Friday, May 1, 2009

Building a Winning Team

This week, the school district has marked a positive break from the past and augurs well for the future. We have an exceptional board focused upon academic excellence and fully supportive of Superintendent O’Malley. We have a community willing to support a fair budget. And we have an administration cognizant the times have changed.

On Monday, Liz Loud-Hayward and I were seated and the board promptly voted along party lines for Charles Kenny (Matawan) as president and Dr. Thomas Gambino (Aberdeen) as vice president. The board’s long-standing tradition of selecting one officer from each municipality was on hiatus under last year’s leadership but has now been restored.

My first public act was to abstain from voting on a friend’s appointment to substitute teacher. The days of patronage are gone as well.

The board’s first un-official act was to postpone passage of the new bylaws. Our current bylaws have not been overhauled for several years and last year’s board retained a firm to update our bylaws and ensure they complied with the law. Each board member received an 800-page document to review. We decided to actually read the document and are glad we did. Buried in it were little tidbits such as “Routine daily homework assignments may count, but shall not be graded” or “The purpose of grading is to assist pupils in the process of learning.”

On Tuesday, we appointed Dr. Jeff Delaney to the school board. It was not an easy decision.

Six people interviewed for the board seat vacated by Cathy Zavorskas. The group had two masters degrees, a law degree, two doctorates, and a candidate for a PhD. They were articulate, passionate, and highly qualified. The board members kept looking at each other, thankful that none of us ever had to campaign against these candidates.

The board needed to make a determination that night since, depending on when the seat was technically vacated, we may have only had two days left before the power to appoint went to the county.

Each interview was allowed twenty minutes and candidates were sequestered, though the interviews were public. The candidate was allowed to make a brief presentation and then was asked one question by each board member. To maintain consistency, the board members asked the same questions to each candidate, regardless of his background.

The candidates were:
Sheila Caldwell – A highly articulate school nurse active in the PTO, Caldwell spoke of using a holistic approach for student development, encompassing mind, body, and spirit. She also said she would be an effective liaison to the African American community, that we needed to reach out more to the Hispanic community, and that she could help us obtain more health funding.

Reverend Sheila Gattis – The Reverend was a passionate advocate for education who believed her work with children and understanding of their needs and issues would be an asset to the board. She had attended the NJSBA seminar for school board candidates and understood a board member’s role, responsibilities, and limitations. She, too, would be an effective liaison to the African-American community.

Jackie Farrell – A lawyer who had previously served on Aberdeen’s Zoning Board of Adjustment, her sole interest was serving her community. She promised to serve with an open-mind, unbiased by any agenda, and weigh all the facts objectively.

Dr. Jeff Delaney – Dr. Delaney is well-known to the board as an officer of the Parents of Special People, as a regular attendee of all public school board meetings, and as an education program specialist in Monmouth County’s Department of Education. He advocated reviewing the district’s reading programs and building in-district programs for autistic students.

Bob Heller – A 20-year army veteran and project leader for multi-million dollar defense works, Heller answered all the board’s questions with laser precision and believed that same focus and precision would help the board determine objectives and achieve them. As a recent resident and single father, he also believed he could bring a fresh and needed perspective to the school board.

Dr. Frederik Oberkehr – An Assistant Superintendent in South Plainfield, he gave the most textbook perfect answers to all our questions. Dr. Oberkehr believed his wealth of knowledge and experience would be a great asset to the board. He was so impressive that a number of board members considered him a worthwhile candidate for superintendent should Dr. O’Malley ever leave our district.

The questions we asked were roughly as follows:
Warren – What’s your opinion of Walden University? I was hoping the candidates knew of the controversy in our district and had formed an opinion. All the candidates had balanced opinions of online schooling but only Dr. Delaney was specifically familiar with Walden University.

Rubino – What’s a board member’s role? Dr. Oberkehr gave the best answer – To ensure a superintendent fulfills the school district’s mission statement. Of course, I hate the current mission statement but it was still the best answer. Most of the other candidate’s spoke to a board member’s position as a representative of and liaison to the community.

Hayward – What are the most pressing issues facing the school district? The point was to see whether the candidates could offer any specific examples. Several mentioned the budget, Oberkehr cited the district's AYP (Annual Yearly Progress), and Delaney referenced the poor reading scores.

Gambino – What do you look for in a superintendent? Most spoke to experience and goals but some mentioned the need to be able to work with staff and the community.

Donaghue– What are the most pressing issues facing children today? All the candidates recognized that children don’t have the same issues we did growing up but each one offered a personal perspective. For example, Reverend Gattis suggested teachers may be setting their expectations too low.

O’Connell – Considering a hypothetical situation of limited funds, how would you spend the money? The point of the question was to measure how a person thinks. Interestingly, the responses were across the board, though some had expert knowledge of how to accomplish certain initiatives for less.

Ruprecht – What do you do when someone tells you he has a problem and needs you to fix it? The point here was to determine whether the candidates knew that a board member has no power except when acting as a member of the board and that a board member is forbidden from interfering in the daily operation of the school district.

Kenny - As a board member, what policies would you like to see implemented? The point was to see if the candidate could make a specific recommendation. Heller offered the simplest idea, which the board could implement - install paper recycling bins in all appropriate rooms.

The appointment is obviously a political appointment and the board rightfully considered criteria that would not have been considered for a job applicant.

In executive session, there was no clear favorite, so we used a straw poll to determine the top three and then worked our way to just one.

In my case, I had an open preference for Dr. Delaney, though there was one other candidate that I liked very much (and was duly impressed by all the candidates). I was very troubled that none of the board members knew anything about any of the other candidates aside from what we learned in their resumes and their interviews.

Dr. Delaney has a doctorate in education. He works in the county department of education. He is extremely involved in the school district, has lived in Cliffwood Beach over 20 years, put his children through the district, including a son who’s still in high school, and has an incredible personal history, including the time he faced down the Ku Klux Klan, guns drawn, after pressing charges against a known Klansman for abusing a black patient.

I knew Dr. Delaney was highly qualified. I knew he shared my concern about past school district practices. And I knew he would be a strong advocate for academic excellence and work well with other board members. For me, I had to ask whether any of the other candidates were better qualified than Dr. Delaney and, for me, the answer was some were as qualified but no one was better qualified.

In the final vote, the board, once again, voted along party lines for Dr. Delaney’s one-year appointment.

With Dr. Delaney on the board, for the first time in memory, a majority of board members have advanced degrees. Including Dr. O’Malley, sitting at the table are three doctorates in education, two lawyers, and a masters in business and engineering.

Wednesday night, we reviewed all the recommendations for non-tenure employee renewals. For each employee, with particular focus on those who would obtain tenure, the administration needed to advocate that employee’s renewal. One pleasant surprise was that not a single candidate for renewal or tenure had a masters degree from an institution of questionable reputation.

This, too, was a sharp contrast from the Quinn years when the board was simply provided a staffing list, without explanation, and instructed to either approve or not. This time, we reviewed each employee, their evaluations, their credentials, their attendance history, and their personal stories. We approved all the recommendations but that may be partially due to the fact that no one would consider recommending someone the board would decline.

I was quite impressed with all the administrators, though I have to give special recognition to our Dynamic Duo at the high school, Principal Ruscavage and Director De Luca. Dr. O’Malley asked all the administrators to raise the bar when hiring or renewing employees and ask whether our district could do better. Ruscavage and De Luca definitely took that message to heart and I’m anxious to see some of the changes at the high school.

Our district’s future is looking a whole light brighter.
>>> Read more!

192 comments:

Anonymous said...

Doesn't Dr. Delaney work for the state department as does Dr. Gambino? So goes the theory of no politics as usual.

Aberdeener said...

Gambino works in Trenton. Delaney works in Freehold.

Prior to the vote, Gambino asked the attorney if there was any conflict and the attorney said none whatsoever.

Anonymous said...

Hey- to the person that predicted that Gambino would be president of the Board for supporting the Aberdeener- you didn't win but won the place bet.

Anonymous said...

Sometimes it is not that somethine is illegal-it just stinks of patronage. The same thing you accused the previous board of-not that you were wrong.

Anonymous said...

Can you get off the online schooling all ready you bozo.

Hold the Pickle said...

Aberdeener,

"Routine daily homework assignments may count, but shall not be graded” or “The purpose of grading is to assist pupils in the process of learning.”

What is your point about these two issues?

THE TRUTH said...

VIRUS ALERT

WE SHOULD NOT OVERREACT NOR SHOULD WE BE COMPLACENT WITH SUCH A ILLNESS SO EASILY SPREAD.

WHILE IT MAY BE A RUMOR RIGHT NOW IT IS CIRCULATING THAT A MOTHER OF A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT MAY BE INFECTED WITH THE SWINE FLU VIRUS HAVING RECENTLY VISITED MEXICO.

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR KIDS AND IF THEY START COMING DOWN WITH ANY OF THE REPORTED SYMPTOMS DO NOT HESITATE TO SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT.

THANK YOU.

Anonymous said...

So the question was asked because you knew it would look bad? Politics as usual. you prefess and tout the qualifications of the applicants for the vacant board seat, yet you align yourself and buy drinks with a board member who would make the scarecrow look like a brain surgeon.

readiampositive said...

Parents afraid or concerned about the level of security in our schools need to go back to the TWO BUDGET post and read the post by iampositive.

It may give some of us a look at the past (possibly hidden) problems with administrators, mandated incident reporting and administrator handled security in the district.

To iampositive move on barza is gone. Good riddance but lets move on and forget the damage done.

Anonymous said...

What did Dr. Delaney say about online schools such as Walden? What did the others say? How did they contradict your position?

This ought to be good.....

Anonymous said...

I am happy as a parent to see a good interview process, but---

WHERE WERE ALL OF THESE PEOPLE RUNNING FOR BOE IN THE LAST 2 ELECTIONS??? Matawan 2 years in a row= unopposed. Aberdeen= 2 candidates??

Anonymous said...

Great point. Where were all these people when it was time to run and let the public decide who serves us not board members. We were left with no choices and these spineless applicants with all the degrees didn't want the public to decide on them. Two people get on without an election and five others show up for the vacant seat. I don't respect any of them. Let the paying public decide.

CTYRDAINTHAPPY said...

I read iampos and it was good. unfortunately administrators don't want to tell the police as it embarrasses them and the public in turn has not trust in them. Wait didn't we just get rid of all of them. I hope the page has been turned and we are finally moving in a safe and positive direction.

I'll pray on that at church Sunday.

Anonymous said...

Very good point about them not running in the election.

Anonymous said...

Please explain what voting along party lines means. I thought this board was not a political entity. You said that the officers where voted on along party lines and the newest member was voted on along party lines.

Anonymous said...

What it means is that Mr. Warren has alligned himself with O'Connell, Gambino,Kenny,and Donahue-then voted in their buddy Mr. Delaney. And he said it would not be politics as usual.

PlumberDave said...

Politics as usual with the all too picked on by (BARZA) the mens club for lack of a better term. Has gotten us many positive changes, Dr. O'Malley, streamlined and responsible leadership in many areas, much needed position re-assignments and best of all a ZERO budget increase, approved by voters, for the first time in nine years.

Anybody want BARZA back ?

N F W

Thank you very much.

Much like the Kauffkins. We will unfortunately have to put up with the BARZAkins for a little while longer. Probably as long as it takes for people to realize the much needed positive changes taking hold in spite of the just departed BARZA. As for Ms. Hayward and Mr. warren to get their feet wet. God knows the BARZAkins are ready to pounce at every word and more that may be said.

I am soooo glad that BARZA is gone.

Anonymous said...

Nice try, but as long as this site is up and running the questions that are asked are legitimate no matter who is in power. Move on from the past and deal with the future. I suspect this site will go away if people keep asking good questions.

Aberdeener said...

Pickle,

Homework needs to be graded to give students feedback on their work.

Class grades have two functions - to assess a student's proficiency and forecast his ability to master the next level.

Regarding Walden, Dr. Delaney said we had no choice but to recognize the degrees because the university was accredited but, like the other candidates, he stressed the importance of attending good schools.

