Author: admin

>The fact that most comments are anonymous on this blog requires readers to evaluate the substance of each comment/opinion without regard to its source.

“When the VC does something as outrageous as this, you should thank your lucky stars that Paul is there to speak out.”

Forgive me, but this had better not be Aronsohn’s personal attitude.

I remember a similar sentiment (in that case, ‘the voters should consider themselves lucky I’m serving in the Council’ or the like) being articulated by a recent Councilwoman, the late Ms. Zusy. It was as unattractive coming from her then as it would be coming from Councilman Aronsohn now. Elitist and arrogant. Also typical, frankly, of modern progressives and political liberals, in my experience.

If it is solely your opinion, then, fair enough. But I sense very little in terms of limits to your adulation of Aronsohn and your corresponding condemnation of his four colleagues on the Council. So to me (I’m probably wrong), you come off as starry-eyed, and therefore not the type of person whose opinion I would generally rely on.

The fact that most comments are anonymous on this blog requires readers to evaluate the substance of each comment/opinion without regard to its source. This is at least as much of a good thing as requiring commenters to reveal their identity so you’ll know whose sentiments are being expressed. I’m sure you’ll understand that many in Ridgewood appreciate anonymity because they would prefer to avoid being personally flogged in public for their opinions. This is the favorite pastime of those who wish to politicize everything for no other reason than to quash dissent and preserve the status quo.

P.S. I’m just an ordinary Ridgewood resident and taxpayer (and therefore not Gabbert). Let someone like Gabbert or a councilperson lose sight of the public interest and I’ll be the first to join you in criticizing them. But for now I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. One person’s opinion.

>Reader says more language programs are needed in our Schools 

I believe that Spanish should still be taught in Grades K-5, since it is our nation’s de facto 2nd language. I think that the current elementary school Spanish program, which relies on computer-based instruction, is weak, and needs significant improvement. Primary (K-8) education should be done in English, so that the students acquire solid reading, spelling, and writing skills. I would advocate bringing Mandarin into the picture as a 3rd language in middle school or high school (on top of English and Spanish).

Kids in Europe are required to learn multiple languages in school. I don’t see why our kids shouldn’t. A trilingual kid looks a lot better on a college application or resume than a kid who can only speak English. Obviously this will cost money to implement. However, you could shift money out of athletics, phys ed, or administration to get it done. Swapping gym teachers or vice principals for Mandarin teachers would be a great investment in our kids’ futures.

>Toll Increase: Does the Port Authority  run the risk of pricing jobs out of New York ? 
PJ Blogger and the staff of the Ridgewood blog

As all Ridgewood commuters know by now the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is looking to raise tolls on the George Washington Bridge and the Lincoln and Holland tunnels this year. Drivers with E-ZPass would pay $4 more per crossing — $12 during peak times and $10 in off-peak hours. Cash tolls would jump from $8 to $15.

The dirty little secret is that many people who are making less than $250,000 will not  be able to afford the new tolls and many jobs in the “City” will no  longer be economically viable do to the toll increase.

The city which has gone from ,”the city that never sleeps”  to the city where there is a rule against doing almost everything has become less and less the focal point for the tri-state area  . Technology has made the commute to NYC everyday almost obsolete . At one time New York offered a truly unique experience , but now there is little or nothing you can do in NYC that you cant do right here at home .

I wonder if the tax revenue lost from jobs leaving the city will equal the payoff to the Port Authority and its unions ?  Time will only tell tell ,but New York as a center for world commerce and finance will continue to decline leaving the city as nothing more than an afterthought tourist destination.