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<Union Election>

<A HREF="#68551">Smiley 09-Sep-99 >

<A HREF="#68662">Resident 10-Sep-99 >

<A HREF="#68702">Ditto 10-Sep-99 >

<A HREF="#68833">Resident 11-Sep-99 >

<A HREF="#69309">Interesting 14-Sep-99 >

<A HREF="#69370">correction 14-Sep-99 >

<A HREF="#69376">get on with real issues 14-Sep-99 >

<A HREF="#70687">citizen 23-Sep-99 >

<A HREF="#70808">taxpayer2 24-Sep-99 >

<A HREF="#71268">Another thought 28-Sep-99 >

<A HREF="#71283">Politico 28-Sep-99 >

<A HREF="#71412">Doobie 29-Sep-99 >

<A HREF="#71560">To the Liberty Ave Poster 30-Sep-99 >

<A HREF="#71656">Doobie 01-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#71686">Buggin Out 01-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#71707">Using the same logic 01-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#71922">shhhh... 03-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#71938">Amazing 03-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#72615">Are They Serious? 08-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#73321">FARMER 13-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#73748">taxpayer2 16-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#73784">About Cohan & Dist 21 17-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#73813">Puzzled 17-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#73830">RE - About Cohan 18-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#73934">who was that masked man? 19-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#74672">Real Unionite 23-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#74777">To Real Unionite 24-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#74778">To Real Unionite 24-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#74797">Whats 24-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#74840">Tactician 24-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#74908">to tactician 25-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#75075">Ray Lehmann 27-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#75093">Taxpayer 28-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#75123">Observer 28-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#75486">Real Unionite 29-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#75510">To Real Unionite 30-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#75512">To Real Unionite 30-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#75585">Prediction 30-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#75638">to blank 30-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#75662">Prediction 31-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#75729">Impressed 31-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#75770">Breakfast 31-Oct-99 >

<A HREF="#76134">A voter 02-Nov-99 >

<A HREF="#76135">A voter 02-Nov-99 >

<A HREF="#76386">taxpayer2 03-Nov-99 >

<A HREF="#76689">Consider 05-Nov-99 >

<A HREF="#76746">Correction 05-Nov-99 >

<A HREF="#76800">The Real Democrat 05-Nov-99 >

<A HREF="#77024">Correction 07-Nov-99 >

<A NAME="68551">Subject:Union Election -1999

<From:>Smiley

<Date:09-Sep-99 >

I fugiured we should have this thread since the Union Leader has started already. The photo of Berkey looks like it should have a number under it. But he is right. The car should not have been used for private use. It doesn't require an investigation, it happened. There are many other misuses going on as well.

<From:>?

<Date:09-Sep-99 >

What other misuses?

<From:>hal

<Date:09-Sep-99 >

to ? you seem to think that we have no problems between the handling of the tax office,late tax bills that cost the town interest on the money not collected,100,000 to a essex county architect for plans we didnt use,golf on town time,zero local tax increase which we will not see this year,14 million late payment to the school board another 100,000 or so in lost interest,4 million to the county also late,the promise of more cops we didnt get,more township cars on the street including shore trips,dept heads with cell phones with intercoms to reach the local golf course,more employees on the payroll and on and on.funny when the dems took over town hall they blamed the gop which was true but promised to clean the mess up and now 3 years later the mess and mismanagement still exists

<From:>Resident

<Date:10-Sep-99 >

Of course the mess and mismanagement still exists because we're dealing with POLITICIANS. The car business should not be an issue. Bradley is not a thief nor someone who took his position to get a car. Maybe he shouldn't have used it at the shore, but that is now over and done with and HE AIN'T RUNNING FOR ANYTHING!!!!! So slap his wrist, tell him not to do it again and CLEARLY define what the rules are. But that should have nothing to do with who gets elected to the committee. Surely there must be more of an issue to dicuss than Bradley's car!! In my humble opinion, NOBODY, not the building inspector, fire chief, police chief, library director or ANYONE should have a "taxpayer car". Let 'em use their own damn cars and reimburse them for "company" business. I'm sick of paying for this crap, but both sides abuse the perks, so why is it all of sudden an issue?

<From:>Ditto

<Date:10-Sep-99 >

Much sense in the above post, particularly "clearly define what the rules are."

<From:>

<Date:10-Sep-99 >

Let's find some valid issues.

<From:>Resident

<Date:11-Sep-99 >

Again, we're dealing with POLITICIANS! So, probably there will never be a "valid issue", as long as it's possible to sling mud. All political campaigns are based on negativity. Remember: when a Democrat calls his Republican opponent a "bum", and in return the Republican calls his democratic counterpart a "bum", the taxpayers can rest assured thet no matter who wins we will have a "bum" in office.Of course that may be a little TOO cynical, but when the literature starts cramming the mailboxes, that's the impression one gets!

<From:>Ray

<Date:11-Sep-99 >

The last post reminds me of a Mencken quote (many things remind me of Mencken quotes, of course.)

"Under democracy one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the other party is unfit to rule--and both commonly succeed, and are right."

-- Henry Louis Mencken, 1928

<From:>

<Date:11-Sep-99 >

1) Lets have both political parties and their candidates affirm - to finally once and for all eliminate the Zoning Board Salaries, effective on 01/01/2000. Mr Florio (D) sits on a Dem. controlled Township Committee.

2) Ditto - Zoning Pension benefits

3) Lets make all Department officials obligated to be present in their office from the start of the Municipal Government business day, through to it's conclusion. A full days work for a full days pay.

4) Lets make a list of all full and part time positions created in Municipal Government in the last six years, and eliminate any position from that list that isn't State mandated (exclusive of police and fire positions).

5) Lets review the placement of professional service contracts over the last six years for productivity and competence, and have the political parties and their candidates defend themselves for the mess this town is in - regarding things like over development and spiraling taxes. Lets not forget all these political types are part of that same Fusion group that kicked out the Russocrats, and that in many cases, these Petti/Cryan/DiGiovanni politicians have had lousey PR with the respective civic groups that have been impacted by overdevelopment and runaway traffic. Case in point, the hospital parking lot at Five Points. How does parking meters create new parking spaces and reduce offstreet parking in the neighborhood?

6) Can anybody seriously justify Minitelli's and Kobran's salaries - with a staight face. Why are they still on the payroll? The latest fight in Union Center is over another 99cent store. Do we really need these guys on the payroll if after all these years they still haven't brought in a name anchor store (or two) ?

7) Why aren't the Municipal Ordinances and Zoning Codes accessible on the Township web site?

8) Why isn't the Town Committee meeting agenda's on the Web site up to date and complete?

9) Since we give out personal service contracts for every specialized legal task, why are we carrying two Township attorneys?

