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Post by admin on Apr 8, 2008 8:47:06 GMT -5
www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080408/NEWS01/804080377FREEHOLD: Two Democratic incumbents and two Republican challengers have announced plans to compete for two Borough Council seats, both for three-year terms. The Democrats are Council President Michael DiBenedetto, 49, of Club Place; and Councilman George Schnurr, 50, of Park Avenue. The Republicans are Michael Louis Lichardi, 47, of Stillwell Place; and Ted Miller, 49, of Henry Street.
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Post by admin on Apr 8, 2008 9:08:45 GMT -5
I have to admit, as I posted this I thought of last years silly season and I cringed. I really hope that this year is a bit more sane.
It is great that we get a race. That is what democracy is all about. But I have to put a strong reminder to all readers and participants.
All of the candidates are our neighbors and friends. At the end of the day, and at the end of the election, we are all in this together. I often sign off saying Keep it sane and keep it Freehold. If that is to mean anything and really applies anywhere, it will be under this thread.
I understand and respect the passions that so many have. I will not endorse any candidate on this site.
I hope that all participant contributions will be educational and not nasty.
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Post by richardkelsey on Apr 8, 2008 11:15:47 GMT -5
Well -- if I was the challengers -- I would start working on nailing down those debate dates and appropriate fora now! ;D
BTW --- I agree that, in a perfect world, this site and others will be filled with the voices of reason, debate, and non-partisanship. The best way for that to happen, of course, is for the candidates and their respective parties to show leadership through reasoned debate and non-partisanship.
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 8, 2008 11:26:44 GMT -5
The press announcements is for the party primary. Lets all relax ....Laborday is long away, lets enjoy spring and summer. Please do not apply here if your interest is in Polarizing Partisan Party Politics. Learn more about the "PEOPLE" who have petitioned to be candidades, you will come to know that Party Stereotyping is impossible here! Lets have fun with our Democratic process that which our fine Republic has been built upon! enjoy some fun reading over the next few months. The American Ideal of 1776:
The Twelve Basic American Principles ** www.lexrex.com/enlightened/AmericanIdeal/Also.... ** www.lexrex.comEnjoy and good luck! **..FYI there is alot great constitutional content on this site, as a matter of interpretation or philosophy I DO NOT AGREE WITH ALL OF IT (Like schooling Brian ;D). I submit that this is a great referance site! |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 8, 2008 12:10:32 GMT -5
OK whos been talking? 6 more years I can move next to Crawford!  |
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Post by stffgpr2003 on Apr 8, 2008 12:37:37 GMT -5
Ted -
For me, its worse. It's only three more years and I may have to move in with my mother-in-law (at Clearbrook)!
She's still going strong with new valves, arteries, etc at 84! Life expectancy can be a double edged sword!
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 8, 2008 14:03:16 GMT -5
For me, its worse. It's only three more years and I may have to move in with my mother-in-law (at Clearbrook)! She's still going strong with new valves, arteries, etc at 84! Life expectancy can be a double edged sword! The Mom just turned 81, NEVER when under the knife, all orignal equiptment TG! I called her about two weeks ago to let her know "The Baby" just received his AARP application in the mail!!! I see this glass as half full...., now I can get the same discount at the movies as the kids! The upside to being a Late Bloomer Boomer! |
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adefonzo
Junior Member
If I can see further than some, it's because I have stood on the shoulders of giants
Posts: 308
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Post by adefonzo on May 13, 2008 8:01:53 GMT -5
I can't believe I missed this thread when it was first posted...but I have to say I agree with Brian and others who have said that we can't let this become a mudslinging extravaganza...politics on every level already provide enough of that.
As Rich pointed out, though, the best way to avoid...or rather combat the mudslinging that will inevitably happen...is for both sides to agree to meaningful debates...not pieces in the local media, but actual debates where they can face one another, present and respond to each other's ideas, thoughts and plans, and do it all in the presence of the people whom they are all hoping to serve over the next 3 years.
