Dear Editor:
Jersey City politics is a Machiavellian soap opera. Local politics are neither founded on explicit ideological notions nor moral and ethical premises. Politics are based on given circumstances and opportunities. Jersey City politics seize and embrace the “realpolitik” of the moment. Jersey City politicians understand that there is little difference between obstacles and opportunities; they are readily adroit to turn both to their advantage.
In his book, “The Powerticians,” Tommy Smith mentions the ubiquitous Barney Doyle, a city employee who greatly benefited from the “spoils” of supporting the “right” candidate. Barney Doyle quipped that Judas Iscariot is the patron saint of politicians. Recent events surrounding the appointment of Yosef Saleh definitely prove Barney Doyle right.
As we recall, in the spirit of transparency and open government, or, perhaps, Jersey City-style glasnost, Councilmen Solomon and Lavarro scheduled interviews for perspective candidates to fill the vacant Ward D seat. At that time, Sean Connors, a former detective and experienced politician, was the peoples’ choice to fill that council seat.
Sean Connors had his eyes set on the Ward D seat right from the get go. Ward C Councilman, Rich Boggiano, an erstwhile police officer, fully supported Sean Connors’ appointment to the council. Demetrius Terry initiated a petition drive to have Connors appointed to the Ward D seat. From what I’ve seen on Facebook, the Ward D constituents were solidly behind Sean Connors. It appeared that Sean Connors had the appointment in the bag.
Initially, Yosef Saleh wasn’t even on the radar screen. He wasn’t among the original hopefuls to fill the vacant Ward D seat. Of course, that all changed when “Boss Fulop,” in true “Powertician” form, flexed his political might.
I was surprised that the council approved “Boss Fulop’s” selection by a 6 – 2 vote; I anticipated a 5 – 3 vote. We know that Councilmen Solomon and Lavarro voted “no;” they were going in a different direction. Honestly, I expected the Ward C councilman to join Solomon and Lavarro. Then again, being grounded in reality, maybe the Ward C councilman is looking to become a member of “Team Fulop,” and, by doing so, dip into the war chest that “Boss Fulop” has amassed.
There was a transparent process in place to select a candidate to temporarily fill the Ward D seat – a process that Michael Yun would have approved, endorsed, and supported. Granted, Saleh just might be the best person for the job. But, by the mayor abusing his authority and corrupting the transparent process, Saleh’s selection has been tarnished and tainted. Consequently, Saleh finds himself walking on eggshells. The constituents in Ward D expect an independent voice on the council. “Boss Fulop” expects – demands – a loyal follower.
This Machiavellian drama will continue to unfold. By the special election in November, we’ll know whether the ends did, in fact, justify the means.
John Di Genio
