Tuesday, January 6, 2009

To the Victor Go the Spoils

Fans of this blog are familiar with Vic Scudiery. As owner of Airport Plaza, he is landlord to Aberdeen Township’s former attorney (Norman Kauff), public defender (Marc Schram), auditor (Tom Fallon), and Councilman Joe Raymond’s employer, the MVC. As head of the Monmouth County Democratic Party, he is also kingmaker. Beginning today, for the first time in 23 years, Democrats have control of Monmouth County. For those among the longtime party faithful, payday has arrived.

For years, council members have been rumored to be dreaming of state/county jobs. Why? Aside from the cushy job and benefits, there’s the pension. Here’s how the math works.

Let’s take Mayor David Sobel as an example. At the completion of his mayoral term, he’ll have served this township as a government employee for 12 years. Let’s say he then works 3 years as a state or county employee in a management position for an average of $90,000 a year. Here’s the math –

Annual Pension = (Years of Service)/55 X Avg. Salary of 3 highest years
Annual Pension = (12 + 3)/55 X $90,000
Annual Pension = $24,454 a year for life

Let’s say Mayor Sobel doesn’t get that job and only has the pension based upon his mayoral salary.
Annual Pension = (Years of Service)/55 X Avg. Salary of 3 highest years
Annual Pension = (12)/55 X $7,830
Annual Pension = $1,708 a year for life

So, three years of work in a cushy state/county job will net the mayor over $22,500 a year, plus cost-of-living adjustments, for the rest of his life.

It’s all perfectly legal and emblematic of New Jersey politics.

Of course, this is purely speculative and no jobs have been offered, yet. Will Scudiery deliver? Only time will tell.
>>> Read more!

70 comments:

Anonymous said...

Shameful.

Aberdeen's version of awarding spoils starts tonight. Interesting appointment to Zoning Board - Ciaglia. I don't know where Guiseppe Ciaglia fits into the family tree, but he is related to the Cifelli's (owner of the 2 Centex properties) and the Ciaglia of the Cambridge debacle.

What would Illinois Governator Rod Blagojevich say?

matawan advocate said...

All the Kings (Scudieri) horses(money) and all the Kings Men (Mullaney, et al)couldn't get Scudieri Matawan. Thanks to informed voters Scudieri lost his control of Matawan. Voters endorsed the candidate and not the political party.

We were surprised to see Ciaglia on the Aberdeen Zoning Board too.

We wish Aberdeen the best of luck. Knowing the Aberdeener is the "watchdog" should be a comfort to Aberdeen's residents.

Anonymous said...

Ciaglia has been on the zoning board for years now. It wasn't a new appointment.

Anonymous said...

Ciaglia may not be a new appointment - but still doesn't pass the stink test

Anonymous said...

Once again the hand picked boards, professionals to be selected tonight are merely Normand Kauff's puppets. They live their lives and serve that low life Norman Kauff with a see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil mantra.

Ciaglia, Gumbs and many others had seriously illegal conflicts of interest in the past but no one said a thing. Just the way Norm likes it. As for Ciaglia he should have to excuse himself on voting for anything having to do with his family, extended or otherwise. Not like that is going to make any difference. What Norman wants Norman gets.

All we taxpayers get in Aberdeen is Kauffed. Feel free to add a (c) as you see fit to Kauffed and you will be able to spell what Norman does to each and every resident of Aberdeen each and every day.

Tonights council meeting will be a jokefest with Norms handpicked selections. All hand selected to ensure that the money keeps rolling in to the Kauff Criminal Enterprise. The best one of course is CME and then those idiot planners Coppola and Coppola and last but not least Mike Leckstein who could not render a legal opinion on any time frame less than $20,000.00, I mean six months, which just so happens to cost $20,000.00 in legal fees. Leckstein should be fired just for the way he handled us during the water tower idiocy. As though they all did not know in advance that they would lose that one from the very start. I just hope they get a new tax attorney this time the last time I appealed my taxes three years ago after putting on an an addition the guy was a class A number 1 idiot.

Enjoy your last ride Norman the gravy train is about to hit the station and it is going to hit you square in the face. WITH THE TRUTH.

Mayor Sobel and the rest of them should really reconsider running for office this time. Just a suggestion or warning take your pick. What will come there way this year will be nothing they could ever imagine. As my friend Ted Loud said to me the other day when we talked about the upcoming election in Aberdeen during lunch the other day. Does anyone remember what they did to Brian Murphy?

Anonymous said...

Above,
Who is B.M. and what did they do to him?

Anonymous said...

Translation: You know what I mean? Wink. Wink. Nudge. Nudge. Say no more! A nod's as good as a wink to a blind bat. I'm not insinuating anything! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ona-RhLfRfc

Anonymous said...

With all these conflict of interest appointments in this town it is with little surprise that we pay big taxes and get nothing. Justice will be delivered via the fbi to these corrupt officals.

Anonymous said...

B M so you know was the former Mayor of Aberdeen. His arrogance was dwarfed by our present Mayor Sobel's suggested blind allegiance to Norman Kauff. Sadly I once thought David was an honorable man. After much review I no longer think that after reading much of the history of this blog, coupled with his silence on many issues. The undefended talk of the bills to professional, which seem to be out of control for a town our size is proof to me. What does any engineering firm do to garner any payment totaling over of a million dollars or more each year to a town of 17,000? There needs to be a limit to the taxpayers use of such funds by such a town's leadership. Too often studies and other wasteful work is duplicated year after year just to give the politically favored some work to do. Our times have changed and a more precise and an "only when necessary" use of such professionals is now mandated by the public's pain during these economic times.

While I have not written into this blog until very recently I have grown very suspicious of the things I have read. It does truly speak volumes to me and many others of our leaders credibility when their is no factual and honest response from these same men and women on the topics posted here.

As to the former Mayor Brian Murphy he was like all other politicians. He was well intended from the start. That lasted a very short time and then through a public writing campaign coupled with very outspoken members of the public, along with and some public postings he and others were ousted after only one term.

Mayor Murphy's arrogance was truly his downfall, coupled with a time in Aberdeen when accountability was demanded by a vocal public. A resurgence of that type of accountability is obviously needed again.

