The roasting of Vic Marotta

There was a roasting of Vernon Mayor Marotta recently. If they wanted a real roasting, they needed me. He would have been a hamburger left on a grill four hours too long.

Let’s gain some perspective here, in the movie, “The Way We Were”, Barbara Streisand, the university’s valedictorian, gave the commencement speech. Someone behind her carried out a prank, which had the entire audience erupt in laughter. She got angry and the event became a debacle. Robert Redford said to her, “You should have laughed.” Subsequent to Marotta’s “roasting”, Jean Murphy and Sally Rinker seem to be angry. I think Redford’s advice would have served them well — you should have laughed.

Now, on to the real roasting. At the event, there were references made to the “Godfather”. This displeased Marotta; he prefers to be known simply as “God”. There is some M-O-B activity in Vernon — Marotta’s Ordained Believers and as a friend, I’m a card carrying member. When Vic walks into a meeting people say, “Oh God”, “Please God”, and “My God”. I have heard Jean and Sally mumbling something like, “Dear God, (in audible), (inaudible), Vic Marotta” — how can he not believe he is God? I assure you that they’ll fill in the blanks and I can’t wait. When serving with Vic, I must admit even I prayed on occasion before a freeholder meeting. Sally and Jean wanted membership in the M-O-B, but couldn’t afford the dues, which include one civil and objective council meeting per year with Vic present.

I know the talent and inspiration that Vic has. Vernon deserves extraordinary leadership and if given the chance Vic will deliver. Let Vic fulfill his promises. I’m proud of what he has done for Vernon in this new age and the way we are, not the way we were.

Mike LaRose
Former Sparta mayor

Former Sussex County freeholder director