Ridgewood NJ, in the what many residents describe as the ultimate irony Councilmen Jeff Voigt when to the defense of the CRAB or Community Relations Advisory Board in a letter to the editor .In Defending CRAB meetings in Ridgewood ( https://www.northjersey.com/story/opinion/readers/2018/01/09/letter-defending-crab-meetings-ridgewood/1017985001/ ) Councilmen Jeff Voigt attempted to lend his support to an organization and its leader that is not without controversy .
While I am not going to argue the merits of the organization , Voigt went on to complement its leader Jan Phillips , saying “Jan Philips has done over the years in making CRAB inclusive; as a vehicle for educating residents; and in pushing forward issues that make us consider what is right and wrong in how we treat others. We need more “Jans” in Ridgewood “., yea mean like calling residents “grandstanders ” in a Village Council meeting or dismissing Mayor Susan Knudsen by telling people Paul Aronsohn still runs this town? No we defiantly don’t need more “Jans” and of coarse attempting to bully the mayor and the Village council over the “gay pride” flag.
Voigt wasted no time going to the time honored track of attacking “anonymous posters” on the Ridgewood blog . Perhaps if he read posts more carefully and he would see that most of the “nasty” comments are from his and Paul Aronsohn’s supporters, and former members of the FAC . While I am not going to rattle off names at this time , a quick peek at some comments and they read surprisingly similar to things said on several Facebook group pages and of coarse said at Village Council meetings . I also seem to remember several incidents where the councilmen himself used some “nasty comments” , toward several residents ,several council members and the current mayor.
Ridgewood NJ, At Wednesdays Council meeting defenders of CRAB ie the Community Relations Advisory Board of Ridgewood and Glen Rock , got up and ran off a litany of the horrors of living in a terrible place like Ridgewood where even your brand new BMW , winter ski vacations and summering at the shore can not save you from .
While proponents of CRAB insisted that efforts to reorganize were just political pay back . For over 30 years of the CRAB’s existence there have been hundreds of cases of abuse in one form or another. All these offensive events are dealt with by the board in a sensitive and caring manor.
Yes folks thats hundreds of cases in Ridgewood and of coarse a few in Glen Rock ,that this quasi governmental agency claims to have addressed , Really ? Not the parents, schools , or court system? It is simply amazing what a horrible place Ridgewood is and we need CRAB to keep saving us .
When we hear theses people speak it reminds me that many of us need to get out more often. “Out ” as in, away from our million dollar houses , local fund raisers , swim clubs , and trips to 5 star hotels . Thats out in the real world , you know like downtown Paterson ,just take a visit take a look at the real world for a bit see how it works . Then try your social activism when there are actually consequences for that activism . Lets see how long you last. Seeing people I know live very comfortable lives made by their ancestors whining about how hard life is in Ridgewood is just a bit thick and frankly a bit lame .
While we do not doubt the seriousness of issues in Ridgewood , it does appear that CRAB like many social activist organization are a “solution looking for a problem” , with no consequences to their actions . Attempting to create a problem with the current council is just a sad reminder of that very fact.
I made the following comments at last night’s Village Council meeting re the Mayor’s plan to turn CRAB (Community Relations Advisory Board) and FAC (Finance Advisory Committee) to ad hoc committees:
I will address three points, Ad Hoc Committees, CRAB and FAC. The Mayor misuses the term Ad Hoc. An Ad Hoc Committee is by definition one that is created to serve a specific function for a limited period of time.
By their sheer function, CRAB and FAC cannot be Ad Hoc Committees. Regarding CRAB, I have lived in the is country since 1958, and I have never seen the country so divided on so many issues. We are polarized along political, religious, social, economic, religious and gender lines.
We need CRAB as we have never needed before, to help bring people together. And for CRAB to work it has to be populated by smart, strong, independently thinking individuals.
Regarding FAC, it is ironic that the reason we have a strong CFO is thanks to FAC and Roberta Sonenfeld. And let’s not forget that under Roberta’s predecessor, 16 tons of change flew out of the Village coffers.
And having a strong and active FAC is not a reflection on Bob Rooney’s capabilities. In fact, he should be the first to insist on a strong, independently minded FAC that will help him manage the financial affairs of the Village. We have a budget of some $50 million and if we were a corporation the CFO would work under the guidance of the Board’s finance committee.
