Predictions for 2010

[casualreader]

To the Few Lonely Holdouts Who Still Post to the Board:

The Casual One sends you greetings from the City of Brotherly Love -- The Day when I will be a psychotherapist and able to move back to Freehold grows closer.

Since we are in the midst of the holiday season my mind drifted back to the Freehold Voice -- the board I love more than life itself and those crazy bygone days with muddled moderator Brian.

Then I realized it is time for my annual predictions. It turns out I did better in my 2008 predictions than I did in 2009.

Here are some of my predictions from last year with commentary in bold:


*** A compromise immigration package will pass Congress and be signed by President Obama in late 2009 or early 2010. No one will be completely happy with the outcome. The resolution will engender some white flight from Freehold Borough, although many will stay and learn to live with their brown neighbors. This may still happen although it will be close.

*** Work on the 2010 census will begin in 2009 and the final result will show that 45-55 percent of the borough residents are Hispanics -- higher than many expected. We wont find out if I am right here until the end of 2010 or early 2011 but I still feel this will be proven correct.

*** Because of declining readership, the Freehold Voice will either cease to exist or it will merge with another entity to sustain itself. There are powerful forces within the borough that seek to take it over. Brian should establish a section in Spanish to serve the entire Freehold Borough community (but he wont).
I think the Freehold Voice has maintained itself on the margins although it appears as if it did have an impact on the borough election.


*** The Republican borough ticket will narrow the margin of the Democratic victory but only if Teddy "wanna be Councilman" Miller does not run. Both parties will outdo themselves into anti-immigrant fervor until the immigration bill passes. After that -- probably in 2010 or 2011 -- they will begin to court the Hispanic vote. Well they certainly did narrow the margin and even got someone elected. Miller will never win an election so I take comfort in that.

*** Freehold Borough will become known throughout the state as a hub of Mexican culture and stores emphasizing Mexican crafts will begin to emerge. This is quietly happening. On a recent visit I noticed a growing presence of Latino businesses. One of the most recent is a new supermarket on Throckmorton Street. The Latino Festival continues to grow. And. my old roommate tells me there are a lot of Mexican bands emerging in the borough.


*** The Freehold Center Partnership will try to displace some Hispanic businesses from downtown as part of its revitalization plan -- there will be a struggle over this. Too soon to tell.

*** The number of posters on the Freehold Voice will jump from 3 to 5. I think we are only up to 4 posters.


I also predicted that Corzine would narrowly win and it was just the opposite. So all in all my predictions for 2009 were a pretty mixed bag. I did much better in 2008 when I predicted Obama's election.

But, why dwell on the past let me set forth my predictions for 2010 in my next post.

[casualreader]

Dear Dudes and Dudettes:

Here are my predictions for 2010:

*** There will be a major power struggle between Snurr and nutszer over who will be chosen to succeed Mayor Michael "Chupacabra" Wilson. My sources indicate to me that Chupacabra Wilson is carefully weighing his options. He vowed that he would not run again in 2011 when his term is up, but he believes he is the only person that can keep the machine going. I believe Mayor Mike for Life will not step down and that could lead to an eventual primary challenge by Snurr. Wilson will wait till early 2011 to make a decision and it will be based on outcome of 2010 borough race.

*** DiBenedett and Snurr will face a strong challenge in November for their council seats but they will overcome the GOP challengers. Both are worried that resentment towards Obama and the Dems on the national level will hurt their chances. They will run a very aggressive campaign against the GOP. Both reportedly think that machine took for granted the GOP and that is why Levine went bye bye. They will post campaign signs this year. Democrats will win if Miller runs again.

*** Republican Councilman John Newmen will receive a cordial but chilly reception on the council. They will keep him informed up to the letter of the law and no more. They will put out feelers to see if he is willing to switch to the Dems. If he rejects offer he will be ostracized. They will try and paint him as an obstacle to progress.

*** The Landlords Association will coalesce as a major political force and begin to work behind-the-scenes to secure political support. This will be done in a hush-hush fashion.

*** Latinos will continue to make strides in the borough and their influence and presence will increase. The hated LLA and Casa Freehold will lead these efforts despite muddled Brian's undying enmity.

I am burned out looking into my crystal ball so I will take a break for now. I will be back with more predictions later...

Casually Delving into the Future

[Mike Rosseel]

casualreader,

"*** DiBenedett and Snurr will face a strong challenge in November for their council seats but they will overcome the GOP challengers. Both are worried that resentment towards Obama and the Dems on the national level will hurt their chances. They will run a very aggressive campaign against the GOP. Both reportedly think that machine took for granted the GOP and that is why Levine went bye bye. They will post campaign signs this year. Democrats will win if Miller runs again"

They aren't even up in Nov! Nice facts and good research!

