The unsubstantiated, unhappy comments above are designed (as usual) to further confuse the public and upset good people.
Ask any/all seniors that I spend time with if I have ever told them who to vote for, or if I have ever distributed any
campaign fliers to them. They will tell you the Truth.
It was Voight, Hache and Walsh campaigners who targeted senior citizens leaving my non-political luncheon at the last one
I would ever have (already a sad and poignant day for me) with their campaign literature as they boarded their senior bus.
I treat senior citizens as people, not as votes. I would not target senior citizens as a voting block, like they did.
A few days ago I refrained from commenting on the total fabrications written on the blog about who really behaved poorly during my luncheon, but the insults cannot go undefended when they just keep coming, and coming, and don’t relent.
You can bet that the anonymous comments posted on the Blog are ghost-written by the same mean and angry people – and worse than being unkind, they are also untrue.
Ridgewood NJ , picked this up off of the It takes a Village Facebook page in a post by Marty Smith, In a post to Ann Loving today, Gwenn Hauck wrote “$50,000 of Independent Studies approved by all five council members confirmed (confidently) that the multi-family housing will significantly augment our tax base and will help our schools decreasing enrollment. Class sizes are diminishing so much that teachers are actually being laid off causing (ironically) higher class sizes!”
I thought the proponents of higher density housing were saying don’t worry, the apartments won’t be attracting a lot of new students. Now it seems they will be, and that the additional enrollments are what we need. Did I miss something? Dare we say vote of Hache, Walsh and Voigt .Poles are open till 8pm!
This is a reminder that tomorrow is Election Day for three seats on the Village Council. The polls are open from 6 A.M. to 8 P.M. As is customary, we will be running our Senior Citizen bus so if you need a ride to your voting place, please contact Beth Spinato (201-670-5500, ext. 203).
If you have any questions about voting, including the location of your polling place, please contact our Village Clerk’s Office at 201-670-5500, ext 201 or email Heather Mailander at [email protected]or Donna Jackson at [email protected].
Local elections generally generate very low voter turnout, historically less than 20%. This is despite the fact that local governments in certain ways have a more profound impact on our day to day lives than national government; we as residents should make sure that our voices are heard.
“Voting is the right upon which all other rights depend.” – Thomas Paine
This coming village council election on May 10 is likely to be the most important in Ridgewood’s history. It sounds like I am exaggerating, but unfortunately I am not. In the four years since most of the current council was in place, Ridgewood has set in motion three projects–a doubling in size of Valley hospital, high-density luxury housing, and a parking garage–all at the same time. This to me signals a move toward urbanization and is not the reason we moved to Ridgewood!
I did not know this when we moved here in 2013, but the village council plays an enormous role in the village. Residents elect council members, and from that five-person group come the mayor and deputy mayor. Those two roles are largely ceremonial but as a group the five people have a LOT of say in the village, including appointing the planning board, zoning board, financial advisory committee, village manager, and more.
These three projects coming to a head now are because the three exiting members of the board have voted lockstep in a bloc. We want three INDEPENDENT voices bringing different viewpoints to the table, who will manage measured growth and development holistically across the village–taking into account infrastructure, schools, safety, and more–and who will work WITH residents as well as developers toward right-sized projects instead of letting the floodgates open.
For this reason I am voting Voigt, Walsh, and Hache
I’ve spoken to many of you regarding the high-density housing issue. I’m not against development, I’m against massive development. 35 units an acre is too much and sets a precedent for future development. More importantly is the impact it will have on our school system. Our schools are already overcrowded and I’m not willing to stand by and sacrifice our children’s education.
This next part is probably too much in the trenches, but it’s important to know the hospital SUED the village–the planning board and the village council–after its expansion plan was rejected in 2014, and the next village council is our best shot at fighting back. Since it launched its expansion plan 10 years ago, Valley continues to fail to give us a viable compromise–the last one offered a mere 3 percent reduction. That’s not a typo.
