| Author | Message | ||
     MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3222 Registered: 5-2001  |
Since this topic is getting buried in other threads, it's worth starting a new thread - According to several posters here, Former Trustee and wife(?) of Village Administrator John Gross is being appointed to be a Commissioner of the Parking Authority. I believe Mark is on vacation, but can someone confirm this? If this is true, when will this resolution be brought before the Board of Trustees? | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 336 Registered: 6-2005 |
Can we also confirm whether or not this is a salaried position, and if so, how much? | ||
| SO1969 Citizen Username: Bklyn1969 Post Number: 178 Registered: 7-2004 |
While I think it is important to clarify whether there is compensation - esp. so in this case because of historical bed feathering by these two, I'm guessing if there is any, it is nominal. What's really at stake is the influence that comes from the position on SOPA matters AND the fact that she'll take up a spot that could have been held by someone without a conflict...someone who could have looked out for the best interests of the average resident of South Orange without worrying about how it may affect their significant other's employment, reflect on their competence (or that of the people they report to - VP and BOT). We need to open things up, air out what seems to be some dirty laundry (various land deals in SO and Germany, retirement home transfers, family interests in public spending - see SOPAC design and Calabrese). Not close the circle tighter with these insider appointments. | ||
| Rastro Citizen Username: Rastro Post Number: 2188 Registered: 5-2004  |
Reposted from another thread:
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| dgm Citizen Username: Dgm Post Number: 281 Registered: 5-2001 |
This is a way that the eventual transfer of parking authority assets to developers can be facilitated. By placing a friendly vote on the Parking Authority, the VP more easily can convey or modify existing commuter parking that the Valley Street Developers covet. Mary will march to whatever orders she is given. | ||
| mary032 Citizen Username: Mary032 Post Number: 205 Registered: 8-2001 |
Theroux is an attorney. Her continuity in public service ensures a favorable consideration for her candidacy to judgeship and to a comfortable retirement. That is her only motive in seeking another public position. The same goes for Terriann More-Abrams. Trusteeship in South Orange has become a stepping stone to the career of many attorneys. Mary Theroux's contributions as a trustee are limited to her irrational, paranoid, malicious, offending arguments, delivered in loud, explosive, unjustified, theatrical, outbursts. Nothing more. Good luck Parking Authority, you can expect the same. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3606 Registered: 1-2004  |
Isn't there anything the residents of South Orange can do? | ||
| Rastro Citizen Username: Rastro Post Number: 2196 Registered: 5-2004 |
In a word, no. Ideally, you could petition the BOT and stand up and make your voice heard. But it seems as though some BOT members really don't care what the public thinks. | ||
| talk-it-up Citizen Username: Talkitup Post Number: 199 Registered: 3-2004 |
I think if nothing is done then everyone is going down belly up. Of course she should not be placed in that or any other position. Nor should she have voted on certain issues while a trustee or she should have stepped down. Why in the world would she want that position? why endanger your future? Ed Matthews, why would you not suggest the appearance of conflict of interest? Isn't that what you should have done when she voted on her "very special person's" salary and compensation last year? How could you vote on your future husband's career? Why would Ed Matthews endanger his position as an attorney? I wonder -- doesn't it sometimes see like it smells around here? There must be a higher authority for we "the Village Idiots" to turn to. If we don't then I guess we deserve what the powers to be (that we voted in) dish out. Sad... | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3226 Registered: 5-2001 |
While I believe this has already been discussed in Closed Session and is likely a "done deal", it is likely to be officially voted on at the next BOT meeting on Jan 23. In the past, appointments were voted on as part of the "Consent Agenda", which are numerous resolutions that are voted on in one "batch". I'd be willing to bet that this will follow that model and we will have to see if any Trustees are willing to have it voted on separately. | ||
| patjoyce Citizen Username: Patjoyce Post Number: 92 Registered: 7-2001 |
So the electorate does have options. As a former volunteer bot member I took to heart anyone who took the time to call, write or e-mail a suggestion. Anonymous postings on mol received less weight because they are anonymous postings. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3227 Registered: 5-2001 |
Reposted from another thread: ajosrosen@aol.com wcfuzzy@aol.com stacey.jennings@hp.com ericdevaris@mac.com arthur@mec.cuny.edu nishesq@optonline.net mrosnernyc@yahoo.com | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3610 Registered: 1-2004 |
