Election Response
Monday, May 18th, 20095/17/09
To the Editor
It was reported that the reelection of the Millville City Commissioners was deemed a victory over Millville First. One quote referred to Millville First as a “small group of backward thinkers”. An editorial dubbed us dogmatic obstructionists who blew a lot of smoke. First, the smoke. The Commissioners are the smoke blowers. You only have to look at the job projections and economic benefit claims associated with the NJMP and Good Mill shopping center to see who wins the blue ribbon for blowing smoke. On the other hand, Millville First will gladly accept the obstructionist label. We obstructed illegal payments by the City to Sun Bank, we obstructed the use of eminent domain for private developers, we obstructed the illegal granting of tax abatements, we obstructed the failure of the City to tax cell towers, we obstructed the underpayment of taxes by the housing authority, we obstructed the City’s failure to charge developers review and development fees mandated by City ordinances. That’s a partial list of negligent and unlawful acts Millville First has obstructed. Millville First pleads guilty to the obstructionist label and vows to continue to earn it so long as the City fails to follow the law and treat all citizens equally and fairly. But more importantly, Millville First is not, and never was about who the commissioners are. Millville First is about whatthe commissioners do and do not do, no matter who they are. Certainly it would have been easier and maybe more effective to have commissioners who read, study and understand their actions, or commissioners who follow the law without constant surveillance. Nonetheless, Millville First intends to continue with renewed vigor and vigilance its watchdog role.
Paul R. Porreca
President, Millville First