really? not when this project is turning West Orange into a project? Who will be the occupants? No decent family is moving downtown to live. It has already been taken over by Mexicans and poor minorities. Over due? You should tear down that eye sore, build restaurants, and boutiques.

Are you sure the Councilwoman referring to the original expression "As Ohio goes, so goes the Nation", instead of your 1983 quote? This would give her statement a completely different meaning.

It tells me the Devils had a Game 7 on TV last night. ;)

Ryan:

You Canucks are far more hockey mad than we in the lower 48 states but, I have no doubt that a win in 2 overtimes was a hell of a lot more exciting than last night's debate! :-)

What we surely don't need is anonymous posters denigrating dedicated human beings who put their names, faces and reputations behind their opinions and who actually devote their time and energy for the good of the community.

A coward hiding behind a screen name and maligning identifiable human being is surely not the arbiter of much of anything, let alone civility.

What's childish is believing anonymous nonsense will do anything to improve civil discourse or reasonable debate and I'm far from alone in that opinion.

Again, pick a line item on the budget, Mickey, and state your case as to why it shouldn't be there.

@ Mr. Erickson...Facts speak for themselves and it is hard to dispute voting records and public actions that are all well documented. Those who cannot dispute the facts regularly resort to personal attacks as they have no other recourse in their arsenal, it is just a pathetic attempt to distract from the reality of the facts.

Clearly Ms. Spango's and Mr. Anderton's claims last evening as well as the claims on their campaign literature are at odds with the facts and documented evidence. Both Ms. Spango and Mr. Anderton have records as big spenders and increased taxes.

Anonymous nonsense is anonymous nonsense and calling it such is neither an attack nor personal, as the observation can't be directed at anyone identifiable as a real human being.

Hence, the "personal" element is missing from the equation, unlike the direct attacks launched against identifiable human beings by cowards (absent any credibility whatsoever) hiding behind screen names.

@ Mick Erickson:

I can pretty much assure you that my knowledge base of most everything, and particularly the Township of West Orange (since you just fell of a turnip truck here in 2004) is far greater than yours.

Calling a spade a spade is not an attack and there's not damned thing personal about it.

West Orange 101: The Mayor makes +/- $25,000 per year, the Council +/- $13,000 per year and those figures haven't changed in 20 years. Prior to 1998, these officilas also enjoyed medical benefit coverage but, that was eliminated in the opening days of the McKeon Administration.

It's also a given that most of that "income" is eaten up in donations our elected officials make to various and sundry local charities and civic endeavors: nobody is getting rich holding local office.

@Gary Anderston and Spango voted for municipal tax rate increases of 9.2% in 2008 and 4.0% in 2009.

@ Mick Erickson:

The first fallacy in your pronouncement is that Patty and Sal didn't take office until July 1, 2008, and had no hand in constructing that year's municipal budget...which didn't increase by 9.2%.

thank you Mr Eben, being an architect you understand what it takes to re-develop and you also understand the vision it takes to bring back West Orange. Your comments are a breath of fresh air.

I'm sure Ms. Spango would disagree with you that her current establishment looks and feels like a car wash. I realize it does not get the best reviews, but I've never viewed the Starlite Pizzeria as the equivalent of a Car Wash.

Perhaps you could provide her with a nice design that would accentuate the historic nature of Downtown Main Street yet not look too much like a Car Wash for her relocation.

Excellent, Mr. Eben -- I drive by the Starlite often and wonder why someone would choose such a hideous design for their [established] restaurant. Your post has me cracking up. I would hate to see our town turn to stucco facades to look "new" and "fresh". I like what was done with the hotel downtown.

As a former Marine officer, I'd like to hope Mr. Freivald can read a map of West Orange and I would suggest he does.

Perhaps then he can tell us just where space is available for commerical ratables that would have any material effect on our tax base might be located.

Of course he can't, because no such space exists.

When the recycling question came up last year, I contacted Mr. Krakoviak and offered to provide him a tutorial and historical perspective on the subject; an offer he has yet to avail himself of.

As a certified NJ Recycling Professional and the individual who championed privatizing the operation in 1999, I can assure you that I am what passes for a a subject matter expert.

