Council Meeting 1/19/10

[BrianSullivan]

I am starting a new thread about last nights meeting. I renamed the original thread as just the agenda. I do this for a clean start because some nice discussion did begin in the other thread.

Last night was a very interesting meeting with few tense moments to say the least. I am willing to bet that just about every person in that room is a reader of this site. I make that point for two reasons. First to show that this site does attract people who care about the borough. Second, I will be very honest and say this may prove to be a tough meeting to post accurately about. I did take notes, but certain portions were very heavy in dialog. I promise that I will miss a few points. For that reason I have to restate what I have many times- I welcome and look forward to additions and corrections from readers and participants.

I will initially post on this with as little opinion as possible. Any opinions I add will come in subsequent posts. First post to follow shortly.

[richardkelsey]

The suspense is killing me. LOL

[BrianSullivan]

After the opening of the meeting, public comments were opened. Only one person, out of about 15-20 people, said anything. Resident Ted Miller mentioned the county drive for Haitian relief on this coming Saturday. Miller was abruptly cut off by the Mayor who asked if any other audience members had anything to state.

Next was the supplemental agenda. An amendment to the Board of health ordinance was introduced. this will increase the number of people on the board. Apparently, there are more volunteers who want to serve and this ordinance will help that.

Councilman Newman introduced the citizen service act. This is geared toward municipal committees. Among other things, it will ensure better advertising of open municipal appointments, get rid of dead weight, and have an application process to be administered by the clerks office. ( will try to get the actual proposal posted in its entirety here) No other council member gave a second to put this up to vote. There will be further discussions and this will be on the next council workshop agenda.

Last two items on the supplemental agenda were personnel actions and the approval of several applications.

Next up was the work shop agenda.

There was extensive discussion pertaining to the placement of bike racks. The council had received a map with several suggestions for the placement of the racks. Councilman Newman made several suggestions beyond what was proposed as well as recommending that this topic also include the FCP in helping out. Councilwoman Shutzer questioned why the bike racks were needed, simply as a reminder of why this is going forward to begin with.

There was a discussion of the outdoor placement of vending machines which I completely missed. readers?

The Freehold Rotary Club is seeking approval to have a welcome to Freehold sign installed by the Maplewood cemetery. The council members agree that the sign should say borough and that the Rotary will be the one to care for it.

Two items requires that Rich Gatto from the FCP address the council. They were the valet parking and the proposed cut out by the Hall of records lot. For both of these issues, Councilman Mike Debenidetto did a lot of talking and asked many of the right questions.

The valet parking came up because apparently it is being done in a municipal lot and the council was never approached about it. Mike D did ask questions about liability, safety and more. The valet parking is not something that the FCP is directly involved with, it is something that a number of restaurants did on their own. It turns out that Kerry Higgins, borough attorney, is aware and working on this. Rich Gatto promised to intercede and ensure that all concerns are met. It was recognized by most that the valet parking is a necessary asset due to the lack of parking. It was also mentioned that the valet parking is not new and there has been a council liaison present in FCP meetings.

The cut out also came up from Mike D. He mentioned that some unnamed businesses had concerns about this. While it will open up the Hall of records lot from Main Street, it will cause about five spaces to be lost. Rich Gatto mentioned that this issue has been in front of the FCP and has appeared in minutes. Rich mentioned that this is the first time he has heard complaints and mentioned that input is needed and that business owners should attend meetings. It was determined by council discussion that letters also should have gone out to Main Street businesses.

Next up was council comments

Mike D. said nothing

Kevin Kane mentioned that he is the new rep for the Neighborhood Pride Committee. World Changers will be back! Kane also mentioned the tremendous success of the fund raiser for Billy Anderson and the service at the AME church by the clergy association. Kane mentioned how these two things really reflect the borough and what a great town it is. He drove the point home when he mentioned that after looking at things like this, it is that much more difficult when seeing outside perceptions that are negative about this town.


Jaye Sims was short and to the point as always, and backed up what Kane had said.

Sharon Shutzer did not say much, but in context of what a great community this is, she did thank all of the people who have supported her, her husband and family in recent times.

John Newman also mentioned that he was blown away at how good the fund raiser went. ( as reported on this site, over 20 thousand dollars was raised, Kane brought this up again) John thanked the rest of the council for the web site improvements that enhance open government and looks forward to email blasts.

John also brought up the bike issues. He is offering up and looking into bigger picture initiatives that can include a department of transportation study, free to the borough, that will look at all concerns and corridors. The goal is make Freehold Borough a more bike friendly town that enhances commerce, safety, quality of life and green initiatives. Newman also brought back up the Monmouth County drive this coming Saturday for Haitian relief.

