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VIEWER COMMENTS:
**An advance disclaimer: this is in no way an attempt to put down or denigrate either the organization or any of the hard working volunteers of the Barnegat Food Pantry. This organization and workers provide an extremely valuable service to those in need and I applaud and commend your dedication to those who depend on that service.**
The Tuesday night before Thanksgiving I tried to contact the Barnegat Food Pantry. I had the devil of a time trying to find the correct phone number and it seemed nothing short of a visit to read the sign on a building I knew was closed would solve the problem. Finally, after multiple tries via internet search engines I tracked down the correct number. The message stated only that their hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., plus information on where to call for emergency assistance. I was delighted they were to be open the following day (Wednesday), as we planned to donate a lot of food and I knew the day before Thanksgiving would be hectic at any food pantry that serves the needy. Thinking they were open until at least 2 p.m. we stopped at 10:45 a.m. (on our way to pick up the food) to make certain the Barnegat Food Pantry was indeed open and could handle the amount that we were bringing. There would be no point to donating food if there were no available space, shelf or refrigerator to hold it. I was more than a little surprised to learn they were closing at noon. When I questioned this I was told, in not the most polite manner, that they'd been there every night until 5 p.m. This was news not only to me (since this was NOT on the recording), but also to one of my neighbors, a person/family whose nosedived economic circumstances have recently forced them to turn to the Barnegat food pantry for help. She was unaware of the changed hours. I'm sure the extended hours were due to an increased need for the holiday, but was this change advertised or only told to those who stopped there?
As longtime Barnegat residents, my family very much wished to make our large food donation to the Barnegat Food Pantry. Instead, we went to St. Francis, which was open until 9 p.m. that same night. We were there and unloading our donation between 12:30 p.m. and 12:45 p.m.
I've no doubt the Barnegat Food Pantry gave out a lot of food and serviced a lot of very grateful people and families, long before this Thanksgiving and will continue to do so as long as they're able. Again, I commend you for all your work and dedication. However, if you aren't aware that your telephone contact number is incorrect you may want to address that. Not everyone who needs your services goes through or is listed with social services. Also, for the sake of those in need of the valuable service you provide, if your hours are changed please consider taking the minute it requires and note the changes on the recording.
VIEWER COMMENTS:
**An advance disclaimer: this is in no way an attempt to put down or denigrate either the organization or any of the hard working volunteers of the Barnegat Food Pantry. This organization and workers provide an extremely valuable service to those in need and I applaud and commend your dedication to those who depend on that service.**
The Tuesday night before Thanksgiving I tried to contact the Barnegat Food Pantry. I had the devil of a time trying to find the correct phone number and it seemed nothing short of a visit to read the sign on a building I knew was closed would solve the problem. Finally, after multiple tries via internet search engines I tracked down the correct number. The message stated only that their hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., plus information on where to call for emergency assistance. I was delighted they were to be open the following day (Wednesday), as we planned to donate a lot of food and I knew the day before Thanksgiving would be hectic at any food pantry that serves the needy. Thinking they were open until at least 2 p.m. we stopped at 10:45 a.m. (on our way to pick up the food) to make certain the Barnegat Food Pantry was indeed open and could handle the amount that we were bringing. There would be no point to donating food if there were no available space, shelf or refrigerator to hold it. I was more than a little surprised to learn they were closing at noon. When I questioned this I was told, in not the most polite manner, that they'd been there every night until 5 p.m. This was news not only to me (since this was NOT on the recording), but also to one of my neighbors, a person/family whose nosedived economic circumstances have recently forced them to turn to the Barnegat food pantry for help. She was unaware of the changed hours. I'm sure the extended hours were due to an increased need for the holiday, but was this change advertised or only told to those who stopped there?
As longtime Barnegat residents, my family very much wished to make our large food donation to the Barnegat Food Pantry. Instead, we went to St. Francis, which was open until 9 p.m. that same night. We were there and unloading our donation between 12:30 p.m. and 12:45 p.m.
I've no doubt the Barnegat Food Pantry gave out a lot of food and serviced a lot of very grateful people and families, long before this Thanksgiving and will continue to do so as long as they're able. Again, I commend you for all your work and dedication. However, if you aren't aware that your telephone contact number is incorrect you may want to address that. Not everyone who needs your services goes through or is listed with social services. Also, for the sake of those in need of the valuable service you provide, if your hours are changed please consider taking the minute it requires and note the changes on the recording.
Anonymous
Barnegat Twp. has paid out of our tax dollars at the last count, according to Dave Breeden, $750,000 to inspect building problems that were created by the developer at the Mirage. The bill is expected to go over 1 million.
The Mirage has about 1200 homes and 2,000 residents. Barnegat Twp. has 22,000 residents. Why should the other 20,000 residents be asked to pay for the Mirage's problems when it was caused by the developer and the Ocean County building inspectors who approved bad construction. The homeowners should have sued the builder and Ocean County.
Little Al Cirulli almost guaranteed that Ocean County would repay Barnegat for the money that has been expended. At the last meeting, Little Al backed off that guarantee and said that they have met with OC Officials and may have to sue to recover the money. Guess who benefits from that. The Dasti law firm.
It's time the rest of Barnegat taxpayers just say no to more payments to the Mirage, and hold Little Al and his counterparts accountable if no money is received by election time.
I moved here a few years ago and instead of moving to one of the adult community's I found what I thought was a quite street just off of Ravenwood blvd. That is until my first Forth of July when I realized that a neighbor a few houses down the street liked to set off fireworks beginning in June and lasting all summer. This neighbor has to be the nosiest person on this street with his blasting music much louder than necessary to his racing up and down the street with his very loud motorcycle. I have complained to the police but have very rarely seen anything done. One night while he was setting off fireworks the police showed up and spoke to him and then left, and he continued to set off the fireworks. Maybe I am wrong but I thought that owning and using fireworks was a crime. Recently a Barnegat Twp police officer moved in right next to him and I thought this was great maybe things would tone down a bit but on new years eve this person was out there at midnight setting off the biggest amount of fireworks yet for about 20 minutes. Now I know the police are very busy especially on new years eve but what about the cop that lives next door, could it be that his eye sight and hearing aren't that good and he missed it. I've learned anything is possible in Barnegat so that must be it. When one off these fireworks lands on my house or property and starts a fire, do I sue the police and the township for sitting on their hands along with this clown who thinks he can blatantly break the law right in front of the police. I shouldn't be surprised at the police, they can't even handle a one block long drug plagued street let alone anything else. That has to be the biggest joke around. If it weren't for the high price of real estate and my fixed retirement income I would leave Barnegat but I am trapped here with this website as my only voice.
At last nights Council meeting, the Mayor came up with a 12 point plan to stabilize taxes. Some of the points, are freezing hiring, reduction of overtime and non-replacement of non essential positions when an employee resigns.
The Mayor did not address the lucrative health benefits that the Mayor and Council receive or the salary and benefits of the Town's Administrator. One resident questioned how many employees are allowed to take home cars to reduce expenses. Particularly, Mr. Breeden's use of a Town car to commute to his home in Ocean City, a distance of about 100 miles roundtrip. Mr. Hartman stated that this benefit is in his contract. The resident asked if it could be removed when the contract is up and it will be taken into consideration.
Residents of Pinewoods Estates complained about lead being in their water system and management's refusal to address the problem. One resident said that other residents of the community are afraid to complain for fear that the management will sell the property and they will be homeless. The Mayor offered to help mediate this problem.
The recreation tax was voted down by a 2 to 1 margin, but that lame duck Hartman stated in the Sandpaper that they can put a new question on the ballot next year to fund recreation. These guys don't get it. Residents are losing their jobs and homes and the Republican majority still wants to increase taxes. There are plenty of fields in Barnegat if you include the schools. Every town in the state uses the school fields for recreation.
One other thing. When a candidate runs for office as a Democrat or a Republican, ask them if they are on the tax freeze program. If they are, don't vote for them because they can vote to increase your taxes, but theirs will not be increased because they get the local tax increase refunded by the state.
New Jersey is in bad fiscal state. Corzine is talking about doing away with the rebates. If he does that, could the tax freeze program be next?
To the Readers of Downtown Barnegat,
I would like to address the two people who made comments about The Pinewood Estates Fire Company, you do not have your facts straight and accurate. First of all the company has the oldest equipment in town for the exception of their New Fire Truck which is the first Pumper/Tanker they have received in over 12 years, and truly need & deserve. Secondly the PEVFD answers over 90 calls a year not 30 and as that area of Barnegat gets larger they will be answering more calls. Next, the President of the company was not removed from office, he resigned due to Serious Health Reasons. There was also no misappropriation of funds, just check with the Chief, Asst. Chief and the Township. Next, I agree that they should not have children in Emergency Vehicles. This is very dangerous and needs to be addressed. Finally the reason that there are two Fire Companies in Barnegat is due to a very old war in which Station 11 started because of selfishness. Barnegat is a growing town and the members of ALL our volunteer organizations need to be recognized for the hard work that they do. Each gives of their own time for the good of Barnegat. They take time from their families, for we the residents and we should be very proud and greatful of ALL of them. Finally equipment is not being duplicated. If you look at Station 11 they have too many trucks including a mini pumper which was not necessary. They also have over $65,000 in the bank and still receive their allocation from the township. PEVFD is a vital part of this community and should be recognized as such, as should the members of The Barnegat Fire Company Station 11 & The Barnegat First Aid Squad.
Mr. Barnes
I read your comment but I Am not a committee. Pinewood Estates fire company covers the trailer parks in the route 72 area. They are men from areas of Barnegat, Stafford, Ship Bottom and who knows maybe Waretown. This fire company is needed in that area to cover the parks do to them being a death trap if ever one catches fire. But the quality of equipment in this fire house is over whelming do to the fact of the distance of the firemen. One pumper could be used in case of entrapment until Barnegat fire company is hit out to back the up. The 3 Republican committee buys this fire company these trucks because they cry the blues they want to look professional even if they can't use all the trucks at a fire because no one there knows how to pump them. Just recently the Republican committeemen told Barnegat fire company they would not get any money that is well needed to purchase turnout gear and other tools and equipment to protect the residents in this area, but yet you see what they gave the fire company that has 30 calls a year and sometimes less because no other fire company will use them because they are not all qualified firemen. Just recently Pinewood has dismissed there president for misappropriation of funds but yet the Republican committeemen refused to investigate where and why the money was spent. But yet the Republican committeemen continues to pamper these men with new equipment that is not needed and buys them trucks they do not know how to use. Just remember that if the Republicans win this election they intend to let Pinewood cover everything west of the parkway which is a great danger to the senior citizens in that area. As a resident and seen how these so called firemen handled the big brush fire that consumed dozens of trailers because they did not know how to use the trucks or did they know they had to cover the exposures makes me glad that I am east of the parkway and fully protected by a bunch of well trained firemen. I hope this helps you and I answered your question.
Hello,
Here is the body of an email we received from the Barnegat Little League regarding Question #1 on this falls ballot exactly as written:
The members of the executive board of Barnegat Little League would like to make you aware of a very important issue that will be on the ballot this November.
Question #1 on the ballot is asking if you would like to set aside 1 cent of each $100 assesed property value for Barnegat Township recreation purposes. THIS IS NOT A NEW TAX. This is simply asking to allocate these funds to this specific purpose. These funds would be earmarked for use for recreation only.
The funding source for recreation to date has been an assessment on new home construction contractors. Due to a recent court decision, this source of recreation funds is no longer available to the township.
If you value recreation for yourselves and your children, please come out and vote for this allocation of township funds to recreation. Remember, THIS IS NOT A NEW TAX.
Many residents with children will probably be away on vacation on election day. Please get you absentee ballot as soon as possible and send it in. The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is October 27th...SO HURRY!!
Please....VOTE YES ON QUESTION #1!! (send this e-mail onto everyone you know who is a Barnegat Township voter and spread the word!!)
BLL - Executive Board.
When I contacted (someone) at the Barnegat Township Tax Office I received a VERY different answer and was told this email is misleading and if question #1 is passed a home assessed at $350,000 would see a $35.00 INCREASE in taxes.
