>Laurie just picked up a recommendation from the soccer dads….that means more lights and turf in case you didn’t know where she stood….
From: “Robert F. Davies, Esq.” Sender: [email protected] Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2011 09:22:53 -0400 To: ReplyTo: [email protected] Cc: Subject: [dadsnight-jokes] Laurie Goodman – please vote for her! Fw: Important Info — Please Forward [1 Attachment]
[Attachment(s) from Robert F. Davies, Esq. included below]
Dear Guys,
I think Laurie is terrific, and I urge you to get out and vote for her and for Sheila Brogan!
thanks,
Bob Davies
—– Original Message —– From: Laurie Goodman To: Laurie Goodman Sent: Monday, April 11, 2011 8:47 PM Subject: Important Info — Please Forward
Hello. I’m writing because you are someone who cares about Ridgewood’s schools. As you may know, I am running for re-election to the Ridgewood Board of Education. I’ve been serving on the BOE for three years, and I have so much more to give to our schools and our community.
I have helped achieve the following during my time on the Board of Ed: • Installation of new District website and student information system with parent access to grades, attendance, etc. • Creation and administration of Parent Survey; will be repeated annually • Improved communication regarding budgets and referendum • Prioritization and management of referendum/facilities projects • Improved access to athletic fields for all Ridgewood youth • Negotiation of contract with REA (teachers’ union) — ongoing
There is so much more I want to do, including: • Improve communication • Complete successful union negotiations • Find more efficiencies in our budget • Improve technology access and use by students & teachers • Create improved methods for evaluating teachers
When I ran for the BOE three years ago, it wasn’t because of a single issue. Hot button issues come and go. Our schools need leaders who can explore a variety of complex issues with an open mind, and make thoughtful decisions, day in and day out, to balance the needs of our students with consideration for the taxpayers who fund our schools. You and I may not agree on every topic, but I have a proven track record of working hard on all the issues facing our schools, and I welcome alternate opinions.
The attached flyer gives more detail about me and my thoughts on the issues.
How you can help:
1. VOTE Laurie Goodman on Wednesday, April 27.
2. PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE NOW to your Ridgewood friends and neighbors.
I notice that none of the four candidates specifically addressed anything about academics in the article. We have serious concerns about the math curriculum, yet I don’t know where the two new candidates stand on the issue. Also, no one said anything about tenure or teacher compensation and benefits.
Here are my concerns about the four:
Goodman and Brogan, the incumbents, have presided over the implementation of a sub-optimal math curriculum and the $48 million bond referendum that gave us turf fields and lights that we didn’t need, but raised my taxes by over $300 per year.
Krauss looks like an anti-Valley NIMBY, based on the cryptic inclusion of anti-Valley buzz phrases at the end of her section of the article. I know nothing about her views on educational curriculum or where she stands on the critical issues related to the district’s finances, such as teacher compensation.
Clark look like he is focusing on the field lights issue, on which I agree with him. However, the fact that his wife is a disctrict employee concerns me, because he may need to recuse himself from union negotiations. Also, he may not be as aggressive a cost cutter as we need. Finally, I have no idea where he stands on budget and curriculum issues, which are what really matter in this election.
In summary, we need more details from all of the candidates, espeically about the topics that really matter: curriculum (especially math) and the budget, (ecpecially teacher compensation and benefits). It would also help to know more about their educational backgrounds.
>FLOOD: the fields will be cleaned and reopened in a fraction of the time it would take to clean and reopen them if they were grass
None of you have any idea of what you are talking about in regards to the make up of the “pellets” in the turf. They are not crumbs from old tires and they don’t float so the amount that were possibly washed away were minimal. And if everyone is so worried about the environmental aspect of pellets washing down river away from where we live where is your concern about what kind of contamination came down the river from the sewage treatment plant up in Waldwick?
That’s why the fields are closed and that would not be any different if they were grass, dirt, black top, concrete, denim, or any other surface. The fact that the fields are artificial grass is significant in only one way…..the fields will be cleaned and reopened in a fraction of the time it would take to clean and reopen them if they were grass. We’ve had the fields flood before (and they’re going to flood again) and the results were the same. You couldn’t see it because the fields were in such bad shape and were more or less dirt to begin with but the same silt, mud and debris were deposited and the fields were closed for weeks and longer. The new fields will get cleaned up and they’ll be back in service. The notion that somehow we wasted money putting them in just because we had a flood is a bunch of bullshit being used by the adjacent neighbors who are upset that the fields are being used, period. If those fields were still grass we’d have the exact same conditions as we have right now except the fields would be out of commission for the rest of the spring which is exactly what those neighbors were used to and would like to have happen again. Unfortunately for them that is water under the bridge, pun intended.
Has the Board of Education Mismanaged the High School Fields Project?
