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92 Comments
Who is leading the pack and paid for the flyer?
Anonymous
I’m sure that someone with no municipal government experience created the flyer and is leading the pack. And they should blame Matt Doherty for the tax increase.
Well said….
#1- Does it really matter who paid for these facts?
#3- Read the whole paper. They do blame Doherty for this mess, rightfully so. However equal blame should be placed on this current admin for not taking the steps necessary to reduce this tax increase. Vote them out.
Is there a back entrance to the Courtroom? Police dept entrance maybe? Don’t want the media to mislead the public that the fake come on flyer posted above actually brought voters out to a Council meeting, do you? Looks like a Public Relations firm from AP prepared the solicitation.
No “firm” behind this. Just regular people.
Everything stated on that flyer is very accurate… It is a fair assessment of before and after…
I wrote this flyer and I assure you that I am not a PR firm. I am a homeowner in town for over 20yrs. I wrote it because I am fed up with what has transpired and what is happening now. I did it for me, my neighbors and for what I believe is a great town that I love to live in.
To the naysayers… either you are a part of the problem or simply just willing to spend your hard earned dollars on unnecessary and unjustified tax increases.
This was meant to bring our citizens together not to pull them apart. A government serves at the “Will of the People”.
If your remarks are negative, I would just prefer you say nothing at all! Or rather perhaps you would like to give thought, the effort, and spend the time to do the right thing for the place you call home and try to simply do the right thing.
New employees, new titles, suv’s, raises, flyer seems kinda accurate. When town employees drive better autos than town taxpayers.I don’t think We have seen a single budget item cut.
Let the bars and liquor companies pay for the FULL cost of the parade.
#6 It has nothing to do with voters. It has to do with right and wrong in managing a community. While I appreciate that you think the flyer was professionally done, I assure you I am not a PR firm and believe me even with your backdoor comment, Im doing this for you as well.
Old administration created the problems and the new administration is continuing them. See ya at the polls this November!
Walsifer has been no better than Doherty was. See you in November.
As the Romans said…Divide and Conquer. Shore towns sure problems beyond our scope. The cretins have party”s at their home bases to pay 4 their tix.
#9…. Your efforts are appreciated…
Whoever wrote this flyer should be upfront and tell the people who you are. Otherwise it’s just noise to creat chaos.
Sam Adam’s post is the exact reason I filed to run as an Independent for Council this November. I would like the taxpayer to have a chance to vote for someone who did not agree with the Doherty budgets or Walsifer’s 21% tax increase. I voted “no” all 3 budgets I was in office and fought tooth and nail for fiscal solvency. My press release will be released soon. Sam Adams, if you want to hear my proposed ideas contact me at jbean@betterbelmar.com. I’ll be there tomorrow at 5:30. Thanks for standing up.
Wow, for 7 yrs your taxes didn’t go up and now the new administration is to blame for the increase. Shame on you all that you thought it was going to be free-be. I saved my money because the increase was sure to come and now I have it to pay. Ignorance is bliss. Mr Adams, I have been in this town over 34 yrs. and have attended mostly all of the town meetings and had to swallow what the last administration left us. Penniless. Thank God for Walsifer and his crew.
#18… Please enlighten me… Exactly what has the new Mayor and Council achieved to date???
#19 – BINGO! The old administration was incompetent at best, and the new administration did ZERO to cut or even lessen the tax increase.
17 … This is the best news I’ve heard all year. The Bean Prospective is sorely needed on the Borough Council. You have my vote.
Thank you Mr. Bean for throwing your hat into the ring. You were gong to be my first ever write-in vote. Good Luck I will be getting the word out there to vote for Jim.
I wonder if anyone would like to enlighten the masses what the ramifications of Receivership will have on a Borough like Belmar when she goes belly up from not paying it’s bills and defaulting on Bonds, Contracts, etc.
#16 Katrina? I am Sam Adams … be upfront? what does that mean? I didn’t do this to create chaos…. it was here already and still is! Im trying to reunite a great town… my hometown… one I love … your negativity does nothing to move us forward. I would be glad to debate the issues with you personally…give me contact info. Your negativity fuels the chaos… my inspiration is guidance to achive a better space or us all…you included.