I, and the candidates I’m endorsing, are not anti-hospital. not anti-modernization, anti-change, anti-development. I am anti-doubling in size and projects that are too big. Valley wants buildings the size of Paramus Park Mall in a residential area surrounded by homes–this will in effect dramatically, and forever, change the fabric of the entire village.
I could go on and on, but appreciate your taking the time to read this! Thank you for voting May 10.
I enjoyed reading Ms. McWilliams’ letter. I applaud her courage in expressing her views openly and not hiding anonymously behind James’s apron strings. I also think she writes well, which makes me think she should be hired to edit the Ridgewood Pravda, I mean Blog, with its 5th Grade English. Having said that I disagree with most of the opinions she expressed. Let’s start out with the three candidates she is supporting: Bernadette Walsh: I like Bernadette and I think she is sincere. But let us not forget the 7% tax increase happened under her watch. As did the disappearance of $500,000 in quarters from the town coffers. She also supported keeping the part time Village Manager who ran the most inefficient Village Hall in Ridgewood history. Compare that to where we stand with Roberta’s capable management. Ramon Hache: Kennedy once said beauty is grace under pressure and here Ramon buckled under pressure. His braggadocio in wanting to take Valley to the mat legally is pandering at its worst. Ramon, face reality, the courts will not let Valley not renew. You are burning our money on a useless legal crusade. Jeff Voigt: A very bright person who can do a lot for Ridgewood if he was wasn’t out to out-Trump with his Trumpian appeal to the basest of people’s instincts. What miserable pandering. Yes, I support Rich Brooks, Evan Weitz, and Janice Willett. As I mentioned in a letter to the editor, they represent the decent Ridgewood we moved to 47 years ago.. They also have the integrity, intelligence, capability, and courage to move us with confidence into the future. Yes, let us think Ridgewood 2020 and not just fight these rear guard actions. That does no one any good. Regarding Ms. McWilliams comments re Valley, the apartments, the garage, etc., I think they ring hollow. I don’t see how these issues could have been discussed more openly allowing EVERYONE an opportunity to express their views. Face it, the Vocalantis are against any change and they think they can preserve Camelot by soaking it in formaldehyde. Believe me that is the best way to ensure killing it. To preserve you have to renew, and renewal and adjusting to change can be painful. But then a painless society is a dead society. Read America’s history. We are not where we are because we have avoided painful choices.
After one of the most turbulent weeks in New Jersey politics since the North Jersey casino expansion vote earlier this year, Atlantic City’s assets are one step closer to being sold off as part of a state takeover championed by Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3), Governor Chris Christie and South Jersey Democratic boss George Norcross III. Opposition to that takeover plan hit a major roadblock on Thursday as three state Assembly members stayed home, leading Speaker Vince Prieto (D-32) to delay posting his alternative takeover bill until he could secure a 41-vote majority. JT Aregood, PolitickerNJ Read more
Ridgewood NJ, Atlantic Stewardship Bank announced that it recently launched a new Express Loan Approval process to assist small business customers with their lending needs. Whether it is a line of credit or term loan, ASB has made the process more efficient for small business customers with localized decision making to allow for expedited turnaround. Express Loan applicants have been receiving a decision within two business days and can close within a week of applying.
“We have the perfect solution for your short-term credit needs with local decision making so you can spend more time running your business,” said Atlantic Stewardship Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Van Ostenbridge. “We want your lending experience to be simple, fast and easy, which is why we offer small business loans on balances of $250,000 or less with competitive pricing.”
Visit their website at ASBnow.com to learn more or to apply today.
file photo by Boyd Loving Council Person Mike Sendon pictured
Touch-A-Truck
Thu, May 12, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, E Ridgewood Ave and Oak St
Ridgewood NJ, Treat your kids to a day of hands-on adventure featuring an opportunity to climb on board to explore the trucks that touch our lives. They’ll also have the chance to learn directly from Ridgewood’s emergency and public works helpers about the exciting work they perform every day. There will also be a Safetytown Kiddie-Car Track and a Storytime among the planned interactive activities throughout the park for children of all ages. Don’t miss this great family opportunity to Experience Ridgewood !
