Committeeman Larry Fink Will Not Seek Re-Election; 2 Dems, 2 Republicans Will Run
The race is on. Two seats on the Republican-dominated Township Committee are up for election in November.
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With two Holmdel Township Committee seats up for grabs on Nov. 6 and four candidates throwing their hats in the ring, Democrats and Republicans are preparing for a contest.
Township Committeeman Larry Fink, a 12-year veteran of the governing body, former mayor, and the sole Democrat on the 5-member governing body, is not seeking re-election. "I want to spend more time with my other passions: my job -- which is land preservation -- scouting, my family. I've decided its time to let other people carry the ball forward," he said Tuesday.
His three year term, and the unexpired one-year term left vacant by Republican Freeholder Serena DiMaso are now in play in a year marked by contentious debate over how to grapple with a $2 million budget gap, protest rallies over the sale of public land, and public meetings that grew so large that people stood for hours to participate.
On Monday, petitions were filed by four candidates to run for the two offices in the June primary, said Township Clerk Maureen Doloughty. Holmdel Democrats will be represented by residents Mark Levinson and Lawrence Luttrell. The Holmdel Republicans will be represented by Tom Critelli and Township Committeeman Joseph Ponisi. Ponisi joined the dais in January when DiMaso left.
Fink said Levinson and Luttrell are "both talented and capable people" and that they share his commitment to fiscal restraint and protecting the beauty of Holmdel. "We need their help at this critical time to keep municipal spending in check and to ensure that the redevelopment of the Lucent property enhances our community and does not damage the environment," Fink said.
Mark Levinson, of Willowbrook Road in Holmdel, has his own consulting company, ML Consulting. "With Mark’s experience and keen business sense he can help put Holmdel back on track making wise decisions and restoring fiscal integrity," said Holmdel Democrat Municipal Chair Tony Orsini. "He has over 20 years executive experience overseeing and maximizing business opportunities through negotiation and resource development. He has more than 25 years experience in cost analysis, project management, process identification and development specializing in start up business operations."
Levinson will run against Ponisi for the 1-year unexpired Township Committee seat vacated by DiMaso. Ponisi has worked for 25 years in municipal bonds, primarily as a financial analyst with GE Capital. He serves on the Finance Committee.
Luttrell practices law in Holmdel and lives on Briarhill Road. According to a press release, he graduated from the University of Miami in 1995 and was a member of the 1991 NCAA Division I Champion Miami Hurricanes (1991-1995). He was also a member of the Phi Delta Phi Honor Society. Luttrell graduated from St. Thomas University School of Law in 1998 and interned for the Hon. John Ricciardi, Superior Court of NJ, Monmouth County. From 1999-2002 he was Assistant Municipal Prosecutor in Hoboken. He recently worked gratis for Sandy Hook activists and were successful in stopping a development planned by Sandy Hook Partners represented by Hill-Wallack law firm.
He will be running against Thomas Critelli for the 3 year committee seat being vacated by 12 year Committeeman Larry Fink, say Democrats. Critelli, who is new to township politics, is president of Danitom Development, a homebuilder and property development company.
Levinson and Luttrell both opposed the sale of Cross Farm and other land in Holmdel as a way to fix the town's large budget deficit, said Orsini. "They both understand that selling public land would not solve the underlying problem that we are spending too much given the poor economy, and that it would deprive us and future generations of the farms and forests that many people over decades worked tirelessly to preserve."
Messages seeking comment have been left for Holmdel Republican Party members, including Holmdel Republican Municipal Chair Marcy McMullen.
Amy Stavis
12:56 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Larry has been one of Holmdel's greatest advocates. I will miss his thoughtful concern for our town.
mary
4:38 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Mark Levinson Isn't he the guy Impreveduto just put on the zoning board.
Nick J.
6:07 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Mary, I believe you are correct. It immediately shows you what a back stabber Mark Levinson is.
