|
|
Post by admin on Jul 12, 2007 18:15:22 GMT -5
As with last year, I am trying to get all three of this years council candidates to participate on this site. I figure it will be an uphill battle after the march incident.
I sent an email to Joe Liguari and Jaye Sims. I asked Jaye to forward my request to councilman Kane because I do not know how to reach him.
I have made offers to make special accommodations so that any of them who choose to participate will be comfortable in doing so. Part of that request is that they sign up as registered users. That does not mean that they support the PEOPLE group or any other views on this forum.
Should any of the candidates choose to communicate with us here, I ask that site users carry themselves in a decent way. Let us give them incentive to be here.
Ask your questions, share your concerns, but do so in a way that is respectable.
As with last year, I, the admin, will not endorse any candidate on this site.
|
|
|
|
Post by richardkelsey on Sept 26, 2007 9:07:20 GMT -5
Why not offer to host a Debate hosted by the PEOPLE organization?
Set it in mid October, rent a room, and let the candidates debate the issues.
|
|
|
|
Post by admin on Oct 12, 2007 4:12:53 GMT -5
www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071012/NEWS01/710120429/1004/NEWS013 vying for 2 seats in Freehold Quality of life, taxes key issues in Borough Council election Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 10/12/07 BY NICK PETRUNCIO FREEHOLD BUREAU FREEHOLD — Illegal immigration, overcrowding, absentee landlords and property taxes are some of the issues the three Borough Council candidates believe, either individually or collectively, are the most pressing in the borough. There are two three-year seats available on the governing body. Councilmen Kevin Kane and Jaye Sims are seeking re-election on Nov. 6, and challenger Ted Miller officially announced his candidacy in a news release Sept. 23, replacing Joseph Ligouri on the ballot. The six-member council and the mayor are all Democrats. Miller is running as a Republican. Miller, 46, said he is running to challenge the status quo by bringing new ideas. "It's like that Led Zeppelin song. The song remains the same; only the faces change," said Miller, adding that the council needs to think "outside the box," especially when it comes to seeking revenue to ease the tax burden on homeowners. Miller said the borough needs to work to attract businesses, and said he wants to establish a Business and Economic Development Advisory Committee to do this. Other issues he noted were immigration and education. "I share a clear passion for our schools, seek strong prosecution of illegal rentals, support appropriate implementation of 287(g) and champion the first-class quality of life issues that all residents face every day," Miller said in the release. Section 287(g) of the federal immigration statute gives non-federal police agencies, with training, immigrantion enforcement authority. Miller grew up in Brooklyn and moved to the borough eight years ago. He has no previous government service experience but said his experience in business will make up for this. Sims, 32, said there are two top issues in the borough right now: immigration and taxes. He said the former calls for enforcement. "We have to keep enforcing our local ordinances and having our code enforcement beef up on their inspections," Sims said. The borough, which has a significant population of illegal immigrants, has had code enforcement problems such as overcrowding in rental properties and landlord absenteeism. On taxes, Sims said the borough, being the county seat, loses a great deal of ratables because of tax-exempt government property. "Hopefully, we'll be able to bring in some restaurants and other businesses to bring our tax rate down" for homeowners, Sims said, also noting the borough is working on a vision plan for the downtown. In his sixth year on the council, Kane is the panel's current president. He sees immigration as the top local issue, one that has driven a wedge in the community. "The problem is the divide that's being created in the town by the extreme radicals on both sides of the immigration issue, and the council is stuck in the middle" between those who want illegal immigrants deported and those who want to give them amnesty, said Kane, 50. "It's an issue we can't control. It's a Washington issue," Kane said, noting that various municipalities' steps to take action have been struck down by the courts. "You're trying to work on behalf of the taxpayers, but the courts aren't letting you. "We need to focus on the things we can control, and in my opinion it's the overcrowding," he said, noting other challenges are to enforce rules against "slum landlords" and ensure that only borough children are educated in borough schools. Moreover, he said other communities "pawn off" their state obligation to provide affordable housing on the borough through Regional Contribution Agreements. Kane believes RCAs should be eliminated and housing for the "cheap labor force" should be spread out among municipalities in the county. Kane, a borough native, said the town is fully built out, meaning there is no more room for homes. "We're just inundated right now. 14,000 people can't go into 11,000 spots." Kane noted that the town has had a history of diversity and is still diverse today. To shore up the divide, he said he'd like to see a multicultural festival in town. Mayor Michael Wilson, 57, of 1 Brookwood Drive, is running unopposed for re-election.