MHD You forgot Calabrese, Who are 'wcfuzzy?' and 'nishesq?' Why don't they have an email address at thenamehere at southorangegov, Or something to that effect? [I had to break it up that why or it would have posted as a link. Sorry] | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3228 Registered: 5-2001 |
JTA, wcfuzzy is Calabrese (I have no idea why) nishesq is Terri-Ann-Moor-Abrams (I have no idea why) Per Eric's other thread, I believe all Trustees will soon (in April) have SouthOrange.org addresses. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 8386 Registered: 4-1997  |
Kudos to Eric for dragging the laggards into the 20th century. NEXT STEP: Moving into the 21st century with more HONEST officials like Eric who DO WHAT THEY SAY in their campaign promises. | ||
| Parkingsux Citizen Username: Parkingsux Post Number: 262 Registered: 6-2005 |
Bravo, Eric. A step in the right direction. Now, given all the campaign slurs of the past directed by Ms. Theroux, you should filibuster the meeting to prevent her appointment as a commissioner to SOPA. The appearance of a conflict should outweigh any other consideration as to the rationale for M.T's. appointment by the BoT. Patrick's view on this is most accurate. It matters none what the village attorney thinks. It is the appearance which is inappropriate given her marriage to the village administrator. | ||
| Eric DeVaris Citizen Username: Eric_devaris Post Number: 255 Registered: 2-2003  |
` Thank you Dave and Parkingsux for your kind words. Effective immediately, e-mails addressed to me under my capacity as a Village Trustee should be addressed to: edevaris@southorange.org Thank you. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3617 Registered: 1-2004 |
Oh man MHD. I could have fun with that information! Calabrese is really 'fuzzy?'  Terri is really a lawyer? If so, I think you've finally found a way to stop her. Report her to the Ethics Board for lawyers. | ||
| FlyingSpaghettiMonst Citizen Username: Noodlyappendage Post Number: 23 Registered: 11-2005 |
JTA, And what is it exactly that MHD should report ABOUT Ms. Moore-Abrahms to the Ethics Board? What are your (or his) charges? Or are they simply some slanderous accusations with no evidence? | ||
| Veritas Ultimo Citizen Username: Veritas_ultimo Post Number: 29 Registered: 12-2005 |
A Quick comment on the above: I found that Patrick Joyce always had the integrity and courtesy to respond to residents who directly contacted him and he should be lauded for same. I detect a theme in other threads that some think Joyce should have have been more confrontational with the sub-standard trustees and President. I can't speak for him but I suspect Joyce understands the real politic of South Orange which is that that 999 out of 1000 people really don't care what the BOT does as long as the dream of a "gourmet" supermarket (where they think they won't have to see working class African-American faces as they do as the South Orange Pathmark) and a successful movie theater are kept dangling. The fifteen people with fifty MOL names don't change the outcome of any election and decent persons like Joyce have to live here 24/7. The BOT, being much better at agitrop than government (or redevelopment) has managed to create the impression that concerned, motivated and highly intelligent residents are crazy/senile to be patronized (Meyer Schreiber), irrational malcontents (Shelly Stiles), eccentric (Eric Devaris), opportunistic (Levison), secretly invested with having South Orange become a slum (the Poganys: They really dream about owning a bar in a slum?) or the Devil Incarnate (Elaine Harris). Every one of these individuals, on the basis of intelligence and /or professional achievements and accomplishments, could easily be on the Board of Directors of most Fortune 500 Firms but they have been marginalized as "malcontents". Harris is probably the most interesting example of this demonizing. She started "The Gaslight" , originated the "Villager of the Month" Award, owns properties in the Village and (unlike former BOT member and Special Redevelopment Counsel C. Hartwyk, has apparently always paid all her real estate taxes on those properties), held the position of Trustee for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, been an active and participating member of her place of worship for many years, revitalized the Chamber of Commerce, has stayed married to the same person, raised two fine children in South Orange whom she sent through the public school system while running a full time law practice and performs acts of professional and private charity (without fanfare)and yet is still blamed for somehow ruining South Orange! For all of her good deeds Harris and her children had to hear some concerned citizen tell them outside of Temple that she and her family should "be put on a train out of town"! I really have to wonder if that person ever heard how most travellers to Auschwitz got there?) Patrick Joyce is certainly more sensitive to the political IQ of South Orange and no one should criticize him for that. P.S. To Mary 032: Mary Theroux keeps telling people she is on the short list for a judicial appointment but as far I I can tell, Mims H. is selling her a nice story. (Hey! Mims!, make me look foolish. Nominate M.T. NOW!) I really think that MOL posters should go a little easier on Theroux because she may very well be going through a continuing period of some type of mental difficulty which would explain her bizarre (nasty) public behavior. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3230 Registered: 5-2001 |
