Things have been getting interesting with the Ed Remsen – Ted Mattox feud, although we’re worried that council meetings might get even messier if Remsen makes good on his “puking” threat. And Ted, we’re assuming that phone number thing is true for media calls, yes? We tried to get through, but Phil Read must be talking your ear off.
Will these guys continue to work together without coming to fisticuffs? Will Montclair’s residents resort to making their own wayfinding signs. Stay tuned…
How about Ted Mattox simply explaining the basis for his charges of corruption and law-breaking on the part of his fellow council members.
If he makes public charges he should be willing to make public the specifics (if there are any).
Ted:
Who broke the law? Which laws and how?
The citizens of Montclair await your answer.
Who is ROC? Is he a member of the council or a friend of the mayor?
The citizens of baristanet await your answer.
Neither a member of the council, a politician, an employee of the township (or any governmental body), nor a friend of the mayor or anyone on the council.
(I’ve never met any of them).
Meerly a citizen of Montclair.
But this isn’t about me.
How about everyone just calming down?
I’ve never been “through” an election so I don’t know if this behavior is typical “pre-election” hysteria or whatever, but it’s not right.
If there are breaches of ethics, or if there are laws that are being broken, there are official, lawful, remedies.
This stuff is getting out of hand. I think posters should call a moratorium on nastiness and a “cease fire.”
ROC,
Ted invited you to call him and he’ll explain. He gave you his number and is waiting to speak to you, so give him a ring.
I find it ironic that you always rail to cut the taxes and then when Ted tries to cut out frivilous spending (in this case the $750k wayfinding and the no bid contracts) you make him look like hes out for himself. I wish Ted spoke up in the same way about other blunders too in the past like the $850 baseball field and the $2 mil gym for the football players. Our taxes would be lower in the long run.
Montclair elections are NOT like this, at least they haven’t been in the past. Montclair elections typically begin (publicly) in January of the election year (2008), NOT 2 years in advance.
“I think posters should call a moratorium on nastiness and a “cease fire.””
Who is “firing”?
The nastiness of making an unsubstantiated public claim of criminality and corrpution or the “nastiness” of demanding a retraction?
How dare someone who’s been called a criminal in public without evident basis demand a retraction!
The temerity!
He (ED REMSEN) didn’t ask for a retraction.
He (ED REMSEN) said he’d puke.
In my opinion an admission of guilt!
“In a heated ex change, Deputy Mayor Gerald Tobin demanded an apology from Councilor-at-large Ted Mattox for publicly accusing his colleagues of a “cycle of corruption.”
But an apology wasn’t forth coming. “I’m not going to retract that statement,” Mattox said Tuesday night at a council pre- meeting session punctuated with a debate over the definition of the word corruption.
“Not doing things by the letter of the law,” Mattox said. “Cor ruption means the erosion of protocol.”
https://www.nj.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1153977792247060.xml?starledger?nex&coll=1&thispage=2
ROC, here you are. Again,
What is more important to you, seeing your name on this site or getting answers to your questions?
If it is the latter, call Mr. Mattox. He has offered his home phone number to answer any questions…take him up on it.
And if you feel like offering something useful to the site, post the information.
As far as the gym and baseball field, they are both Board of Ed projects, not town council. As Ted was “rotated” of the Board of School Estimate by Ed Remsen, he has no vote on these, but guess what they’d be if he did.
The above post with the press quote is mine.
Why are people coming down so hard on Ted Mattox? Perhaps it’s because he doesn’t rubber stamp every
developer’s ridiculous proposal, like our esteemed mayor. Why doesn’t Ed Remsen have a full time job?
Ted Mattox seems to be the ONLY council member that even cares about the average taxpayer (some of us actually don’t make $150K like Joe Hartnett, yet still manage to survive here).
Ed Remsen and his council cronies have made a mess of this town. He’s the worst mayor we’ve had in the last 30 years.
Sandra Lang (rumored to represent the 4TH Ward) is
awful. She doesn’t even return phone calls.
Note to Sandra: When families are grieving at funerals, STAY OFF THE STAGE & KEEP YOUR TIRED POLITICAL AGENDAS TO YOURSELF! Show some class.
1967,
In my case it is not about the positions. I even agree with Mattox on some of those.
The issue is about how our local politics will be conducted.
Mattox has made a public, and in my opinion, very reckless charge.
So we should insist on his providing the basis or insist on a retraction.
Otherwise our local politics will degenerate into a cesspool of smear and “politics of personal destruction”.
Once our local politics becomes that fetid it will be hard to attract any good people to the council. Who’d want to put up with such smears? And without good people what would the quality of our governance be?
So, speaking for myself (alone it seems) I demand specifics or retraction. Otherwise such charges are a smear.
ROC,
So, I take it that you’re happy with our “esteemed” Mayor (ED REMSEN) puking in public.
Way to go MONTCLAIR!!
“Ed Remsen and his council cronies have made a mess of this town. He’s the worst mayor we’ve had in the last 30 years.”
Is Bob Russo posting here?
“But an apology wasn’t forth coming. “I’m not going to retract that statement,” Mattox said Tuesday night at a council pre- meeting session punctuated with a debate over the definition of the word corruption.