[admin]

Casual, Where ya been? Lisa and I were wondering about you not too long ago. I thought for sure that you would chime in after the surprise election results. You will be very sad to see that Councilman Newman will not provide you the same entertainment as former councilman Le Vine did. Hope all is well in Philly. I love that city, as far as cities go. Was almost there a couple weeks ago for a funeral, but the snow kept me home. Now, how could I not have some fun with your post? I actually agree with you on some points. Don't pat yourself on the back too much about Obama, Bush hurt his party bad and McCain was a dud. As for the rest.....

*** A compromise immigration package will pass Congress and be signed by President Obama in late 2009 or early 2010. No one will be completely happy with the outcome. The resolution will engender some white flight from Freehold Borough, although many will stay and learn to live with their brown neighbors. This may still happen although it will be close.

I bet this happens after next years election. We will continue to see a strong GOP victory nation wide as the Dems continue to lose popularity at a record breaking pace. They will push this through in a lame duck session.

*** Work on the 2010 census will begin in 2009 and the final result will show that 45-55 percent of the borough residents are Hispanics -- higher than many expected. We wont find out if I am right here until the end of 2010 or early 2011 but I still feel this will be proven correct.

I bet you are right. The schools are already a majority of immigrant children. Considering the schools are a Spanish school system, the town will reflect that as well.

*** Because of declining readership, the Freehold Voice will either cease to exist or it will merge with another entity to sustain itself. There are powerful forces within the borough that seek to take it over. Brian should establish a section in Spanish to serve the entire Freehold Borough community (but he wont).
I think the Freehold Voice has maintained itself on the margins although it appears as if it did have an impact on the borough election.

I have come to one conclusion-facebook killed this site. I see so many former participants over there spending their time. Of course, over the summer I tried that experiment where only good news and community stuff was found here. That was an abysmal failure thought readership is returning.

I am flattered that you think this site had an impact on the election. I didn't think so, but I have found out that Marc lost several votes because of his attack on me. But, the reality is, there are other reasons why he went from top vote getter to last place. I am sworn to secrecy on that issue, but something else he did bite him in the butt.

I also predicted that Corzine would narrowly win and it was just the opposite. So all in all my predictions for 2009 were a pretty mixed bag. I did much better in 2008 when I predicted Obama's election

I agreed with you on that. I though new Jerseyans really were stupid enough to put him back in, as well as the fact that Christie is not real inspiring.

[admin]

*** There will be a major power struggle between Snurr and nutszer over who will be chosen to succeed Mayor Michael "Chupacabra" Wilson. My sources indicate to me that Chupacabra Wilson is carefully weighing his options. He vowed that he would not run again in 2011 when his term is up, but he believes he is the only person that can keep the machine going. I believe Mayor Mike for Life will not step down and that could lead to an eventual primary challenge by Snurr. Wilson will wait till early 2011 to make a decision and it will be based on outcome of 2010 borough race.

I hate to say it, but I do not think Shutzer will be in the Mayoral running. I wish her the best and hope I am wrong, but I understand she is dealing with difficult personal issues. If things do not get better, she may not make her whole term and wind up resigning. Also, there are other council members who I think would be good contenders for Mayor. This issue as a whole will be good to watch.


*** DiBenedett and Snurr will face a strong challenge in November for their council seats but they will overcome the GOP challengers. Both are worried that resentment towards Obama and the Dems on the national level will hurt their chances. They will run a very aggressive campaign against the GOP. Both reportedly think that machine took for granted the GOP and that is why Levine went bye bye. They will post campaign signs this year. Democrats will win if Miller runs again.

AS Mike rightfully pointed out, Shnurr and Dibenedetto are not running next year, it is Sims and Kane- two very strong candidates. I think all predictions are too early to tell. We will have to see who the GOP runs as well as how the GOP carries itself now that they have a councilman. I am sure the Dems are rocked by this last election. Nobody, including me, thought we would ever see a GOP councilman elected in this town. The Dems did appear to take that for granted this year. I do believe 2010 will have a severe Dem backlash all over. Locally there is also the Beck factor. She was hugely popular with Freehold Borough last time she ran and could help the local GOP.


*** Republican Councilman John Newman will receive a cordial but chilly reception on the council. They will keep him informed up to the letter of the law and no more. They will put out feelers to see if he is willing to switch to the Dems. If he rejects offer he will be ostracized. They will try and paint him as an obstacle to progress.

All of the above is very predictable. I do not foresee personal hostilities, anyone who knows John is aware that he is a classy guy and easy to get along with. The Dems are not going to do anything to help him get re-elected. John should get out his ear muffs and mittens for that chilly reception.