In her own words: http://www.preserveso.com/record19.htm Trustee Mary Theroux, who ran against Joyce in the spring [2001] and who has been one of the more vocal trustees opposing his participation in matters regarding the quarry, felt the vendetta sentiment was unfortunate. “It was a difficult position for me to take because 80 percent of conflicts of interest are just the appearance of impropriety. So much of it is gray-matter,” she said. | ||
| Howard Levison Citizen Username: Levisonhw Post Number: 90 Registered: 1-2004 |
It is curious that there is an opening for a Parking Authority Commissioner but no notice has ever been posted for volunteers. Does this opportunity still exist and if so where do you send resumes? | ||
| Parkingsux Citizen Username: Parkingsux Post Number: 264 Registered: 6-2005  |
Could you tell me where I can send my resume? Perhaps to fantasyland..... | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3231 Registered: 5-2001 |
From what I am hearing, this appointment was discussed in Closed Session last Monday night and the BOT was going to vote on this after everyone from the public had left. Ironically, Monday was the night that Eric made a point of insisting that items discussed during Closed Session not be voted on until the NEXT public meeting. As a result, we all now have the opportunity to make our concerns known BEFORE this is voted on by the BOT. | ||
| Rastro Citizen Username: Rastro Post Number: 2209 Registered: 5-2004 |
And you think that will affect things how? | ||
| mary032 Citizen Username: Mary032 Post Number: 206 Registered: 8-2001 |
Is that the same Mary Theroux quoted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, on December 4, 2003: "I would say that New Jersey is at the top of the list in allowing dual-office holding," said Peggy Kerns, director for the National Conference of State Legislatures' Center for Ethics in Government. Two North Jersey Democrats, Assemblyman Mims Hackett 2d and Sen. Sharpe James, both have relatives on the payroll and hold other elected offices. Hackett, the mayor of Orange who is serving his first Statehouse term, has placed five relatives on his payroll. His chief of staff, Mary Theroux, confirmed that Hackett has paid three of his adult children, his wife and his sister-in-law to serve on his staff. Described by Theroux as stipends, the pay ranged from $1,500 to $6,333 a year, payroll records show. After some of those hires were reported by a local newspaper this year, Hackett discontinued payments to his wife and two of his children. Theroux defended the hiring of relatives, arguing that a politician requires loyalty. "You have to be able to trust somebody with your political life," Theroux said. | ||
| Parkingsux Citizen Username: Parkingsux Post Number: 265 Registered: 6-2005 |
I wonder whose political life she wants to save ??? ... Mark Hartwyck? Bill Calabrese? John Gross? Ed Matthews? or her own?  The real issue is not whether we need a new commissioner, but rather do we need an independent Parking Authority. We should eliminate this pork barrel of waste and position the function within an expanded SOPD Traffic and Parking Enforcement Unit. Could one of our commissioners state why we need to continue under the current structure from a cost/benefit review? | ||
| The Oracle of MOL Supporter Username: Oracle_of_mol Post Number: 188 Registered: 2-2005  |
Two items of the Parking front: A)Evidently there is some petty theft taking place up there in South Orange. I've become aware that numerous parking meters have been boosted in the vicinity of Vose Avenue, between the corner of S.O.A. and your obscenely inept U.S.P.S. location. My concern lies not so much in the prospect of a little free parking during the depressing depths of winter, as it does with the possibility that the missing meters are being recycled and incorporated into the innards of your soon-to-be-illegal Sequoia voting machines... and 2)It escapes me how anyone could not want THIS MAN as South Orange's Parking Czar:  Go in peace. --The Oracle of MOL | ||
| Lucy Supporter Username: Lucy Post Number: 2551 Registered: 5-2005  |
Mary, is she even around? It's a disgrace! | ||
| Parkingsux Citizen Username: Parkingsux Post Number: 266 Registered: 6-2005 |
Cute kids, but I'd appreciate having the electorate informed about the organizational structure of SOPA rather than a photo prop at a voting booth. Perhaps a little information would be appreciated? Who Resigned? Who is in Charge? Who does Mark report to from day to day? How was she chosen when no request for applicants was publicly communicated? What concerns do you as a commissioner have with this selection? Open government, do you feel intimidated by answering? If so, why do you sit on the Authority? | ||
