How many of you posting here in anonymity actually attended the open public budget workshop last evening?

I thought we didn't get to vote on the school budget anymore. Didn't the Lying Sack in Trenton take that out of our hands with the school election being moved to November? And while I'm on the subject of the Trenton Tyrant I think he'll find a legal challenge or two when he withholds OUR MONEY from us in his latest extortion scheme.

Patty, Thank you for demonstrating why the general public should not be allowed to vote on school budgets since they don't know what they are talking about.

1) Budget votes are not happening...unless the budget exceeds 2% (which a school would be crazy to try...but some will)
2) Do you have any idea (I doubt it) how much shared services goes on between Pt. Beach, Bay Head, Lavallette schools?

Ms. Ascolese:

As an officer of the Regular Republican organization, it will be real easy for you to get information on the shell games. They were played in 2009 and 2010 by former members of the council who like you are aligned with the Regular Republican organization.

Mayor Barrella: Irregardless of political organizational hacks. . . over an 8% increase in the municipal budget... added to and combined with as 'Beach_N8iv' mentioned "the Trenton Lying Sacks" now allowing local school boards open reign to pump up school taxes without resident oversight. . .

So it appears we're going back full circle, where you politicians want to be. . .supporting the government employment machine, instead of reforming it?

Spooner

It is hard to discuss a budget online, especially with someone who was not at the budget workshop meeting to hear the facts.

@Mayor Barrella: I might be accused of putting the cart before the horse. . .but the Borough was making it's budget available online when Susan Rogers was heading Committee :
http://www.ptboro.com/gov_pages/boro_budget/2010/2010PointPleasantBudget.pdf

...so where are your past budgets?

...another point I'd like to mention with regard to budget work shops online. We have somebody here; Cortland Coleman, who using 21st Century technology. . .not only providing us with real time reports of Council meetings on the Internet, but then afterward, puts up mp3 downloadable file of sound track of entire meeting. This could be done for your budget work shops. . .

Beach_N8iv and A Resident.... I agree and I just want to add to your comments. I said this from the Beginning. Christie has been political grandstanding from the very beginning. NJ is just being used as stepping stone for him to reach his own agenda. Does anyone else think Presidency. All Christie did and still is doing is pushing all the problems down to the local level while tying our hands behind our back by not allowing the local towns being able to take care of themselves as far as revenue for themselves. Every town has different situations and problems. We should not all be lumped together as one. Not that I am not saying all of his ideas are bad. I just do not like the way he goes about issues, how he handles them and most are unrealistic and I think he is aware that they are. A Resident, I agree....Most do not know what they are talking about. Have no idea how it works or how much shared services go on. Individuals need to start going to BOE meetings and town meetings to get true facts rather than what others are telling them. Most are misinformed or do not understand.

Spooner:

You asked about past budgets implying that they were deliberately not available. Had you checked the town website you would have known that they are posted on the Taxation & Finance section of the website. Just follow this link:

http://www.pointpleasantbeach.org/budgets.shtml

Beach native, how are the police "dangerously understaffed" there was a first aid call I rode past recently and there were four police cars in front of the house..In February!! This town is a very very small town for eight months out of the year.

Uncle Ed.. this might be a small town for 8 months of the year, but there are the same derelicts and criminals walking down our streets during those 8 months as to the other 4 in summer. The summer brings public urination and loudmouths and drunken brawls. and then they leave.. but the thieves and drug addicts/pushers are with us for 12 months a year. Last month, I came home at 1 AM, parked in my driveway, brought my dog into the house, put her in the yard and went back out to my car for my tote bag. It was GONE! I was in my house for FIVE MINUTES! FIVE MINUTES! That is MID WINTER and someone was stealing from my car. Parked in my driveway and lights on in my house. They don't care! And, he also was trying all car doors on the street. Police cars were up and down the streets and at my house within 3 minutes or less. With their (and my husband's) help, my bag was retrieved. That piece of garbage loser is still loose, as far as I know. As long as we have these low-lives walking down our streets, I want a FULL staffed police force. I want MORE police!

If Mr.Mayer stated that he "is not happy about it,but I don't think that we have a choice",than maybe we need to trust that he has seen the reality of what is happening in the town and what needs to be done. This man has been our Bond council for numerous years,his family has been here for many years,his kids have gone through the school system,he has so many ties to the community,but yet people are still complaining about what he and the finance committee have done.

The schools need to start charging tuition for all the students. It is unfair. I paid full price for tuition. It is a slap in the face who have purchased homes in the Beach and others that live in the surrounding towns that get it free. Three should be no exception! Everyone that does not live in the Beach or the surrounding sending district should be paying for tuition no matter who they are. That adds up to a lot of money that the schools can use for the children.

Agree

Do you know who the Chair of the Finance committee is? I suggest you check it out.

I dont think it matters who the chair (or for that matter) the members are because we all know who is CONTROLLING the process.....You are Mr Mayor!!

Outofthebeach

That is a pretty insulting comment to make about two members of the council including one who ran for office on a ticket headed by my opponent. I think you owe both of them an apology.

Were you at the budget workshop last night?

The bulk of that number is a restoration of the 17 furlough days (an 8% cut in pay) taken by our non-uniformed employees and the fact that the police received a zero salary increase last year

First of all, the residents of Bay Head would first have to approve the disolution of their school. Not very likely.

Secondly, why do you think closing Bay Head school and merging in their students would help PPB tax rate? Are you familiar with the Mantoloking deal? How'd that work out for tax relief?

The budget is fully compliant with the property tax levy cap. The Levy cap about which the Governor in his budget stated:

"The property tax cap that you [the legislature] passed and I [the Governor] signed into law has worked."

@Patti, You do understand that the town budget and school budget is separate. One has nothing to do with the other. The town has a 2% Cap and the School has their own 2% Cap. Christie is the one you need to be upset with. He is the one who was grandstanding about saving taxes with his unrealistically motives. That is were a Hard Cap or not a Hard Cap came in and that is the difference. He knows darn well you can't violate or break contracts. So I am almost sure salaries and medical is not including in that cap. As far as Bay Head, it has to be their choice. Not ours! Why would they want to? There is so many reasons that I can bet you why they do not want to?

So you are saying that the employees should be furloughed again this year???

What suggestions do you have? We have union contracts and binding arbitration with the PBA. The need for added police is directly related to the night clubs we support. The Regular Republicans campaigned on the Boardwalk paying their fair share. Now they are on the dais and the silence is deafening. In this budget is $100K+ going back to Jenks for taxes. The budget presented last night also continues the shift to conservative fiscal management that began last year.

@Cathy Kelly: what we need badly in this state: is personnel reform. The Trenton politicians know it along with the local one's, but the special interests and the unions are preventing this from coming to fruition. What the unions and special interests resort to is personnel attrition. This is a political strategy to wear down and put pressure on the residents, so they can keep feeding us this Conservative bull called "tradition" while they raise property taxes higher and higher. . .Oh that's right ...they call it "home rule"

No one pushed anyone into anything, and to imply that is an insult not to me but to those you would think could be pushed.

Mr. Mayer is his own person and never came off to me that he would allow anyone to push him around. He is also very intelligent and I think he realized once he is in there. There is not much that could be done. We have to keep our town safe. We have a lot of issues for so many different reasons. Mr. Mayer along with a few others are new on the council. This is a direct result from the prior council who played constant dangerous political games that back fired.

Mayer, another one term councilmen.

Beachgoer:

This budget is exactly what the levy cap allows. Unfortunately, you believed the political spin coming from Trenton when the cap was enacted.

taxme, Really? Tell me EXACTLY how this merge is going to save money? You are claiming millions no less. Like Mayor Acropolis. I know many that live in Brick and they are constantly complaining about the corruption going in their town. They claim it is the worse.

I guess it's easier to listen to hearsay than actually getting the Facts.....

Pointman,to say that there should be furloughs and layoffs just goes to show what type of character you have. Not that all of your misinformation that you spread hasn't done so already.

Mrs Kelly on the attack again with non ( Barrella) believers huh ,what a shocker,did you see the $1.3 million increase proposed? if your happy with that then your the only one on the blog who is. At one time you acted as if you looked at all sides evenly but as we all know now you are a full fledged Cool Aid drinker. You think your on the inside with these people and they give you inside information? they just used you for you message blog to help get elected.

I had no involvement with the 2009 and 2010 budgets.

Pointman

You should have come to the meeting last night, then you could have heard the facts and asked all the questions you wanted to.

pointman, the Mayor is a big spender, not a fiscal conservative.He has the seat for the next four years. Why should he care about raising taxes dramatically like this! He has Gordon and Tooker in his pocket. Corbally and Laurie doesn't have the answers or the stomach to hold the line on spending doing whatever it takes. Reid, who knows what he will do. Mayer, seems smart, but too new and no idea and chance of getting help from this council, This is Barella's show. no one to oppose him. The furure looks bad for our town.

Pointman, I am not on the attack with non Barella believers, I am simply defending our town employees in which you have no problem laying off or furloughing,once again,you are twisting my words for your own agenda. You have been the source of misinformation since you started posting. The email chain was NOT to get anyone elected it was for residents to learn the FACTS as opposed to listening to people like you....Inside information,hahahaha ok gordon gecko

It's not an increase in salary...it's restoring their salary after the hit they took with the furloughs that they willingly agreed to last year even though it meant a pay cut for all of them. They did so to help all the residences of the Beach, including the seniors. While I understand you are concerned about the seniors, non-seniors, including our employees, also have to pay bills, taxes, mortgages, etc. Should our employees try to pay their taxes or mortgage with our agreement that they will get their money whenever the town is ready to give it to them?

ppblifer,There are seniors all over the state of NJ that are struggling to keep up with paying their bills.What have you done for the seniors? How many times have you written your legislators,or went to trenton on behalf of them? Don't assume that you know ANYTHING about the people that moved here in the last 15 years. I guess if you don't have a valid comment,it's easy to use the seniors as validation.

Had you been at the meeting last evening, you would have heard the facts. Here is one for you, 1/3 of the increase is attributable to the Jenk's property tax appeal and the additional police presence required to address last year's out of control behavior.

Recall: Were you at the budget workshop meeting last night?

Vince Barrella,
So in essence Jenks along with other businesses is costing our town a lot of money. I thought the reason a town would even allow or want businesses in their town is to save on residents taxes. This seems to becoming the opposite of truth. Time is the essence to work on getting and collect event charges or any other increase we can who want to use our town. We have to start saying is it worth allowing everyone to use our town that is costing the residents taxes increase because of it all. I do not think so. There needs to be a more even playing field and fair taxes should be paid and I do not feel there is.

much easier to say pay your property tax bill, no matter how high we raise it, at the threat of government kicking familes out of their houses.....that is exactly what America was founded on.....NOT !!

David, I agree whole heartily. Can't have it both ways. You can't keep on wanting and not willing to change or try something out before criticizing if you want to keep the same level of services.

More specials have been hired. The number of full-time officers is now at 21 compared to 26 at the end of 2007. Our full-time employees are all down substantially from the heights of the nineties.

Dear Recall…( since you won’t give your real name). I think the town should be in the parking business to generate revenue. While many don’t agree, a parking deck close to the beach, where the tourists want to be, should be considered. A large part of the work force and the budget is for tourist related services. Revenue has a price. The Boardwalk has changed dramatically in the past 10 years. Several of the bars draw an inordinate amount of service need beyond other businesses on the boardwalk and in town, and that was well before 2008. The Rice Krispies program was a direct response to Boardwalk late night bar crowd behavior, not summer tourists. Those businesses should be paying for the additional police. If you were at the Budget meeting, you would have heard the Chief report on the additional number of specials ( not full time police) that are being hired for 2012. You would also have heard of the decreasing number of full time employees in different departments in the past, as well as, for this year.

Dave, I totally agree with you view on what is going on and what many see, at least the ones who attend the meetings.

Mr Corbally; you should stick to defending his record (as poor as it is) rather then calling people "uneducated" because they wish to stay anonomous on this blog. Isn't it true that the previous council (before you were elected again) saved the taxpaying public hundreds of thousands of dollars ($$$$) by forcing the muncipal employees into the state health plan? Funny you or the mayor don't bring that up. You rather just place the blame on them for everything now that they are gone. I hope you are proud of yourself knowing that the current council will bring the largest tax increase seen in the last 10 years. Way to go!!!! Life is sure to be grand in Barella ville this year.

Councilman, I think you have been listening to the Obama mantra too much. "It will take time" the "tide is changing" The tax increase you are proposing NOW, today is totally unacceptble. And don't ask me for ideas, you ran for the job and promised efficiency. This budget is NOT IT!!!!

Patti what do you propose?

Patti, I did not say that parking was the ONLY revenue source, just my idea when asked by “Recall” to offer one. You say how great it is in Seaside for the families. They did have to close the boardwalk because of the gang violence over 4th of July, in case you missed that article in the news. No one is telling the Boardwalk to close. There are comments directed to two bars that have increasingly negative effects on the resources of the town and on the residential quality of life, that the bars should contribute to more of the costs. I think it’s a great idea for the school administrators to talk. It does, however require a vote of the people in all effected towns to enact any agreement of merger.

Patti, I think you need to attend BOE meetings and ask questions instead of getting information possibly from someone else. It is more complicated than you think. I could be wrong from the impression from a few BOE meetings I attended, Point Pleasant Beach Administrators did sit down. They can only ask. The answer was "NO" You need to realize that our School Administrators can only ask them, they can't force other towns regardless that their students eventually come to our High School, I am almost sure that we get money or funding for those students to come to our district. Like someone mention in one of the comments, look what happened when Christie consolidated Mantoloking in with our district. According to some Beach residents, we loss in that deal, I am not quite sure on that. They only had 3 students and they gave us a large amount for those three students. I know it was more than what it cost us to educate those students. Some felt it should be based on the property value like what they base our share on. I doubt if it was reversed and we sent three students to their district we would think it should be based on property value for three students. Obviously "Christie" and the State of NJ did not think so. I was under the impression they even asked how about the 6 thru 8th grade, which is middle school classes. The answer was still "NO" These towns want their own neighbor hood school and it is their choice. Obviously they feel, they do not need us.

Patti, continued see below. They do not have the same problems that our town does, their taxes are less then ours now, so why would they want to consolidate. Remember smaller towns usually lose in any merge and bigger is not always better in certain circumstances. In case you do not realize this. As far as shared services, we are sharing with Bay Head, We share the same superintendent, music teacher, I also think art, not sure and so many other areas and I know they continue to try. They are always asking and looking for new ways to save by coming up with shared services. But it has to be agreed by all. As far as businesses here in the Beach, everyone has their own opinion. Many do come up with different ideas only to hear so many complain and oppose all the ideas without even trying. Do a trial period, nothing has to be written in stone, yet so many yell and scream that it will not work without trying. I remember so many mentioning vertical parking and I was under the impression many said it would be tight and know room on how crowded our town gets. I disagree with you on the Businesses here. I do not feel the largest businesses her pay their fair share of taxes yet they use and drain all our resources. At one time, the only reason towns allowed businesses in their town was to stabilize and keep taxes low. Maybe at one time they did, but as the businesses grew here in many ways, I do not feel this is working out for the town any longer and is actually costing us money.

Manasquan is a totally different dynamic. No boardwalk, major bar opened only Memorial Day to Labor Day and only on Friday and Saturday evenings. Also they have a functioning Beach utility because they own their Beach and can allocate costs of police and sanitation away from the municipal budget to the utility budget.

Vince, lets stick to the facts. Manasquan has more than one major bar and many operate year round. I thought Point Beach owned and operated its own beach.

Randi

Point Beach does not own its beaches with the exception of the small Maryland Avenue beach at the South end of town, which accounts for a tiny percentage of the beachfront. Manasquan may have a couple of other bars, but clearly the Osprey which is only open Memorial Day to Labor Day and only on Friday and Saturday is the major bar in that town.