@ Tom G:

While nobody likes to see empty storefronts (and they do exist), virtually all are providing taxable revenue to the Township; albeit at a somewhat reduced level because of the vacancy.

Filling them, however laudable and desirable, will not represent any huge shift in our tax base...which is what is suggested when candidates for office wax poetic about a need for "commercial ratables."

For example:

The former Organon campus (at Mt. Pleasant Avenue & Prospect/Green) was the Township's single largest taxpayer (+/-$2.5 Million annually) when occupied by the pharmaceutical.

With a municipal budget of +/- $70 Million, that respresents a signficant ratable and it was a game changer once Organon moved out and the property was vacant for a time.

Is there another vacant parcel that could be similarly developed and provide that kind of ratable or anything close to it?

Not that I am aware of.

@ barry_geltzeiler: Well, Silvestri-Krakoviak als wants to be on the Township Council as well but, that's not going to happen either.

And her husband wants to spend less, but hire more cops. OK.

@ Ken: Given the fact Krakoviak voted against hiring a new police officer in this year's budget, I found that position to be totally at variance with documentable fact.

Mark: as an architect I too have made a speech, but only in front of a Congressional Sub Committee. I talked about preserving the country's downtowns, using WO as an example of course, doing away w/brownfields and making our communities more livable. I never go to the malls, love Supreme Bakery, and you will never find me in Home Depot, because Schneider Hardware has everything anyone needs. Jerry and Roger are great and when you go there you get a story or joke along w/the single nut and bolt your are buying. Try getting that at the BIG box store? Several other businesses and places to eat are available to us all and hope to see you and all of WO at the Spring Fair and at other times too! May be if more of us shopped here than in Livingston or Short Hills, those vacancies would dry up pretty fast? The development w/its residential component will in fact help the adjacent existing commercial areas thrive. The imposed delay by certain individuals who only talk about taxes has hurt this project. The vote was 4 to 1, what more can I say, majority rules, so lets get going and start building, time is money and we have spent enough of both.

It would appear not Ms. Cumming. He apparently has no affinity for restaurants that look like car washes or those that own them.

Ms. Cumming: I did not say where my vote(s) was going and never do. My comments were about architecture and political signs. Right now only two candidates are following the zoning ord. in terms of signs.
I am sure she Councilwoman Spango has worked hard, as have all of the incumbants. The profiles of the candidates in the paper yesterday provides a good foundation (architectural term) for the public to learn more about everybody running. May the best men or women who are running win and when they do may they work as hard as the current Council and past Councils have done, even if we do not always agree. You and me can agree to disagree on some of the candidates and the issues facing them and us as members of our fine community.

Missing from Mr. Freivald's clarification is an acknowlegement that we ARE a New York metropolitan area "bedroom community" and, as such, being an excellent environment to raise a family is our stock in trade.

Also missing is any acknowledgement that there is a constant turnover in housing, given the very nature of our mobile society...and that "empty nesters" aren't the only homeowners inclined, often out of practical necessity, to sell.

A three bedroom home with two children residing there (and enrolled in the schools) sold to a comparably sized family does not create any new or increased burden on the school system or municipal services.

We are a residential community, primarily comprised of single-family, detached homes; get used to it, embrace it and deal with it.

Jake: as an empty nester and resident of 35+ years hoping to stay at least that many more years, I am not overly concerned about taxes. If I was I would have moved years ago to Morris County. I like WO the fact that it is close to the city which I also like and close to Newark Airport, so I can get on a plane and visit my children and grandchildren. In my practice as an architect I am now doing some additions on homes for empty nesters, who want to stay in the homes and towns that they have lived in. The reasons are simple and many, but here are some: familiar, close to shopping, more room now that the kids have left the nest, etc. On many empty nester homes I have added grab bars in Bathrooms, made doors wider, added ramps, renovated Kitchens (universal design) for the disabled. The value of anyone's home is their best investment and if they are interested in staying and making it better they should ask an architect to help them!

Jerome, thanks for your candid and civil reply.

It's great that you're not all that worried about taxes; unfortunately, I have spoken to a great many people who want all of the things that you described, and they *are* moving: to Morris County, to South Carolina, to Florida. The number one reason I hear is that West Orange has become unaffordable because of the taxes. I've talked to even more people know know others who moved recently, also because of the taxes. These former and departing residents want to stay near the kids, near where they grew up, near the city. They just can't make it work.

