| Author |
Message |
    
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2043
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, October 25, 2003 - 9:58 pm: |     |
Anon... cut it out, will ya! What dumb things to say! |
Curt Wayne
Citizen
Username: Cswayne
Post Number: 57
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, October 26, 2003 - 12:13 am: | |
ajc,
I think anon was right-on with his/her assumption.
Ed and Joel are turely comitted and should NOT go for the "I've got friends in high places" vote when they really believe in getting things right with Maplewood.
My 2cents,
Not hiding behind a nondeplume, (or the Kings English/French)
CSWayne
|
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2044
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 26, 2003 - 9:18 am: | |
Curt,
I can empathize how you and Anon are so concerned about how Ed, Joel, and Bobbi are winning this campaign, and the hearts and minds of Maplewood and Essex County voters.
However, your perceptions of cronyism are unfounded and completely unwarranted. All three Republican candidates are independent of any political financial support, and given their lack of county or state government involvement, their focus is only on serving the public good.
Your perception of them is in sharp contrast to their opponents who proudly flaunt their relationships with incumbents, which would lead me to question where you two are going with your comments. Are you wolves in sheep clothing, or just a couple of smart asses with too much free time on your hands?
If anyone is unbelievable in this local election, it’s the Democrat’s. Their whole campaign is based around partisan politics. If they are so interested in Maplewood why do they pose with the likes of Corzine, Cody, (www.pettis-leventhal.org) and then following in almost the exact same footsteps of last years Profeta-Grodman advertising campaign?
BTW, if you want to bring religion into this thread, I’d say if anything, your comments are enough to piss-off the Pope!
I suggest you guys get a life and start talking about the real issues in this election…. like will the voters finally give the Republicans a chance to bring around fiscal reform and a reduction of our property taxes, or will the voters keep voting for the candidates who don’t believe it’s possible, and want us all to believe their DEMOCRATIC COUNTER PARTS IN TRENTON WILL HAVE TO DO IT FOR US? |
Ed May
Citizen
Username: Edmay
Post Number: 1819
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 26, 2003 - 11:03 am: | |
Art
Calm Down. Stop shouting and calling names. These guys are just exercising their right to free speech. In any case, Curt is actually on OUR side!
Ed May |
sbenois
Citizen
Username: Sbenois
Post Number: 10392
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 26, 2003 - 11:28 am: | |
Art says, Kiss My Ass, Ed
---> Brought to you by Sbenois Engineering LLC <-
Please check out Fringe's Excellent Website:
http://hometown.aol.com/njfabian
|
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2046
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 26, 2003 - 11:58 am: | |
Well, that's not really true "S"..... Ed, as you can see is his own man.
Trust me when I say that! But, I also have my own opinions I freely post on-line, however, I make sure that everyone knows where I stand on the issues, and more important, who I support for township committee. (Wouldn’t it be great if all four candidates were as candid?)
If as Ed said, Curt is actually on OUR side, I think Curt should make that clear each time he posts a criticism, or sides with anyone else doing the same…
So Ed, if Curt is actually on your side, then IMO he needs to make that clear rather then leave it up to interpretation, ie: “I think anon was right-on with his/her assumption.”
Anon’s assumption is that you have “hooked up” with a County Republican candidate for the State Senate, which I feel is sending a message that you’re some kind of wheeler dealer politician, which you’re not!
Again, IMO enough said. There’s no need to discuss or argue these political points of order. Lets try to move on and let ALL us guys exercise our right to free speech.... |
bottomline
Citizen
Username: Bottomline
Post Number: 24
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, October 26, 2003 - 1:41 pm: | |
As I’ve observed before, this sort of exchange demonstrates why our public officials and established candidates are reluctant to post on MOL. I especially like how ajc writes two long posts on the same morning, then closes by saying things like, “enough said,” and “let’s move on.” That’s the way little kids argue, by shouting their position several times, then telling the others to be quite.
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ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2049
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 26, 2003 - 4:59 pm: | |
“this sort of exchange demonstrates why our public officials and established candidates are reluctant to post on MOL.”
Thanks Bottomline, that sounds about right... It also demonstrates the same way little kids pick up their toys, pout, cry, and complain how Johnny said a bad word, or better yet, doesn’t play fair on the playground. (MOL)
I suspect by your comment you’re now playing big daddy. If so, save your comments for your public officials and established candidates who already picked up their marbles when they found they couldn’t stand the heat in the kitchen.
So, enough said, and this time let’s move on big daddy... |
anon
Citizen
Username: Anon
Post Number: 817
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, October 26, 2003 - 9:02 pm: | |
Let me clarify my opinion. There are lawn signs in Millburn for two candidates for that Town's TC which do not identify those candidates' party. My bet is that they are Democrats. Running in a very Republican town they probably think it best to not closely identify with their political party even though the elections are not non-partisan.
