Linden Forum

Come Meet Our New Judge, Judge Roberts

2012-01-18T00:40:00.000-05:00

As some of you remember, along Dewitt Terrace, ridiculous signs about "Meeting our Judge" and some other nonsense signs that were erected during the JTG (John T. Gregorio) era. That Judge (Judge DiLeo) has since retired, on taxpayers dime, amidst ethic charges, for which, IMO, he will most certainly be sanctioned for. See here for those charges. I am pretty certain Judge DiLeo will not escape those charges. In any event, Councilman Brown, along with some others, voted to not endorse the Mayor's appointment of Dan Roberts. Dan Roberts, Esq. meets the N.J. Statutory requirements. The City Charter allows the Mayor to appoint the Municipal Judge and Dan Roberts meets the criteria. Brown says he has other resumes. Too bad Councilman Brown; that is not within your power. Brown needs to learn the rules and statute law. He needs to get a new hairdresser as well.

Other items: Criminal background. If I'm not mistaken, we have a FF (firefighter) who has a criminal background as well as a current employee. Therefore, it should not be limited to the Recreation Department.

Union County Improvement Authority being designated as the developer of the ISP property passed. BAD MOVE. The UCIA couldn't find its own ass in a paper bag. BIG DISAPPOINTMENT on this vote. But hey, you might want to curry favor with the Dem Chair. Who knows?

Anti-Nepotism Looks like a viable candidate got knocked out because of it. Then Council changed the policy. Never should have been instituted in the first place. It should have always been best candidate gets the job, so why do it? Koziol loves nepotism. In fact, his wife and kid works for the BOE, which Board he served on. Anyone thinks that was not nepostism? Remember when Council gave JTG a 50% pay increase? Koziol voted for that; to pad the Mayor's salary which would in effect adversely affect the taxpayers.Koziol makes me sick that now he acts all sanctimonious now. Koziol want to cut now? He has a three-to five year plan now for an IT Plan? Is he serious? We needed a three-to-five year budget plan five years ago, like former Mayor Paul Werkmeister suggested. But no. We get the blame game. And his kid got a job with the B.O.E. in the meanwhile Can't dispute that.

Council Reports. Just one comment. 1st Ward Councilman Kolibus encourages everyone to visit the City website for recreational programs. It seems to be the rec department uploads their programs with no problems. I'd like to see the monthly AGENDAS uploaded and MINUTES uploaded in a timely fashion Can ANY city councilperson or mayor call for this? HOW HARD CAN IT BE TO UPLOAD DOCUMENTS? Got to be an idiot not to be able to do that.

Sheehy: You want suggestions? Get an Email address No.1 because I would privately email you. My next suggestion is to have all attorneys submit a Request for Proposals for a City Attorney(s), Judge or other attorney position for a three-year term. This way, we have no attorneys on the payroll or collecting, medical or pension benefits. Email me @ devilfish622@gmail.com and I will give you more suggesstions.

Pension Padding: Can our newly elected Freeholder from Linden, Christopher Hudak, who is the Linden Democrat Chair, and whose father is on the Roselle and Linden payrolls, ensure us his father won't profit or be a burden on us over-taxed taxpayer? Of course not. This is what Linden Mayor endorsed during a council meeting which was wholly inappropriate and no one called him on it by making a political endorsement because 1) it was or a democrat (that's why you know our Mayor is not an indepedent) and ;
2) After the fact because dem-run Union County gave us some money for a a couple hour, no-one cares Holleen parade?

Mayor of Linden, I beg you:

No one cares about parades or concerts. What homeowners wonder about is even if they can meet their mortgage payments, can meet THEIR PROPERTY TAXES?

Not all of us have a government pension

Someone better get in this quick.

July, August, September, October & November Minutes Not Posted on City Website

2011-12-27T20:57:00.003-05:00

FIVE months have passed since the July Council meeting, yet no Minutes are posted on the City website. Not to mention August, September, October and November. Last Minutes posted are from June, six months ago. See here for latest minutes (June).

I know our City Clerk has a lot on his agenda, two jobs as Clerk, one for City of Linden and one for the Union County Utilities Authority. Plus the political position as being the Treasurer for the Union County Dems. Hope the City Clerk doesn't send those reports out on City time or using City equipment. I have evidence that he has.

I wonder which job the Clerk of Linden values the most?

So why is it agendas and minutes get posted on the UCUA in a some-what timely fashion, but not on the City of Linden's website, where Bodek earns over a $100,000 salary from Linden taxpayers?

Linden's Mayor, who is suppose to be an independent, but in this City acts as a democrat, says nothing of course. An Independent RINO&D. He can't make up his mind.

Why not let Linden taxpayers see what is going on since July?

Get your act together Bodek and post the Agendas BEFORE the meeting and after the Minutes are APPROVED.

How hard can it be?

Passaic County Not So Hot On Solar Panel Program

2011-12-20T19:31:00.002-05:00

Apparently, the volatility of the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) market is not only a concern to the Passaic County freeholders, but to would-be contractors as well. Not one contractor submitted a bid to perform the construction of solar panels on public buildings in Passaic County. Too risky?

From the The Record:

"Some experts warn that the certificates could become worthless in the decade ahead as utilities expand their own renewable energy capacity. For example, PSE&G, North Jersey's largest power utility, has been placing solar panels throughout the region, reducing its need to buy SRECs."

"Under the original proposal, the county's Improvement Authority — its chief financing arm — would sell as much as $30 million in bonds to pay for construction of solar panels on public buildings in towns and cities. But after the county put forward projections that showed the project could cost $18.4 million more than the revenue it would generate, the Nov. 10 bid deadline came and went without a single bid submitted."

"The County's requests for proposals included projections that showed income would not cover costs. No developers bid on the project." (emphasis mine)

According to the article, the advisors on this Passaic County panel project are the same advisors who formulated the Morris County Model and counseled Union County and Somerset County on their solar panel projects. This isn't a conflict? Aren't all the counties who are went along with this solar scheme competing with each other to sell their SREC's? Not only that, by flooding the market with solar panel projects, it seems to me that the very advisors are, to some extent, the cause of the volatility. According to this article, the DeCotiis law firm received about $1.3 million in fees from the three counties.

"The DeCotiis firm declined requests by The Record for interviews of its representatives. Instead, a public relations agency retained by the firm responded to emailed questions from The Record." That's odd. Jonathan Williams of the DeCotiis law firm seemed so eager and enthusiastic when touting this scheme to Union County. Why use a public relations firm?

If the Passaic County scenario projects that the costs could be more than the revenue generated, that would seem to hold true for the Union County solar panel scheme. It never made any sense to begin with. Elected officials are so easily hoodwinked.

Of course, New Jersey could accelerate the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and it appears the Christie administration is prepared to do just that. That means traditional energy prices will be jacked up for ratepayers to subsidize "feel good" unsustainable solar energy.

See full Record article here.

Linden Prosecutor Says He Doesn't Answer to Linden Judge

2011-12-18T10:31:00.001-05:00

From the New Jersey Law Journal:

"DiLeo also says that on the night of the trial, the municipal prosecutor, Nicholas Scutari, 'had left the court for the evening without permission.'"

"Scutari, for his part, says he answers to the Union County prosecutor, not the judge, adding, 'If he needed me back, he's got my number.' Scutari, a Linden solo and also a state senator, says that during court sessions he is often outside the courtroom, conferring with defendants or counsel, and does not enter unless summoned by the judge."

Linden Municipal Judge Files Answer to Judiciary Complaint

2011-12-13T21:35:00.005-05:00

Judge Louis M. J. DiLeo has filed his Answer to the Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct's Complaint against him. See Judge DiLeo's Answer here. To follow DiLeo's Answer, you will need to follow the Complaint, which you can find here.

There are a few things DiLeo's doesn't address in his Answer, such as why he conducted a trial without a prosecutor. BTW, where was the prosecutor, a/k/a Senator Nicholas Scutari, that night? Is Cheeques still open? Anyway, I find that not having a prosecutor present during the trial to be the most egregious conduct on the part of DiLeo, although I think the entire trial was run like a kangaroo court.

I would offer more comments, but why bother? The fact of the matter is that DiLeo will most likely get off with a slap on the wrist, retire soon and he'll become a dependent of the taxpayers for the rest of his life.

There is no need for DiLeo to really explain himself. Why should he? DiLeo has it made in the shade. He knows it. DiLeo will receive more in annual pension payments then that of the average annual income of Linden taxpayers who will be footing the bill for DiLeo's pension for the rest of his life.

Shoprite vs. City of Linden

2011-11-20T11:53:00.005-05:00

From the New Jersey Law Journal:

"GM Plant Rezoning in Linden Knocked Out Because of Hazy Public Notices"

"Rockaway Shop-Rite Associates’ attorney on appeal, Ronald Gasiorowski of Gasiorowski & Holobinko in Red Bank, says, 'The land use law is relatively simple to follow, and if you adhere to the statutory requirements, you won’t have a problem.'"

What attorney prepared the insufficient ordinances on Linden's behalf?

See here for Appellate Decision.

Shoving Match at City Hall

2011-11-10T21:45:00.002-05:00

Heard there was another shoving match at City Hall. I wasn't there. This is the second time a certain councilman is involved in an alleged shoving match. I hope it's not true on either side. The devil in me wishes someone would punch him out.

Overtaxed taxpayers are so screwed regardless.

Someone tell me how we are to pay for the run on pensions, not to mention making up for the deferrals?? And the bonds on the County-run (UCIA) FAILED development projects that have gone awry. No one even addresses these problems or even mentions them. It's a real problem.

And my goodness, did we really need a library of that size? Those poor homeowners behind the library. They should have spoken up. Now they have no sun. Why did that library have to be built that high and at that expense? And Linden taxpayers are still being asked to fund the library? Are you kidding me?

Nothing but a photo opportunity for the County at the peril of Linden taxpayers. Just like the firehouses.

The County is running us into the ground. And no one says a word. In fact, Linden taxpayers vote for more of the same. Pitiful.

Linden Election Results

2011-11-08T22:05:00.004-05:00

According to the S.L.

Linden
City Council Ward 4 One 3-Year Term
x Derek Armstead (D)* 568
Waliyy Dixon (I) 241

Linden
City Council Ward 6 One 3-Year Term
x Robert Sadowski (D)* 270
Diane A. Wilverding (I) 195

Linden
City Council Ward 8 One 3-Year Term
x Michele Yamakaitis (D)* 481
Dulce Lopes (I) 79

Linden
City Council Ward 10 One 3-Year Term
Richard Puschel (D)* 389
x Adam Kuczynski (I) 558

Congratulations to the winners.

Now get to work and stop the nonsense that we, the taxpayers, put up with over the last year. Taxpayers won't put up with it anymore.

*Update: Bad news is that we still have an all democrat freeholder board. When will they learn?

Union County
Freeholder Three 3-Year Terms
x Angel Estrada (D)* 32,560
x Christopher Hudak (D)* 33,167
x Vernell Wright (D) 33,372
Andrew B. Smith (R) 27,635

Edwin O. Ortiz (R) 27,147

It would have been enlightening to have a lawyer (Andy Smith) on the freeholder board who is not paid to think their way. Smith would have surely scrutinize their actions and contracts, something that is sorely missing, especially since Linden gets taken for granted by the freeholders and their bosses. What a pity.

Local Source Endorses Smith For Freeholder

2011-11-08T09:26:00.003-05:00

"Smith For Freeholder:

We endorse challenger Andy Smith of Summit for Union County Freeholder.

This office conducts in-person interviews for the purpose of endorsing candidates for political office. In the past, we have been hesitant to endorse one party without speaking to the other. However, numerous attempts to interview the Democrat incumbents and their one newcomer were not reciprocated in any fashion. And this time around- with both our interviews and the county’s attitude- the position of the Democrats appears to be one designed to draw as little attention to themselves as possible. And to that end, we take their lack of an interview as their interview.

Their hope, as we see it, lies in residents overlooking the continued waste and mismanagement in which they have taken part. They are relying on old-time Democrats voting the party line across the board. And unfortunately, we also feel this is a good strategy.

For more than 12 years, the freeholder board has been comprised of all Democrats. In that time, taxes have only gone up and transparency has only gone down. When asked about the mishandling of MusicFest, there was little to no response. When questioned about millions of dollars being misappropriated towards the Union County Alliance, there was zero response. We believe the Democratic candidates, along with the other six freeholders not up for election, must play by their own set of rules, or risk alienation from the party-- a party that for far too long has had complete control and zero accountability. Andy Smith knows no such fear, and is beholden to no one but the voters. He is knowledgeable, well-spoken and a strong candidate who intends on making the other members of the board accountable for their actions. His single vote will change little, but his presence, loud voice and strong opinions will change much.

One such argument Smith has made includes the county spending $136,000 on their website. That’s $136,000 tax dollars, and as Smith has repeatedly said, that’s $133,000 too much. We see no fault in his argument. And we look forward to that type of voice during freeholder meetings.

The democrats are terrified of Smith getting elected. Their closely guarded all-Democrat government will be susceptible to the eyes of an outsider. And we believe Smith is the right outsider for the job. Union County’s budget is nearly half a billion dollars. And a vote for the Democrats is a vote for more of the same. We are certain the county does not need another year of nine Democrats and zero Republicans. And we feel very confident saying Smith deserves your votes."

