Letter From Marc in NT

[admin]

newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/0305/Letters/032.html

News Transcript serves Freehold by reporting housing violations
As the Freehold Borough Council liaison to code enforcement, I want to thank the News Transcript for its recent coverage of our town's successful code enforcement and municipal court activities and outcomes. You followed the operational piece with a related article enlightening us about some pending state Senate legislation, which we all need to learn more about and get solidly behind.

If it is passed, S-164, sponsored by Sen.Anthony Bucco, will increase the penalties for those found guilty of overcrowding rental properties. Passage of this bill could encourage many bad landlords to explore new careers and send some inconsiderate tenants packing to other more accommodating states.

Within the article detailing code enforcement's operational success, the News Transcript followed the recommendation of Freehold Borough's Rental Advisory Committee by publishing the full names, violations and fines of several guilty landlords and tenants.

This is a practice we hope they will continue. We also encourage other regional newspapers to adopt the same practice. Not only is this information of great interest to local residents, but it also should serve as a deterrent to the many landlords whose greed has overtaken their sense of responsibility and common decency.

Also deterred from the business of making other people's lives miserable will be the landlords who exhibit poor property management oversight skills and who often care less about their neighbor's right to live free of blight, disruption and inconvenience.

Those not willing to be considerate of the people next door and who regularly violate property ordinances are highly deserving of newspaper attention. Please continue giving it to them.

Prime positioning of News Transcript articles such as those mentioned here reinforces the sentiment that property code abuse (especially involving absentee landlords and inconsiderate tenants) disgusts most of us and should not be tolerated by anyone, anywhere.

Thank you, News Transcript, for recognizing that this subject matter deserves front-page coverage and also for putting everyone on notice that the "bad guys" will be publicly revealed. This is good news to those on the right side of the issue and bad for just about everybody else.

When ethical standards and social responsibility are devoid of good ingredients, then public ridicule is well deserved. Who wants their protected good name linked with wrongdoing? Your continued coverage of code enforcement issues should inspire all responsible neighbors, whether they be homeowners, landlords or tenants.

When newspapers like the News Transcript remind us of our communal responsibilities by publicizing the consequences of legal noncompliance and social indifference, they are doing a great service to society and they deserve our special recognition. Keep up the good work.

Marc LeVine

Councilman Freehold Borough

[novillero]

Excellent article. This is how to get something into the paper. Praise the paper, the editors and their staff while making your point, and, ahem, getting your own name into the paper. Good job.

Unfortunately, as to the bill mentioned by Marc, Sen. Bucco also tried a similar bill in previous sessions and it failed. Will it have any better luck this time? People thought it was promising the last time around.

I think the real job is code enforcement watching like hawks, not just the tool of a higher fine. Being a constant pain in the arse is much better than an ocassional high fine (if you get caught). The combo of vigilence and high penalties is hopefully deadly to bad landlords.

By the way, an update of Officer Borst who owned the home restaurant property. He previously owned 5 properties, he now owns 4. He sold a place at 19 Bennett... to an absentee landlord.

But we cannot condemn this new owner. A quick peek shows that this new owner only has one property in the borough, and at least one investment property elsewhere in the county (it's hard to tell how many, but the other one looks like a condo in the twsp). Hopefully, he will be the eptitome of a responsible landlord.

[bergsteiger]

One article says nothing of the papers overall performance which in my opinion is something worse then poor.

[admin]

Novellero wrote

Unfortunately, as to the bill mentioned by Marc, Sen. Bucco also tried a similar bill in previous sessions and it failed. Will it have any better luck this time? People thought it was promising the last time around.

This is all the more reason behind what I wrote in another thread referencing the very real need for the coucil to take on an activist approach. They need to reach out to other towns and band together. This has got to be done out in the public eye where everyone can see it, not behind closed doors.

freeholdvoice.proboards46.com/index.cgi?board=mayorandtowncouncil&action=display&thread=1203176887

[fiberisgoodforyou]

Nooo, yha think so,

I hear Marc will be moving to Howell next door to Sweetman and Crawford, Nov 4th 09... the day after the election when he announces the move, and Casual as his appointed replacement by the mayor!