The board had multiple candidates, all highly qualified. The purpose of the interview process is to make a distinction between the candidates. Therefore, I asked a question that I hoped would separate those candidates who were strongly familiar with some of this past year's issues from those who weren't.

As for why none of the other candidates sought office, I don't know of the others, but Dr. Delaney had privately announced his intention to run for the board this year but withdrew in deference to me.

Also, I stand by my support for Dr. Delaney. This is a political appointment and the only thing we knew of any of the candidates, except for Dr. Delaney, was their twenty minutes and resume. A number of the candidates were equally qualified but, in my opinion, none were more qualified.

Lastly, I welcome the questions and the attacks. I'm honored people consider my opinions worth their time.

Anonymous said...

I agree with plumberdave. CZ used to pull that "the men are picking on me cause I am a girl" B S all of the time. I also agree that many positive changes have come to be no thanks to the divisive and mean spirited barza group of miscreants. We only have two barza holdovers left to put to the curb. Ruprecht and Rubino are next to go. Hopefully they will get frustrated with their inability to wield any remnants of the destructive barza power and the two of them will take a CZ exit.
Just a suggestion.

Edgeviewted07 said...

I wholeheartedly agree with the post above. I do not think Rubino and Ruprecht are going to leave on their own. Some of us are hoping against hope that an investigation may come on the Quinn mess and questionable certifications. Wit I forgot this is Aberdeen and in Aberdeen investigations, well Kauff knows the answer to that one. Right Norm?

Norm said...

Yes Ted you are right as always. You are a true hero, serving the public from your pc. The world owes you a debt of gratitude...lol...ass

Anonymous said...

Norm,

Still waiting for you to answer the 10 questions.

Sincerely,

Your corruption questioning public

Norm said...

Shoot

Anonymous said...

Please give us a break with these Norm questions, show up to the town council meeting and ask the council any questions you have.

Why is it that no answer on here means they are guility and a denial in person means they are guility? I guess no matter what they are guility! Move on, as I said in a different post, I dare you to show up and ask the questions. Why won't you scared? Maybe you can wear a brown bag over your head, call yourself the unknown anon poster and fire away.

Norm said...

Someday, when I am done causing all that is bad in the world, I want to be a true hero, just like THE TRUTH, and Edgeviewted.

THE TRUTH said...

ANSWER THE QUESTIONS NORM.

Anonymous said...

show up to a meeting and ask away TRUTH!

Norm said...

Ok TRUTH, you got me, if it wasn't for you and your meddling friends, Gargamel, and I would be ruling the world right now.

Ok TRUTH, here it is...

Can you handle the truth, TRUTH?

Ok here it is, I am your father.

Sherlock Holmes said...

Hello Everyone! It is me, your friend Sherlock Holmes, writing you from London, England. I know its been awhile since I last addressed you, but life back in Great Britain has been quite hectic.

First of all, I am pleased to announce I have uncovered the secret behind the blackout which occurred during the school election.

It seems Norman Kauff, with the help of Gargamel, hypnotized Smurfette and federal expressed her to Monmouth County Election HQ. Once there, Smurfette climbed into the computer banks and short circuited the system. YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!

Fortunately, with the help of Papa Smurf, Smurfette eventually was rescued and I understand she has been safely returned to her mushroom home. Isn't that Smurfy!

Now - I have another bit of news for you all. The Walrus Was Paul!

Yes, my favorite Aberdeenites, believe it or not, I have discovered that none other than the most holy of holiest musical groups of all time, the Beatles themselves, were involved in the Norman Kauff conspiracy.

I was recently "hanging out" with CJ, Matt Houston's lovely assistant, and we were listening to the Beatles album titled "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"

There is a track on that album, sung by John Lennon, which is titled: "Being For the Benefit Of Mr. Kite". Some of the lyrics are as follows:

Over men and horses hoops and garters
Lastly through a hogshead of real fire!
In this way Mr. K. will challenge the world!

The celebrated Mr. K.
Performs his feat on Saturday at Bishopsgate

Messrs. K and H. assure the public
Their production will be second to none
And of course Henry The Horse dances the waltz!

The band begins at ten to six
When Mr. K. performs his tricks without a sound

A splendid time is guaranteed for all
And tonight Mr. Kite is topping the bill.
Now, my friends, I have been assured this "Mr. Kite" is none other than our mutual enemy, "Mr. Kauff". The references to: "The celebrated Mr. K" and the "tricks" he will perform are simply way too obvious. The Beatles were sending us a clear message! (Now we just have to discover who exactly this Mr. H and Henry The Horse are.)

I am also been advised, on good authority, that John Lennon was set to reveal the true identity of "Mr. K" in December of 1980. Guess what happened?

Let's just say there is evidence of a certain plane trip with a copy of "Catcher In The Rye" in hand. Need I say more?

Have to run now, CJ is calling Holmes and Holmes must therefore run!

Just remember, if it isn't true, let them deny it!

I love you all!

Sherlock Holmes

COMEGETMEPLEASE said...

please stay committed to this site and its timely and informative topics and input. This I ask of you in spite of the childish and BORING posts by the likes of Sherlock and the other council and Kauff faithful.

Let those who are the cause of the posts be the first to deny the information supplied. Otherwise it is true until proven or denied otherwise.

As for Kauff and his collection of scum there will not be enough denials between now and election day of this you can be certain. They will be running wild to deny the questions and concerns of the public. This I swear on my life. Kauff will be pulling out what little hair he has left before November. Jimmy and Fred and the other two fill in candidates will have a lot of "splaining to do" ala the I Love Lucy Show. I can assure you Aberdeen Voters will be far better informed before that curtain closes on election day this year.

Love you Normy!

Anonymous said...

Sherlock, you are BY FAR, the best poster on this site.

Hold the Pickle said...

Aberdeener,
Do you mean homework needs to be checked or graded?

If you mean graded, I would like to know how you intend to determine that a child has completed his/her homework without parental assistance.

Aberdeener said...

Pickle,

The point of grading homework is to give the student and teacher feedback on the student's progress.

If your concern is how homework will be weighted towards calculating the class grade, I'd leave that to the teacher's discretion.

Anonymous said...

COMEGETMEPLEASE, I always thought it was innocent until proven guilty? Thanks for informing us and the court system we have been wrong for all these years. I believe the burden is on you, if you want to prove them guilty come up with some evidence. Better yet show up to any meeting and open your mouth, ask Sobel the question, ask anybody. As for THETRUTH, you are an idiot and even if you deny it we know you are anyway. Take edgeview and disappear, you and a host of others ruin this blog, keep up the good work Mr.Warren.

Anonymous said...

FYI - Town Council Meeting tomorrow at 7:00pm, show up and speak out!

Hold the Pickle said...

Aberdeener,

I'm still not sure where you stand. Do you think homework should be checked or graded?

Checked homework means the teacher has reviewed the homework and has provided appropriate feedback to each child without assigning a letter grade.

Graded homework means the teacher has reviewed the homework and provided appropriate feedback to each child and has assigned a letter grade indicating how well the child completed the assignment.

If you are saying "Graded" and not "Checked," how will you police the level of parental involvement so students' homework grades are representative of their own work and not the work of their parents.

Aberdeener said...

Pickle,

I want the homework assignments graded.

I don't know how a teacher measures parental involvement but what's the relevance to grading?

A grade is important feedback. If a child get's a question wrong or performs below expectations on a writing assignment or project, the grade becomes necessary feedback to the student and his parents.

I think you're assuming that all graded work carries significant weight towards the class grade. As I've indicated, the method for determining a class grade is generally left to the teacher's discretion.

THE TRUTH said...

EVIDENCE? YOU WANT EVIDENCE. TRY THIS FOR EVIDENCE.

$1.5 MILLION DOLLARS EVERY STINKING YEAR TO THE KAUFF CM&E. THAT IS ALL THE PROOF YOU NEED OF THE PREVAILING CORRUPTION IN ABERDEEN. WHILE THERE IS FAR MORE JUST EXPLAIN THAT ONE $1.5 MILLION.

ANSWER THE 10 QUESTIONS NORMAN, YOU LOW LIFE PIECE OF GARBAGE.

ANSWER THE 10 QUESTIONS BEFORE ELECTION DAY NORMY.

Hold the Pickle said...

Aberdeener,

There is a huge relevance to grading. Children routinely turn in homework that is 100% correct. This is due to the fact that the children had assistance with the homework. This means the graded homework would not be based on what the child knew on an individual basis.

Homework should never be factored into a child's grade because if the child received assistance with the homework his/her grade would be a combination of individual and parental effort.

A child's grade should be based on what he/she can do on his/her own. This is the only way to determine the level of each child and to plan future lessons to remediate any weaknesses.

I do believe homework should be checked and should be used by the teacher to determine the appropriate instructional level for each child.

There is no way to gaurantee that a parent has not helped his/her child with the homework. Therefore, the homework cannot be graded.

Aberdeener said...

Pickle,

Let's say a child hands in a book report. How do you suggest the student and parents know how well he did?

Comments alone won't suffice. What better system is there than a grade?

If you want to argue whether the assignment should be considered towards a classroom grade, I believe that is a separate discussion.

We're not talking about classroom grades. Only whether a homework assignment should be graded.

daBankStBoyz said...

Dr. Delaney will be an asset to the Board and to our community.

Anonymous said...

TRUTH make sure not to show up again to the town council meeting, make sure to not ask any tough questions, make sure to stay an anonymous poster, and continue to do NOTHING for this town and community and add nothing of substance to this blog.

ANSWER THE 10 QUESTIONS NORM said...

ANSWER THE 10 QUESTIONS NORM.

FOR THAT MATTER LET ANY OF THE ABERDEEN LEADERSHIP *YES THEY ALL READ THIS SITE* ANSWER THE QUESTIONS AS WELL.

THEY WON'T.

THEY KNOW *THE TRUTH*

MrFF said...

Hey Aberdeener,
Getting my comment in late but I have mentioned this many times before. WHAT'S WITH THE "ALONG PARTY LINES". I thought maybe when you got voted in that you would work for the people and students and not just against the other "party". GET RID OF THE PARTY LINES, POLITICS AND EVERYTHING ELSE AND CONCENTRATE ON THE THINGS AT HAND!

I can't believe one of the first stories you run, right away you mention the votes were along party lines.
That's BS.
Can we get a unified Board!!! Try working on that too instead of against the other party.
THERE ARE NO PARTY AFFILIATIONS IN A SCHOOL BOARD!
To say the least, I am very disappointed.

Anonymous said...

My best friend was laid off at the county yesterday. I asked her if she really thinks the superiors at the county did a review of each department in an effort to consolidate and streamline efficiency? The answer was immediate. It was a resounding no.

Too often politics enters into such decisions as has been suggested here before. Such layoffs, furloughs or more that may be done in Matawan or even in Aberdeen should be done in a manner to ensure all necessary services are provided.

It is my hope that my friend will get a position somewhere else and soon. I worked with her everyday and know she was an asset that was removed due to a failure to properly review the work processes and need.

I realize this is off the subject but I needed to just get it out. I thank you for allowing me to do so.

ABERDEEN LEADERSHIP said...

Ans #1. Yes, the truth is a sissy.

Ans. #2. Yes, the truth is probably a guy in his 40s who still lives home with Mommy

Ans. #3.yes, Norm is really thr truth's father

Ans.#4. No, the truth will not go to a council meeting

Ans. #5. Yes, the truth, if in the presence of Norm would kiss his ass.

Ans. #5 No the truth doesn't get any (unless money is involved)

Ans #6. Yes, the truth, takes many psychiatric meds

Ans. #7. Yes, the truth does fantasize about Norm


Ans. #8. No, the truth does not have a clue

Ans.#9. Yes, the truth uses many aliases on aberdeener

Ans. #9. Yes,these answers are THE TRUTH

Aberdeener said...

MrFF,

How would you describe the two votes that broke 7-2?

So you know, I have privately reached out to all board members.

MrFF said...