10) Why is our Zoning Board giving liberal interpretation and approval to so many applications?

11) Since Public Works crews are known to work on week ends, lets open up the Recycling areas of the DPW yard on Saturdays - so people/taxpayers can make greater use of the facility. Also, lets remove the restrictions and allow homeowner drop off of grass clippings, newspaper and cardboard - at this facility.

<From:>Ray

<Date:12-Sep-99 >

Good list. I don't agree with every item, particularly item 10, but I would certainly vote for a candidate with this as their platform.

We (meaning localsource posters, and I can specifically remember Steve Kuchen and Henry Kavett taking part) came up with a similar list in 1998. And in 1997. Items 1,2, 6 and 9 I know I personally brought to the township committee in 1997.

Unfortunately, I fear that Union has slipped into a state of monolithic political oligarchy. There no longer seems to be much of a public debate. Without some significant intra-party competition, or emergence of a serious independent challenge, these issues aren't likely to be taken seriously.

Of course, I think this is just skimming the surface of what could be done, but it would be a start.

<From:>

<Date:12-Sep-99 >

I AGREE WITH RAY ON THIS! BUT IT PROBABLY WON'T HAPPEN.

<From:>

<Date:14-Sep-99 >

The only reason we don't have a "Director of Americanization" at a salary of $50,000 per annum is because our "leaders" have never read The Last Hurrah.

<From:>Interesting

<Date:14-Sep-99 >

It has been promised that the Township Administrator's job description will no longer include the duties of Emergency Manager.

If the Township Administrator is not the Emergency Mangager then why is he on call and need a township car 24 hours a day??? Didn't those duties shift to the police or fire department???

It seems that Florio is on the wrong side of the issue on this one.

<From:>correction

<Date:14-Sep-99 >

The title to be deleted from the position description of the administrator is "Director of Public Safety". As I understand it the 'Emergency Management Team' consists of the administrator,the police and fire chiefs,and the director of public works.

<From:>get on with real issues

<Date:14-Sep-99 >

why don't all of you do something about real issues in the town

<From:>

<Date:14-Sep-99 >

Ray--------It is good to see you on this thread. NOW STAY OFF OF THE 2 SCHOOL THREADS, PLEASE.

<From:>

<Date:21-Sep-99 >

The township should renegotiate it's garbage hauling contract to include things like "State of Emergency" debris clean up after natural disasters like Hurricane Floyd. While the Township's "Monday after" DPW response in debris removal was apreciated, it would seem to make sense that the garbage collectors should treat this type of situation as an emergency "BULK" pick up day, and just pick up all garbage, instead of driving past it. One has to assume that the Township has a contact telephone number for Waste Management, and could arrange these types of services by verbal provision.

The Township Fire Department was out in force the evening of the hurricane, and this was also a welcome sight.

<<From:>>citizen

<Date:23-Sep-99 >

I have heard similar calls from others in nearby communities and throughout the state this past week. As an adjuster I have been through some of the hardest hit areas in Union County and my impression is that for the most part Union got by in alot better shape then most. In this instance the DPW may have been able to handle the work. But it may be something to look into. This is rare to see so much flooding on such a grand scale. And believe me, the elected officials in areas like springfield, clark, scotch plains and especially those in somerset county are hearing it big time. Though i must say ive been there and there towns have done a pretty damned good job cleaning up. The areas ive been in had debris removed by wednesday 9/22 which seems to me to be rather swift under these circumstances. Where they will put it all is another question.

<From:>taxpayer2

<Date:24-Sep-99 >

To blank:

The DPW brought the trash back to the DPW yard and put the stuff in 40 cubic yard containers. The "garbage hauler " then takes the trash away in its own containers. I think that the DPW did a great job and probably saved the town big money. To have the "private gabage hauler" do the collection would have been stupid and costly while our own trucks sat in the DPW yard. If we would have relied on the private hauler the trash would still be on the curbs waiting for a pick-up. Do you think we were the only municipality the needed trash pick-up???

<From:>

<Date:24-Sep-99 >

The point I was trying to make was that had the heavy flooding impact been felt town wide as opposed to a select few low lying neighborhoods, the DPW would have been overwhelmed with the workload. Had the storm track followed a slightly different course, with a higher intensity wind and extended rainfall (also mindful of high tides), the floodwaters would have risen higher, and the flood impact area would have been larger, and the wind damage (downed trees) would have been greater. I believe it was reported that this was a 200 year storm of record. The 200 year name tag refers to a level of intensity, not the likelyhood of reoccurence. In theory, you could experience the same type of storm repeatedly, in any given period.

The comment WAS NOT submitted as a criticism, but as an observation of the size of the crew used and the amount of equipment and time required to clean up flood damaged debris from approximately fifteen houses. In the event of a townwide disaster clean up effort, it would require days/week(s) of clean up, which means our garbage haulers would be driving past debris on each of the three day sets of the weekly cycle, while selectively taking things like grass clippings, newspapers, and plastic/glass. This does not make sense in emergency clean up situations. There are limits to how much high intensity work effort our DPW crews (or anyone else) are capable of sustaining before exhaustion and injuries set in.

It would probably take the combined effort/capacity of the DPW and our garbage haulers to meet that type of emergency effort. It is worth considering and looking into.

To clarify, I can only highly commend our Police and Fire Department and DPW for their efforts related to Hurricane Floyd.

<From:>

<Date:27-Sep-99 >

I heard that the Police Department was all out as well as the FD the night and day after Floyd cam. My understanding of that night was that the PD Chief and FD Chief were working very close together and were actually surveying the town together for problem areas. I think the PD & FD did a superb job thanks to the dedications of our chiefs. Many hours on night duty were spent in the communications center that night by them. Wonder if the Truhe's would ever do that?

<From:>

<Date:27-Sep-99 >

I heard that the Police Department was all out as well as the FD the night and day after Floyd came. My understanding of that night was that the PD Chief and FD Chief were working very close together and were actually surveying the town together for problem areas. I think the PD & FD did a superb job thanks to the dedications of our chiefs. Many hours on night duty were spent in the communications center that night by them. Wonder if the Truhe's would ever do that?

<From:>

<Date:27-Sep-99 >

As usual, everything in Union was working well. Other communities get devastated, we survive. This isn't by luck. We have excellent municipal services.

<From:>Another thought

<Date:28-Sep-99 >

How about all of the members of the Township Committee patrolling around town in 4 wheel drive vehicles as well as other dept heads-surveying situation,relaying information to command center and assisting residents with information.I'm sure that the PD,FD and DPW were appreciative to get the support of their "bosses",and to see that they weren't afraid to "get their hands dirty" (actually wet in this case).I can't imagine Russo, Muller or Petti showing such interest and concern.

