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Councilman Arnowitz changes parties again
(by Erin Patricia Griffiths - September 10, 2008)
Councilman Max Arnowitz has formally announced a change in the status of his political party and has chosen to switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party again, just months away from elections.
Arnowitz said he originally considered running as an independent, but felt it would be very expensive and intended instead to retire from politics. Councilman Andrew Weinstein and Mayor John Sapanara requested that he consider running as a Republican. After being assured that he would not be a hindrance to the party in doing so, he felt secure in making the change.
After officially switching, he was contacted by the Republican Party and asked to consider running on the Republican ticket for this year’s election. “I will run again because I would really like to serve,” he said.
In part, it is Arnowitz’s fondness for the present mayor and council and his belief that this is the most productive governing body he has seen in his years of service to the borough that fueled his decision. “Overall, in the 21 years that I have served on council, and I’ve served with many people, it [the present council] is the most far reaching, most in depth council I have served with,” said Arnowitz. “There isn’t a person up there who doesn’t put Hillsdale first.”
In addition, Arnowitz found disagreement with the Democratic officials in past years. “I wasn’t overly thrilled with some of the people in the Democratic Party regarding their ideals. I haven’t gotten along with them for the past two years,” he said.
Much of the conflict Arnowitz has felt with the Democrats stems from a letter written by former councilman and Democratic council candidate Frank Prospero in early February in regards to the mayor and council failing to keep Hillsdale first in their decisions by appointing Elizabeth Randall to the position of borough attorney. In his letter, Prospero stated, “Newly-appointed Randall has had zero experience as a borough attorney.”
Although discouraged from writing a letter to refute the statements in Prospero’s letter, Arnowitz chose to write one, feeling the letter was incorrect. “I felt that letter was very offensive. I don’t believe in putting out misinformation,” said Arnowitz. “If someone has those qualifications and is the best person for the position, then you put them in… Elizabeth Randall brought a lot to the table,” he continued.
Prospero, however, believes that Arnowitz’s decision to switch parties is reflective of self-serving motives. “Max does what’s best for Max. I feel that he does not stand up for what he believes in. He will just go to whatever side he believes will take him,” said Prospero. “He actually didn’t have any options anymore. The Democratic Party did not want him anymore.”
Arnowitz predicted such a response. “I am sure there will be people saying that I flip back and forth,” he said. He understands that many may not agree with his politics, and the way he chooses to vote based upon his values and not party lines, but he is not afraid to stand by his ideals. “I offend people, I don’t deny that,” said Arnowitz. “I am outspoken, I say my piece.”
But as long as Arnowitz is elected to serve, he says he will keep Hillsdale in the forefront of every decision he makes. “Every time I run, I say this is the last time, and I have said this seven times,” said Arnowitz. “My platform is and has always been on fiscal restraint. Government is too big and we need to curtail spending,” he said. “I am on the side of cutting spending, and trust me, you do need a balance. I look at the people who are my constituents, the seniors, and they are having a hard time. I want to cut wherever cutting is possible, pass burdens onto people who can afford it,” explained Arnowitz. “People should pay proportionately for the services they receive. But there are other expenses that can be borne by people who can afford,” he continued.
Aside from his firmly established views on financial issues, Arnowitz will continue to approach each issue as he has in the past. “Other than that I will vote my conscience,” he said.
So with seven elections and six terms under his belt, Arnowitz will prepare to run again in hopes that he can continue to serve Hillsdale for at least one more term. He will run with incumbent Andrew Weinstein against former Democratic council people Kenneth Rush and Frank Prospero for two three-year terms. Republican Councilwoman Marie D. Hanlon will run against Democrat Robert A. Ricco for a one-year unexpired term while Republican Councilman Michael Giancarlo will run against Democrat John A. Corring for a two-year unexpired term.
Erin Patricia Griffiths' e-mail address is GriffithsE@northjersey.com.
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