*** The Landlords Association will coalesce as a major political force and begin to work behind-the-scenes to secure political support. This will be done in a hush-hush fashion.

*** Latinos will continue to make strides in the borough and their influence and presence will increase. The hated LLA and Casa Freehold will lead these efforts despite muddled Brian's undying enmity.

You are right on both issues. The Landlord Association has to be viewed for what it is- a big business coalition of businessman protecting their investments. I foresee them undoing what very little progress the borough has made. There are still too many questions surrounding this super secret coalition, so they will have to be watched with the greatest of caution.

I agree with you CR, the open borders crowd will only grow in influence. The borough is a sanctuary town, has been subjected to block busting and character assassination, and that is not going to change. The change needed to come from within and will not.


Last year I predicted this. My questions were if the open borders crowd would gain influence through the Democrat party or do it on their own as a third party entity? Over the past year my prediction was true, the local Dems went further left. There is no longer any apparent hostilities between the Dems and the open borders crowd. Instead there appears to be mutual cooperation and working together. The open borders crowd will become a part of the local Dems.

[Mike Rosseel]

With no disrespect can i comment on a few things:

1. Freehold Voice doesnt have enough people on this site to make or break any election. Maybe a few people on here were not happy with Marc but this site had nothing to do with his loss in the election. People were just as offended by Ted Miller and anyone else. Ted couldnt even win an election with the Gov helping out everone state wide. The GOP in freehold will never win anything with Miller involved. Last year was a fluke, Newman will be a one term candidate. Once again, Miller is the death of the Freehold GOP!

2. Sharon Shutzers personal issues shouldnt be announced on her(even just saying she is having issues). Brian i understand you may have an insite with certain people but lets not make this into a rag-show. Sharon would not have run if she couldnt handle her entire term! Please lets have some respect for this womens personal life.

my prediction for the GOP in 2010.....Miller and Sullivan for council

[admin]

Dec 30, 2009 9:16:20 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

With no disrespect can i comment on a few things:

1. Freehold Voice doesnt have enough people on this site to make or break any election. Maybe a few people on here were not happy with Marc but this site had nothing to do with his loss in the election. People were just as offended by Ted Miller and anyone else. Ted couldnt even win an election with the Gov helping out everone state wide. The GOP in freehold will never win anything with Miller involved. Last year was a fluke, Newman will be a one term candidate. Once again, Miller is the death of the Freehold GOP!

2. Sharon Shutzers personal issues shouldnt be announced on her(even just saying she is having issues). Brian i understand you may have an insite with certain people but lets not make this into a rag-show. Sharon would not have run if she couldnt handle her entire term! Please lets have some respect for this womens personal life.

my prediction for the GOP in 2010.....Miller and Sullivan for council

Mike, believe me, no disrespect taken. I am not one to say this site will influence much. You are right, there are few participants. ( darn facebook!) But, there are a number of readers. December is on track to hit about 750. Also, I made a statement about Marc losing support for undisclosed reasons. Those reasons have nothing to do with this site at all.

AS far as Ted, I will meet you half way, he will never be elected. I do disagree that he is the death of the Freehold GOP. If anything, it is because of him that it exists. When he first ran in 2007, there was no party at all. He was on his own. He has in fact changed that. This fact leads us to your statement that Newman was a fluke. Having been a long time skeptic myself about the GOP ever winning, I cannot write that statement off all together. However, I do have my own theories of what we have seen and am not completely convinced it was a fluke. More on that another time. The big thing will be to watch how not only Newman does, but how well the local GOP supports him. If the GOP and Newman are not smart about things, he will be a one termer.

AS far as Sharon's personal issues, she herself announced this during the last council meeting I was at. As I was not specific, she was not either, so I wrote nothing that was not already a part of a public record. I sincerely hope that she is well and will continue to serve us. I do admire and respect the daylights out of her.

[admin]

PS Mike, I will never run for office.

[dfx]

A message about this site: There's a reason why a lot of people do not post on this site. It has a very negative perception. I'll give you an example:

Though I'm from Monmouth County & graduated from Freehold Township High School, I've only lived in Freehold Borough for the last 4.5 years. In addition, I have only recently begun to really get involved with our town. That said, I do not know the full history of this website. That said, a few months ago I was warned by a very respected member of the community to avoid posting on this website as it is viewed by a majority of residents as a racist/hate site. (Since that initial warning, several other people - both Republican & Democrats - have echoed this belief.) That is why I haven't posted a message on this site since the election.


dan

[admin]

Dec 31, 2009 11:37:26 GMT -5 dfx said:

A message about this site: There's a reason why a lot of people do not post on this site. It has a very negative perception. I'll give you an example:

Though I'm from Monmouth County & graduated from Freehold Township High School, I've only lived in Freehold Borough for the last 4.5 years. In addition, I have only recently begun to really get involved with our town. That said, I do not know the full history of this website. That said, a few months ago I was warned by a very respected member of the community to avoid posting on this website as it is viewed by a majority of residents as a racist/hate site. (Since that initial warning, several other people - both Republican & Democrats - have echoed this belief.) That is why I haven't posted a message on this site since the election.


dan

Big ouch! I could say a whole lot about this, but will not. Instead I will simply ask that people take the time to read the site and make up their own minds. If people wish to believe that statement about this site, they are very entitled.

The bottom line, this is an open site where all views are respected. It always has been and always will be.

[dfx]

That is why I am posting today. Being on the school board here in Freehold Borough, I can fully appreciate how public misconceptions can greatly differ from reality...


dan xavier

[admin]

Dec 31, 2009 12:13:47 GMT -5 dfx said:

That is why I am posting today. Being on the school board here in Freehold Borough, I can fully appreciate how public misconceptions can greatly differ from reality...


dan xavier

Dan,

Your participation today has been great. I sent you a little private message. I did see your post on the schools report card from that other site, I will respond to that later on. On my way out now.

And believe me, I have heard it all when it comes to this site. To throw out the perception as you did is fair to do. Like I always say, all views are welcome.

[dfx]

Sorry it's taken so long to post a response, but I've been very busy. That aside, here are a few reasons why I think the overall public perception of this site (from a majority standpoint) is the way it is – as well as a few things you may want to consider if the goal is to shift public opinion...


From my understanding, public perception of this site has taken a hit for a variety of reasons:
1: Site visitors are permitted to post under both aliases and numerous monikers. As a result, certain people have a tendency to author messages that they would not normally stand behind were their comments able to be traced back to them. This lack of personal accountability often results in an unruly environment (i.e. questionable comments, racist undertones, etc.) and results in the site's authenticity being called into question.
2: The site is perceived as anti-Freehold. (There is no reason to dispute this fact with me, I am only the messenger.) With the negative to positive story ratio being roughly 4 to 1, the perception – which we all know can be greater than reality – is that the site's become a place for malcontents who simply enjoy pointing out our community's short comings.
3: There are questions as to the objectiveness of the site's moderators.


Given the perception issues above, a few things you might want to institute:
1: Make all accounts/message posters use their real names. While I understand the logistics of this will initially be tough to enforce and the number of postings may drop, the number of quality postings would improve. That said, you may also find people posting messages who’ve previously avoiding doing so in the past...
2: Reinstitute the objectiveness of the site's moderators. As a representative of the site where objectivity is key to fostering quality discussion, it is imperative that the site's moderators do not post their opinions. If a site moderator wishes to do so, they should logout as a site administrator and log back in under their own name. As soon as a moderator posts their opinion under the guise of an official site administrator, the entire site's objectiveness is cast under a cloud of editorial suspicion.

_____________________________________________________________________
One more thing: I have the distinct impression that this website leans Republican due to prior comments by some moderators. I'm not saying I agree or disagree with any stance in particular, but I have an issue with the fact that I even have this impression. If the site's goal is to be truly non-partisan (which would enhance the quality of discussion), special care & attention should be given to negating this notion.
_____________________________________________________________________


On a final note: during this week's reorganizational meeting & subsequent lunch, I was surprised at how many people commented that they read this site frequently, but "wouldn't dream of posting a message". I think if you and your team address the issues listed above, you may just see things turn around...


dan xavier

[lisas84]

Excellent post, Dan!

The only caveat -- even if someone uses his/her real name -- he/she can still make up a name and register with a bogus email/gmail. Colleen at FinJ is constantly trying to battle this, and unfortunately, she's having a very frustrating, difficult time. I'm not sure Admin here has the time, ability, wherewithal to really suss out the impostors.

[admin]

Dan, Thank you, I appreciate your responses and feedback. I will try to answer as best as I can.

From my understanding, public perception of this site has taken a hit for a variety of reasons:
1: Site visitors are permitted to post under both aliases and numerous monikers. As a result, certain people have a tendency to author messages that they would not normally stand behind were their comments able to be traced back to them. This lack of personal accountability often results in an unruly environment (i.e. questionable comments, racist undertones, etc.) and results in the site's authenticity being called into question.

Aliases allowed, multiple monikers no!


Aliases- I have considered the requirement that people use their own names. I will be honest, that would open up a real can of worms an be virtually impossible to do without drastically reducing who is allowed to post here. That could be an option, but require taking away the openness of the site where we have always tried to encourage anybody to participate. It could happen, but would mean drastic changes.

