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Post by admin on Sept 5, 2007 18:47:15 GMT -5
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2007/0906/Front_page/032.htmlLatino festival will make move downtown in 2008 2007 event to be held in St. Rose Hispanic Parish Center lot FREEHOLD - The Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey (Monmouth Chapter) and the Latino Festival Committee have announced an agreement with Freehold Borough and the Freehold Center Partnership to hold the 2008 Latino Festival in the downtown area of Freehold Borough. The 2007 Latino Festival will be held on Oct. 6 in the parking lot of the St. Rose Hispanic Parish Center, off McLean Street, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to festival committee co-chair Lazaro Cardenas. For the last two years the festival has been held at the Park Avenue Elementary School on Park Avenue. "The first two years our goal was to get the festival established," Cardenas said. "We now feel we have enough of a base and enough recognition that we can move the festival closer to downtown and eventually bring it right to the center of town." Festival committee co-chair Cecilia Reynolds noted that negotiations began earlier this year with borough officials and the Freehold Center Partnership to bring the festival to the downtown area. "The Latino community of Freehold has a lot to offer the borough and the region and we hope the festival will become a small symbol of the their enormous contribution. By bringing it downtown we hope to encourage participation by all segments of the community," she said. Cardenas and Reynolds thanked Freehold Borough Board of Education officials for hosting the festival for the first two years, as well as the church administration for agreeing to host it this year. According to a press release, the festival's full entertainment schedule will be announced in the next few weeks. Typically, the festival has included a wide range of live entertainment including flamenco dancing, dance troupes from the Caribbean and Mexico, Latin rap and jazz music. DJ Lady C will return again to host the festivities. In addition to Cardenas and Reynolds, the festival committee includes Suzanne Crandall, Ann Bagchi, Yeni M. Cardenas, Anna "Cuqui" Rivera, Frank Argote-Freyre, Juan Reyes, Janet Morales, Lidia Daniels, Gabriela Garnier, Diane Tennis, Virginia Taverna, RoseAnn McCrohan and Donna Buhl.
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Sept 5, 2007 20:27:35 GMT -5
Festival committee co-chair Cecilia Reynolds noted that negotiations began earlier this year with borough officials and the Freehold Center Partnership to bring the festival to the downtown area.
Excuse me for being a wet blanked, but...this boro has a variety of ethnic heritage's to celebration.
We have African Americans, Italian, Irish, English, Dutch, Portuguese, East Indian, Caribbean, Eastern European, German ect....
Be nice to have our Boro "officials" and the FCP tell Ms. Reynold that the LATINOS are welcomed to participate in a Boro Celebration of the INTERNATIONAL Heritage that IS FREEHOLD BORO!
Lets hope that by 2008, the Boro "officials" and FCP who claim FREEHOLD Boro as the CAPITAL of MONMOUTH COUNTY wake up and celebrate the heritage of all members of this community!
I say, lets be INCLUSIVE so that all members of our community are celebrated at a Downtown International Festival next FALL, Will the FCP and Boro "officials" and Frank and Laz and Ms. Reynolds step up to the plate and finally reach out to the ENTIRE community of Freehold BORO for the FIRST ANNUAL "Downtown-MONMOUTH" International Festival?