When the BOE decided to install artificial turfing on Stevens Field and RHS stadium, numerous taxpayers and neighbors warned against doing this construction in an active flood plain. We warned that a flood on HoHoKus Brook would result in the washout of crumb rubber from the surface, the depositing of silt/debris/pollutants on the field and require significant clean up costs. The minor flood Thursday night has proven the skeptics correct and exposed the poor planning and decision making approach that the BOE followed throughout this process.
These fields are now closed until further notice.
Clean-up estimated to cost a minimum of $3,700 cannot start until Monday at the earliest.
Despite closing the fields, the BOE has no plans to enforce its decision.
Ridgewood needs playing surfaces for our children. The BOE has foolishly installed several million dollars worth of vulnerable artificial turf in a flood plain. The turf’s manufacture refuses to provide a warranty because of its location in the flood plain. The BOE has made an unenforceable financing arrangement to finance the $550,000 cost of lights on these fields. The sports groups who the BOE thought would be paying these costs are now threatening to withhold support unless they get their way to have children playing on these fields until 10:00pm on school nights. Who does the BOE represent?
The artificial turf fields and lights are a small part of the tax dollars that the BOE oversees. These are the same individuals that are entrusted with negotiating with our teachers and setting the priorities for the school system. Has their performance in the fields’ debate warranted their support?
Two of the BOE members that approved the field projects actions are up for reelection this April. In considering who to vote for, parents should ask themselves if the millions being spent on questionable facilities for sports groups might not better have been spent in the classrooms and our children.
I read your emails to Tom with great interest and frankly disbelief.
It is incredible that you can write that “we do not have crumb rubber on our fields.” Every parent of a child that has played on these fields would be amazed to hear that all the crumb rubber that has been tracked in since these surfaces were opened did not come from the fields and will want to know exactly where the kids have been picking up all that shredded tire stuff. Of course the fields have crumb rubber. This was a major point of discussion with the DEP when you applied for permits. There are three very large sacks of crumb rubber over by the right of way near Stevens. Perhaps you misunderstood the question.
I am very concerned that you have further taken a “hands off” attitude toward the situation that the BOE’s project has created. You tell Tom that the “RHS fields are closed”, presumably because it is unsafe to use these fields until they have been cleaned. This sound reasonable given that we do not know what pollutants the flood has deposited on the artificial turf surface the BOE installed. As the owner of the fields, the BOE has decided that closure is necessary to protect the public. However, you then say it’s not your problem because “we do not have the resources to post people to police the area”. In private industry, the owner of a project that has a major public safety issue is also responsible for enforcing that decision. Failure to do so exposes the owner to damages if someone is hurt. To summarize, as the owner of the fields the BOE has determined that it is unsafe to use them, but aside from telling the Village of your decision, you do not propose to do anything to protect the public? As a taxpayer, I certainly hope that no one is injured this weekend due to the BOE’s negligence. I might suggest that you somehow cordon off the fields with yellow tape, provide signage as to the fact they are closed and access is forbidden and consider stationing a custodian over the weekend to prevent their use.
When these fields were proposed and the DEP permits were sought, you personally assured the public that the construction of artificial turf surfaces in the flood plain would not pose a major problem. A number of the neighbors tried to point out the questionable basis for these comments. Even damage from a minor flood such as the one that occurred last night seriously belie your position.
As you can see, I have copied the press, Village Council and BOE members on this correspondence in the hope that they will find your responses as questionable as I have.
>OUR NEW TURF FIELDS ARE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE (NO IDEA WHEN).
Thought you should also be aware of this info below.Forget about Lightgate, this is really Fieldgate now! Both Stadium and Stevens Fields are now closed until further notice. Even though Dan says clean up will begin on Monday who knows with “testing” (for what?) this whole thing will take let alone cost! Since the BOE does not care to secure the fields as noted below I think your blog is the best way to get the word out to non-Sports groups who have not been told that OUR NEW TURF FIELDS ARE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE (NO IDEA WHEN).
Also in case of another flood that will come sooner or later THE SAME THING WILL HAPPEN. It’s why the neighbors originally said, before even Lightgate, that to put turf in a flood zone was simply crazy! Unless you have millions of dollars to waste. That’s Fieldgate!I am sure you will be as flabbergasted as we are to learn that Dan did not know the fields have crumb rubber. I feel like this is a bad dream, it can’t be reality! Beam me up, Scotty!
>BOE Announces no Raises for Teachers while Administrators get 3.8% Wage Increase the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD NJ—The Board of Education announced there will be no raises for teachers and secretaries represented by the Ridgewood Education Association.
Estimates show that even without salary increases, the district is looking at cutting up to 11 entry-level positions while still facing a $65,000 budget gap.
A contract signed in early 2010,still gives a significant 3.8 percent wage increase for administrators, principals and supervisors represented by the Ridgewood Administrators Association.
