| Author | Message | ||
     sbenois Citizen Username: Sbenois Post Number: 10227 Registered: 10-2001  |
#8:
1) Please define "excess" reserve? Please relate it to the impact on municipal bond ratings. 2) No slight intended here Joel but it is a fact that sitting members of the Township Committee spend roughly 8,765 hours per month doing the town's business. I know that you've run for this job twice in the past, but are you (and Ed) ready, willing and able to dedicate the kind of time that is required? Or will you be spending lots of time with Dr. Kook? Presumably Ed would be okay because he does, after all, run the South Orange Maplewood Bureau of Insomnia but what about you? ---> Brought to you by Sbenois Engineering LLC <- Please check out Fringe's Excellent Website: http://hometown.aol.com/njfabian | ||
| steel Citizen Username: Steel Post Number: 345 Registered: 2-2002 |
Does not a large reserve also serve as an income source for the town? -Thus helping to avoid additional taxes? | ||
| marie Citizen Username: Marie Post Number: 686 Registered: 6-2001 |
Wasn't it the Republican Maria who first brought up the issues of additional and needed support for our Police Department, Quality of Life Issues, Residency Issues, Crime and the TC's accountability surrounding our school district's budgetary issues... and, don't forget, the cute little deer paddock up on the mountain? I believe the Republicans were WAY AHEAD of K$K - Compare and contrast the Republican's campaign pamphlet from the 2001 election and K$K's pamphlet. Discuss amongst yourselves. Question for Ed and Joel: Specifically, how would you address the issue of gang encroachment and gang in Maplewood? yeah, yeah I know - they're not REALLY gangs just sort of wannabe gangs... | ||
| sbenois Citizen Username: Sbenois Post Number: 10228 Registered: 10-2001 |
Dearest Marie, As you know, I played a supremely vital role in your campaign of 2001 and am still so very thrilled that you chose to include one of my quotes in your literature. You sure were spunky, sassy, smart and lots of other things. But just because you mentioned some of these issues two years ago, it doesn't mean that Ed and Joel get to inherit them as theirs because they're Republicans. Funny, in all the time I spent observing last year's campaign, I didn't hear a peep from Arturo and Mike about unhappiness in the police force. Do Republicans address the issue only in the odd years? So how about we judge these two gentlemen according to what they know, how long they've known it, what they've done for the community and their vision/ideas for change. In all four categories, according to my Sbenois Truth in Advertising Meter, K&K are well in the lead. They're in that position because they've paid their dues and continue to do it by serving the town in various public positions where they are exposed to real Maplewood issues every day. Marie, what's better in terms of preparation for leading us: sitting on the ZBA to learn and influence Maplewood's changing landscape or hanging out with Dr. Kook and Big Mo? Ed/Joel: I'm still waiting for the answers to my last four questions. I hope I haven't scared you boys away. ---> Brought to you by Sbenois Engineering LLC <- Please check out Fringe's Excellent Website: http://hometown.aol.com/njfabian | ||
| marie Citizen Username: Marie Post Number: 688 Registered: 6-2001 |
Okay Tough Guy, yeah you, I'm talkin to you Sben, I also want my elected officials to be honest, trustworthy and possess a high level of authenticy and integrity from the get go. Ed and Joel offer that in my opinion, as did Mike and Art. K&K talk about issues that their party wouldn't even RECOGNIZE several years ago, never mind come up with solutions on how to deal with them - that irks me. Now they suddenly see them as issues. Puhleeze. How Ken and Kathy honestly felt about the re-val is an issue I'd like to see them discuss. K&K HAVE served on boards and coalitions which in my unobstructed view, makes them PART OF THE PROBLEM. But you're a Democrat and you'll never admit to seeing it that way. They've had enough years to change our landscape and they haven't done such a bang up job. Unless you call allowing SA to deteriorate to a row of nail salons and psychics, or putting Arturo out of business. Oh yes, then there's the CBAC which became completely ineffectual during the years that Kathy served. They have been part of the problem that has brought Maplewood to it's proverbial knees over the past ten years. Certainly over the past five years since I've lived here. I won't go into the relationship between the CCR and our current Educational debacle - leave that for another thread. In the REAL world, changing landscapes are set into motion over cups of coffee at the diner with REAL people like Mo and Dr. Kook who generally know more about the REAL Maplewood issues than those who sit in comfy leather chairs behind the big desk on Valley Street, who BTW were put in that chair by Republicans who gave him the nomination. Joel's office sits on SA where he sees many REAL Maplewood issues unfold right under his nose - Ed lives in a neighborhood that has seen many REAL Maplewood issues come to fruition because of the Democratic Party's "landscaping" hobby. Most importantly, I know for a fact you'll never find green carpeting of that color in either Ed nor Joel's homes. Their fashion sense far surpasses K&K's as is evident by the tie in Ed's picture. So there.  | ||