Remember, this is all about a desire to serve the public...so here's to hoping all the candidates will make themselves readily available to the public on as many occassions as possible to answer the questions...the softballs and the tough ones.
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Post by admin on Sept 29, 2008 17:23:53 GMT -5
We had some interesting discussions today in reference to silly season. Just a reminder, keep it sane if those discussions should pick up. On that note....
I sent out requests to the borough candidates asking them to send me a press release or write up detailing what they plan on doing for the town and what their goals are.
I will await their responses and post what the reply says.
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Post by admin on Sept 30, 2008 4:59:27 GMT -5
We had some interesting discussions today in reference to silly season. Just a reminder, keep it sane if those discussions should pick up. On that note.... I sent out requests to the borough candidates asking them to send me a press release or write up detailing what they plan on doing for the town and what their goals are. I will await their responses and post what the reply says. Beyond getting some statements from the candidates for this site, I am also going to reach out to find out if this year we can expect some sort of debate/meet and greet where our voters can ge a chance to hear what all of our candidates have to say. We had this discussion last year and unfortunately, it never happened. I will keep readers informed about any replies I receive on this matter. |
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Post by richardkelsey on Oct 8, 2008 13:02:46 GMT -5
Well -- if I was the challengers -- I would start working on nailing down those debate dates and appropriate fora now! ;D BTW --- I agree that, in a perfect world, this site and others will be filled with the voices of reason, debate, and non-partisanship. The best way for that to happen, of course, is for the candidates and their respective parties to show leadership through reasoned debate and non-partisanship. Here we are 6 months later -- no scheduled candidates forum. We had one of these 22 years ago when I ran -- I guess democracy is dying in town. |
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Post by admin on Oct 12, 2008 15:31:58 GMT -5
We had some interesting discussions today in reference to silly season. Just a reminder, keep it sane if those discussions should pick up. On that note.... I sent out requests to the borough candidates asking them to send me a press release or write up detailing what they plan on doing for the town and what their goals are. I will await their responses and post what the reply says. I had sent a request to the candidates to submit a write up for this site. I am still awaiting a response from the GOP. The Democrats said no way, the FV is just a GOP site. The Dems did, however submit this article to the APP. www.app.com/article/20081011/GETPUBLISHED/810110348/-1/HOMETOWNSGeorge Schnurr and Mike DiBenedetto are running for re-election to Freehold Borough Council in order to continue to cultivate the numerous positive trends they have started as councilmen. George and Mike are proud of the constructive solutions they have helped to accomplish while on council, including the creation of the new Rental Property Review Board to review the status of rental housing in the Borough, and to establish procedures to ensure that landlords and tenants maintain rental units to the standards defined by the BOCA code. The Code Enforcement enhancements that have been added resulted in a record of landlord fines levied. The newly established Community Information Committee has been a very successful and welcome resource in disseminating news, information and current events to the community. The CIC created a “new residents packet” and has been valuable in re-engineering a new, more responsive municipal web site set to launch prior to year's end. The volunteers on this active committee will continue to make local government more accessible and available to all. Councilmen Schnurr and DiBenedetto will continue to promote community involvement as a catalyst for positive growth and change. They believe that the future of Freehold lies in an active and involved citizenry. Several residents have volunteered their time and expertise to the Neighborhood Pride Committee with the aims of utilizing all available financial, human and in-kind resources to identify areas in need of enrichment, repair or beautification in Freehold Borough; and offer practical solutions and improvements through community activism, positive social discourse and neighborhood empowerment strategies. The objectives are to strengthen community spirit, enhance public safety and uphold property values. The councilmen will work toward expanding the use of outside, charitable and volunteer groups to rehabilitate our housing stock and provide assistance to some of our needy and elderly