The Daily Journal from Vineland, New Jersey • 3

CAMPAIGN 92 The day President George Bush came to town DAILY JOURNAL SPECIAL COVERAGE Friday, October 23, 1992 The Daily Journal A3 They played small part fJ iff lw.x,... A irrMn rrinr Lf I Bush supporters make their feelings known during rally in downtown Vineland views Spectators offer mixed opinions of Bush's BEIT PROCLAIMED VINELAND Mayor Joseph Romano presented President Bush with a copy of an honorary proclamation Thursday. It said: A PROCLAMATION OF THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF VINELAND WELCOMING THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, GEORGE H.W. BUSH. TO THE CITY OF VINELAND.

WHEREAS, the community of Vineland welcomes President George H.W. Bush to our city; and WHEREAS, the residents of our city are grateful that the president chose the City of Vineland as part of his reelection tour; and WHEREAS, we know that his visit to our city will be fruitf ul and that lasting friendships will be made; and WHEREAS, the City of Vine-land hopes that President Bush's meeting with the citizenry will be so marked with success that he will plan a return visit soon to our area; now, therefore, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Mayor of the City of Vineland welcomes President George H.W. Bush and hopes that his visit with us will be an enjoyable one. Partisan From staff reports VINELAND Partisan politics ruled the day for those attending Thursday's rally for President Bush, and their opinions depended on which partisan was theirs. Some supporters of the president came away from the rally feeling their candidate 'had helped himself and is headed for a win Nov.

3. Backers of Democrat 'Bill Clinton and independent Ross Perot were far less impressed. Here's what some in the crowd had to say: "I thought he was interesting," said Vineland resident Matt Kistler. "It's good that he came downtown to see us. I think he can change voters, just because he came to Vine-land and showed that he cares.

You get to hear what he has to say up close." They were proud to serve the president By JOSEPH MORITA Staff Writer VINELAND After speaking to thousands of people on Landis Avenue Thursday, a hungry President Bush walked into Vineland Cold Cuts and had something toeat "It was a big surprise," said Joseph Soto, owner of the deli at 705 Landis Ave. "He said he was glad to be here, to meet Spanish people and we really enjoyed talking tohim I was just so excited to feed him." The president walked into the deli after his speech, much to the surprise of Soto and his wife, Elisa. The eatery is only about 100 feet from the platform where he spoke. And what did the president have for lunch? 0 Staff photoAdrian Wecer visit, speech Susannah, 10, and Nathaniel, 8, were "family values" supporters of the president "We came here becatse he's the president and we're Bush supporters," Jane Risdon said. "Bush is very pro-family, that's why there are a lot of families Said her husband, "He (Bush) seems to be setting a good example for everyone.

He's trying to gain New Jersey with this visit" "I am voting for Bush because he has been there for four year and we should give him another four," said Vine-land resident Ricardo Castro who probably brought the youngest spectator to the rally, his 2-month-old daughter, Vanessa. Staff reporters Pamela Harding, Joseph Morita and Lynne Washko compiled this report. Friday. in history From staff reports VINELAND While some came to the president's center city rally for a lesson in political science Thursday, others were more interested in another subject history. Here's what some in the crowd had to say about the significance of the presidential visit: "I think it is very exciting for the City of Vineland," resident Jessie Russo said.

"To have a president come to your city, no matter how you feel about politics, is exciting." Azim Abdullah, of Vineland, said he brought his nephew, a freshman at Millville Senior High School, to "TO have a president come to your city, no matter how you feel about politics, is exciting." Jesse Russo the rally to experience history in the making. Alex Drobny, a pharmacist in Newfield and resident of Vineland, said no matter what your political affiliation, seeing the president of the United States is remarkable. "He's a historical figure and we're part of the making of history," Drobny said. "This is truly a historical moment for the city," Ulysses Harrington of Vineland said. "I'm surprised he even heard of Vineland." Corey Thomas, 17, said Bush's visit to the city was all for publicity, but he's glad it happened.

"I think it was good public relations for Vineland," Thomas said. "It's about time we were put on the map for something positive." Debbie Byrne of Vineland said she was surprised Bush chose Vineland as one of his campaign stops. "I think it shows how far behind he is in the polls," Byrne said. "But I'm here to see a president in person in my lifetime." Staff reporters Pamela Harding, Joseph Morita and Lynne Washko compiled this report. "I screamed, 'Oh my when I found out we were coming." Student Rosaly Dominguez president of the United States.

"I screamed, 'Oh my when I found out we were coming," student Rosaly Dominguez said. The class and several chap-erones, including school Principal Jacqueline Harvard, sat catty-cornered to the president's custom-made platform cheering and waving signs as the president greeted the crowd. After Bush's speech, student Stephanie Panichelli said he had her support "I think he should win again, he's very nice," she said. Pinchelli's classmate Maria Damiani, 12, didn't share that opinion. "I thought he had a nice speech," she said, "but I don't think he's good for our economy." ending Brunetta said if the crowd could have been anticipated in advance, "they probably would have moved the rally to another location, perhaps the football stadium.

