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bets
Citizen
Username: Bets
Post Number: 300
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 8, 2003 - 3:47 pm: | 
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I wrote a letter to the editor supporting the Line B slate and dropped it off before 9 a.m. on Monday. I can understand if they can't print every letter received, but THEY HAD 13 LETTERS REGARDING THE JUNE PRIMARY IN MAPLEWOOD AND NOT ONE LETTER ABOUT THE SOUTH ORANGE ELECTION THIS TUESDAY!!! This is OUTRAGEOUS! I know of at least one other person who submitted a letter for publication, but obviously, the editors deemed these too dangerous for print. Since they support the incumbents I guess no other views are pertinent.
If the village didn't use the Snooze Wrecker to publish its legal notices, the publication wouldn't be worth the cheap paper and ink its printed with. And I'm so disgusted I don't think even that's worth it anymore. I'll read it at the library rather than spend one more dime on that piece of trash.
I will, however, submit another letter voicing my outrage. Not that they'll print it. |
jem
Citizen
Username: Jem
Post Number: 725
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 8, 2003 - 4:16 pm: |
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I totally understand your frustration with the local rag - I know lots of people who've had erratic luck with getting letters printed, myself included, particularly campaign-related letters. I'm aware, though, that the paper has a pretty longstanding policy of not printing letters of support for candidates on the week that they make their endorsement, so I doubt that there was much hope of your letter appearing. It makes no sense to me, but that's the way it's been for quite awhile. |
bets
Citizen
Username: Bets
Post Number: 302
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 8, 2003 - 10:22 pm: |
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Thanks Jem. It makes me feel fractionally better that I'm not the only one. There's no mention of that in their published "policies", but it does explain a lot. In any event, here's the letter I wrote:
The Editor
News Record of Maplewood & South Orange
Valley Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Dear Editor,
While running for office, politicians make promises. All politicians. It comes with the territory. Usually they promise big tax cuts and ehancements in services; they welcome with open arms public participation. It’s an election, after all.
But I’ve heard one promise that I can believe in. One that can’t be “unpromised.”
“If we don’t get it done, we won’t run again.”
This is the promise from the Open South Orange slate - Line B - and it’s a breath of fresh air after hearing the same, stale promises from the incumbents every two years at election time.
I first met Brian O’Leary on the South Orange/Maplewood Virtual Community message board, and I was immediately drawn by his warmth and humor. I’ve since met him in person, and I believe he can apply that warmth and humor to the tension-filled Monday night trustee meetings. Residents will no longer fear the sarcasm and humuliation that can happen now if they speak up at a town forum.
Eric DeVaris has long been involved in this town, not only fighting almost 200 apartment units planned for the quarry site but championing and volunteering for the performing arts center. He is now being practically blamed for the delays without any validation.
David Lackey shows bravery by throwing his hat into the ring. His honesty and earnestness ring true to me, and I believe he wants to make a better town for his family, and us.
I believe South Orange needs change. This is only way to effect it. The current administration seem quagmired in micro-management, and they have too many issues that have not been acknowledged nor explained to anyone’s satisfaction. These issues will not go away no matter how many times they’re reelected.
If you love South Orange, and are sick of the empty storefronts and vacuous promises, vote new blood into office. Vote Line B.
--Bets |
jimmurphy
Citizen
Username: Jimmurphy
Post Number: 116
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 9, 2003 - 8:21 am: |
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As a South Orange voter, I'm interested in the quote attributed to the OSO team above -
“If we don’t get it done, we won’t run again.”
What, specifically, would constitute "getting it done"?
And I'm not trying to be "cute" or biased here (as I'm still undecided), but if environmental issues on a project or unforseen cost overrun projections prevented "getting it done" within the term of the OSO slate; would the promise not to run again apply?
Thanks,
Jim
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Brian O'Leary
Citizen
Username: Brianoleary
Post Number: 1370
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 9, 2003 - 8:24 am: |
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Yes.
www.opensouthorange.com
Vote Line B on May 13th
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Brian O'Leary
Citizen
Username: Brianoleary
Post Number: 1371
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 9, 2003 - 8:40 am: |
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Sorry, Jim. You also wanted some information on what was on our list of things to get done. If you go to our website (www.opensouthorange.com) and click on the platform link, you'll get to a set of roll-over links that explain what we are committed to and how we plan to accomplish each one. That will save a chunk of MOL space for Dave Ross 
The promise to get the job done or we'll serve a single term was born out of the frustration we have with incumbent promises on things like the arts center, which four years ago was scheduled to start construction in August, 1999. In major projects, there are always (always!) unforeseen circumstances. Our responsibility is to start now and build plans with enough capacity that we are sure the exceptional event does not visibly derail progress. If we don't do that, we're accountable.
