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Post by casualreader on Jul 16, 2008 10:46:49 GMT -5
Since Brian Dude says I only comment on immigration issues let me put forth my thoughts on the pay raise issue. (Although, Brian Dude forgets that I put forth a comprehensive campaign platform last fall when I ran for Council).
I think Mr. Miller would be more credible if he took a vow to reject any salary if he is elected and then called on the other council people to do the same.
He objects to the pay raise but does not say what, if any, compensation he will accept.
His point about the bosses asking for givebacks from the workers while giving themselves raises is a hallmark of Americana. Mr. Miller knows this issue will resonate with the working class stiffs that live in the town.
I look forward to Councilwoman Shooter's response to Mr. Miller's letter. The word around Borough Hall is that she is livid at the way she is being portrayed and will not "stand for it." I have received several emails on the subject this week.
So I remind you all -- if there is any dirt you want to dish with Casual -- email me at casualreader2@yahoo.com
Casually Asking for a Pay Raise from the Freehold Voice
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Post by misterpr1981 on Jul 16, 2008 10:50:18 GMT -5
Well it's easy to say you'll reject any salary, when you don't expect to really win the seat, but just make a lot of noise.
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Post by richardkelsey on Jul 16, 2008 10:52:24 GMT -5
According to Shutzer on the night of the meeting, it has been figured out that council members make about eighteen cents an hour. I don't know if that is accurate, but it is interesting. I find this quote interesting - Ms. Schutzer says she makes eighteen cents an hour as a council person. I don't know if Ms. Schutzer said this in the meeting. I didn't see it in the papers. Let's see what $.18 an hour really means: well, first let's correct her salary. Ms. Shutzer is quoted in the paper as saying she makes about "$7,000" - she is wrong: "Salaries for the five council members will go from $8,063 in 2007 to $8,347 in 2008, the administrator said." newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/0709/front_page/003.html(1) Let's first assume that Brian's quote of .18 an hour is a true and accurate quote. (2) Ms. Shutzer made $8,063 as a council person in 2007. (3) $.18/hour. So she must work the following amount of hours (salary divided by hourly rate equals the number of hours worked): $8,063 divided by $.18/hour = 44,794.44 hours a year!!! (4) There are 24 hours in a day for 365.26 days (giving her the benefit of the real amount of time it takes the earth to revolve around the sun), which equals 8,766.24 hours. (5) So Ms. Shutzer works more hours as a council person than there are hours in a year. In fact, not only doesn't she go to her regular job or sleep, but her work year is equal to 5.1 earth years. She either does this work in an alternate universe, on a different planet, or she has a time machine. If she is working that many hours -- she should be fired. One, who would do so and two, she should have gotten a lot more done! |
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Post by misterpr1981 on Jul 16, 2008 10:56:34 GMT -5
Well, that's not really fair. She's certainly working many more hours than some people on this site do, by even contributing at all to the town. So to say she's not getting anything done, well that's not a fair comparison. Even one hour devoted is more than most people. You know?
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Post by richardkelsey on Jul 16, 2008 11:00:31 GMT -5
I look forward to Councilwoman Shooter's response to Mr. Miller's letter. The word around Borough Hall is that she is livid at the way she is being portrayed and will not "stand for it." I have received several emails on the subject this week. Maybe they can get poor Sue Sweetman to turn out another gem about how great they are and how much they have done for the town. Seriously -- I think a return letter better focus on why they are paid like this -- including finding some comps that justify the compensation. To me, the letter is good because of the comparison issue. As the author concedes, the actual dollar raise is not he issue. The issue is total compensation compared to other jurisdictions. Likewise, the other issue is the symbol of taking a raise while looking for employee give backs. It's a substantive letter -- I would look for a non-substantive reply. Unfortunately, if the people of NJ were offended enough by these types of Government actions, they would not keep electing radical liberals to repeat the actions and continue to grow the size of government on the backs of the dwindling NJ middle-class. |
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Post by misterpr1981 on Jul 16, 2008 11:07:47 GMT -5
Rich, not that I agree or disagree with what you stated just now, but separately, we're missing the main question: If Ted is running for a council seat, how can he make a statement about something he hasn't downright opposed? Like Lisa said, he never said if he were elected, he would do anything about it, and more importantly, never said he would decline getting his own raise.
