Decision to remove board chair upsets supporters DiMaso reinstated as mayor, says Blumenthal was 'abrasive' to public BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer HOLMDEL - Newly reinstated Mayor Serena DiMaso and Committeeman Larry Fink debated a few of her new appointment choices at Thursday's reorganization meeting. In one of a few exchanges between the two that evening, the mayor became annoyed when Fink questioned her decision not to reappoint a resident to the Planning Board and Environmental Commission. Dr. Ralph Blumenthal, a member of the Planning Board for the last eight years and chairman for the last three, was not chosen for the job this year. "I'm very concerned that dedicated volunteers like Mr. Blumenthal are not being reappointed. Mr. Blumenthal in particular, has showed great dedication and accomplishment over the years. I would like to think there's a place for any volunteer who is knowledgeable and sincere and wanting to help the town. And Mr. Blumenthal is extremely knowledgeable and experienced," Fink said on Monday. "He's a bit condescending and abrasive," DiMaso said of Blumenthal a few days later. "Those are words people have used to me." DiMaso said she feels he has treated residents and the governing body with disrespect. "If he doesn't think we're doing the right thing, why would he want to continue to work for us?" DiMaso added. DiMaso said that Blumenthal is also named in a current ongoing lawsuit against the town for "abuse of power," another factor for her not to reinstate him. But on a political note, Blumenthal ran unsuccessfully against DiMaso during the 2001 Republican primary. "In my opinion, he ran against Serena in a primary years back and this is payback. This is vindictiveness and it's costing the town," said Tony Orsini, a former Democratic member of the Township Committee. "It's certainly no benefit to the people of Holmdel," Orsini said during the public portion of the meeting, "and certainly weakens the process." Orsini received some applause for the statement. After the meeting, he elaborated on his opinion. "That man, Mr. Blumenthal, is brilliant," Orsini said. "His knowledge of land-use issues is immense." Blumenthal himself was less sure as to why he was let go. When asked for a comment, he paused for a long moment then chose his words carefully before speaking. "I wasn't given any reasons," Blumenthal said. "Some of the reasons were referenced by others. There's an element of politics involved. I have some concerns that some members of the Township Committee don't appreciate how skill and knowledge can add to the function of boards and groups." Republican Committeeman Terence Wall also had concerns, noting DiMaso chose to appoint a few core residents to several important committees. "I'm concerned about a brain-drain on certain committees, but I vote yes," Wall said during the meeting. The phrase became a buzzword during the meeting. "It's not a brain-drain, it's a brain increase," said Tom Scarano, who was appointed to the Environmental Commission. "There seems to be a feeling the new township majority wants fewer committees, fewer volunteers and by implication, less to be accomplished," Blumenthal said of the issue. Blumenthal was also not reappointed to the Environmental Commission, making this the first time in over 10 years that he has not sat on a township board, he said. He said he's very concerned about the changes to the Environmental Commission. "The Environmental Commission has taken the lead in developing greenways and trail works and leading trail walks," Blumenthal said. "The new people, as far as I know, haven't even been on the trails, so I'm not sure how that's going to work." Fink said some of the expertise lost on the board's will not be easy to replace. "I'm all for giving everyone a chance, but what I don't like to see is someone who has little to no experience and who doesn't have any track record with the town to be appointed to a long-term position ... without first becoming an alternate member. ... There's a significant learning curve with some of these positions." DiMaso said she is considering appointing Blumenthal to a new township group. Although it has yet to be formed, the Natural Resource Committee may soon become a reality, she said. "Again, Mr. Blumenthal has a wealth of knowledge, but knowledge has to be tempered with respect for the residents. I have always appreciated all he has done for the township," she said.