The Democratic mayor of Vernon is complaining that Republican congressional candidate Frank Pallotta used a photo taken of the two by a campaign staffer and posted on social media without his permission.
“He has used my photo in a way that suggests that I endorse his candidacy for Congress , which I do not,” said Mayor Howard Burrell. “ I would never endorse Mr. Pallotta to be my congressional representative because (1) I don’t know him and had never communicated or even spoken to him before you asked me to take a photo with him at yesterday’s event; and (2) I am a strong supporter of Congressman Josh Gottheimer.”
But the social media post does not infer an endorsement. Pallotta had attended the Sussex County Senior Olympics in Vernon and one of his campaign staffers set up a photo with the mayor.
Kelly Ann Hart, Pallotta’s campaign manager, said in an email that Burrell agreed to take a photo and that he thanked the GOP candidate for attending.
“Josh Gottheimer does this all the time with Republican mayors in our District,” said Hart.
She said she would not remove the photo but would remove his name from the post.
In her email, Hart told Burrell that her candidate doesn’t necessarily want his support.
“What makes you think we are seeking your endorsement? You have pulled some controversial stunts in your town and we don’t agree with you on a lot of issues,” she wrote. “Nevertheless, both you and Frank were there for the seniors and it is a nice thing to put partisan politics aside in such cases and have a friendly photo taken.”
According to Hart, the Senior Olympics was a public event and Burrell is a public figure.
“If your willingness to speak to others outside of your party is frowned upon, that’s something you need to work out with your party, not us, although I feel bad that they put you through this,” Hart told Burrell.
Still, Burrell believes that Pallotta’s misuse of my photo represents a betrayal of that respect and courtesy.”
Burrell, the last Democrat to win a seat on the Sussex County Board of Freeholders, made his support of Gottheimer clear in a statement released on Thursday.
“We are truly lucky to have a congressional representative who pays so much attention to Vernon Township. Congressman Gottheimer has always been here for our residents and small businesses whenever we have needed him,” Burrell said. “I love his bipartisan approach to governing, working with both sides to solve problems — always putting country first. Josh is a champion of law enforcement, lower taxes, and veterans like me.”
He cited Gottheimer’s assistance at bringing federal dollars into Vernon, and to combat illegal dumping at the Vernon Waste Mountain.