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Message |
    
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 336
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, August 7, 2005 - 11:58 pm: | 
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It would be very nice if someone would post on the website ALL the contact information for the trustees and the village president.
The only email on the village website is for John Gross or administration@southorange.org.
It's a little hard to have communication with trustees if you can't get in touch with them....
And "there's a phonebook" is not the answer I'm looking for. People shouldn't have to dig in order to speak with their elected representatives... |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 2064
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 1:21 am: |
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Even better - why is it most of Maplewood's elected officals list office hours on thier website, but none of South Orange's list theirs on ours? |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 55
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 4:39 am: |
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Sheena-
There's more than one way to do this, but here you go -
Go to www.southorange.org, click on Village Government drop down menu, click on local government, scroll down the page to John Gross' name and click on it and it'll take you to a page all about the village administrator & staff, including his email, jgross@southorange.org.
His number is the town hall number (973) 378-7715, select number two after answer.
Not that he'll actually answer you.
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Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 56
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 4:47 am: |
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Of course, you're 100% right about the V.P. and Trustees - no contact info. that I could find either. (Although I hear MRosner on MOL is a pretty good source of info.)
Maybe the phone book for their home phones, but you'd think they would have an office number or at least an email address for them to actually hear from the people they represent.
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Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 340
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 5:17 am: |
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Thanks PDG - You're correct, Mark posts his email on MOL all the time and responds in a NY minute but those who don't read MOL never see that.
And actually, John Gross is very good about getting back to people - try it sometime.
I have 5/7 of the email addresses and the trustees are def. willing to give them out - my concern is that the other 18,000 people who live in this town don't have that info readily available to them via the website which I know Village Hall takes great pride in.
IN ADDITION - It would be really grand to have a suggestion box/concern form on the Village website. It's easy, to the point, and efficient. |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 341
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 5:22 am: |
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Quote:Even better - why is it most of Maplewood's elected officals list office hours on thier website, but none of South Orange's list theirs on ours?
LOL - Even better- in the grander scheme of things, it's hard to find a representative democracy that doesn't have contact information for a governing body available... |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 350
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 8:54 am: |
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It has been almost three months since the election and if one goes to http://www.southorange.org/government.asp
where you should find out about elected officials you will find place holders for the newly elected and obsolete resumes for current Trustees (Allan Rosen - "He is currently a member of the SOPAC Board, the Legal Committee, the Finance Committee, and chairs the Public Safety Committee", Mark Rosner - "Trustee Rosner's Village committee assignments include chairing the Public Works Committee, membership on the Planning and Zoning Committee and membership on the Public Works Committee."
Does anyone know where to find the Trustee assignments?
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The Oracle of MOL
Supporter
Username: Oracle_of_mol
Post Number: 43
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 8:54 am: |
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Alas, since relocating to Boca, I've had occasion to contact neither the elegant but wispy male nor the two stylish female additions to your Board of Trustees, and so will present only the addresses of those with whom I communicated prior to my semi-retirement:
Happy flaming, and go in peace.
The Oracle of MOL |
Elaine Harris
Citizen
Username: Elaineharris
Post Number: 22
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 8:59 am: |
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Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't two of the newly elected trustees run on a campaign promise that they would have "office hours" for meeting with the public and that, if elected, this was a priority? |
The Oracle of MOL
Supporter
Username: Oracle_of_mol
Post Number: 44
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 9:08 am: |
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Oh, and one more item: In her selection of a new MOL avatar, Ms. Collum has once again chosen to hide her light under a bushel. While I know (as I know all, but choose not to tell all) that she will feel it necessary to find some fault with my decision, I have rectified the insufficiently lustrous image, and offer it here  , for her to use in presenting her regal image more fully...
Go in peace, young lady.
The Oracle of MOL |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 342
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 12:37 pm: |
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HL - Agree
EH - The office hours were brought up at one of the meetings but some of the other trustees said the idea hasn't worked in the past - so I'm not sure where it went from there.