#17 I will vote for you. You were always watching out for the citizens of Belmar. Thanks for doing this. Best of luck. Not taking any aspirins tonight. I feel good about your endeavor.
#22 He won’t be a write in …He will be on the ballot. He is an above average candidate.
Correct me if I’m wrong. If taxpayers in Belmar were assessed $50 per year during the NO TAX INCREASE campaigns by the Doherty Administration and, if they had paid the bills properly, we wouldn’t have had to s swallow an approximate $500 TAX INCREASE in this year 2019. Our current taxes would have bean around $50 this year if the smoke and mirrors characters didn’t mislead our people. This is a no brainer. We have to dig ourselves out of the financial pickle now because the people of Belmar, ok, not all the voters kept the fairy tale council in office for those 8 free years.
#19 … took positive steps to protect the environment at the L Street Beach … taxes at work
First, I dislike politics.
Second, an independent candidate, Mr. Bean, who represents a reasonable position and defensible thoughts, is a good thing. He at least speaks up and questions issues that do not seem right. He’s got the cojones.
Third, the two Democratic choices are a bad joke, supported on their endorsements by the usual Dem stooges, have nothing much to say of importance. Are they going to defend the Doherty administration?
Fourth, a voice of reason and critical though is needed, hence another candidate, someone who is not afraid to challenge the powers in control.
Fifth, I would still give the new administration a chance to change matters. They are digging into and exposing the corruption of the past. That in itself is a good and commendable thing. They hired new people to look into the problems, but are conservative to fire the people who could be useful. I would surmise that there is wisdom there.
19 Go to a meeting and find out. You are questioning me so I guess you don’t know.
The new administration gave the DPW guy a new contract? Enough!!! Get somebody new like that guy Bean. Also the jury is still out on L street beach. Exactly what did the new administration do #28? Oh I forgot positive steps?
#28… You are joking I hope… #30… The culture of the town is still the same, why waste my time at a meeting… Better yet why ask a question and get a BULL S#%$ response… Belmar has the most bars per square mile in nj… The Worst school system… High crime… Summer weekend S#%$ SHOWS…. The Mayor and council are doing a big fat zero to change these ISSUES…. And then to top it all off, they increase taxes with no budget cuts… If you believe M&C are doing a good job GOD HELP YOU…. Go Jim Bean, at least he has the GUTS to question this crap!!!!
Jim, where were you when the budget was up for passage? You have much to say on this blog but not in public.
#33… Yeah right… If Mr Bean questioned the budget he would have got the same BULL S#%$ response that is heard at every meeting… Let’s vote him in as a council member and if he doesn’t perform we can bash him on this blog… I think he will mix thing up, but he needs help… He would be only one vote….
Summer Timer. If you hate Belmar ss much like you state above. Why dont you and your PHD stay up in Bayonne where you belong!
33 – If he was outspoken you would have called it “politics”. Where are the cuts, even minor window-dressing cuts? There were none because this Mayor is just as bad as the past one. Go Jim Bean, you were always an alternative voice on the council.
Sam Adams what a joke! You’d be glad to debate the issues with me personally??? How about some honesty in not standing behind a veil? Debate me personally? And to call yourself Sam Adams? It’s laughable. YOUR going to protect YOUR home town? When you don’t even have the nerve to identify yourself?
You are intentionally creating chaos NOT trying to bring the town together.
I agree with Katrina.
I don’t agree with all the decisions the current administration made but there’s a big difference here: We can question and complain to the current administration without being ignored, or be politically maligned. I’ve already bugged Mark and Pat numerous times and they email me back immediately.
This flyer isn’t helping. It’s dividing. The fact that it lists the previous administration’s faults doesn’t mean it’s not coming from someone in their camp. It’s designed to rouse the readers here, come to a meeting and make the current admin. look bad.
You know what would rouse me and garner my support?….If the flyer actually gave solutions. Jim is doing that. Let’s see if “Sam Adams” is on board with Jim. As of now we have no idea who he is.