Spin it again Vince. The facts are Point Beach operates a municipally owned beach and Squan has more than one bar and most are operated year round. By your account Osprey is open only 32 days a year but it is the "major" bar. Clearly, you need stop making your own facts.

dancer, Manasquan is nothing like our town and if you think so, that is how out of touch you are.

randi, Manasquan is nothing like our town in many ways. One you do not have a Boardwalk that has a club like atmosphere. I am sure we get a lot more visitors coming to Point Beach than Manasquan. How many bars, clubs, restaurants with bars does Manasquan have? We have 21 or now it might be up to 23 in a one mile town. How many hotels/motels does Manasquan have. We have 16 or 17.... Our town is not even close to Manasquan, even though so many compare it.

Darlene: Not sure what you are reading after midnight but I have not compared Point Pleasant Beach to anything. It is not possible.

dancer, Manasquan is nothing like Point Beach. Two different towns with totally different issues.

Been there.

Patti, That is your opinion and you are entitled to it. I have to disagree and I know I am not alone. Why should we? I understand and I agree the Boardwalk has made donations to the school, the awning for the Chamber, the fire department, etc.. That is very generous and NO they did not have to do it. It is their choice and they have their own reasons to why they do it. Again, one has nothing to do with the other. Their donations should not be replaced or on the backs of the town residents that live here. If they do not want to donate, it is simple do not do it.

Mr. Wardman,

I agree with you 150%.
With this budget draft -- Barrella is attempting to punish the taxpayers for 2 reasons:

1) Because after 5 years -- he still has not been able to successfully persuade the Legislature to deliver his Local Option Taxes to Point Pleasant Beach; and

2) He is resentful that his own tax assessor had to settle with Jenkinson's and their attorney -- "1/3 of the increase is attributable to the Jenk's property tax appeal" (his words, not mine) -- to avoid having them win their tax appeal in court.

This is a revengeful tactic to punish all PPB taxpayers to try to prove his point!
And now -- EVERY PPB taxpayer will suffer the fiscal consequences of Barrella's outrageous wrath.

And before Barrella asks me if I was at the meeting last night -- the answer is "No, I don't need to waste time sitting there listening to his load of BS".

And before Barrella reminds me that Bill Mayer is the Chairman of the Finance Committee -- I will remind him that the phantom Councilwoman Tooker is the official member of the Council's Finance Committee, and HE is sitting in and taking her place. Therefore, HE is directly responsible for this mess he calls a "Draft Budget".

Oh, and one last thing -- Who remembers when the Boardwalk business owners offered to contribute $40,000 toward "additional police presence required to address last year's out of control behavior". I remember vividly that Barrella and Corbally flat out rejected their $40,000 offer. They said it wasn't enough, but even Chief O'Hara said it was a good start. So, now the PPB taxpayers are picking up the FULL tab – all because of a willful refusal to compromise!

Mr David Cavagnaro, you like to spew what you select as facts, so you create your own scenario. Councilman Corbally says,"it will take time", "the tide is turning", this sounds like the Obama Mantra. C'mon fellas, it's insane trying to defend a budget that has a one million three hundred thousand dollar increase in spending in a town of 5000 all year round residents. April is 100 years since the infamous Titanic disaster. This budget falls into that category. Mr Mayor and council you must do allot better!

Mr. Richard Wardman, your statement “what you suggest as facts”, indicates that they are not. Check the Council vote on line. Also check the dialogue in the Council minutes between Attorney McGlynn and the Mayor regarding the conditions of the “donation”, and then let me know if my facts are wrong. My points were first, that it was a Council decision, not a Mayoral decision to settle out of court with Jenkinson’s. Second, accepting the “donation” with conditions was unacceptable as per the Borough Attorney. Finally, if Jenkinson’s wanted to “donate” money to the town or the police they have had nearly a year to do so, but have not. That’s not my scenario, that’s fact.

Look know one is saying the tax increase is acceptable, but anyone who pays attention knows that the 2% in "2% Cap" was pure political spin coming from the Trenton politicians.

I find it humorous when I am accused of wanting to raise taxes -- I don't get a discount, so I pay them too. Since Kristin Hennessy, the former president of the Regular Republican, club thinks this budget was designed to punish the taxpayers, I guess she believes I want to punish myself. More importantly, she knows that 4 people worked on this budget -- our CFO, Council Finance committee chairman Bill Mayer, Councilman Corbally and myself. But what the heck, why let the facts get in the way of her rhetoric.

Vince Barrella,

Your proposed budget represents a 12% tax increase for the municipal budget alone! That doesn't even figure in the County and School tax increases! Through your tricky and clever accounting -- you found a way to move 10% outside the 2% budget cap. This might just represent the largest tax increase in the history of PPB.

To quote you -- "You are entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own set of facts."

Sir -- those are the FACTS minus any rhetoric you may wish to accuse others of spewing.

Mr. Cavagnaro,

You're really an interesting individual with a funny way of communicating. The PPB Titanic is sinking; yet in all of your posts -- you are describing the color of the water!
I would have thought that -- you of all people -- would have come up with something a little better than that.

I'll tell you what. With regard to the $40,000 donation from the Boardwalk businesses toward police services to address Quality of Life in District 4 -- I'll simplify the debate for you. I would have rather taken "half a loaf" than "no loaf" at all. That's called compromise.

In business negotiations, once an offer is rejected, that same offer may never resurface again. Surely you've heard the phrase -- "You snooze, you lose." The PPB taxpayers came out in the "losing column" as a result of a failure by the elected officials to communicate and to compromise.

Kristin:

I understand the political spin you would like to put on this budget. This is not my budget and to proclaim it so is to insult the efforts of Councilmen Corbally and Mayer and our CFO Chris Riehl who together with myself put dozens of hours of time meeting with the department heads and volunteer organizations like the fire companies in crafting this budget.

Did I have a role in crafting this budget -- absolutely, but no more so then the Councilmen (one of whom ran as your Regular Republican candidate for council last year on the same ticket as my opponent in the Mayor's race) and our CFO.

While we are on that, $185,000 of the increase relates to moving expenses that have been allocated for more than twenty years to the water/sewer utility to the municipal budget. Had this not been done, a water/sewer increase would have been required. You do remember that a certain former councilman who you have known from birth crafted a budget that raided the water/sewer utility in 2009 by moving more than $200,000 from it to balance the 2009 budget and then refused to move the money back in 2010, necessitating water/sewer increases in both those years. By the way, who was Mayor more than 20 years ago when those expenses that were moved back this year were originally moved to the water/sewer utility?

@Mayor Barrella: your many posts includes multiple references to the water/sewer utility...and a citation for the necessary transfer of funds from the 2012 budget to the water/sewer account.....

...I recently received some disturbing information....and still trying to confirm....about a water department employee fudging meter readings and making up fraudulent numbers about water/sewer usage amounts which affected residents water bills....

...not sure why the local news media hasn't reported on this deceptive act....how much is that mishap costing Beach taxpayers in this budget...and why hasn't the municipality reported this information to the public?....What else are you hiding?

Snooper

You apparently not only missed the budget workshop on February 28, but the Council meeting on February 21 as well.

Are you the same Oscar Wilde that comments consistently on the Brick Patch? How do you find the time to attend all those Council meetings?

Kristin, if a funny way of communicating is relying on facts when I comment, then I must be hilarious. What was explained to your brother the night the “donation” was offered was the difference between an inappropriate offer and accepting a bribe. Jenkinson’s has stated that it was not their intention to violate the law. However, the statements issued that night to the Council, were for the acceptance of $40,000 to ignore an ordinance requiring special event applications and fees. You call that a “compromise”. I call it a bribe. Perhaps you’re willing to ignore the law for the right price or “a half a loaf”. Fortunately the majority of the Council was not.

Pointman, you’ve made the argument before that Attorney McGlynn spoke in the heat of the moment and shouldn’t be held accountable. He’s an experienced attorney. Second, he did not recant his statement. Attorney Gasiorowski stood up and stated that there was no attempt to do anything illegal (ie suggesting a quid pro quo or a bribe) Mr. McGlynn’s remarks were reprinted in the local newspaper stating that he was seeking an agreement outside the ordinance. There were no corrections or objections from Mr. McGlynn or Jenkinson’s to that story. Again our Borough Attorney was quite clear about accepting donations with conditions to circumvent an ordinance. As far as donating money specifically for Police, Boardwalk representatives questioned the options of how to contribute money for Police during a Quality of Life meeting with business and resident representatives. They were told that the town’s Endowment fund was an option. This is how town committees and groups receive donations. Oddly enough, no one from the Boardwalk has come forth with any donations to date.

Mrs. Kelly,
I know you like just the FACTS -- so here goes.

This proposed budget represents a 12% tax increase for the municipal budget alone. That doesn't even figure in the County and School tax increases!

I have one simple question for you. Do you find a 12% municipal tax increase minus the County and School tax acceptable? A simple Yes or No answer will be sufficient.

@Ms Kelly:your not speaking for half the voters. I reminded the Mayor of this a while back when he didn't receive a majority of votes last November. If he goes ahead with this 12% increase. . .there' s going to be even less people supporting him and. . . you(a kind of a spokes person) for higher taxes too?

Spooner

I get your point. Running as independents in a heavily Republican town (where the Democratic candidate withdrew and supported the Republican candidate for Mayor), Councilman Gordon and I both won narrow elections. Who was the top vote getter in the Council race -- if you check you will see it was the Chairman of the Council's Finance committee who had as much input into this budget as anyone.

Spooner, you can call me all the names you wish, but it wont change a simple fact. An attorney representing Jenkinson’s suggested at a Council meeting, that the town would receive a “donation” of $40,000 in exchange for exempting that corporation from an ordinance. The statement was again quoted in a local newspaper. You and others can call it by any euphemism you can devise. To you it’s “application nonsense”. To me it’s the law that everyone else obeys and follows except Jenkinson‘s. Your level of integrity may accept circumventing the law for a price. I don’t. As a resident of Point Pleasant Beach and of district 4, I certainly do have a vested interest. I will not be intimidated into silence by name calling.

Mr Cavagnaro: your incorrect about who said the town would receive the $40,000 donation in exchange for exemption. That was you and the town attorney in effect who made the statements at the April 19,2011 council meeting:

...Dave Cavagnaro: clarified that 15-12 requires an application if they have 200 or more people – hearing some on Council say they would accept “x” amount of dollars and wave that requirement (Councilman Dyer: I didn’t say that) asked attorney if Council can do this.
Attorney Gannon: Council, on behalf of taxpayers, can take donations...if it’s implicit in your question that someone is making a donation, in lieu of ordinance enforcement, that’s not government as I know it...

...that was you Dave who initiated. . .and along with the others in reading minutes, created and manufactured this whole scenario. It was as if all of you's: you, Corbally, Barrella, and Dikun had a script ready for this meeting. . .wanting to torpedo the $40,000. . . by spinning and dramatizing it as a " bribe" Now you're back peddling(calling you names). . .after the damage has been done?

Am I reading this story correctly? 1.3 million new spending? What attracted us to this town was it's character, schools, and low taxes. Why is newly elected Councilman Mayer, spokesman for this spending? Aren't there council members with more experience available? This irrational spending cannot stand. Please ladies and gentlemen, I understand prices are rising, but 1.3 million? Our Mayor and a couple others here seem to think this absurd increase is necessary. Not my wife and I, or many other residents I suspect will agree with them. My employeer has not offered our staff any raise in three years. We are out here in the real world. You politicans need to get with the fact that our economy and the taxpayers are gasping for survival.

you are correct,I don't speak for you,i only speak for the people that actually stand behind what they say and not hide behind an alias. I am assuming that you went to the budget meeting and discussed how to do it better. I am assuming that you know how to get out of contract obligations etc...unless of course you just want the town employees to not get paid. ..A police director would have cost the town MORE money and if you had the facts you would have known that.

Spooner, either you didn’t read carefully or someone gave you bad advice. My facts are correct about Mr. McGlynn’s offer. I did question the Council about taking $40,000 with the understanding that Jenkinson’s does not have to fill out applications for special events. That was AFTER I asked what happened at a previous meeting with Mr. McGlynn and Borough representatives. It was stated that the offer of $40,000 was in lieu of Jenkinson’s having to fill out special event applications. When I asked the Council if they would accept money under those conditions Councilman Corbally said NO, Councilman Hennessy said YES. Councilman Lurie wanted clarification on the offer. When asked for confirmation of the terms of the donation by the Mayor and if the donation was in lieu of filling out applications, Mr. McGlynn answered “THAT‘S RIGHT”. Coucilman Lurie wanted to think about his answer. Councilman Dyer asked the attorney for clarification, and received it. The Jenkinson’s offer was made prior to the April 19 Council meeting.
.

Mr Cavangaro: I keep posting excerpts from April 19,2011 meeting. . .which are the facts. Now your saying Jenkinson's attorney, Mr McGlynn said;"'THAT"S RIGHT". Here's what the minutes show as to Councilman Corbally's accusation:

Mr. McGlynn: disputed Councilman Corbally’s characterization – met with a number of citizens about putting SNAP program back into effect in District 4, and if so, if Jenkinsons would be willing to assist the Police Department in supplementing Special Officers – indicated that we would be willing to do so and offered to give $40,000 to the borough to supplement Special Officers (Mayor Barrella: inconsistent with Mr. McGlynn’s statement at last Council Meeting that he wanted to meet with Councilman Corbally to work this out, outside of Borough ordinances) don’t think the ordinances are applicable to us...said Mr. McGlynn. . .

"THAT'S THE FACTS"

This is getting ridiculous Spooner. Your facts are good, just always incomplete. KEEP READING the PARAGRAPH in those minutes when Mr. McGlynn is speaking. “Mayor Barrella (speaking to Mr. McGlynn) says “Councilman Corbally attended the meeting (with Police Chief and Mr. McGlynn) and told us that an offer of $40,000 was put on the table to be donated to the Special Police Officers’ Budget, in lieu of Jenkinson’s filling out special event applications. That’s Right, responded Mr. McGlynn” THOSE ARE THE KEY FACTS YOU WANT TO IGNORE. Twist it anyway you want but the $40,000 was conditional on exemptions from an ordinance. The attorney clarified the problem for the Council. Sadly there are still people willing to put a price on the law.

Mr Cavagnaro: no lawyer is going to admit being party to a crime of bribery. . . and reading further down as you requested, you said, quote...Dave Cavagnaro: clarified that 15-12 requires an application if they have 200 or more people – hearing some on Council say they would accept “x” amount of dollars and wave that requirement (Councilman Dyer: I didn’t say that) asked attorney if Council can do this...

...again the town attorney: Council, on behalf of taxpayers, can take donations – if there is an ordinance in dispute, it is either going to apply as written, or if the courts find that it’s not sufficiently well-written, it won’t apply...

There is no "bribery" going on here. . .if the Ordinances are delinquent(flawed) as it pertains to event applications. . .that's for the Courts to decide. . .not you, Councilman Corbally, Mayor Barrella, and Lt Dikun? The money should have been accepted and the Ordinances adjudicated in Court. . .But that didn't happen!

Spooner, you clearly won’t accept the reality of what was said, so further discussion is pointless. First it was never said. Now it doesn’t matter because the law doesn’t apply to them. Whether a law is flawed or not is not the issue. The only people who believe that the law doesn’t apply to them is the Jenkinson’s corporation. Every local, out of town, or charitable group follows the application process. If one accepts the logic that the law doesn’t apply to Jenkinson’s then why did they make a condition of the “donation” to be exempted from a law that they claim doesn’t apply to them?

@Beach parent, It has changed and no one will admit it. They say it is a nice town and they are friends. Sure they are... You noticed that about the schools too. Special treatment all the way around from academics to sports. Everything is opposed and re directed at every angle yet they all want support. You are right with the signs and half of them are not even sincere about their support. Good luck trying to sell your house and all the tuition parents and parents that don't pay a dime that live in other areas like myself at one time that use the school and just walks away scot free.

