>After being elected and depending on the Ridgewood Chamber of commerce’s members for tax income, it’s only logical for Ten Hoeve and Zussy to play little dictators to the Chamber of Commerce: Take their money, and throw it in the garbage. Isn’t this what power means?
But if we’re to have an effective government and be pro-active, the Chamber of Commerce and whoever was against it should have said something when it happened.
I know, I know in this day and age, when budgets are slashed, and localities’ credit ratings are in play, the mayor and others have better things to do than worry about decorations, but the Chamber of Commerce should have said: ” If you’re going to decorate in this way, use your money, not ours. ” I’m sure that the merchants and other ChoC members have worked hard for that money? Don’t let yourself be bullied! Let the bullies know that you will not be intimidated, and you will call them on it publicly!
You’re not uncouth, unfair, etc. if you tell a politician that HE can’t make a mockery of YOUR hard-earned money (in general) or cherished tradition that have great meaning to all, in this particular case. And if you don’t see the charm of garbage-on-a-string, then you, the payer should get what YOU want.
Also, do it when it happens, not a month later: If you paid for a new car (and with $15,000 you can buy a new car) and they gave you a banged-up car full of garbage would you ever drive the thing off the lot and complain a month later? I don’t think so, so don’t do it again! They (despot-politicians) take this as a sign of weakness.
Nothing scares misbehaving policians more than the public space and the light of day, so call them on it, and if they don’t stop, SHOUT!