#37 – Congratulations that you are proud to identify yourself and are courageous enough to face the criticism of those opposing your views. But without anonymous comments this blog itself would have never taken off, let alone remain a vital informational source without anonymous input. The flier states facts, so I for one could care less as to who produced it.
#35… Wake up… Everything I stated as well as what’s on the Sam Adams flyer is true… But the biggest issue is the tax increase for a town that is very inefficient…. For instance the Belmar Marina is not operated in a business like manner.. This asset should be a huge money maker for Belmar but its not… Also there are many fulltime residents that are on fixed or low incomes, what happens to this group… Most likely with high property taxes generational home owners will be forced to leave their homes… That is just WRONG… PS I am not from Bayonne, it’s just that the year round residents call us seasonal home owners BENNY’S which is also WRONG…..
Expect a substantial police presence at Borough Hall.
Summer Timer, YOU stated you were from Bayonne with a PHD many posts ago. If you are a summer timer, let the year round residents who actually vote here figure it out. Stop spreading your negativity. The Walsifer administration is just getting started. Give them a chance to clean up Doherty, Magovern and Connollys mess.
Lots of police overtime in Belmar.
#37 & 38
# 37 Katrina who? Do you have a last name? Why don’t you reveal yourself? My offer to debate the issue with you was sincere. You show your ignorance in not associating Sam Adams to the task at hand. Google it! Are you satisfied with a 21.7% increase? Are you confident with a increase in budget of 2 million dollars? What have you ever done to make a contribution to the community? Apparently, the willingness to pay higher taxes and not stand up!
For the record:
I voted for Mark, Wann and McCracken.
I am a registered republican.
I did not support the prior administration.
I do support Jim Beam. I will assist him in his campaign.
#38
I did offer solutions!
Cut Expenses
Freeze Wages
Reduce Staff
It is unfortunate that a citizen a resident, tries to unite for the common good and rather than support it, they focus on who wrote it…. does that really matter? What does matter is the town is broke ! Were 33 plus million in debt… a 2 million dollar increase in budget was approved by this administration. That’s what matters!
The negativity expressed by some of the replies does nothing to inspire others to stand up and participate in ways to make Belmar a better hometown.
#42 While you may be a “year round resident who actually” votes, there are many of us who are Belmar homeowners (who pay the same high taxes) but are not year-round residents and, therefore, unable to vote there. Shouldn’t we be allowed to have an opinion on such an important issue? I have been a Belmar homeowner for over 25 years. I do not rent it out. It is for our family & friends to enjoy throughout the year. We got slammed with an incredible tax increase after the recent town-wide assessment. Now it’s happening again. It seems unfair that ALL Belmar homeowners do not have a say (vote) in local issues. Shouldn’t we all at least have a chance to express an opinion on this blog?
Sam Adams- I’m sorry but I think you would know who Katrina is if you were at all involved with trying to expose the corruption in the prior administration, giving up your time, getting petitions signed, attending meetings where you got abused. Now you want to storm the castle?? 5 months versus an 8 year Reign of Terror? How about you use your skills as an accountant, lawyer and engineer to get us out of the mess we’re in. I’m sure we all want to hear your solutions.
#42…. About 50% of the homes owned in Belmar are seasonal residents… Most of us that purchased homes in Belmar have remodeled or re built homes that were very unappealing… The seasonal home owners have helped rebuild this town… If we have substantial dollars invested in a property we have every right to complain about how the town is being operated if we disagree with the administration… I also stated many posts ago give the new M&C an opportunity to fix this mess… They are obviously not going to do what they elected for… I do have higher education but Bayonne was a dig….
I supported Jim Bean when he was the only councilman of sound mind. He well knows how destructive the past administration was!! Why hasn’t Jim presented his questions and concerns at the open meetings? Is it sour grapes that he now makes accusations without clear facts and seems to want to divide our town and continue with the dirty politics of the last administration.He knows very well what the last administration was like!! Shame on you !!! Be honest and constructive!!
Sam Adams:
Cut which expenses and by how much?
Freeze whose wages?
Reduce which staff members?
Then show how the town will be properly run with safeguards against potential and expensive accidents or problems caused by incompetence.