|
|
|
|
Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Oct 12, 2007 6:49:05 GMT -5
for the record, I am 48!
|
|
bergsteiger
Full Member
War is simple, direct, and ruthless
Posts: 1,189
|
Post by bergsteiger on Oct 12, 2007 7:11:02 GMT -5
"The problem is the divide that's being created in the town by the extreme radicals on both sides of the immigration issue, and the council is stuck in the middle" between those who want illegal immigrants deported and those who want to give them amnesty, said Kane, 50. So Kane believes wanting to enforce the law is extremely radical, Hummm.  |
|
|
|
Post by Libyan Sibyl on Oct 12, 2007 7:15:24 GMT -5
These articles are always too short. However, a few things I note: Sims admits that the borough has no vision for the downtown. Rest assured, however, they are "working on it." His idea is... more restaurants. Kane admits that the borough council made mistakes through RCAs. But this is something that is done. The borough made deals with other towns to take their RCAs, and we are stuck with them. Here is a good synopsis from another forum on another website: The track record is clear, and shows [adjective edited out] unthinkable fiscal irresponsibility towards public schools by the Mayor and council. The RCA Funded RUG Mill has taxed (pardon the pun) the Boro Schools with over 50 additional students, many of who have special needs. Today the Rug Mill Tower is costing the Boro schools well over $500,000.00. At the same time the bargain Payment in Lieu of Tax revenue generated by the RUG MILL brings in zero ratable for the BORO, and will continue to generate zero dollars for the boro in the foreseeable future. The posters provides a link to a COAH (Coalition on Affordable Housing) stat page (http://www.state.nj.us/dca/coah/annualreport/2002_2003.pdf). It shows that the borough has accepted 565 RCAs in the past. www.nj.com/forums/freehold/index.ssf?artid=2110Kane also thinks that people who want illegals deported are "radicals": "The problem is the divide that's being created in the town by the extreme radicals on both sides of the immigration issue, and the council is stuck in the middle" between those who want illegal immigrants deported and those who want to give them amnesty, said Kane, 50. Kane's great idea summing up the article is a multi-cultural festival, the romans called this "panem et circenses," bread and circuses. (Anyone unfamiliar with this term, think what the emperor does in "Gladiator" by putting on 100 days of festivals to appease the roman citizens) I have no doubts that Kane reads this website from some of his opinions expressed: like only borough kids being educated in the schools. The question is what have they been doing about this, and what they intend to do. I would like to hear that answer. I hope the answer is not something that says they haven't done anything because their hands are tied. Miller wants to establish a committee regarding the downtown to bring in more businesses. Another committee doesn't sound great, but we really need to wrest power from the FCP. In all fairness, I think all the candidates need to spell things out. These articles may have done them justice, maybe not. I do think we need new blood, but, Mssrs Miller, Kane and Sims, I still want to hear more in the way of explanations of policy. I think a lot of other people do too. |
|
|
|
Post by richardkelsey on Oct 12, 2007 9:11:57 GMT -5
In 1987 or 88, I attended a Council meeting and spoke on the issue of accepting funds and low income housing obligations from surrounding Towns -- which in my view were trying to segregate what they viewed as their poor and undesirable citizens by dumping them in the Borough. I opposed that concept as bad for Freehold. Nice to see the Borough still getting it wrong 19 years later.
It is a bit ironic, I think, that foreign countries are following the lead of the Marlboro's of the world and also exporting their poor to Freehold Borough.
