Another South Jersey Democrat In A Fight, Another “It Is What It Is” Answer

Frank Gilliam and Jeffree Fauntleroy

The Press of Atlantic City did an excellent job following up on a story broken by Harry Hurley, specifically an “incident” involving Atlantic City Mayor Frank M. Gilliam and Atlantic City Councilman Jeffree Fauntleroy II.

Apparently, that incident was, according to The Press, “a fight with several other people outside a casino nightclub early Sunday morning.”

I’m guessing this story wouldn’t be as bad if Mayor Gilliam hadn’t spent the better part of the day denying it happened. As he told The Press:

Gilliam acknowledged Sunday night there was a physical confrontation. However, earlier Sunday, the mayor said there was “no incident” and “nothing happened.”

“I’m going to hold my comments until my attorney and the law enforcement people do this because I’m not even sure why you would have access to a videotape,” Gilliam said.

Then there was what Fauntleroy had to say:

When contacted Sunday morning, Fauntleroy said the incident was a “loud argument” and nothing more. Reached for comment Sunday evening, he said, “You saw the video. It is what it is.”

“It is what it is.” That’s exactly what former Assemblyman Arthur Barclay told the New Jersey Globe after it was discovered he was arrested on assault charges.

So that’s two South Jersey Democrats using the exact same phrase when contacted by the press after being in a fight. Is, “It is what it is” something South Jersey Democrats teach their members to say after getting in fights?

What about the silence from South Jersey Democrats? Barclay gets arrested, silence from his party. Former Haddon Township Commissioner Paul Dougherty crashes into the back of another car and leaves the scene. Silence from Democrats. The discovery of Voorhees Township Deputy Mayor Jason Ravitz getting into bar fights. Silence from Democrats.

Will South Jersey Democrats ever call out a member of their own party for doing something wrong? Probably not, they’ll probably just hide with each other and say, “It is what it is.”

Also, let’s not forget the 2018 New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference is happening this week in Atlantic City. Gilliam has to deliver the traditional “Host City Welcome” on Tuesday. He also delivers a welcome message to the League Delegates Luncheon. I can hear it now, “Welcome to Atlantic City where it is what it is.”

We’re getting used to this bad behavior by Democrats in South Jersey. To the rest of you, especially those headed to South Jersey and visiting Atlantic City for the League of Municipalities Conference. Enjoy your stay and remember, “It is what it is.”