| Author | Message | ||
     MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3244 Registered: 5-2001  |
Bravo!!!  | ||
| Rastro Citizen Username: Rastro Post Number: 2248 Registered: 5-2004  |
What I like best a bout it (aside from the obviously rational thought that went into it) is that Mark is using Marys own words against her appointment. It all goes back to the perception of conflict, rather than the conflict itself. How can you have a government in which citizens participate, if there is a perception that the administration doesn't care about how things appear... | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3255 Registered: 5-2001 |
I've heard a rumor that if Theroux is appointed to the Parking Authority, the meter rates & parking permit rates will be raised significantly. Let the BOT know what you think of that tonight! | ||
| talk-it-up Citizen Username: Talkitup Post Number: 201 Registered: 3-2004 |
I SHOULD HOPE THAT I SEE MANY PEOPLE DOWN THERE TONIGHT. I SHOULD HOPE THAT THERE ARE ENOUGH PEOPLE IN THIS VILLAGE THAT ARE AWAKE AND CARE! DO NOT SIT BY WHILE THIS DISGRACEFUL AND SHAMEFUL GOVERNMENT MOVES FORWARD. HOW TANGLED WILL IT BECOME? MR. MATTHEWS IS NOT SPEAKING OUT TO PROTECT THE VILLAGERS OF SOUTH ORANGE.. VILLAGERS NEED MORE THAN EVER TO GET INVOLVED NOW. DO NOT LEAVE IT TO THE SAME TIRED PEOPLE. ALL YOU PEOPLE SITTING ON THE COUCH WATCHING OR READING THE PAPER AND SHAKING YOUR HEAD "TISK, TISK, TISK, HOW COULD THEY DO THAT?" WE ARE ALL THE 'THEY' THAT LET THIS HAPPEN. | ||
| pan Citizen Username: Pan Post Number: 110 Registered: 8-2001 |
BRAVO TALK-IT-UP. WE ALL NEED A PUSH. AND IF THEY VOTE FOR THE APPOINTMENT, DO SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY, LIKE GET UP AND SHOUT "SHAME" IN CHORUS, STUMP OUR FEET, DISRUPT THE MEETING, SHOW HOW OUTRAGED WE ARE, ASK THEM TO RETRACT THEIR VOTES AND VOTE AGAIN AT THEIR NEXT MEETING. LET'S SHOW THEM THAT WE WILL NOT TAKE THE CALABRESE DICTATORSHIP SITTING DOWN ANY LONGER. | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 22679 Registered: 6-2001  |
Well, I tuned in just as a Joel was trying to make the CONFLICT and FLAWED PROCESS points. I liked how Trustee Rosen tried to draw him into a discussion about the school board budget. What?!?? Another man addressed the board for some length, reading a prepared statement and being lambasted by Jennings and Moore and bored by Rosen (thanks for the bathroom breaks! Don't tell my Dad I said that!). Elaine Harris offered to serve as a commissioner on the Parking Authority, and I hugely support this appointment. She would be a perfect fit, and I think even Jimmy Cryan - who spoke later - would agree. I hope the tabling of this resolution - the official pat on the head - can actually mean that the BOT will consider carefully its action against such public decry. Funny: Bill passed up an excellent opportunity to interview interested candidates on live cable when Marge Smith told him that "most (applicants) were in the room" when he asked for "hard copies" of the emailed resumes. Not funny: the appearance that BC & BOT will never change. Rosen just equated the Beifus project with Parting the Red Sea. An excellent name for a band, by the way. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 8459 Registered: 4-1997  |
Rosen is a huge disappointment. In too long. Out of touch. Time to go. | ||
| Rastro Citizen Username: Rastro Post Number: 2288 Registered: 5-2004 |
"Parting the Red Sea?" Meaning completing it would be a Miracle? | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 22681 Registered: 6-2001 |
... in 40 days. | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 22682 Registered: 6-2001 |
Oops! Wrong project!  | ||
| Pdg Citizen Username: Pdg Post Number: 320 Registered: 5-2004  |
I am a tad concerned that our BOT Pres. publicly worried that he "loses emails..." as part of his rambling justification for his apparent fear of this new-fangled computerized mode of communication called ... "EMAIL"! He "needs" hard copies! Ever hear of the clever print function Mr. Calabrese? Hard copies appear like magic! (Sorry for the sarcasm, but really, if it weren't so sad it'd be funny.) Thank you Eric Devaris for dragging the BOT into the 21st century by getting them to acknowledge that email submissions for the position would be legitimate. (Jeesh!) And thank you! to those members of the public who put themselves out there, demanding respect and results on behalf of the taxpayers, to make the meeting very satisfying to watch. Well done! | ||
| galileo Citizen Username: Galileo Post Number: 216 Registered: 7-2001 |
Mary Theroux has her house on the market. | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 22683 Registered: 6-2001 |
I am a tad concerned that our village president professes computer illeteracy yet runs one of two pharmacies in this town. | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 22684 Registered: 6-2001 |
Does that mean something, galileo? | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 8460 Registered: 4-1997 |
John Gross once told me "Billy isn't comfortable with computers." (Billy?) | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3709 Registered: 1-2004  |
Well here's a suggestion. Do NOT vote for these clowns the next election! | ||