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Post by casualreader on Jul 16, 2008 11:08:17 GMT -5
Well the thing is MRPR Dude if Miller wins the seat and he has pledged to take no salary he will have to sadly follow through with that.
I mean I would love to be inside ole Teddy's head when lightning strikes on election night and he wins the election and then he realizes he will be working his butt off for three years for absolutely nothing. -- That is so sweet and ironic I cannot tell you.
Casual, if he runs and wins, will collect his paycheck. I want every dime I can get.
So go ahead Teddy -- Make my Day -- tell everyone you will accept nothing for your tireless service to the borough.
No salary!
No health benefits!
No trips to Atlantic City!
Not a dime.
Make me proud Teddy.
Take the plunge.
Work for even less than what a day laborer gets.
I hope Teddy wins for the sheer entertainment value it will provide.
Casually Backing You
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jul 16, 2008 11:17:23 GMT -5
The Budget hearings were JULY 2nd, that id to say 7-02-08 FYI
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Post by novillero on Jul 16, 2008 11:21:29 GMT -5
The Budget hearings were JULY 2nd, that id to say 7-02-08 FYI I believe the June 2, 2008 came from the first posting. Brian went to the JUNE 2 council meeting when the budget was unveiled. Of course, JULY 2 the budget was approved. |
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Post by novillero on Jul 16, 2008 11:32:57 GMT -5
So go ahead Teddy -- Make my Day -- tell everyone you will accept nothing for your tireless service to the borough. No salary! No health benefits! No trips to Atlantic City! Not a dime. I would assume that those people rooting for/against Ted would permit reimbursement for actual expenses related to the job, whatever those might be (don't ask me what). Somewhere on this board, it was written that council receives full medical benefits (not sure what is included besides medical - eyecare? dental?) for the entire family, with no co-pay. And that if someone already had benefits, certainly Ms. Schutzer does as a school teacher (not to pick on her here, but as a real example), it was written that they can receive a buy-out - that is money in exchange for receiving those benefits. I do not know if this is true. Certainly this is a big cost, as everyone knows that medical insurance is expensive. And it is even more costly with no co-pay (I have a hard time believing that there is absolutely no co-pay). It would be very interested in finding out the truth of the council's medical benefits package. Because that elevates their salary even higher and is something that is not found in the private sector. One other thing, Cheryl posted a Morristown article that was interesting. What about putting the council and mayor's salary as a ballot question to the voters like they seem to do in Morristown? |
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Post by stffgpr2003 on Jul 16, 2008 11:48:08 GMT -5
All I know is that, just in the past week, I've already put out over $150 buying paint cans filled with cookies for all the W/C kids, buying some nice plaques for the World Changers homeowners, getting some sample tee shirts for the committee to look at, and ordering a framed poster for Borough Hall called "Building A Community." I spent on some other stuff, too, on behalf of the NPC, which has no funds. I want none of that money back, though the committee was begging me to hold on to my receipts for reimbursement later on (ask anyone from the committee if that didn't happen Monday night). I donated this stuff to their purpose and to our town.
Outside of that I've bought some dinner and fund raising tickets to school and town ceremonies and events that I was more than happy to do. Som times we are asked to speak at an event and are still expected to pay for our dinners. It has happened (e.g. Freehold HS Hall of Fame Dinners, etc.). Most of us contributed to the Memorial Day Parade Spaghetti Dinners. The list goes on and on. And, I've laid out a few bucks, here and there, related to other committee appointments. These are things Council people are expected to do. I have never looked to be reimbursed.
I remember Councilman Mike Toubin letting everyone know that he also put out alot of money for incidentals and other town purposes while he was on Council. He was very charitable with the town, as well. He was alot wealthier than most of us, too.
It's not exactly cheap being a Councilperson (in a good way!), as I am sure many, who have actually served, will tell you. I hope Ted understands and is prepared to do all this, too. I know money is a little tight for him at home right now. And in this economy - for most of us, I'm sure.
