photo by Boyd Loving
Readers says $1000 per person gratis invite and Fire truck flag pole fix clearly in violation of Village ordinances
Ridgewood NJ , the Village has 2008 ordinance barring Ridgewood officials or board members from accepting donations or gifts for 90 days after final action has been taken on an application and there is also a ordinance the prohibits the use of village equipment by private entities. ( https://www.northjersey.com/news/Ridgewood_Council_criticized_for_accepting_complimentary_tickets_to_Christie_fundraiser_from_developer.html
Was the $1000 per person gratis invite extended before or after approval for use of the fire truck with experienced firemen was granted?
Now here is another point – even if the ‘tickets” were acceptable for them to take, since they were attending as governing officials in our Village…..what about this: did they eat or drink? In that case, they definitely received a gift and a benefit (the meal) from the event
This is a pretty good case, but the problem is someone now has to file a complaint stating that a crime was committed. Also what will be the punishment? Also oddly is was the Republicans who made these laws to end corruption and now a big Republican fundraiser was held right in the middle of town and laws were broken…
The local Democrats should file the corruption charges, but then they may wind up getting the Mayor involved as well….
If they are guilty of the crime they should resign.
No need to file a complaint. But if any of the gift takers — ie. those who took the free 1000 tickets — votes on anything having to do with Saraceno there will be an immediate right for any citizen to appeal the decision and have it set aside.
Important for all those who oppose the massive over development of downtown to make it clear to the council members they can not vote on the projects — which means the projects are done until a new council is elected.
Brilliant — why didn’t anyone think about this as means to sink the massive Valley over-development???
I wonder if Mrs. Hauck was comped at any of those ritzy Valley black tie fundraisers that she chaired. Same thing right?
Here is the Village’s ordinance regarding gifts. Clearly, by attending the event and partaking of the food and beverages, Council members received something of value. Thus, a violation of the ordinance did occur.
Prohibition; conditions for Council acceptance of gifts.
Article I: Gifts to Village Council
[Adopted 8-13-2008 by Ord. No. 3132]
§ 127-1
Prohibition; conditions for Council acceptance of gifts.
A. Definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
CONTRIBUTIONS, GIFTS AND OTHER DONATIONS
The free and voluntary presentation by any person to the Village Council of any sum of money or other item of value, the acceptance of which requires a resolution.
PERSON
Any individual, partnership, joint venture, corporation, group, organization, association, government, governmental agency or any other entity, affiliate, subsidiary or related company of that entity.[Amended 12-8-2010 by Ord. No. 3273]
B. The Village Manager shall be authorized to establish rules and requirements for persons making, offering or presenting any contribution, gift and other donation to the Village, its agencies, departments, boards and/or employees, which rules shall require adoption by resolution by the Village Council to be effective. Said rules and requirements shall include, but are not limited to, the following:[Amended 12-8-2010 by Ord. No. 3273]
(1) Identification or determination of the value of said contribution, gift or other donation;
(2) Requirements for the reporting of the contribution, gift or other donation to Village Manager;
(3) Requirements for if and when Council approval is necessary for the acceptance of the contribution, gift or other donation by the Village.
C. Any person as defined in Subsection A above who wishes to make, offer or present a contribution, gift or other donation to the Village or its agencies, departments or boards must satisfy the rules and requirements as established by the Village Manager and adopted by resolution of the Village Council.[Amended 12-8-2010 by Ord. No. 3273]
D. Upon the acceptance of a gift, contribution or donation by the Village Council, the Village reserves the right to determine without qualification any process, conditions or other specifications on the gift and its utilization by the Village for the purpose for which said gift is intended and accepted.