Reorganization meeting 1/2/11

[BrianSullivan]

It is that time of the year again for the annual reorganization meeting. It is Sunday January 2, 2011 at borough hall. This is always a popular meeting so if you plan on going, get there early for a seat. I will not be able to attend, but will try to get info up after the fact.

This years election day winners Kevin Kane and Jaye Sims will be sworn in after having run a a superior campaign. They will each begin a new three year term. This is certainly a good day for both of them and I am sure readers will join me in congratulating them and wishing them well.

On another note, we will likely see a new council president appointed. I will bet that George Schnurr will get that appointment. If that is the case, and in light of the fact that he is running for council again next year, I bet Geo gives us a very entertaining year- very reminiscent of a certain former councilman who we all love and adore. Being the colorful character that he is, El Presidente Geo will give us a wonderful year.

[dfx]

The ceremony is at 1pm, so 12:30-12:45 would be a good time to show up to get a seat.



dfx

[BrianSullivan]

Dan, a belated thanks for providing the time. I suppose that helps! I wish I could have been there, it is always a good and upbeat meeting.

Here is the agenda for those who missed it like I did.

www.freeholdboro.org/forms/agendas/Agenda%20reorg%20%201%202%2011.pdf

Two interesting notes, the appointments were made to the Citizen Budget review board that councilman Newman had introduced. They are:

Ronald DeMarco 1 year
Kevin Coyne 1 year
J. Nolan Higgins 1 year


Also, I understand that as I predicted, Geo is the Council President.

Good luck to El presidente Geo! I am sure he will give us an interesting year.

[richardkelsey]

The budget committee should have been larger -- per my original e-mail on the subject.

Since it is only 3, I would have shied away from a prior Democrat elected official as an appointee -- though Mr. Coyne is certainly a capable person.

Nolan Higgins was an outstanding choice.

[lisas84]

The reorg was very positive, optimistic. There was a great vibe in the room the entire time. There were some exciting projects offered by some of the council folk and it certainly appeared that all six council members and the mayor are fully ready to tackle any challenges that arise in 2011.

Now -- Brian, gotta ask: why the sarcasm about George? What's with the "El Presidente Geo" thingie? I'm just unclear is all.

[BrianSullivan]

Rich, I agree, more than three appointees would have been better and getting people without any partisan history would have been even better. I believe part of the spirit of this sort of initiative is to open up the government and empower the people. Though a pure non partisan group may be hard to get, appointees with more distance from either party are the ideal to appoint.

[BrianSullivan]

Jan 3, 2011 16:24:29 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

The reorg was very positive, optimistic. There was a great vibe in the room the entire time. There were some exciting projects offered by some of the council folk and it certainly appeared that all six council members and the mayor are fully ready to tackle any challenges that arise in 2011.

Now -- Brian, gotta ask: why the sarcasm about George? What's with the "El Presidente Geo" thingie? I'm just unclear is all.

Lisa, That is why I am sorry I missed it, this meeting is always a good and optimistic one. Definitely a good way to start the year.

AS far as our new El Presidente, he is just a fun kind of guy. I predict he will give us plenty of entertainment over they year. I can always tell when election season is upon us, Geo gets nuttier than a Snickers bar. Even this past election I had a run in with him and he was plain nuts. I am not going to go into detail because some of it has to do with private emails and I think it is low class to air out private emails. Even if I tried to explain, it would sound nuts. But, the way I figure it, Geo is going into year long campaign mode which means he will be a nut for a whole year. That is going to be fun! Heck, with people like him around, it gives this site reason to exist!

Oh yes, and I call him Geo because that was his screen name when he was for this site before he was against it.

[Mike Rosseel]

Jan 3, 2011 11:24:15 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

Dan, a belated thanks for providing the time. I suppose that helps! I wish I could have been there, it is always a good and upbeat meeting.

Here is the agenda for those who missed it like I did.

www.freeholdboro.org/forms/agendas/Agenda%20reorg%20%201%202%2011.pdf

Two interesting notes, the appointments were made to the Citizen Budget review board that councilman Newman had introduced. They are:

Ronald DeMarco 1 year
Kevin Coyne 1 year
J. Nolan Higgins 1 year


Also, I understand that as I predicted, Geo is the Council President.

