By Letters to the Editor/The Jersey Journal History teaches us that whenever a person attempts to challenge the status quo of the political machine in Hudson County that person becomes the target of innuendo and slanderous attacks by the high-priced, so-called spokesperson for the organization. This is so evident in the recent attacks against Larry Wainstein from the political organization that has controlled North Bergen for better than the past quarter of a century. I say, hats off to Larry Wainstein for standing up and moving forward with his organization, North Bergen Concerned Citizens.The appearance of Larry Wainstein has had a double positive affect in North Bergen. No question an increasing number of citizens are working together with Larry and the North Bergen Concerned citizens, but I want to discuss the positive effect he has upon the present township officials. For years the Sacco administration has ignored the growing different cultures that have become a part of our town and the need for education training and guidance in the areas of immigration. income taxes and learning English, to name just a few. Larry Wainstein and the Concerned Citizens of North Bergen began to sponsor free classes to provide these social services to the residents of North Bergen. Wainstein not only attracted many residents but it also gained the attention of the Sacco administration.
Finally, following the lead of the North Bergen Concerned Citizens, the Sacco administration is now offering these social services.
Mayor Nick Sacco may be a senior citizen, but I am happy to see that he still remembers the childhood game of follow the leader.
By Bill MooneyA coalition of more than 500 activists and volunteers from North Bergen has endorsed Gov. Chris Christie for re-election.
The North Bergen Concerned Citizens Group pointed to the administration’s efforts in fighting waste and abuse in throwing its backing his way.
“Governor Christie is a symbol of anti-corruption and a tireless advocate for honest, open government,” said Larry Wainstein, group president.
“Our organization shares those ideals with the Governor and shares his commitment to ending government corruption, waste and abuse of taxpayer funds in North Bergen and throughout New Jersey.”
The group also cited Christie for appointing many Hispanics to key leadership positions, as well as providing increased state aid to Hudson County.
The group also took a swipe at North Bergen Mayor and state Sen. Nick Sacco, a frequent target of the governor’s for collecting more than one public paycheck.
“In Governor Christie, we have a straight talking elected official who tells it like it is. Governor Christie has said, ‘bad enough that Nick Sacco is making 300 grand himself, it is just outragous, the unchecked power and abuse of the citizens that the Sacco administration engages in.’" the group stated.
Sacco camp fires back
Sacco spokesman Philip Swibinski discounted the group’s claims of 500 members and said 50 would be more likely.
“This group is a small bunch of political gadflys who oppose Mayor Sacco,” Swibinski said. “They show up to Commission meetings with a handful of people every few weeks and make some noise about whatever their issue of the moment is, often filled with exaggerations and outright lies.”
He further said that Wainstein has had a vendetta against Sacco for years over a zoning dispute.
Read more...