>GW Planning Board Meeting: Valley employees and Ridgewood police officers identified those who could enter
Ridgewood NJ- I was there. Residents were sitting in the auditorium long before the meeting ever started. A BOE employee told the residents they had to leave because he was instructed to empty and lock the GW auditorium.
Only when the vestibule was filled to capacity with Valley employees were the doors to the auditorium unlocked. The doors that were opened were suspect since the only doors open were the doors by the valley people.
Before the meeting started the doors were locked but there were plenty of empty seats. Valley empoyees stood on the front steps of GW with rw police officers and identified those who could come in. As a resident saving seats for friends who were locked out, i was being threatened to open my saved seats for those valley people who were let in after the GW doors were locked.
This was a disgrace and anyone who tries to say otherwise is ignorant to the facts! no exaggeration.
>ROTARY CLUBS FEATURE WORLD-RENOWNED JAZZ MUSICIANS AT MARCH 5 BENEFIT CONCERT
The Ridgewood A.M. and Bergen Community College Rotary Clubs will host a benefit jazz concert featuring world-renowned jazz musicians at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2011. The concert will be held in the Ciccone Theatre at Bergen Community College, 400 Paramus Road, in Paramus, NJ.
Tickets for the event are $75 each. Admission includes the concert and an after-party with the musicians. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Community Blood Services, the Social Service Association of Ridgewood & Vicinity, and will fund scholarships for needy students at Bergen Community College.
The concert will feature several world famous musicians, including Bill O’Connell (keyboards), Conrad Herwig (trombone), Steve Slagle (saxophone), Luques Curtis (bass), Dave Samuels (vibraphone and marimba) and Steve Berrios (drums and percussion). Dr. Glenn Godart, a Ridgewood dentist and co-chairman of the event says, “It’s very unusual to have musicians of this caliber perform in Bergen County. These are all top talents on the New York jazz scene, so hearing them will be a real New York City experience, with the convenience of being close to home.”
The musicians will perform a program consisting largely of Latin jazz, drawn from Bill O’Connell’s latest CD, ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’ with other works made famous by Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Cal Tjader, and others. “I can tell you this,” says Dr. Godart, “even if you’re not a big jazz aficionado, you will like this program. It will be full of the rhythm, passion and fire of Latin jazz. You’ll have a hard time keeping your feet on the floor.”
Mary Ann Copp, President of the Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club, says, “We’re happy to host this in cooperation with the Bergen Community College Rotary Club, and we have a great venue for the event. The Ciccone Theatre at BCC has wonderful acoustics and comfortable seating. Hearing world-class musicians in this great setting will be an experience you won’t want to miss, and you can benefit three outstanding causes at the same time.”
Tickets, at $75 each, are available through Dr. Godart, [email protected] or (201) 314-2182. Special-rate tickets are available to students and employees of Bergen Community College, but do not include the reception following the concert. Parking at BCC is plentiful and free of charge.
>the Village of Ridgewood Looking Back on 2010 Part 4
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 01, 2010
Village Council Elections : Readers Press on Candidates Positions on Valley
I asked you earlier for clarification of your position on Valley and you did not answer. I have heard great things about you and am leaning towards voting for you but I can’t vote for anyone who gives a gray answer about Valley.
I used to live by the hospital and, one winter, there were seven accidents near my house. One car went up on to my neighbor’s lawn and the trees caught on fire. If it had been a different time of day there could easily have been children killed.
The construction is not complete and it is already under water and damaged. That’s what you get when you build in a floodway. The second photo shows the brand new turf with a big wrinkle to trip on. This was just a small storm. The taxpayers of Ridgewood have The BOE to thank as they pay it off for the next 30 years.
If you were ever in any doubt that the Valley Hospital has Ridgewood under siege then it has been confirmed by Valley’s own advertizing for their off-site Columbia venture. Like a medieval army besieging a city, Valley with its campus on Van Dien Ave and nine satellite campuses is now not physically possible to enter Ridgewood without passing by a Valley property. You cannot educate your children in Ridgewood without the hand of Valley fondling them through Valley’s unprecedented influence on the BOE and HSA. Valley hijacked the last Village Council and the Planning Board agenda for 3 years to approve the 100 percent Valley crafted Master Plan Amendment. Megan Fraser, the Valley PR Executive is now wielding Valley’s influence over the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce.
Donovan Unveils 4 Point Plan for Bergen County Fiscal Sanity
Bergen County Executive Candidate, Kathleen A. Donovan, announced today her plan to make government “smaller, smarter and fiscally responsible.” Donovan said that her “4 Point Plan for Bergen County Taxpayers” is not just a plan. “It’s a pledge to Bergen County taxpayers, families and seniors that government is going to change for the better.
