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jayjay
Citizen
Username: Jayjayp
Post Number: 40
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, June 25, 2005 - 9:50 pm: | 
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Didn't the new members of the BOT promise more communication with residents? How come Mr. Rosner is the only one who replies on this site? Mr. Rosner, why not suggest to other BOT members that they use this forum for more communication and feedback? Its open and out there. And maybe get the word out to residents that this is a way to tell the BOT what's on their mind and get their responses. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2562
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, June 25, 2005 - 11:01 pm: |
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I agree. Mark does a pretty good job trying to comminicate here & he is always accessible offline.
As for the others, I'm still waiting to hear what "government under glass" is supposed to mean.... |
Brett Weir
Citizen
Username: Brett_weir
Post Number: 687
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, June 25, 2005 - 11:37 pm: |
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I agree with the premise that all Trustees should communicate openly, especially our newest who ran on that very platform. Realistically, however, two of them gained office with a campaign strategy of NOT posting on MOL and it worked. The third...well, he certainly posted a great deal more before gaining office than since. Go figure. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 1500
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, June 25, 2005 - 11:48 pm: |
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I would be one of the last people to defend some of the BOT, but I have to give credit to Eric and I think it was Stacy. Both of them brought up the idea of the BOT members having office hours. But it was pointed out it's been done before and people rarely took advantage of them.
I don't understand why the BOT, with the exception of Mark and Allan, don't make better use MOL as a means of communicating with the public. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2563
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2005 - 10:04 am: |
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You can bet we'll never see Calabrese here. After all, he is the one who described the residents to the Star Ledger last year: "I look at them as children at Toys R Us who have everything in the world, and they want more toys, and they can't wait until Christmas," |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 1506
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2005 - 12:23 pm: |
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MHD-Yeah I remember that quote! Remember the one
about the Nieman Marcus (sp) sign?  |
red_alert
Citizen
Username: Red_alert
Post Number: 138
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2005 - 12:50 pm: |
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What happened to the "government under glass" promise during Terri-ann's campaign?
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red_alert
Citizen
Username: Red_alert
Post Number: 139
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2005 - 1:29 pm: |
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But Bill promised Christmas for the Market! |
Parkingsux
Citizen
Username: Parkingsux
Post Number: 14
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2005 - 4:11 pm: |
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The trustees communicate.. thats new to my ears.. DEVARIS ALL THE WAY! |
Parkingsux
Citizen
Username: Parkingsux
Post Number: 15
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2005 - 4:15 pm: |
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The trustees communicate.. thats new to my ears.. DEVARIS ALL THE WAY! |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 195
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2005 - 8:37 pm: |
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Here's some insightful thoughts:
Why would the trustees utilize MOL as a form of communication with the residents when they know (and we all know) that they're only opening themselves up to attacks? (I, myself, have thrown a few jabs at them when I felt inclined to do so).
MOL is comprised of the most wonderful and well intentioned folks but also some of the most cynical. People use "screen names" which is their right but I doubt that seems appealing to any elected official because with screen names there is no accountability for what you say (and learning from the past some people have no shame).
So as far as Trustee Rosner bringing it up with the trustees, I doubt he wants to be laughed off the dais at the next BOT meeting.
Let's take one example - after the infamous committee assignments - the comments for Trustee Rosen weren't inquisitive but rather down right rude ("resign", "sorry we voted for you", etc.) If you haven't noticed - he hasn't posted since. (And I don’t want to hear “he deserved it” because I was the only one who went to that BOT meeting to address those assignments.)
Trustee Rosner, on the other hand, answers questions REGULARLY (actually daily if my memory serves me correct) and yet people on this board still feel inclined to go after him when his responses aren't what people want to hear... Beware of the day when Trustee Rosner decides he’s had enough and leaves us to speculate about everything…
In addition, it's obvious the majority of MOL (correct me if I'm wrong) isn't content or supportive of the "status quo", so I don't think anyone in their right mind would go into territory where they know they're not welcomed with open arms...
