| Author | Message | ||
     John Caffrey Citizen Username: Jerseyjack Post Number: 323 Registered: 11-2005 |
They got so much more interesting stuff to gripe about. | ||
| Eats Shoots & Leaves Citizen Username: Mfpark Post Number: 3432 Registered: 9-2001  |
Perhaps that should be your theme for your Township Committee campaign--Vote for John, he'll give you more interesting stuff to gripe about. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider  Post Number: 14715 Registered: 1-2003  |
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| John Caffrey Citizen Username: Jerseyjack Post Number: 328 Registered: 11-2005 |
Only if you're a lefty. | ||
| Frederick Schmid Citizen Username: Carlfrederick Post Number: 53 Registered: 3-2006 |
True, they have some interesting stuff to gripe about, but that is the problem -- all they do is gripe and don't solve problems. If you look at the number of posts Maplewood has around 10700+ and South Orange has around 28,000. When you consider that Maplewood has twice the population of South Orange, these numbers are telling us something. Interesting ratios. I pointed to these numbers on the SO thread and got a few interesting responses. When you examine the number of people who post on SO, the number are of individuals are less then the individuals who post on Maplewood. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4245 Registered: 5-2001  |
I wonder if that has anything to do with the fact that this is "MAPLEWOOD Online"? Nah...probably just a coincidence. <soapbox>Then again, Maplewood hasn't had a vacant Supermarket for 5 years, doesn't have a Village Hall that is crumbling, a Village Administrator that was given tenure, a Village President with numerous personal conflicts of interest and of course a quarter million dollar tax dollar expenditure for a sculpture. OY! Oh...by the way, before you make accusations of "griping", each one of those issues has been raised countless times to the Politicians during public meetings and the response has been complete ignorance.</soapbox> | ||
| Frederick Schmid Citizen Username: Carlfrederick Post Number: 54 Registered: 3-2006 |
The fact that it is called Maplewood Online would imply that the site is more about Maplewood, not South Orange. That is why it is interesting that more posts are made on South Orange threads. Why is that the case? | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11860 Registered: 5-2001 |
I think there is only one South Orange Section to MOL. It covers everything from local politics to homefixit and things that would normally go in the Soapbox. The rest of the board is divided up by topics. I do admit however that, except during primary season, the SO politics are much more exciting than in MW.  | ||
| Frederick Schmid Citizen Username: Carlfrederick Post Number: 55 Registered: 3-2006 |
Topics on both towns are spread throughout the site. but on the two topics -- one for Maplewood "Civic" and another for South Orange "Civic", the number of posts for South Orange are almost three times as many for Maplewood. And, the population for Maplewood is twice that of South Orange. | ||
| Factvsfiction Citizen Username: Factvsfiction Post Number: 673 Registered: 4-2006 |
The positives about Maplewood and South Orange are that residents care and have impassioned opinions, that always benefits a community. The negatives are that the residents coming out of NYC the past 4-5 years can't figure out how to actually park within a parking line-designated spot in either downtown. | ||
| Frederick Schmid Citizen Username: Carlfrederick Post Number: 56 Registered: 3-2006 |
There is an expression Los Angeles, I like -- it is okay to put out your PR, you only get in trouble when you start believing it. FvsF, be careful, it can be hard on your digestive system. "Impassioned" is an interesting way to describe most of the opinions on these threads. Don't knock people from NYC; they don't own the patent on foolhardiness. | ||
| susan1014 Supporter Username: Susan1014 Post Number: 1611 Registered: 3-2002 |
Schmid, A few years back the balance was different...the Maplewood section was much more active than the South Orange section, and I remember wondering why those of us in S.O. had so little online dialog. Times change, and much of the S.O. section activity has been driven by the controversial nature of our town government over the last few years. I have to agree that NYC transplants certainly do not own the patent on foolhardiness... | ||
| anon Supporter Username: Anon Post Number: 2784 Registered: 6-2002 |
Move from Maplewood to South Orange? Might as well move to Bagdad. | ||
| Frederick Schmid Citizen Username: Carlfrederick Post Number: 57 Registered: 3-2006 |
anon, what is your point? | ||
| anon Supporter Username: Anon Post Number: 2790 Registered: 6-2002 |
Why do I need a point? | ||
| Frederick Schmid Citizen Username: Carlfrederick Post Number: 58 Registered: 3-2006 |
I guess that is your point. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5234 Registered: 9-2001  |
Frederick, your right. People who don't get the point or need a point, is usually because their head comes to a point....  | ||
| Frederick Schmid Citizen Username: Carlfrederick Post Number: 59 Registered: 3-2006 |
