So good to see the candidates are paying attention.
At least some of them.
With the election in a few days people in Upper Saddle River have been waiting to hear from the candidates hoping for a debate, or forum. Or in desperation a video presentation. So offers were made to the candidates and their team (both parties), to host a forum, possibly at the library, firehouse or school, open to residents with a video stream for those who couldn’t attend.
Not a debate. A forum.
Basically one step up from Meet and Greet.
No reply.
Well, it was just 2 weeks away from the election so time was probably short.
Plan B.
Individual videos of the candidates. Free advertising. What is there to lose? An offer was made to video them (for free) making a timed opening statement, answering 5 pre-selected questions (that they would have no prior knowledge of) and a closing statement. Â This would allow each candidate the opportunity to present themselves in a semi-controlled, non-public format. The videos, from whoever agreed, would be done with no edits, shot straight through and placed on FaceBook and this website, and the town website ( with permission), and anywhere else the candidates chose.
What is there to lose?
The silence was deafening.
No reply.
Which is interesting as this is during an election. For positions of public servants. They want your vote. We were showing interest. We wanted to actually hear from them.
But no.
The fact is this is blatantly rude. Even your federal representatives have canned responses at the very least.
But no, just silence.
Yes, they may be inundated with requests for videoing, public appearances, ribbon cutting, baby kissing, etc. etc. and they obviously want control of their message, and presentation. Understandable. What about a “no thanks, interesting idea” / “no thanks, no time” / “no thanks, not interested”?
Remember, they want your vote.
But wait!
Suddenly there are videos from the Democratic candidates. Medina and Beylerian have produced a couple of videos where they actually talk about their message #OurPledge. Very interesting as they were clearly filmed several weeks ago (green trees, short sleeves) but never bothered to get them up in a more timely manner. But they did make them, and do hit some of the key points that concern residents.
Give them credit – they did put something together. They made an effort. They heard.
However, these videos apparently are only on Facebook. And there are many, many residents who aren’t. So the message isn’t far and wide, but there is a message.
The grimy reality is that these were prepared and staged. Which is fine for a presentation but gives no clue as to how they might perform under pressure, in the hot seat. That is where debates come in. But neither party is willing to deal with this. They don’t want to squirm and fidget and risk losing their composure. And apparently the thought of individual videos caused concern. Hence no reply.
But give the Democratic candidates credit, they did listen. We wanted to hear from them.
Are the Republicans listening?
Can you hear us?
The Democrats responded. Where’s your response??
These two Democrats are political hacks—arrogant and rude, out of touch and have no idea what the issues are. They think they can simply look the part with the Democratic machine behind them. Sadly they are wrong and will lose very badly next week. I really hoped for good challengers but not these two phonies.
The Democrats seem to address some important issues in a video BUT they never showed up for anything with the Toll Brothers regarding the arsenic and lead water nor spoke about the Pearson project and many other topics that are very important in Upper Saddle River. They attended meetings but many times just sat as a spectator and not speak up about the topics they claimed in videos they will address. Actions speak louder than words. Leaders should be passionate, informed and fearless to make their town the best it can be. They need to engage on social media, answer questions from citizens in a public platform, speak out at town Hall meetings on topics of concern, do the legwork and go to protests and speak to people that can help change things. I hope all the leaders will take heed and follow through in finally listening to the people and doing something about it.