GOP officials, council candidate step down
Former chair says party is 'in complete disarray'
BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer
Several of Sayreville's Republican leaders are stepping down from active roles in the party, and a GOP candidate for Borough Council said this week that she is withdrawing from the race.

Ron Green, who chaired the Sayreville Republican Organization until early June, said he has ceased taking an active role in the party, citing a disagreement with Republican Mayor Kennedy O'Brien and his volunteer assistant.

"The mayor and I are at odds here, and the party is in complete disarray because of him," Green said Tuesday. "In the interest of party unity, myself and [fellow Republican] Kenny Olchaskey met with the mayor this morning, and the negotiations of the meeting went absolutely nowhere. The mayor is taking the Republican Party down the wrong road."

Sayreville Republicans met with state GOP officials to discuss their differences at a meeting Tuesday morning at the Hilton hotel in the Iselin section of Woodbridge. Green described the meeting as a complete disaster, saying that it failed to address his concerns with O'Brien and the mayor's volunteer assistant, Karen Surratt, who he said have been meddling in the operation of the party.

"They want to be involved in the selection of the candidates, and they don't have any right to be," Green said. "They also want to be involved in the running of platforms; they don't have any right to be."

Former Councilman Frank Makransky has chaired the Sayreville GOP since Green's term expired on June 8. Makransky said he is one of the longest-serving members of the Sayreville Republican Party, and while Green thinks the party has problems, Makransky said he does not see it that way.

"I'm just sorry to see Ron go," Makransky said. "He was a good chairman. I'm sorry it had to come down to this."

The Republican Party has been able to win three of the four seats that were available on the Borough Council during the past two elections, giving the party control of the governing body. Democrats had all six council seats in 2007. O'Brien, who was re-elected that year, has been a constant presence on the dais for the party.

In this year's election, the Republicans will face competition from Democrats Stanley Drwal, an incumbent, and Dennis Grobelny, a former councilman. Democratic Councilwoman Kathy Makowski chose not to seek re-election.

The Republican Party chose to run Frank Bella, who sits on the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and newcomer Maria F. Catello. While Bella will remain as a Republican candidate in the Borough Council race, Catello said Tuesday that she will no longer seek election, citing a lack of party unity.

"I'm going to step down for personal reasons," Catello said. "I had already given my resignation three weeks ago, but I held off to see if these guys could come to some understanding. Under these circumstances, I refuse to run."

Catello wished the party well and said that she would remain a Republican.

"I'm disappointed, but I wish Frank Makransky and the mayor lots of luck," Catello said. "I hope the campaign goes well for them."

Green said that he is not the only party member to step down from an active role. He said that Beverly Rappleyea stepped down as the party's vice chairwoman, and Olchaskey will also take a less active role in the GOP.

"We're still Republicans, but we're not active in the Republican Party," Green said.

Olchaskey said he would remain with the party, but he is stepping away from the active role that he has served for more than 20 years.

"The big thing is the mayor, as I see it, and I'm not privy to everything. … He's tried to force Karen Surratt upon the chair, upon Ron," Olchaskey said. "There's also a big lack of communication. … It's just not working for the good of the party at this present time. I'm not going to get involved with spinning my wheels."

Olchaskey said the issues have hampered the party's campaign.

"I have no confidence in the new party structure," Olchaskey said. "I'm choosing to stay on the sidelines and to not be involved for the first time in 20 years."

Surratt said it is unfortunate that Green and Olchaskey are stepping down.

"It's sad to see Ron and Ken go," Surratt said. "They brought a lot to the party and they definitely will be missed, and we wish them well."

Surratt said she simply had differences with Green.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion," Surratt said. "Clearly I don't see it. We had a difference of opinion, and it has always been my contention that not only did Ron accept my help, but many times he asked for it, so this is quite disturbing. … Rather than dwell on the negative, I'd rather wish him well and thank him for his contributions and see us move forward. You have got to keep it positive."

O'Brien said he did not understand why Green thinks there was an interference with him as chairman.

"I honestly don't know why he may have issues with Karen," O'Brien said. "I'm sorry he does."

O'Brien thanked Green for serving as chairman, saying he did a fine job and wishing him well in his future endeavors. He had kind words for Catello and Olchaskey, too.

"I think Maria Catello is a wonderful person and I respect her decision to withdraw for family and personal reasons," O'Brien said. "I think she's a great gal. Our friendship continues. I've worked and been friends with Ron Green and Ken Olchaskey for two decades and I hope that continues. I'm very thankful for the work that they've done, and it's my hope that they continue the same work in the future."

O'Brien said he is confident that Makransky will find a strong candidate to take Catello's place in the council race.

"I'm looking forward to working with Frank," O'Brien said. "He has all of my confidence. I'm sure he'll pick a fine candidate."