Brick 1 of 2 Towns Statewide to Approve Cap Referendum

Mare April 29, 2011 at 01:36 pm

That's a great idea. We have to remember that this is not against the police or the DPW. I do understand the taxpayers who said this vote wasn't about politics, but this has to stop somewhere. We don't have unlimited cash to keep handing over for pet projects. Again, the signs are a great idea. I just hope the police don't think it's aimed at them.

Jerseyshoregirl2 April 29, 2011 at 01:39 pm

Carol....So TRUE! I am so disgusted by this whole mess. Our esteemed mayor spoke yesterday about what a historical moment this vote was. Oh yeah...it was historical all right. FEAR Wins!!!!! I really hope that the residents of our town FINALLY wake up in November. But I doubt it. Either they're ambivalent to corruption or just plain stupid. We all sat back when Acrap got his 4th full-time job in TR, we all sat back when he created new high paying jobs for friends, we all sat back when he gave extreme raises & shifted cronies to keep jobs, we sat back with Traders Cove, we all sat back with Foodtown, we all sat back with this ref. Pathetic. People would vote down at $54 increase for education but would vote in a $24% increase.....just incredible. What will next year bring? Another increase? And then another & another? I really find it all so shocking and when you talk to people who don't live in Brick & tell them about it they think you're kidding because you just can't make this crap up.

Doug April 29, 2011 at 01:59 pm

As most of you know, I was a proponent of NO for the referendum and YES for the School Budget. We should keep in mind that the public does not necessarily approve the School Budget with this voting. It is more of a "do we agree with an increase?". A no vote only sends it to the TC where it is reviewed and suggestions maybe made to make cuts. It then goes back to the BOE and they can make cuts, but not necessarily the suggested ones. We really don't have a say in the final budget. We actually only vote on the amount of the Tax Levy portion. Since the no vote won, it will go the TC, they will make recommendations, it will go back to the BOE and they will probably accept the cut.
What we were really voting on and, for some but not enough, was the Tax Levy increase.

Doug April 29, 2011 at 02:07 pm

A friend of mine made a very good and clear point to me about a lot of what is going on here and in Brick in general. We do a lot of complaining, particularly on the blog like this one and I am no different, and a little more than 50% of our tax dollars are taken by the schools, yet at most of the BOE meetings, there are the 6-10 people showing up. The less involvement that we have as a community, the more we allow them to do as they please with no obstructions from us, the public. This whole fiasco should have seriously woken us up to the fact that they will continue to do as they please unless we get heavily involved. We need more people to attend both the BOE and TC meetings. I for one will be the first to admit that I am guilty of saying more here and not going to these meetings. That is going to change. We have a runaway administration that essentially is laughing in our face and we can't blame them for that, although extremely arrogant. We complain with a keyboard, but don't show our faces at these public meetings to show real disgust and angst. My suggestion to everyone here is to join me and as many others that we can convince to start going to the meetings for the BOE and the TC as much as possible. We must increase our numbers and presence. It certainly will garner more attention from our elected officials. We have to stop b*tching here and b*tch to their faces, in public and recorded for all to see.

Mare April 29, 2011 at 02:16 pm

With the few yes votes that decided the outcome, he's got a lot of nerve calling it a historical moment. Maybe a hysterical moment. The only way it's historical is that he gets to take as much as he wants from now on. I just cannot believe the 2 votes went the way they did.

Rosa Anna Weldon April 29, 2011 at 03:24 pm

How is the school district in Lambertville?

Concerned Brick Citizen April 29, 2011 at 03:28 pm

I can't agree more. There is no pride of ownership or even residency for the people who rent. The Slobs in average and below assessed homes are keeping me from selling my house. Even the realtors have said my neighborhood is not desirable. Yes because I live on the water I'm assessed way over what I can sell it for taking into consideration the location.
Now that the vote has passed with a YES code enforcement is going to hear from me on a weekly basis. My neighborhood needs to be cleaned up! PERIOD! NO EXCUSES! THESE PEOPLE VOTED to SAVE our "TRASH" services. NOW It is time for a comnunity wide clean up and true removal of "Trash" should be accomplished. NO EXCUSES FROM CODE ENFORCEMENT!!!!