I am sure this will be seen as "political propoganda" by some -- but its just factual.
|
|
|
|
Post by pricewepay on Oct 12, 2007 12:07:38 GMT -5
According to Jaye Sims the Council is working on a vision for downtown. As long as they keep working on it, that will solve the problem. My question is - when will this vision become public ? Also where is the input coming from ? If the past is any example, we can't expect much. Also, both Kane and Syms talk about the illegal immigration problem. but only Miller backs implementing 287g. Kane and Sims offer much of the same.I hope the voters of Freehold wake up.
|
|
|
|
Post by Libyan Sibyl on Oct 12, 2007 12:43:24 GMT -5
Wrong. The Mayor formally made the request to the County (where 287g belongs) and Chief Roth is following through with the County Police Chiefs to push for it. We will continue to pursue this. The Feds have the last word on whether to approve all these requests, anyway. Morristown is still waiting. How long should it take to get a yes or no? Marc I think the point is that many think that 287 belongs here as well as at the county, state and federal levels. And I would rather apply now and wait, then apply later and wait even longer. With that said, I hope the mayor and council are writing on a regular basis to get implentation at the county level. It makes absolutely no sense to me why this isn't the law of the land. |
|
|
|
Post by pricewepay on Oct 12, 2007 14:44:28 GMT -5
My response was to the article in the paper. If Kane and Sims support implementing 287g why didn't they say so. If my memory is right, when implementing 287g was first suggested, the mayor was not that supporting. Also why didn't the mayor look into implementing 287 years ago ? That would be leadership, something this mayor has not provided for years.
|
|
fbrepublican
Novice
President Reagan was a great optimist, our town should be too
Posts: 40
|
Post by fbrepublican on Oct 12, 2007 16:33:42 GMT -5
"The problem is the divide that's being created in the town by the extreme radicals on both sides of the immigration issue, and the council is stuck in the middle" between those who want illegal immigrants deported and those who want to give them amnesty, said Kane, 50.
This is a terrible choice of words. I would expect that a member of the Freehold Borough Council would watch what he says after that little March 6 incident. How dare he call people who have legitimate concerns, on both sides of the equation, radical extremists!
Strike one, Kane!
If he has a problem with being stuck in the middle, he should not be running. It is what he signed up for.
|
|
fbrepublican
Novice
President Reagan was a great optimist, our town should be too
Posts: 40
|
Post by fbrepublican on Oct 12, 2007 16:39:34 GMT -5
My response was to the article in the paper. If Kane and Sims support implementing 287g why didn't they say so. If my memory is right, when implementing 287g was first suggested, the mayor was not that supporting. Also why didn't the mayor look into implementing 287 years ago ? That would be leadership, something this mayor has not provided for years. You nailed it. Ted brought the program up at a council meeting several months ago. It was even in the News Transcript. The governing body did put out some very weak comments. They should have at least shown interest and tried for it. They waited until others acted. That is not what leaders do. If they were serious about getting into this lawful and legal program, they would have acted a long time ago and demonstrated a bit more heart. They failed to lead on this issue. |
|
|
|
Post by casualreader on Oct 19, 2007 9:04:20 GMT -5
Freehold Borough Community:
Brian dude wants this to be a board where political debating is possible. He wants Council candidates and the Mayor to post here.
Given the lack of legitimacy and integrity of this board with regard to CENSORSHIP -- I would advise all political candidates and public officials to boycott this board.
It has no integrity. Brian dude has shown that time and time again.
It can be a Lot of Laughs but it is not a legitimate vehicle for debate and dissent.
Casually Advising Public Officials to Stay Away
|
|
|
|
Post by richardkelsey on Oct 19, 2007 9:33:09 GMT -5
Given the lack of legitimacy and integrity of this board with regard to CENSORSHIP -- I would advise all political candidates and public officials to boycott this board. Your entitled to your opinion -- however it would be helpful to us at the site to better understand your complaints about "Censorship" if you would provide specific examples. We do censor certain word usages and language -- consistent with our posted guidelines. we do not, however, censor political opinions based on ideology. Prior to the new posting rules, we also banned people for breaking our rules -- though almost all of those bans were for posting as multiple personalities for the purpose of disrupting the Board. Many posters with view diametrically opposed to other posters have been permitted to post those opinions -- yours included. No one disagrees more with this board than poster "Carlos -- yet his actual views remain on the Board. (He has been banned for rule violations) You can help this Board by identifying specifics -- which will allow us to consider the legitimacy of complaints -- and perhaps even clarify why a post or poster ran afoul of the rules. |
|
|
|
Post by casualreader on Oct 19, 2007 10:00:45 GMT -5
Kelso dude:
I have given several examples of entire threads deleted.