residents. Councilmen Schnurr and DiBenedetto have employed a fiscally responsible approach to the municipal budget, including periodic reviews of the budget compared to the amount actually spent. Periodic, rather than annual reviews will give them a more flexible and responsive opportunity to address financial issues as they arise. They are looking at novel strategies to address insurance coverage costs to ensure that the taxpayers are getting the best “bang for the buck.” As councilmen, Schnurr and DiBenedetto have been working with the Freehold Borough Chief of Police and his police department to solve town-wide traffic safety concerns. Together, they will continue to look for new and innovative ways to curtail speeding on many of our streets. Councilmen George Schnurr and Mike DiBenedetto have demonstrated their abilities to collaborate professionally with the Mayor and their council peers as well as all other groups and individuals to solve problems as well as to be proactive in anticipating potential challenges. Both serve in a variety of volunteer positions that demonstrate their devotion to their community. |
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Post by novillero on Oct 13, 2008 8:10:26 GMT -5
I had sent a request to the candidates to submit a write up for this site. I am still awaiting a response from the GOP. The Democrats said no way, the FV is just a GOP site... Has anyone see any endorsements on this site? anyone see any information posted by this site about how to become involved in the GOP? The GOP candidates are not even posting here. I remember a time when George Schnurr and Marc Levine posted here, but they don't anymore. Was it a Democrat website when they posted? That being said. George and Mike, if elected, please deliver on one of your campaign promises: [glow=red,2,300]fiscal responsibility[/glow]. I have a lot to say on this issue... but in the interests of brevity, this one is aleady haunting us... tighten that belt. |
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Post by admin on Oct 14, 2008 15:55:57 GMT -5
AS mentioned, I asked the candidates to provide some thoughts for the FV readers. Both parties are very welcome to either participate or submit information to be posted on the community site. Here is something sent by the GOPBrian, - You can post this information...this is an example of the Lichardi - Miller "Difference" that we will bring to our Borough council!!! The Draconian - Reactionary Boca Code inspection review proposed by Mayors Appointee and his 3 term incumbent running mate is impossible to pull off. Look at the numbers....They propose to have 1,900 units inspected by 3 agents which will require each code enforcement agent to inspect about 630 rental units per year. Is this really possible, or is this another election year undeliverable "just say anything" empty promise? Mike Lichardi and Ted Miller would maintain a PUBLIC web list of every landlords "Lead Disclosure" statement (I believe these are public records).....This will identify the good landlords who maintain their property, from the slumlords! Our goal will be to have a 100% lead free Rent inventory in Freehold Borough! Now this is real oversight how Freehold Borough can build a First Class Quality of Life with code enforcement with teeth!!! These are real solutions that the council has totally neglected to address! Please read on!!! www.northjersey.com/realestate/sharedspaces/Renters_have_online_ally_against_lead.htmlWith a variety of tools, such as strict code enforcement against bad landlords, New Jersey is advancing toward its goal of stomping out lead poisoning by 2010 and has already made "dramatic" improvements in lowering the rate of childhood lead poisoning, according to the New Jersey Conference of Mayors. The HUD LICAR program was funded through a $3,000,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control. Through the LICAR program, 246 dwelling units have had lead hazards controlled and over 1530 New Jersey citizens attended related training and education program. The Leadsafe NJ Program is a collection of public education, outreach and training initiatives made possible through funding by the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs as authorized by the Lead Hazard Control Assistance Act. In addition to educating the general public on the dangers of lead-based paint and the ways that New Jersey families can learn to live safely with lead-based paint in their homes, the Act also requires DCA develop a comprehensive program to identify lead hazards in residential housing and also identify housing which is safe from exposure to lead hazards in order to eradicate the major source of lead exposure to our State’s children. One of the Leadsafe NJ initiatives is the Leadsafe NJ website. The goal of the website is to provide a one-stop site for the New Jersey public when they are seeking information about childhood lead poisoning, lead poisoning prevention, lead-based paint in housing and other lead related issues.