I am afraid that due to the change in power at the county level hell will freeze over before any investigation of the activities of Mr. Kauff will occur. Mr. Kauff seems to be in the cat birds seat.
With all of the new appointments the new Democratic leadership the power has shifted and we will continue to pay and pay and pay in Aberdeen under Mr.Kauff and the others he controls.

As a proud democrat for over forty seven years I will not cast a vote their way this year if there is no credible defense of the allegations on this blog. I will be forced to believe what I read as the truth when no defense is offered against allegations of serious graft and corruption. I am also going to be calling the Monmouth County offices in regards to the new intersection on Lower Main Street, as I am very concerned with the cost and the obvious singular pressure suggested to get it done so close to a sitting councilman's home. It is insulting and selfish to say the least.

What happened to men like John Lindsay and Ronald Reagen?

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the brief history lesson of the previous mayor. Those of us new to this town appreciate it. It seems to me, as a newcomer, this town and school district have many problems. As I see it, the main one though is the public's ignorance to investigate politicians and cast their vote based on the person rather than the party.
Sadly, the school board also runs itself as a two party system, rather than individuals whose main purpose is to benefit the students as first priority. NJ taxpayers pay an additional $10 million per year to hold seperate school board elections, so that politics and school board elections don't mix. Apparently, that is wasted money in this town.

Anonymous said...

It is my understanding that the last election had some influence peddling by Norman Kauff. Perhaps the proof is the fact that a serious ethical lapse was committed by Jan Rubino who solicited campaign donations from vendors as well as teachers and other workers within her district.

That is obviously a page out of that famous book entitled Fleecing The Taxpayers 101 by Norman Kauff.

No one said a word in regards to that situation and it seems that we are lost all around. Wait until we see the new tax numbers being screwed with. How much more can we take? I myself and my husband have reached the breaking point.

Anonymous said...

I think Aberdeener is just jealous that Mayor Sobel might get a job (that no one has even said anything about that you're so obsessed with) and have another pension coming in. Why do you care so much what Mayor Sobel will make if he goes into the state...seriously? If he gets hired it's because he's worthy of the job. Also, stop assuming this and ask him flat out; I'm sure he'll give you an answer Jealous One.

Aberdeener said...

I understand the state would pay his pension but who do you think pays the state?

Anonymous said...

The ignorance shown by Aberdeen Friend exemplifies their ignorance and also allows them to answer their assertions and their own stupid question concerning Mayor Sobel and our supposed jealousy of him.

Unlike Mayor Sobel I would not do Kauff's bidding and anyone who serves beside Mayor Sobel or do Kauff's corrupt and immoral deeds without question should be ashamed and embarrassed to cash one check issued by the citizens of Aberdeen for their supposed service to the people of Aberdeen. This as their payment for service to the community is counter to anything close to honest or ethical behavior and as the oath said "to the best of my ability". Their ability is to be corrupt in every sense of the word by doing Kauff's corrupt and immoral work.

We are asked by Aberdeen Friend why do you care so much what Mayor Sobel will make if he goes into the state...seriously?

Aberdeen Friend has got to be the stupidest person on earth. Do you not read the paper and see that the political appointments and hiring of vast numbers of employees in every area of government coupled with a redundant work process is bankrupting our state and in fact the nation? Wake up Aberdeen Friend and realize that Mayor Sobel and anyone associated with the Devil incarnate that is Norman Kauff, are not working on your behalf or that of any resident, taxpayer or family in Aberdeen.

Should Mayor Sobel get a job based on the only qualification being his allegiance to Norman Kauff the thief of Aberdeen.

Does Aberdeen Friend realize what such blind allegiance has cost the taxpayers over the Kauff reign of terror. How about the $10,000,000.00 plus given to the scum at CME alone. How about the gouging of citizens who never see a dime of their ESCRO money returned to them due to all of the supposed changes and created engineering fees and repetitious studies which have been allowed to be done over and over by Mayor Sobel and the rest of the Kauff scum without question one or the realization of the significant cost to every applicant.

Maybe Aberdeen Friend does not mind getting screwed every way possible. But I and many others are tired of the Norman Kauff giveaways to incompetent professionals used for municipal work under the guise of needed work and opinions. The words municipal and professional is the ultimate oxymoron. They neither work or are professional. They are merely thieves who wear suits and smile as they pick your wallet.

At a time when more and more comes out every day about these selfish, self centered and corrupt men and women in politics, when even those who are forced out like the former Aberdeen Township Manager Stewart Brown or Councilwoman Gallo and who are kept silent with special agreements or pressure tactics or fear of retribution, those like our new poster Aberdeen friend show their total ignorance to the reality that is the corruption of Norman Kauff to everyone he draws into his web. Men like our ignorant Mayor David Sobel, who do Kauff's bidding without question and in the most immoral way possible, even after swearing an oath wherein the words best of my ability and the use of the term GOD is belittled and immediately cast aside for greed and immoral practices, all orchestrated by the devil himself, NORMAN KAUFF.

Aberdeen friend your ignorant support of a person like Mayor Sobel proves P.T. Barnum's point. There truly is a sucker born every minute. Happy Birthday Aberdeen Friend!

Anonymous said...

Did Mayor Sobel get a state job? Does the Aberdeener know for a fact that he is going to get a state job in the future? He doesn't say! He insinuates. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

Aberdeener said...

Do I really need to recap how a majority of the council have had their allegiance "secured" by the Demoractic party? Do you wonder why we never heard a peep from Councilwoman Gallo after that the only meeting where she objected to pay-to-play?

I'm reporting the basis for a rumor that I've heard from a number of reliable sources because they've been proven correct in the past. With so much pay-to-play occurring, why would we assume there's no expectation of payback as well?

Anonymous said...

Maybe one way to see why they serve on Council is to ask if they'll give up their 2009 council salary. Most towns of Aberdeen's size do not pay. Last year only Gumbs and Vinci took an increase - but the reality is that their "salary" should be the gratitude of Aberdeen's residents.

Aberdeener said...

Councilman Vinci may need the money. Looks like his property taxes are going up 35% after the reval.