I think that's a shame. We're driving out the very people who built this town into what it is today.

I believe that keeping West Orange affordable -- trying to make it affordable again -- is the right thing to do, both for our people as individuals, and for the long-term health of the town as a whole.

Missing from Mr. Freivald's nothing new "let's keep West Orange affordable" mantra is a single, concrete suggestion as to just how to accomplish this goal.

Given that the standard bearer of his ticket (Joe Krakoviak) failed miserably in his one stated goal of positively effecting redevelopment, there's little reason to believe remaking the Council in his image will result in any positive end.

As Mr. Eben opined elsewhere, it appears Mr. Krakoviak's contribution was limited to correcting meeting minutes before falling victim to paralysis by analysis.

@Jake Freivald Do you mean to say that more seniors, empty nesters, etc. are leaving West Orange then any other suburban community in this area? I assumed this was true for most of NJ.

@ Will Rod: Just where would you "encourage commercial ratables" to be built, Will Rod?

If such game changin space is available, please point it out to us.

That said, the Township did "encourage" Prism to redevelope Main Street and you seem none to happy about that.

Would you care to explain these conflicting philosophies?

"Team K" has no approach other than to tell us all what they oppose.

What they're actually for...and a plan for how we get there...seems to be missing from the rhetoric.

@ Will Rod:

"Take a look around, WO. Some things are self evident?"

And just what is that supposed to mean?

Having lived here for over 50 years, I am more than positive that my knowledge of the Township and its streets and neighborhoods is far, far more extensive than yours.

Please identify for me just one parcel of available, vacant land that is suitable for a commercial development of any size.

Purely and simply, there isn't any.

There used to be the old Pathmark. I don't believe it did very well. I think it would be hard for another food store to compete with Shoprite. Livingston has King's but if you want to pay those higher prices you might has well shop at Whole Foods, it is quite nice.

@Mark Paulson: In fairness to Mr. Freivald, with one exception (a special needs child), his children are not enrolled in the school system...though he's surely still getting his money's worth.

Once again, Mr. Paulson, perhaps a little fact checking before you post your nonsense.

@ Paul P:

As noted above, the "commercial properties" you recite are currently on the rolls and paying taxes (albeit at a possibly reduced rate if not at 100% occupancy).

If there is a vacant, commercially zoned and developable property of significant enough size to materially effect the Township's tax rate (think Livingston Mall or Becker Farm Office Complex) I'll eat my hat.

Sal and Patty both voted to increase spending in the municipal budget and then cover it up by selling off a town asset that could be generating revenue for the town now. Sal and Patty both support increasing our taxes now with no end in sight if they are re-elected. When faced with the opportunity to save the taxpayers an additional 2 million dollars Sal and Patty retreated and ignired the advice of the experts they hired. They have shown that when courage is required they fold and vote against the taxpayers and residents they are supposed to represent.

Sal and Patty are doing real harm to the taxpayers of West Orange and it is time they both pack up and go.

More anonymous nonsense from wohopeful.

How predictable.

Will, I also respectfully disagree. All I will say is that Sal and Patty are my choices. I would respond more but it isn't necessary to repeat myself. I wish you and all of the candidates well in the days ahead.

The simple fact remains that:

1. Mr. Krakoviak voted in concert with his Council colleagues on 85% (or better) of the issues before them during the 18 months he has spent on Council.

2. He failed to address his concerns in Committee, or offer any alternatives he throught necessary, when involved in the redevelopment process that was the centerpiece of his election campaign and remains "for redevelopment but, not this proposal." Well, then what are his suggestions for workable alternatives?

3. The only legislation of note that Mr. Krakoviak introduced was to formalize a procedure that was already standard practice: the posting of meeting agendas on-line. The "transparency" he harps on has long been present as the Council conducts its business publicly, those meetings are televised and documents are available under the Open Public Records Act.

None of this suggest that the Council needs to be made over in his image and the suggestion Mr. Krakoviak's wife should be serving along side him is the absolute height of audacity.