(another unfounded malcontent rumor, please do not pay attention to this post)

jeffham said:

These are superficial hand slaps, a nominal show of enforcement and the “Levine '09” champagne is no leaving the dock.

[morino]

Mr. Jeffham. Why so angry? Can anybody ever do right by you or are you the problem? I suggest you read the following before you become a victim of your anger.

Anger management: What are you so angry about?
Anger is natural, but it can be destructive when expressed inappropriately. Gauge your anger level and identify your unhealthy expressions of anger.
Do you slam down the phone when faced with endless computerized voice prompts? Have you gotten into a shouting match with a stranger over a parking space at the mall? Ever put your fist through the wall after an argument with your spouse?
This is not anger management at its finest. Although anger is a natural emotion, it may be getting the best of you. Instead of expressing your anger in a healthy and assertive way, you may be expressing it in a hostile, aggressive manner — a manner that could lead to violence and a slew of personal and professional consequences.
Here are some points to consider when assessing whether you express your anger in a healthy or unhealthy manner, and how to get a better grasp of anger management.
Understand your anger
Anger itself isn't bad. Expressed appropriately, anger can be healthy. It can help protect you from dangerous situations, energize you to resolve problems or lead to sociocultural reforms, for instance.
Sure, everyday frustrations, impatience and resentment can all cause your temper to flare. For many people, these are fleeting moments. They're able to take these situations in stride and quickly return to a sense of calm without exploding.
But if your blood boils after minor irritations — such as losing that coveted parking space — or if you're constantly seething, you may need to improve your anger management skills. Anger that's out of control can be destructive, leading to problems in your relationships, at work, in your general enjoyment of life and with your health. You could even be arrested or face other legal problems.
Examine your anger patterns
Why do you tend to fly off the handle more than others seem to? Anger responses can become habitual. That is, you may respond automatically to a situation that makes you angry, with little pause to think about your reactions. The intensity of your anger may even catch you by surprise.
How do you express your anger? Consider these questions to assess your anger responses:

* Do you express anger in a way that overwhelms you and others?
* Do you get angry more often than most people you know?
* Do you get angrier than is necessary?
* Do you use threatening language or gestures?
* Do you get angry enough to hit, throw or kick things, people or animals?
* Do you seethe for hours?
* Do you hide angry feelings from others or try to suppress your feelings?
* Do you use alcohol or drugs to calm your rage?
* Do you experience physical reactions such as muscle tension or a racing heart when you get angry?
* Does expressing your anger usually leave you feeling better about yourself and the person who angered you?

Identify the ways you express anger to help you determine if you need to change how you respond to upsetting situations. You may react too aggressively or even too passively. In either case, you can learn new methods to replace old, unhealthy habits. If your level of anger is high or you tend to express anger in an unhealthy way, make plans to deal with your anger.
Aim for constructive expressions of your anger
Anger management is not about stopping you from expressing your anger entirely. It's OK to feel angry. In fact, trying to suppress or deny your anger can lead to a host of physical complaints, such as headaches, depression, stress, and sleeping or eating difficulties. It can also lead you to erupt into violent behavior if your anger has been simmering without an outlet.
The key, though, is to express your anger in an assertive, controlled way. Managing anger effectively can benefit you and those around you. Your health may improve, you'll feel better about yourself, and strained relationships may heal. So get your anger under control, before it controls you.

[admin]

I often comment on feedback I get from people who read this site. This past week I received an email from an upstanding citizen who expresses concern that too many of us are really getting hard on Councilman LeVine. The author of the email is not tied in with the governing body or anything like that. Just an average person with the same concerns as the rest of us.

When I received that email, I thought of this thread and felt it worth revisiting. I agree, the commentary is a bit on the harsh side on this thread. Marc's letter has to be looked at in context. Part of the recommendations from the RAC was to publish the names of bad landlords. The News Transcript did just that. Marc was right to send a letter and praise them for their efforts and help. Building good relations with the local media is not a bad thing in itself and none of us can blame Marc or other elected officials for doing just that.