Good luck to El presidente Geo! I am sure he will give us an interesting year.

With all due respect to the three gentlemen awarded to be on this committee, i disagree with Coyne. This is a clear example of keeping every committee politically tied. There should have been people selected with no history of political ties. I also agree 3 people is hardly enough, I would have went with 5 or 6. Again, this selection has me questioning the agenda of the officials to whom make these selections!

[lisas84]

Well, Brian, I was certainly not privy to any of that you mentioned. I do know that George is great to work with when it comes to press releases and related promo pieces to write. He is thorough and gives me outstanding direction.

And Mike - welcome back, friend! When it comes to this new committee, I think it's OK to start out small with this new concept of a committee -- see how it works and if it is indeed a viable group, then they can add more folks. Believe it or not, I actually do have a very strong conservative streak in me! On a related note, when I was at the reorg and saw this committee on the agenda, I was really thrilled for CouncilNewman as it represents the total fruition of something he conceptualized. He deserves to be very proud of himself and his role on FB council.

[BrianSullivan]

Jan 4, 2011 8:19:26 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Jan 3, 2011 11:24:15 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

Dan, a belated thanks for providing the time. I suppose that helps! I wish I could have been there, it is always a good and upbeat meeting.

Here is the agenda for those who missed it like I did.

www.freeholdboro.org/forms/agendas/Agenda%20reorg%20%201%202%2011.pdf

Two interesting notes, the appointments were made to the Citizen Budget review board that councilman Newman had introduced. They are:

Ronald DeMarco 1 year
Kevin Coyne 1 year
J. Nolan Higgins 1 year


Also, I understand that as I predicted, Geo is the Council President.

Good luck to El presidente Geo! I am sure he will give us an interesting year.

With all due respect to the three gentlemen awarded to be on this committee, i disagree with Coyne. This is a clear example of keeping every committee politically tied. There should have been people selected with no history of political ties. I also agree 3 people is hardly enough, I would have went with 5 or 6. Again, this selection has me questioning the agenda of the officials to whom make these selections!

I completely agree with your concerns. Kevin Coyne is a very decent and smart guy, but less political ties would be good. I don't know enough about the other two to comment on that. I am completely unfamiliar with Demarco, but I know Mr. Higgins is very well respected.


Lisa, You bring up good points. You are right to mention John. For a freshman councilman who is in the minority, he has had a very impressive first year. He has much to be proud of considering those circumstances.

[dfx]

Jan 4, 2011 8:05:20 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

Jan 3, 2011 16:24:29 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

The reorg was very positive, optimistic. There was a great vibe in the room the entire time. There were some exciting projects offered by some of the council folk and it certainly appeared that all six council members and the mayor are fully ready to tackle any challenges that arise in 2011.

Now -- Brian, gotta ask: why the sarcasm about George? What's with the "El Presidente Geo" thingie? I'm just unclear is all.

Lisa, That is why I am sorry I missed it, this meeting is always a good and optimistic one. Definitely a good way to start the year.

AS far as our new El Presidente, he is just a fun kind of guy. I predict he will give us plenty of entertainment over they year. I can always tell when election season is upon us, Geo gets nuttier than a Snickers bar. Even this past election I had a run in with him and he was plain nuts. I am not going to go into detail because some of it has to do with private emails and I think it is low class to air out private emails. Even if I tried to explain, it would sound nuts. But, the way I figure it, Geo is going into year long campaign mode which means he will be a nut for a whole year. That is going to be fun! Heck, with people like him around, it gives this site reason to exist!

Oh yes, and I call him Geo because that was his screen name when he was for this site before he was against it.

Brian -

I don't know of your personal interactions with Mr. Schnurr, but I've never noticed any "nutty" behavior. In my dealings with him, he's has been nothing but professional and courteous. If anything George may appear nutty because he's actually trying to do something - which can appear abnormal since most people believe politicians only rigorously pursue things when it personally benefits themselves.

Now I understand people will automatically discount my statement since I'm on the town's Democratic Committee and there's a belief that I have to be nice to George since we're all on the "same team". However anyone who truly knows me understands that I have no problem calling out people regardless of political party affiliation or personal family connections. (It's probably as a result of this candor that I often find myself at odds with people I deal with in other aspects of our town, but I digress.)