See my earlier posts.
The "Ted Miller is an Illegal Alien" thread was completely removed. Why? I still believe he is an illegal alien and he is running for office.
The "Levine and Miller: Evil Alliance" thread was removed. Why? It was political speculation. They are public officials.
No explanation has been given. Can you offer an explanation -- Brian has not.
Casually Inquiring
|
|
|
|
Post by richardkelsey on Oct 19, 2007 10:30:24 GMT -5
Kelso dude: I have given several examples of entire threads deleted. See my earlier posts. The "Ted Miller is an Illegal Alien" thread was completely removed. Why? I still believe he is an illegal alien and he is running for office. The "Levine and Miller: Evil Alliance" thread was removed. Why? It was political speculation. They are public officials. No explanation has been given. Can you offer an explanation -- Brian has not. Casually Inquiring I don't know why either thread was removed. I am sure Brian will chime in. I will tell you that I almost deleted your thread on Ted Miller is an illegal alien because I thought it came close to the line. I decided that because of the way you wrote it -- reported a "source" that I would let it stay. Perhaps Brian thought differently. I did not post on this issue -- but I will say that i thought your thread was completely different because it accused Mr. Miller of actually being illegal. I do think the big issue on Mr. Reyes -- and any other appointee -- is that Council doesn't seem to ask or care. I am not aware of anyone here specifically accusing Mr. Reyes of being an "illegal." The question was first raised as to appointments, and the second question was raised with respect to his suspected status. The silence on that status continued to raise more questions and, naturally, raises additional suspicions. Anyway -- I let the threads stay. They were both obviously non-sense threads. (You can ask Mr. Miller his status if you like -- and I am sure he will answer) Neither of those threads -- I believe -- constituted the type of serious debate on issues you seem to thirst for -- and accuse the site of not permitting. (I think those threads belong in Humor, myself) Maybe we can start a "questions for the candidates" page. You can ask Mr. Miller if he is here legally -- or anything else you would like. I think he has answered the question -- though he has not demanded any proof of lawful citizenship. (I assume he will have to in order to serve as an elected official. I suspect Mr. Miller and the GOP are not trying to slip an illegal into elected office in Freehold -- but you have the right to ask) In fact -- the entire issue of appointment of non-residents and non-citizens too is well debated in one thread -- with many different viewpoints. My personal view is to let opinions sit -- unless they flagrantly violate our posted rules. We sure have so real suspect views sit out here for people to read -- and that's the way it should be. |
|
|
|
Post by casualreader on Oct 19, 2007 11:08:33 GMT -5
Kelso Dude:
Well thank you for the response -- but honestly I do not care whether you like the posts or not. Whether you think they are nonsense or not.
Your job as moderator should not be to sit in judgment by using the delete key.
I disagree with your thoughts on the Reyes matter and its treatment here and I do not think the issues are substantially different.
I do think --given your answer -- that you understand your role.
If I were the moderator I would have to hold my nose when reading many of your posts but I would still not delete them. This common sense seems NOT to have rubbed off on Brian Dude.