Paul, It is? Manasquan gets more tourists/visitors than Point Beach? You know that for sure!!

MBRODEUR, First of all "tax rates" are not the best method of comparing property taxes in the communites you mention. Ask yourself, how much were my property taxes one year ago, five years ago, and ten years ago. How much are they today? Then take any similar home in Manasquan or Brielle,or any of your examples for that matter, and do the exact same comparison. If you owned a home in Manasquan and was paying say $4500 in 2002 and today are paying say $6500, that's of course an increase of $2000 over a ten year period. Take a similar property in the Beach, do the same comparison. I believe you will then understand that property taxes in he Beach have spireled upward at a much faster pace than Manasquan during those recent years.
This year again, in the Beach most taxpayers will see their overall property.taxes leap up again at an average of $600-700 dollars. You will NOT see that in Manasquan.
And what about the struggling businesses? Look at their plight. Palumbos on 35 south two stores empty for a long time. Most store owners and landlords cannot raise rents. They are just happy to keep heir rentals occupied. Yet, the town keeps grabbing more and more of their money.
Seniors on SS..many are on fixed or frozen incomes.
The average working man or woman is NOT getting anywhere near increases in their incomes to stay even and meet the property tax increases that the town keeps hitting them with year after year.
Parking garage! Put on referendum. It will lose 3-1 at least.

Uncle Ed, are you implying that PPB is the only town having tax increases? That's funny. Wasn't it Brick who just last year, had their residents vote to exceed the cap? They had a larger rate increase than what PPB had. Most other towns, like PPB, kept to the 2% "cap". Is 2% of PPB values more than 2% of other towns values? Yup....but it's still a 2% change.

M. Brodeur, I agree with many of your views on issues. No, I am not happy either with the large increase but l do understand why it is needed.

dancer, some good points. Also, car museum on Rt 35 in Wall some years ago.It was a nice one too. Lasted a few years and folded up.

No, it means I live in the real world and understand that costs of things rise. There are contracts in place...by law they have to be honored. In those contracts are increases. I also know insurance costs more. I also know that as stated above, money was taken from one area and needs to be replenished.

Am I happy there is an increase? No. Do I understand why there is an increase? Yes.

And until the existing contracts are re-negotiated...they are what we have to work with.

Parking deck...you are correct, I am not living in one of the less than 30 residences that would see the 2 story parking deck. And yes, the initial cost would be high. Not sure why you think 24 hour security would be needed...we already have existing parking lots that are not 24 hour secured. Maybe you are thinking of a more enclosed and less open option than what I envision?

And I think the car museum is a bad idea...leave it as parking.

Patti:

All I meant was that the shell games were played in 2009 and 2010 and those budgets were done by Councilmen aligned with the Regular Republican club. I assume that those council members are still club members and that you can ask them directly about it. Rather than detailing the "tricks" employed in this forum, you can certainly call me. My number is on the town website.

The budget is scheduled to be formally introduced at the March 20 Council meeting. There is a Council meeting scheduled for March 6, and if anyone wanted to ask questions at that meeting, I believe that is certainly appropriate.

Ed:

The fact is that Mike Corbally is a businessman with years of experience. Bill Mayer is an attorney with 20 or more years of public finance experience, including more than 10 years as the Beach's bond counsel, Chris Riehl has been our CFO for years, and I am a tax attorney and CPA. The budget presented was a collaborative effort amongst the four of us with no one person dominating the process.

Were you there on Tuesday? Do you think when one of us says publicly: "I'm not happy about it" "I don't think anyone is happy about it, but I don't think we have a choice." That he is making it up.

I suspect, however, that you prefer to hide behind your screen name and politicize the budget and the process. That's your choice, but in my opinion a better choice would be to come to the Council meeting on Tuesday and ask those questions you have, and if you have a better idea when an answer is given let us know what it is. Because with all due respect what you and your friends are doing is not constructive, but rather destructive, and those of you who have portrayed those who worked on this budget as my dupes should be ashamed of yourselves, because nothing is further from the truth.

Vince: YOU are pretty far from the truth. In fact your nose is getting pretty long. You stated that much of the budget increase is due to reversing last years furlough days to boro employees. Any capable person can see that almost all -- ALMOST ALL -- employees who were furloughed recouped their pay through overtime last year. This is a fact, in black and white. Snce the employees were paid the money it must have been in last years budget somewhere. Your Million Dollar Quartet-including Riehl, Mayer and Corbally-better realize your collective shortcomings and find someone capable of professionally managing the town. I will come to your budget meeting if you can explain how a Municipal clerical employee earned $9,300 in overtime last year and who authorized it.Time to head back to New York and take your $80,000 garbagemen and $75,000 clerical employees with you. They can adaquately replaced at half the cost.

Randi:

I hope you do come to the meeting on Tuesday and ask any questions that you may have.

MBRODEUR You missed my point completely regarding methods of comparing property taxes between comminities. I am fully aware of the history of the tax vote in Brick last year. I suspect your simply or convieniently not receptive or open minded on the subject.
. Regarding solutions, several were attempted in the past several years.Here are a couple examples. A police Director to create more efficient practises in the police department. REJECTED! Result, a quarter million in overtime and 70k for one man. That worked out real well.!
Shared services to create or improve efficiency of service. Basically REJECTED! As a side beneft It will really be nice to get all the problem people back in our Boro Hall on court day
It's almost funny, but not, that solutions that were at least attempted in recent years were rejected by the Mayor and his followers. Now that the problems of cost of operation is once again causing a massive tax increase you cry out to the residents for solutions "Give us solutions"!. What a bad joke!. Very very hypocritical.

Ed:

Police Director: Great idea if you like a highly paid political patronage created to take care of some partisan hack. Police Director would not have eliminated the OT, merely added a salary. Having adequate supervisory level personnel would have gone a long way to reducing OT and that would have cost a lot less than a police director.

Shared Services: No one has rejected shared services agreements that make sense. But honestly wouldn't it have been nice if the 2010 Council would have checked with the Police Department before agreeing to move the Court to the Boro? Our professionals have worked very hard with current members of the Council and myself to fix the Court shared services agreement by bringing back the Court to the Beach so we can use specials to provide security and reduce OT and put more officers on the streets.

Your concern is that "the problem people" will be back. Sorry there is no way to use our specials when court is held in the Boro, so what do you want -- lower OT or no "problem people." By the way, the "problem people" as you refer to them are sober when they go to Court.

By the way, the cost of operations is only one of many the reasons for the tax increase, but you were not at the budget workshop, so you would not know that.

I do appreciate your loyalty to those three members of the Council who chose to resign rather than face the electorate and defend their "good" ideas.

Uncle Ed, Police Director would have created another salary. Police Directors do not replace Police Chiefs as Police Directors are not actually law enforcement personnel. The administrative work that has to be done by upper levels of police would still have had to be done by the same people, so a Director would have had no effect on that...other than adding another salary and benefit package.

Shared services are in place and will continue. The court services shared staff will remain. What will change is simply the location that PPB court will be held...and it will save PPB money. The Building Department "sharing" did not take place. Once the polictics were removed and the dollar amounts looked at...people realized that would have been a bad deal for PPB.

Political budgets of the past are partially to blame for where the town is now. Taking from other funds to create a false 0% tax increase for election purposes hurts in the long run...we are seeing that now.

Would it be nice if all the unions decided to forego raises.....Yup. But you can't force them to do that. They have valid binding contracts.

M Brodeur, You are correct and I agree. The political budgets are partially to blame. Stealing from other funds to support a 0% increase is like buying furniture at 0% up to 2 years, guess what eventually the credit bill comes in and you have to pay. The credit card is now in and the reason we have a large increase. The Mayor predicted and said this at many meetings. He wanted to do things a lot different and so many opposed him. He wanted to have slight increases and take responsibility instead of pushing it down for a larger but the prior council had very different idea and agendas.

Many offer different solutions and they are always opposed without trying it out or giving it a fair chance. Some in the town does not understand trial period. It can always be changed if it does not work out. Just try it. They might surprised on the success of some.

Ed:

With all due respect, I believe that you are all about politics and only politics.

Tell me, how did I vote on the 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 budgets?

Tell me, in your opinion, what would not be an "economic disaster?" Quantify it for me. Is there a tax increase you would consider acceptable?

Mayor and MBrodeur, you two really have your answers well spun and coordinated. Neither of you could be so ill informed. Therefore, I must conclude that you are being purposely misleading.
I was originally against the concept of Director myself. Mayor, you called the candidate a "political hack" "overpaid". Bull! I looked into this candidate at the time the issue was being considered. He was a democrat, a retired state police Captain, and sitting Councilman from Manasquan. He would have cost less than the 70 thousand in overtime the Lt received and he did not require any health benefits or retirement benefits, A political hack Mayor is usually someone unqualified to do the job he was hired for. Almost always someone with political connections. Do you think a NJ State Police Captain, a democrat .being paid NO BENEFITS by our taxpayers, being paid less than the 70 grand the Lt made in overtime alone, would have been such a bad deal for our taxpayers? He certainly does not fit your description of political hack or a patronage guy. Furthermore as a DEMOCRAT how is he "polically connected". Where is the "patronage". I know you will keep telling your story on this and sticking with it no matter what. It sounds good havinghis expertise in police management tactics and willingness to work with the elected council, we would never have had a quarter million in full time police officers overtime a year. Nor would he have allowed 70 thousand for one Lt and work at the academy.

Mayor please stop with the I dont vote the Council does. Do you really believe the public thinks that Mayor Barrella just sat on the sidelines quietly,didnt say a word ,didnt have any imput and didnt work at all on any budgets? The play on words " I dont vote" is a joke. It is well known that you and Corbally worked on last years together and previously you did Tooker chairmans work just like you did her assigned work this year. Question why isnt Tooker taking on her respondsiblity again on the finance commitee and handing it off to you?

First of all Councilwoman Tooker over the last four years has chaired more committees and been liaison to more committees than any other member of the Council. So stop with the cheap shots.

The Council as a whole knew I would be working with Bill and Mike this year and because no more than three governing body members can meet without violating the OPMA that Kris would not be involved.

Uncle Ed, you do realize the position would have had to be advertised and anyone could have posted to get the job. Yes, the gentleman from Manasquan had expressed interest and was a favorite of some of the council at that time. You do know there was no guarantee he would have gotten the job...don't you? Or would that "political patronage" to hand him the job ignoring all other applicants be Ok? It would have been a Civil Service position, so whether he needed/wanted benefits or not would not have mattered...by law, the position would have required them.

And the fact that he was a retired cop does not mean he maintains his police powers/authority. Again, once the facts of the position were considered....people made an educated choice.

@M Brodeur: you keep stating low PPB tax rate...defending tax increases based on contracts...throwing out anything you can contrary to public service reforms...

...I did some checking and found on ptbeach.com...Welcome to the Point Pleasant Beach Technology Department. The Technology Department currently consists of Mr. Michael Brodeur...Mr. Brodeur is the Technology Coordinator and covers the school district...

..."The primary purpose of Internet and E-Mail usage is to support the educational process in the Point Pleasant Beach School District. The Point Pleasant Beach Staff reserves the right to screen and monitor student Internet activity. Students engaging in wrongful acts such as the following are subject to suspension of Internet and e-mail privileges and disciplinary action in accordance with the procedures set forth in the policies of the Point Pleasant Beach Board of Education...Participation in any chat rooms...Using the network in any manner that is disruptive to others..."

...aren't you the same M Brodeur that works in the school district?...Now your strong opinions defending union contracts and tax increases outs you as an outspoken union school employee....no wonder the vehement protest of change...does the technology coordinator's job description include: "Patch blogging" on school time....otherwise known as the taxpayer's dime...does M Brodeur follow school internet policies or is he exempt from the rules...Who monitors your internet activity?

Snooper: Keep it up ! Where there is smoke there is fire. Mike Brodure and family members are career public employee leeches. One of his relatives earned $9,300 in overtime last year as a clerical employee in town haul ! Patching during regular working hours? Wonder who plows his driveway ?

Spooner,

Yes, I do work for the Pt Beach Board of Education. No, I am not a union employee. I am not defending union contracts...just accepting that they exist and are legal. Do I agree with the current contracts? Some yes, some no. And I hope that in negotiations, concessions are given by both sides. I don't have the power to decide those contracts so what I want in them won't matter. Do I agree with automatic raises just because the contract says so? No. But that is in the agreed contract and is a legal responsibility. That is just fact.

Randi, yes, my sister did receive overtime pay. Kind of funny how the town furloughs their employees but then pays them overtime. As for my family being career public employee leeches, give me a call. I'll be more than happy to tell you about each of my family members and what they do and did. You know not of what you speak. As for me...this is my 4th year working for the school district. The 17 years prior to this were in private industries.

And yes, for the record...I did Patch during work hours...even I take a coffee break once in a while.

Randi, next time it snows....611 NJ Ave...come see who's doing my driveway.

mbrodure:
Thanks for confirming the facts laid out by me and Snooper. We all know what you fakers are doing and do not find it "funny" that a clerical employee can make $9,326 in overtime after being furloughed for 17 days. No one is minding the store.

randi, please elaborate on anything that I am faking.

And your welcome...I like when facts are involved in the conversations. Can you say the same?

You Betcha'.

just a mom,

please don't decide things based on the after school rumors. Go to meetings and learn the facts.

just a mom;

...that 12% increase isn't the whole story. . .what your Mayor the accountant doesn't talk about is that over $ 58M was loss in tax ratables from 2010 to 2011...that lost will be tacked on to that 12% . . . Ask the Mayor to explain to you how losses in ratables has to be made up with even higher tax rates.

What has been going on there. . . is that all the people in the know have been getting reductions in their residential property assessments, including some of your Council people. . .but there not going around telling any of you's. You have until April 1 to file a property tax reassessment appeal. . .So get your pound of flesh before it's all gone and eatin up by your Government, and reduce your property taxes like they have? Next year things will be worst when a number of the commercial ratables get processed and reduced. . .

Just a mom:

I am glad you don't care about political parties, so you should be happy to know that Councilman Corbally ran as a Democrat, Councilman Mayer ran as a Republican and I ran as an Independent. Ms. Riehl is non-partisan and has served this town for more than 25 years.

Mbrodeur,what do you do, make up the responses as you go along? The retired NJ State police Captain would not have received benefits. There is no "law" as you say that would require benefts for him. Your either confused , simply don't understand, or are being intentionally tricky. C'mon man, that doesn't even make sense.

Tony Montana, again there was no guarantee the guy from Manasquan was getting appointed. And once the position is created, it has to meet certain requirements. If he had been appointed and chose not to accept the benefits...that would be great. Doesn't mean the next guy in the position would do the same.

I guess some people are happy to look at the possible immediate benefit and not consider the longer term affects. Much like a few councilmen in the past....

Spooner,
I do not know if this was true. I was told from Residents it was all started by the BW. They fought for a reduction for their property assessments. Many residents were upset and they followed suit. I think you are wrong about Barrella's explanation but you would have to ask him. I went to a meeting and he explained this already. If more and more file for property assessments it gets added to all the remaining residents.

They will not work it out because they are all scamming the system.

Henry, I am just curious,have you seen the Budget? Do you have any idea what is in it? The town will be paying for the 0% increase PROMISE for years to come!!!

Henry:

To reach a zero tax increase the Beach would need to default on its debt, raise water/sewer rates, violate state budget regulations, ignore the binding decision of an independent arbitrator and gut services to an extent that are viability and public safety would be threatened.

The spinning and ignorance is unbelievable. The Mayor is blaming the past council and he is not alone. It is the truth and reality no matter if you refuse to see it. We had layoffs. There was a lot more employees at one time. How far do you want to go? Most residents complain right away if any services are taken away. The reality is it cost money for services.

Irony: Our full time employees, both uniformed and non-uniformed, are down approximately 20%. We have gotten smaller, so how has the town gotten too big for itself?