The fact of the matter is that if I did not believe Mr. Schnurr was a positive force in this town, I would not align myself with him.



dan x.

[Mike Rosseel]

Jan 4, 2011 9:21:55 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

Jan 4, 2011 8:19:26 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

With all due respect to the three gentlemen awarded to be on this committee, i disagree with Coyne. This is a clear example of keeping every committee politically tied. There should have been people selected with no history of political ties. I also agree 3 people is hardly enough, I would have went with 5 or 6. Again, this selection has me questioning the agenda of the officials to whom make these selections!

I completely agree with your concerns. Kevin Coyne is a very decent and smart guy, but less political ties would be good. I don't know enough about the other two to comment on that. I am completely unfamiliar with Demarco, but I know Mr. Higgins is very well respected.


Lisa, You bring up good points. You are right to mention John. For a freshman councilman who is in the minority, he has had a very impressive first year. He has much to be proud of considering those circumstances.

Im sure all three will do a good job. Nothing but respect for mr Higgins! Mr Demarco i have known for years and with his background and knowledge will be an excellent member. Mr Coyne, im sure is extremely intelligent, just alittle to close to the dems. Hopefully they will all do a wonderful job!

Also, much respect to Mr Newman, he truly has been a wonderful addition to the council and hope he keeps up the good work!

[BrianSullivan]

Jan 4, 2011 9:23:56 GMT -5 dfx said:

Jan 4, 2011 8:05:20 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

Lisa, That is why I am sorry I missed it, this meeting is always a good and optimistic one. Definitely a good way to start the year.

AS far as our new El Presidente, he is just a fun kind of guy. I predict he will give us plenty of entertainment over they year. I can always tell when election season is upon us, Geo gets nuttier than a Snickers bar. Even this past election I had a run in with him and he was plain nuts. I am not going to go into detail because some of it has to do with private emails and I think it is low class to air out private emails. Even if I tried to explain, it would sound nuts. But, the way I figure it, Geo is going into year long campaign mode which means he will be a nut for a whole year. That is going to be fun! Heck, with people like him around, it gives this site reason to exist!

Oh yes, and I call him Geo because that was his screen name when he was for this site before he was against it.

Brian -

I don't know of your personal interactions with Mr. Schnurr, but I've never noticed any "nutty" behavior. In my dealings with him, he's has been nothing but professional and courteous. If anything George may appear nutty because he's actually trying to do something - which can appear abnormal since most people believe politicians only rigorously pursue things when it personally benefits themselves.

Now I understand people will automatically discount my statement since I'm on the town's Democratic Committee and there's a belief that I have to be nice to George since we're all on the "same team". However anyone who truly knows me understands that I have no problem calling out people regardless of political party affiliation or personal family connections. (It's probably as a result of this candor that I often find myself at odds with people I deal with in other aspects of our town, but I digress.)

The fact of the matter is that if I did not believe Mr. Schnurr was a positive force in this town, I would not align myself with him.



dan x.

Committeeman or not, you are entitled to your opinions and I will not discount them. I know enough about Geo that there is merit for your support of him.

When he got appointed I thought it was good too. Geo does have energy and brains. But, my opinions have changed due to bad experiences, including an incident with him this year. I have come to the conclusion that the only good appointment the mayor has made was Jaye Sims. The other two were duds, in my opinion. I still like and respect several council members, so this should not be viewed as a party thing.

The bottom line, I have come to the conclusion that Geo is more interested in doing whats right for the Democrats than in what is good for Freehold. I know some will disagree with me, and that is fair enough. People are more an entitled. I also think he is a bridge burner, never a good thing for people on any side. I am well aware of some bridges he has burned through out town.

[dfx]

Fiscal Oversight Committee -

I like Mr. Newman's idea of a fiscal oversight committee, but I think having a committee composed of more than 3 people might get a bit unwieldy as everyone has an opinion when it comes to what spending priorities should be. (My fear would be that any committee greater than 3 people would suffer from paralysis via over analysis and ultimately lose effectiveness.)

As far as the members, I have never met Mr. DeMarco so I have no opinion on his appointment.