Knowing this information, I don't want this guy on the TC negotiating deals with Lucent. The development of that site is way too important to the future of Holmdel to have loosey goosey people on the TC. We need upstanding citizens.
mary mahon
8:17 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Nick thank you its all about integrity.
mary mahon
8:21 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
I also find it interesting how the Patch wrote about the Democratic candidates and not the Republicans. But then again in talking to a republican leader they expect that.
Carol Beckenstein
11:09 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Integrity?
As usual, Nick J. is lashing out anonymously and ignorantly; this time, about residents who serve our township on boards. As an aside, the Republicans dodged a bullet, here, with less talk in the article about their candidates; "a homebuilder and property developer" is the OPPOSITE of what Holmdel needs on our Township Committee, now or ever.
Nick J.
3:28 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Carol, so who are you going to vote for in November....now or ever?
Because, according to another article published today in the Patch, it had this to say about Levinson: "Levinson, in his career with homebuilding and land development, has honed skills in cost analysis, project management, and negotiation".
According to your post, sounds to me like Levinson's homebuilding and land development skills are the OPPOSITE of what Holmdel needs and you like in a candidate.
Hmmmm, sort of puts you in a bit of a dilema doesn't it? Talk about calling me ignorant? How do you feel now? you just stuck your foot in your mouth. That said, I'll stick with Critelli and his integrity.
bud
11:13 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
If Larry had been paid by the hour, he would now be the richest guy in Holmdel. We are losing one of the best in the history of the town. But, I know he will be watching! Best of Luck to Larry.
Jennifer
8:54 am on Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Larry is great, and he has earned a little rest from the venom frequently directed at him.
Tony Orsini
4:07 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Thanks, Bud. Folks, Bud is a die hard Republican. But he has enough sense to vote for Democrats at the local level who think like Fink. Bud and I disagree at the national level, but his dialogue is informed and intelligent and I welcome the exchange.
Tony Orsini
11:15 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
When I recruited Mr. Levinson, I was unaware he was on zoning. That being said, he probably did not know he would be running until this nonsense broke about selling part of Cross Farm. Why do you think Rs appoint certain folks to boards? If strictly by qualifications, Ralph Blumenthal (R) would be on Planning. Integrity? LOL! Short supply on your side, partisans. You'll come up with ANY excuse to toe the line and slam opposition candidates. I would like to FORMALLY challenge your candidates to debate in a neutral public forum. They have ducked public exposure for the last several years. Speaking of ducks, rejecting my challenge, I will have someone in a chicken suit dogging your candidates from here to November.
Nick J.
3:07 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Tony, Tony, Tony, it's good to hear from you.
Let's look at your rant line by line.....You didn't know Levinson was on the zoning board? Come on now, do you really expect people to believe you? At the very least it's horrible due diligence on your part not to know.
Next: The Cross Farms news broke about two months ago and was resolved one month ago...when exactly did he decide to run? Likely at your IHOP retreat two weeks ago. Come on now Tony, you're just making stuff up.
Next: Blumenthal is a fine man, that's why he co-chaired the Lucent sub-committee....the most important committee this Township had in years. As usual you are short on real facts. I don't know why he's not on the Planning Board, perhaps he didn't apply.
And Jeff, it is all about integrity. Would the President appoint a member of his cabinet or to the Supreme Court that was not philosophically on the same page as him....of course not...Levinson likely disguised himself as a collegue to the Mayor and stabbed him right in the back. We don't need people like this leading our town....sorry but that's the truth.
Lastly, the current TC members are not my candidates, I just like the direction they are taking the Town...plain and simple.
And deep down Tony, under the direction of Mr. Katz and the TC, you know Holmdel is headed in the right direction...and I would welcome Critelli's development experience when crunch time comes for the redevelopment of Lucent.
Holmdel
2:01 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Mr. Orsini, I have an eye witness who saw you removing republican signage during the last election. Do not throw stones sir.
Tony Orsini
9:55 am on Friday, April 13, 2012
YOU ARE A LIAR and a coward who will not even give a name. What about the save Cross farm signs that your partisans defaced in northern Holmdel? What about the damage to my property pirposely done? .