<From:>Politico

<Date:28-Sep-99 >

Look, they is them and we is us. Issues be damned, we is looking out for us. There ain't nothing more. It's the game.

<From:>

<Date:28-Sep-99 >

Back at the time of the 100 year storm in the late 70's (the storm of record prior to Floyd), when the first huge flooding occured in the area of Liberty Avenue/Joe Collins Park I believe Russo/Conlon/Bono (whomever was in office back then), walked the neighborhoods affected, inspecting the flood damage and visiting the hardest hit homes personally. One house off Liberty had it's foundation cave in at that time. The Township Committee kept pressure on the State to have the down stream drainage ways improved. If you recall, the Army Corp of Engineers did extensive work in the County, including building flood detention basins in Springfield.

Liberty Avenue has flooded several times in recent years, and it doesn't take a Hurricane Floyd for this to happen, it just takes an intense rainfall. Some of the homes there have also seen flooding in the basements under these conditions, however the reach of Floyd went well beyond what has previously been experienced.

Supposedly the big bottle neck affecting drainage in the immediate area now is the old multi arch bridge on Morris Avenue near the Larchmont Reservation/Springfield line. I was told there is a State study and that it's a 12 million dollar project to replace the span with a modern single arch steel bridge, and the State won't come up with the money, in part because the entire drainage way from Essex County to Arthur Kill needs to be treated as one regional system, rather than town by town. I was told that the old multi arch design significantly reduces volumetric flow, especially if debris accumulates on the upstream side. This is why the State did some cleanup work in the area of the RT 24/78 bridges a few years ago. These storm drainage ways carry water from Essex County down through several Union County communities, and it all dumps into the Arthur Kill.

This is not an issue related to any specific election. The condition along Liberty Avenue and also at the upper end of Vauxhall Rd - near the Millburn line, has been allowed to exit during both Democratic and Republican control of the township government. The prior storm of record was, as I said, in the late 70's, so therefore this condition has continued for 20 years. It would of course be an excellent topic of discussion "for the record" during the debate as to how and what the candidates and political parties propose to accomplish in this regard and what action they will commit to if elected. Take note that the Democrats also control the County Freeholder Board. The Petti/Cryan/Lesniak group are well positioned in the County and State levels to make some progress on these local reoccurring flooding problems.

<From:>Jack F.

<Date:29-Sep-99 >

<From:>Jack F.

<Date:29-Sep-99 >

Hope that the above person watched the Township Committee meeting tonight.The Twsp.Comm. announced an open public hearing on the flooding issue to be held on 10/13.All residents of Union and public officials from surrounding communities are invited to participate.If that isn't responsive government,I don't know what is.Incidentally, I've been in Union for 47 years and I'll guarantee you that Russo,Conlon,Bono nor Muller-nor many others-ever went anywhere where they might risk getting their shoes dirty.

<From:>Doobie

<Date:29-Sep-99 >

Anyone see the TC meeting tonight? No wonder Burkey has been 'in abstentia'-his big debut and he made a fool of himself.Someone who is going to question a decision making process should at least have their facts straight. And how shocked was Angelbeck to find that the TC had an answer for him when he went up there so smug thinking he had the upper hand?Terrezza-very politely-put him right in his place;he was dumbfounded.An increasingly common- place position for the GOP in Union anymore.Everyone is really beginning to realize that this TC is the real deal.This "Five-Oh" team is rapidly becoming the best thing to happen to this town in at least the last twenty years.

<From:>

<Date:30-Sep-99 >

As I said, first person account, whichever of the politicians were in office at the time, they were in the neighborhood - gettin their shoes dirty. It's been to many years to remember specifically which two of those mentioned walked through, but they were there. There was also at least one follow up meeting at that time at town hall. Your comment towards the politicians you named was nasty and uncalled for. During his tenure in office, Muller was known to regularly turn out with the FD at major alarms.

My comment was presented as valid observation in the spirit of sharing information. The guys at town hall know this chat page exists. They don't need to respond here, but they (as astute politicians) should monitor the threads pertaining to Union. If they choose to ignore this info, they are not maximizing the resource potential of posts to these threads in this modern electronic information age. I posted what I know, based on conversations a couple of years ago with the Township Engineer. If I know this info, then the current Township Committee knows it also, because it's been the same group for about 6 years now. (Doesn't matter who particularly controls the majority, D's or R's - it's still been the same guys and gals). What they should do is call upon Senator Lou Bassano to speak up - down in Trenton. The Democrats should also instruct Mr. Kobran (our Grants researcher) to contact Senators Lautenburg and Torricelli in DC for some help with funding for the bridge upgrades. Everyone knows about the problem, and with the study, we know about the cure. By posting here, lots of folks should now know about the study - and I assume the Union Leader could follow up and get a copy of the study to review for investigative reporting purposes.

<From:>

<Date:30-Sep-99 >

To Doobie

You must have smoked a doobie. They are far from the best thing. They just followed the worst thing. Our town is popping its seams and yet we allow the Petti's of the world to continue to build. We cant drive more than 5mph in the moring or 3:00pm/5:00pm. timeframe,taxes are still going up. All I can say is please don't bogart what your puffing pass it over to me.

<From:>To the Liberty Ave Poster

<Date:30-Sep-99 >

Perhaps the Larchmont Civic Association could take on the project to do some stream clean up while we wait around for the pols to act. That Association has done some good things and it would be a good project to help neighbors.

<From:>

<Date:30-Sep-99 >

Others have been out, but always after the fact.

First hand, I have never seen township comm. persons out in the midst of or before the storm getting wet and risking their own saftey. Believe me, I know.

<From:>York

<Date:30-Sep-99 >

I have been reading this thread for about a year now. I also watch the township committee meetings on TV rather than going out to the meetings. Most of the people in this chat room have hit the nail on the head regarding issues within our town. It is good to hear different sides of issues. Especially when you don't get out a lot. I do want to comment on one of the writers above named Doobie. I watched the township committee and I did not see what Mr. Berkey did wrong. My tax dollars should be protected in a sound bank and if they are not than the township committee should make a change. I don't know why they changed from the Union Center National Bank in the first place. If citizens can't have an open government where questions can be asked without being made fun of - what kind of government do we have? The township committmen should know the answers to important questions as Mr. Berkey asked. I don't know who the gentlemen was that spoke but the answer should have come from the Mayor. I also had Mr. Berkey come to my door two weeks ago. He was very polite and appeared to be knowledgeable on the issues we discussed.