@mrcommonsense: you're playing right into their hands when you advocate reduction in personnel. Right away Barrella comes back to you. . . about cuts in personnel, along with his lackey supporters decrying your unreality of town service cuts. . .

The solution lies in reforming labor laws, the contracts it pertains to, and the over all associated civil service.. . . Now if your Mayor showed as much fervor and enthusiasm as he did when he went to Trenton to promote his "options taxes". . .for public service reform... and along with other Mayors. . . then maybe we'll get back to real public service to our communities based on virtue, duty, and commitment. . .not career $$$?

Poinman, here is what you not understanding. The Beach has become like the movie, The Wizard of Oz. We have Vince Barella playing the Wizard, also known in the movie as Professor Marvel. He sits at the keyboard of th giant organ and bellows his ideas and orders.(adding, I only break ties) Dorothy, has to be Tooker.. Dorothy in the story, was looking for "somewhere over the rainbow" or a "better place" than Kansas. She( Kris Tooker) has found it in Florida. Dorothy joins up with three hapless misfits as there known in the movie. Scarecrow or strawman, that has to be Gordon( great credentials, but no experience as a councilman), Reid, the cowardly lion, he could hardly roar, and Mayer, the Tin Man. Needs some oil. Cathy Kelly plays the Wicked witch of the West,(without the broom and big hat) and how about Darlene Motto as the Good witch of the North. Quite a cast. Don't ya think? Just sayin.

@funnygirl, What role did you play when you were on council and had a chance. That is right you did nothing!!!!

again,i will gladly take you off the list if you would like...

.034 / .252 = 13.5% INCREASE !!!.....please people learn how to do simple math, it will go a long way into finally understanding how they steal your money

@ A Resident...you take proposed tax rate of .286 and subtract last years rate of .252 That comes out to .034. . .then you divide .034, the increase into .252, which gives you an increase of 13.49% over last years rate. . .To put it another way: the 3.4 cent increase is 13.49% more than what you were paying last year. . .

Oscar

I am sure that since you feel so strongly about this, you will be at the Council meeting on Tuesday, March 6. The regular meeting starts at 7:00 PM at 416 New Jersey Avenue on the second floor. See you then.

Several responders "splained" for you. Now you get it? Mayor Barella is "the man" behind this big boy budget ....he controls those around him like those of the budget group ...useless to fight him.

Tony

If you think I controlled the budget group, then you have a much lower opinion of Councilman Mayer than I do. And in my opinion, you owe him an apology.

Bill is much better looking!

Bill, Mike, Chris Riehl (our CFO) and I worked on this draft budget together. We met numerous times and spent dozens of hours dealing with the fiscal problems facing us and constructing a budget, which like last year's, is calculated to restore fiscal stability to the Beach. No one person dominated the process and we all agreed on its content. Bill just happens to be the Finance Committee chair which is why I guess his photo is up at the top of the story.

Funnygirl...Who are you? Being you claim you know us so well. Obviously you are attacking new councilmen and residents who do not agree with you. Do not shoot the messengers and the realities of what they have found out. They now realized the damage the prior council put us in along with a few of their supporters. A zero pct. on budget increase was political ploy and all it did was defer the payment down the road. How long do want or expect to do that for. The reality is and it is not funny girl, the businesses are putting a huge strain on our town. Which I am sure you will not agree, But that is facts! The reason towns allow Businesses in their town is to keep revenue down. Maybe the Boardwalk did at one time, long ago. The biggest businesses here has changed overtime and now is doing the exact opposite, they are costing the residents money and that is the reality funnygirl. They do not pay their share fair in my opinion and partially the reason we have such a hugh tax increase to begin with. Between the town having to paying them because they had their value of their property lowered. Which I do not agree with. Did you ever check what their property is valued out. How much is the beach valued at? The other strain and cost is the needed police to control the beach area of the town. That is fact Fanny Brice. I am sorry. I mean funnygirl. This is the reality and until we have the businesses paying towards the cost we are going to keep on having increases.

Funnygirl,one last point is that I have always taught my children to stand up and fight for what they believe in,if they are wrong,than they should own up to it and move on. It is sad to think that you and people like you teach our younger generation that its ok to spew the BS as long as noone knows who you are....people wonder why our society has become what it is... and you are a PERFECT example of why it has!!!

Statements of “cover ups” and “hiding” are the types of misinformation that appear in blogs when people don’t get the facts before making accusations. If you were at the last Council meeting you would have heard Councilman Reid discuss the situation of the misreadings in the water department, in his committee report. The borough attorney also commented. As far as the Water/ Sewer Utility shortfall, that has been discussed on several occasions at Council meetings. There’s a lot of information available to the public, when they choose to make the effort to get it. Sadly, I think no matter what the facts are, some people are only interested in an excuse for personal attacks on Council members

Concerned, Who said anything about shutting down the BW? I stated in my opinion they do not pay their fair share in taxes because of the impact of their guests and the rental guests and the reason they come. I also stated maybe at one time the BW did not cost the town money and now they do. So something needs to change. I will agree that it is possible that the boardwalk did not become a problem since 2008. That is when the crowd changed as I noticed it too. Regardless as I resident of the town, I do not want to pay for their guests in any way because then it defeats the purpose of having the huge ratable's that you are talking about. I am not blaming, it is fact... They are costing the town money. Simple question, Do you think it is costing the town money because of the BW customers/guests? It does not matter that it is not directly or indirectly it is the end results and their customers causes an impact that causes the town money. Believe it or not, I actually like the BW. I go, spend money and bring guests too. It is not a blame it is reality and they need to realize they are partially to blame for the town's hardships. There is other towns who do not have BW and they survive so I doubt we will be history if they choose to leave all though it would be sad that they left because the BW has been here for so long. However the BW was not operated the same way. It was a true family resort, my parents took us here all the time when I was a kid. Different times in so many ways.

Concerned, see first comment. Also just to let you know! I do have a mind of my own. I do not listen to everything Barrella tells me. I listen to what makes sense and No I do not have to agree with him on all issues and I do not at times. No one has to see eye to eye on everything and all issues. I am sure he does not always agree with mine and that is all right too. I do not have to know everything or the history of the town. I see and hear what I see and hear. What are you trying to say? If you are not originally from here then we do not have the same rights, opinions as someone who is? I do not have to be from a town to realize what has changed and that now it might be different. That is the entire problem the town has changed and it is different, times have changed, some people have changed, morals and ethics have changed. Unfortunately, it is no such thing as your word or hand shake any longer. Like someone has said, it is not the BW fault that some of their guests/visitors are bad behaved or trouble. It is their actions, not the BW, but in the end it is their guests/visitors like I said wether it is direct or in direct and this is just my opinions. You are entitled to yours and that is fine too.

Concerned

Feel free to contact whomever you wish. Councilman Reid discussed this matter at the February 21 council meeting. It is curious that you direct your comments to Mike and myself, but not to Stephen or Bill. Then again, maybe it is not all that curious.

Concerned, I guess you are not going to answer me being I know so little about the town. If you are so concerned, I asked you. Honestly Do you feel the BW and other business is costing our town money? Money that we can't afford. You really think we the residents should be paying for their businesses customers? Is that what you are telling me from one resident to another. Why don't you enlighten me? Being you must know so much about the town. It is Obvious you are originally from here and you feel you are more entitled to say something than someone who is not. So, being I know so little about the town or anything as you put it. I do know one thing, I am smart enough to know when I am getting a snow job. So tell me what would you do? Keep on deferring payments. Just because it has only been a problem since 2008, does that mean you keep on letting it go. So concerned, give me some real suggestion.

concerned, You should be worried or should I say concerned about what is happening in your own back yard. Maybe you should be more worried if you still will be watching the grass growing at the public golf course.

Ms. Motto - I see in several of your posts and others about the BW paying their fair share of taxes and the strain on our services. That is easy to say, but can you be specific? I know that certainly additional police is needed but other than that what else really. I don't think our municipal lot would be filled on thursday night without fireworks. I made some calls yesterday and found out that they pick up their own garbage, as well as the town garbage on the boardwalk and pay for and service the towns bathrooms under the police station on the boardwalk. I understand this helps them, but it is not something they have to do. They do pay a vast amount of taxes and there are no additional children being put in our schools from their businesses. I know someone said that donations are nice but not necessary. I disagree - they bring a "positive impact" on our lives with a new ambulance and lights for the field so we can enjoy night games. My mom always told me there are three sides to every argument, his, hers and the truth!

Statements of “cover ups” and “hiding” are misinformation because they are factually incorrect. The information was publicly reported at a Council meeting The statement by a Boardwalk attorney to make a “donation” in lieu of filing out special event applications is a fact documented in Council minutes and newspapers. The “fair share” issue has also been documented at a Council meeting. Over $140,000 a summer for additional police is attributed specifically to two boardwalk bars between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM.

@face facts, Maybe I am wrong but you sound very angry. Who said anything about extorting money from certain businesses? You hit the nail on the head, they attract a lot of people that has an impact on our town. You have to say enough is enough. If a town can no longer afford to pay for police O.T., specials etc... to control the crowds, direct traffic, safety something has to give. Red Bank had to cancel their fireworks display that has been going on for I think they said 50 years because the event became bigger. It grew to big and out of control. It was costing to much money in security, police, insurance and law suits. Something has to be done if the town can't do it any longer were it becomes a safety issue for our town. What do you suggest? Some type of restrictions has to be put in place, not necessarily for money. As far as Schools? I agree with you, why should individuals pay that do not send their kids or use the school in any way or never used it. However this is the way NJ does it. That is a state issue not a local. They should take it away from real estate values. But that is an whole another subject. Unfortunately, that is a state issue and something they do not want to do or deal with. NJ has been complaining for years about property taxes and the politicians refuse to change or do anything about it. Go by income rather than on the backs of only property owners. You can't blame the schools or the town for that. It is the law, you have to educated kids.

Isn't it a fact that the Beach has one of the lowest municpal tax rates per $100 of valuation in the county? It is the value of your houses that increase your taxes.

What I realize is that the issue has been discussed at a Council meeting with the Borough Attorney approving the meeting location. Thank you for picking on volunteer committees.

Face facts:

Where did Mr. Cavagnaro say that?

Vince Barrella
Right above this post. Can you read ?

"What I realize is that the issue has been discussed at a Council meeting with the Borough Attorney approving the meeting location"

face

Since Beautification was formed the town has had as it's borough attorney:

Bill Hiering, Kevin Starkey, Sean Gertner, Kevin Startkey, Sean Gertner, Kevin Riordan, Tom Gannon & Sean Gertner.

Your comment was:

"So are you saying the borough attorney Sean Gertner said this is allowable ? We shall see."

The “fair share” issue of the more than $140,000 related to two boardwalk bars between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM are facts The figures were presented at a Council meeting, and were based on information supplied by our Police Chief.. No one has suggested closing the Boardwalk. Rather it is the expectation that any business, in particular two bars, that require additional police should pay towards that additional service. When the Chamber of Commerce hosts that car shows in town, they pay for the extra police even though the event draws people into town who shop the stores. Are you suggesting that it’s acceptable for an attorney representing the Boardwalk to propose to the Chief of Police that ordinances be circumvented for a “donation” as long as it’s a “private” meeting? As far as the number of people coming to the Beach, in the 70’s, renting East of Ocean avenue was undesirable to renters and very limited. The “group rental” issue developed in the 80’s and blossomed in the 90’s. You need to get a better alias than “face facts”.

Mr Canagnaro. . . none of " a lot of information " as you say pertained to water meter readings. . .was reported in the Ocean Star or here on the 'patch'. . .so much for it being made available to the public? Time to get on board with the 21Century and technology, and put Council meetings audio on Internet like it's done in the Boro. . .so we don't get the biased and filtered story from you and others who have a political agenda like that $40,000 donation story you've been telling us here of bribery on behalf of Jenkinsons attorney because he said :"THAT'S RIGHT"

I'll say it AGAIN: you, Corbally, Barrella and Dikun were on a political roll over that $40,000 donation at that April 19,2011 meeting in order to win re-election for the Mayor and take control of the Council. Last summer the chickens came home to roost when your police dept was under manned, causing the town to expend about $200,000 in overtime to quell the summer disruptions attributed to the BW, with Dikun getting $70,000 himself. . .

You just had to love that "radio talk show" banter between Barrella and Dikun at that meeting: Mayor Barrella: asked Lt. Dikun what his reaction would be if somebody, who was stopped by a Police Officer, asked to work something out outside the borough ordinances, by writing a check to Pt. Pleasant Beach (Lt. Dikun: that would not be a recommended way for a Police Officer to respond). . .

Spooner:

You can get a recording of the Council meetings by stopping in to borough hall.

Dave Cavagnaro

Why don't the people complaining about the boardwalk and the people thinking we need more police pay for it. Jenkinsons offered $40,000 and it was turned down. Could you imagine if the people who lived in town who didn't have kids decided that the people who do have kids weren't paying their fair share ? Could you imagine the woe is me outcry from the parents. You people are targeting two businesses and it is unfair. Don't tell me about the chamber either. Their events are on public property so you can not compare them to to a privately owned business.

Spooner, I responded to two blogers who stated that the Council was trying to cover up the misreading of water meters. The fact was that Councilman Reid’s public committee report was on that issue, with additional comments from the Borough Attorney. Now you complain that three different reporters in the room didn’t pick up on the story. Complain to the newspapers. That’s not a Council issue. I think it’s a great idea to broadcast Council meetings. I’ve suggested it to two different administrations. Finally, if you want to ignore the issue of a “donation” to circumvent an ordinance, that’s certainly your choice, but it’s not going to be mine.

Mr Cavagnaro;

...your Council was told by Jenkinsons attorney at the April 19th meeting. . . that those event Ordinances were flawed in their writing. As I said: the Council could have taken the $40,000. . .protected it's residents and submitted the Ordinances to the Courts . .but they didn't do that for political reasons... one reason being:that taking the money would have been an acknowledgement of accepting business as usual with Jenkinsons, which had been going on for decades. . . with another political feather in your opponents cap. . .and second reason was: if the Court had come back with a ruling that those Ordinances were in fact flawed. . .that would have done Barrella in politically. . .You's couldn't risk either one of those scenarios happening. . .As a result. . .the people paid the price, both in lawlessness going unchecked on their front laws. . .and now. . . in their pockets with this 13.5% tax increase. . .not only footing the bill for $252,000 in police overtime, but the other shenanigans that have been going on past and present. . . and now the Council is borrowing(taking) over $1,260,000 from surplus to balance the budget, as reported in the Ocean Star on Page 8. That's another 13.5% taken out of peoples pockets Mayor! So in effect what the Mayor and his budget committee put together is a REAL 26% municipal budget increase this year. . .

...Dave. . .that's public information we don't need you to report?

Spooner:

I am not going to debate you regarding whether the Council should have accepted the $40,000 or not. Had the Council wanted to they had the votes and there was nothing that Councilman Corbally, nor I, could have done to stop them from doing so. Councilmen Hennessy, Dyer, Lurie and Rizzo chose not to.

Assume, however, that they had accepted the $40,000, what would the affect have been. You imply that there would have been no tax increase this year. In dollar terms, the proposed increase would have at best dropped from $841,398 to $801,398. In percentage terms the drop would have been from 13.47% to 12.83%. You are bright enough to know this. I will leave it to others to determine your motives.

Next, you claim the Council is "borrowing(taking) over $1,260,000 from surplus to balance the budget." There has been no borrowing of surplus, and you well know that. Surplus is not borrowed. Surplus represents the town's "savings" account. This year, we were fortunate enough that the 2011 budget added enough to that "savings" account to allow for the use of the $1.26 million. Last year, Councilman Corbally and I did not have that luxury as the 2010 budget only allowed us to be able to use $487,074 from our "savings" account. Once again, I will let others determine what your motives are.