Linden's Democratic Team Creates Jobs?

2011-11-04T18:14:00.002-04:00

What a laugh. Linden's Democratic Team, consisting of Nicholas P. Scutari, Christopher Hudak, Derek Armstead, Bob Sadowski, Michele Yamakaitis and Rich Puschel, claim they are "creating jobs". For who? Themselves? Each and every one of them either collects a taxpayer funded paycheck or have family members doing so. Scutari, Armstead and Puschel collect two.

Who dreams up these ~~lies~~ lines?

Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct Files Complaint Against Linden Municipal Judge

2011-10-28T10:33:00.000-04:00

Judge DiLeo continues to serve as Municipal Judge despite a trial where it was found that Judge DiLeo denied defendants their due legal process. That trial further resulted in Judge Moynihan characterizing that trial as a "perversion of justice". While some Linden council members glossed over the charges, the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct of Supreme Court of New Jersey does see it as a big deal and, as expected, has filed a formal Complaint against Judge DiLeo, charging violations of three Canons of the Code of Judicial Conduct.

Read formal Complaint here.

Harrisburg PA Files for Bankruptcy On Overdue Covanta Trash-To-Energy Incinerator Debt

2011-10-13T10:55:00.000-04:00

Bloomberg Businessweek article relating to the bankruptcy filing here.

See here, here and here for background on Union County Utilities Authority/Covanta deal.

Union County Freeholder Seat: It's Time

2011-10-10T01:58:00.002-04:00

How could anyone deny having another voice on the all-democrat Union County Freeholder Board to be a bad thing? Sure as the sun rises, Roselle, Linden, Rahway, Elizabeth, and Plainfield will vote for the current cabal of the all-democrat candidates to the freeholder board, thus ensuring a 9-0 vote on anything that comes before it, many times not even understanding the consequences of their actions. The current Union County Board of Freeholders reward themselves and their supporters quite generously at taxpayer expense.

For instance, I viewed a video where Freeholder/Chairman, Deborah Scanlon, admitted she didn't really understand the Solar Panel Scheme. Yet she cast a "yes" vote. That is truly despicable and IMO, a dereliction of duty. The DeCotiis law firm was not only handsomely rewarded for their consulting expertise, but as its lawyers as well. Nevermind their campaign contributions. Amazingly, no one sees a conflict.

I think all the freeholders engage in voting on things they don't understand. It does not appear any of them have one scintilla of knowledge as to what they are voting on when it comes to major projects. No one questions the UCIA. How could they, when it is a long accepted fact that the head of the UCIA, Charlotte DeFilippo. head of the UCDO, is, in essence their boss, when in reality, the Freeholder should be her boss. No one questions DeFillippo, the self-admitted cog, for her Agency's many project failures. I will reiterate her failures on another blog.

As long as the freeholders, their family members and as importantly, their campaign donors, are making money off the taxpayers, diligence means nothing to them. They fly by the seat of their pants and they get away with it.

Why do they do this? Because they can. They know you will vote them back into office, despite the evidence that the freeholders reap the benefits.

Conservative Jersey has an article here why voting for a non-democrat will be a good thing. I'd love to see the all-democrat Union County Freeholders squirm. Andy Smith is an attorney and, this could be a good thing for County residents. He will surely go over every contract with a fine-tooth comb and let us overtaxed taxpayers know just how badly we are getting ripped off.

Brown/Armstead Feud Dominates Council Meeting

2011-09-21T09:15:00.003-04:00

Last night's council meeting erupted into what apparently is an on-going feud between 3rd Ward Councilman Brown and 4th Ward Councilman Armstead. During the Council report portion of the meeting, Brown indicated that he wants an "Investigation Committee" to be formed so that council can investigate alleged illegal dumping by another councilman. It was revealed that the councilman Brown was referring to was Councilman Armstead. It was further revealed that an investigation was already concluded by the police department.

The Mayor joined the heated discussion suggesting Brown take the matter up with the Prosecutor's office if he is not satisfied with the results of the police investigation.

Armstead spoke out alleging that Brown has stated to Armstead that he (Brown) is out to destroy Armstead's life. Armstead went on to explain why, on occasion, he has delivered trash at the dump. Armstead further stated that calls have been made on him to the Construction Code Department, Board of Elections and that he was even paid a visit by DYFS.

It's ugly. Whatever the truth is, it is inappropriate to suggest council members be allowed to investigate other council members.

In other city business, the Mayor vetoed an ordinance which would have split the Finance and Personnel Committee into two separate Committees. Having not watched the last two council meetings, I can't shed any light on this matter, but apparently it was back on last night's agenda as a first reading. Next month the public can question Council on second reading. Someone emailed me and said the new ordinance would establish more committees without specifying what new committees.

Councilman Sadowski indicated the County is planning on constructing a state-of-the-art soccer field at Wheeler Park. Sadowski is concerned about lack of parking.

There was some brouhaha over volunteer appointments to the District Management Corp., which were done unanimously by Council, when resident/City employee J. Bishop accused Council of making the appointments without interviewing the volunteers. There were some remarks made alluding that J. Bishop is looking to become the Director. Councilwoman Cosby-Hurling indicated that the process was open to any resident and forms were submitted by those volunteers. It's unclear to me what Bishop's beef is.

A resident inquired about the status of Purgen as she thought representatives of Purgen would be in attendance. Council President Moore indicated that because of the amount of city business, Purgen was requested to appear next month and that Moore would like to hold a special meeting for that purpose.

*Update: typos corrected & update added as to Mayor's vetoed item.

Covanta, Union County Utilities Authority, Interim Executive Director/ Freeholder, Dan Sullivan, & Taxpayers (on the hook)

2011-09-13T18:37:00.004-04:00

Since no one from the City of Linden's administration attended the special meeting held by the Union County Utilities Authority, I will refer taxpayers and elected officials, if they care, to The County Watchers site which has a full recording of the meeting. See here.

John Bury gives his insights here entitled "Who Represents the Taxpayers?". With such a stacked deck, my answer: No one.

Clearly, Linden has not learned its lesson. Failed Linden/ UCIA projects: South Wood Avenue, Morning Star, ISP/Dupont. Theoretically, the UCIA and the UCUA are separate entities, but are they really?

This article should lift your Covanta-loving hearts ~sarc~

UC Performing Arts Center's Role In MusicFest

2011-09-02T08:53:00.001-04:00

The Prosecutor's Findings into the role the Union County Performing Arts Center played in the 2010 MusicFest leaves a lot of questions left unanswered, which apparently, the Prosecutor is either willing to overlook or simply accepts, at face value, vague, unsubstantiated answers.

This Is It! Stage Works. There is no exhibit for a contract between the UCPAC and vendor This Is It! Stage Works attached to the Prosecutor's Findings. I'll have to assume that one doesn't exist and, in fact, the Prosecutor recommends that the UCPAC enter into written agreements with vendors and artists. As an aside, since the UCPAC is a non-profit 501(c)(3), I'm curious how the UCPAC explains these kinds of expenditures without documentation to the IRS. Moving on, according to the Prosecutor's Findings, a $17,100 check was issued to This Is It! Stage Works by the UCPAC from the MusicFest account for the June 2010 Summer Arts Festival. When questioned as to this expenditure, employees at the UCPAC could not explain the reason for paying that invoice from the MusicFest account. According to the UCPAC website, George Devanney, and Freeholders Deborah Scanlon and Daniel Sullivan sit on its Board of Directors. I have no way of knowing whether the UCPAC website is current.

Across the River LLC. Again, there is no exhibit for a contract between the UCPAC and vendor Across the River LLC. Again, I'll assume one doesn't exist, though in this instance, the Prosecutor's Findings make no mention as to whether a contract exists or not. According to the Prosecutor's Findings, the County entered into a contract with ATR for $27,500 and the Findings go on to state that in addition to the $27,500 that the County paid ATR, the UCPAC also paid ATR $45,000 and therefore ATR was paid by both the County and the UCPAC. The Prosecutor's Findings does not indicate whether any employees of the UCPAC were questioned as to this expenditure. It doesn't appear the Prosecutor's Office contacted the owners of ATR either. The Prosecutor simply accepted Devanney's explanation that certain artists would only perform if contracted through ATR. Isn't that what the County paid ATR the $27,500 for? Where is the explanation from employees of the UCPAC, or better yet, its Executive Director?

Prosecutor's Findings here.
.

Musicfest Cost Cover Up?

2011-08-31T19:13:00.001-04:00

Watching the video posted on The County Watchers site, Former County Manager/Nephew of Senator Raymond Lesniak, infers that the cost to the taxpayers for 2010 Musicfest was $360,000. He only mentions outside contractors, and is silent on other costs. He clearly states that that the cost of Musicfest is not one or two million dollars and that those million dollars numbers are grossly exaggerated. The County Prosecutor, however, puts the cost at $1.1 million.

There are a number of issues here and I think this is far too important to be simply swept under the rug.

Was George Devanney lying as to the cost? If so, did the freeholders aid and abet this lie by not speaking up?

Is George Devanney so inept that he cannot keep track of $1.1 million? He was in charge of a multi-million dollar budget.

Under any of the above two circumstances, it's clear as day that the Union County Freeholders are not good stewards of taxpayers monies nor have they upheld their sworn duties to Union County taxpayers.

There is a whole lot more that has been uncovered by the Prosecutor, such as allowing County vendor, This Is It Productions, to breach its contract by some $77,617.89. What's worse, according to the Prosecutor's Findings, former County Manager took it upon himself and authorized TIIP to offset the $77,617.89 that TIIP was not contracted to spend, by allowing TIIP to retain profits from various vendors. This all occurred without consent of the Freeholder Board or even a change to the contract. On the video clip, Devanney clearly states that the outside contracts, including TIIP, are public record and were voted on. This is not true according to the Prosecutor's Findings. The Findings Report goes on to state that even the profits retained by TIIP were not accurate and that the County, in fact, overpaid TIIP. None of this is criminal?

See Prosecutor's Findings here. You have to read it to believe it. It's despicable what went on.

Where's The Bank? In Sweden?

2011-08-26T22:19:00.003-04:00

Oh god, you really have to laugh at the Union County Prosecutor's acceptance of George Devanney, former County Manager/Nephew of Senator Ray Lesniak's excuse for not depositing the full, supposedly, cash rake from the beer garden. Devanney claimed, according to the Prosecutor's Finding, that he was scared to carry around that much cash.

He has access to sheriff officers who can accompany him to the bank LOL

This is just so sick

Thank you County Watchers. Tina was more than diligent. Too bad the freeholders don't do their job with the same tenacity.

Union County voters will vote the same clowns in. That's all they know. Democrats. And they never ask themselves if their lives are any better. One good example as to how pathetic it is, is when you have a former County freeholder, specifically Adrian Mapp of Plainfield, who got kicked to the curb when he questioned the Freeholders. Still he supported the all democrat line in the last election, no matter how bad they are. He should be ASHAMED.

Plainfield, Elizabeth, Linden, Roselle, Rahway voters allow this crap.

You like it like this?

Musicfest Findings

2011-08-25T18:06:00.000-04:00

The County Watchers have posted the Union County Prosecutor's Findings into Musicfest. This investigation would not have occurred without the C.W.'s diligence. Why unpaid citizens have to do the job that our elected officials won't do calls into question why this is so. In Union County, elected officials know they can count on the democrat vote, no matter how badly they perform.

The findings aren't pretty and, IMO, it warrants more action by someone, other than Prosecutor Theodore Romankow, who has basically given a pass to what I consider to be theft. My reason for that opinion will be in comments section on The County Watchers blog, once my comment is approved.

Will N.J. Attorney Paula Dow get involved? U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman? Anyone? It's up to you, the voter, to end this charade.

Read the Findings here.

Improvement Authority: "The comptroller has really been up their as-es over there,”

2011-08-25T09:56:00.000-04:00

Quote from PolitickerNJ.com regarding NJ Comptroller audit into the Middlesex County Improvement Authority. Read the rest here.

Can Union County be next on the list for Mr. Boxer?

Read Up On Covanta Elected Officials

2011-08-23T22:49:00.004-04:00

I know it's hard, with limited UNCOMPROMISED legal advice, but anyone who has half a brain should pay attention to what may be going on with the Covanta deal. No one took the time with the Solar Scheme that Linden was hoodwinked into. Just wait taxpayers.

For more information on Covanta, see Bury's blog here. Why is it that a private citizen has to ask these questions? Where are our elected officials? It's getting tiresome. Do YOUR job. Ex-Mayor Paul Werkmeister suggested Council appointing a citizen to attend County Freeholder meetings, and nothing. Joe Lindsey has attended a couple that I know, but not in an official capacity. To the best of my knowledge, not one Linden Council sitting member attends Freeholder meetings. That's a disgrace.

Linden has been dumped on enough by the Union County Improvement Authority, with no questions asked and no results. Plainfield has a few failures. I think the UCIA may be preying on Roselle now. Roselle has stopped airing their Borough meetings so it is difficult to see what's going on there now. Roselle elected a new Mayor who was indicted on voter fraud and entered Pre-Trial Intervention. You are on your own Roselle. You get what you vote for. Heh.

BTW, didn't Linden just pass an Anti-Nepotism policy? Isn't that against exactly what Chris Hudak, an appointed Freeholder, who is the Linden City Democrat organization Chairman, just voted YES to have Freeholder Dan Sullivan head up the Union County Utility Authority? That's not nepotism??