| marie Citizen Username: Marie Post Number: 689 Registered: 6-2001 |
Here's a question for K&K, Were you in favor, or not, of the last re-val? Please explain in detail. In your opinion, when should the next re-val be done and why? | ||
| Nohero Citizen Username: Nohero Post Number: 2095 Registered: 5-2001  |
Please, no more revaluation posts. I'm really trying to cut down on my posting, and a reval redux could make me fall off the wagon. Bobk, help me out, here ... | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 1878 Registered: 9-2001 |
Seeing as how no one else has come forward to champion the merits of E&J, and because you appear to be the K&K spokesperson, and also because in all four categories according to your Sbenois Truth in Advertising Meter, K&K are well in the lead, therefore, maybe you’ll be willing to answer some questions for us, as well as any that apply to the missing K&K team? I’ll begin around your following statement: K&K are well in the lead. They're in that position because they've paid their dues and continue to do it by serving the town in various public positions where they are exposed to real Maplewood issues every day. Q. Does the Sbenois Truth in Advertising Meter factor K&K's lack of participation on MOL into its findings? Q. How is it that any candidate running for public office ever reaches the point where they have "Paid Their Dues"? Q. What past and present public service makes K&K more qualified to serve on the TC then E&J? Q. What continuing various public services are K&K still involved with that is so helpful to Maplewood residents that they should vote them into office? Q. Please explain how is it that K&K are more exposed to real Maplewood issues every day than E&J? PS: You have only 2 days to answer the questions or I’ll have to get Mike, I mean Mark in on this deal as well... | ||
| johnny Citizen Username: Johnny Post Number: 725 Registered: 5-2001 |
Revaluations are required by law. Last reval was overdue by ten years or so. The problem was not having a reval, the problem was how badly it was screwed up by the Town. | ||
| marie Citizen Username: Marie Post Number: 693 Registered: 6-2001 |
Nohero, I suggest some deep breathing excerises and a good, brisk walk around the block. If that doesn't work you can always attend the Reval Anonymous Group which I believe meets at 7:30, every other Tuesday of the month at SBenois'es house. | ||
| Dave Ross Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 5203 Registered: 5-2001  |
Mondays. | ||
| sbenois Citizen Username: Sbenois Post Number: 10229 Registered: 10-2001 |
} ---> Brought to you by Sbenois Engineering LLC <- Please check out Fringe's Excellent Website: http://hometown.aol.com/njfabian | ||
| marie Citizen Username: Marie Post Number: 698 Registered: 6-2001 |
Sben, I still don't know how to do the black bold type letter thing, so I'll just do my own thing which always ends up working out better for everyone involved. "I believe that I wrote something to that effect that last year in my 2002 general election endorsement post." We know you write a lot of things about a lot of things.. The question is: DID YOU VOTE FOR THEM? ( you really don't need to answer that if you don't want to - I think we all know the answer to the question. "Please don't be irked that they recognize and talk about the issues." I don't want elected leaders to talk about issues that they wouldn't have been able to identify if they came up and bit them on the ass. I want my elected leaders to identify issues that no one else seems to see on the horizon. Sure it's easy to talk about issues when it's comfortable - unfortunately that's usually way too late in the game!!!! REAL leaders talk about issues before they BECOME issues. Ow, my head hurts. I see dea d people. "The reval is old news. It's just plain dumb to talk about it now. One minute you chide them for raising issues now that are old news to you. Correct. The reval itself is old and boring. Stale like month old matzoh. However, the issue of where K&K aligned themselves on the reval is not boring at all as it points to the trustworthiness