While we are all for recreation for children we are very against lies and rhetoric. Which do you believe is correct?
While at some events this summer I noted we have 2 Fire Companies serving Barnegat. We have Pinewood Estates Fire company who with great pride explained that they have answered appox. 30 calls in this town. They show off equipment including a newly acquired $600,000.00 truck, a Chief and ass. Chief's cars maintained, purchased and gas provided by our town for men that travel with their children in these cars that do NOT live with in the Township of Barnegat.
I then talked with Downtown Barnegat Fire company, Station12. Also with great pride they show off their trucks that are not nearly as grand as the smaller less active company. They answer appox. 400 calls a year including the 30 back-up calls for Pinewood Estates. Their Chief's cars were purchased and maintained by them and I am not sure who provides their gas.
I am a Senior citizen, have never been associated with any Fire company nor has any member of my family. But I am a taxpayer in this town and have been for many years and I would like to know why there is such an imbalance in monies spent for 2 fire companies in this town? Why aren't we consolidating these companies and stop duplicating equipment, etc. and start saving some money? Could a township comm. person answer this question for me?
First let me say thank you to the entire cast of Beauty and the Beast. For anyone who has never attended an Our Gang Performance, you have no idea of the the talented people living in this area. Congratulations goes out to Elmer Fawcett, one of the shows leading actors. To see his little grandson clap for Grandpa and to have his son announce he was going to have another grandson. What a thrill that had to be. There is another young star on the rise, playing the part of Chip. What an angel to watch. The cast was wonderful and so talented. Sherry and Steve keep up the great work. Everyone should see the shows put on by the Our Gang Players. What a wonderful experience.
SOME PERSON OR PERSONS HAVE BEEN HAS TAKEN AT LEASTS 6 OF THE NEW SOLAR LIGHTS FIXTURES ON THE POST. AT THE BOARDWALK (DOCK) CANT THEY BE SECURED.
A senior citizen from the Mirage has been chosen to replace Hartman on the Republican Ticket. I suspect it is to counter the senior citizen that is running from Heritage Bay, a much smaller development.
The Democrats made a serious error in nominating this senior because there is already a democrat councilwoman in Heritage Bay. There are many sections in Barnegat that need representation. This is the reason why we should have an elected Mayor and Committee persons to represent different areas of Barnegat. That is called proportional representation with an equal number of voters in each area.
I would say the Republicans outsmarted the Democrats on this one and may keep control of the council.
Tom Hartman announced at last night's meeting that he is not running in November and asking the County Clerk to take him out of the election. He cites health problems that are not life threatening. He will serve the end of his term. He also cited his accomplishments such as preserving land that would have been developed.
The bond issue to buy 4 SUV's for the Police Dept. was defeated when the two Democrats didn't go along with the Republican majority. Mr. Breeden did a vocal power point on why they should buy SUV's for the PD. He said that they could put 1/3 of the fleet out in Suv's in case of snow. He said that Ford Hybrids Suv's were not suitable for Patrol because of electrical and acceleration problems. In addition there are no cages that are presently made to fit these vehicles. They could be used for ADM and Det. work. The BPD has 30 vehicles. 15 are used for Patrol. They put out about 5 Officers per shift which doubles for 2 hours when the new shift comes on.What the other 15 vehicles are used for is questionable? 30 Officer are assigned to Patrol and 2 to traffic. That leaves 14 officers for Administration, Detective and School Resource. I guess that is where the other cars are assigned. Now back to the SUV's. Gas is at a premium and expected to go higher. GM is shutting down its SUV plants. Get the picture. It has been my experience that Crown Vics have enough trunk room to handle necessary police equipment. During snow storms, you put chains on them. Chev. Impalas have front wheel drive and operate effectively in snow. The new Dodge Charger Police Vehicles are 8 cylinder, but drop down to 4 cylinders when idling. The Impalas are used by the New York City PD predominately. The BPD should stick with these vehicles.
Some residents questioned buying new vehicles which is ridiculous. At least 4 of the Patrols vehicles should be replaced each year and it could be done on a lease program. Ford has a program that allows you to buy the cab for $1.00 after 3 years. These cars could then be used by Administrative and SRO Officers who don't need a brand new vehicle . Breeden should go with the lease program and forget about bonding for the Suv's.
Now, Breeden states that he is coming up with a radical plan to stabilize taxes that will include the Town, County and Schools. This was the reason for not introducing the 2008-2009 budget. Stay tuned.
Hey downtownbarnegat,
I've been coming to your website for a while now. I enjoy most of the content, even though I take the negative with a grain of salt. I sense a little political bias on your end. OK, a little is an understatement! But you do have quite a few positive articles & information on upcoming events, etc that I enjoy checking out. What I don't understand is your blind support of ET (whoever that may be). It surprises me that you would align yourself with someone who is so vicious in their attacks on people. I mean c'mon, calling our police department 'Arties Angels' how disrespectful! can you get? Or bashing local sports reporter David Biggy because he may have some values & morals that he would like to see upheld. It seems that everyone who opposes ET is given a 'nickname'. Very clever, but it won't serve the purpose of bringing people together to support you. In fact, it will unite us to protect the people that are being attacked! Nobody likes a bully. If ET has REAL issues run for office & get elected. If the people in our local government are breaking the law, bring 'em up on charges. But the truth is, the people have spoken with their vote. We need to trust that they have our best interests at heart. They won't be able to please everybody. That's just the ways it is. I agree that there needs to be more transparency in government. We need to work on that. But we can do more together than we can separately! I generally enjoy coming to your website but I am truly SHOCKED at your overwhelming support of ET.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Mrs. Gomez, thank you for your comments. We totally respect your community service and feel your concerns are genuine with the best interest of Barnegat at heart. Your comments inspired me to write an editorial regarding what some may call negative stories and political bias. Read it on our home page -- hopefully you will understand how I feel about this topic.
As for ET...they are big boys and/or girls and they can certainly speak for themselves. Many of our readers enjoy their blog and find it informative and well-written. So do we. Just like the newspapers and the other sites we link to, we are not responsible for others' content. We also do not necessarily agree -- or disagree -- with this content we link to. Any content we are not responsible for is linked to for balance. If you disagree with something you read written by us, or someone else point out EXACTLY what you disagree with and address it. Please stay away from generalizations and speak to exact facts. Then I think we can get somewhere and truly address some of the issues we face here in Barnegat.
By the way, the term "Artie's Angels" I believe is used as a term of praise and respect for our Chief and the fine men and women in the BPD. We truly don't believe any disrepect was intended from what we have read. The bully point you make is interesting though. We thank ET, you, Mr. Biggy, or anyone who stands up to bullies. Sadly for Barnegat, the bullies are too often those in power and it is us -- the taxpayers -- who take a beating. Thanks again for your comments, Mrs. Gomez -- keep sending in your input.
I am interested in finding out when my dumpster is coming? Lexington Ave has been a disgrace for along time. We have landlords who don't care. Where has the code enforcement people been? I am curious to find out why Mitchell, who works in our schools for 8 hours weekly, could not drive to the area and issue tickets to make up for the over thousand dollars he gets paid. Why at election time has the town decided to do this? Wait until we see how much the dumpsters cost as well as the dump fee...
Where is the code enforcement officer? Where is the construction official? We have a bunch of amatuers running this Town. Why is it referred to Barneghetto, when the majority of the areas are nice and citizens take pride in their homes. Now the taxpayer has to pay for the cleanup of the Lexington Area while the absentee landlords reap the benefits and rents.
I complained to Committeeman Hartman about a home that has been boarded up since I moved here 7 years ago on Gunning River Rd and nothing has been done about it. We pay almost 1 million a year for our construction inspectors. Where are they? The house by the dock should have been torn down years ago. Why hasn't it? If we just enforced the codes that are on the books, these conditions wouldn't exist.
Its time we elected a Mayor instead of the Mayor's seat changing each year. We need Leadership in Barnegat to change its image. When I was buying my house, a lawyer who live in Toms River asked me why I was buying in Barneghetto? He said that it was what the rest of the county called it. I should have taken his advice.
Somebody may want to inform ET of something it apparently doesn't seem to know, and if it read the local paper it loves to slam so much ET would certainly know it. Those who make up ET should realize by now that I am not a member of the news team with the Beacon, but a sports editor who is responsible for the local sports content regarding four local high schools, including Barnegat.
So is this what you've become, ET -- an uninformed windbag which has nothing better to do than make character assassinations against those who call you out for slandering others and criticize you for damning people to Hell? Don't worry, I'll forgive you and ask God to forgive me for calling you and uninformed windbag.
What I don't need to ask God to forgive me for is calling you out on your slanderous comments. I haven't judged you, ET. I've simply told you what you are doing. So, what? Do you take offense to the point that you will write another long-winded bashfest of me? Go ahead. Enjoy yourself and give your readers a little entertainment.
Truth is, I do read your blog. And I will continue to do so, if for no other reason than to watch you prove that all you know how to do is call people names and attempt to defame their characters. Whether or not I'm included on your hit list is not an issue to me. I've been on the hit list of several people during the past 14 years, mainly because I have spilled the truth about the wrong they've done (yes, in sports we do occasionally get to inform the public of people who do wrong to others -- it's not all fun and games, as some may believe).
So, there you have it...I've pointed out what you're doing wrong. Bash away, ET guys. It's what you're good at, apparently. And by the way, ET, I encourage you to start reading my columns in the sports section. You may learn something now and then.
Lexington Blvd.
You can't blame the Chief Matt. He's trying to do the best he can with the manpower he has. There is a problem in the Lexington Blvd. area of town. For every problem, there is a solution. From my own experience in an urban area we solved problems by examining the number of complaintsin a particular area according to the time of day and days of weekand then came up with a plan. Meeting with the citizens in Settler's Landing is a good first step and I'm sure that the Chief will act on your suggestion. If I was in his shoes, I would take the school resource officers, when the school year is finished, and place them on foot patrol in this problem area during the time when most complaints are received. We did this in a Federal Project with incidents of drug sales, assaults, and domestic violence and it worked fine. We also brought in the Municipal Task Force which was comprised of Officers from every City and Town in Hudson County to target problem areas. It got tremendous results. Of course, you have to work with the public. There is an old saying in police work, "the police are the public, and the public are the police". In other words, we all have to work together.
My observations of the Chief are that he is trying his best to resolve problems in Barnegat. It's not an easy job to please everyone.
Outrageous Perks
Why are the Politicians in Barnegat allowing the Business Administrator to commute to his home in Ocean City in a Town Car with Town Gas. With gas prices over $4.00 per gallon, he's driving a gas guzzling SUV. at least 120. miles per day. It gets between 10 and 15 miles per gallon. If you do the math, at 15MPH that's about $32.00 per day times 260 days =$8,320. If you take into consideration depreciation and maintenance that's about another $7,000 per year so the taxpayer's are footing the bill.
Don't use the excuse that he is on call. Let him commute in his own car at his own expense. The average taxpayer has to pay for their own commute. Why should he be different?
A solution would for him to move to Barnegat, so he could share in paying our taxes.
After reading in the local papers and seeing first hand what goes on in Settlers Landing I could not help but to pick up the phone and call our local newspapers. I would like to get all the residents together with the Committee and Chief Drexler to discuss what could be and has to be done in this area. It is a shame to see one area like Lexington take a whole neighborhood down. The quality of life in this area has decreased a lot and our property and personal possessions are being vandalized. Not to mention our property value has decreased. We have unlisted sex offenders and sex crimes going on in our neighborhood that is being held back from the public right now. Our kids are at jeopardy as soon as they leave the front yard. We need to get a hold on our neighborhood again and bring it back to the quality of life it should be. I found it funny that Chief Drexler would hold a meeting for the Lexington Hood and leave us the high tax paying home owners out. Just like he mailed out random Questionnaires about his department. Boy Chief first of all you need to teach your men some manners to children and adults on the streets. It does not hurt for an officer in this town to stop and ask a child walking on the streets how they are or if everything is okay, Our maybe even be a little friendly to anyone at all. You all know I say what want and how I feel but I think enough is enough. We need leaders in this township with brains,guts and just a little bit of nerve to make thinks work in this township. Here is another example of what I found on June 3, 2008 primary day. As I went to vote at Dunfee school I walked in the door and was stopped by a female teacher at a desk with a walkie talkie asking me where I was going. No security in site and the school full of staff and children. My point is this was school was open to the public with no uniformed officer or security in site just a female teacher with a walkie talkie at a desk after a lock down and threats that day. Anyone at any god given time could have walk through the halls with out being stopped or noticed. My question is how many schools were like this one and where was the proper protection for the staff and children? Well with this said I will sign off with you all thinking about what I typed and hope you all come to senses about what is here. And as always I never hide behind a false name.