“Not doing things by the letter of the law,” Mattox said. “Corruption means the erosion of protocol.”
ROC, the way I read this, Mr. Mattox is not saying that there has been law breaking. He is saying that council members have been working around the edges of the law.
I, for one, would contribute to a campaign to elect Mr. Mattox as mayor. Unfortunately, that election is a long time off.
The last time I checked, abiding by the “letter of the law” was required in order to obey it. (I think that’s why all those “letters” are there in the first place!)
And I made that point in the thread which Mattox responded with his phone number to “Discuss it”.
If he did not mean law-breaking he had an ample opportunity to make that clear.
Facts are facts.
If it takes anybody an hour to explain them to me, as Maddox says he needs in another thread, well…maybe they are more innuendo than fact.
There are just so many of them and they are so covered up and tied to each other that it will take a while to unravel the knot to where is can be viewed easily.
I’d rather talk to Ted than watch Ed puke.
Isn’y corruption law breaking?
Well, maybe not in your world ROC.
“Isn’y corruption law breaking?”
(Scottish are ye?)
But, yes. Corruption *is* law breaking in “my world”. And is a serious (as of yet an unsubstantiated) charge.
And also in “my world” when you make such a charge and don’t back it up with any substance you are acting cowardly.
If you’re going to accuse someone of corruption, provide the facts, make the case, give those accused the opportunity
to defend themselves.
Or shut up.
“He (ED REMSEN) said he’d puke.”
Ah, such a classy guy. A gentleman without peer. NOT!
ED REMSEN,
Isn’t it a crime to puke in public…littering or something.
Keep you body fluids to yourself, disgrace that you are.
Of course ROC will say that this is a case of NIMBY. I admit it it’s both NIMBY (not in my back yard) and NIMFY (not in my front yard) and NIMNY(not in my neighbor’s yard).
You are DISGUSTING!!!!
“Or shut up.”
Are you saying that it’s OK for ED REMSEN to puke just not to make any noises while he does it?
https://www.kidshealth.org/kid/talk/yucky/puke.html
I remain, as ever, duly impressed with the local’s grasp of the relevant aspects of political issues of the day…
We’re just as impressed with you ROC
“So, speaking for myself (alone it seems) I demand specifics or retraction. Otherwise such charges are a smear.”
ROC, I demand the truth and an explanation from the Council as to why they feel that they can just give away our money.
The only smear going on is when you’re putting the Philly on your bagel.
WE WANT THE TRUTH FROM THE COUNCIL…not the bs that they are giving and not Mr. Remsen’s bodily fluids.
Perhaps we should allocate funds for a feasibility study to construct a municipal vomitorium? It would drive tourism by both curiosity seekers and those who wish to sample four of Montclair’s fine restaurants in one night.
I’ll conduct the study for a mere $55,000.
Didn’t Bush the Elder vomit on the Japanese Prime Minite? Not sure of its effectiveness in making a point but it sure does make a big stink.
Didn’t Bush the Elder vomit on the Japanese Prime Minister? Not sure of its effectiveness in making a point but it sure does make a big stink.
Minite=Minister
I’d give Ted Mattox a break. It is not wise to let the others see your cards, when you are at the poker table.
Montclair citizens have not been very interested in elections in the past, but times are changing. Likely because by now we hand over a large amount of our income to the town council.
I think it is wise to let the hole curruption charge rest until the campaigns get started in 2007. That’s the time to discuss everything, so that it will have an effect on the outcome of the election.
And ROC, by the way…you were the one who told me to let it go, when I was pushing for an answer from someone else on this site.
Just sit back and wait…it will come out eventually.
You’ve got the definition of vomitorium all wrong. It has nothing to do with vomiting whether ED REMSEN will be performing the dance with the bowl that night or not.
Vomitorium- definition:
(Rom. Antiq.) each of a series of passages for entrance and exit in an amphitheatre or theatre.
https://dunlop.id.au/wotw/word.php?word=vomitorium
I’d give Ted Mattox a break. It is not wise to let the others see your cards, when you are at the poker table.
Montclair citizens have not been very interested in elections in the past, but times are changing. Likely because by now we hand over a large amount of our income to the town council.
I think it is wise to let the hole curruption charge rest until the campaigns get started in 2007. That’s the time to discuss everything, so that it will have an effect on the outcome of the election.
And ROC, by the way…you were the one who told me to let it go, when I was pushing for an answer from someone else on this site.
Just sit back and wait…
Amazing Hot Dogs!
You’ve got the definition of vomitorium all wrong. It has nothing to do with vomiting whether ED REMSEN will be performing the dance with the bowl that night or not.
Vomitorium- definition:
(Rom. Antiq.) each of a series of passages for entrance and exit in an amphitheatre or theatre.
https://dunlop.id.au/wotw/word.php?word=vomitorium
the funniest thing in this thread is where Baristanets most egregious attention hog says, with a straight face, “but this isn’t about me.”
“It is not wise to let the others see your cards, when you are at the poker table.”
In terms of an unsubstantiated public charge of criminality?
Amazing.