Oracle - No fault with your decision - I don't like the flash - it's too bright but thanks anyway. How's Boca? |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 351
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 12:47 pm: |
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Does anyone know the Agenda for this evenings BOT meeting? SO Web site still has July 25th. |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 344
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 1:04 pm: |
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Oh wow and Oracle - those are "personal" email addresses not ones that are followed by @southorange.org. I'm surprised you'd just post them... |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 345
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 2:31 pm: |
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I just sent out an email to all the trustees with my concern... thus trying to be "proactive" - so we shall see if any of them feel it necessary to address it tonight...
And John Gross did contact me very promptly with the rationale.
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Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 65
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 3:43 pm: |
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Thank you Sheena!
I know you're an SHU student, but did you grow up here? I'm simply amazed at the level of caring and energy you expend to sincerely try to help our town, as well as SHU. I went to college in Rochester, NY and our campus was very secluded from the city - I probably was off campus 40 times in 4 years (no car, no spare cash, typical starving student). I never paid the slightest attention to Rochester and it was easy to leave. I think we'd be very lucky if you chose to make S. Orange your home after you are done with your education. Here's to you! |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 1374
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 11:37 pm: |
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pdg, where did you go in Rochester?
I agree with Sheena about a suggestions box in concept. However there are two problems with it. When the suggestions are ignored, residents will get fed up and will give upon the idea. Or, someone would have to actually read the email, which would take time away from interesting things like watching the paint dry... |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 347
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 - 4:18 am: |
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Both Trustee Rosner and Trustee Devaris have responded to the email I sent out and have stated that they are in favor of adding contact information, etc.
I will keep everyone posted.
I missed tonight's meeting because it started at 7:30 and was done before 8:00 - so I don't even know if my concern was addressed or not. |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 348
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 - 4:21 am: |
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Oh yeah and Pdg - that was a sweet thing to say.
I grew up in Mississippi but I LOVE South Orange... so I may be harsh at times but it's only cause I care 
And I would love to come back and live in S.O. |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 73
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 - 9:47 am: |
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Rastro - UofR, Class of '86
Sheena - I love the idea of an on-line suggestion box. If our government actually kept up with it, it could go a long way to improve public perception of "openess" in government. (Am I being too optimistic?)
I'm not surprised that Trustees Rosner and DeVaris responded positively about the contact info. Did either one offer to step up and be the point person to manage an on-line suggestion box?
PS I also missed the meeting - I miss them all b/c of young kids at home and we have satellite... Looking forward to the "coming soon" live streaming webcast of the meetings!!!(Although timely publication of the meeting minutes would be nice in the meantime.)
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Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 353
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 - 10:18 am: |
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"coming soon" is almost here - most of the components are in place. Try it out -
http://www.southorange.org/news.asp?page=1
Your comments are welcome. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 2144
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 - 11:11 am: |
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A suggestion box might be a good idea but what would be the best way to do? I have always considered email an effective tool to use. If any person wants them sent to the full BOT, they can just send to the village clerk and she will make sure that we get the message.
Or as always, feel free to send to me via my email and I will respond with my thoughts (mrosnernyc@yahoo.com).
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Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 78
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 - 11:23 am: |
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Thanks, Howard. I actually had already tried it out, and what's there seems to work great. So, why wsn't last night's meeting streamed? And why isn't it at least up there today? I'm sure there is some sort of tech. hurdle I'm ignorant of, but so far it's an exciting tease to those of us without other options. Thus my tease back of "coming soon". (Meanwhile, I wish DirecTv could be enticed to carry the local station for S. Orange viewers, but I've tried and tried...) |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 79
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 - 11:36 am: |
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MRosner, You are great! The thing about a suggestion box on the official website is it would be available to those S. Orange residents who have not yet become MOL addicts (speaking as a recent addict, myself), and who are unaware of your generous offer of help and availability!