I've only met Mr. Coyne in passing so I don't know much about him either - though I do know he used to be a Democratic Councilman at some point. That said, I see his experience as both a positive & negative. The positive is that he should understand the in's & out's of all funding discussions and can help educate the other members of the committee. The negative would be that this committee is non-partisan and having a former Democrat or Republican as a member may give the impression that the committee is a political instrument - even if that's not the case.

The only person I can speak to is Mr. Higgins. I have had the pleasure of knowing Nolan Higgins through the Freehold Fire Department and he is an excellent choice. Aside from his character and standing in the community, he is a successful businessman and cares very deeply about Freehold Borough. I have no idea of his political affiliation and that's a GOOD thing.



dfx

[dfx]

Jan 4, 2011 9:34:58 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

Jan 4, 2011 9:23:56 GMT -5 dfx said:

Brian -

I don't know of your personal interactions with Mr. Schnurr, but I've never noticed any "nutty" behavior. In my dealings with him, he's has been nothing but professional and courteous. If anything George may appear nutty because he's actually trying to do something - which can appear abnormal since most people believe politicians only rigorously pursue things when it personally benefits themselves.

Now I understand people will automatically discount my statement since I'm on the town's Democratic Committee and there's a belief that I have to be nice to George since we're all on the "same team". However anyone who truly knows me understands that I have no problem calling out people regardless of political party affiliation or personal family connections. (It's probably as a result of this candor that I often find myself at odds with people I deal with in other aspects of our town, but I digress.)

The fact of the matter is that if I did not believe Mr. Schnurr was a positive force in this town, I would not align myself with him.



dan x.

Committeeman or not, you are entitled to your opinions and I will not discount them. I know enough about Geo that there is merit for your support of him.

When he got appointed I thought it was good too. Geo does have energy and brains. But, my opinions have changed due to bad experiences, including an incident with him this year. I have come to the conclusion that the only good appointment the mayor has made was Jaye Sims. The other two were duds, in my opinion. I still like and respect several council members, so this should not be viewed as a party thing.

The bottom line, I have come to the conclusion that Geo is more interested in doing whats right for the Democrats than in what is good for Freehold. I know some will disagree with me, and that is fair enough. People are more an entitled. I also think he is a bridge burner, never a good thing for people on any side. I am well aware of some bridges he has burned through out town.

Brian -

Since I've only lived in Freehold Borough since 2005 and been politically active since 2007-2008, can you give me some background? Which candidates have been appointed as opposed to being elected?

Marc LeVine - appointed
Jaye Sims - appointed/elected
George Shnurr - appointed/elected
Mike DiBenedetto - ?
Sharon Shutzer - ?/elected
John Newman - elected
Kevin Coyne - ?

Am I forgetting anyone?

dfx

[BrianSullivan]

Brian -

Since I've only lived in Freehold Borough since 2005 and been politically active since 2007-2008, can you give me some background? Which candidates have been appointed as opposed to being elected?

Marc LeVine - appointed
Jaye Sims - appointed/elected
George Shnurr - appointed/elected
Mike DiBenedetto - ?
Sharon Shutzer - ?/elected
John Newman - elected
Kevin Coyne - ?

Am I forgetting anyone?

dfx




I was speaking of Sims, Le Vine, and Shnurr. Mike D. and Kevin Kane I am not sure of either. If they were appointed before being elected, I did not mean to hint toward them. I do like and respect both of those gentlemen. And again, I like Sims , Shutzer and Newman. I just don't like Geo.

[dfx]

Brian -

What has George done to you and what bridges has he burned?

- Did he take an opposing stance on an issue?
- Did he insult you on a personal level?
- Do you both disagree on a future vision for the town?
- Do you simply want to see his position replaced on the council by a Republican in order to add more "balance"?

If this is a subject you feel uncomfortable with discussing in a public forum, you don't have to answer. But you alluded to something in your messages and now I'm curious...


dfx

[BrianSullivan]

Brian -

What has George done to you and what bridges has he burned?

- Did he take an opposing stance on an issue?
- Did he insult you on a personal level?
- Do you both disagree on a future vision for the town?
- Do you simply want to see his position replaced on the council by a Republican in order to add more "balance"?

