Why I am voting Patricia Hendricks.
This election cycle feels like a battle for the soul of Cape May. Issues that have polarized our residents-issues that have caused a great chasm, threaten the future of the City. So which candidate for Council will be the best to lead us out of these troubled times?
I am voting Patricia Hendricks for Council in Cape May. Why? Because she is ready for the job. Not only has she paid her dues, Tricia knows that from day one tough decisions will have to be made. There is no time for on the job training after this election cycle. Council on January 1st will have to hit the ground running.
For the past eight years, Tricia has diligently worked to demand transparency and accountability in City Government. She has tirelessly attended City Council meetings as a watch dog for citizens’ interests. She is a person of integrity.
Tricia has the thoughtful and analytical background of a compassionate teacher yet she also possesses the gutsy ability to tell-it-like-it-is. An independent voice is something council sincerely needs.
Tricia understands the needs of Cape May’s residents, especially our seniors. Just look at the charge Patricia and Shaine Meier have led to build a handicap ramp at the Post Office.
Rather than hide behind the ill-drafted resolution to declare the building ADA compliant, Patricia prepared to go toe to toe with Congressman Lobiondo at a bench dedication outside the Post Office. Most noteworthy, since the bulk of senior residents who would benefit from the ramp, live less than one block away.
In addition to shining a light on financial integrity issues surrounding convention hall and sky high insurance premiums, Patricia Hendricks has spoken out on issues related to the safety of tourists and the lack of parking solutions in Cape May.
Her Opponent
Her opponent Zack Mullock is a good man. He is no doubt a loving husband and a fine father. His attention to future issues like driver-less cars speaks to his vision for the city.
Seems like Zack would want to restore civility to the Cape May city council, yet he has not made clear on which side of some of the most divisive issues he lands on. Rather, Zack has taken a safe middle of the road approach to campaigning.
Zack, like Shaine Meier, will no doubt have a future in public office. He certainly has the name recognition. But Cape May cannot afford the ambiguity going into this election.
Right now, Cape May needs leaders who will lead with integrity and forthright transparency. Leaders who will recognize the inherit value of talent within it’s community. Leaders who will be open-minded and in tune with the citizens of Cape May.
Intelligence, integrity and independence- that’s why I’m Voting Patricia Hendricks for City Council.
.I vote Zack.He is smart,I’ve talked to him before I even knew his “name recognition”and that middle of the road thing,what is wrong with that???? I would also say Zack is the most openminded of the bunch. I will be happy with whatever my fellow voters choose,I go to council meetings or watch on Livestream later. Thank you John for your post and for allowing me to reply,some social media sites concerning Cape May do not allow this.
Some social media sites concerning Cape May have administrators that monitor the behavior of members. When an individual is rude or disrespectful to multiple members of the page, they are asked to please stop. If the individual continues, they are given a second warning. If it continues beyond that, the administrators remove that individual in the best interest of the 16k other members.
John, great piece and solid points. I support Tricia as well and both yours and my opinions seem to be mirrored by the Star and Wave.
How about social media sites that have very few actual residents,pushing an agenda about that town.Does that make any sense?
What a peculiar thing, waiting 5 months to reply to me. Hmmm, guess you were busy. I’m not sure what media sites you’re talking about, but the one I run has 20,000 members, several thousand of whom are residents and property owners.
Have a great day!
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Suzanne, everyone is welcome to comment on here. Thanks for sharing your views. I like Zack and this is a tough choice election.
I am just excited to see local politics getting the attention it deserves. Thanks John for bringing these down-ballot, but very important, candidates to light on your blog.
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David elections like this are an example of why everyone must be informed. Expressing one’s opinion is such a great privilege in this country. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Excellent post, as always John. Hope and prayers that today’s election turns out the best for Cape May and our Country as a whole. Enjoy!
Hey Ben, must have missed your memmos but everything’s is Cool ? In Cape May. How’s the turn out in your home town? Good luck to Tricia.
‘Middle of the road’ or simply not willing to lie to you and the voters? I heard “reinstate him!” almost everyday of the campaign. Not once since. This seemed like such a major issue to you and many others during the election but nothing but silence since the election.
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Hello Zack
Thanks for taking the time to read the blog and make a comment. I doubt that many of us have stopped shouting “reinstate him” in the backs of our minds. However the previous administration of council left little alternative but to let the situation play out in courts. Of course we could re-instate Sheehan and then defend the suit from Chief Marino. Perhaps we could bill Mahaney for the cost of the suit. How would you have handled it? The current administration has remained transparent and realizes their hands are tied in so far as the Sheehan situation.
Again thanks for commenting. Anyone is welcome to comment and diversity of opinion is always stimulating.
Mayor Mahaney and council passed two resolutions right before they left-
1. To indemnify themselves of any damages (they can’t be sued) caused by decisions and actions that the Cape May County Prosecutor and top NJ law enforcement officials called illegal and inappropriate.
2. To offer a 4-year contract to a Police Chief while there is ongoing litigation regarding the illegal removal of the prior Police Chief (that’s what the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and Cape May County Chief’s Association called it). Mayor Mahaney and his team passed this ordinance and tied the hands of the new administration. They forced Cape May taxpayers to burden the hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and likely increasing the settlement or judgement amount.
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Since the election Mr. Mullock has taken to Facebook to blame his loss on the voters, the Councilwoman, the media, and even John Cooke. Most of the posts were deleted hours after being put up but there are screenshots of everything.
Most recently Mr. Mullock went to the city’s Town Hall meeting and tore into Mayor Lear for a proposal that didn’t even exist. After he was informed of his mistake he started asking questions that had already been answered by Mayor Lear at the meeting. Mr. Mullock skipped most of the meeting and showed up at the end. He completed the night by going home and proclaiming victory on Facebook for a voter referrandum on parking that Mayor Lear talked about weeks ago, then reitterated at the meeting prior to Mr. Mullock’s arrival.
Thank goodness voters selected the more stable and professional candidate. Councilwoman Hendricks is a breath of fresh air.
There’s the old personal attack dog. Never once blamed anyone. Sheesh Ben. Perhaps John can tell us when I blamed him? By the way the contract was in August well before the election. Also never tore into Mr Lear. I am very happy he is our mayor. I asked direct questions yes. And yes I am happy a referendum was agreed to.
I must admit, I’m confused here, Zack. I sign my comments, just like this one and the one I wrote earlier today, after I saw the link to this post on John’s page. For what it’s worth, the contract with Chief Marino was signed on December 20, 2017, and I’m glad you like Chuck. Me too.
On November 8th that exact answer was ‘middle of the road’ now it’s apparently acceptable policy. Interesting
Zack Mullock still confused that running for city government anywhere is not the same as high school student council. Move on already.
Chief Marino was given a binding contract by prior council. Capt. Sheehan needs to be reinstated by a judge only for now. Current council cannot act on this matter.