If so, I would imagine, but not expect, the Linden Democrat organization to remove Chris Hudak, son of the City Attorney, John Hudak, who also works for the UCIA, from the Chairmanship. After all,
Appointed Freeholder Chris Hudak just voted against what, supposedly, the majority of the City Council is against and who he supports. Will it happen? No, and that's why taxpayers should know this anti-nepotism resolution is a sham, besides the fact that the City is not hiring. Total joke.

We are so screwed.

NJ Credit Rating Downgraded

2011-08-17T17:06:00.000-04:00

More bad news. From the article:

"New Jersey's debt position remains high, and the state's long term pension and employee benefits obligations are very significant."

John Bury To Attend Linden Council Meeting

2011-08-16T18:46:00.003-04:00

One of the most informed County citizens will, to the best of my knowledge, attend tonight's Linden Council meeting.

John Bury has been writing about County issues for a couple of years, targeting the Solar Scheme and Covanta, among other issues He has his own blog writing about the pension crisis, which no one seems to care about.

Tonight he will ask about the Covanta deal. I doubt anyone will have any answers to his questions. Even though we have independents on City Council, they exhibit a lackluster approach to guiding our City properly.
You can be against everything, but you must be for something. Everyone voted for the solar scheme without fully understanding it. It's YOUR JOB. Why do you allow the County to lead you around by the nose is what I want to know.

Tonight will be the second reading of the (cough-cough) anti-nepotism policy. Hopefully, the Linden Clerk can read the ordinance without laughing as he is a largess of nepotism. Then the City attorneys will have to IGNORE their own nepotism or conflicts. Then the Councilman, who has two of his own family members employed at the BOE, where he previously served, will have to either act like it didn't happen or ask his own family members to resign from their positions. WHAT WILL IT BE KOZIOL? You are either for it, or against it. You can't be both, can you?

Why not ask everyone employed with the City of Linden, who got their positions by nepotism, to resign? If you were serious with this B.S., you would.

But you won't.

NJ Solar Owners SHOCKED By Lower SREC Prices

2011-08-04T00:15:00.001-04:00

It just got worse, if that could be possible, for Union County taxpayers, whose taxpayer-supported towns/cities/counties/agencies/BOEs and whatnot's, got suckered in and signed on for the solar scheme orchestrated by the DeCotiis law firm and, for the most part, guaranteed by Union County taxpayers. I hate to tell you I told you so, so I won't. John Bury was all over this scheme as well and with his help, I was able to track it as it concerned Linden. See Bury series here. Bury posted all this information on the Voices section of NJ.com, but for whatever reason, NJ.com decided it didn't want this or other information Bury posted. No matter. Bury has his own informative blog here.

It appears panic is setting in for NJ solar owners, which we Union County taxpayers are. The County doesn't seem to mind though and not one elected official has voiced any concern. Despicable.

A couple of eye openers for those who believed this would not cost Union County taxpayers a dime and, in fact, taxpayer-supported towns/cities/agencies/BOE's and whatnot's who signed on were were promised a 25% to 35% and sometimes even a 45% reduction in energy prices. See here for DeCotiis law firm promise to Morris County and here for the promise to Union County. Who is speechless now Mr. Jonathan Williams, Esq.?

The market price on the new energy year is 50% lower than the previous energy year.

Electric Producers in New Jersey are required by law under the Renewable Portfolio Standard to purchase 442,000 SRECs from solar owners during the June 2011 to May 2012 time period (energy year 2012). There is currently almost enough solar installed to produce that amount of SRECs.

At this rate there may be more than a 100,000 oversupply of energy year 2012 SRECs.

You can read how the NJ SREC market went bad here.

Did the DeCotiis law firm, by promoting solar panels, contribute to the over supply? After all, DeCotiis was giving the same advice to various counties, each of whom were essentially competing with one another, to expand solar development. In my world, this is an obvious conflict of interest. Conflicts seem not to exist in Union County, even when it's IN YOUR FACE real. A total disgrace.

Moving on.

Since the repayment of the bond relies heavily on the sale of SREC's, which obviously we won't be able to meet given the current conditions and trends, who pays? Will the County sue its own attorney/campaign contributor if we can't make the bond repayments? Who did Linden Council consult on this matter? Did Linden rely on its own politically-connected attorneys for advice? Did any Linden Council person undertake a little due diligence in between worrying about sidewalk repair or shade trees? Astonishing. Attorneys are suppose to give LEGAL advice. Here, we have a law firm fashioning policy, acting as a consultant and the lawyer too! Who cares, right? If it feels good, do it.

I'm thinking there will be no Phase II of this solar project. I could be wrong. There are no boundaries when it comes to stupidity.

J.B. of the County Watchers, if you are reading this, would you please post how much we bonded for Phase I and what the DeCotiis law firm legal billings are on this project to date. Thanks. I don't have any more gas in my tank to go further on this at this time. I just wanted to get it out there for now.

Anti-Nepotism Policy

2011-08-02T21:37:00.004-04:00

I missed the last council meeting, but I was emailed by a taxpayer that the City has passed an anti-nepotism policy. Under former Mayor Gregorio, nepotism was the Holy Grail for securing a job in Linden. So what changed now, especially since Linden has a hiring freeze? Hell, Linden use to create positions for the politically endowed. Gregorio's secretaries should have exited when Gregorio lost his election, but no ... Council found new jobs for those girls. Part of the new nepotism policy that we are now against? Ha! I can only laugh.

There is no need for an anti-nepotism policy. We should have and should, going forward, hire the best, regardless of political affiliation or who is friends with who. I know for a fact, someone close to me, who was well qualified for a then open position, was denied even consideration for the job because he did not fit in with the then nepotism policy. This was told, straight up, to my close friend by a then sitting council member. Reverse discrimination. I just hope this new policy isn't meant to discriminate against anyone. Regardless, it's decades too late, and after what went on earlier this year with the reappointment of John Hudak, the politically connected City attorney and whose son is the City Dem. Chair and now a freeholder, if it feels good, like they say, do it. Don't worry about the hypocrisy.

Linden should send its new anti-nepotism policy to the County and ask them to consider implementing the same policy and perhaps even to the Board of Education where a sitting councilman, who previously served as the B.O.E. President, and who voted in favor of this cough-cough anti-nepotism policy, has two of his family members employed there. I could go on and on and name names as to who got their jobs, how, and which sitting council members supported that nepotism policy, the very policy that they are now suddenly against.

Please with the b.s.

UPDATE: Councilman Koziol's family takes home a little over $112,000 in 3 taxpayer funded salaries, according to Data Universe, not counting health or pension benefits. Heavens, no nepotism going on here, is there?

NJ Bill To Accelerate Solar RPS

2011-07-08T13:26:00.000-04:00

From Flett Exchange: "The Bill proposes to skip the energy year (EY) 2013 SREC requirements and move right to EY 2014 requirements. Instead of requiring 596,000 SRECs to be purchased by energy providers in EY 2013, the requirement would jump to 772,000 SRECs."

Read the rest here.

I suppose this can be done every year to prop up the market.

You Can Check In But You Can Never Leave

2011-07-06T23:52:00.001-04:00

Unintended consequences of home ownership.

Here's an article that should raise the hairs on the back of our necks.

http://www.city-journal.org/2011/21_3_public-workers.html

County Going Out Of Its Way To Make Your Vacation More Enjoyable

2011-07-01T08:14:00.002-04:00

From the June 30th Westfield Leader:

"Joel [sic] Lindsey of Linden questioned the county spending $77,000 for design, construction administration and inspection services for installation turf at Mattano Park in Elizabeth, as well as $116,200 for the same work for installation of turf and lights at Rahway River Park in Rahway. Both contracts were awarded to Neglia Engineering of Lyndhurst. 'Do you think with the economy that we should be doing these kind of projects?' Mr. Lindsey questioned. Freeholder Deborah Scanlon responded, 'Personally, I think we should be doing more of them because now people can’t afford to go away for vacation...The better our parks and the more usable they are,' the more people will be able to utilize the county parks system. 'I think that’s a worthy cause,' Mrs. Scanlon added."

Updated with video: h/t to JB @ Union County Watchers

Volatility Warning In NJ SREC Market

2011-06-30T12:59:00.001-04:00

Latest news from Flett Exchange:

"Energy Year 2012 SREC (solar renewable energy certificates) trade $400 on the Flett Exchange Electronic Trading Platform. This is a significant discount to the end of 2011 SRECs which are trading $645 each."

More from Flett Exchange:

"Why are things different this year?

1. SREC markets are based on supply and demand. In all of the previous years in NJ the amount of solar installed was far short of the State mandates. The result was high and stable SREC prices. This is about to change.

2. These high prices attract investment. Last year (energy year 2011) there was potentially enough investment in NJ solar to meet mandates. The next year (energy year 2012) appears to have enough and maybe even too much solar investment.

3. Prices for SRECs for future years have dropped 38% in the last few months."

Read more here.

From Bad to Worse

2011-06-30T11:29:00.000-04:00

The council meeting held on June 21 and a special meeting held Tuesday night make it pretty clear that things have gone from bad to worse. Whether political, personal or both, Council members appear to be severely divided.

Council President Moore has a hard time maintaining control of meetings and he seems to be confused at times as to what action is on the floor. There have been times when more than one Motion is on the floor. Council members speak over each other. It's chaotic.

Some of this confusion has, in my opinion, been caused by the new practice of introducing Resolutions from the floor that have not been placed on the agenda. This practice was started by Councilman Pushel at the January Reorganization meeting when he introduced a Resolution appointing John Hudak as City Attorney. Previously, the appointment of a City Attorney was the authority of the Mayor. According to the Minutes, the Resolution, presumably prepared by Mr. Puschel, was not on the agenda and apparently not discussed at the caucus meeting. See p. 14 of Minutes here.

This new practice of introducing Resolutions from the floor has now led to a procedures issue as to whether Resolutions and Ordinances concerning personnel and finance matters are within the scope of the powers of Council or the Personnel and Finance Committee and the procedure for preparing such Resolutions and Ordinances. Whatever the answer is, it should be resolved immediately. It would be a step in restoring some order.

It's time for someone to call a truce.

What Constitutes a Quorum?

2011-06-28T22:52:00.002-04:00

Tonight we learned that certain Linden council members convened and held a meeting amongst themselves. These members included Kolibus, Brown, Yamakaitis, Cosby-Hurling, Puschel and Koziol to formulate the questions for tonight's meeting.

That is six council members out of ten, excluding the Council President. Armstead was not invited to that meeting. I seriously doubt that the most upstanding councilman, Councilman Bob Frazier, was invited to that meeting. I can only speculate that the other council members were either not invited or maybe chose not to participate because that could, perhaps be, a violation of the Open Public Meetings Act.

Final question: Was that meeting in violation of the Open Public Meetings Act?

More soon since I missed the June 21st meeting and only saw it yesterday. In the meanwhile, I have to contemplate whether I should "out" myself. Decision coming soon. When and if I do, I can share all kinds of stuff that I will gladly sign my name to and give the source of that information.

No Surprises in Union County Races

2011-06-08T07:45:00.004-04:00

Linden 8th & 10th ward incumbent democrat council members, Michele Yamakaitis & Rich Puschel, won their primary races.

Michele Yamakaitis 352

Challenger: Jacqueline D. Williams 231

Richard Puschel 327
Challenger: Archie Strazzella 181

4th ward councilman Derek Armstead and 6th ward councilman Robert Sadowski faced no primary challenge.

Union County Machine freeholder democrats, Angel Estrada, Christopher Hudak and Vernell Wright, easily won over their challengers, Marlene J. Abitanto, Erna Letemps, Elcy Castillo-Ospina.

Senator Nicholas Scutari and Assembly people Jerry Green and Linda Stender faced no democrat opposition.

Plainfield, home to Assemblyman Jerry Green, who also is the City's Dem. chairman, had a particular nasty local race. "New Dem" incumbent Cory Storch won over his challenger, Green endorsed challenger Tony Rucker while another Green endorsed candidate, Vera Greaves, won over "New Dem" Delois Dameron.

It is interesting to note that Linda Stender, Assemblyman Green's running mate, appears to be more liked than Green in Green's own hometown. From Plaintalker II:

"In a trend that has been seen for at least the past three Assembly elections, incumbent Assemblyman Jerry Green, also the Plainfield Democratic Party Chairman, received 1,491 city votes while his running mate, incumbent Assemblywoman Linda Stender of Fanwood, received 1,770 votes in Green's hometown."

In Roselle, Jamel Holley, previously indicted for ballot fraud, won the mayoral race over the current Mayor, Garrett Smith, who is currently under indictment, A third candidate, Joseph O'Halloran, who is not now nor been previously indicted, received the least amount of votes. Figure that one out.

Outside of Linden's district, the Lesniak/Cryan team won over challengers who are affiliated with the Elizabeth Board of Education, who ran under the "Democrats for Change" banner. Lesniak was able to get the challenging team's campaign funds frozen, which decision was later overturned by the Supreme Court. According to Bob Ingle's blog, the Lesniak team had a $2.5 million dollar war chest. Apparently, winning isn't enough for Lesniak who, according to PolitickerNJ, stated: "And let me tell you, Elizabeth Board of Education, the fight has just begun". I wonder what he means by that? Sore winner.

