Mullica's deputy mayor switching to Republicans
By ROB SPAHR Staff Writer, 609-272-7283
(Published in the Press of Atlantic City: Saturday, April 18, 2009)
MULLICA TOWNSHIP - Citing philosophical differences with the local Democratic club, Deputy Mayor William Kennedy says he has submitted the necessary paperwork to change his party affiliation to Republican.
The move is not yet official, Kennedy said, but he expects to be notified of that soon.
Kennedy said his political philosophy has not changed and that the move had more to do with pleasing the members of his soon-to-be former party.
"The Democrats don't get along with me, and I don't get along with them," Kennedy said. "I'm doing this because the Democrats asked me to."
In January, the local Democratic Club called on Kennedy to resign from his position on the Atlantic County Democratic Committee due to his "desire to not affiliate with the local Democratic Club and local Democratic elected officials."
Also in the envelope was a pre-written resignation letter, addressed to Atlantic County Democratic Committee Chairman Patrick D'Arcy, for Kennedy to sign.
A few days later, Kennedy told The Press of Atlantic City he would resign from the committee on his own terms, not "because these people signed a letter at a meeting that I wasn't invited to."
Kennedy said he eventually realized it was time for a change.
"And if you come to the meetings, everything with them is negative," he said. "I try to be positive."
When asked if he would run for re-election as a Republican, Kennedy said he "doubts very much" that he will run again, but added that decision is still two years away.
And Kennedy said he does not believe that his new party affiliation or the Democrats' apparent lack of confidence in him will negatively affect the township.
"I'm not any different today than I've ever been," he said. "I'm still the same person and a D or R next to my name doesn't change that."
The move, however, will officially shift the power on the five-person Township Committee from Democrat to Republican. Kennedy was already increasingly siding with the two Republicans on split issues in recent months, as the tensions between him and the Democrats grew.
E-mail Robert Spahr:
RSpahr@pressofac.com
Saturday, April 18, 2009
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10 comments:
"'I'm not any different today than I've ever been,' he said."
Kennedy got that right. He still has no morals or integrity. He still is dishonest and lies. He never was a true Democrat.
Since Kennedy obtained his seat on the committee with lies and deception, he should resign immediately. I was at the democratic club meeting where he vowed to support the democrats if the group supported him. I wonder what Larry would have for a nickname for him ....Suggestions are welcome!
It feels like Mullica has just had a cancer removed...Kennedy created so many problems by flip-flopping that he made the whole town look bad.
Kennedy's a positive person? Wonder what the rescue squad would think of that statement???????
Kennedy was supported by a number of Republicans, and they just threw Joe Maultz to the wolves. Kennedy was their patsy---Maultz actually had some of his own ideas. Chasey didn't want that. Chasey was Maultz' campaign person, and she only ordered 50 signs for him. What does that tell you? Maultz would have been a better choice for this town than Kennedy, but Chasey couldn't push him around and use him like she did Kennedy.
The Repub. ladies and the chief of police rode Kennedy hard and put him away wet...
I had voted for Bill Kennedy though I was warned by others that he"had changed". I believed he was an independent thinker(and I was mocked for that) but in the end I had hoped he would honor his agreement to give the Mayor title to Mr St Amour which he had given his word to do. Because of personal differences he didnt but he also snubbed Mr Graebener for the office. If he was truly independent and felt there was a conspiracy to put him in jail he might have kept things in control by staying on as Mayor and declaring himself an Independent/Undeclared. If he had been a free thinker and truly independent he would have had a very important role in keeping the Township on course by keeping either side form creating their own agenda since it appears there is no cooperation nor respect going on here. We now know he gave the title to the Republicans to keep his department and Deputy Mayor.If there was any shred of independence still left in him he could have now declared himself "undeclared" and left the Democrats and still be a critical vote. By switching to the Republicans he has lost his independence and will be told to follow the line. He had been senior in the Democratic committee but now is an underling in the Republican Party. He really has no bargaining chips nor any real power now. He has not only hurt himself, his position, his integrity, but also the town. I doubt that the Republican Club trusts him. I also wonder what will happen if Bruce Crow wins and wants the Police Dept and or one of the Mayor/Deputy Mayor thing. Mr Crow has been a life long Republican and was a long standing committeeman.I have to admit that to all those who had figured Mr Kennedy out quite awhile ago I was wrong but I'll never vote for him again nor will I ever believe his words that he's an "independent guy"
The upcoming election will be interesting. Unfortunately, Mr Kennedy's term is not up this time, but his vote will mean nothing if Anthony and/or Sue are elected. I think that perhaps there are many republicans in town who are now favoring the democrats as far as local politics are concerned. Let me see to quote Larry: Bruce "the toe sucker" Crow or Anthony "profiles in courage" Gabris....which would you vote for? Bruce Crow is an ignorant man who blindly does the bidding of the Republican Club. He gaveled people down at meetings and was an embarrassing presence when he sat on the committee, especially when he was mayor.
Kennedy got 1 thing right!!!! Its time for a change....... GO SUE & ANTHONY!!!!!!!
Yea, Bill, it is "time for a change". Now get the hell out!
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