Spooner:

I would appreciate it if you would also explain what the following passage from your post means:

"As I said: the Council could have taken the $40,000. . .protected it's residents and submitted the Ordinances to the Courts . .but they didn't do that for political reasons... one reason being:that taking the money would have been an acknowledgement of accepting business as usual with Jenkinsons, which had been going on for decades. . . with another political feather in your opponents cap. . .and second reason was: if the Court had come back with a ruling that those Ordinances were in fact flawed. . .that would have done Barrella in politically. . ."

Spooner, perhaps you’re one of those people who believe that if you say something often enough it will become true. Based on your logic, I should meet with the Police Chief and tell him the ordinances on speeding are flawed and don’t apply to me. Then I should offer him perhaps a $1,000 so he doesn’t bother to stop me if I’m speeding because of that flawed ordinance. Your political spins are incredible to suggest that the mayoral election hinged on the special events ordinance. Do you really believe that Beach voters are that simple minded? As far as the budget is concerned, instead of concocting scenarios based on news stories, come to a Council meeting and have an open dialogue and get direct information.

Goodness of their hearts? Considering the way SOME of the vultures on this board have attacked the towns volunteers I would not hold your breath. Some of you people are pathetic, you attack your neighbors and insult anyone who doesn't agree with you. People wonder why some people (myself included) post under an alias, there's your answer. Who wants to be thrown under the gossip bus? Who would want to go face to face with you savages? This used to be a close-knit community and now it's like watching a pack of dogs circling a bone. What happened to this town and it's people? The only thing I can think of is the influx of BENNY come lately population that wants to change the town to THEIR liking.

Beach_N8iv, Are you directing your post to me? Because I was responding to Spooner. That is what he seemed to be saying and I was disagreeing. As far as your Benny come lately theory who wants to change the town to they're likely. I would say you are wrong. I feel the ones who are attacking and are using alias is the home grown. They are the ones who seem to know a lot more of the history of the town and that is how the Benny come lately find out what is going on. You talk about insulting and thy neighbor aren't you doing the same thing. I find it very insulting that you are blaming it on Benny come lately as you put it.

Beach_N8iv,

Some of us are Ok with speaking our mind. People can listen, they can discuss, and they can even attack. Really doesn't bother me. I don't have the power or authority to make anyone do anything...so they are free to agree or not. That is their choice.

Darlene, I was making an observation based on your comment about people working for nothing if they could and then I just simply got mad. NO ATTACK INTENDED directed at you personally.

Beach_N8iv,...Go read a few of Spooner and a few other comments. Spooner gives me that impression. His words: Public Services Reforms: Then maybe we'll get back to real virtue, duty and commitment. Not Careers $$$... just public service. This is what I was responding to. I feel there is a lot of public workers and non public workers who do volunteer, donate time or money.... what ever they could to keep the community going. So yes I feel they do it from the Goodness of their hearts. Do they have to get paid for their actual job in which they work. Yes they do! They have to live and take care of their family. Individuals on here have no idea what some of us do, wether it is donating to school fields, time for school benefits and town jobs that need to be done. Yes, they are a lot of Benny come lately as you put it that are doing for this community that you might not know or see. Why? Because we don't go bragging about it or getting a photo in the paper as the home grown. I find your attacks very insulting and you wonder why there is problems. M.Brodeur is a public worker he is all a volunteer fireman and coaches are kids and he does not get paid, yet you have individual post on here attacking him. I can almost bet you they are home grown, on just what they say as yourself. Who cares about the gossip bus, people are always going to gossip. Why would you be listening. What happened to this close knit community? You home growns are all the ones who are attacking each other.

Beach_N8iv...What vultures on the board attacked the town volunteers "another pathetic insult. I do not know who you are? If you go to meetings? I would say NO by just some of your comments. Because, I go to the meetings and I see the home grown attacking other home grown being I guess they know the history of the gossip bus. Again, What happened to the town people? I find the pack of dogs "your words again could be considered insults" circling a bone is none other then the home grown, who are jealous of each other because they are making more with better benefits ,better positions... if I don not have it, why should you. Everyone is turning on each other. This is what happens when their job is on the line or possible layoffs. I lived this problem in a previous job, it was sickening to watch. Individuals that each other called friends for years were attacking each other, I seen it with my own eyes. I refused to lower to myself, I had no problem speaking my mind and the main reason I loss my job... But to me it was not worth it if I had to make crap up about someone. I do have character and loyalty. Personally I have not seen the same from SOME of the home grown. I go to the meetings and I see current or PRIOR PUBLIC SERVICE WORKERS, whether for OUR OR OTHER SCHOOLS,COUNTY, OR STATE JOBS CRITICIZING OUR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES. SOMETIMES IT IS EVEN THEIR CO WORKERS. If that is not be a HYPOCRITICAL I DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS. Basically it is or was all right for THEM but not OTHERS.

Beach_N8iv.....Excuse the typos. I know how some are so critical like they do not make any typos themselves. I think most understand what the word should have been. Lastly, See below Talking about getting MAD!! Lets not pretend.This is no close knit community that so many claim when you have your own attacking each other.

Ms Motto, this will be my last response to you since it has become obvious that you either can't read or comprehend what I have written or maybe you're one of those people who like to make up their own "facts." At NO POINT did I attack or insult Mr. Brodeur. I admire the work he does and have worked with him numerous times. I have reviewed your posts and have found many to border on the absurd. People like you and the other vultures, YES VULTURES on this board are why I don't go to many meetings. I have no time to waste listening to a bunch of malcontents.

Beach_N8iv..... Obviously you are the one who can't read, understand some of my comments. Don't hold me to exact words.... It went more like this. I never said you attacked of insulted M.Broduer... If you go read it again, I said others were attacking him about his school position, him posting on school time and because he was defending and responding to some issues. Some post were calling him and his family leeches all their lives. They also claimed he was a union worker. Obviously these are individuals that really know him and his family. M. Broduer stated facts. They responded he was fake. Maybe they removed the post and the reason you are not following all of them. I stated, yes he works for the school system, and needs to get paid. He has to take care of his family. However he does a lot of volunteer work were he does not get paid such as fighting fires,coaching our children and free time volunteering for school functions. Maybe this is were you became confused. I stated I can bet you they are NOT home grown who are the ones attacking. Not the Benny come lately as you stated on comments that you posted and seem to blame. Apparently you seem to think the ones who are starting or making trouble, complaining, dissatisfied and VULTURES are Benny come lately, your words! I find that insulting. So I am not the one who is unreasonable and you seem to be the VULTURES. Go read some of your posts.

Ms Motto, while I said I wasn't going to respond to you again I just had to do it one last time to expose just ONE of your lies. You claim that you never said that I attacked Mr. Brodeur. Here is a copy and paste from YOUR POST! " I find your attacks very insulting and you wonder why there is problems. M.Brodeur is a public worker he is all a volunteer fireman and coaches are kids and he does not get paid, yet you have individual post on here attacking him."

Beach_N8iv.. It is not a lie,,,, Do not take it so personal, I really was not directing that to you personally. I just got really mad. It was not worded correctly... shoot me for it. My grammar and writing is not the best. I meant it in general, yet you have post or comments on here meaning others that most be home gown that are attacking him. Because of the way it is worded just like when you worded that the Benny come lately POPULATION are the ones who are trouble and want to change the town to they're liking. BY THE WAY, THE WORLD OF TODAY, EVERYONE ON HERE IS LYING AND JUDGING INCLUDING YOURSELF. GET OVER YOUR SELF, LIKE YOU ARE PERFECT AND DO NOTHING WRONG AND MAKE NO MISTAKES. The home grown do nothing wrong, they are the ones who have been running the town for the past how many years? There is very little Benny's running the town. Please do not blame everything on Mayor Barrella, because that is what most of these posts do. The way the home grown VULTURES has been to him. Good thing for the BENNY, we are the ones who fueled your town, we bought overpriced homes because of school, so some residents who left lucked out. We support the town businesses including the BW. We support the police, schools etc.... I do not see to MANY home grown out supporting the businesses. How can a town work if you do not even support each other. Have a good day!!

face facts....you made a statement and Mrs.Motto called you out on the statement of who's kids you are talking about and suddenly there is silence...... I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you were to busy to reply but when you find the time to reply,we can't wait for you to actually back your statements up with facts.......

When I went up with my kids, I saw a major Barrella supporter and boardwalk critic from Atlantic Ave up there with is daughter. I also heard from my son that Ms. Kelly's child applied last year for a job but were not hired. Is that why she is so critical of the boardwalk??

That is a ridiculous statement. That would be like saying that anyone that votes no on our school budget,should not send their kids to our school or anyone that wanted layoffs in our police dept should never call the police. Its the same thing.

Ms. Kelly I am just surprised that you would let your daughter apply for a job at such "corrupt and evil" place of business. You are very funny comparing this to the police or school. We have only one police department and one school system. There are several places you can get employment. I think it is nice our kids can find jobs where they can walk or ride their bike. I am just surprised that residents who think so poorly of the boardwalk would want their children to work there.

Did someone just compare a resident taxpayer's kid not getting a job at the boardwalk because the parent has been outspoken against the boardwalk TO a resident taxpayer's kid not getting an education or police protection because the parent has not voted for the school budget/the parent was outspoken against the police department ? REALLY ? You think that is the same thing ?

I am reading some of these posts. What are some of you saying? If someone who works O/T does not deserve it. Would any of you work O/T for nothing. I doubt it. Obviously she was asked and worked O/T. I will agree that it is bazar to furlough any employees and then give them O/T... But that just shows you how short staff they are. Someone has to do the work. That is the ridiculous things that go on that bothers me. You furlough employees because of errors in which is made by the council for what ever reasons, under budgeted, over budgeted, excuses, etc... but then you will pay O/T because obviously it is needed. It is not the employee's fault. No, I am not related to the Broduer's. I do not work for the town or school and I have no agendas. Just the reality that someone has to do the work and if you do not have anyone and the work needs to be done then you ask someone who will do the work. How do you all know what each employee does or does not do? Maybe she was the only one who wanted to work O/T. Can't blame the new council, that is why they are trying to straighten out the damage that was done by the prior council. Maybe now we have some council member willing to work more together and come up with changes and new ideas so hopefully next year we will have a slight increase or possibly none.

Beachmom, You too are a perfect example of how lies are spread. BLATANT LIES. The truth is my daughter WAS offered a job last year. I personally received a phone call from a guy named Mike,who was a very nice guy,He offered my daughter Samantha a job, she did not accept the job,due to medical reasons at the time. He left me his number and told me to give him a call anytime. Why don.t learn the truth before spreading rumors...You and many like you prove my point over and over. You just make up stories and hope someone will believe you...Pathetic that you would not only lie but bring my daughter into it.....

Beachmom,once again,you are totally distorting the truth. I never said the Boardwalk was corrupt and evil,I have said over and over and over again,that I have absolutely NO PROBLEM with the boardwalk.I have spoken about quality of life issues and how every business should have to follow the same rules,etc...it is people like you that turn those comments into being thinking poorly of and being anti boardwalk...You talk about the town being divided while you twist other peoples comments...Now you blatantly lied and are trying to distort more so maybe people won't notice...Like I said,it is pathetic.....

day trader,yes that was me and yes I did compare the two,If your explanation is that it would be different because the taxpayers are paying for the school and Police than save it because the taxpayers are paying for the added police and services that are needed to keep up with the tourists that are coming here,so yes it is the same thing....

Bottom Line::::if our town does not come up with a revenue source ,our taxes will continue to increase.year after year.....That is reality........

Were you at the budget workshop meeting? Will you articulate your opinions at the March 6 council meeting?

Ms. Hennessy,
I know you did not direct this me. You directed it to Mrs. Kelly, But if you do not mind me asking. What would you do? Give me some ideas or solutions? Why do you think there is was such a high increase in one year? Try to be honest. You do not think the prior council made some really bigs mistakes. Do you really believe there should have been a zero pct budget increase? Can you honestly say you do not think we are paying for it now. How long do you think we can defer budget increases? I do not know if this is true. I was told from residents they appealed their taxes because the BW did it, so why shouldn't they. Do you mind if I ask? Did you file an appeal? It is a snowball effect and I agree more most likely will. I am aware that all those who do not file an appeal is the ones who is going to pay more for all those who did. People who are appealing are doing it because they can take advantage of the times. Even those who are not struggling. They know their values have gone down during these times. So why not? They are winning. Better in their pocket then someone else's. There is no risk in filing an appeal. I am living it. My family had a few rough years and it is a struggle. Good thing I am a saver, was responsible when I was making money. Please do not tell me how lucky I am. It is not by luck that I made the right decisions and was smart with my money. I am not happy with such a large tax increase either. But I certainly understand Why?

Kristin,by the way,your initial post stated that the budget was all about revenge::::.........let me refresh your words for you........(YOUR WORDS) ".With this budget draft -- Barrella is attempting to punish the taxpayers for 2 reasons:
1) Because after 5 years -- he still has not been able to successfully persuade the Legislature to deliver his Local Option Taxes to Point Pleasant Beach; and
2) He is resentful that his own tax assessor had to settle with Jenkinson's and their attorney -- "1/3 of the increase is attributable to the Jenk's property tax appeal" (his words, not mine) -- to avoid having them win their tax appeal in court.
This is a revengeful tactic to punish all PPB taxpayers to try to prove his point!
And now -- EVERY PPB taxpayer will suffer the fiscal consequences of Barrella's outrageous wrath." ......................So Kristin, now you realize that the residents became educated and your excuse is not going to be accepted by the taxpayers,even your little club because lets face it,Bill Mayer was endorced by your club and he has had alot of input on this years budget,,He has been a well respected,educated man who has many ties to the community... We have a Finance Committee,who ultimately decides the budget...so when people question what :misinformation"you are directly accountable....

Mrs. Kelly,

I realize you're attempting to keep the residents "educated" through your email chain. The residents SHOULD keep themselves educated and informed. That's a responsible thing for them to do when elected officials are spending their money!

But with all due respect, what "excuse" have I made? Since you proclaim to be the keeper of a great deal of FACTS please educate me to this:

How is the pursuit of Local Option Taxes coming? How much closer are we to achieving that goal than we were say -- 6 months ago, 1 year ago, 5 years ago? Has Mayor Barrella found a co-sponsor yet for Assemblyman Lou Greenwald's legislation or did that proposal die at the end of the 2010 and 2011 legislative session(s)?

Perhaps, you could clear up any misinformation on this subject for me. Please enlighten me with a current status update of the pending legislation re: Local Option Taxes -- if you would be so kind. Thank you.

When contacted by email on Monday, Councilman Grasso said “the report was for discussion only and any feedback or other ideas from the governing body would be welcomed.”

Also in the councilman’s report were suggestions to increase borough license and permit fees, as well as apply for a 2 percent tourism fee.

The fee would require certain businesses to collect an additional 2 percent retail sales tax on tourism-related retail sales and, or pay a tourism development fee. Cape May County has initiated such a fee.

Tourism-related sales include hotel room rentals, and food and beverages sold by restaurants, among other items.

--- Apparently, Manasquan believes in local option taxes as well.....
(from todays Coast Star)

A. Resident, I seen that in the paper and posted that on here already. It is a discussion on a host of impact fees. Apparently Manasquan feels the need to discuss impact like we have been for years. We have been discussing it for years, maybe if more got behind the idea we would be ahead of the game or maybe now the two towns can fight the state together for the need. I am sure all those who constantly compared us to Manasquan now does not want to. Some are finding other towns to compare us to and we are not even close to them or Manasquan either in my opinion. Maybe they are finally picking up our ideas of the impact tax and realize they need it also.

A.Resident that is what most towns do that are a tourist town. They place extra taxes and fees to help the residents absorb the cost so it does not have to come out of their pockets. It comes out of the visitors that use our town to have fun in it. I do not care if the businesses in Point Beach have a Mardi Gras in the streets if they are willing to pay for it. It might be fun... All though I know some who would not want that to happen.