I will say that people who post under their own names are far more credible participants and I bet most readers get that.


Multiple monikers are forbidden, we have a rule against that. It is not perfect, but we do guard against it.
Early on in this site, people were not required to register. We did have a problem with people posting under multiple names. That is why registration is required.

I Know that there is accusations of people posting under multiple names. That simply is not a true statement.

2: The site is perceived as anti-Freehold. (There is no reason to dispute this fact with me, I am only the messenger.) With the negative to positive story ratio being roughly 4 to 1, the perception – which we all know can be greater than reality – is that the site's become a place for malcontents who simply enjoy pointing out our community's short comings.

I think this is another myth. A large percentage of what is posted is directly related to what ever is happening in the news. Also, it is very hard to get people to talk about more positive things. Look at any web site where news constantly hits and people hone in on the hard ball topics.

God knows, I have tried to put the better things up front and encourage a diverse amount of topics. last summer i even went so far as to hide the boards where more negative things are likely to be found. The site died! The people who should have helped didn't.

I personally do look for good stories when I find them and always invite people to add their own.

take a look at the main Street boards, or the Family and community pride pages, they are loaded with good stuff.

Even the mayor and council boards have a lot of positive. There are many favorable things about them as well as boards for the various committees.

All in all, I reject the perception that this site is anti Freehold. I believe we have done ell with balance where as people have a place to come and talk about what ever they want. I know many participants and they are people who like this town. Just look at who has posted today.
Dan, Mike, Lisa, and me. I also see a couple of others who visited and they are very active in this town, certainly not anti Freehold people.


3: There are questions as to the objectiveness of the site's moderators.

Fair question and people should ask that. I will not speak about me, people can make up their own minds and yes, I have seen the lies out there about me. The other two are Lisa and Rich. Rich is very conservative and Lisa is more liberal, though independent. Ka19 was a moderator but asked to be removed from it. He is center, maybe a bit left. At least compared to me.

I asked all of them to moderate , not because of their beliefs, but because of their site conduct. I just want people who are fair and will not tolerate bad behavior. They all fit the bill.

Given the perception issues above, a few things you might want to institute:
1: Make all accounts/message posters use their real names. While I understand the logistics of this will initially be tough to enforce and the number of postings may drop, the number of quality postings would improve. That said, you may also find people posting messages who’ve previously avoiding doing so in the past...

I will not rule this out, and appreciate that you brought it up. maybe drastic change is on order? With readership growing, now would be a good time.

2: Reinstitute the objectiveness of the site's moderators. As a representative of the site where objectivity is key to fostering quality discussion, it is imperative that the site's moderators do not post their opinions. If a site moderator wishes to do so, they should logout as a site administrator and log back in under their own name. As soon as a moderator posts their opinion under the guise of an official site administrator, the entire site's objectiveness is cast under a cloud of editorial suspicion.

This is fair, I will really consider this for at least myself. What do you think, should I open up an account just for my opinions?

_____________________________________________________________________
One more thing: I have the distinct impression that this website leans Republican due to prior comments by some moderators. I'm not saying I agree or disagree with any stance in particular, but I have an issue with the fact that I even have this impression. If the site's goal is to be truly non-partisan (which would enhance the quality of discussion), special care & attention should be given to negating this notion.


_____________________________________________________________________


On a final note: during this week's reorganizational meeting & subsequent lunch, I was surprised at how many people commented that they read this site frequently, but "wouldn't dream of posting a message". I think if you and your team address the issues listed above, you may just see things turn around...

I am not surprised and what I have to write also addresses your previous thought. I will have to be careful with this one. I am not surprised because that lunch you were at was with the Democrats and/or their supporters.

What I am about to write does not apply to every Dem or every council member.

I know for a fact that certain Dems are in fact trying to trash this site. I know for a fact that they are chasing people away from this site. I have had several people tell me this. I know they are lying about me and this site.


To date, the only people who ever asked me to delete a post because of the opinion contained was from the Dems. They asked not for conduct, but because they did not like the opinion. What is comes down to, is this site has always been dedicated to being open and honest. Some people just do not like that. It is also a fact that when people point out errant info, I am quick and happy to correct that. I have always invited people to put the best possible information up here.

When I get away from that little bubble of people who hate this site, I get a lot of very positive feedback.

Dan, I like your posts, including this one. You ask the right questions and provide some good ideas. I hope that you continue to post because you provide a nice balance and do so in a non hostile way. Though I may seam a bit argumentative and defensive, I will consider your points.

[admin]

Jan 5, 2010 14:55:12 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Excellent post, Dan!