I'm just waiting for the numbers to be certified before I write about it.

Anonymous said...

Wink wink nudge nudge. Just so you know.

It is common knowledge that Drapkin and Sobel both have wanted state jobs for some time now.

Doubt what we know for certain coupled with all that we disclose on this site, and you have made a very big mistake. Right Norm?

Norman and the rest all think we are wasting our time. Good.

Just keep thinking that all of you, right up until it hits the fan election night 2009.

We know more about them then they do. We know who took what and who delivered it to who. We know who signed off on what and who got what. That is some of what you get when those Norman screwed over fill you in. But wait there is more to come. Norm can't wait.

Norm hates that you can be sure. Norm also hates that he cannot control the Aberdeener or any of us who post on the site. Norm hates that bothersome constitution and those pesky rights we all have granted us under that same constitution. Too bad Norm.

Norm does try to stop us but we have one thing working for us. THE TRUTH. The truth by the way always wins out.

This election Norm loses.

GUARANTEED.

Anonymous said...

Vinci goes up 35% I say GOOD!

Maybe that will help pay for that intersection that cost us so dearly.

By the way did anyone start looking into the final costs and obvious cost overruns on the Gerard Avenue parking lot. The one that was s here today and gone tomorrow. You can be sure C.M.E. got their check, which means Norman Kauff got his too.

Anonymous said...

NORMAN NORMAN NORMAN

HE GETS ALL THE ATTENTION ON THIS SITE THAT HE DESERVES FOR HIS CORRUPT AND CONTROLLING ACTIONS AND HIS CRIMES AGAINST THE PEOPLE OF ABERDEEN.

NORMAN NORMAN NORMAN

IT SOUNDS LIKE THAT BRADY BUNCH EPISODE WHERE ONE OF THE LITTLE GIRLS ON THE SHOW SAID THAT HER SISTER GOT ALL OF THE ATTENTION.

MARCIA MARCIA MARCIA

I FOR ONE HOPE THAT NORMAN SOON GETS ALL OF THE ATTENTION HE DESERVES FROM THE FEDERAL AUTHORITIES.

NORMAN MAY LOOK AT IT AS PAY TO PLAY. IT IS STILL STEALING FROM THE TAXPAYERS PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

DAY OFF FROM WORK TODAY I THINK I WILL TAKE A RIDE OUT TO FREEHOLD AND ASK A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT THAT INTERSECTION ON LOWER MAIN STREET.

WISH ME LUCK.

Anonymous said...

Well I did get to see and engineer and road supervisor out at freehold today. While it was not said outright it was somewhat suggested that a certain amount of pressure came from a local politician in the area near the intersection. One of the men even said this same councilman was even there the day they turned the traffic signal device on.

If only he was so attentive to the outlandish bills to our so called professionals in Aberdeen.

With a 35% increase this same councilman may have to start working part-time. Maybe Norm can get him a job at CME Engineering. They have an awful lot of people who get paid an awful lot of money to do nothing. Who better to get paid for doing absolutely nothing that that same councilman with the 35% increase in his taxes.

Anyone know why it went up that much for this councilman? My increase was only $240.00 this year. There must be a reason it went up so much in one year.

Aberdeener said...

Councilman Vinci's increase is post-reval. I.e. his assessment was severely increased. His taxes will rise in the second half of next year when all the adjustments take effect.

Anonymous said...

What no one thinks Vinci will not get that 35% decreased through some pressuring tactic or some other underhanded Kauff engineered trickery.

This is something that needs to be watched very closely. With Vinci you know it is never what was done for everyone else in Aberdeen should not be fair to him as well.

After all he is KING VINCI.

You can be sure he is not happy and is looking to circumvent the process as levied on all of us.

After all he is King Vinci.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the last anonymous posting. From what I have read about Councilman Vinci he needs to be watched. His obvious selfish nature is proven with merely what I have read about the intersection near his home along with his questionable payments from his own party.

Being paid to run for office is the most ludicrous thing I have ever heard of. The Democrats can call it a consulting fee if they want, it still stinks. Then again this is New Jersey and as political history goes, such things are historically insulting to the voters.

Remember all of that on election day when you walk into the voting booth.

Anonymous said...

Is it me or is the IEI complex the center of all things evil and corrupt in Monmouth County politics?

All those so closely associated in one location with the outright theft, corruption, bribery and more that is our local political structure all so centrally located under one roof.

The sad thing is you can be sure that IEI and Vis (Scum-deirier) Scudieri has his very own electronic sweeping device for electronic bugging devices so often used by the legal authorities. I mean what does it take to raise a red flag of impropriety and corruption. After (mysteriously) getting the MVC office contract as well as loaning the Monmouth County democratic Party over $250,000,00 with no intention of collecting that debt, should also have raised some red flags for the authorities. Did it? We can only hope.

If only our prayers could be answered and that early morning sweep of our local elected officials and power brokers could happen. They should be awaken and handcuffed in front of their families and the media, then made to do the perp-walk for all to see on the T. V. news over and over again. You can be damn sure I would record it and play it over and over and over again.

I have to really start praying to make that a reality. Here goes.

Dear God I beseech thee to reign down a lightning bolt of justice against those in my community who do very bad things in the face of their sworn oaths as elected officials. Their illegal acts done while using your name in their oaths of office. Punish them for doing evil against those they are sworn to serve. Please God I beg you to make all of them pay for their crimes against humanity and for using the peoples hard earned funds for their corrupt deeds and own selfish needs. Please make them pay Dear Lord.

Amen!

Anonymous said...

Amen and I agree completely.

From your prayers to GODS ears.

Amen

Anonymous said...

