Councilman Mathieu's 'No' Votes are Not Leadership, Garwood Mayor Says

This letter to the editor was submitted by Garwood Mayor Patricia Quattrocchi. 

Dear Editor,

This is in response to the letter to the editor by Garwood Councilman Jim Mathieu regarding his continual ‘No Vote Sham.’

The incumbent councilman J. Mathieu, would have Garwood residents believe  that he is acting as a leader when he casts his negative votes on just about everything that comes his way from the borough newsletter to a new dump truck.  I guess it is true that if one tells oneself something often enough one actually believes the fallacy is truth. And in the councilman’s case this is what appears to have happened as he has painted a self-portrait of himself as the consummate authority on everything and the one who will save Garwood from itself.

He has consistently shown that he does not understand what is required for a leadership role. A true leader does not lead by instilling fear through strong armed tactics and threats, such as “you leave me no choice but to go to the media” or “you are on notice." But rather leads through sound logic, effectively selling ones views, overcoming objections and exhibiting the wisdom to compromise when necessary to garner the trust and loyalty of those one is required to work alongside.

It appears though he sees himself as the one with all the correct answers and the only acceptable solutions while viewing his 5 fellow council members as usually being wrong. He then finds it necessary to verbally castigate them in public while announcing the details of things that should be considered confidential until the fine points are ironed out. Is it any wonder that there are those who have refused to work with him on committees because they feel that the security they had to voice their opinions and ideas in confidence are not respected by this councilman?

We operate in a majority rules committee system and no votes of course are allowed. However, voting against one’s own budget, voting to obtain prices for attachments for a dump truck – a spreader and plow – and then voting no to purchase the truck to replace the one that he believed should be pulled from service, just does not make sense. These activities are slaps in the face to those loyal employees who trust the borough to do the right thing and provide them with the tools necessary to provide the services to the residents that they deserve and rightfully expect in a safe manner. Perhaps he should be reminded that his “no” vote record is not quite as pure as he would like to believe as he voted in favor of our recent capital purchases.

Finally it is easy to vote NO knowing that what the borough workers need  to provide services and facilities to the residents will be provided by the rest of the council who are willing to face the political music because they really care about Garwood. The incumbent councilman is quick to state, I will not vote yes for anything that will raise your taxes, but he has not yet shared with the rest of us how he would provide services and facilities without paying for unavoidable increased costs or for free. Until he can do that his no vote is actually meaningless.

 Sincerely,

 Patricia Quattrocchi, Mayor Borough of Garwood

Garwood Republican Committee