| Author | Message | ||
     Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5506 Registered: 1-2004  |
Sheena- I just watched the tape again. Didn't she vote against Bunny's and abstained with the pool thing? It's at the end of the BOT tape. Shouldn't she have to give a reason for voting 'No?' | ||
| fiche Citizen Username: Fiche Post Number: 168 Registered: 3-2002 |
Jennings did not say whether her objection to Bunnys was a no vote or absention until Matthews asked her to specify for the record (after the Calabrese damage was done) what the record should show. She then said absention. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5507 Registered: 1-2004 |
Fiche When they were passing all the establishments in bulk, didn't she say something to the effect of 'all but leslie (it's then mumbled)? I'll have to listen to it again later. | ||
| Sheena Collum SHU Citizen Username: Sheena_collum Post Number: 735 Registered: 4-2005  |
JTA - fiche has it right. And basically no trustee ever has to give a reason for the way he/she votes. However, the public reserves the right to ask. | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 633 Registered: 1-2006 |
So, the president libels a business, by accusing it of a violation of law, criminal or not I don't know at this time. The Incomplete Village idiot's guide to good government. Why was the board silent? What is in the water they drink? Is their water watered down? The village attorney should step down for keeping his mouth shut when he should have protected the village instead. jd | ||
| SoOrLady Citizen Username: Soorlady Post Number: 3383 Registered: 9-2003 |
Does anyone else feel like they're in a Christopher Guest movie? Waiting for Guffman in particular. | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 636 Registered: 1-2006 |
Peter Sellers rises from the dead to play the role of a lifetime (and more), Calabrese, in The Mouse that Squeaked. jd | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4312 Registered: 5-2001  |
I see on the NJ website contact information for the State Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Perhaps they should be informed: http://www.state.nj.us/lps/abc/contact.html | ||
| SOrising Citizen Username: Sorising Post Number: 444 Registered: 2-2006 |
Joel, good point. If Bunny's filed suit against Calabrese for libeling them at a public, BOT meeting that was also televised, perhaps a citizen's group could file suit against the village attorney for professional malpractice. Great idea! Get rid of two problems at once. Bunny's, what da ya say? | ||
| SoOrLady Citizen Username: Soorlady Post Number: 3384 Registered: 9-2003 |
Bunny's would have to prove some sort of damage woudn't they Joel? As offensive as the statement and the Middle School snickers and giggles that preceded and followed it were, IMHO there's really no case. I'd love to see Leslie hit the town and Calabrese with a lawsuit and "settle" it with his public appology and resignation.. but I don't see that happening. | ||
| Mary32 Citizen Username: Mary32 Post Number: 34 Registered: 3-2006 |
All you who urge Bunny's to file a law suit, are you willing to contribute your share toward a fundraising effort to cover their legal expenses? I said it before and I say it again: put your money where your mouth is, pledge $250 each. That would cover only one hour of their attorney's time. Perhaps Bunny's could vouch to reimburse you after they collect the $1,000,000 settlement.  | ||
| noracoombs Citizen Username: Noracoombs Post Number: 156 Registered: 8-2002 |
A somewhat unrelated question about Monday night's BOT meeting--why were there several police cars and an ambulance there afterwards? After remonstratives, we went for a coffee and on the way back home, we passed a ton of commotion. It looked like someone may have been hit by a car--but it wasn't clear. Although after watching the video link of Mr. Calabrese's comments re: Bunny's, perhaps the ambulance was there so that his foot could be surgically removed from his mouth.  | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4315 Registered: 5-2001 |
Nora, There was a car accident between 2 cars and I believe one of the cars was driven by Lynn from the Village Clerk's office. I also saw everyone standing around (including Lynn), so while there may have been an ambulance I am pretty sure there were no critical injuries, fortunately. | ||
| Soparents Citizen Username: Soparents Post Number: 1609 Registered: 5-2005  |
Glad to hear that there were no serious injuries | ||
| noelle pogany Citizen Username: Prettyprincess Post Number: 1 Registered: 6-2006 |