We have a real moral deficit in this country.
I now propose a quick $15,000 study to determine whether the popular, but wrong, use of the word “vomitorium” should be given use in Montclair. The technically correct, but boring, use of the word “vomitorium” to mean anything other than a special barfing room should be prohibited by council vote, as will clearly be proven by my study.
Dear ROC,
You are criminally verbose!
I propose we form a committee immediately and hire a barf consultant.
Of course Remsen should be on the committee because he’s so obviously a committed puker and barfaholic.
There was a consultant on the LOST THREAD who offered barfing repository assistance to ED and asked where to send his resume.
Don’t forget this internet classic:
The Virtual Vomit Page
We could install kiosks in each business district that would allow citizens to virtually vomit with speed and convenience unknown in other towns! I estimate only $180,000 total for 6 weather resistant virtual vomit kiosks (with paper trail, unlike our virtual voting devices) dispersed — nay, spewed — all over town.
One airline (I forget which one) will now be running ads on its barf bags. How appropo! Talk about a captive audience.
We could put several where the burnt out Montclair Train Station was/is.
Money could be raised for rebuilding since there doesn’t appear to have been any insurance.
It would give the commuters something to do while waiting for the train.
We could put several where the burnt out Montclair Train Station was/is.
Money could be raised for rebuilding since there doesn’t appear to have been any insurance.
It would give the commuters something to do while waiting for the train.
It saddens me how so many people in this community think name calling is an appropriate substitute for logical and considered debate and discussion.
I got no dog in this fight, but I find it curious that Mattox is willing to explain himself on the phone but not commit it to writing. What’s the deal with that?
can you spell LITIGIOUS I can.
you could tape him on the phone
“can you spell LITIGIOUS I can.”
Good for you! Next up, punctuation!
But seriously, the truth is an absolute defense against defamation. If you allege someone is involved in criminal activity and they are you CANNOT be sued for defamation.
But, since you can indeed be sued if the claim is untrue, you may be right – possible litigation may be the cause for silence.
What does that tell you?
LOL! Rose marie Woods! That is now the funniest thing on this thread. (but wasn’t it ‘rosemary’?)
I once read an interview with Paul Barerre where he referred to Lowell George as “The Rosemary Woods of Rock and Roll” because he had erased so many tapes.
ROC,
You can be sued for anything ANYTHING. They may not win but you can be sued.
Wher have you lived all your life. Oops that why you’re called ROC- you must be living under one.
But wasn;t it really “Barrere,” sleepysleek?
Woof,
Let me make sure I understand.
Ted (“committed to the truth” as he is) alleges that other council members are criminals. When pressed for details he demures because he is afraid of a lawsuit – for telling the truth?
If the truth has him turning-tail from a possible lawsuit, exactly how effective a member of the council can he be?
And all this mum-“truth”-keeping is described as “courage” by the impressionable folk of Montclair?
the above post is mine
Who said any of that ROC.
I said that you can be sued for anything. Do you dispute that fact?
ROC, do you get paid by the post? We get it. How many ways can you say the exact same thing? Is it just a matter of getting the last word?
If you are really interested in the truth, pull yourself away from the computer for 2 minutes and call him as he offered. I have no doubt you’ll be right back here posting about how right you were all along.
ROC – I am very impressed: there are 55 posts on this thread, the first one at 9:25 this morning is yours, and the most recent, at 3:01 pm is yours…so almost 6 hours of your day spent on this! I didn’t bother to count, much less read, all your posts over the last 6 hours, but it certainly looks like you’ve been a busy little beaver today, typing diligently away.
I don’t really care if you choose to waste your entire day on this stuff…it just gets a bit tiresome when I’m trying to see what other people think, and find you’ve once again spent your day dominating the thread.
Notice the sound of crickets in response. ROC is in denial.
12 of 56 posts, not bad ROC. I think we all know where you stand on this one.
Or do you need to get that point across just one more time?
And how many posts telling me to stop posting?
I’ll say what I want when I want. If someone else takes another angle on Ted’s innuendo I may respond again.
Many many others have tried to shut me up (and in more clever ways too). I don’t usually respond to such chatter – because I am not the topic at hand.
And if you buy Franz’s theory (from another thread) that ROC and Cathar are the same person, the count gets even higher.
13 of 57….blah blah. You are the topic, you’ve made yourself the topic. “But enough about me, what do you think about me?”
Although Ed’s comments demonstrate his true colors, I’m not going to fire back. This is about so much more than Ed.
At the last Council meeting, the entire Council got the contracts for the MAC and the MEDC (about $110K) at about 7pm. At 8:30ish, with no time to read, review or ask questions, 6 out of the 7 Council members approved the contracts.
One of two things must have happened. Either select Councilors were given copies of the contracts and discussed them privately in advance or six council members spent taxpayer’s money without reading the actual contract. No one will answer the question. They will only attempt to distract you with a lot of unrelated rhetoric.
When I first joined the Council, I took the folks who served prior at their word that all was proper.
Now I assume all is not.
Addtionally, If folks don’t want to call me…email me at tedmattox@hotmail.com and I will host a townwide meeting where we can meet face to face. I will answer any question honestly and to the best of my ability.