Bets, thanks for your kind words. One of my favorite parts of campaigning comes in hearing people unvarnished, both pro and con. A letter likes yours means a great deal, no matter who prints it.
www.opensouthorange.com
Vote Line B on May 13th
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jimmurphy
Citizen
Username: Jimmurphy
Post Number: 118
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 9, 2003 - 9:00 am: |
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Thanks for the unequivocal reply on running again or not Brian.
I checked out the website again. I applaud the sentiments but find them short on specifics - I know you politicos don't like to be tied down
Under Accountability and Goal Setting you say:
"We will adopt annual goals that set expectations for the Board of Trustees and key staff"
What are OSO's goals for their first year in office? Specifically.
Under "If we don't get it done..." you state "If we do not bring real progress, we will not ask for your support again."
What would constitute "real progress"?
Specifically on:
The Arts Center. Will it be open during your first term?
The Market. Will it open during your first term?
Vacant storefronts. When will they be full?
And Brian, lest you think I'm a shill for the other side - I am inclined to vote for you specifically - not sure about your running mates yet.
As I stated, the website goals seem a bit generic. Any specifics on ideas to jumpstart the redevelopment process would be appreciated.
Thanks, Jim
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Brian O'Leary
Citizen
Username: Brianoleary
Post Number: 1374
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 9, 2003 - 9:49 am: |
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Fair enough .. With nearly 1400 posts, I clearly don't mind being specific.
First-year goals would be to: (1) get the recommended downtown redevelopment management corporation approved, staffed and operating; (2) integrate and update the master, downtown redevelopment, open space and recreational plans into a single view that can be shared with and discussed in the community; (3) prepare a three-to-five year budget and tax forecast, combine with a forecast of simlar duration for the school district and assess the impact on the community's financial stability; and (4) create, publish and report progress against timelines and deliverables on all major downtown projects.
Short story: set the table to make accountability and demonstrable progress a lock in years 2, 3 and 4.
"Real progress" includes meeting the goals set in each of the first three years of our terms, completing the projects (that you also ask about) still on the drawing table, bringing stores to the downtown area that make it a destination for both residents and out-of-towners, and bringing governmental, business and community organizations to a common understanding of what we as a Village need to do, plan to do and how each group fits in the larger picture.
The market ... yes.
The arts center - in our first six months, we'll tie up and present to the community the details of the proposed partnership with Seton Hall. If that joint venture makes sense for the community, it will be completed in the first term. If not (and in this regard I have to be soft - there are very few details of substance available on the proposal at this point) , we would look to a commercial developer for an alternative development (e.g., a cinema complex) and stop the use of public funds on this front. Whatever alternative is pursued, it will be done before we are up for re-election.
Vacant storefronts. The downtown redevelopment corporation will be charged in part with making sure this happens in three years, including lots on Valley.
The redevelopment corporation, which would bring expert professional support to the property development and business recruitment process, is the most important step to take to jumpstart the redevelopment process. It would still report to the Board of Trustees, but it would separate the important planning function (which is the trustees' role) from execution. It would also put trained professionals in discussions with developers and potential business owners.
This idea was recommended to the trustees in February by the participants in the redevelopment task force, who included members of the Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, community residents and trustee Patrick Joyce. It has broad support from people who have a stake in the downtown. We need to build on that support and implement it.
www.opensouthorange.com
Vote Line B on May 13th
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David Lackey
Citizen
Username: Davidlackey
Post Number: 19
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 9, 2003 - 9:57 am: |
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Jim,
Our promise to leave office if we cannot bring about significant change in four years is inspired by our town's lack of progress in the last four years. Line A is running on a platform of "Let us finish what we started" (to paraphrase) because they have failed to bring any significant changes in the last four years, but still want your support. Their campaign literature four years ago promised arts center construction beginning in 1999. The Beifus site was allowed to sit vacant for over seven years. More than two years past before anything was put before the planning board regarding the market site.
