Forbes Magazine ran a sobering story on Friday analyzing the top 25 worst counties in America for property taxpayers. The Forbes people ranked the counties by the percentage of homeowner income zapped by annual property tax bills. Unsurprisingly, 16 of New Jerseys 21 counties made the list.
I included the median property tax bill next to each county. The income % figures are even more astounding! For example, 8.5% of the average Passaic County homeowner’s paycheck is devoted to paying property taxes. 8.5%!!!
The list:
1. Passaic County – $6,928 2. Union County – $7,007 2. Essex County – $7,535 5. Bergen County – $7,797 9. Hunterdon County – $8,224 9. Hudson County – $6,007 12. Camden County – $5,311 12. Warren County – $5,673 12. Somerset County – $7,597 15. Monmouth County – $6,494 16. Sussex County – $5,803 17. Morris County – $7,281 19. Middlesex County – $5,861 19. Ocean County – $4,021 23. Mercer County – $5,734 25. Atlantic County – $4,277
>Since the Ridgewood blog often get grief for not supporting educators enough ,here is a case where we support the Principal whole heartily . Next time the staff suggests ; make the kids and their parents clean up the mess, make each individual write an apology and cancel the whole graduation all together .
the Staff of the Ridgewood blog
The Record: Taking a stand Thursday, June 24, 2010 The Record
MIDDLE SCHOOL is not high school. It certainly is not college. The tradition – and it’s quite the norm – that students moving up from middle school to high school, or even kindergarten to elementary school, is a momentous occasion requiring an elaborate ceremony is highly debatable. There should be no debate that a food fight is not an acceptable graduation tradition.
On Monday, eighth-grade graduates of West Brook Middle School had a commencement ceremony without music and speeches. Principal Oscar Diaz canceled the “fun parts” of graduation after a massive food fight in the cafeteria by many members of the graduating class the previous week had left him, and the cafeteria, covered in condiments. The students thought it a joke. Diaz didn’t laugh.
It is incomprehensible that the mere sight of a such an imposing figure – and Diaz is imposing – would not instantly stop the ruckus. But that was not the case at the Paramus middle school. Diaz was further disgusted by the lack of student remorse after the fact.
He decided to punish the entire class, although not all students participated. There was no “Pomp and Circumstance,” no speeches, no bagel breakfast. Good. Students must learn that actions have consequences. In the real world, there are times when the whole pays the price for the few. Maybe that is inconsistent with our culture’s acceptance of personal entitlement. But it is a real-life lesson that all students need to learn.
>I posted this article along with a number of others – the Morristown decision was handed down last Month (May 10, 2010) – the initial judgement was sought on behalf of Morristown Hospital in the hope of having all its activities declared under its non-for-profit status. Morristown hired a tax expert attorney who investigated the federal laws surrounding 501(c) 3 status and what constitutes all the provisions provided to companies that obtain this status – during the discovery process, the town’s attorney uncovered that the hospital was renting space to profit making businesses and that the hospital was wrong to claim these profits under its tax exempt status. It rented its coffee shop to a well known branded store and while not only taking the rent paid by this company, it also shared in the profits over a certain amount – these rents and profits were not covered under the 501(C) 3 status and therefore the hospital has been told that it must pay the taxes to the town of Morristown dating back to the time that these companies (private practices, the coffee shop) started doing business on its tax exempt property.
I am all in for the Village Council investigating what back taxes Valley Hospital owes the Village of Ridgewood should it be proven that they operate and have operated the same system that Morristown Hospital operated
>I was disheartened, but not surprised by the events that occurred and the subsequent reporting by The Record and Ridgewood News after last weeks PB meeting.
The media chose to report on a ‘raucous’ crowd rather than investigate efforts by Valley, Village officials and the media to silence the opposition.
Look at the facts:
The venue for the PB was moved to a location that could not handle the crowd. This should not have surprised the PB since this was not the first time that residents were shut out of a Valley hearing. In addition, at the last minute, residents were informed that parking would be limited, and they should carpool. If BF wasn’t available, should the PB have considered rescheduling?
Valley employees most of whom are not residents to fill seats are shuttled to the meeting. The Village reserved half the seats for Valley employees.
The police responded to a crowd of 250 people chanting ‘Stop Valley Now’ by calling in support from four other communities, as well as Bergen County Police and the Sheriff with canine support. Was this a measured response to an out of control situation, or was it designed to intimidate opponents?