"All in all, it was a great day for Vineland," he said. "Bush is a 1920s trickle down economist," Roger Merle of Hopewell Township said. "Bush has lied to us about the economy and foreign policy. The man has been a disaster, and it is important to get him out. ClintonGore is the alternative." "I haven't been to a rally since Kennedy was campaigning in Western Pennsylvania in the early '60s," Millville resident Joe Orazi said.

"His visit is going to increase pride and morale in the city. I fully support Bush and his "I think (Bush) has pretty much had his chance," Jason Tobolski, 17, a junior at Vine-land High School. He said he would vote for Clinton if he could and added that he had his parents' permission to miss school. Vineland resident Ana Sa-Iva held a letter and picture -1 mill at' VIP treatment: Students get special invitation Gore supporter. "I didn't hear anything today that I didn't hear during the debates." First time voter 18-year-old Michelle Willis said she was upset because she couldn't see anything.

"How many times will you see a president in Vineland?" the Bush supporter asked. Nevertheless the Vineland resident said she is voting for Bush because he knows what he is doing and has the most experience. "They wanted me to come here," Becky Cavagnaro, 16, a Vineland High School student, said of her parents. "They were happy I wanted to come." She said she'd vote for Ross Perot if she could. "I don't think anything he (Bush) could say could change my mind." Vineland residents Jane Risdon, her husband, Charles, and their children, Sarah, 13, 1 Staff photoCharles J.

Olson stopped by for lunch Thursday on Landis Avenue. president walked in. He also said he's sure the presidential visit will help business. Soto said he wanted to treat the president to lunch, but Bush insisted on paying. And if you ask Joseph Soto might let you sit in the same seat the president used.

the president sent to her 15-year-old son, Marcos, thanking him for his concern for the environment "I support the president and will vote for Bush," she said. John Green, 15, of Millville said he just came to observe, but wasn't too impressed with the president. "I wouldn't vote for him, i even if I could," Green said. "He's only here to get his votes up, because Perot's going to chew him up in the election," Green said. "I think it is great and exciting whether you are for Bush or not," Newfield resident Tina Quigley said.

"I know what we are getting into with Bush. He has made mistakes but has admitted to them." "Bush hasn't done anything to create jobs," said Avalon resident Pete Fagan, a Clinton 'if 1W1 VftWilf was here for half an hour and I was impressed." Elisa Soto was asked why she thought Bush came to Vineland Cold Cuts. Her answer was simple: "Because he was hungry," she said. Joseph Soto said the restaurant was packed when the between 15,300 and 15,800. "It went smoother than we anticipated," Brunetta said.

"The White House staff complimented us on how well prepared we were." Brunetta said no arrests were made during the rally. Vineland Cold Cuts owners Joseph and Elisa President Bush Soto were stunned and thrilled when after his speech By PAMELA M. HARDING Staff Writer VINELAND Memorial Intermediate School teacher Mark Melamed was in his glory Thursday afternoon. The sixth-grade teacher and his homeroom received VIP passes to the Republican rally starring President George Bush on Landis Avenue. "When I found out the president was coming, I immediately called Washington," Melamed said.

"I've been inviting him and the vice president to Vineland for seven years. Melamed and his classes have received certificates and even a telephone a call from the president and vice president during the past three years in recognition of their fund-raising efforts for needy children in the city and in Tanzania. Melamed said he found out about the special invitation less than an hour before school ended Wednesday. The 27 students dressed in red, white and blue attire were anxious about seeing the 41st began to move cars off the streets for the motorcade," Brunetta said. "Actually, more people attended the rally than we or the White House staff anticipated.

But crowd and traffic control ran smooth and security was outstanding." "He said he liked rice, so I took advantage of that," Elisa Soto said. Bush had a meal of rice, peas and beef stew. "He's a beautiful person," Joseph Soto said. "He really enjoyed his meal. "He's a good president, I was going to vote for him.

He nightmare. Fortunately, everything ran smoothly, according to Police Chief Mario Brunetta. The chief said official White House estimates, based on counters in the metal detectors at the site, put the crowd at For police, a potential nig htmare had dream By JAMES P. QUARANTA Staff Writer VINELAND With more than 15,000 people jammed into a two-block area of center city, Vineland Police had what could have been a logistical Brunetta said members of his department working with Secret Service agents, began a "security sweep" of the center city area and motorcade route at 4 a.m. Thursday.

"By 5 a.m. the no-parking signs were in place and we -tmMr,.