Will: yes I know about Joe's move for transparency and I for one do appreciate the attempt. As a architect I know all about cks. and bal. because it is what I do to make sure my clients get their projects built without problems. Joe is the Council's appointment to the Downtown Alliance, where the best he can offer are corrections to the minutes of our mtgs. I am not a finance person coming more from the creative side of the ledger. Since '83, I have stated "As Main Street goes.....................so will West Orange!" I know that this development, which from my point of view should have offered as first stated a new Library,a bit more commercial and residences (density) than what we settle for. We need a progresive team of the Council and the Administration to make sure that the project moves ahead and if that took 6.3 million and even if it would cost every tax payer in town say $500/year for 20 years (and it will not) it would be a worthwhile investment! Take a ride to Red Bank and see what they have done there if you do not believe me. The longer we wait the more expensive it will get. The components of the pre-cast concrete Garage are sitting in the pre-caster's yard in PA. for almost as long as Montclair has had their very successful parking garages up. Solving the parking problem would go a long way to help our downtown and provide a positive solution that should be looked into on July 1st.

@ Will Rod:

Given the "4" (pro-redevelopment all) have been repeatedly elected and re-elected, it is reasonable to conclude that, yes, the majority of the voting public does feel the same way that they do.

If you think geese control (a very necessary $3,000 annual expenditure) is a game changer (it equates to 2 cents on the average annual property tax bill), you'd be very much mistaken.

The bottom line is that given 18 months on the Council and Mr. Krakoviak has neither identified any area of significant potential savings, nor any potential new revenue streams.

Mr. Englert claimed: "Given the "4" (pro-redevelopment all) have been repeatedly elected and re-elected, it is reasonable to conclude that, yes, the majority of the voting public does feel the same way that they do."

Of the "4" only Mrs. McCartney has been "repeatedly elected and re-elected". Sal Anderton is just finishing his first term as is Patty Spango. Vic Cirilo is about halfway through his first term, having been elected for the first time in 2010.

Although I agree that it FEELS as if they've been around forever, I also agree that it may be time to elect some new candidates - we've had the same old same-old for long enough.

@ Alex Sohn:

I do not need to be lectured as to who was elected when and you may parse words all you wish but, the simple fact remains that (with one notable exception) every individual who has been elected/re-elected to municipal office in the last decade has been in favor of Main Street redevelopment.

Ergo, common sense suggests that, absent any evidence to the contrary, the electorate approves of the decisions made, over time, to move the project forward.

@ Jerome Leslie Eben: A|IA PP: You are right in the the government needs revenue to do what it has to do in terms of education and law enforcement. However, high tax rates have negative consequence for a community. High taxes are not the only reason middle class families leave town but it is a significant factor in that occurrence. The township budget is about $70,658,000.00 and the school capital and operating is about 139,500,000.00 for about 46,200 people. That is about $4,750.00 in local government for every man woman and child in town excluding county expenditures. A figure way above state and national norms. We spend more money then we need to run the town and schools. Ideas for saving 911 dispatch to the county level, a multiple township shared garbage contract, fewer school administrators, fewer non patrol police officers, sharing the municipal court with other towns, getting the school teachers in the state health care system, combine public works with other surrounding towns. We can spend less. Also how many varsity sport teams does the high school need? How many non grass turf fields to play on do we need. How many hours does the library need to be open? Some small changes and we can lower taxes without destroying the town. Think about those questions when you vote and where the person you are voting for thinks in this regard.

What he has also done is to waste the people's time...all the while grandstanding to maintain the centerpiece of his reason for political being: opposition to redevelopment.

While this is all fine and dandy in support of a political campaign, it doesn't do much in the way of good governance and it’s pretty damned transparent to anyone with half a brain.

Absent any substantive response from Team Krakoviak, there's no other logical conclusion one can reach and none of this suggests that remaking the Council in Joe's image is a panacea for anything that ails West Orange.

Adam: I am not involved w/the schools anymore as my children have graduated and moved on. However, I still want good schools, because they are the foundation for the value of my home. As an older person I do not complain that I am paying taxes to support the schools, because some older person before me was paying their fair share when my children were in school and when you are older and hopefully still here, you too will continue to pay.
I need the police and fire dep'ts. and expect that when I call 911 they will be at my home withing the precsribed norm for responding. The DPW is another service and they came within 48 hours of the October storm to clear the flood control (brook) that runs through the back of my property. My requirements for garbage are less due to recycling and the fact that we are only two instead of four and generate less garbage. Are there areas that could be cut? I suppose that there are and I made some suggestions earlier. We have to trust that the people we elect will do the best that they can do. It is everyone's right to vote and they should. I am looking for a good turn out next week. Based on who we put back or as some have stated here and in the paper want to replace, will give us and them the direction in which to go.

