"Land of Make believe" - THE RIDGEWOOD BLOG.

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, in August the newsblog “Tap into Ridgewood (https://www.tapinto.net/towns/ridgewood/sections/government/articles/ridgewood-s-master-plan-draft-still-not-released ) attempted to create the impression that despite the the planning board start of reexamined of the master plan in 2016, and the Village of Ridgewood officially adopted its visioning process in October of 2018 ( www.visionridgewood.org ) ,multiple Ridgewood Planning Board meetings devoted to the master plan , regular Visioning emails to anyone who signs up , the Ridgewood blog posting at least 495 articles on the “Village Master Plan” , and copious discussions on affordable housing and the Valley Hospital site ,the idea that Ridgewood residents are completely unaware of the Village of Ridgewood master plan visioning process is beyond absurd .

Continue reading Residents Unaware of the Village of Ridgewood’s Work on Crafting the Master Plan Over the last Eight Years Should Pass on Voting in November

Why are you conveniently ignoring the benefits package? Is it because that’s not in your self-interest to mention that? Add in your lifetime defined benefit pension (which current REA members only contribute 6.5% of their base salary to, rising to only 7.5% by 2018!) which you can start collecting at age 55~60 when you have enough service time. Add in the sick leave you’ve accumulated year after year. Add in your lifetime health plan which covers 96% of all medical costs, both in- and out-of-network, with $10 co-pays, with all of the above being subsidized by Ridgewood taxpayers. How is that not fair? No one in the private sector has benefits like these. That’s was supposed to be the trade-off, but now you want more wages growing faster than the 2% property cap (and inflation), too? Most Ridgewood residents think you’re asking for far too much; we’re being taxed to death to pay for this and your benefits should be diminished. Time to accept you’re in a losing position.

Your pension and health benefits are better than the private sector. That’s always been the trade-off. Teachers make less than comparable professionals in the private sector, but get an incredible retirement deal. Now your union and the NJEA are telling you that you deserve equivalent wages, too? You are getting the wrong advice. Prorate your salary for 187 days a year, add in all of your excessive benefits, and remember there are 1,100 applicants to replace you if you decide there’s a better deal elsewhere. Stop holding us hostage.