Casually Replying
|
|
|
|
Post by richardkelsey on Oct 19, 2007 11:30:54 GMT -5
Your job as moderator should not be to sit in judgment by using the delete key. The job as moderator is for me to enforce these rules -- most of which are objectively measured. But not all. There are at least two rules that the posts very well may have run afoul of. I did not delete them -- but that was my judgment -- which is not at all final on this site. I will highlight both of those important aspects of the rules. Casual -- we both know that you are not upset about the deletion of your satirical post alleging that Mr. Miller is an illegal. What's amiss? 1. This site is equipped with a filter which allows administration to censor certain words. Foul language or racist language is not tolerated. The filter will take care of most of these issues. No race baiting. 2. Please avoid double posts. Post in the correct topic. Keep topics on the subject as per thread title. 3. Opinions on the open forum are not necessarily that of PEOPLE. 4. We do discuss public figures and events. It is advisable that participants not engage in character assassination or personal attacks. Keep comments and opinion focused on actions and words of the subject. 5. If posting an article such as an email or without a link, please indicate that. 6. Participants will not be penalized for having differing views from others. 7. Illegal activities may not be promoted. This includes, violence, revolution, threats on life or property, or other blatant violations of the law. Unintentional ideas may be forgiven. 8. Administration of this site welcomes suggestion, but reserves the right to make all final decisions. This includes permanent and temporary bans on users and deletion of posts. Violators will be notified accordingly. 9. These rules are subject to change with proper notification given. 10. Conduct yourself in a way that reflects our town in a positive light. That does not mean that we avoid tough subjects, just keep it sane and keep it Freehold Borough.11. Guest users are asked to pick a name and stick to it. User signing on as guest can cause confusion 12. Under no circumstances should a guest post using another persons name. 13. All Posts should be legible and in English |
|
|
|
Post by admin on Nov 1, 2007 17:12:02 GMT -5
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2007/1031/Front_page/019.htmlKane, Sims, Miller bid for seats on Freehold council BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer FREEHOLD - Three residents are running for two seats on the Borough Council in the Nov. 6 election. Incumbent Democratic councilmen Kevin Kane and Jaye Sims are seeking three-year terms. They are being challenged for a seat by Republican Ted Miller. At present, all six seats on the council and the mayor's office are held by Democrats. Kane, 50, is completing his second three-year term and is serving as council president in 2007. He said he is running for re-election because he believes he still has a lot of work to do in addressing issues of importance in the municipality. He said the No. 1 priority for officials is to gain control of the number of people who live in town. "Whatever the capacity of the borough is, that's the only number we can house," Kane said. He also wants to continue to promote the positive things that occur in Freehold and is awaiting the completion of a downtown vision study. Sims, 32, has served on the council since June 2006. He said his work on the governing body is not done. "I want to serve and I care a great deal about what goes on in Freehold Borough," Sims said, adding that property taxes and the impact of illegal immigration on the town are issues to be addressed over the coming years. "We have to find a way to bridge the gap between the cultures in our town," said Sims, who is the council's liaison to the Human Relations Committee and the Community Information Committee. He has asked residents to come to those committee meetings and to discuss issues that concern them. Sims also said he wants to work on bringing more manpower and donations to the Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad. Miller, 48, is running for a seat on the council to add a new voice for what he calls the "first class quality of life" that he said all homeowners, investors and like-minded residents desire. Miller said he supports the borough's public schools and believes they are an essential part of the quality of life in town. He said government needs new energy. "It's not just about the downtown anymore. It's about the 12,000 people who live here," he said. Miller said there is a potential to lessen the burden of escalating real estate taxes by establishing a business and economic development advisory committee. He believes Freehold needs "venues that assure accountable pathways from municipal property tax relief through creative, growth- structured revenue streams and municipal cost downs, not cutbacks."
|
|
|
|
Post by Libyan Sibyl on Nov 2, 2007 12:02:39 GMT -5
Anyone get the Democrat fliers? it says they have: Vision Plan for the aesthetic & economic viability of the downtown Sims admitted they are working on the vision plan. Kane says they are awaiting a paid study on "their" vision plan. The Mayor has been in office for 26 years. Make your own conclusions... |
|
|
|
Post by stffgpr2003 on Nov 2, 2007 13:20:32 GMT -5
I equate the Vision Study with a business plan. "Visions" change with the times and must be revisted, periodically. Here is a professional answer regarding business plan revisions:
Question: When do you revise a plan?
Answer: You need to revise a plan regularly, like steering a car or walking, both of which are constant small course corrections; but you also need to stick to a strategy consistently for two to three years at least to see it working.
There have been earlier Vision Studies. Looking ahead from 1980 - 1990 was much different than looking ahead from 2000 and beyond. Times change (e.g. no Mall prior to 1991). Needs change. Visions must change. The study should be looking at Freehold 2007/8 and beyond.
It is appropriate that this study be conducted now and again in the future - by experts, who do this for a living. Do you know what kind of studies and measurements go into such a plan? It's much more sophisticated than..."put this over here and that over there."
Even in my field - companies can hire their own people. But, I can do it better! My results are based on specialized experience and focussed study in my field.
My mother in law just bought a condo in Monroe Twp. We hired a home inspector, eventhough the association takes care of the entire exterior of the home. The inspector examined the condo with a finetooth comb and found a few things we missed. These things were repaired by the owner before the sale was complete. Expert analysis - money well spent!
