An Open Letter in Support of Line A

My name is Leslie Pogany, but most of you know me as “Bunny” from Bunny’s Sports Bar.   My children are the fourth generation to work at this vintage South Orange establishment which has been at this location for over 100 years.  My newborn twin granddaughters will be the fifth generation involved with this business, should they choose to do so.

My heart and soul and that of my family and extended family are firmly planted here in South Orange.  We love our Village, our home town.  We have proven our love over and over by investing, re-investing, and generously donating year after year after year to all your events, occasions, fundraisers, and benefits.   We do not define ourselves as takers, but as givers, and we are proud to be like that because of your generosity to us.  We know you love this Village as much as we do.

When I look at the vacant land across the street from my restaurant, I think: “In the past six years, what has Pure Progress done?”  The answer is clear:  Absolutely nothing!  The campaign manager for Pure (think Poor) Progress is a candidate on the opposing side.  She has a new brand, but she is still “Pure Progress.” She supports PILOTS, building new dense rental housing, and voting herself a salary for her volunteer jobs!

I also watch the village meetings and I see there is a lot of absenteeism among our elected officials.  Three trustees did not show up when Sgt. Moore of our police department was elevated to Lieutenant.  And when the Trustees instituted the Special Improvement District, they appointed all insiders, 13 men and one woman, not representative of our business district or our community in any way.  And this coming Monday, the night before the election, the meeting is being cancelled due to lack of a quorum.  We have had enough of this amateur, inexperienced government.

That is why I am voting for JOE, GERALDINE and KELLY, all three experienced, professional adults with deep roots in this community. Kelly, for one, is the only lawyer running.  We need someone with a legal mind on that board.  These candidates would never tolerate these childish games and unethical practices.   VOTE FOR LINE A for the sake of your Village.    They are by far the better choice.

 Leslie Pogany