Art, When I read some of the SO threads, I gather that there is much complaining, but no action. First and foremost, I believe voters get exactly what they vote for -- nothing less and nothing more. Out in California approximately 3 years ago, the voters got tired of a sitting governor, and voted him out only one year into his four year term. Election held -- and he was out -- gone. He was a nice guy, honest, but couldn't deal with some very difficult problems. Out -- gone. The current Governor Arnold isn't great, but has solved some of the problems. He also is honest. Come November, the voters will have an opportunity to elect another governor or reelect Arnold. Their choice -- . I have faith in their action. When taxes on property got out of hand, the voters of California passed Prop 13 that put lids on tax rates. Good, bad, or indifferent, the voters took action -- and they got what they wanted. I have come to SO quite a few times over the last few months working on moving the business. I found that citizens of South Orange have some very different opinions than those found on the SO Threads. When I asked a few well placed individuals, and I don't mean political hacks -- they found that people on line with some exceptions only want to complain. Art, we need to get as many people to jump on line for solid discussions on the important issues. We need all view points discussed -- openly -- and no nasty comments. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9903 Registered: 4-1997  |
I wonder what it is that makes you think there's no action. | ||
| Frederick Schmid Citizen Username: Carlfrederick Post Number: 60 Registered: 3-2006 |
Dave, has the petition on TAU been submitted? | ||
| Frederick Schmid Citizen Username: Carlfrederick Post Number: 61 Registered: 3-2006 |
Dave, There is lots of things happening in SO. My impression, if I based it on comments made on the SO Threads, is that nothing is happening. Im not the one saying nothing is happening. You need to ask the others. Thanks Dave. I think a lot is happening and that installation of TAU and the Performing Arts Center are two examples. | ||
| anon Supporter Username: Anon Post Number: 2793 Registered: 6-2002 |
Mr. Schmid: I apologize if I have offended you. I'm a Maplewood "booster" and was just trying to be funny about comparing Maplewood favorably to SO. | ||
| Frederick Schmid Citizen Username: Carlfrederick Post Number: 62 Registered: 3-2006 |
No offence taken, nor did I think you were offensive. Maplewood is a much better town today, then when I was growing up. After I left in 1962, my mother lived there through the 1980s so I had an opportunity to see change over forty years -- and the best things are happening now. Have mistakes happened, yes, but on the whole all has gone well. Many things in NJ have to be looked at, but still NJ as a state does exceptional well and the citizens have every reason to be proud. I travel a lot each year and work with organizations in different states, and believe me NJ does a good job. From Montclair across to Berkeley Heights, there are a dozen or more communities that provide a living standard second to none in the world. Can more be done, yes and things will continue to improve. When I was young, we lived in the shadow of NYC. NYC is a great place, but NJ now doesn't have to think of itself as second. Hey, don't laugh, when I was younger in the 1940s, Newark was actually a beautiful place. It will come back, but Newark was a vibrant place. Please, also I'm Frederick -- I am not formal. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5401 Registered: 1-2004  |
Fred Have you moved back here like you said you were doing or are you still out in Calif? | ||
| Frederick Schmid Citizen Username: Carlfrederick Post Number: 63 Registered: 3-2006 |
We bought a home in Maplewood, but then the owner came to us and asked for an extension to live in the house. My wife and I agreed because she didn't know when she could get a transfer from Los Angeles to NYC. She is a major executive with a movie studio. Finally, she left the studio and is taking over her father's business. Once we get possession of the house, it will take at least a full year for renovations. Two, we have an excellent set of tutors for our kids, at least for another year, so we didn't want to disturb them. Moving a business is not easy, so I have been working on the move when I have a few moments. Carol, my wife, has to plan an office for herself in NJ as the head of her father's company which adds numerous complications. I have an apartment in NYC that I use because a lot of contacts are in the city. My favorite saying is: "nothing is easy and everything takes longer". Thanks for asking. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4250 Registered: 5-2001 |
Fred, when you are back in town I invite you to join me for a morning of petitioning against spending taxpayer dollars for Tau in South Orange. The response by the public has been overwhelmingly against it, with HUNDREDS of residents of South Orange outraged over this and residents of surrounding towns either laughing at us or pitying us. Really...join me...and I think your eyes will be opened to the reality of public opinion across all neighborhoods & socioeconomic ranges, instead of your "well placed individuals". | ||
| Factvsfiction Citizen Username: Factvsfiction Post Number: 678 Registered: 4-2006 |
Fred, It seems you misunderstand my post. Where did I say people from NJ are better than people from NY? I personally think the transplanted NYers bring a decent degree of energy to both towns. And my "digestion" is pretty good also. Thanks for your concern. | ||
