Levinson letter erodes confidence in leadership

Oct, 05-2009 4:43 pm

To the editor:

Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson’s attack on political columnist Seth Grossman was effective: It helped erode my confidence in New Jersey’s present Republican leadership.

Mr. Grossman’s recent editorial, "Cui bono," Latin for "Who benefits?" suggests the county executive and Congressmen LoBiondo had a hand in getting his conservative talk-radio program pulled off the air for fear that it would continue to expose their liberal agendas.

Curiously, Levinson does not deny the accusation, but his response appears somewhat disingenuous.

First, he claims Atlantic County’s $3 million loan guarantee for Boscov’s is not a bailout, that no Atlantic County taxpayer dollars are involved and only federal funds given to the county are at risk; however, Levinson fails to acknowledge that all Atlantic County taxpayers also pay federal taxes.

Second, Levinson claims he did not appoint union leader Roy Foster, a Democrat, as chairman of the Atlantic County Improvement Authority; the other board members did. But Levinson does not disclose he appointed every one of the board members (including Foster), who eventually voted Foster in.

Finally, Levinson denies he and Congressman LoBiondo do favors for union leaders in exchange for campaign contributions and political support. But, ironically, LoBiondo voted in favor of the Employee Free Choice Act (which inevitably leads to union/government control over the private sector), and Levinson did appoint a union boss to the Atlantic County Improvement Authority's Board of Commissioners.

In conclusion, Mr. Levinson enjoys a great reputation as Atlantic County executive; however, if he is going to sell himself as a conservative, advance liberal agendas, and try to silence free speech, then maybe it is time to consider a change.

Mike Conte

Ventnor