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Post by admin on Sept 6, 2007 5:59:25 GMT -5
Festival committee co-chair Cecilia Reynolds noted that negotiations began earlier this year with borough officials and the Freehold Center Partnership to bring the festival to the downtown area.Excuse me for being a wet blanked, but...this boro has a variety of ethnic heritage's to celebration. We have African Americans, Italian, Irish, English, Dutch, Portuguese, East Indian, Caribbean, Eastern European, German ect.... Be nice to have our Boro "officials" and the FCP tell Ms. Reynold that the LATINOS are welcomed to participate in a Boro Celebration of the INTERNATIONAL Heritage that IS FREEHOLD BORO! Lets hope that by 2008, the Boro "officials" and FCP who claim FREEHOLD Boro as the CAPITAL of MONMOUTH COUNTY wake up and celebrate the heritage of all members of this community! I say, lets be INCLUSIVE so that all members of our community are celebrated at a Downtown International Festival next FALL, Will the FCP and Boro "officials" and Frank and Laz and Ms. Reynolds step up to the plate and finally reach out to the ENTIRE community of Freehold BORO for the FIRST ANNUAL "Downtown-MONMOUTH" International Festival? Fiber, Fiber, Fiber, Every year we go through this on the site. My first question to you. Would you post this if it were a " African Americans, Italian, Irish, English, Dutch, Portuguese, East Indian, Caribbean, Eastern European, or German ect...." festival? Granted, we see the LLA and Casa Freehold are associated with the festival. Both groups who enjoy hurting our town every chance they get, but, there is nothing wrong with a Latino festival. Your idea for a multi ethnic day is not with out merit. Here is an idea for you. And I will help if you so desire. Remember the other night at council when Councilman Kane talked about Olde Freehold Day? He mentioned that they are revamping it and plan on doing it again. Why not approach him and see if your ideas can be Incorporated into a "Freehold Unity" theme? That would be an awesome message and a really good community enhancer. For now, fiber, take my advice. Get Mrs. Fiber, and all the little micro Fibers and go enjoy the festival. No need for hostility toward Latinos and the culture just because their local leadership is crappy. Most of the people are good. And before you ask if I am going, the answer is no. For the third year in a row I will be working on the day of the event. Now go dry off, ya wet blanket.
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bergsteiger
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Post by bergsteiger on Sept 6, 2007 6:07:12 GMT -5
Well, I’m happy to hear that the Board of Education and the taxpayers aren’t getting hosed this year. Or are they? “"The Latino community of Freehold has a lot to offer the borough and the region and we hope the festival will become a small symbol of the their enormous contribution. By bringing it downtown we hope to encourage participation by all segments of the community," she said.”Could someone help me out with this one. They have a lot to offer? When do we get to see it? What was their enormous contribution?
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bergsteiger
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Post by bergsteiger on Sept 6, 2007 9:06:22 GMT -5
I think this is a wondrous idea and would be quite fun and enlightening to attend. Hopefully, it will go a long way in fostering an appreciation for the culture. I'm hoping they may have some cooking demonstrations! Enlightening, I’m sure it will be. Events such as this one generally foster an appreciation of American culture, at least for me. With all due respect Calliope, Latinos are not generally known for fine cuisine. They use the simplest of cooking techniques using the most basic ingredients. In fact, Americans living in the southwest developed most of the creative so-called Mexican dishes. Don’t get me wrong, I like peasant food as much as the next person but there is not much to demonstrate.
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Post by admin on Sept 6, 2007 9:08:49 GMT -5
Berg,
Go to El Familiar in our down town. Very good food and decent prices. It is simple food like you said, but this place is good. Try the Spanish sausage, my favorite.
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bergsteiger
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Post by bergsteiger on Sept 6, 2007 9:24:46 GMT -5
Berg, Go to El Familiar in our down town. Very good food and decent prices. It is simple food like you said, but this place is good. Try the Spanish sausage, my favorite. Spanish sausage, Ok, I’ll give it a try.
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Post by Marc LeVine on Sept 6, 2007 9:26:10 GMT -5
While for years, I have strongly supported the concept of a multi-cultural event for a small Borough like ours, I certainly endorse the Latino Festival as a worthwhile and enjoyable family event for our residents and visitors.
My family and I have attended the previous two installments at the Park Avenue School and have enjoyed ourselves, greatly. Actually, I am sorry this year's event has to be held in a parking lot and not on Main Street, for which we will have to wait another year.
Cultural events such as our Latino Festival are NOT political events and should not be considered and/or criticized, in that context. They are solely presented to enhance the understanding and appreciation for the whatever diverse and rich culture is being represented on that particular day.
Everyone needs to understand that festivals such as this one are not a referendum on political issues such as illegal immigration. This issue should have no effect on anyone's decision to attend and have fun. When you come to a wonderful event like this, you bring with you a smile and leave any and all political views at home.
So, come and enjoy!