According to PolitickerNJ, Union County Dem Chair Charlotte DeFilippo lost her local party chairmanship. Poor dear. Too bad we can't vote her out of the UCIA.

Sharp Decline in NJ SREC Market

2011-05-26T12:13:00.001-04:00

From flettexchange: "The New Jersey Energy Year 2012 (June 1st 2011 – May 31st 2012) SREC prices have experienced a sharp decline. The precipitous drop in price is due to an expectation of an oversupply of SRECs for New Jersey in the next 12 months." See article here.

The repayment of the financing for the Union County Solar Panel Project relies heavily on the sale of SRECs.

On May 19th, Tioga Energy announced it is ready to start the Union County Solar Panel Project. In that announcement, Tioga claims the project will lower electricity costs by approximately 50 percent over 15 years. See here Would that mean 3.3% savings each year? Jonathan Williams of the DeCotiis law firm said a 25% immediate reduction would be delivered. Who knows what to believe.

See video of Williams here (h/t to John Bury for the video).

Today the Governor announced that NJ is withdrawing from RGGI. See S.L. article here. It also appears that a new State Energy Master Plan will be revealed soon.

Here's the Union County Improvement Authority May bills for approval list:

Renewable Energy
DeCotiis Fitzpatrick Legal Services 05/03/11 $ 38,608.08
PMK/BSG Group Professional Services 04/08/11 $ 9,588.39
PMK/BSG Group Professional Services 03/07/11 $ 7,624.45

"The Beat Goes On"

2011-05-20T14:48:00.001-04:00

Incredibly, 527 days have passed by since the State's Commission of Investigation issued its report, entitled "THE BEAT GOES ON - Waste and Abuse in Local Government Employee Compensation and Benefits". The report was delivered to former Governor Corzine and members of the Senate and General Assembly.

Not only that, but the Report indicates that: "During the past 15 years, dating back to 1994, the Commission repeatedly has examined the nature and fiscal impact of questionable and patently excessive public employee benefits and repeatedly has made recommendations for systemic reform.

See Report here.

Why does Trenton allow this pillaging of taxpayers' hard-earned money?

Last Night's Council Meeting

2011-05-18T08:19:00.002-04:00

Budget was introduced and it's likely taxpayers will see a 4% increase.

Two firefighters were re-hired due to retirements. In all, eight firefighters will retire on June 1. Those retirements also allowed for various promotions of lieutenants, captains and a deputy chief. I can only speculate that the retirements are being spurred on to avoid any pension reform measures being discussed in Trenton. John Bury wrote about employees being "Scared into Retirement" here and Barron's "A Rush for the Exit" here. I'm not certain of the exact amount of firefighters who retired this year, but by my count it's at least 12 this year. The City will start receiving pension bills for those retirees in three years. Start saving now taxpayers.

Without offering specifics, one councilman indicated possible layoffs and a reduction in supervisory positions. These and other cost saving measures should have been undertaken years ago. For many years, long-time resident and council attendee Joe Bianco, who turned 91, advocated for a study to be performed into the structure of the City workforce. Too bad his efforts fell on deaf ears.

Joe Lindsey questioned the new five-year (2009-2013) contract for the city garage employees. Labor attorney Roth indicated those employees' Union negotiated a 0/0/3.9/3.9/3.9 raise structure. Taxpayers need a better negotiator. Not only that, it appears it took at least two and a half years to negotiate a contract for a Union consisting of less than 11 employees. No wonder we need a full-time labor attorney.

C.P. Moore was again questioned about his broken campaign promise to not take a salary. Moore fumbled to answer the unanswerable. "I lied" isn't an easy thing to say.

Union County Raises Taxes, But Less Since Christie Took Office

2011-05-15T16:32:00.002-04:00

According to a S.L. article published today, the Union County homeowners will see their county portion of taxes rise 5.1%. In typical S.L. fashion, the writer begins the article with this pretzel logic:

"Union County has passed a budget that includes a $2.7 million reduction in the tax levy from the spending plan proposed in March."

County spokesman Sebastian D’Elia had this outlandish comment:

"This is another example of this governor’s wrong priorities, which includes cutting taxes for the wealthy, hurting our most vulnerable citizens and pushing the costs on the backs of property taxpayers".

Here's the reality:

Year % Tax Increase Sitting Governor

2008 5.5% Corzine

2009 5.3% Corzine

2010 4.5% Christie

2011 5.1% Christie

Only in the bizarro land of Union County government could the Governor be made out to be the bad guy when the tax increase in percentages have been actually less since Christie was elected.

See full article here

I Went To Municipal Court Today

2011-05-11T16:08:00.002-04:00

Today I visited a municipal court. The Judge encouraged defendants to see the prosecutor before pleading guilty. It was obvious that this particular Judge wanted to give the benefit of the doubt to all those who appeared before Her Honor. She either encouraged the defendant to see the Municipal Prosecutor or, at the very least, to apply for a Public Defender.

The Judge was very professional and respectful of everyone in the court room.

Not once did I see this Judge acting as a Prosecutor and a Judge.

Why did Judge DiLeo act as both?

Demolition: Morning Star vs. General Motors

2011-05-03T16:18:00.000-04:00

Back in January, I passed by the properties that are part of the Morning Star project being spearheaded by the Union County Improvement Authority. I posted that demolition had finally begun. The Mayor previously stated that demolition was to be undertaken in the Fall of 2010. That didn't happen.

Yesterday, I drove by again. Four months later, only two buildings have been demolished.

In contrast, the demolition of the Linden General Motors plant, consisting of 100 acres, was accomplished in just six (6) months.

Just saying ...

BOE Results

2011-04-28T08:37:00.000-04:00

From NJ.com (unofficial results):

Three 3-Year Terms
√ Dylan Frank 1,284
Charlette Richardson 1,025
√ Bryan A. Russell* 1,096
√ Louis Scaldino* 1,061
Carmen Southward 1,038

School Budget
Yes 915
√ No 1,025

BOE Election Today: Polls Open 4 to 9 p.m.

2011-04-27T08:49:00.000-04:00

The five candidates for the three seats Louis Scaldino, Bryan Russell, Dylan Frank, Charlette Richardson and Carmen Southward. Scaldino and Russell currently sit on the Board.

The budget question is shall $79,333,587 be raised by taxes. Note that amount is 76.52% of the total budget. To view the proposed budget in more detail, see here.

The Linden Public Schools two-sided election information mailer, of which only a sixth of the space is devoted to the budget, contains over-simplified pie charts - one for revenues and one for expenditures. Those pie charts do not inform the voter of the total budget, nor does it include actual figures, but only percentages. The only actual figures the school mailer provides is the amount to be raised by taxes ($79,333,587) and a comparison of the State average cost per pupil of $13,883 versus Linden cost per pupil @ $13,174. For whatever it's worth, the mailer highlights that Linden cost per pupil is $659 below the state average.

Last Night's Council Meeting

2011-04-20T15:35:00.000-04:00

Compared to last few council meetings, last night was relatively tame. Surprisingly, no surprise Resolutions were sprung, which may have attributed to a calmer atmosphere.

Three firemen retired, allowing for three re-hires. That's all well and good, but it may also be a "doubled-edged sword". John Bury writes about the rash of retirements happening around the State here and Barron's here.

The budget wasn't introduced, but is expected to be next month. Another budget meeting will be held May 2, I believe, in the caucus room and the public is invited to attend.

The obligatory Judge DiLeo cheerleader was in attendance. Same old line about the Mayor's appointment who Council rejected, not having experience, this time using a landscaper as an example. New Jersey Statute does not require that a newly appointed Judge have previous experience, either as a Judge or Prosecutor.

One welcome change Council President Moore has made is allowing the public to speak on first readings of ordinances. Previously, the public was only allowed to speak at the second reading, only minutes before the final passage. This new procedure gives Council a full month to consider the public's input.

A few people spoke on the Mayor and Council's conduct at the previous meeting. One person even suggested that Council should put on a united front. I prefer the "duke it out in public" method myself. Why hide from public view their differences? For years, taxpayers put up with back room deals and a Council made up of a "yes man" mentality. Let's not go back to that.

Council Out of Control Now or Then?

2011-04-19T19:11:00.000-04:00

Learning about last night's caucus meeting, I can't help but laugh. Councilman Koziol is bitching about it on his facebook page, complaining about a lack of leadership. A "pot meet kettle" scene if there ever was one. While I will grant that Council President Moore needs to exercise a little more order and control, without infringing on anyone's rights, taxpayers have long felt EXACTLY what Koziol is now complaining of. Taxpayers had to sit by while the former Mayor and a majority of council members force-fed us their self-serving agenda. But it was okay back then because Council was controlled like puppets.

I could write a book about the chancery we put up with. Suck it up. We did. For decades.

Montclair Streams Their Local Access Channel Live

2011-04-18T09:13:00.001-04:00

January and February Council Meeting Minutes have yet to be posted on the Linden City website. Minutes are good, but do not convey all that happens at council meetings. Obviously, nothing beats watching a council meeting with your own eyes. Those with Comcast cable can watch the meetings on TV-36 when they are aired. FiOS customers just recently gained access on Channel 42. Those using satellite T.V. or without cable have no access.

Yesterday, The Star Ledger ran an article, entitled "Activists spoof official Union County website, but officials aren't laughing". Neither are overtaxed taxpayers. See story here.

Tina of The County Watchers follow ups on that article here and points to, among other things that the Ledger piece misses, the County's failure to upload freeholder meeting videos. While the County's $136,000 website was launched over six months, there's only a promise of video and audio from past freeholder meetings "coming soon". The County wasted no time however in uploading what I consider to be self-aggrandizing videos which are spotlighted on its home page.

The Township of Montclair has one of the most superior, transparent government websites I've come across. It's not only simple to navigate, containing a wealth of information, but Montclair streams their local access channel live and provides videos of council meetings that can be viewed at your leisure. See here.

Let's get on the ball already government.

Councilman Brown Records Mayor

2011-03-27T11:21:00.001-04:00

According to The Auditor column of the Star Ledger (Who is that new kid on the block?), Councilman Brown recorded a conversation with the Mayor. Column here.

Since becoming a councilperson, Brown, IMO, has done all he can to undermine the Mayor's authority. The Mayor, if he indeed called Brown "wet behind the ears" was being much too kind.

In real news, Union County may be facing a credit rating downgrade. That's good news according to UCIA Executive Director/Union County Democrat Chair Charlotte DeFilippo, who said: "This is really good news for Union County," "It shows how healthy we are."

Another disturbing statement, made by soon-to-be ex-finance director Lawrence Caroselli: "We’re just a victim, if you will, of the economic conditions and the situation with real estate." So we're to believe the County's reckless spending and borrowing plays no part?

These people are out there.

Article here.

Has Judge DiLeo Delivered HIs Letter to the Proper Department Yet?

2011-03-24T16:36:00.000-04:00

The Budget Committee was not the proper venue for Judge DiLeo to request a salary reduction IMO. What he should have done, was deliver his request to the Personnel and Finance Committee or directly to the Finance Department.

To avoid another circus at the next meeting, including self-congratulatory Resolutions, simply have the gal, who is in charge of payroll, call Judge DiLeo to confirm he wants a salary reduction and the Judge can simply drop his letter off at her office the next time he holds Court regardless of whether he's acting as Judge, Prosecutor or both.

My God. Someone get a brain.

Judge Offers To Lower His Salary

2011-03-16T14:34:00.000-04:00

In what I view as a shady maneuver, Councilman Peter Brown, brought a surprise Resolution from the floor to lower Judge DiLeo's salary from $127,000 to $95,000. The reasons given for the last minute Resolution were two-fold; that DiLeo's letter offering to take a pay cut was just received and that legal counsel had to seek permission from DiLeo to publicly discuss the proposed pay cut. I'm not buying any of it.

The pay cut offered would not go into effect until April 30. Therefore there was no urgency or reason for Brown to bring a Resolution at last night's council meeting. It could and should be placed on next month's agenda so that it could be discussed at the next caucus meeting. Instead, Brown's ill conceived method of carrying out City business ended up in chaos and was disrespectful to those Council members who are asked to vote on a matter for which they have no prior knowledge.

The Mayor questioned whether a Resolution was even needed to lower the Judge's salary. What's to stop the Judge from simply contacting the Treasurer's office and requesting a smaller paycheck? In fact, why defer the pay cut to April 30 instead of immediately?

Because the Motion for the Resolution to lower the Judge's salary was already on the floor, Council President Moore denied Councilwoman Cosby-Hurling's sensible suggestion that the Resolution be tabled.

While elected officials should embrace public comment, Councilman Puschel questioned the legality of allowing public comment before the vote on Brown's Resolution. Council President Moore allowed it.

A vote was taken whether to accept the salary reduction. The initial vote went like this:

Pushcel - Yes
Frazier - No
Sheehy -No
Yamakatias - Yes
Sadowski - Yes
Cosby-Hurling - Abstain
Armstead - No
Brown - Yes
Koziol - Yes
Kolibas - No
Moore - Abstain

After the vote, the Mayor asked legal counsel for a ruling or opinion on how the abstention votes would be treated. After a five minute recess, counsel advised that the abstention votes would be treated as yes votes. Moore and Cosby-Hurling changed their votes to no.