@ Will Rod: I'll tell you what, I've responded to any number of your questions without your returning the favor. When you do, I'll reciprocate in kind, OK?

Why don't you start by identifying the vacant, available commercially zoned properties, of any size, on which new ratables can be built?

That said, I do not believe that Mr. Krakoviak deserves any credit, whatsoever, for doing anything positive to advance the Edison redevelopment project.

My understanding that his contributions in Committee, and to the agreement drawn and presented, were virtually non-existent.

@ wohopeful: Clearly, though not surprisingly, the point has gone completely over your head; a candidate (Krakoviak) who said he'd do X, Y and Z did none of it because he was clueless how do accomplish anything.

The business of the Council is such that each member is constantly examining ideas and proposals while asking the fundamental question: Can this save money and, if so, why hasn't it been implemented before?

If it were easy and possible (more often than not) it WOULD have been implemented; still, somebody needs to look at each idea and devote the time and critical thought to the investigation.

We are best served by having experienced, knowledgeable and level headed people involved in the process with enough guts to reach a conclusion and make a decision...and Patty and Sal fit that bill.

So in other words the answer is NO. Neither Patty Spango or Sal Anderton has introduced any legislation ithat has become law and benefited the residents n their four years as council members.

Glad they kept the chairs warm for four years but it is now time for a change to let those who really want to work for the people of West Orange get the job done that Patty and Sal chose not to.

@ Jake Freivald:

Coming from a time when we had an 18-year Municipal Attorney (who needed 6 attempts to pass the bar in the first place) who personally handled every Township legal matter under the sun (most of which were way beyond his competency) and who over-billed West Orange hundreds of thousands of dollars, I'm rather proud of the considerable reforms to the Legal Department (circa 1997), I was instrumental in initiiating as a private citizen.

The first year savings was somewhere near $200,000 to the taxpayers as I recall, so there's a mark on the wall for you.

Please do regale us with the tales of whatever cost saving initiatives you might think that Mr. Krakoviak has initiated (legal or otherwise) and be sure to apportion a dollar amount to each.

Jake I think Gary R. Englert gives an accurate description of the former Town Attorney{s} . During the 1994 Mayoral campaign, Mayoral candidate Councilman John Mckeon denounced the financial and ethical abuses of the town Legal Department in the strongest possible terms. Councilman John Mckeon also APPROVED ALL the expenditures of the should - have - never - been - hired,over - billing , often unqualified town Legal Department .Mckeon took Sam Spina to task for hiring his { Spina's } good friends . Spina responded by saying " They may be my friends, but they do a good job " OBVIOUSLY, by approving all their bills, Mckeon thought they were doing a good job too. What do you think Mayor John Mckeon would say if someone said to Mckeon " You hired Town Attorney Richard Trenk and Assistant Town Attorney Ken Kayser ONLY because they're. your good friends and campaign officers " How do you think Mckeon would respond ? Here's two for you Jake ; Since Mckeon and Parisi have been in charge , the town's yearly debt payment has increased close to 600 %. They couldn't WAIT to get their hands on the town credit card . AND, Parisi and Council members are going to take the hundreds of thousands of dollars in overbilling that theJoint Meeting annually refunds to the TAXPAYERS, and.... give it back to the taxpayers ? NO! Keep it and apply it to the Municipal Budget .

When John McKeon was elected to the Council in 1992, Sam Spina had been the Mayor (and Joe Dooley the Municipal Attorney) for 14 years.

Approving a bill list for payment (Municipal Attorney devoted X number of hours at Y hourly cost on case Z), is not to say one thought it prudent, desireable or even economical for said Municipal Attorney to be handling the matter in the first place.

The business of the Township simply could not be shut down.

The simple fact of the matter is that, in a strong mayor-council government such as ours (as detailed in the Faulkner Act) that decision is within the purview of the mayor.