Marc
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jul 16, 2008 12:45:06 GMT -5
Thanks Great to hear about!
Your business must be suffering too, more layoff, less hiring.
Besides donating our time, materials and money to the schools, many other boro residents doing wonderful acts of kindness and charity for our town under the radar, because they too have a great respect for bringing "Unity" back into our "Community".
School board members work equally as hard, for NOTHING monitory in return. I know one Board member who drives a 5 year old and 12 year old to school and back EVERY day. They learned that these two children were walking from Briarwood to the PAE complex everyday. Both parents leave for work before school and they only have one car. It makes this board member feel good every morning when he/she pick up these 2 children EVERY DAY!.
There are a lot of acts of kindness going on, and not because some one is keeping tally, but because people want to.
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Post by stffgpr2003 on Jul 16, 2008 13:04:28 GMT -5
I understand you wanting/needing to defend the purpose of writing your letter, but thought that you might not be fully aware of all we do for our town. After all, you have not served and we all have a learning curve. Just helping you out, friend. Not a tally. But, certainly a point of information. No one has to do anything "over and above" - we do it because we want to and you, too, will want to share your contributions with others and receive appreciation and thanks for your efforts. We're all human. Marc 
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Post by richardkelsey on Jul 16, 2008 13:25:19 GMT -5
Ouch -- this one is a bit condescending. It seems the one wanting and needing to defend the salary -- is you! LOL (Just by reading your last two posts here.) I think this is a bit funny. People now want Miller to for-ego any salary because he raised two issues in his letter. Issue one -- This Council makes more money than other Towns -- bigger towns. It also makes that money -- while other elected Boards in this town make ZERO Issue two -- This Council is taking a raise on the larger salaries it already makes, while asking or contemplating that it will ask for employee give back and concessions. Where does it say you should make nothing, or that any prospective new member should make nothing. I think he is raising a question of budget priorities, and asking if salaries of those making budget decisions are in line with like size communities. (I don't know what other information is out there -- but I bet if there are good comps you or one of your colleagues will find them) I seriously don't think Ted needs a lesson on all the things he must do and contribute to once on Council. Even if he did -- I don't think that answers the two fundamental issues his article fairly raises. Here's a simple question -- for candidate and Councilpersons alike. If the Borough undertakes a study of the compensation packages of surrounding towns of similar size and governing styles, and finds its compensation dramatically higher -- would you support, in good faith, reducing compensation to be commensurate with other towns? If not -- why not? That seems like a fair question for those who sit and those who seek to sit. Look -- I wrote already -- the issue of pay is a value question -- and I can see an argument for making the positions full time and actually offering a good salary to attract top talent. (Not saying you folks are not top talent -- just saying the pool of applicants, as you know, changes with the compensation) Anyway -- Mr. Miller appears to make some fair points regarding the two core issues -- and I am sure that if he is wrong, he will be refuted with facts. |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jul 16, 2008 14:18:30 GMT -5
I understand you wanting/needing to defend the purpose of writing your letter, but thought that you might not be fully aware of all we do for our town. After all, you have not served and we all have a learning curve. Just helping you out, friend. Not a tally. But, certainly a point of information. No one has to do anything "over and above" - we do it because we want to and you, too, will want to share your contributions with others and receive appreciation and thanks for your efforts. We're all human. Marc As always, thanks for sharing your opinion! I prefer it when OTHERS share my contribution with others. There is being Human, but there is HUMILITY too. Cheers! |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jul 16, 2008 14:49:09 GMT -5
Ouch -- this one is a bit condescending. Rich, was this offensive defense, or defensive offense? But the numbers speak for themselves. I WILL conclude with..."$16.67 per month is a petty amount not worth quibbling over", but the action, with not ONE abstention, that with out any question by ONE of the six council members saying "could have done better"? We can always do better it bit takes courage. Signing off! |
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adefonzo
Junior Member
If I can see further than some, it's because I have stood on the shoulders of giants
Posts: 308
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Post by adefonzo on Jul 16, 2008 14:54:48 GMT -5
Well, that's not really fair. She's certainly working many more hours than some people on this site do, by even contributing at all to the town. So to say she's not getting anything done, well that's not a fair comparison. Even one hour devoted is more than most people. You know? I just went through this whole thread...and perhaps I missed something...but where did anyone say that Ms Shutzer is "not getting anything done"? I noticed that Rich mentioned something about the fact that if she was working all those hours that Novillero calculated based on Ms Shutzer's supposed statement, that she should be fired for not getting enough done (relevant obviously to all the hours she supposedly put in)...but I don't see where anyone said she was "not getting anything done". |
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Post by misterpr1981 on Jul 16, 2008 15:07:53 GMT -5
Richardkelsey wrote:
>If she is working that many hours -- she should be fired. One, who would do so and two, she should have gotten a lot more done!