How does the Village justify a tax assessment that is around 20% inflated?
They are not in any hurry to roll back the valuations they assigned at the peak of the bubble.
The below is public info so I’ll leave it up to the Mod as to whether it posts:
119 Oak is for sale for $850k. Its tax assessment (according to Zillow) is closer to $1M, which is about what that house would have sold for at the height of the bubble. A couple years ago, 2007 I think, the taxes jumped from $11k and change, to over $17k (it’s possible a lot of this was precipitated by a renovation but I don’t own the house so I don’t know)!
Oct 5 – Planning Board Discusses Ordinance change and does not inform the public
The Agenda for last night’s Planning Board meeting was not published before the meeting and is still not on the Village website. Despite the missing agenda, the attorney for Valley Charles Collins and the PR VP for Valley, Megan Fraser arrived at the meeting promptly at 7:25 PM. Were they tipped off by someone on the Board, the attorney of the Chairman?
Connected Math is a nightmare. The kids have moved around a few topice since the beginning of the year. I can’t tell if it is a review or “spiraling”. When there are questions about the homework, the book is no help. It was designed without examples of problems. The webside is just like the book – very vague.
NEWARK — Gov. Chris Christie indicated Wednesday that he is leaning toward pulling the plug on construction of a new $8.7 billion commuter rail tunnel into Manhattan, unless a revised federal cost estimate provides assurances that New Jersey can afford the project. (Higgs and Jordan, Daily Record) https://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20101007/COMMUNITIES/101006096/1005/NEWS01/Christie-ready-to-pull-plug-on–8.7B-rail-tunnel-
Fueled by tea party activism and hotly contested races, Republican participation in this year’s primary elections was up. But Democratic participation fell to a record low, leaving overall voter turnout at the second lowest level ever for a midterm election, an analysis by American University’s Center for the Study of the American Electorate concludes. (Radnofsky, The Wall Street Journal)
Ridgewood Schools : Readers ask are we trying to hide student’s ASK results?
I want to know what the District is trying to hide in regards to our student’s ASK results. The principal says that the administrators have asked them not to compare the schools in the district or share that information with the parents. Leads me to believe they are hiding some major score discrepancies that they don’t want to explain.
We all know we should be sensitive to the neighbors wishes. But since we cannot move the fields, which were built in what are now congested, residential neighborhoods (like Valley), what do you propose?
Don’t leave lights on b/c of a tailgate? Seems fair. But where does it end? If some had their way (I cannot speak for Colleen), the fields would be open wild-scape, so that the value of their homes would increase. Sound far-fetched?
Field Lights: The BOE owed everyone the courtesy of appropriate information regarding the lights!
The BOE owed everyone the courtesy of appropriate information regarding the lights! Yes it would have been nice and right to inform the neighbors of the installation. But not just the immediate neighbors, they should have informed each and every taxpayer in the Village!
RHS field lights : It certainly appears that the BOE intended to install the field lights all along
As you may have seen or heard, I spoke at the Village Council last evening about the RHS field lights issues. Attached for your edification are my remarks.The more that I look at this, the stranger it looks. For instance:
Pro Valley Russell Forenza : rolls out the check book
News Flash: Mr. Forenza has run a full page advertisement in the Ridgewood News. A quarter page advertisement costs over $1,100. I can only guess what a full page advertisement would cost.
The RHSNA was formed by a group of neighbors that primarily live on the north side of the high school.
PJ
I would like to clear up a recent post to your Blog concerning the RHS field lights and the Ridgewood High School Neighborhood Association (RHSNA). The RHSNA was formed by a group of neighbors that primarily live on the north side of the high school. The group is open to any neighbors in the area of the high school to foster better communication with the school administration.
RHS Dance: modified our procedures to keep events drug and alcohol free
Dear Parents,
I am writing to you today to inform you about some issues we dealt with at the dance on Saturday night. After an unacceptable dance 2 years ago we modified our procedures and we conducted a number of incident free events.
Congrats to Steve and all who care about Ridgewood!
I think those who voted for Forenza should think again about why the MAJORITY voted for Wellinghorst. Let me help you the majority knows the blight and strain that Valley would cause every taxpayer! Not just the people who live near Valley.
It’s not East vs West either. We can not allow our town fall into ValleyWood. Don’t become aware when it’s too late.
I think the main problem in Ridgewood is the lack of communication. Everyone just does their own thing and to hell with everyone else. This is true of the lights and parking in the CBD, lights at the HS and other sports groounds, graydon and the hospital. It should never be about one thing but everything. Everything needs to be seen as a whole (the sum of its parts) and not the just the parts.
Readers react to Russell Forenza’s wild accusations of Voter fraud in the village.
Try not go blind when you realize that he could have been on our new council person. I think he makes it pretty clear what he thinks…the election was stolen.