I just would like to say two things, and please feel free to post them.
First, on your viewer comments page, you make this comment, "Email us your comments to post today! Please note no posted comments or editorials can be anonymous." However, the three most recent posts to your viewer comments page are from anonymous people or groups of people (ET is anonymous based on the fact we don't actually know who is part of the ET group).
And speaking of ET ... I'd like to encourage nobody to view the ET blog. And I base that statement on one particular reason -- in ET's recent post, the writer (or writers) say that a particular politician should go to Hell. I don't know about you or anybody else on this board, that is not an appropriate public statement for anybody to make. I don't know what religious roots ET has, but it is simply wrong to say somebody should go to Hell. I've been a journalist for more than a dozen years. I've written plenty of critical things about plenty of people who I thought did wrong to the public, but not once would I ever write that somebody should go to Hell. Only God determines who goes to Hell, and I'd be interested to know just how close ET considers itself to being God to make such a statement.
I urge everybody who disagrees with ET to go to its blog spot and flag it. Statements like that belong nowhere among humankind.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Thank you Mr. Biggy for your comments. Regarding anonymous posts, you are correct. Our policy on our reader comments page has been to post comments along with the reader's name. We urge names with comments but occasionally we will break our own rules when we see a comment that is in the public's best interest. The 3 comments you are concerned about are, we believe, in the best interest of our readers.
First, we feel that if a resident wants to demand that Mr. Morano and Mr. Chiarelli explain their platform, that is good...and this resident's voice should be heard. We will have a candidate's forum soon, and will give this reader their wish. Also we are non-partisan so if a reader is demanding accountability from a politician from any party, we will do our best to see that their voice is heard.
Also the MeadowEdge property should be looked at more closely than what our local press has done -- which is actually nothing. This reader has concerns that should also be heard. We understand that any taxpayer who dares to question decisions made by the current Administration could face retribution. We say this because we have experienced retaliation first hand, when we stood up to Committeeman Hartman when he tried to kill Barnegat's Heritage Day. We would not back down to threats and intimidation, and everyone knows our name, but we understand that some of our fellow residents may not want to face what our family has had to do in order to stand up for what is right.
If the local newspapers did a better job covering our town we feel the people of Barnegat would be much better off. If actual journalists (which we are not) would do their job more often think about the difference they could make. Instead of publishing lies and propaganda (like the papers have done regarding Mr. Hartman & the Chamber of Commerce killing Heritage Day for example) with absolutely no follow-up articles, what if the journalists shined a light on the truth? Wouldn't we all benefit from that? Now of course we are not saying that EVERY article in the local press is used by those in power to get their message out un-questioned. Many journalists do a great job. Barnegat just needs more of them. You for example Mr. Biggy, did Barnegat a great service in shining a light on our lack of recreation and we were the first to thank you for that. Unfortunately not every citizen is as brave as yourself, or in a position to question the powers that control our town without feeling that they might in turn be attacked.
Because of this we will occasionally post an anonymous comment on our reader comment page. Please forgive us, but we just want to help Barnegat be a better place for our children and our fellow residents. Because of your concern of our policy, we will now change it. We will recommend that readers include their name to ensure that their comments are posted. If not, we will post anonymous comments ONLY that we feel are in our reader's best interest. We may not necessarily endorse comments we post, but we may feel our readers have a right to be aware of them.
Regarding ET, they are also anonymous -- you are correct. When they were taken off the APP.com site they became news. You -- like every Barnegat citizen -- have the right to agree or disagree with their blog. If ONLY to bring balance to the information in the newspaper, we feel the people of Barnegat should read this blog, along with any outlet that discusses topics concerning Barnegat. Although we can only be responsible for what we write, we feel people should read everything available including the newspaper for which you work.
If you have any concerns with content we are not responsible for, please contact those responsible. Many people in Barnegat enjoy reading the ET blog -- including ourselves -- as we are sure they enjoy reading your own articles, and this website. We thank God that in America we do not "flag" free speech.
Mr. Morano and Mr. Chiarelli, what is your platform? You have to tell us what you are going to do to improve the quality of life for Barnegat residents. To state, "its time for a change," is not enough. Give us specifics, so that we can decide if it's worthwhile to vote for you for change.
Good Neighbors and Friends,
ET is proud to announce a new post on our blog - www.etofbarnegat.blogspot.com. Now that our vacation is behind us, look for new post two to three times per week. ET thanks you for your support. Together, we will continue the new wave of community spirit and awareness that began on April 15th!
They should start by investigating why, when the owner of the property now Meadowedge Park had it listed for sale by owner for 500+ THOUSAND, the taxpayers paid 5 MILLION to buy it. Now that is a money laundering scheme. Who got that money?
The Pinewood Estates Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary would like to take the time and sincerely thank the Manahawkin Shop Rite and Ocean Acres WaWa for their extremely generous donations during the forest fire on April 19th, 2008 . It is great businesses like these that show compassion and support for not only their customers, but their community as well, that make this area such an amazing place to live. We would also like to especially thank Shop Rite for always coming thru and supporting us and the community throughout the year with our various fundraisers and events, you truly are appreciated by this company.
We would also like to thank the residents who provided food and beverages to the various fire agencies stationed at their homes. Your assistance was greatly appreciated not just by us, but by the fire personnel as well.
Again, a sincere thank you to all!
Sincerely,
NO MORE RUBBER STAMPS The school board has no crediblity. Mr Splendorio LOST his re-election bid only to be appointed to the board by Mrs Mitchell! Because the board was short of a rubber stamp. As is Ms Lally and the rest of the board. These board members think this is a life time career Or they become like most of these board members, they get a NAPOLEONIC COMPLEX AND TRY AND CONTROL HIRING, FIRING, and with all the talented people in Barnegat most of our Administrators come from Toms River!
Seniors Beware
It is that time of the season where some contractors that are registered or not registered to start preying on our senior citizens. I have done landscaping in all senior communities for a while now. I have been called to homes of widows that are looking for work to be done. As I knock on the door I am approached by a female senior not knowing who I am or what my background is. So she continues to tell me she is a widow home alone and has no idea what it costs for the work she wants done.
First of all I must say that is the wrong approach for any female senior or other as a matter a fact, to take with a complete stranger whether she thinks it is going to help her price wise or any other way, and I let them know that. What she could be doing is opening herself up to either be robber whether it is price wise or any other way.
What I tell them to do is to let a neighbor know I am coming so they can watch out or be present for the visit. Tell them what they want done and tell them their husband is playing golf or went to the store and will return soon. She then can tell them she is going to discuss the price with him as soon as he returns and then she can consult a neighbor for advice on the price and she will get back to them. Please never tell anyone you are alone and open yourself up to be harmed or robbed. I know I might sound like your parent but I do not want to see any women be hurt in anyway. I want my customers to be treated as I would want my own parents. A little advice and I hope it is of help to you all.
Hello,
I am a long time resident of Barnegat Twsp., 33 yrs. My quality of life could be greatly enhanced here if I had more of my money in my pocket rather in the coffers of the twsp. Sure I would like a park here of a sidewalk there. The problem there is that eyeryone has a pet project and it would have to be paid for by everyone for the benefit of a few. I want less government intervention in my life. Meaning that I do not want their hand in my pocket. Why can't the twsp. of Barnegat attract rateables. Shoreling sand & gravel on w. bay ave. is a rateable and Barnegat twsp. is scaring them away. Why did they scare away Sonic Drive In. If we had more rateables and less development the quality of life here would be better.
As I read the local newspapers I can not help myself to think if this township is alive. Recently I read in the newspaper that the police department is having trouble with their radio systems. When they went to the township to ask to update the system they were turned away. The part that gets me is that this is a life or death situation for the men and women that protect us. This is their life line for help when they get in trouble. But yet they were turned away. Not with grace or a good excuse but simply turned away. The part that really got me was the comment made by committeemen Morano. That was the most pitifully comment I have ever read in my life. The township just spent $600,000.00 on a fire truck for Pinewood fire company. A company that goes to 30 calls a year if that. I will not go on with other reasons why this is a ridiculous purchase because if you read some of the comments recently made by people in the APP.com section you would understand the reason. But yet this was a purchase that should have been studied before done. Now lets look at the recent 6 million dollar park deal with the increase of taxes and a hole hell of a lot of we will do what we want because we are republicans with high paying jobs with another income coming in because we elected them to a fast money making deal to do what they want on our township seats. I mean come on our police department asked for equipment that means life or death to them but yet the committee chooses to spend the money on things that are not necessary as of yet. I am not saying no to a park for our kids or am I saying not to look for a better way to fund it. I am simply saying the time with the cost of living as bad as it is we should fund equipment that is meaningful and really needed in the place that needs it. We have police officers using cell phones to receive and make calls in emergencies with dispatch time being prolonged. We have residents that have trouble making their tax payments now but yet we are going to increase them more for a park that should have been done along time ago. I know a township committee does not have nothing to do with the Board of education but if you really look at the misspending their you will open your eyes really wide. The findings I found will come at another time. Now I just might do what I said I would not do. I might put my hat in the ring one more time. If I can find a running mate who is really serious and wants to make a change I just might do it. I will not run under a party to be their puppet or their mouth piece. I will do this on my own for the people and standby the people. If you are interested please call me at 660-7760. WAKE UP PEOPLE IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EDITOR'S NOTE: DowntownBarnegat.com received an email from John Doe, who says he is a Barnegat resident, and had a question for us that he wanted a reply on. We tried to reply to Mr. Doe several times but the email bounces back, saying his email address is temporarily disabled. We thought Mr. Doe deserved an answer. The following is part of his email...
Hopefully that answers Mr. Doe's question.
At this time I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone in our community and in the Ocean County area for the out pour of help they gave to the Doran family that was burnt out of their home 12/29/07. Everyone did an outstanding job in redoing a Christmas for the children of this family. There was such an out pour of gifts and monetary donations that made this event successful. It just goes to show that when a resident of any community is stricken by a tragedy and when we all pull together we can make a difference. The look on the children's faces when Santa Clause pulled up on a fire truck baring gifts was priceless. I wish you all could have been there to see this. This is not a one man event it was a community and county event and you all should hold your heads up high. You made a big difference in the lives of those who needed it. I also want to thank Bob Levy of the WOBM radio station for helping me go on the air and waking up Mr and Mrs Clause to help me get the gifts to the children. We actually reached the North Pole via radio waves and he heard us and he responded without hesitation. I also want to thank the Barnegat Police, fire and first aide departments for your help in getting the gifts and Santa there. Also thank you to the Laurelton fire company that sent a 1939 fire truck to put the gifts on to transport them and the Armory in Toms River and the Berkeley Twp. PBA for there donations of gifts. There is so many to thank the list goes on and you know who you all are. If anyone wants to donate they can send them to Commerce Bank in Barnegat in the trust fund for the Doran family or call me for pickup at 609-660-7760. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!
I really have to disagree with you when you say that Sonic is the type of clean ratable we want here in Barnegat. First of all, if you had the time to experience the problems that Sonic caused to the Route 9 traffic situation in Waretown during their grand opening, you would immediately know that this project was poorly engineered. Thankfully, the opening occurred in November and not during the busy days of summer. Nonetheless, the traffic created dangerous situations on an overused highway. I know that being the first Sonic Drive-In in NJ created a novelty effect, but it is a precursor to what will happen in the busy spring and summer months.