On the flip side, the people who are rightfully incensed at what has happened in our town due to the overcrowding and slumlords should also be respected. The person who emailed me is one of them. This past week we saw a letter in the NT that highlighted what we all see every day. Our town did not get to 1900 rentals over night. Things should never have progressed the way they did. Part of that is due to the fact that the governing body did not listen to people several years ago. Now we have a massive uphill battle that will take time to correct.

The fact remains, with what ever is in the past, Marc has been very active on this rental issue. He and the RAC are looking to the future and trying very hard. That is what we all have to look to- the future. As reported elsewhere on this site, Belmar took years before they turned around their rental problems. We will too, if we go in the right direction.

I still communicate with Marc. On these issues as well as others. I know that he is very active and trying like hell to do the right things. I don't always agree with him, but I make it a point to disagree with everyone any way. That is just what I do! I have no question that Marc has integrity, character and his heart is in the right place. I also have no question in my mind that he is the most active councilman we have.

The letter he wrote was the right thing to do. It is only one small piece of the puzzle, but it was right. We have a lot of work ahead of us in this town and not one of us should be doing a victory dance yet. I am sure that Marc understands that and will continue to fight for what he believes is right.

[admin]

admin said:

I often comment on feedback I get from people who read this site. This past week I received an email from an upstanding citizen who expresses concern that too many of us are really getting hard on Councilman LeVine. The author of the email is not tied in with the governing body or anything like that. Just an average person with the same concerns as the rest of us.

On the topic of people emailing me, I also received an email from a die hard Dem this week calling all of us GOP malcontents. I say to all of you, keep up the good work!

[richardkelsey]

admin said:

I often comment on feedback I get from people who read this site. This past week I received an email from an upstanding citizen who expresses concern that too many of us are really getting hard on Councilman LeVine. The author of the email is not tied in with the governing body or anything like that. Just an average person with the same concerns as the rest of us.

When I received that email, I thought of this thread and felt it worth revisiting. I agree, the commentary is a bit on the harsh side on this thread. Marc's letter has to be looked at in context. Part of the recommendations from the RAC was to publish the names of bad landlords. The News Transcript did just that. Marc was right to send a letter and praise them for their efforts and help. Building good relations with the local media is not a bad thing in itself and none of us can blame Marc or other elected officials for doing just that.

On the flip side, the people who are rightfully incensed at what has happened in our town due to the overcrowding and slumlords should also be respected. The person who emailed me is one of them. This past week we saw a letter in the NT that highlighted what we all see every day. Our town did not get to 1900 rentals over night. Things should never have progressed the way they did. Part of that is due to the fact that the governing body did not listen to people several years ago. Now we have a massive uphill battle that will take time to correct.

The fact remains, with what ever is in the past, Marc has been very active on this rental issue. He and the RAC are looking to the future and trying very hard. That is what we all have to look to- the future. As reported elsewhere on this site, Belmar took years before they turned around their rental problems. We will too, if we go in the right direction.

I still communicate with Marc. On these issues as well as others. I know that he is very active and trying like hell to do the right things. I don't always agree with him, but I make it a point to disagree with everyone any way. That is just what I do! I have no question that Marc has integrity, character and his heart is in the right place. I also have no question in my mind that he is the most active councilman we have.

The letter he wrote was the right thing to do. It is only one small piece of the puzzle, but it was right. We have a lot of work ahead of us in this town and not one of us should be doing a victory dance yet. I am sure that Marc understands that and will continue to fight for what he believes is right.

I support people writing strong, intelligent, passionate, logical, and factual letters to any media outlet. I have no problem with Marc's letter -- it is consistent with the approach he has taken on this issue from the beginning.

The problem that Marc faces is that many do not believe the approach has or is working. Nor do people believe the approach is the right or only approach. Marc's now famous "Freehold is doing all it legally can do to address" illegal immigration quote from his November letter leaves people feeling a bit flat about the overall effort.