Councilmen Puschel and Koziol glossed over Judge DiLeo's conduct where the Judge was deemed to have overstepped his legal authority by acting as Judge and Prosecutor in a recent case as if that conduct was no big deal. It is a big deal.

It was again noted that Dan Roberts, who is the Mayor's choice for Judge, has no experience as a public defender or prosecutor. Again, Council seeks to impose its own requirements over New Jersey statutory requirements. Council's refusal to consent to the Mayor's appointment is not legitimate IMO because Roberts meets State Statute. It's getting tiresome.

Another contentious issue arose regarding the funding of Pop Warner. Councilman Armstead accused Councilman Brown of attempting to defund Pop Warner because Armstead is personally involved in Pop Warner. Brown insisted that his intention was to make sure the City was funding the organization in a proper manner. However, others now question why some sports organizations receive taxpayer money and others don't.

The disbandment of the budget committee was another hot topic. Council President Moore stated that he disbanded it because the committee was working outside the perimeters he set. Councilman Koziol asked for clarification, but received little explanation from Moore. Who knows what to believe. What is clear is that Council is severely disjointed.

One laid off fireman was re-hired due to a firefighter retiring for that purpose.

Apparently Council President Moore campaigned that he wasn't going to take a salary. When questioned that he is indeed taking a salary, CP Moore said he changed his mind.

Morning Star has until May 1 to secure financing and proceed with the St. George Avenue project. If it fails to do so, it looks like that project will end up in litigation. Significant sums of money have been advanced by Linden taxpayers, via the Union County Improvement Authority. Since there is a real possibility that Linden taxpayers may end up holding the bag on this project, Council should insist on reviewing bills submitted to the UCIA on this project.

Linden Council Makes New Jersey Law Journal

2011-03-13T11:28:00.000-04:00

This week's edition of the New Jersey Law Journal carries a follow-up article entitled "Judge Held to Traint Trial by Doubling as Prosecutor, Denying Public Defender" related to Linden Municipal Judge Louis M.J. DiLeo's handling of a recent case. See here and here for background.

According to the article, DiLeo's "errors were so patent" that even the Union County Prosecutor's office joined in defendants' appeal.

In the NJLJ article, the attorney for one of the defendants wonders if DiLeo has done this before.

According to the article, neither Judge DiLeo nor Prosecutor Nicholas Scutari returned calls for comment to the NJLJ so we are still left to wonder how this trial proceeded without the Prosecutor present. The Court has a docket, no?

The end of the article reports that, despite the City Council having being aware of DiLeo's conduct, Council, by a vote of 6-5, voted down the Mayor's nomination of a new Judge.

Judge Moynihan, who heard the appeal, does not have the power to remove DiLeo from the bench. I'm pretty sure a complaint will be lodged against Judge DiLeo with the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct. Complaints against NJ Judges for years 2007 to 2011 can be reviewed here. Looking through the Complaints against Municipal Judges for those years, I haven't found any where a Judge was so arrogant to act as both Judge and Prosecutor. That ought to tell you something.

If You Can't Trust a Sheriff, Who Can You Trust?

2011-03-07T15:21:00.000-05:00

Last Friday we learn that Linden Municipal Judge Louis M.J. DiLeo overstepped his legal authority and today we find out Middlesex County Sheriff is charged with bribery. These people are entrusted with upholding the law, yet they appear to do otherwise. I don't have the patience anymore for these kinds of people. When will it end?

Lesniak defended this sheriff, along a party line, during Spicuzzo's hearings for confirmation the NJ Sports and Exposition Authority

Sheriff story here.

These people creep me out.

"Perversion of Justice" By Linden Muncipal Judge

2011-03-05T08:32:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, a Superior Court Judge ruled that Linden Municipal Court Judge Louis M.J. DiLeo overstepped his authority during a recent court proceeding. According to the Star Ledger article covering the story, Superior Court Judge Scott Moynihan called the Linden trial conducted by Judge DiLeo a "perversion of justice". See S.L. article here.

Just last month Linden Council refused again to consent to the Mayor's appointment of Dan Roberts as Municipal Judge. Some council members cited Roberts' lack of experience.either as a prosecutor or public defender.

Judge DiLeo, prior to becoming Linden's Municipal Judge, served as Linden's Prosecutor, which makes the Judge's conduct here all the more troubling. There can be no mistake that Judge DiLeo knew, or should have known, that he was overstepping his role as Municipal Judge.

Judge DiLeo should immediately resign.

Linden Retirees

2011-02-23T12:13:00.001-05:00

According to news reports, Unions and public workers will hold a rally/protest in Trenton this coming Friday for the purpose of supporting their counterparts in Wisconsin.

NJ Pension funds are going broke, not only because of underfunding, but because of lavish and lengthy benefits. NJ pension funds are reported to be underfunded by $54 billion. John Bury puts that number closer to $160 billion. See here for his explanation. I believe Bury. Reports further indicate that the retiree health benefit fund is underfunded by nearly $67 billion.

I think the public has become so inured to these incredible numbers being tossed around that it seems they have become meaningless. For a better sense of what public pensions cost overtaxed taxpayers, take a look at just our local pension rolls.

To view pensions of retired City workers, including police and fire, click here.

To view pensions of retired City teachers and administrators, click here.

To view pensions of retired City library workers, click here.

To view pensions of retired City Housing Authority workers, click here.

To view pensions of retired Linden-Roselle Sewerage Authority workers, click here.

Not to single out police or firemen, but according to the Data Universe site, recent Linden retirees are receiving more in pension benefits than the median income of Linden residents ($57,283). For instance, a retired high ranking police official, as well as a retired high ranking fire official, are receiving nearly $100,000 in annual pension payments. It is not hard to imagine that both, during their retirements, will easily receive well over a $1 million. That high ranking police official's successor has also recently retired. While his annual pension is not available on the Data Universe site, I would imagine his pension benefits mirror those of his predecessor.

Reviewing the B.O.E. pensions, there too are high ranking former employees receiving considerable pensions, with former Linden school superintendent topping the list at an annual pension of nearly $150,000.

Even modest pensions, considering longer life expectancies, are alarming when taken in totality. Add to this the pensions of State and County retirees, along with various Commissions and Authorities and the numbers are staggering.

Recently, the County Watchers reported that the County, in its "anything goes" style of governing, recently agreed to free, life-time health benefits for approximately 650 non-Union employees without the benefit of even knowing what that will cost taxpayers in the long run. See here and here.

It appears that our lawmakers and elected officials have done exactly the same thing when it comes to public pensions by making promises without knowing or caring about the true costs or, most importantly, whether taxpayers can afford it.

Council Refuses Mayor's Nomination of New Judge

2011-02-16T09:58:00.003-05:00

City Council again refused to consent to the Mayor's appointment of attorney Dan Roberts by a vote of 6 to 5. The Mayor indicated that Roberts was willing to serve as Municipal attorney for $75,000 without benefits. The current Judge makes a hefty $122,000, plus $17,000 in benefits. While NJ statute requires that a municipal judge must be an attorney, a member of the bar and have five years experience as an attorney, Council cites Roberts' lack of experience either as a prosecutor or public defender. Regardless, the Mayor should just submit another candidate.

No one on Council indicated any concerns about the recent troubling report that Judge DiLeo allegedly over-stepped his judicial authority in a recent case. See latest here From that article:

"The state agrees that the procedures used in the municipal court violated (the) defendants’ due process rights," Assistant Prosecutor Sara Liebman wrote to Superior Court Judge Scott Moynihan, who is scheduled to hear Rubas’ appeal next month."

A motion was made to add a second judge, possibly on a per diem basis and possibly an African-American judge. What wasn't discussed was that adding more court hours would not only require another judge, but a prosecutor and public defender.

There were many remarks regarding the revenue the Court brings in. Raising revenue is not the role of a courtroom and to view it as such is troubling.

When questioned on the controversy now swirling around the election of Council President (see here for background), Councilman Peter Brown stated that he was only questioning the process because he simply likes to question things.

Councilman Brown also stated that he and the finance/personnel committee terminated the Mayor's secretary. The Mayor corrected this by stating that it was the Mayor himself who terminated P. Howe. The Mayor went on to state that rather than hire a new secretary, he will be utilizing a long-time employee from the finance department even though some members of Council gave him a hard time. Who could object to that and why?

On a positive note, the Mayor indicated that, unlike the Corzine administration, the Christie administration is very accessible. He further went on to say the Lt. Governor returned a phone call he had placed to her within five minutes and that he currently has two meetings scheduled with representatives from the State.

It was announced here will be a budget committee meeting on March 3 @ 7:00 p.m. in council chambers and the public is invited to attend to offer ideas. There is currently a $7 million projected budget deficit.

. .

Appeal Alleges Linden Municipal Judge DiLeo Denied Defendant Due Process

2011-02-15T10:38:00.002-05:00

See story here and here.

"If true, that would be an extraordinary denial of due process for the defendants and a series allegation of judicial misconduct for the judge."

The New Jersey Law Journal reports that Prosecutor Nicholas Scutari has no recollection of how the case was scheduled without his knowledge.

The Circus Continues in Linden

2011-02-13T10:57:00.002-05:00

Newly elected Councilman, Peter Brown, is apparently trying to usurp the election of Linden Council President James Moore. However, I do not believe he is acting alone. See story here.

Aside from the fact that Linden has been electing Council Presidents longer than Brown has been alive, there are a few troubling aspects.

The article states that Councilman Brown requested City attorney Hudak to research whether the election of a Council President is legal under Linden's form of government. Under what authority does Brown have to request a taxpayer funded City attorney to conduct his witch hunt?

Council President Moore made it very clear during the re-appointment process of city attorney Hudak that he desired to explore other options and interview other candidates for the position. Further, Councilman Brown joined in the efforts of Council members Puschel, Yamakaitis, Sadowski, Koziol and Kolibas to usurp the Mayor's veto of the ordinance reappointing Hudak.

According to the Star Ledger, City attorney Hudak declined to comment, citing attorney-client privilege. Just who is the client? Whether the client is Peter Brown or Hudak's own employee, the City of Linden, certainly it's a conflict of interest either way.

This is another reason, among many, that Linden and its taxpayers would be better served by appointing an apolitical attorney.

After being elected, Councilman Peter Brown spoke of the daunting task of filling the "big shoes" of his predecessor, Joe Harvanik. This is now the second time, in as many months, that Brown has proven he does not have the character or integrity of Mr. Harvanik.

Former Cranford Mayor Questions Appointment of Attorney Dan McCarthy

2011-02-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

Apparently, attorney Dan McCarthy, who's on Linden's payroll, found himself another taxpayer funded gig in Cranford.

Cranford's former mayor questions the legal process of how the contract was awarded and states that it was "like bid rigging". He also states that McCarthy's paperwork was late and not complete.

See Former Mayor Smith's letter to the editor here.

McCarthy was also part of the legal dream team regarding daTruthSquad First Amendment case which FAILED in Court.

McCarthy, was also involved in the Township of Union's FAILED attempt, through eminent domain, to take property's owners land. The Judge is that case had some not too nice things to say about McCarthy, who was the Township's Planning Board attorney, and of McManimon & Scotland, which was the Special Redevelopment Counsel

Besides citing conflicts of interest during Planning Board hearings, some of the other findings by the Judge:

"The advice offered by the Special Redevelopment Council, in any event, I find was misleading."

"The standard in the report relied on by the Board in making their determination, as well as the advice given to the Board by its own Counsel and Township's redevelopment Counsel were inconsistent with the requirements of the LRHL, the holding in Gallenthin

"... taken together the with reliance by the Board members on the improper advice of Counsel as to the statutory and constitutional requirements of LRHL."

"... I find the neutrality, impartiality and validity of the Board hearing are seriously in question."

See Judge's entire opinion here.

Linden also retains the services of McManimon & Scotland. Sigh.

Being Led By The Nose By DeCotiis Law Firm

2011-02-08T11:34:00.000-05:00

With all the failed projects that the DeCotiis law firm has been involved with, including Encap, which was/is the subject of a federal investigation, why are Union County towns so quick to sign on to an Agreement with the Union County Utility Authority, which is represented by the DeCotiis law firm, that extends a lease to Covanta for 45-years? See nj.com article here.

The articles states that: "Through the current agreement, which expires this year, Covanta Energy operates the waste incinerator in Rahway between Routes 1&9 and the Rahway River."

Yet, according to Covanta's own website:

"The Union County Resource Recovery Facility, located on the banks of the Rahway River, began commercial operation in June 1994, serving the residents of Union County. The facility processes up to 1,540 tons of solid waste each day into enough electrical energy to power some 30,000 homes and businesses. The facility runs entirely on the energy it produces, with the remaining 39 megawatts of renewable energy sold through a merchant power marketer. Designed and built by Covanta Energy, the facility is owned by the Union County Utilities Authority (UCUA) and operated by Covanta Energy under a 25-year lease negotiated in 1998." [Emphasis mine]

According to my calculator, that would mean the current lease expires in 2023. Yet the article indicates the lease expires next year. Which is it?

It appears these that the communities the DeCotiis law firm is pushing to sign on to this incredibly lengthy lease are simply taking the word of the UCUA's attorneys. That's more than troubling. Where is the due diligence on the part of the elected officials of these communities?

