I am very unhappy that the appropriation of the $6.4 million for Lake Como drainage improvements – 97% of which will be paid for by the federal government – is contingent on approving that $4.1 million be spent for a new Taylor Pavilion.
In fact, when you include the beach utility’s proposed $2 million appropriation for the 10th Ave Pavilion, spending $6.1 million for two pavilions that the voters just last year so soundly rejected spending $7 million on might not even be legal. In any case, this latest pavilion plan is being advanced in total disregard for the clearly demonstrated will of the people.
Please, Mayor, Your Honor, Sir. Nobody wants to delay the construction of the new Lake Como outflow pipe. If you want to battle to get your pavilions built, have that battle. But the families who live near Lake Como have had their lives upended too many times. Please get them off the battlefield.
And that brings us to this week’s poll:
50 Comments
Divide and conquer! Now who are the divisive ones?
The Lake Como pipe funding is bundled with the proposed Taylor Pavilion because there is no electrical work for the IBEW with only the pipe job ….
Yes, need separate ordinances. And if the pavilions will proceed, it should be voted on again.
Seems awfully expensive. What did Avon pay for new pavilion?
I would like to know why we are going to pay for Lake Como when it is or was a water shed. I listened to several speeches about the other towns involved and they seemed to have been washed away. I also would like to know where we are supposed to go when we can,t afford the tax increases especially the 5 years of no increase for the wrong reasons. If the homes for sale are increased they should put an agent on every block.
Where is Democrat Chairwoman Claire on this one??? How can anyone possibly defend lumping in the Lake Como flooding fix with the pavilions??? The people who are affected by the flooding should now be held hostage to building pavilions? How does the mayor or the council sleep at night?!?!?!
#5 They could care less what you or I think the Democrats have the majority, and like Obama and Hillary they do what they want and get away with it.
Anonymous, I happen to be a Democrat, but this is not a political thing…it’s right v wrong, and holding people’s homes and property hostage to get what you want, after the voters have already said no, is down right despicable!
#7 – I agree totally. This is not a political party issue as such, as good and bad characters exist in all parties. The mayor is downright stubborn and immature, like a kid who says, “I will hold my breath till I am given a cookie.” He would still be a stinker if he were an Independent, Republican, Socialist, Libertarian, etc.
#8 – A Libertarian would never try to take the people’s cookies.
Ok, true, so he would find a new way to stink. Maybe take all the rotten apples in town for composting his own garden.
7 You are very naïve, They want to give as much back to their donors as they can especially the Unions, They don’t care about the taxpayers only who donates$$$.
Interesting that I would be brought up by Guest-anonymous commenter-The Mayor -in detail-explained his reasoning for the bundling of the three projects at the council meeting-the financial explanation seemed to be on target and well-thought out-holding people hostage? Why are you deaf to what the Mayor had to say? Hostage remark is a bit over the top. No matter what the Mayor does or says on any topic-whatever it may be-the opposition finds fault-people want the pavilions back-the pipe is desperately needed-the streetscape improvements are always appreciated and benefit our local businesses-Why not address them in one fell swoop? It’s a timely decision. It’s all a matter of perception-I see it as a good thing-those who always think negatively see it as a bad thing because they process most ideas wearing negative thinking caps -speaking of negativity, I’m ready for the onslaught of negative comments (in response to these remarks) from those who are too chicken to use their actual names..I know….retaliation….I use my real name and have been retaliated against on this blog many times…this happens on this blog….This is allowed not knowing what people are faced with on a day-to-day basis…I think it’s more about saying whatever mean-spirited accusations you want, and not having to answer personally for them…thinking is…we don’t care-we’ll just be hateful…….some terrible things have been alllowed..about others on this blog..freedom of speech….where does common goodness come into it? Perhaps that should be thought of when comments are allowed on this blog. Instead of Common Sense for Belmar…..how about Common Courtesy for Belmar? Be my Guest, “Guest”…….and I’ll respond ……however long it takes….You brought me into this-I know you won’t rationally consider my responses-sit back, relax,take a deep breath and try to digest my comments-don’t get all tied up in a knot over it….
Good morning Claire, As I said in another forum on the blog, this is a rider. all politicians do this type of thing. It was done to us when the dumb BOE here disfranchised us a few years ago. They attached the rider on the bill to change the BOE vote to the general election. The rider being that we wouldn’t be allowed to vote on the school budget anymore. As we know, it passed and now we have no say in the budget. Pretty neat trick, don’t you think? Especially since 60+% of the students in Belmar elementary school are the children of illegal immgrants who pay zero taxes.