I just ask that you get away from the "along party lines" comments. I think it's rediculous to have "party affiliations" in a School Board (Dem/Rep or yours/mine, etc)The more it's mentioned, the more I think the Boards work is a joke. It comes down at that point to more politicized like what the Dems did to the Republicans while Bush was in office and now what the republicans are trying to do to the Dems. All work to piss of the other side rather than do something right.
I am not a supporter of either side but a supporter of the Board as a whole and I like what the Supt has done so far. Let's see if we can accomplish more this year, especially unifying the Board. I could almost guarentee that if you had a couple of 9-0 votes, people will start talking (good things).

Parent said...

I'm going to agree with Mr.FF.

I voted for you Mr. Warren, and I believe you will do great things while on this Board of Education. I voted for you because I hope you will be an independent voice on the Board and not just another member of a "party".

I am very disappointed that the first item you write on here references "parties". In my opinion, one of the major problems with the past years has been the infighting on the Board as groups labeled themselves one side or the other and then always voted along "party lines".

Can we please move away from that and begin putting our children first?

The more we talk about "parties" the more division which will occur. We need individuals on our Board of Education not "parties".

One last thing, I would hope that your use of the word "party" doesn't mean you expect everyone in your "party" to vote the "party line". Sometimes people don't agree with one another. That is why there are 9 of you on the Board, rather than 1.

Voting in the negative doesn't make someone a traitor. It just establishes that they are an individual thinker.

I'd actually be sacred if all votes started becoming 9-0. When that happens, it shows people have stopped thinking for themselves and are instead simply playing following the leader.

We need better for our children and I would hope your election to the Board will spark the change that is desperately needed. Please, for the sake of our children, let's stop worrying about "parties" and start working to get things done.

Aberdeener said...

Parent,

I, too, would be very concerned if we didn't see a lot of split votes because that would suggest the board wasn't tackling controversial issues.

There needs to be open debate and you can't have debate when everyone has the same opinion. Nor can you ignore the tough issues.

However, the reference to "party lines" is accurate. Members of the board have chosen to align themselves.

As for my service, I will act and vote as an independent, as will everybody on the board.

Give me till September before passing judgment. I think you'll be pleased by some of the changes we make.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Warren,
I too voted for you, support you and support the majority of BOE members. However, I also hope this reference to "party lines" is removed from the conversation. It implys more of the "old way" things were done in this district. Please let's strive for independent minds; referring to "party lines" detracts from that. It also implies that issues are pre-decided before debate, I hope the current BOE doesn't go down that road.

Parent said...

Mr. Warren -

Whether or not members of the Board have chosen to "align" themselves should have no bearing on whether you choose to utilize the term "party" when writing on this blog.

Let's be clear. You are without question the most visible member of the Board of Education being that you run this blog space.

If you will truly vote as an independent, then I would ask that you also lead on this blog by not referring to voting on "party lines" which implies, by the way, that you voted as part of that party.

Either you are part of a "party", voting on "party lines" or you are an independent who votes his conscience. I hope it is the latter and that we don't see any more references to "party" on this blog where the BOE is concerned.

Again, I voted for you Mr. Warren and I look forward to seeing your success on the BOE. I truly hope your election will be the end to "parties" and that you can lead by example by refusing to use that term when it applies to any votes which you have participated in.

Aberdeener said...

Parent,

I understand your concern.

From a reporting perspective, how would you characterize the two votes referenced in the article?

MrFF said...

Those two votes appear to be votes of ingnorance, just like all the votes the other aligned party did when they were in a minority situation, and the one before that, and one before that.... Never have I seen so much ignorance between a group of people that made up the previous Board. Aberdeener, I ask that you bring to the attention of ALL the Board members that obviously the "aligned parties" is on the minds of some and that you run the Board thr right way, with dialogue and debate, then vote your conscience.
You have a new Board and I expect change for the better by the members, not by aligned parties.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Warren,
I would simply say it was a 7-2 vote. Or, if you want to list names with each vote fine. Those of us who watched the televised meeting or podcast also know who voted which way. We don't need to be told "how to think".

I'm very disappointed you are making such a big issue of this. Can't we just drop the word "party"? This is BOE not town council.

I was hoping we were heading towards independent minds on the BOE! Please don't make me regret supporting you.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the previous post. The identification of board members as part of a faction (whatever you call it) can only work to sustain and promote further division. Hopefully the entire board can work to find common ground, as opposed to continued divisiveness that can only imperil the district and our students. Common ground does not mean that Mr. Warren, Mr. Gambino, or any of the others have agree with each other -- it means that they are all open to new ideas and not beholden to the limits of their current belief systems.

Mr. Warren -- I think that people are giving you the benefit of the doubt; i.e. a newcomer to the community who is promoting fresh ideas and positive change. Please don't let the fact that you won with 100% of the votes cast for your position go to your head. I read the voting results to mean that you need to show those voters, and the 50% or so voters who did not vote for a board member, that you will rise above the chatter to show that you can play well with others.

No good will happen if the board doesn't continue to build on the successes that Dr. O'Malley has had lately - a reasonable budget, commitment to higher standards, staffing accountability. It will all mean nothing unless there is continuity on the board and in the Superintendent's office. I doubt that the next election will be unopposed.

Good luck!

Aberdeener said...

Thanks to you and the others for your support. I am trying to work with all the board members. More importantly, I think we'll begin seeing some real changes prior to the upcoming school year.

Thanks again.

Hold the Pickle said...

Aberdeener,

What is the point of putting a grade on an assignment if it has no value and is not being used to determine a child's report card grade?

Don't you think most parents would be confused when all the homework assignments came back with A's and B's and then the child receives a C+ because none of the homework assignments are factored into the child's overall grade.

I am not saying homework shouldn't be thoroughly checked and reviewed, but putting a grade on homework would cause too much confusion.

By the way, most teachers I know do not consider a book report to be homework in the traditional sense of the word. Homework traditionally is assignments that are assigned one night and returned to school the next day. Most students are given 3 to 4 weeks to complete a book report.

stan in the boro said...

Pickle

It is not that hard of a concept. You have to grade homework and give a value to it. If you do not, why would a child even bother doing it?

The numerical grade value, the corrections, or it being gone over in class is the feed back as to why it was good or needed improvement.

If you give it no value- kids as the MS or HS levels won't do it. Could parents help, sure. It that right? Maybe not always. But if a parent does math over and over for a student - come test time, the kid will have no clue what to do. You would hope parents and children use homework as a bonding time and parental involvement is a must for success anyway. I feel bad for the kid who has no parent at home to check or even help with homework.

Hold the Pickle said...

Stan,

I never said that homework should be given no value. I said it should be checked, thoroughly reviewed with the class, and used to plan future lessons.

Are you saying a teacher should grade the homework and not count it towards the child's overall marking period average?

If so, how dumb do you think MS and HS kids are? How long do you think it is going to take them to figure out the homework has no impact on the overall marking period average?

I cannot understand how you or the Aberdeener could possibly think that putting an A on a paper that a child did with his mother has any impact on the child. The child knows he had everything correct because his parent was looking over his shoulder on every problem.

I am always amazed at how people on this site make comments about educational policy when they have never spent any time talking to the people who directly work with kids and know what really happens on a daily basis. Before you ask, I know EXACTLY what happens on a daily basis!

Anonymous said...

I for one am glad that the Aberdeener site is staying alive and most topics are still current. It is my sincere hope that with the school elections over a significant amount of attention can be put upon the race for council leadership in Matawan and Aberdeen. Both should be very interesting sighting many factors. Most of all the taxes and to ensure that all services are maintained.

I recently helped a friend move out of his home in Marc Woods. Throughout the move he kept telling me that one of the reasons his house sold so slowly was not the costs of his house but the look of one down the street. That one and another he showed me in his neighborhood were not well maintained. In looking around my neighborhood in the Green and White Village section I have since that time noticed a number of houses that could use some work. I think Matawan needs to put together a citizens committee to discuss some improvements or perhaps come up with a standard. Perhaps a Matawan improvement program. Maybe COME CLEAN MATAWAN or BE MATAWAN PROUD could be the slogan. Let me know what you think. Thanks much.

Aberdeener said...

Pickle,

The issue is feedback for the students and parents. I don't believe there is any better feedback than a grade.

stan in the boro said...

no

I would grade it and count it. Maybe I am missing your point because I think JW and I answered you.

Anonymous said...

Can someone explain Minutolo to me. He votes evertime with Kauff wants like a good litte soldier. After he is off the ticket he votes for the budget I(see below.) Then the day after he leaves office - he hates them and they all have to go. Peolpe say he is Kauff's Boy still -Is this true??? Is he a shill??


For Immediate Release



PRESS CONTACT: Stuart Brown, Township Manager
(732) 583-4200, ext. 118



ABERDEEEN TOWNSHIP COUNCIL INTRODUCES MUNICIPAL BUDGET
WITH NO TAX INCREASE



ABERDEEN TOWNSHIP (3/21/07)—At its public meeting last night, the Aberdeen Township Council formally introduced a $14.0 million fiscal 2007 municipal budget with no tax increase. A public hearing on the proposed budget will be held on Thursday, April 19.

“We were able to keep the municipal tax rate unchanged from fiscal 2006 primarily because sound financial management generated a 6% increase in miscellaneous revenues, including higher investment income resulting from the planned investment of reserves,” said Councilman Nick Minutolo. “Additionally, revenues benefited from increased collections of various fees, due in part to the implementation of credit card acceptance for payments of court fines and municipal fees.”

Councilman Vincent Vinci noted that the expense side of the proposed budget seeks to maintain or improve the level of all resident services, while continuing efforts to enhance the maintenance and quality of the township’s recreation facilities. “Recreational improvements include the project at Fireman’s Field that incorporates additional parking as well as field improvements,” he said. “Other fields and basketball courts will also be improved. In addition, we will continue our aggressive program to maintain and improve the quality of township roads.”

Concurrently, the Council and the township’s professionals have worked to control and reduce a number of other costs, while maintaining or improving services by pursuing shared services in a number of areas. “As one example, we reduced the cost of bus service for summer recreation programs by $10,000 by leasing bus services from the Board of Education,” Vinci reported. “Privatizing of grass cutting for our parks and other public spaces in 2006 also delivered substantial savings.”

Minutolo added: “We have also been working hard to minimize the impact of such budget items as state-mandated pension increases through efforts to control expenses in other areas. For example, we have kept employee health care costs in check through aggressive oversight of our self-insured plan along with proactive efforts to improve employee risk factors. Included in the effort to enhance risk factors was a smoking cessation program funded by a grant from the American Cancer Society.”

Councilman Joe Raymond concluded: “The Council and our professionals will continue to pursue all opportunities to keep controllable expenses in check, including the exploration of additional shared services, while maintaining or improving services to our residents.”

Hold the Pickle said...

Stan,

What are you going to say when students' grades are inflated because of the inclusion of homework?

Let me pose a situation. It's the week of May 4th and NJ ASK testing is occurring for third and fourth graders. The students take the examination and do the best they can. When the scores arrive in September, the students' scores do not even come close to their marking period grades. Why? I’m glad you asked! Because homework, which was done with the assistance of a parent, was factored into the marking period grades, and now they are inflated.

Trust me, not if, when that happens this very blog will be complaining about how students are receiving A's in all subjects and are barely scoring Proficient on the NJ ASK.

As is the case with all posts on this site, the teachers will be the ones to blame, not the fact that the Board of Education instituted a policy that allows for grades to be inflated.

stan in the boro said...

pickle

OK


I kind of see where you are going. But homework and classwork, I think, at the HS can only count up to 25%. Quizzes, tests, and projects make up over 60%. Participation 15% - my kid said this is by rule.

So, the teacher could then see after a short while if a parent is doing work for kid. Quizzes, tests, and even class work would show this and be reflected in the grade.

I mean homework can only be UP TO 25% of grade so I do not think grades would be THAT inflated after quizzes, tests, rpojects, and classwork is counted.

This info is what I got from years of my kid's teacher's grading procedures.

Aberdeener said...

I don't think I've ever seen homework assignments account for more than 10% of a grade. If a kid is a C student but gets A's on his homework, the inflation is 3 points - he goes from a C to a C+ - hardly a concern of grade inflation.