Is The Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioner Really Any Different From Union County?

2011-02-07T16:50:00.000-05:00

Today the Governor fired 70 employees a t the PVSC. Amen to that. See story here.

According to the story, nepotism was rampant, along with other taxpayer funded chicanery. The Governor said: “I cannot imagine that the PVSC is the only place in New Jersey where this is happening.” No kidding.

I see no difference at what's been going on at the PVSC to what goes on in Union County, including the Union County Improvement Authority.

The County Watchers calls out Assemblywoman Stender on her press release. See County Watchers here.

Lawyers For Linden

2011-02-02T20:54:00.002-05:00

Just looking at what the Union County Improvement Authority bills, it is DISTURBING. Mind you, these bills can ultimately be the responsibility of the taxpayers. The litigation involving Verge Properties, for example, according to UCIA website, cost :
Verge Properties
DeCotiis Fitzpatrick Legal Services 01/05/11 $ 39,612.77

That;s just for one month.

Does anyone think Verge spent as much in legal services?

What happens when Linden loses?

Mayor of Roselle Indicted

2011-01-27T09:46:00.000-05:00

See story here.

First Ward Councilman Still Calling In; Not Attending Council Meetings

2011-01-18T20:54:00.000-05:00

I thought it was a special Resolution tailored for this councilman. If you cannot do your job, step down First Ward councilman. After all, you really should have not run in the first place because did you really live in Linden when you ran?

Now we have the mother of a fireman speaking. .... She also speaks to the Municipal Judge. Why? I actually don't believe what everyone else believes. The attorneys, the Judge and Municipal Prosecutor are APPOINTMENTS. Meaning that none of them should be here for life or even long enough to vest in the pension system IMO

Now we have Roth, speaking who sounds stupid. Hudak can't say a word. Where is McCarrthy? Don't know.

What a circus.

Gasparino on Bond Market Crisis and Christie

2011-01-17T20:29:00.001-05:00

Charles Gasparino wrote a piece on the bond market crisis published in the New York Post. In that article, Gasparino says of Gov. Christie:

"In fact, Christie is a big reason that buyers should have faith in Jersey's bonds. He's the rare public official who understands the need to expand the tax base, rather than constrict it through higher taxes, and the need to slash the size of government -- all of which would leave more revenues to pay off bond holders."

Read the entire piece here

Bloomberg Reporter Omits Crucial Information

2011-01-15T14:18:00.005-05:00

As reported by Bloomberg earlier this week, the NJ Economic Development Agency scaled back a planned bond sale from $1.8 billion to $1.1 billion due to weak demand. In that article, the reporter for Bloomberg noted that:

"About 20 minutes before the deal was scaled back, Christie told a town- hall meeting in Paramus that health-care spending “will bankrupt” the state unless it requires its workers to pay more for medical coverage."

Adding to that, the reporter cited Gary P. Pollack, head of bond trading at N.Y.'s Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management:, who stated:

“He [Christie] is scaring some people when he says the state is going bankrupt,” Pollack said. “It wasn’t timed well.”
.
See Bloomberg article here

Bloomberg failed to mention that the day before the scheduled sale, CNBC aired a segment addressing issues affecting the bond market, including under-funded pensions, deteriorating State finances and disclosure in the bond market.

What's more, just last month, Bloomberg carried an article on NJ's severely underfunded pension and retiree health benefits liabilities. See here.

New Jersey was the first State in the country to be charged with securities fraud for failing to report those severely underfunded pension obligations. The Bloomberg article failed to note this chilling event. See SEC Order to Cease and Desist here.

Responding to the Bloomberg article, according to Politicker, Trenton masterminds, Assemblyman Louis Greenwald (D) and Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D), insist that the Governor's comment affected the bond market. See Greenwald's and Schaer's remarks here.

Gov. Christie didn't say anything that the rest of the Country doesn't already know and investors are responding accordingly to those truths.

Morning Star ... 8 Years Later

2011-01-12T15:44:00.000-05:00

After 8 long and taxpayer-backed expensive years, demolition of properties purchased by the Union County Improvement Authority in connection with the failed Morning Star project is finally underway.

It has taken 8 years to purchase 13 lots and demolition has just started. Would it be even possible for a private, self-funded developer to bear the cost and time of this project? Seriously.

Media Inspired Hate

2011-01-11T14:43:00.000-05:00

Warning: Graphic Language and Vile Language:

h/t The Right Scoop

Roselle & The Rushed Solar Panel Project

2011-01-11T10:06:00.004-05:00

Last night I caught a portion of the Borough of Roselle's December 15th Council meeting on TV-34. When I tuned in, Council was getting reading to vote on a Resolution authorizing the Mayor and Council President to execute Agreements in connection with the Union County Improvement Authority's Solar Panel Project. It was very clear that the legal Agreements were not fully understood by or adequately explained to the Borough's Council members. Some Council members wanted clarification of some aspects of the Agreements. A question arose as to what the Borough's obligation would be if any of the roofs were later determined not fit by the vendor who will actually be installing the solar panels. A good question. Borough attorney, John Hudak, could not assist the very Borough he works for because Hudak is also attorney to the UCIA. Attorney Gina Bilangi, of the DeCotiis law firm was on hand, but unable to give a firm answer to that question. Bilangi explained she was in attendance for other business and that she is not familiar with this specific project. It is apparent that there is no clause in the Agreements addressing this potential scenario. Bilangi offered that if there was such an issue with a roof, that that building come be put in with the next round of solar installations. That's a heck of an answer. Is Council really expected to rely on the verbal representation by an attorney who admits she is not all that familiar with the project?

Not only that, what if the Borough cannot afford to get a roof compliant before the next round? What then?

A discussion commenced as to how the two Borough buildings were selected by the handsomely paid engineering firm hired by the UCIA. It was indicated that a visual inspection was done in addition to measuring and assessing obstructions, the tilt of the roofs and shading. The Mayor asked if there was any type of certification by that engineering firm that the Borough could rely upon that the roofs are qualified for solar panel installation. The answer to that question was no.

At some point during the discussion, a council member displayed his exasperation by mumbling "What is the friggin problem" or words to that effect which was picked up by his mic. Remarkable.

Another person (whose name I believe is Dowd) approached the mic and indicated that the Resolution was only to authorize Council to authorize the signing of the Agreements. He further indicated that the Agreements were not necessarily in final form and may later be "tweaked".

Council is expected to authorize the signing off on Agreements that may later be changed? Incredible.

IMO, this is a slipshod way to conduct taxpayer business. Legal Agreements should be reviewed with a fine-toothed comb and it is incumbent upon elected officials to do so. Not only that, it doesn't appear that Council is being afforded ample time to do its due diligence nor does it appear to have independent legal advice to fully understand the legal terms of Agreements they are being asked to sign off on.

Since both attorneys in Linden's legal department, John Hudak and Dan McCarthy, do work for the County, who did Linden Council members rely upon for legal advice on the UCIA Solar Panel Project Agreements it authorized be signed at last month's meeting? Overtaxed taxpayers cannot afford any more screw-ups.

Left Media Hijacking A National Tragedy & Now Senator Scutari

2011-01-10T14:15:00.008-05:00

I watched as the news unfolded over the weekend and was sickened by the attempts of some media outfits to use this tragic event for political purposes despite there not being a single shred of evidence that the killer's motives were incited by any political views.

The victims of the horrendous massacre in Arizona, committed by a madman, seem to be little more than an afterthought while wild theories, conjecture and speculations run abound.

Today, according to PolitickerNJ, Senator Nicholas Scutari (D) brought up the tragedy during a confirmation hearing. See story here. Scutari's attempt, in any way, shape or form, to associate the brutal assassinations that took place in Arizona with the gentlemen, who is the subject of this hearing, is, in my view, very demented. It is also troubling because Scutari is a lawyer as well as the prosecutor for the City of Linden and as such should know the difference between fact and reckless speculation. Either he doesn't know the difference, or more likely, he too is jumping on the bandwagon and exploiting a deadly massacre that can only be seen as a political stunt. Whatever Scutari's reason, it's sick.

No respect for the dead. No respect for the injured.

Backroom Politics Already At Work in Linden

2011-01-04T23:32:00.007-05:00

It didn't take long.

During tonight's reorganization meeting, Council members and members of the public congratulated and offered praise to the Mayor Gerbounka, Council President Moore, re-elected members of Council and newly elected members of Council. Many encouraging words were spoken of change and having our elected officials working and voting in the interests of taxpayers. Dream on overtaxed taxpayers.

That feel good sentiment was short-lived when Councilman Richard Puschel sprung a surprise Resolution to appoint John Hudak as City Attorney. The prior Ordinance appointing Mr. Hudak as City Attorney was previously vetoed by the Mayor, as is his right. It appears Puschel, and whomever else is behind this maneuver, is seeking to usurp not only the process by which Council appoints attorneys, which has always been by Ordinance rather than Resolution, but the Mayor's veto power as well. Ethics aside, it was also unfair and disrespectful to Council, especially to those new council members, or at least those who were not privy to this well-planned chicanery. The Resolution passed with Puschel, Yamakaitis, Sadowski, Brown, Koziol and Kolibas voting for the appointment. Armstead, Frazier and Sheehy and C.P. Moore voted no with Cosby-Hurling abstaining.

President Council Moore spoke of his desire to explore other options and interview other candidates for the position. Councilman Sheehy spoke about the lack of accountability in the law department. Councilman Armstead stated that because the Mayor vetoed the prior Ordinance, that it did not necessarily mean that Hudak would not be appointed, but that Council should have the opportunity to consider alternatives.

The Mayor indicated he would seek injunctive relief in the Courts. He should. Council should not be allowed to re-write the Municipal Code nor should it be allowed to eliminate powers vested in the Mayor, which is essentially what Puschel is trying to do via this Resolution.

The City has, in my view, been taken advantage of by the County or worse. We are embroiled in litigation with the County as our so-called redevelopment partner on the South Wood Avenue project. Further, the County, through the UCIA, sought to acquire, by eminent domain, property owned by ISP-Dupont which cost the City lost years in the development of that site as it was being litigated Morningstar is another failed project with two blocks of properties siting vacant for years, loss of tax revenues as well as broken promises of demolition.

John Hudak is bond counsel to the UCIA, Hudak's son is now an appointed freeholder. It's long overdue for Linden to employ an attorney without County ties.

A Resolution was introduced by Councilman Koziol to allow Council members to conduct Council business by electronic means, as was done for Councilman Kolibas tonight. This is rather peculiar since absenteeism by Council members has never been an issue, even when Charlie Crane was on Council. This Resolution could have been brought to Council at its next regular meeting thereby allowing Council a caucus discussion. Since it wasn't, I suspect this Resolution was specially crafted for a certain Council member. If a Council member won't or can't attend to his duties, he should step down.

Newly elected Councilman Peter Brown spoke of the daunting task of filling the "big shoes" of his predecessor, Joe Harvanik. Don't sweat it Brown. In just one meeting you blew that goal.

Revised 1-5-11.

Ending 2010 With An Extra Dose of Stupidity

2010-12-30T16:17:00.004-05:00

According to PolitickerNJ, Trenton masterminds Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono (D-Metuchen) and Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Cryan (D-Union Twp.) want the State to scrap contracts with vendors who donated to Reform Jersey Now. Read the lunacy here.

On what legal grounds do Cryan and Buono base their idiotic demands? If Cryan, Buono or any other democrat are serious about nullifying contracts, they should step down immediately because what they are asking the State to do is expose itself to gross mismanagement at great peril to taxpayers. The State would surely be sued if this course of action is followed.

Too bad we can't sue our legislators for buffoonery. We'd all be rich.

Kid Can Buy Home; Can't Afford the Taxes

2010-12-28T14:38:00.002-05:00

My kid, who has been looking for her own place for just over a year now, found a place here in Linden. Unfortunately, it looks like she won't be buying it. She has a sizable down payment (25%) and has been pre-approved for a mortgage. The problem? Property taxes @ over $7,200 on this 2-bedroom, 2 bath townhouse. No yard, no balcony, no anything else. Her mortgage principal and interest payments would almost equal her property tax payments.

Linden was always known for modest property taxes. Linden was also a place where one could get one's foot in the door to home ownership, perhaps later moving on to a more desirable town.

I think this particular property is over-assessed, though I'm not certain she would be successful in a tax appeal. It's too bad. She comes without any baggage and wouldn't add a dime to the local, school or county budgets. She'd be a giver, not a taker.

Wall Street and lenders are not only to blame for the housing mess in NJ or the Dems like Barney Frank who pushed lax lending practices. Our elected and non-elected officials have done a bang-up job in creating a most unfriendly property tax environment.

The Cost of Going "Green"

2010-12-23T10:21:00.001-05:00

Conservative New Jersey has an enlightening post on just how badly we are being ripped off by being forced to go green. See here.

Good for the lawyers pushing this crap, not so much for us.

Truly ludicrous.

Quick Notes on Last Night's Council Meeting

2010-12-22T14:55:00.011-05:00

Not surprisingly, (Councilman?) Gene Davis, showed up. The guy is really shameless. At the end of the meeting, Patty Hero, who had end-of-year personal messages for all members of Council, quoting from Firesign Theater, stated to Davis: "How can you be in two places at once when you're not anywhere at all". I'm guessing his next stop is the disability office. After all, isn't that what unhappy or displaced employees do?