Thanks, looking forward to solutions.
Oh and by the way, you can also google Katrina Clapsis to find her history of service to Belmar.
#48…. I agree with Mr Bean’s thoughts and directions for Belmar… I also believe many other residents and seasonal home owners agree as well…. The dividend town will always exist, it’s called conservatives vs liberals…. And the current administration are just RINO’S……
#49 Cut salaries by 10%—all non union because the unions are abusive..Cut the front office by 1 person…Cut the dpw by twp people… Fire Campbell…There you have it. Then Aileen that shows the council is running the town like a business. #48 Put an egg in your shoe and beat it Duh!! I’m voting for Jim Bean…Honest hard working person. Served our country with honor.
#49 I agree! On one hand some residents want to complain that the police department is overstaffed and overpaid and on the other hand complain there isn’t enough police presence around town or by the bars. Do I think some are overpaid absolutely! But I don’t agree they are overstaffed. Does anyone ever think of what the police have to deal with in the summer and the renters??? I have friends who work in law enforcement in other shore towns and trust me they get spit on, kicked and downright disrespected.
C’mon Aileen, there are MANY places to cut costs and you know it. Two, two police Captain positions in a 25 man department. You have got to be kidding me. Parades, events and runs all cost us money. A marina that losses money every year. Stop buying brand new cars every other year…….. and so on and so on. Cut ALL budgets, each department, 10 %. Lay off people if need be, the job market is very strong. These people will easily find jobs. Maybe even jobs that require work. I’ve been saying it for weeks, show me ONE item where expenditures were lowered. There are none substantial. Doherty created this mess and the current regime is responsible for a 21% needless tax increase. Give me a break.
Anybody know the salary of the new BA compared to the old BA ?
Look how much the republicans on this blog have changed their views in the past years. Years ago we stood against Mayor Doherty for jamming up the budget, stealing from the beach utility, and forcing over priced pavilions down our throats. Most of them NOW support a candidate who supported Mayor Doherty, gave money to Mayor Doherty, went to Mayor Doherty events like his celebration for winning re-election, voted to increase spending at beach and borough with tax increases, more than any Mayor Doherty budgets ever did, and even supported the pavilions putting numerous signs on their property. Boy how times have changed.
Joan, the reason I didn’t go to the meeting to complain about the 21% tax hike is because I shouldn’t have to. I believed that being a member of a political party that preaches small thrifty governance, and with this party being the majority, that members of the said party would think like I do and find conservative solutions. I was wrong. The budget increased spending at the beach and municipality levels. I gave examples, and also responded to Trina about what I would do to lower spending, increase revenue without a massive tax increase.
How many people showed up at the budget meeting and spoke? All on deaf ears. I went to a meeting to asked for help stopping D’Jais extended licenses. I emailed everyone and Walsifer didn’t even respond. Brian did, and at the meeting both were in support of it. Now the taxpayer will pick up even more overtime for the police trying
to keep our quality of life quite, and spending increases. I stand with the people not the bars.
I just can’t believe how everyone’s political beliefs changed overnight.
Aileen, kudos to you for following your values, not your party.
This is why I am running.
Places to start looking for money…. 1. Do an honest assessment of the town police force, minus all the Belmar bars issues they deal with. All the man hours required to police any issues created by the bars should be charged to the bars. This would most likely cut tax payers police budget in half…. 2. Why are there so many empty slips in the Belmar marina. Either operate it correctly or lease it to a professional business operator…. 3. Investigate the downtown development plans to determine the cost to taxpayers. This appears to be going nowhere and costing alot. Therefore eliminate all support to the downtown area (events). A business that cant make it on it’s own will ultimately fail anyway…
get rid of all the military crap Cambell got,except 1 dozer for beach. Ins. and maintenance are big $$
reduce DPW by 20%, yes 20%. It is ridiculous to pay someone 80,000 year to cut our grass. Out source as much as you can and reduce 20% next year
remove unnecessary vehicles from employees, I count 4.
run our docks like a business. raise fuel so we are not losing money.
get rid of the church/annex ?? whataver you want to call it.
