Mayor Hartman Honored at 2011 Lincoln Day Breakfast

More than 100 people gathered at the Historic Smithville Inn for the 2011 Abe Lincoln Breakfast on Saturday to witness Mayor Keith Hartman receive the Galloway Township Republican League’s Republican of the Year Award. 

After a hearty breakfast, Jen Heller-Care, president of the Galloway Township Republican League, introduced the guest speaker, Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-21), Assembly conference leader.

Playing off his self-described label as the “Funniest Lawyer in New Jersey”, Bramnick started off with a few comical anecdotes.

Commenting on how politicians have great interpersonal skills, he used former state Sen. Nick Asselta, who was in attendance, as an example, “If I wanted to get a bill sponsored, I would ask Nick, and sometimes he’d look me in the eye and say, ‘How’s your family doing?’ That meant no.”

Bramnick paid homage to the dignitaries in the room including John Amodeo and Vince Polistina for being legislative superstars in the 2nd legislative district.

Bramnick then praised Hartman for his humanitarianism and leadership in the community. “I’ve never seen a trophy of that magnitude,” said Bramnick referring to the bust of Abraham Lincoln’s head.

The mood of his speech turned serious as Bramnick reflected on a time where a little girl asked him to create more jobs because her father lost his. 

Bramnick then transitioned into how optimism is spreading as Republicans in New Jersey are banding together to change New Jersey. “Before Chris Christie you couldn’t even mention capping spending or pensions,” said Bramnick.  “Now all of a sudden there’s freedom of speech.”

Assemblyman Vince Polistina, who was first elected to public office in 2007 along with Hartman, introduced the mayor.

Hartman received the award and reaffirmed Bramnick’s message in that change is happening on all levels of New Jersey government.

Hartman expressed thanks to all of his council members. He then recalled how President Lincoln arguably served as president during the worst times in American history. He vowed to see things through for his constituents during these hard times. 

“This is a time where we need good people…we don’t take our jobs lightly,” said Hartman.

Atlantic County Republican Chairman Keith Davis then presented Hartman with an award on behalf of County Executive Dennis Levinson.

On Wednesday, Feb. 23, the Atlantic County Republicans will hold a Lincoln Reagan Dinner at the Historic Smithville Inn at 6 p.m. with special invited guest Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. For information, call 609-677-0707.