I am tempted to comment on the Mayor’s motives in looking to neuter these two critically important committees but I will desist. Thank you.Rurik Halaby
OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER TO SERVE ON VILLAGE BOARDS – DEADLINE NOVEMBER 30
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD IS SEEKING RESIDENTS TO VOLUNTEER TO SERVE ON VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS NOVEMBER 30, 2016
The Village Council of the Village of Ridgewood is looking for Ridgewood residents who are interested in volunteering to serve on the following Boards and Committees: Community Relations Advisory Board; Library Board of Trustees; Planning Board; Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board; Open Space Committee; Project Pride Committee; Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee; The Green Team Advisory Committee; the Shade Tree Commission; The Central Business District Advisory Committee (a member of the Ridgewood Guild is needed) and the Stigma-free Task Force.
All interested residents should:
Fill out a Citizen Volunteer Leadership form (found on the Village website under “Forms”)
Prepare a cover letter indicating on which board or committee the resident wishes to serve and a brief explanation as to why the resident chose the particular board(s) or committee(s)
Include a biography or resume
and send them to:
Donna Jackson
Deputy Village Clerk
Village of Ridgewood
131 North Maple Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Deadline for submissions is November 30, 2016.
A brief description for each Board/Committee is listed below:
The Community Relations Advisory Board promotes the development and implementation of educational programs which celebrate our diversity and provides offers assistance to victims of bias-related crimes.
The Library Board of Trustees is the governing board for the Ridgewood Public Library and its employees. The Board of Trustees works with the community to establish Library policy and secures funds to carry on services to the public, and set goals and objectives.
The Planning Board reviews site plans and subdivision applications; prepares, adopts, and amends the Master Plan; makes recommendations to the Village Council regarding amendments to developmental regulations and the official map.
The Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board recommends rules for use and monitors recreation facilities. The Board coordinates community recreation programs and develops and updates the long-range Master Plan for recreation in the Village.
The Open Space Committee assists in identifying specific types of open space, and makes recommendations to the Village Council on the development of existing open space acquisitions.
The Project Pride Committee plants and waters flowers, throughout Ridgewood’s Central Business District and organizes the Village Garden program with local landscapers.
The Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee assists the Village Council in long-range planning concerning environmental issues as well as anticipating environmental problems and recommending solutions.
The Green Team Advisory Committee is looking for residents who are interested in making Ridgewood a sustainable community; and/or are LEED Certified; and/or have working experience with sustainable practices such as solar energy or recycling; and/or have experience in obtaining grants for sustainable purposes.
The Shade Tree Commission works closely with the Parks and Recreation Department, the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee, and the Green Team to promote awareness and education of the residents as well as advise and provide recommendations to the Village Council in promoting and sustaining a safe and productive shade tree resource. Members will preferably have forestry or tree backgrounds or hold the designation of a certified Arborist.
The Central Business District Advisory Committee will work with the Village Council, business owners, and residents to evaluate and initiate enhancements to the Central Business District including traffic flow, parking, and pedestrian safety, while creating a more desirable, vibrant and memorable destination for all visitors. In this way, the Central Business District can remain a vital and healthy part of the Ridgewood community. This Committee needs a member of the Ridgewood Guild.
The Stigma-free Task Force aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness so that residents who have the disease, and their families, feel supported by their community and neighbors and feel free to seek treatment without fear of stigma. Resident Members of the Task Force include two residents working within the field of mental healthcare or healthcare; and three other residents who are interested in supporting the Stigma-free program initiatives, including educating residents that mental illness is a disease and must be treated as such; raising awareness of mental health issues; and helping those in need by linking them to local mental health resources.
OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER TO SERVE ON VILLAGE BOARDS – DEADLINE NOVEMBER 30
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD SEEKING RESIDENTS TO VOLUNTEER TO SERVE ON VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Ridgewood NJ, The Village Council of the Village of Ridgewood is looking for Ridgewood residents who are interested in volunteering to serve on the following Boards and Committees: Community Relations Advisory Board; Library Board of Trustees; Planning Board; Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board; Open Space Committee; Project Pride Committee; Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee; The Green Team Advisory Committee; the Shade Tree Commission; The Central Business District Advisory Committee (a member of the Ridgewood Guild is needed) and the Stigma-free Task Force.