Have police and code enforcement raise revenue. Yes, do their job. Look no further than Avon.
Need more??
I might have had respect for Dorehty if had been honest and raised taxes. He used Belmar to promote his own political career. He abused people who spoke out with concerns. And I was an independent not a republican. Just as Jim is now changing party affiliations to run again, I changed parties to help elect this new administration. Jim speaks of his core values, his conservative beliefs. His principals Good for you Jim. You go!
But just because my views change or developed differently than yours does not necessarily mean my opinion is not valuable or wrong. It also doesn’t mean I don’t have values or principles. It means I believe in flexibility and compromise and that I won’t always agree with those I vote for or support.
I disagree with you. Plain and simple.
#54 I’ll try and answer that. Let me start by saying I have budget numbers for this year and the actual numbers from last year. I am assuming the person under Administration & Exec Salary is our BA because there is no name associated with the account #.
In 2018 the borough paid person $88,100, this year we paid them $85,000. We all know Colleen made $125,000 so where is the extra money? The beach utility is managed 3 months by the BA so we look under Beach Admin & Exec Salary. 2018 the beach paid $37,800, this year we are budgeted to pay $77,000. This number is directly off of the budget given out on Dave’s blog page 35a-1.
Add them up, last year the BA made $125,900 and this year it looks like $162,000. This is just the budgeted number. They may argue that it’s not actual and we will have to wait and see at the end of the year what was actually paid. Maybe there are two salary’s coming out of this number but last year’s number adds up perfectly for Colleen .
The budget went down in the borough for the BA but doubled from the beach. The beach utility is paying almost the exact same as the borough. Is the BA doing the same amount of work on the beach in 3 months that he is doing for 12 in the borough? Or just another big slap on the back of a buddy and make the beach tag buyers pick up the tab.
Also I believe he got a new car he takes home. I can’t confirm because I don’t have the expenses yet, only budgeted # for 2019. but maybe the 2 councilmen running this year can answer that.
#58 GOP Claire is at it again, ha! Go Jim Bean, you have my vote
Does anyone know how much our new Multimedia Director is making, now that we’ve gotten rid of Sparks? Is this a full-time gig?
Shout out to Dave ! Dave you are the best! Continuing to support this blog is more than admirable …its epic.
On the other hand, I have learned that the majority of the people that reply here are all superficial…. I believe that most of those that replied did not show at tonight’s meeting because they truly don’t care …they prefer to non participate publicly but are so quick to draw conclusions via a keypad. It’s sad. Those that did attend had nothing to contribute…. that too is sad! Tonight was an opportunity … a chance to move our town in the right direction… to correct how we have been wronged. Didn’t happen. Unfortunately, the outspoken voices here did an injustice to our community cause if they think this is the end of overspending, tax increases, and us bearing the burden they are sorely mistaken. Sam Adams is done the for sale sign will be up shortly!
Again thanks Dave! Unlike most that post here… you are a true patriot!
You tell ’em Sam. I’m sure you were there, front row, dressed in your period costume. Standing up for the little guy and speaking truth to power. Sure, you didn’t produce one of these fliers years ago while Matt was using this town like a Vegas ATM machine but I guess you had your reasons. I guess it took the tax increase it self to wake the sleeping patriot.
Where were ya Sam? At what time did you get up and tell em like it is? I’ll fast forward to that spot (I must have missed it).
I went… I stood up… and said my piece… guess you didn’t … just another mouthpiece replier. Be well and enjoy life with a 21.7% tax increase as you talk the talk and not walk the walk. Im done here with you and the negativity that’s apparent when someone tries to do the right thing. Bye… again be well !
Oh great! Which one were you? What time did you speak (or, maybe you can just give us your…I don’t know, name?)
Ya see, leaders have to be identifiable. They can really rally the supporters that way.
Congrats team! We have accomplished to get rid of a resident that actually cared about our financial mess. Lets keep up the good work and run over the next person who cares.Or we could come together and feed each other good ideas till we have some movement from the Mayor and Council. Sorry Sam!