I thought Ed and Joel should run the same way. Everyone knows they are Republicans. They can use that to their benefit by emphasizing that they are fiscal conservatives. But it does not help them to identify with the Republican Party as an organization. It helps them not at all to campaign with a Republican candidate running in a district of which Maplewood is only a small part and running against Sen. Codey, one of the most powerfull politicians, and more importantly, one of the best vote geters around. |
Ed May
Citizen
Username: Edmay
Post Number: 1820
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, October 27, 2003 - 1:09 am: | |
Good Morning Maplewood:
Joel and I just wrapped up our grueling 72-hour weekend campaign marathon, and are now regrouping for our final seven day sprint to victory.
Joel and I were all over Maplewood this weekend.
We hope that you noticed us and understood our three part message:
#1 There is an election on Tuesday, November 4th, and we expect you to VOTE! (No excuses.)
#2 Unlike Kathy and Ken, we ARE actually out there campaigning for your vote. As predicted, we are being out-spent, out-lawn signed, and out junk-mailed. This week we expect to be out-telemarketed. But, and this is a big "but", we are NOT BEING OUTCAMPAIGNED! (How cool was that red, white and blue flat bed truck in which we rode all around Maplewood on Saturday!)
#3 We actually offer a solution to the never-ending upward spiral of tax increases! (Plus the rest of our platform is pretty great also.)
In contrast to Kathy and Ken's assumption that the race was over in June when they defeated Vic and Jerry, aided and abetted by the Fred Machine, we know that the race is not over until YOU cast your vote.
If Kathy and Ken actually campaigned over the weekend, let me know, and I will correct this posting, however, here is what J & E did this weekend to out campaign K & K about a zillion to one!
FRI at the Maplewood Train Station
Professor May and Zeigler lectured the general
populace about Total Quality Management
in Government and Education. K & K, running on a "NOT TQM, because we do not understand it" platform, failed to show.
MAPLEWOOD JAZZ WEEKEND
We made as many venues as we could, and applaud every one of the musicians who performed.
SAT OCT 25 RED, WHITE AND BLUE TRUCK RIDE
We visited every district on an old fashioned All-American political drive through event. We saw you waving back at us! Hope the kids enjoyed the balloons. Did anyone take our pictures? If so, please post on MOL!
SAT OCT 25 WHISTLE STOP RALLY AT TRAIN STATION!
Many of you came down and heard us. We took on any and all comers! We were ready to give Kathy and Ken "equal time" but apparently, they had better things to do.
SAT OCT 25 Campaigning in Maplewood Village. Only problem was we could not get Marine Mom Bobbi Joan Bennett out of the pub!
SAT OCT 25 Campaign Coffee
We met with several "undecided" voters at the home of our Campaign Manager, Eric Spurrier. Like most taxpayers we talk to face-to-face, they left convinced to vote for us!
SAT OCT 25
We passed by the Kendall Block Party and waved. The way Art was driving you would think it was already the all day jitney! (I mean he had his route mapped out and his schedule set and wasn't going to be late to any of the 21 districts.)
SAT OCT 25
Some of us watched the rebroadcast of the Columbia
Cable News Debate at 9 PM followed by the
Hilton-Midland Debate at 10 PM. We did get out our VCR's to watch the debates and preserve them
forever on video. (The News-Record had a good article about the second debate.) Some of us watched the World Series at various and sundry watering holes. After Game six, we knew how the Red Sox and Cubbies felt ~ exactly how Ken and Kathy will feel on November 5th!
SUN OCT 26 at 2 AM
We changed our clocks. Why? Because it is TIME FOR A CHANGE!
SUN OCT 26 5K Race 9 AM to 11 AM Joel and I watched the races, aponsored by many fine sponsors (including Sbenois Associates?!) which seem to be organized on TQM principles! We were too busy in our political race to race for real. We actually met a disciple of Dr. Deming! (Nice to see you David and Fred).
SUN OCT 26 Coffee with Bobbi Bennett, running for NJ Senate, at the home of Vince Bober. Nice seeing you Jerry.
SUN OCT 26
We watched the rebroadcast of the Columbia
Cable News Debate at 8 PM followed by the
Hilton-Midland Debate at 9 PM. Hello FX, you forgot to change your clocks and the tapes each ran one hour early! The more I watch the tapes the more I realize how soundly we out debated them! Every time Ken was speaking at debate number two, I sensed that people kept thinking about "Ziegler-May ...". Citizens, you must watch the debates, and decide for yourself!
(top secret paragrpah deleted ~ M-Z campaign loyalists will inderstand the message.)
At this time I must retire (not from politics!) to rest up for our final seven days, which include the LWV Debate Tuesday. Wonder if Kathy needs help with her notes?
I say let Vic and Jerry join the LWV debate, along with Juan and Ivan and Syl......
Signing off for now.
Ed May |
Ed May
Citizen
Username: Edmay
Post Number: 1822
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2003 - 12:19 am: | |
SINCE THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS DEBATE WAS NOT TAPED AND THEREFORE CANNOT BE REBROADCAST (IN DIRECT VIOLATION OF OUR AGREEMENT TO ACCEPT SUCH A LATE DATE) I AM POSTING THE REMARKS THAT I PREPARED FOR THE LWV DEBATE. I URGE THE OTHER CANDIDATES TO POST THEIR PREPARED REMARKS ALSO. FINALLY I URGE YOU ALL TO READ THE NEWS-RECORD TODAY BECAUSE THE NEWS-RECORD DID COVER THE DEBATE.