Marc
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bergsteiger
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Post by bergsteiger on Sept 6, 2007 9:48:35 GMT -5
Interesting point, Bergsteiger! I love the spices - and can eat a ton of fresh cilantro. I have an ex-fiance, a Texan, who used to cook fabulous Mexican dishes, and it was not easy. We'd often procure our ingredients from the grocery by the 6 and 12. avocados, cilantro, cumin, etc. That was about 8 years ago and I forgot everything. But one thing I do remember was that there was tremendous prep work and nuances involved in cooking the dishes from scratch. I agree about the tremendous prep work involved in any real cooking. What I was referring to was more of the know how and technique of cooking which is where the favor comes from. Just about anyone clean, slice and dice. I’m no chef but can appreciate watching one at work.
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Post by admin on Sept 20, 2007 7:35:44 GMT -5
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2007/0919/Front_Page/026.htmlFestival will put Latino culture on display for all Local leaders say tensions have eased between two sides BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer FREEHOLD - Ethnic heritage festivals have a history of bringing people from different backgrounds together in one venue to share and learn about each other's cultures, and the upcoming Latino Festival in Freehold Borough is no different. It appears as if this year's festival - Freehold's third annual Latino gathering - will take place under a more compassionate sky, rather than the cloud that hovered over it before. Advocates for the Latino community and municipal officials say an ongoing dialogue is helping to ease the tension that has existed between the two groups. After two years at the Park Avenue Elementary School complex, the Latino festival is moving to the parking lot of St. Rose of Lima Church, McLean Street, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 6. All members of the community are invited to share the culture that has become a large part of the borough over the last decade. The bigger news, however, is that the Latino festival will be held in downtown Freehold in 2008, something that Latino advocates have been working toward for some time, according to Frank Argote- Freyre, chairman of the Monmouth County chapter of the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey. Argote-Freyre called the upcoming festival "exciting" and said, "Freehold needs this exposure to Latin culture. It's long overdue." He said it might also be a good idea to have an African-American festival to celebrate the culture of the borough's African-American residents. "These cultures are something to celebrate in this town," he said. "Freehold Borough is a very diverse and therefore, a somewhat unique community in western Monmouth County." Argote-Freyre said borough officials and Latino advocates have been meeting in small groups to work on issues affecting the immigrant community and longtime residents of Freehold Borough. "After several years of turmoil we (borough officials and advocates) realized there was a need for an ongoing dialogue to talk about issues that affect both groups. One of the issues discussed was having the Latino festival outside in the downtown area," he said. Argote-Freyre said the meetings have been attended by Mayor Michael Wilson, Borough Council President Kevin Kane, Borough Attorney Kerry Higgins, Jayne Carr, the executive director of the Freehold Center Partnership, and Mike Page, a partnership member and owner of the Court Jester, to promote ongoing dialogues. "As a result of these meetings, borough officials have cleared the way to make (the festival in town) happen easily for us," Argote Freyre said, adding that although both sides are not in total agreement on all issues, the ongoing talks represent a "significant improvement in the relationship." He said the goal of the meetings is to look at ways to help the borough reach out to the immigrant community and form a more cooperative relationship among all residents. Wilson said he decided to open a dialogue with the Latino advocates after a demonstration took place at Borough Hall by people who were opposed to certain Rental Advisory Committee recommendations, specifically one that would have required people to reveal their legal or illegal status in the United States when renting housing. The Borough Council never enacted that recommendation. "We needed to stop talking at each other and start talking to each other," Wilson said, adding that the ongoing meetings have been a venue to discuss issues pertaining primarily to the safety, health and well being of all residents. "The meetings deal with issues that the Latino community may have and issues that we have as well," the mayor said. "We are opening the lines of communication. There has been a give and take on both ends to bring the community to an understanding of the differences in the culture of both groups. "We still have our differences. For instance, Frank and I will disagree on the issue of illegal immigration until the cows come home, but there are two separate issues here. There is the illegality issue and that is a federal problem, but there is also the humanistic side of the issue. We are dealing with human beings here so we must talk to each other, not at each other," he said. Wilson has started writing a column for the Spanish language newspaper Nosotros in which he discusses issues pertaining to safety and quality of life. Cecilia Reynolds, the editor and publisher of Nosotros, said she tried for many