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Post by admin on Oct 14, 2008 17:22:45 GMT -5
"Draconian - Reactionary Boca Code inspection review" -- what is this? Also -- how do you go from the numerical insufficiency in code inspection to lead free dwellings? Is being free of lead really the priority in code enforcement? I"m just befuddled here is all. Maybe someone can first define the above and then enlighten me on the code enforcement - lead equation. I'm not in any way trying to be a jerk -- if someone can clear this up for me then I'll understand. If I'm missing it because I'm prone to being truly dense sometimes, let me know. I can handle it. I will take a stab at your beffudlement. From what I see here, the lead issue is being viewed as a public safety and health issue. That is certainly in line with one of code enforcements goals. The question for meis, has this issue been looked at? If not why not? AS far as this part of the post, The Draconian - Reactionary Boca Code inspection review proposed by Mayors Appointee and his 3 term incumbent running mate is impossible to pull off. Look at the numbers....They propose to have 1,900 units inspected by 3 agents which will require each code enforcement agent to inspect about 630 rental units per year. Is this really possible, or is this another election year undeliverable "just say anything" empty promiseI will withhold commentary. I have posted on some of the other issues, but have waited on this one. I will be posting extensively on this. |
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Post by admin on Oct 14, 2008 17:34:13 GMT -5
I appreciate it Brian, but I still don't see the logical link between the assertion that the numbers don't add up in code enforcement -- and lead. And as far as that phrase -- Draconian - Reactionary Boca Code inspection review -- what does it mean? what is it? Like I said, I was just taking a stab at it. I don't see the link between the two either. This is the first I have heard the lead issue come up so I may missing something too. |
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Post by novillero on Oct 14, 2008 22:33:18 GMT -5
Here is my take on it...
(a) It is impossible for 3 guys to investigate 1800 rentals every year;
(b) slumlords don't fill out lead disclosure forms;
(c) if any rental unit does not have a lead disclosure form, they are slumlords;
Therefore, priority in investigating rentals should first be for slumlords (we will know them by their lack of lead disclosure forms).
And here is my take on "draconian reactionary" - it's an invasion to force an inspection on every rental unit for the mere sake of having an inspection. Inspections should be performed only on those units where there is some outside manifestation of wrongdoing, or a clear suspicion of wrongdoing - merely being a rental unit is not sufficient basis for a yearly inspection.
And this is a good reason to have a townhall, people can flush out what a candidate is getting at... and the opposition can try to persuade us which is the better path: an exchange of ideas.
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Post by admin on Oct 21, 2008 16:03:16 GMT -5
I must be in a swing district. On Sunday I had all of the FB candidates bang on my door. I have to say, judging by the quality of the literature they are all handing out, and the array of topics covered, we do have a race. I hope people are paying attention and making educated decisions.
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Post by richardkelsey on Oct 22, 2008 13:44:04 GMT -5
Anyway to pdf or link the literature for all to see from both sides on the site?
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Post by admin on Oct 22, 2008 16:52:18 GMT -5
Anyway to pdf or link the literature for all to see from both sides on the site? I will do what I can in the near future. |
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Post by admin on Oct 27, 2008 8:34:57 GMT -5
I don't think I can get a PDF or cut and paste up here with what I have, but here is an overview of the Democrats campaign literature. The GOP will follow soon.
Both candidates Schnurr and DiBenedetto include extensive bios of what they have been involved in within Freehold borough. It is too much for me to type right now, but they have both contributed quite a bit.