My name is Ed May. You probably recognize me from the Chamber of Commerce, Adult School, Business Incubator, Pool, Sorrows, Immaculate, St. Joe’s, Elmwood Ave, Dunnell Rd, Meadowbrook Rd, Oberlin Street, the Brownies, Soccer, or MOL.Marilyn and I have lived in Maplewood for 23 years. Michaela and Mariah went thru the elementary schools, Maplewood Middle, and Columbia HS.Marilyn has operated Trunks Tours out of Maplewood since 1995 and I have operated MAYplewood ConsultingOut of Maplewood since 2001. I am an expert on Total Quality Management ~ which I implement in local companies on a daily basis. I am an adjunct Professor, teaching TQM at both Stevens Tech and NJIT.If you are interested, I graduated from Bergen Catholic High, Stevens Institute of Technology, and the Harvard Business School. Plus I have 25 years of Management Experience. The May-Ziegler Platform is: Balanced Government, Focus on Maplewood, LOWER TAXES, and Better Services, to be delivered to you, the taxpayers, through our Total Quality Management Program. Details at www.maplewoodrepublicans.com
Question #1 TAXES
Maplewood NJ leads the Star-Ledger’s “Tax Trauma” Index for ALL similar NJ communities! Ten years of Democratic Rule in Maplewood has led to huge increases in property taxes. Our Democrat opponents plan to keep raising your taxes. Certain Democrats have said that the only permanent residents are the houses, and that there is an inexhaustible supply of CCR recruited New Yorkers to fill those houses, as the overtaxed taxpayers - who built this town - are driven away. How callous!
Joel and I offer the only program for reducing your taxes. Our platform lists seven ways that we will reduce the burden on taxpayers. We will add ratables, reduce regulations, encourage small business, control expenses, eliminate unsupported programs, eliminate waste at the county level, and reduce the school budget. We would also implement Home Rule Methods to the extent feasible, and look at applying the “Pay-for-Services” funding method (used at the Pool) to other services.
We will rate and prioritize all programs and eliminate those that the taxpayers least desire to support. Our TQM methodology will make the remaining programs more efficient.
One huge area for saving is “illegal” students, which cost taxpayers $10,000 a year per student. If there are 100 illegal students, the cost to taxpayers is $1,000,000! FYI, one of Ken’s committees has been looking into the “illegal student” issue for years, without obvious result. We will do something about the illegal students. We will use our bully pulpit and BOSE Veto Power to combat the illegal student problem. The town is supposed to enforce the Zoning and Habitability laws - which relate to illegal students – but the town is not even 20 % of the way thru the process. We will not tolerate such failure to act when elected.
Another area to save money, is in salaries. We will not automatically fill positions that become vacant. Instead we will look to reorganize each department to “do more, with less”.
At the county level we support the Tom Kean Jr’s efforts to eliminate waste and fraud. Kathy and Ken have the support of the Essex County Democrats, Essex County being a corrupt Democrat controlled bastion of patronage and nepotism. A vote for Kathy and Ken is a vote for bringing Essex County politics into Maplewood.
Our bottom Line remains the same: Total Quality Management - a proven method for reducing costs, and improving services, and in this case, lowering taxes.
Question #2 SPRINGFIELD AVENUE
Momentum does not equal progress. Springfield Avenue has been one huge construction site for months on end. I have not yet seen one positive result on “Crayola Boulevard”. Last week I filed a “freedom of information act” request at Town Hall to find out what the plan for Springfield Avenue was, how much has been spent, and what we have gotten for that $3,000,000. Does SA look $3,000,000 better than it looked a year ago? Even when SA is completed it is not clear to me that we will be better of. The merchants I speak to think that the “improvements” are a “joke”. Merchants do not need bump outs, bricks, and kiosks. Merchants need customer parking. Merchants need their customers to feel safe and secure. Restaurants don’t need their customers cars stolen. I support using some of the $10,000,000 to bring more Police Presence to SA.
The day after I am elected I will ask the TC to put a halt to all “work” on SA until we the taxpayers are told the plan for SA, what has actually been spent, what it has been spent on, and who has been paid to do what work. Only then would I consider “finishing up” SA. The $7,000,000 not yet spent could certainly help out the budget in other areas.
We support economic planning. We do not support hiring a full-time $100,000 per year Economic Planner. How about using the talents of qualified Maplewoodians to do economic planning? How about one economic planner for both South Orange and Maplewood? How about remunerating the economic planner based on performance? Economic planning, done well, will cost justify itself. Let’s get creative here.
Question #3 POLICE HQ / HILTON LIBRARY
First of all, I am appalled that the last ten TC’s have not saved a penny towards replacement of the obviously decrepit old Police HQ, a project now threatens to increase Maplewood’s already over extended long-term debt by 50%.