| mary032 Citizen Username: Mary032 Post Number: 207 Registered: 8-2001 |
Oracle of MOL, in your Jan. 15 post on this thread you say:" It escapes me how anyone could not want THIS MAN as South Orange's Parking Czar:  Here's how: last night there was a heated discussion on the replacement of a Parking Authority commissioner. Jimmy Cryan, a supporter of the Calabrese/Theroux clan, was there to speak in favor of Mary Theroux. Your "Parking Czar" Jeff DuBowy was nowhere in sight. What's even more disappointing is that with all this talk on this thread about this issue, with all the fuming words, with all the threats for loud protests, only the usual handful of residents were there last night, same old same old, some of them MOLers, When it comes to action, us MOLers have shown that the most stressful action we can take is to turn the TV on, sit on the couch, watch the "show", and then sit in front of a PC and write big words. Yesterday the show of public interest on this issue was pitiful. Mary P.S. I was there. | ||
| Daniel I. Goldberg Citizen Username: Dig Post Number: 155 Registered: 8-2004 |
mary032: But, did you speak? Being there is not enough. If you disagree with what is being done, you must voice your opinion. In defense of Jeff, I know that he wanted to be there, but was out of town. I also know that he personally contacted each and every Trustee to discuss this issue. | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2504 Registered: 4-2002 |
Not to mention Jeff is out of town this week. | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2505 Registered: 4-2002 |
Daniel: Sorry, did not see your post. And I agree, being there is not enough. Several people do send emails and did so on this issue. Jeff did contact me about the vacancy on the parking authority. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3267 Registered: 5-2001 |
Mark & Eric, Thank you for speaking rationally about the issue at the Meeting. Can you please keep us posted on when a PUBLIC Meeting will be held to discuss the PROCESS and the APPOINTMENT of the Parking Authority Commissioner? (as promised by the BOT Monday night) | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3723 Registered: 1-2004 |
I'm not understanding something. I thought Jeff was already the part of the Parking Authority. How come he's being replaced? | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3268 Registered: 5-2001 |
JTA, Jeff is not being replaced. Mario Amabile is being replaced because he is moving away. It sounds like Jeff just informed Mark that there was going to be a vacancy. I think that is noble that Mario gave up his spot was he was no longer a resident. Can anyone confirm that ALL of the other Commissioners are current residents of South Orange? | ||
| susan1014 Supporter Username: Susan1014 Post Number: 1307 Registered: 3-2002 |
Are you implying that some of them aren't? Is there a residency requirement for this service? There should be (or perhaps a requirement for ownership of a local business, although I'm not sure that an out-of-town owner should qualify for the PA) | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2508 Registered: 4-2002 |
Mr. Cryan is not a resident, but a business owner. Jeff, Susan Esformes and George Iverson are current residents in S. Orange. I am not sure if Mario moved yet or not, but I do thank him for his contribution and efforts. He had indicated to me about one year ago that he did not want to serve another term so his moving was a moot point anyway. | ||
| Howard Levison Citizen Username: Levisonhw Post Number: 93 Registered: 1-2004 |
From SO Code: B. The Board of Trustees shall, by resolution, appoint five persons who shall be residents of or the owners or principal stockholders of businesses operating in South Orange to serve as Commissioners of the Authority. Commissioners shall be appointed as aforesaid for a term of five years, except that all vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term only. No Commissioner of the Authority shall be an officer or employee of South Orange Village. Any Commissioner who is duly appointed as set forth above and continues to be a person qualified for appointment shall hold office until a successor has been appointed and has qualified. A certificate of the appointment or reappointment of any Commissioner shall be filed with the Village Clerk of South Orange Village, and such certificate shall be conclusive evidence of the due and proper appointment of such Commissioner. C. A Commissioner shall receive no compensation for services but shall be entitled to the necessary expenses, including traveling expenses, incurred in discharging the duties of office. | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2509 Registered: 4-2002 |
Howard: What are you trying to point out? | ||
| Paddy Citizen Username: Paddy Post Number: 197 Registered: 5-2001 |
And thanks to the PA for completely overselling the NJ Transit lot this year. Even for a 9:00 train, every single space, and then some, was taken with permits and the attendant who will likely ticket me was completely unhelpful. | ||
| michael brant Citizen Username: Mbrant Post Number: 64 Registered: 10-2005 |