Aberdeener said...

Stan,

Sorry, didn't see your post. You may be right. I'm only speaking from personal experience.

Aberdeener said...

By the way, under the proposed guidelines, I don't believe teachers would be allowed to use class participation as a percentage of the grade.

The proposed guidelines read, excluding cheating, "In no other instance may a pupil's grade be lowered as a direct penalty for misconduct."

So, class participation could raise a grade but not lower it.

Keep in mind, these are only the proposed guidelines. Nothing has been discussed, yet.

Hold the Pickle said...

Aberdeener,

Whether it's 3, 5 or 7 points it doesn't matter. The marking period grades that students receive are directly related to the classes they are placed in. Inflation of grades, no matter how small, is a bad practice because they do not give an accurate picture of a child's ability.

BallplaynDad said...

The Aberdeen budget for 2009 is a joke. Our leadership will do everything they can to fool the public once again in 2009. You see Kauff needs his payoffs to finance his corrupt campaigns at the local, county and state levels. The easy cost saving measures by cutting professional fees for the Kauff favored is out.

Just a few questions will tell us all so much about who really runs Aberdeen.

Will they lower the engineering fees paid to Kauff's CM&E?

NO

Will they do an efficiency review of each and every department and employee?

No.

Will they cut all other associated professional fees that total in the millions annually? (remember how Councilman Tagliarini questioned these incredible fees at one of his first Kauff controlled council meetings) Since then he has been quiet. Kauff quiet that is. So the answer will remain?

No.

Will Councilman Tagliarini ask any questions along the lines of former Councilwoman Gallo about CM&E and the others outlandish bills?

No.

Will Councilman Tagliarini question the corrupt actions of Kauff and others that he knows deep down in his heart is the real problem with Aberdeen?

No.

Will they do a review of the Police Department manpower and expenditures to ensure efficiency and control overtime costs?

No.

These and just some of the many sacred cows of a Kauff budget that are untouchable. Many more questions would similarly be answered with a no.

So much for Councilman Tagliarini *MAN OF THE PEOPLE*.

Anonymous said...

Sadly, what most don't realize, is that most of the teachers in my children's experiences only check that homework was done. They only review homework if a child says they had a problem with a particular problem. It has not been standard practice to review all of the homework.

The problem with this approach is, a student might not realize they are doing the work incorrectly, or missed the point of the lesson. If you handed something in, no matter how well or poor, you receive 100% of the homework percentage of the grade. Students mistakes are not being pointed out, therefore, they are not learning from them.

And as far as the parent doing the child's homework, I don't know any high school or middle school student that is going to sit there with their parent along side to do homework together. I can't even see it going on in Lloyd Road Grades 4 & 5.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately ballplayndad that will be Mayor Fred Tagliarini. Kauff's handpicked Mayor of the People. What a joke.

Anonymous said...

Ballplayndad,

Did you go to the town council meeting last night and ask Councilman Tagliarini those questions?

No

Did you go and ask anything about CME?

No

Did you go and ask about the police department?

No

Now shut your pie hole, show up and ask these questions. Instead you stay at home watch the Biggest Loser and type on the Aberdeener blog. I guess you are really concerned about the community, you are solving all of our problems from your couch, share your good ideas with the town council.

Cliffwstan said...

Come on anonymous what would be gained from going to a council meeting? Are they sworn to tell the truth? No! I would rather wait for the legal proceeding to happen where they would put their hands on the bible before appearing before the public in a court of law. Until then all you would get from going to a council meeting would be the ability to watch Kauff controlling the strings on his council puppets. I am not THE TRUTH. That is unfortunately is the reality of what is supposed to be the free thinking leadership of the Aberdeen leadership. As has been said before our leadership is a joke.

Many of them will not be laughing come election day. Kauff will be one of them I hope. One final question for Mr. Kauff. Why not answer the 10 questions and end it all?

Anonymous said...

I agree completely with Stan. I have another one for us to ponder. What is it with a good guy like Jimmy Lauro joining up with team kauff?

Anonymous said...

Cliffwstan, if he answers the question would you believe him?

No

Do we know he reads thios blog?

No

Why don't you take your list, and ask him these questions yourself?

Anonymous said...

What would be gained from going to a meeting? How about you could ask your questions, in a public place, possibly with the press present.
If you feel so strongly that these pokiticians are any more corrupt than any other politician, because they all are to some extent, then absolutely, you should sign off the computer and go ask your questions yourself.

SayNOJimmy said...

Computers down again so go home early. I was thinking about our Normy on the bus ride home.

Do you know that Norman Kauff Esq. is the only man that can answer the *10* questions? A man who only lurks behind the scenes in the dark recesses of corruption. His bite is like a potion of doom. Or is he? That is it Kauff is a VAMPIRE.

That is it. Vampire Kauff is Aberdeen's DRACULA and he is sucking the life's blood out of the taxpayers of Aberdeen. That is why Vampire Kauff only operates behind the scenes and on the phone. Then again there has been reported the occasional meeting that he will attend. That must assuredly means money for Kauff and his friends. I mean if he shows up during daylight hours there must be some enticement. You see Vampires like Kauff hate the sun. Likewise they hate well lit places where the public that they suck the life's blood out of, can see them for what they are, BLOOD SUCKERS.

Face it Vampire Kauff you are a low life, corrupt and selfish old Nesfaratu. How do you dispatch a blood sucking Vampire like Kauff? Vampire Kauff needs to be sent back to the dusty earth from whence he came?

Doubt me that he is a blood sucker. Just ask former Councilwoman Jen Gallo. She was enticed by the Kauff Vampire evil ways. Then as proof that he is Vampire Kauff he quickly put his death bite upon the innocent Jen Gallo. She was was bitten in short order by none other then Vampire Kauff. She was then quickly removed from leadership on orders from the old blood sucker himself. How dare the innocent Jen Gallo ask about the millions of tax dollars that go to Vampire Kauff's CM&E each year? Who does she think she is to ask questions about the life's blood that feeds our corrupt old Vampire Kauff campaigns?

No Mr. Kauff who do you think you are? No one elected you to run I mean ruin Aberdeen.

Notice you never see Vampire Kauff at a council meeting or similarly ever see his reflection in a mirror. That is because Vampire Kauff can never show his true image. The image of course of a political low life who preys upon the taxpayers of too many communities for his life's blood.

Damn you to all hell Vampire Kauff. Damn you for all of your corruption and negative effects on the residents of the towns and the leadership you have under your evil spells.

When you get to hell say hello to all of your *close personal friends*. Save some room for your other ghouls that will follow you to an after life of self deprivation and pain. Remember the same things you have done to the tens of thousands of local residents shall be visited upon you. That is right Vampire Kauff. You see they say you get in the after life what you put upon those you deal with in your earthly life. Burn in hell Normy!

Anonymous said...

To explain Nick to me

The last two council meeting that Nick MINUTOLO attended in oct of 2007, he voted exactly as Norman wanted. Including $448,000 for CME (see minutes of meeting below) Then he didn’t show up for the last 4 meetings. The odds of him being in Norman’s pocket are very good. Word on the street is Nick is retiring from his Job and Norman has one waiting for him in the State Gov in Dec


ABERDEEN TOWNSHIP COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2007
ROLL CALL Present: Owen Drapkin
Nicholas MINUTOLO
Thomas Perry
Joseph Raymond
Vincent Vinci
Wilhelmina Gumbs
David G. Sobel
Absent: None
Also Present: Stuart Brown, Township Manager
Diane Dabulas, Township Attorney
A Moment of Silence was offered by Mayor Sobel followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Councilman Drapkin made a motion to add Resolution No. 2007-108 to the Consent Agenda, Seconded by Councilman MINUTOLO
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: Councilmen Drapkin, MINUTOLO, Perry, Raymond, Vinci, Deputy Mayor Gumbs and Mayor Sobel Nays: None
Abstain: None
NEW BUSINESS
CONSENT AGENDA
Deputy Mayor Gumbs made a motion to approve the consent Agenda, all items listed under 6A. Seconded by Councilman Raymond
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: Councilmen Drapkin, MINUTOLO, Perry, Raymond, Vinci, Deputy Mayor Gumbs and Mayor Sobel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
1. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-103 – BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council that it hereby authorizes the following alcoholic beverage license renewal.
2. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-104 - BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council that it hereby authorizes the Mayor and Clerk to execute a developer's agreement with Joseph Lombardo.
3. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-105 - BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council that it hereby authorizes the reduction of performance guarantees posted for Imaginary Place.
4. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-106 - BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council that it hereby authorizes the release of performance guarantees posted for Frank & James Co., Sweetbriar Street.
5. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-107 - BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council that it hereby approves Change Order No. 2 for the 2005 Road Improvement Program.
6. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-108 - BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council that it hereby authorizes the Mayor and Clerk to execute an agreement with CME Associates for engineering services in regards to the 2007 Road Improvement Program.
Engineering Services for 2007 Road Improvement Program: A proposal was submitted by CME Associates dated September 18, 2007 for engineering services related to the 2007 Road Improvement Program for a cost not to exceed the sum of $448,170.00.
7. EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION - BE IT RESOLVED that the general public shall be excluded from discussion held during executive session - Litigation.
ADJOURNMENT
Deputy Mayor Gumbs made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman MINUTOLO and unanimously concurred by Council.

ABERDEEN TOWNSHIP COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2007
ROLL CALL Present: Owen Drapkin
Nicholas Minutolo
Thomas Perry
Vincent Vinci
Wilhelmina Gumbs
David G. Sobel
Absent: Joseph Raymond
.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilman Perry made a motion to approve the consent Agenda, all items listed under 6A.
Seconded by Councilman MINUTOLO
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: Councilmen Drapkin, Minutolo, Perry, Vinci, Deputy Mayor Gumbs and Mayor Sobel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
1. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-109 – BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council that it hereby appoints the following members to the Aberdeen Township Zoning Board of Adjustment.
2. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-110 - BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council that it hereby awards a contract for Remote Sewer Televising Equipment to Envirosight, LLC.
3. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-111 - BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council that it hereby awards a contract for Replacement of Flat Roofs at Strathmore Pump Station.
4. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-112 - BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council that it hereby authorizes an Emergency Appropriation for Employee Group Health Insurance.
5. EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION - BE IT RESOLVED that the general public shall be excluded from discussion held during executive session - Contractual.

Councilman Minutolo made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Vinci and unanimously concurred by Council.

chngeneds2come said...

To ward off a vampire like kauff you have to use garlic. To kill one off you have to get very close and put a wooden stake and a sprig of holly into vampire kauff's heart. Of course that is if you can find a heart in that old rat bastard. The problem with getting close to vampire kauff is it is obvious that particular vampire is very well protected. We shall see on that one. Right Investigator G.H.? Chris Christy may be gone but I can assure you that they still answer the phone in his office.

chngeneds2come said...

By the way at least at those council meetings the council came out of their protected conference room. Doesn't that violate another sunshine law. Wait just a darn Kauff minute. What I am I thinking? This is Aberdeen. Sunshine laws do not apply? We shall see on that one to Norm.

ANSWER THE 10 NORM!

investigator G.H. said...

Chngneeds2come,
You just blew my whole case you moron!

Don't you know that Kauff, Gargamel, JD Hogg and the rest all read this blog?

You just ruined our whole investigation....Thanks alot

investigator G.H. said...

Chngneeds2come,
You just blew my whole case you moron!

Don't you know that Kauff, Gargamel, JD Hogg and the rest all read this blog?

You just ruined our whole investigation....Thanks alot

Anonymous said...