Marc has been a big advocate of pushing for the County to apply for and implement the 287(g) program. I'd be interested in finding out what Freehold is doing to push that effort in the County.

[stffgpr2003]

I was just advised to look on the site at these most recent posts regarding my efforts as a part of the council. I am going to comment here and hope you will appreciate my communication and respond in a civil manner. Things didn't go so well the last time I was open and honest on this board ...and I wasn't the only one to notice.

First of all, I suppose I need to thank whomever it was that wrote to Brian about me. It's nice when caring is recognized and effort is appreciated. I try my best and a used to getting results. I will not stop trying for you. Thank you, letterwriter.

Next, I'm going to thank Brian for his kind words. Yes, we do communicate quite often on a number of issues. Brian IS and REMAINS a friend of mine and we share a mutual respect - though we don't always agree on EVERYTHING. Do you know anyone who does? And, should we? We are not "yes" men.

Most important is that we DO listen to each other and respect each other's viewpoints - even when they may differ. In Brian's latest post, he got it exactly right - I sent in that letter to the News Transcript to praise the newspapers efforts and to encorage them to continue on and even do more to help us battle the bad landlords and tenants in tis town. We need to keep this issue on the front burner and their front page. Our existing (and those thinking about joining them) bad landlords and tenants must know that they are on top of everyone's list as the folks we are most determined to defeat - NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES AND WHAT EVER MUST BE BROUGHT INTO THE FIGHT! This is my personal PASSION - believe me. If you don't, ask anyone who knows me well what I am most obsessed with.

As for Rich's dismissing remarks - I take issue with anyone trying to make a single quote taken out of context, my eventual legacy on council. No Rich - I do not believe that Freehold Borough is doing EVERYTHING that it can LEGALLY do regarding Illegal Immigration. Partly - because we do not know what is YET to be made available to us down the road. And, maybe there are other things we need to uncover and that we may wish to consider (but, it doesn't mean that all of these things are right for Freehold Borough). As for new and emerging ideas? Rich - do you know what new ideas you may have tomorrow? What comes our way, will always be reviewed.

When I made that comment in the News Transcript we didn't YET know (for example) that the Arizona's Supreme Court would make it possible for NJ State Senator Sweeney to hopefully and eventually propose a bill that I will ask council to support, regarding requiring employment ID verifications in NJ. In fact, this is already on the agenda for our next council workshop.

As for 287g "cry" - I still fully support our new Sheriff in living up to her campaign promise in bringing 287g to the county of Monmouth. Mayor Wilson and Chief Roth HAVE actively followed through in making their request for this to be made her policy.

By the way, this sort of COUNTY action is consistent with the actions that some Virginia COUNTIES are taking against illegal immigration. This is evidenced by Rich's recent postings from down his way. I plan on staying on top of everyone to help keep the Sheriff's promise on track, locally.

Finally, as far as Rich "pooh poohing" the efforts I support in addressing the issues that concern us in Freehold Borough...only time will tell what works and what doesn't. If something doesn't work, I'l get off that train and get on another. I am not one for holding in place, while we wait for results. The council and I are always searching for new ideas. In fact, a new effort to clean up our neighborhoods, borrowed from Columbus, Ohio, will kick off later this month with some great involvement. It is the Mayor's own initiative, I fully support it and I will liaison it.

We have been in touch with officials in Columbus, Ohio and they believe it will help here with respect to pulling us all together for better property maintenance throughout our town. The town will do the heaving lifting and the residents will help direct their efforts where they feel they are most needed. At the same time, we will develop a greater sense of unity and community pride.

We are also soon to announce Landlord-Tenant meetings to address code compliance issues and tenant rights. We are also set to hold public meetings with our residents, code enforcement and the courts, which will inform everyone how the system works and how they can help it work better for them (reporting complaints, what to expect, etc).

We're also waiting for an ordinance change for the Multiple Dweling Review Board that will reshape it and better focus it on single family home rentals. That is coming within the next few weeks.

