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LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 2188
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 6:55 am: | 
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Montclair council proposes 40% pay hike for members
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
BY PHILIP READ
Star-Ledger Staff
Ed Remsen was tallying the price tag of being mayor of Montclair.
Membership dues. The dedicated phone line so constituents can ring him anytime. Retirement dinners. "That's an $85 check," he said of the dinner for the departing fire chief. "As mayor, I'm on everybody's list."
He has a good idea of the tab. "If I added it all up, it's probably costing me $20,000 a year; $15,000 to $20,000 for sure," Remsen said.
To help offset those extra costs of public office, Montclair's council -- with Remsen's backing -- last week introduced an ordinance to push council members' salaries up $2,000 a year, to $7,000. That would mark the first raise in more than a decade and push the council members' pay to the higher end for elected officials in suburban Essex County.
Ted Mattox, an at-large councilman, and Sandra Lang, the 4th Ward councilwoman, voted against the ordinance.
Mattox said he believes the proposed ordinance doesn't go far enough and council members should receive even more money.
"I think to do the job right in Montclair that it's definitely 25 hours a week, at minimum, and I think that $7,000 is probably undercompensating the position," Mattox said.
What's more, he said, the lack of compensation excludes people with limited means from serving -- and those are the people who can often clearly identify some of the town's particular needs, he said.
Mattox branded the salary ordinance a "piecemeal" approach instead of a comprehensive solution, one that he said wouldn't have to take effect until the next council is seated more than three years from now.
"For a town that prides itself on diversity, it has failed to provide a mechanism so that any person in town -- regardless of financial status or personal situation -- would have the ability to run for public office and be compensated fairly," Mattox said.
Remsen said he disagreed with Mattox.
"Most of us, except for a couple of people, consider our time spent being on the council is volunteer work," said Remsen, noting that council members do have the option, or perk, of tapping into the town's health benefit package.
"One member of the council has suggested salaries upward of $20,000 as appropriate," Remsen said of Mattox, "and I thought that was absolutely inappropriate."
Joyce Michaelson, the deputy mayor, was like-minded. "This is not a full-time job. We are expected to have jobs and families and lives, and the salary reflects that."
She said a "balanced ticket" of councilors could cover for each other when personal demands kick in. "I was president of the board of education with a full-time job, with two teenage daughters, and I was a single mother," said Michaelson, a widow.
Mike Cerra of the New Jersey League of Municipalities said there's no statutory definition of full time.
"The individual is full time if he or she decides to work at it full time, regardless of salary," he said.
Outside the larger Essex cities, where pay can reach well into the five figures, the range for council members runs from $200 in Cedar Grove to $8,120 in Fairfield, according to the New Jersey League of Municipalities.
Only in West Orange does the compensation break out of the pack. There, council members make $13,874 a year, the mayor -- who is also a state assemblyman -- makes $27,746.
"With the amount of time and effort they put into the job here, the compensation is warranted," said Amy Simon, public information officer of the 12.1-square-mile town. "It's not a small town with small issues. It's a big town with big issues."
Lang, who also voted against the ordinance, said "There's too much ado about $2,000." Still, she said, she thinks there should be some regular adjustments pegged to inflation. "Whatever stipend or pay we get goes quickly when you attend all the events in town."
The ordinance is likely to be the subject of a public hearing sometime in March.
Philip Read covers West Essex. He can be reached at pread@starled ger.com or (973) 392-1851.
Copyright 2005 NJ.com. All Rights Reserved.
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MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 1887
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 8:09 am: |
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What a shock...politicians want to pay themselves even more. All the more reason that South Orange shouldn't alter the Charter to pay our politicians and tempt them to open that Pandora's Box. |
Mayor McCheese
Citizen
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 163
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 12:56 pm: |
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I don't feel bad that the mayor is "on everybody's list." If you don't want to spend the extra money, don't go. And, if you want to go to these events and eat, drink, and be merry don't expect the taxpayers to pick up the tab. |
Jason & John
Citizen
Username: Johnh91011
Post Number: 165
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 2:02 pm: |
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from $5,000 to $7,000 per year. Thats Montclair. East Orange pays its mayor $130,000 p.a. and Newark mayor makes $142,000 p.a. |
LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 2189
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 2:19 pm: |
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The rest of the Essex county towns were listed in a sidebar. Of the 22 towns listed, only on Essex Fells, Glen Ridge and South Orange
fail to pay its governing council. |
Pizzaz
Citizen
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 1484
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 2:24 pm: |
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Fail to pay, I prefer to think of it as priding ourselves on volunteering for the public good. |
Mayor McCheese
Citizen
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 166
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 4:27 pm: |
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Library Lady
Maybe we should look at it not as failing to pay, but as proud that the town administration doesn't suck money out of the town that they are there to better. Good for Essex Fells, Glen Ridge, and South Orange! |
Bklyn1969
Citizen
Username: Bklyn1969
Post Number: 15
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 4:43 pm: |
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Would definitely prefer to be in the minority on this one. Good for us. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 1893
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 4:47 pm: |
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Interesting enough, 2 of those towns - Glen Ridge and South Orange already have 2 of the highest tax rates in Essex County. The last thing we need is an ADDITIONAL TAX INCREASE.
