| Author | Message | ||
     susan1014 Supporter Username: Susan1014 Post Number: 614 Registered: 3-2002 |
Looking forward to hearing the thoughts of attendees, but after half-watching the meeting from home, I'm not thrilled. Seems to me like the 2007 campaign has started, with Bill C. managing the nominations to make sure that certain new trustees get appointments that match their experience and skill set, while certain other new and existing trustees get pushed into committees that they don't want or left off committees to which they would bring great experience. Unfortunately, much of the debate about how the process works didn't happen until after most of the votes had already taken place. Not naming names (or committees) for now, since I don't want to rewatch the video to check my facts. I'll leave further details to those who were there, if they choose to discuss. But to me it felt like a very political set of appointments. | ||
| Larry David Citizen Username: Larry_david Post Number: 24 Registered: 4-2005 |
Sorry I didn't see your thread Susan1014. I agree with you. You can see my new thread questions for Alan Rosen | ||
| Eliot Spitzer Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1102 Registered: 3-2003 |
Susan and Larry - I agree totally. I think there are going to be a lot of houses for sale. | ||
| susan1014 Supporter Username: Susan1014 Post Number: 615 Registered: 3-2002 |
No way Eliot...takes more than this sort of thing to drive me away from a town that I love. (and I know how few of us watch these meetings, either live or on community access...). Unfortunately, it may force me to invest time that I don't have in local politics. I'd rather focus on my other volunteer jobs, but may not have that luxury. | ||
| Jeff DuBowy Supporter Username: Jeffd Post Number: 108 Registered: 11-2003 |
The BOT meeting this evening was an insult to the community! | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 2458 Registered: 5-2001  |
Can you guys please elaborate? I didn't watch the meeting & can't imagine what could have happened. (although Calabrese & Co do never cease to amaze me) What happened that has everyone so upset? | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 1482 Registered: 6-2001  |
susan1014, I was there (I was late - about 8:15 or so), and the correct term is "political manipulation." Obviously, the list of appointments was meticulously pre-arranged and designed to further the agenda of Bill's vision. While I completely agree with Eric's statement that he wanted to be put on a committee where he "could contribute and not just learn." Unfortunately, they were on Resolution #14 (I never did figure out who's on what - did anyone keep a tally? Sorry, it was a very distracting meeting) by the time Eric spoke up and said that he was led to believe, by a memo in his packet, that there was to be discussion about the committee assignments, and yet it's "coming up from above" again. I commend Mark Rosner for his comment that "Allan presents a list and it's being rubber-stamped." I think Mark was very taken aback by Allan Rosen's hand-picked recitation of appointments. Though I agree completely with Eric that his skills and past contributions to this town have been in the planning and developing arena, I was personally disgusted when Eric was not appointed to the shade tree division, which is another role I think he's well-suited to excel. I am interested in seeing the appointments posted on the village website very soon! Bets (Edited to add: Bill made a comment while trying to convince Eric he should ease in to being a trustee that "these meetings have lasted 4 hours or more in the past." Well, if it has to take 4 hours for a Board of Trustees comprised of 6 equal members to decide who should do what, then it takes 4 hours. Please don't insult and condescend to me.) | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 6404 Registered: 4-1997  |
I need to learn more about this meeting. | ||
| susan1014 Supporter Username: Susan1014 Post Number: 620 Registered: 3-2002 |
I've got it on Tivo -- if all else fails, I can press a DVD. Sure to be a real hit at the video stores... (I don't have the time to rewatch and make sure that I report the details correctly...) | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 1484 Registered: 6-2001 |
I would love to see it, susan. I've pl'd you. | ||
| Sheena Collum SHU Citizen Username: Sheena_collum Post Number: 96 Registered: 4-2005  |