I wil agree with most of you on one thing - sometimes it takes too long for these things to happen. That is government and I will push to speed things up going forward. In my business, things move very quickly and I need to get quick results to get paid.

I'm not interested in personal praise. Though it is nice to hear a kind word from time to time. I'm most interested in results. And, if anyone doesn't believe me, they ought to get off their butts and come out an help rather than just sit here to pick apart every word and criticize those they pre-determine not to like. Frankly, I'm a little tired hearing that a handful of people are working extra hard to tell me what my own words mean. If those people need clarification, they need to get off this board and get on the phone and ask me.

I remain dedicated to Freehold Borough and if you'll join me in helping to make a difference instead of just a big stink, I challenge you and welcome you to the fight.

Marc

[richardkelsey]

stffgpr2003 said:

I was just advised to look on the site at these most recent posts regarding my efforts as a part of the council. I am going to comment here and hope you will appreciate my communication and respond in a civil manner. Things didn't go so well the last time I was open and honest on this board ...and I wasn't the only one to notice.

First of all, I suppose I need to thank whomever it was that wrote to Brian about me. It's nice when caring is recognized and effort is appreciated. I try my best and a used to getting results. I will not stop trying for you. Thank you, letterwriter.

Next, I'm going to thank Brian for his kind words. Yes, we do communicate quite often on a number of issues. Brian IS and REMAINS a friend of mine and we share a mutual respect - though we don't always agree on EVERYTHING. Do you know anyone who does? And, should we? We are not "yes" men.

Most important is that we DO listen to each other and respect each other's viewpoints - even when they may differ. In Brian's latest post, he got it exactly right - I sent in that letter to the News Transcript to praise the newspapers efforts and to encorage them to continue on and even do more to help us battle the bad landlords and tenants in tis town. We need to keep this issue on the front burner and their front page. Our existing (and those thinking about joining them) bad landlords and tenants must know that they are on top of everyone's list as the folks we are most determined to defeat - NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES AND WHAT MUST BE BROUGHT INTO THE FIGHT! This is my personal PASSION - believe me. If you don't, ask anyone who knows me well what I am most obsessed with.

As for Rich's dismissing remarks - I take issue with anyone trying to make a single quote taken out of context, my eventual legacy on council. No Rich - I do not believe that Freehold Borough is doing EVERYTHING that it can LEGALLY do regarding Illegal Immigration. Partly - because we do not know what is YET to be made available to us down the road. And, maybe there are other things we need to uncover and that we may wish to consider (but, it doesn't mean that all of these things are right for Freehold Borough). As for new and emerging ideas? Rich - do you know what new ideas you may have tomorrow? What comes our way, will always be reviewed.

When I made that comment in the News Transcript we didn't YET know (for example) that the Arizona's Supreme Court would make it possible for NJ State Senator Sweeney to hopefully and eventually propose a bill that I will ask council to support, regarding requiring employment ID verifications in NJ. In fact, this is already on the agenda for our next council workshop.

As for 287g "cry" - I still fully support our new Sheriff in living up to her campaign promise in bringing 287g to the county of Monmouth. Mayor Wilson and Chief Roth HAVE actively followed through in making their request for this to be made her policy.

By the way, this sort of COUNTY action is consistent with the actions that some Virginia COUNTIES are taking against illegal immigration. This is evidenced by Rich's recent postings from down his way. I plan on staying on top of everyone to help keep the Sheriff's promise on track, locally.

Finally, as far as Rich "pooh poohing" the efforts I support in addressing the issues that concern us in Freehold Borough...only time will tell what works and what doesn't. If something doesn't work, I'l get off that train and get on another. I am not one for holding in place, while we wait for results. The council and I are always searching for new ideas. In fact, a new effort to clean up our neighborhoods, borrowed from Columbus, Ohio, will kick off later this month with some great involvement. It is the Mayor's own initiative, I fully support it and I will liaison it.

We have been in touch with officials in Columbus, Ohio and they believe it will help here with respect to pulling us all together for better property maintenance throughout our town. The town will do the heaving lifting and the residents will help direct their efforts where they feel they are most needed. At the same time, we will develop a greater sense of unity and community pride.