EDITOR's NOTE: Mr. Gunn, you bring up many good points. Thank you for sharing your views. Hopefully Barnegat's leadership will listen to your excellent suggestions and we can begin to move in the right direction We do believe you missed the point of the Sonic Restaurant though. We said Sonic is a good ratable and it certainly is. Sonic not coming to Barnegat is a huge failure and it hurts the people of Barnegat...especially the taxpayer. We were told Sonic was coming to the A & P shopping area. This of course would not help the redevelopment of our crumbling downtown or the development you point out that is needed on the West side of town. One simple fast food restaurant would solve nothing...but its loss still hurt. This is why...
I want to take this opportunity to say happy Veterans Day to all or Veterans in and out of war. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for risking your life to give us freedom and the way of life we live today. These men and women risked their lives and some lost their lives fighting wars on foreign soil to give us our freedom. And what does the government do for them? "Nothing" absolutely nothing. When they come home wounded or relieved of duty they have a lot of political red tape to run through. They get nothing and their families get nothing while doing their jobs. Some lose their homes and some never see their child born. some lose body parts and some scared mentally for live.And the government just ignores them.They deserve this day and much more. They deserve better then what they get now. To hear some of these men and women's war stories are amazing how they fought to survive. And how they saw a close friend being killed by enemy fire. They tell these stories with pride and if it was like their everyday job. They are true heroes.
One thing bothers me is that we have lost so many of these brave and courageous men and women for wars and how they are forgotten. These are and were someone's father,son daughter,mother and brother and sister and they are thrown aside like unwanted trash.
Like in this war today we lost so many of these soldiers and the president seems like he does not care as long as he gets revenge for his daddy. With our prisons so over populated why does he not take those men and women who like to kill people on our streets and put them on the front line and let them do his dirty work. What I mean is that we use these men and women for front line fighting and to find Osama with our good soldiers in the back lines to shoot them if they run. Why are we wasting all our good soldiers for the President to get revenge for dad? And that's just what it seems like because he is not focusing on Osama anymore. GOD BLESS OUR MEN AND WOMEN OVER SEAS AND TO ALL OUR VETERANS HERE AT HOME AND THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE. HATS OF TO OR VETERANS.
First of all I want to congratulate Mrs. Ryan on her victory. Well done Barnegat residents you have sent a strong message and shook a few heads. Now remember we need to do this again three more times.But as I read the article in the Asbury Park Press on why Mr. Novak thought he lost is true but not completed. Mr. Novak did you ever think you lost due to your arrogant remarks toward township problems and your ignorance towards township voters? Did you really think you had this election in the bag?
Your choice of coming out during the hay ride to politic and hand out rubber dollar bill jar top grippers was ignorant and in bad taste. We go to these very few recreation events to enjoy with our families, not to be bothered by some political hack carrying a pocket book over his shoulders begging for votes because he or she is desperate for a vote.We go to enjoy these events with our kids to spend quality time with them and to have a good time.
Well now that you have a lot of time on your hands you can use those rubber grippers to get a grip on reality and life. You did say something in the article that really scares me and that was you are contemplating on running for the school board. Now why would you even think of doing that when your kids do not even attend our school system? As a matter of fact I could not understand why you or your fellow committee members would even comment on our school system at all. If I recall neither one of you's have a child that attends our schools. As I looked at all the rest of the election results in our county I could not understand. If mattel could recall 172,000 bad toys. Why couldn't Ocean County voters recall a few hundred bad politicians? We should have the right as voters to recall any politician that goes back on their word whether they are municipal or county elected. What we need is the right to say enough is enough and make them stick to their word or remove them from office. Well with all this being said and other comments I have made on here it is about time I do what my wife has been asking me to do for years, and that is put bullet proof glass around the house. If you have a comment or an issue you want me to reply to just let me know. I do take request and I still have a lot to comment about. Like the leaf problem, our sidewalks, how to save money by excluding waste and of course your request.
Dear Mayor Cirulli:
As you will recall, on March 19, 2007, at the Township Committee Meeting, I presented to you for your consideration a package consisting of documents asking for your support as the mayor of Barnegat, to pledge to reduce greenhouse gases in Barnegat. This endorsement is contained in the US Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement started back in 2005 by Mayor Greg Nickels of Seattle, Washington. When I gave you that package for your review, I asked for a meeting so we could discuss possible programs or projects to assist in this effort. You very pleasantly agreed to do so, and said you would contact me to set up that meeting. I did not hear from you.
However, immediately after the April 2, 2007 Township Committee Meeting, you disrespectfully "tossed" this package towards me and said, ".....I'm not signing this. I read it and I don't agree with it." and you walked away before I could even comment on your action.
Mr. Mayor.....I'm not going away and you can't continue to keep your head in the sand thinking that global warming is a hoax and not a reality. With all the programs and projects in place throughout the country, the Township of Barnegat did not even think to have a RESOLUTION or PROCLAMATION planned for EARTH DAY or EARTH WEEK, for which this week can still be considered, since EARTH DAY was yesterday. What do you think.......maybe you might want to add a resolution to tonight's agenda acknowledging the fact that we pay some homage to this planet EARTH. After all, we have resolutions and proclamations by the dozens - why can't we have one for something as important as this planet on which we live.
Even though I've been treated extremely disrespectfully, I'm still willing to meet with you to discuss Barnegat's participation in this effort. I can be reached at this email address or my telephone number (number was provided).
I have written e-mails to Mr. Breeden, Committeemen Melchiondo, Hartman and Novak and Mayor Cirulli regarding various issues and have not been given the courtesy of a response.
I suggest that they do away with their e-mails, if they don't respond to them. Communications is a 2 way street. If they only want to receive residents concerns without responding, that is poor communications and an example of unresponsive government.
Since our Project Playground has opened in September 2006 I have spoken to Tom Kostka, Mr. Breeden, the Township Committee and several township officials about an inappropriate brick that has been laid there. Tom Kostka just shrugged his shoulders and offered no assistance when I spoke to him. Mr. Breeden assured me that he would get to the bottom of the authorization for this inappropriate brick and get back to me, but three times I contacted him with no return to my calls or resolution to this problem. I went to the January 29th township committee meeting, waited the hour for Mr. Breeden and Chief Drexler to pitch their plan for our police force and gave a picture of the brick to every member seated. Our mayor looked at the picture and said, "This brick will be gone by tomorrow if I have to go down there with a hammer and smash it out myself." Wow! I thought I finally got through all the red tape. No. The brick still remains. I pose this question to my fellow residents; Do you mind taking your children to a public park funded by most of us, with a brick that reads: "Mudder Sluker" ? I do not. I've been told that these were the names of someone's pets. If that is the case, I can't judge someone's disgusting sense of humor when naming their pets, but I can judge wether or not it should be in MY park. The names could have been reversed, there could have been an "and" inserted, etc. I don't believe this is even true. All cats and dogs are supposed to be licensed so lets see the record! Why doesn't the person who paid for the brick get the money back from Mr. Kostka or place the brick in his yard. Mr. Kostka should never have approved of this brick being purchased, ordered, engraved, or laid in OUR park. One more note equally important. While I spoke to all of these "officials", I also let them know that our American flag flies 24/7 in our park with no illumination. Especially when men and women are dieing every day for the freedom our flag represents, can we show it a little more respect? Thank you.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Good for you for making yourself heard, and doing something about it. Citizens can become very frustrated when our township officials won't listen to them and take appropriate action. Public servants should most of all be responsive...especially since we pay their salaries, and in some cases even their health benefits. They serve us, not the other way around. There is no excuse for this. We at DowntownBarnegat.com are also concerned though about the zealot response of "...go down there with a hammer and smash it out myself." Although this would have taken care of your concerns immediately, leaders should not act that way. That's what someone who didn't like what they read on this website did to the base of our town clock -- our town's symbol of pride. There are better ways to resolve differences. Your concerns are very valid and should have been handled immediately without even a suggestion of violence. The person who bought the brick for Project Playground should have been contacted and as you suggested, changes could have been made for something more appropriate to the site. This should have taken only a few days to accomplish. Also your suggestion about lighting the flag is excellent and should be acted upon. It is because of people like yourself pointing these things out that makes our town such a great place to live. We just need leaders who will listen, and act lawfully...maybe they will now.
I enjoy your articles and this web site. I truly beleive that there is great potential for our downtown. The historic infastructure along Route 9 is unique to Barnegat and I hope we haven't lost site of that (as I've heard that Hurricane House is moving part of their business to Tuckerton). I have an architectural background and I would like to help conceptualize a plan for the fututre of our downtown.
P.S. I absolutely love the Santa parade from this past weekend (another gem).
Thank you for including the hole-y pictures of Rosehill Road on your website. In case you haven't had time to check, the holes have been filled in - with a patch-it-quick method that still leaves a bit of a depression in the road. At least it will be much safer to travel.
Thank you again for your time and effort in pursuing improvements in Barnegat.
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The Mirage has about 1200 homes and 2,000 residents. Barnegat Twp. has 22,000 residents. Why should the other 20,000 residents be asked to pay for the Mirage's problems when it was caused by the developer and the Ocean County building inspectors who approved bad construction. The homeowners should have sued the builder and Ocean County.
Little Al Cirulli almost guaranteed that Ocean County would repay Barnegat for the money that has been expended. At the last meeting, Little Al backed off that guarantee and said that they have met with OC Officials and may have to sue to recover the money. Guess who benefits from that. The Dasti law firm.
It's time the rest of Barnegat taxpayers just say no to more payments to the Mirage, and hold Little Al and his counterparts accountable if no money is received by election time.
Anonymous
Does anyone know where I can purchase the "EXIT 67" bumper sticker.
Thank you
Ed Chandler
Thank you
Ed Chandler
Located on the southbound pole at the intersection of Main St. (Rt 9) & Bay Ave is a sign directing anyone to the Bay Beach. I had worked at one time for the Mayor of a beach town and the State put a sign on the GSP indicating exit for the town and its beautiful beach. Long story short he the Mayor had it taken down. As he told me it attracts to many unwanted. I feel the same way that sign should be taken down, it is our Beach, the people of Barnegat and none other.
Anonymous
Congratulations to Mr Houser, Mrs Taylor and Mr. Adorno for being elected to keep their seats on the school board. May they serve the people and children of Barnegat well.
We are greatly disturbed to read that someone associated with their opposistion left a disgusting present on the porch of Mrs Taylor. If this is factual, itĘshows you that there are disturbed inviduals in Barnegat that need to be kept as far away from our children as possible.
We can only hope that the voters speak just as loudly next April with 2 more seats coming up for election...at least the G.R.I.P. signs that were being held outside of polls today will come in use next year.
We are greatly disturbed to read that someone associated with their opposistion left a disgusting present on the porch of Mrs Taylor. If this is factual, itĘshows you that there are disturbed inviduals in Barnegat that need to be kept as far away from our children as possible.
We can only hope that the voters speak just as loudly next April with 2 more seats coming up for election...at least the G.R.I.P. signs that were being held outside of polls today will come in use next year.
Rob Russo
I myself am in Favor of Dee keeping her Hotdog Stand. These twp. committee people who have caused her all this hardship and stress, should be removed from office, They have gone out on there own and made this personal. Dee has followed the Law and Properly done everything by the book. To the letter of the Law.
They have No Legal Right to Stop her.
They have No Legal Right to Stop her.
Sincerely,
Larry Palmer, Barnegat Resident
Larry Palmer, Barnegat Resident
The Dem. Party in Barnegat has nominated 2 highly educated men to represent them in November. One has a Doctorate and teaches at Toms River South HS. The other has a Masters Degree and works for NJ Transit.
It will be interesting to see if they will not take medical benefits if elected. None of the present Council Members has refused to take benefits or extra salary for waiver of benefits. It should be part of their campaign pledge.
- Anonymous
It will be interesting to see if they will not take medical benefits if elected. None of the present Council Members has refused to take benefits or extra salary for waiver of benefits. It should be part of their campaign pledge.
- Anonymous
I just finished reading Mrs. Ryan's statement on Downtown Barnegat. It would go a long way if she introduced a motion to reinstitute Heritage Day. This is a wrong that needs to be righted.