The Vision study was paid for with a grant - even better!!
Once we examine their work, the Council along with the residential and business communities will weigh in on it and "tweak" it where necessary.
What's your point?
|
|
|
|
Post by stffgpr2003 on Nov 2, 2007 14:18:37 GMT -5
Government is always a work in progress. The Vision Study involves a great deal of effort and professional preparation. I'm sure the engineers involved are working to their own quality standards, to protect their business reputation, and they are not hurrying their results.
Why not talk about it? It IS coming. Fact is, we're all waiting for the plan we contracted for. There's another election in 2008, if you don't like what the plan includes.
So, this year vote for those having the foresight to commission the plan. Next year, cast your vote based on how we have determined to address its recommendations.
|
|
|
|
Post by novillero on Nov 6, 2007 7:06:12 GMT -5
I agree that vision is always being adjusted and tweeked, but I would have serious doubts if teh mayor and town council's vision was getting a complete overhaul - to that I would ask myself "why?" as the mayor has been in office for 26 years with a democrat majority the entire time.
|
|
|
|
Post by casualreader on Nov 6, 2007 8:00:22 GMT -5
In the Casual Camp we are concerned that the rain will suppress the Casual Vote.
So I urge all my minions to go out there and write-in Casual for Council.
If you feel I would make a better mayor then write me in there as well.
We need to take the borough back from the Machine and keep it away from the intolerance of Ted "Wannabe Councilman" Miller.
|
|
|
|
Post by Libyan Sibyl on Nov 6, 2007 8:05:36 GMT -5
In the Casual Camp we are concerned that the rain will suppress the Casual Vote. So I urge all my minions to go out there and write-in Casual for Council. If you feel I would make a better mayor then write me in there as well. We need to take the borough back from the Machine and keep it away from the intolerance of Ted "Wannabe Councilman" Miller. Now, I'd say that was a personal attack on Ted Miller by Casual Reader. |
|
|
|
Post by stffgpr2003 on Nov 6, 2007 9:46:38 GMT -5
"Complete Overhaul?" I'm not sure that we need that drastic a makeover.
In my opinion, we need to be able to more than hold our own in an adjacent and still rapidly developing retail, hospitality and service sector corridor. I'm not sure how far the plan will actually go in its recommendations, but it will almost certainly address areas such as: parking and traffic flow improvements, updated building facades, appropriate signage and, hopefully, a more attractive business mix to entice greater numbers of people to visit and do business in our downtown.
Having such a plan aids in recruiting and retaining new businesses, from what I understand.
Marc
|
|
|
|
Post by Libyan Sibyl on Nov 6, 2007 10:16:58 GMT -5
off that subject of vision, we'll continue again I think.
It's a pretty miserable day, and it is not supposed to rain all day. Will the rain affect the election today? Who will be affected the most and how?
|
|
|
|
Post by casualreader on Nov 6, 2007 10:48:10 GMT -5
Holly, Ali, Zeus and Carlos -- It is time to get our vote out.
|
|
|
|
Post by richardkelsey on Nov 6, 2007 10:55:30 GMT -5
off that subject of vision, we'll continue again I think. It's a pretty miserable day, and it is not supposed to rain all day. Will the rain affect the election today? Who will be affected the most and how? It is traditionally believed that poor weather on election day hurts democrats. I have never seen enough convincing data to belive that. I think it really depends on the community and the voting demographics. |
|
|
|
Post by richardkelsey on Nov 6, 2007 11:08:57 GMT -5
In the Casual Camp we are concerned that the rain will suppress the Casual Vote. So I urge all my minions to go out there and write-in Casual for Council. If you feel I would make a better mayor then write me in there as well. We need to take the borough back from the Machine and keep it away from the intolerance of Ted "Wannabe Councilman" Miller. I am not a big fan of the term "intolerance," as I think it is the code for racist. Mr. Miller is a public figure, and a candidate for office so the bounds of free political speech in attacking him are remarkably broad. However, those broad legal bounds do not trump our posting rules -- so please tread carefully as you have bumped-up close to a violation of rule 4. |
|