of Sbenois's client your honor. It also points to a measure of character. Look for the upcoming published and condensed version of Ken Pettis's 10 favorite Reval quotes - many wonderful duets by many of your ex-compatriots will be included free of charge. I want to look forward Sben. But you know what they say: If you don't know your history, you can't see the future. Or something like that. Oh yeah, then there's the other saying about looking gift horses in the mouth - which might be why your horse is laughing so hard. "Within the past year I have publicly commended George Bush on his foreign policy while trashing him on the economy," Read the where's the recession redux thread. You'll see you were wrong there as well. "Arturo for TC." Again, you seem to do a lot of endorsing. But I ask the question again: DID YOU ACTUALLY PULL THE LEVER?!!! "K&K were not on the Township Committee" True. But they were highly visible supporting members of the same party. Oh wait which party was that. The New or the Old Democrats. No...wait...They were both old ones until one became a new one. Anyway. They were members of the ruling class who openly supported the ruling class and all of their flights of fancy. They are definately guilty by association. "Fred. Fred, Fred" I was for ONCE actually NOT referring to Fred. I was referring directly to Ken Pettis sitting at a ZB meeting. I think he actually sits in the same chair Fred occupies during TC meetings. I think it's cute. Ken was nominated by Republicans for the ZB. Gasp! "Target" Target is no longer my store of choice since they've brought that wacko Moschino into their ladies wear line. But as anyone with half a cerebellum knows, If you don't change the zoning ordinances, you can't build it and so they won't come. Read the "End of Summer SA is a big money sucking taxpayers nightmare thread." Zoning bored, Ken Pettis, Zoning board Ken Pettis, Zoning board, Ken Pettis. If you keep repeating that mantra you'll see the connection. "highlight" Again, you are just plain WRONG! The highlight of this campaign was when a longtime Dem friend of mine told me at the 4th of July party that for the first time in their life, they were voting REPUBLICAN as were their other disenfranchised Democratic friends - moments later Ed slid into 2nd base taking out the second basewoman. You are a Democrat who is now a member of the minority party just about everywhere, except for Maplewood. Even here you're a member of the minority Democratic Party. It has to be tough and so I forgive you for any and all transgressions you have made against me, myself and I. I'm still waiting for my the check for the fundraiser BTW. Muchos Besos, Maria p.s when are you going to send me that number? | ||
| Joel S. Ziegler Citizen Username: Joelziegler Post Number: 30 Registered: 4-2003  |
I was out of town, but now answering #9 - Joel 9) Are you satisfied with Maplewood's current bond rating? As a matter of policy, would you consider issuing new bonds in the near future for various improvements? Ed and I are not satisfied with the bond rating of Maplewood which has gone down while the democrats have been in office. A lot of money was borrowed for Springfield Avenue. The school district’s bonding has also negatively affected the credit rating of our town. How could it not? Our policy is to avoid future borrowing unless it is absolutely essential. Maplewood should look for projects that will make money for the town. We could have turned the cell tower into a for profit venture for the town, instead of for the country club. A 3 or 4 deck parking garage could also be a money maker. | ||
| Ed May Citizen Username: Edmay Post Number: 1713 Registered: 9-2001  |
10) What is your position on balancing the rights of individual homeowners vs. the desire to make Maplewood business friendly? In the past two years, Art's B&B and the KFC were both shot down due to the concerns of neighbors. What methodology would you put in place to ensure a fair balance that allows the town to continue to move forward? Answer: We believe that making Maplewood business friendly need not conflict with the rights of individual homeowners. Many business owners are also homeowners in town. Many homeowners have home businesses. We support making the home business ordinance more sensible and practical. As Chairman of SOMBI, I am trying to help the many stay-at-home businesses, small businesses, and entrepreneurs in Maplewood. As an instructor at the Adult School I teach Maplewoodians to start and manage their own business, and write their business plan. Many residents are forced to start a business or take another job to pay the high property taxes. Personally, I supported the KFC planned for the corner of Springfield and Yale, a few blocks from my home. Are we