If this is a subject you feel uncomfortable with discussing in a public forum, you don't have to answer. But you alluded to something in your messages and now I'm curious...


dfx

Dan, I know I didn't go into details, I am simply saying I don't like the guy. I will touch upon your questions.

Did he take an opposing stance on an issue

No to that. I would NEVER hold it agaisnt anyone for disagreement or stance on an issue. As a matter of fact, I consider diagreements healthy. I ahve disagree with Geo o a few issues, but I would not hold that against him.

Did he insult you on a personal level?

This is where the problem lies and why I simply say I do not like him. He has burned a personal bridge with me and I will not go not specifics on personal things, I believe they have no place in a public forum dedicated to the common good. This is why my opinion ahs been kept very simple and without lengthy discussion.

Do you both disagree on a future vision for the town?

I have no idea. Ironically, I bet we share a similar vision and likely agree on many things. This is the shame and why I keep harping on elected leaders who wouldburn bridges for dumb reasons. We need to work together in this town if we are to progress together. Unity in our community is what we need and will not happen unless it starts at the top.

Do you simply want to see his position replaced on the council by a Republican in order to add more "balance

Absolutely not. Screw balance. A republican for the sake of a republican is dumb and does not get my support. If a republican gets up there, it has to be earned and for the right reasons. In other words, they have to show us, the voters, some better ideas. I always hear people say we need fresh faces and ideas. It is a good sentiment, but at least in the case of this past election, we sure didn't see them, did we? In my opinion, the republican party really needs to get its act together if they want moer people up there. The fact is, most of the Dems are good people, with a tough job, who care about this town.

I always harp on the bridge burner thing. Look at Newman's election. He is not a bridge burner and ran on ideas. The two people who he beat have reps as bridge burners. I believe that, then and now, proved my point.

[BrianSullivan]

Jan 4, 2011 10:16:21 GMT -5 dfx said:

Jan 4, 2011 9:34:58 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

Committeeman or not, you are entitled to your opinions and I will not discount them. I know enough about Geo that there is merit for your support of him.

When he got appointed I thought it was good too. Geo does have energy and brains. But, my opinions have changed due to bad experiences, including an incident with him this year. I have come to the conclusion that the only good appointment the mayor has made was Jaye Sims. The other two were duds, in my opinion. I still like and respect several council members, so this should not be viewed as a party thing.

The bottom line, I have come to the conclusion that Geo is more interested in doing whats right for the Democrats than in what is good for Freehold. I know some will disagree with me, and that is fair enough. People are more an entitled. I also think he is a bridge burner, never a good thing for people on any side. I am well aware of some bridges he has burned through out town.

Brian -

Since I've only lived in Freehold Borough since 2005 and been politically active since 2007-2008, can you give me some background? Which candidates have been appointed as opposed to being elected?

Marc LeVine - appointed
Jaye Sims - appointed/elected
George Shnurr - appointed/elected
Mike DiBenedetto - ?
Sharon Shutzer - ?/elected
John Newman - elected
Kevin Coyne - ?

Am I forgetting anyone?

dfx

a bit of research........

Coyne - Appointed in 2001
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2001-01-03/Front_Page/06.html

Coyne replaced George Kelder, who was appointed in 1995
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2000-12-20/Front_Page/01.html

Kane - Elected in 2001 - ran against Daesener
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2001-07-03/Front_Page/020.html

Michael Toubin - won as a republican, then changed parties

Robert Crawford - beat Levine in 1996

Wilson - appointed as Mayor

[Mike Rosseel]

Jan 4, 2011 12:11:15 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

Brian -

What has George done to you and what bridges has he burned?

- Did he take an opposing stance on an issue?
- Did he insult you on a personal level?
- Do you both disagree on a future vision for the town?
- Do you simply want to see his position replaced on the council by a Republican in order to add more "balance"?

If this is a subject you feel uncomfortable with discussing in a public forum, you don't have to answer. But you alluded to something in your messages and now I'm curious...


dfx

Dan, I know I didn't go into details, I am simply saying I don't like the guy. I will touch upon your questions.

Did he take an opposing stance on an issue

No to that. I would NEVER hold it agaisnt anyone for disagreement or stance on an issue. As a matter of fact, I consider diagreements healthy. I ahve disagree with Geo o a few issues, but I would not hold that against him.