FIRST OF ALL THE REASON THE MEETINGS ARE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM BECAUSE ONLY 10 PEOPLE OR LESS SHOW UP. HOW IS THAT IN VIOLATION OF THE SUNSHINE LAWS. WORKSHOP FIRST, MEETING AND THEN EXEC SESSION. YOU PEOPLE ARE ALL A BUNCH OF COWARDS YOU TALK AND TALK ON THIS BLOG, COMPLAIN ABOUT EVERYTHING BUT DO NOTHING. IF I WERE ALL OF YOU I WOULD READ THE STAR LEDGER TODAY ABOUT PEOPLE BLOGGING AND MAYBE NO LONGER BE UNDER THE SHIELD LAW. IF YOU ARE GOING TO DESTROY SOMEONE BE MAN OR WOMAN ENOUGH TO DO ON PUBLIC RECORD. STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD. THERE IS NO INVESTIGATION ON ANYONE IN ABERDEEN, JUST PEOPLE WHO WISH THERE WERE.
I THANK ALL OF THE ABERDEEN EMPLOYES WHO WORK HARD EVERDAY FOR THIS TOWN AND THE MANY VOLUNTEERS. THE MANY VOLUNTEERS.

Anonymous said...

SORRY FOR THE MISTAKE THE HARD WORKING ABERDEEN VOLUNTEERS.

THE TRUTH said...

THE ABERDEEN TOWN COUNCIL ARE NOT VOLUNTEERS. THEY ARE PEOPLE SWORN TO SERVE THE PEOPLE BUT WHO SERVE KAUFF INSTEAD.

THEY FUNNEL MONIES, VAST AMOUNTS OF MONEY TO CME AND OTHER ASSORTED LEECHES AND HANGERS ON. THEY TAKE LAND DEALS WITHOUT ANY RESTRICTIONS IN VIOLATION OF PAST PRACTICES. THEY ALLOW KAUFF TO HANDPICK EVERY BOARD MEMBER AND APPROVAL GIVEN, AND DONT GET ME STARTED ON OUR OH SO STUPID LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES. THE COUNCIL ALLOWS THIS UNELECTED AND UNACCOUNTABLE MAN TO NEGOTIATE ALL DEVELOPMENTAL DEALS IN TOWN. MOST OF WHICH NEVER GET BUILT BUT BOY DOES CME MAKE MONEY ALL THE WAY UNTIL NOTHING EVER HAPPENS. BUT ABERDEEN CAN GET THE BEST MONEY DRAINING CME STUDIES OF SUCH A PROSPECTIVE DEVELOPMENTAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW, THAT VAST AMOUNTS OF TAX MONEY AND GRANT MONIES CAN BUY. ALL WITH NO RESULTS.

THAT IS JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF WHAT KAUFF DOES TO ABERDEEN.

ONE MORE THING I LOVE THE KAUFFKINS AND THEIR FINGER POINTING AT NICK MINOTOLO. IT IS SO IGNORANT AND ALL TOO TELLING OF THE TYPICAL POLITICAL FINGER POINTING. YOU SEE SUCH DEFLECTION PLAYS OUT RATHER THEN ACCEPTING THE BLAME FOR KAUFF AND HIS COHORTS CRIMES AGAINST THE CITIZENRY.

F ALL OF YOU! COUNCIL MEETING THIS.

THE TRUTH said...

ONE MORE THING ANONYMOUS. I BEG YOU TO COME AFTER JUST ONE OF US. PLEASE COME AFTER US! CAN YOU IMAGINE THE SUBPOENAS THAT WOULD BE SERVED UPON THE KAUFFKINS AND ALL OF THE REST? HERE IS A PARTIAL LIST.

LETS SEE WHERE DO I BEGIN?

NORM, VINCI, DRAPKIN,SOBEL,GUMBS RAYMOND,PERRI,MINOTOLO,ALL LEGAL COUNSEL SINCE 1996,CORREN, BROWN, LAURO,EVERY COUNCIL PERSON SINCE 1996,EVERY PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD MEMBER SINCE 1996,EVERY POLICE DEPT. MEMBER GOING BACK TO 1996,EVERY DEVELOPER WHO BUILT A HOUSE SINCE 1996,EVERY BUSINESS OPENED IN ABERDEEN SINCE 1996,EVERY VARIANCE APPLICANT GOING BACK TO 1996, EVERY EMPLOYEE OF ABERDEEN GOING BACK TO 1996,EVERY JUDGE AND PROSECUTOR SINCE 1996, THE LIST GOES ON AND ON. SO BRING IT ON ANONYMOUS.

WE ARE WAITING!

BE VERY CAREFUL ANONYMOUS. YOU SEE SOMETIMES WHEN YOU WISH HARD ENOUGH YOU ACTUALLY GET WHAT YOU NEVER REALLY WANTED IN THE FIRST PLACE.

Anonymous said...

Wow that is some list. Don't forget Steve Robinson the lackey for kauff and Bob Axelrod. He would be a wealth of information. He has been their boy since he got disbarred when Kauff and Corren ran the ATMUA. Remember that mess. We never forget Norman.

Anonymous said...

THETRUTH is a loser, plain and simple. You do nothing, who would waste their time coming after you? We know where to find you, at home on the computer, crying about Kauff.

Anonymous said...

One of the earlier anon poster was correct. They are in the conference room because let's see, 10 people were there last night. How is that breaking any law? If people show up they go into the court room, maybe you all can come and they can have us in the court room. Anyone who has shown up knows when there are many people there they move out to accomadate them. Show up and learn something, maybe about the town, the beach clean up which theTRUTH never attended. Maybe about the rote 35 project, ciizens concerns, the open shredding that any Aberdeen resident can attend on Saturday with up to 100 pounds of paper at the Municipal building. The fishing contest, etc. found out what is going on instead of crying about Kauff. Show up, I think you people are the ones afraid.

SUCKITTRUTH said...

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!

THE ABERDEENER PRESENTS!!!

LIVE FROM HIS BEDROOM AT HIS MOMMY'S HOUSE!!!!!

EVERYONES FAVORITE ANONYMOUS CYBER CRIME FIGHTER!!!!

THE TRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTH!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I have a few more for the list of people to ask to testify in regards to THE TRUTH scenario.

Mr and Mrs. Scudieri, P.D. Marc Schram and last but not least Mrs. Kauff.

THE TRUTH said...

I LOVE IT. ANOTHER ANONYMOUS POSTER TELLS ME TO SUCK IT. DO THEY EVEN MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS IN MY LAST POST OR THE LIST OF PEOPLE WHO WOULD BE ASKED TO TESTIFY? NO. DID THEY ADDRESS THE 10 QUESTIONS. NO THEY JUST ATTEMPT TO RIDICULE ME. NICE TRY.

WHAT THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND IS THAT WE ARE WAITING FOR THE DAY ALL THE KAUFFKINS FIGURE OUT WHO ALL OF US ARE AND COME AFTER US. THEN WE CAN ALL TELL WHAT WE KNOW IN A COURT OF LAW AND EACH AND EVERYONE OF THEM WOULD HAVE TO SPILL THERE GUTS OR PLEAD THE FIFTH.

QUESTION--MR. KAUFF DID YOU EVER DEMAND A DEVELOPER PAY YOU A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MONEY IN THE PARKING LOT OF ABERDEEN TOWN HALL IN ORDER TO APPROVE HIS BEING SELECTED FOR THE SOUTH RIVER METALS SITE DEVELOPMENT.

KAUFF ANSWER--UNDER THE RIGHTS GRANTED TO ME UNDER THE FIFTH AMENDMENT I DECLINE TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION UNDER THE ADVICE OF COUNSEL.

YOU THINK THE MOB TAKES THE FIFTH A BUNCH. WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE OUR LOCAL LEADERSHIP EMBRACE THE FIFTH AMENDMENT.

BY THE WAY MY DAD SAW NORMAN IN TOWN HALL TODAY. ANYONE KNOWOR WHAT HE WAS DOING THERE OR WHO HE MET WITH?

WAS IT PAYDAY FOR NORMAN OR WAS IT JUST ANOTHER DEVELOPMENTAL MEETING THAT WILL GO NOWHERE. JUST LIKE MOST EVERYTHING ELSE NORMAN IS A PART OF. YOU CAN BE SURE IF NORMAN WAS IN TOWN HALL TODAY CME WAS MAKING MONEY FOR DOING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

SO PLEASE COME AFTER US. PLEASE!

THE TRUTH said...

BY THE WAY PINHEAD I WAS AT THE BEACH CLEANUP. HAVE BEEN THERE THE LAST TWO YEARS. A LITTLE HINT FOR THE KAUFFKINS.

SUCKITTRUTH said...

Hey TRUTH, Did your dad tell you he saw Kauff at town hall before, or after, he told you to take out the garbage and clean your room?
Why did your parents name you TRUTH anyway?

Anonymous said...

Lets grow up people.....

Anonymous said...

Anonymous says we should all grow up. As if the all of the deceptions, denials and corrupt actions attached to all of the taxpayers monies that Kauff controls and gives away, is somehow child's play.

This is serious business and they can belittle it all they want. They hate the fact we discuss it and still no answers to the 10 questions from Normy. Perhaps if they have a candidates forum someone will answer. Imagine that a candidates forum where the people could ask questions. Kauff will never let that happen. You see people might see the puppet strings he uses to control his hand picked candidates.

Good morning to Normy and all the Kauffkins at sea.

Anonymous said...

WHY ARE YOU STATING YOU WILL COME AFTER ME. I AM A PRIVATE CITIZEN WHO JUST POSTED INFORMATION I READ IN THE STAR LEDGER. DID YOU READ THE ARTICLE. ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE NOT VOLUNTEERS BUT I WANTED TO THANK THE EMPLOYEES OF ABERDEEN AND THE MANY VOLUNTEERS IN THIS TOWN. PLEASE DO NOT POST ANYTHING ABOUT COMING AFTER ME. THAT MY FRIEND IS A THREAT...DOES IT BOTHER YOU THE CASE MAY GO AGAINST BLOGGERS WHO MAKE DAMAGING COMMENTS AND STATEMENTS THEY HAVE NO PROOF OF. AS FAR AS THE SHAKEDOWN WAS IT REPORTED TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

Anonymous said...

THETRUTH got a phone call from MRTRUTH about Kauff, well I guess I am a believer now. TRUTH get off the computer and do your homework, if you are good you can watch spongebob and have a little ice cream before bed.

Anonymous said...

Was it reported to the kauff police department. You can't be serious. Our supposed leadership all were told of the shakedown and they are the ones that know THE TRUTH. Their silence and worse is all many of us need. I believe THE TRUTH. If you trust any politician to do right by the people then you deserve to be anonymous. Sure we are all anonymous and in the same manner so are our politicians who are 100% controlled by kauff. For nothing else that makes them guilty. You sleep with dogs you get fleas. Our supposed leadership is infected by kauffleas. They all know it each and every one of them. As far as the new candidates they have already begun to scratch.

Ihave? said...

Ethics quandry.

If a councilman, manager of legal representative for Aberdeen was officially advised that a person working on behalf of Aberdeen had pressured, coerced or demanded an outright payoff from a developer or businessman trying to do business in town. What were they legally and ethically supposed to do with that information? Were they mandated to tell contact the authorities? If they failed to report it to said authorities what could happen to them? Is there an ethics code advising them if they know or have been officially advised of something like that they are to report it immediately?

So many questions for this little towns leadership to answer. Can you imagine the corruption in an Elizabeth or Camden?

Please let me know if any of you have any information or contact information at the state level to answer my questions. I appreciate any help.

Anonymous said...

ARE YOU SAYING THE TRUTH IS WITHHOLDING INFORMATION ABOUT A SHAKEDOWN AND HE REPORTED TO THE POLICE AND OUR ELECTED OFFCIALS AND THEY DID NOT DO ANYTHING? WHO IS THE TRUTH? I AM PERSONALLY GOING TO CALL THE CHIEF OF POLICE ON FIRDAY TO SEE IF THIS ACTUALLY TOOK PLACE. EVEN THE ABERDEENER SAYS THEIR IS NO EVIDENCE OF THIS SO WHY DO YOU STILL BRING IT UP. SOUNDS LIKE RUMORS TO DESTROY AND ALREADY DIVIDED TOWN. THE TRUTH POST YOUR NAME SO WHEN I CALL JOHN POWERS I CAN ASK HIM IF YOU FILED A COMPLAINT.....

THE TRUTH said...

LETS TRY THIS AGAIN FOR THOSE OF YOU IN THE CHEAP SEATS.