years to have a Latino festival. "I wanted to put on a Latino festival, not just for the Latino residents, but for our American neighbors. I pursued the idea but I failed. Thanks to St. Rose of Lima Church we are hoping that this festival will draw even more people due to its access closer to town." Reynolds said the Latino Leadership Alliance has been instrumental in "moderating the tension that has been a noticeable part of the fabric of the borough over the last few years … There is progress being made." Reynolds said exposing and sharing the Latino culture has always been a part of her mission as an advocate for the recent immigrant population. "When the population starts to share our culture, it is our hope that they will be able to put aside the perspective that some have about the Latino people. We are more than just those standing on street corners to wait for work. We have a lot to offer and share in the community. We want to take this opportunity to share to invite the public to the festival. We want people to bring their children and have a wonderful time. After all, the children share the same classrooms," she said. In addition to food, the Oct. 6 Latino festival will feature flamenco dancers, Caribbean and Mexican dance troupes, a Mariachi band and Cuban rap artist Alvare. Area organizations will have booths set up at the event to provide information about what they offer to the community. Although the festival is primarily sponsored by the Latino Leadership Alliance, many organizations have contributed to make the festival a reality. Notable is Nestle USA, Freehold, with a donation of more than $2,500, and the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders, Prudential and Verizon, all with donations ranging from $1,000 to $2,400. In addition to Reynolds and Argote- Freyre, members of the Latino Festival Committee are Laz Cardenas, Suzanne Crandall, Ann Bagchi, Yeni M. Cardenas, Anna "Cuqui" Rivera, Juan Reyes, Janet Morales, Lidia Daniels, Gabriella Garnier, Diane Tennis, Virginia Taverna, Rose Ann McCrohan and Donna Buhl.
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Post by admin on Sept 20, 2007 8:53:01 GMT -5
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2007/0919/Front_Page/026.htmlFestival will put Latino culture on display for all Local leaders say tensions have eased between two sides BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer FREEHOLD - Ethnic heritage festivals have a history of bringing people from different backgrounds together in one venue to share and learn about each other's cultures, and the upcoming Latino Festival in Freehold Borough is no different. It appears as if this year's festival - Freehold's third annual Latino gathering - will take place under a more compassionate sky, rather than the cloud that hovered over it before. Advocates for the Latino community and municipal officials say an ongoing dialogue is helping to ease the tension that has existed between the two groups. After two years at the Park Avenue Elementary School complex, the Latino festival is moving to the parking lot of St. Rose of Lima Church, McLean Street, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 6. All members of the community are invited to share the culture that has become a large part of the borough over the last decade. The bigger news, however, is that the Latino festival will be held in downtown Freehold in 2008, something that Latino advocates have been working toward for some time, according to Frank Argote- Freyre, chairman of the Monmouth County chapter of the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey. Argote-Freyre called the upcoming festival "exciting" and said, "Freehold needs this exposure to Latin culture. It's long overdue." He said it might also be a good idea to have an African-American festival to celebrate the culture of the borough's African-American residents. "These cultures are something to celebrate in this town," he said. "Freehold Borough is a very diverse and therefore, a somewhat unique community in western Monmouth County." Argote-Freyre said borough officials and Latino advocates have been meeting in small groups to work on issues affecting the immigrant community and longtime residents of Freehold Borough. "After several years of turmoil we (borough officials and advocates) realized there was a need for an ongoing dialogue to talk about issues that affect both groups. One of the issues discussed was having the Latino festival outside in the downtown area," he said. Argote-Freyre said the meetings have been attended by Mayor Michael Wilson, Borough Council President Kevin Kane, Borough Attorney Kerry Higgins, Jayne Carr, the executive director of the Freehold Center Partnership, and Mike Page, a partnership member and owner of the Court Jester, to promote ongoing dialogues. "As a result of these meetings, borough officials have cleared the way to make (the festival in town) happen easily for us," Argote Freyre said, adding that although both sides are not in total agreement on all issues, the ongoing talks represent a "significant improvement in the relationship." He said the goal of the meetings is to look at ways to help the borough reach out to the immigrant community and form a more cooperative relationship among all residents. Wilson said he decided to open a dialogue with the Latino advocates after a demonstration took place at Borough Hall by people who were opposed to certain Rental Advisory Committee recommendations, specifically one that would have required people to reveal their legal or illegal status in the United States when renting housing. The Borough Council never