Did he insult you on a personal level?

This is where the problem lies and why I simply say I do not like him. He has burned a personal bridge with me and I will not go not specifics on personal things, I believe they have no place in a public forum dedicated to the common good. This is why my opinion ahs been kept very simple and without lengthy discussion.

Do you both disagree on a future vision for the town?

I have no idea. Ironically, I bet we share a similar vision and likely agree on many things. This is the shame and why I keep harping on elected leaders who wouldburn bridges for dumb reasons. We need to work together in this town if we are to progress together. Unity in our community is what we need and will not happen unless it starts at the top.

Do you simply want to see his position replaced on the council by a Republican in order to add more "balance

Absolutely not. Screw balance. A republican for the sake of a republican is dumb and does not get my support. If a republican gets up there, it has to be earned and for the right reasons. In other words, they have to show us, the voters, some better ideas. I always hear people say we need fresh faces and ideas. It is a good sentiment, but at least in the case of this past election, we sure didn't see them, did we? In my opinion, the republican party really needs to get its act together if they want moer people up there. The fact is, most of the Dems are good people, with a tough job, who care about this town.

I always harp on the bridge burner thing. Look at Newman's election. He is not a bridge burner and ran on ideas. The two people who he beat have reps as bridge burners. I believe that, then and now, proved my point.

Love the Unity in the Community phrase!!!!!!!!!

I understand what Brian is saying and respect it! personally i like George, I think he has been involved in a lot and has done his job! I think for the most part they have all done there job, except 2, no mention of who they are. Some better then others. I will say this though, i applaud john newman the most! He has not jumped on wagons or listened to his creator! He was done what "HE" thinks is best for Freehold! That takes a lot of courage and deserves a lot of praise!

My point is people, residents need to get more involved. Through party lines out the window and be like watch dogs over our town! MAke sure the right decisions are being made and make sure the right people are making them. That will have us heading in the right direction!

[dfx]

I understand what Brian is saying and respect it! personally i like George, I think he has been involved in a lot and has done his job! I think for the most part they have all done there job, except 2, no mention of who they are.

Come on now Mike, you've never been one to hold back. Don't start now...


dfx

[Mike Rosseel]

Jan 4, 2011 12:35:55 GMT -5 dfx said:

I understand what Brian is saying and respect it! personally i like George, I think he has been involved in a lot and has done his job! I think for the most part they have all done there job, except 2, no mention of who they are.

Come on now Mike, you've never been one to hold back. Don't start now...


dfx

Your so right!! haha! but this year im turning over a new leaf, no more political non-sense just focused on positivity! I dont wish to name these 2 but i think if u think hard you can figure it out!

Happy New Year by the way!

[lisas84]

Brian and Mike -- I do love that phrase too: Unity in the Community -- howsabout "CommUnity?" Kinda catchy and I think I'm going to use it a lot...

[richardkelsey]

Is this the year the Mayor is up?

If so, any indication on whether or not he intends to run?

[BrianSullivan]

Jan 4, 2011 15:18:01 GMT -5 richardkelsey said:

Is this the year the Mayor is up?

If so, any indication on whether or not he intends to run?

The mayor is up this year. Not sure what he is doing. If he does run, maybe he can borrow Lisa's CommUnity line?

[lisas84]

Ha ha, Brian! Actually, that's for the entire borough... or any other town or community entity that wants to use it. It's not political, it's about making people feel good and optimistic.

[dfx]

Jan 4, 2011 10:08:27 GMT -5 dfx said:

Fiscal Oversight Committee -

I like Mr. Newman's idea of a fiscal oversight committee, but I think having a committee composed of more than 3 people might get a bit unwieldy as everyone has an opinion when it comes to what spending priorities should be. (My fear would be that any committee greater than 3 people would suffer from paralysis via over analysis and ultimately lose effectiveness.)

As far as the members, I have never met Mr. DeMarco so I have no opinion on his appointment.

I've only met Mr. Coyne in passing so I don't know much about him either - though I do know he used to be a Democratic Councilman at some point. That said, I see his experience as both a positive & negative. The positive is that he should understand the in's & out's of all funding discussions and can help educate the other members of the committee. The negative would be that this committee is non-partisan and having a former Democrat or Republican as a member may give the impression that the committee is a political instrument - even if that's not the case.