Thanks
If I had time to pay attention to local politics I’d be a Ted supporter. Ted, run for Mayor next time around and you’ve got my vote.
RoC’s post at 4:20 reminds me of Plankton from SpongeBob Squarepants.
Good to see we haven’t lost our sense of humor; BTW, I do have a full-time job, thank you. Otherwise I’d have no balance in my life and would spend even more time responding to phantoms.
True colors? – you have no idea
I am not ROC, as some have speculated, Happily, I am also not associated with any of the would-be “revolting peasants” above, pitchforks and torches metaphorically in their hands, who revel in making fun of Mayor Remsen and in cheering on as yet unsubstantiated charges from their (suddenly noted) local version of Michael Kohlhaas.
Decorum, however, has obviously flown out the window (although anonymity flourishes). So “the most liberal town in New Jersey” is also a nest of wimpish would-be bullies. Kind of figures, but the attacks on Remsen are particularly appalling. Makes me understand Veblen’s lines about “the revolt of the middle-aged man” in an entirely new light, too.
To all of you, at least until you either become disenchanted with Ted Mattox or he verifies his charges, go wash out your mouths. And soak your heads.
If ROC and cathar are the same person, he/she has quite a talent for shapeshifting.
Ted.
Why not answer here?
Who broke the law? Which law(s) and how?
You made the statement, do you have anything to back it up?
Councilor Mattox posted:
“At the last Council meeting, the entire Council got the contracts for the MAC and the MEDC (about $110K) at about 7pm. At 8:30ish, with no time to read, review or ask questions, 6 out of the 7 Council members approved the contracts.
One of two things must have happened. Either select Councilors were given copies of the contracts and discussed them privately in advance or six council members spent taxpayer’s money without reading the actual contract. No one will answer the question.”
Herein lies the problem, folks. There’s no longer an unsubstantiated charge of corruption. Here is a reasonable suspicion that something’s not right and the voicing of that suspicion. In my opinion, it’s not libelous or inflammatory. It is damning.
“There’s no longer an unsubstantiated charge of corruption.”
How so? For all we know Ted didn’t check his in box and get copies earlier. We need more facts before making a conclusion.
“Here is a reasonable suspicion that something’s not right and the voicing of that suspicion.”
Maybe, but he voiced quite a bit more than suspicion. He accused his fellow council members of corruption and law breaking.
Neither of which he has seen fit to detail.
Which laws ted? which councilors?
The contracts were mostly likely the same ones the organizations had last year, and in the MEDC’s case, many years before that. Routine contract language.
Maybe 6 of the 7 councilors were smart enough to realize this, and a cursory overview of the standard wording was sufficient.
ROC/Cathar, Ted seems to be willing to lay everything out. He has offered to to it by phone, email or a face-to-face townwide meeting.
So, because he won’t do it in your only approved forum, he’s hiding something?
Get a life outside of Barista. Take him up on his offer and get your answers.
Corruption —-illegality
charges of evil doing. It’s all making me dizzy. Decided to not wait for Councilor Mattox, and I would suggest everyone do the same. I found this out.
Why is Remsen’s wife, Diane wiley listed on election reports filed with the state, as the person authorized to sign checks for the Remsen campaign? Why was Joyce Michaelson paid more than 7,500 from the campaign. In face according to their election report, William Schnaar was paid $4742.62, and 1925.00.
I will say, however I do think even a lone councilor should be allowed to take a reasonable amount of time to digest budget information (or contracts).
That way opposition points of view might be expressed to the public and they might be rallied to appear at a meeting.
So my question to Ed would be:
Was there other opportunities for Mr. Mattox to review the contracts?
However, I don’t think this is evidence of corruption or law breaking.
What is sounds like to me is that Mattox is increasingly isolated and charges of corruption and lawbreaking might be hyperbole.
My wife was one of several people authorized to sign checks for bills that were to be paid to vendors. Joyce was paid back for a substantial personal loan she made to help jump-start the set-up of the office; Bucky Schnarr was reimbursed for the many thousands of dollars he laid out for printing.
Everything is fully documented with all the necessary backup and I’m certain others before you have combed through the reports.
And I resent being called middle-aged.
And, BTW, public officials are fair game, this is a town where EVERYBODY feels strongly about EVERY ISSUE, and our philosophical, racial, economic, etc. diversity almost guarantees that we will have spirited debate and passionate disagreements but in almost 20 years of life and involvement in Montclair, I’ve never seen the consistent nastiness of some of these “accusations”.
My mother used to say, “Believe nothing that you hear and only half of what you see”. Good advice for those who just can’t wait for the next “revelation”.
Mayor Remsen, since you praise diversity in so many forms, you might consider moving to a town with far more of it in any form, Clifton. We are what Montclair only claims to be, especially racially and economically.
We also have spirited politics, and rowdy council meetings. But very few as-yet-unsubstantiated charges as your colleague Mattox makes, and very few folk who wish to remain so anonymously vociferous (sort of like Yosemite Sam without his genuine menace and firearms) in support of such charges here.