Ridgewood NJ, Mayor Paul Aronsohn and his coalition Village council candidates Wietz , Brooks, Willett are trying to play the “Gabbert Card”once again but don’t be fooled.
Mayor Paul Aronsohn voted yes to every single budget from the day he got on the council until now. And was there during Tom Rica theft and never noticed parking utility discrepancies until then.
While Bernie Walsh’s record is far more thoughtfull, she didn’t vote in 2011 and voted no in 2012. Voted yes in 2013 and no to operating budget but yes to Capital budget in 2014.
During Bernie’s tenure the Police contract was renegotiated saving Ridgewood $250K for the lifetime of each new officer hired. and the Village reduced to one Captain and two Lieutenants.
The Ridgewood news reported that the Village Council at a special public meeting on Monday will lower the starting salary for officers coming into the department after Dec. 1 to $32,000, down from the previous starting salary of $49,273, according to the ordinance.
By the way unlike some current candidates and council members Mayor Killion ,do to a “30-year distinguished career” in the Ridgewood police department,recused himeself from all police contract negotiations .
And if they really want to play the Gabbert card maybe they should remember how many new people Queen Bee Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld hired help her do her job such as the HR person for about hundred thousand and that not counting her platinum health care and pension. In hind sight Gabbert’s raise does not bad compared hiring a new HR person. It is important to note that even after Gabberts raise he still made far less than his predecessor and far less that the new combo of Village Manager plus HR person .
According to the Kelly Ebbels of the Ridgewood News an article Paul has on his own website , the “Incentive bonuses can be awarded from a total pool of more than $80,000, Gabbert said. He estimated that the change from automatic raises to incentive bonuses could yield more than $40,000 a year in savings”, which then Councilman Paul Aronsohn voted against the proposal.
In the name of promoting PROGRESS for Ridgewood, a huge amount of very slanted public relations has been spread about the Hudson Street garage project.Much of it has been in the form of “facts” that are not relevant.They are used only to obscure the real issues.
Here are 10 simple, TRUTHFUL facts that you should consider in forming your opinion.
1. 3236 voters who voted “yes” on the non-binding referendum never saw a drawing that placed the original design in context prior to the vote. We were told to “vote now for funding, and we can work together for a design later”. But plans had already been drawn up in October AND were withheld from the public until December.
2. BEFORE A FINAL DESIGN WAS PICKED, Our Village Manager said $295,000.00 was spent for “full site civil, landscape, utility, structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical & fire” documents. They then had to issue a change order for $120,000.00 for the redesign because of this.
3. When the original design was finally illustrated in context, and released to the public, throngs of people came to a Village Council meeting and spoke out against the design, which jutted out into Hudson St. by 12 feet.
4. Per our Village Manager, “That garage could have ZERO CARS IN IT and it (the parking utility) can cover it.” She also recently confirmed we have plenty of empty parking spaces in the Cottage Place and Walnut St parking lots. According to her, we don’t even need to consider leasing the Zabriskie lot behind the movie theatre, and that would add 80 spaces immediately.
5. The Archdiocese of Newark, on behalf of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, has been consistent in asking that the garage be reduced one level. They were told the redesign would fit on the footprint and be taken down a level. It has only been lowered 30 inches, and does not fit on the footprint.
6. None of the buildings cited as references by “Progress Ridgewood” are 271 feet long. The three tallest buildings nearby all have front or side set backs of over 50 feet. Unlike all of the other “comparable buildings” in town, none of them jut out into the street by 5 feet.
7. The claim that the Village will spend $10 million to acquire 21 incremental spots if Design D is lowered one level, isn’t just bad math-it is an outright lie. The Village doesn’t own the Brogan or the Ken Smith sites, and the suggested garage will net the Village 187 parking spots.The truth about the garage size is that it needs to be a monstrosity in order to accommodate the parking needed for the high-density housing projects.