This type of abuse is unacceptable. It is abuse in every way. The owners of Bunny's are wonderful, loving, family- oriented people. To throw out snickers and laugh about their business which they work SO HARD for is completely unreal. The obnoxious woman who laughed and said "Leslie SNR-- whatever..." which was then followed by snickers and humor may not have realized what SNR stands for. SNR are the initals of the 3 children of Leslie, her and heart and soul. She is actually a human with feelings and a FAMILY. This factor was not taken into account, instead it was a sick joke on the board. It really makes me sick. Everyone should be outraged. | ||
| Erin Cartman Citizen Username: Carnac Post Number: 71 Registered: 5-2005  |
A sick joke?? Unethical? YES. Unprofessional? YES. But, lets pull the reins in a little on "sick joke." Regardless of what SNR stands for no one made a derogatory comment regarding her children or even what the SNR stands for. Personally, -- as MHD has pointed out in the past -- I do not care for either of the Poganys or Elaine Harris. I could make a few comments about both the Poganys and then you would see a "sick joke" But, sadly, I am a better person than our elected officials. And THAT is truly the worse part of this whole incident -- it should be the other way around. As for the vote itself, no elected official should ever HAVE to explain their vote. Should they? Well that is a different debate. I am willing to guess that her vote had something to do with the PERCIEVED (note the word) prejudice that Mr. Pogany showed on this very board a month ago. That would be enough reason for me to vote against them having a liquor license. | ||
| SO Ref Citizen Username: So_refugee Post Number: 1933 Registered: 2-2005  |
I wonder how the VP would feel if a BOT member remarked - I hear that Calabrese "cuts" the prescriptions at his pharmacy. | ||
| GlassJoe Citizen Username: Glass_joe Post Number: 77 Registered: 6-2005  |
I'm with Noelle. The whole things smacks of disgusting insiders being juvenile. | ||
| GlassJoe Citizen Username: Glass_joe Post Number: 78 Registered: 6-2005 |
What does one expect from a man who drugs old ladies so they vote for him. Ich bein ein Berliner! I am a doughnut! | ||
| Lizziecat Citizen Username: Lizziecat Post Number: 1300 Registered: 5-2003 |
Let us remember that it was Jennings who first brought race into the South Orange mix by asserting that there was a "new demographic" (whatever that actually means) and that we had better get used to it. So far, in her tenure on the BOT, I have not heard Ms. Jennings make one suggestion for actual solutions to problems. Whenever anyone articulates a complaint or a problem, Jennings says that the BOT will definitely have to "work" with them; what I want to know is what has actually been done? I admit that I do not follow the BOT meetings on a regular basis, but when I have watched the meetings, this is what I have seen. Jennings does not read this board, does not post here and seems not to be at all interested in what transpires here--but then Mr. Rosner seems to be the only Board member who does pay attention, with the occasional exceptions of Dr. Rosen and Mr. DeVaris. John Pogany made an ill-advised and tasteless remark, but that is no justification for slandering his business and threatening his livlihood. Leslie and John are two people who have done more for this town just by being here than Jennings can ever hope to do. So, if they decide to sue the BOT, I would support them financially, just as I supported Jamie and Dave when they were sued. Calabrese and his gang are running amok. They need to be held accountable. | ||
| PRETTYPRINCESS Citizen Username: Prettyprincess Post Number: 2 Registered: 6-2006  |
Thanks Glass Joe. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5512 Registered: 1-2004 |
The only problem with a lawsuit though is Bunny's would have to prove they lost business as a result of the VP's comments. | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 23396 Registered: 6-2001  |
I remember some months ago (maybe last summer?), when the new basketball courts were opened and illuminated, a gentleman approached the board with some concerns about the masses of teenagers playing late into the night and blocking traffic on Mead and generally acting adolescent. He basically asked that the lights be turned off promptly at a reasonable hour each night and that police have a presence to calm the raging hormones. Jennings immediately accused him of being a racist and was outright nasty! WHAT is up with her? | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 23397 Registered: 6-2001 |