We need a new Police HQ. The Chief agrees, the PBA agrees, the rank and file officers agree. If you are not convinced take the tour as I did.
The current TC has done a good job narrowing the list of possible locations to the Hilton Site. Naturally, I would consider alternatives, if new facts arise. But based upon the information currently available, I favor the new Police HQ being located at the Hilton Library Site.
I would not close the Hilton Branch. Again, based on the information now available, I favor moving the Hilton Branch Library - into the Hilton Section of town- locating it at the DeHart Community Center, which the town of Maplewood already owns. We should be able to expand the existing DeHart building upwards so that it remains a community center, but becomes a state of the art technology center and library, serviced by the all day jitney.
Question #4 Board Of School Estimate
The BOSE is governed by statute NJS 18A:22, and the 1996 CIEFA legislation. The BOSE gives the TC more control over the school budget than if the budget were subject to public referendum. The BOSE approves all school district proposals involving the raising of funds through property taxes. Effectively, the BOSE determines the tax rate. The BOSE is comprised of the CEO of each town, four members of the governing bodies, the SB president, and another SB member. The BOSE votes on the T&E (or regular) budget and the Special Question, if any. The Special Question is a BOE request for moneys beyond the regular budget and the 3% inflation and spending growth limitation adjustments. The BOSE vote on the Special Question cannot be appealed.
As a BOSE member I would vote No if I disagreed with the T&E Budget. I would almost certainly vote No on any special question, and make the BOE live within its means. Last year, when enrollment went down, I would have lobbied to reduce the School Budget accordingly, by $500,000. I would have kept an eye on our “spend now - report later” Superintendent. I would push for checks and balances on how money is actually spent. For example, did we really need 3 Assistant Superintendents at $125,000 a year, each with a $40,000 a year confidential secretary? I would work to get back the ESL teacher at Clinton School. As a BOSE member I would seek always to reflect the wishes of the taxpayers. I would encourage efficiencies, listen to the CBAC, lobby the school board to change its practices, and use my BOSE veto power to bring the administration priorities in line with those of the taxpayers.
Thank You LWV and Maplewood Library
for hosting this forum and SOMAcom
for taping and rebroadcasting this "debate", which I trust will be rebroadcast “early and often”
Thank you K&K for debating Joel and myself again tonite. We hope that this will not be your last campaign appearance.Joel and I plan to revisit the train station, Maplewood Village,and Springfield Avenue in the waning days of the campaign.
We will continue to answer the questions of taxpayers bothIn person and online. Look for our RED- WHITE- and BLUE Rally Truck to roll again this weekend!
On November 4th the Citizens of Maplewoodhave a very fundamental choice to make:
More Democratic tax and spend policies or
BALANCED GOVERNMENT
FOCUS ON MAPLEWOOD
LOWER TAXES &
BETTER SERVICES
made possible by a state of the art
TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT Program
Read the papers, watch the debate rebroadcasts,check out Maplewood Online,
visit the campaign websites, talk to your neighbors, and then make the right choice for Maplewood. Vote for Joel and myself.
Remember to vote on November 4th.
Please Vote for Ziegler and May.
Good Night and God Bless Maplewood.
Ed May |
Marilyn May
Citizen
Username: Marilynmay
Post Number: 189
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2003 - 8:58 am: | |
News-Record Endorses MAY |
Joel S. Ziegler
Citizen
Username: Joelziegler
Post Number: 49
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2003 - 5:34 pm: | |
GOOD EVENING. THIS BEING HALLOWEEN WEEK, I WAS HOPING FOR A BIG TREAT FROM MY OPPONENTS! INSTEAD, I GOT A TRICK FROM THEM. IT SHOULD BE READILY APPARENT TO ANYONE FOLLOWING THESE DEBATES THAT KATHY & KEN HAVE “WAFFLED” ON PROPERTY TAXES.
FIRST, THEY SAY THEY CAN’T LOWER THEM; THEN AFTER REFLECTION & UNDOUBTEDLY CONSULTATION, THEY SAY THEY CAN. WHAT COSTUMES ARE THEY WEARAING TONIGHT? MAYBE THEY WILL BE ABLE TO ABOLISH THEM ALTOGETHER.
THE ZIEGLER & MAY TEAM WON’T ACCEPT NO FOR AN ANSWER. OUR COMMITMENT WILL BE TO THE VOTERS ONLY. IF YOU ELECT 2 INDEPENDENT THINKERS TO THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE, YOU CAN BE ASSURED THAT EVERY NEW ORDINANCE, EVERY NEW BUDGET WILL BE DISSECTED AND QUESTIONED.
WE CAN MAKE OUR MUNICIPAL BUDGET LEAN.
WE CAN MAKE SOME SEMBLANCE OUT OF THE SCHOOL BUDGET – YES EVEN TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBERS CAN PLAY A DIRECT ROLE.
DO YOU REALLY WANT TO CONTINUE A 5 PERSON DEMOCRAT CONTROLLED TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE?
