| Author | Message | |||
     Mayhewdrive Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 825 Registered: 5-2001  |
Perhaps we should also compare the TAX BURDEN for other municipalities? I am quite sure that South Orange is already at least one of the top 10 highest in the state. Therefore, we MUST be even more fiscally prudent than other municipalities. | |||
| NCJanow(akaLibraryLady) Citizen Username: Librarylady Post Number: 1224 Registered: 5-2001 |
That's why I said "similar" communities, MHD! NCJ aka LibraryLady On a coffee break..or something like it. | |||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 993 Registered: 4-2002 |
MHD: the process is that the charter review committee met many times over the course of about one year. Then a report was put together. Now they have to present the report to the BOT (has NOT been done yet). I think it will be up for discussion at the next conference agenda meeting (March 8th at 7:30). Eric: A 20% tax increase was NEVER proposed nor is it "looming" (you might want to join the CBAC and find out more). See my earlier post, but misinformation does not help the process. What is the difference what day the committee was formed? The charter calls for a committee to meet ever 12 years (I think it is 12, but something close to that). The BOT met on Valentines day - big deal. I must be missing something. Are you suggesting that employees should have no say in how the village is run? One would think their input would be welcomed. If you are suggesting that a BOT member pressured them one way or another then I think you are way off base and that is an outrageous allegation. One trustee has been on the BOT for 20 years AND he is sitting there by virute of elections. Two trustees are serving their first full term. Two trustees are in their second full term. One trustee is serving his third term. I think some would say this is well balanced. I will bet anyone that there will be at least one new trustee elected next year. Maplewood TC members do receive a stipend. I think the survey of other towns was included in the full report (that is what I was told, I have not seen the report yet). I would have no trouble making this a public referendum if permissable that way. | |||
| bets Citizen Username: Bets Post Number: 507 Registered: 6-2001  |
I think moving municipal elections to November should definitely be put to a referendum, and I'm dismayed that it was dismissed so lightly by the charter review committee. Elections could be held in odd-numbered years (as they are now) to avoid Presidential election hype. I feel strongly that this should be put to the voters, as voter turnout for municipal seats is pitiful. Why does the current board want it keep them in May? What are they afraid of? | |||
| Dave Citizen Username: Dave Post Number: 6418 Registered: 4-1998  |
I'd like to see pay tied to number of posts responding to constituent questions. | |||
| bets Citizen Username: Bets Post Number: 508 Registered: 6-2001 |
Would that include anonymous sniping posts, Dave? | |||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 997 Registered: 4-2002 |
MHD: the exact process: After the committee holds the public hearing the report will be forwarded to the Trustees who will review it and if they agree adopt an ordinance asking the state legislature to change the charter. After that is done then the changes will be placed on the ballot for the voters to approve in November. After that the Trustees will have to adopt an ordinance for any salary proposal. This could be considered "coming soon" by the length of time the process takes. Bets: FYI, The BOT is not "afraid" of a November election. We have non-partisan elections and they must be held in May. If you are questioning whether we should consider partisan elections, then that is a different issue. I for one would be against that and prefer the BOT to remain non-partisan. | |||
| bets Citizen Username: Bets Post Number: 509 Registered: 6-2001 |
I'll bet the salary change in the charter happens before all of the rest of the coming soon projects in South Orange. I disagree with you Mark. I would favor partisan elections over the pitiful alternate May debacles any time. | |||
| bets Citizen Username: Bets Post Number: 510 Registered: 6-2001 |
And to that end, why not let the citizens of South Orange decide by putting it to a referendum? If you're not afraid of it, make it happen. | |||
| Mayhewdrive Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 827 Registered: 5-2001 |
Mark, To clarify what you said....are you saying that IF the BOT decides to adopt these changes, it would go before the state legislature AND THEN it will be voted on by the voters of South Orange THIS November as an "all or nothing" (yes/no) change via referendum? With the likelihood of this November election being the most contentious in U.S. history, I wonder if putting it before the voters then is good or bad. In relative terms, potentially having this done by the end of the year is "light speed" by South Orange "Coming Soon" standards. | |||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 998 Registered: 4-2002 |
Dave: Ok, I will ask that your suggestion be put up to a vote.  I am getting close to 1000. | |||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 999 Registered: 4-2002 |
Bets: I did not want partisan elections before I was on the BOT. I don't want them now and I don't want them after I am on the BOT. So I have no intention of trying to make it happen. If you want them, you should try to make them happen. Posting on MOL usuing an anonymous name is probably not the best way to get it done, but it is a start. Let's see what you do about taking it to the next step. The BOE elections get about a 7% turnout so maybe you want to consider getting those changed too. MHD: I doubt this election will be any more contentious than the last one or any other Presidential election. I think all questions should be asked at the public hearing and let the committee answer the questions. This review started two years ago and the process will take at least close to another year. So far it is running neck and neck with the New Market developer who was announced in May of 2001. So if this is "light speed" then so is the New Market project. | |||
| Mayhewdrive Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 829 Registered: 5-2001 |
Mark, Shall we place a bet on which is more likely to happen by May 2005...this charter change (or some variation of it) or the opening of the new supermarket?  | |||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 1000 Registered: 4-2002 |
Well, the market will take 18 months to build. I would bet that construction starts before the charter is changed. As a friendly wager. loser buys a sundae at Cold Stone Creamery. | |||
| Mayhewdrive Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 830 Registered: 5-2001 |
Mark, Deal! (Although, note that "construction" does NOT mean a "ground breaking" like we had for SOPAC 2 years ago)  P.S. I like Vanilla with cookie dough & sprinkles. | |||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 1002 Registered: 4-2002 |
I agree, construction has to mean a foundation is in the works. | |||
| Howard Levison Moderator Username: Levisonh Post Number: 69 Registered: 10-2003 |
Data from above reference:
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| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 1005 Registered: 4-2002 |
The public hearing is going to be on 2/26/04 at 7:30 in village hall. | |||
| bets Citizen Username: Bets Post Number: 516 Registered: 6-2001 |
Hmmm. The Charter Review committee was formed on Valentine's Day (and who knows what the agenda was originally), and now the public hearing is on a Thursday instead of Monday. Yeah, they really want to hear from the public on this one! Sunshine! Process! Were the Charter Review meetings public? Advertised? Why is this issue seemingly coming from nowhere to be shoved down our throats? I wish we could click our heels three times and go back to past elections. Nobody who challenged the powers that be were doing so for a paycheck. They simply wanted the best for the village and understood it was a volunteer position. What is this nonsense???? | |||
| bets Citizen Username: Bets Post Number: 517 Registered: 6-2001 |
Oh, and Mark - thanks for throwing the burden of change on my singular shoulders. Let's not offer the citizenry the chance to decide when elections will be held. Guess the Charter Review committe had an agenda: get the trustees a paycheck and insurance and waste lots of time attemping to shift the burden of school tax to Maplewood. Shadow dances. Very clever. |
2003 SALARY SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE