June 15, 2008

Dear County Committee Member,

Over the course of the last several days, you may have received correspondence from Senator Gerry Cardinale regarding the decision to make the Chairman's Run-Off Election open to all county committee members.  

Senator Cardinale was misinformed and I want to make sure you have all the facts.

The Election Committee met on June 5, 2008 to set certain rules for the vote, among which was the decision to have voting from 4 to 8 pm.  These decisions were reflected in minutes of the meeting.  After the election on June 10th, it became clear that it was necessary to have a runoff.

The minutes of the June 5th meeting were reviewed and there was nothing noted about who would be able to vote in a runoff. 

Several members of the committee were in the counting room during the June 10th election and, while they remember that the issue was discussed, there were different recollections as to what, if anything, had been decided.  

Mr. Yudin's representative in the room, (District 38 Chairman Rich Miller) who was also on the Election Committee as a District Chair, was insistent that the committee voted to allow everyone to vote. Several other committee members did not remember that to be the case. One committee member was sure that only the June 10th voters could vote in a runoff.

Ultimately, it seemed that the people in the counting room deferred to the single recollection and that was what was announced.  

This announcement, however, WAS NOT the result of a committee meeting or vote on the 10th.

After the decision was announced, Mr. Yudin himself complained loudly and stated that he believed everyone should vote.  Also, later that evening there were grumblings that County Committee members who did not vote on June 10th could sue for the right to vote.

Certainly, they were never advised that if they did not vote on the 10th, they would be precluded from voting in a runoff should there be the need for one.  

At the end of the day, after considering the following:

(1) that there was no decision reflected in the committee minutes, nor any item in the BCRO By-Law's that stated the rule in case of run-off,

(2) that there was no consensus of recollection among the committee as to what happened,

(3) that the candidates themselves wanted everyone to vote, and

(4) the due process implications of precluding county committee members from voting without giving them prior notice, I decided that it was better to err on the side of inclusiveness.

This was not in derogation of the Election Committee, nor should it be seen as any sort of affront. The committee served with dignity and integrity and has the respect and appreciation of the Organization and of the involved parties.  The unusual circumstances of this matter however, dictated this decison be made.  I note that in speaking to many members of the 9 member committee, if the vote were re-taken today, a majority of the committee would likely vote to have everyone eligible to vote. 

No rules were changed, because no rules were ever set.  I don't think it's a productive exercise to spend time and resources to preclude people from voting, especially when both contestants have publicly stated their preference to allow everyone to vote.

This election will determine the future of the Republican Party in Bergen County, and the voice of every County Committee person must be heard.  

Please cast your ballot next Tuesday, June 17 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at BCRO.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Ortiz, Jr.

Bergen County Republican Chairman

Benedict A. Focarino

497 MacDonald Street

Garfield, NJ 07026

973-471-7600

June 12, 2008

Dear County Committee Member,

I would like to thank those who supported my bid in the June 10 election for Chairman of the Bergen County Republican Organization. At this time I congratulate Rob Ortiz and Bob Yudin on a race well-run.

Next week is a very important time for members of the County Committee. On June 17^th, you will have the opportunity to choose who will manage the affairs of our Organization for the next term. The runoff election will be held at the BCRO headquarters.

During my campaign, I have gained insight as to what the other candidates were promoting as their accomplishments and goals. Rob, exemplifying, his past performance as chairman, and Bob, his vision of what he would expect to accomplish should he become the chairman.

I have a deep respect for Rob Ortiz, who took the helm of our Organization during what many say were troubling times. He worked hard to start the rebuilding process and do what he thought was the right way to fulfill the expectations of the County Committee.

He is a very good family man and has an excellent career. He is to be recognized for what he has been able to accomplish for his family and his loyalty to his career. However, as the Chairman of the BCRO, many members of the County Committee felt that the direction he was taking the organization in did not represent their opinions.

Bob Yudin has shown that he has the fortitude and stamina to be a formidable leader. He has the business background that it takes to run an efficient and effective operation. This is what an association, such as the Bergen County Republican Organization needs at this time.

We need someone that can raise enough money to finance campaigns on an ongoing basis and financially support the Bergen County Republican Organization. Bob has committed to work diligently and to appoint a strong Finance Committee.

More importantly, Bob Yudin has committed to follow the wishes of the majority. He has said during his campaign that he will not undermine the voice of theCounty Committee.

He has agreed to listen and not be dictated to from anyone outside Bergen County with their own agenda. Bob has also stated he will be compassionate to all, no matter who they had supported during this past election cycle, Bob has committed to work with, and for, all of us.

I thought long and hard the past few days about what would be best for the Bergen County Republican Organization and the County Committee, which ultimately reflects on the Party as a whole.

At this time, I am asking everyone, including those who supported me, to give their support to Bob Yudin for chairman this Tuesday, June 17 between 4:00 and8:00 pm.

Sincerely,

Benedict A. Focarino