THE ONLY VIABLE, REALISTIC AND FISCALLY CONSERVATIVE CHOICE YOU HAVE IS MAY & ZIEGLER – LINE B ON NOVEMBER 4th.
BY THE WAY, IN CASE YOU DIDN’T KNOW IT, I AM JOEL ZIEGLER, A 39 YEAR RESIDENT, A LAWYER WITH OFFICES ON SPRINGFIELD AVENUE.
TO THOSE DEMOCRATS WHOSE CONSCIENCE, UPBRINGING OR TRADITION WON’T PERMIT THEM TO VOTE REPUBLICAN – I SAY REPENT. YOU WON’T “BURN IN HELL” IF YOU VOTE FOR 2 PEOPLE WHO WILL DELIVER WHAT THEY PROMISE AND HAVE THE PLANS AND WHEREWITHALL TO DO IT, EVEN IF THEY ARE REPUBLICANS.
DON’T FEEL SPOOKED BY US. ED AND I ARE THE REAL THING, NOT PHANTOMS.
1. MANY CURRENT RESIDENTS ARE BEING TAXED OUT OF MAPLEWOOD AND NOBODY IS DOING ANYTHING BUT TALKING, BUT WE REPUBLICANS, IF ELECTED, OFFER REAL SOLUTIONS.
I WOULDN’T COUNT ON TRENTON FOR HELP IN THE NEAR FUTURE. WE MUST CONSOLIDATE SERVICES, CONSOLIDATE PURCHASES AND TRIM OUR MUNICIPAL BUDGET BY BANNING ALL SUBSIDES TO SPECIAL INTERESTS, PUTTING A HIRING FREEZE IN PLACE AND NOT REPLACING THOSE WORKERS LOST THROUGH ATTRITION THAT DO NOT DICRETLY CONTRIBUTE TO LOWERING TAX COSTS.
WE ARE LIKE ANY OTHER BUSINESS. TRIM THE FAT. INITIATE JOB PERFORMANCE REVIEWS, GET RID OF ILLEGAL STUDENTS AND ENFORCE OUR RENT AND RESIDENCY CODES. SEEK ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF REVENUE SUCH AS THE IMPOSITION OF A PAYROLL TAX ON OUR LARGER EMPLOYEES, JUST LIKE NEWARK DID. WE MUST BE INNOVATIVE!
AS REPUBLICANS, WE ARE SAVERS AND BELIEVE IN THE LEAST GOVERNMENTAL INTRUSION INTO PRIVATE AFFAIRS. UNLIKE OUR TAX AND SPEND OPPONENTS, OUR TQM PLAN CAN AND WILL OFFER RELIEF FROM THE DRACONIAN TAX BURDEN DRAINING OUR FISCAL RESOURCES.
I BELIEVE THAT THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS PUBLIC SAFETY. THE NECESSARY FUNDS MUST BE EARMARKED FOR THAT PRIMARY PURPOSE. I CAN TELL YOU FROM WHAT WE’VE HEARD IN THE CAMPAIGN, AND IN OTHER FORUMS SUCH AS MOL, THAT MANY PEOPLE IN THIS TOWN DO NOT CURRENTLY BELIEVE THE SAFETY LEVEL IS WHAT IT SHOULD BE. THIS MUST BE ADDRESSED NOW. AND AS RUDY GIULIANI SHOWED – IT STARTS WITH THE SMALL THINGS. LET’S GET THE GANG PROBLEM NIPPED IN THE BUD IMMEDIATELY.
ONCE WE HAVE THE SAFETY ISSUE FIRMLY UNDER CONTROL, THE REMAINING TOWNSHIP RESOURCES SHOULD BE ALLOCATED ON A PRIORITY SCHEDULE IN WHICH THE VOTERS WILL HAVE SIGNIFICANT INPUT THROUGH THE TQM PROCESS.
2. THE LEVEL OF JAWBONING ABOUT SPRINGFIELD AVENUE HAS GAINED MOMENTUM LATELY BUT I HAVEN’T SEEN MUCH HARD EVIDENCE OF CHANGE IN THE 8 YEARS I HAVE HAD MY LAW OFFICE ON THE AVENUE. WHEN WE GATHER FOR COFFEE AND CONVERSATION TALK IS NOT ABOUT BUMP OUTS OR BRICK SIDEWALKS, BUT ABOUT CRIME, PUBLIC SAFETY AND PARKING, AS WELL AS THE EVER PRESENT INABILITY TO MAKE A LEFT TURN FROM ANY INTERSECTING STREET ON SPRINGFIELD AVENUE THAT DOESN’T HAVE A LIGHT. FORGET ABOUT ANOTHER HIGH SALARIED PUBLIC EMPLOYEE OR A PATRONAGE APPOINTMENT. EVERY ECONOMIC PLANNER IS IN THE BUSINESS FOR HIMSELF, WE HAVE A PLETHORA OF QUALIFIED VOLUNTEERS RIGHT HERE IN TOWN WHO WOULD BE HAPPY TO LEND THEIR EXPERTISE, IF ONLY ASKED.