| Jeff DuBowy Supporter Username: Jeffd Post Number: 134 Registered: 11-2003 |
1. Commissioner of the SO Parking Authority is a non-paid volunteer position. The position is a 5 year appointment. 2. There are 5 appointed commissioners to the authority - these appointments are made by the Board of Trustees 3. During my tenure on the board - the SOPA commissioners have had no input into the selection process on new appointments. 4. The current board members are Susan Esformes - Chair, James Cryan - Vice Chair, Jeff DuBowy - Treasurer, George Iverson 5. Commissioner Mario Amabile resigned - he served on the SOPA board since late 1998 or early 1999 to the best of my recollection. 6. The Executive Director is Mark Hartwyk - this is a paid full-time position. The current salary is $70,000. 7. Counsel for the SOPA is Steve Mannion - he is on salary from the SOPA for his services at our monthly meetings. All other services are billable to the authority at the rate of $150 per hour. 8. The executive director reports to the SOPA commissioners. The commissioners receive a weekly operations report and other information deemed pertinent by the ED or requested by the commissioners. The SOPA board meets monthly at Village Hall. Meetings are generally the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Meetings start at 7pm. 9. To my knowledge it is the chair of SOPA that would be point on any issues the ED would need to discuss on a daily basis. 10. The SO Parking Authority is an independent authority - able to make decisions, enter in contract and bond for capital or other projects without any approval from the BOT. It has been the goal of the authority to work closely with the BOT and village administration on solutions for parking that benefit the entire South Orange Community. Jeff DuBowy | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3236 Registered: 5-2001 |
So, if (hypothetically speaking), the Village desired to turn over control over a large number of parking lots to (hypothetically speaking) a developer named Millenium to redevelop (hypothetically speaking) the land between Sloan Street and Valley Street it would be in Calabrese's best interest to (hypothetically speaking) have a Commissioner leading the Parking Authority that would be sympathetic to his hypothetical scheme, right? | ||
| Parkingsux Citizen Username: Parkingsux Post Number: 267 Registered: 6-2005 |
Now, could you give a david letterman top ten list as to why Mary shouldn't be appointed?  If not Jeff, I'm sure someone else might take the opportunity......  | ||
| Parkingsux Citizen Username: Parkingsux Post Number: 268 Registered: 6-2005 |
OK, I will provide the top ten list of reasons why she should be appointed: 10. For the past 20 years, the Parking Authority has accomplished nothing, so she fits right in. 9. Her husband only has three jobs on the public dole in South Orange, so they need at least one more. 8. The lack of sufficient parking is the number one problem facing the downtown redevelopment and her lack of skill and expertise will insure the status quo. 7. No one can scream louder and meaner than she can and it will be needed in the face of the anticipated criticism. 6. Quarter, please? 5. The Parking Authority has run out of baggies for the pre-Christmas meter bagging, and she has an abundant supply. 4. Quarter, please? 3. Mark Hartwyck (whose wife also has a job on the public dole of South Orange) requested another married couple with similar credentials for a reality show competition. 2. The appearance of a conflict of interest is no good reason why a self-respecting politician should forfeit an opportunity. and the number one reason: 1. NO SPACE FOR YOU!!! | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 802 Registered: 7-2004  |
Parkingsux: Here is a good link for you. http://www.southorangevillage.com/cgi-bin/show.cgi?tpc=3127&post=523335#POST5233 35 | ||
| Parkingsux Citizen Username: Parkingsux Post Number: 270 Registered: 6-2005 |
That was so so funny ... Now back to some serious points of view... | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3238 Registered: 5-2001 |
I would suggest not bothering discussing it here any further and giving the BOT and Ms. Theroux the opportunity to prepare to defend this inappropriate appointment. Bring your concerns directly to the meeting and let them just try to defend this before the public. PS - Interesting choice for a new graphic, however we all know that Bill Calabrese thinks parking DOESN'T suck, since he get to park his Lexus right outside of his business for free at Village Hall. | ||
| Parkingsux Citizen Username: Parkingsux Post Number: 271 Registered: 6-2005 |
But I rule in the realm of the unforseen. Dare you think for yourself, but kneel to me first.... I am now called - Nagim, the ruler of the absurd.....  | ||
| noracoombs Citizen Username: Noracoombs Post Number: 126 Registered: 8-2002 |
Interesting viewpoint from Trustee Rosner in his latest NJ.com blog entry: http://www.nj.com/weblogs/rosner/index.ssf?/mtlogs/njo_rosner/archives/2006_01.h tml#106357 | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1343 Registered: 3-2003 |
Loud applause for Mark. |