Last up was George Shnurr. He mentioned the fund raiser at the Cabin for the Memorial Day Parade. Next he mentioned a web posting that he found on a local site called Monmouth Musings. He referred to it as a right wing site. George took issue with commentary about a race that was at the track in commemoration of Martin Luther King. The race was all African American jockeys. Apparently Monmouth Musings had a few questions about that. George really took issue with a post by Republican Chair Ted Miller. George felt that what Ted had written as well as the initial article were very inappropriate.

The Mayor had no comments.

One last note. Usually the council members would do reports on their committees. Most of them mentioned that the committees are reorganizing this month and better reports will resume next month.

[BrianSullivan]

Councilman Newman introduced the citizen service act. This is geared toward municipal committees. Among other things, it will ensure better advertising of open municipal appointments, get rid of dead weight, and have an application process to be administered by the clerks office. ( will try to get the actual proposal posted in its entirety here) No other council member gave a second to put this up to vote. There will be further discussions and this will be on the next council workshop agenda.

A reader asked for clarification on this point. The Ordinance was tabled due to no other second to introduce it. Unless Newman puts it back on the agenda for next month, there will be no further council action on this and it this will not go anywhere.

[Mike Rosseel]

Brian, excellent feed back on the meeting!

To take Mr. Shnurr point one step further, Millers comments were inappropriate. this isnt the first time miller has made race related comments that are questionable. He is far from what this town needs or wants, hence losing all his elections. I hope people see past the act he puts on and realize this man is a fraud! His comment was sad and reflected his lack of sensitivity! I hope the people of this town look at this and I know the county will look into this since he is the chair for Freehold!

[lisas84]

Brian, I was under the impression that the council will indeed discuss this; that the tabling was simply due to following a certain protocol. I think I recall the Mayor saying that it will be discussed and then probably reintroduced.

I certainly liked his idea, it is very sensible and I see no reason why he won't be able to introduce it properly and enjoy its passage. To me, this was a shining example of what I called Newman's highly organized mind.

[BrianSullivan]

Jan 20, 2010 11:42:53 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Brian, I was under the impression that the council will indeed discuss this; that the tabling was simply due to following a certain protocol. I think I recall the Mayor saying that it will be discussed and then probably reintroduced.

I certainly liked his idea, it is very sensible and I see no reason why he won't be able to introduce it properly and enjoy its passage. To me, this was a shining example of what I called Newman's highly organized mind.

Good follow up, Lisa. I am treading on this one lightly. This is all new because of the the two party council and, again, I am avoiding opinion. We will have to see as citizens how the dynamics play out.

I did get the same impression that you did that we will see this back on the table. Shutzer even mentioned that she has no quarrel with it at this time. She actually brought up an interesting point. Newman did not vote on several things during his first meeting because he was new and will not vote on things that he has not had time to consider. It appears the Dems are taking the same approach in this case. I do not think anyone can argue that either side is wrong for taking this approach and using caution.

[lisas84]

I tell ya, I got the impression that the veteran council folk enjoyed having John up there; they seemed to encourage him. Why not? John is really very likable. Yes, Sharon's point validated what I wrote above, that the council proper did not get a chance to discuss prior to it being laid out there. Protocol, that's it.

[Mike Rosseel]

Brian and Lisa, I got the same impression, I think Sharon was very encouraging to Newman and thought he had a good idea. I think Newmans idea is a great one and im sure more will follow!

[BrianSullivan]

OK, here is my first opinion piece from last night. There were three topics where I saw a common thread- bike racks, the cut out by the Hall of Records, and the valet parking.

In the past, on this site, there have been discussions about a perceived disconnect between the FCP and the council. IMO, much of the discussions that we witnessed should not have had to occur to the extent they did last night. That is not a knock at any of the concerns that were brought up. I mentioned previously that Mike D. brought up many questions. he was right to do so and he did well. I think last night is the most I have ever heard him talk in one meeting. Geo also brought up good points and questions.

On the other side, Rich Gatto did very well in fielding all the questions, but I do not believe he should have been put on the spot to the extent he was.

After listening to all of those conversations, I cannot help to come to a conclusion that there is some communications issues to work out. I do not have all of the solutions here, but I do know it needs to be worked on in order to combat the perception of the FCP/council disconnect.

[BrianSullivan]

Opinion piece two- Bikes and recreation!