<From:>

<<Date:30-Sep-99 >

Meaning no disrespect, doing a stream clean up may have some feel good impact as to aesthetic factors (the stream appears sufficiently polluted that it should be considered dead), however a cleanup will have no impact against flooding in that there was at least three feet of water sitting on portions of Liberty Avenue, which means the lower elevation of the wooded area was completely under water. As water will find it's own level and course, a cleanup in and along the stream bed would not reduce flooding. Major dredging of the stream (width and depth with reinforced rip rap banking) might improve volumetric capacity, but even that is of lessor value than increasing flow rate away and through the area. This is why the entire storm drainage way needs to be treated as a regional system. This makes it a County/State/Federal problem. If our governing body does not address it as such, then they are not addressing it, and the condition will continue. Our township committee needs to impress this fact upon the County, State and Washington.

Though not actually an election issue, but noteworthy none the less, is a parallel issue brought about by the flooding in these wooded/wet lands and the current mosquito scare. I drove near the stream on Milltown Road (at the bridge at the Springfield line), and there is a considerable amount of water sitting. The community should inspect our wooded areas for indications of standing water, identify which wooded areas or reservations have standing water, and possibly report same to the State for spraying.

<From:>Doobie

<Date:01-Oct-99 >

Perhaps York misunderstood my message. I didn't say that Mr.Burkey did anything wrong,rather that he was uninformed. I believe it was Mr.Capodice who stated that our funds are protected by some special insurance fund.Mr.Bradley stsed that the funds were deposited in the bank that offered the highest interest rate.And,at no time during the dialogue did I detect Mr.Burkey being made fun of.He asked a question and was given the answer.

<From:>Buggin Out

<Date:01-Oct-99 >

I went by Town Hall, looked around at the pictures hanging inside, and I gotta ask -- when are we gonna get some brothers up on the wall? The political parties in this town have been conspiring for years to keep the black community from getting its fair share of representatives. Another election, another year of pandering to Vauxhall voters on the part of the Democrats and ignoring us on the part of the Republicans, another two old, dumb white hacks on the ballot. Enough is enough. We are 30 percent of the population. We should be 30 percent of the Township Committee and 30 percent of the board of education.

The winds are blowing. A change is coming. Things will never be the same. I just hope nobody gets hurt in the process.

<From:>Using the same logic

<Date:01-Oct-99 >

Women are more than 50% of the population. Therefore they should have more than 50% of representation on every level of government! Locally that means 3 women and two men on township committee and about five women and four men on board of education.

Are the winds that are supposed to be blowing also bringing with them the same kind of equity?

<From:>-------

<Date:01-Oct-99 >

Why is it that the two political parties membership in town are not 30% black.It seems to me that a group of 30% could have one of their own running for office.but they choose to work outside the system and go to town hall meetings and demand that they get their fair share.They have yet to see the light that the way to get things done in the real world is to work hard inside the system.Lets get with it and join a party,the GOP and Dems are always looking for fresh new faces of any color.

<From:>shhhh...

<Date:03-Oct-99 >

E day is now less than a month away;this is the most quiet Union has been at this juncture in a long time. I'll bet the mailmen are happy too! What about "Union's Own" Michael Cohen?Maybe he figures with his close ties to the UTEA and their ambivolence among the community he's better off keeping his mouth shut.I know that if I were a candidate for public office I wouldn't want to be identified with that group of ingrates.Maybe he's just thrown in the towel and conceded.

<From:>

<Date:03-Oct-99 >

Is this a mayoral election in Union?

<From:>Amazing

<Date:03-Oct-99 >

That anyone in Union should not know that the mayor is NOT elected by the community. The five on the township committee select one among themselves to be chairman and he carries the honorary title of "mayor."

<From:>--------

<Date:03-Oct-99 >

To Amazing The person that wanted to know about a Mayors election knows very well that we dont elect a Mayor.Thats the Mrs Kessler and Mrs Weeks gang that want the charter changed starting early

<From:>

<Date:03-Oct-99 >

To Buggin Out

Bad impersonation of an afro-american, you called yourself "Vauxhall Voice" in the past.

You are using 60's lingo.

Keep your ears open, an ill wind is blowing in Vauxhall' It probably won't change the out come this November, but could change the numbers in the future.

You will be surprised

<From:>

<Date:03-Oct-99 >

To Buggin Out: You have every right to organize a group of people and put forth a candidate for election. I have to say that close to have of the grant money from the County ($250K of the 500K) went to the Vauxhall community. Representation or no representation from Vauxhall, your community faired far better than any other community in town.

<From:>

<Date:03-Oct-99 >

250K of County Grant Money did not go to Vauxhall.

none of the 500K County Grant Money went to Vauxhall.

Sounds like you are starting a pre-election rumor.

<From:>cut the bull

<Date:03-Oct-99 >

why are two caucasions debating about vauxhall.

let vauxhall speak for itself.

btw how will the 500K be spent

<From:>

<Date:03-Oct-99 >

I apologize and spoke from memory and not from facts. Out of the $187,000 CDBG Funds, the Vauxhall community received $84,400 in services to the community breakdown as follows: $47,000 contract with Community Action Organization for Day Care (I might add that the Town provides a contract to them as well separate and apart from CDBG in the amount of $76,038), $9,400 contract with Comm. Act. Org., and $28,100 contract with Community Health Center at Vauxhall for a total in dollar value service of $84,400, which is 45% of the CDBG. I do remember hearing $500K, but I think it was a grant just given to the town in the last meeting. I apologize for mixing the two. However, my point of last still stands. As for the person who suggest I am trying to start a pre-election rumor, no rumors are needed because the Ds will be successful on E-Day.

<From:>FYI

<Date:04-Oct-99 >

Conmmunity Development Block Grant money comes from the Federal government, not from the County. The manner in which it can be spent is carefully set down by regulation and much of it must go for low income purposes. Fact is that more projects in Vauxhall are eligible to receive the $$$$. There's no particular favoritism.

<From:>Are They Serious?

<Date:08-Oct-99 >

Got a flyer in the mail this morning. Wondring if anybody knows if its true.

<From:>

<Date:12-Oct-99 >

In reading the news article in the Star Ledger regarding the Army Corp of Engineers plans for flood abatement construction, I see they are only planning "engineering analysis" on the Morris Avenue bridge (near the Springfield line), as opposed to replacement. This problem has been around for over 20+ years and has only gotten worse with the additional construction throughout the area. Yes, this was an unusual weather pattern which dumped a large amonut of rain, but based on past experiences, the township already has a professional engineering study in hand as pertains to the Morris Avenue bridge. Are we going to study it for another twenty years so we can get hit with a few more hurricanes and tropical storms that have sufficient downfall intensity to repeat the Floyd flood depths?

