Former Glen Ridge Mayor Carl Bergmanson, who is spearheading a campaign to recall Governor Corzine from office, was officially congratulated by the governor, by letter, at last night's champagne reception to honor his many years of public service.
"I got a letter from President Bush too," Bergmanson said today. "It feels nice getting a letter from the President. It feels nice getting a letter from the governor. But frankly it felt even nicer being there and listening to all the people say nice things about me."
Well over 100 people showed up to toast Bergmanson and to sing a special version of the Frank Sinatra song "My Way" -- re-written as "His Way."
Bergmanson, who broke from his usual attire of a Mets jacket last night to wear a suit, is certainly one-of-a-kind. In addition to the Corzine recall, he has fought for the reinstatement of Pluto and was asked by the Florida Whig Party if he was interested in running for President.
He was the first person in Glen Ridge ever to be elected mayor without the endorsement of the powerful Civic Conference Committee, and was instrumental in getting the EPA to clean up the radium in Carteret Park and Lorraine Street.
Although everybody chuckled when the Corzine letter was read, Bergmanson said, "Last night was not a night for cynicism. It was a great night. A 'Jimmy Stewart moment' is a great way to put it."
Photo by Walter Oliver.
I had no idea the Carl was instrumental in the local radium cleanup performed by the EPA.
My property was also cleaned up. I got a new garage, driveway, fences, sidewalk, landscaping for my 6 months of noise, dirt and inconvenience. I think I got a decent deal.
Thanks Carl!