What, specifically, would we consider to be significant progress in the next four years? Market: Yes, an active, open place to buy food in less than four years.
Arts Center: a conclusion to this debacle, be it a functioning arts center, or perhaps the decision that South Orange should not be in the theater business after all (pending all the facts being made public and a prudent decision reached).
Vacant storefronts: largely filled (no one could promise 100% occupancy, but we must be more aggressive in our efforts to revitalize our retail zones).
Open South Orange would like to see the creation of a downtown redevelopment and management office, led by a professional in the field (and accountable to the Board) responsible for "selling" South Orange to potential shopkeepers and developers, as well as working with landlords to ensure a fertile environment for retailers. The incumbants are talking around this issue and saying they would like to examine it further, etc, etc. It's time to do it.
More specifics: We will begin evaluating village emplyees against job descriptions and expectations, actually setting goals and seeing that they are reached. We will examine the processes used by village boards and committees and work to make them more streamlined and effective. We will engage the residents of the village to build consensus about critical projects and allow us to make informed decisions. |
Brian O'Leary
Citizen
Username: Brianoleary
Post Number: 1376
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 9, 2003 - 9:59 am: |
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lol.. and the two of us didn't compare notes.
www.opensouthorange.com
Vote Line B on May 13th
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jimmurphy
Citizen
Username: Jimmurphy
Post Number: 119
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 9, 2003 - 10:10 am: |
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Thanks gentlemen.
I appreciate the reply.
Good luck,
Jim |
Brian O'Leary
Citizen
Username: Brianoleary
Post Number: 1377
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 9, 2003 - 10:12 am: |
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No problem. I do need to learn to be briefer, though
www.opensouthorange.com
Vote Line B on May 13th
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woodstock
Citizen
Username: Woodstock
Post Number: 134
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 9, 2003 - 11:32 am: |
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I'm curious as to what a DRC (or DMC, or DMRC or DRMC or Run DMC...) could do to "force" private landowners to improve or rent their properties.
Mr. Rosner has mentioned that the Beifus site is a private site, and the trustees could not force the owner to do something with it over the past 7 years.
Since much of the vacant or "to be improved" space in downtown is privately owned, what kind of carrots and sticks can the town use to get them moving? Cajoling obviously doesn't always work. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 374
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 9, 2003 - 12:05 pm: |
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Woodstock: We would need to have tougher ordinances and tougher enforcement. We need landlords who are going to stand up to their tenants and insist on the space being maintained properly. Some of the stores need serious upgrades. New business owners want to open in areas that look nice. Nobody wants to open up next to a dumpy looking storefront.
The Atlantic Report suggests that we actually offer to pay a portion of the rents as an inducement to attract a new business. That might be an avenue to explore, but on the surface that does not seem fair to the current storeowners.
A DMC would help because it would be putting together a comprehensive action plan for attracting and soliciting new businesses. One of the most important things is to make sure we maintain the village (street cleaning, landscaping, etc).
The Beifus site has already rented out one space and has had many inquiries.
And just to repeat: The fish market will be opening on June 1st, only it will be in the building next to Pete's Barbershop. The other vacant store will become a seafood resaurant.
The Dancing Goat Cafe is looking to open by June 1st. The South Orange Grille opened yesterday although they are not expected to be fully operational till sometime in June.
Remember to Vote Line A on May 13th
www.leadershipwithvision.org
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Brian O'Leary
Citizen
Username: Brianoleary
Post Number: 1381
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 9, 2003 - 12:42 pm: |
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Well, you have the carrot, and you have the stick. I prefer the carrot.
You work where you can show success. There are store owners and property owners who will play ball. Witness the property that will be built on the south side of West South Orange Avenue. The owner has invested heavily in South Orange and is interested in continuing to do so. If I understand Mark's post on the fish market, it will be moving into one of his buildings.
Sloan Street works in part because it has a critical mass of stores; it draws traffic and forces store owners to keep up with one another. In planning change, the focus needs to be on changing areas, not just a store. Getting two or three properties in a single part of the downtown working to improve appearances is better than ten spread across all areas.
I don't favor ongoing incentives (e.g., paying rent to attract businesses), but I do favor limited-time offers to merchants or property owners (e.g., if you make a facade imporvement in the next year, we will reimburse 50% of the value, etc). If it doesn't have a time limit, owners will have an incentive to let someone else go first.
