Michael Dupont. Photo Credit: NJ Turnpike Authority
Red Bank Councilman Michael DuPont differs with his fellow Red Bank Democrats over who should be the next Monmouth County Democratic Chairman.
In his press release this morning that listed “over 100 endorsements” Vin Gopal had a special section for Red Bank:
“As Democratic leaders in Red Bank, we proudly support Vin Gopal as the next county Democratic Chairman. Vin has supported Democrats in Red Bank for years, helping us raise money and helping us organize our campaigns. He would make an outstanding chairman and we plan to inform the Red Bank delegation about our support.”
Red Bank Democratic Party Municipal Chairman & Councilman Ed Zipprich
Red Bank Mayor Pasquale Menna
Red Bank Council President Art Murphy
Red Bank Councilwoman Kathy Horgan
Red Bank Councilwoman Juanita Lewis
Red Bank Councilwoman Sharon Lee
Red Bank Democrats Vice Chairwoman Lauren Niccosia
Red Bank Democratic Club President Barbara Boas
Red Bank Democratic Club Secretary Deborah Marks
DuPont’s name is prominent in it’s omission.
When contacted by MMM DuPont was unaware of Gopal’s announcement or of his fellow Red Bank Dems’ endorsement. “Have these all been verified?” DuPont asked. MMM has not verified the endorsements.
DuPont said he is supporting Marlboro Council President Frank LaRocca for Chairman.
“LaRocca’s experience and ability to raise funds throughout the state make him the best candidate for Chairman,” said Dupont, “What Vin Gopal brings with his energy is more than made up for by LaRocca’s experience and fundraising skills.”
The councilman, who is also Treasurer of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, emphasized that the chairman’s election is four months away, implying that Gopal’s support might not hold up over time.
DuPont is the Public Defender in Marlboro.
LaRocca has not returned a call for comment.
Posted: February 14th, 2012 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Michael Dupont, Monmouth Democrats | Tags: Frank LaRocca, Marlboro, Michale DuPont, Monmouth Democrats, NJ Turnpike Authority, Red Bank Democrats, Vin Gopal | 4 Comments »
By Art Gallagher
On Monday while the Red Bank Council was discussing whether or not to change their meeting dates to accommodate Councilman Michael DuPont’s $90K part time job as the Borough Attorney of Sayreville, there was real drama in the the Middlesex County town over DuPont’s appointment.
Greater Media’s Suburban newspaper has the story of what happened in Sayreville, including the Mayor and some Council members walking out of their meeting over DuPont’s appointment.
Lots more dots to connect and questions to ask. Stay tuned.
Posted: February 17th, 2011 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Greater Media, Michael Dupont, Red Bank, Sayreville | Tags: Greater Media, Michael Dupont, Red Bank, Sayreville | 1 Comment »
By Art Gallagher
Why would a politician/lawyer give up a $90,000 per year part time job to keep a $3200 a year part time job as a Red Bank councilman?
That’s what Red Bank Councilman Michael Dupont says he’s considering if his colleagues on the Red Bank governing body don’t go along with his request that they change their meeting dates so that he can continue “serving” as the Middlesex County Borough of Sayreville’s borough attorney for $7,500 per month, according to Red Bank Green. Sayreville and Red Bank have the council meetings on the same nights.
So why not ask Sayreville to change its meeting day?
“I did that,” DuPont tells redbankgreen. No go.
But he tells redbankgreenthat if the Red Bank meeting schedule remains unchanged, “I’d probably have to give up Sayreville.”
DuPont says the Sayreville gig pays a flat $7,500 per month for all legal services.
Could be he doesn’t need the money, but he tells RBG otherwise.
“I’m just trying to make a living, in addition to being a public servant,”
Couldn’t/shouldn’t Dupont have resolved this before taking the Sayreville job? He’s been a Red Bank Councilman a long time.
Maybe it has something to do with the pension system or health benefits.
Dupont is also the treasurer of the NJ Turnpike Authority.
Sayreville is home to Assemblyman John Wisniewski, Chairman of the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee. Wisniewski is also chairman of the NJ Democratic Party and Co-Chair of the Legislative Redistricting Commission.
Lot’s of questions and dots to connect. Especially if Dupont runs for Senate or Assembly as has been rumored.
Posted: February 16th, 2011 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Michael Dupont, Red Bank, Redistricting | Tags: Michael Dupont, NJ Turnpike Authority, Red Bank, Sayreville | 2 Comments »
