I am obligated to correct misstatements made by another in a letter to the editor regarding “attacks on the Little League.”
Every resident of this town is free to support and endorse a political candidate, and I encourage all to be involved. Where I do have a problem is when a person supporting candidates inappropriately uses his or her official position and title to try to influence a campaign.
I first received such a call, as did many, from Mr. [James] Kronenthal using his title of Millstone Township Recreation Commissioner. Then I receive another call from Mr. [Ron] Byer using his title as President of the Little League (a private nonprofit organization).
Mr. [Tom] Ridgway states in his letter that Mr. Byer was not in violation of any rules. I find this strange because I received an e-mail from the Little League stating exactly the opposite.
The following mail message from Cory Wright, Assistant East Regional Director of Little League, states a clear violation of Little League policy:
“Please be advised that this office has directly dealt with Mr. Ron Byer concerning the political endorsements within your local precinct. This office has advised him that the phone calls must immediately end and are not permitted by the nonprofit status of Little League Baseball Inc.. … All parties were informed of Little League Baseball’s policy in such matters and expect nothing but the highest reproach for all of our representatives. All parties were understanding and agreed to desist from any further involvement in this matter with association being backed by Little League.”
I am not attacking Mr. Byer. All I ask, as a township resident, is that our campaigns be conducted fairly and honestly. The calls from Mr. Kronenthal and Mr. Byer (with tacit support of Mr. Ridgway and Mr. Pfefferkorn) were nothing else than attempts to derail Mr. Kinsey’s campaign for Township Committee.
On the contrary, as an elected member of the Republican County Executive Committee, my focus is to work honestly and fairly on campaigns in support of Republican-endorsed candidates.
Brenda Tannenbaum
Millstone