NPD or NOT?

If you have met Todd M. Tersigni, well then you will invariably find yourself relating to this blog and its entries more often than not. Especially this one, in particular.

Before, beginning with our series of entries entitled, “The Art of Inconsistency – One Man’s Crusade for Greatness“, I wanted to take this opportunity to share a medical condition with you that I personally believe may explain the erratic  behavior of our Council President.

There is a disorder in existence known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder and its definition is such: 

“Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration. Those with narcissistic personality disorder believe that they're superior to others and have little regard for other people's feelings. But behind this mask of ultra-confidence lies a fragile self-esteem, vulnerable to the slightest criticism.”

Sound familiar? 

An inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration could lead to endless hours of posting photographs of themselves receiving awards, attending dinners, making donations, or simply requesting to be thanked or acknowledged by everyone you come in contact with.

The symptoms of this disorder, as listed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, are listed below:

1. Expects to be recognized as superior and special, without superior accomplishments.
2. Expects constant attention, admiration, and positive reinforcement from others.
3. Envies others and believes others envy him or her.
4. Is pre-occupied with thoughts and fantasies of great success, enormous attractiveness, power, and intelligence.
5. Lacks the ability to emphasize with the feelings or desires of others.
6. Is arrogant in attitudes and behavior.
7. Has expectations of special treatment that are unrealistic.
8. Is interpersonally exploitive and takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends.
9. Has trouble keeping healthy relationships with others.
10. Is easily hurt or rejected.
11. Appears unemotional
12. Exaggerating special achievements and talents and setting unrealistic goals for himself/herself

Now when you go through this list, if you have met or have interacted with this man, I am sure that you can envision him displaying these symptoms over and over again.

From his Facebook posts to the many times he attends events and hand’s his phone to someone asking for a picture…from the questions like, “Who do you think is running for Mayor?” and “Do you think they can beat me?” to the statements like, “I was the highest vote getter” are all demonstrations of the narcissistic behavior outlined in the NPD definition. 

He likes to hear that everyone believes he is “The Man” and he will ask you to make sure to tell everyone that he is “The Man”. For a man that is supposed to be in charge of the Town Council as President, one would think his time could be better spent actually working actively in the position that he was elected for instead of feeding his endless desire for attention.

His constant need for someone to hit the “Like” button or his odd requests that people thank him publicly on Facebook and/or at events for his actions are also perfect examples of this disorder. 

Because we are not medical professionals, we can’t seriously diagnose Councilman Todd M. Tersigni but this observation and the facts presented in his behavior are enough to sway the opinions of many.

It is because of this behavior that I am not comfortable with Todd M. Tersigni as my Councilman, nor would I be if he were our Mayor. His behavior is unpredictable and erratic and he places too much emphasis on the importance of Facebook and his “Like” button.

Theoretically speaking….What if he were our Mayor and someone doesn’t like his “Spring Time Flower” post? Would he then retaliate against that individual or have a meltdown during a meeting? Are these the risks the average voter is willing to take?

I’d rather our leadership be secure and firm. 

Not easily persuaded or overly emotional.

I’d rather our leadership be knowledgeable in all areas of Town Government and not just media relations.

Take a step back for a moment and try to imagine Todd M. Tersigni as Mayor of Phillipsburg. What will he do? Will he have a plan that includes more than just driving around town providing us all with lip service like he has during his tenure as Councilman?

Let’s face it…He hasn’t accomplished anything as a Councilman, so how can we bank on a “Better Phillipsburg” with him as Mayor? Perhaps during his future campaign he will persistently point out that he secured money from the hospital for the Walter’s Park Pool or that he “invented” the “Nite Watch” program…all of which we heard before when he ran for Town Council.

He hasn’t any real accomplishments to add to his resume other than being elected President of, or given awards by some of the clubs he belongs to. None of which actually involves him accomplishing anything he was elected by the people to do. Sure, he declared a war on trash…but is he picking it up? And what did it take for him to finally make this decision? It wasn’t the two years of seeing numerous pictures of properties laced with trash on the sidewalks and alleys throughout town posted online by one resident…It was the fact that his neighbor was seen throwing trash out of a window in his own neighborhood. He only seemed to care when it affected him…not the people. 

Simply put…He’s just not smart enough or independent enough to get the job done. He cannot think for himself and is easily persuaded.

I don’t know about you…but I want an elected official that isn’t afraid of what others think and doesn’t have a hidden agenda.

So in all reality…Todd M. Tersigni as Mayor would set Phillipsburg back 50 years instead of progressing forward. 

In another year’s time when he’s not elected as Mayor one can only hope that he will reflect heavily on the fact that he should have concentrated more on being a good Councilman before constantly planning to be our next Mayor.

Until next time….