| Soparents Citizen Username: Soparents Post Number: 1198 Registered: 5-2005  |
Frederick, I hope you and your family as able to make as easy a transition as possible back to the East coast. I know how hard it is to uproot a whole family, we were also 3500 miles but transatlantic. I think Maplewood is a beautiful place with so much to offer, but that being said, we chose South Orange, and for US, we are very glad that we did, but I would like to say that there are areas in our community that need to be addressed, some urgently, and others over the course of time. Yes, I post on MOL, some are observations, some are complaints and others are jokey, but this is not the be all and end all. I have sent e-mails to the town and also BOT members. I have visited the Village Hall on many an occasion. I have attended BOT meeting and when I have something valid to say, I have spoken and will do so again. Maplewood may have issues, every town does, but my concern is MY town, South Orange. I am against TAU, as I have previously posted, not because I hate art, or love the Gazebo, but that there are so many more demands on our tax dollars right now, and in the next few years, that we just do not have the money. Trustee Rosen stated at a BOT meeting a month ago that we have the money for all repairs needed doing... why then are our streets falling apart, library problems, a town hall falling apart, historic buildings being left to rot etc etc? We DO have some great trustees, but we need to strengthen our BOT's. We have a tremendous natural resource of talent in South Orange, and it needs to be utilised. We have delayed construction, excuses upon excuses being given by developers, lawyers, planners etc etc, when will our town stand up and say "enough is enough"? the residents have been saying it for a long time, so why aren't they being listened to? SOPAC should be wonderful, again, I am all for the arts, visual, emotional, auditory etc.... I would LOVE to see some high calibre events come to town, but where are the people going to park? I know in major cities, such as NY, you expect to have to park where you can and walk to a venue, but in a town such as South Orange? People do not want to be inconvenienced, and there is no "close proximity" parking. Factor in inclement weather, night time events etc, do people really want to be having a hike back to their cars in the dark, rain, snow etc? I hear that if Beifus doesn't come through with his many many promises, then that site will be taken for SOPAC parking, but is this true? If so, I would have thought that he would have been called on it long ago.... Saiyd is another.... demolished taxable properties now bringing us in no revenue at all. Our town budget had factored in rateables on properties that should have been constructed by now. Our VP is perpetually asked for the status of Saiyd, and perpetually delays. He was in fact asked this again 6 weeks ago, and he said that he has "big news" for the next BOT meeing. He was asked 4 weeks ago what the big news was, and he replied that we would have to wait to the next BOT meeting. That was last Monday and it wasn't brought up them either, so again, as always, we wait. It is heart-breaking and so very frustrating to see the potential that this town has. To feel that our hands are tied and we can't do anything to improve the situation just makes me want to shout. I don't hide behind a screen name, people know who I am. When I first registered on MOL it was to look at the please help, or classifieds and then I began to look at the other threads, and I left my name the way it was at the beginning. I don't believe that things can carry on the way they are, and I feel that there are many people who want to see a change. I know there are a lot of people who are unable to attend the BOT meetings. Some because they can't be bothered, others because of child-care issues, or work issues, and that is fine, but they are still entitled to an opinion! Maybe the first step in them becoming involved is posting their opinion on MOL...that is how I started. OK - probably you have fallen asleep through boredom reading this! sorry!!! Again, my best wishes for you and your family - hope to see you in this neck of the woods soon! SOP | ||
| Frederick Schmid Citizen Username: Carlfrederick Post Number: 64 Registered: 3-2006 |
MHD, Well-placed individuals doesn't mean well-heeled or just rich. I'm faced with moving 25 families from southern California to the general area of Maplewood and South Orange. As a result, I talked with substantial segments of several communities. I sent five employees with their spouses to scout the area as well because if they say "no" guess what? By the way, these weren't just executives. My accounts payable person was one of them. When we met together to discuss the result of our visits we came up with most of the same opinions and a few differences. Yes, South Orange has a few more problems than Maplewood, but both towns are taking steps to address these issues. If you want to know, most felt Summit,Chatham and Westfield were the best communities. And I received positive comments for Montclair and Livingston. The reaction to the South Orange Performing Arts Center was strong along with the Performing Center in Newark, the Paper Mill