I along with everyone in this town have at some point recieved a parking ticket. I have gotten 3 in the short time I have lived here. Last week I was getting a ticket for a expired meter and it was. I noticed the car in front of me was not getting a ticket for an expired meter. When I asked the officer or enforcement person why that person did not get a ticket he just ignored me and kept walking. I was in shock and then someone pointed out it was a Cryan vehicle and they just don't get tickets. Is this true? | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 357 Registered: 6-2005 |
Well, given that Cryan is on the PArking Authority, it stands to reason that he is entitled to violate the rules his Authority has put in place. This is South Orange afterall. | ||
| Howard Levison Citizen Username: Levisonhw Post Number: 94 Registered: 1-2004 |
Mark, just clarifying the questions on residency and compensation for PA Commissioners. | ||
| Howard Levison Citizen Username: Levisonhw Post Number: 95 Registered: 1-2004 |
Mark, just clarifying the questions on residency and compensation for PA Commissioners. | ||
| Sheena Collum SHU Citizen Username: Sheena_collum Post Number: 568 Registered: 4-2005  |
BOT members can't get tickets either.... | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2516 Registered: 4-2002 |
Sheena: Really? I wish you would tell some people at SOPA that. Somehow I manage to get parking tickets at least once a year in S. Orange. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3277 Registered: 5-2001 |
Mark, But do you need to PAY them?  | ||
| Sheena Collum SHU Citizen Username: Sheena_collum Post Number: 569 Registered: 4-2005 |
lol - okay Mark, I'll let this one go - but I heard otherwise from a pretty reliable source..  But if you and the BOT and VP - get tickets and "pay them" and there's no - 'get out of jail free' ticket - then I apologize and retract my previous statement. | ||
| susan1014 Supporter Username: Susan1014 Post Number: 1309 Registered: 3-2002 |
I'm up later than I should be, watching Monday's meeting (now that I'm back in town). Gad, it is painful to watch, in spite of a rather good overview of why this could be a conflict and counter to good governance (thanks to Joel ____ and Dan ____). This is another meeting I'll have to tape for posterity: - The argument from more than one trustee that the process is the same as in other appointments, so it must be OK (If we don't care about the person appointed to the board of adjustment, we aren't allowed to mind this appointment????) - The argument that legal consultations have said that the appointment is OK, followed by anger when a constituent asked a trustee for details - Seeing a trustee interrupt a member of the public, and then get mad when he interrupts her back, actually saying "Please don't interrupt me, because I didn't interrupt you". I beg to differ. She did interrupt him - The same trustee accused a member of the public of insulting the board for daring to question their appointment. How dare she be so rude to a constituent? Questioning an appointment is not the same as suggesting that you "aren't doing your job". However, attacking a public critic for daring to criticize is indeed "not doing your job" - Then another trustee trying to quiet the discussion by saying that discussion of Mary T's qualifications isn't appropriate, because the discussion is about the process - We don't even seem to have an agreement among our leadership about whether John Gross works closely with the Parking Authority or not?!!? - The suggestion that a constituent can't say that he wasn't informed, because the appointment has been discussed on MOL. Discussion on an unofficial website is not good enough - Listening to the board yell at each other (and constituents) is quite an experience. Some yelling by constituents too, but I think they come out looking better than certain of the elected officials, some of whom sound pretty nasty (hint for officials...you don't have to argue with every person who disagrees with you) - The suggestion that because a trustee has lived in this town for 29 years, he knows better than his constituents - A constituent wrote email(?) to all Trustees (including Village Pres.) and received no response from all but one of them This is an astoundingly divisive appointment, due to conflict of interest, good governance issues, and to Mary T's very problematic history as a trustee and in the last election campaign. Board members who agree to this appointment will be making a strong statement. Not only does the BOT look bad once again, but I'm also losing sleep watching this poor example of local government, since I hate to close this posting before the debate ends.  I give up. I've got to sleep. I'll post this now, and add to it if I have anything to say when I watch the rest. | ||
| Ace789nj Citizen Username: Ace789nj Post Number: 220 Registered: 2-2005  |
SHEENA - "BOT members can't get tickets either...." I'm not sure about that one | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3279 Registered: 5-2001 |
Susan, Your "review" is right on! I only wish that more people would watch the Meetings on TV or in person to see the blatant arrogance that occurs at those meetings. There really is no excuse for such political shenanigans instead of actually doing what is right for the town. | ||
| ffof Citizen Username: Ffof Post Number: 4399 Registered: 5-2001  |
What a circus. Can't the NR do an expose (expos-ay)? |