Sports Fields : The Plan came ENTIRELY from vested interests in favor of maximum expansion of fields
The statement on the Village website is particularly instructive.
“A series of meetings led by Eric Mattes, Project Manager, included select target groups for their input and assistance in gathering necessary information.
Laurie Goodman : we should not be Racing to the Top because it is a Race to Nowhere.
According to Laurie’s site, we should not be Racing to the Top because it is a Race to Nowhere.
So, after all the push for world-class athletic center, turf fields, lighting, Olympic track at BF, a course guide that dwarfs some colleges, $2500 SAT prep programs, 200 clubs, 3-season sports, AP classes for everything, etc, etc – now she says the schools SHOULDN’T be doing it.
N.J. anti-bullying measures head for Senate, Assembly votes
Monday, November 15, 2010 Last updated: Tuesday November 16, 2010, 10:59 AM BY JOHN REITMEYER State House Bureau STATE HO– USE BUREAU
Matthew Zimmer, 16, of Ridgewood, appeared before the Senate committee, telling a full room of spectators inside the State House that he has resorted to online schooling as a result of being bullied by students – and teachers – due to his sexuality. One of his teachers, he said, challenged him in the presence of other students to disclose if he is gay.“The kids immediately bombarded me, teasing me and calling me names,” Zimmer said.
Full story: https://www.northjersey.com/topstories/ridgewood/111510_NJ_lawmakers_want_to_toughen_anti-bullying_law.html
N.J. Senate president pushes for shared services before League of Municipalities
Senate President Stephen Sweeney’s war on “home rule” got a mixed reception from mayors gathered at the League of Municipalities convention Tuesday in Atlantic City. (Friedman, The Record)
Don’t Blame Valley : We have ourselves to blame, We got what we voted for
Pfund & Co. pushed things in what might charitably be called a pig-head fashion. do you suppose even Valley is pleased by the turn of events — Valley had all the cards stacked in its favor and its supporters couldn’t deliver without the huge uproar that ensued (a backlash that hopefully defeats this moronic amendment.)
Suzanne Kelly steps down as Co-Chair of the Preserve Graydon Coalition
Dear Preserve Graydon Coalition Members,
I am writing to let you know that I am stepping down as Co-Chair of the Preserve Graydon Coalition. As you can well imagine, the time and effort that was required to stop the ever increasing threat of Graydon from being demolished was all encompassing.
Ridgewood Police Department Baffled by Brazen Daytime Burglaries
Ridgewood Police Detectives Have No Suspects In String of Brazen Daytime Burglaries Add another Ridgewood home to the list of the dozen or so recently burglarized in broad daylight by an unknown person or persons. This time, it was a brazen Wednesday afternoon break in on the 300 block of Racetrack Road.
Visitation: Tuesday, Dec. 7, 6–8 PM Funeral service: Wednesday, Dec. 8, 11 AM Both at: C. C. Van Emburgh Funeral Home 306 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood (corner of Maple Ave.) https://vanemburgh.com/obituary_view/77345
Math Wars : Singapore math doesn’t cost enough for Ridgewood Schools
I remember the parents that voted and took Regina’s survey comparing the four potential math programs PICKED SINGAPORE math! Oh but wait, Nancy Schultz doesn’t “consult” for that publisher. No wonder why Regina didn’t want it!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 BY RICHARD DE SANTA GLEN ROCK GAZETTE Staff Writer
https://www.northjersey.com/news/111531329_Water_rate_increase_on_Ridgewood_council_s_agenda_.html An ordinance to increase water rates by 5 percent next year is on the agenda for the Ridgewood council’s public meeting on Wednesday night.
Taxes are out of control. When my last child graduates I am going to sell my house. Hopefully someone else will want to pay the taxes on it. People think that the high taxes correlate with a good school system.
Sheila Brogan’s recent letter fighting against the Superintendent’s salary cap is a prime example of why taxes will always be excessive in Ridgewood
It’s a shame that Ridgewood doesn’t seem to value singles, empty nesters and seniors who may not want the bulk of their tax dollars paying for education and fields and lights and mistakes.
Village Council Announces Volunteer of the Year Ines Bunza and Joseph Suplicki
The Village Council announced the 2010 Volunteers of the Year at their December 8th Public Meeting. Ines Bunza and Joseph Suplicki were recognized for the volunteer efforts to the Village of Ridgewood.
Lightgate: Dr. Fishbein is proposing that this time limit be extended until 10:30PM
Remember folks, the current Field Use Policy (available for downloading here: https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/recreation/2009SeptFieldPolicy.pdf) prohibits the use of lights at BOE owned facilites past 9PM (see paragraph F on page 14).