"A lot more" basically is the same as saying "enough," because he's equating a certain amount of hours to a certain amount of work.
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Post by richardkelsey on Jul 16, 2008 15:39:42 GMT -5
Richardkelsey wrote: >If she is working that many hours -- she should be fired. One, who would do so and two, she should have gotten a lot more done! "A lot more" basically is the same as saying "enough," because he's equating a certain amount of hours to a certain amount of work. Sorry folks -- I was just being flip. All I was saying is if she really worked that many hours -- the number of hours that equate to 18 cents, she is dumb for doing it. And, even if she did -- given all those ours of work -- she should have gotten more done than any legislator in the history of the world -- and certainly more than she has gotten done. I am not passing judgment, per se, on what she has or has not done -- though make no mistake I have a few opinions on that relative to at least one issue. So in short -- I was trying to be funny playing off the hours analysis. |
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Post by misterpr1981 on Jul 16, 2008 15:45:15 GMT -5
Well, all I have to say about that is, if she "should" be fired, then she would have.
People still seem to be electing her, and the other officials, into office year after year. Obviously, we know that the town has a Democratic majority. But in the same respect, most people are smart enough to know if someone is not doing a good job, and to replace them. Bush won two years in a row, right? The country was said to be a giant Red state, and now people are sick of the job the Republicans are doing (nationally, at least) and are turning to a liberal, African American Democrat, who will most likely win in a landslide, according to most polls and commentary.
Needless to say, not all people are strictly partisan. Most are swing voters, and the same goes for our town. If the council and mayor were doing a terrible job, surely they would all be "fired." That has not happened yet, nor does it look like it will happen anytime soon.
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Post by richardkelsey on Jul 16, 2008 16:08:07 GMT -5
Needless to say, not all people are strictly partisan. Most are swing voters, and the same goes for our town. If the council and mayor were doing a terrible job, surely they would all be "fired." That has not happened yet, nor does it look like it will happen anytime soon. I have written about 40,000 words on this -- so I won't re-write them all here. Freehold Borough is now, and has been for almost 30 years, a hard D, solid, democrat town. That is absolutely, indisputable -- based on all the voting data readily available for every single election. Does that mean that a R cannot win -- no. It just means that it is HIGHLY unlikely for a Republican to win -- and in some years, such a high voter turnout years -- Presidential years -- it is nearly statistically impossible to win. Every Republican victory -- and there have been very few -- have been followed by defeat or change of party or resignation. The victories themselves -- in most cases, happened in off year elections with significant core issues (such as, for example, re-assessment). Anyway -- every single piece of datum -- every one -- shows that the overwhelming majority of voters who actually vote -- do so based on party identification (either the party to whom they belong, or the party to whom they most associate themselves with) That's political reality. It's sad, but its real. That's why people like Corzine and Latenburg get elected. That's why the Congress has Charlie Rangel and Shelia Jackson Lee. Fewer seats are contested every year. Why? Because the pro that help the parties carve up districts know how districts will vote based on the voting records and habits of the people they throw in those districts. I said it before -- if you are in Freehold Borough -- running as a Republican, you start with a 250-400 vote disadvantage. That means that in a regular year, you must carry about 65% of the vote in the rest of the districts -- if not more. That means, you must convert dems and win independents. That does not happen too often. If being a great servant were the measuring stick -- your Dad would not have lost -- and would not need to run as a Dem. Toubin, would not have needed to change parties. Please -- do not delude yourself into believing that the people decide to fire and hire politicians solely on the merits of the job they have performed. Oh how I wish that were true. Frankly --- that's why I respect the underdog so much in these towns. They can't win -- but if they don't run democracy is dead. Ted Miller -- I know he disagrees with me -- can't win this year. Not because Ted won't try, or because the people love his opponents. He can't win -- NO MATTER WHAT -- because dem turnout and party line voting in a Presidential election will statistically bury him. (See my analysis and prediction on this) Do you seriously believe that Mike D and this George Schnurr fellow are democrats -- in the national or NJ state sense of the word? Please! These guys have probably voted for more Republicans than me. But they know they can't serve in Freehold and be Republicans. |
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Post by misterpr1981 on Jul 16, 2008 16:15:00 GMT -5
So basically what you're telling me is that Republicans will defy their party and their real values just to win an election? That's basically what you're saying, if we go on the logic that Mike D and George Schnurr may really be Republicans, but changed to Democrats to win in Freehold. What a great party that is--when you can't even uphold your true values, without sacrificing just to win.