The only caveat -- even if someone uses his/her real name -- he/she can still make up a name and register with a bogus email/gmail. Colleen at FinJ is constantly trying to battle this, and unfortunately, she's having a very frustrating, difficult time. I'm not sure Admin here has the time, ability, wherewithal to really suss out the impostors.

Colleen is doing a terrific job, but yes, it is clear she is dealing with these tough issues too. I recall she even required people to use their real names and yet she still has aliases being used. It is not easy. I saw she was dealing with this issue right away and had to laugh because we have dealt with it here too.

Just wait until she has to deal with issues surrounding posts that walk a line. Trying to be fair to people and respecting the many different beliefs is NOT easy. It takes far more tolerance than most people realize, or even have.

And Lisa, I may not have a lot of time, but I have weeded out a couple of bad eggs. I might not get them all, but I know that we are at a point where we do not have one person posting under multiple accounts. That is the result we want.

[lisas84]

I know, Brian, you really have done a tremendous job being vigilant with posters -- Rich Kelsey too. It is a maelstrom of mucky people out there and you two are pretty good at keeping it clean.

[admin]

Jan 5, 2010 15:46:14 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

I know, Brian, you really have done a tremendous job being vigilant with posters -- Rich Kelsey too. It is a maelstrom of mucky people out there and you two are pretty good at keeping it clean.

Thanks Lisa, I know that you are well aware of the challenges we face in trying to run a fair site, and that all three of us do try to run a fair site.

Like I said in my last post, it is just so frustrating dealing with the nonsense and lies that have been spread by those who want to shut us down. That is not fair. None of us have done anything to deserve that.

I apprecaite that Dan has written about some perceptions he hears. We will work on them and continue to give the people of the borough a clean, honest and open site.

[admin]

For the benefit of readers, lets take a look at the last 50 posts (at the time of this post) and see if we find that anti Freehold feel.

Predictions 2010- Definitely negative. Started by CR, it covers not good topics. The failing here is that nobody, including me, posted positive predictions.


Spaghetti Fund raiser- Though it is for a bad reason, the dinner is a good thing to help out one of Freeholds active people. - Positive


Council reorganization- Very positive about the town and the council.

St Rose Polar plunge- positive!

Memorial Day parade fund raising- very positive for something our town has tons of pride in.

Bloopers- funny, it has to be positive

Aurthur B. Crawford in the history section- positive!

First post happy decade- positive!
Fred Astaire dance studio- positive ( if you don';t have two left feet like me)

Borough Schools earn low ranking on another site- negative.

Who is missing- advocating for recreation in town. Not sure how to rank that one.

Volunteer incentive- talking about ideas is always good, even if the idea isn;t. Positive

[dfx]

I am not surprised and what I have to write also addresses your previous thought. I will have to be careful with this one. I am not surprised because that lunch you were at was with the Democrats and/or their supporters.

What I am about to write does not apply to every Dem or every council member.

I know for a fact that certain Dems are in fact trying to trash this site. I know for a fact that they are chasing people away from this site. I have had several people tell me this. I know they are lying about me and this site.

To date, the only people who ever asked me to delete a post because of the opinion contained was from the Dems. They asked not for conduct, but because they did not like the opinion. What is comes down to, is this site has always been dedicated to being open and honest. Some people just do not like that.


While it is true that I was at the American Legion following the reorganizational meeting, please do not dismiss my original comment that these perceptions are from both sides of the aisle - not just the Democrats. (To dismiss it only as political in nature - though it's the easiest thing to do - would be a big oversight.) To be completely honest, I don't think this site even has as many Democrat detractors as you think.

However in the spirit of honesty I would also be remiss if I didn't say that many people took offense to the way Mark LeVine was personally attacked on this site. (As a individual posting a message, it's one thing. However as a site moderator posting a message, these attacks crossed the line of journalistic integrity.)


dan xavier

[admin]

While it is true that I was at the American Legion following the reorganizational meeting, please do not dismiss my original comment that these perceptions are from both sides of the aisle - not just the Democrats. (To dismiss it only as political in nature - though it's the easiest thing to do - would be a big oversight.) To be completely honest, I don't think this site even has as many Democrat detractors as you think.

However in the spirit of honesty I would also be remiss if I didn't say that many people took offense to the way Mark LeVine was personally attacked on this site. (As a individual posting a message, it's one thing. However as a site moderator posting a message, these attacks crossed the line of journalistic integrity.)


dan xavier

Not long ago, I was in that same room with the same people, you bring up a very valid point. To divide things as Dem/GOP is not always right and I should not have laid it out like that. I do know Dems who like this site. On the other side, I was at a GOP function not long ago, and there were registered Dems who support the local GOP. Party lines certainly are not always clear in this town.