enacted that recommendation. "We needed to stop talking at each other and start talking to each other," Wilson said, adding that the ongoing meetings have been a venue to discuss issues pertaining primarily to the safety, health and well being of all residents. "The meetings deal with issues that the Latino community may have and issues that we have as well," the mayor said. "We are opening the lines of communication. There has been a give and take on both ends to bring the community to an understanding of the differences in the culture of both groups. "We still have our differences. For instance, Frank and I will disagree on the issue of illegal immigration until the cows come home, but there are two separate issues here. There is the illegality issue and that is a federal problem, but there is also the humanistic side of the issue. We are dealing with human beings here so we must talk to each other, not at each other," he said. Wilson has started writing a column for the Spanish language newspaper Nosotros in which he discusses issues pertaining to safety and quality of life. Cecilia Reynolds, the editor and publisher of Nosotros, said she tried for many years to have a Latino festival. "I wanted to put on a Latino festival, not just for the Latino residents, but for our American neighbors. I pursued the idea but I failed. Thanks to St. Rose of Lima Church we are hoping that this festival will draw even more people due to its access closer to town." Reynolds said the Latino Leadership Alliance has been instrumental in "moderating the tension that has been a noticeable part of the fabric of the borough over the last few years … There is progress being made." Reynolds said exposing and sharing the Latino culture has always been a part of her mission as an advocate for the recent immigrant population. "When the population starts to share our culture, it is our hope that they will be able to put aside the perspective that some have about the Latino people. We are more than just those standing on street corners to wait for work. We have a lot to offer and share in the community. We want to take this opportunity to share to invite the public to the festival. We want people to bring their children and have a wonderful time. After all, the children share the same classrooms," she said. In addition to food, the Oct. 6 Latino festival will feature flamenco dancers, Caribbean and Mexican dance troupes, a Mariachi band and Cuban rap artist Alvare. Area organizations will have booths set up at the event to provide information about what they offer to the community. Although the festival is primarily sponsored by the Latino Leadership Alliance, many organizations have contributed to make the festival a reality. Notable is Nestle USA, Freehold, with a donation of more than $2,500, and the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders, Prudential and Verizon, all with donations ranging from $1,000 to $2,400. In addition to Reynolds and Argote- Freyre, members of the Latino Festival Committee are Laz Cardenas, Suzanne Crandall, Ann Bagchi, Yeni M. Cardenas, Anna "Cuqui" Rivera, Juan Reyes, Janet Morales, Lidia Daniels, Gabriella Garnier, Diane Tennis, Virginia Taverna, Rose Ann McCrohan and Donna Buhl. I found this article very disturbing. Not because of the Latino fest, I have written in support of the concept for three years now. I believe it is an event that should become a staple of Freehold Borough and highlight the good people we do have here. Latino Fest should be a family friendly event for all of our residents. So why does the article disturb me? Simple. I feel it is in really bad taste the the tensions and problems we have had are discussed. I think it would have been wise fro Frank and the Mayor to shut up and deal with the tough issues elsewhere. Not in relation to the Latino Fest. For this festival to move forward, hardball issues, politics, and tensions should be separated. The festival should be a celebration with positive energy. It is a tough sell considering that the LLA and Casa Freehold are associated with the fest. They have done a magnificent job of hurting this town and driving a wedge through our small town. With that said, I still wish them luck in building a good festival. I think this article mars the festival. They need to go forward without always bringing up the "tensions". There is a time and place for everything. The festival should be a time for fun, unity, and community spirit.
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Sept 20, 2007 9:45:36 GMT -5
Brian, I understand the basis of your sentiments. As a professional writer and editor, I can say with assuredness that the interviewees simply responded to the questions with that angle of the story that were posed to them. They did not direct the writer. What you speak of is purely an editorial decision and strategy. The story focus should have been on the festival, not the negative politics from either side. Like a divorced mom and pop planing a bday party for little Johnny, lets announce the party, invite all for a good time. The back room bickering between mom and pop is irrelevant, distracts and adds unneeded tension. Keep the family arguments in the family, the party goers need not get involved in the bickering, unless the intent is to have party goers pick sides... some party that turns out to be! This is a fine example of how divisive these issues get, and the public mudding of this accomplishment unnecessarily taints, and is distasteful!....IMO
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Post by stffgpr2003 on Sept 20, 2007 9:59:34 GMT -5
Newspaper editors drive storylines, I'm afraid.