The Committee guys and gal in town hall need to push the County, State and Feds. This special meeting they're having is no different than any other VENT FEST. You don't need a special meeting, because we already have the reports in hand. This is not a new problem. The Dem's and Rep's have been fully aware of this situation for 20+ years. If they claim they aren't aware, then both political parties have mismanaged this town for 20+ years. One Committee member lives within blocks of the Liberty Avenue flood area and should be fully knowledgable on the topic. All we want is action. The elected township officials lack of action over the last 20+ years is now coming back to haunt us and will kill property values here. I hope they will remember this at assessment time and reduce our tax assessments/bills by about 50%. It's only fair, since we are exposed to this reoccuring problem and the related clean up expense.

For many of us, moving is not an option, and flood insurance does zip for the stress and disruption of dealing with the loss, damage and clean up of the flood effects, so lets see what action the candidates and seated committee members are going to commit to.

<From:>FARMER

<Date:13-Oct-99 >

I agree with everything the last poster states as regards the history of the problem in certain areas of the town. It's really a downright shame that this problem has been ignored and doublespoke to death by politicos at all levels of government over the years.It can't even be labled "mismanaged" because that would infer that some action had at least taken place.

I do believe that this sitting Committee will attempt to get something accomplished and that eventually they will be successful-it may not occur overnight,but I believe that it will occur.I base this on two things. One,I happen to like this Committee;they impress me as a group who is really committed to doing what's best for the town.Second,and more tangible,look at the methadone clinic issue.Many,many politicos at all levels of government(sound familiar?)danced around that issue for over 25 years!!This Committee succeeded in moving it.I believe that the outcome on the flooding issue will be similar.

<From:>Rep

<Date:13-Oct-99 >

Where is our election candidate>?

<From:>taxpayer2

<Date:16-Oct-99 >

About the flood - - - All the flood improvements, if done, costing millions, will accomplish but one thing. Those improvements will shorten the duration of the flooding. So instead of 4 hours of flood it will only be two hours of flood. Your basement will still be under water.

Houses should not be built in a flood plain. I do not care if federal flood insurance is available. The government gets involved and provides the where-with-all for developers to make money, local governments to increase ratables and assures that families living in those areas will someday be devastated.

<From:>About Cohan & Dist 21

<Date:17-Oct-99 >

I read in the Union Leader that Mike Cohan (candidate for the 21st State Legislative District)advocates raising state income tax to make the state school districts less reliant on property taxes in order to fund T & E local education.

The article is to lengthy to retype here, but he ties the proposed tax increases to guaranteed dollar for dollar property tax reduction - based on the taxee's ability to pay. Why target my paycheck through a new income tax, when my property tax dollars already are applied directly to education within my community. This sounds like typical Cohan double speak to me. Does anyone really think that the state, once it gets all these dedicated dollars, is going to return dollar for dollar revenue to Union? I think not. There is no reason for the state to act as a go between for returning our money to us. I also doubt that we will be getting a lions share. While the demographics of Union is changing, we are by no means a financially beset Newark or Camden. We are a reasonably affluent community with a diverse makeup.

The target amount is $200 million.

This is more convoluted thinking from the guys associated with Petti, Cryan and Lesniak. (Anybody notice the report that Bill Clinton came to a private fund raiser at Lesniaks house? Lesniak obviously is in the loop).

Cohan is a former teachers union president and is a teacher in the Union School District. He is also a bigwig in JP's & JC's Democratic political group that took control of the town. Petti, Cryan and Lesniak are political cronies. Lesniak's name pops up every now and then, and should act as a red flag warning, for the huge political machine they are trying to create in the middle of the state.

If you take this so called $200 million dollars and spread it out over all of the public school districts in New Jersey, how much good could it possible do? We have something on the order of 567 municipalities. Some participate in regional school systems and not all districts are K-12, but these specific numbers are unimportant. The money is a drop in the bucket. What is of greatest importance is the fact that this plan is also a FOOT IN THE DOOR for additional eductional tax drains out pockets. God only knows how screwed up the BOE budget funding formulas would get under this system. Why should we pay into a State pot, when most of us would rather see our tax dollars remain here in town. We live here, and send our kids to school here, so why should our tax dollars leave the community? How big of a drain would the inner city type districts be upon this new funding formula. Sooner or later some court would come up with a new apportionment plan, and the local districts would have to revert to property taxes to keep up with the funding requirements of the local school budget. The proposal can not balance functional local property taxation on one hand and state wide income education taxation on the other. The state will have to divert more monies to the poorer inner cities and then the courts will direct the local districts to resume taxation at previous levels to accomplish T&E education mandates in home districts. Again the taxpayer will be hit with the double whammey.

Hey Mike - this plan of yours is a big GOOSE EGG SMOKE SCREEN. We've seen these types of plans to often. The voters better wake up to this new taxation scheme and it's sponcors. Sorry Mike - no vote from me!

<From:>Woe is me

<Date:17-Oct-99 >

Propertyl taxes support our schools. Why should the lowly widow, living on social security, struggling to hang onto her home, have to pay for those schools at the same rate as active wage earners and professionals with six figure incomes. It just isn't fair!

Those with the greatest ability to pay should bear the heaviest burden. Real estate taxes and sales taxes fall on everybody equally. Only income taxes--state and federal, are based on ability to pay.

Mike's just looking for ways to give us poor old folks a break!

<From:>Puzzled

<Date:17-Oct-99 >

Why would any Union Township resident elect to have an Essex County resident represent him in the State Assembly? Why not support the home town boy?

<From:>Dem Two

<Date:18-Oct-99 >

As a former "Russocrat",now just an ordinary run-of-the mill Democrat I'd like to bring to the attention of a previous poster his/her error in observation.The inner circle of the local Democratic Party consists of about 5 individuals who "call the shots".My guess is that group is limited to JC,CM,AT,PS & TP.The infamous "JP" is at best a "consultant".Michael Cohen is no more a 'bigwig' in the Democratic Party than I am.If that were the case would he be a candidate in a classicly gerrymandered GOP district?Why would the Dems hang one of their 'bigwigs' out to dry?And,why would he be foolish enough to do it?

My point is that Michael is a smart guy who would love to become one of the "insiders".He is far from that. It would be unfair to not vote for him based on an erroneous observation.

<From:>RE - About Cohan

<Date:18-Oct-99 >

To "Woe is me"

The idea of the post was that though the Caufield/Cohan tax plan, as reported in the Union Leader, supposedly targets persons with incomes above $500,000, we all know once a tax is created it never goes away. State Income Tax, State Sales Tax, State Lottery (a voluntary tax),gasoline taxes, the coming $1.00 Parkway tolls, etc., there has to be an end to this ever increasing taxation. If this new tax starts, sooner or later the targetted income brackets will be lowered, and eventually it will be applied across the board. We don't need to find new sources of revenue for funding BOE budgets by using smoke and mirrors. What we need to do is reduce spending at the BOE by redefining what is necessary to achieve a T&E education. Whether taxation occurs at the local, county or state level, it all affects the viability and attractiveness of a community, and the ability of it's citizens to survive. New taxes would be Ok if the total budgets were permanently frozen or locked to the CPI-U, and the existing property taxes permanently offset, but we all know that any new tax revenue will be absorbed and forgotten. It is the nature of the beast.