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As far as the pavilions are concerned as you know I’m against either one of them. The pavilion supposedly for the lifeguards, medical, and police use will shortly become just a clubhouse for them. They’ve all done their jobs well enough since the storm without a structure to lounge around in. Also, if they’re built of wood as they’re going to be, they will definitely succumb to the next harsh storm that comes along. Lastly, I was voted down. The mayor is going to force us into another special election on this. Don’t you think it would be a good idea for him to put the proceeds to the mayors ball aside for the eventuality of us having a special election that he could use those funds for?
#12 If the Mayor and Council had been FISCALLY responsible individuals, and not try to put in place an overpriced Pavilion project to the Democratic supporters, there would be no criticism. A JUDGE saw the problem and corrected it. Your trying to defend them makes you look very foolish.
Punctuation people-,. Where is the NJEA she you need them? Credentialed is as credentialed does don’t ya think?
7.5 Million, 7 million, 6.1 million seems irrelevant. Where’s LaughIn when you need the fickle finger of fate award? Belmar’s equal to the 6 thousand dollar toilet seat expenditures by the federal government back in the 60’s. Pork anyone?
Before we bond for new projects, we should finish the ones we started that have fallen by the wayside-the 12th Avenue water tower project, the K Street pier, the out of order bathrooms on L Street Beach. There is one portajohn for the beach, MacLearie Park, all of the kids that pay for the sailing program and the paddle board company that pays to rent space on the L Street beach (this company also presented the “mayor” with a donation at a public meeting specifically to help fund the repair of the bathrooms!)
So bundling the ordinances saves money, really, how much. Matt could not answer that question he had no idea what a bond attorney charges. My guess, in light of all the beach balls we purchased, we can afford one more ordinance. He could not answer the interest savings for bonding $11,200,000 million verses $7,750,000 million (total of grants) my guess is nominal. He is spiteful and never listens to the people. There might be some people supporting this retaliatory action to get the pavilion built but the MAJORITY of the people want more information on the pavilion and a transparent discussion. The south side of town does not support this bundled ordinance which will be clear shortly. They are the ones that have their homes and safety in jeopardy. The north side is fed up with being targeted by the mayor as not supporting the repair of flooding homes on the south side. The mayor continues to be the only one TRYING to divide this town, but guess what mayor it’s not working.
“Licensed to speak” under an assumed name here regarding the idea of “retaliation”. In Belmar retaliation is, allegedly, having a port-a-potty deposited near ones driveway during a seafood festival, having a needled syringe stuck in a car door, being sued for pointing out possible voter improprieties. Retaliation does NOT consist of being addressed and argued with in the comment section here, for what it is worth, and that is not much, because those exchanges only end up in a circle, deflected into being called a coward for using an alias. I use one because I do not want a ticket on my car for parking one inch too far from the curb or some other minor infraction. In fact I saw the mayor do a full u-turn in the street in front of his house. Whom would I report that to? Get my point?
Tom-thanks for your comments…..all of the proceeds from this year’s Mayor’s Ball are going to St. Vincent dePaul Society-as you know, a very good cause-
Gee, #14-I don’t feel fooolish-maybe I look foolish once in a while when my clothes don’tmatch-I said it like I see it-did it ever occur to you that using an assumed name makes you look foolish??
#15-I think you need the NJEA-reread your commentary-doesn’t make sense-toilet seat expenditures in the ’60’s? What??
#18-I was always taught to be truthful-using your true name is part of that-those who challenged voters from our last election did so on assumption-not fact-one person challenged a person whom he knew and had worked with-the person that was challenged lives in Belmar -the lawsuit against such practices seems reasonable-not retaliation-you have no proof that other incidents that you mentioned are efforts of retaliation- it’s like a court case with circumstancial evidence. Yes, I get your point-but it’s not a very strong one-in my opinion-yes-I am the master of deflection-I admit it-why don’t you reveal your real name-hiding behind an alias does make you seem cowardly ; without credibility…..just my thinking..you are a very creative thinker..
#22 I think #14 proved a good point, I am sure you are a great person, but blinded by your ideology!