There were a few Resolutions which would have secured professional service contracts for next year. Council President Elect Jim Moore, as well as 5th Ward Councilwoman Elect Cosby-Hurling spoke against the current administration passing those Resolutions and rightly urged Council to leave those matters in the hands of the new administration, which will include 3 new Council members, to be seated January 4, 2011.

Council unanimously formally signed off on the UCIA Solar Panel Project. From the Mayor's remarks, it appears the City is under the impression that the City will save 40% on energy costs which is, not only untrue, but impossible. Further, the Mayor thinks that even if the project "falls flat on its face" that there is no consequence to the City, i.e., the taxpayers. This too is untrue as the Bond used to float the project is guaranteed by the taxpayers. At this point, I'm surprised the City has so much faith in the UCIA. Haven't we been hammered by the UCIA enough?

The layoff of 7 firemen was the forefront issue. It appears that the City will have a study conducted to evaluate the fire department as well as Linden Emergency Medical Services (LEMS) . That study will cost up to $42,000. Some took issue that LEMS is contributing some $18,000 towards the cost of the study. It's too bad the City never undertook a professional City-wide study years ago.

The fire department suggested a one year period where it would totally take over LEMS (which currently services half of the City EMS services with the LFD servicing the other half). It's a compromise that, perhaps, should be considered, but that would mean people employed at LEMS would lose their jobs. I've been told that some retired firefighters now work for LEMS.

Jodi Gregorio/Pucillo showed up to read a letter from her dad, former Mayor John T. Gregorio, urging a compromise on the fire department layoff. I'm not convinced JTG actually wrote that letter. I'm told that the mother of one of the newly hired firemen, scheduled for layoff, has been visiting a certain Curtis Street residence. Anyway, Jodi looks great.

It was noted during the meeting the Public Property and Public Works Departments have accepted another zero increase in their salaries, bringing those departments to a third year of zero increases. I'm not sure if that zero increase includes supervisors, who are overpaid. Surely it includes those who can least afford it as the Mayor pointed out.

I took a quick look at the Data Universe site to review 2009 salaries. The City, IMO, is way too top heavy. There are over 60 people making over $100,000/yr. and as many, if not more, making $80,000 to $90,00/yr. Those salaries are mainly in the Fire & Police Departments, as well as Supervisors in the Recreation and Public Works Departments. Some of the salaries are astounding.

The firemen consider their fellow firemen as brothers. I'd take a pay cut to save my brother's job. These guys need to put their money where their mouths are if that what is needed. Do not look to the taxpayers any more.

Gov. Chris Christie was alluded to as being the one at fault for cutting aid to cities. The State is broke. The City is broke. The County is half a billion dollars in debt. How can this all be when we are the most highly taxed State in the Nation and third most highly taxed County in the Nation? There is something seriously wrong with this picture.

It's not the fault of the Governor. As the Governor said on the 60 Minutes segment, which aired this past Sunday, "The Day of Reckoning Is Here". I know our local democrats love to demonize republicans, but the Governor is right. No one can explain how the most highly taxed State in the Nation is practically under water. It makes no sense.

New Jersey is in a crisis and so too is the U.S. IMO. Taxpayers cannot afford these gold-plated salaries and benefits any longer, not to mention the waste, corruption and plain mismanagement of our tax dollars.

I almost forgot. More money to the attorneys "representing" "us" on the Strategic Alliance and Verge Properties (Valvano} litigation cases, which I will, once again, address in a future post. Outrageous and disgusting is all I will say for now.

I feel sorry for the overtaxed taxpayer. We are really getting hammered.

P.S. to the overpaid City Clerk: The least you can do, after a vote, is state whether a Resolution "passed" or :"failed". In other words, just say " Resolution passed" or "Resolution failed" after the vote My god ... there are two of you there ... get your act together. You're paid enough ... do your job.

Solar Panel "Evaluation" Report

2010-12-20T16:43:00.004-05:00

The Union County Improvement Authority had an evaluation report prepared on the lone successful bidder of the solar panel project. The evaluation report was prepared by an evaluation team, which, according to the report, consisted of the DeCotiis law firm, the engineering firm of Birdsall Services Group, Inc. and NW Financial Group, LLC. All three of these entities are current vendors of the County, with the attorneys and engineering firm already pocketing over a half million on this scheme. Hardly an independent, objective team.

According to the report, Tioga, the successful bidder, will be relying on two sources of revenue to make the lease payments on this 28.6 Million Dollar project: Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). The reports also states that "The PPA provides approximately 20% of the recurring project revenue while the SRECs represent 80% of the Project revenue."

According to an article by Flett Exchange, New Jersey is trending towards an oversupply of solar energy in the next year which could increase the likelihood of SREC prices falling. See Flett Exchange article here.

Flett Exchange also reports that Pennsylvania is facing a potential SREC oversupply because utility companies, who buy SRECs, are developing their own solar projects.

PSE&G is doing just that in NJ.

Too bad the evaluation report prepared for the UCIA, which can be read here, failed to address such scenarios.

Keep your fingers crossed overtaxed taxpayers.

Notice Now How The Feds Are Losing in NJ?

2010-12-16T23:19:00.000-05:00

Two acquittals since U.S. Attorney, and now NJ Governor, Chris Christie, stepped down.

Must just be a coincidence or a incompetent new U.S Attorney office.

Race in Linden & In Union County

2010-12-16T22:35:00.002-05:00

Seeing that councilman Derek Armstead signed on to that "Apologize Now" letter that was carried in the Westfield Leader, which accuses the freeholder Republican challengers of racism, I got to thinking.

It's not a secret that Armstead, a current Linden councilman, and Ralph Strano, a former Linden councilman, were rewarded with jobs at the County for their strong democrat allegiances. I think Strano had a background in auto mechanics. However, he now heads mosquito control or some such thing.

Armstead,who is black, according to New Jersey By the Numbers, became employed by the County some 16 years ago. According to that same website, he makes $55,056.

Strano, who is white, according to New Jersey By the Numbers, became employed by the County some 14 years ago. According to that same website, he make $76,580.

The white guy makes $21,000 annually more than the black guy who has been employed longer than the white guy.

Just saying...

Hudak Appointed to Freeholder Board

2010-12-15T12:06:00.000-05:00

You really have to laugh. Hudak says nothing about the number one issue on everyone's minds ... out-of-control taxes. Wonderful.

See story here: http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20101214/NEWS/101214026/1017/NEWS04

Another Linden "Kane In Your Corner" Story

2010-12-15T11:44:00.001-05:00

I suppose what a Judge would just consider as an "over zealous" councilman.

See story here.

Is Rivera-Soto Right?

2010-12-12T10:14:00.003-05:00

Rutgers Professor Earl M. Maltz seems to think so. From Judicial Crisis Network citing Maltz:

"When a sitting justice is temporarily unavailable for any reason, the New Jersey constitution does not vest either the governor or the state legislature with the power to replace him. Thus, if one takes the view that the assignment of a replacement is “necessary,” the chief justice would be the only person with the authority to make the necessary appointment. But when a justice leaves the court permanently, the constitution clearly vests the power to name a replacement not with the chief justice, but rather with the Governor and the state senate.

Of course, a political deadlock between the Governor and the state senate might in theory leave the court short-handed for an extended period of time, but even if this concern is considered to be of constitutional magnitude, the power to deal with the problem is not vested in the chief justice. Instead, the state constitution provides the Governor with the authority to deal with the problem."

Read the full article here.

The Senate should get its act together before irreparable harm occurs. It's unconscionable that a confirmation hearing hasn't taken place.

UC Dems Still Manufacturing Racism

2010-12-12T08:17:00.004-05:00

John Bury has posted a video from Thursday's Freeholder meeting where the Freeholders passed a Resolution supporting a petition sponsored by The Union County Democratic Committee, a most politically motivated organization. See Bury's blog here.

The County Watchers did a breakdown on County Department heads by race, which can be read here. It's not very diverse. Actions do speak louder than words.

I've added another site to my blog list. I've been reading The Black Sphere for quite a while now. It's seem appropriate to share it now for a black man's perspective on race and politics.

Judge Found Redevelopment Counsel's Advice "Misleading"

2010-12-09T15:06:00.005-05:00

Flicking through the channels last night, I happened on a broadcast of the November 10th Roselle Council meeting. Roselle Council meetings are curious to me for a number of reasons, but it's good to know what's going on in neighboring communities. Neighboring communities should do likewise.

From watching the meeting, it appears Roselle is getting ready to enter into the redevelopment business. A resolution was passed to hire McManimon & Scotland as redevelopment counsel at a cost not to exceed $70,000.

McManimon & Scotland was the Special Redevelopment Counsel in Union a few years back. Daniel McCarthy, who's on Linden's payroll, was the Planning Board attorney. Union was seeking to take private properties by eminent domain. Some property owners fought back and won.

Besides citing conflicts of interest during Planning Board hearings, some of the other findings by the Judge:

"The advice offered by the Special Redevelopment Council, in any event, I find was misleading."

"The standard in the report relied on by the Board in making their determination, as well as the advice given to the Board by its own Counsel and Township's redevelopment Counsel were inconsistent with the requirements of the LRHL, the holding in Gallenthin

"... taken together the with reliance by the Board members on the improper advice of Counsel as to the statutory and constitutional requirements of LRHL."

"... I find the neutrality, impartiality and validity of the Board hearing are seriously in question."

See Judge's entire opinion here.

Apparently Roselle is comfortable hiring this law firm despite these scathing findings by the Judge. Where do they find these law firms, or rather, who recommends them?

Fees to Lawyers, Engineers on Solar Panel Project

2010-12-05T11:32:00.004-05:00

According to the Union County Improvement Authority's website, fees paid to date:

DeCotiis Fitzpatrick: $283,137.53

PMK/BSG: $225,500.00

Union County Alliance: $13,650.00

Total: $522,287.53

I hope this works out ... for the taxpayers that is.

Greener By Greed

2010-12-02T16:32:00.006-05:00

As some of us read in the SL Auditor, Greener By Design took on two politicians as investors, namely, Senator Ray Lesniak (D) and Senator Tom Kean, Jr.(R) (INO). It's striking that they are allowed to pass renewable energy mandates and then invest in companies who make money off that crap.

Who else passed renewable energy mandates? Dopey Los Angeles. Look what it is doing to their electricity bills. See here.

Woodbridge's Mayor is John McCormac (D), the ex-treasurer to ex-Governor James "I am a gay American" McGreevey. Woodbridge recruited, Greener By Design, to do some work on their solar panel program, whose investors include those two sitting Senators. Yeah ... okay ... nothing going on there. No reports as to what that cost taxpayers with those commie China reps coming to Woodbridge, if anything. However, the commies mentioned wanted to be a "sister city" to Woodbridge. Go figure.

Has the Woodbridge B.O.E., which is considering bonding millions of dollars for solar panels, also hired Greener by Design? The Woodbridge B.O.E. was awarded millions of dollars in roof repair grants. Coincidence? I don't think so.

If it were not for the tax credits, which BTW, you need to balance with a debit, i.e., the taxpayers, and the SRECs, which, BTW, are funded by ratepayers as energy consumers, this program would not be sustainable. Why do we do it?

Who makes money off this? Those that pass these idiotic laws and then jump on the bandwagon. Politically connected lawyers, engineers, consultants and RINOS. That's who.

Unfortunately, all this is to the detriment of hardworking, overtaxed taxpayers.

Mayor Ward by Ward Election Results For Tigerpaw

2010-11-30T11:26:00.006-05:00

The first document is Wards 1 to 5. Click on image to enlarge.

The second document is Wards 6 to 10. Right click on image to rotate.

Union County Dems Play the Race Card

2010-11-29T19:13:00.000-05:00

PolitickerNJ carried a story last week where Union County democrats are circulating a letter and a petition demanding an apology from certain Union County GOP candidates over remarks made by them.

I don't see the remarks as racist at all. In fact, the remarks are true IMO. There is no logical reason why Union County residents continue to re-elect the same self-serving freeholders. Having an all democrat freeholder board is not an example of good government or democracy .

Linden was sucker punched with a 13% tax increase by the County last year. Linden taxpayers are being bled dry by failed Union County Improvement Authority projects. Despite this, I'm sure the majority of Linden votes went to the democrat candidates. Who knows what goes on in the minds of the voters.

Conservative NJ wrote an opinion piece on this race-baiting "scandal" which can be read here.

Tina Renna and John Bury offer their opinions which can be read here.

Waterfront "Gang Land" Article

2010-11-17T12:22:00.000-05:00

Here's an article relevant to the earlier post on the feud between the Waterfront Commission and Sen. Raymond Lesniak.

What does Senator Lesniak have to say? Not much, according to PolitickerNJ: "Gigante probably does more valuble service than the executive director, based on what I see."

Remarkable.

Another Waterfront Commission Story

2010-11-17T09:15:00.001-05:00

PolitickerNJ is reporting on a feud between Sen. Raymond Lesniak and the Waterfront Commission. See here.

For some background on Vincent "The Chin" Gigante, read here.

For some background into alleged mob influence at the docks, read here.

For more sleaze, read the entire Waterfront Commission Report here.