Also, in the wake of the lust to raise the township's spending cap making another series of tax increases almost certain, someone who "has the town's best interests at heart" should be eager to sponsor and fight for a resolution that ends the salary and benefit package township committee members receive. That would be leading by example, don't you think?
- Fred Rubenstein
Also, in the wake of the lust to raise the township's spending cap making another series of tax increases almost certain, someone who "has the town's best interests at heart" should be eager to sponsor and fight for a resolution that ends the salary and benefit package township committee members receive. That would be leading by example, don't you think?
- Fred Rubenstein
The Mayor and Committee Persons should voluntarily refuse to take medical benefits for their part time positions because of the economic problems that are hurting local government. This would be a good gesture on their part. Some of them are currently receiving benefits through the tax freeze and medicare programs. Other are receiving medical benefits from their employment with the Barnegat and Pinelands School Districts.
The Town's Administrator should also voluntarily give up the Town Suv. that is provided to him to travel back and forth to Ocean City which is over 100 miles per day. This is not part of his job and is for personal use. Maybe we should check with the IRS to determine if he is reporting this benefit on his federal tax form.
- Anonymous
The Town's Administrator should also voluntarily give up the Town Suv. that is provided to him to travel back and forth to Ocean City which is over 100 miles per day. This is not part of his job and is for personal use. Maybe we should check with the IRS to determine if he is reporting this benefit on his federal tax form.
- Anonymous
It's nice to see that our Councilwoman is reflecting on what the Council accomplished in 2008. We are in the worst depression/recession in our lifetime. If it was up to some members of the Council we would be bonding for costly recreation fields. Thank God, it was put up for a vote which led to a resounding 2 to 1 defeat. The kids have enough places to play around their schools and the Town's recreation fields. Lets wait to we have prosperity before we think about this again.
The council voted for expensive Dodge Durango Suv's and bonded to pay for them. Residents at the Council meeting were against this and now we have found out that Chrysler has seen the error in their ways and is now no longer going to build Dodge Durango's because they are too expensive to operate and maintain. Too bad the Council didn't have the foresight to see this problem.
I will say that the dock is one of the better improvements that were completed this year.
In 2009, the Board of Education Secretary has already said that it will be hard to keep taxes down. The Town has established an ordinance so that they can increase the budget cap to 3.5% which will probably lead to another tax increase.
How about freezing wages and hiring in 2009 so that the residents who are facing bad times can survive this recession.
- Anonymous
The council voted for expensive Dodge Durango Suv's and bonded to pay for them. Residents at the Council meeting were against this and now we have found out that Chrysler has seen the error in their ways and is now no longer going to build Dodge Durango's because they are too expensive to operate and maintain. Too bad the Council didn't have the foresight to see this problem.
I will say that the dock is one of the better improvements that were completed this year.
In 2009, the Board of Education Secretary has already said that it will be hard to keep taxes down. The Town has established an ordinance so that they can increase the budget cap to 3.5% which will probably lead to another tax increase.
How about freezing wages and hiring in 2009 so that the residents who are facing bad times can survive this recession.
- Anonymous
It's easy to recommend this course of action, but by making a formal complaint I will loose my status of anonymity. This is the real world and I still have to live on this street, by openly complaining to the police I invite reprisal. It is easy to preach the law from a distance, but I prefer to remain anonymous. Is it to much to ask that my rights be protected with out me having to formally point out what is so painfully obvious. I mean come on, a police officer lives right next door. Should I knock on his door with a law book in hand and maybe bookmark the specific law for him.
- Anonymous of course
- Anonymous of course
I suggest that the person who is complaining about fireworks being set off on a regular basis on Ravenwood Blvd., make appointment with the Police Chief to air his complaints. I'm sure the Chief will address the complaint and advise the neighbor regarding the illegality of setting off fireworks.
The complainant also has the option of going to the Court Clerk and sign a formal complaint against his neighbor.
- Annonymous
The complainant also has the option of going to the Court Clerk and sign a formal complaint against his neighbor.
- Annonymous
I moved here a few years ago and instead of moving to one of the adult community's I found what I thought was a quite street just off of Ravenwood blvd. That is until my first Forth of July when I realized that a neighbor a few houses down the street liked to set off fireworks beginning in June and lasting all summer. This neighbor has to be the nosiest person on this street with his blasting music much louder than necessary to his racing up and down the street with his very loud motorcycle. I have complained to the police but have very rarely seen anything done. One night while he was setting off fireworks the police showed up and spoke to him and then left, and he continued to set off the fireworks. Maybe I am wrong but I thought that owning and using fireworks was a crime. Recently a Barnegat Twp police officer moved in right next to him and I thought this was great maybe things would tone down a bit but on new years eve this person was out there at midnight setting off the biggest amount of fireworks yet for about 20 minutes. Now I know the police are very busy especially on new years eve but what about the cop that lives next door, could it be that his eye sight and hearing aren't that good and he missed it. I've learned anything is possible in Barnegat so that must be it. When one off these fireworks lands on my house or property and starts a fire, do I sue the police and the township for sitting on their hands along with this clown who thinks he can blatantly break the law right in front of the police. I shouldn't be surprised at the police, they can't even handle a one block long drug plagued street let alone anything else. That has to be the biggest joke around. If it weren't for the high price of real estate and my fixed retirement income I would leave Barnegat but I am trapped here with this website as my only voice.
- Annonymous for obvious reasons
At last nights Council meeting, the Mayor came up with a 12 point plan to stabilize taxes. Some of the points, are freezing hiring, reduction of overtime and non-replacement of non essential positions when an employee resigns.
The Mayor did not address the lucrative health benefits that the Mayor and Council receive or the salary and benefits of the Town's Administrator. One resident questioned how many employees are allowed to take home cars to reduce expenses. Particularly, Mr. Breeden's use of a Town car to commute to his home in Ocean City, a distance of about 100 miles roundtrip. Mr. Hartman stated that this benefit is in his contract. The resident asked if it could be removed when the contract is up and it will be taken into consideration.
Residents of Pinewoods Estates complained about lead being in their water system and management's refusal to address the problem. One resident said that other residents of the community are afraid to complain for fear that the management will sell the property and they will be homeless. The Mayor offered to help mediate this problem.
Annonymous
The recreation tax was voted down by a 2 to 1 margin, but that lame duck Hartman stated in the Sandpaper that they can put a new question on the ballot next year to fund recreation. These guys don't get it. Residents are losing their jobs and homes and the Republican majority still wants to increase taxes. There are plenty of fields in Barnegat if you include the schools. Every town in the state uses the school fields for recreation.
One other thing. When a candidate runs for office as a Democrat or a Republican, ask them if they are on the tax freeze program. If they are, don't vote for them because they can vote to increase your taxes, but theirs will not be increased because they get the local tax increase refunded by the state.
New Jersey is in bad fiscal state. Corzine is talking about doing away with the rebates. If he does that, could the tax freeze program be next?
Annonymous
To the Readers of Downtown Barnegat,
I would like to address the two people who made comments about The Pinewood Estates Fire Company, you do not have your facts straight and accurate. First of all the company has the oldest equipment in town for the exception of their New Fire Truck which is the first Pumper/Tanker they have received in over 12 years, and truly need & deserve. Secondly the PEVFD answers over 90 calls a year not 30 and as that area of Barnegat gets larger they will be answering more calls. Next, the President of the company was not removed from office, he resigned due to Serious Health Reasons. There was also no misappropriation of funds, just check with the Chief, Asst. Chief and the Township. Next, I agree that they should not have children in Emergency Vehicles. This is very dangerous and needs to be addressed. Finally the reason that there are two Fire Companies in Barnegat is due to a very old war in which Station 11 started because of selfishness. Barnegat is a growing town and the members of ALL our volunteer organizations need to be recognized for the hard work that they do. Each gives of their own time for the good of Barnegat. They take time from their families, for we the residents and we should be very proud and greatful of ALL of them. Finally equipment is not being duplicated. If you look at Station 11 they have too many trucks including a mini pumper which was not necessary. They also have over $65,000 in the bank and still receive their allocation from the township. PEVFD is a vital part of this community and should be recognized as such, as should the members of The Barnegat Fire Company Station 11 & The Barnegat First Aid Squad.
Annonymous
Mr. Barnes
I read your comment but I Am not a committee. Pinewood Estates fire company covers the trailer parks in the route 72 area. They are men from areas of Barnegat, Stafford, Ship Bottom and who knows maybe Waretown. This fire company is needed in that area to cover the parks do to them being a death trap if ever one catches fire. But the quality of equipment in this fire house is over whelming do to the fact of the distance of the firemen. One pumper could be used in case of entrapment until Barnegat fire company is hit out to back the up. The 3 Republican committee buys this fire company these trucks because they cry the blues they want to look professional even if they can't use all the trucks at a fire because no one there knows how to pump them. Just recently the Republican committeemen told Barnegat fire company they would not get any money that is well needed to purchase turnout gear and other tools and equipment to protect the residents in this area, but yet you see what they gave the fire company that has 30 calls a year and sometimes less because no other fire company will use them because they are not all qualified firemen. Just recently Pinewood has dismissed there president for misappropriation of funds but yet the Republican committeemen refused to investigate where and why the money was spent. But yet the Republican committeemen continues to pamper these men with new equipment that is not needed and buys them trucks they do not know how to use. Just remember that if the Republicans win this election they intend to let Pinewood cover everything west of the parkway which is a great danger to the senior citizens in that area. As a resident and seen how these so called firemen handled the big brush fire that consumed dozens of trailers because they did not know how to use the trucks or did they know they had to cover the exposures makes me glad that I am east of the parkway and fully protected by a bunch of well trained firemen. I hope this helps you and I answered your question.
JASON MORGAN
Hello,
Here is the body of an email we received from the Barnegat Little League regarding Question #1 on this falls ballot exactly as written:
The members of the executive board of Barnegat Little League would like to make you aware of a very important issue that will be on the ballot this November.
Question #1 on the ballot is asking if you would like to set aside 1 cent of each $100 assesed property value for Barnegat Township recreation purposes. THIS IS NOT A NEW TAX. This is simply asking to allocate these funds to this specific purpose. These funds would be earmarked for use for recreation only.
The funding source for recreation to date has been an assessment on new home construction contractors. Due to a recent court decision, this source of recreation funds is no longer available to the township.
If you value recreation for yourselves and your children, please come out and vote for this allocation of township funds to recreation. Remember, THIS IS NOT A NEW TAX.
Many residents with children will probably be away on vacation on election day. Please get you absentee ballot as soon as possible and send it in. The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is October 27th...SO HURRY!!
Please....VOTE YES ON QUESTION #1!! (send this e-mail onto everyone you know who is a Barnegat Township voter and spread the word!!)
BLL - Executive Board.
When I contacted (someone) at the Barnegat Township Tax Office I received a VERY different answer and was told this email is misleading and if question #1 is passed a home assessed at $350,000 would see a $35.00 INCREASE in taxes.
While we are all for recreation for children we are very against lies and rhetoric. Which do you believe is correct?
Respectfully,
Concerned Taxpayers.
Concerned Taxpayers.
While at some events this summer I noted we have 2 Fire Companies serving Barnegat. We have Pinewood Estates Fire company who with great pride explained that they have answered appox. 30 calls in this town. They show off equipment including a newly acquired $600,000.00 truck, a Chief and ass. Chief's cars maintained, purchased and gas provided by our town for men that travel with their children in these cars that do NOT live with in the Township of Barnegat.
I then talked with Downtown Barnegat Fire company, Station12. Also with great pride they show off their trucks that are not nearly as grand as the smaller less active company. They answer appox. 400 calls a year including the 30 back-up calls for Pinewood Estates. Their Chief's cars were purchased and maintained by them and I am not sure who provides their gas.
I am a Senior citizen, have never been associated with any Fire company nor has any member of my family. But I am a taxpayer in this town and have been for many years and I would like to know why there is such an imbalance in monies spent for 2 fire companies in this town? Why aren't we consolidating these companies and stop duplicating equipment, etc. and start saving some money? Could a township comm. person answer this question for me?