You might have to start over again in politics, of course. But we really are better mannered, and you’d probably be very much welcome. Plus we have Corrado’s!
I believe that you offered to PUKE and that was in writing.
I don’t think there’s any disagreement that we don’t want a PUKING MAYOR.
Ed,
will you be puking at the Town Council meeting tomorrow. Please let us know and we’ll be there to film you.
UPSIDE: More diversity
DOWNSIDE: You’d have to move to Clifton
I know what I’d pick and it wouldn’t be Passaic County.
SON of ROC, we probably wouldn’t want you anyway, we have a pronounced preference for people who don’t post anonymously (as so many in the would-be lynch mob forming above do). But y’all have a nice day anyway, hear? Just call before you plan to visit Corrado’s and we’ll polish the Canary melons for you.
Cathar,
What does posting anonymously have to do with the issue at hand? What “lynch mob”? I have read (mostly) intelligent questions and speculation as to answers that have been posed by seemingly intelligent and interested members of our online community. The questions are framed in such a way that supports a pre-determined point of view, but in my mind, that doesn’t make the questions any less relevant or worth answering. Further, this is all unaffected by who I am and/or what I do in the real world. If all the fuss is just about political grandstanding, I am sure that too will be revealed in due course.
I also have to wonder, Cathar, why the sudden generosity of spirit towards the Mayor. I almost look forward to your cynical and insulting posts, but you’ve left me wanting in this thread. Perhaps you’ll have a kind word for me too?
It should be noted that the MAC agreement was a new agreement and the MEDC contract was completely different than the previous illegal agreement (illegal in my opinion). My opinion clearly lead to the change in the agreement type.
After I blew the whistle on the MEDC “arrangement.” The twp. attorney, changed the contract to what is being referred to as a more “defendable” agreement. Why change the type of agreement if I was NOT right?
The MEDC, for the second time, does not meet the criteria as defined by law to be eligible for a no bid contract.
Additionally, for all the talk of shared services in town, why does the council insist on paying full fare for these so called “services” from these campaign contributing, not-for- profits. Why not enter into a shared services agreement with one of the surrounding towns for services and split the cost?
I’m am also investigating the issue of these “set aside,” “no bid,” contracts offered only to Montclair based organizations. That might mean qualified vendors from other towns are being discriminated against based on their location. The question is: “is offering contracts exclusively to Montclair voters a discriminatory practice – I don’t know…. YET…..
Ted,
As an elected official, you really ought to think about proofreading your posts. I am, of course, assuming that your gadfly stance prevents you from hiring an outside proofreading study at taxpayers’ expense. And for that I am thankful.
And what does “illegal in my opinion” mean? If it was illegal, what law did it break? I’m only asking because I know it’ll be the first question ROC posts, unless he has passed out next to his computer from his 24-hour post-a-thon.
I just received my third quarter estimated tax bill: 5400$!!! No kidding!
That is what other folks in many other states pay for a 390,000 $ house for A YEAR! I have to pay that much money to live in my own home for three months!!!
Ed, Ted: I’d love to hear your comments on this!
[Note to self: Get pitchfork from garage. Look up where to buy “pitchfork sharpener” in Google…”Allons enfants de la patrie”…]
Not lurking today, you’ve clearly misread me all along. Where have I ever disparaged Montclair’s Mayor? (Or Glen Ridge’s for that matter, whom as I recall once saw the Plasmatics?) I’m not in the habit of insulting local politicians, merely their angry critics. This is common sense as opposed to generosity of spirit, though I admittedly find it admirable that Remsen willingly confronts his critics here. (Chuck Schumer and Frank “Sleepytime” Lautenberg should be only half so forthcoming.)
I just find it dismaying, and counter-productive in terms of the local political process, that there is so much anonymous anger here, all of it based on charges (more like insinuations) that have yet to be even semi-substantiated. And yes, to me the “muttering” and the grousing is mob-like, a function as much of suburban emotional impotence as of any real politicized sense of outrage. It is definitely futile and boorish, and to rally round a councilman yet so chary of providing proof for his charges is risky to say the least. (Hence all the anonymity?) Questions are most worth answering when framed politely, too, and not in the vein of “when did you stop beating your wife.” Also, Councilman Mattox seems to take too much elation, going by his own posts, in his self-ordained role as “whistleblower.”. I’ve really had enough Cotton Matherish blather, however, to last me many more years. The Barista needs all this frothing to build traffic on this web site, but I still have another Ian Rankin novel to read and a 6-hour Italian movie I taped off Starz to watch.
And no, I won’t have a kind word for your attempt at…what, exactly, above? A reasoned response when the crowd wants blood upon their incisors? A failed effort at defending one’s angry neighbors (today the Marlboro Inn, tomorrow the world?)? As you perhaps recall, director Budd Boetticher purposely killed off the rational sorts among his characters very early on in his Randolph Scott westerns, then professed surprise that anyone else ever saw this as intentional. You and I, I trust, both know better. Unlike so many of your “friends and neighbors” above.