Fearing more conservative backlash the New Jersey Republican State Committee abruptly canceled a long scheduled meeting
With State Republicans fearing more conservative backlash the New Jersey Republican State Committee abruptly canceled a long scheduled meeting Hyatt Regency in Princeton last night, less than 24 hours before it was scheduled to convene.
My husband and I grew up in and bought our first home in a in Nassau County and our police were the Nassau County Officers. Believe me you would not be happy with a regional police service. They were great when you needed a helicopter search for a missing child and a SWAT team, but forget it for day to day problems such as parking, loud parties, vandalism or other quality of life issues. It took them 20-30 minutes to respond and half the time you would be told on the phone to go to the local precinct (two towns away) if you needed to file a simple police report.
Home Rule :The fact that the police are local, even neighbors. It keeps them close to the people they protect and accountable.
I don’t know about you, but I really like the fact that the police are local, some even neighbors. It keeps them close to the people they protect. And accountable.
Ridgewood drops starting salaries for police officers
Wednesday, December 22, 2010 BY MICHAEL SEDON THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS Staff Writer
When the village hires police officers next year to fill positions left vacant by retirements, those new officers will receive a significantly lower starting salary.
NJ should have a public “Hall of Shame” for all these unscrupulous characters who take advantage of their positions
Unfortunately, I don’t find this type of news surprising anymore. What a sad world we live in.
Ed Hynes and Democratic Freeholder James Carroll should have to reimburse the County for all those expenses he failed to provide receipts for…and NJ should have a public “Hall of Shame” for all these unscrupulous characters who take advantage of their positions and the taxpayers they are supposed to be serving!
Ridgewood store owners report good holiday business
Friday, December 24, 2010 BY JOYCE VENEZIA SUSS THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS FOR THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Shopkeepers in Ridgewood’s Central Business District are feeling a little more optimistic about holiday season sales this year, compared to bleak profits just a year ago.
Blizzard of 2010 : Readers comment on snow removal
“Woodside Avenue was plowed yesterday by 1pm. Maybe even sooner. I walked to the train station today and all way fine. I don’t know why people complain. My parents live in Queens and the plow just came by an hour ago”
“My street is a little slippery but otherwise no problems. Drivers need to be a bit more careful though. I’ve seen some icy spots. Kids are loving the snow and aren’t even complaining about the cold.”
Keith Killion was named the new mayor during the Village Council reorganization meeting on Thursday afternoon. Tom Riche, who along with Bernadette Coghlan-Walsh won the municipal election in May, was named deputy mayor. Both terms will expire in 2012.
Valley renewal: major concerns about the future of our great Village
I have posted a lot on Valley Hospital’s proposed renewal plans over the last few weeks and I must say, that it is evident that the vast majority of comments come from those tax-paying residents of Ridgewood that do not want Valley Hospital to expand. Most of the pro-Valley comments appear to be from residents of other towns so as far as I am concerned, their comments do not count.
We’ve been Hacked : Pizza Poll Results under dispute
I am a bit confused though, as last Wednesday after the polls had closed, your website showed the below poll results, showing A Mano had won with 22% of the vote and 74 votes. Did the voting reopen ?
Pedestrian Hit: I get the impression that many of you drivers don’t get out and walk much.
To all you “what until traffic stops” commentators here, would you like to take a shot at a question I posted previously about this. No-one yet has had a go. Here it is:
Traffic runs in both directions. Remember that. If I wait for traffic to stop, this often only means one lane of traffic stops. The other lane is still running. If I keep waiting, the driver of the stopped car, and the cars behind it, start getting pissed as I’m still standing there, waiting for the other side to stop. After a few seconds of horn honking and a look from the first car driver’s face as if I’m some kind of idiot, he then pulls away. I’m still standing there!
Field Lighting : We’ll shake down various village sports groups
PJ Can someone please explain how:
· We had a bond referendum shoved down our throats under the specter of vanishing funds from state grants · We had or state school aid eliminated this year · We had 2 years of multi-million dollar school budget deficits · After the school budget was defeated, the Village Council reduced it by a whopping 1/10 of a percent · We laid off or retired around 30 town workers and more may follow After all the angst and tumult in this past year, now we’re getting LIGHTS for our artificial fields?!?
Village Cuts Number of Recycling and Curbside Rubbish Pickups
Village Slashes Number of Recycling and Curbside Bulk Refuse Pickups
Despite numerous assurances from former Mayor David T. Pfund that worker layoffs would not impact municipal services, cuts to the following services were announced in the past 7-10 days:
I am sad to report that senior, Caitlin Alvaro, passed away today. Our Crisis Intervention counselors will be available to meet with any parents and students who need assistance. Lauren DePinto and Kevin Feeley will be in their offices at the high school from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. If you feel your child needs individual help, please contact me at 201-670-2800, Ext.20501 or email me and I will make arrangements for support. Thank you. Jack
Readers continue to complain over the time it takes for construction approvals
“A neighbor of mine commented to me on how long it took to get permits for an addition almost a year ago. He felt as though he was jerked around, and it was a simple construction job. So as far as the layoffs being an excuse for poor service..forget it. Even last year with much slower construction there was not prompt service according to my neighbor.