The senior issue is valid. Many seniors have raised families in the community. They may have put two or three students through the school system. In total they may have received 30 or 40 years of educational value from the district. And in many cases these same working class families have stayed in their homes after their children have graduated the system. Many of these seniors have remained in their homes for 30 to 50 years or more, and have more than payed off the dollar values of the education that their families have received. This is how a society works. Everybody in a tax based society takes their turn carrying the burden. The State has now stepped in with tax freezes for senior and other types of financial aid in order to put a band aid on the taxation burden caused by the ever expanding educational system. The problem is though, for every dollar you offset from seniors taxes, someone else has to pick up that burden. If seniors should be protected from tax burdens why should others be hit with these burdens just because they happen to fall into an affluent income bracket. That seems to be a form of reverse discrimination. While the tax dollars may roll off the back of the higher income groups who are less dependent on every penny of income, if and when these income guidelines are attacked by future court rulings and mandates and applied across the board, who will suffer. You got it. The same people who are supposedly being protected at the time of proposal. The double whammey. Best way to avert this is to prevent it from ever happening.

No tax - income, property, sales - whatever, falls upon all peoples with equal impact. To suggest that income taxes are fair, without commenting on the tax loop holes, shelters and write offs, of the rich, is not presenting an enlightened point of view.

The reality is we need more affordible age/income restricted senior housing in New Jersey, to move targetted at risk seniors into a housing type that generates zero impact to schools. When the existing housing stock goes back on the market, new families with greater income potential carry the tax burden.

Senior members in our family have found good value in the resale market in South Jersey. It is logical for seniors to consider lowering the asset drain on their savings by adjusting their housing situation to suit the needs of their golden years. Other members of our family have moved out of state upon retiring, and have found they were able to trade up in housing while absorbing the cost of moving AND reducing their tax burdens and daily living expense.

As to voting for an Essex County candidate - take note of the article referred to. The news article clearly states, "Cohan, a teacher at Kawameeh Middle School in Union, offered few specific's on how the plan would work." Here he is jumping on the coat tails of someone elses taxation scheme, but to make sure he doesn't get caught with his perverbial pants down - he has nothing to say on the subject. A true politician of the first order.

<From:>who was that masked man?

<Date:19-Oct-99 >

How can the GOP candidate for TC have the nerve to show up for the LWV Debate next Monday evening considering his complete absence of anything that even that remotely resembles a campaign?No press releases,no position papers, no public appearances-nothing..nada..zilch.Do you suppose he'll have to call Florio for directions to Town Hall?

By showing up he'll cost himself votes because to do so is a complete insult to the voters in this community.

<From:>-------

<Date:20-Oct-99 >

Berky will call Joe for a count of cars in the town hall lot to see if anyone is down the shore for the weekend.

<From:>Real Unionite

<Date:23-Oct-99 >

Issue 1--what cloud is the so-called former Russocrat living under? You think Petty is only a consultant and Cohan is just a smart guy running because he has some kind of goodwill? Cohan is president of the JP-JC coalition-inspired club whose existence is dependent on them and for whom, like the rest in his club, he is a puppet only carrying out orders to bring the worst in machine politics into Union.

As to all the publicity about the GOP contender for Township Committee. How many meetings did Joe Florio attend before he was pulled from obscurity by the Russos and put up to run for office the first time. The only thing he knew about government then was what the rest of the soccer parents told him. The only thing he knows now is what JP puts in his head and tells him to do. IT IS TIME THAT WHAT WAS OLD IS NEW AGAIN!!!

<From:>

<Date:24-Oct-99 >

Oh! Then Florio is a Russocrat? That's interesting.....

<From:>To Real Unionite

<Date:24-Oct-99 >

You are free to criticize but you have an obligation to base the criticism on TRUTH. Unless Florio ran under the Russo mantle in the distant unremembered past and was then plucked from obscurity only to run and lose, you cannot make that statement regarding his recent bids for township committee. Those have come after many years of quite visible service on the Planning Board and then the Board of Adjustment.

<From:>To Real Unionite

<Date:24-Oct-99 >

<From:>Whats

<Date:24-Oct-99 >

this about the heatlh benefits for the judges. is it just for the one that is mentioned? Why has it cost us $75,000? Do we pay direct to the dr and hospitals? whats the deal?

<From:>

<Date:24-Oct-99 >

Township pays health insurance premiums, not care providers bills. It's impossible that in one year that has come to $75,000. Some politicians will say anything, true or not, especially when the candidate they are trying to sell has no record of achievement and there's nothing substantially positive to make their literature interesting.

<From:>

<Date:24-Oct-99 >

Correction the Record: More importantly, the governing body was 3Dems and 2Rs when it voted to amend the ordinance (for those who don't believe, call the Clerk's office or get a copy of the minutes and see for yourself), both Rs, Muller and Paragano voted for the amendment. With that said, Berkey's two party wack becomes meaningless.

<From:>------

<Date:24-Oct-99 >

good that joe is taking credit for the shopping center on 22 and it still hasnt been approved yet.75000 matter with blaustien isnt a issue but the giocona case hasnt been settled yet after 200,000 legal fees.

<From:>Tactician

<Date:24-Oct-99 >

That's Giacona's scheme. He has taken a totally unreasonable stance purposely to drag his case out so that he can blame the Democrats for accumulating exhorbitant legal bills.

If he had not tried to assume a title he could not quality for and take the money tied to it --we would all have been spared the abuse of our tax dollars and the disillusionment it generated.

<From:>to tactician

<Date:25-Oct-99 >

All He wants is what was agreed to him in writing.Good to see that someone is finally admitting to the 200,000 in legal fees on florios watch

<From:>

<Date:26-Oct-99 >

Millions for defense, and not one penny for tribute!

<From:>

<Date:26-Oct-99 >

VOTE REPUBLICAN!

<From:>

<Date:26-Oct-99 >

Let us not forget that the person who manipulated the agreement with Giacona was Mark Bellotti, a Republican, who wanted the job for himself and allowed Giacona to write his own exhorbitant ticket--it was a ticket approved only by fellow Republicans and was denounced by Democrats.

It was the Dems who have tried to protect the taxpayers from being fleeced and the Reps who are bent on making that protection as expensive as possible.

Protection is an expensive undertaking. We don't let law breakers run loose because it is expensive to maintain police and court system.