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jul 16, 2008 17:02:55 GMT -5
Ted Miller -- I know he disagrees with me -- can't win this year. Not because Ted won't try, or because the people love his opponents. He can't win -- NO MATTER WHAT -- because dem turnout and party line voting in a Presidential election will statistically bury him. (See my analysis and prediction on this Rich... In my "Line" of business we take on the big dog incumbents all the time.. During 3coms heyday, I earn (taken) a lot of "Total Control" datacom business away from them. For the longest time I was able to deny Cisco revenue opportunity at Bloomberg, recently I was awarded a contract from Citi Group beating Compaq/HP at their own game, and proved to be a far superior solution than Citrix and BMC both much larger, very strong incumbent competitors! Why? Because in order to prove you are the provider of effective results, you first boil the fat off the pig to establish the root cause to the problems and then establishing realistic expectations, ie the solutions. Incumbents get to wrapped up in defending their ground, and lose site of how their legacy is not what they think it is...., that their legacy is in many instances..., the root cause to the problem. This may be too simple and altruistic but you need to be a solutions provider, do what you say you can do, and be realistic about it! Cheers |
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Post by peanut2898 on Jul 16, 2008 17:28:12 GMT -5
First I would like to clear up any false accusations : I am not a hateful person or nasty person as some may portray me out to be . Racist..bigot .. thats pretty funny (having several different race family members- my daughter ect as well as various race and religous friends. I have both Gay and Lesbian as well.... I do not Judge them- I embrace them. I speak how I feel and I what I observe I do not hide behind a name like others may.... there is no reason why to. I do however LIVE in the boro - Unlike Lisa and Mister Pr I pay roughly 9K in Taxes per year - Much higher than alot of the people here . (if you live in the boro) I donate my time to posting POSITIVE things on websites that are ruining this town (GREAT SCHOOLS.COM) I give my time to the schools and offer my help all the time. I donate clothing from my company to the kids for thier sports teams as well as GIVE AWAY clothing and furniture to the needy in this town! I even like to donate Turkeys to our Fire Dept at xmas - I even fought Mitch Roth hard for 3 1/2 years for the 4 way stop signs on OAK to protect all the children and neighborhood. and slow down signs.... And I am not done. I complain out loud . I want place we can be proud to come home to .... Planting flowers and saying nice things does not make it get bettier, action does..... I see a town where once there was pride, falling apart. We have kids threatening kids and school administrators, gang related shootings, dead bodies, theft and armed robbery now. Homes are for sale all over the place and you tell me why??? Mister P - you are supposedly a recreation commissioner for the boro? Impressive at 23 years old - however instead of trying to throw names at me, or trying to create a hostile enviroment get involved , spend less time with your little D-List.com dating site and help your town- after all you lived here once and your dad still does. By the way, I had a dear friend once (a hairdresser named Jim (RIP) I never judged him.... I loved him for the person he was. Therefore I do not expect to be judged either! I have lived in this town 15 years Lisa and Steven, I call it as I see it and do not like covering up issues....... So Steven, I am not afraid to speak my mind. Mike Wilson, Mitch Roth and Many others know it already.... Ps. And Lisa.....  Have a great night ! Bobbi |
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Post by lisas84 on Jul 16, 2008 17:42:43 GMT -5
OH, really, "peanut," how do you know I do not reside in the Borough -- and why should that matter?