Doug April 29, 2011 at 03:39 pm

They will need to empty their trucks first of all the Leone, Merola (a.k.a Woska) signs first. :) LOL

Doug April 29, 2011 at 03:42 pm

Scott, for the purposes of clarification and detail, what was the raise percentage that you, and others that fall under administrative staff and unclassified employees, conceded? Also, what percentage of salary is contributed towards healthcare and other benefits for administrative staff and unclassified employees?

Roseann April 29, 2011 at 04:24 pm

Doug, I also believe they were given a 3% raise just prior to announcing they were contributing the 1%. also most of them receive an additional stipend. would enjoy hearing Scott's explaination on why they need an additional stipend for doing a job they are already being paid for. a list of how much they receive & who get them would be interesting, but rest assure, this request will not be addressed.

Concerned Brick Citizen April 29, 2011 at 05:27 pm

I agree. So many have told me they were unhappy with this or that, but are afraid to take action because they are afraid of some retaliation. They fear turning in a trashy neighbor for code violations, etc. because of this. I've attended town council meeting in the past, but no longer because of how poorly the public is treated by the Council, staff and Mayor. To attend live I feel is a waste of time now that I can watch it on TV or online.
My concerns are taken up directly with the parties involved via phone, meeting or letter. I feel much more is accomplished 1 on 1. Plus you "usually" get a follow up. So many neighbors know I'm out spoken and want me to do their dirty work or be the "Bad Cop." Including my property owners association. But no more. I want everyone to be more involved. YOU NEED TO BE!!! If you are afraid to speak up... you will be continued to walked upon. It isn't up to me... It is up to you, you, you, etc. I can sleep at night because I have done what I feel is right and ethical.

Concerned Brick Citizen April 29, 2011 at 07:22 pm

I've begun... I talked with code enforcement today reported a number of concerns in my neighborhood. I was told to follow up on Tuesday. I hope they know that I'm not going away.
You can call in and ask to remain anonymous. I want to sell my house and all the slackers who are keeping me from doing so are going to pay. It is so upsetting how some people don’t care about the condition of their property. – They have the "I’m staying here for life and don’t care attitude". I have no respect for these people. – Sorry. You are clean or dirty. If you are happy with being dirty so be it. -- Trash you are. Brick needs to clean up this town or it will go downhill fast. I’m not talking about class, but proper upkeep of personal property. The township needs to get involved... No excuses!

Keith April 29, 2011 at 08:37 pm

Impeach the council and the mayor now!

Concerned Brick Citizen April 29, 2011 at 09:02 pm

I agree, but you need to make calls and be proactive. So many people who post her are wimps. It is easy to talk the talk. But only real people walk the walk. I made over a dozen calls this week to try and find answers The township, state, county, etc.. I documented each call. I expect follow ups and I'm still not done.... How many calls have each of you made? Am I the only Concerned Citizen? Don’t let me down.

clamdigger April 30, 2011 at 02:15 pm

Hello really?; I believe you have that backwards. The shame should be on those who had the guts to make a choice on the BOE budget but decided NOT to vote either way on the referendum.
A difference of 1,589 total votes registered between the 2 separate questions is unacceptable. I really don't care which way you vote, you're in the booth, have the guts and make a decision one way or another. It's bad enough the volume of voters was so low on the issue at hand.

clamdigger April 30, 2011 at 08:43 pm

According to this website, as of Nov. '10 there are (were) 50,161 registered voters in Brick view pg.2 of the PDF.
http://www.njelections.org/election-results/2010-gen-elect-district-4-us-house-021711.pdf Let's say for arguments sake 161 people moved since Nov.'10 and there have been zero newly registered voters, so that leaves 50k registered voters herein town. 18,281 voted in the BOE question 16,692 voted in the Twp Budget question. 1/3 of the registered voters decided the fate of the residents, that just shows 2/3 of the people really don't give a damn or have given up.

