Washington Post… A Different View

By Adam Schneider

During my only year at George Washington University, September 1972 until May 1973, I had the Washington Post delivered every day. Frequently entertained by a Bob Woodward-Carl Bernstein front page story on the developing Watergate scandal, I had a front row seat to history. I was taught by my parents that everything evil in American life could be traced to Dick Nixon, and there on the front page of the Post was proof.

In June of last year Mayor Adam Schneider, Democrat, announced that he was crossing party lines and voting for Republican Chris Christie for Governor. But, he said, he would not vote for a Republican for president. Jack Flaherty Link news file photo

And Sunday, the paper that took down Richard Nixon put me on the front page. Text messages, emails, and calls from friends and family started early morning, and then came more calls from the media.

The closing of several lanes of the George Washington Bridge as an act of political retribution is one of the dumbest political scandals of all time. As one of the Democratic mayors who endorsed Governor Christie I’ve received calls from all over the country wanting my reaction to the mess. One of the calls came from Carol Leonning of the Post and she quoted me in the first and last paragraphs.

Here’s the first sentence: “In September, Adam Schneider, the liberal mayor of the New Jersey shore town of Long Branch, was having trouble with the state utility board. After repeatedly getting the run around, Schneider decided to instead try his luck with the office of Gov. Chris Christie. ‘I’m not talking to any more underlings, and I’m not being delegated,’ Schneider said he told Christie’s aides, ‘I got what I needed.”
In the second paragraph the reporter accurately quotes me as saying that I received “enhanced” access after endorsing the governor.

Here’s what I did with my enhanced access:
I got the attention of the Board of Public Utilities and was provided a copy of JCPL’s emergency management plan, allegedly in place at the time of Sandy. I have real political clout. I got a public document.

The word ‘enhanced’ got attention. MSNBC wanted to send a driver to take me to New York for an interview. I told the producer that Tuesday is Mob Movie night with the boys, and Wednesday Long Branch wrestles Ocean. What can I tell you, some things are more important than national exposure. They may send a crew down to interview me anyway, weather permitting.

The Asbury Park Press interviewed me Monday. That story makes clear there was nothing asked for by me in exchange for my endorsement, and nothing offered by the governor.

The Post interview was before the accusations of Dawn Zimmer became public. The Hoboken mayor accused the Lt. Governor and the head of the Department of Community affairs of pressuring her to approve a redevelopment project supported by one of the Governor’s friends in order to receive more Sandy money. Her allegations have received national attention and angry denials.

The Post quoted me to finish up the article too, explaining why I won’t vote for Christie for president. Every time he talks like a Republican I’m reminded why I can’t vote for him for president.
As for Richard Nixon, I have the framed front page of the NY Daily News from the day he resigned hanging in my office.

Mob movie night was snowed out. We were scheduled to watch The Departed with Jack Nicholson. Maybe next we’ll watch All the President’s Men.