I said it right on this board - attending such an event in Freehold Borough is NOT a referendum on Illegal Immigration. It's purpose is to expose people to different cultures and to supply enjoyment for all participants.
I have attended all of the previous installments of the festival and will attend this year as well. They have each been fun and the food has been consistently terrific. This is an event designed to bring us all closer together and not to further divide us.
Next year the Latino Festival will be held on Main Street - a good location for an event of this type. Many will come and enjoy, as will I.
See you all on Oct. 6th!
Marc
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Post by admin on Sept 20, 2007 10:04:58 GMT -5
Fiber, Marc, and Calliope,
I am glad you all got my point. Fiber, you analogy about mom and pop and the birthday party is right on the money.
I understand that news papers do what they do. I am surprised at Claire. She is usually better than that. She has long done a good job of writing about our town. Hence, I am surprised at this bomb.
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Post by richardkelsey on Sept 20, 2007 12:39:20 GMT -5
Wilson has started writing a column for the Spanish language newspaper Nosotros in which he discusses issues pertaining to safety and quality of life. I think keeping communication open in multiple fora is a great idea. I am sure we would be willing to open a Mayor only thread for him to communicate issues, updates, news, and other items through the PEOPLE site.
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bergsteiger
Full Member
War is simple, direct, and ruthless
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Post by bergsteiger on Sept 20, 2007 12:44:01 GMT -5
Wilson has started writing a column for the Spanish language newspaper Nosotros in which he discusses issues pertaining to safety and quality of life. I think keeping communication open in multiple fora is a great idea. I am sure we would be willing to open a Mayor only thread for him to communicate issues, updates, news, and other items through the PEOPLE site. I would be happy with an English translation of what he writes in Spanish
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Post by admin on Sept 21, 2007 8:09:22 GMT -5
Wilson has started writing a column for the Spanish language newspaper Nosotros in which he discusses issues pertaining to safety and quality of life. I think keeping communication open in multiple fora is a great idea. I am sure we would be willing to open a Mayor only thread for him to communicate issues, updates, news, and other items through the PEOPLE site. It would be nice to have the Mayor as well as other notable people from our town participate here, I wouldn't hold my breath, though.
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Post by Libyan Sibyl on Sept 21, 2007 8:23:13 GMT -5
Wilson has started writing a column for the Spanish language newspaper Nosotros in which he discusses issues pertaining to safety and quality of life. I think keeping communication open in multiple fora is a great idea. I am sure we would be willing to open a Mayor only thread for him to communicate issues, updates, news, and other items through the PEOPLE site. It would be nice to have the Mayor as well as other notable people from our town participate here, I wouldn't hold my breath, though. Silly kid, citizens wouldn't get that much respect. Every politician knows to bend over backwards for people that can't vote or that don't vote in your district. For everyone else, simply neglect them - unless there is a puff piece for the paper or easy letter to the editor like "I am against crime! (but I am not a police officer so don't look at me when you are being raped)"
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Post by Libyan Sibyl on Sept 21, 2007 8:30:19 GMT -5
It would be nice to have the Mayor as well as other notable people from our town participate here, I wouldn't hold my breath, though. Silly kid, citizens wouldn't get that much respect. Every politician knows to bend over backwards for people that can't vote or that don't vote in your district. For everyone else, simply neglect them - unless there is a puff piece for the paper or easy letter to the editor like "I am against crime! (but I am not a police officer so don't look at me when you are being raped)" PRESENT COMPANY EXCEPTED... Brian, here's an idea... Don't let anyone see the board who is not signed up, this way all the politicos will have to sign up to see what people are saying. I find it odd that the Mayor reads this board but then e-mails Marc to post them. Marc is the only one up there who has the guts to post what he thinks and to be a part of this community (which includes a wide range of people, as we are well aware that this is not limited to card carrying members of PEOPLE).