80 April 30, 2011 at 11:19 pm

Dont forget to attach your water bill!
Is anyone aware of their water and sewer rate going up up up? April 1st. Gotta love it, a resident asks a question at a TC meeting. You get the " WE ARE NOT RELATED TO BTMUA"

Harrison May 1, 2011 at 12:33 am

SO hard to believe that the town would vote to save garbage collection, and forfeit education. We experienced a total lack of leadership from our mayor and council, and they should be held accountable for this debacle. We approved a major new tax burden with little sustainable facts. We desperately need more transparent and honest government here in Brick.

Gene May 1, 2011 at 12:51 pm

Hey Ray... You were a cop? Don't they have collective bargaining? Aren't most of the Republican governors trying to do away with that? You think I'm a communist because I'm for the MIDDLE CLASS workers of America? You sound like an uninformed loony tea bagger. Have you noticed the current town hall meetings that national Republican reprentatives are having, to push their agenda of doing away with medicare and medicaid as we know it by means of privatization? You have been dumbed down by 'opin-head-ated so called' journalists that call themselves fair and balanced.

Nathan Hale May 8, 2011 at 04:04 pm

Blackmail and extortion were used to raise taxes. Now that this administration knows that its works be prepared for this tactic to be used again. Onec we've paid the blackmail once you can be sure the blackmailers will be back for more.

C May 13, 2011 at 12:03 am

I couldn't agree with you more! That's what I've been trying to say all along.

disgusted homeowner May 13, 2011 at 02:47 am

I just can't wait till this time next year, 2012. Will they use halloween masks to scare the folks??????? By then half of the homes will be sitting empty as people flee the town.......

peteypete May 13, 2011 at 03:17 am

the rest of us pinewood drive residents wish you would flee the town, or at least our street. you are the neighborhood clown. the referendum passed, we win, you lose, now shut the f**k up loser.

Doug May 13, 2011 at 03:26 am

Some people obviously have a strange sense of winning. Let's see how much of winner you feel like when your tax bill comes in your mailbox. Win? What a joke.

clamdigger May 13, 2011 at 03:31 am

A friend of ours came out to the house a couple weeks ago and commented on the SOS signs posted in and around Brick. He told us that he saw the exact same signs all through Jackson on his ride over here. Last weekend I was out in Jackson and saw the signs just as I was told, unfortunately I didn't pull over to see if there was any "fine" print about who paid for them. At that point I didn't really see the need but it make me wonder because of the article I read in today's A.P.Press about the decision Jackson has made to lay off 23 LEO's along w/ some other township personel because their referendum did not pass. Were these signs paid for by the unions? PBA and Twp. union?

clamdigger May 13, 2011 at 03:50 am

how many people have put to use their bulk pick up? People chose to "pay" for the convience of knowing they don't have to call someone when they want to throw out large items and "pay for it" seperately.
People just don't think and didn't think about what this referendum really stood for and it's too bad only 1/3 of the registered voters turned out to step up to the plate and make a decision. It's clear people don't give a s#!* and that they don't want to be inconvienced. They will choose to pay and pay for the convience of knowing they can call for a bulk pick up when necessary when most hardly ever use it. The passage of this referendum is going to come back and bite this town in the tushie, but we have all our fearless leaders "looking out" for our best interests, especially when it comes time for all the new contracts.

mike53 May 13, 2011 at 11:43 am

Peteypete, my brother tells me an Ocean County Sheriff's Dept. car has been at your house twice in recent weeks. Being sued by someone or going into foreclosure??? Which one PAL???? cONSIDERING THE FACT YOUR OVER $100 THOUSAND underwater, you have alot to say. Perfect example of "Bricktucky white trash".

disgusted homeowner May 13, 2011 at 11:57 am

peteypete, is without a doubt one of the mayor's most narrow minded ardent supporters, who really doesn't posses too much in the way of common sense. How sad........ Wouldn't be surprised if he or someone connected to him has something to do with recent "destructive deeds" that have taken place. You should really get a life. You're not as popular as you think you are and quite a few are watching you and just waiting to nail you.............................................

disgusted homeowner May 13, 2011 at 11:59 am

PS, you're a "highly overrated" individual. Figure it out..........If you can. Have a nice day!

disgusted homeowner May 13, 2011 at 12:01 pm

PP, real class act....NOT !!!!!