Cathar, since you’re going to call out your knowledge of the Plasmatics, and considering the ridiculous posts about the “anarchy” symbol … what can you tell us about the well-known symbol of the upturned champagne glass with the three vertical lines crossed out – “the party is over,” the message of Missing Foundation – that was plastered all over NYC much more so than the anarchy symbol – can you teach us about that movement? (google, get ready …)
It sounds to me as if Ted blew his whistle before really knowing much in depth about the issue.
Still waiting to be educated as to why any of the above is illegal or corrupt.
It seems like Ted has taken the change to a more “defendable” contract to mean the previous one was illegal.
Is that all you are going on Mr. Mattox?
Who broke which laws and how remains the unanswered question. (despite three attempts and counting).
You are right. I should proof before posting. Sorry.
Answering your question…..
New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law N.J.S.A. 40A:11-2(6) and N.J.S.A. 40A:11-2(7).
I feel the timing of the MEDC agreement is connected to New Jersey Law P.L. 2004, c. 19.
I am looking for electronic versions of these documents to post.
Dear David Grill,
Please calm down. You have my number from the last election. Call me at home. I’ll walk you through this mess.
Folks
If, and I did say if, no bids contracts were awarded to non profit organizations, who happened to have been contributers to the Remsen campaign, sounds wrong. Hey we can cut to the chase. Hey anyone wants to call Christi, and ask him. I’m sure he could put all of this to bed. He can be reached on 973 645-2700
You know that he won’t talk about an ongoing case.
“And I resent being called middle-aged.”
But you are ED. You are!
And PUKING doesn’t become you
Franz, try sticking it in your ear. You’ll probably even enjoy it.
I have nothing to teach you, either. And it won’t be for lack of either trying or the efforts of Google.
Mattox says:
“New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law N.J.S.A. 40A:11-2(6) and N.J.S.A. 40A:11-2(7).”
You can find the law here:
https://www.state.nj.us/dca/lgs/lpcl/stat_refs/40a_11-1_etseq.doc
The clauses you cite are thus:
“6) “Professional services” means services rendered or performed by a person authorized by law to practice a recognized profession, whose practice is regulated by law, and the performance of which services requires knowledge of an advanced type in a field of learning acquired by a prolonged formal course of specialized instruction and study as distinguished from general academic instruction or apprenticeship and training. Professional services may also mean services rendered in the provision or performance of goods or services that are original and creative in character in a recognized field of artistic endeavor.
(7) “Extraordinary unspecifiable services” means services which are specialized and qualitative in nature requiring expertise, extensive training and proven reputation in the field of endeavor.”
Can you explain what these have to do with Non-Profit entities? (6) seems to apply to professional services like a lawyer etc. or artists. And (7) says “extensive training and proven reputation in the field of endeavor” which also dosen’t seem to apply to non-profit group of business leaders aimed at bettering the business enviornment. Does the township *require* “extensive training and proven reputation in the field of endeavor” for this sevice? If not, then why would it apply?
Here is New Jersey Law P.L. 2004, c. 19.
https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2004/Bills/PL05/51_.PDF
It’s big so you’ll have to cite which specific clause if you want to discuss it.
This is the basis of your charge of corruption and lawbreaking? Hardly “slam-dunk” if you ask me.
But, you *have* named some chapters in the law (we’re getting closer) but have yet to make an argument as to how the MEDC fits these definitions.
Care to make one?
p.s.
Also, how are MEDC’s services “unspecifiable” ?
Now it must be a “slam dunk”.
ROC, we know you’re connected. I think we should devote some attention to your constant constant defense of Ed “The Puking Mayor” Remsen.
Please prove to us that you have no relationship with Ed and his regime including his wife, campaign manager, kids , etc etc.
Explain yourself, and do it to our satisfaction or your points are moot and mute.
I’d expect anyone who says “Explain yourself!” so “loudly” and prominently to also post less anonymously.
Perhaps he/she could explain that? As well as the royal-sounding our satisfaction?”
roc, please give us your phone number or valid email where we can reach you to get a definitive answer of what you want from mr. mattox. this will probably not take nearly as long as you spend typing away in your dungeon.
Unless Ted, I have it backwards (I am no lawyer) and those are the definitnions being used in defense of no-bid status for MEDC.
There is no requirement that I post my real name and a valid e-mail address. ROC doesn’t post either and I don’t see you demanding either from him.
How did I post “Explain yourself” loudly. There are no caps- no emphasis- just a request.
Cathar, are you into interpretive reading and esp now?
This thread is simply ridiculous. The insinuation of corruption seems like hyperbole — Mr. Mattox even indicates as much with the “erosion of protocol” spin on a word that otherwise has a plainly understood meaning. Mr. Mattox, you would probably get a lot more accomplished vis-a-vis being an independent voice if you didn’t use such hysterical phrasing. As with national politics, extreme rhetoric will attract a rabble of extreme political followers, but the rest of us who just don’t see the town government as horrible will gradually tune you out.
The problem with the council is similar to political bodies all over the county, state and country: there seems to be no sense of frugality, no concrete sense that every dollar spent by that body is being forcibly pulled from the pockets of fellow citizens. In the (potentially) three-quarters of a million dollar wayfinding project and the outrageous move of the baseball field, you see the two major local spenders of YOUR money acting with blithe disregard for the fact that it is, indeed, money that they have taken from you.