Nick J.
3:59 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
By the way, I would like to thank Larry for his 12 years of service to our community.
Best of luck to you as you follow your other passions.
mary mahon
5:15 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Tony Orsini is the most divisive person this town has had in the last 40 years. I always voted for the person not the party. But Larry and Mark no matter how good you might be I can't vote for you your afflliation with this man dosen't allow me to. The democratic party needs to rid themselves of this guy
Tony Orsini
9:57 am on Friday, April 13, 2012
Bull. You weren't voting for them anyway. How simple.
Nick J.
5:37 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Mary, that is very well said. Unfortunately Tony is now powerless in this town and it's eating him alive. He is very divisive and I truly wish he would work for the betterment of Holmdel rather than pushing his own platform.
Tony Orsini
9:58 am on Friday, April 13, 2012
And what would that platform be, Nick? Saving open space in norhtern Holmdel? Fiscal integrity instead of stupidity? How horrid!
Tony Orsini
4:13 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012
This is not about me, Nick: it's about the issues, always was. But I find your pathological partisanship so thinly veiled...humorous.
Carol Beckenstein
5:35 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
YES, Mr. Rossi! Hiding behind a pseudonym in this forum is so cowardly!
As for Tony Orsini, he is an excellent Municipal Chairman for the Democrats. When I moved here 20 years ago, there was virtually no Democrat presence; no one can disagree that the checks and balances of different political viewpoints makes us stronger as a township. Maybe Tony is a little too assertive at times, but he is always honest and upfront...more than one can say about people who call themselves "Holmdel" or "Nick J.!!!" The Dems are still underdogs, here, but Tony has helped make us a notable force. "Holmdel", I do NOT believe he would ever remove another's sign! YOU did not see him do this and are just passing along a rival's gossip. Please check into your source a bit and see what lies beneath. As for Nick J., I cannot waste time defending myself against the likes of you, whoever you are!!!
Jennifer
6:23 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
Sorry to disagree, but i don't think it is cowardly not to disclose your full name. There is too much vitriol on this board, and it is you in particular who makes me most glad to only give part of a name. I remember you once asking someone to reveal their identity so you could " see where they live" yikes, no thanks.
Tony Orsini
10:09 am on Friday, April 13, 2012
Thank you Jeff. Nice try stifling me, partisans. Won't work. I welcome all insipid comments from the other side. Hopefully the folks who are objective will see them for what they are. Do note that the first attack launched was a personal attack on Mr. Levinson, not on the issues, which they lose on. Still no response on the challenge to debate?
Nick J.
7:40 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012
Tony, you are THE MOST partisan and divisive person in Holmdel, so don't call anyone else partisan. Shame on you....stick to the issues and maybe you'll gain some credibility.
Saving open space in Holmdel is important, but not at the expense of having the state come in and dictate what goes on in Holmdel...I think not. That's what would have happened if the budget was not balanced. Kudos to our TC for recognizing this.
So what exactly is your party's platform???? Fiscal integrity instead of stupidity...that's it!! Ha Ha Ha...good luck with that one....I don't even know what that means.....and we all know that Levinson lacks that integrity (et tu Brute!).
Michael Rauchwerk
11:22 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012
Nick. I really don't understand the "lack of integrity" argument. I assume the mayor appointed Mark because of his capabilities, not because of his political affiliation. I respect a politician who can go beyond partisan politics to choose the right person for the job. This happens often in the Federal Government.
Tony Orsini
11:21 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012
"Et tu brute?" Why Mayor Impreveduto, I believe you just slipped up and revealed yourself. So Nick J is really Mayor Pat Impreveduto! How so Hudson County of you! Folks, google the Mayor and then read his interview on livingmedia.com
Tony Orsini
4:02 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Wrong, Nick. Serena DiMaso was the most divisive person in Holmdel. She even threw Republicans off committees who disagreed with her. What Democrats support your organization Rs? There are a slew of Rs who have supported us over the years, so your mud throwing doesn't stick. YOU stick to the issues, Nick. You and your partisans have already engaged in slander and characters assassination (Make no mistake at the direction of your current TC members certainly). But it's not about me, so dish all you want ("you can tell a tree by the fruit it bears."). Tick-tock: where's the agreement to debate? The countdown is on (cluck, cluck).