I hate to put a damper on things, but if Norman Kauff were going to get nabbed, he would have by now. The guy is shrewd and covers his tracks very cleverly.
Christie is no longer the US Attorney, and in 8 years his office never got anybody from Aberdeen. The Obama Administration will soon put a Democrat in that office.
The State Attorney General's office has been held by Democrats for years, and they don't "do" political corruption cases. They're more of a firewall to protect the governor and the state Democrats than anything else.
The County Prosecutor's office? Run by a Monmouth County Democrat, Luis Valentin. Will not go after Scudiery's peeps.
The best way to deal with Kauff right now is to vote out all of his puppets on the council. All of them. We can't get all wobbly and start thinking, "Kauff's an S. O. B., but Sobel and Vinci are nice guys", and vote for them anyway. No, they all must go. When Kauff, CME and the gang are on the outs, and the ATM is shut off, then things will get better here in Aberdeen and not before. Starve the beast. But they need to be beaten for several election cycles or they will still be able to find money. They need to be beaten and beaten and beaten again.
This is not to say that if someone finds something illegal going on that they shouldn't go to the authorities. They should! Immediately! But to just keep hoping that maybe just maybe this year these guys will get caught is a pipe dream.
It starts with the voter.

Anonymous said...

And we should pass the word to our friends in Hazlet too. That's Kauff territory.

Anonymous said...

Like another shady, womanizing PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES and one who may have possibly had his presidency bought for him, I too say LET THE WORD GO OUT FROM THIS TIME AND PLACE...

That is all we really have to do is just continue to get the word out. Whether it be from the Aberdeener or handing out fliers at the shop rite or stop and shop, the train station or any one of our seven banks in town...LET THE PEOPLE KNOW. When more people know, more people will wonder why.And more people will question our supposed leadership.

There is plenty of time between now and election day to let the people of Aberdeen know about EVERYTHING that is going on. To paraphrase in part what is so often said SHOW ME THE MONEY (and where it really goes).

This economic squeeze has more people wanting to know where their money goes. I really do not think Kauff's CME is a program that helps children with their educations or puts sand on a beach for them to enjoy.

Allow those in power continue to think we do not make a difference all the way to when they no longer can fleece us under this PAY TO PLAY bullshit. Then we can laugh when they get kicked to the curb along with the supposed financial genius and savior of the state of New Jersey, that what has been our greatest disappointment John Corzine.

PAY TO PLAY may allow Norman Kauff and his cohorts to play ON OUR DIME. They MUST be accountable (there is that word again)y for what they spend our money on. I say it once again

LET THE WORD GO OUT FROM THIS TIME AND PLACE.........................

Anonymous said...

A reputable journalist never "reports a rumor". They report facts, Jack. This blog is developing a reputation as a rumour mongerer's wallow, not the go to source for reliable news.

Anonymous said...

SO THIS BLOG IS ONLY FOR THE SPREADING OR RUMORS NOW? IF IT IS ALL RUMORS WHY THEN HAVE NONE OF THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN EXEMPLIFIED AND CALLED OUT TO EXPLAIN THEMSELVES OR THEIR ACTIONS ON THIS SITE RESPONDED AND DEFENDED THEMSELVES EVEN ONE TIME? THEY ARE AFRAID OF THE TRUTH.

AT LEAST THEY COULD CALL US LIARS AND US RUMOR MONGERS AND EXPLAIN THE $1.5 MILLION DOLLAR GIFT TO NORMAN KAUFF'S "CLOSE PERSONAL FRIENDS" AT CME, THAT THE TAXPAYERS ELECTED OFFICIALS AND PUPPETS OF NORMAN KAUFF GIVE AWAY EVERY YEAR, FOR DARE I SAY, DARE, DARE QUESTIONABLE WORK ON NUMEROUS PROJECTS AND THEIR CONSTANT REPETITIOUS STUDIES REQUESTED TO FILL KAUFF'S DEMOCRATIC ELECTION FUND COFFERS.

LET THOSE WHO SAY WE ONLY SPREAD RUMORS ABOUT KAUFF AND THE OTHERS GET THEM TO TRULY EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GERARD STREET ATHLETIC FIELD OVERFLOW PARKING MESS. MUCH LIKE CME AND THEIR LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THAT SCREW UP, NORMAN AND HIS PEOPLE DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW THE TRUTH, NOR THE FACT THAT CME WAS NOT HELD ACCOUNTABLE, NOR DID THEY REPAY ABERDEEN FOR ANOTHER ONE OF THEIR BLUNDERS, OF WHICH THERE ARE MANY GOING BACK YEARS.

WELL THE TRUTH IS COMING.

TRY THAT ON FOR SIZE ALL YOU KAUFFMANIACS AND DEFENDERS OF THE CORRUPT.

Anonymous said...

You know, at least all of these corrupt people you speak of have a job. Maybe your a little jealous of people with pensions, maybe you just have too much time on your hands. Whatever the case maybe be, I've been waiting and waiting for you to post a blog about an improving the quality of life in Aberdeen, yet you never deliever. You are concern with issues which you deem important that affect you and your own family. Someone should play detective on you and see what else there is to know about WHO you really are.

Aberdeener said...

You've never read any ideas on this blog about how to improve the quality of life in Aberdeen? You must be new to the blog since I've written a number of posts with suggestions for improving our schools and community.

Plus, I've not just "talked", but I've "done" some small things as well. There was the Greater Aberdeen Garage Sale that had about 100 homes participating and, in the near future, I'll be building a website to help improve our recycling program.

My question is why are you so angry?

Anonymous said...

I love the Aberdeener!

Anonymous said...

To the chastising anonymous who belittled someone or all of us for suggesting that something is very wrong when a man like Norman Kauff can have such levels of input, control, input and unfortunately much more with no accountability for his actions or criminal activities is a crime against every voter and taxpayer in Aberdeen. YES I SAID CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES. Kauff demanding a BRIBE FROM A DEVELOPER is a crime when you are the town attorney.

Kauff knows he did it and so do we!

So should nothing be done #14 anonymous?

When that same corrupt attorney is involved and instrumental in a condo development many years ago and when the same corrupt attorney and the then town manager under Kauff control purchased multiple condos each in the very same complexes they supervised and were instrumental in approving. Is that OK too?

Should that not be investigated anonymous #14?

Once again the number of doubters and accusers are far less than those of us who are demanding what we suggest and have trouble with.

What we see as corrupt and criminal activity by those who are directly involved and whom make decisions that affect all of us financially and more, should we say nothing anonymous #14?