The average SO Resident who goes to the website has no clue how to reach a trustee, including your email address.
When I've called the town hall in the past (before I knew MOL) they actually suggested looking up the trustee's home phone number and calling them. I felt that would be intrusive and didn't proceed further.
Office "hours", an office voice-mail or at least an office email (which only works for residents who use computers) posted on the website, and in the Gaslight for the non-computer savvy, would help residents feel their calls are welcome.
Again, you're great from what I've seen on MOL, but you seem to be an exception and are really only available to those who read & post on MOL. |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 2221
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 - 12:53 pm: |
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Quote:I missed tonight's meeting because it started at 7:30 and was done before 8:00 - so I don't even know if my concern was addressed or not.
Sounds like there was a very specific agenda. Did anyone attend? Mark, can you let us know what the agenda item(s) was(were)? |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 2145
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 - 1:11 pm: |
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There was one ordinance on first reading. It was to limit the size of new construction on any property that sits along a river. We had a short discussion about it, but I imagine there will be more discussion in September when we have the second reading.
A few resolutions but nothing too exciting.
No body came before the BOT during remonstratives. Closed session was about four minutes.
PDG: At conference agenda the BOT will address the question of putting our email addresses on the website.
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susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 901
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 - 1:19 pm: |
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Well, if the closed session was 4 minutes, then the entire meeting was under 15! (I watched the 10 minutes on tape delay).
Was there really anything on the agenda that merited pulling you all together for an extra meeting? I was wondering which of these items couldn't wait until September. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 2147
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 - 1:31 pm: |
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I was wondering the same thing myself. |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 2223
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 - 2:32 pm: |
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Sounds like proactive measures against the McMansion on Meadowbrook? If so, I'm all for it! |
Eric DeVaris
Citizen
Username: Eric_devaris
Post Number: 211
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - 8:25 pm: |
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Hello everyone. Nice to be back.
Anyone wishing to contact me can do so: eric@ericdevaris.com or 973.378.8531
The Village's website will soon have my bio with my telephone number in it. As for posting my e-mail address in it, I will have to wait for the decision taken by the BoT in the next meeting.
I just returned from a month-long absence and I am spending hours reading what I missed on MOL, on top of the hours I spend trying to catch-up with tons of mail, e-mails, Village reading materials, bils, telephone calls, etc. and a return to a daily normalcy.
There were some on MOL who complained about the nerve I had to take a month's vacation. I am sorry but I had my vacation planned and airline tix purchased long before the May elections took place. I promise to make up for the time I took off by working longer hours.
Eric |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 356
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - 8:55 pm: |
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Did you clear any brush while on vacation?
Welcome back....
Howie |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 356
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - 9:25 pm: |
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Welcome Back Eric!!!!!
Oh and update to everyone - "Contact Information" is on the agenda for the next board meeting so I'm happy about the reponse I have received thus far.
But we shall see.... |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 111
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 9:38 am: |
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Hey Sheena, do you actually have a copy of the next meeting's agenda? The only agenda I found listed on the website is for a July 25th meeting. (And the published meeting minutes are from June...)
Could you please post the agenda here on MOL, since the Village website is so behind? It's nice to share... |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 360
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 11:25 am: |
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Hey Pdg - agendas don't normally go out until a couple days before the next meetings.
I just know that this item is on there because I followed up with my last email to the trustees to check. |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 362
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Friday, August 12, 2005 - 12:53 pm: |
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Little Update: "Majority Rules"
Email back from Trustee Rosen - says he agrees and wants his emails and phone number made public.
Spoke with Trustee Taylor yesterday - says "he doesn't see any problem with it"
(4 votes - whoo hooo - unless someone changes their mind)
Missing from my request is any response from the Village President, Trustee Jennings or Trustee Moore-Abrams.
Oh and the biggest factor is what our Village Administrator will recommend to them at the next meeting.
That's all folks
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