So JayJay - doubt you'll see a MOL party with the trustees anytime soon but I can almost guarantee you many of them read the board regularly and know our concerns.
Your best bet is to contact them directly. I called Trustee Taylor on Thursday because SHU is working on a big volunteer project for September and we wanted to work with recreation, etc. He returned my call in a couple hours AND set up/attended a meeting between our two groups on Saturday.
You'll find most of the people you're looking for answers for will speak with you individually and not in a public online forum where there's no accountability for what people post.
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jayjay
Citizen
Username: Jayjayp
Post Number: 42
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2005 - 8:56 pm: |
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Shenna-
Get with it. The internet is THE communication vehicle today. For an organization that keeps talking about opening up, let them show it by their actions. This is one way to do that. I applaud Mr. Rosner for dealing with his constituencies on-line in an open manner, even if I don't always agree with him. Its time for the others, especially those who made a point of open communication, to at least do the same. If they are afraid of open dialogue that speaks volumes about them. |
Pizzaz
Citizen
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 1980
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2005 - 8:59 pm: |
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I should link my previous post to this discussion since it relates more directly. 
http://www.southorangevillage.com/cgi-bin/show.cgi?tpc=3133&post=409995#POST4099 95 |
thegoodsgt
Citizen
Username: Thegoodsgt
Post Number: 852
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 7:37 am: |
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As much as I support "government under glass" and the use of the Internet for dialog, I gotta be honest and say that if I were a trustee, I would not post and respond to comments on MOL. I think that doing so sets an expectation that I'd be available to answer each and every question, no matter how consequential, silly, or slanderous. I'd merely post once to say that, yes, I do read MOL on a regular basis...and then set up my own blog to disseminate my views, ideas, opinions, etc. to my constituents. And of course I'd be available to meet with folks face-to-face or on the phone. |
jayjay
Citizen
Username: Jayjayp
Post Number: 43
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 7:50 am: |
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thegoodsgt-
There;s nothing stopping a trustee from starting their own thread to express their view on a topic, or from them setting up their own blog somewhere else for that matter. And nothing says they have to answer each and every post. But for heavens sake, do something, not just meet in clsoed session and private meetings. Do we have open government or not? The RAN on a platform of open government, so how do THEY plan on delivering? |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2566
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 7:58 am: |
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jayjay,
Simple. They DON'T! |
Eric DeVaris
Citizen
Username: Eric_devaris
Post Number: 206
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 12:50 pm: |
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Those of you who watched it on TV, or were present at the BoT meeting of June 13, you'll remember my announcement that, at my invitation, Trustee Stacey Jennings and I had met soon after our election to discuss issues that we had expressed as important to both of us during the campaign. Then Trustee Jennings proceeded with an account of our meeting, identifying communications with the public as our top priority issue.
On that same June 13 BoT meeting Trustee Jennings stated that she and I traced a proposed plan of action to improve two-way communications with the public, which included, among several other suggestions: appointing Trustee liaisons to all our neighborhood associations, civic organizations, and the Chamber of Commerce; creating a Town-Gown task force with Seton Hall; frequent direct communications with our civil servants (incl. Police, Fire, and Public Works departments, Rescue Squad); upgrading our website; trustee office hours; two-way communications during the televised BoT meetings (already under study by the Technology Focus Group), etc.
The BoT’s response to our proposal is to begin this effort in September when every one is back from summer vacations.
All this was broadcast and is public information.
Communicating information is a two-sided responsibility: one is making the information available, the other is knowing where to find it. Spoon-feeding information is a rare luxury.
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Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 197
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 1:11 pm: |
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Trustee DeVaris Rocks!!
Keep up the great work Eric!
We ALL know transparency and open communication is a top priority for you. You have my support - keep on being YOU! |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 3445
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 1:17 pm: |
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I believe we all will continue to be who we are, dear girl. Do we all have your support? Thankey.