Mattox has made some serious innuendos, hinting at illegal activities.
He was asked, by any # of posters on this board, any number of times, to be specific, which doesn’t seem out of line if you’re accusing people of breaking the law.
He then cites laws that don’t seem to back up his statements very effectively.
If he has genuine evidence, not as he put it himself, his “opinion,” then he should share it, and stop crying wolf.
sorry, the above posting was mine, forgot to click the box
I think I do have it backwards. Clause 6 and 7 (from further reading of a proposed 2006 change) are some of the *exceptions* which allow no-bid contracts.
I agree (6) does not apply. It is very specific. Unless the MEDC is made up of certified (accredited) type professionals I think an argument based on (6) would be hard to make.
(7) is much more vague. But it does say: “extensive training and proven reputation in the field of endeavor” which I don’t see how it would apply to the MEDC.
Are these the exemptions upon which the awards rest? Mayor Remsen?
There are other exemptions, but only one of them *might* apply:
“k. The operation, management or administration of other services, with the approval of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services.”
While differing interpretations of a vague clause is still not “corruption” in my mind, I think it is safe to say the ball is in the other court.
Would anyone on the council in favor of the no-bid contract to the MEDC care to make an argument as to *why* (7) applies as an exemption?
One other thing,
(6) says: “Professional services may also mean services rendered in the provision or performance of goods or services that are original and creative in character in a recognized field of artistic endeavor.”
If the MEDC only does advertisting, singage and other “creative” and “artistic” things, (6) will work.
Of course, the biggest question in all this is practical. Whom else would make a bid? A non-profit business improvement from another township? Seems unlikely to impossible.
I was a founding board member of the MEDC. While I do not disagree that it is important from time to time that the township review agreements with the not-for-profits, let us remember why these groups exist and why the town has the contracts.
In the example of the MEDC, for a minimal cost, without the associated pensions and benefits, the township ‘buys’ an economic development office. Assuming the township would like to continue to have this function (which should increase ratables and, therefore, pay for its own investment), the local government would have to hire staff and provide offices and support. Not to mention benefits and pensions, the gifts that keep on taking from the taxpayers.
As I said, this agreement should be evaluated from time to time, I believe that the manager put that on the table this budget season. I do not know the results, BUT, last I knew, that contract was +/-$40K/year. There is a simple way to measure/evaluate any return on that investment.
I believe the structure with HomeCORP is very similar. In the case of the BID, businesses and property owners in the area have elected to self-assess an additional property tax, collected by the township and administered by the BID via its board and staff, elected by its constituents (the business and property owners). Specifically in the case of the BID, no tax dollars are involved that are not collected from those directly involved.
In regard to Mr. Mattox’s suggestion that these contracts be opened up to other groups, I would suggest that the West Orange Economic Development Corporation does not have it in their best interest to grow Montclair’s tax base. But that’s just me.
Is it true that the MEDC is going to make money for “managing” the $750,000 Wayfaring project
Is it true that the MEDC is going to make money for “managing” the $750,000 Wayfaring project
Kevin,
But Mattox does have a point which needs addressing.
However, that being said, the most likely outcome would be to advertise for more bids and when the West Orange Group (and all the others) fail to make bids (as they would) we’d be left with the MEDC.
Not to mention that if some years the contract went to MEDC and other years to some other group, not much would be accomplished.
So does Mattox only want to delay the process?
As to his charges Mattox’s position is very weak if you ask me.
It’s an interpretive question, hardly black and white.
Now, all of *that* being said I personally think the MEDC and HopeCorp and all of those other government sponsored bodies should go away. We need less regulation and a *freer* market not the opposite in order to foster economic development.
“Is it true that the MEDC is going to make money for “managing” the $750,000 Wayfaring project”
Depends on what you mean by “make money”.
They will be paid for services, but as an officially state recognized “Non-Profit” entity they are forbidden from making a profit.
What services
What services?
What services
“What services?”
Project management I believe.
ROC – The objective of project management is to complete projects within budget, within the scope and on time while also conforming to some quality guidelines. I can’t think of any project recently done by the town or BOE that have delivered those results.
DC
I am not defending the MEDC. I think the whole thing is a waste. The township should mark the streets for citizens as a matter of public practicality.
Anything done to “build the economy” should be up to the businesses if you ask me.
However, if the project is going to proceed it will have to be managed.
But tell me, which BOE or Township projects have not been ” within budget, within the scope and on time while also conforming to some quality guidelines.” ?
OK, The MEDC will manage the Wayfaring project- at what cost in $$$.
Will they also manage the $120,000 consultant for the project.
What will the consultant be doing for $120,000? What will the MEDC be doing for their???
Doesn’t this just involve the location and production of the signage? Why is the consultant needed?
“But tell me, which BOE or Township projects have not been ” within budget, within the scope and on time while also conforming to some quality guidelines.” ?”
I know that the work on the soccer fields at Woodman and Watchung School are examples. What projects do you know that met those criteria?
DC,
I don’t have intimate knowledge of the budget, scope and quality guidelines, which is why I don’t make such sweeping statements.
