Original post 6/5/2010:
Beth Mason's failed attempt to suppress grassroots effort went down in her slipshod Orwellian attempt to track cumulative donations as little as $200 over the last four years at the last City Council meeting. Should Beth be worried about a fundraiser so soon for Ravi Bhalla when his at large seat term doesn't end until 2013? After all Ravi is a denizen of the very same 2nd Ward Beth resides in and neglects since her aspirations are higher than a mere Ward Council person. She has to simply be Mayor so she can brag to all her socialite friends in New York City about how great she is.
I see it unlikely that Ravi would challenge or her seat in 2011 given that he is a lock at large until 2013 but stranger things have happened in Hoboken politics. Ravi with his "Super Sikh" appeal has shown to be an excellent fundraiser drawing in money from across the country and perhaps has political aspirations beyond Hoboken some day. For now I am happy about most of his votes on City Council and look forward to continued progress as he generally supports the Mayor's agenda.
Several questions remain:
1) Is this a fundraiser to take out Beth Mason in 2011 for second Ward (unlikely)?
2) Is this a fundraiser to cover legal costs in going after or protecting himself from a Ricky Mason financed smear campaign against him. Beth Mason has big bucks and her hubby likes to write checks to take out the opposition.
3) Is this a fundraiser to accumulate a war chest for another run in 2013 as City councilman or perhaps NJ Assemblyman?
4) At a suggested donation of at least $200 per head can this be considered grass roots? Oh I kid Ravi. I wish him success for this event.
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