I have advocated in the past for seeing steps taken to make our town a bike friendly town. I went to the recreation commission last year and last month I went to the council themselves. I have certainly written about it on this site.

In the end I do not care who gets it done, but I am glad that the new councilman has taken up this cause and opted to drive that train. John mentioned that he has reached out to the DOT who will do a free study for us. He has reached out to and received a lot of feedback from the bike community. He mentioned the town history with the bicycle, the Henry Hudson Trail and the possibility of bringing people into town that way. He talked about safety and safe corridors for both pedestrians and bikes.

All of this fits into the rightful things the council has done in the past on the issue. The council certainly seemed receptive to John's ideas last night. I hope other residents will join John in supporting a bike friendly town.

[richardkelsey]

Jan 20, 2010 11:41:01 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Brian, excellent feed back on the meeting!

To take Mr. Shnurr point one step further, Millers comments were inappropriate. this isnt the first time miller has made race related comments that are questionable. He is far from what this town needs or wants, hence losing all his elections. I hope people see past the act he puts on and realize this man is a fraud! His comment was sad and reflected his lack of sensitivity! I hope the people of this town look at this and I know the county will look into this since he is the chair for Freehold!

I have no idea what "Monmouth Musings" is -- or the comment in question. I guess I will have to go dig that up. It would be useful for someone to include such a thing if we are to understand the issue.

I will say this -- and it goes directly to a point I posted back during the election. We cannot have posts alleging pure hearsay that cannot be verified. More directly, on this site, if anyone wants to allege that a poster or a specific official has made certain comments -- I want to see a cite to those comments.

I will go find the Monmouth Musings.

However, it is inconsistent with our site guidelines to add gratuitously a line that says -- "this isnt the first time miller has made race related comments that are questionable."

If you make that claim -- about anyone -- be prepared to cite us to the location where we can verify it. Otherwise -- stay on message.

I want to make clear -- I am neither defending nor denying the validity of the accusation. I am saying on this site -- we bring the citations or we strike the hearsay.

Now I have to go find this other Monmouth Musings site!

As for Mr. Schnurr -- what was the context of these remarks. It seems a bit weird to use public comment to go after a party chair, not elected, in a time without a political race. Having said that -- public comment is public comment, so I have no problem with him commenting on an issue. (Which I assume he properly cited!)

[richardkelsey]

Jan 20, 2010 11:41:01 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Brian, excellent feed back on the meeting!

To take Mr. Shnurr point one step further, Millers comments were inappropriate. this isnt the first time miller has made race related comments that are questionable. He is far from what this town needs or wants, hence losing all his elections. I hope people see past the act he puts on and realize this man is a fraud! His comment was sad and reflected his lack of sensitivity! I hope the people of this town look at this and I know the county will look into this since he is the chair for Freehold!

Mike:

I know you do not like Mr. Miller. However, I have just found this musing -- and I am hard-pressed to understand your beef with Mr. Miller's post. Again, you are entitled to disagree with Mr. Miller. I am just wondering why you intimate on this site that Mr. Miller made a comment dealing with race relations that was questionable?

What is questionable about the following comment -- In your opinion?

Ted Miller on January 15th, 2010
A wagering event in the name of Doctor Kings () seems out of place to be polite. Imagine telling a children, or a pastor, rabbi or priest that …, in honor of Doctor King, we will go wager $2.00 on number 5?

Art makes a cogent observation. What does gambling, wagering and horse racing have to do with honoring Doctor King?

Traditionally, communities around the nation offer a somber remembrance that dignify the memory of Dr. King…, hosting Religious Services. Ringing of Church bells, Open readings, poetry and community talks about Civil Right and equality, as well as inspired musical and dance performances reflecting meaningful, inspiring and profound reflection of a murdered American clergyman, activist and prominent leader who. by an act of congress, distinguish with national U.S holiday.

freehold.injersey.com/2010/01/15/would-martin-luther-king-jr-approve/#more-6057

It seems to me, unambiguously, that Mr. Miller is suggesting that honoring Dr. King should be done in a more dignified manner. How is this "questionable."

And, since you called this questionable -- a quote we can look up and judge for ourselves -- it calls into question even more your off-hand allegation that "this isnt the first time miller has made race related comments that are questionable."

You are technically correct -- this can't be the first time he has made a questionable comment on race relations -- because this comment is not questionable. So -- that leaves us with you providing some citation to other purported "questionable" comments.

