Governor Chris Christie is known for being brutally honest at this town hall meetings. Some would say this is an understatement, but a strong majority of residents approve.
Still, aren’t there limits to what a public official should say, Save Jerseyans? At least there should be; public leaders are supposed to lead by example! And when they don’t, it’s more than our politics that suffers. Our culture and the next generation of prospective leaders suffer, too.
I guess not everyone agrees? The Camden County GOP is circulating a web video featuring Freeholder Ian Leonard (D), swearing like a sailor, allegedly filmed during a September 20, 2012 public meeting:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48hbacosWqg
Oh boy. Reportedly, the meeting was just the latest chapter in an ongoing clash between the all-Democrat Freeholder Board and opponents of the hugely controversial Camden City/County police merger.
According to his official biography, Leonard previously served as chief of staff for former Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts and is seeking a second full term on November 6th.
If he wins, county residents should spring for a bar of soap to commemorate the accomplishment!
Even if a member of the public is rude to you (which I didn’t hear, though to be clear, this apparently isn’t an unedited tape), leaders nevertheless need to keep their composure. It’s part of the job. Maybe I’m a little old-fashioned, folks, but I don’t believe there’s a place for THAT kind of coarse language in the public discourse. Democrat, Republican… I don’t care who you are, nor do I care what the context might’ve been. Keep it to yourself and vent after the meeting. That’s what a bench press is for.
Typical unaccountable machine antics. Too bad the Camden GOP is weaker than ever.
Disappointing… Would have thought that all those years of Tae Kwon Do would have had a stronger influence.