Thank you,
L. Barnes
L. Barnes
First let me say thank you to the entire cast of Beauty and the Beast. For anyone who has never attended an Our Gang Performance, you have no idea of the the talented people living in this area. Congratulations goes out to Elmer Fawcett, one of the shows leading actors. To see his little grandson clap for Grandpa and to have his son announce he was going to have another grandson. What a thrill that had to be. There is another young star on the rise, playing the part of Chip. What an angel to watch. The cast was wonderful and so talented. Sherry and Steve keep up the great work. Everyone should see the shows put on by the Our Gang Players. What a wonderful experience.
Bruce Tatur
SOME PERSON OR PERSONS HAVE BEEN HAS TAKEN AT LEASTS 6 OF THE NEW SOLAR LIGHTS FIXTURES ON THE POST. AT THE BOARDWALK (DOCK) CANT THEY BE SECURED.
Frank Flynn
A senior citizen from the Mirage has been chosen to replace Hartman on the Republican Ticket. I suspect it is to counter the senior citizen that is running from Heritage Bay, a much smaller development.
The Democrats made a serious error in nominating this senior because there is already a democrat councilwoman in Heritage Bay. There are many sections in Barnegat that need representation. This is the reason why we should have an elected Mayor and Committee persons to represent different areas of Barnegat. That is called proportional representation with an equal number of voters in each area.
I would say the Republicans outsmarted the Democrats on this one and may keep control of the council.
Anonymous
Tom Hartman announced at last night's meeting that he is not running in November and asking the County Clerk to take him out of the election. He cites health problems that are not life threatening. He will serve the end of his term. He also cited his accomplishments such as preserving land that would have been developed.
The bond issue to buy 4 SUV's for the Police Dept. was defeated when the two Democrats didn't go along with the Republican majority. Mr. Breeden did a vocal power point on why they should buy SUV's for the PD. He said that they could put 1/3 of the fleet out in Suv's in case of snow. He said that Ford Hybrids Suv's were not suitable for Patrol because of electrical and acceleration problems. In addition there are no cages that are presently made to fit these vehicles. They could be used for ADM and Det. work. The BPD has 30 vehicles. 15 are used for Patrol. They put out about 5 Officers per shift which doubles for 2 hours when the new shift comes on.What the other 15 vehicles are used for is questionable? 30 Officer are assigned to Patrol and 2 to traffic. That leaves 14 officers for Administration, Detective and School Resource. I guess that is where the other cars are assigned. Now back to the SUV's. Gas is at a premium and expected to go higher. GM is shutting down its SUV plants. Get the picture. It has been my experience that Crown Vics have enough trunk room to handle necessary police equipment. During snow storms, you put chains on them. Chev. Impalas have front wheel drive and operate effectively in snow. The new Dodge Charger Police Vehicles are 8 cylinder, but drop down to 4 cylinders when idling. The Impalas are used by the New York City PD predominately. The BPD should stick with these vehicles.
Some residents questioned buying new vehicles which is ridiculous. At least 4 of the Patrols vehicles should be replaced each year and it could be done on a lease program. Ford has a program that allows you to buy the cab for $1.00 after 3 years. These cars could then be used by Administrative and SRO Officers who don't need a brand new vehicle . Breeden should go with the lease program and forget about bonding for the Suv's.
Now, Breeden states that he is coming up with a radical plan to stabilize taxes that will include the Town, County and Schools. This was the reason for not introducing the 2008-2009 budget. Stay tuned.
Anonymous
Hey downtownbarnegat,
I've been coming to your website for a while now. I enjoy most of the content, even though I take the negative with a grain of salt. I sense a little political bias on your end. OK, a little is an understatement! But you do have quite a few positive articles & information on upcoming events, etc that I enjoy checking out. What I don't understand is your blind support of ET (whoever that may be). It surprises me that you would align yourself with someone who is so vicious in their attacks on people. I mean c'mon, calling our police department 'Arties Angels' how disrespectful! can you get? Or bashing local sports reporter David Biggy because he may have some values & morals that he would like to see upheld. It seems that everyone who opposes ET is given a 'nickname'. Very clever, but it won't serve the purpose of bringing people together to support you. In fact, it will unite us to protect the people that are being attacked! Nobody likes a bully. If ET has REAL issues run for office & get elected. If the people in our local government are breaking the law, bring 'em up on charges. But the truth is, the people have spoken with their vote. We need to trust that they have our best interests at heart. They won't be able to please everybody. That's just the ways it is. I agree that there needs to be more transparency in government. We need to work on that. But we can do more together than we can separately! I generally enjoy coming to your website but I am truly SHOCKED at your overwhelming support of ET.
Sandi Gomez
EDITOR'S NOTE: Mrs. Gomez, thank you for your comments. We totally respect your community service and feel your concerns are genuine with the best interest of Barnegat at heart. Your comments inspired me to write an editorial regarding what some may call negative stories and political bias. Read it on our home page -- hopefully you will understand how I feel about this topic.
As for ET...they are big boys and/or girls and they can certainly speak for themselves. Many of our readers enjoy their blog and find it informative and well-written. So do we. Just like the newspapers and the other sites we link to, we are not responsible for others' content. We also do not necessarily agree -- or disagree -- with this content we link to. Any content we are not responsible for is linked to for balance. If you disagree with something you read written by us, or someone else point out EXACTLY what you disagree with and address it. Please stay away from generalizations and speak to exact facts. Then I think we can get somewhere and truly address some of the issues we face here in Barnegat.
By the way, the term "Artie's Angels" I believe is used as a term of praise and respect for our Chief and the fine men and women in the BPD. We truly don't believe any disrepect was intended from what we have read. The bully point you make is interesting though. We thank ET, you, Mr. Biggy, or anyone who stands up to bullies. Sadly for Barnegat, the bullies are too often those in power and it is us -- the taxpayers -- who take a beating. Thanks again for your comments, Mrs. Gomez -- keep sending in your input.
I am interested in finding out when my dumpster is coming? Lexington Ave has been a disgrace for along time. We have landlords who don't care. Where has the code enforcement people been? I am curious to find out why Mitchell, who works in our schools for 8 hours weekly, could not drive to the area and issue tickets to make up for the over thousand dollars he gets paid. Why at election time has the town decided to do this? Wait until we see how much the dumpsters cost as well as the dump fee...
Anonymous
Where is the code enforcement officer? Where is the construction official? We have a bunch of amatuers running this Town. Why is it referred to Barneghetto, when the majority of the areas are nice and citizens take pride in their homes. Now the taxpayer has to pay for the cleanup of the Lexington Area while the absentee landlords reap the benefits and rents.
I complained to Committeeman Hartman about a home that has been boarded up since I moved here 7 years ago on Gunning River Rd and nothing has been done about it. We pay almost 1 million a year for our construction inspectors. Where are they? The house by the dock should have been torn down years ago. Why hasn't it? If we just enforced the codes that are on the books, these conditions wouldn't exist.
Its time we elected a Mayor instead of the Mayor's seat changing each year. We need Leadership in Barnegat to change its image. When I was buying my house, a lawyer who live in Toms River asked me why I was buying in Barneghetto? He said that it was what the rest of the county called it. I should have taken his advice.
Anonymous
Somebody may want to inform ET of something it apparently doesn't seem to know, and if it read the local paper it loves to slam so much ET would certainly know it. Those who make up ET should realize by now that I am not a member of the news team with the Beacon, but a sports editor who is responsible for the local sports content regarding four local high schools, including Barnegat.
So is this what you've become, ET -- an uninformed windbag which has nothing better to do than make character assassinations against those who call you out for slandering others and criticize you for damning people to Hell? Don't worry, I'll forgive you and ask God to forgive me for calling you and uninformed windbag.
What I don't need to ask God to forgive me for is calling you out on your slanderous comments. I haven't judged you, ET. I've simply told you what you are doing. So, what? Do you take offense to the point that you will write another long-winded bashfest of me? Go ahead. Enjoy yourself and give your readers a little entertainment.
Truth is, I do read your blog. And I will continue to do so, if for no other reason than to watch you prove that all you know how to do is call people names and attempt to defame their characters. Whether or not I'm included on your hit list is not an issue to me. I've been on the hit list of several people during the past 14 years, mainly because I have spilled the truth about the wrong they've done (yes, in sports we do occasionally get to inform the public of people who do wrong to others -- it's not all fun and games, as some may believe).
So, there you have it...I've pointed out what you're doing wrong. Bash away, ET guys. It's what you're good at, apparently. And by the way, ET, I encourage you to start reading my columns in the sports section. You may learn something now and then.
David Biggy
Lexington Blvd.
You can't blame the Chief Matt. He's trying to do the best he can with the manpower he has. There is a problem in the Lexington Blvd. area of town. For every problem, there is a solution. From my own experience in an urban area we solved problems by examining the number of complaintsin a particular area according to the time of day and days of weekand then came up with a plan. Meeting with the citizens in Settler's Landing is a good first step and I'm sure that the Chief will act on your suggestion. If I was in his shoes, I would take the school resource officers, when the school year is finished, and place them on foot patrol in this problem area during the time when most complaints are received. We did this in a Federal Project with incidents of drug sales, assaults, and domestic violence and it worked fine. We also brought in the Municipal Task Force which was comprised of Officers from every City and Town in Hudson County to target problem areas. It got tremendous results. Of course, you have to work with the public. There is an old saying in police work, "the police are the public, and the public are the police". In other words, we all have to work together.
My observations of the Chief are that he is trying his best to resolve problems in Barnegat. It's not an easy job to please everyone.
Vince Greene
Outrageous Perks
Why are the Politicians in Barnegat allowing the Business Administrator to commute to his home in Ocean City in a Town Car with Town Gas. With gas prices over $4.00 per gallon, he's driving a gas guzzling SUV. at least 120. miles per day. It gets between 10 and 15 miles per gallon. If you do the math, at 15MPH that's about $32.00 per day times 260 days =$8,320. If you take into consideration depreciation and maintenance that's about another $7,000 per year so the taxpayer's are footing the bill.
Don't use the excuse that he is on call. Let him commute in his own car at his own expense. The average taxpayer has to pay for their own commute. Why should he be different?
A solution would for him to move to Barnegat, so he could share in paying our taxes.
Vince Greene
After reading in the local papers and seeing first hand what goes on in Settlers Landing I could not help but to pick up the phone and call our local newspapers. I would like to get all the residents together with the Committee and Chief Drexler to discuss what could be and has to be done in this area. It is a shame to see one area like Lexington take a whole neighborhood down. The quality of life in this area has decreased a lot and our property and personal possessions are being vandalized. Not to mention our property value has decreased. We have unlisted sex offenders and sex crimes going on in our neighborhood that is being held back from the public right now. Our kids are at jeopardy as soon as they leave the front yard. We need to get a hold on our neighborhood again and bring it back to the quality of life it should be. I found it funny that Chief Drexler would hold a meeting for the Lexington Hood and leave us the high tax paying home owners out. Just like he mailed out random Questionnaires about his department. Boy Chief first of all you need to teach your men some manners to children and adults on the streets. It does not hurt for an officer in this town to stop and ask a child walking on the streets how they are or if everything is okay, Our maybe even be a little friendly to anyone at all. You all know I say what want and how I feel but I think enough is enough. We need leaders in this township with brains,guts and just a little bit of nerve to make thinks work in this township. Here is another example of what I found on June 3, 2008 primary day. As I went to vote at Dunfee school I walked in the door and was stopped by a female teacher at a desk with a walkie talkie asking me where I was going. No security in site and the school full of staff and children. My point is this was school was open to the public with no uniformed officer or security in site just a female teacher with a walkie talkie at a desk after a lock down and threats that day. Anyone at any god given time could have walk through the halls with out being stopped or noticed. My question is how many schools were like this one and where was the proper protection for the staff and children? Well with this said I will sign off with you all thinking about what I typed and hope you all come to senses about what is here. And as always I never hide behind a false name.
Thank You
Matthew Lightbody
Matthew Lightbody
I just would like to say two things, and please feel free to post them.
First, on your viewer comments page, you make this comment, "Email us your comments to post today! Please note no posted comments or editorials can be anonymous." However, the three most recent posts to your viewer comments page are from anonymous people or groups of people (ET is anonymous based on the fact we don't actually know who is part of the ET group).