So anonymous #14 just sit back watch the grass grow while the rest of us seek accountability and THE TRUTH.

I would add a few of the corrupt Vinci examples but you would just BLAH, BLAH, BLAH those as well.

Anonymous said...

It came to me the other day when I was driving by town hall in Matawan. Do you know why so few people lose their jobs working in any municipal government?

They all know the secrets and wrongdoings of so many within their own ranks. If one goes they all go.

I suppose if I was inside such a building and they wanted to get rid of me, I would certainly take a whole bunch with me on my way out the door.

Make sense does it not? Think about it.

Anonymous said...

As a long time resident of Aberdeen I am blown away by the comments on this blog. There is no secret you want the Dems out and you want in fine, but you are destroying the town, attacking elected officials and you have made this journey personal.
If Aberdeen is so corrupt when they arrested the Keyport Mayor I was sure Mayor Sobel and our council would be in the front page.
I purchased extra papers
I was told the Garden State Parkway bldg or the turn off was on Councilman Vinci property, is this true?

I ask my fellow residents we are in crisis who ever is in office will need to deal with issues. As residents we have no idea the hard desc they need to make. Why can't we work together is that so hard. Show up at the council meetings talk about your concerns not on this blog, Mr Warren remember if you or anyone on this blog would like to run for office, you will need to work with the current council as a team. Or nothing will get accomplished.
This state and country is in trouble Aberdeen it is bigger than
Norm and Sobel.

Aberdeener said...

As a longtime resident of Aberdeen, how would you suggest I expose corruption and incompetence? Or would you prefer I simply stop?

Anonymous said...

That is the problem you say corruption. Answer this are they under investigation?. This blog could serve a good purpose in giving information to the citizens of Aberdeen. Just answer this I want to know the complete facts of the problem with Councilman Vinci land deal report all of the facts. 2. You say sir this website has exposed corruption with our current council members, any investigation
3.You state you have all the evidence take action.

I am proud Aberdeen resident yes we have problems but I have lived here for 61 years and before this website our town was a town were race or zipcode was not an issue.
You sir have allowed this website to become a place were people just talk. I say it again we are in a crisis, if you and all of your bloggers can change things run and then you will see it is not so easy. Talk is cheap.
Ps. I work for the State of New Jersey if what you say was true on this website was a crime they would not answer to you but a judge.

Anonymous said...

Last Anonymous:

"I work for the State of New Jersey."

That comment explains everything! Please crawl back into the entitlement cocoon you are living in. Real taxpayers are leaving the state in droves because we cannot afford the government of New Jersey.

It must be great to have a job for life with nice health care benefits.

Aberdeener said...

Sir, as a longtime resident and state employee, please give me your opinion of the following.

Please click here to see the original story including all supporting documentation.

In 2003, Councilman Vinci acquired about 2,000 square feet of land adjacent to his home for $1 from the NJ Highway Authority.

In 2008, the councilman acquired another 2,000 square feet of land next to his home, this time from the township, for another $1.

All this is perfectly legal.

My complaint is that the tax map was never updated to reflect these purchases. Nor was his property assessment ever increased. To this day, the two parcels remain tax-free.

If you read the story, you will see copies of the deeds and tax rolls.

I thank you for taking the time to review the information and look forward to hearing your opinion.

Anonymous said...

Force the Tax office to update the map.Easy right? I was told for years the GSP building was on his property? And it was discovered in the last few years is this true? So the transaction was leagal the tax map is the issue. Correct.

Aberdeener said...

I have already discussed this with the township (not to mention they read my blog). The tax map is handled, I believe, by CME. Councilman Vinci's assessment should have popped higher immediately following the sale, just as Councilwoman Gumbs's assessment dropped after she sold land to the township for a road improvement project.

As for the GSP building, it is not on his property.

By the way, for the record, Vinci's property tax isn't the only issue discussed on this blog.

Anonymous said...

Give me a break - where did you live for 61 years? This blog didn't create the Vinci land grab, Ciaglia overbuild, inflated Council salaries, hostility by Aberdeen Council to the Library, misappropriation by the school board, the Murphy administration, pay-to-play, Kauff's stranglehold on local politicians in Aberdeen, Manalapan, Hazlet, CME Engineering ...

This blog has only been here for two years - talking about problems does not mean that he created them!

These issues go back almost 20 years, unless Mr. Warren has also invented a time machine ....

Anonymous said...

Wait are you telling me the tax map is created by CME. CME IS IN CHARGE, THE TAX ASSESSORS OFFICE REPORTS TO SOMEONE THE COUNCIL HIRED? PLEASE DEAR GOD TELL ME THAT IS NOT THE TRUTH..

Aberdeener said...

I believe the tax assessor technically reports to the state. However, it seems CME draws the tax map.

Have a look at this.
Agreement with CME Associates for Revaluation Tax Map Revisions

Anonymous said...

OK Lets get back to basics on what and who runs Aberdeen.

Kauff runs Aberdeen PERIOD.

C.M.E is Kauffs biggest benefactor and the largest tax dollar bleeder of all. $1.5 Million annually from the Aberdeen coffers alone.

C.M.E. Money filtered back directly to Kauff runs the democrat campaign. No different in other towns that are run by T&M that are republican held.

That is New Jersey in its most basic breakdown of how the taxpayers get screwed royally.

Next lesson class will be on how you can be the town engineer and get paid big money even when you continually screw up.

Class dismissed. Play nice with the other kids. You to Norm?

Anonymous said...

The last post was hilarious.

Sadly hilarious that is.

The joke unfortunately is on all of us a Kauff, CME and all others take and take and take and take...

Thats all folks.

Anonymous said...

It has been several days and Councilman Vinny Vinci has not been given any new pieces of land. What is a land baron to do?

Maybe he like Caiglia who are pricing their properties at $200,000.00 over anything close to a realistic price. Caiglia must be pulling his hair out. the guy who really must be upset is the indian guy who bought the one and only house he sold over by that church.

Do you think Caiglia learned a lesson with his lack of sales?

I say he deserves it for what how he ignored all of us on the houses by the high school. Greed bit him in the ass this time.

Anonymous said...