Again -- you don't have to like Mr. Miller. You can hate him for the cut of his jib. On this site, however, if you are going to allege that he is out making questionable race-related comments -- we want to see those comments so we can judge both Mr. Miller -- and the person making the allegations.

That is the difference between our site and sites such as Topix where anyone can pretend to be anyone -- and anyone can say anything they want, false, libelous, or stupid, without repercussion. We don't want that here.

You could have written one of your unending attacks against Mr. Miller in a way that does not violate our rules. I still think it would have exposed you as having a personal vendetta not based in facts, but it could have been done in a way that we as admins can swallow.

Here is a sample.

"Mr. Miller can't get elected in this town because he is out of touch. His comments on another site seem to me to be a veiled effort to simply say, hey, let's not honor Dr. King. The suggestion that the track's effort honor Dr. King is somehow undignified is silly. It is clear that the track, located in a town with a large African American population, was trying to find a way to honor Dr. King by showing the success of African American Jockeys, who, like many members of our society had for years been treated a second class citizens. The race is not meant to be exclusionary -- it is meant to show the success of African Americans, and it is an exciting way to honor Dr. King outside of the more pedestrian means often used. Miller just doesn't get it, and his post shows why he just doesn't get Freehold."

See -- that argument would have been a fine way to continue your assault on Mr. Miller.

Unfortunately, you come of sounding like a bit of a nut -- which we know you are not -- when you infer that Mr. Miller wrote something questionable -- which he did not. And then you compound the self-inflicted wound to your credibility by asserting that other such objectionable comments (not cited) also exist.

All of this is rubbish -- and it reflects badly on you not on Mr. Miller. With Mr. Schnurr it smells like cheap politics carrying over from the election. With you, for our readers is smells like a personal vendetta that knows no end or no boundaries. Fight it somewhere else -- or fight it within the rules.

Otherwise -- I will strike posts with allegations that are not substantiated.

[admin]

Rich, Ted and Mike,

I will be opening up a thread very shortly where we can resume this discussion. My concern here is that this one topic can take a life of its own and detract from everything else that occurred at the meeting.

[BrianSullivan]

Here is the write up from APP reporter Kim Predham:

freehold.injersey.com/2010/01/20/debate-discussion-at-busy-borough-meeting/

Kim always does a good job, but I notices something. She gave Newman a bigger percentage of space than I did. I think Freehold in New Jersey is the real GOP site. ;D

On a serious note, Kim did a good job. I think I picked up on the major points in my initial post. I even remember looking at her last night and asking how was I going to write this meeting up? It was long and interesting. And very dialog heavy.

[Mike Rosseel]

Rich you are priceless! I stand behind my statement and you can slice it, dissect it do whatever you will. I truly am tired of your higher then thou ways. I have an issue with Mr Miller, but my friend, it certainly is more then personal. I have seen, heard and listened to many of the childish stunts Mr Miller has pulled. You spin everything in the GOP direction and that makes you as an admin a joke! Please dont waste your time responding to me, because you obviosly have a personal issue in protecting this man and discrediting anything that is said against him. I feel Brian does a nice job when he reports events but i certainly will not justify my opinions to a man that doesnt even live in the boro. dont worry about my personal attacks as you call them on Miller, I will no long post anyting involving him, nor do I wish to ever respond to anything you write to me. maybe you want to re-read your kelsey Rules because i think you violated a few in your response to my post!

[Mike Rosseel]

IN HONOR OF RICH KELSEYS REQUEST......

To take Mr. Shnurr point one step further, Millers comments were inappropriate. He is far from what this town needs or wants, hence losing all his elections. I hope people see past the act he puts on and realize this man is a (CENSORED)! His comment was sad and reflected his lack of sensitivity! I hope the people of this town look at this and I know the county will look into this since he is the chair for Freehold!

[richardkelsey]

Jan 20, 2010 15:20:49 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

IN HONOR OF RICH KELSEYS REQUEST......

To take Mr. Shnurr point one step further, Millers comments were inappropriate. He is far from what this town needs or wants, hence losing all his elections. I hope people see past the act he puts on and realize this man is a (CENSORED)! His comment was sad and reflected his lack of sensitivity! I hope the people of this town look at this and I know the county will look into this since he is the chair for Freehold!

This was excellent -- a bit short on substance -- but -- we don't deduct points or or strike posts for that.

