>Citing two instances in which she felt compensation for services rendered was absolutely warranted, Deputy Mayor Betty G. Wiest lobbied during Wednesday night’s Village Council Work Session for the adoption of an ordinance that would permit Ridgewood’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor to pocket fees for officiating at marriage and civil union ceremonies. Ms. Wiest referenced a “hot Saturday” in July ceremony at which she was required to spend two (2) hours, and an event that required her to leave work early.
Mayor David T. Pfund, Councilman Patrick A. Mancuso, and Councilwoman Kim Ringler-Shagin prevailed during the discussion. Saying they considered it an honor to be asked to officiate at such events, and thus felt the adoption of an ordinance would be unwarranted. In short, the issue was promptly tabled.
The Fly wonders if we should take a second look at Ms. Wiest’s proposal, after all weddings could become a significant source of revenue for the village. Why they might even keep that new parking lot full on the weekends. If the weather holds we have nice facilities at the Village hall and library. All the village needs is an easy process and quick turn around time and perhaps ad an advertising campaign with the slogan “what ever happens in Ridgewood stays in Ridgewood”. Mayor David T. Pfund, Councilman Patrick A. Mancuso, and Councilwoman Kim Ringler-Shagin can have even more honor, and the village treasury may receive a much needed benefit and Ms. Wiest can pocket some of the fees as well .Sounds like a win win win.
>We can make this the “Reno” of the east coast! Reno also offers other services too. Maybe we should contact Heidi Fleiss to open a branch office here. Bolger can film all the goings on too. Win-Win-Win-Win!
>Valley could include a wedding chapel in the expansion.
>Tough going, Betty, but you may have better luck with officiating divorces for pay. And while you’re at it, you can charge for the use of thet grand, marble entryway of Village Hall. See, knew the high end renovations would return some money.
>the fact that she even brought this up??? Come on…What a joker!!!
>Public records indicate that Ms. Wiest’s husband pulled down $142K in salary last year. Betty is entitiled to $3k as a councilwoman, whether she accepted it or not is unknown. Additionally, Betty has a full-time job. Get all you can, I guess, heh Betty?
https://php.app.com/employees06/details.php?recordID=226753
>Lord knows what other FEEs she collects from, lets say Valley, or building contractors.