Tell you what, maybe you aren't selling your home because perhaps when you do have some homebuyers walk through, you probably complain so much about the town, embellishing the problems, that they turn tail and run.
I'm a writer and editor for a living, more than 20 years, I know how to read between the lines and I got your number.
OK. Bobbi. Watch yourself. I'm a moderator and I can ban you if you get out of hand and break some rules.
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Post by richardkelsey on Jul 16, 2008 18:30:48 GMT -5
So basically what you're telling me is that Republicans will defy their party and their real values just to win an election? That's basically what you're saying, if we go on the logic that Mike D and George Schnurr may really be Republicans, but changed to Democrats to win in Freehold. What a great party that is--when you can't even uphold your true values, without sacrificing just to win. I think that party switching says more about the people -- than the Party. |
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Post by misterpr1981 on Jul 16, 2008 18:37:48 GMT -5
Well Bobbi, I certainly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with all of us. Thank you for that.
With that said, I want to state some things of my own.
First of all, what does me being gay have to do with anything? That has not even come up in this thread, as it has nothing to do with the town or the topic at hand. Was it a swipe at me? Besides being gay, I'm also Jewish (non-practicing), White, Short, Brown Haired, Young, a Business Professional, a Californian, a Los Angeleno, A New Jerseyan, a fan of music, a bookworm, and so on and so forth. As you can see, it only makes up one part of me. Notice that I never made any reference to any specific trait that you have, other than your behavior and actions.
As for my residency, I may be untraditional here, but I have my feet firmly planted on both coasts, and I like it that way. I'm not of the conventional mindset that one must only live in one place. It would be different most likely if I had a child, and would not want to continuously uproot them, but for right now I don't. In addition, I have no choice but to be bicoastal, as my clients have events in New York and LA, and I have to go back and forth to them. My business IS my baby, and I have to nurture it. As a matter of fact, Richard Kelsey doesn't live here either, but his family does, and he grew up here too. I've come to understand that his opinions do count, now that I'm in a similar situation.
Moving onto the topic of my status as a Recreation Commissioner, first of all, thank you for acknowledging that. I appreciate that, Bobbi. Although I am no longer a member, as I have too much on my plate currently, I am still the chairman of the Community Information Committee. I don't exactly know what my presence on dating web sites, and my social life, have to do with anything...? I'm allowed to be gay, but I'm not allowed to date? Seems irrelevant, anyway. As Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell basically stated, we have many archetypes within us. To box me into one archetype, as in JUST being the community activist, would be thinking through tunnel vision. I can be a community activist, and a social butterfly, and whatever else at the same time. That's the beauty of being a human being.
As for your comment specifically asking why I don't help my town and get involved? I find that highly offensive. I have worked hard since I was of age to. When I was in High School, I worked full time at the supermarket, when all of my friends were partying, and volunteered on the Yearbook and Art Clubs. I also helped out a little with the Memorial Day Parade Committee. When I was going to college full time, I also ran the school newspaper, worked 40+ hours a week in retail, wrote for a music magazine for no pay, and helped found the college PR club. Nearing the end, I also volunteered hours on the Freehold Boro Recreation Commission, of which I put together the town's first-ever Battle of the Bands.
When I graduated, I started an internship in my field right away, without taking any so-called time off, and helped found Freehold Boro's Community Information Committee, the town's first-ever Public Relations Committee, which has already garnered much positive press for the town, in addition to building a new official Web site and Resident Resource Packet which Brian Sullivan and Lisa Kristiansen have been amazing at putting together for new residents. Additionally, I also started writing and still write for Barfly Magazine, a regional arts & entertainment magazine. Furthermore, within my first month as an intern, I started my own music PR firm, GrapeVine Promotions, which soon after, while being hired at a top Real Estate PR Firm, was rebranded and relaunched at grapeVine Public Relations, THE first PR firm with a specific niche of gay and gay-friendly entertainment clients. While working full-time at the Real Estate PR Firm, I also worked full-time, whenever I could, to build grapeVine up. No one else helped me. I built it from scratch, until my business partner came along. For many months, I did grapeVine, the other firm, Barfly Magazine, the CI Committee and the Recreation Commission.