And speaking of ET ... I'd like to encourage nobody to view the ET blog. And I base that statement on one particular reason -- in ET's recent post, the writer (or writers) say that a particular politician should go to Hell. I don't know about you or anybody else on this board, that is not an appropriate public statement for anybody to make. I don't know what religious roots ET has, but it is simply wrong to say somebody should go to Hell. I've been a journalist for more than a dozen years. I've written plenty of critical things about plenty of people who I thought did wrong to the public, but not once would I ever write that somebody should go to Hell. Only God determines who goes to Hell, and I'd be interested to know just how close ET considers itself to being God to make such a statement.
I urge everybody who disagrees with ET to go to its blog spot and flag it. Statements like that belong nowhere among humankind.
David Biggy
EDITOR'S NOTE: Thank you Mr. Biggy for your comments. Regarding anonymous posts, you are correct. Our policy on our reader comments page has been to post comments along with the reader's name. We urge names with comments but occasionally we will break our own rules when we see a comment that is in the public's best interest. The 3 comments you are concerned about are, we believe, in the best interest of our readers.
First, we feel that if a resident wants to demand that Mr. Morano and Mr. Chiarelli explain their platform, that is good...and this resident's voice should be heard. We will have a candidate's forum soon, and will give this reader their wish. Also we are non-partisan so if a reader is demanding accountability from a politician from any party, we will do our best to see that their voice is heard.
Also the MeadowEdge property should be looked at more closely than what our local press has done -- which is actually nothing. This reader has concerns that should also be heard. We understand that any taxpayer who dares to question decisions made by the current Administration could face retribution. We say this because we have experienced retaliation first hand, when we stood up to Committeeman Hartman when he tried to kill Barnegat's Heritage Day. We would not back down to threats and intimidation, and everyone knows our name, but we understand that some of our fellow residents may not want to face what our family has had to do in order to stand up for what is right.
If the local newspapers did a better job covering our town we feel the people of Barnegat would be much better off. If actual journalists (which we are not) would do their job more often think about the difference they could make. Instead of publishing lies and propaganda (like the papers have done regarding Mr. Hartman & the Chamber of Commerce killing Heritage Day for example) with absolutely no follow-up articles, what if the journalists shined a light on the truth? Wouldn't we all benefit from that? Now of course we are not saying that EVERY article in the local press is used by those in power to get their message out un-questioned. Many journalists do a great job. Barnegat just needs more of them. You for example Mr. Biggy, did Barnegat a great service in shining a light on our lack of recreation and we were the first to thank you for that. Unfortunately not every citizen is as brave as yourself, or in a position to question the powers that control our town without feeling that they might in turn be attacked.
Because of this we will occasionally post an anonymous comment on our reader comment page. Please forgive us, but we just want to help Barnegat be a better place for our children and our fellow residents. Because of your concern of our policy, we will now change it. We will recommend that readers include their name to ensure that their comments are posted. If not, we will post anonymous comments ONLY that we feel are in our reader's best interest. We may not necessarily endorse comments we post, but we may feel our readers have a right to be aware of them.
Regarding ET, they are also anonymous -- you are correct. When they were taken off the APP.com site they became news. You -- like every Barnegat citizen -- have the right to agree or disagree with their blog. If ONLY to bring balance to the information in the newspaper, we feel the people of Barnegat should read this blog, along with any outlet that discusses topics concerning Barnegat. Although we can only be responsible for what we write, we feel people should read everything available including the newspaper for which you work.
If you have any concerns with content we are not responsible for, please contact those responsible. Many people in Barnegat enjoy reading the ET blog -- including ourselves -- as we are sure they enjoy reading your own articles, and this website. We thank God that in America we do not "flag" free speech.
Mr. Morano and Mr. Chiarelli, what is your platform? You have to tell us what you are going to do to improve the quality of life for Barnegat residents. To state, "its time for a change," is not enough. Give us specifics, so that we can decide if it's worthwhile to vote for you for change.
Anonymous
Good Neighbors and Friends,
ET is proud to announce a new post on our blog - www.etofbarnegat.blogspot.com. Now that our vacation is behind us, look for new post two to three times per week. ET thanks you for your support. Together, we will continue the new wave of community spirit and awareness that began on April 15th!
ET of Barnegat
They should start by investigating why, when the owner of the property now Meadowedge Park had it listed for sale by owner for 500+ THOUSAND, the taxpayers paid 5 MILLION to buy it. Now that is a money laundering scheme. Who got that money?
Anonymous
The Pinewood Estates Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary would like to take the time and sincerely thank the Manahawkin Shop Rite and Ocean Acres WaWa for their extremely generous donations during the forest fire on April 19th, 2008 . It is great businesses like these that show compassion and support for not only their customers, but their community as well, that make this area such an amazing place to live. We would also like to especially thank Shop Rite for always coming thru and supporting us and the community throughout the year with our various fundraisers and events, you truly are appreciated by this company.
We would also like to thank the residents who provided food and beverages to the various fire agencies stationed at their homes. Your assistance was greatly appreciated not just by us, but by the fire personnel as well.
Again, a sincere thank you to all!
Sincerely,
The Pinewood Estates Vol. Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary
NO MORE RUBBER STAMPS The school board has no crediblity. Mr Splendorio LOST his re-election bid only to be appointed to the board by Mrs Mitchell! Because the board was short of a rubber stamp. As is Ms Lally and the rest of the board. These board members think this is a life time career Or they become like most of these board members, they get a NAPOLEONIC COMPLEX AND TRY AND CONTROL HIRING, FIRING, and with all the talented people in Barnegat most of our Administrators come from Toms River!
LARRY CATALDO
Seniors Beware
It is that time of the season where some contractors that are registered or not registered to start preying on our senior citizens. I have done landscaping in all senior communities for a while now. I have been called to homes of widows that are looking for work to be done. As I knock on the door I am approached by a female senior not knowing who I am or what my background is. So she continues to tell me she is a widow home alone and has no idea what it costs for the work she wants done.
First of all I must say that is the wrong approach for any female senior or other as a matter a fact, to take with a complete stranger whether she thinks it is going to help her price wise or any other way, and I let them know that. What she could be doing is opening herself up to either be robber whether it is price wise or any other way.
What I tell them to do is to let a neighbor know I am coming so they can watch out or be present for the visit. Tell them what they want done and tell them their husband is playing golf or went to the store and will return soon. She then can tell them she is going to discuss the price with him as soon as he returns and then she can consult a neighbor for advice on the price and she will get back to them. Please never tell anyone you are alone and open yourself up to be harmed or robbed. I know I might sound like your parent but I do not want to see any women be hurt in anyway. I want my customers to be treated as I would want my own parents. A little advice and I hope it is of help to you all.
Matthew Lightbody
Hello,
I am a long time resident of Barnegat Twsp., 33 yrs. My quality of life could be greatly enhanced here if I had more of my money in my pocket rather in the coffers of the twsp. Sure I would like a park here of a sidewalk there. The problem there is that eyeryone has a pet project and it would have to be paid for by everyone for the benefit of a few. I want less government intervention in my life. Meaning that I do not want their hand in my pocket. Why can't the twsp. of Barnegat attract rateables. Shoreling sand & gravel on w. bay ave. is a rateable and Barnegat twsp. is scaring them away. Why did they scare away Sonic Drive In. If we had more rateables and less development the quality of life here would be better.
Gary Robinson
As I read the local newspapers I can not help myself to think if this township is alive. Recently I read in the newspaper that the police department is having trouble with their radio systems. When they went to the township to ask to update the system they were turned away. The part that gets me is that this is a life or death situation for the men and women that protect us. This is their life line for help when they get in trouble. But yet they were turned away. Not with grace or a good excuse but simply turned away. The part that really got me was the comment made by committeemen Morano. That was the most pitifully comment I have ever read in my life. The township just spent $600,000.00 on a fire truck for Pinewood fire company. A company that goes to 30 calls a year if that. I will not go on with other reasons why this is a ridiculous purchase because if you read some of the comments recently made by people in the APP.com section you would understand the reason. But yet this was a purchase that should have been studied before done. Now lets look at the recent 6 million dollar park deal with the increase of taxes and a hole hell of a lot of we will do what we want because we are republicans with high paying jobs with another income coming in because we elected them to a fast money making deal to do what they want on our township seats. I mean come on our police department asked for equipment that means life or death to them but yet the committee chooses to spend the money on things that are not necessary as of yet. I am not saying no to a park for our kids or am I saying not to look for a better way to fund it. I am simply saying the time with the cost of living as bad as it is we should fund equipment that is meaningful and really needed in the place that needs it. We have police officers using cell phones to receive and make calls in emergencies with dispatch time being prolonged. We have residents that have trouble making their tax payments now but yet we are going to increase them more for a park that should have been done along time ago. I know a township committee does not have nothing to do with the Board of education but if you really look at the misspending their you will open your eyes really wide. The findings I found will come at another time. Now I just might do what I said I would not do. I might put my hat in the ring one more time. If I can find a running mate who is really serious and wants to make a change I just might do it. I will not run under a party to be their puppet or their mouth piece. I will do this on my own for the people and standby the people. If you are interested please call me at 660-7760. WAKE UP PEOPLE IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Matthew W. Lighbody
EDITOR'S NOTE: DowntownBarnegat.com received an email from John Doe, who says he is a Barnegat resident, and had a question for us that he wanted a reply on. We tried to reply to Mr. Doe several times but the email bounces back, saying his email address is temporarily disabled. We thought Mr. Doe deserved an answer. The following is part of his email...
Hello,The rest of his email was in the nature of irrelevant personal attacks which we choose not to print about any of our public officials. Here is our reply:
My name is John.I am a resident of Barnegat Township. You seem to have an interesting website. However I have 1 question about it. You seem to be one sided. You constantly slam the republicans.
Thank you Mr Doe for reading our site.
We have received great support from the community, and it is because of readers like you, that our readership keeps growing and growing. Please keep reading, and tell all your friends about us.
You are absolutely correct...we are one-sided. That side is the truth. We have been quite critical of the things our Twp. Committee is responsible for. The 8.6% tax increase, our crumbling roads and lack of sidewalks, closing down our youth center, ripping down our playground, taking away our convenient trash pickup, and the denial of civil rights to all of the people of Barnegat. These are just some of the issues we talk about.
We have supported the Republican party and its members in our town in the past, but as good Americans we cannot sit back silently while the issues we listed go un-answered by these same public servants. We invited all members of our Twp. Committee to address these issues on this website, but unfortunately not everyone is as brave as you Mr. Doe. It takes courage to make a statement and put your name to it. The Republican members of our Committee sadly lack this courage.
Working together, we can make a positive difference in our town, and we thank you for your input.
Hopefully that answers Mr. Doe's question.
At this time I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone in our community and in the Ocean County area for the out pour of help they gave to the Doran family that was burnt out of their home 12/29/07. Everyone did an outstanding job in redoing a Christmas for the children of this family. There was such an out pour of gifts and monetary donations that made this event successful. It just goes to show that when a resident of any community is stricken by a tragedy and when we all pull together we can make a difference. The look on the children's faces when Santa Clause pulled up on a fire truck baring gifts was priceless. I wish you all could have been there to see this. This is not a one man event it was a community and county event and you all should hold your heads up high. You made a big difference in the lives of those who needed it. I also want to thank Bob Levy of the WOBM radio station for helping me go on the air and waking up Mr and Mrs Clause to help me get the gifts to the children. We actually reached the North Pole via radio waves and he heard us and he responded without hesitation. I also want to thank the Barnegat Police, fire and first aide departments for your help in getting the gifts and Santa there. Also thank you to the Laurelton fire company that sent a 1939 fire truck to put the gifts on to transport them and the Armory in Toms River and the Berkeley Twp. PBA for there donations of gifts. There is so many to thank the list goes on and you know who you all are. If anyone wants to donate they can send them to Commerce Bank in Barnegat in the trust fund for the Doran family or call me for pickup at 609-660-7760. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!