Whether the Giacona shakedown was legal or not is a matter that should be decided by an impartial tribunal. That is the only way the matter can be settled once and for all. It's worth the wait; it's worth the money.

<From:>

<Date:27-Oct-99 >

That crowd really did permanent damage to Union. Then they all moved out.

We should elect one of them again, perhaps in about ten years or so. For the present we are doing fine, thank you.

<From:>

<Date:27-Oct-99 >

NICK IS GAY

<From:>

<Date:27-Oct-99 >

Let's keep the comments factual and on track and not mess up this thread with nonsense.

<From:>Ray Lehmann

<Date:27-Oct-99 >

So what if he were? Who gives a rat's tail?

<From:>Taxpayer

<Date:28-Oct-99 >

Whether it's Nick Berkey or Carol Segal running, you cannot dispute the fact that a mere three years ago Mr. Florio was aghast at the idea of a 5-0 Republican committee. Of course that was all political bullshit at the time, but the same idea holds true now, political bullshit or not. Mr. Florio is probably a more qualified candidate, BUT, with me, what he said three years ago comes back to haunt him now. I will vote for anyone other than him. It really doesn't make any difference anyway. Politicians will always do what's best for themselves and their cronies, not what's best for the community.

<From:>Observer

<Date:28-Oct-99 >

I cannot speak for Mr.Florio because I do not know much about him personally.The point about politicians voiced by the previous writer is the generally accepted opinion. However,I truly believe that the current committee is a contradiction of that opinion.The four members other than Florio(again,I don't include him because I don't know him well enough)are successful,established members of the community with long records of service to the community.For all outward appearances they are strong family people who are mature and respectable.I doubt that there is any personal material reward they could gain from service on the township committee that would enhance their financial or material standing.They all seem quite secure,materialy and morally.To this end I think that we are fortunate as a community and until such time as deed dictates it is inappropriate to stereotype them as the boilerplate politicians.

<From:>Real Unionite

<Date:29-Oct-99 >

One of the previous posters said the "crowd" did permanent damage to Union then moved out--what damage?--Liking paying as you go in the township budget rather than using all our surplus to the point where the township is almost bankrupt so they could hire their friends? Damage like having a friendly, suburban community chiefly made up of single-family residences and small businesses rather than mega-stores, condos and huge businesses owned by out-of-towners who don't care and who tear down our woods so they can make a quick buck? Damage like being accountable to the entire public and having real government leaders rather than public officials who do things dictated by party officials?

<From:>To Real Unionite

<Date:30-Oct-99 >

Get your "teams" straight.All of the good things you describe are what's going on now.The surplus that you describe, $$11 Million Dollars was eaten up by the Muller administration as orchestrated by Mark Bellotti.These two GOP idiots did more damage to Union in a couple of years than had been perpetrated in the entire history of the town.It's only now that the currrent administration is working at re-building the surplus that was pee'd away by Muller and his ficticious zero tax increases which finacially crippled our town-much in the same way that Whitman is ruining the state.It's easy to spend money when you are constantly selling bonds to cover the spending.Sooner or later it's going to catch up.It's like walking down the street and making loans at every bank you pass,When the payments start coming due the money has to come from somewhere.

And the woods? What woods were sold or knocked down? That's right,none! If you are going to post,at least tell half-truths!

<From:>To Real Unionite

<Date:30-Oct-99 >

And the woods? What woods were sold or knocked down? That's right,none! If you are going to post,at least tell half-truths!

<From:>Prediction

<Date:30-Oct-99 >

Will it be Florio or Burkey on Tuesday?

<From:>

<Date:30-Oct-99 >

Union politics have been famous for mud sligging, but Berkey has brought politics to a new low with flat out lies in his campaign literature! I hope the voters see through these lies.

<From:>to blank

<Date:30-Oct-99 >

Lets hear which of the mud sligging is a lie.Tell us

<From:>Prediction

<Date:31-Oct-99 >

21st Legislative:

O'Toole/Weingarten........16,000 Caufield/Cohan............ 9,000

Surrogate:

LaCorte...................45,000 Lee-Kelly.................20,000

Freeholders:

Scutari,Stender,Estrada...41,000 Shackell,Dill,Revila......24,000

Township Committee:

Florio.................... 4,600 Berkey.................... 1,900

<From:>Impressed

<Date:31-Oct-99 >

The Union Democrats had their campaign breakfast at Suburban Country Club this morning and what a crowd! They had standing room only! Congressman Menendez was the keynote speaker and was actually eloquent (remember, he's the one nobody thought would make a good senator because of his inability to speak publicly). Congressman Payne was there, as well. Not quite so eloquent but still impressive. He did refer to Scanlon as "Dennis Scanlon" instead of Patrick and to Dennis Caufield as Dennis Crawford. Interesting - Menendez took the time before getting up to speak to make sure he had everyone's name right. Anyway, the crowd was unbelievable! Very supportive - very up about the election. The surrogate candidate and the freeholder candidates spoke, as did Mike Cohan, the assembly candidate and Dennis Caufield. The best speaker, though, and probably because he speaks to our hearts, was Joe Florio. He talked about the good things going on in Union, the progress the town had made. If everyone in that room comes out to vote on Tuesday, the democrats have their landslide in Union! Good work guys - keep it up!

<From:>

<Date:31-Oct-99 >

Some of the mud-slinging lies:

1. 7 politically connected attorneys for Giacona to collect over $130K in fees, that could have been settled for $65K. Paragano, Muller & McMillan, and Belotti, all Rs, were able to select their own attorney. These attorneys will be lucky if they get any other business from the town. Giacona wants five times $65K to settle.

2. $4 milliion into Unity Bank. Banks money protected by federal legislation that insures the town for its entire deposit, whereas ind. are insured up to $100K.

3. Blaustein has his insurance premium paid for, $75K is not coming out of the treasury for bills. A flat out lie.

4. 25 new jobs, stated as unnecessary, were not created. Positions were filled that were vacant, such as Administrator, Payroll Clerk, Code Enf. Officer. As for the $8 Million in state aid, acquired for Union by Bassano, he had nothing to do with it. The state aid, unfortunately, is based upon the demographics, and since they are changing in Union (see today's High School Report in the Star Ledger), Union rec'd more. Not someting to brag about.

<From:>You see--

<Date:31-Oct-99 >

The truth will out!

<From:>

<Date:31-Oct-99 >

The breakfast was great. Both Congressman spoke well. perhaps one Congressman had the names written down for him and one didn't.

It was great to see that Union could attract two Congressman. It say's alot for JC's leadership.