Lastly, I am now starting up a record label and a mainstream entertainment PR firm. I worked hard for my money--no one left me inheritance or a trust fund, and I always paid the majority of my bills with my own money, unless it was impossible, but necessary to do so, such as health insurance. I built everything I have now from scratch. So when you tell me I can't enjoy my social life at all, I have no sympathy and am quite taken aback. Most people at my age, 26, don't do anything. Most of the people I went to school with already have popped out too many kids that they can't support, either don't work or are pretty lazy, and spend their time drinking beer at the bar and sleeping around. I'm not trying to toot my own horn, but I do know my self-worth, and I don't appreciate it being devalued by someone else. As they say here in LA, "What do you do?"
I do want to say I appreciate, and I can say most of us appreciate your donations of items and of time to various things around town. That's a lot more than most people can say for themselves. But at the same time, if you are known as someone who constantly trashes the town, then you're not really doing any of us good. There are plenty of people in town who not only do good things but also spread positive sentiments about the town. If you are looking to flee the town completely, as you mention, then should we really think positive things about what you do for the town? Let me ask you an important question: If you were the manager of a company, would you continue to pay an employee who constantly mocked and trashed your company's reputation? Sure, maybe he or she can get good results from time to time, but the fact that he or she is trashing the reputation would be enough, I'm sure, for you to send them on their way with a pink slip. It sure would be my way, and I'm pretty lenient.
I have to agree with Lisa that your problem in selling your home probably ARE the messages you give out. If you complain so much about the town, why would anyone want to move there? Let me ask you this...If you went to Best Buy looking for a TV and the salesperson kept telling you how it's not that big, how it's kind of expensive and how it could possibly die within your first year, would you REALLY want to buy it? Let alone shop there any longer.
I do want to make mention of the fact that I don't doubt that you specifically are gay-friendly, and did love your friend very much. I never called you homophobic, and I don't think you are. I just question what it had to do with this topic at hand. Additionally, the fact that you constantly knock the Latino population seems pretty bigoted to me. Just because you don't hate one minority doesn't mean you're not bigoted towards another. I am not particularly thrilled by illegal immigrants, but just because someone is proud of their heritage doesn't mean that I hate them. There are many types of illegal immigrants in the world; the people in Freehold just happen to be mostly of Latino descent. In Canada there are American and French illegal immigrants. In California, there are Asian, and in Hawaii there are Samoan. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter where their heritage lies, it only matters that they came illegally. Right?
Regardless, Bobbi, I have nothing against you, but I am just confused as to where so much anger and vitriolic speech can come from. Look around you. We have a wonderful town of beautiful Victorian homes, down-to-earth and sweet people, some of the area's best restaurants, and most importantly, wonderful community involvement! Don't just look at the negative--that's everywhere. Look at what makes our town special, and I say our, because it is my hometown.
Have a great night, as well!
Steve
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Post by lisas84 on Jul 16, 2008 19:24:23 GMT -5
Bobbi,
Listen, I need to add pointedly that it doesn't matter to me what politicians you support or do not support; I vote both R and D. All I care about is posters here trying to be positive and not attacking individuals or ethnicities, notably the Mexican population. Frustrations are completely understandable, but I would truly welcome some suggestions on how you would resolve issues, because everyone's ideas are quite worthy and valauble.
Ok. I'm off my soapbox.
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Post by admin on Jul 17, 2008 8:07:11 GMT -5
Richard wrote
said it before -- if you are in Freehold Borough -- running as a Republican, you start with a 250-400 vote disadvantage. That means that in a regular year, you must carry about 65% of the vote in the rest of the districts -- if not more. That means, you must convert dems and win independents.