The only person I can speak to is Mr. Higgins. I have had the pleasure of knowing Nolan Higgins through the Freehold Fire Department and he is an excellent choice. Aside from his character and standing in the community, he is a successful businessman and cares very deeply about Freehold Borough. I have no idea of his political affiliation and that's a GOOD thing.



dfx

I just learned that Mr. DeMarco was the former Republican party chairman.

freehold.injersey.com/2011/01/03/citizen-budget-committee-appointed-in-freehold/#more-17783

Since it appears that the committee is made-up of equal parts - 1 Democrat, 1 Republican, and 1 non-affiliated (I'm assuming) - I'm ok with the selections.


dfx

[BrianSullivan]

Jan 4, 2011 20:34:22 GMT -5 dfx said:

Jan 4, 2011 10:08:27 GMT -5 dfx said:

Fiscal Oversight Committee -

I like Mr. Newman's idea of a fiscal oversight committee, but I think having a committee composed of more than 3 people might get a bit unwieldy as everyone has an opinion when it comes to what spending priorities should be. (My fear would be that any committee greater than 3 people would suffer from paralysis via over analysis and ultimately lose effectiveness.)

As far as the members, I have never met Mr. DeMarco so I have no opinion on his appointment.

I've only met Mr. Coyne in passing so I don't know much about him either - though I do know he used to be a Democratic Councilman at some point. That said, I see his experience as both a positive & negative. The positive is that he should understand the in's & out's of all funding discussions and can help educate the other members of the committee. The negative would be that this committee is non-partisan and having a former Democrat or Republican as a member may give the impression that the committee is a political instrument - even if that's not the case.

The only person I can speak to is Mr. Higgins. I have had the pleasure of knowing Nolan Higgins through the Freehold Fire Department and he is an excellent choice. Aside from his character and standing in the community, he is a successful businessman and cares very deeply about Freehold Borough. I have no idea of his political affiliation and that's a GOOD thing.



dfx

I just learned that Mr. DeMarco was the former Republican party chairman.

freehold.injersey.com/2011/01/03/citizen-budget-committee-appointed-in-freehold/#more-17783

Since it appears that the committee is made-up of equal parts - 1 Democrat, 1 Republican, and 1 non-affiliated (I'm assuming) - I'm ok with the selections.


dfx

Dan, thank you for the follow up and pointing this out. This is relevant to our previous discussions and provides a good piece of the puzzle. Though I am sure that politics will not likely be a huge factor in this group, I would personally still be more comfortable with people who were more distant from either party. But as I have said, in a small town that might be tough to get.

The bottom line is that this committee is formed, up and running, which is a good thing. I don't know anything about De Marco, but both of the others are people with very good reps.

[johnfnewman]

I originally proposed six people, with each council person selected one member (with the mayor having no role in the selection). At the meeting, the idea came forth for a smaller number with the mayor appointing the members - upon the advice and consent of the governing body.

Regardless of the number, this will be an interesting experiment for the boro. The committee will hopefully come back with cost-saving advice for the borough. Perhaps, it will even come back with recommendations for its own future structure. So, back to the issue of the number of members, three is good for now, and if it seems that more is needed in the future, the next resolution can have a higher number.

The Budget Advisory Committee idea has gone through its own little history. My original proposal also suggested the committee being organized through a resolution; it was suggested that it be done through an ordinance; and it was finally done through resolution.

As a resolution, the committee is not a standing committee. It has a definite start and end date. If it is successful, it will certainly be back again.

As to the current membership, I think the mayor struck a very fair balance. I had heard no one question the choice of any of the proposed members, and I only heard support for these three gentlemen. I have no doubt that these three men will be looking out for the interests of the taxpayer, and not the interests of any political parties.

As a member of the Finance Committee, I look forward to working with them and hearing their concerns and ultimate recommendations.

[BrianSullivan]

AS always, a very nice write up from the NT. Take the time to read it. I just have one comment..

Congrats, good luck and prayers to Jaye Sims and his wife. They are expecting twins! This was good news to share during a good meeting.

newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2011-01-12/Front_Page/Officials_pledge_best_effort_for_Freehold_during_2.html