8. Resolution No. 16-110 is the resolution that was passed by the Village Council on April 27th after the petition was certified. It clearly states at bottom of page 2 that “the Village desires to submit the Ordinance(#3521) to the electorate at a special election to be held on June 21,2016 pursuant to the provisions of the Faulkner Act or, in the alternative, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:49-27.” THAT IS THE HOME RULE ACT STATUTE. That language was included, according to Bond Counsel, “to protect the village from any litigation” – which means they know petitioners are correct.
9. $40-45,000.00 of municipal funds will be spent for a special election.The Village Council has every right call for one, under both Faulkner and Home Rule. That is a choice that the Council alone made, and for which the Council alone will be held accountable. Their inclusion of the Home Rule Act statute in Resolution 16-110 makes this abundantly clear.THEY ARE CHOOSING TO SPEND THE MONEY. NO ONE IS MAKING THEM.
10. JEFF VOIGT, BERNADETTE COGHLAN-WALSH AND RAMON HACHE refused to sign the pledge the other three candidates signed,which was created and put forth to the candidates by overzealous developers, landlords, business owners & investors.Bernadette Coghlan-Walsh, Jeffrey Voigt, Ramon Hache
HONESTY – INTEGRITY – TRUST A PLEDGE TO WORK FOR THE RESIDENTS OF RIDGEWOOD
…”The Fly” has confirmed that The Mayor, on a previous occasion, prior to starting a closed session, went from being pleasant and in an instant starting screaming and calling another Councilperson a “f’n piece of “sh..t” This was witnessed by the Clerk The Mayor and the Village Attorney. July 1st can’t come soon enough!!!
An email riddled with inaccuracies about the status of the Valley Hospital lawsuits is being circulated by Brianna and Nick Scott.
The email was then forwarded to Councilwoman Susan Traina Knudsen by Lorraine Reynolds and this was her response:
Dear Lorraine,
I read Ms. Scott’s email and, as it pertains to VH, is inaccurate. Please understand the 2010 cannot be implemented since the PB has now settled with Valley by reducing the 2014 plan resulting in the 2016 plan. That plan was adopted by the Planning Board. The judge has not entered a decision in 2016 against either the PB or the VC. What the judge did (2015) was simply keep the Village in the lawsuit, largely for the purpose of seeing if the the parties would mediate a settlement. However, there’s no settlement. The VC is standing firmly behind its ordinance knowing that no court in NJ has ever forced development of this scale on any municipality. A ruling against the Village would be unprecedented. Also, many people fail to understand the the PB case is very different from the VC case. Don’t confuse issues.
The best strategy is for the Village to stay the course and prevail in court.
It’s always difficult to understand why anyone would send such misinformation out to the public. I’m especially disappointed to see the inaccuracies further circulated by other well known members of our Village community.
Finally, I’m only addressing the part of the message relating specifically to Valley since our earlier discussion only referred to same. I’ll review the remaining info later on.
Good seeing you this morning and enjoy this beautiful Mother’s Day!
Best,
Susan
Councilwoman Susan Knudsen
Village of Ridgewood
131 North Maple Avenue
Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
201-670-5500
Ridgewood NJ, here we go again the Ridgewood blog has discovered an impostor attempting to tilt the Village Council election results by posing the Village Council Candidate Ramon Hache . The blog comment scanner picked up the fraud .The Ramon Hache campaign immediately disavowed the email address and the comments made .
After last year when an “anonymous” email was used to interfere with the election process and attempt to sabotage Mike Sendon’s job and and his candidacy the voting public is notable touchy about these types of deceptive tactics .
The nature of the comment was to look like Ramon was changing his position on Valley Hospital expansion.
Why you should vote next week for Ridgewood Council 2016/05/06 at 8:37 pm [email protected] 173.3.54.254
No vote for Valley and it becomes Death Valley. Sorry but the crumbling infrastructure of that facility needs a major revamp to come close to being the reliable health center it once was. Population has doubled, medicine has changed and improved and it no longer meets the standards of a viable facility.