That does not happen too often.
If being a great servant were the measuring stick -- your Dad would not have lost -- and would not need to run as a Dem. Toubin, would not have needed to change parties.
Please -- do not delude yourself into believing that the people decide to fire and hire politicians solely on the merits of the job they have performed. Oh how I wish that were true.
Frankly --- that's why I respect the underdog so much in these towns. They can't win -- but if they don't run democracy is dead.
Ted Miller -- I know he disagrees with me -- can't win this year. Not because Ted won't try, or because the people love his opponents. He can't win -- NO MATTER WHAT -- because dem turnout and party line voting in a Presidential election will statistically bury him. (See my analysis and prediction on this)
Rich I agree with your analysis of the boro and you do illustrate just how much of an uphill battle the GOP has. In the least, Miller and the GOP can give them hell and challenge the current governing body to do better.
You mention converting Dems and winning independents. Many Dems have gone over to Miller. Yes, the Dems start with a solid bloc of votes, but there is a solid block of people who are very discontented with the status quo. Miller has that bloc. He has gotten some Dems. Now he has to focus on more dems and the independents. This is why I think the council pay is a dud of an issue. I am not saying it is a non issue, just one that will not get him the votes he needs.
This election is going to come down to ideas. If people don't hear them, they will vote their usual affiliation. At this time I think the Dems are going to clean the GOP's clock, unless the GOP gets on the ball and weighs in on real issues that people will relate to.
Also don't forget, with illegal immigrants moving in, one of the first groups to flee when that happens is blacks, a traditional Dem group. That Demographic change can also affect an election.
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Post by peanut2898 on Jul 17, 2008 9:46:12 GMT -5
Mister p -
Just wanted to let you know I read your reply Wow I am Impressed at your hard work. My daughter is a "go getter as well and I think thats great .
Once again , I am not prejudice towards Latino's at all. I have latino and cuban friends as well. What I find frustrating is the way some people live around the town. They are trashing this beautiful town. people need to be advised that if you are going to live/rent in this town then keep it clean, take pride in your property, clean up the streets (I regulary pick up the trash on my section of the street where I live. I also clean my storm drain to avoid overflow onto the street. I have no problem with where you came from or what your race religion or beliefs
are. I do have a problem with 30+ hanging out all over Rita's on Sat AM, 6&12 ect.... People drive through this town and get disgusted. Shopping carts on lawns, bikes tied to poles...milk crates used as lawn furniture....sofa's on front porches.... Come on Steven.... It looks disgraceful. It doesn't matter who they are...
I think people want to enjoy themselves and be proud of thier homes ...
Listen, you go thru the Main Street in Red Bank and Woodbridge. They have many cultures however the town does not tolerate what we are. We need to put the word out to "clean up " and take pride. I went on the site where my house is listed- the "great schools" link
is on it. replys regarding boro schools were sad therefore I quickly put two of my own comments on how great my child did ect...
I do have a problem with people not using "flag poles " but thier bedroom window sills to display thier choice of flags- It just makes the town look run down.
As Far as My Home Sale....
I have not had any bites except for a few NY / Staten Islander people wanting to come via realtor then "not showing" .... I dont know what the realtors are saying to them but you know that saying "First Impressions " I actually had more calls and interest when it was FSBO- it was the price that turned them off. They felt it was too high for the boro.
And as far as What do I do? I graduated St John Vianney, Homdel- I am an Accountant with Reebok for 23 years now. I deal with Players, Teams and vendors worldwide.
I have donated over the last 5 years over 35,000K to World Vision in PA which aids needy children in Africa. I raised over $244,000.00 having several functions for Aids Awareness ect with the Hyacynth Foundation out of New Brunswick, NJ .
I give free football jerseys when I have them to the kids I see on the street or in the schools
as well as the Kids Basketball team through the YMCA .
I'm sure you can agree that if people can have cell phones and gold jewelry, they surely can afford curtains or mini blinds versus sheets and towels hung in windows.
Im sure all your hard work is appreciated but unfortunately the lazy ones who do not care how they live will ruin what progress was made over time.... thats sad.
Have a great day ....
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