Nick J.
12:00 am on Sunday, April 15, 2012
Wrong again Tony. I'm not sure what Serena did, but in describing her, you used the word WAS....past tense, Tony. So once again that makes you the most divisive person in Holmdel....all anyone has to do is read any of your posts. Sorry you can't see it, but everyone else can.
If you have so much to offer the residents of Holmdel and it would be such a slam dunk for the Dems, why didn't you run for office?
Perhaps you were afraid of getting tatooed again by the Repuiblicans (it must hurt to lose an election, doesn't it Tony)....or is it you would have to disclose how much money your family made by selling that open space in northern Holmdel on Laurel Ave to TD Bank? Why don't you come clean about that. cluck, cluck to you.
Tony Orsini
8:34 am on Tuesday, April 17, 2012
There you go again, Nick: slandering me with lies and making personal attacks. I notice you deleted the comment I made with evidence that you are actually Mayor Pat Impreveduto. It's about the ISSUES, not about me (but I understand that with your megalomania tendencies you need to personalize political discussions). I've already served, and better than you showing some real accomplishment. All your posts are either partisan rah-rah or personal attacks. Since our finances are now tip top shape, WHY is Plum Lane open space still on the market? Republican rule has driven this town into the ground under YOUR watch, and you can't stand the truth. This is your outlet, Pat, because you can't face the public without screaming at them. Really now, suppress your ego and evaluate if you're really cut out for this.
Tony Orsini
8:36 am on Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Correction: comment was NOT deleted.
Nick J.
9:13 am on Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Tony, sorry to bust your detective bubble, but I'm not the Mayor...I am Nick J, your worst nightmare because I research the facts and tell the truth...and yes the truth hurts sometimes. How about that TD bank deal?
The Republicans have driven this town into the ground???...really....what town are you referring to because it's not Holmdel. Please clarify what running it into the ground means, because it's not happening here (yet another delusion lie from you).
If you and your cohorts would have had their way, you would have run the town into the ground by not properly balancing the budget and having the state come in and dictate what goes on. THATS NOT WHAT THE PEOPLE OF THIS TOWN WANT.
And Tony it is partly about you...as long as you continue to be divisive and stick your neck out there, I'm going to chop it off...cluck, cluck to you my friend.
Carol Beckenstein
5:38 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
Tony Orsini may be blunt, but he is certainly up-front about his identity and no one can question where he stands on the issues, whether in agreement or not. Nick J. anonymously throws barbs from behind his cowardly pseudonym and apparently knows nothing about Holmdel's politics or history. Reader, beware.
Tony Orsini
5:39 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
How about the TD Bank "deal," "Nick," do continue with your psycho babble. Seems YOUR friends have run the town into the ground despite SURPLUSES LEFT BY THE FINK ADMINISTRATION. You're short on facts and long on baseless allegations. You've lost everyone ielse n this conversation. BTW the Democratic candidates were vetted by Mr. Fink and myself, I appreciate the kudos to Larry. HE is the real leader of Holmdel Dems. I simply occupy a position. Your personal attacks and inuendos are a perfect example of the lack of integrity in organization Republicans through the years, and I thank you for highlighting your ethical vacancy. 16 days since the challenge to debate and no answer. Here comes the chicken!
Tony Orsini
5:39 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
You're no nightmare, "Nick," you're a joke.
Carol Beckenstein
6:42 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
Jennifer, you misconstrued my wishing to know someone's identity to make it look as if I would stalk someone, when I was simply wondering if the person in question even lived in Homdel. You, like Nick J., can be however libelous and venomous as you wish when you hide yourself from your neighbors, I guess. In reading your statements, occasionally, I have found your information bigoted and bogus. If I knew who you were, believe me, I would have no interest in being anywhere near you, so get over yourself.
