Vineland Office of the Mayor PRESS RELEASE FROM: MAYOR RUBEN BERMUDEZ RE: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS DATE: 11/23/2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE It disappoints me to read that a small segment of the Vineland community is attempting a politically-motivated recall effort. I not yet received official notice, but based on what has been reported, the claims are totally bogus and so generalized that any thoughtful, critical-thinking person could easily determine that that recall is totally baseless and absolutely lacking merit or substance. Not surprisingly, the Recall Committee is comprised of individuals that did not support me for Mayor and are simply being used as puppets for a much larger political agenda. For the committee itself, this is just a matter of “sour grape” politics and a chance at 15 minutes of fame. It comes as no shock that my political enemies are introducing this recall at this time since I am involved in two (2) critical efforts that have shaken the Vineland status quo. Clearly, this hastened recall effort is nothing more that an attempt at distracting the public from the fact that I have touched a sensitive political nerve. Specifically, the issues that seemed to have moved this group to action are as follow: LANDIS THEATRE - I am calling on the City Council to continue the investigation into the Landis theatre project initiated by the previous administration. Perhaps just coincidence, but it was not until I started to move on the continuation of the Landis investigation that I encounter strong immediate resistance inside City Hall—at the highest levels—and outside. REMOVAL OF A DEPARTMENT HEAD - I am involved in removing the department head of the Law Department because I—as the Mayor and client—have lost confidence in his professional advice. I also believe that it is time to make substantive changes in Vineland City Hall in order to change the organizational culture. It is important to note that when the head of the Law Department was initially appointed by me as Mayor, he offered his word as a gentleman and a legal professional that he would resign at anytime for whatever reason if I—as the Mayor—requested it. I did just that; I requested his resignation in front of witnesses, but he refused and went back on his word leaving me no other choice but to immediately relieve him of his duties and move to terminate pursuant to the Faulkner Act and consistent with the Professional Code of Standards. To my detractors that suggest that my administration is not transparent, it is important to understand that both issues above require a high degree of confidentiality at this time as (1) concerns itself with an on-going investigation(s), and the other (2) is personnel matter, which are understandably precluded from being discussed in an open forum. Discussing either one in detail could be a violation of law. In closing, the real issue some are having with me is that I have begun to take on the morally corrupt system. I’m going to change that, but it will not be without major resistance. Vineland has to change in order to move forward. I was elected on that promise, and I will continue to do so. A divided and polarized Vineland only serves the interests of the status quo. I urge the Vineland community to give me a chance and support my efforts and my vision for our City. I remain strong, focused and resolute.
Posted on: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 00:15:34 +0000
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