better off with the still vacant, still ugly, remnant of a gas station that still remains on that site? What about the former Shell Station, also on Springfield Avenue? Les Saisons was never a nuisance to its neighbors, and should never have been shut down. Much of what was alleged against Les Saisons is untrue. Some of Art’s neighbors have been more of a nuisance that Art. By the way, Ken Pettis had a conflict of interest and should have reclused himself from the vote that shut down Les Saisons. Les Saison has now won a series of court cases that allows it to operate again. Will the town appeal or settle? How much money did the town waste going against one of Maplewood’s most outstanding businessmen and entrepreneurs? We need more B and B’s in town. And more entrepreneurs like Art.The methodology exists to ensure a fair balance that allows the town to continue to move forward. The methodology must be followed fairly and objectively. We cannot let a vocal minority win the day over the greater interests of the community at large. Ed May | ||
| sbenois Citizen Username: Sbenois Post Number: 10231 Registered: 10-2001 |
Sben, I still don't know how to do the black bold type letter thing, so I'll just do my own thing which always ends up working out better for everyone involved. Except of course for you "I believe that I wrote something to that effect that last year in my 2002 general election endorsement post." We know you write a lot of things about a lot of things.. The question is: DID YOU VOTE FOR THEM? ( you really don't need to answer that if you don't want to - I think we all know the answer to the question. No Marie, I did not vote for them. I didn't vote for anyone Marie. I was actually sitting in a hotel room in New Orleans for a trip that came up the day before the election. Running Sbenois Engineering requires that I travel on occasion. I am quite sorry. It was too early to vote and too late to get an absentee ballot. If I had had the opportunity to vote, I would have voted for Arturo and Fred. Thanks for asking. "Please don't be irked that they recognize and talk about the issues." I don't want elected leaders to talk about issues that they wouldn't have been able to identify if they came up and bit them on the ass. OHHHHH!, so you're going to be voting for K&K this year after all? I want my elected leaders to identify issues that no one else seems to see on the horizon. My horse just peed on the green carpet. Marie, are you in some kind of delirious stupor that leads you to belive that you're running???. Marie, you're not running this year. (Sadly). Ed and Joel are and they aren't talking about ANY issues peering over the horizon. If I hadn't asked these questions, they'd have NO POSITIONS on ANYTHING other than banning resolutions of national importance from being passed in Town Hall. But don't take my word for it, just look at their web site. I'm doing more to drag positions out of them than they were ever capable of doing. I am effectively their PR machine at this point. My horse just peed again. Sure it's easy to talk about issues when it's comfortable - unfortunately that's usually way too late in the game!!!! REAL leaders talk about issues before they BECOME issues. Ow, my head hurts. I see dea d people. My horse is losing it. It's laughing so hard that I don't know what to do. You see dead people??? Let's try and figure out why. Oh, maybe it's because of the snooooozathon being waged by the TQM team. Sure you see dead people Marie, they're all bored to death. "The reval is old news. It's just plain dumb to talk about it now. One minute you chide them for raising issues now that are old news to you. Correct. The reval itself is old and boring. Stale like month old matzoh. However, the issue of where K&K aligned themselves on the reval is not boring at all as it points to the trustworthiness of Sbenois's client your honor. It also points to a measure of character. Look for the upcoming published and condensed version of Ken Pettis's 10 favorite Reval quotes - many wonderful duets by many of your ex-compatriots will be included free of charge. I want to look forward Sben. But you know what they say: If you don't know your history, you can't see the future. Or something like that. Oh yeah, then there's the other saying about looking gift horses in the mouth - which might be why your horse is laughing so hard. Marie, in the interest of saving you the time, let me state that I recall Mr. Pettis was in favor of the reval and spoke about it publicly. I fiugure that that startling disclosure should cost him about 6 votes. Now can we move on?. "Within the past year I have publicly commended George Bush on his foreign policy while trashing him on the economy," Read the where's the recession redux thread. You'll see you