-s.
BTW, Eric: Impressive agenda. Thanks for the online spoonful. |
jayjay
Citizen
Username: Jayjayp
Post Number: 44
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 1:47 pm: |
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Mr. DeVaris-
Glad to know communication with residents is under active discussion. I hope this site is a vehicle the trustees will use too,though it was not listed among your items. This is 2-way communication, and it merits their use. I hope you will become an active member of this on-line community...one who will take suggestions posted here to heart and communicate back your positions and those of your fellow trustees and the mayor, should they choose to remain invisible here. |
Lucy
Citizen
Username: Lucy
Post Number: 21
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 1:55 pm: |
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JayJay
South Orange doesn't have a mayor we have a Village President.
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Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 199
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 2:24 pm: |
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Soda,
You really need a day job. Honestly, I can totally help you with resume writing... I mean 3445 posts is quite impressive...
Forever your pal,
dear girl |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 3447
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 2:30 pm: |
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Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 7904
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 4:08 pm: |
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I think I need more help than Soda does. |
Pizzaz
Citizen
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 1988
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 4:17 pm: |
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Welcome back, Tom. It's nice to see you again. |
Sitoyan
Citizen
Username: Sitoyan
Post Number: 81
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 4:36 pm: |
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Good show Mr. DeVaris. Just curious though, why did you invite only trustee Jenning to meet with you, and not trustee Moore-Abrams? After all trustee Moore-Abrams also pledged "government under glass" when she ran with trustee Jennings.
Is it because trustee Jennings is prettier? |
Eric DeVaris
Citizen
Username: Eric_devaris
Post Number: 207
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 5:52 pm: |
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Thank you Sheena for your kind and supportive words. I am afraid I will disappoint you though: I will not keep on being me. I loathe stagnation, especially when I know that there is room for improvement.
Sitoyan, I had invited Trustee Moore-Abrams also to my meeting with Trustee Jennings and she agreed to attend, but she did not show up. |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 200
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 6:08 pm: |
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Haha - Tom - it's quite alright. I enjoy the majority of your posts and don't think you're a stalker like the infamous Pepsi. Keep on posting!
(No offense Soda - but you do have some "Lifetime Television" tendencies)}
ERIC - You NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE ME! Glad you and Trustee Jennings are getting along and making a difference! |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 1143
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 11:45 pm: |
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jayjay, Eric has been an active member. Check his registration date. He seems to post a bit less now that he's a trustee, but I would imagine he has other things stressing his time right now.
Look through the archives for his positions on a number of issues around town... |
Two Sense
Citizen
Username: Twosense
Post Number: 264
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 1:57 pm: |
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Please, let's not rush to judgement about all new trustees making a difference. |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 206
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 2:18 pm: |
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Actually 2 cents - Eric and Stacey even getting together to work on this and putting their time and effort into it is what is encouraging for me. Whether it makes a difference - who knows. Time will tell but I atleast commend the effort. |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 309
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 5, 2005 - 9:54 am: |
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Just a comment on how the Township communicates through the Web sight. It has been almost two months since the election. Still no update other than a name place hold for the new Trustees.
Pictures, Bios and new committee assignments should have been immediately available.
Mark, are you still a member of the SOPAC board?
Allan, are you still a member of the SOPAC board? |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 2052
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 5, 2005 - 10:26 am: |
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Bill Calabrese is the only elected official on the SOPAC board. Allan Rosen is the trustee liason.
I have not been on the SOPAC board for almost two years now. |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 310
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 5, 2005 - 10:50 am: |
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Thanks Mark, then take a look at your Bio on the Offical SO Web site:
"Trustee Rosner's Village committee assignments include chairing the Planning and Zoning Committee, membership on the SOPAC Board and the Legal Committee, and Board liaison on the Parking Authority."
I assume you Chair the Technology Advisory Committee - this (information content) may be something that needs discussion.
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