Joe Ciaglia already did pull his hair out - but, don't make fun of bald people.

Those houses off Cambridge can't be doing well without inhabitants since they were completed. No window treatments - water non running - appliances becoming older, even if unused. They become worth less on a daily basis.

Poor Joe.

Anonymous said...

On Tuesday we will have a new Preisdent who is taking office when our country in in a recession. New Jersey homeowners are in foreclosure, layoffs and budget cuts at the local level.
This blog needs to chanel ideas to make this a better Aberdeen.
Everything has 2 sides of a story and you are only listening to one side. It is a known fact you do not like the current Government and you use name calling, attacks.
You dislike the BOE but one of your own was a Boe Member.
My sources tell me that Do not make Stuart Brown out to be some hero, hint check some of the things he spent your hard earn tax money on Mr. Warren.
Mr. Warren Have you ever thought about getting together some of the bloggers on this website and having a meeting with local government for answers? Or are you afraid of the answers.

Aberdeener said...

To the mayor's credit, he has always made himself available to me and we've spoken a few times. I also communicate with the school administration and board members. Just because I'm critical of people doesn't mean I haven't spoken with them to hear their viewpoints. I'm critical of them despite listening to their views.

I've heard the complaints against Brown but haven't been able to find a single example. Yet, I know several examples when Brown fought the pay-to-play our township loves so much.

The reason you don't see many posts involving private conversations with public officials is because most private conversation is meant to be private.

Nor do I take a politician's statements as gospel. There needs to be corroborating information. I recall a number of instances when I was given facts or assurances and later discovered them to be unfounded.

I make mistakes and I'm open to alternative viewpoints. I post my sources. If I'm wrong or there's a reasonable explanation, let me know. I look forward to hearing from you and all my other critics.

Anonymous said...

Yeah here it is look into the amount of money he spent when he was employed by the township.
It is ok sir to disagree, citizens are not going to agree with everything that is done, but because we disagree, is every desc criminal. You say Norman runs Aberdeen show me examples to back up your statement. I have heard you rec a lot of your information from a former councilmen and a former twp manager that is not enough, (key work former).
Again use this website for ideas for a better Aberdeen.

Aberdeener said...

Regarding Mr. Kauff, he is the defacto head of the Aberdeen Democratic Executive Committee. I've already detailed how his wife is the one who signs the checks.

Nearly all of the town's professional vendors have a connection to him.

As for my "source", sorry, but I've listed my sources as well and they're either online or through OPRA.

I'm always surprised by how many people assume I have a "source" when all I do is post public information.

Anonymous said...

Aberdeener - why even try to defend what you do on this site, which seeks to find the truth of what is being done by our local government. Kauff and crew will try to destroy anyone that dare disagrees with them. The only money worth spending for them is the money that goes to their friends.

Tomorrow's council agenda looks like a donor list to Kauff's campaign fund. What a joke.

Anonymous said...

EVERY DOLLAR SPENT BY THE FORMER MANAGER STEWART BROWN WAS SCRUTINIZED AND APPROVED BY THE IDIOTS ON THE ABERDEEN TOWN COUNCIL. NOW THEY ONLY PLACE BLAME ON A MAN WHO THEY FORCED OUT AND THEN DEMANDED SILENCE WITH A GENEROUS SPENDING OF OUR TAX DOLLARS AND NOW DENY ANY INVOLVEMENT. THEY RUN FROM THEIR ACCOUNTABILITY ONCE AGAIN.

FACT.

NOW THESE SAME TOWN COUNCIL IDIOTS PLACE ALL OF THE BLAME ON A FORMER MANAGER WHO HAS BEEN GONE JUST SHY OF A YEAR NOW. WHERE WAS THERE FINANCIAL CONCERNS WHEN MARK KOREN WAS SPENDING MONEY AND WHEELING AND DEALING WITH KAUFFS FAVORED PROFESSIONALS AND MORE?

FACT.

WHEN WILL THEY START TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR APPROVALS AND FOR ALLOWING THEIR BOSS NORMAN KAUFF TO PAY OUT TEN FOLD MORE MONEY THAT STEWART BROWN COULD HAVE EVER SPENT TO HIS FAVORED PROFESSIONALS, ALL WHOM PAY NORMAN UNDER THE TABLE AND WORSE WHICH IS OF COURSE ILLEGAL.

FACT.

F.U. NORMAN KAUFF!

FACT.

IF YOU ARE THE PRESENT TOWNSHIP MANAGER OF ABERDEEN HOW SECURE ARE YOU IN YOUR POSITION? HOW WOULD ANY OF US FEEL WORKING FOR MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE SUPPOSED PILLARS OF THE COMMUNITY SWORN TO WORK FOR THE PEOPLE WHO ELECTED THEM?

MAKES ONE WONDER?

FACT.

Anonymous said...