Thanks for the compliment, #23….what makes our country great is that we are allowed to have differing ideologies…..blinded by mine? Not so sure about that…my ideology carried me through 2 terms as a board of ed member and two terms as councilwoman-from the feedback that I still receive, residents were happy with the way I put into practice tenents of my ideology…
#19 – If one wants to attend the Mayor’s Ball, is the check written to the St. Vincent dePaul Society or to the Borough of Belmar? Who oversees and manages the turn-around of those funds? I would think some money has to cover the caterer, etc., or is that donated? If the accounting management has been questioned in the past, regarding the Shoprite gift card situation, for example, how is this collection and distribution of the “donations” dealt with to avoid questions? This inquiring element wants to know.
#25-Why are you taking a wonderful work of charity and making it seem wrong? As a member of St. Rose Parish, I was so pleased that the Mayor is doing this-it was his idea-I know the great works of charity carried out by the blessed people of our St. Vincent de Paul Society-why are you making it seem ugly? This proves my point-no matter what is done-even for the good-our opposition will attempt to poison it! I don’t know the breakdown of finances-I only know that donating to this marvelous organization is a beautiful act.
Gee I don’t know the breakdown of the finances, sounds like the Clinton Foundation!!! NO one is against giving to a legitimate charity, the poison was created by the Mayor and council with their irresponsible actions towards the Pavilions. If you cant take constructive criticism get out of politics!
#26 – Your perception is way off. True charity is a good thing. The track record of this administration is questionable. (I still would like to see the board that I bought, not a cheap plaque with rusting hardware.) No need to be so defensive if all is on the up and up. The donations go to Belmar first, I suppose…
Follow the money
Number 26: St. Vincent de Paul pays a lot of rent to drug addicts and alcoholics. They enable them by paying rent, so the recipient can spend their own money on booze or drugs. See this over and over.
Perhaps a bit more screening needed?
I would not like to see the reputation of the fine organization of St. Vincent dePaul sullied by its association with the current administration of Belmar. That is a credible opinion by someone using an alias.
Finding constant fault with situations makes me wonder the depth of unhappiness in the lives of the above commenters. Do you every see even the possibility of good? #27-boy, do you sound angry and unhappy-the truth is I DON’T know the financial arrangements regarding the Mayor’s Ball. Constructive criticism? I won’t get out of politics-I LOVE politics almost as much as I loved teaching. I love seeing good things happen in our community with the leadership of our charitable and capable Mayor. I’ll continue find causes that I personally can pursue as a resident-for other residents. How about mean remarks-remember, I respond only when I am mentioned on this blog. I wish the best for you as you heal and find happiness and peace…..finding the confidence to use your actual name.
#30-What terrible things to say-everyone is deserving of a chance to improve their lives-you don’t know the situations that exist with unfortunate people-members of the Saint Vincent DePaul Society are dedicated to helping others, even if you find the circumstances not to your liking. If you help/save one person, then God bless you. You can take a lesson from the good people of SVdP….
Mayor Matt has carried out more charitable acts than any of you can imagine……he’s done so privately, and without fanfare.Please take a look at St. Paul’s Letter to The Corinthians-Chapter 13..I’ll quote the first and last lines:
“If I speak with the tongues of men and angels and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass and tinkling cymbal….”
“Now abideth these three-faith, hope, and charity-but the greatest of these is charity.”
Read the entire chapter found in the Bible-it will help all of you, regardless of your religious beliefs.
#34 So you are trying to spin bad decisions with good ones, I am Dizzy !! Try spewing your nonsense to the cool aid drinkers!
#32 Just because people don’t agree with your biased point of view doesn’t make them angry and unhappy people in general, just with the bad management of this council!!!
#35-I’m not spinning anything-I don’t think it’s nonsense-obviously-there’s much you don’t know-you base your opinions on your limited knowledge of what goes on-sorry my words didn’t help you to have a better understanding-I’ll keep you in my thoughts -hoping that you’ll become more tolerant of people…you’ll be a happier person….
#36-I beg to differ with you-go back and re-read some of the commentary-your words-examine your own words-loaded with negativity….I applaud the Mayor and Council for the good work that they do…you are the narrow one-you refuse to look at the town-prospering-people are assisted with their many needs on a daily basis, people are moving here from out of town, the beachfront is fantastic, DPW does an outstanding job…..the borough staff helps solve problems on a daily basis, the town is supporting breast cancer awareness in a huge way, and there is an excellent plan in place for finishing the job after Sandy. Now tell me, who is the biased one? you continue to comment……I’ll continue to answer. Get a pleasant thought-be happy! Open your eyes to the good things in life-and, by the way……I LOVE my fellow koolaid drinkers-there are many of them who see things as I see them-you’d be surprised (in a good way)
#37 &38 I think you would be more comfortable living in China or the Soviet Union, there the ruling party rules there you can make up your own opinions but you cant make up your own Facts!!The mayor and council was taken to court and lost. Your comments against people who don’t agree with you show who you really are!! If the mayor were a Republican I am sure you would be at the front of the line to criticize him!!!!!