All interested residents should:
Fill out a Citizen Volunteer Leadership form (found on the Village website under “Forms”)
Prepare a cover letter indicating on which board or committee the resident wishes to serve and a brief explanation as to why the resident chose the particular board(s) or committee(s)
Include a biography or resume
and send them to:
Donna Jackson
Deputy Village Clerk
Village of Ridgewood
131 North Maple Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Deadline for submissions is November 30, 2016.
A brief description for each Board/Committee is listed below:
The Community Relations Advisory Board promotes the development and implementation of educational programs which celebrate our diversity and provides offers assistance to victims of bias-related crimes.
The Library Board of Trustees is the governing board for the Ridgewood Public Library and its employees. The Board of Trustees works with the community to establish Library policy and secures funds to carry on services to the public, and set goals and objectives.
The Planning Board reviews site plans and subdivision applications; prepares, adopts, and amends the Master Plan; makes recommendations to the Village Council regarding amendments to developmental regulations and the official map.
The Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board recommends rules for use and monitors recreation facilities. The Board coordinates community recreation programs and develops and updates the long-range Master Plan for recreation in the Village.
The Open Space Committee assists in identifying specific types of open space, and makes recommendations to the Village Council on the development of existing open space acquisitions.
The Project Pride Committee plants and waters flowers, throughout Ridgewood’s Central Business District and organizes the Village Garden program with local landscapers.
The Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee assists the Village Council in long-range planning concerning environmental issues as well as anticipating environmental problems and recommending solutions.
The Green Team Advisory Committee is looking for residents who are interested in making Ridgewood a sustainable community; and/or are LEED Certified; and/or have working experience with sustainable practices such as solar energy or recycling; and/or have experience in obtaining grants for sustainable purposes.
The Shade Tree Commission works closely with the Parks and Recreation Department, the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee, and the Green Team to promote awareness and education of the residents as well as advise and provide recommendations to the Village Council in promoting and sustaining a safe and productive shade tree resource. Members will preferably have forestry or tree backgrounds or hold the designation of a certified Arborist.
The Central Business District Advisory Committee will work with the Village Council, business owners, and residents to evaluate and initiate enhancements to the Central Business District including traffic flow, parking, and pedestrian safety, while creating a more desirable, vibrant and memorable destination for all visitors. In this way, the Central Business District can remain a vital and healthy part of the Ridgewood community. This Committee needs a member of the Ridgewood Guild.
The Stigma-free Task Force aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness so that residents who have the disease, and their families, feel supported by their community and neighbors and feel free to seek treatment without fear of stigma. Resident Members of the Task Force include two residents working within the field of mental healthcare or healthcare; and three other residents who are interested in supporting the Stigma-free program initiatives, including educating residents that mental illness is a disease and must be treated as such; raising awareness of mental health issues; and helping those in need by linking them to local mental health resources.
SEEKING RESIDENTS TO VOLUNTEER TO SERVE ON VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS NOVEMBER 25, 2015
The Village Council is looking for residents who are interested in volunteering to serve on the following Boards and Committees: Community Relations Advisory Board; Library Board of Trustees; Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board; Open Space Committee; Project Pride Committee; Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee; Citizens Safety Advisory Committee; Historic Preservation Commission; The Green Team; and the Shade Tree Commission.
All interested residents should:
1. Fill out a Citizen Volunteer Leadership form (found on the Village website under “Forms”)
2. Prepare a cover letter indicating on which board or committee the resident wishes to serve and a brief explanation as to why the resident chose the particular board(s) or committee(s)
3. Include a biography or resume
and send all of them to:
Heather Mailander
Village Clerk
Village of Ridgewood
131 North Maple Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Deadline for submissions is November 25, 2015.
A brief description for each Board/Committee is listed below:
The Community Relations Advisory Board promotes the development and implementation of educational programs which celebrate our diversity and provides offers assistance to victims of bias-related crimes.
By Selwyn Duke — Bio and Archives November 9, 2015
When leftists start talking about “civility,” watch out for your freedom of speech. This again comes to mind with reports that some media outlets are eliminating online comments sections in civility’s name. And while it’s not a First Amendment violation (these are private-sector actions), it is largely motivated by the same mentality spawning speech codes on college campuses and “hate speech” laws overseas.