Mrs. Kelly and Mrs. Motto,

You've both asked what I suggest and what I would do if I was on the budget committee (aka the Finance Committee). This hypothetical question is difficult to answer precisely -- without directly looking at a copy of the draft budget. So, here’s the best answer I can give you right now:

1) I would keep as my guiding principle that – There's no greater responsibility of the Mayor and Council than to manage other people’s money (their tax dollars) with tremendous fiscal responsibility and financial prudence.

2) I would contribute to the process of preparing a municipal budget in the same manner that I prepare my own personal home budget – using the over-arching philosophy – “You don’t spend money, that you don’t have” – while also realizing that sometimes you have to make difficult decisions and say “No” – “We can’t afford it... not right now.”

3) I would move the governing body, the borough administrator/CFO, and all department heads away from the traditional practice of “Incremental Budgeting”, and utilize a more thorough and efficient model called “Zero Based Budgeting” (ZBB) – whereby each year the budget starts at a “zero base” and every department head must justify each and every expenditure on each line item. The goal of the ZBB methodical approach has been known to maximize efficiency, maintain accountability, and eliminate any and all wasteful spending in government entities.

....continued

With regard to your comments about Mr. Brodeur’s and Councilman Mayer’s statements: "Am I happy there is an increase? No. Do I understand why there is an increase? Yes."

I can only offer this opinion: Mr. Mayer is in fact, a decent, well-respected, and educated man as you’ve stated. However, I maintain the belief that ALL who worked on this budget CAN and SHOULD do better, and that this draft budget is wholly unacceptable in its present form.

Being “Unhappy” about a consequential result is generally a great catalyst for making significant changes. “Understanding” why something has occurred generally involves a much closer look and a deeper insight than: “because they said so.”

I hope this answers your question. Thanks for asking.

Kristen, Maybe the wrong Hennessy ran for council.. Thank you for responding with your answers. Obviously you do know there is nothing you could do with salaries being you will be violating contracts. Unless you want another law suit. Nothing can be done until the contracts are up for negotiations at least that is what I understood. The reality is some spending you can't get around and other you can i agree

The PBA contract expired in 2010 and the TWU and Teamsters expired in 2011. So new contracts should have been negotiated last year. Who was the finance and personnel chair and committee and what did they negotiate ?

@John Wayne, Do you not think you need some real help? It is not out of fear. Every one of these post criticizes,attacks,spins lies,cheats etc.... Tell me how you would get around the large tax increase? Give me some real clear solutions. Please do not give me solutions that you know darn well that will not work or we can't legally do. It is a perfect example of the furlough days and then you give an employee O/T. This is what you call mismanagement that the prior council apparently did on a regular basis. You can't blame the new council because it was stated what the employee made last year by their comments in which were made. Tell me exactly and make it clear how the BW is making money for the RESIDENTS not the TOWN. I agree with the bloggers that had stated the RESIDENTS ARE LOSING EVERY TIME.

In my mind, paying for the neighborhood's security that is required between the hours of 10PM and 4AM because of the clientele they attract to their establishments like the Parker House DOES in Sea Girt would be a start. I believe when extra town resources are required for any event, those holding the event should pay for those resources.

Councilman Corbally,

I actually agree with you on this point. That's why I still maintain the belief that the $40,000 issue COULD have been worked out if negotiations had continued. That money was offered and intended to be "earmarked" for "neighborhood security" only (to fund the SNAP program). Chief O'Hara even stated: "It was a good start". Unfortunately, it was a start that never got finished. I'm so tired of hearing the distractions about "bribes" and "strings attached", etc. Bottom line is that -- if mutually respectful and productive discussions had continued, the Council and the Boardwalk business owners might just have been able to reach a solution that worked for everyone. Instead, tempers flared and the door was slammed shut. The municipality got "nothing" and the taxpayers became the biggest losers.

On another note -- What happened to the idea of creating a SID (Special Improvement District) or a SAD (Special Assessment District)? Councilmen Reid and Mayer both suggested this as a viable plan during their campaign. I also recall that you and former Councilman Mike DiCicco had been working with the boardwalk business owners on this concept back in 2007. The way it was reported to me was that -- the implementation of this plan was "all but done", and it would have become effective if Mike DiCicco had become Mayor in 2008. Could you kindly offer up a status update with regard to the implementation of that concept. Thanks.

Jw, I do not know? Do they? I find some assessments are to low in comparison to both other businesses and residential properties. I was under the impression businesses paid more depending on the location. When I was looking at some on Data Universe it did not appear that way to me. The rate appeared to be the same for everyone. Were they paying higher taxes? Yes, But when you compared the lot sizes to mine, they were five to one, and making income off of it. So in reality when you breaks it down the amount of taxes being paid was the same. So to me it seemed like businesses and the location does not matter. We are all paying the same, it is just that they own more property. Maybe they are getting a discount for that. I do not even feel some residential is paying the same as others. Do they get extra garbage pick up? Maybe they do? Possibly go down to pick up one day a week instead of two days? That can't be done according to so many because the tourist area produces more garbage than the other areas. That is just common sense. Kids in school has nothing do with it and that is were the argument always seems to go. Any and all business in NJ pays toward their schools, that is not a local issue..... That is a higher level, Maybe that is where the businesses should be going. Pay your lobbyists to fight this battle for you at a higher level. Good luck with that battle being they have known for years that businesses have not been happy and wanted the tax structure to change.

From your post you seem to know many of those posting under an alias. You claim that you can even expose them. You also mentioned that you are connected to this town in a different way. Wonder what that means? What is your "unknown" reason for hiding behind an alias? Since our town is sinking quick, please throw us a life preserver!

Councilman Corbally,

I absolutely do intend to ask Councilmen Reid and Mayer for a current status update on the SID. But they are not posting here. That's why I asked you.

Since you and Mike DiCicco also advocated for the creation of the SID in 2007, I would imagine that you're still in favor of that concept, right? OK, Good -- so now we currently have 3 Council members who think (or thought) that a SID was a viable plan. You and Councilman Mayer are both currently members of the Finance Committee. I would certainly imagine that you're all talking to each other and working together cooperatively on the delivery of creative ideas and cost-saving measures. Are you not?

Thank You,,, David... No problem.

Councilman Corbally,
Which of my statements are "not true"? Could you please be more specific. Thanks.

Puppet Watcher, think what you want... I am an outsider. I just know many on the inside from school when my children attended. The Santa Claus line was used in political mailings that I seen. So everyone knows who you are.

Although the referendum on overnight parking failed overall, taking results district by district wasn't it supported by a majority in District 4?

Puppet Watcher------ Manipulation and lies speaks volume and the only reason why the majority public voted NO for PARKING = CORRUPTION.

The referendum was a joke,it said nothing ,it asked if you wanted a townwide parking plan. No details,where when ,how,hours it was a political move,nothing less .

pointman, I am not surprised. Apparently everything going on this town is political. I see that for sure!! In most towns it is harder to see and easier to cover up. Not this town, it is very small. Hits you in the face. BAM!! Who cares if anyone knows. We are going to do it anyway. That is were Abuse of Power and arogance comes in. Some feel they are entitled more than the next guy or gal. It seems to be happening in every aspect of this town. I do not want to earn it. I want it given to me and handed on a silver platter. I am special, so I deserve it more than you. It is the power struggle, spitefulness and above that is sinking the town. No, it is not one person for sure. Everyone gloats and is more worried on getting each other back instead of putting their differences a side and truly do what is right.

The question on the ballot read:
"Shall the Governing Body of the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach institute by the appropriate action regulations limiting parking on public streets to residents and taxpayers of the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach?", followed by an explanatory statement including when it would begin and end, hours of enforcement, and how many passes would be given to each residence.
Quite a bit more detailed than merely asking if residents 'wanted a town wide parking plan'.
As a non-binding referendum it served to gauge public opinion. I don't see what's wrong with the governing body evaluating the results district by district--different parts of town have different concerns. As I understand it the results showed it to be favored in only one district of town, and that is where it is now proposed to be implemented. That does not seem to be ignoring the will of the public to me.

Much of it comes back to one man. The Mayor of most communities sets the agenda, the direction of any town, and tone of the attitude is within his or her control.

One more point Joan, the community had an opportunity to select a new direction and attitude for our town last November. The majority chose a new direction. A new Mayor.
One area of the town, the fourth district believed Mr Barella was their best choice because of summer time problems. So, we have his style , attitude, and direction for our town for four more years. Watch closely if you can handle it. The open and change for our town are coming. Huge tax increase! Parking plan! just for starters. Many were warned and most voters did not this Mayor again. Too late now.

Johnny come lately.... You really think the blame is on one man.Sure it is. I do not care who the Mayor is. When Mr. Pasola was in that chair. I was told there was a lot of problems because of the same nonsense. He was getting attacked, threatened and his house had to be watched. He was not trouble. He is a very nice man. Just because he wanted to make changes that was needed. Please stop acting like there has only been problems since certain individuals are now here. Some of you come off, I am innocent, snow white and I do nothing wrong. Sure you don't.

Johnny CL: The fact is that the man driving this train wreck had a number of his "intellectual equivalents" from central avenue cast absentee ballots for him to help him swipe the election last november.

John CL, It does not matter. What counts is. The Mayor won. I do not care if it won by one vote. That is how it works. When you count up all the votes from every section of the entire town in the end he won. He won not once, he one twice now. He was the best choice as well as the councilmen that were voted in.

Urallcorrupt, So What? That is what this is about. Answering others in which there is differences of opinions.

Thank you for expressing your view. Obviously, I disagree.

On the subject of posts, getting accurate information out is in my opinion a good thing not a bad thing. I wish that the Patch did not allow anonymous posts, but alas it does. If people were required to post under their own names, I believe the debate would actually be much more respectful and people could better judge where some of the comments are coming from.

Urallcorrupt, I left out the most important. To defend yourself and the all the lies on here.

Johnny,You say I have a negative attitude,Maybe you can elaborate on that because I actually LOVE this town and I DO NOT sit around complaining all of the time like some people....

Johnny, I love it!! You should go to some of the meetings and actually see who is negative. Yes, it does matter to some. Just read some of these post. I love it, there is SOME individuals on who tells others to go back where you came from. I seen and heard one resident tell the Mayor at a meeting. I was here before you and I will be here after you. Then he proceeded to tell a Teacher that teaches at our school to shut up because she voiced her opinion with the problems over the summer. She lives and teaches in our community. I guess he was originally from here.
Basically he was the one who was going to have the last say. This town is sinking because a bunch of individuals who will not admit there is many things going on and wrong in the community. I guess they would like it continue the way it was. The town is on steroids and everyone wants to be in power. It is a constant power struggle and guess what the residents are stuck in the middle. Why? What Are you telling me? I should just go along with what I believe is wrong. Sure, everyone is either negative or starting trouble if they do not go along with what clearly is wrong or has a different opinion. The Majority can't handle the truth or are in denial. It is not blaming. It is what I can see.

Isn't this country founded on the belief that majority rules?

Doesn't everyone on these posts? Common... Be real. You are sounding like Barick Obama yourself.

Yes

What are the details of this overnight parking plan?

Once again, a half baked solution that is going to effect myself and my neighbors that are outside of District 4. All you are doing is pushing cars from one area to another. Pt. Beach, like every other shore community has a parking issue. Whatever plan that is proposed should be analyzed and thought out to insure it will have the correct outcome.

My typo, I was not talking about the Majority.

Carmen, I myself did not vote for Mayor Barrella being that I am a non resident tax payer of district (4) but would love to see the plan in place for this summer. why are you and so many other people against the overnight parking plan? why not put it in place for one summer and see what happens?
If it works for district 4 but becomes a problem for other districts then we expand the program to those zones.

@Pay, That has been my points. Just pay.... Because everyone wanted more police, especially in the summer months to control the BW area. No, I do not live in the BW area. However I still want the BW area under control.. We are one town so in the end it will affect us all, if it is not kept under control. I wanted to say that and get it out in the open because I am sure someone will attack me. Why do I care because I do not live in the BW area? Plus the fact, I want my child, and her friends, other residents kids protected along with my friends and family that I invite and bring here. That by the way, we patronizes all the businesses here including the BW but we are told by so many to move. Like you said, no one wants cuts, everyone wants raises, everything goes up....fuel, pension obligations, insurances etc.....Towns and school have the same problem we have at home. You have to change or come up with ways to deal with all the impacts and no one feels they are the cause of them. Sadly something has to give eventually. Some have to decide which direction they want their town to go in. If you want your town to stay the same. Either pay up every year because that is the way it is going to be or help our officials in getting an impact tax that is going to help the residents absorb the cost of their taxes. I am not originally from here, I do not know. Maybe at one time we were able to absorb the tourist. Obviously the crowds have gotten larger and the town has built up.

Ms. Hennessy, I know you did not direct this to me.. But I have to say, when the Hotel/Motel Tax was going on. When one of the residents basically called out former councilmen Cervino on campaign promises with directed questions to former Council Cervino. He replied very arrogantly: something to the affect. That he had the right to suddenly change his mind and that is exactly what he did. He said many politicians suddenly change their minds. Wow, I was taken back with his response. This is exactly why so many have a problem and do not believe any politicians or campaign promises. I do not mind a local politician changing their mind once they get in because it might have been something they were not aware of. A least give a believable explanation to why you are changing your mind. I think a resident at least deserves that. Especially someone who voted for you. Obviously former council Cervino did not think he had to. He continued to pressure him at the following meeting. When former council Cervino finally gave him a reason, it was not only unbelievable it was down right ridiculous in my opinion. I am guessing that Mr. Corbally clarified in his response and reason for the reversed decision he made.

Kristin, I agree it’s a good idea. However, it’s hard to understand your suggestion that removing binding arbitration from police contracts is “low hanging fruit” or easy. Local option taxes currently exist. The precedent of removing binding arbitration from police contracts does not. As a state organization, I would expect the PBA to initiate state support against any attempt to remove it. With all his ideas to cut costs, I haven’t heard the Governor even suggest this option. The fact that a state arbitrator gave raises in excess of the Governor’s 2% cap is a clue. If it was so easy or such a good idea, why didn’t Sean propose it when he was on Council? Binding arbitration is just one of the difficult contractual issues that many people don’t realize, our Council faces in trying to hold down costs .

Ms. Hennessy,
I will be the first to agree with you that it is ridiculous and makes no common sense by your illustration. This is why? I have a problem with many of the decisions "Trenton and Federal Government make. I had many of these conversations with others and in my own household. The "State" and "Federal" government places all types of changes, mandates, laws in to place yet they do not fund many of them. They just force it upon the local level and the residents of this state and country. There is no check and balances. A lot of red tape. I feel at that level it is out of my hands and control. I thought possibly I would have more luck at the local level, but as you can see that is not working out well either. I agree with David in the sense if the Governor never even suggested getting rid of "Binding arbitration" it isn't happening an impossible task. The PBA and Union would be all over that if they tried to get rid of it as well as the NJEA, I am almost sure they have "Binding arbitration" too. I went through that a few times in my 10 years working in a school, even though that along with "Tenured" never applied to me. I could be wrong, personally I feel the NJEA is getting weaker because of the reforms. Some might not want to admit this but the PBA and Police Union appear to be stronger because they support each other more. No, I am not trying to rub it in.

Mr. Cavagnaro,

You're a savvy, intelligent & politically astute individual who pays EXTREMELY close attention to the fine little details. Surely -- you know EXACTLY what I'm referring to as the "low hanging fruit." Here's a small sampling of reading material to refresh your memory or clarify what I mean:

http://blog.nj.com/njv_guest_blog/2010/07/a_hammer_for_the_tool_kit_arbi.html

http://www.njslom.org/letters/ml080210-arbitration.html

http://articles.philly.com/2010-10-25/news/24952489_1_binding-arbitration-arbitration-process-hard-cap

http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/state/assembly-democrats-delay-vote-on-arbitration-bill-affecting-public-employees

The NJ State League of Municipalities (NJSLOM) led by William Dressel (who Mayor Barrella often touts as his political ally) was literally PLEADING for LOCAL MAYORS to support Arbitration reform -- while the Trenton Democrats in control -- sat back idly snickering and stalling the legislation. State Level Politics is a "dog eat dog" world -- where allegations of "Bribes" and "Strings Attached" is a routine common occurence. Local Option Taxes may exist in 2 or 3 NJ cities -- where tremendous "lobbying" efforts worked "behind the scenes" to make it happen.