What was within then Councilman McKeon's purview was setting into motion an initiative to audit the Legal Department; prudent given the then common knowledge that 100% of the Municipal Attorney's government salary was garnished by the Internal Revenue Service, due to his non-payment of employee withholding taxes in his private practice.

While that audit revealed that far too much latitude was given Mr. Dooley to decide the path of each matter he handled (for example: litigation added billable hours, settlement closed his cash register), Mayor Spina was disinclined to change the paradigm since Dooley (his friend and political confidant) needed every dime he could lay his hands on.

This all would have likely continued had I not filed a complaint with the Office of Attorney Ethics that lead to Dooley's disbarment and criminal charges for embezzlement.

@ MP:

Perhaps it escaped your notice but, the Parisi Administartion has taken a determined stance with municipal employee unions, resulting in consecessions from firefighters and layoffs/demotions from police and non-uniform employees when they refused to compromise.

Again, existing commercial store fronts/buildings are still on the tax roll but, may be paying a reduced assessment while vacant.

4. How transparent is it that Joe panders to the cameras and acts as a bully during meetings wasting everyones time asking questions that he has already gotten the answers to. Like when he tried to embarrass the financial expert and she spanked him back by stating that he already received the answers to the questions he is asking...he then proceeded to fumble his words and retreat with his tail between his knees. Check the tape Joe...you are good at that

How transparent is it to sit on a committee for 18 months and only voice opposition after the cameras are on. No where has Joe stated the he voiced concerns and tried to effectuate change during the 18 months he was supposed to be working on it. And if the committee was not functional...then shame on him for waiting 18 months to bring that to light

And how transparent is it that Claire chants at the forum that "the people don't want it!" when she has no idea what the people want....the petition's goal was for a referendum to find out what the people want...signing the petition is not the same as voting no on the project...Shame on you Claire for misrepresenting the facts

And how honest is it that Patty and Sal aren't being upfront with the voters of West Orange and disclosing that they both voted to increase spending, sell off assets that could now be generating millions in revenue, that they retreated when they had an opportunity to secure an additional 2 million in savings for the taxpayers, that they voted in favor of selling of the taxpayers to billionaire developers.

How honest is it that Patty complains about civility but then allows a town employee to go on a rant and berate a township resident. How civil was it that Sal goes on regular rants calling other council members names.

Patty Spango and Sal Anderton are actively damaging our town and are driving people away with their two faced political games. It is time to restore honesty and integrity to the council which both Patty and Sal are lacking based on their records and actions.

How honest are the postings of a well known, cowardly anonymous Internet nitwit?

Not at all.

I'm sure Team Krakoviak must be proud that most of its on-line supporters are unwilling to put a name, face or reputation behind their endorsements.

Mr. Englert, I don't believe I've endorsed anyone for town council at this point, please point to any comment I've made here endorsing a candidate because I will need to correct that.

Unfortunately you are full of nonsense Mr. Englert.

@ wohopeful:

Clearly, you need to work on your reading comprehension skills as my quote was as follows:

"I'm sure Team Krakoviak must be proud that most of its on-line supporters are unwilling to put a name, face or reputation behind their endorsements."

Nowhere does it suggest that you have given an endorsement of anyone; what you have been doing is hammering Sal and Patty and misrepresenting their records in the process.

That said, I rather doubt anyone of sound mind is clamoring for the endorsement of an incosnequential, cowardly, anonymous Internet nitwit whose posts are the absolute epitome of nonsense.

Mr. Englert, I have not misrepresented a thing. If that were the case please offer facts to back your position. Clearly you cannot and your only choice is to play your tiring "anonymous poster" rant which is such nonsense.

@ wohopeful:

1. In two of the last four years (with Patty and Sal on the Council) the Township has had a 0% increase in the municipal budget.

2. The municipal workforce was reduced by 48 employees last year.

3. The spending by municipal government has been reduced to 2008 levels during Sal and Patty's tenure.

4. The Township did not sell off any asset (cell phone towers) but, recapitalized the asset to forestall a significant tax increase two years ago. That asset would never have existed had it not been for the forethought and initiative of the McKeon Administration that created value where none previously existed.

That's accurate (and refutes all of your absolute nonsense), wohopeful, as is my statement that you are a cowardly, anonymous, Internet nitwit.