Gee-#39-I’m not making up facts-the facts speak for themselves-too bad you’re unable to interpret them correctly-who am I? You tell me….I kind of get a feeling for who you are-an angry, unhappy, one-way person -who uses an anonymous title to vent rudeness….how about using your real name to insult me? Bet you’d never do it…..get some courage! Show who you really are..-by the way-I love Republicans-my Mom and Dad were conservative Republicans-I adored them-I have many outstanding, loving relatives who are Republicans-they would never use an alias to hide behind-and they would respect the opinion of others-I answer to rudeness the way I see it-you, indeed, are a troubled soul who can only reply with mean words-hope, at some point, you’ll understand how to respond to people in a dignified way-I haven’t given up hope for you-perhaps one day you’ll be confident and use your legal name-lacking confidence adds to your unhappiness..
The koolaid drinkers were the followers of Jim Jones, the Peoples Temple founder, those who perished under the order of their leader in Guyana. They took the poisoned, sweet drink for a proclaimed good cause, leaving their own judgment at the door, believing in a mesmerizing leader. Being called a koolaid drinker is not a compliment.
#35 I do believe if a poll asking if you are a spinning facts you would be shocked. Your only comeback is saying people that choose not to place their name makes the comment not valid has no credibility. The site common sense for Belmar says it all. You and few others are the only ones defending or trying to defend the actions of the Mayor!
It isn’t the first time that a politician does a great, wonderful thing …. like securing a $6M grant to help fix a flooding problem …. and then …. steps in it …. sad …. reminds me of Sen Robert Torricelli.
In my case kool-aid drinker is a good thing-as usual-the negative thinkers on this blog liken it to Jim Jones and his followers-again proving my point of those who only see the bad side of things-also lacking a sense of humor-I actually was making a joke about kool-aid drinkers-the very limited thinker from #41 can’t see humor in most things, probably-are you the same person who thought I was serious when I liked being called “Saint Claire” on this blog? Don’t you realize that for most of my comments on this blog that I’m having fun? This is the best way for me to counter the mean comments posted about me..also myself and a few others aren’t the only ones defending the mayor……many people approach me with support for our Mayor Matt-to quote you, #42, you’d be “shocked” to know that he has much support in the community-people whom I didn’t know who attended a council meeting for the first time (most recent meeting) came up to me and told me that they think the mayor is doing a great job-also, I didn’t say that the anonymous bloggers have no credibility-I said that they had no confidence-sorry you got mixed up with two words both beginning with the letter “c”….also they lack the courage of their convictions-two more “c” words…..hope I didn’t confuse you with words with the same beginning letter…
Claire can circumnavigate her way around anything. That is actually a compliment. Cute! Have a nice day.
Cool Cucumber I doubt she can convert Muslims to join St. Rose, she certainly doesn’t persuade any of the Common Sense Folks!!!!!
#45-Love your compliment-actually, when I retired from teaching I was about to take courses in the law (I REALLY could have used my skills to circumnavigate if I became an attorney))-then I became a grandmother-what could be better than that?! No time for studies after that wonderful happening-
#46-Good for you-stand by your beliefs! That’s what makes this country great-I’m never trying to change you common sense folks-in fact, the only time I respond is when I’m mentioned, or referenced on this blog -usually remarks posted about me aren’t kind-thanks for going easy on me, #45 & #46…
#38:
The beach front is fantastic? Really, did you notice anything missing, like the pavilion?
Hurricane Sandy is still with us as long as the town does not have the pavilion with all the activities it used to host.
# 48-I couldn’t agree more-I’m in total agreement that we need Taylor Pavilion back-I’m supporting the Mayor’s latest plan-I’m just saying that my husband and I took a stroll on the boardwalk and loved the way everything (that is there) looked and seemed-the playgrounds, the new sitting areas with tables, the friendly people who are employed by the borough who work on the boardwalk, the tourist booth, the beautifully kept beaches, the extra clean restrooms, etc….
Thanks for this forum.
It clearly repeats “what the definition of is is”
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