Mark - is this referendum going to be on the ballot this May? |
LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 2191
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 5:34 pm: |
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Interesting enough, the 2 towns with the highest tax rates, Glen Ridge and So. Orange also has a mimimal nonresidental tax base. No malls to fill the coffers, a huge non-tax paying religious institution that drains public services,etc. Its hard to believe throwing the trustees a small compensation for all the work they do and expenses they incur will cause more than an insignificant increase in our tax burden. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 1894
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 5:48 pm: |
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Nancy,
Even the smallest increases on a very large base are significant.
"Trustees" should be looking for ways to REDUCE the tax burden on the town residents. Not line their own pockets with payments AND PENSIONS. |
LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 2194
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 6:55 pm: |
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Well, MHD(since I don't know your real name), I disagree with your last line.
I would have loved to run for trustee and so would my husband, but honestly,we couldn't have afforded the child care, out of pocket expenses,etc. We are serverely depleting the available pool of talent by not offering minimal renumeration like about 85% of the towns in our county. As long as the current trustees exclude themselves from receving these funds unless they are reelected I don't have a problem. The untapped talent in this town might be the very ones who come up with new, creative ways to reduce our tax burden. A small investment might very well earn great rewards. |
LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 2195
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 6:58 pm: |
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Oh, and BTW, I wish I could chenge the title of this thread to "Initially Posted without Comment". Sorry! |
Alonso Mosley
Citizen
Username: Jack_walsh
Post Number: 5
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 7:59 pm: |
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I have to agree with bklyn1969, MHD, Mayor Mccheese, and Pizzaz on this one.
I find it very ironic that this towns trustees want to get paid for their volunteer services by shining seats with their butts when all of South Orange's major issues are discussed more intellegently and thoroughly on this message board than they are on Monday nights. |
Alonso Mosley
Citizen
Username: Jack_walsh
Post Number: 6
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 8:37 pm: |
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I realize that I'm new to posting on this message board but I'm not new to reading it. I've seen enough to know that the majority of MOLers can do a better job discussing town issues in-depth, (for free), than those who feel they deserve to get paid for a volunteer position. |
woodstock
Citizen
Username: Woodstock
Post Number: 902
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 9:53 pm: |
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And yet, each time there is an election, there is little organized opposition. And even when it is organized, they are rarely successful in deposing a sitting Trustee. I'm not saying that all our Trustees are wonderful. But given the short supply of candidates that we have, why wouldn't we want to do something to increase that pool? There are lots of people here on MOL that are great at telling us what the Trustees are doing wrong. Some might even have some good ideas for fixing the problems. But very very few are willing to put themselves out there to run for elected office.
And again, the Trustees did not vote themselves a salary. They voted to recommend that whoever are the Trustees in 2007 get a stipend. Do I think this is the best plan? No. I don't see any reason for benefits or pensions. But I do feel that those who serve our town should get some level of compensation. We all bitch and moan about the BOT. But when we have an opportunity to do something that might expand to "gene pool" of candidates, we balk and whine about how these Trustees don't deserve it. Stop thinking about THESE Trustees. Think about the Trustees that we COULD have. Hell, if I could have gotten a babysitter on nights when the Trustees have obligations, I might have considered running. Not that it matters now, but I had seriously considered it. After having talked with a couple of BOT members and one or two residents, I realized the expense of being a trustee, combined with the time obligations, are just too much to put my family through. I don't mean to imply that I would have been a good Trustee, or better than any of the current ones. But I can't imagine my position is that atypical. And maybe out there is someone who would be a great Trustee, but isn't willing to bear the expense. Why would anyone want to PAY to be a Trustee? When you answer that question with your snide little comments, consider if that is the kind of person you think you want to represent you.