UNTIL I SEE A FORMAL INVESTIGATION BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ON ABERDEEN LEADERSHIP ALL OF YOU BLOGGERS ARE JUST BLOWING OFF STEAM. AGAIN WHO SAYS YOUR SOURCE IS CORRECT. A FORMER COUNCILMAN WHO IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. WHAT HAS ANYONE DONE ON THIS BLOG BESIDES COMPLAIN. IF ALL OF THIS WERE TRUE SHAKE DOWNS IN THE PARKING LOT HOW WOULD YOUR SOURCE HAVE THIS INFORMATION IF THEY WERE NOT THERE, OR DID THEY TWIST THE INFORMATION.
HERE IT IS FOLKS STAND UP IN FRONT OF A COUNCIL MEETING AND ASK THE QUESTIONS STOP HIDING BEHIND THIS BLOG. IT IS IMPORTANT TO HEAR ALL OF THE INFORMATION JUST LAY IT ALL OUT AND GO TO THE NEXT MEETING.
THE REASON YOU WILL NOT DO THAT YOUR SOURCES WILL BE EXPOSED. FOR THE PERSON WHO PRAYED TO GOD THAT OUR LEADERSHIP BE ARRESTED IN FRONT OF THEIR FAMILIES ON HEARSAY ALONE IS SHAMEFUL.
I AGREE IF YOU BREAK THE LAW YOU SHOULD PAY, BUT WE HAVE CONVICTED OUR LEADERSHIP ON SOURCES OR CLOSE FRIEND OR FORMER EMPLOYEES.
HOW ABOUT THIS IF YOU CANNOT PROVE WHAT YOUR ARE SAYING ON THIS WEBISTE THEN IT SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED. NO MORE COMMENTS SOURCES SAY, OR I HEARD ABOUT A CONVERSATION.
SOME OF YOUR POINTS ON THIS BLOG COULD BE VERY HELPFUL, BUT THE NAME CALLING, PROFANITY AND COMMENTS ABOUT SECTIONS OF TOWN TAKES AWAY FROM A VERY VALUABLE TOOL FOR ABERDEEN.
BY THE SIR DID YOU ATTEND THE DR KING SERVICE AT MATAWAN AVE MIDDLE SCHOOL?. I WAS THERE AND WATCH A COMMUNITY COME TOGETHER TO HONOR A MAN WITH A DREAM. FOR ALL OF YOU I AM A RESIDENT OF ABERDEEN WHO WANTS A SAFE PLACE TO RAISE MY FAMILY, GOOD SCHOOL SYSTEM. AND TOWN THAT PROMOTES EQUALITY FOR ALL. YES I AM WHITE AND REPUBLICAN AND RESIDE IN STRATHMORE. MY DAUGHTER BEST FRIEND LIVES IN THE CLIFFWOOD SECTION OF TOWN. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE ATTENDED CHURCH SERVICE AT ST MARK AND PROVIDENCE BAPTIST CHURCH AND WAS WELCOME WITH OPEN ARMS. I WAS IN ST MARK ONE SUNDAY MANY YEARS AGO WHEN MRS GUMBS THANK THE CHURCH FOR PRAYING FOR HER AFTER RECOVERING FROM BACK SURGERY NUMBER 4.(SURVING CANCER) YEARS BEFORE SHE WAS ELECTED TO OFFICE.
SIR AS A FELLOW REPUBLICAN I LOOK FORWARD TO A CHANGE ON TUESDAY. WE LOST THE ELECTION BECAUSE WE WERE THE PROBLEM NOT THE SOLUTION. IF WE WANT REP LEADERSHIP LET'S DO IT RIGHT WITH FACTS NOT UPSET FORMER EMPLOYEES OR FORMAL COUNCILMAN WITH AN AX TO GRIND.

Anonymous said...

Aberdeener, do you lay awake at night and just research? You must have no life to call up all these places, check on people's certifications, and just post constantly. Don't you have a family that you need to tend to instead of taking our town and messing it up. Why'd you move here? To cause trouble? If you don't like LEAVE. Are your kids even going to go to public school? LEAVE THE TOWN PLEASE so we can go back to being the peaceful town before you came and made it corrupt by the half lies and half research. YOU ARE A NO GOOD PERSON and you and YOUR LITTLE FOLLOWERS will go to HELL (even though you don't believe). Talk is cheap, stop talking and make something of it. Run for office even though no one in their right mind would vote for someone like you. GO BACK TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM AND TAKE YOUR STUPID FOLLOWERS.

Also who ever wrote the comment about the nice health benefits about the State of New Jersey employee...good for them! I hope they enjoy their WONDERFUL benefits and pension because they deserve it and you DON'T. JEALOUSY - plain JEALOUSY.

Anonymous said...

Isn't it amazing that whenever someone doesn't like what a newer resident has to say, they resort to telling you to leave town. Well I am also a new resident, and my money paid for my house, and we have every right to stay and point out where we see things wrong with our town. Like it or not it is our town too! It doesn't just belong to the "originals" as you like to refer to yourselves.

Anonymous said...

The last couple anonymous and leaveaberdeen idiots once again think that appearing at council meetings IS the answer. NOT !

The truth is these two Kauff defenders are once again wrong, and we can prove it.

QUESTION If you are Norman Kauff and you have such things said about you why have you not taken action against this site?

ANSWER Kauff knows for the great majority of things posted on this site about him and his cohorts, WE ARE RIGHT ON THE F'N MONEY.

They just scratch their heads because we know so much. Do they not think that many Aberdeen residents are fed up with being bled dry by the Vampire Kauff?

They blame Nick Minutuol as if he made Norman shake the developer down in the parking lot of town hall. I fault Nick myself as I know he sat there like all of the rest of them and just allowed Kauff full reign and control of the Aberdeen ATM for years. Nick is free to join us in our fight and disclosure of all they do but do not claim to not be soiled by Norman Kauff for his crimes while Nick was a councilman and said nothing. Nick has baggage and he knows it. he must repent for his Kauff sins and be saved. Walk into the light Nick and be saved.

To the Kauffkins don't blame Nick for all we know and disclose. Blame Kauff for doing it under your noses as you sit like the three monkeys that SEE NO EVIL, HEAR NO EVIL and SPEAK NO EVIL.

Fight the evil that is Norman Kauff or shut the F up. Those who do his bidding without question are as corrupt, immoral and as unethical as the man himself.

I urge all of the Kauffkins to go after those you think responsible. PLEASE ! Can you imagine the questions each and everyone of them would have to answer about all they have allowed Kauff to do.

Countless questions would be asked of each of them. Questions about how they got jobs for their family and friends. Vinci alone would be a giant nightmare for Kauff having to explain to the all residents who may be present or reading the newspaper coverage, perhaps even TV coverage. Oh yes we would scream from the mountain tops for all to hear if they dared to go after anyone of us. Can you imagine the scene of residents being present in weeks of court proceedings as Vinci explains his supposed $3500,00 consulting fee and being paid for his own election campaigning. Or better yet the land grab or the infamous Vinny Vinci intersection. The list goes on and on for all of them.

PLEASE LET ANY OF THEM GO AFTER EVEN ONE RESIDENT, EMPLOYEE OR FORMER OFFICIAL OF ABERDEEN. SEE WHAT GETS DRAGGED OUT OF NORMANS CLOSET ALONG WITH THE HUNDREDS OF QUESTIONS THAT WOULD GET ASKED UNDER OATH IN A COURT OF LAW OF ALL OF THE FOLLOWING PERSONS.

