The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
>
Voted the “Most Innovative Real Estate Company” by Inman News, Keller Williams® Realty takes a different approach, one that is built on personal touches, a professional approach and positive results. Michael Saltzman utilizes the latest technologies, market research and business strategies to meet your expectations. However, more importantly, we listen and that means we find solutions that are tailored to you.
Michael Saltzman 954-829-1524
>The BOE members may be incompetent and unqualified to serve in their positions. But, if the BOE has been “the most arrogant clique in Ridgewood” for decades, who is to blame…the BOE members, or Ridgewood residents who keep elected them?
The Anonymous post at 8:15 is characteristic of the lack of accountability that is tolerated and, in some cases, promoted in Ridgewood. Nowhere is this more prevalant than in the BOE, which has settled for mediocrity in almost every aspect of our school system, to a point where academic and athletic programs have suffered, the physical plant is in shambles, the budget continually seems beyond their control and the relationship between the BOE and the community is at the lowest point in recent memory. Yet, it exists all around us. It’s in the Police Department. It’s in Village Hall. It’s in volunteer organizations, whose boards are unable to make important decisions for fear of the backlash they might get from one or two disgruntled residents. But, most importantly, it’s in many of the parents of Ridgewood who don’t take responsibility for their own actions and fail to require such responsibilty from their children.
There are countless examples of parents who complain or threaten to sue because their child didn’t have the ability or commitment to qualify him or her for a particular sporting team. Go to any public outdoor location, where Ridgewood residents (not just children) gather and notice the countless half-finished water bottles strewn on the ground when they leave, often just yards from the nearest trash can. There is the absurd debate about the RHS smoking policy, when smoking is illegal for 98% of its students. There is the debate about whether RHS campus should be closed, as if the school administrators can decide whether they want the “inconvenience” of being responsible for students during school hours, or as if high school students have some inalienable right to leave campus if they choose. Every day there are post on this blog by those who fancy themselves to be “community watchdogs”, who attend every public meeting looking for the next big community issue. How many of the these bloggers donate their time or their money to improve the quality of life for all residents in town? How many even follow up their complaints with constructive recommendations of ways to address their complaints?
It is time that we, as Ridgewood residents, take a long look in the morror and accept that if we are not part of the solution, then we are part of the problem. Stop blaming the “other guy.” Stop the belly aching and take action. This requires more than going to public meetings to express your opinion. This means not settling for mediocrity or compromising on the option that results in the least resistance. This means assuming the responsibility to take actions that will make this town a better place to live for all of us, not just yourself.
more blog readers speak out….
Agreed; we as Ridgewood residents are to blame. We must refuse to accept continued mediocrity and incompetence on the part of our elected officials. We must start demanding the best and nothing less.However, taking action in the form of attending meetings, making public comments, and posting on this blog should not be characterized as just “part of the problem.” Much good comes from publicizing issues that others might not have been aware of.This blog is widely read by administrators at Village Hall and BOE headquarters (although no one would ever admit to it) and several elected officials. Behaviors change when someone sees their name posted, or thinks their name may be posted. Letters to the editors of our local newspapers result in behavior changes as well.So please don’t to characterize Ridgewood’s gadflies/anti government grumblers as just a “part of the problem.” Although you may not agree with our tactics, we do produce results – more results than you might ever be aware of.
blog critic speaks out….
Unfortunately, the problem is not limited to our elected officials. I applaud concerned residents, who use this or other forums as a tool to improve the quality of life in Ridgewood, if it is accompanied by positve action. But, that’s generally not what I see in this blog. What I see is constant whining, criticizing and complaining, without offering constructive alternative solutions. Anonymous gadflies and government grumblers, who merely point to a problem, assess blame and snipe at those who (in their minds) are responsible ARE part of the problem, unless they are willing to take action to rectify the issues they perceive. Do you honestly think most people on this blog are interested in creating public awareness? Go back and check the archives. Most of what you’ll find are posts from miscreants who are emboldened by anonymity and get a kick out of taking pot shots at their neighbors. That’s not what I consider to be a productive community service. Nor is using this blog to post scandalous inuendo, without the slightest documentation or factual basis.
>Notwithstanding public criticism that followed their decision to conduct an
Executive Session in the midst of a November 27th open public meeting, which
kept 25 taxpayers and a Cable TV viewing audience waiting 55 minutes, BOE
President Mark Bombace has scheduled another such session to take place
during the BOE’s Monday, January 8th open public meeting.
The topic of this planned closed door session is thus far being kept top
secret. However, the NJ Open Public Meetings Act will require BOE members
to publicly approve a resolution prior to the meeting that must disclose the
general discussion topic.
ORDER FINE ART/ STOCK PRINTS ON-LINE
>Village Council Schedules Special Closed Door Meeting to Discuss
Controversial Appointment to Police Department
Village Council members will meet at 6:30 PM on Monday, January 8th to
discuss the proposed appointment of a current patrol officer’s son to the
Ridgewood Police Department. Rumors are that the current officer promised
to retire if his son were appointed by Village Manager Jim Ten Hoeve.
However, it is also being reported that the officer told colleagues
privately he would renege on the deal after his son was sworn in.
Councilman Jacques Harlow is rumored to have demanded the scheduled
discussion meeting.