Let's look at the facts now..

1. Both Patty and Sal voted to increase municiapl spending.

2. Both Patty and Sal are in faovr of increasing taxes this year.

3. Both Patty and Sal voted to recap the cell towers instead of a longer term deal that would generate revenues for years to come. This helped cover up the increased spending they were in favor of.

4. Patty and Sal both retreated from a 2 million dollar taxpayer savings recommended by the experts they hired.

5. Both Patty and Sal allowed the voice of the citizens to be stifled at public meetings and did not support increased transparency to the public.

6. Both Patty and Sal voted in favor of using taxpayer dollars and tax abatements to fund private development by millionaire developers.

Neither Patty or Sal have done anything that has actually helped the honest hard working taxpayers of West Orange in their tenure as council persons, why whould we continue with another 4 years of their anti-resident stand on government.

@Gary Englert I know I am an anonymous poster but I do follow many of your posts and respect your attention to detail. I am reading up on the candidates so I can make and informed decision when I vote. I hope you would entertain a question from me. Can Claire Silvestri/Krakoviak run for office with a pseudo name? When they are sworn into council, don't they have to be using a legal name?
I would find it quite disingenuous if her legal name was Krakoviak. I probably would not vote for her based on that deception.

I just happened to read this ; " Approving a Bill list for payment { Municipal Attorney devoted X number of hours at Y hourly cost on case Z } is not to say that one thought it prudent, desireable or even economical for said Municipal Attorney to be handling the matter in the first place " It IS to say that if Mckeon didn't think it was prudent, or desireable or even economical, that he betrayed the taxpayers, and this is another example of his lack of courage and integrity . A consultant said there was $30,000 in the defeated 1998 School Budget should be cut . Remember Mckeon boasted of a $5,000 savings he found in the Municipal Budget . He voted NOT to cut the $30.000. At a Mayoral debate, he said " We thought the amount was so small. you would be angrier if we cut that as opposed to cutting nothing " Why do the right thing when it will piss people off . He paid the Municipal Attorney every penny he asked for , but he undoubtedly " Held his nose " or he prides himself on being "A team player", or some other cliched refuge of a tax and spend politician . Mckeon voted " Yes " for a second town pool . He negotiated the 23.6% increase in Police salaries He said we would have down worse in Binding Arbitration . Again , seeking refuge . Mckeon had a blank check as Councilman . It was HIS money,after all. Spend ,spend , spend , and Mckeon's "Good friend " Gary R. Englert will blame it, as he blames everything else , on the object of his acute paranoia , Sam Spina .

@ john anthony prignano:

The only one living in the past (with these incessant walks down Selective Memory Lane) is you and your obsession with John McKeon (your personal boogeyman?) is manifest.

I'm truly sorry that you are such a troubled soul and that neither John, nor anyone else, ever paid you the attention you think you deserved but, presenting yourself (even 20 years ago) as you do does tend to have that effect on people.

They won't want to stand around and listen to you and will try and get as far away as possible, as fast as possible.

@ Jake Freivald:

Yada, yada, yada...pointing out problems is easy; crafting solutions is far more difficult.

Care to share any your Team might have?

Looking at any past budget and/or year to year increases is pointless without examining the history and what forces and issues were in play at the time.

If the suggestion is that any increase or even series of increases were the result of mismanagement, no such data has been placed in evidence.

@Gary for every $10k we pay in taxes in 2012, will cost us $80K in within 40 years. Thats pretty cool for the town eh! More money to spend!!! Yada yada yada

In the interest of transparency, a twenty year-old incident disposed of with no finding of criminality and an expunged record doesn't say much of anything about anyone.

The fact that such a thing is posted by a cowardly, anonymous, Internet ntwit, however, speaks volumes.

Someone once said "if you lie down with dogs you get fleas" I guess Patty caught quite the case from all the support she direction of her failed friend for council.

Bad choices seems to be a theme with Ms. Spango and is resulting in harm being done to the hard working taxpayers of WO. On May 8th it will be the chance to rid the township of another failed politico and vote NO to Ms. Spango and her poor choices.

I somehow think the sound of footsteps following a cowardly, anonymous, Internet nitwit in any endeavour will be the sound of silence...since both the footsteps and the followers will be non-existent.