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Post by admin on Sept 21, 2007 9:41:31 GMT -5
Silly kid, citizens wouldn't get that much respect. Every politician knows to bend over backwards for people that can't vote or that don't vote in your district. For everyone else, simply neglect them - unless there is a puff piece for the paper or easy letter to the editor like "I am against crime! (but I am not a police officer so don't look at me when you are being raped)" PRESENT COMPANY EXCEPTED... Brian, here's an idea... Don't let anyone see the board who is not signed up, this way all the politicos will have to sign up to see what people are saying. I find it odd that the Mayor reads this board but then e-mails Marc to post them. Marc is the only one up there who has the guts to post what he thinks and to be a part of this community (which includes a wide range of people, as we are well aware that this is not limited to card carrying members of PEOPLE). Whoa! It was hard enough for me to finally make people register to participate. Not let see people see the site? No way Jose! Unlike other groups, we want an open forum here, which is exactly why we will never have the Mayor and others here. There is a big difference between putting an article in a news paper and posting here. The news paper is not as open as we are and here a person will likely be challenged by participants. Most elected officials can not take that or have the time for it.. I would love to see more council members, the Mayor, committee members etc participate here but as long as I maintain an open forum, I will not hold my breath. Marc is one of the few who can handle himself in a forum like this. He has recognized the value and what can be done with this means of communication with our community. I have given up on getting other elected leaders to this site. They are not there reason for this site anyway. It is for the people. The average everyday person who cares about and wants to learn about our town and the many things going on.
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Post by Libyan Sibyl on Sept 21, 2007 9:53:13 GMT -5
Brian, I respectfully disgree. if you want to read, register. are you ever suspicious about seeing 15-20 people suddenly signing on, looking at one forum, then all of them suddenly signing off? They mayor wants to write weekly for the hispanics, but can't even post items here himself, make him register to view.
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Post by stffgpr2003 on Sept 21, 2007 10:09:31 GMT -5
Thank you. We need to elect a different type of politician than we have become used to, throughout this country. People more like US - regular, average people. Folks that don't post on boards like this feel the need to watch their "a--s." I post thinking the reverse...those who would feel the need to challenge my desire to communicate openly with the community - anywhere I want to - really need to watch their's!
Berg - there's a little Patton in me, too.
Marc
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Sept 21, 2007 10:23:02 GMT -5
Brian, I respectfully disgree. if you want to read, register. are you ever suspicious about seeing 15-20 people suddenly signing on, looking at one forum, then all of them suddenly signing off? They mayor wants to write weekly for the hispanics, but can't even post items here himself, make him register to view. They mayor wants to write weekly for the hispanics, but can't even post items here himself, make him register to view.[/b][/i] Great Point!!!
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Post by richardkelsey on Sept 21, 2007 12:59:41 GMT -5
[/b][/i] Great Point!!! [/quote] Bad point! Whether he chooses to post or not is his business. No one annointed this board the official "anything" for Freehold Borough. I'm fine talking with whomever is here, but I know it isn't a majority of town residents. Nosotros is an official newspaper for the Latino community - regionally. It is important that the Mayor communicate with its readers to "two-way street" whatever happens in Freehold Borough. As for the Freehold Voice, the Mayor needs to, at least, know what is going on with this board. Believe it or not - and you can feel good about this fact - some discussion on this board HAS lead to council actions from time to time. We've even handled complaints on this board. Right Lee Lee? At least, you can claim this much. Don't block people from reading the postings. After all, if they can't sample the goods (see what is here), they aren't going to buy the wares (sign-up). Marc[/quote] I would not support blocking people from viewing posts. I think that if the Mayor were to post here -- he would be given a locked thread if he wants. That is -- he could use the Board solely to communicate a message to us. He certainly does not need to interact on the Board -- though he would be as welcome as anyone else who follows the rules. Anyway -- I do believe a new breed of servant will be learning to use these Boards. Right now -- political parties mostly create boards, find and recruit posters, and use proxies. That is the battleground in the blog world on bigger elections. Frankly -- while Marc and I don't always agree -- no one can question the integrity of an elected official willing to communicate openly, regularly, and intelligently on a daily basis with constituents. You will not find that in any other uncontrolled setting. For that -- Marc earns my enduring respect.