I SAID THAT TOWN OFFICIALS KNOW THIS HAPPENED. AS FOR THE POLICE CHIEF KNOWING ONE WOULD HAVE TO FIGURE THAT WHAT GOES ON IN EVERY NOOK AND CRANNY OF A MUNICIPAL BUILDING MAKES ITS WAY AROUND THE WHOLE BUILDING. WHERE I WORK I CAN ASSURE YOU EVERYONE KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT EVERYONE.

THAT IS HUMAN NATURE AND A NORMAL WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT.

GO AHEAD AND ASK HIM. THEN ASK HIM HOW HE WOULD TESTIFY UNDER OATH IN REGARDS TO KAUFF AND OTHER STRANGE EVENTS, WHICH HE MAY HAVE SEEN OR HEARD ABOUT OVER THE YEARS.

I LAUGH EVERYDAY AT THE KAUFFKINS AND THEIR CONTINUAL DEFENSE AND FINGER POINTING. ALL THE WHILE NO ONE OFFICIALLY DENIES ANY OF THIS. IT COULD END SO EASILY. IT WILL NOT END THOUGH AS THEY ALL KNOW THAT THE TRUTH IS TELLING THE TRUTH.

IF IT TAKES A COURT CASE TO PROVE IT. SO BE IT. BUT IT IS THE TRUTH NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEY ALL HIDE FROM IT.

THE TRUTH said...

AS FOR EVIDENCE IT IS OUT THERE I CAN ASSURE YOU. IT IS THE DUTY TO DISCLOSE THAT WHICH THEY ALL KNOW HAPPENED. THEY HAVE NOT DONE THEIR DUTY AND THEY ARE LIABLE FOR THAT AS WELL. IT WILL COME OUT I CAN ASSURE YOU. IT WILL BE INVESTIGATED I CAN ASSURE YOU.

DO YOU THINK THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT POLITICIANS AND PEOPLE IN AUTHORITY HID SUCH INFORMATION FROM THE PUBLIC.

DO NOT BE SO FOOLISH.

NORMAN KAUFF THE THEN ABERDEEN TOWNSHIP ATTORNEY SHOOK DOWN A DEVELOPER IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE ABERDEEN MUNICIPAL BUILDING. I KNOW IT. KAUFF KNOWS IT. AND THE ABERDEEN TOWN COUNCIL KNOW IT AS WELL.

TRUTHSDAD said...

GET YOUR ASS OFF THE COMPUTER TRUTH. YOU KNOW DAMN WELL YOU ARE GROUNDED!

AND BY THE WAY, YOU STILL HAVEN'T CLEANED YOUR ROOM YET!

Don M. Aberdeen said...

I have never posted on this site before and choose this one time to make one point.

1 How can anyone in their right mind not believe the truth or anyone else in regards to any politicians honesty?

None of them are worth a damn.

I do not care who says what about any politician. Ask yourself if you trust any politician you know to act on your best interest. I don't trust any of them and with good reason. The true problem is when the politicians friends or worse get on here and blame and embarrass those who seek accountability. Why is seeking an explanation on a politicians possible wrong doing all of a sudden a thing to be embarrassed about. I think the failure of those named on this site to respond is far worse. If any of our towns leaders let Mr. Kauff run there lives and their position. Then they have sold out those who elected them to be there trusted representatives. That then is really a crime.

Ask yourself why they do not respond and settle this.

Anonymous said...

"WHERE I WORK I CAN ASSURE YOU EVERYONE KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT EVERYONE" That little quote there speaks volumes! Know it all gossip mongers rarely care if the info is correct, they just care if its juicy. Gossip is a patholigcial, despicable practice that destroys lives! And never a basis from which I make any judgement about anybody ever.

Anonymous said...

"WHERE I WORK I CAN ASSURE YOU EVERYONE KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT EVERYONE" That little quote there speaks volumes! Know it all gossip mongers rarely care if the info is correct, they just care if its juicy. Gossip is a patholigcial, despicable practice that destroys lives! And never a basis from which I make any judgement about anybody ever.

Anonymous said...

Is it not amazing that our so vocal anonymous knows everything but refuses to acknowledge the probable misdeeds of politicians. Politicians who after they kiss a baby during a campaign appearance steal the babys piggy bank.

AnonymousintheO said...

I will believe anything that is said on this site about any elected official. It is for one reason and one reason only.

Their overwhelming silence.

Many things have been said and suggested on this site. No matter how outrageous they may have been or continue to be, not one denial. Sure once in a while some jokester comes on and makes us laugh. But has anyone like Vinci come on and denied all that has been said of him? Kauff forget that ever happening as he operates behind the scenes. They buy the silence of our former manager. They just don't get it. Sadly neither do the voters. I hope that changes in November.

Has Fred or Jimmy used the Aberdeener to get their point of view out to the people? What do they stand for? How do they see Aberdeen? What would they do about the CME fees that cost us so dearly?

I think they do not have any individual points of view. Unfortunately that is just like all of the others that are sitting on the council. Not one of them has a thought that is not Kauff's first. That is with the exception of Janice Gallo. Look what Kauff did to her.

One final personal note FOR Mayor Dave. You have been the biggest disappointment. I have been ashamed to call you my neighbor for a long time now. Just so you know.

Anonymous said...

again, because they don't respond they are guilty? If they say they are not you won't believe them anyway, let's get off this topic.

Anonymous said...

WOW YOU BELIEVE SOMEONE WHO HAS NOT PROVIDED AND PROOF, WE DO NOT NO THERE NAME? WHEN THIS TOOK PLACE. I WILL PROMISE I WILL CALL THE CHIEF SOMETIME TODAY AND ASK THE QUESTION. MY PROBLEM WITH MR WARREN HE HAS ALREADY STATED THAT THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THIS HAPPEN SO ARE YOU SAYING HE IS COVERING UP INFORMATION ALSO, PLEASE SIR POST YOU RESPONSE AGAIN. YOU DO READ YOUR OWN BLOG.

Anonymous said...

The simple fact that Mr. Warren or anyone else may state that the Kauff shakedown did not happen does not mean it did not happen.

It happened! The resounding silence from those involved along with the silence of those advised is proof enough for many of us. That is with the exception of the Kauff faithful and those previously and officially advised of the event.

Is it enough to sentence him for? Maybe not? It is however enough for our leadership and Kauff to explain as they are so intertwined.

Let Mayor Sobel in one simple act end it all. Let Mayor Sobel make an official statement at the next council meeting as the Mayor of the Township of Aberdeen *on the record* and end all of the rumor and speculation.

Try this one on for size Dave.

I Mayor Dave Sobel as the Mayor of Aberdeen New Jersey would like to address the rumor that is circulating in our community. I have never been advised by anyone of any possible wrong doing, which is said to have occurred involving the former Township of Aberdeen Attorney Mr. Norman Kauff and a developer seeking approvals to develop the South Rivers Metal site presently owned by the Township of Aberdeen.

One simple step like this would end it all. We are waiting. Mayor Sobel. Just think you could end all of the rumor and speculation surrounding your "close personal friend".

Lng4mthreng said...

Well said and I wait to see what happens. let us see Mayor Sobel stand up for his friend. If he won't that says an awful lot.

SUCKITTRUTH said...

Anonymous in caps,
I'm sure Powers can't wait to hear from you.

If you talk as loud and fast as you write, that should be one hell of a conversation.

Anonymous said...

THE ABERDEENER IS AN ELECTED POLITICIAN. HE IS A NO GOOD LIAR JUST LIKE ALL THE REST OF THE POLITICIANS ON THE ABERDEENER TOWN COUNCIL.

THE REASON MR. WARREN IS WITHHOLDING INFORMATION ON THE SHAKEDOWN IS THAT HE IS BEHOLDEN TO MR. KAUFF JUST LIKE ALL OTHER ELECTED FIGURES IN TOWN.

REMEMBER, YOU CAN'T GET ELECTED IN ABERDEEN WITHOUT MR. KAUFF'S SUPPORT. IF THAT ISN'T TRUE, WHERE ARE THE DENIALS.

I FIND IT VERY INTERESTING THAT MR. WARREN WAS ALL ANTI-KAUFF PRIOR TO HIS DECISION TO RUN FOR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. NOW HE GETS ELECTED, MYSTERIOUSLY WITHOUT ANY OPPOSITION, AND NOW HE NO LONGER DOES INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING ABOUT THE TOWNSHIP.

COINCIDENCE? I THINK NOT!

YOU CAN'T TRUST ANYONE WHO IS ELECTED. MR. WARREN IS NO EXCEPTION!

Aberdeener said...

Fascinating how people seek to discredit me through misrepresentation.

I detailed the allegations against Mr. Kauff and stated I never witnessed any proof.

To suggest I've done more or less would be inaccurate.

Anonymous said...

Aberdeener -

According to the Truth, EVERYONE knows that the allegations against Kauff related to the parking lot shakedown are true and the evidence is abundant.

If this is the case, how can you possibly not have evidence of it?

Please explain!

Aberdeener said...

Ask any employee in the township and they all "know" of the "shakedown". That doesn't mean it happened.

I've never seen the "letter" to prove there's even an allegation.

At best, all we'll ever have is an accusation from a developer.

Each person can determine on his own whether to give Kauff the benefit of the doubt.

Personally, I feel there's so much hard evidence of improprieties, why dabble in allegations that can't be proven.

An Inquiring Mind said...

Aberdeener-

You state in your message that all we have is an "accusation from a developer." This seems to imply that you've personally heard this accusation by the developer. Is that the case?

Or is even the "accusation" itself only an unsubstantiated rumor.

Thanks,
An Inquiring Mind

Aberdeener said...

Sorry, I meant to imply that even if we had sworn testimony from the developer, it would still be just an accusation.

I've never spoken to the developer.

An Inquiring Mind said...

Enough is enough with this silliness about a shakedown. No evidence exists nor have any accusations been made. This is all just silliness.

I agree with the Aberdeener, there are enough problems in Aberdeener for us to deal with than to keep coming back to an incident which in all probability never happened.

PinehurstDon said...

OK lets try it again.

Nixon did not know about the tapes, Clinton said there was no dress with a shmear, JFK never cheated on his wife, Bob Toricelli is just an honest guy, Frank Lautenberg is not feeble, Sen. Joe Vas did not help his personal driver get a condo ahead of those in need, McGreevey just liked having young men in his office as decoration and finally Norman Kauff is just a man unelected by the people of Aberdeen who is somehow just a concerned resident and he knows how to negotiate development better then anyone else in Aberdeen. And our town leadership just so happens to allow it without question because he does it for free.

I cannot wait for the next sadsack excuse from those who know KAUFF IS GUILTY.

Anonymous said...

As a long term employee of Aberdeen I could tell you I do not know of any shakedown with a developer. If you think their is corruption on the council why didn't Chris Christie when he was arresting everyone find anything on them. He found some evidence on Minutolo that is why he was not asked to run. If he had something on them he would have taken them down, so stop the garbage unless you have proof. By the way Kauff was in town hall teh other day, he came to pay his taxes, what a crime.

SUCKITTRUTHU2PINEHURST said...

I don't care what you say long time town employee!!

If THE TRUTH, and his girlfriend (or alias) you decide, Pinehurst Don, say Norman's guilty, then it MUST be THE TRUTH...LOL those too asses make me laugh.

Anonymous said...

Aberdeener -

For the record, I am also an employee of the Township and, other than from constant references on this blog, I have never heard of the parking lot shakedown.

The first place I ever heard of the alleged shakedown was on this blog a few months back. I did ask some of my fellow employees, and none of them had ever heard of it either.

This isn't the "common knowledge" in the township offices that you have claimed. Just wanted to set the record straight.

Aberdeener said...

Thx for setting the record straight.

I've spoken with a number of township employees who, independently, told me about it.

That, and the multiple references on this blog, lead me to believe the story is widespread in the township but apparently not as widespread as I thought.

Anonymous said...

Does it take an hour + meeting with the Township Manager behind closed doors to pay your taxes? That's why Kauff was going to town hall and he paid his taxes while he was there. It's a small building and eyes are everywhere.