Bullet points ( unedited):
Created Rental Property review Board
Established systematic rental property inspections by code enforcement
Set a record for landlord fines levied through code enforcement
Promoted, supported and participated in landlord/tenant round table forum hosted by Human relations committee
Created Neighborhood Pride Committee
Established Community Information Committee created resident packet
Implemented changes for safer and more orderly Kruise Night
Entered into Inter local agreements with other municipalities to share services
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Oct 29, 2008 10:39:27 GMT -5
COMPARE AND CONTRASTLichardi Miller have a common sense REAL Plan for SYSTEMATIC inspections, not "Just say anything" Politics. Lichardi - Miller will work to make Freehold Borough a 100% lead free Residential Rental Property Zone! * We will coordinate efforts between Borough Code enforcement, OUR proposed Permanent Rental Committee, we will start with thorough code inspections of rental units with KNOWN lead problems. * Offer assistance to all qualified home owners and landlords to State and Federal Lead Abatement programs! * Coordinate "free" lead screening for our children in partnership with Centrastate, and the HRC View the Lead-Safe Housing Registry www.nj.gov/dca/dcr/leadsafe/housingreport11-07.pdf
incumbents tout "establish procedures to ensure that landlords and tenants maintain rental units to the standards defined by the BOCA code."We have heard this same claim Sept 2006, "Council OKs inspections of private rental dwellings" newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2006/0913/Front_page/006.html...resolution passed by council, code enforcement department's Quality of Life Team has determined that in order to ensure the health and safety of the public, including tenants in unsafe housing units, it is necessary and proper to develop a property inspection plan through which every residential rental property in the borough is inspected... code enforcement official the inspection will focus on safety issues, include smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, unsafe wiring and overloaded outlets and extension cords...inspection will..address safety of porches, stairs, make sure exits are not blocked. Windows must be able to be opened. Unsanitary conditions, painting will also be addressed. The inspection will make certain that all landlords have proper certificate of occupancy for their tenants. After 12 years in office, incumbents tout "establish procedures to ensure that landlords and tenants maintain rental units to the standards defined by the BOCA code." 1900 rental units, 3 inspectors means each inspector covers 633.3 units. How and when will this herculean action be accountability accomplished? Team Lichardi-Miller - SUBSTANCE that will MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Oct 31, 2008 10:35:02 GMT -5
Freehold Borough is THE safe-haven magnet for DMV cheats who maintain out of state vehicles while living in Freehold Borough
Vote Lichardi-Miller '08
October 30, 2008
For Immediate Release
Lichardi and Miller are ready to establish a motor vehicle proof of domiciled ordinance for tenant owned motor vehicles parked on Borough rental properties. Municipal rental registration requires names of all legal tenants as prerequisite for a Certificate of Occupncy. Lichardi and Miller seek an ordinance that require landlords to further list all motor vehicles parked on the rental property too. Ordinances like this reflect how Lichardi and Miller bring a new approach to Freehold Borough. Many of our current problems are the result of waiting until problems arise before actions are taken. Lichardi and Miller will be far more proactive instead of reactive. Too much of our overcrowding, crime, and lowered quality of life could have been avoided. Lichardi and Miller resolve real issues with needed new solution. Candidate Miller explains "This an important quality of life concern that receives little attention. Code states that the legal number tenant-occupants is based on the number of bedrooms and square feet of living space, thus establishing the specified number of residents occupying a rental property." "We need to be equally accountable about the number of motor vehicles parked on on rental property as well". Miller adds "this new measure will positively establish New Jersey residency for all tenant owned "Out of State" Cars and Trucks. This ordinance is a desperately need code enforcement tool. Listing vehicles on the Rental Registration will positively resolve the root cause for why so many "Out of State" vehicles are present throughout Freehold Borough  Poriferous municipal ordinances establish Freehold Borough is THE safe-haven magnet for DMV cheats who maintain out of state vehicles while living in Freehold Borough. The Lichardi-Miller plan will force the NJ-DMV cheaters with "Out of State" vehicles who rent residential property to formally establish legal domicile in New Jersey. This Ordinance will legally allow authorities to report to FBPD, NJ-DMV and the issuing state DMV, establishing legal documentation through official proof of FB residency" both Lichardi and Miller explain. "Serious health and safety issues are resolved as well. With a list of motor vehicles on file through the rental registry, first responders like police, fire and first aid will have immediate information about vehicles and who to contact on the property when an emergency happens" explains Lichardi. This ordinance will also regulate the oversize and commercial vehicles parked on rental properties that are not permitted due to residential zoning laws. This is another example of how Team Lichardi and Miller will make a positive difference. Compare and contrast how Lichardi and Miller resolve real issues, creating a first class quality of life for all residents of Freehold Borough.
