Republican held Morris County cracks and position opens for a Democrat

June 21, 9:26 PMBergen County Independent ExaminerPaul Seitz

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Positioned just to the west of Passiac and Bergen Counties, Morris county is strongly representative of the republican party ideals.  It is the six wealthiest county in the United States, during the 2008 election, John McCain carried the county by a healthy 8% margin over Obama and according to U.S. census information median income is $90,000 per year with over 62% of household consisting of married couples.  It makes sense then that the constituents of this county would favor lower taxes, less government and traditional family ideals that make up much of the republican calling points.

Yet, a Democrat, Frank Herbert, has found a place on the county’s election board.
It seems Democrats are just as adept at playing the technicalities in political game as the Republicans.  Frank Herbert had been a state senator in Bergen County from 1978 to 1982. The Morris county position opened up last year with the passing of Republican RoseAnne Travaglia,.  Seeing his opportunity, Governor Corzine nominated Herbert for the position.

On the surface it would seem easy for the Morris county republican senators to block the appointment.  There is one very effective tool a their disposal, called “Senatorial Courtesy”.  With this process, the republican senators of Morris county , Anthony Bucco and Joseph Pennacchio, may simply block the appointment without even providing a reason.  Even with this tool, the senators have stated their desire to eliminate the post completely, as a effort toward cost savings during these difficult financial times for the state.  The county already has two other election oversight positions that would serve quite well and removing the already vacant spot seemed an ideal way to trim the budget.

However, and this is where Corzine proves himself more of a Machiavellian than a fiscally conservative democrat, the bylaws of “Senatorial Courtesy” prohibits using it against a former state senator.  Corzine is therefore able to appoint a democrat and establish a toehold in a fiercely republican county. 

At what price?  Playing partisan politics to fill an unnecessary position appears wrong at every angle.  The state budget is facing major cutbacks in key areas including education, health care, and social services when we need these the most.