Finally, you start now to build a better understanding among merchants of what works in retail in terms of lighting, display, stocking, promotion, etc. This could take place as a monthly half-hour at the Chamber of Commerce etc. Tone is important. If we come across as lecturing people on why their stores don't work, we lose the relationship. If we can show good faith in bringing quality ideas to the attention of people who probably know what they don't know, I think we can keep the relationship and get private-public partnership to work.
I also favor making it easy to open a business locally. We should regularly survey property and business owners on their views of government services, and act visibly to address issues raised as a result. The Village does not have a consistent reputation as one that is easy to do business with; that can discourage investment.
www.opensouthorange.com
Vote Line B on May 13th
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mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 377
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 9, 2003 - 1:59 pm: |
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Brian: We already have a program where the village pays 50% of facade improvements. Many storeowners have participated. Main Street coordinates the process. Take a look at the new awnings on the businesses on Village Plaza. The village paid for 75% of those improvements. The fronts program which funds these projects is itself funded by the S. Orange Credit Card. The whole idea of a town having it's own credit card came from Bill Calabrese and we were the first town to have one.
As for being easy to do business with, well I have to disagree. For example, ask the owner of the Dancing Goat Cafe which is opening on June 1st at the old Village Kids location if we are difficult. Or ask the owners of Urban Femme. Or ask the owner of Cait & Abby's who said that Milburn is the hardest town in Essex county to work with (he has a store there too). Please, don't help to continue rumors that are just not true. I have worked hard to improve our reputation and to make our village easier to do business with and we have continued to discuss in the planning and zoning meetings ways to keep improving.
Main Street and the Chamber of Commerce have had meetings with the storeowners. They both have worked with them. There are many examples of success stories.
Also, Main Street coordinates the Farmers Market that helps to bring shoppers into the downtown.
Remember to Vote Line A on May 13th
www.leadershipwithvision.org
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Brian O'Leary
Citizen
Username: Brianoleary
Post Number: 1387
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 9, 2003 - 2:35 pm: |
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I'm aware of the facades program... I would put a time restriction on it, so that merchants would get involved sooner rather than waiting. I think if you re-read that paragraph, you'll see the difference.
I appreciate that you feel South Orange is easy to do business with. I have had conversations that suggest there is room to improve, which is why I wrote that the "Village does not have a consistent reputation" in this regard.
Finally, in presenting a concern that I would work to address, I don't think that I am "continuing rumors". The people I talk to are neither more nor less valid than the people you talk to. Periodic surveys would help give us real data that doesn't consist of the smaller set of people you and I come into contact with on a regular basis.
www.opensouthorange.com
Vote Line B on May 13th
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bets
Citizen
Username: Bets
Post Number: 303
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 9, 2003 - 3:49 pm: |
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Hey Brian, no need to thank me. It's what I believe. |
Ed May
Citizen
Username: Edmay
Post Number: 1457
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 3:18 pm: |
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bets
In my opinion, your post YELLING at the News-Record was uncalled for and unjustified, as jem explained. The News-Record has its shortcomings, some of which I have posted about in the past, but not publishing your letter that week was their perogative and consistent with their policy. Now that you know the facts, perhaps you will post an apology?
Ed May
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Brian O'Leary
Citizen
Username: Brianoleary
Post Number: 1415
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 3:23 pm: |
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How about a decision to not cover the only debate held in this election?
www.opensouthorange.com
Vote Line B on May 13th
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bets
Citizen
Username: Bets
Post Number: 310
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 3:25 pm: |
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Actually, Ed, their policy says nothing about political letters. It simply states that letters will be considered for publication. If there is, indeed, a policy that no political letters are printed the Thursday before an election (which seems pretty moronic and small-minded, in any case) they should have that clearly printed.
So, no, I won't be apologizing to the Snooze Wrecker. |
Ed May
Citizen
Username: Edmay
Post Number: 1461
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 4:30 pm: |
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Bets Have it your way
Brian I think they should have covered the debate, and I certainly hope they cover all the debates that Joel Ziegler and I will be in over here in Maplewood up until our November General Election. BTW, how best to learn the results of today's election, and when?
Ed May
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Brian O'Leary
Citizen
Username: Brianoleary
Post Number: 1416
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 4:59 pm: |
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Village hall will be collecting the results after polls close. You can also call our house... we have an interest in finding out
www.opensouthorange.com
Vote Line B on May 13th
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