<From:>Breakfast

<Date:31-Oct-99 >

I agree - great to have all the attention paid to Union. The County chair was there, as well. So was Joanne Rajoppi, the County Clerk. I saw Menendez asking for and writing down the names himself. His assistant was there and assisted with the pronunciation and spelling, but it was he who asked for them. Very commendable. I like Don Payne - I'm just not as impressed with him as I am with Menendez. I saw a bunch of "unknowns" at the tables by the speaker. Anyone know who they were?

<From:>Jake

<Date:01-Nov-99 >

To mud slinging lies #1 Fact the Township Committe has authorized so far up to $230,000 in legal fees under legal notices in the Union Leader. #2 involves Mr Bonos bank which reportedly on shaky ground and we are still putting town money in that bank. #3 involving Blaustien your right on the money.#4 The 25 job increase was reported and not retracted by the township auditors hired by the township committe and advertised and authorized to be added in the Union Leader.I wonder which side is doing the mud slinging

<From:>Do It

<Date:01-Nov-99 >

Today is the day! Go out and do your thing. VOTE!

<From:>A voter

<Date:02-Nov-99 >

Let's not talk about mudslinging or dirty campaign literature. It seems to me that both sides can turn out their fair share when they want to. Remember what happened to Bill DeMarco several years ago? Or Minton last year? Any fact can be twisted to make it sound like you want it to. It's the voter's responsibility to cut thru the bull and get the real facts.

<From:>A voter

<Date:02-Nov-99 >

<From:>J

<Date:02-Nov-99 >

Looks like I'm not missing much in this year's campaign :) Same ol', same ol'?

I hope everybody on here at least voted; I sent my absentee Ballot in 2 weeks ago.

From what I've read on here, and my sparatic Union Leader (mail system isn't to good here at AU, o well..), it seems pretty quiet.

It should be quiet this year; it's next year that's going to be a TON of fun!!!!

<From:>J in DC

<Date:02-Nov-99 >

Give me results...give me some NUMBERS!!!

<From:>J in DC

<Date:02-Nov-99 >

Give me results...give me some NUMBERS!!!

<From:>J in DC

<Date:02-Nov-99 >

Give me results...give me some NUMBERS!!!

<From:>

<Date:03-Nov-99 >

For someone no one knew Burkey held his own.

<From:>J in DC

<Date:03-Nov-99 >

Well, no surprises in the land...

Numbers weren;t too bad though!

What does everybody think??

<From:>taxpayer2

<Date:03-Nov-99 >

To : J

Florio 3727 Berkey 2941

<From:>

<Date:03-Nov-99 >

Good showing for Burkey! Nice going for first time out of the gate! I gave you my vote!

I would like to see you go out for the board of education and show them what a really honest person is like!

Good Luck and don't give up. Don't let the bas----s wear you down!

<From:>

<Date:03-Nov-99 >

Remember the board of education, unlike the TC, does not pay any money, and does not provide health care benefits for members. Why would Nick want to run for the board of ed?

<From:>

<Date:04-Nov-99 >

Approximately 7000 votes were cast out of a possible pool of 28,000 registered voters. This is approximately 25%.

The votes were about split between the two party candidates, so that means only about 12 1/2% of the voters voted for Florio. This is not an overwhelming majority or MANDATE from the people of Union.

The correct spin is that only the die hards of each party came out to vote. Compared to past numbers turned out by the Democratic organization - this was a weak showing. The weather no doubt kept away many voters in the afternoon, and the lackluster campaign which wanted for hot issues, bored most voters to death. What would be interesting to know is - what is the cost per vote, given the glitzy campaign pieces the Democrats mailed out.

What this election tells us is that in reality, the Republicans did very well. A 775(+/-) vote difference is nothing. The Independents could easily have pushed the result the other way, had they turned out.

Democrats have talked a good game - they better start living up to the hype, and start walking the walk.

<From:>DEM TWO

<Date:04-Nov-99 >

Don't be misled.Dems were hard pressed to "get up" for this election;Florio not an especially recognized star of the party outside of the Italian Club faction.Add to this the opposition-Burkey was not a formidable opponent.

Next year-Terrezza and Capodice up for re-election-the "BIG GUNS" will roll out.

<From:>

<Date:04-Nov-99 >

ditto

<From:>To Dems

<Date:05-Nov-99 >

A 775 vote margin means that if 388 people that had voted for Florio voted for Berkey, he would have won. Not a very impressive victory when you consider no one knew Berkey, he had no platform, money, or personality, and no party support. Makes you wonder what would have happened if a viable candidate was run.

<From:>Consider

<Date:05-Nov-99 >

What would have happened if it had not been a rainy day, never Democratic weather? What would have happened if the Dems had really organized in earnest? What would have happened if the Dems had really viewed Berkey as a threat? What would have happened if the top of the list had not been Assembly which has always gone to the Republicans?

The what ifs can go on forever. Faced with a really formidable candidate the Dems probably would have organized better and put more energy into the campaign. Their real opponent was complacency.

Next year will be another story--two very popular, savvy candidates genuinely liked in a presidential election year.Hopefully the Republicans will find people willing to run who will offer a real challenge so that the Dems do not take results for granted.

The lesson the Reps should have learned is not to spring an unknown on the electorate. They should be digging up their candidates now and have them visible and out in the arena at the next township committee meeting.

<From:>Correction

<Date:05-Nov-99 >

Berkey had plenty of money.He was funded heavily at the end by Lou Bassano and word on the street is that Anthony Russo (a Democrat??) raised nearly $20K himself for Berkey's warchest.Further word is that the State Election Law Enforcement Commission is investigating Berkey's campaign funding.Seems most of the money was "hidden" until the last minute,a violation of ELEC laws.He's probably facing heavy fines and banishment from future attempts at public office.Russo,stand up guy that he is will simply "whistle past the graveyard" and leave Berkey hanging out to dry.

<From:>The Real Democrat

<Date:05-Nov-99 >

There goes the Big Lie Theory again--you know what that is don't you? If you tell a lie often enough people will begin to believe it--especialy with the brain power of Union's electorate nowadays. As usually, the Petti dirty tricks team is out circulating its smut even when its puppet candidates win--and that only because the other side was not heavily financed as the Big Liars would have you believe--but because the Republicans had no campaign and no candidate--they still haven't gotten it!!

<From:>

<Date:07-Nov-99 >

To "Real Democrat" aka a Russocrat. Time will tell, but it is a known fact that Russo was a contributing factor, dollar wise, for Berkey. Russo knows he can't rally his dying troops to run a successful primary against Terrezza and Capodice, so he did the next best thing--joined forces with the opposition to try and better himself today. Petti learned from him, its only fitting that 4 years later, Russo tried to do it.

<From:>

<Date:07-Nov-99 >

Does anyone rember "Putney Swope"?

<From:>Correction

<Date:07-Nov-99 >

Does anyone remember "Putney Swope"?