Eve
7:14 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
Carol, for a lot of people it does make sense not to disclose their full identity in the pubic forum. People have various jobs and careers, and leaving an electronic trace under their own name is often not an option.
Believe me, I live in Holmdel for many years and care about my town, and so does, probably, the absolute majority of other people on this forum.
Jennifer
8:48 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
You may believe that you are not a stalker, but I don't need to trust your opinion of yourself. As long as it is allowable to withhold my full identity on this board, I reserve my right to do so and your opinion of those who do is not relevant.
I am extremely uncomfortable with the " where do you live" line, even if it is to ascertain whether or not someone is impacted by a certain proposal, be it sewering or development.
And Tony, I was not talking to you, so unless Carol and you are one and the same, zip it.
Jennifer
8:53 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
And I don't believe I am bigoted, but that doesn't stop you from saying it. I believe that I refrain from personal attacks. I may present two facts and draw an inference with which you do not agree, but I have never called anyone a bigot or a coward.
Nick J.
10:56 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
Very well said Eve. People's careers can be jepardized by a simple Google search of their name....I'm not wiling to put my career on the line just to keep Tony Orsini in line.
So Carol, glad to see you back blogging after you stuck your foot in your mouth (see above). Too bad Mr. Levinson doesn't have the qualities in the candidate you're looking for....of course you had no response, but I didn't forget!
And my pal Tony, still dodges the fact that his family sold open space in northern Holmdel to TD Bank...what a shame. I guess I would be embarrased as well.
And Tony, be specific about the surpluses that you Dems left. According to my research, we are paying more in debt service for open space than what the open space tax generates.....That's irresponsible of your Democratic administration to do this. That's one example of a deficit Tony...but I realize you and your partisans are not numbers people. Cluck, cluck Tony.
Tony Orsini
8:55 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
You would have to be an idiot thinking where the TD Bank is, there was open space. There were 2 houses there, "Nick." It was a residential area sandwiched by commercial development. Expalin to me HOW that was "open space." BTW I recused myself from that issue. Would you benefit financially if your wife's uncle and cousin sold their homes? Those are the FACTS, Nick: you got nothing but a false, reckless accusation. Keep ME in line? You flatter youself, so typically megalomaniacal (Pat?). In a war of words you're toting a popgun that shoots mud.
Jennifer
8:56 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
Nick, it was his family, not him.
Carol Beckenstein
11:43 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
Of course, Eve, it is not necessary to give one's identity to express one's opinion, here. But, what would YOU call people who remain anonymous yet make personal attacks on those who do not? If you have a better word than "cowards" I would be happy to know what it is.
Jennifer
8:57 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
Never personally attacked anyone, yet you have called me a coward because you didn't like my comments on Lucent.
Eve
11:57 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
Carol, this is a nature of this forum's discussions... I do not think that there is an ethical obligation for those of us who choose to remain semi-anonymous to be super-nice to those who choose to post under their full names. It is easy for a heated argument to become personal, and we just have to live with it, I guess.
Tony Orsini
4:10 pm on Friday, April 20, 2012
"super nice?" Wow is THAT an overstatement. True, we can either have an elevated conversation or bare fist it which would not inform anyone and be self serving. For those on the short side of info and the issues, the latter may be the only option.
Tony Orsini
7:58 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
Wrong, Jennifer: if I ever referred to "where someone lived" it was in the context of proximity to Lucent or Cross Farm, not what you represented. Considering the damage to my property and signs, apparently THEY know where I live.
Jennifer
8:58 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
Tony I was talking to Carol.
Tony Orsini
8:25 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
I think Carol's comments are referring the the folks who are lobbing bombs, mud pies and lies via personal attacks and hiding behind a pseudonym. Being on the WRONG sides of the issues, this is what is done per the Karl Rove playbook. I don't mind drawing the fire and could care less what reprehensible people think of me. Objective people will see this for what it is, and see them for what they are.