Edgeviewted07 said...

Kauff was inside the municipal building for over an hour? Did anyone see any representative from CM&E at the same time? Did anybody see a BRINKS armored car pull up and remove the latest excessive payment for the far too often unnecessary and extremely overpriced work performed by CM&E. Far too often the work by CM&E is little more then busy work given to CM&E and others that often merely gives more campaign funding to Kauff and crew. On the back of the taxpayers of course.

I hear it was over three hours that Kauff was in town hall. What did he pay his taxes with pennies? Did they have to count each and every one? Was that why he was in the building so long? That is right Normy everybody watches you!

The next post will be a Kauffkin blaming us and calling us liars.

Still waiting for the 10 questions to be answered as well as the official denial from the mayor.

Tick Tock Tick Tock*****

DisgrcflDemocraticPty said...

Rumor also has it there are bets on whether a hostile work environment lawsuit will get filed before a whistleblower lawsuit does.

Mark Coren where are you when we need you?

PinehurstDon said...

It seems that all is not Kauffriendly inside town hall. First he is seen there by a dad that gets laughed at by Kauffkins. Now it seems that even the insiders are growing tired of the Kauffpresence within town hall.

It is taking hold.

We are waiting on the 10.

Normy I am sorry I missed you yesterday at town hall. Let me know the next time you pay your taxes. I have a few questions for you. 10 to be exact.

Anonymous said...

Who are you kidding pinehurst? You are an anonymous coward spewing accusations over the internet. You don't have the balls to confront Kauff in person.

Bill@WarrenDr. said...

Been gone for a while and everything is the same. They still speak of us confronting Kauff over his corrupt and evil ways. Wouldn't that not come under the ethics instruction received and sworn to by our elected council people. You see instruction is given to each of them that is mandated by the state as soon as they get elected. It is mandated under official ethics courses they HAVE TO ATTEND. You see they are not just mandated to report Kauff for the parking lot shakedown it is their official duty. I would also suggest they are criminally liable for not reporting it. That would be due to their first hand knowledge of Kauff's crimes. Yes I said crimes. Demanding a payoff or advising a developer that this is the law firm you will use and this is the price is a crime. I love the response though from the developer. What was it Norm? Oh yeah the developer said "I have in house counsel".

Norman Kauff is 100% a criminal.

Some may say it is just pay to play. Others in a court of law and seated as a jury may say it is corruption pure and simple. We shall see.

By the way anyone who needs to speak to our favorite investigator he is back at work again. Same telephone number and the same office at Gateway 1 in Newark. He said his vacation was relaxing and he is anxious to get back to work.

Keep doubting that the 17000+ residents in Aberdeen won't find out about who Norman Kauff really is and what he has done to their Aberdeen. Keep toying with the 100+ employees facing layoffs and furloughs all because you have put your greed before them. Their is a price to be paid for such official misconduct.

It is called a prison sentence.

Anonymous said...

yawn

Anonymous said...

Yawn all you want but our present leadership is worried every single day about the Aberdeener website and all of us. It is just like a game of hide and seek. They hide from all of us and we keep shining the light of corruption upon them.

THE TRUTH said...

TICK

TOCK

TICK

TOCK

TICK

TOCK

NORM

WE ARE WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWERS TO THE 10 QUESTIONS.

MAYOR SOBEL

WE WONDER IF YOU ARE GOING TO STAND UP AND MAKE A PUBLIC STATEMENT TO EXONERATE YOUR *CLOSE PERSONAL FRIEND*?

YOU KNOW IF ONE DOESN'T DO IT WE GET TO CONTINUE TO PUBLICIZE THE CORRUPTION OF THE THE GREAT NORMAN KAUFF ESQ. AND HIS CRONIES.

IF THE OTHER DOESN'T DO THE RIGHT THING AND STAND UP FOR HIS *CLOSE PERSONAL FRIEND*. WE GET TO WONDER HOW *CLOSE* THEY REALLY ARE.

Anonymous said...

TICK



TOCK

TRUTH

YOU

STILL

ARE

A

HOMO

THE TRUTH said...

I AM AMAZED AT THE CHILDISHNESS OF SOME. THEY PLAY SILLY GAMES WHEN OTHERS ARE SPEAKING OF CORRUPTION, IMPROPER FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND MISUSE OF TAXPAYER FUNDS. SOME BELITTLE THOSE WHO KNOW THE FACTS YET SAY NOTHING AGAINST THOSE WHOSE SILENCE SPEAKS LOUDLY OF THEIR GUILT OR COMPLICITY.

THE TRUTH said...

STOP MAKING FUN OF ME OR I'M GONNA TELL MY DAD!!!!

EdgeviewTed07 said...

I ask the not so brave anonymous a couple questions. Try to answer them seriously.

Q) Name a politician in Aberdeen that you would let babysit your kids? Name a politician you would let watch your house? Name a politician you would trust your quality of life too? Name a politician you would let control your financial future?

My answer would be none.

I'll await your response.

Aren't the ones we elected and who sit on the council supposed to lead? They don't since it is obvious we at present have a council who allows an unelected man to run and control every aspect of our lives and our financial futures. Stupid me I thought that would be the reasons we elected them.

Why not just let Kauff be the manager? He controls all of them anyway. He says jump. And they all say how high.

Keep defending the scum of Aberdeen? You should be so proud of yourself.

Questionitall said...

I thought I would check in early and get ahead of all of the others who may want to express themselves.

Happy MOTHERS Day to Norman Kauff.

After all Norman I am sure you have been called a MOTHER......before.

Answer the 10 questions.

Anonymous said...

Happy mothers day to Kauff. I wish I had thought of that one first.

FreneauGustav said...

Hey normy. My wife is waking up to breakfast in bed. I hope you wake up to guilt in bed.

Happy mothers day normy.

THE TRUTH said...

IF YOU HAVE NOTHING TO DO THIS WEEK I RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING.

GOOGLE THE NAME NORMAN KAUFF OR NORMAN KAUFF ESQ. AND SEE WHAT COMES UP.

TO QUOTE A LAUGH IN TV SHOW CHARACTER " VERY INTERESTING".

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL.

NOT YOU NORM.

ALTHOUGH I WOULD HAVE TO ADMIT THAT WHEN I DO SPEAK OF NORM I OFTEN USE THE WORD MOTHER IN ADVANCE OF HIS NAME. OF COURSE IT IS ONLY PART OF THE WORDS I USE ABOUT HIM. I OFTEN SAY YOU KNOW THAT MOTHER****** NORMAN KAUFF.

FEEL FREE TO FILL IN THE BLANK.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know if the developmental czar is back in Aberdeen? I thought I saw him driving in a Lexus on thirty four.

With Stuart Brown canned by Normy maybe it is time for the return of the once and despised Mark Corren.

Just a thought. Discuss amongst yourselves.

Anonymous said...

I gotta laugh at the last post. That makes me remember when Kauff hired Stewart Brown. Right away our Mayor Soble crowed about all of Browns developmental experience. Then Kauff tried to bring in Mark Coren to be the "developmental man on the inside" Put there only to protect all of Kauffs money interests for the Anchor Glass project. Coren would have bee put there to control the money flow for Kauff, Scudeiri, C.M.E. and all the rest of the hangers on that feed off of the Kauff teit.

Corren did not know spit about development. Unless it was how much he and Kauff could make off of it. Just like the townhouses they grafted off of the 34 project years ago. Right Norm? Right Mark?

Anonymous said...

I goofed and I am confused. Is it Corren Or Coren. I just don't know. In my last post I put it both ways just so I could maybe be corrected by the grammar police fo the Kauffkins. I supposed it would just be easier to just put Kauff's recently retired bagman instead of Corren/Coren. I guess?

Anonymous said...

again, show up and ask Sobel the question yourself TRUTH, maybe daddy can drive you to the next town council meeting. Maybe he can hold your hand as you have to stand up and state your name and address, theTUTH won't do. Grow a pair, show up and ask away!

Anonymous said...

Hey if anybody does see Mark Coren ask him how the generator for his sailboat is working out.

Yeah we heard about that one too.

Working on who paid for it next.

It wasn't Normy. That much we know.

Anonymous said...

Don't hold back on this generator thing with Coren. I never liked him.
Keep us updated on this.

Edgeviewted07 said...

I cannot believe yet another possible corrupt act by the former town manager. A generator what the F. is going on. The council must have known back then.

LisaSFe said...

Still waiting for the Mayor to stand up for Kauff. Some Friend?

Anonymous said...

LisaFE, show up to the town council meeting and ask Sobel. Maybe you PINETREEDAD and theTRUTHjr can car pool over there and ask. Tuesday, May 19th at 7:00pm at the Municapl Building.

THETRUTH said...

THE COUNCIL KNOWS EVERYTHING. THEY JUST HIDE FROM THE TRUTH. IT IS JUST THAT SIMPLE. THEY KNOW FULL WEEL WHAT THEIR KAUFF DOES. THEY JUST OWE HIM FOR ONLY GOD KNOWS.

PinehurstDon said...

Hey David was there a falling out between you and Norm?

David said...

No, we still get along just fine. Are you and the TRUTH still having an affair?

Anonymous said...

Hey pinetreedingdong, show up and ask him, bring thedementedtruth and maybe his dad will buy you icecream after the meeting.

THE TRUTH said...

I LOVE IT HOW ALL OF THE ANONYMOUS COMEDIANS ARE SO QUICK TO INVITE US TO COUNCIL MEETINGS. BUT THEY NEVER ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS, ALLEGATIONS OR REPEATED EXAMPLES OF CORRUPTION THAT WE PROVIDE. THEY ARE JUST TYPICAL POLITICIANS AND HANGERS ON WHO ALLOW THEIR LEECHES TO RESPOND.OR IS IT NORMAN KAUFF HIMSELF RESPONDING?

I MEAN COME ON THE VINCI LAND DEALS AND NOTHING. THE CONDOS FOR COREN AND KAUFF AND NOTHING. THE MILLIONS TO CME AND NOTHING. NOTHING IS WHAT OUR LEADERSHIP IS WORTH.

WHILE I AM AT IT WHAT WAS THIS ABOUT A GENERATOR?

WHILE I AM OFTEN TOLD MUCH OF WHAT GOES ON AROUND TOWN. THIS ONE I DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT. IT SOUNDS TYPICAL OF COURSE OF COREN. IT IS JUST SOMETHING ELSE OUR LEADERSHIP PROBABLY KNOWS ALL ABOUT. BUT ONCE AGAIN DEAD SILENCE FROM OUR CORRUPT COUNCILMEN AND WOMEN. SORRY WOMAN SINCE JANICE GOT THE KAUFF BOOT.

SLEEP WELL AMERICA YOUR CORRUPT POLITICAL LEADERSHIP IS WIDE AWAKE AND PLANNING TO TAKE ALL OF THE REST OF YOUR MONEY.

SUCKITTRUTH said...

HEY NONTRUTH! WHO IS WE? THE ONLY THING YOU BRING HERE IS A TIRED OLD RUMOR ABOUT A SHAKEDOWN AND YOUR OTHER INSANE RANTINGS ABOUT THE MAN YOU APPARENTLY HAVE A SECRET CRUSH ON!

THE TRUTH said...

ONCE AGAIN THE IGNORANT IMMEDIATELY PROVE MY POINT. DID THEY ANSWER ONE ALLEGATION? NO. DID THEY EXPLAIN HOW VINCI GOT NOT ONE BUT TWO PIECES OF PROPERTY FOR NOTHING? I FORGOT IT WAS A DOLAR EACH. DID THEY ADDRESS THE GENERATOR? NO.

THEY JUST KEEP INVITING US TO COUNCIL MEETINGS. BUT YOU BETTER START PLANNING ON WHAT KAUFF WILL DO IF THE REPUBLICANS IN SOME MIRACLE WIN CONTROL. SURE ITS A LONG SHOT I'LL ADMIT IT. BUT IT IS A MUCH LONGER SHOT AS INVESTIGATOR TOM H. OUT OF THE NEWARK OFFICE KNOCKING ON THE FRONT DOORS IN THE EARLY MORNING OF THE KAUFF CREW.

