BRICK – Mike Caldarise, of the Brick Breakdown has offered to host a Mayoral debate for Brick residents and invited both the Democratic and Republican candidates.
But, Brick Republicans are trying to keep their aging candidate out of the public spotlight after she was caught sleeping during a meeting while serving on the local school board. Madeline Iannarone, 70, is not up for another public debate with the woman she’s trying to unseat.
Her opponent, Mayor Lisa Crate said it would be a great event for the community and for the upcoming election.
When asked about her response to the request, Mayor Lisa Crate said, “We immediately responded yes. We are happy to discuss our record of keeping taxes stable, preserving open space, and preventing new development with anyone who asks.”
Madeline Iannarone’s campaign and the Brick Republicans, however, refused to debate, complaining on social media that the Crate Team was lying about her. The social media post did not refute any of the points made during the debate.
Council Candidate Rocco Lepore stated, “I get it. Ms. Iannarone didn’t have a good performance at the debate last month. She had no defense when we called her out for her disastrous record of raising school taxes.”
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At the debate, the Crate Team pointed out that as School Board President Ms. Iannarone raised taxes on Brick residents by $15 Million in just 2 years and encouraged residents to look at their tax bills to see the impact – $404 for the average Brick homeowner.
Ms. Iannarone was also visibly upset when Mayor Crate brought up the fact that on the Board of Adjustment in 2013, Iannarone voted to double the density of the New Visions apartment complex behind Shoprite, allowing the construction of 212 apartment units and townhomes. Throughout the debate, Iannarone did not appear to have a grasp on the issues.
One resident in the room who wishes to remain anonymous, said that “Madeline looked confused and rambled incoherently. I think she got debate lessons from Joe Biden.” Biden was 81 years old during his disastrous debate performance with Donald Trump. If elected, Ms. Iannarone would turn 74 before the end of her term.
Ms. Iannarone and her council are so concerned about facing public criticism that, while they had been regulars at the town council meetings for months, since the debate, they have stopped showing up to meetings and making public comments at the microphone.
Said Mayor Crate, “Ms. Iannarone has already done enough damage by raising our school taxes. She’s completely unqualified. Brick can’t afford to let her become mayor.”