I AM NOT THE LEAST INTERESTED IN SOME NON-RESIDENT CONSULTANT’S THOUGHTS BUT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT FELLOW BUSINESS OWNERS AND RESIDENTS WHO ARE FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE DOORS OPEN BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF SAFETY ON THE AVENUE.
AS FOR SOME OF THE RECENT EVENTS ON SPRINGFIELD AVENUE, ONE WAS BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE SETTLEMENT OF A LAWSUIT THAT NO PLANNE COULD HAVE INFLUENCED, AND THE 7 STORY ORANGE MATTRES LOFT COMPLEX THAT WILL ADD SEVERAL APARTMENTS, BUT AT WHAT COST TO THE RESIDENTS? NOWHERE DID I HEAR OR SEE A DISCUSSION AS TO HOW MANY STUDENTS THE NEW BUILDING, CHAMPIONED BY MR. PETTIS, WILL ADD TO OUR DISTRICT. AT A COST OF $10,000 PER STUDENT, THE INCREASE IN RATEABLES WILL HAVE TO BE QUITE SIGNIFICANT TO KEEP THE SCHOOL BUDGET DOWN. AND, WITHOUT SOME ANSWER TO THE SAFETY ISSUE, HOW MANY OF THOSE APARTMENTS WILL ATTRACT THEIR TARGETED CLIENTS?
IT’S NICE TO BLUE SKY THE AVENUE, BUT WE MUST TAKE CARE OF THE NITTY-GRITTY ISSUES FIRST.
3. THE FIRST QUESTION THAT MUST BE SATISFIED IS: CAN THE POLICE STATION AS IT EXISTS BE RENDERED USABLE AND IF SO, AT WHAT COST?
ONLY AFTER REVIEWING THE COSTS INVOLVED COULD I MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION AS TO SUPPORTING A NEW STATION. ASSUMING THAT A NEW STATION IS MANDATED OF RELEVANT, EMPURICAL EVIDENCE AND HAVING ASTUTELY STUDIED SOME FORM OF SHARED POLICE SERVICES, I WOULD OPT TO PLACE IT ON SPRINGFIELD AVENUE FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS, NOT THE LEAST OF WHICH WOULD BE ITS DETERRENT EFFECT.
WE CAN’T HIDE OR IGNORE FACTS: IRVINGTON IS NEW JERSEY’S MOST VIOLENT CITY. WE ARE BUT A HEARTBEAT AWAY. THE RAPID RESPONSE AND STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY SETTING IN IMPOSING GRANDUER SURROUNDED BY POLICE VEHICLES MIGHT BE THE CATLYST TO RESTORE AND HEIGHTEN SOME OF THE TARNISHED VENEER OF SPRINGFIELD AVENUE AND MORE IMPORTANTLY MAKE IT A DESTINATION FOR SHOPPERS AND RESIDENTS WHO CAN AND WILL FEEL SAFE AND SECURE ON THE AVENUE.
I HATE TO FALL BACK ON THE “MORE STUDY” EXCUSE, BUT IN THIS CASE, WITH A PROJECT THAT WILL INCREASE THE TOWN’S ALREADY OVER-EXTENDED LONG-TERM DEBT BY 50%, I TRULY THINK THAT’S WHAT’S REQUIRED. WE’VE TALKED ABOUT TQM IN THIS CAMPAIGN AND IT WOULD BE HYPOCRITCAL NOT TO APPLY THIS TECHNIQUE TO THE LARGEST PROJECT THE TOWN HAS UNDERTAKEN IN MORE THAN A DECADE. IT’S EASY TO SPEND MONEY AND RAISE TAXES TO GET IT WHEN THERE SEEMS AN INEXHAUSTIBLE SUPPLY OF NEW YORKERS READY TO REPLACE OUR CURRENT RESIDENTS, BUT I THINK WE OWE THOSE CURRENT RESIDENTS MORE THAN ONE INFORMATION FORUM.
IF THE STATION AND THE LIBRARY CAN CO-EXIST ON THE SAME PLOT, I AM ALL FOR IT. HILTON MUST HAVE A LIBRARY FOR THE MANY RESIDENTS WHO USE IT FOR EDUCATION AND PLEASURE. AT THIS MOMENT, THE CENTER AT DE HART WOULD SEEM WELL SUITED FOR A LIBRARY. THERE APPEARS TO BE AMPLE PARKING AND LIGHTING AND I WOULD SUGGEST THAT A SECOND FLOOR BE ADDED TO HOUSE THE NEW LIBRARY. IT COULD EASILY CONTAIN A CHILDREN’S ROOM AS WELL AS THE MOST CURRENT LIBRARY BOOKS, PEDIODICALS, COMPUTERS AND THE LIKE.