And as with those phenomena, the nixing of online comments is justified with noble-sounding sentiments. As the AFP recently reported, “Last month, Vice Media’s Motherboard news site turned off reader comments, saying ‘the scorched earth nature of comments sections just stifles real conversation.’ It instead began taking ‘letters to the editor’ to be screened by staff.”
That’s rich. What stifles conversation more than eliminating a comments section completely? As for “real conversation,” the content leftist media disgorge proves they haven’t the foggiest idea what that might be.
It’s also clear that some types of incivility are more unequal than others. Consider that the AFP also cites University of Houston communications professor Arthur Santana and writes, “‘Often the targets of the incivility are marginalized groups, including racial minorities,’ Santana said in the Newspaper Research Journal. Santana found readers referred to immigrants as ‘cockroaches, locusts, scumbags, rats, bums, buzzards, blood-sucking leeches, vermin, slime, dogs, brown invaders, wetbacks,’ among others.” Oh, the humanity!
Special: Demi Cheated on for Looking Too Old – See Her Revenge Makeover
Now, I’m not sure Prof. Santana knows what a “marginalized” group is, but I invite him to visit some left-wing sites and peruse what’s posted about Christians, and traditionalists in general. And consider these comments from under a viral 2012 YouTube video featuring a cute 6-year-old boy providing 10 reasons not to vote for Barack Obama:
can someone kill that child… to teach his parents a lesson!!!!
Where is Jerry Sandusky when you really need him? This kid needs a shower!
If I could id kill this kid. He’s somewhat racist and brings up obama stereotypes. Dumb redneck.
This child and his parents need to be euthanized.
And here’s one I’ve had to clean up (as much as leftists’ messes can be):
“GO F*** YOUR MOTHER YOU LITTLE ****-SUCKING HOMOPHOBIC GUN LOVING ****-SUCKER IF YOU WERE MY F****** KID I WOULD BE GIVING THE BIGGEST S**T KICKING OF A LIFETIME YOU LITTLE GOOD GOD FEARING GOOD FOR F****** NOTHING F****** ****-SUCKER!!!!!!”
Funny thing, though, we didn’t hear about the pressing need to eliminate comments sections after displays such as the above, which aren’t unusual in the vile netherworld of leftist websites (the Left is governed by irrational emotion). It’s only now—in the midst of an anti-establishment revolution, as represented by support for Donald Trump and the anti-migration demonstrations in Europe—that we hear, “Oh my, Scarlet, the Internet is so full of meanies! Cover your virginal eyes!”
Special: Stay at Home Mom’s Wrinkle Trick Has Plastic Surgeons Fuming
Let’s be clear: This has little more to do with “civility” than Marxism has to do with improving the lot of “workers.” And while some sites claim that nasty comments sections alienate readers, the feature likely yields a net gain in traffic; after all, it does inspire return visits by those who do participate. So what does largely drive this “civility” concern?
Political correctness.
It’s all about the media’s effort to control the narrative. Think about it: a reporter crafts his propaganda.
Then this is undermined by commenters saying that the emperor-media have no clothes.
Special: 68 Year Old Looks 31: You Will Not Believe Her Simple Trick
For example, a news piece may quote a few citizens talking about how Muslim migrants in Europe have fled danger and have to be accepted in compassion’s name. But then commenters not only point out that most are military-age males, weren’t actually imperiled, are Sharia-minded and have no intention of assimilating, but also exhibit great zeal while doing so, illustrating that the anti-media side has the facts and great passion. And the combination of ethos, logos and pathos is very powerful.
And here’s another example (these are random; countless others could be cited): an article will reflexively refer to, let’s say, French National Front leader Marine Le Pen as “far right.” This can be effective because what’s assumed is learned best.
That is, it can be effective unless commenters point out that she takes mostly statist positions and only distinguishes herself by opposing Muslim immigration. Then pop goes the agenda.
So the media shape a message and then commenters point out that it’s misshapen and shape another. The media report in one way and commenters provide a kind of counter-reportage. And this can be intense. Consequently, when I see an article in certain news organs about, for example, immigration or a black-on-white bias crime, I generally know to expect something such as the following message below it: “Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.”