Dave -- To your knowledge -- When did Mayor Barrella encourage the PPB Council to pass a resolution supporting the League's efforts on Arbitration Reform? I don't recall one? Kindly provide a copy of such a resolution -- if one exists.

Kristin,I find it quite comical that you are sitting here complaining about the system being broken and how there needs to be reform..Correct me if I am wrong, Aren't you being represented by the NJEA which quite possibly is one of the biggest unions in the State of NJ that the taxpayers are supporting? Are you reaping any benefits from this union? Have you voluntarily taken yourself out of the union or are you still a union member reaping the benefits? Just out of curiousity,what makes your union any better than the PBA etc.....Kind of like the pot calling the kettle black,don't ya think........

Mrs. Motto,

Just to clarify one of you points -- The NJEA does not have "BINDING" arbitration. It's a different type of contract negotiation process altogether. Public employment "REFORM" is a very broad term with a wide spectrum of current initiatives. However, it's a notion that's not going away anytime soon.

It's up to our elected officials and our public employee unions to decide if they want to be part of the process -- or -- watch from the shoreline as the ship sails. Personally speaking -- I would prefer to remain actively engaged and try to help be part of the solution -- rather than be considered part of the problem.

Ms. Hennessy, "2nd comment"
I can't speak for the Mayor or Council what he did or didn't do? Or should I say They. You would have to ask him or them. Maybe the Mayor and council realized that was never going to happen. Removing "Binding Arbitration" Maybe he felt it would be easier to get local option tax. I am not saying that out Governor does not have some good ideas. I just do not agree with all of them. I just do not like the way he handles himself as a Governor. I find him very Bully like. I feel he does not back up his conviction with his own plans or words, just look at your illustration, he should have been all over that. He preaches too much. He is telling us we have to be more responsible and accountable and he is not himself. He is mandating even more bullying laws without funding. The schools and towns gets a little increases in funding that will not even cover the extra mandates that they place. Nj in general is out of Control. On another topic that effects all of us personally, the town and residents. Is Medical Insurance. That is why insurance premiums in NJ are out of control. We pay so much more than other states. Why Just because it is Jersey, We have thousands of mandates in our polices compared to a couple of hundred in other states. This effects every town, school, resident. Look at the salaries, at one time not that long ago...Police and Teachers were making a lot less. Probably to low, but then it jumped to high because of "Binding Arbitration"

In a 9/29/09 APP article that was part of its pre-election Tax Crush series Mayor Mike Fressola of Manchester, Bill Dressel, Governor Corzine and I each advocated reforming the binding arbitration system.

Then Gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie opposed such reforms and was quoted as stating "Taking away binding arbitration would put the police and fire in an untenable situation," he said. "I have real concerns about taking that away. Police and fire put their lives on the line every day. Towns have to find more creative ways to deal with this. They need to manage departments, police departments, more efficiently."

After he was elected the Governor changed his position and agreed with Bill Dressel and many of us that Binding Arbitration needed to be reformed.

On 6/24/2010, I testified before the Senate Budget Committee stating "There is much within what the Governor has proposed that I believe represents necessary and important reforms. For example, many of his proposed toolkit reforms should be acted upon quickly and in a bipartisan manner, such as his efforts to reform interest [binding] arbitration."

Tell me, does testimony before a Senate Committee where I supported the Governor's belated efforts to reform the binding arbitration system count as a resolution?

And yes, I will continue to lobby Trenton for local revenue initiatives in the hope that the Governor will once again reconsider his position.

Kristin:

As Mr. Cavagnaro pointed out, there are municipalities in NJ, both large and small, that enjoy the right to utilize local option revenue initiatives to lower the property tax burden on their residents and businesses alike. The taxpayers of Pt. Pleasant Beach and all other towns deserve the same benefit that some of New Jersey's taxpayers now possess, don't you agree?

Finally, no one ever said it would be easy. For example, it took Secaucus almost 13 years before its efforts to get the hotel/motel tax approved came to fruition and that was with the strong support of their local legislators.

One final note, the arbitration award issued you referred to above was not subject to the reform provision capping awards at 2%. That is because the legislation passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor only applied to contracts ending after 1/1/2011 and our contract with the PBA expired on 12/31/2010.

Mayor Barrella: what your saying is not totally correct and misleading. . .That APP 09/29/2009 story. . . of you advocating binding arbitration reform is not true. The only person in that article that advocated a murky kind of reform was Corzine... all you did was talk about the problem. . .like we haven't heard it before. . . Oh!...hope to see your letter in this weeks Ocean Star condemning PBA Local 158 for what they did to the Boro . . .going to binding arbitration after their contract recently ended?

http://php.app.com/taxcrush/view_article_details.php?id=40

... and your other reference. . .speaking before the Senate Budget Committee is also misleading and not true. . . you were back at it again. . .pitching for them to authorize a 2% local sales tax for the Beach . . .more of your Local Options Tax spiel? According to you: the town was doing $400M in business, meaning $8M more for the politicians to spend. . .oh that's right it would go for property tax relief . . . just like the relief Corzine promised us when he raised the sales tax to 7%. . .

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/media/archive_audio2.asp?KEY=SBA&SESSION=2010
audio tape of 6/24/2010, from 1 hour and 02 minutes(1:02)

Mayor Barrella. . .it's not the revenue side that's the problem. . .it's the spending. . . and until they remove the unions from both sides of the negotiating table. . .all this additional revenue will do. . .is continue to enable the perpetuation of this Ponzi scheme?

"hope to see your letter in this weeks Ocean Star condemning PBA Local 158 for what they did to the Boro . . .going to binding arbitration after their contract recently ended?"

Spooner, you do know the PBA tried before their contract expired to work with the town right? And you know it was the town that asked them to hold off. And you know the town has continued to tell them to hold off? And you know the PBA sent correspondence to the town....but has not heard back from the town? Just curious, but how long would you expect the PBA to "negotiate" in a one-sided way? This is their livelihood that is being worked on....the town could have the decency to work with them. In lieu of any effort from the town....arbitration.

A Resident: my comment had to do with Mayor Barrella's defending himself as a proponent for the property tax reform. . .but never the less. . . I read the story in the Ocean Star, and what your saying doesn't jibe with what they said? And as I recall, past police contract negotiations have gone for much longer periods with resorting to arbitration.

...also the average Boro base police salary as reported to PFRS for 2010 was almost $126K . . .hardly a threat to their livelihood?

A Resident. . . Oh I forgot to tell you: tonight the Boro Council will be voting to hire two police officers. . .part of payback I guess, now with the Mayor having $550K saved for the property owners he promised from the garbage deal. . . for their( the PBA's) support of him in last years election. I know that's not politically correct to say. . . and you're going to tell me we're under manned with only 28 officers. . .but then again. . .in 1998 we had 28 officers with more people. . .so go figure it?

Ms. Hennessy,
I will take your word for it. I have been through this difficult long drawn out red tape process a few times. I know it went through some type of arbitration and then through a fact finder. Matter of fact. It was so drawn out, by the time it was settled you were starting over again with a new contract. In Wall it took 2 to 3 years to settle. This red tape cost a lot of money on all ends. The lawyers all made out very well. To me it was ridiculous and a waste of money. Not only did they waste a lot of money most wound up with hefty raises. Even when the rest of the world did not. I am still friends with some of the teachers and others I am not. Personally I did not pay that much attention being the position that I held in the Wall School System over 10 years did not matter. The position I held I was on the lower end of that pyramid. We were the last to get any money. I had no tenured and received zero benefits. I know every district is different and mainly the reason I moved out of that district. In my opinion they were not a good district. Not to their teachers, paras, custodians, students, parents or tax payers. Believe me I seen it all. Now that I am familiar with both districts there is no comparison. Definitely more opportunities in the Beach if your child or children are willing to take that opportunity. I probably will get flack for this. I am not big on Unions. They never helped me or my family out in the positions we held including private unions.

Spooner, that's PROMOTE (not hire) one, possibly two. That will give the people that whine about the overtime something else to whine about.

Ms. Hennessy,
Being I seen what was going on behind this particular district. I seen some real shameful acts in my opinion. I am aware that every district, leaders, teachers etc.... is different. Good thing that is true. Sorry, but I do not agree that all the schools and educators are equal, yet they all get the same salaries and benefits with in the district they work. Yet some like Unions. Not that I think the removal of tenured is going to work when you do not have some leaders making the correct choices. If you have leaders willing to compromise based on favoritism, political differences, ever spoken out, did not agree with someone in a higher position or their friends your done. I have seen everyone turn on each other every time their was a talk of a lay-off including turning on their supposed friends. When Wall went on strike back some time ago a group of teachers spit on aides that crossed a picket line, even though the aides had no choice because at that time it was before teachers even wanted the aides to join the Union. At one time the teachers in Wall did not want anything to do with the Aides, until they realized more aides were being hired and it was adding up. Then they thought it was a good idea for both money, help and more power etc... Very Political, after that I loss a lot of respect for some individuals. If there was better leaders in place they would have put a stop to this behavior instead of Pitting employees against each other and joining in.

@Beach: It's the Borough. . .not the Beach that the hiring will be voted on tonight.

Kristin,I am NOT a math major as you state but I just read an article in the coast star how the Brielle teachers are receiving a 9% increase over 4 year contract..Correct me if i am wrong but it seems like it will be 3%,3%and 3% and The total percentage payout increase is 9 percent,(not being a math major and all,I am guessing that is higher than your numbers above)

Additionally, all stipends for co-curricular activities will be increased by 2 percent effective July 1, 2012, and, by an additional 2 percent on July 1, 2013.

In the area of health insurance, effective May 1, 2012 through the remainder of the 2012 year, the base medical plan for the district will be a Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO. Full article http://starnewsgroup.com/weekly/2012/03.29.12/teacher_cont_03.29.12_73274.html?featured=*

"

and since you love to post comments,here are two from the coast star:

BOEhater → Posted: Thursday, Mar 29 at 10:00 AM

BC/BS Direct Access is NOT cheaper than the state plan. How much are we paying teachers who don't take the helath plan? Still half? Retroactive pay? Ridiculous.

Report this comment as inappropriate.

John Lewis → Posted: Thursday, Mar 29 at 09:16 AM

How can they give that kind of raise with a 2% CAP ? Retired State workers pensions have been frozen yet School Boards fold like cheap suits and agree to raise taxes yet again !

Report this comment as inappropriate.

Kristin, thank you for the compliment. I would say the same about you also. My point was that local option taxes exist but removal of binding arbitration in police contracts does not. You have verified that. We can agree or disagree about what other issues need to be pursued. The Mayor’s point in the past, and I believe still is, was to increase revenue for the town. The local option tax does that. I don’t understand your demand to show where he pursued the elimination of arbitration. You have been a strong public supporter of Governor Christie. Yet after he imposes a 2% spending cap on towns, his administration allows an arbitration ruling to exceed that. It seems that your criticism should be of and with the Governor

Mr. Cavagnaro,

It's no secret that I've supported Governor Christie's initiatives and ideas. "His administration" solely did not "allow" an arbitration ruling. As you know, arbitrators are appointed and assigned by the Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC). Appointments to that Commission are made by the Governor with consent of the Legislature. Members have official terms of service with varying expiration dates like most other professional boards and commissions.

It takes a concerted and cooperative effort between the Governor and the Legislature to change the way Trenton does business. I understand why it can't happen overnight. One need not look further than the politics surrounding the composition of the New Jersey Supreme Court and the appointment/confirmation process for those positions to see the political wrangling of how "the game" is played and how changes are made. The articles I provided further illustrate this quandary.

Further, I did not "demand" that you show where the Mayor pursued the elimination of arbitration. I simply made (what I thought was) a respectful request for you to refresh my memory. I know you are an avid notetaker -- with a notebook full of Council Meeting history. I thought I might have missed something.

It's getting late now, so I really must retire for the evening. Please don't be insulted if I respectfully request that we continue this discussion tomorrow evening. Thanks so much.

Kristin:

See comments above regarding arbitration reform and local revenue initiatives.

Spooner, you seem to be intent on finding any excuse to criticize the Mayor. Kristin Hennessy wanted to know if the Mayor addressed the problem of binding arbitration. He did. Apparently not to your satisfaction, however. You expect him to have more success that the past or current Governor of the state. Since binding arbitration has been utilized in the Beach under all of the last three administrations, can you find any letters or speeches criticizing the process or trying to eliminate it by any previous Mayor or Council Member? At least Mayor Barrella is trying. He has politely answered questions in this blog and invited concerned people to come to the next Council meeting to ask more questions.

Darlene: Only problem with this town is people like you, Vin the Spin and CK. You moved to a resort area without doing your homework. Please accept the fact that you messed up. The problems preceeded you there. You are just unhappy with where you live. Problems can be solved if you and your miserable friends move away. There will be less trash everywhere.

randi, The only one on here that seems to be talking TRASH and TROUBLE is yourself. Maybe you are the one who needs to move away so we do not have to here your TRASH. Who said anyone is unhappy where they live. I hear many complaining from every side and after a while it gets tiring. Who is whining? The ones who is reaping all the benefits on all sides. What is going on is reality. Maybe you are not living in reality. Who messed up? Didn't do your homework? What do you even mean by that? You sound like an angry boy or girl, I guess you are reaping benefits in some way. Get over the fact that something needs to be done. Something has to change, it can't continue to go on the way it has been because NO ONE wants to pay for it. No spinning, that is the truth. Taxes go up and everyone complains. How are they possibly going to go down with what is going on everywhere. How come you can go to many beach resort towns and they have some sort of impact fee placed. Is it that their town is smart enough to realize to do this because it takes it away from them and their residents. An impact fee is paid by the customer or visitor which helps with the burden. Don't tell me that no one is going to come here anymore. Because all the other places that have them, they have not closed down and people still come. Most do not even realize or care they are paying for them. They are having fun!!!

You sound very unhappy. I still think you should move. I did.

Randi, Well I hate to break it to you. I am not unhappy. I am just a logical thinker and have a mind of my own. I have never been a follower. The Mayor and New Council has been trying to come up with solutions and ideas by working together to continue to keep PPB great. Not that they all agreed on all issues, but at least it appears they are much more civil to each other this time around and they appear to have a mind of their own which is a good thing. So there is no block as some suggested. I was at the council meeting and I was very surprised how the votes were broken up on different issues. As a resident do I agree with everything the council or Mayor has done over the years. No, I do not. I understand why somethings had to be done even if I do not agree and then their is other issues I will never agree on with what the prior council has done. Times have changed and you can't compare it to other towns or who sat in the middle at one time. It is ridiculous, Times have changed from when different men are in the middle so there is different issues that you have to deal with at that time. Randi, Where did you move to? Unless it is out of NJ, I can't see how it would be better because majority of the towns have increases. If you moved why are you so concerned then with issues of a town that you are no longer a part of? Why do you think we should move? Just because we have an opinion, or debate on issues that are going on our own town. So do not get involve?

Randi, I do not understand why you would be so upset that some residents choose to be involved with their own town. Would you rather them say or do nothing. Then realize when it is to late, What happened to our town? It was nice town at one time. You moved and you still sound unhappy. Have you moved, but continue to work here? Why else would it upset you so much that you result to name calling if you are not part of the community in some way.

haha,thanks for the chuckle....By the way is this your 3rd or 4th alias so far? I do have a problem with people that spread false accusations and I firmly believe that" People that live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" When Kristin stated that the budget was drafted simply out of the Mayors revenge,that was a meaningful conversation to you,surprise surprise...haha

Thank you,
Can't say the same for Randi who ever he or she is. In all fairness to Ms. Kelly that you think is attacking. Just look at some of the other post who are personally attacking others including me, for just having an opinion. Did I say I wanted everyone to agree with me? I have done it myself in defense. It is a natural response. I should know better because two wrongs do not make it right.