The report indicates key findings of conflicts, abuses, misconduct, incompetency and worse against former Waterfront General Counsel Jon Deutsch, a former Union County Prosecutor, and former NJ Waterfront Commissioner Michael Madonna, who, until September 1, 2008, was simultaneously employed as a detective in the Borough of Oakland and between 2001 and 2008, Madonna served both as commissioner of the Waterfront Commission and president of the New Jersey State PBA.

According to one section of the Report entitled, "General Counsel Deutsch Obtained the Position through Political Influence", Michael DeCotiis, then-Chief Counsel to New Jersey Governor James McGreevey, recommended Deutsch for the position. In a letter addressed to Madonna, DeCotiis wrote that he personally interviewed Deutsch and found that he was 'uniquely qualified to be General Counsel.' Decotiis neglected to reveal that he and Deutsch had a familiar relationship."

Some other findings according to the Report:

"Former General Counsel Jon Deutsch used his position at the Waterfront Commission to improperly assist others despite obvious conflicts of interest."

"In one particularly egregious instance, former General Counsel Jon Deutsch fashioned a scheme to allow Frank Cardaci, a convicted felon, to place his warehouse in his wife’s name and continue to operate uninterrupted in direct violation of the Waterfront Commission Act." (Michael DeCotiis represented Cardaci)

"Deutsch had a series of violations which involved his relationship with Al Cernadas, Jr., Deutsch’s former co-worker and friend. Deutsch conducted the questioning of Cernadas, Jr.’s father during an official investigation, leaked non-public information to him, and was inappropriately involved in a police investigation for a friend of the Cernadas family."

Lesniak is worried about some low-paid former commissioner appointed by Corzine after the damaging Waterfront Commission was released? Simply amazing.

Silcon Agrees to Foreclosure on Rahway Project

2010-11-16T19:25:00.001-05:00

According to Rahway Rising, the mixed use condominium known as the Sky View at Carriage City Plaza is going into foreclosure. This was the building ex-Governor Corzine once campaigned from. It's also the development where the seller, Carriage City, listed Camelot Title as the agency where buyers could obtain back title.

Meanwhile, Linden is tied up in litigation with Verge Properties on the failed South Wood development. Verge is seeking, among other things, lost profits. Maybe Verge should send Linden taxpayers a thank you card instead.

UCIA Project Gets Approval For Funding

2010-11-11T10:28:00.003-05:00

The Bergen Record has a follow-up to the Elizabeth Oakwood project. According to the article, it simply took an addendum stating that the rents would cover the bond payments, which rents are subsidized by federal vouchers via the taxpayers. If that source of funding dries up, then what?

As to what became of Sidamon-Eristoff's concern that the financing raised "a number of legal questions" is anyone's guess.

See story here.

Another UCIA Project In The News

2010-11-10T09:37:00.004-05:00

The Bergen Record has a story on some curious financing on the Elizabeth Oakwood Plaza project being financed through the UCIA. Why does it take a Bergen newspaper to report on stuff like this?

See story here.

NJ Legislators Should Lead By Example

2010-11-09T14:42:00.011-05:00

I was just reviewing the Anti-Bullying bill sponsored by two democrats which seems to have bi-partisan support. Good, great, whatever, but what took so long?

My child was a victim of bullying from her middle school years to high school years. Why? Because she was "too fat" in the eyes of her harassers. Despite my numerous attempts to correct this situation, little was done. I applaud NJ for FINALLY getting on board, although I sense it will be meaningless and it's only being done for good press. Until the law sets strict sentences for those who seek to demean others, it has no teeth.

Usually the targets of bullying are done by people who are so uncomfortable with their own shortcomings, they resort to this behavior. Senator Lesniak called our Governor "hideous" because of his weight. Assemblyman Joe "where does he find the time" Cryan remarked at a rally "How would it feel to have a 350 pound governor?"

Wells it feels pretty damn good. Lesniak's remarks, as well as those from Joe Cryan, Lesniak's sidekick, are childish, demeaning and only add to the cancer that invite mean-spirited persons to carry on their hate agenda.

Governor Christie handled the "fat jokes" graciously. However, Lesniak and Cryan lowered the bar and, in fact, incite prejudices that lead to bullying. Cryan's own son had a baseball bat road rage incident if I'm not mistaken.

BTW, my daughter grew up to be a beautiful girl, almost model material. Way more beautiful than those that accosted her, but she still suffers from those emotional wounds inflicted by people like Lesniak and Cryan who think a person's physical appearance is tantamount to a person's character.

This post is dedicated to my daughter and to all those who have had to endure the shameless remarks from the likes of people like Lesniak and Cryan.

Cream rises to the top baby.

To the Lesniaks and Cryans of the world ... go F yourselves.

Jackpot

2010-11-08T10:08:00.002-05:00

Here's an eyeopening article on the obscene costs of lawsuits and legal fees paid out over the last decade down in Atlantic City. Naturally, the DeCotiis law firm shares in the taxpayer funded jackpots.

A noteworthy quote from the article:

“I think it’s an outrage that the city has not taken steps to control this problem. It’s a combination of poor management and political law firms dragging out litigation.”

Sounds familiar.

Here you go, Union County

2010-11-03T11:00:00.002-04:00

You deserve this one!

Mayor Wins Re-Election

2010-11-03T07:55:00.003-04:00

Apparently though, there is a tie in the Council President race between independent, John Miliano, and democrat, Jim Moore. See story here.

Cosby-Hurling won in landslide. Congats to the rest of the winners.

Unfortunately, on the County level, the freeholders retain their democrat stranglehold. When we will learn?

Whew ... Just a Bad Dream

2010-11-02T21:41:00.004-04:00

Apparently, the County called in with bad numbers and Armstead is not the winner for sure. Stay tuned. Still waiting on verification.

Learn to Say Mayor Armstead

2010-11-02T21:00:00.003-04:00

Believe it or not. I need a strong drink.

Good Luck Today Taxpayers

2010-11-02T08:29:00.003-04:00

"Election News"

2010-11-01T11:22:00.002-04:00

An 8-page newspaper-like campaign piece arrived in my mail on Saturday featuring Derek Armstead and James Moore. The campaign piece also includes pictures of Sen. Lesniak, Sen. Nick Scutari, Sheriff Froehlich and Linden Councilman Koziol.

There is no disclosure as to who paid for this. Isn't that an election law violation?

Armstead: Back With The Chain Gang

2010-10-31T19:36:00.009-04:00

I was stunned to read how Armstead wants to take ISP property come hell or high water.

It's obvious that Armstead has now joined up with the UCDC and the UCIA who shunned him in the primary. In other words, Armstead has now joined up Lesniak, Charlotte DeFelippo and the rest of the Union County Dems that bring Linden nothing but higher taxes and misery.

Perhaps Armstead forgot about the Memorandum of Understanding agreement between Linden and ISP. Remember that agreement Armstead? ISP agreed not to go forward with their plains for a toxic waste incinerator in exchange for allowing ISP to clean up their property. What happened?

What happened is that ISP spent millions cleaning up and then Lesniak's client came along, somehow demanding to become the developer, offering less for the property than even the clean up costs were to date.

What did Linden do? The majority of council, the democrats, went along with it. Like the Mayor says, it was MORALLY wrong. And here we are in 2010 after years of litigation because the County put its fat face in our business. And still Armstead, you are gunning for their property? Why? Because it would benefit Lesniak's client? Because Lesniak now supports you?

Armstead, you are really a turncoat. I gave you a pass when you ran for re-election as a councilman, but you don't deserve to be Mayor. Nor does your running mate, Moore, deserve to be the Council President.

Armstead and his running mate, Moore, were always part of the Gregorio team. Now they call it a regime, which it was and which they were part of. Now, however, they stand with the fruitcake and the county regime and have the nerve to call the Linden's present government a regime? No Armstead, if you are elected, then we have a regime again, which Linden residents are not willing to tolerate.

BTW, those that you THINK are your running mates, Cosby-Hurling and Sheehy ... they will win while you LOSE.

YTD Costs on Failed Morningstar Project

2010-10-29T10:34:00.005-04:00

In my travels yesterday, I rode past that mess on St. George Avenue known as the Morningstar project. Incredibly, the abandoned dumps are still standing, including the property taxpayers forked over nearly three quarters of a million dollars to Assemblyman Jerry Green more than three years ago.

The DeCotiis law firm was paid $68,482.54 this year alone according to the Union County Improvement Authority's website. The engineering firm of PMK/BSG was paid $47,24.00. For what?

No one questions the UCIA or its activities. Freeholder Sullivan admitted this at a freeholder meeting. Unfortunately, even our own Mayor won't question the UCIA as can be heard here when John Bury called in to Cranford's "Hear and Now" program. Surely, Assemblyman Green won't question the UCIA or Charlotte DeFilippo either.

It's a shame. There is serious talk of laying off Linden firefighters. Instead of milking overtaxed taxpayers, those monies could have been put to proper use.

Freeholders: "Just Like You"

2010-10-26T07:26:00.009-04:00

Victory 2010's latest campaign flier claims that the County democrat candidates have tightened the belt on spending "just like you at home". Really? Tightening one's belt usually means spending less and the County is simply not doing this.

In fact, last year the County Manager (Lesniak's nephew) begged the State for a pension deferral, which it got. In addition, the County laid off almost its entire engineering department. Yet, Linden taxpayers were sucker punched with a 13% County tax increase. Peculiar isn't it?

The flier further claims that freeholder candidates Sullivan, Kowalski and Carter "cuting costs saving taxpayers money". First, Carter is not a County official. She's another candidate enlisted from Plainfield by the Union County Democrat Machine. Draw your own conclusions.

"Froehlich, Rajoppi and Freeholders have frozen their wages for more than two years". Big deal. They make handsome salaries and it was reported not too long ago that the Sheriff receives two taxpayer funded incomes, grossing over $225,000 a year.

"Freeholders negotiated $276 million in property tax relief by reducing trash disposal costs." Too bad our tax bills don't reflect that so-called relief. See here for why. It appears to be another mastermind plan put forth by the DeCottis law firm. It gives me the shivers.

The flier incredibly claims the Register's offices reduces property taxes by $23 million a year! [exclamation mark their's]. I have to assume the register' s offices takes in $23 million a year in revenue since the flier fails to offer an explanation as to how it arrives at this figure. Whatever the case overtaxed taxpayers, that money comes from you. The realty transfer tax has been increased twice over the last decade. Recording fees have substantially increased. A millionaire realty transfer tax was added. Passport fees have increased.

Union County taxpayers are overtaxed. Linden taxpayers have been particularly hit hard due to failed projects spearheaded by the Union County Improvement Authority which is headed by the Union County Dem. Chair, Charlotte DeFilippo. Freeholder Sullivan plainly admitted at a September 2007 meeting that the freeholders do not question the UCIA. Someone should and did. Former freeholder Mapp was kicked off the dem. ticket for questioning a UCIA project and Tina Renna was graveled down from the microphone by freeholder Kowaski. Clearly, the County doesn't want to be questioned. Why is that?

By voting in the same freeholder democrats year after year, you are telling the freeholders that tax hikes, wasteful spending, nepotism and chicanery are ok with you. In a week, we can finally get serious by taking the first step in rectifying an intolerable situation. They are not like us. Not even close.

John Bury's Pension Blog

2010-10-22T13:02:00.002-04:00

Apparently, John Bury, who wrote a number of good columns at NJ Voices on NJ.com, is no longer welcome there. He explains in on his blog which I have added to my blog list. Frankly, I'm surprised he was allowed to write there in the first place. His columns also appeared on The County Watchers' blog, an excellent source on Union County government.

The County Watchers have uploaded videos from the Freeholder debate, as well as their follow-up round table discussion. The introduction to those videos, featuring Freeholder Sullivan, are hilarious and hopefully not lost on the voters.

Naturally, The Lawyers Are In On The Corruption

2010-10-20T11:48:00.004-04:00

If you have the stomach for it, here's the NJ Comptroller's Audit Report on the waste of millions of dollars at the NJ Turnpike Authority.

Here are the highlights from the Report:

• During CY 2010, the Authority could have saved approximately $4 million had it opted to participate in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), instead of providing insurance through its self-funded plan. The Authority had not evaluated the relative costs and benefits associated with joining SHBP. Had it chosen to participate in SHBP, it also could have saved a total of approximately $8.8 million during CYs 2007, 2008 and 2009 collectively.

• The Authority has negotiated an agreement with one of its bargaining units which requires the Authority to provide post-retirement health benefits to some employees who have as few as five years of service with the Authority. Other State employees are required to serve for longer terms of employment to receive such benefits.

• The Authority has negotiated collective bargaining agreements which contain numerous bonus provisions and payouts for Authority employees. For CYs 2008 and 2009, the Authority paid out to its employees approximately $30 million in such bonuses and payouts. These bonuses and payouts do not appear to be in the public’s interest.

• The Authority distributes E-Z Pass transponders to its employees to commute to and from work without incurring the cost of any tolls on the Turnpike or Parkway. This practice results in non-transparent compensation for Authority employees and we estimate that it costs the
Authority $430,000 annually.

• The Authority expends tens of thousands of public dollars for “employee relations” to benefit individual Authority employees or independent organizations, such as spending $12,000 to sponsor an employee bowling league.

• The Authority’s Law Department has not exercised adequate oversight of outside counsel contracts and related billings. Specifically, the Authority paid $224,168 for legal services that were improperly billed.