Last night the Ridgewood Planning Board voted to memorialize changes in the master plan that allowed The Valley Hospital to double in size
Last night the Ridgewood Planning Board voted to memorialize changes in the master plan that allowed The Valley Hospital to double in size, an issue that has divided the community for sometime. If there is to be an appeal it needs to be filed with 45 days of the memorialization.
Ridgewood homes are being devalued by high property taxes..
Ridgewood homes are being devalued by high property taxes. I agree with you that the Ridgewood voters have approved budgets in the past, however, this year they did not support the budget but had it shoved in their faces just the same.
Habernickle : its been too long with zero progress
How much did Habernickle cost the Village? How many years has it been sitting there.. with one tiny soccer field, which is a mess. Otherwise, whole property is overgrown. And I did read that we just spent a few hundred grand to “clean up” the dam and brook. Was that part of the original purchase, or it was an added cost from my tax-paying wallet?
Bolger Foundation may sever donations to Ridgewood
Bolger Foundation may sever donations to Ridgewood Thursday, August 26, 2010 Last updated: Thursday August 26, 2010, 1:04 PM BY MICHAEL SEDON The Ridgewood News Staff Writer
Graydon Pool : Membership was way up this summer. The pool sold 3,691 season badges in 2010, compared with 2,426 in 2009.
Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool like ‘being at the beach’ Sunday, September 5, 2010 Last updated: Sunday September 5, 2010, 10:51 AM BY MIKE KERWICK The Record STAFF WRITER
According to the The Ridgewood News four Ridgewood residents will be squaring off in November to fill the Village Council seat left vacant by the death of Anne Zusy in June.
Our Deepest Sympathies go out to the family and friends of the victim
the Staff of the Ridgewood blog
Official: NJ sex-tape student in apparent suicide
By BETH DeFALCO and GEOFF MULVIHILL (AP) – 2 hours ago
RIDGEWOOD, N.J. — Authorities say a New Jersey college student who was allegedly recorded surreptitiously having sex in his dorm room apparently killed himself.
Oct. 20 LWV Candidates Night: A Different Moderator, One Hopes
We hear that the League of Women Voters will hold a Candidates Night to showcase the opinions of the four candidates for Village Council on Wednesday, October 20. This fine service to the Village is greatly appreciated.
>Questions Arise over who the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce represents ?
The President of the Chamber of Commerce, is the son in law of the owner of the North Jersey Media Group(The Record) The President (and owner) of North Jersey Media Group, Stephen Borg serves on Audrey Meyer’s Valley Hospital Presidents Council. As the connections are revealed, it is obvious why the taxpayers were on the losing end of the Valley decision.
>the Village of Ridgewood Looking Back on 2010 Part 1
MONDAY, JANUARY 04, 2010
$48 million dollar Referendum :Cautiously Optimistic?
It seems that Ms. Goodman is right to be cautious about whether Ridgewood will ever see the $10 million dollars in matching funds from the state of NJ for our turf fields. We have it from a good source that Governor Corzine has refused to sign off on any school referendums. Which means that Ridgewood’s recently passed $48 million dollar bond referendum is in limbo awaiting the approval of incoming Governor Christie. Who, by the way, has made it abundantly clear that he is going to cut state spending.
Controversial Rector Announces Plan to “Part Ways” with Christ Episcopal Church
The Reverend S. Elizabeth Searle of Christ Episcopal Church Ridgewood, whose management style reportedly caused the mass resignation of nine Vestry members this past October, publicly announced her plan to “part ways” with Christ Church shortly.
The Ridgewood Blog’s coverage of the turmoil at Christ Church was criticized by several current and former parishioners, and an official from the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, as being an “inappropriate public intrusion on a very private matter.”
Ridgewood police sergeant charged with stealing PBA money
Thursday, January 14, 2010 BY EVONNE COUTROS AND MARLENE NAANES The Record Staff Writers
RIDGEWOOD — A village police sergeant is accused of stealing $65,000 from the local Police Benevolent Association, police said Thursday.
Sgt. William Hemmer, 40, of Sussex, was arrested Thursday morning after he turned himself in at police headquarters and was charged with theft by deception and official misconduct, Ridgewood police said in a statement. He was released on his own recognizance, Detective Capt. John Ward said.
The Plot Thickens : Ridgewood’s downtown voted Bergen’s best
The question is: Are these papers being truly objective or are the articles an attempt to placate the Village Council and bring an end to the antagonism between it and the President of the Chamber of Commerce, who happens to be the son in law of the owner of the North Jersey Media Group? If the answer is the latter, then we can only look to the Blogs for any kind of truth about what goes on in the Village!