I'm sorry if this post is snippier than most of my previous ones. As I've said, I'm likely moving out of town soon. And I'm tired of all the whining. |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2582
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 9:54 pm: |
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Woodstock- you read my mind. (spooky!):
Talk is cheap, and hindsight is always 20-20.
-s.
BTW: MOL does offer an outlet and forum for legitimate civic frustrations, worries, and concerns, but it is also an attractive conduit for unfounded rumor, petty jealosy, delusion, paranoia, and disguised political ambition.
Most of the posters here have neither the time, energy, or will to attempt public office, and many of the most vociferous have neither the stomach for real debate nor the ability to formulate their ideas cohesively.
Those who have stepped up and taken on the elective option (whether they won or lost) have my respect, though I may disagree with them on some (or many) issues.
One must be careful to distinguish between those who simply vent noisily and the relative few who understand -- and are willing to grapple with -- the real issues we face as a Village.
Decisions are made by those who show up. Those content to stand outside the arena and carp have only two recourses: MOL and the voting booth. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 1895
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 10:07 pm: |
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quote:Stop thinking about THESE Trustees. Think about the Trustees that we COULD have
Woodstock, I think about this EVERY day...especially when I drive past Shop Rite, Beifus, SOPAC, the Rug Store and the Quarry. 
In my opinion, if someone decides not to run because they'll need to pay a BABYSITTER for their kids, I think they should re-think their priorities and spend time with their KIDS.
There are an infinite number of volunteer positions around town, such as the following, I believe: Planning Board member, baseball coach, Synagogue/Church Board member or committee member, Main Street committee member etc etc. Shall we pay ALL of them and provide a pension, too?
People should choose to get involved to help the community. If their family committments "get in the way", than they should re-evaulate their priorities. |
woodstock
Citizen
Username: Woodstock
Post Number: 903
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 10:23 pm: |
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MHD, you have completely misunderstood my post. It's not that their family commitments "get in the way" (btw, when you put it in quote, it implies you are quoting me. I never said that). It's that being a Trustee infringes on family commitments.
I spend plenty of time with my kids. And frankly, my relationship with my kids (anyone's relationship with their kids) is none of your business. But consider this. if I were to run for the BOT, I would have to be out of the house most Monday nights. Even if my kids were sleeping, someone would need to watch them. Maybe a babysitter? Then there are the other commitments that being a trustee implies. I can't tell you how ridiculous, absurd and insulting I found your comment.
As for other volunteer positions, they do not claim to represent citizens, and they don't govern. And to compare a baseball coach to a Trustee is just plain dumb.
I didn't realize to fullfill your priorities, one needs to sit behind a computer and whine.
Again I'll ask, why would anyone want to PAY to be a Trustee? And when you answer that question, ask if that is the kind of person you want representing you. |
doublea
Supporter
Username: Doublea
Post Number: 892
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 10:58 pm: |
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The fact of the matter is that it has been very difficult to find residents who have been willing to run for BOT in recent years. I don't think South Orange is unique in this - my experience is that this is not uncommon.
One of the suggested changes that the Charter Committee considered was the matter of term limits. The Committee decided not to suggest term limits. At one stage I thought if the Village President thought that the residents should be allowed to vote on whether the trustees should be compensated, then the residents should be allowed to vote on whether there should be term limits. I decided this was not worth pursuing since South Orange has had difficulty in finding people willing to run for BOT, and term limits might do more damage than good.
From the outset, I said that I was open to trustee compensation, but wanted to make sure that the trustees couldn't vote themselves medical coverage. This suggestion was incorporated by the Committee. I said to the Committee that I wasn't concerned about what the present BOT might do, but I was looking down the road a few years and it was impossible to know what a future BOT might do, unless we provided guidelines.
It was for this reason that I also suggested that a cap be put on future salary increases, since we couldn't know what future BOTs might do. I was told that this was not possible. Even with this, I had been open to allowing a vote on the question, and thought that the suggestion of holding the salary to less than the threshold limit where a pension kicked in automatically was a good one.
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MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 1896
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 11:38 pm: |
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Woodstock,
I think you misunderstood MY post. First of all, I was not directing my comments at YOU personally. If it came across that way, I do apologize and there is no need to get so defensive. I was simply trying to counter a point that you and LibraryLady both made.
I don't understand how a Synagogue/Church Board member or a Planning Board member doesn't "represent citizens" or govern. A volunteer is a volunteer. People KNOW that there is no pay when they get into the situation.