I'm totally taken back by what happened today. As a political science major, I've got serious concerns about the way the meeting was handled and if this is the way normal business is carried out. Certain members of the existing BoT sat down and reviewed the incoming BOT members and made recommendations at the meeting. To put this in black and white - everyone got on a committee/chair a committee they seemingly wanted except for Mark and Eric. I don't believe that people discussed these committee assignments with them (Mark and Eric, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). 1st Point - Mark has seniority - please tell me for the sake of keeping my sanity that this means something such as experience, expertise, commitment, etc. 2nd Point - ERIC IS AN ARCHITECT... and he's now the chair of Public Works... (sigh of disbelief)... There was an obvious objection from both Mark and Eric and I believe what happened tonight was an injustice to the residents in South Orange... Furthermore, I have no idea what "rules of order" were being followed tonight because the last time I checked - nominations are made, there's a second, someone accepts the nomination, if there's a challenge or objection, you open up for debate and then you move for a vote. Tonight there was a rec. from the Village President and that's the end of the story. Moreover, I think these issues with such a large impact on the community should not be done spur of the moment. These disparities should have been tabled until further deliberation amongst the BOT members and picked up at the next meeting. Even after the committees were formulated, I would have motioned for reconsideration. I applaud Mark and Eric for taking up for themselves. As South Orange residents we need to seek a level of professionalism and accountability to residents. I don't feel these were exhibited tonight. Congrats to the new BOT members and I hope the issue of these committee assignments will be brought back up. Sheena | ||
| Kristen Williamson Citizen Username: Kris219 Post Number: 23 Registered: 4-2005 |
Just something interesting I noticed... In the midst of the "discussion" on assignments, Mark made a suggestion about looking at who was on which committee to see how there was an obvious slant towards specific people. At one point, Bill justified this by saying that Terriann would obviously be a part of anything that was legally-oriented because of her experiences. Yet Mark has experience and seniority (on the Planning committee and the BOT) and somehow isn't even the chair and Eric, once again, is an Architect and ISN'T EVEN ON the committee. I would bet my bottom dollar that there would have been temper-tantrums if someone suggested that Terri-Ann didn't chair the Legal Committee... She was elected by South Orange as a lawyer, and Eric as an Architect. Eric was not elected because the voters wanted him to learn about finances. There is nothin wrong with learning and being a well-rounded trustee, but HE IS AN ARCHITECT... I love how the excuses seem to be conveniently crafted for each BOT member, yet they are obviously inconsistent. We need to start holding them up to the standards that they set! This is not just simply about tonight's meeting. This is part of the larger picture of the next two years and the '07 election. Keep this in mind! Kristen | ||
| Sheena Collum SHU Citizen Username: Sheena_collum Post Number: 99 Registered: 4-2005 |
If my memory serves me correctly it's as follows: Committee Chairs: Terriann - Legal Stacey - Planning and Zoning Allan - Finance Eric - Public Works Art - Recreation Mark - Public Safety | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 1491 Registered: 6-2001 |
There are 19 appointments listed on my Reorganization Meeting Order of Business agenda. I see no references to Legal, Finance, Public Works, Recreation, or Public Safety. I must have missed a handout. | ||
| Pizzaz Citizen Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 1786 Registered: 11-2001  |
Committee appointments orchestrated by C & company with Rosen as the staged qualifier who dictated (euphemism for suggested) that certain individuals chair certain key committees. Accordingly, Terri-Ann, the lawyer, was appointed to legal (real concerns about her objectivity given her employment with the county). Stacey who promises that this newly constituted Board will be the best ever (highly unlikely) was appointed as chair to the Planning Committee because of her previous alternate member status for almost 2 years to the Planning Board (not OK). Rosen received the Finance Committee since no other member has the experience nor background (Taylor is a financial administrator for Medgar Evers College, I guess that doesn't qualify? I think he has a dislike for budgets, anyhow.) and DeVaris was given Public Works. Obviously, DeVaris should have been given Planning and Zoning, however, C and company know that the real power and control over the future development of our community rests with the capable pilot award for apartment building contracts of the P&Z