Democratic majority (currently there is a 4-2 split on the council), Republicans would beg to differ, as they point to the six-cent tax increase, which is, according to them, making it unaffordable to live in the borough and forcing some longtime residents out. "Spending, spending, spending," is the issue, Cangemi stressed.
She and Tyler would serve as "watchdogs," she said for the Democratic majority, which she and Tyler added, has continually raised taxes. Without that oversight, they said, there would be little discussion - or dissention from the status quo
Hi, while you think that Mr.Tyler has no clue you should also consider that he fought the battle to close the liquor store. He did not give in. Most candidates do not get involved in social issues. I would vote for someone who cares for the community.
Richard
just remember Mckennacrats = Neo-Cons
The interview was refreshing because he doesn't pretend to know all the answers.
I voted for Mr.Tyler because I like his wife who is a good teacher in the 4 year old room.
Eastsider