We are also soon to announce Landlord-Tenant meetings to address code compliance issues and tenant rights. We are also set to hold public meetings with our residents, code enforcement and the courts, which will inform everyone how the system works and how they can help it work better for them (reporting complaints, what to expect, etc).

We're also waiting for an ordinance change for the Multiple Dweling Review Board that will reshape it and better focus it on single family home rentals. That is coming within the next few weeks.

I wil agree with most of you on one thing - sometimes it takes too long for these things to happen. That is government and I will push to speed things up going forward. In my business, things move very quickly and I need to get quick results to get paid.

I'm not interested in personal praise. Though it is nice to hear a kind word from time to time. I'm most interested in results. And, if anyone doesn't believe me, they ought to get off their butts and come out an help rather than just sit here to pick apart every word and criticize those they pre-determine not to like. Frankly, I'm a little tired hearing that a handful of people are working extra hard to tell me what my own words mean. If those people need clarification, they need to get off this board and get on the phone and ask me.

I remain dedicated to Freehold Borough and if you'll join me in helping to make a difference instead of just a big stink, I challenge you and welcome you to the fight.

Marc

Marc:

Thanks for checking in. I actually thought I was being supportive! LOL

First -- It's great to see that you do not believe, as you wrote in the paper, that Freehold is doing all it legally can do to address the problem of illegal immigration. Please let the Transcript know so they can print your retraction.

Second -- that appears to be good news on the follow-through with the Mayor and Chief Roth -- I hope they follow-through some more and can report back results to interested parties. (Which should be everyone)


Third -- we appreciate you keeping an eye on the site. We are still working on our prime time status.

Fourth -- I appreciate, as stated above -- your continued efforts to address some aspect of the issue.

Fifth -- Just to clarify. Virginia does not have the layered government of New Jersey. That is -- as I have written about in the Park Press -- we don't have counties with 50-70, or a hundreds little towns -- each with Mayors, police, school systems, etc. Most Counties have only 1-5 actual municipalities -- if that. In those cases, virtually all do not have their own police, fire, etc. All of that is handled on a county-wide basis. Prince William is a prime example of that. The Town of Herndon, on the other hand, is an example of one of the 5--7 municipalities in neighboring Fairfax County -- a County of over 1 million people -- who did take independent action because the problem was so localized.

You and I have a fundamental disagreement on 287(g). I respect your view of letting Monmouth County handle it. I just disagree with the likely effectiveness for Freehold. In addition, as we can see, letting someone else handle it leaves the Borough, once again, waiting for someone else's actions and priorities. That has been my biggest beef on the County wide program for New Jersey.

Interestingly -- Prince William isn't even enrolled in the 287(g) program. But, its very public resolution to scrupulously crackdown on illegal immigration by -- in effect -- giving teeth, publicity, and strength to the rights of law enforcement to check immigration status on probable cause incident to other stops, and report those individuals -- has had a remarkable effect of self-deportation. (The program was challenged in Federal Court -- and the action was dismissed on a motion to dismiss).

Perhaps you would like to speak with County Chairman Corey Stewart to discuss the plan? He is a great guy, and I am sure he will share the full details, as well as the legal authority upon which Prince William has acted.

[casualreader]

Great to hear from you Councilman Levine dude -- will you edit this entry in a few months when it no longer suits you?

[stffgpr2003]

First -- It's great to see that you do not believe, as you wrote in the paper, that Freehold is doing all it legally can do to address the problem of illegal immigration. Please let the Transcript know so they can print your retraction.

Hey Rich! Sorry....no retraction needed. Glad to provide a clarification for those who criticized it most, though. I'll look into the other items you mentioned regarding life in the home state of the honorable Robert E. Lee. LOL!!!!

Cheers!

Marc

[admin]

Marc,

It is a pleasant surprise to see that you have posted here. I honestly did not expect that. Your first post back is a good one with plenty of good info. Thank you for taking the time.