On the subject of Charles Hood being removed from the ballot today, Jeff Mattingly made the following post on the NJ.com/Essex County forum:
The problems started early on and are getting worse.
Two competing slates for mayor and at-large seats, no alternatives.
One sitting councilman controversially drops out of the ticket right after petitions close.
Incomplete ticket quickly moves to collect proper # of petitions to get 3rd member on ballot.
Essex elections judge allows for unusual circumstance and puts 3rd name on ballot as qualified.
Opposition appeals and has ruling overturned requiring 3rd candidate to be “write in”.
Incomplete ticket is now appealing the appeal. What will the ultimate determination be…
If the state is truly desirous of competitive races and voter participation, that they would reduce requirements for absentee ballots to include anyone for any reason, why would they hamstring an even slate requiring one candidate to be “write-in” if the candidate is qualified to be on the ballot?
Controversy and accusations surrounds the councilman who dropped out, especially his choice of timing. This type of shenanigans is typical of Belleville politics but the PEOPLE NEED A CLEAR CHOICE OF CANDIDATES without judges playing football with handicaps!
This election is already historically unique in that both the Republican and Democrat party chairs have united to unseat incumbents. This election is guaranteed to be messy and contested and we need impartial judges in the process.
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