MAYOR FAVORS POLES!

Most people know how busy a politician's schedule can be, especially around election time.  There are store openings, political fundraisers and community celebrations in the mix of events a politician has to try to attended.  Some of the events, like small business openings, come up with short notice, others, like  community celebrations  may be on an annual basis.  So when a scheduling conflict arises , what's a poor politician to do?

Well, in the case of one poor politician, that being the mayor of Woodbridge, John McCormac, the choice seemed easy, shun the annual community celebration and go for the little business opening; in this instance, a 'Pole Dancing for Exercise' studio!
( see:http://www.nj.com/middlesex/index.ssf/2013/08/pole_dancing_for_fitness_studio_to_celebrate_grand_ope...)

While the gala opening was undoubtedly a well choreographed happening, inclusive of pole dancing, was it more important than a major cultural event in the township?

The event that went unattended by the mayor was the annual Indo-American Cultural Society's fete marking 67 years of Indian's Independence from Great Britain. For whatever reason, this event seems to be off the mayor's,  4th Ward Councilman James Major's, and ever other council member's, save Bob Luban's, must go to list.  At least that has been the case for past several years.

The absence of the mayor, so many of his council members, NJ Sen. Joe Vitale, and NJ Assemblymen Wisniewski and Coughlin, does give rise to question of why they consistently eschew this celebration, year after year?  Is not the Indo-American community of  Woodbridge Township, which is second only to the white community, (as per the 2010 census) with 22.42% of the township's population, of importance to them?  Or is it something more?

Nevertheless, the event was wll attended by numerous elected officials and political office candidates.  The attending notables include: US Congressman Frank Pallone,  NJ Sen. Sam Thompson, 17th District Assembly Upendra J. Chivukula, Middlesex County Freeholders Blanquita B. Valenti and Kenneth Armwood, Edison Mayor Antonia Ricigilano, and Woodbridge town councilman and NJ Senate candidate, Robert 'Bob' Luban.  On the non-incumbent candidate side of the ledger,  Middlesex County candidates Jose 'Tony' Martinez (Sheriff) and Bob Jones (Freeholder), Damon Mantesano (Piscataway town council candidate) and Woodbridge town council candidates, John Vrtaric, 1st Ward, and 2nd, Peggy LaTorre were present despite their own hectic schedules. Kudos to all of all of the aforementioned for their ongoing support of our Indo-American community and its celebration of India's independence. (Apologies to anyone I may have inadvertently omitted).

Perhaps, come election day in November, the voters will tell the mayor and the others who continually miss this even to: Go Climb a Pole!

Happy Independence Day to India, her sons and daughters, at home and abroad!