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Post by novillero on Oct 31, 2008 12:05:50 GMT -5
Correct me if I'm wrong -- but didn't Councilman Le Vine beat you to this? Wasn't there a story about his initiative in the APP not too long ago? not quite. My understanding is that Levine asked the state legislature to crack down. This proposal would be for a FB ordinance to attack the problem through the landlord registration. So, my understanding of this is that the landlord registration would provide some documentation of the vehicle being in the state and owned by a resident (thereby destroying claims of a violator that they are not really a resident here in NJ). Code enforcement, the police or whoever can then go back and say... hey, you are not really residing in North Carolina, are you? And you should have change your registration to NJ at least X number of days ago. Here is your ticket... But, I have been wrong before, and I invite anyone to clarify, or provide a better interpretation. And I also invite discussion on the idea. Will it work? (perhaps another thread for such a discussion???) |
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Post by novillero on Oct 31, 2008 14:14:57 GMT -5
"seek an ordinance that require landlords to further list all motor vehicles parked on the rental property too." Draconian? Just wondering. ha-ha. is that "draconian" in the Harry Potter Draco Malfoy sense? or some other Draco? There are simply too many dracos out there; take your pick: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draco |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Oct 31, 2008 14:56:43 GMT -5
Correct me if I'm wrong -- but didn't Councilman Le Vine beat you to this? Wasn't there a story about his initiative in the APP not too long ago? not quite. My understanding is that Levine asked the state legislature to crack down. This proposal would be for a FB ordinance to attack the problem through the landlord registration. So, my understanding of this is that the landlord registration would provide some documentation of the vehicle being in the state and owned by a resident (thereby destroying claims of a violator that they are not really a resident here in NJ). Code enforcement, the police or whoever can then go back and say... hey, you are not really residing in North Carolina, are you? And you should have change your registration to NJ at least X number of days ago. Here is your ticket... But, I have been wrong before, and I invite anyone to clarify, or provide a better interpretation. And I also invite discussion on the idea. Will it work? (perhaps another thread for such a discussion???) Bingo...other municipalities require vehicle registration for many of the same reason stated in the proposed Lichardi Miller Ordinance! To answer you question..."Will it work?" Has doing nothing worked? The concerned expressed by the councilman several moths ago does NOT address or accept the fact Freehold Boro is a MAGNET. The Claim was to pass responsibility off to the state. Licahrdi and Miller WILL "DEGAUSS" the attraction! |
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Post by truthinesshurts on Oct 31, 2008 17:00:48 GMT -5
Bingo...other municipalities require vehicle registration for many of the same reason stated in the proposed Lichardi Miller Ordinance! What other NJ municipalities have an equivalent ordinance on the books? |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Nov 3, 2008 14:27:04 GMT -5
"Monouth County is one the NATIONS top ten counties in which to live. Freehold Borough, the Capital of Monmouth County, must become and will become equal to this distinction.” After successive years of one party rule, governments lose objectivity. This is Freehold Borough today... Lichardi and Miller offer leadership, solutions and direction.Lichardi–Miller ‘08 Ending One Party Rule Please look over our site, Lichardi and Miller offer real solutions to resolve the issues Freehold Borough has been facing for TOO MANY YEARS!!! We have a plan to resolve the absentee Landlord menace, our Downtown Vision study would bring tax relief to our homeowners quickly, while also attracting major employers, needed development and real jobs. We vigorously support our all our local Law enforcement officers, and we want to instill the notion of TOTAL COMMUNITY PRIDE! We need to make a difference in Freehold Borough, and ONLY Lichardi–Miller can Make a Rel Difference!!! Review us on the web at..... ......or call 732-761-9000 Our pledge to uphold three principles 1-Quality Of Life 2-Lowest Possible Property Taxes 3-RENEW Municipal Confidence We Will MAKE