MATTHEW LIGHBODY
I really have to disagree with you when you say that Sonic is the type of clean ratable we want here in Barnegat. First of all, if you had the time to experience the problems that Sonic caused to the Route 9 traffic situation in Waretown during their grand opening, you would immediately know that this project was poorly engineered. Thankfully, the opening occurred in November and not during the busy days of summer. Nonetheless, the traffic created dangerous situations on an overused highway. I know that being the first Sonic Drive-In in NJ created a novelty effect, but it is a precursor to what will happen in the busy spring and summer months.
What we need to do to create clean commercial ratables is to focus on encouraging businesses to come here. There is a lack of commercial space for rent in the area. We need to develop an industrial park with affordable rents that can house so many of the tradesmen who currently run their businesses out of their homes, illegally I may add. There are too many commercial vehicles that are parked in front of homes that create a hazard in our neighborhoods. You never know when a child may dart into the street after a stray ball and not be visible to a driver because a van or truck blocks him from sight.
Additionally, we are close enough to SOCH to build the medical arts buildings that we need. We need labs, imaging facilities, etc. that could bring ratables to town. In addition there is room for rehab facilities and doctor's offices. With all the age-restricted developments we have built, there is a real need for these types of facilities. Additionally, we also could use an assisted-living facility that would also bring in tax dollars. Many of our elderly residents, unfortunately, have a spouse that they can no longer care for. Such an operation would allow them to be close to their loved ones.
We need to put in a big box store or up-scale shopping mall. In fact, I would encourage us to think about putting in an outlet mall somewhere on Route 72. With all the visitors from the west going to LBI each summer such a project would be sure to succeed. If you included restaurants in such a project they would sure to be busy. In fact, think of how much money the town could make by just selling three more liquor licences to the highest bidders. I believe that our town has grown sufficiently to allow that.
But irregardless, we have to put a stop to the out-of-control residential development that we have allowed to become rampant. All it has done, is to put more of a burden on our schools and municipal services. We have to create a masterplan for Barnegat to move forward and simply by putting in a Sonic, we will not accomplish that. Many of the things I have mentioned will bring in a need for skilled help, not just entry level positions, although those jobs will be available also.
Tommy Gunn
EDITOR's NOTE: Mr. Gunn, you bring up many good points. Thank you for sharing your views. Hopefully Barnegat's leadership will listen to your excellent suggestions and we can begin to move in the right direction We do believe you missed the point of the Sonic Restaurant though. We said Sonic is a good ratable and it certainly is. Sonic not coming to Barnegat is a huge failure and it hurts the people of Barnegat...especially the taxpayer. We were told Sonic was coming to the A & P shopping area. This of course would not help the redevelopment of our crumbling downtown or the development you point out that is needed on the West side of town. One simple fast food restaurant would solve nothing...but its loss still hurt. This is why...
- Sonic was set to be in an area of town that it would have definitely helped. There is already a McDonald's and many small businesses in that A & P area. The huge increase in traffic for this area would be great...more people spending more money. The businesses in that area would have definitely benefitted by the exposure and the customers Sonic would have brought them.
- That area of town is designed for that type of traffic. That's why the McDonald's is there. To say that Barnegat doesn't want a successful business that brings in a lot of people to spend money would be wrong. We don't know of a restaurant in town that wouldn't want that type of traffic problem.
- Barnegat could use 105 new jobs. Good jobs, especially for our youth. Jobs they could walk or ride a bike to. How many of our children over the years could have found employment locally at this Sonic? What a terrible loss for our kids.
- Barnegat lost much needed tax revenue. This Sonic would have paid taxes year after year after year. That would have definitely benefited our residents. We all agree that we are over-taxed. Losing ratables and not making the existing ratables stronger is devastating to our town.
- Instead of all of us driving to Waretown, we could have spent our money locally. Supporting a local business that hires local people that brings down our local taxes.
I want to take this opportunity to say happy Veterans Day to all or Veterans in and out of war. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for risking your life to give us freedom and the way of life we live today. These men and women risked their lives and some lost their lives fighting wars on foreign soil to give us our freedom. And what does the government do for them? "Nothing" absolutely nothing. When they come home wounded or relieved of duty they have a lot of political red tape to run through. They get nothing and their families get nothing while doing their jobs. Some lose their homes and some never see their child born. some lose body parts and some scared mentally for live.And the government just ignores them.They deserve this day and much more. They deserve better then what they get now. To hear some of these men and women's war stories are amazing how they fought to survive. And how they saw a close friend being killed by enemy fire. They tell these stories with pride and if it was like their everyday job. They are true heroes.
One thing bothers me is that we have lost so many of these brave and courageous men and women for wars and how they are forgotten. These are and were someone's father,son daughter,mother and brother and sister and they are thrown aside like unwanted trash.
Like in this war today we lost so many of these soldiers and the president seems like he does not care as long as he gets revenge for his daddy. With our prisons so over populated why does he not take those men and women who like to kill people on our streets and put them on the front line and let them do his dirty work. What I mean is that we use these men and women for front line fighting and to find Osama with our good soldiers in the back lines to shoot them if they run. Why are we wasting all our good soldiers for the President to get revenge for dad? And that's just what it seems like because he is not focusing on Osama anymore. GOD BLESS OUR MEN AND WOMEN OVER SEAS AND TO ALL OUR VETERANS HERE AT HOME AND THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE. HATS OF TO OR VETERANS.
Matthew Lighbody
First of all I want to congratulate Mrs. Ryan on her victory. Well done Barnegat residents you have sent a strong message and shook a few heads. Now remember we need to do this again three more times.But as I read the article in the Asbury Park Press on why Mr. Novak thought he lost is true but not completed. Mr. Novak did you ever think you lost due to your arrogant remarks toward township problems and your ignorance towards township voters? Did you really think you had this election in the bag?
Your choice of coming out during the hay ride to politic and hand out rubber dollar bill jar top grippers was ignorant and in bad taste. We go to these very few recreation events to enjoy with our families, not to be bothered by some political hack carrying a pocket book over his shoulders begging for votes because he or she is desperate for a vote.We go to enjoy these events with our kids to spend quality time with them and to have a good time.
Well now that you have a lot of time on your hands you can use those rubber grippers to get a grip on reality and life. You did say something in the article that really scares me and that was you are contemplating on running for the school board. Now why would you even think of doing that when your kids do not even attend our school system? As a matter of fact I could not understand why you or your fellow committee members would even comment on our school system at all. If I recall neither one of you's have a child that attends our schools. As I looked at all the rest of the election results in our county I could not understand. If mattel could recall 172,000 bad toys. Why couldn't Ocean County voters recall a few hundred bad politicians? We should have the right as voters to recall any politician that goes back on their word whether they are municipal or county elected. What we need is the right to say enough is enough and make them stick to their word or remove them from office. Well with all this being said and other comments I have made on here it is about time I do what my wife has been asking me to do for years, and that is put bullet proof glass around the house. If you have a comment or an issue you want me to reply to just let me know. I do take request and I still have a lot to comment about. Like the leaf problem, our sidewalks, how to save money by excluding waste and of course your request.
Matthew Lighbody
Dear Mayor Cirulli:
As you will recall, on March 19, 2007, at the Township Committee Meeting, I presented to you for your consideration a package consisting of documents asking for your support as the mayor of Barnegat, to pledge to reduce greenhouse gases in Barnegat. This endorsement is contained in the US Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement started back in 2005 by Mayor Greg Nickels of Seattle, Washington. When I gave you that package for your review, I asked for a meeting so we could discuss possible programs or projects to assist in this effort. You very pleasantly agreed to do so, and said you would contact me to set up that meeting. I did not hear from you.
However, immediately after the April 2, 2007 Township Committee Meeting, you disrespectfully "tossed" this package towards me and said, ".....I'm not signing this. I read it and I don't agree with it." and you walked away before I could even comment on your action.
Mr. Mayor.....I'm not going away and you can't continue to keep your head in the sand thinking that global warming is a hoax and not a reality. With all the programs and projects in place throughout the country, the Township of Barnegat did not even think to have a RESOLUTION or PROCLAMATION planned for EARTH DAY or EARTH WEEK, for which this week can still be considered, since EARTH DAY was yesterday. What do you think.......maybe you might want to add a resolution to tonight's agenda acknowledging the fact that we pay some homage to this planet EARTH. After all, we have resolutions and proclamations by the dozens - why can't we have one for something as important as this planet on which we live.
Even though I've been treated extremely disrespectfully, I'm still willing to meet with you to discuss Barnegat's participation in this effort. I can be reached at this email address or my telephone number (number was provided).
Marianne Clemente
I have written e-mails to Mr. Breeden, Committeemen Melchiondo, Hartman and Novak and Mayor Cirulli regarding various issues and have not been given the courtesy of a response.
I suggest that they do away with their e-mails, if they don't respond to them. Communications is a 2 way street. If they only want to receive residents concerns without responding, that is poor communications and an example of unresponsive government.
-- Vince Greene
Since our Project Playground has opened in September 2006 I have spoken to Tom Kostka, Mr. Breeden, the Township Committee and several township officials about an inappropriate brick that has been laid there. Tom Kostka just shrugged his shoulders and offered no assistance when I spoke to him. Mr. Breeden assured me that he would get to the bottom of the authorization for this inappropriate brick and get back to me, but three times I contacted him with no return to my calls or resolution to this problem. I went to the January 29th township committee meeting, waited the hour for Mr. Breeden and Chief Drexler to pitch their plan for our police force and gave a picture of the brick to every member seated. Our mayor looked at the picture and said, "This brick will be gone by tomorrow if I have to go down there with a hammer and smash it out myself." Wow! I thought I finally got through all the red tape. No. The brick still remains. I pose this question to my fellow residents; Do you mind taking your children to a public park funded by most of us, with a brick that reads: "Mudder Sluker" ? I do not. I've been told that these were the names of someone's pets. If that is the case, I can't judge someone's disgusting sense of humor when naming their pets, but I can judge wether or not it should be in MY park. The names could have been reversed, there could have been an "and" inserted, etc. I don't believe this is even true. All cats and dogs are supposed to be licensed so lets see the record! Why doesn't the person who paid for the brick get the money back from Mr. Kostka or place the brick in his yard. Mr. Kostka should never have approved of this brick being purchased, ordered, engraved, or laid in OUR park. One more note equally important. While I spoke to all of these "officials", I also let them know that our American flag flies 24/7 in our park with no illumination. Especially when men and women are dieing every day for the freedom our flag represents, can we show it a little more respect? Thank you.
- Joan Fasolo
EDITOR'S NOTE: Good for you for making yourself heard, and doing something about it. Citizens can become very frustrated when our township officials won't listen to them and take appropriate action. Public servants should most of all be responsive...especially since we pay their salaries, and in some cases even their health benefits. They serve us, not the other way around. There is no excuse for this. We at DowntownBarnegat.com are also concerned though about the zealot response of "...go down there with a hammer and smash it out myself." Although this would have taken care of your concerns immediately, leaders should not act that way. That's what someone who didn't like what they read on this website did to the base of our town clock -- our town's symbol of pride. There are better ways to resolve differences. Your concerns are very valid and should have been handled immediately without even a suggestion of violence. The person who bought the brick for Project Playground should have been contacted and as you suggested, changes could have been made for something more appropriate to the site. This should have taken only a few days to accomplish. Also your suggestion about lighting the flag is excellent and should be acted upon. It is because of people like yourself pointing these things out that makes our town such a great place to live. We just need leaders who will listen, and act lawfully...maybe they will now.
I enjoy your articles and this web site. I truly beleive that there is great potential for our downtown. The historic infastructure along Route 9 is unique to Barnegat and I hope we haven't lost site of that (as I've heard that Hurricane House is moving part of their business to Tuckerton). I have an architectural background and I would like to help conceptualize a plan for the fututre of our downtown.
P.S. I absolutely love the Santa parade from this past weekend (another gem).
- Dave Marriott
Thank you for including the hole-y pictures of Rosehill Road on your website. In case you haven't had time to check, the holes have been filled in - with a patch-it-quick method that still leaves a bit of a depression in the road. At least it will be much safer to travel.
Thank you again for your time and effort in pursuing improvements in Barnegat.
- Sandra Kellogg
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