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Why We Are What We Are

 

5 Comments

  1. Resident wrote:

    Times change. So should our form of government.

    Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 8:00 am | Permalink
  2. Taxes wrote:

    I am voting for
    Jim Bean.

    Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 8:41 am | Permalink
  3. OLD MAN wrote:

    #2 Me also

    Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 6:16 pm | Permalink
  4. Katrina Clapsis wrote:

    I just spent a couple hours
    with a little “ light” reading with my morning coffee. Wow. Thanks to Ken for getting this and Dave for posting.

    Couple of observations and questions.

    At the time the Commission was worried about the financial ramifications of hiring a “ manager” because it was deemed cost prohibitive, though it recommended hiring one as soon as possible. We now have a BA who is responsible for day to day operations, answerable to M n C. When was that voted in by ordinance? This was a big issue at the time and still holds major importance today. In this day and age of state legislation and every changing rules of law, a BA with experience seems more important than ever. We have unfortunately learned the hard way what happens with improper management. But it is my belief no elected individual working in a part time capacity could ever do a BA’s job. Quite the conundrum.

    Non partisan could have been used then but wasn’t because it was deemed at the time the town was divided into small factions of neighbor against neighbor, “ bar people” and “ seasonal rental people”. And elections in May instead of November was seen as cost prohibitive. Is that still the case?

    The commission didn’t think partisanship would disappear by making government non-partisan but that people would vote for the best person regardless of part affiliation. In this current age of hyper partisanship at the national level and the introduction of advanced communication technologies which have entered into our local elections, is it time to reconsider this? Giving more credence to local issues vs national, thereby directly effecting important issues relating to Belmar alone?

    A lot of people seem to call the Small Municipal Plan we have as a “ strong mayor” situation. Which creates a lot of resentment.

    Isn’t it true, that, legally, the council and mayor have the equal voting power?

    That it is the responsibility of the individual council members to research and vote on things from their own perspective?

    Would non partisanship adoption really change council members to be more independent?

    Does keeping this form of Small Municipal Plan with the non-partisan portion adopted into it make sense for Belmar now?

    Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 9:48 am | Permalink
  5. Guest wrote:

    Yes!

    Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 8:17 am | Permalink

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