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Message |
    
Eric DeVaris
Citizen
Username: Eric_devaris
Post Number: 62
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 8, 2004 - 4:44 pm: | 
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The "Positives About South Orange" thread on this Board tells us that there is a cornucopia of stuff we enjoy in our Village. But, in concerns expressed in other threads, we also read of the danger that our horn of plenty can easily become an empty horn if left unattended.
If we don't want to see our resources drain down into the waters of Rahway River, we must extend our vigilance beyond the lines of this forum here. In addition to this MOL board (thank you Dave), there are several other civic, political, cultural outlets in town that can serve as forums (or is it fora?  ) where to voice an opinion, be heard, and see some action on - or at least reaction to - what we have to say.
We can make a difference by working together with our neighbors toward enriching our cornucopia. Our involvement and vigilance can steer our government, and take our Village to elevated heights. All it takes is one or two hours a week of our time. For the sake of those who come after us.
I say all that because I see that there is room for an increase in the public's involvement (*) and vigilance (**) in the town's affairs.
What say you all?
(*) Involvement: only 1/3 of the voting population went to the polls in the last municipal election.
(**) Vigilance: major projects, plans, and expenditures in town, become known to the general public only when it is too late to effect any meaningful change on them. |
Howard Levison
Moderator
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 85
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 8, 2004 - 5:10 pm: |
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Eric, I cannot agree more!
I think there are initiatives underway that may help in the involvement issues:
(*) The Charter Review Committee opened a discussion of having local elections occur on the General Election date (November) - There are a number of discussion points which should be aired:
- Partisan vs nonpartisan elections
- Cost for providing such elections
(**) The CBAC (Citizens Budget Advisory Committee) is now in the process of becoming an active involved group. They will shortly publish on http://www.southorange.org/boards.asp?board=5
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e roberts
Citizen
Username: Wnwd00
Post Number: 16
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 - 12:50 am: |
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I am all for helping and do what is necessary but i refuse to waste my time at silly meetings where we talk about everyones "feelings" ad nauseum. i want to actually get out in do something.
i would encourage anyone who wants to do something to volunteer at a church or school in the community, coach a little league or soccor team, volunteer for the rescue squad.
dont become one of these people who thinks if they speak their minds at a BOT or public safety meeting they are doing their part for the community.
actually do something dont become part of the problem. |
Howard Levison
Moderator
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 86
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 - 9:13 am: |
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Your comment exemplifies an attitude that leads to the real problem!
There are numbers of volunteers who dedicate their time and have significant positive impact to the community.
What your comment reflects is one of a surface view not having been involved with nor have had real in depth commitments other than what seems conformable to you.
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e roberts
Citizen
Username: Wnwd00
Post Number: 18
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 - 10:22 am: |
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um not quite but its a nice thought and it makes you sound intelligent when you write it.
i am actively involved in the community in both my job which works entirely in town and a volunteer posistion thats entire focus is south orange and beneficial to the community.
however if you feel that attending your public safety meetings, talking about your need for a store to close one hour ealier at a BOT meeting or writing on MOL takes care of your responsibility that is fine with me, you are just another member of the community who just lives here while there are others who actually make a difference. |
just me fromsouthorange
Citizen
Username: Jmfromsorange
Post Number: 169
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 - 10:38 am: |
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howard-
if i remember correctly from an earlier thread erobert is either on the first aid squad, or a volunteer fireman. |
Howard Levison
Moderator
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 87
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 - 10:39 am: |
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That is not what I said. One part of involvement is to participate in the dialogue may it be at BOT meetings, MOL etc.
Another is to volunteer ones services to various community activities spanning any number of public offices from membership on committees to running for various offices.
Your conclusion is somewhat insulting. I not only express my concerns at BOT meetings, MOL, etc., but have been for many years an active member of various Boards and owner of a SO small business. |
arizona
Citizen
Username: Arizona
Post Number: 49
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 - 11:16 am: |
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Howard Levison: Don't be so easily insulted. When you put yourself out here in cyberspace people write what they feel. It goes with the territory. It sounds like both you and e roberts are active in individual and helpful ways. |
Eric DeVaris
Citizen
Username: Eric_devaris
Post Number: 63
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 - 12:29 pm: |
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Volunteers are needed in all areas of our community. Let's allow this thread to be the place where everyone on this Board can suggest venues of volunteerism, and let's avoid the "mine is better than yours" mentality.
Howard Levison's suggests to get involved in committee activities; e roberts prods us to get involved in coaching and/or Rescue Squad participation. All are excellent suggestions. We need people who sit around a table, brainstorm, and then get out and implement their ideas, as much as we need people who get out there and -through sports - mold our children to be better citizens, as much as we need people in the Rescue Squad who are ready to help in life and death situations, as much as we need people who get up and speak their minds in BoT public meetings.
There is something for every taste here. Let's enjoy.
Eric |
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