The Bergen Record, has consistently supported Valley’s expansion plans, and their reporting has been short on facts. The editors of the record also opposed plans to reopen PVH. Does The Record editorial policy have anything to do with the fact that Mr Borg, President of the newspaper, is a member of Valley Hospital’s Presidents Council?
Valley is mobilizing it’s PR machine to divide and discredit the opposition. We have to stand together in opposition to Valley and public officials who thus far have refused to listen to residents.
No more teachers, no more books…it’s time for a summer vacation! The travel consultants at The Travel Center/American Express know the key to a great family getaway is to include activities that will be fun for everyone. Here are a few of our top picks:
*Cruises: Cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer activities for everyone, at every age. From kids’ clubs and rock-climbing to casinos and spas, the fun begins as soon as you step on board. With meals included and multiple ports to explore, cruises are an exceptional value.
*Orlando: In the city built for family fun, entertainment abounds for both the young and young at heart. Think a family vacation can’t combine roller coasters, gourmet dining and golf on a championship course? Think again. The travel consultants at The Travel Center will show you how.
*The Atlantis: A 141-acre water park, swimming with dolphins, concerts by top performers, an 11,000-year-old lost continent, 21 restaurants, 19 bars and lounges, poolside gambling…the list goes on and on. You’ll understand why it’s called Paradise Island.
*Tauck Bridges: The industry’s leading family travel company, Tauck Bridges helps families explore the world’s most exciting places. Adventure awaits, whether you choose European castles, a safari in Tanzania, Darwin’s Galapagos, or the Wild, Wild West.
Reconnecting with loved ones is easy when the details are handled for you. Call us today:
>I saw this article in the Record. I agree that conduct outside of school is not the school’s business. It subjects some students to special rules. Those who do not do sports are not punished.
Next challenge will be the village law that allows police to enter private homes if they suspect underage drinking. If the police think that I am a serial killer they need evidence and a warrent to enter my home. But if they suspect underage drinking they can walk in? If you read the NJ online police reports they are all the same – officer sees a kid in the driveway with a beer/plastic cup (because polixe are trained to identify beer cans in the dark). The kid runs (never caught) but the officer goes into the home. The scenario that allows them to enter is always the same. It is probably a fill in the blank form that they use, like a mad lib.
>Ommegang Hennepin- 7.7%ABV As you pour this rich golden ale into your glass, consider your surroundings. Are you in a restaurant? Outside on the deck? Is it hot and humid? Cold and brisk? Take a drink. Feel the way Hennepin is bright and lively in your mouth with a warming mix of spicy gingersnap and citrusy hops. Refreshing. Relaxing. It’s true: no matter where you are, Hennepin is the perfect ale for all seasons.
Omeegang Abbey Brown Ale- 8.5% ABV Meditate on this dark ruby elixir. Breathe in its deep emanations of fruit and spice. Is that clove you smell? Licorice? Fig? Sip serenely as revelations of honey, toffee, chocolate and dark dried fruit delight your senses. Can a beer be holy? you wonder, and Where can I get a grail on-line?
John P Gray “Son” Patrick & Sons Super Cellars 32 South Broad St Ridgewood,NJ 07450 (p) 201-444-0012 (f) 201-444-3070 (e) [email protected]
As I was saying, you can forget about those predictions of a state shutdown over the budget this year; it will pass on time. The fight is over Gov. Christie’s proposed constitution-backed 2.5 percent annual property tax cap. The governor’s proposed constitutional amendment, which needs to be passed by the Legislature by mid-July to be put on the ballot in November, would limit property tax growth to 2.5 percent with only two exceptions — debt service and voter override, the latter meaning we the people can say if we want to pay higher taxes. (Ingle, Gannett)
RIDGEWOOD, N.J. (June 22, 2010) – Ridgewood resident Steve Wellinghorst is announcing his candidacy for the Ridgewood Village Council to fill the open seat left vacant by the late Councilwoman Anne Zusy.
Ridgewood conducts non-partisan council elections. “Recent events in the village have motivated me to step up and participate in the electoral process,” said Wellinghorst, who describes himself as a fiscal conservative. “There appears to be a need for basic common sense to be applied to the administration of the village.”
Wellinghorst, a 10-year resident of Ridgewood, is a partner in the Woodland Park, N.J. law firm of Wellinghorst & Fronzuto. A lawyer for 22 years, Wellinghorst represents various insurance companies. While never having been elected to public office, Wellinghorst has a long history of public service.