A POSITIVE difference 4 Freehold Borough Downtown Vision - We embrace active development of our Business district, Monmouth County is one of the TOP ten counties in the Unites States. Freehold Borough is the Capital of Monmouth County, and as such, we need to build our image, we must attract not only Restaurants and Retail. We must attract economic and business development that will bring good jobs to our residents, not just service worker jobs. We can no longer afford to have undeveloped Downtown Property (like the Main Street Exxon and the Bennett street School house), sitting in a state of limbo. Lichardi and Miller offer Bi-Partisan council leadership will turn today's stagnant downtown into a stand out, stand up and rebounding “UP-TOWN”. Owner Occupied – We propose that all new residential home construction as well as Residential “Gut and Rehabilitated” resale property require Owner Occupancy for a minimum period of Eight (8) years. There is an abundance of an estimated 1900 rental units, and every effort must be exhausted to encourage Home Ownership rather than absentee investors. Further, we seek an ordinance that requires all tenant vehicles to be listed on every rental registration. All "out of state" registration and insurance domiciled here, will have NJ registration within 60 day as required by law. Home states will be notified of NJ vehicle residency. Citizens Municipal Budget Committee – We propose the formation of a Non-Partisan grass roots citizens committee chartered to provide oversight to all municipal finance and budgets. The mandate is to assure the flattest budgets, as well as evaluate every spending increase in excess of inflation, and consider for public voter referendum approval, INCLUDING MUNICIPAL BOND ISSUES. Concurrent Term Limits – We pledge to limit our Council service to no more that three concurrent terms. History proves successive political council appointments as the cause the amalgamation of one party rule. The existence of a poly-political electorate assures constitutional checks and balances as our founding fathers planed for our Democratic Republic. Total Visibility - We promote total municipal visibility. WE will work to issue the openness most municipalities operate under in the 21st century. We need an Municipal Website that provides easy access to Municipal Code, that provides appropriate notification for ALL public hearings including Council and Committee meetings. We support public web based and email notification detailing all meeting agendas and timely publication of all ALL public hearings, council and committee minutes! We need detailed web posting of the Municipal Budgets, current and historical Municipal Master Plans and Vision Studies. Lichardi and Miller want a contemporary Municipal website posting every Public Bid, all Employment Opportunities, detailed Municipal ordinances, proclamations and resolutions. We need visibility not invisibility, because visibility assures accountability! Municipal Contract Eligibility – Every Municipal contractor will be required to prove they follow US Department of Labor worker eligibility validation by thoroughly check all I-9 documentation and “e-Verify” every employee. This will be necessary for every Municipal bid proposal. It is important that our municipal Government lead by example, that every business providing goods or services is an honest law abiding employer. Crime is The-Taboo-Topic - Fact is, during troubled economic times patterns of crime increase. We have read the headlines this year, and there must be a better effort made to keep our streets, children and homes safe! Crime can be prevented when you combat the negative forces that drive criminal activity. We need to reinstitute public awareness of our Crimes hot line. People are empowered when they are confident that they the have support to remediate suspicious activities. We need to attack criminal activities with definite resolve! Crime is prevented when people gain access to good paying jobs and Children get involved with community based character building programs like the Police Athletic League (PAL). POSTED BY Ted Miller |
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Post by admin on Nov 12, 2008 8:29:42 GMT -5