As far as my post about Marc, I hope and pray that no other council member puts me in a position where I feel the need to write something like that. I will be honest, the GOP wasn't completely happy I did write that. They were afraid it would hurt them. I am sure that friends of Marc did take offense to it. That is natural and understandable.

However, people have to look at the entire picture. He went public and took shots at me. I just replied in kind. He crossed the line of friendship. And make no mistake, his attacks on me hurt him. To be honest, I think his attacks on me hurt him more than what I wrote. I received a lot of feedback from people who were offended by his post on another site. It works both ways. The reality is that the blow up between me and Marc was personal, not political. None of it should have gone public. If it hadn't he and I could easily be at the Jester drinking a beer together discussing our differences. That is not going to happen now and I did not lead us down that road, he did.

As far as perceptions, I like this discussion. It is good to have. I will always strive to make this a frienly site to everybody and alwasy invite people to join up and add their own flavor. Dan, your suggestions are not falling on deaf ears.

[Mike Rosseel]

Ok ok hold the presses, I am giving Dan X. a standing "O". Brian i do think you are fair on this site to a degree but there have been many attacks on Marc were if attacks came on ted they were questioned! I will flat out say one of the big issues on the site is people feel you have a huge connection to Ted Miller. Ted has divided our once quite town and caused there to be lines drawn and hate used against one another. No one that i have spoken with has one single issue with John Newman but Miller is another question. I DO NOT believe you can say that this site doesnt on a Freehold level lean hard towards the republicans. Rich and yourself have supported the republicans through post etc. Honestly, thats fine but that certainly doesnt make this a fair site. You do report alot of good things from both sides but when it comes down to it, this site is Pro-GOP!

Lets talk about making people use there names, how is that so hard? I am asking because i really have no clue, but to me when a person signs up, couldnt you require that?

We all love this town and want whats best. We should be working together and not be divided by a few individuals. I am a registered Republican but support the Mayor and the council 100% and always will. Lets get back on track!

[richardkelsey]

Jan 5, 2010 17:28:55 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Ok ok hold the presses, I am giving Dan X. a standing "O". Brian i do think you are fair on this site to a degree but there have been many attacks on Marc were if attacks came on ted they were questioned! I will flat out say one of the big issues on the site is people feel you have a huge connection to Ted Miller. Ted has divided our once quite town and caused there to be lines drawn and hate used against one another. No one that i have spoken with has one single issue with John Newman but Miller is another question. I DO NOT believe you can say that this site doesnt on a Freehold level lean hard towards the republicans. Rich and yourself have supported the republicans through post etc. Honestly, thats fine but that certainly doesnt make this a fair site. You do report alot of good things from both sides but when it comes down to it, this site is Pro-GOP!

Lets talk about making people use there names, how is that so hard? I am asking because i really have no clue, but to me when a person signs up, couldnt you require that?

We all love this town and want whats best. We should be working together and not be divided by a few individuals. I am a registered Republican but support the Mayor and the council 100% and always will. Lets get back on track!

This site has not now, nor has it ever stated that its moderators would have no opinions. In fact, few active sites of this type are run that way.

Negatives stories get the press -- but positive posts and stories abound. The proof is in the postings.

As for prominent people in both parties saying this is a racist site -- those would be prominently foolish people. Most people spreading that lie have a personal or political agenda. Only one poster on this site has ever been subject to attack for posting racially provocative materials. That poster was Marc.

The site is what people make of it -- and we scrupulously work to enforce the rules posted to keep debate fair and sane.

In doing so -- we made some less than sane people really -- really, unhappy.

[Mike Rosseel]

Rich,

I dont know the statement that Marc made but i know he apologized for it and regreted it, isnt it time to let it go! Plus, as a moderator put your ear to the street and hear some of the things Miller pulled, not to good. Maybe even look into a post on a Freehold GOP facebook site making accusations of people paying for votes, its a sad day in Freehold Political arena as a whole. We have great people on council, hopefully now that others (not Marc) are out for the forth time we can move forward and work together!

[admin]

Ok ok hold the presses, I am giving Dan X. a standing "O". Brian i do think you are fair on this site to a degree but there have been many attacks on Marc were if attacks came on ted they were questioned! I will flat out say one of the big issues on the site is people feel you have a huge connection to Ted Miller. Ted has divided our once quite town and caused there to be lines drawn and hate used against one another. No one that i have spoken with has one single issue with John Newman but Miller is another question. I DO NOT believe you can say that this site doesnt on a Freehold level lean hard towards the republicans. Rich and yourself have supported the republicans through post etc. Honestly, thats fine but that certainly doesnt make this a fair site. You do report alot of good things from both sides but when it comes down to it, this site is Pro-GOP!