When you got up and spoke why didn’t you identify yourself as “Sam Adams” I think I missed the rally at 5:30. Not a sole. I only saw Jim Bean,who never got up to speak what was one his mind. We were waiting.
Sam don’t let the door hit you on the ass on the way out of town…good luck you Benny..Aileen is a realtor and can hopefully make the transition quick for ya
Let me also add that under 001-005-200 of the municipal budget, administrative & exec-OE (other expenses) it went from $1000 to $27,000. I believe this is the borough admins’s new car he is allowed to drive home.
Colts Neck terminated the entire DPW…. Sea Girt has eliminated the Paker House issues… Belmar is what it is, there is no will to move forward and fix the issues in the town…. Sorry Sam you are a good man for trying… The smartest person on this blog is the administrator because he left the state…. I cant wait until my youngest is out of school, because I am leaving NJ as well…. The state is a total mess and the fix is always a tax increase…. Money keeps moving out of the state, so good luck with all those tax increases….
Good Bye Sam. Maybe Matt will show you how the books work.
I stood up as me! I already said … I’m done! I tried… why? … obviously no one in this town cares about the financial abuse or they would of shown and spoke up… Those that know me know who I am. Not anymore …hopefully within the next 6 months after 24 yrs i’ll sell and be out of here.
The Boston Tea Party couldn’t happen without the citizens support and fixing Belmar problems wont either.
Sam Adams over and out ! Be well !
Sam and others:
I am all for questioning, petitioning and rallying. I’ve done all that and will continue to do so.
I’m also all for chiming in here anonymously. Nothing against it.
But when you send a flyer calling for our help…when you pose as a community organizer, I’d like to know who you are.
As for the flyer, I generally agree with it. But my opinion as to how to get things accomplished is to not storm the castle, but work, little by frustratingly little, on each individual issue. Not fun, no. Not sexy, not exciting, not provocative, not celebrated, not revered, not even noticed…and maybe therefore not excluded, not maligned, not misrepresented, and in my case, not going away.
If the current admin. treated us like the previous did, then sure, storm the castle. I just don’t think it’s the right tactic.
Belmar Dude… I grew up in Bay Head …Owned a home in Belmar for 24 yrs… a Bennie? Your ignorant and a fine representation of the lack of concern and stupidity that exists here and in town… bottom line Belmar “Dude” … grow up !
I thought this blog was more right wing but from the comments maybe I’m wrong. I never seen a group so excited about tax increases. Why stop at 21%? Go for 25% or 30% and rebuild town hall, build the parking garage buy new everything, everyone gets a raise. Go crazy and no complaining or this site will just bully you until you’re silent.
66 – Take a look in the mirror, you are doing just what Matt Doherty & Company did to their opposition. This bog was built on anonymous comments and will only survive with the freedom to express oneself without the fear of retaliation.
#72 you are clueless? Do you have the intelligence to read a flyer? Did you not see I made accusations about the prior administration? Did you attend the meeting ? have you stood up ? You post as anonymous lol. Apparently you are too ignorant to draw the association between taxation and Sam Adams ie; the Boston Tea Party… where taxation without representation was paramount. Obviously not the case with you and your constituents… you are ungrateful for those that want to help… to make Belmar better… you should be ashamed of yourself!
Sam- So maybe you were out of town for the past 8 years and didn’t have time to fight against the debt as Matt was incurring it. The state we are in is outrageous. But instead of getting up and speaking at a meeting or two, have you offered your financial expertise to the Mayor, privately,and as Aileen points out, focus on individual issues? Do you honestly think that anyone on the council is happy about this and that they have not tried and are continuing to try to find ways to rectify the situation?
When Jim Bean was a councilman he fought long and hard to combat Matt Doherty’s BS. Now he’s running again and some people are doubting what he says. People, Doherty discredited everything Bean said and I’m still waiting for an example where what Bean said was found to be wrong. Anyone have an example ? He was spot on with gift card fiasco amongst other things.