Why you should vote next week for Ridgewood Council 2016/05/06 at 8:37 pm
173.3.54.254
If there are not adequate changes to Valley hospital it will become Pascack valley: EXTINCT! I personally like having a reliable health care facility minutes from home. Valley is not and cannot be a valued facility using a 1960s infrastructure.
Funny how several individuals on the “It takes a village” Facebook page “spent most of a Saturday evening complaining of censorship on this blog for not posting every comment no matter how false ,stupid, racist or bigoted .
“The lady doth protest too much, methinks” ,Spending an entire Saturday night till 1 am repetitively restating the same nonsense makes you look very guilty. Too frequent and vehement attempts to convince others of some matter of which the opposite is true, thereby making themselves appear defensive, insincere and in the the Village is the hall mark of wrong doers like the “meter thieves”.
So here is a quick review on how comments get approved on this blog . First unlike the Village Council majority we do not publish threats . We do not publish racist or bigoted language . In general we try to minimize the name calling but there is some wiggle room on this one . If your willing to call people names be willing to be called names , alot of people have trouble with this one . Some times a rephrasing of a comment is all that’s needed to get it published . There is a lower standard for attacking public figures and politicians than there is for ordinary citizens. And remember even in Ridgewood there are a few “crazies” out there.
Open Forums depend on a certain level of honesty of their posters so “Trolling” is strictly forbidden .
In Internet slang, a troll (/ˈtroʊl/, /ˈtrɒl/) is a person who sows discord on the Internet by starting arguments or upsetting people, by posting inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community (such as a newsgroup, forum, chat room, or blog) with the deliberate intent of provoking readers into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion,often for their own amusement.
If you IP gets branded as a TROLL most of your comments will go directly to spam and we will never see them .
Repeat commentators are another issue , this is where a comment gets repeated for every post whether its relevant or not . The system will block these comments and they will end up in the spam folder as well.
Other issues ; often comments on police business are delayed. Sometimes a comment can inadvertently disclose police business and these are also held up for the sake of the officers safety and to not tip off the perpetrators .
Posting comments with links are also delayed , the links must be checked for viruses.
Sometimes comments are approved out of order , nothing diabolical just difficulty reading them on a mobile device.
The blog generally does not post comments on peoples personal life ,such as allegations of adulterous relationships, underage lovers ,drug or alcohol binges , teen issues and so on . Like everything there are odd exceptions.
Anonymity is an option and is and will remain available for readers protection.
And finally for editorial purposes sometimes comments are held because we think they will make a interesting posts ie Rurik Halaby’s insane diatribes.
The Ridgewood blog is an organic news source . News items are sprinkled among reader opinions continually generating more opinions and discussion . Like it or not the Readers are the blog and the editors operate more like a referees. Sometimes we weigh in too much and sometimes too little ,it not an exact science and it takes a lot of effort to balance freedom of expression with over the top name calling. Frankly we think its gotten better and better over the years with broader discussions and greater participation.
I am writing this letter to announce my wholehearted support for three candidates for Village Council – Ramon Hache, Jeff Voigt, and Bernadette Walsh. Each of these candidates is an independent thinker, and each is truly dedicated to improving the Village of Ridgewood without ruining it. They are informed and involved. They are intelligent and reasonable individuals. As a regular attendee at Village Council meetings, as well as being involved in other village governance activities, I have come to know them well and trust them completely. They will work with the two Village Council members whose terms are continuing, and we will once again have discussions instead of diatribes, and votes on important matters will no longer be in the form of a 3-person bloc on every single issue. There will no longer be bullying of citizens by elected officials from the dais and outside of Village Hall, no more bullying behavior at “safe harbor” places like church and in restaurants. I encourage everyone to vote on May 10, and to cast your votes for Hache, Voigt, and Walsh. We deserve a change for the better.