To reiterate a point raised when this issue first came up last year - the Trustees TODAY can submit expenses for reimbursement. If financial hardship is an issue, submit the expenses.
However, to modify the fundamental "constitution" of the town so callously is absurd.
Once you open that Pandora's box, there is no turning back & we will inevitably wind up with perpetual increases like the 40% we now see proposed in Montclair. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 1906
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 3:40 pm: |
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Mark - do you know if this will be on the ballot this May? |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 1715
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 4:49 pm: |
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It will not be on the ballot in May. Still has to come back from the legislature. I am not even sure it will be ready to go in time for November.
See, I told you this was a long process. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 1908
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 4:51 pm: |
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So, it's still a horserace for our ice cream bet over which will happen first: changing the charter vs. getting a supermarket. |
Alonso Mosley
Citizen
Username: Jack_walsh
Post Number: 10
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 10:57 pm: |
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I didn't intend to upset anyone with my post but the fact remains, a Truste is a volunteer position. These are people that want to LEND their time (volunteer) to show up at Village Hall on Monday nights and discuss the major town issues. It's their choice, so why should they get paid for it.
The point I was trying to make, was that the best ideas I've heard about improving this town, I read on this message board (Police, DPW, Fire, etc.)
Maybe if the people that run this town read MOL, they could pick up a few ideas.
By the way, posting your opinion on this message board shouldn't make you feel obligated to run for office. |
woodstock
Citizen
Username: Woodstock
Post Number: 904
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 11:26 pm: |
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Alonso,
I was not upset by your post. My point is twofold, however. First, given that so many are so unhappy about our current governing body, perhaps offering a stipend to cover expenses that are marginal as far as reimbursable expenses might allow a broader assortment of candidates. I doubt there are many people who's sole reason for not running for office is the expenses associated with it. But if it is one of several reasons that can be alleviated, isn't it worth it to have more options?
Second, I think many people are being short-sighted about this. They despise the actions of this BOT (or of some members), and refuse to even consider any remuneration because of this dislike. Personally, if the stipend were for further nto the future (say, starting in five years), I'd be more comfortable with it. The amount that it would have increased my taxes is probably more than 90% of the people in town. And I'd still go for it if it would help with my first point, above.
I do agree that the BOT should read the boards here. But I'd also like to see town hall meetings where people can voice their opinions about things. not everyone is able to, or wants to post on MOL. Of course, that would suck up even more of the Trustees' time.
And I hope you didn't think I meant that posting opinions here obligates one to run for office. But if you've been reading this board for a while, which you seem to have been doing, you know the level of antagonism toward the current board. I believe that those feelings are somewhat clouding some people's perspective on this. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 1909
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 11:47 pm: |
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Woodstock,
You raise valid points (as always) and I'm sure there is a bit of "distrust" of the majority of the current Trustees to "reward" them with payment - especially in light of the miserable mismanagement of Beifus, Shop Rite, SOPAC etc. In addition, the shenanigans they pulled this week to lock in 80% pay for Mr. Gross, even if he loses his job prove they only have their own self-interests in mind.
Perhaps when we vote Steglitz/Theroux out in May my opinion will change. In the meantime, I contend that the Trustees can submit expenses for approval & reimbursement. Modifying the "constitution" of the town is a dangerous change that will inevitably lead to significant perpetual increases in the future.
BTW: Alonso - I assure you that many in Village Hall DO read the posts here on MOL which is apparent when they comment on issues during meetings. Why they think they know more than all of us & continue to discount the constructive comments (despite the occasional rantings) here continues to amaze me. |
Alonso Mosley
Citizen
Username: Jack_walsh
Post Number: 12
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 12:23 am: |
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Woodsy,
I tend to be very cynical and opinionated in just about every aspect of my life, obviously on MOL, but I couldn't agree with you more in saying that the current board has drawn antagonism and clouded perspectives. Most of the sarcasm towards our current governing body stems from this message board.
However, I think that this town needs a lot of improvement, and paying those in volunteer positions is not the best way to spend taxpayers money.
I've read a lot of your posts and I see eye-to-eye on most of what you write. But I've lived in this town for all of my life and I know that there are bigger issues that have to be daelt with, without worrying about paying our volunteers a salary.
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Alonso Mosley
Citizen
Username: Jack_walsh
Post Number: 13
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 12:41 am: |
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MHD,
I hope they do read MOL and soon realize that the majority of this Village has lost faith in their ability to govern such a small town. There is so much that South Orange can achieve, but it's not going to happen as long as we have Administrators and Trustees interested in only one thing: lining their own pockets.