Playhouse, the Summit Arts Center, and the Montclair Art Museum. Another thing was important was colleges and the team felt NJ fell down on its higher education offerings. Seton Hall got good points as did a few other schools in the area. As for shopping -- all liked the opportunity to shop in the smaller individuals stores around the whole area. The shopping centers didn't come off as well especially in comparison to southern California. There the comments were -- "well NYC is close by." Oh yes, your petition. Have you submitted the petition yet. If so, great, the trustees should hear your point of view. If not, why not? My first statement on MOL was saying that the Tau project was just where it should be. Public sculpture means public debate. That is what it is about. Everyone should have an opportunity to participate -- for it and/or against it. Different points of view should be welcomed. Most of the comments you receive from people who oppose it -- say -- oh, Im not against the sculpture -- it was the way it was done, or it should be located somewhere else in town. By the way, I received at least 50% comments that supported the sculpture -- Submit your petition, if you haven't, and let the TC decide from their. If your arguments hold weight, they will respond. Politicians are the experts in assessing public opinion. That is what they do. Thanks for your invitation. I might just take you up on it. | ||
| Frederick Schmid Citizen Username: Carlfrederick Post Number: 65 Registered: 3-2006 |
SOparents, Thank you for a well reasoned statement. I apologize that I have to take leave with out responding more complete. I believe you and I agree and where we don't, I can sense that the disagreement would be sensible. Thank you. Let me get back to you. By the way where are you from -- my two grandsons just graduated from Cambridge with their PhD. | ||
| Soparents Citizen Username: Soparents Post Number: 1206 Registered: 5-2005 |
Primarily South East England, I worked in London before coming to the States. My in-laws lived quite close to Cambridge - it is a beautiful City. Congrats on your Grandsons achievements, you must be very proud! SOP | ||
| extuscan Citizen Username: Extuscan Post Number: 649 Registered: 6-2001 |
Thread Drift--- I was fortunate enough to spend a semester at Cambridge as an exchange student. I was at Caius. Where were your kids? -John | ||
| extuscan Citizen Username: Extuscan Post Number: 650 Registered: 6-2001 |
Thread Drift--- I was fortunate enough to spend a semester at Cambridge as an exchange student. I was at Caius. Where were your kids? -John | ||
| Frederick Schmid Citizen Username: Carlfrederick Post Number: 66 Registered: 3-2006 |
John, Biological Sciences -- Faculty of Biology. The are identical twins and want to stay together so I think they will be teaching and doing research next year somewhere in Europe. There is a chance of going into industry as well. | ||
| SO1969 Citizen Username: Bklyn1969 Post Number: 348 Registered: 7-2004 |
Fred - I would think folks who like Chatham, Westfield and Summit would also like the store selection at The Mall at Short Hills. Did they visit it? In my opinion, it is one of the premiere malls in the US, top 5 I'd think - in there with South Coast Plaza, Tysons Corner, Bal Harbour, etc. Of all the things that need improvement in these parts, the quality of the mall is not one of them. I consider the Mall, along with the proximity to airport, proximity to Acela, and Midtown direct service, one of the major conveniences that makes this area attractive (these conveniences are in addition to the other attributes each of the towns offer). Perhaps that isn't what you meant by shopping center....when you mention NYC being close, that is the only kind of shopping that I thought you could be referring to. Perhaps your employees are particularly hip. In that case, they may have to do with proximity to NYC...you could be taking them far worse places. | ||
| Frederick Schmid Citizen Username: Carlfrederick Post Number: 67 Registered: 3-2006 |
SO1969 I was trying to just give an overall impression of their comments. I find that the best way to work with people is to let them explore and come to their own conclusions. And part of the process, I am involved in, is letting many different families make the decision that is right for their families. I have confidence. Shopping in Los Angeles is a bit different. Yes, we have large shopping malls, but we actually have an abundance of stand alone shops which have I prefer. I can't remember the last time I went to a shopping mall. In fact, it might be Short Hills. My reference to NYC was general, but also the abundance of single shops. What I was trying to emphasize, is that there are lots of great things going on in the suburban Essex County. | ||
| Shanabana Citizen Username: Shanabana Post Number: 601 Registered: 10-2005  |
Well, this is certainly going to get more posts for Maplewood--some of The South Orange Complainers have moved over to this thread! Good, they'll get out of the SO Specific thread for a heartbeat and let the rest of us SOers have a moment of peace! | ||
| Jersey_Boy Citizen Username: Jersey_boy Post Number: 1165 Registered: 1-2006  |
I was wondering why "mostly maplewood" had 31% of the current posts. Because it's really "South Orange Specific" by proxy. South Orange rocks! In a kind of sucky complaining way. J.B. |