[richardkelsey]

Jan 20, 2010 15:15:24 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Rich you are priceless! I stand behind my statement and you can slice it, dissect it do whatever you will. I truly am tired of your higher then thou ways. I have an issue with Mr Miller, but my friend, it certainly is more then personal. I have seen, heard and listened to many of the childish stunts Mr Miller has pulled. You spin everything in the GOP direction and that makes you as an admin a joke! Please dont waste your time responding to me, because you obviosly have a personal issue in protecting this man and discrediting anything that is said against him. I feel Brian does a nice job when he reports events but i certainly will not justify my opinions to a man that doesnt even live in the boro. dont worry about my personal attacks as you call them on Miller, I will no long post anyting involving him, nor do I wish to ever respond to anything you write to me. maybe you want to re-read your kelsey Rules because i think you violated a few in your response to my post!

This doesn't even make sense.

First -- I wrote an excellent rip of Mr. Miller for you.

Second -- my post doesn't defend the GOP

Third -- somewhere on this fair site I have endorsed a democrat -- strongly -- when she ran for Freeholder.

Next thing you know -- you will be like the Topix folks -- accusing me of being fat too! LOL

Don't post inuendo and allegations that can't be cited -- and all is fine.

[Mike Rosseel]

Rich, i am not arguing with you, your right and always will be! for someone of such high standards in life, i find it funny you know so much about Topix and even quote statements on there about yourself! you visit there often, weird thought thats a bad site? Im done with this, i will never mention Ted (censored) name again! Have a great day!

[richardkelsey]

Jan 20, 2010 16:27:25 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Rich, i am not arguing with you, your right and always will be! for someone of such high standards in life, i find it funny you know so much about Topix and even quote statements on there about yourself! you visit there often, weird thought thats a bad site? Im done with this, i will never mention Ted (censored) name again! Have a great day!

Hey -- I thought you were not going to respond. LOL Actually, I was directed to Topix last week when my name apparently surfaced on there. The posts were hysterical -- and like your above post -- factually inaccurate. In fact, for only the second time ever, I responded. (Not to a political rant -- but the false allegation that I was fat!) I don't mind having that crowd call me every name in the book politically -- it raises my stature and credibility. But, I didn't want them to call me fat.

Sure enough -- they deleted my only post (two whole threads wasted by some sicko attacking me were likewise deleted)

Yes -- I am very familiar with Topix. It is exactly what we are not going to permit here.

BTW -- I run 2 miles in 12:53 and a 5K in 21:36. I bench almost 350 pounds, squat over 500, and leg press 1270 -- 13 times. Does that sound fat to you? Saturday, I ran 8 miles in under 59 minutes. Even you would have a hard time making an argument that I am fat. Now -- a fat head -- I could accept that as hyperbole.

[BrianSullivan]

One big correction- I wrote that the cut out was at the Market yard lot. It is not. It is the Hall of Records lot. I think I made all appropriate corrections.

[BrianSullivan]

Jan 20, 2010 17:00:52 GMT -5 richardkelsey said:

Jan 20, 2010 16:27:25 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Rich, i am not arguing with you, your right and always will be! for someone of such high standards in life, i find it funny you know so much about Topix and even quote statements on there about yourself! you visit there often, weird thought thats a bad site? Im done with this, i will never mention Ted (censored) name again! Have a great day!

Hey -- I thought you were not going to respond. LOL Actually, I was directed to Topix last week when my name apparently surfaced on there. The posts were hysterical -- and like your above post -- factually inaccurate. In fact, for only the second time ever, I responded. (Not to a political rant -- but the false allegation that I was fat!) I don't mind having that crowd call me every name in the book politically -- it raises my stature and credibility. But, I didn't want them to call me fat.

Sure enough -- they deleted my only post (two whole threads wasted by some sicko attacking me were likewise deleted)

Yes -- I am very familiar with Topix. It is exactly what we are not going to permit here.

BTW -- I run 2 miles in 12:53 and a 5K in 21:36. I bench almost 350 pounds, squat over 500, and leg press 1270 -- 13 times. Does that sound fat to you? Saturday, I ran 8 miles in under 59 minutes. Even you would have a hard time making an argument that I am fat. Now -- a fat head -- I could accept that as hyperbole.

Rich, At least you know the liars and creeps on that other site are not your facebook friends. Otherwise they would have known about your progress in the gym.

[Mike Rosseel]

Rich, i certainly never called you fat, i think the last time i saw you was when you ran for council and were only 19 yrs old! Glad your so fit! Sorry i cant report back my bench, squat leg press etc, if that becomes a reguirement for this site let me know! I dont go on topix, i did for a few months and saw it was trash!