1 MARK COREN
2 NORMAN KAUFF
3 VIC SCUDEIRI
4 DAVE SAMUELS
5 STUART BROWN
6 EVERY COUNCIL PERSON GOING BACK
15 YEARS
7 CIAGLIA FAMILY
8 CIFELLI FAMILY
9 COPOLA AND COPOLA
10 FALLON AND FALLON
11 ATTORNEYS SINCE KAUFF LEFT
12 ZONING BOARD MEMBERS/ATTORNEYS
13 PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS/ATTORNEYS
14 EVERY EMPLOYEE OF ABERDEEN
15 RETIRED EMPLOYEES BACK 15 YEARS

THE LIST GOES ON AND ON AND ON.....

We are waiting. Make your move.

Anonymous said...

OBNOXIOUS PEOPLE
INTEND TO DISCREDIT BLOG
CAPITALIZE CRAP

Aberdeener said...

In the spirit of remembering the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., here are some of his quotes -

"He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it."

"Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better."

"History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people."

"Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted."

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

"The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict."

"The time is always right to do what is right."

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

"The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people."

"We will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

"When you are right you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative."

Anonymous said...

Let's all move on and stop talking about the past!Today is a new beginning for this country and our chance to move into the present.

Anonymous said...

YOU DON'T GET IT, WHY WOULD SOMEONE DEFEND ANYTHING THAT IS SAID ON THIS BLOG. SHAKE DOWN IN THE PARKING LOT DID ANYONE CALL THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE I DID.
RESPONSE WHO ARE THE PEOPLE INVOLVED? DO YOU HAVE PROOF THAT THIS OCCUR? IS ANYONE WILLING TO TESTIFY?
YOU SAID MAKE A MOVE HOW DO YOU KNOW THE CURRENT COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE NOT ALREADY SPOKEN TO ATTORNEY.
YOUR FORGAVE NICK WHY BECAUSE HE IS ON YOUR SIDE.
HE THOUGHT THE REP WAS GOING TO WIN AND WAS SEEN TALKING AT TOWN HALL WITH STUART BROWN GIVING HIM THE WORLD OF PROMISES.
COME ON PEOPLE LET'S MOVE ON FOR A POSITIVE CHANGE NOT ONE PERSON ON THIS BLOG WILL GIVE UP THEIR ANONYMOUS NAME AND GO PUBLIC.
IN YOUR OWN WORDS MAKE A MOVE..

Anonymous said...

SIR YOU SPEAK OF THE OF DR KING BUT DO YOU LIVE THE DREAM. IT BOTHERS ME THE DIVISION THAT HAS BEEN CAUSED ON THIS WEBSITE JUST BECAUSE WE HAVE A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION. YOU ALLOWED COMMENTS ON THIS BLOG THAT WERE BORDER LINE RACIAL. I STILL NEED PROOF NOT HEARSAY, SHAKE DOWN IN THE PARKING LOT LET'S TALK MORE ABOUT THAT ISSUE. OH BY THE WAY I THINK THIS BLOG OWES SOMEONE AND APOLOGY FOR STATING THEY WERE FAKING AND ILLNESS.
SIR CALL THE PERSON AND READ THE ABOVE STATEMENT AND IF CONFIRMED BE MAN ENOUGH TO RETRACT WHAT WAS SAID.
IF YOU TRULY BELIEVE IN DR KING.

Aberdeener said...

1) I have never allowed racial comments on this site
2) I'm the guy who said the "shakedown" story is all hearsay
3) I never accused anyone of faking an illness

Here's an idea: I've written nearly 150 articles so far. Why doesn't one of my critics find one where I'm wrong and we can discuss that.

Anonymous said...

The previous posting by anonymous states that we should prove that a shakedown occurred in the parking lot.

It happened and once again Norm knows it.

Fact.

Kauff has not taken any legal action or defended himself once.

Fact.

Kauff knows he did it that time and many times before.

Fact.

Kauff knows he always works both sides of the deal.

Fact.

So your proof you are waiting for is in the hands of the man you know is wrong and that you defend blindly.

He cannot deny what is true.

Fact.

So to all of you Kauff defenders stop wasting your time defending such scum. You will be the ones saying wow they were right after all. Stop denying the truth.

Fact.

Kauff is corrupt, unethical scum.

Fact.

So just shut up and recognize the truth. As for the council meeting a-hole you are an idiot. Let them continue to worry as there is more, much mor, yet to come.

Lets try this little tid-bit.

What was just one bribe Coren got from C.M.E. for his boat?

Now you know? We know much more?

Many know now and now you get to think long and hard as to which one of your own tells us. Bet your wrong? Hint- he has been gone a long time and still collects a check. Hint- there is more than one of them. Good luck.

Think long and hard.

One more hint

Norman better like it that way.

Long and hard.

Fact.

Anonymous said...

Excuse me. How does a web site that seeks to create an open discussion about issues in this town create division and discord? Are you suggesting that nobody should question missteps by public officials or those that choose to do business on the town's dime? I hope that you did not intend to suggest that nobody should question why Vinci was allowed to underpay taxes for so many years or why the school board allowed unqualified people to fill positions, or why a developer was allowed to build too many houses on too small a piece of land on Cambridge, and then not pay appropriate taxes on them.

Unfortunately, the newspapers that serve this area no longer or never did investigative reporting. Mr. Warren uses his own time and energy to research public records and to create an opportunity for real discourse . You don't have to agree with his conclusions, but please respect his effort.

On this inauguration day we are reminded that patriotic people can have very different ideas about how to solve problems and address issues. While I choose to spend my non-working hours in other ways, I truly respect Mr. Warren for using his spare time to question how well local public officials are performing their obligations for which they chose to serve. It is refreshing that someone who has been a resident for such a short time has chosen to immerse themselves in the public dialogue. I have met too many people who have lived here for much longer who don't know whether they live in Matawan or Aberdeen and who do not even vote in local elections.

Please don't defend ignorance. Ignorance is not bliss.

Anonymous said...

All I can say to this last posting is


BRAVO !

Very well put.