Middletown BOE Member Fitzgerald On Why He Nominated Minnuies For VP

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Last Thursday's Middletown school board meeting — which you can watch here — was not without some drama:

As it was the first meeting of the new year, this was the meeting where the Board voted on who would be president and vice president.

More than a few eyebrows were raised when Joe Fitzgerald, a newcomer to the Board who was just elected this past November, nominated Joan Minnuies for vice president. With his nomination of Minnuies, Fitzgerald voted against sitting Board vice president Jacqueline Tobacco, who campaigned for Fitzgerald and endorsed his candidacy.

On Tuesday, Patch asked Fitzgerald why he nominated Minnuies over Tobacco. He said he's gotten Facebook messages asking him that same thing. He responded immediately and directly:

"The three seats of (board president) Frank Capone, Harmony 'Barry' Heffernan and Tobacco will be up for re-election this year (2023)," said Fitzgerald. "Having just gone through an election to win this seat, I know how grueling it is. I know the social media attacks you have to endure, some of which can get quite personal and vicious. I know the campaigning and the politicking and how you have to be out meeting with people a lot, and raising money for your campaign."

Fitzgerald said he simply wanted someone to run the Middletown Board of Education who would not be in a political position.

"Running the Middletown school district is a business, and I look at this as who can best run the business without politics getting involved," he continued. "Joan has been on the Board for a long time; I've watched her and I know she always does what is best for the community."

Fitzgerald said he voted for Capone for president, because his name had already been nominated "and he's done a great job for our board and for our school district. I had to pick one, Jackie or Frank. Both are up for re-election this year."

He also acknowledged that politically he is "on the conservative side" and he and Tobacco agree on many things, including the non-masking of children and keeping schools open during the pandemic.

However: "A school board member is a non-political position. Politics cannot get involved. I had to nominate who I think is best for the constituents."

This was "completely not personal" to Tobacco, said Fitzgerald. "And I hope she doesn't take it personally. I actually meant to call her and tell her this was not personal. My decision to nominate Joan was a spur-of-the-moment, from-the-gut decision I made right at that meeting when they asked us to take a vote."

When asked to respond, Tobacco said Tuesday:

"I appreciate the support I was given for board leadership again this year. I trust that my family and this community knows my ability to prioritize and focus on putting the children first."

Fitzgerald owns his own small business (a telecommunications company located in Red Bank, with facilities worldwide), is a former U.S. Marine and has four children, three of whom are in the Middletown public school system. He also used to have his own political podcast.

Everyone else on the Board voted for Tobacco to be vice president, including Minnuies. Fitzgerald was the only one who voted for Minnuies.

In one final twist of drama, board member Deborah Wright voted "no" to making Capone president, but she did vote for Tobacco for vice president. Wright and Capone are polar opposites on topics such as masking for kids, virtual learning and keeping schools and sports closed in the pandemic. However — Tobacco usually votes the way Capone votes, so it's not clear why Wright supported Tobacco, but not Capone.

Wright did not answer when asked by Patch this week why she voted that way.

"That's a big reason of why I actually ran for the Board of Ed.," said Fitzgerald on Tuesday. "I've attended nearly every school board meeting in the past. I think as elected officials we have to be accountable to the public. If you are going to vote against the grain, I think you have an obligation to inform people as to why."

Capone, Tobacco Re-Elected As Middletown BOE President, Vice President (Jan. 6)