By JON BAKER

LINCOLN — For 40 years now, John J. Cullen has considered himself a loyal Democrat.

But he decided, in a letter dated Thursday, to resign his post as District 4 (Albion-Quinville) chairman of the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee. The reason: He said he’s dead set against LDTC chair Patrick Crowley’s circulation of a proposal entitled “Time for a Compromise on Twin River Hour Expansion.”
Cullen, who had declared his candidacy for Town Administrator come November, and his wife Barbara have followed suit of LDTC secretary Timothy McMahon, who resigned four days ago after calling the committee “a crippled organization in dire need of selfless leadership from its chair.”
In what may or may not be related news, Town Council President (and District 1-Saylesville representative) Jeremiah T. O’Grady announced Thursday afternoon he wouldn’t seek re-election come November.
“While I have found my experience as a member of the … council to be very rewarding, it is time for me to move on,” wrote O’Grady in a release. He added that, in addition to his role with the council, he’s employed full-time, is pursuing a master’s degree and wants to spend more time with his three-year-old daughter.
In a letter to Crowley, McMahon wrote: “I have spoken with many (committee) members during the course of your tenure as chair. Nearly everyone — myself included —agrees that your passion and
inate intelligence, if channeled properly, would make the difference between a broken organization and one that truly shines with a sense of purpose and cohesion.
“Much to my dismay, however, in early 2008, you sent a confidential proposal to me -- and others, I am sure -- titled “Time for a Compromise on Twin River Hour Expansion,” he continued. “It was your intent to insert yourself into the dialog on expanded gambling … in spite of the fact that this was clearly not the stance of the committee. Since that incident, I have … seen you speak out on issues ranging from gambling to gay marriage. (On) each occasion, you have directly or indirectly linked your statements with the LDTC, and implicitly or explicitly caused people to believe these were our official stances.
“In truth, these were simply Patrick Crowley’s beliefs … and watching your voluminous postings on the R.I. Future blog, I can say with conviction that I do not agree with your stance on many issues. Still, though, I would be willing to follow your leadership if I believed that you were expending even a fraction of your efforts on behalf of the (LDTC) … Sadly, I believe you have simply used the LDTC as a stepping stone to further your own self interests. This being the case, I can no longer associate myself with the group.”
Cullen, who said he had served consecutive two-year terms as town chair before Crowley’s tenure began in January 2007, claimed he was “fed up with the chicanery and treachery to the Democratic process” created by that proposal.
“Pure and simple, I think Mr. Crowley was working at odds to the committee, he’s clearly against the committee’s wishes, and also the Lincoln electorate, which voted 65 percent against expanded gambling at Twin River (last Nov. 10),” he said when reached Thursday night. “The committee right now is one of deceit and treachery, and I won’t be a part of it.”
Crowley wasn’t shy with his response.
“First, I’d say this: Sometimes, being a leader, you’ve got to make difficult decisions, and not everybody will be happy with them. In the case of Mr. Cullen, for 25 years, he’s bullied and terrorized the Democrats in Lincoln, and I will always be proud of accomplishing his removal from the LDTC. I consider Tim one of my friends. I’ll just leave it at that.”
The LDTC consists of approximately 75 members, with 15 allowed to join from each of the five town districts. Each district has its own chair.
While a total of five have resigned over the past few months, other Democrats claimed they’re staying put.
“There are a number of (LDTC) people who are unhappy, but what’s new?” said John Barr, a former State Senator who has announced his desire to be the Democratic nominee for Town Administrator in November. “I’ll quote Will Rogers, ‘I don’t belong to any organized political party; I’m a Democrat.’ People in town are saying, ‘Oooh, the Democrats are fighting!’ That’s a surprise? It’s what Democrats do. Look at the blood baths being forged on the national level between Obama and Hillary. In every Rhode Island General Election, there are always bruising primaries.
“I like and respect Tim McMahon, and I’m sorry to see him go,” he added. “John Cullen is so divisive, I don’t see it as a loss for the party. I will say these people care very deeply about the issues they feel aren’t being addressed. I respect that, but it’s only a few people (who have resigned).
“I would also say this is Pat Crowley’s rookie term as party chair, so he’s still in the learning process. I’m in a position to be a little more patient than others. I still think it’s much ado about nothing.”
Stated Dean Lees Jr., LDTC District 3 chair: “I’m not leaving. I’ve been doing this for over a decade now, and I’ve seen people enter and exit for a host of reasons. This isn’t an uncommon occurrence. I’m strictly involved with looking out for the interests of my own district (Lime Rock).”
Town Council member James Jahnz offered this: “People are making their own decisions, but there’s a reason they call election season the ‘Silly Season.’ That’s not meant to demean anybody. I’m sorry to see anybody leave the committee. With the elections coming up, we need to stay as strong as possible.”
As for O’Grady choosing not to run again, Jahnz said it’s hardly a “shocker.”
“Knowing Jay the way I do, I’m not surprised,” he stated. “He’s a committed family man, and I know he puts that first. He works very hard at business and with the council.
“I think (the LDTC) resignations and his news are totally unrelated,” he added.