4. THE SIMPLE ANSWER IS THAT THE BOARD OF SCHOOL ESTIMATE APPROVES ALL SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPOSALS INVOLVING THE RAISING OF FUNDS THROUGH PROPERTY TAXES. IN A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN MY OPPONENT OPINED THAT THIS WAS PREFERABLE TO DIRECT RESIDENT VOTE BECAUSE IT REMOVES THE EMOTION FROM THE DECISION. I COULD NOT DISAGREE MORE. MOST NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS ABOUT SCHOOL SUCCESS OR FAILURE THROUGH THE BUDGET VOTE. THE FACT THAT MAPLEWOODIANS ARE DENIED THAT RIGHT BY STATE LAW, PLACES AN EXTRA BURDEN ON BOARD OF SCHOOL ESTIMATE MEMBERS TO REFLECT THE VOTERS’ EMOTIONAL STATE. IN THE LAST DECADE, THE ONLY TIME A SCHOOL BUDGET QUESTION WAS REJECTED OCCURRED IN THE YEAR FOLLOWING THE REVALUATION AND HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE SCHOOL ISSUES, BUT EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE ELECTORATE’S EMOTIONS AND THE FIRESTORM FACING THE TRADITIONAL DEMOCRATS ON THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE.
IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO ENGAGE IN HINDSIGHT WITHOUT AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE SCHOOL BUDGET PROCESS. SUFFICE TO SAY THAT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SEPARATE PROPOSAL ITEMS, THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED TO SPEND THE MONEY AUTHORIZED FOR THE PURPOSES STATED IN THE BUDGET. ONCE THE MONEY IS APPROVED, IT CAN BE USED FOR ALMOST ANYTHING. THIS INVITATION TO ABUSE IS EXACERBATED BY A SCHOOL BOARD POLICY THAT ALLOWS THE SUPERINTENDENT TO SPEND FIRST AND REPORT LATER. IN SHORT, OUR SYSTEM PUTS A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY AT THE DISPOSAL OF A SINGLE INDIVIDUAL WITHOUT MANY CHECKS AND BALANCES.
TIME IS SHORT SO LET ME GIVE YOU SOME EXAMPLES FROM THE CURRENT BUDGET. ORIGINALLY THE COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL DEAN’S OFFICE LOST A SECRETARY IN THE BUDGET APPROVED LAST MARCH. THE REALTY, A “TEMPORARY SECRETARY” HAS BEEN WORKING IN THE OFFICE EVERY DAY SINCE SCHOOL STARTED IN SEPTEMBER. OR, HOW ABOUT THE NEW ASSISTANT SUPERINENDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION POSITION AT $125,000 THAT WAS NOT IN MARCH’S NUMBERS AND ALL THE PERKS THAT GO WITH THE JOB INCLUDING A NEW “CONFIDENTIAL SECRETARY” AT ABOUT $40,000. COMPARE THIS WITH THE PLANNED DELETION OF AN ESL TEACHER AT CLINTON SCHOOL BASED ON A PROJECTED DECLINE IN ESL STUDENTS. THE REALTY – ESL ENROLLMENT AT CLINTON IS UP NEARLY 50% YET NO INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF TEACHERS IS EXPECTED. THE BOARD OF SCHOOL ESTIMATE MUST USE ITS VETO POWER TO BRING THE ADMINISTRATION’S PRIORITIES IN LINE WITH THOSE OF THE RESIDENTS.
BEFORE APPOVING ANY BUDGETS PAST OR FUTURE, I WILL REQUIRE THE SCHOOL BOARD TO CHANGE THESE PRACTICES. FURTHER, I WILL NOT VOTE FOR ANY BUDGET THAT EXCEEDS SOME PREVIOUSLY AGREED COST INDEX, SUCH AS THAT CONTAINED IN THE CBAC REPORTS, WITHOUT A CONSENSUS FROM THE CONSTITUENTS.
CLOSING
WHEN I BEGAN TONIGHT, I ATTEMPTED TO INJECT A LITTLE HUMOR IN THE PROCEEDINGS. BE ASSURED THAT THERE IS NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT THE CONFISCATORY TAX SITUATION THAT IS DRIVING MANY RESIDENTS OUT. SURE THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE TO TAKE THEIR PLACE, BUT IS THIS THE WAY WE WANT TO TREAT OUR LONG TIME RESIDENTS?
I FOR ONE THINK NOT. WE MUST GET A HANDLE ON TAXES AND DO IT IN A FAIR AND COMPREHENSIVE MANNER. OUR OPPONENTS ORIGINALLY SAID IT COULDN’T BE DONE. I SAY “BALONEY.” YOU NEED TO ELECT ME BECAUSE I AM THE CANDIDATE BURNING WITH ZEAL FOR A TAX REVOLUTION LED BY YOU, THE DISGRUNTLED TAXPAYERS.
NO MORE F REE RIDES FOR SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS, NO MORE ILLEGAL STUDENTS EATING UP OUR PRECIOUS SCHOOL RESOURCES AND TURNING SINGLE FAMLY DWELLINGS INTO DE FACTO MULTIPLE DWELLINGS.
YOU THE VOTERS NEED TO GET MAD ABOUT THIS SITUATION. IT’S YOUR MONEY AND YOU WORK HARD FOR IT. THESE TOUGH TIMES DEMAND TOUGH LEADERS.
YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO ELECT 2 MORE DEMOCRATS TO THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE.
LADIES & GENTLMEN: IT IS ALMOST JUDGMENT DAY! A LOT IS RIDING ON THIS ELECTION. WE MUST GET CONTROL OF THESE TAXES.
MAKE NOVEMBER 4TH YOUR INDEPENDENCE DAY. VOTE FOR 2 MEN WHO WILL MOVE MAPLEWOOD IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. WE DON’T NEED A NEW MAPLEWOOD, WE NEED A BETTER GOVERNED MAPLEWOOD.
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Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 848
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2003 - 5:49 pm: | |
Joel, please stop shouting.
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
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ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2077
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2003 - 6:30 pm: | |
Thanks Tom... Joel, that means upper and lower case only... See if someone else can type it for you? It's really hard to read for most people. |
AZ
Citizen
Username: Azaltsman
Post Number: 208
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 31, 2003 - 8:02 am: | |
What's all this anti-New Yorker crap? Why are New Yorker's being blamed for continued tax increases? Is it a problem that there is demand by commuters who previously lived in NY to live in Maplewood? Perhaps we should have an anti-New Yorker resolution to lower taxes? I personally find it insulting. |
Dave Ross
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 5529
Registered: 4-1998
| | Posted on Friday, October 31, 2003 - 8:12 am: | |
Especially insulting when you consider that the CCR spends a lot of time and effort marketing the two towns to New Yorkers. I think we should do more marketing in Chinese language papers in Flushing so we can bring our school test scores up. |
tom
Citizen
Username: Tom
Post Number: 1406
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 31, 2003 - 4:31 pm: | |
How do you reconcile 800 words of unreadable uppercase, a good number of them misspellings, with Total Quality Management? |
AZ
Citizen
Username: Azaltsman
Post Number: 209
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 31, 2003 - 5:01 pm: | |
Dave - Anything to justify the absolutely ridiculous school taxes we are subjected to paying every quarter. At least if the schools were recogized by reputable sources to be of high caliber it would be an easier pill to swallow. I'm all for politicans who claim to make tax reduction a priority but I'd prefer to see see some results. Since it's not possible until some time after the election my vote is for those who recognize there is a serious problem then those who accept status quo.
Despite the insulting comments made by Joe Ziegler my vote will probably be for him and Ed May. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2092
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 31, 2003 - 5:07 pm: | |
Tom, you have your secretary do it for you, rather than sending her home at 5:00PM... |
tom
Citizen
Username: Tom
Post Number: 1407
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 31, 2003 - 5:23 pm: | |
 |
luanda
Citizen
Username: Luanda
Post Number: 74
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Friday, October 31, 2003 - 6:49 pm: | |
AZ - our schools ARE recognized as outstanding by the most important and reputable authorities ... every competitive college and university in the country. |
AZ
Citizen
Username: Azaltsman
Post Number: 210
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 31, 2003 - 11:01 pm: | |
Luanda - Not to be argumentative but please be more specific. I hate to go back to the sterotyical test scores but assuming that Fringe's web site is accurate in the information it provides about about the schools, I just don't see the validity in your statement.
Unfortunately, scores do play a role in maintaining and improving property values. Since I am paying a portion of a large sum I'd like to see some statistic that corroborates your statement. To me I am paying for education and I'd like to see some measurable result. So far all I see is 177th in the state and at the bottom 3 of SAT scores of all the schools in the DFG group. It's one thing to educate children. It's another to prove the quality of the school system to outsiders. So that means to me that the schools either have poor PR or the quality of education is substandard. So now the taxpayers get hit with a huge bill with not a whole hell of a lot to show for it. I think it's time for answers about why we spend so much money on schools and get so little in return. Either stay below average (which NO ONE wants) and lower our taxes or get the act of the administration together. Someone has to be accountable for the tax burden being placed on the taxpayers. I WANT ANSWERS and I don't want to hear "we don't have any ratables like the Short Hills mall" |
Ed May
Citizen
Username: Edmay
Post Number: 1827
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, November 1, 2003 - 8:10 pm: | |
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2003
NEWS-RECORD
Vote May
“Voters looking for fresh ideas and strong vision in Maplewood should cast their votes for Ed May. May has the expertise, through his work in business growth and management, to compliment efforts to revitalize Springfield Avenue while ensuring that all public moneys earmarked for the project are spent wisely. The Total Quality Management system he espouses, duly modified to fit the specific needs of the township, has the potential to give cost-cutting measures more “teeth” without further undermining public-sector morale through its concern with the participation and input of all levels of government. May’s representation on the Township Committee would also allow that body to better reflect the town’s political make-up, force compromise decisions that reduce the chance of creating factions, and lead to greater diversity of political appointments. Maplewood needs clear solutions to vexing issues, not stirring rhetoric, focus groups or “further studies”. May is most likely to deliver the goods, and we encourage voters to cast their ballots for Ed May.”
Ed May |
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