I am so disappointed by everyone’s behavior, attacking a guy who is new to this blog and it appears relatively new to what is, or has been, going on in town. Instead if welcoming him you all go after him and verbally assault him. What is wrong with you people? Show your face show your face show your face! Why? So when you see him on the street or meet him in person you can assail him? What is wrong with you all? I for one am glad Sam Adam’s put out the flyer and is now another resident involved in the conversation. And you are absolutely correct Anonymous #80, I am also glad Jim Bean is getting back in and standing up for us. He has my vote! And thank you Sam Adam’s for becoming involved!
#81… You are so correct about the behavior of people on the blog… Many of the Belmar residents I have interacted with over the years are outright hostile… One even called me a Benny to my face… Classless….
If Brian McGovern passed a 21% tax increase saying he had no idea how bad the finances were this blog would have exploded. Would anyone be angry or scold Same Adams or Jim Bean for pushing back against McGovern? But because it’s someone we all voted for we look the other way, accept the tax increase, even praise it. I say good for Sam Adams and everyone else who thinks more could have been done. Am I wrong?
#83… Your not wrong…. Its called Cronyism…
Sam Adams,Your comments resonated with many of us. Thank you for attending the council meeting and getting up to speak. It’s a shame more people don’t come to the regular meetings.
Effecting change is hard. May you have the strength to continue working with the residents of Belmar to make it better. Let’s work together to make a difference.
Ok, I doubt that the so-called Sam Adams spoke at the meeting, (unless it was Dilberger) but the role of a rabble rouser is commendable if it creates action and cohesion. Is a Belmar Revolution at hand? Personally I doubt it, but thoughtful and careful change from within is the way to go. Too much head chopping right off is not too wise. Never know who will come in handy later with his/her insider knowledge. Friends close and enemies closer…And the watchful eyes and ears of the citizenry is imperative.
Hey flower power … I was there stood up and spoke ..ask the Mayor …he knows who I am… were you there… did you stand up… its because of people like you naysayers… unappreciative negative attitudes that I’m done … you take the helm with your flower power … i’m sure that will yield results!
I’m laughing here. I was there, and for the record, I faced billy clubs and police lines in the 60s. I even reviewed the video and there was no Sam Adams. I said nothing negative in the prior post. In fact, historically, I roused the rabble myself. Vent your anger – it has nothing to do with me. Be angry that there was no crowd to protest. Post the minute and second when you spoke. I’ll have a look.
Sam Adams: I think the problem here is that some of the folks that have been standing up and publicly fighting against the former administration are a little skeptical of your sudden foray into the political arena. The flier certainly lays out a litany of complaints about the former administration AND the current one. And for the most part, it’s fairly accurate (except for the part about this admin not holding the last admin responsible). The problem I think is that those of us who stood up publicity and questioned the former mayor and council were so mistreated and ridiculed and ignored that we are wary of folks in town that all the sudden want to start a revolution. The time for revolution was the last eight years. Please understand. We’ve been conditioned to not trust. We fought against the Meryl Streep of political theater. We endured derision and name calling from elected officials and, the worst of all, apathy from Belmar citizens. Now that the mess caused by eight years of a raging kegger has to be cleaned up it’s a little disingenuous to get angry with the people doing the cleaning. Should the new budget be cut? Yes absolutely. But that is a separate issue. We can get together as a group and work earnestly on convincing the town officials to enact cuts. No one wants a 21% tax increase, but that increase is going to pay for something that already happened. It’s to pay a debt wracked up by the former housekeepers.
What your flier suggests is that there is equity in the blame. There isn’t. It’s not even close. The former mayor and council (and yes, Tom Brennan) deserve all the recrimination that comes their way. They screwed the pooch and repeatedly lied about it. The way the flier is written and the suddenness of the fighting spirit leads some to doubt your sincerity. That’s not to say you’re not sincere. But you have to understand that when people have been fighting publicly for the last eight years and then out of nowhere a person using a false name produces an flier filled with indignation, it seems contrived. Sorry.
If you’re legit, don’t ‘give up’. If you want people to help cut the budget then use language that not only inspires but also puts this financial mess in its proper perspective. Then you’ll see that you have plenty of help.
Hey Mac, nicely put.