Listen to get back on subject, the meeting lastnight was a success, there was great dialog between all members of the council. Newman looked a little shaky but had a few good statements. The council certainly heard everything he said and was positive about it. I think thats such a huge point, our democratic council, looked beyond party lines and worked with Newman. Shows they are some classy people up there. I DO NOT think Shnurrs point was wrong, i think (CENSORED) WAS OUT OF LINE!!! But i will say it was nice to see brians report be very fair and well done!

As far as me not liking (censored) or me having a personal issues with (censored) is crazy! Rich of all people you should know the republican background i come from, something must have changed that. I and we know what that was......(CENSORED), i want the best people running our town and i think we have that now, althought Marc is a key person missing. With that being said, I cant wait to see Jaye Sims and Kevin Kane take on the GOP! These two are simply the best!!!!! They are true examples of what Freehold stands for, with strong grass roots in our town, so nice to see!

[BrianSullivan]

Jan 20, 2010 18:00:25 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Rich, i certainly never called you fat, i think the last time i saw you was when you ran for council and were only 19 yrs old! Glad your so fit! Sorry i cant report back my bench, squat leg press etc, if that becomes a reguirement for this site let me know! I dont go on topix, i did for a few months and saw it was trash!

Listen to get back on subject, the meeting lastnight was a success, there was great dialog between all members of the council. Newman looked a little shaky but had a few good statements. The council certainly heard everything he said and was positive about it. I think thats such a huge point, our democratic council, looked beyond party lines and worked with Newman. Shows they are some classy people up there. I DO NOT think Shnurrs point was wrong, i think (CENSORED) WAS OUT OF LINE!!! But i will say it was nice to see brians report be very fair and well done!

As far as me not liking (censored) or me having a personal issues with (censored) is crazy! Rich of all people you should know the republican background i come from, something must have changed that. I and we know what that was......(CENSORED), i want the best people running our town and i think we have that now, althought Marc is a key person missing. With that being said, I cant wait to see Jaye Sims and Kevin Kane take on the GOP! These two are simply the best!!!!! They are true examples of what Freehold stands for, with strong grass roots in our town, so nice to see!

Mike, Rich did not claim that you called him fat. He was referring to the idiots on another site, not any of us idiots on this site. lol

The rest of your post is real good and gets us back on track with this topic. It was a good meeting and the dialog and interaction was good to watch. It does show, criticisms toward anybody aside, that we have people who care representing us.

The meeting last night is what we need to focus on. Have we missed anthying in this thread? AS I mentioned in another post, I had to correct something. A reader pointed out an error I had made.

[lisas84]

Rich, wowie! Your physical progress is very inspiring. I hope you have kept a blog-diary of your transformation because this will and can inspire so many others, including myself. And I used to be an athlete (gymnastics, springboard diving, bodybuilding). In fact, perhaps you can write an article, personal essay, for your local media, or even try for Mens' Health magazine. This is the constant editor in me, I cannot help myself. I believe that the most important part of such an article would be that initial moment to embark on your health journey and how you initially got over the bad habits and whatever emotions stemmed from looking at the road ahead. How and when did it get easier?

I digress off topic...but , oh well!

[richardkelsey]

Jan 20, 2010 19:19:23 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Rich, wowie! Your physical progress is very inspiring. I hope you have kept a blog-diary of your transformation because this will and can inspire so many others, including myself. And I used to be an athlete (gymnastics, springboard diving, bodybuilding). In fact, perhaps you can write an article, personal essay, for your local media, or even try for Mens' Health magazine. This is the constant editor in me, I cannot help myself. I believe that the most important part of such an article would be that initial moment to embark on your health journey and how you initially got over the bad habits and whatever emotions stemmed from looking at the road ahead. How and when did it get easier?

I digress off topic...but , oh well!

Brian's going to censor me soon for being off topic -- but I wrote a book on it. It is being edited now. I am looking to shop it soon. It's part humor, part inspiration, and part -how to. it is narrowly tailored to a specific group. It was more cathartic than anything else. I doubt it will be published -- but who knows. Maybe I can get on the sofa with Oprah and cry about being fat! It's tentatively titled, "F-Words: Forty, Fat & Fed-up"

[lisas84]

See? Great minds do think alike! Congrats on the book. I am absolutely sure you'll touch some lives for the better. And that's what it's all about. As an editor, I love the title you have; it's punchy, catchy and really says it all. I say, "Go for it."

Rich, there are many good smaller imprints out there. I would also recommend perhaps finding a literary agent who deals in the self-help/personal essay category, who would have the professional alliances already with the publishers. Please keep us apprised!