Prettyprincess, I'm right there with you. I think the Poganys are a lovely family, and Leslie and John have been forever generous to organizations in both towns. It just sickens me each and every time they are dragged through the mud for no reason. It makes me ashamed of my hometown. | ||
| Phenixrising Citizen Username: Phenixrising Post Number: 1747 Registered: 9-2004  |
John Pogany made an ill-advised and tasteless remark, but that is no justification for slandering his business and threatening his livlihood. Lizzycat, John Pogany, also accused a barbershop of drug activities, which shortly after the place was busted by the Essex County Prosecutors Office. The owners were at one of the BOT meetings and expressed their outrage when "nothing" was found (from the raid) and their business hurt and forced to close earlier than usual. Hate to say this, but if the owners of the barbershop read the comments and accusation of Mr. Pogany on this board, he could be SUED for slandering their business & livlihood. “Was it robbery at the liquor store, or a bad drug deal that took its business to the afro hair salon? I think we all have a right to know. “It's outrageous that you can walk into a shop and get a hair cut at 1:00am in the morning. What the heck is that about? These businesses belong elsewhere if that is how they wish to operate. “ Remember what happened to Dave & Jamie being sued in the CHS incident because of comments made on this site? So its ok to buy/serve liquor after hours at Bunnys, but its not ok to get a haircut or buy food at the take-out counter, which basically are serving the college kids after 12 AM? Its VERY unfortunate that Calabrese (and others) behaved in that juvenile manner during the BOT, however, to prove that Bunnys was hurt by their careless remarks & action, would be hard. The last time I passed-by Bunnys, the business seemed to be doing fine and from the support of posters on this site & Bunnys steady cliental it would be hard to win a slander suit.  | ||
| Phenixrising Citizen Username: Phenixrising Post Number: 1748 Registered: 9-2004 |
Just to add: This is just my opinion, but I don't think it's "personal" with rest of the Pogany family, however, it seems to be directed more towards John. And in know way should Leslie and her kids be held directly accountable & hurt by his callous remarks. | ||
| SoOrLady Citizen Username: Soorlady Post Number: 3389 Registered: 9-2003 |
See, Phenix - that's just it. Bunny's is not John's business. It's Leslie's. Yes, he's her husband and obviously benefits, but SHE did/said nothing wrong. I agree that her business will probably not suffer from Calabrese's comments, but that's not the point. He owes her a public appology. In fact, I think those involved in the BOT's Middle School hijinks owe the entire town an appology. There is no excuse for their behavior. | ||
| Phenixrising Citizen Username: Phenixrising Post Number: 1749 Registered: 9-2004 |
SoOrLady, I agree that Calabrese owes Leslie an apology and the community that attended the meeting. However, Leslie needs to put a REIN around that hubby of hers. To assume others of illegal wrongdoings and possibly hurting their businesses is downright wrong. | ||
| Deidra Citizen Username: Deidralynn Post Number: 625 Registered: 6-2004  |
Lizziecat, I find it interesting that you would call someone (a business owner) telling an elected official in a public forum to "kiss my WHITE **S" - as you said, "tasteless". As I said before, it was irresponsible and hugely offensive. It was a racist remark given the context in which he said it- but I guess you can't wrap your brain around that. I also find it interesting how NO ONE on this thread has mentioned one thing about Stacey's self-control and discipline in how she did not come on this board and make a public response to such a PUBLIC threat. ...and to you "others", if you disagree with a decision she made, that's fine, but take a higher ground and debate it smart rather than calling her "stupid" and attacking her personally. MOL is a powerful communication tool, and I get a lot of good information (and sometimes a good laugh) on this board, but please keep in mind how many people just READ these posts, and walk away with things you've said online without responding to you. | ||
| Deidra Citizen Username: Deidralynn Post Number: 626 Registered: 6-2004 |
...okay, John is not the owner but he is MARRIED to the owner. He is visibly tied to that business in the public's eye. That's just the way it is and I would like to believe that Leslie understands that. | ||
| peteglider Citizen Username: Peteglider Post Number: 2035 Registered: 8-2002 |