>Request for Proposals – Police Department Performance Audit, Review and Utilization Study
The Village of Ridgewood is requesting proposals for “Police Department Performance Audit, Review and Utilization Study”. Bids will be opened on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at 10AM in the 5th Floor Conference Room, Village Hall, 131 North Maple Ave., Ridgewood. For information call 201/670-5500 x203. Link below will take you to the actual RFP package.
https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/police/rfp/PDRFP122206.pdf
Got Sewer Main Backups? Citing its desire to stop paying out huge claims related to Village maintained sewer trunk failures that in the past caused extensive damage to private residences, on December 13, Village Council members voted unanimously to introduce Ordinance #3036, which would establish a new section under Village Code Article XI entitled: “Damage Claims for Backup of Sewage on Certain Properties.”
If approved, following its scheduled Public Hearing on January, 17, Ordinance #3036 would:
1) Exclude from recognition any claim made by a homeowner who did not have an “accepted” backflow prevention device installed on his/her private sewer line (running from house to connection with Village maintained sewer trunk).
2) Limit claims to individual owners of single family, two family or three family homes who make such premises their primary residence, and who own such premises in their own individual name or names, and from whose insurance coverage the claim is either fully or partially excluded.
3) Any claim partially covered by private insurance would be excluded from coverage to the extent of such private insurance coverage.
4) The Village will compensate a qualifying claim only as follows: cost of removal of sanitary sewerage and of cleaning and sanitizing premises, fixtures and salvageable personal items – 100% to a limit of $1,500.00; the cost of repair to or replacement of damaged structure, fixtures or personal items – 100% to a limit of $2,500.00. Total = $3,500.
5) Any covered persons must notify the Water Pollution Control Facility immediately upon discovery of any backups into the residential structure.
6) Claims must be filed within 5 days of the discovery of damages.
It is rumored that the Village recently paid out several claims in excess of $25,000. It is also rumored that the Village’s sewer system infrastructure, excepting the Waste Water Treatment Plant in Glen Rock, is rapidly decaying; major portions of the subterranean system were constructed in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
>Tonight, Village Council members are scheduled to award a $544K contract for the installation of artificial turf at Maple Park to Dakota Excavating Contractors, Inc. of Bergenfield, NJ. The Council had promised that this project would be 100% funded by grants and private contributions. However, the contract with Dakota is being awarded prior to all external monies being received. So, and you guessed it, property tax revenues will be used to offset the “temporary” deficit. Shouldn’t Council members have waited until all money was in hand?
the Fly on the Wall has told the Ridgewood Blog that less than 20% of the money promised has actualy been raised ……
>
Memorial Day Service Sponsored by American Legion Post 53
The 87th consecutive Memorial Day Service will take place on Monday, May 29th at 11 am. It will be held at the Veteran’s Monument in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. All are invited to come and recognize those who have defended our freedom.
Ridgewood to Start Revaluation The Village of Ridgewood has recently been ordered by the Bergen County Board of Taxation to perform a revaluation for the year 2008. The process will start with the selection of a qualified revaluation company to work with the Division of Assessments. It is anticipated that the property inspections will begin in the fall of 2006. Residents will be notified in writing when the inspections start. Revaluations are required periodically to ensure the equitable distribution of the tax burden. The Village does not gain any additional revenues because of the revaluation. Ridgewood’s last revaluation was conducted in 2001.
Ridgewood Run Organized by North Jersey Masters Track and Field Club
The 31st Running of the Fred d’Elia Ridgewood Run, the preminer Memorial Day road race throughout the Middle Atlantic area with over 3,500 nation-wide participants competing for more than $7,000 in prize money. The race features ChampionChip scoring, time clocks at every mile, online registration, water stations along the route and baggage check for runners. Events included: 10K event (6.2 miles) starts at 8:45am, the 5K (3.1 miles)starts at 10:15 am, elite mile starts at 11:40am, masters mile starts at 11:15am , the Youth Fun Run/Health Walk and the Stroll ‘n Roll for baby joggers and strollers starts at 12 Noon. They will also host the Kessler Foundation Wheelchair 10K event which starts at 8:40 am (for information call 973/530-3657). Many notable runners will participate. In person registration is accepted at the YMCA, 112 Oak St and the Ridgewood Running Company, E. Ridgewood Ave. Registration at www.NJMasters.com Hotline: 201/447-9750 Pre Registration is encouraged. NO REGISTRATION ON RACE DAY There will be a Health & Fitness Expo with booths at the YMCA & YWCA, Oak St., on Sunday, May 28th from 4 to 6 pm. Tom Fleming, winner of 1973 & 1974 NYC Marathon, will make a guest appearance and there will be a variety of health & fitness booths as well as last minute registration.
$7 Million Referendum to expand Ridge and Willard – The Ridgewood BOE has tentatively approved the development of a proposal to expand the Ridge and Willard schools if funding is authorized by a referendum in either September or December of 2006.
$7 Million Referendum to expand Ridge and Willard – The Ridgewood BOE has tentatively approved the development of a proposal to expand the Ridge and Willard schools if funding is authorized by a referendum in either September or December of 2006.
>The Ridgewood Blog has learned the BOE is looking to resuscitate the Turf issue and the Ridgewood Blog asks ,with all the flooding “caused by the Ho Ho Kus Brook” is it wise or safe to continue to propose putting Turf fields in flood zones ?