were wrong there as well. Oh Marie, stop being so goofy. There are signs that the economy is rebounding. There are other signs - clear signs - that it is a jobless recovery where wages are not increasing and companies don't have the ability to raise prices. I am begging you, please don't make me take the position of the left on this issue. The jury is still out on the recovery. "Arturo for TC." Again, you seem to do a lot of endorsing. But I ask the question again: DID YOU ACTUALLY PULL THE LEVER?!!! You honor, I already answered this question. "K&K were not on the Township Committee" True. But they were highly visible supporting members of the same party. Oh wait which party was that. The New or the Old Democrats. No...wait...They were both old ones until one became a new one. Anyway. They were members of the ruling class who openly supported the ruling class and all of their flights of fancy. They are definately guilty by association. Ok, it's time to call a doctor. The ruling class? The dysfunctional Democratic Party in town is akin to the Hatfields and the McCoys. You can't accuse a Hatfield of being a McCoy just because they both have noses. On the other hand, I suppose if the baker's dozen that currently represents the entire Republican Party in town wants to argue against the ruling class, they can do it. But who's going to listen? You're all too busy arguing the point. "Fred. Fred, Fred" I was for ONCE actually NOT referring to Fred. Hmmmmm, let's get the exact time down. 10:54 pm 9/18/03 I was referring directly to Ken Pettis sitting at a ZB meeting. I think he actually sits in the same chair Fred occupies during TC meetings. The CCR in action! Look to the chair! I think it's cute. Ken was nominated by Republicans for the ZB. Gasp! So are you arguing that the Republicans are dimwits? Shame on you Marie. I don't think they're going to like that. Of course this is probably proof that Ken must know something. In fact, I'm going to go out on a limb here and state Real Republicans Endorse Pettis Is this okay with you? Ed? Joel? "Target" Target is no longer my store of choice since they've brought that wacko Moschino into their ladies wear line. Totally agreed. But as anyone with half a cerebellum knows, If you don't change the zoning ordinances, you can't build it and so they won't come. Read the "End of Summer SA is a big money sucking taxpayers nightmare thread." Marie, not to get too technical here, but the cerebellum controls movement. The cerebral cortex controls thought and reasoning. So it wouldn't be surprising to me if someone with half a cerebellum or even a full cerebellum comes to that conclusion. Zoning bored, Ken Pettis, Zoning board Ken Pettis, Zoning board, Ken Pettis. If you keep repeating that mantra you'll see the connection. I have been using this mantra for four minutes now and every time I close my eyes I see TQM imprinted on my eyelids. And that goofy tie. Then I start to doze off. Mantras are sure killers aren't they? "highlight" Again, you are just plain WRONG! The highlight of this campaign was when a longtime Dem friend of mine told me at the 4th of July party that for the first time in their life, they were voting REPUBLICAN as were their other disenfranchised Democratic friends - moments later Ed slid into 2nd base taking out the second basewoman. Headline: Ed May assaults 90 pound woman. Gets up, sees second basewoman bleeding profusely, asks "AM I SAFE"???? Is this the kind of man you want on the TC? But the real scoop is this disenfranchised Democrat thing. When a candidate switches parties from Republican to Independent to Democrat he's got no integrity. When voters are actively courted by the opposing party they're disenfranchised. It's just a casual observation Marie. I make no judgement. You are a Democrat who is now a member of the minority party just about everywhere, except for Maplewood. I am a registered Democrat who finds it increasingly difficult to understand what I still have in common with the party. I am also someone who cares about Maplewood and I'm going to vote for the best people we have regardless of what party they belong to. Last year it would have been Art and Fred. This year, pending any rational reason being brought to my attention, it will be K&K. It's got nothing to do with parties and everything to do with people. Ed and Joel are fine people. There is no doubt. I hope they raise the bar. So far they've done it by participating in this thread. I've learned alot as have the many people who have read it here. But I'm not yet seeing the big picture from them. Even here you're a member of the minority Democratic Party. Do you mean the Disenfranchised Democratic Party of Maplewood or the Non-Disenfranchised Democratic Party of Maplewood or the Disenfranchised Democratic Party of Maplewood Actively Being Courted By the Republican Party of Maplewood? It has to be tough and so I forgive you for any and all transgressions you have made against me, myself and I. It's not tough at all. I'm still waiting for my the check for the fundraiser BTW. Muchos Besos, Maria Besame Mucho p.s when are you going to send me that number? What number? ---> Brought to you by Sbenois Engineering LLC <- Please check out Fringe's Excellent Website: http://hometown.aol.com/njfabian | ||
