Summer 2003 Edition  

Politics   By Chris Neidenberg   An examination of the state of the two major municipal parties several months before election shows that - while Fair Lawn's Democrats will draw a free pass this November - cracks still pierce their armor. In fact, 2003 has seen negative developments affecting both parties. For while Democrats will run unopposed for the first time in the history of the municipality's partisan-aligned government system, the party suffered some fissures. These cracks fully surfaced after the party celebrated the ascension of Ganz to an elected seat on the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2002 - the first election of a resident to that capacity - since Nick Kuiken decades ago. Former Fair Lawn Mayor Edward Trawinski, municipal GOP chairman, was one of Ganz' opponents. The splits also became pronounced after the party elected its ninth consecutive local council candidate (spanning five elections). Deputy Mayor Steven Weinstein prevailed in a special election over GOP challenger Howard Hyde.  Republicans have not won locally here since 1995 These Democratic cracks included the stunning defection of incumbent 38th District Assemblyman and former Deputy Mayor Matthew Ahearn to the Green Party, and one-term Councilman Vic Amato's decision not to seek re-election. Amato officially made that decision after earlier jousting with some of his fellow party colleagues, most notably over the performance of now-former Borough Manager Barbara Sacks. Amato's loud and repeated bickering with Sacks was a likely source of embarrassment and concern to "Team Ganz." That's because the council's four other Democrats essentially stood behind her. In fact, Amato expressed to Fair Lawn News particular frustration over Deputy Mayor Martin Etler's loud and continuous support for the now-former manager. Amato's tirades, focusing on Sacks' policy for releasing information to council members, more than likely hastened Sacks' resignation (by mutual agreement) a year ago. She eventually took a similar job in South Brunswick. Ahearn's sudden "bolt" to the Greens - a short time after he appeared unified with State Senator Joseph Coniglio at the 2003 local reorganization - certainly showcased a "thunderous" rift within Fair Lawn's Democratic ranks. County Democrats quickly moved to insure that one of this year's assembly candidates will represent Fair Lawn -- former Mayor Robert Gordon. The borough is certainly a major municipality in what some state political pundits view this year as a crucial swing district - Yet Ahearn's defection was another source of embarrassment to the mayor, who appeared in cable TV ads touting his 2001 assembly bid. The development led to the immediate departure of municipal Democratic Chairman Barry Winston from Ahearn's staff. Additionally, Ahearn was quoted in published reports putting him at odds with Bergen County Democratic Chairman Joseph Ferrerio, obviously a key player in helping nominate Ganz for freeholder. In published reports, Ahearn complained about the amount of fundraising he needed to do in running a major party campaign, and hinted that he would likely not be renominated again due to his independence. In media accounts, Ferrerio countered that Ahearn was simply not an effective state legislator. Ahearn's move is certainly a rare example, nationally, of a major party state legislator bolting to a third party in the middle of his or her term. Still, Fair Lawn's Democrats - which have complete control over an aggregate $30 million budget (that thanks to the sale of the Arts Center they managed to fund without a municipal tax hike) will draw a "blank check" - and dictate the dialogue - in the upcoming election. That's because the Republicans - already shut out of Fair Lawn's government for the past four years and led by Trawinski - somehow failed to provide three opposition candidates in one of the county's larger municipalities. As a result, Etler, Weinstein, and newcomer Owen McCarthy can conceivably run without really having to address the issues. Yet, -more than likely, they will at least have to issue statements on their records and achievements. Of course, they will try suggesting it must be a sign that even the Republicans are not too upset with their handling of the borough - and view them as unbeatable. As for Ahearn, the rift is quite obvious. During a recent council meeting, Councilman Allan Caan, in discussing the borough's receipt of almost $100,000 in 2003 state grants, commended Coniglio while not mentioning Fair Lawn's native son. Asked earlier in the year about Ahearn's stunning defection, Ganz simply stated, "I have no comment." Yet Ganz made it clear that Amato's decision to leave was strictly his. "He did not seek renomination," the mayor explained, adding that he values Amato's "counsel and appreciates his service to our community." "The party therefore brought in Owen McCarthy," said Ganz. He described the lifelong resident as "a fine young lawyer," with "strong and long roots in our community." The mayor added that McCarthy is "quite active in community affairs." A 1991 Fair Lawn High School graduate, he is the ticket's youngest member. As for Weinstein and Etler, the mayor commended both, saying their "careful review of proposed operating expenses, line by line," played a major role in helping avoid a tax increase.   Note:  Mr. Neidenberg is a talented local writer looking for a job.  If you have a job tip for him, send an e- mail to cn07055@aol.com