NORM THEY ARE GETTING CLOSE. BETTER PUT ON A LITTLE MORE MENNEN DEODERANT ON FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS. TELL VIC TO KEEP HIS PASSPORT ON HIM TOO. VIC MIGHT NEED TO GO UNDERGROUND OR HIT THE MATTRESSES. RIGHT VINNY?

Anonymous said...

Now we are tlking about Coren, can we move on? TRUTH do something about it, you act like you are well connected. I agree go to a council meeting and do something about it.

Anonymous said...

thetruth, you do nothing! I think you keep getting invited to the meetings to say something. Are you afriad? Maybe your dad can go and hold your hand? Go to a meeting, stand up, state your name and address and fire away. Call the press, ask your friend to go. Write letters to the press, do something, anything. Have you tried to do something?

Anonymous said...

Mr. Warren, you promised us change, and the first thing you post is about votes along party lines. Looks like business as usual. The only good thing about a 7-2 majority is we know where to place the accountability when things start to go wrong.

SUCKITTRUTH said...

TRUTH,

Kauff has probably done some illegal things over the years, Vinci and Gumbs are probably corrupt, Coren is most likely a scumbag....YOU, TRUTH, ARE DEFINITELY A MORON!!The same goes for your alter egos, Edgehead and Pinetree.

Aberdeen shouldknowTHE TRUTH said...

How is it the truth is a moron? Are you who post from the far reaching regions of complacency not far worse? How is it that THE TRUTH lets you know that these things have happened and all you can do is attack THE TRUTH for doing so? How is it you are not outraeged that these things can go on and your leadership hides it from the very same public they are supposed to represent?

So many questions but yet you will not answer one of them. I side with THE TRUTH. You you need to realize your leadership fails you each and every day. The fact that THE TRUTH points it out and riles them up is all of the proof many of us need to know what is said by tHE TRUTH is just that THE TRUTH.

Should no one look into any of this? Should Mr. Kauff and others just be allowed to plunder the hard earned tax dollars of Aberdeen?

Answer just one of these questions with more then an invitation to a council meeting for once. Show some fortitude all you people who seem to just let corruptive politics happen. It is not right and it needs to stop.

I side with THE TRUTH. Why don't you? Afraid to be found out as a member of the corrupt kauff army?

Anonymous said...

Nice try truth. It is painfully obvious that you wrote the last reply.

Anonymous said...

TRUTH nad all or your alias', how do you know the Town Council members or Kauff reads this blog?

Anonymous said...

I'll answer the allegations!

THEY AREN'T TRUE!

Thank you.

THE TRUTH said...

HOW IS IT THAT NONE OF OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE GIVING THEIR INPUT. BECAUSE THEY KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH IS THAT THEY ARE GUILTY OF KNOWING, FAILING TO REPORT THE WRONG DOING AND ARE CIVALLY LAIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS. IN OTHER WORDS THEY KNOW WHAT I SAY IS THE TRUTH.

NEXT KAUFFF LIE WILL FOLLOW.

IT WILL NOT BE THE TRUTH.

Anonymous said...

Elected officials have given very specific denials whenever they are questioned during public council meetings. You just don't want to acknowledge them.

During the March 18, 2008 council meeting, Mayor Sobel was specifically asked by Paul Rinear whether he had discussed with Norman Kauff the performance of ex-manager Stewart Brown.

Mayor Sobel's response: No!

There is your specific, official denial. For those who don't believe me, the minutes of the meeting can be found at: http://www.aberdeennj.org/tc2008min/031808REG.pdf

Are we done now? Of course not! Now you will just call Sobel a liar. So I have to ask, why you keep demanding an official denial when you won't believe it anyway when one is given.

Truth, you are truthfully a nutcase!

PinehurstDon said...

You do not have to be the truth to know that Sobel is a liar. Ask him about any number of things and you will learn the first political lesson a politician learns. Deny, deny and always dent!

Sobel, Vinci, kauff and all the rest of them are liars. Of course they are liars they are after all politicians.

You do not need to be THE TRUTH or anyone else to know that is THE TRUTH.

EdgeviewTed07 said...

Next Kauff lie will follow. That killed me. And of course THE TRUTH was right. A Kauff lie did follow THE TRUTH. Before I believe anything Soble or any of the others would say they would have to do the following.

a. strap into a lie detector with a electrode attached to Kauff so that when they lied kauff would feel the juice flow through his corrupt body.

b. they would have to swear on a stack of bibles as tall as kauff to tell the truth.

OK maybe a little taller then kauff I hear he is shrinking from the weight of the aberdeener notices.

c. Councilman Perri would be able to ask all of the questions since he has been there and is the only one who votes against kauff on most everything the rest just rubber stamp.

d. Our newest councilman would have to sit front and center and witness what happens to people who trust in kauff rather then GOD.

OK may as well let Jimmy Lauro sit there as well even though he allready knows what kauff has done to our town all of these years.

e. Let Corren get brought back in handcuffs for what he did all those years and let perri ask him a few things starting with this mysterious generator thing.

f. Then let Stewart Brown ask kauff a couple of questions about the shakedown in the parking lot and see what all of them have to say about who was told what about that kauff tid bit and when.

That is good for starters.

Attack away.

Anonymous said...

Edgeview you are as insane as TRUTH. It doesn't matter what is said you claim Sobel a liar. No matter what he says is a lie, why do you thickheads demand he answer your questions?

EdgeviewTed07 said...

Ever notice how the topics that receive the most attention and worse all involved kauff and Company. Maybe all of the people who look at this actually are finding out what really goes on in the political structure of Aberdeen. God forbid. Right Norm?

The other side of the coin is that the only defense Kauff and Company have is to aske people to come to a council meeting. How about inviting some of the pundits to the meetings that violate the sunshine laws. Or will Sobel deny those as well. Come on David we could tell you what town you and the rest snuck off to and almost what you had for breakfast. Where was it again IHOP or Perkins? Just because you brought that old fool Axelrod with you did not make it a democratic club meeting or democratic strategy session. What would you call the meetings held at CM&E in Parlin Dave? Just a meet and greet with your other close personal friends?

You have to come at me with more then that Dave. As for you being friends with Kauff I urge you to be careful. Then again your not running this year. Writing on the wall Dave or did Norman promise you something? Bigger and better job waiting Dave?

It is sad to watch incident after incident and example after example posted on the aberdeener all that involve corruption. The best they can do is invite us to a council meeting. Come on boys. I am holding out for a Bar-B-Q at Norms myself.

To the other anonymous posters who are tired of posts like this one I say WAKE UP. The only thing that is keeping Kauff and the others in check is the pressure of this site and their 1% of their heart that still may not have been corrupted by Kauff and his money.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the last post. Our supposed leadership hides from us. They better find good places to hide before election day. I laugh that the three incumbants have seen the writing on the wall and have bowed out. The new candidates better really look at kauff and his record of corruption and control.

Anonymous said...

So Edgeview you have seen him at these places? Why not confront him and the others? I agree, go to a MEETING and say it to their faces. Say who you are, EDGEVIEW won't do, neither will theTRUTH. Stand up say what you know, ask the questions. A few of you seem to know everything that goes on in town, tell the rest of us with the town council there, maybe someone else will stand up with a question to follow up yours. Maybe the press will be there and pick up on this, if there is so much info why is nothing being done? No one has shown anything with your so-called secret meeting, it is a hear-say. This is getting truly tiring reading this over and over again, NO FACTS!

EDGIEWPINEHURST&TRUTHSUCKIT said...

He won't because he is just another anonymous blowhard, that claims rumor and fantasy to be the TRUTH

A New Reader said...

I am new to this blog, but have been reading a lot over the last few days.

I have to agree with the previous anonymous who said the allegations of corruption are getting tiring. This blog is full of allegations, but there is never any proof or any other sort of evidence provided.

The only evidence of anything which I have seen are the minutes of the March 18, 2008 Council meeting which were just posted.

In those minutes the Mayor of Aberdeen clearly, without hesitation, denies that he discussed the matter of Stewart Brown with Norman Kauff.

I doubt this was a lie because in the very next breathe the Mayor also acknowledges he talks to Norman Kauff on a regular basis because he is a close friend.

If the Mayor was going to lie about the one issue, why would he not have lied about the second? It makes no sense. The only thing I can conclude, based upon the evidence I have seen, is that Norman Kauff had nothing to do with Stewart Brown's dismissal.

People on this blog keep screaming about a lack of official denials. They claim the lack of denials means the allegations must be true.

Now it is obvious official denials were made, well over a year ago, on March 18, 2008, in a very public forum, that is available for all to read on the internet.

Yet, despite the official denial, the detractors now say "Well, if he denied it, he is a liar."

That response makes no sense and reveals the flaw in all of your anti-establishment arguments. You can't scream about a lack of denials, and then when a very specific denial is made, you scream "We don't care."

You can't have it both ways. At least try and be consistant every now then. You guys are all over the place.

THE TRUTH said...

BUT IT'S ALL THE TRUTH!!!!!WAAAAHHHH!!! I'M TELLIN MY DAD!!!!!

DAAAAADDDYYY!!!!!!!!!
SOMEONE WENT ON THE ABERDEENER AND SAID THAT WHAT ME AND MY IMAGINARY FRIENDS SAY ISN'T TRUE!!!!!!

MAKE THEM TAKE IT BACK!!!!!WAAAHH!!!

Meanwhile..at the Pinehurst Don residence... said...

"Whoa, there WAS an official denial, man what an ass I am"

and at Edgeview Ted's said...

"Oh well...guess I better find something else to anonymously bitch about on the internet"

Anonymous said...

Mr.Warren,

Do you know if any town council members read this blog for a fact? If so how many? and did they tell you? Thanks.

Aberdeener said...

Based upon private conversations I've had with council members and secondhand information from reliable sources, only four of the council members are regular readers of the blog. The other three have read the blog but tend to only look at it when specifically encouraged by others to do so.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for that information Mr.Warren.

Anonymous said...

Aberdeener -

Let's be honest here. Unless you are hanging out at the council members homes and surfing the internet with them, you have absolutely no idea whether they are regular readers of your blog or not.

Call me crazy, but something tells me our Council Members are not making it a habit to be in your company.

Anonymous said...

The Mayor has denied he ever used the term "close personal friend" once again deny, deny and yes again deny.

Do not be stupid and merely believe what a politician tells you. With all of the proof of politics and politicians around us how can anyone believe anything they say. Next you will tell me that there really is a Santa Claus. Although the local Aberdeen Santa Kauff does deliver plenty of gifts to CME each year paid for by taxpayers.

Anonymous said...

Does it really matter whether he said "close personal friend" or just "friend of mine". What is the difference other than semantics?

Clearly, according to the approved minutes of the March 18, 2008 meeting, Mayor Sobel acknowledged Norman Kauff was his friend.

I don't see what the big deal is whether he is a "close personal friend" or a "friend of mine" as the minutes reflect. To me they are the same thing.

Stop trying to make an issue where there is no issue.

The fact remains Sobel specifically and officially denied on March 18, 2008 that Kauff had anything to do with Stewart Brown's departure.

You have your official public denial. Stop arguing that you don't.

Anonymous said...

When it comes to lying scumbag politicians does anyone remember:

I did not have sex with that woman, Monica Lewinsky, not once.

Bill Clinton: Liar politician

Enough said. Politicians can look you in the eye and steal your back teeth and you would not know it. Those who defend them are hacks and probably on the Kauff payroll. $1.5 million dollars annually to CME guarantees that Kauff payroll.

It is like money in the bank. Our money of course.

Anonymous said...

Well said. Now unfortunately we have to wait for the Kuaffkiddies to deny for their Kauffster General. What can Kauff have on Tag and Lauro that they would slide right up into the Kauff web of deceit?

Anonymous said...

I still cannot believe that Jimmy would do such a thing having watched Kauff and Coren all of these years. Maybe he just hopes the dems lose this time around. As for Fred T. that is just a fill in with an obvious back-end deal. Fred on the ticket is also a disappointment and in far more ways then just sports parent votes.