The people who post on this message board seem to have pride in the town they live in...Wouldn't it be nice if our town leaders did? |
Marc Bromfeld
Citizen
Username: Time4change
Post Number: 2
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 1:17 am: |
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Time for a Change!
As I read through the pages of emails and topics, I find a common thread between the downtown development sites (SOPAC, supermarket, Beifus, Vose, etc). I think it is fair to say that not much gets accomplished, however a ton is said about what will be accomplished in the near future. I have been a SO resident for 3 years and I am comfortable stating that there has been no significant progress made in the downtown area in 3 YEARS!
One other thorn keeps sticking out to me......I am quite amazed at the CFO/Treasurer (Mr. Gross) situation. I have been in business for quite some time and manage close to a $40MM annual budget for my assigned portfolio. If I offered someone the deal as it has been explained and as I understand it; I would be fired on the spot.
What seems necessary here is change in leadership.
Not sure what the alternative (leadership) is, but I do know the ONLY way to change the leadership is to get out and VOTE!
We need a strong candidate(s) with a plan to get things done. Things can get done in the real world.
I understand that these (Village President and Trustees) are non salaried positions, however the key to being a good leader is knowing what you are good at and resourcing the best possible individuals to assist you in getting the job done. No shame in resourcing, in fact it is the proper way to conduct business.
That said, looking at the current state of affairs in SO, it is most definatly time for a change.
PLEASE VOTE on election day.
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LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 2286
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 7:28 am: |
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Expense allowance OK'd for officials in Montclair
Thursday, March 10, 2005
BY PHILIP READ
Star-Ledger Staff
Montclair's mayor and council will be reimbursed for some of the expenses they incur as elected officials.
The compensation -- covering printer ink cartridges, job-related workshops and the like -- was approved Tuesday night when the council adopted a resolution authorizing an "annual allowance for office supplies and expenses" for the first time.
Mayor Ed Remsen can now be reimbursed up to $1,300 a year and council colleagues will get a $300 allowance.
But a public hearing on an ordinance to increase council members' pay from $5,000 to $7,000 a year was postponed until March 22.
"I told them ... I was going to get on my soapbox," said Ted Mattox, an at-large councilman who is advocating an even larger increase in salary for the councilors, whose pay now falls near the midpoint among similarly elected officials in Essex County.
"This council is sending a message that those in Montclair without significant personal resources need not apply," Mattox said in a statement.
Yesterday, Mattox said that dealing merely with a small bump-up in compensation fails to address core issues of having a governing body that truly reflects Montclair's socioeconomic and racial diversity.
"They only want a certain group of people to run in the first place," said Mattox, who is African-American and considers himself financially secure. "This guarantees that only 'blue bloods' will pursue a town council seat."
"I can say I understand what goes on on New Street in the 4th Ward," he said of a predominantly African-American neighborhood, "but I don't have a real sense of what it's like to live down there and neither does the mayor."
Raising compensation to reflect a 20-hour-a-week commitment, he said, would open the door to those now financially barred from seeking a seat on Montclair's council. .....
From today's Star Ledger,Essex County Section
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MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 1972
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 8:01 am: |
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Gee...being allowed reimbursement for expenses - JUST LIKE WE HAVE TODAY IN SOUTH ORANGE WITHOUT MODIFYING OUR VILLAGE CHARTER. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 1973
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 8:29 am: |
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I thought aspects of this editorial were relevant as well: http://www.nj.com/columns/ledger/mulshine/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/111043688627 6370.xml
Lavish pensions must be terminated
Thursday, March 10, 2005
My main interest in politics always has been the cold-hearted, rational study of the many ways in which people in power conspire to use my tax dollars to improve their own lives rather than mine. |
hariseldon
Citizen
Username: Hariseldon
Post Number: 290
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 10:45 am: |
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"This council is sending a message that those in Montclair without significant personal resources need not apply," Mattox said in a statement.
They only want a certain group of people to run in the first place," said Mattox, who is African-American and considers himself financially secure. "This guarantees that only 'blue bloods' will pursue a town council seat."
MHD..THAT'S the relevant quote.
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MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 1974
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 10:51 am: |
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Hari,
Sure.."blue bloods" - just like Theroux, Taylor, Calabrese & Steglitz. They are such high class aristocrats.  |
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