Committee, the oversight to the Planning Board and the control over the legal issues that confront us at every turn with the short sightedness of the Village Attorney. The same players are in place as before, namely, Calabrese and Taylor. Interesting to note that Mims Hackett made a presence this evening. I think the political machine has eyed South Orange very carefully and now are ready for givebacks to the party bosses. The failings of the Planning Board is due primarily to the incompetence of the VP. Most, not all members, are appointed by way of political patronage or stewardship as a political hack rather than professional capability. We see, once again, the shortcomings of his Leadership. The committee assignments must be directed in a reasonable process whereby those with professional qualifications are selected. Government needs to be run more like a business (of course if only 26% of registered voters elect Trustees how can we complain?). A competent CEO would never place responsibility to those who do not have the experience, unless of course, he's a self assured pompous •••. You decide, Susan. Welcome to South Orange politics. BTW: Bill, I'm not whispering. And Arthur, do you know how to type? Hands around Village Hall, we do need activism in town, now! I hope you don't find me cynical. FYI: I heard Mary and John are planning to wed in July this year. I wonder who the best conflicted man will be? As a FINAL THOUGHT, the issue of the joint sewer appointment made me laugh. (The •••• is flowing). | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 1493 Registered: 6-2001 |
My friend, You said it. And I agree completely. I think we're in the minority. I just wish the finance committee would authorize a microphone for John O. Gross/Edwin A. Matthews. It's kind of silly to see them sharing a mic with dexterity  when they have to speak. I'm sure the Village can afford one more mic, and if it's a soundboard issue (i.e. not enough channels), then it's time to invest some hard-earned tax dollars there. I want Open Government. | ||
| just me fromsouthorange Supporter Username: Jmfromsorange Post Number: 1071 Registered: 7-2003 |
Is there anything that can be done about this? How do we change what's happened? Don't tell me to vote, because I did... | ||
| singlemalt Supporter Username: Singlemalt Post Number: 1010 Registered: 12-2001  |
It's no wonder John Gross was one of the few party goers at Cryans on election night to celebrate Terriann and Stacey's victories. One would think he would stay out of the political oven but I guess he needs it for survivial. This town makes me sick. Thanks for the recap Sheena. | ||
| Jeff DuBowy Supporter Username: Jeffd Post Number: 109 Registered: 11-2003 |
"Just when I get out, they pull me back in"  What happened to campaign rhetoric of "Transparent Government"?? Someone please help me on this issue. The eight candidates who just ran in the Village Trustee election espoused this platform at every opportunity and in their respective printed materials. Last night's BOT reorganization meeting was an opportunity to let the public see how decisions are made. These were not closed session issues. These appointments should have been discussed and voted on in public session. I believe the process failed us. In fairness to the new Trustees, it was probably a very intimidating experience being their first meeting. We elected the Trustees to represent us and question when issues are not clear, please learn from this first experience. I agree that all Trustees should serve on the different committees regardless of their professional background. The community needs officials who are well rounded and at least have a little knowledge of the different aspects of government. The new trustees should have all been initially put on committees within their respective comfort zones. This apparently did not happen. I believe seniority and service should count for something, it was meaningless. To echo the words of David Belasco "Open & Orderly Government". The reorganization process did not appear to be open. The meeting was definitely not orderly, considering the fact that certain trustees came just short of using profanity due to the levels of frustration created. The Community deserves results not theater at the BOT meetings!! | ||
| peteglider Citizen Username: Peteglider Post Number: 1132 Registered: 8-2002 |
I did not see the meeting. In addition to the nonsense posted above -- was there any discussion of "development" of the Beifus and Shoprite sites? What the heck is going on? And other than an apparent need to exercise power and a possible display of petulance -- what rationale is there for this? (I'm not asking for a *defense* -- just trying to understand the dysfunction!) Pete |