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Post by Libyan Sibyl on Sept 21, 2007 13:10:11 GMT -5
[/b][/i] Great Point!!! [/quote] Bad point! Whether he chooses to post or not is his business. No one annointed this board the official "anything" for Freehold Borough. I'm fine talking with whomever is here, but I know it isn't a majority of town residents. Nosotros is an official newspaper for the Latino community - regionally. It is important that the Mayor communicate with its readers to "two-way street" whatever happens in Freehold Borough. As for the Freehold Voice, the Mayor needs to, at least, know what is going on with this board. Believe it or not - and you can feel good about this fact - some discussion on this board HAS lead to council actions from time to time. We've even handled complaints on this board. Right Lee Lee? At least, you can claim this much. Don't block people from reading the postings. After all, if they can't sample the goods (see what is here), they aren't going to buy the wares (sign-up). Marc[/quote] I hereby appoint this board as the official media of legal residents not satisfied with the mayor. (you know, the same appointment L:os Nosotros got - a very informal one). The mayor only keeps losing notches of respect by singularly addressing the "latino" community (a.k.a. cowtowing); by only speaking strong (you know, at meetings when he sums things up and can't be faced with a debate, or by asking Marc to post things for him). gee, hmm.... I wonder what other things he has done to cowtow that we are probably not aware of. Marc earns respect, the mayor loses it. And Marc, please keep the respect by not answering for/defending the mayor. as you said, it is HIS business. BLOCK HIM FROM READING. THIS IS NOT HIS BOARD. SIGN UP.
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Post by stffgpr2003 on Sept 21, 2007 13:53:14 GMT -5
Thank you (takes bow)! But, I haven't seen my Karma increase yet. Come to think of it, you can give some of mine to Steven and put him back in the positive numbers. Be especially nice to Steven; for If I should fall, he may carry my shield! Marc
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Post by Libyan Sibyl on Sept 21, 2007 14:50:09 GMT -5
Brian,
let me ask you this:
what changes (by the boro council) do you see around town that you can attribute to this website - EXCLUDING those things in which Marc has had a hand in?
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Post by admin on Sept 21, 2007 21:23:34 GMT -5
Brian, let me ask you this: what changes (by the boro council) do you see around town that you can attribute to this website - EXCLUDING those things in which Marc has had a hand in? You are asking the wrong person. Marc would do a better job of answering. I am out of touch with the council, excluding Jaye Sims who is liaison to the CIC. I can name a few things this site has helped with, but I will remain quiet and allow others ot judge for themselves.
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Post by stffgpr2003 on Sept 24, 2007 9:04:21 GMT -5
Being on Council, I end up having a "hand" in just abour everything. But, some of the things that have come out of this board include:
1. New Committee members like Brian, Calliope, etc. 2. Public input on amending of ordinances such as No Knock, Shopping Carts and Outdoor fireplaces. 3. Public input regarding the Rental Advisory Recommendations. 4. Played an organizing role in the school funding affair. 5. Rallied support for the town at the March 6th "event." 6. Serves as an Historical archive of Freehold Borough news items. 7. Played a role in choosing the delegation that met with FfOS.
Marc
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Post by admin on Sept 24, 2007 9:33:25 GMT -5
Being on Council, I end up having a "hand" in just abour everything. But, some of the things that have come out of this board include: 1. New Committee members like Brian, Calliope, etc. 2. Public input on amending of ordinances such as No Knock, Shopping Carts and Outdoor fireplaces. 3. Public input regarding the Rental Advisory Recommendations. 4. Played an organizing role in the school funding affair. 5. Rallied support for the town at the March 6th "event." 6. Serves as an Historical archive of Freehold Borough news items. 7. Played a role in choosing the delegation that met with FfOS. Marc That is a pretty decent list. I am personally very proud of the new CIC. The conversations that led to the development of that committee started right here on this site. It took some time to get it together but we had our first meeting last week and it was very good for a first meeting. We have a very talented group of professionals who are dedicating their time and expertise to this postive endeavor for our town. And it all started here, on the Freehold Voice. ;D
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