Machiavelli: Two quotes I think you might relate to if your ghost name is apropos to his train of thought:
“Men judge generally more by the eye than by the hand, for every one can see and few can feel. Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are.”
Your response was an intelligent one and appreciated.
I didn’t realize that one must have tenure, be it here on this blog or at a meeting in order to attempt to send a clear and necessary message to the current administration. Nor did I realize that name recognition was a criteria in expressing ones right to free speech and content validity. I have in fact over the course of the last year having had the time to attend the council meetings and expressed my views and opinions at each one. Those that know me well, and some that don’t… know who Sam Adams is. It still boggles my mind that identity is a primary concern rather than the message. Rather than to draw an association regarding taxes between who Sam Adams was and what he accomplished, many here questioned my sincerity and purpose and quite frankly, that lowers the flag and makes me question is it worth the effort.
I have said repeatedly that the flyers intent was to bring people together, to unite and send a clear message to the current administration. We know what transpired over the last 8 years of a corrupt and inept administration. No one showed except Jim… not for the pre game and for that matter… not even for the meeting to protest this unconscionable tax increase. Except for me and maybe one other comment … that’s sad. It’s more than sad it’s discouraging.
Collectively, we could have instituted a change in how our town is governed. We failed!
Oh and I do place some equality in blame. The prior administration may of caused many of the issues, however the current administration rather than choose a long term solution or better yet, legal actions against the past administration using liability clauses in the towns general liability policy they increased the budget by 2 million dollars.
Imagine what heroes the current administration could have been had they reduced the budget… established a 3? or 5? yr plan moving forward. Did they listen to the voice of the people? The will of the people?
I have prepared and executed million dollar budgets within small communities. I know it’s difficult to cut budgets, reduce expenses, cut payroll, eliminate overtime and increase revenue wherever possible through creative thinking. Rather, they increased payroll by adding new positions, used prior years salary and wages numbers which included overtime in all departments, and increased expenses in finalizing the budget. Not a good message moving forward.
While my intent was to make Belmar Better… to send a clear message that enough is enough… it was met here with negativity and lack of support. It’s ok. I tried simply to do the right thing… like I do everyday in life… sometimes despite your efforts you have to know when to hold them… know when to fold them and know when walk away … when to run … or in my case pedal!
Machiavelli, your post deserved a response, it was well written… I leave you with this…
In regard overseeing politics and government a concerned citizen in keeping a watchful eye…
Machiavelli wrote:
“It is better to be feared than loved if you cannot be both.”
Sam Adams
Over and Out !
Thank you for the response. I understand completely what you’re saying and it’s unfortunate that you feel the way you feel. What I didn’t see in that response, however, was a little humility. Just a little would’ve been nice. You read my post so you see that there is a whole group of citizens here that have been fighting the good fight for many years. You came on strong and lashed out at people like Katrina who simply wanted to know who you are. Like I said, the suddenness of your political fervor came across to some as contrived. Certainly you can understand that? A simple statement of ‘hey I know what the previous administration did and I know how much a lot of you have done to help this town. But I’m here to help now. I agree that we got screwed royally by Matt and co and I’m all for pursuing what ever restitution is possible. I also want to address the fact that this current administration is not doing what they should to reduce expenditures and I feel very strongly about that. So I’d like to offer my experience to effect change’. I think you would’ve been met with a lot less scrutiny. Instead you came across as a frustrated parent trying to get a teenager to clean his room while the rest of us just stopped the whole house from burning down.
Your real name isn’t important nor is it a requirement. But a little perspective and understanding is necessary if you want to organize. The pitch forks and torches routine won’t work(especially on those of us that scratch our heads and wonder where this indignation was last year, or the year before that, or the year before that) And quoting Kenny Rogers is right out.
I used the name Machiavelli because he saw early on how politicians can influence, persuade, and control using manipulation techniques. He understood the human mind and how some seek to control others. It’s how Matt Doherty has a career.
Anyway, if you want help in getting this current administration to cut the budget, you got it. There’s an election coming up (volunteering for your candidate is good) and could you start organizing in your community to apply political pressure. If you knocked on my door and spoke about the problem in a sincere and thoughtful way, you’d have my support.
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