Bafoon... Stop twisting words around. Maybe you took me the wrong way. Where did I say teachers make to much money? As far as the police I have defended them to many residents over and over. What I was trying to say, I would rather have more police and pay them a little less than lay off a lot of police. There is many residents that live here that think the police should be making a lot less money and get rid of many police. That we have WAY TO MANY. I never thought that. There is many resident here that feel we should have 4 police because we are a one mile town. That is all I here. I do not even want to tell you what many think the police should make. I have said over and over, you have to go by experience and how long they have been a police. You can't get anybody to do the job. If you read ALL my comments. I stated, when it comes to safety I would rather pay the $258.00 dollar increase than jeopardize safety. As far as finding new friends, I do not have friends here nor am I looking for any. That is what is wrong with this town. Everyone selectively take pieces of what someone said. You know what. Everyone on here attacks different aspects of the town, others jobs and positions! So, if that is what people want I cant stop them. If everyone would rather let the town sink being everyone wants to WIN there is nothing I can do. It is one big Power struggle and everyone loses.

Joan,I just have one simple question for you. Do you think that the BW should be doing a little more to preserve the quality of life for the residents? It is a yes or no question but I welcome any comments that you have...

Darlene... Like I said fool me once, shame on you! Fool me twice, shame on me! I'm no fool!!! I hope I've answered your question.

Joan, Do you work at Antrim? I do not care that you work there. Someone has to do the job, what ever it is that you do. I am only asking because someone told me so. I just wanted to go right to the source. So you are reaping the benefits of our tax residents too. You are a perfect example of just many that live in this community and other communities. Remember I worked in a school for 10 years and heard it all. You have individuals that have a job in a town or school that is supported by residential taxes. The town schools and municipality has an increase every year do to contracts. Most salaries increases, medical increases, pension obligations increases every year therefore your taxes will go up every year. Now everyone is upset that their taxes are going up every year including the ones who are benefiting from them. Sorry, But it drove me crazy. Most would constantly complain about their taxes and how ridiculous that it goes up every year. They could not afford another penny. This came out of many of their mouths constantly. I would say to them, don't your realize why they are going up? You are a part of the reasoning they are going up. Yes, you are doing a service and you are working in some capacity of a town...You are paying taxes somewhere. There is not many towns that have zero increase unless they have a large surplus of money or they're deferring it which eventually you will have to pay. These same individuals oppose impact tax that can help relieve property tax.

Kristin,you just don't stop with your SELECTIVE information. Did you actually look at their budget(which is posted with the article? Did you look at their revenue from the Marina,Gas depot at THEIR marina,etc,etc ...Did you look at their surplus(over a million dollars that they kept from 2010(which you have always been against keeping a surplus....Stop already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kristin Hennessy,
I am not trying to be sarcastic or nasty with you....But you keep on comparing us to different towns. You have to compare apples to apples, not apples to oranges. Sure they are fruit, but they are entirely different in more than just the color. You compared us to Belmar and Fair Haven? How are they like us in any way. Fair Haven does not even have a beach at all. It is really unfair to our Council and Mayor when you compare these towns with ours. The only thing they might resemble us, is the sizes of the town and I do not even know if that is right. Every town is different and has different situations. You have to lay it all out on the table from all the different towns to make it an even playing field. Like I said comparing apples to apples. Even in that, we have so many different apples. We tried shared service and you see it did not work out. Yes, some shared services might work, it has to be checked thoroughly. I do not think anyone is against "SHARED SERVICES. I know we have some in our schools. So I know it possibly can work. It is just that all parties have to agree and it has to be fair to both towns. The other problem is that it can't be forced. We are our own town as well as who you are asking. It has to be a fair agreement that works for both towns.

Point Beach has its own beach, parking lot and snackbar. What kind of revenue do they generate ?

Kristin, I would love to have this dialogue with you over Belmars budget as it compares to PPB. So I am assuming that you are going to look at their budget and we will be able to have a decent conversation as to how it compares to Point Pleasant Beach.. I would love to be able to discuss intelligently and not SELECTIVELY,the differences between the two towns and to come up with solutions that would actually help the taxpayers of PPB......I apologize if I seem a bit irate but I am done with the back and forth and the SELECTIVE information that you and yours are putting out there...It is not beneficial to finding a solution to any problem in the beach... I find myself spending so much time correcting the false and again SELECTIVE information that you are stating,that me or you or anyone else that is posting on this blog are accomplishing anything to actually solve the problems...

Kristin Hennessy, No offense to Michael Halfacre.... But it is always looks different from the outside looking in. He is only seeing one side. He has know idea what Point Pleasant Beach is about. Maybe he thinks he does. Fair Haven wouldn't know what to do if they had the tourist we do and I can't bet you he would change his mind real quick.

Mike, Get a copy of the Coast Star.... Manasquan that so many compare us to. The council is looking to bring in a host of different impact taxes and they are nothing like our town as far as tourist. I do not care what anyone says. I lived there for about 8 months in the dead of summer before I closed on my house. They are nothing like our town. I do not care what anyone says they do not get the tourist we get. Someone would have to prove that to me.

Manasquan.....dead of summer?

@A Resident: don't get carried away...Motto cherry picked from the story. . . which had to do with having a town fair around the fourth of July. . .

Spooner

Ms. Motto is much closer to being accurate than you are. The story discusses alternative revenue sources, only one of which was the fair. Don't be fooled by the title of the story. The link is http://starnewsgroup.com/weekly/2012/03.08.12/grasso_propo_03.08.12_75870.html

Also, Spooner, do you spend as much time worrying about Point Boro where you live, as you do the Beach and Manasquan.

Mayor Barrella:

...the headline on the front page of this weeks Coast Star reads: " Grosso Proposes Week Long Town Fair". . . this was the bulk of Manasquan Councilman Grasso's proposal that was written about. He also proposed eliminating parking attendants and installing meters in there place, and toward the end of the article there were suggestions to increase borough license and permit fees, as well as look into applying a 2% tourism fee. She exploited the story to your advantage and did not tell us what most of the article was about to raise revenue. Disingenuous!

...as for your second quiry:

12:49 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012

...Laura Beeden's continued rant over Dasti's fees. Last year in January she posted Dasti's bill in 2010 for $188,000+. . .But what she doesn't talk about is her own complicity. . . along with the unions, it's members, Councilman Dikun and the two Democrats:Leitner and McHugh, Lt Bob Dikun who sued the town, and the fact that she personally posted over 400 discussion topics that year on her website: 80 posts alone dealing with Susan Rogers, the Mayoral candidate and 50 posts in the month of October. . . compared to less than half that total number in 2011(191). . .To think that politics which was at a very feverish pitch in 2010 is not related in part to Dasti's bill. . . kind of begs the question?

... any more questions?. . .Let's talk "binding arbitration" and "town comparisons" next. . .and how that works. . .

Kristin,
Does Fair Haven have a mix of 21 bars, a decent size BW with a couple of clubs/bars and 17 Hotels in their town? I doubt it. Personally I never felt that BW clubs bars is a good mix with a family oriented BW. This is just my opinion. No, I am not picking on the BW here, I do not agree with that mix in any other location either. Put the bars/Clubs somewhere else. A location that is not around a residential area or where kids are marketed too. I doubt it and the reason why they are the most beautiful, safe, clean town in both Monmouth and Ocean County your words. I do not know much of Fair Haven, but until you dig in to their budgets, what they did or do there is no comparison. I doubt he would be able to do the same thing with our town once he got in and seen what is going on and what our town has to deal with in the summer months.

This is why we need early PATCH closing.

Randi, Why because of you're insulting juvenile comments.

Darlene, no not opposed to local option taxes. Yes, been to places that had them, knew it, and didn't care...it was simply part of the cost of going there.

By the way....you stated most beach towns have impact fees....name 5. Currently, Wildwood is about the only one.

I was also in favor of the hotel/motel tax...and against reducing it.

@Darlene...I am going to tell you exactly what I told Cathy Kelly last summer. Anyone that knows me knows where I work and live. With that being said, you are right...I am confused!!!

"I tell it like it is and they wouldn't be able to handle the truth."

The principal at the Antrim school is O'Hara, not O'Hare.

A Resident, It was a typo! Mr. Tom O'Hara. That is the truth. Anyone who tries to do anything that is the right thing. Someone else tries to discredit them if they do not like it. When you tell someone what you see or hear all the B.S. They either lie or deny what is happening even when you see it with your own two eyes and ears. It is crystal clear and the reason why so many get disappointed and walks away from it all.

A Resident, Thanks again for pointing that out to me and telling me like it is. And yes, I can handle it.

Seems like the majority is in favor of early patch closing. Looks like there was only one "Midnight Rambler" posting last night.

Randi, It was not directed to you. Why would they close the patch or listen to you? Obviously you like reading the rambling along with others if you have the need to comment or respond. Look at you? You claimed you moved away from PPB! You must be a little looney, desperate and lonely with your life. Remember, you do not live here any longer if you still have the need to make comments about another town and to individuals that you do not know.

Excuse me Ms. Darlene Motto but I work full time as a custodian and part of my job is to clean bathrooms and toilets. I find your comment very cruel and insensitive. Maybe we all can't be as high and mighty as you but I have to provide for my family in what ever way I can and if it means I have to clean toilets then so be it.

@Just a custodian, I apologize if I offended you. I certainly did not mean or try to sound insensitive or cruel. You definitely took it the wrong way. Believe me, I am far from high and mighty. I am far from The custodians were my friends. No, disrespect to you. I was just stating a fact, I would rather clean toilets, NOT THAT THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH CLEANING TOILETS. I have done it many times.

The man in the middle chair was supported by the Regular Republican Club (Did you forget?) and has become an excellent Mayor over the years. In fact, the "Club" only has one elected member on Council. That is a shame considering that most of the town are Republicans. Since John Walsh left, the void of managing the political process has gone to the dogs. When he managed the process in the 90's we had a united party. In my humble opinion, we need new leadership in the Republican Club and I believe that will end this stupid political bickering we have experienced since Mr. Walsh left. The attempt at "shared services" with the Boro was a loser for our residents and I believe politically motivated.

Kristin, at every meeting during the attempts to merge the Building Department and the Courts the public literally begged the Council to give more details and go slow. Four members refused. Those four Council members moved forward no matter what the public said. On the courts there were promised savings. It didn’t happen. Since the merger, there are questions regularly to the Council of how and when to get out of that agreement that COSTING us MONEY. Bringing the courts back to the Beach will help. The election loss of Sue Rodgers is the only thing that stopped the merging of the Building Department or we would have even greater losses The Mayor has publicly supported shared services, when it makes economic sense for the Beach. You need to go back to the “block” that created the court debacle and ask why they didn’t do their homework and more research for the Beach.

I would not call it a club on either political side in this town. What do they have 20 members between both political party lines? I can't say what it was at one time, but what I have seen has been ridiculous. With everything that is happening and going on I can't see this town coming together any time soon. It is to divided.

Councilman Corbally,

The article I posted above has nothing to do with politics or the political process. (Belmar's Mayor Doherty is actually a Democrat.)

Rather -- It has ALL TO DO with GOOD GOVERNMENT and RESPONSIBLE FISCAL STEWARDSHIP for the TAXPAYERS -- something that you and Mayor Barrella obviously have no idea about.

Nice try though -- attempting to deflect the atttention away from your own mismanagement.

Mr. Cavagnaro,

Lest I remind you that -- the night the Shared Services agreement for shared court services with Point Boro was approved by the PPB Council -- Mayor Barrella's comment from the dais was: "Now THIS is a shared service agreement that makes sense!"

Kristin:

Just a reminder, the draft budget was prepared not only by Councilman Corbally and myself, but also by Councilman Mayer and our non-partisan CFO, Chris Riehl. It is as bipartisan as you can get, with an elected Democrat (Corbally), an elected Republican (Mayer) and an elected Independent (myself).

As far as shared services, Belmar is the lead agency in these agreements, unlike for example, the failed plan spearheaded by a Councilman you have known since birth to merge our building department with the Boro and then give the Boro control over the operation.

Finally, the fact that they are the lead agency is the reason they have revenue coming in.

One final note, Belmar's budget is about the same size as ours 13.727 million (Belmar) and 13.252 million (ours).

Mayor Barrella,

I'm well aware of WHO the four of you were who prepared the draft budget. I also stated in an earlier post -- that I believe ALL of you should go back to the drawing board and do better for the taxpayers.

I further stated that "GOOD GOVERNMENT" and "RESPONSIBLE FISCAL STEWARDSHIP" has NOTHING to do with politics or the political process, so please STOP trying to deflect the attention off of yourself by continuously trying to throw Bill Mayer under the bus. It was YOU who appointed Mr. Mayer as Chairman of the Finance Committee.

And PLEASE spare us ALL with your "bipartisan" (Dem. Rep. Ind.) and "non-partisan CFO" rhetoric. Of course Mrs. Riehl is "non-partisan" -- she doesn't even live in PPB.

As for "Shared Services" and your statement about Belmar being the "lead agency", as the sole reason they have revenue coming in -- Are you actually trying to imply that Avon, Lake Como, Spring Lake, and Spring Lake Heights have no "skin in the game" in these shared service agreements?

Are you actually suggesting that YOU are smarter than ALL the elected officials from those other 4 municipalities -- and that THEIR own taxpayers will derive NO financial benefit from these shared service agreements? If so, then I think you underestimate their collective wisdom and intelligence -- and I think you owe them an apology.

"I further stated that "GOOD GOVERNMENT" and "RESPONSIBLE FISCAL STEWARDSHIP" has NOTHING to do with politics or the political process"

Good Government has nothing to do with politics or the political process? I have to ask....isn't the Government run by politicians following political processes? You know, elections, ordinances, laws, things like that?

Do you even read what you write?

Kristin, first you say the Mayor is against shared services, then you post a quote that he supports it. Which way do you want it? Lest I remind you, as far as the vote, I don’t remember a tie. Do you? Who were the Councilmen who put the agreement together and voted for it? What happened to the savings that THEY promised? You don’t mention their four names. Why?

Spooner:

Let's start with you being upfront. You are a resident of Point Boro and don't reside in Belmar or Point Beach, so one must wonder about your fascination with those towns instead of worrying about your own town.

That having been said, what is your point?

...your Mayor played a coy game over Court shared services. . . going back to an article in the Ocean Star written as far back as January, 2010 he begins to demonstrate his obstructions...

POINT PLEASANT BEACH — Last week, Mayor Vincent Barrella, here, expressed his opposition to the agreement between Point Pleasant Beach and the Borough of Point Pleasant concerning the shared use of the Point Beach court and jail, but his feelings were not well received by the Point Beach Council last Friday.

Last Tuesday, Dec. 29, Mayor Barrella said he felt the towns should draft a new agreement, wherein Point Pleasant would have to make monthly rent payments — at the mayor’s proposed rate of $1,750 per month...

Then again July, 2010...

POINT PLEASANT — Independently approved last month by the Point Pleasant and Point Pleasant Beach councils, the shared services agreement for municipal court services became official last week — despite the fact that Point Beach Mayor Vincent Barrella, who commented publicly that he supported the plan, did not sign the agreement when the contact reached his desk earlier this month.

“I don’t have an issue with the shared services,” Mayor Barrella said. “It makes sense, but I had a problem with the language [of the agreement].”

...yet one month earlier in June: Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Vincent Barrella said he felt this was a good move for both boroughs.“This appears to be a shared services agreement that makes sense”

Mrs. Kelly,

Respectfully -- WHAT is a "taxpayer union"?

"WHAT is a "taxpayer union"?"

NJEA. New Jersey Education Association. Your union that you belong to. The one that is supported (mandatory) by it's members who are paid by Tax Dollars.

But you already knew that.

NJEA = CORRUPTION!