PRESIDENT OBAMA HEADLINES CORZINE CAMPAIGN RALLY AT RUTGERS

Governor Jon Corzine will be holding a campaign rally on Thursday, July 16th with President Barack Obama at Voorhees Mall, on the campus of Rutgers University. The tentative time for the rally is 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Due to security measures, it is suggested that attendees arrive between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.

"President Obama isn't just a close friend of mine; he's a great friend to our state. After eight long years, we finally have a partner in Washington who shares our values and vision for a more progressive New Jersey," said Gov. Corzine. "I'm honored that President Obama will be on hand in New Jersey to recognize the important work we're doing."

Tickets will be available at Middlesex County Democratic headquarters. It is located in the Bridgepointe Office Complex (231 Bridge Street, Building F) in Metuchen. All names of attendees must be provided. For further information, call (732) 906-3680.

SPICUZZO, GOTTLIEB RE-ELECTED AT REORGANIZATION

Middlesex County Democratic Chairman Joe Spicuzzo and Vice-Chair Helen Gottlieb were re-elected to their respective positions at the county Democratic reorganization meeting.

“We have a great Democratic organization here in Middlesex County and I am thankful for the support of our county committeemen and women,” said Spicuzzo, who has served as MCDO chairman since 1994.

Gottlieb said, “I am honored to continue my service as Vice-Chair. I want to thank our county committee people for all their hard work and support. They are the backbone of our organization.”

During the reorganization meeting, Spicuzzo acknowledged local chairs and vice-chairs, along with newly elected committee people.

GOVERNOR CORZINE, ASSEMBLY AND FREEHOLDER CANDIDATES ENDORSED

Middlesex County Democratic committee members endorsed Freeholders H. James Polos, Ronald Rios and Carol Barrett, along with Governor Jon S. Corzine and Assembly candidates in the 14th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 22nd legislative districts, for re-election at the county Democratic convention at the Pines Manor.

Polos said that during his tenure, he has worked to help the community and be the best public servant he can. He said the Freeholder board is a “great team and a team to be proud of.”

Rios thanked his fellow Democrats for their support during his first year on the board. He pledged that he would continue to work hard as a candidate and Freeholder.

Barrett, who began her service on the Freeholder Board in January, said, “It has been a wonderful two months going from town to town.” She said it was an honor to fill the seat of the late Freeholder Director David B. Crabiel and stated that she would use every value that he taught her.

Monroe Township Mayor Richard Pucci said Polos is “someone who has a great vision.” He noted that Polos was bringing hybrid cars into the county fleet “before many knew what it was about.”

“He brings the future before the future is here,” said Pucci.

Carteret Mayor Dan Reiman said Rios has a done a “tremendous” job representing the borough and county. He added that Rios understands what it is to be “committed to working class families for these tough, economic times.” North Brunswick Council President Ralph Andrews spoke of Barrett’s service as South Brunswick Deputy Mayor and president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3440.

Corzine said his administration’s efforts are putting the state “on the right track.”

“We’ve done enormously responsible things in New Jersey,” he said. “We are laying the foundation for future growth that is remarkable.”

Corzine said that during his tenure violent crime has gone down 7 to 8 percent and for two to three years in a row, New Jersey has experienced the lowest level of life-ending traffic accidents since 1947.

“I do believe I’m doing the right thing because that’s what I was taught. That’s why we’re going to win in the fall, because we’re doing the right thing. We’re struggling for the right thing, and tough choices end up being right choices,” said.

Senator Bob Smith, who nominated Corzine, said the last three state budgets have been honest, that were not “gimmicks” or “smoke and mirrors.”

“Under Jon Corzine, we’ve had some fiscal discipline,” said Smith. “He’s made our government more efficient.”

In her nomination remarks, Freeholder Millie Scott listed the accomplishments of each Assembly candidate. She said they have worked diligently to represent their constituents and have gone the extra mile in helping those who are in financial difficulty. Assemblyman Patrick Diegan said the candidates are the “finest delegation in New Jersey.”

MCDO TRIBUTE TO FREEHOLDER DIRECTOR CRABIEL

The Middlesex County Democratic Organization mourns the loss of Freeholder Director David B. Crabiel.

He truly was “Mr. Middlesex County.” A smile comes to one’s face as they remember his booming voice as he delivered his signature line, “Middlesex County, the Greatest County in the Land.” It was said with such passion and enthusiasm that it could only have come from the bottom of his heart.

Dave’s life was one dedicated to public service. He became the youngest member of the Milltown Rescue Squad at age 16. Elected office came next in 1960 as a Milltown councilman. He was elected mayor of Milltown in 1967, where he served for 11 years. His career then took him to the county Freeholder Board, where he served as Freeholder for 27 years. Dave was the Freeholder Director in 1994 and 1995 and had served in that capacity since 1998.

He cared about every county resident. Whenever a constituent had a problem, no matter how large or small, Dave would take the time to make sure it was solved. His stewardship of the county budget was also a top priority. The taxpayer was his main concern and he took great pride in the fact that the county share of property taxes has been stabilized for 16 consecutive years.

His work ethic, whether in county government or on the campaign trail, was second to none. Dave took nothing for granted and always made sure the job at hand was done right. Perhaps it is fitting that on his last campaign, he would win re-election with the biggest plurality of his career.

Above all, what mattered most to Dave was his family. He was proudly devoted to his wife, Mary and his five children, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them during this time of sadness.

Finally, we say to Dave Crabiel, “Thank you on a job well done. You have made Middlesex County the greatest county in the land!”

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