| Marilyn May Citizen Username: Marilynmay Post Number: 164 Registered: 7-2002 |
WE DO NOT HAVE GREEN CARPET IN OUR HOUSE, however I think that KATHY'S GREEN CARPET WOULD MAKE A GREAT BIRTHDAY GIFT FOR Ed to use as a putting green in his MAYplewood CONsulting office. Is it for sale?  | ||
| Marilyn May Citizen Username: Marilynmay Post Number: 165 Registered: 7-2002 |
 Shouldn't a town with a MayFest, and a May Terrace, that sells May wine, have a TC member named May? | ||
| marie Citizen Username: Marie Post Number: 702 Registered: 6-2001 |
Sben, "no could vote, because my dog ate my homework" New Orleans, Schmoo Orleans, too early too late blah, blah, blah... - for someone who travels from time to time and who has the street smarts, high intellect and good looks that you do, boy you really messed up on that one. You get an F for effort, organization and content. You do get a lifetime membership to the woulda, coulda, shoulda club. "K&K and the Reval" The actual reval rehash is boring, Ken supporting the reval is boring. The reasons why Ken supported the reval are not boring - it points to an issue of character. But I don't want to give away the ending, so you'll just have to wait to pick up your autographed copy at your ex-compatriots wife's bookstore. "You're all too busy arguing the point." Excuse me? - it ain't the Republicans who are arguing here. Besides Republicans never argue - they just disagree. Kathy was a Hatfield who married a McCoy, not because she loved her would be husband, but because, she felt she worked in the sweaty, ole ceramic factory long enough and was tired of waiting for her promotion to floor manager. Then, when the promotion was not offered to her, but to another person who has since moved to Millburn, she decided to take McCoy's offer and run as a new Dem. Ken Pettis used to be one of the Old Dem's as well, then turned his back on them when they were no longer useful and stabbed them between the two scapuli. He pulled a similar scenario with the Republicans only he used a CARD instead of a knife. It's too early, I haven't had any coffee yet, so I'll just cut to the chase here. Ed and Joel are as capable as Ken and Kathy. There's no doubt in my mind. I think more so. They are both extremely intelligent, well spoken and accomplished members of our community. They haven't served on the totally ineffectual Zoning Board or CBAC true - they lack paper tiger credentials in that area. They also lack the BLOO D THIRSTY LUS T for POWER at ANY COST. They lack the INSINCERE, UNAUTHENTIC, CALCULATING manner of PROFESSIONAL POLITICIANS in the making. They may be a little rough around the edges, but that's what I find most appealing about them. They don't have the slick, well oiled, slipperly slope, political posturing machine driving them. They are AUTHENTIC, REAL, INTELLIGENT, LONGTIME MEMBERS of our community who will bring a unencumbered presence to the TC. They also don't answer to the big politico machine that has ordered the lone star Old Dem to make nicey, nicey with the New Dems, so that when he runs for Congress there will be a Dem from Maplewood in Washington. The number? I'll P-Line you. Couldn't vote - sheesh..... | ||
| Wordsmith Citizen Username: Wordsmith Post Number: 3 Registered: 5-2003  |
Dear Ms. Wordsmith, I noticed something Ed May wrote that seems peculiar. (Well, OK, Ed May writes a lot of stuff that seems peculiar). Anyway, in his answer to sbenois’ question #10 he said “Ken Pettis had a conflict of interest and should have reclused himself.” Is recluse a verb? What do you think Ed was trying to say about Ken? Sincerely, Jay Berwocky ------------------------------------------------ Dear Mr. Berwocky, You are correct that recluse is not a verb. As a noun it means a person who leads a secluded or solitary life, such a hermit living on a remote mountaintop. As an adjective it means solitary. I suspect Mr. May meant recuse, which means to disqualify to avoid a conflict of interest. I really can’t answer your question as to what Mr. May was trying to say. After all, nobody else on this thread has been very successful at that. Perhaps he was trying to be creative in his use of language and actually wants Mr. Pettis to move to a remote location. One can only speculate. Sincerely, Ms. Wordsmith |