Wellinghorst served as a member of the Ridgewood Zoning Board of Adjustment from 2007-09 and was the municipal court judge in West Paterson, N.J. from 2002-06; prior to that he was West Paterson’s public defender for two years. He also served as the Planning Board attorney in West Paterson from 2006-09. From 1992 to 2006, he was a member of the law firm Braff, Harris & Sukoneck in Livingston, N.J. He also held the position of assistant prosecutor for Asbury Park, N. J. from 1990-92. He began his legal career in 1988 in the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
He has served as a guest legal commentator for numerous national and local cable networks/stations such as MSNBC, Fox, CNN, Court TV andNews 12 New Jersey. He hosted his own legal show “Case in Point” for two years on News 12 New Jersey.
He is a graduate of Montclair State University, where he earned a BA degree in political science and a law degree from The Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. During college, Wellinghorst served as an intern with the late Ridgewood Congresswoman Marge Roukema.
Wellinghorst resides in Ridgewood with his wife, Liz, and two children, who both attend Travell Elementary School. Wellinghorst, 47, is a life-long New Jersey resident and grew up in Brielle, New Jersey.
“I will be meeting with many of you as I complete my Petition to be placed on the November ballot and to discuss the vital issues affecting the Village,” said Wellinghorst. Feel free to contact Wellinghorst at [email protected].
RIDGEWOOD INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Ridgewood July 4th Committee Ridgewood will observe Independence Day on Monday, JULY 5th…this will be Ridgewood’s 100th Celebration! For up-to-date details go to https://www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org/
Fireworks Tickets for July 4th Celebration Celebration is on Monday, July 5
Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Evening Activities and Fireworks Tickets Monday, July 5th, 2010 Alternate Date – Tuesday, July 6th Veteran’s Field, Ridgewood, New Jersey July 4th in Ridgewood is a very special day that our entire area looks forward to all year.
In 2010, the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee will sponsor its 100th anniversary with our flag raising, parade and fireworks. This year’s theme is “100 Years of Supporting the Tradition.” The committee is an all-volunteer community group that coordinates the day’s events and does not receive direct funding from the Village of Ridgewood. July 4th is a Sunday this year, but the national holiday is on Monday, July 5th. Therefore, our celebration will be on Monday, July 5th. We are actively preparing for what we know will be a spectacular 100th celebration, it is vital that we have community support. Please consider helping to “Support the Tradition”. Because of generous support from the community, we have one of the best small town Independence Day celebrations. While the Parade is free, Fireworks Tickets are required for entrance to Vet’s Field. Donations for Fireworks Tickets is one of the Celebration’s largest sources of income. Tickets to the Evening Entertainment and Fireworks will be on sale June 1 at the locations below. Buy your tickets in advance for $5.00 and save 50% off the gate price of $10.00.
1. Backyard Living- 235 Franklin Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-689-9111 2. Daily Treat- 177 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-652-9113 3. Goffle Brook Farm- 425 Goffle Road, Ridgewood, 201-652-7540 4. Harding Wines and Spirits- 305 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-445-7122 5. Herold’s Farm & Garden Center- 909 Prospect Street, Glen Rock, 201-445-0069 6. Hillman Electric- 133 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-652-1045 7. Hogan’s Restaurant Diner- 20 Central Avenue, Midland Park, 201-445-2849 8. Hoskins Propane, 523 Goffle Road, Ridgewood, 201-444-1950 9. Irish Eyes- 1 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, 201-445-8585 10. JT’s Wines and Spirits- 607 N. Maple Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-652-2220
Van Dyk Manor Ridgewood, 304 S. Van Dien Avenue June 28th– August 31st (Any time frame) Cost: $10.00 Benefits: Healthcare experience and training Van Dyk Logo T-Shirt A certificate and letter for school verification. Participation in fun events. Call: Denise Rieser @ 201 445-8200 ext. 7965
>Senator: School choice bill should let lawmakers opt out
A proposed law aimed at promoting school choice needs a legislator choice provision in order to pass the state Legislature, a key sponsor said Tuesday. Sen. Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, said his bill that would provide scholarships to low-income students in poor-performing school districts — so that they can attend schools in better performing districts — is likely to be altered so that scholarships would be awarded only in areas represented by legislators who support the measure. (Method, Gannett) https://www.app.com/article/20100622/NEWS03/6220328/Senator-School-choice-bill-should-let-lawmakers-opt-out