Doubling parking meter rates in Ridgewood did not double revenues, but other factors may have played a role in how the parking utility netted $34,000 in additional income over a five-month period, compared to the same time frame in 2008.
The Ridgewood News, through an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request, obtained parking utility revenue figures for the months from August to December 2008, when rates were 25 cents an hour to park at all meters in the village, and August to December 2009, when the Village Council changed the rates to 50 cents an hour.
Parking in Graydon South Lot Will Now Cost $425 Per School Year
The time honored tradition of Ridgewood High School students being able to park for free in the Graydon South lot will soon come to an unceremonious end.
Students may thank Village Council members for this bit of bad news. Council members are still seeking to plug major gaps in the municipal budget by squeezing revenue from every possible source; an increase in permit parking fees is one of those sources.
The Ridgewood Board of Education (BOE) announces layoffs necessary Ridgewood announces school layoffs Tuesday, March 9, 2010 BY DOLORES ALFIERI The Ridgewood News STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood Board of Education (BOE) announced that layoffs in the village’s schools will be necessary to manage the 2010/2011 budget. At its meeting last night, the BOE outlined the reduction in school administration and salaries. A district-wide meeting was called Monday afternoon to inform teachers and administrators of cuts that seem all but inevitable.
Village Council Election: Readers Still Question the Use of RPP email List
…using an email list from the Village of Ridgewood(rpp) to further one’s personal gain (getting petition signatures for public office) should be more than likely to be considered as an unethical matter.
If ethics play any part in submitting the required number of petitions in order to run for a seat on the council, those that were acquired by unethical means and submitted, justly should be thrown out (considered as null and void).
WHAT BOIL WATER ADVISORY? “Funny thing, tonite after dinner I got a call from Bergen county stating the ‘boil water order’ had been lifted. The joke is on me since I never got the call to boil water in the first place and I drank 4 glasses today. Per the Village website, it did not affect us. Who do I beleive? Hopefuly I wont get the ‘tourista’.”
Kenneth A. Gabbert :March 22nd the Village gave notices to employees holding positions that in the 2010 budget will be eliminated Informational Statement Village of Ridgewood, March 23, 2010 Contact: Kenneth A. Gabbert, Village Manager
The Unions representing Village employees have been most cooperative under a rather difficult financial process, as the Village faced nearly a one million dollar shortfall in the proposed 2010 Budget.
In January 2010, the Village Finance Committee met with Union representatives and detailed the need to extend contracts one year with no pay increase this year.
Ridgewood Teachers: I’m sorry but your crocodile tears no longer move me
I raised money for you. I wrote letters for you. I voted for every budget for the first 13 years I lived here. I listened to you complain and how you were ready to walk out until you got double what I made that year – but still supported you. I went to games, music performances, plays, exhibits (and still do). I donated to the REF. How do you repay me and my family? By ignoring that we were tired of your complaining and wanting all the assurances that us commoners are not afforded in our careers.
The “High” School Tax Bubble Will Burst! Disaster is Ahead.Just like all the other economic messes we’re in, so will the high school taxes soon cause even greater problems. As noted, our ever increasing school taxes are causing everyone but the richer school children families wanting to move out of Ridgewood. They simply can’t afford it any more! Paying for 1/2 million dollar Lights plus 2 multi-million dollar turf fields is not wise.
We should be saving money and spending it on academics.The same families that want the sports extras will stay until their kids are out of school and then leave for the Carolinas or other destinations. That leaves the rest of us paying “their” bills and newcomers will not come as easy once the tax rate hits “the roof” which it will in short time with all this reckless spending.THE BUBBLE WILL BURST like in the recent Mortgage fiasco because there will be nobody left to pay these bills we’re obligated for.
What then? “Bankruptcy”? Thank you Ridgewood BOE for your recent purchases of Lights and Turf. Whenwe run out of money we can at least play recreational sports until they are repossessed dueto default!
Lastly, regarding Superintendent pay, does anyone really think Dr. Fishbein is worth more than 1/2 his pay?I ask that seriously and respectfully. Adios Amigos!
Winterfest kicks off on Saturday Friday, December 10, 2010 BY MICHAEL SEDON THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood Guild hopes a new holiday tradition will start this weekend with its Winterfest in the Central Business District.
The event will begin with a performance by Art of Motion at 1 p.m. Saturday.
“The fun starts right in front of Van Neste Park at the central stair case,” said Guild President Tony Damiano, owner of Mango Jam in Ridgewood. “We are serving complimentary hot chocolate from Yum Yum Café and complimentary cookies from Pattycakes and Maur, and last but not least, at the clock we have photographer Mike Kortoci doing photos of the children.”