Jennifer
9:00 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
You will always see bad guys lurking if you always see the " other " side as the "wrong" side.
Eve
9:17 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
Ow, honestly, Karl Rove? Let's not get paranoid here...
Tony Orsini
8:59 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
That's OK, Jen. I stand corrected.
Tony Orsini
9:05 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
Good reset.
Jennifer
9:09 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
Jeff, I haven't seen any evidence that disclosing one's full name prevents leads to more civil discourse. I have seen plenty of name-calling by people using their full names. Like I said, I don't need to trust their own opinion of what they would do with the information. It is allowable to post under a pseudonym or partial name, and I am a little bit afraid of some of these posters. That doesn't mean I should not be allowed to contribute. I try to keep it civil. I hope everyone else will try harder, too.
Tony Orsini
9:17 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
And Jen, I don't need to demonize those I disagree with. They demonize themselves by their actions. If I criticize them on the issues and they rebut with personal attacks, how valid are my critiques and indefensible is their position? Remember: THEY WILL NOT DEBATE US.
Nick J.
9:19 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
Enough said. On to the next topic please.
Thomas Scarano
11:00 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
Bring on the chicken suit Tony
Tony Orsini
11:03 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
You got it, Tom! Good to hear from you again!
Tony Orsini
11:35 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
Eve, sadly I am not overstating. If you were a candidate, you would understand what you would be subjected to, which is why many folks who would make decent candidates demur. Only the brave...
Carol Beckenstein
12:07 pm on Friday, April 20, 2012
Hey, Tom...I have been thinking about you and hope your brave son is out of harms way. Jennifer, I stand by my statement; your comments have shown bigotry and have been bogus, especially your hysterical predictions re: Lucent and the former purchasers, Somerset. In addition, your purposeful misinterpretation of something I wrote very casually makes you (to put it as politely as possible) most disingenuous, I refuse to have further discourse with you or Nick J. Nick J,, you do have a good sense of humor and are intelligent, much like my friend, Tony Orsini. But you really do not know much about Holmdel. Again, Reader, ALWAYS beware of what these nameless people write. Keep on keeping on, Tony. You were a great Township Committeeman and you continue to serve Holmdel with distinction. The rest of you, buh-bye.
Jennifer
1:36 pm on Friday, April 20, 2012
Ok Carol, I see you will never agree with me. But maybe you can agree that calling someone a coward is name-calling. Maybe you can agree that calling someone a bigot, or a comment bigotted, or hysterical, is name calling. You are judging my concerns to be invalid, in your view, hysterical, so you call me whatever you like. That is name calling. That is why I don't think putting your full name out there is really a safeguard against intemperate language. At every turn of this conversation, I have had many words pop into my head that I did not write down, because I do NOT wish to hurl invective.
Please try to see, I am not calling you any names. You have called me some. I choose to remain private because I can, and this page should only be about civil discourse, not about character assassination. I can avoid using abusive or offensive language, but I cannot help it if you find my views offensive. It is up to you whether you can allow someone to disagree with you without making them into a villiain or an ignoramus. I would think that an open-minded person would allow that other points of view can be valid.
Nick J.
1:04 pm on Friday, April 20, 2012
Well I was hoping we were done, but I guess not.
Carol, you seem like a nice lady, but aligning yourself with Tony Orsini is not a good thing. The Democratic ticket would be much better served with him not involved in the process. I'm sorry that you don't see the knife Orsini uses to divide this town, but that's all he is good for.
But Tony you're right, the election is not about you but the direction that Holmdel is headed and I think the town is headed in the right direction...from a financial perspective as well as a development perspective, with Lucent right on the horizon.
Christina Johnson
4:45 pm on Friday, April 20, 2012
Holmdel Patch values all your feedback on the stories and issues of the day. But in the spirit of Holmdel Community Day scheduled for this weekend, commenting on this particular story should end here. I welcome you to stop by the Patch table at Cross Farm Park and chat with me, the editor, in person. See you there!