Mike, I agree with a lot of what you say, and respect concerns you air out, but I have a couple of questions. You mention Teds attacks on Marc. Where? Maybe is some very old posts, but Ted barely posts any more and when he does, it is usually non political. I know there was some animosity between them, especially when they both participated here, but that is long over as far as this site is concerned. Either way, both Ted and Marc are welcome to post on this site. What they post is up to them just like anyone else. I believe both of their voices count.

You mention my connection with Miller. He is a friend of mine, am I to be penalized for that? Turn it around a bit. If Jaye asked me for a favor or for some help, he knows he could reach out to me for it. Would it be right if the GOP penalized me or held it against me because I like and get along with one of their political opponents? I would never put up with that from anybody.

For the record, I have seen and heard the lies about me being active in the republican party in town. Yes, I am registered as a republican, but, other than attending a couple of social functions, I do not do anything for the party. No door knocking, no phone calls, no distributing literature. ( Yes I did door knock with Ted two years ago in 2007, but nothing since) If I do become active in the GOP, will admit it.

As far as the site, I do realize we attract more conservatives. We have had liberals participate with no problem, and they were quite welcome here. More importantly, I would rather see community minded people posting on non political things. I have strongly encouraged that.

Lets talk about making people use there names, how is that so hard? I am asking because i really have no clue, but to me when a person signs up, couldnt you require that?

It is harder than you think. I will be elusive here because I do not want to give people ideas. That said, the idea is not off the table.

We all love this town and want whats best. We should be working together and not be divided by a few individuals. I am a registered Republican but support the Mayor and the council 100% and always will. Lets get back on track!

Working together is what this site is about! This is a place where we talk about the good the bad and the ugly and all views are respected. You are right, we all do love this town and want the best. That is why division is no good. Like I have said many times, we need unity in our community.

[admin]

Jan 5, 2010 17:37:15 GMT -5 richardkelsey said:

Jan 5, 2010 17:28:55 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Ok ok hold the presses, I am giving Dan X. a standing "O". Brian i do think you are fair on this site to a degree but there have been many attacks on Marc were if attacks came on ted they were questioned! I will flat out say one of the big issues on the site is people feel you have a huge connection to Ted Miller. Ted has divided our once quite town and caused there to be lines drawn and hate used against one another. No one that i have spoken with has one single issue with John Newman but Miller is another question. I DO NOT believe you can say that this site doesnt on a Freehold level lean hard towards the republicans. Rich and yourself have supported the republicans through post etc. Honestly, thats fine but that certainly doesnt make this a fair site. You do report alot of good things from both sides but when it comes down to it, this site is Pro-GOP!

Lets talk about making people use there names, how is that so hard? I am asking because i really have no clue, but to me when a person signs up, couldnt you require that?

We all love this town and want whats best. We should be working together and not be divided by a few individuals. I am a registered Republican but support the Mayor and the council 100% and always will. Lets get back on track!

This site has not now, nor has it ever stated that its moderators would have no opinions. In fact, few active sites of this type are run that way.

Negatives stories get the press -- but positive posts and stories abound. The proof is in the postings.

As for prominent people in both parties saying this is a racist site -- those would be prominently foolish people. Most people spreading that lie have a personal or political agenda. Only one poster on this site has ever been subject to attack for posting racially provocative materials. That poster was Marc.

The site is what people make of it -- and we scrupulously work to enforce the rules posted to keep debate fair and sane.

In doing so -- we made some less than sane people really -- really, unhappy.

Rich brings up good points. At no time have I ever asked the moderators to refrain from having their voices heard. Of course, that didn't make as much of a difference when there were more people with more views participating. ( darn facebook) We all just blended in with the discussions.

The other topic that Rich brought back up is that of racism. That is such a difficult topic to deal with. The first question is, what defines racism? Different people will give different answers. From an admin perspective, how do we balance those varying views and still be fair? the site filter is a big help.

Personally, I rarely speak about race based issues. I am convinced it is a topic that is too difficult for any open web site.

In this town, and this site, we have had the issue of illegal immigration. Is it a race based issue? That answer depends on who you ask. The accusation toward this site can only come from discussions about that topic. Realistically, I think this site has been far more civil than most. I for one have never looked at II as a race based issue, and I know many who agree. Are we not supposed to talk about that issue? Everybody can agree that II has affected our tow in some way or another.

Are there a couple of posts about II that cross or walk the line? Probably. But that is a reflection of that participant and not the norm of discussions we have had. And for the record, I have invited the LLA to participate. It is important to have all views.