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/1112/front_page/002.htmlDiBenedetto, Schnurr keep seats Freehold Borough govt. remains all Democrats BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer Apair of Democratic incumbents maintained their seats in a contested race for the Borough Council on Nov. 4, keeping the Freehold Borough governing body an all-Democratic unit. In January, Councilman Michael DiBenedetto, 49, will begin his fourth three-year term on the council. Councilman George Schnurr, 51, will begin his first full term on the governing body. Schnurr was appointed to the council in January to fill an open seat. DiBenedetto received 2,249 votes to win re-election. Schnurr received 2,046 votes. Republican candidate Ted Miller, who said he was trying to break the one-party rule in the borough, received 1,181, votes and his running mate Michael Lichardi polled 1,203 votes. The vote totals for all four candidates include absentee ballots. "I want to thank the people of Freehold Borough," DiBenedetto said. "We have a lot to do over the next three years. I am honored by the overwhelming support we received. It is always a privilege to serve the people of Freehold Borough. We will do the best we can in the next three years. There are hard times coming up." Schnurr said when he was approached 11 months ago by Mayor Michael Wilson to consider accepting the council appointment, he told Wilson, "It would be a privilege for me to serve the good people of Freehold in this capacity." "I am humbled by the voters' confidence in Councilman DiBenedetto and myself, and overwhelmed by the level of support and the margin of victory," Schnurr said after the election. He said he and DiBenedetto walked door to door and visited every home in the borough over the last two months. "It was really quite an experience," Schnurr said, "and one I'll never forget." He said he and DiBenedetto even visited homes where signs supporting their opponents were displayed. "Even though they were voting for our opponents, we wanted them to know who we are and what we're all about because come Nov. 5, we all have to work together anyway. We are too small of a town to be divided," Schnurr said. Miller ran for council in 2007, but was not successful in his bid to win a three-year term. He and Lichardi said it was time for new energy on the governing body and said they intended to "eliminate ineffective oneparty rule" through what they called a "grassroots movement." "I want to congratulate the winners and hope that they work as hard on council as they did to get on council," Miller said. "We fought hard and our issues are issues that everyone recognizes." Miller said the borough needs downtown business development and needs to resolve the issue of day laborers lining the town's streets. He said borough officials must keep the pressure on federal officials to address that particular issue. "Someone needs to be the catalyst for change," Miller said. "We still have major quality of life issues that have not been addressed." Lichardi said, "I think what occurred was expected, but we had respectful numbers and we are closing in. Freehold Borough has been a tough nut to crack because it has been a Democratic stronghold for too many years, but Freehold voters are shifting their ideas and we are gaining ground. For two men to have the gall to think about running as Republicans in the borough and not be lifelong residents, and to come as close as we did, is significant. It won't be long before we have a bipartisan government in Freehold Borough. The Republican party is coming back to life." In some of the other races that were on the ballot, Freehold Borough residents voted for the Democratic Obama-Biden presidential ticket over the Republican McCain-Palin ticket, 2,202 to 1,486 votes; for Democrat Frank Lautenberg over Republican Dick Zimmer for U.S. Senate, 1,894 to 1,459 votes; for Republican Chris Smith over Democrat Josh Zeitz for U.S. Congress, 1,710 to 1,654 votes; and for Democrats Amy Mallet and Glenn Mason, 2,042 and 1,945 votes, respectively, over Republicans Lillian Burry, 1,285 votes, and John Curley, 1,236 votes, for the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders.
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Post by carolmartas75 on Nov 12, 2008 21:08:48 GMT -5
There goes candidate Miller shooting off his mouth again. What a terriblle sour grapes comment to end our election loss on and a complete embarrassment to all of us. I sure as hell am mad that we lost but a comment like that makes us look worse.
Im not ashamed to admit I voted ONLY for Lichardi. Im a proud and true conservative since 93 and to have Ted Miller on our ticket this year was a disgrace. He was theb Sarah Palin of this campaign's munciple election. Because of him we lost again. Guys can we please get someone else for a change next year?? cmon what is this guys' deal? He seems like just a sack of bricks weiging us down!
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