So it is safe, then to amend:
“I can’t think of any project recently done by the town or BOE that have delivered those results, among the two I am familiar with.”
?
ROC,
Tell me which project the BOE has undertaken that has come in at budget. Also, look no further than the Bay Street firestation for a town project that came in millions over budget, due to soil remediation issues (which arent budgeted for with the Woodman redo either and will be needed).
“Tell me which project the BOE has undertaken that has come in at budget”.
I have no idea, but that neither proves nor disproves DC’s assertion which was clarified for accuracy. Among the two his familiar with…
How much over was Bay Street? (it’s not rhetorical, I just want to know.)
“ROC, explain yourself,” no, there is no “requirement” you post with some means of identification. But there is something called weaselling, which I politely suspect you and some other posters above might plausibly be accused of. I don’t need my already decently honed sixth sense to detect such conduct, either, as it happens. Nor is your mock choler terribly convincing.
ROC – How is the statement “I can’t think of any project recently done by the town or BOE that have delivered those results” sweeping? There may have been projects actually completed within criteria But I can’t think of any. You are really nit picky when it comes to criticizing other people’s posts. I’m waiting for you to come up with a successful project.
It’s obviouis DC, it sounded (since we assume you to be knowledgeable) that *any* project *I can think of* means that in general the projects the town embarks on are poorly done.
So I wanted to know the basis of your statement which seems to be the sum total of 2 projects.
Which, of course, makes clear your depth of knowledge on the subject.
I’ll pass on the “what is sweeping” debate if you don’t mind.
“I’m waiting for you to come up with a successful project.”
You’ll have to keep waiting. I made no statement regarding successful projects needing “backup”.
ROC – I actually have quite a bit of knowledge on project management. In fact, that’s what I do for a living which is why I limited my reply to two projects. Listing every project the town and BOE have failed on would take too much time which very few of us can afford unlike your unlimited abundance of free time. It’s always easier being the devil’s advocate.
cathar,
so now you can tell moc anger from real anger with your highly sensitive internet esp.
and now I’m being called a weasel by you. Please explain!
“Listing every project the town and BOE have failed on would take too much time…”
Certainly not when you only know about 2 projects in any detail. You already made your extensive list.
It’s like this:
“I know about mechanics and I can’t think of any honest mechanics!”
“How many mechanics do you know?”
“Two but what does that have to do with anything?”
my post above
the server refused to take my name, of course cathar the critic will say it’s all my fault.
To the hider above who seemingly bristled at being called a weasel: if you’re not, then go to tonight’s council meeting (it’s National Night out, after all), id yourself and politely ask questions of both Mattox and Mayor Remsen about Mattox’s charges. Along with other posters who’d had a taste lately for Mattox’s lack of documentation for his charges.
The results, either way, will be good for you. Bracing, even,
DC traveler, I kind of think it’s very hard to be a Devil’s advocate here (and He probably prefers a capital “D”). Trust me, I know whereof I speak with regard to this site.
ROC,
The firehouse came in $2 mil over budget.
ROC,
Can you list any sucessful projects
success= on time and on budget
ps- I don’t need my car fixed
“Can you list any successful projects.”
We really are logically challenged here.
I don’t know how many (shall I say it again?).
But my ignorance of how many are successful does not mean that there weren’t any.
Make sense?
Jimmy where did you find that number?
Jimmy,
The firehouse was AT LEAST $2M over budget.
HOWEVER, the firehouse was a project fully supervised by the previous town manager.
It is one of the reason’s that he is gone, I believe.
cathar,
Why should I ask questions of Ted Mattox and Ed Remsen?
I would like to know what ROC’s connection is to the Remsen Regime. I’ve been asking questions about that.
I am not going to a council meeting to stand up and ask Remsen about an anonymous poster’s (ROC) relationship with him.
I have no idea who ROC really is. Are you and ROC the same person?
Don’t you people get it? ROC and Remson are one and the same. R.O.C. stands for Remsen’s Outer Child. Apparently when Remsen wants to relax, he goes onto Baristanet and pretends he’s a supporter. It’s a form of masturbation, really. And who doesn’t like to masturbate?
Cathar is also the same person as ROC and Remsen. C.A.T.H.A.R. stands for Can Anybody Truly Hate A Reptile? Remsen takes on his cathar persona when he wants to pretend that he’s a Shakesperean actor who was sacked for his interpretation of Coriolanus.
Ted Mattox is also the same person as Remsen (and ROC and cathar). The idea is that it’s much easier to handle your chief critic when he’s yourself rather than another person. (T.E.D. M.A.T.T.O.X. stands for To Every Dolt, My Altarboy’s Tummy Takes Only Xanax.) When Remsen and Mattox need to attend a meeting together, he hires and actor to play Mattox. (Don’t you remember him from that episode of Law and Order: Town Council?)
walleroo explains it all
I Guess we’ll never know the basis for Mattox’s charge of corruption, eh?
I suspect making allegations are easier than supporting them.
David!
Go to bed ROC. You have exceeded your mandated 75 posts per day. Take a drink of water and relax.
Ted offered to talk to you by phone. Did you call?
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