The snickering and comments at the meeting were unprofessional, certainly. That said, John Pogany, and by extension his family, have been in the political arena in SO. So -- the tension between "camps" has got to be expected, just sad that's its done at a BOT meeting in public. As I said in another post "the cream will rise to the top". The food at Bunny's is always great as is the service (truly without fail, one of the most consistent places I've ever been). The only watered down drink I've every had there is a scotch with a splash of water ;-) Pete | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4320 Registered: 5-2001 |
Oh, right...Stacey Jennings makes things happen, right? So far, the only thing she has made happen is to have over 350 people watch the following video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45e92zemoEM | ||
| susan1014 Supporter Username: Susan1014 Post Number: 1630 Registered: 3-2002 |
Just remember, to most of our BOT (excepting Mark), this is not a valid public forum, but a collection of misfits and malcontents. They've said or implied that often, so cannot fairly compare their behavior to anything that is said here. Yes, Mr. Pogany has said some over the top and unwise things here (one of the major reasons he does not get my vote), but that does not validate elected town officials maligning his wife's town business, which is an anchor of our town, in any public or semi-public venue. They are welcome not to give Leslie their business (my digestion will work better without certain trustees in the room anyway), as I'm welcome to never set foot in Calabrese's pharmacy. But attacking the integrity of a local business is a different matter, and is not acceptable. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave  Post Number: 10005 Registered: 4-1997  |
The question isn't whether or not Mr Calabrese made a feckless remark (he did), but whether it was also civically irresponsible, and it was. The insult to Ms Jennings was also feckless, but was political speech and had a context created by Ms Jenning's comments at a prior meeting. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4323 Registered: 5-2001 |
Susan, You post above at 11:13am summarizes the situation perfectly. | ||
| pan Citizen Username: Pan Post Number: 114 Registered: 8-2001 |
The issue here is not whether Calabrese's comments hurt or not Bunny's business. The VP's comments were an uncalled for attack on Bunny's good business practices, and business reputation. It's called defamation. Calabrese has no right to denigrate Bunny's character and business integrity, by accusing them publicly that they water down their liquor. He has abused his power as Village President by publicly marring the name of one of the most successful businesses in town, just because he has a personal gripe with them. It is Bunny's right to defend their good name in court. Aside from that, trustee Jennings' isolated move to single out Bunny's from renewing their liquor license - whether she did that to vote against the renewal or to abstain is irrelevant - requires a public explanation from her. Otherwise we are left to believe that she has also abused her powers as member of the BOT to vindicate some personal matter she has with John Pogany. They both have betrayed our trust as our elected officials. They both must answer for their actions. They both continue persistently in making our governing body the laughing stock of our Village. | ||
| peteglider Citizen Username: Peteglider Post Number: 2036 Registered: 8-2002 |
"They both continue persistently in making our governing body the laughing stock of our Village" pan -- perhaps the laughingstock on MOL. clearly not the village which continues to re elect and elect them over and over again. I say this, because I don't believe ANY of this will impact the next election, unless those of us ranting here take some action. -- Pete | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4324 Registered: 5-2001 |
Pete, I'm not so sure. While petitioning around town against spending tax dollars for Tau, I have heard literally hundreds of people say how upset they are with the TAU situation, as well as the current state of the Village. In addition, I did notice significantly more people coming up to the podium at this last meeting, so maybe people are finally awakening and starting to pay attention. I hope! | ||
| Howard Levison Citizen Username: Levisonh Post Number: 622 Registered: 1-2004  |
I would hope the "Official Minutes" reflect the comment/statement by Calabrese and the Jenning's vote statement. | ||
| PRETTYPRINCESS Citizen Username: Prettyprincess Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2006 |
I love John Pogany and I know him better than anyone on this board. I am not looking for any opinions/ or debates on this subject. Just stating a fact.  |
