file photo by Boyd Loving
September 30,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog and posters
Ridgewood NJ, no surprise that some people in town are not concerned that possible fraud would seem to merit some investigation as well as possible violations of fiduciary responsibility and pay for play violations .Some people have even gone to jail for these things , some people …
“Should this even be newsworthy? This person is obviously a repeat complainer who would rather spend time harassing Village staff (and costing tax payers money) instead of being with their children. They don’t realize their townhouses at one point were full with trees and got bulldozed over with residential complaints. If we want to throw rocks, Susan should recuse herself from any Shedler discussions due to the fact her parents house is located directly across from the property. Yes, by the text of the law not defined as “conflict of interest”, however I do not believe she can make wise decisions without prejudice. Godforbid a RSA member connections was on the council, these same people would be crying, suing for their removal.”
Jackie Hone’s response….
“Dear 12:46, “Anonymous.” Seek to understand. Watching or attending the meeting would help correct your statement. I am not a repeat complainer, harassing Village staff. I filed one complaint, that is finally being addressed, with merit. Thanks to the new Village Council, my claims are being substantiated one by one. As for costing tax payers money…this compliant saved tax payers approximately 10 million dollars and avoided destruction of Green Acres, Open Space and US History (check the facts). Mayor Knudsen defending Historical Preservation and honoring Open Space/Green Acres is not a conflict of interest, it is her fiduciary and ethical obligation. Sorry, but you are wrong on this one too. Additionally, Mayor Knudsen’s parents owning a house, across the street from Schedler (by the way it’s down the road), is not a conflict of interest. That point was addressed, looked into, checked again, re-checked and sniffed one last time just in case. Each and every time, legal counsel said there is no conflict of interest. Lastly, despite your ill-spirited comment (rather spend time harassing Village staff…instead of being with their children”), I invite you to meet before a Village Council meeting so I/we can share more. I’m sure you’ve heard, I have a huge binder with all the proof. I passionately believe residents should be up to date and truly know what is going on in their community. Email me atjhone201@yahoo.com.”
Attacks about conflicts of interest would have been far more valid and useful during the previous “majority” council’s tenure. The ramifications are far from over despite their departure, and the end result of their schemes and machinations could be the ruination of Ridgewood as a small town–not merely the preservation of a small plot and historic house.
[] The house in question is indeed across from the Schedler property and would be facing center field if a field was built per the current drawing.
[] While not an official conflict of interest per the terms of the law, but to avoid any accusation that any decisions are to benefit her parents house/investment she should recused herself. One can’t stop thinking she would have prejudice on her inheritance than the interest of the town.
[] I will go there — in a town like Ridgewood with such high taxes, I have a hard time with anyone in the chair making decisions on our taxes who personally is not on any property tax bills and pays no direct property taxes to the village.
[] What do these people want from the property? It’s been sitting unused, untaxed for years. I would rather have my taxes go towards a property which has multiple uses and can be enjoyed by people all ages.
Who does not pay property taxes?
“Her inheritance’ 12:52? Have you seen the will? Quite an assumption on your part, isn’t it? You’re sure that her parents haven’t chosen to leave their property to charity, or a sibling perhaps? How presumptuous of you.
7:03pm – Have you seen the will? Quite an assumption on your part, isn’t it? You’re sure that her parents haven’t chosen to leave their property to her perhaps? How presumptuous of you.
12:52 – are you talking about Mike Sedon when you say you have ” hard time with anyone in the chair making decision on our taxes who personally is not on any property tax bills? What a ridiculous thing to say about anyone. How the heck to you know who pays what in any family? How many homes in Ridgewood soley “owned” by the non-working spouses (man of the doctors in town are not technically homeowners . . . they have the home in their spouses name). Should they not be allowed to hold office? Who died and made you the arbitrator which RESIDENTS get to hold office. Oh, and yeah, the rest of the Village has to vote these people into office.