Sunday, April 18, 2010

Should I Yes or Should I No

On Tuesday, we’ll be voting whether to approve a 2% tax levy increase for the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District, the lowest proposed increase among the non-Abbott K-12 school districts in Monmouth County. (The proposed budget is $2.3 million below last year’s and $2.9 million below the budget for 2008-09.) Supporters and opponents of the tax increase both have valid arguments. However, on balance, I believe it is in our community’s best interest to support the budget.

If the budget fails, the governing bodies of Matawan and Aberdeen will likely recommend the tax increase be cut from 2% to 1%. No more personnel or program cuts will be necessary since the district will begin receiving 1.5% salary contributions towards health benefits from all employees represented by the teachers union, amounting to about $500,000. (All other employees already contribute.)

If the budget passes, that same money would go towards restoring programs and personnel; I would argue for restoring summer school, the librarians for the middle and high schools, and a child study team.

The arguments against the tax increase are straightforward:

Our taxes are already too high
Among Monmouth County’s 53 municipalities, Matawan has the 2nd highest property taxes and Aberdeen has the 5th highest.

We don’t raise taxes during a recession
All of us personally know people who lost their jobs and probably know people who either lost their homes or are at risk of doing so. The community cannot afford another tax increase on top of all the other increases from sewer fees to water prices to municipal taxes to county taxes to medical devices to loss of the homestead rebate to . . . Well, you get the picture.

The school district needs to cut more fat
We’ve got teachers who can’t teach and administrators who can’t administer. Why aren’t we getting rid of these people?

We need to send the teachers union a message
Every penny of the proposed tax increase is going towards staff salary increases. The new 1.5% salary contribution to healthcare only covers one-third of this year’s $1.5 million increase for health benefits (and less than 10% of the total cost for the union’s Cadillac plan). Meanwhile, the teachers union has refused to offer any meaningful concessions that would save jobs and programs or, at the very least, demonstrate a shared sacrifice during a deep recession. The budget vote is the community’s only opportunity to demonstrate its anger towards union intransigence.

Defeating the budget will reduce future taxes
The state imposes CAPs that set strict limits on what percentage the district can increase taxes from year to year. Defeating the budget sets a lower baseline, which likely translates into lower annual taxes moving forward.

I agree with all of the above but I ask you to do the following:

Place all these arguments on one end of a scale and librarians on the other end. Put another way, is our community willing to increase school taxes by 1% to have librarians in all our schools. Libraries are a completely different learning experience from the internet and I fear that experience will be lost without school librarians. My vote is for the librarians.
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32 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a bogus argument. It doesn't have to be school librarians that are cut. That is the administration and board of educations choice. Cuts could have been made in other areas to save money and they have been ignored. For example how about the choice of librarians or a million dollar athletic budget? You made that choice, not the taxpayers, and for all of the above reasons this budget should and will be defeated. This budget is being mismanaged and a more experienced leader would have done better.

NO said...

NO...Hell NO

The Union is not giving up a damn thing! I am not going to pay more taxes, when they don't care!

VOTE NO !

http://mapta.wordpress.com/

Take a look they are telling it like it is.

Anonymous said...

The $500,000 of contributions should be put towards tax relief. It is the taxpayers who are paying the outrageous health care costs for a cadillac plan. Any and all savings in this area should go back to the taxpayers who have been getting hosed for years.

Anonymous said...

Aberdeener,
Is it true the MRTA has attempted to set up dates to negotiate and the Board has chosen to wait until after the budget vote? Is it also true that a meeting was scheduled and then was cancelled? Can you please explain why the Board is waiting until after the 20th and why it would schedule a meeting and then cancel it?

It seems to me the MRTA wants to sit down, but the Board is not interested.

NSectionJoe said...

Article is balanced. All points give both sides coupled with the cause and effect. I am torn on many fronts as to my voting for or against the school budget this year. The majority of my angst is with the administration staffing and lack of significant cuts in the budget. My reasons which I have expressed often is mainly my disgust and disatisfaction with the likes of Joel Glastein and others who have long passed being an integral part of the change we need in this district and into the future.

I myself see Joel Glastein as a holdover of the leadership of ignorance and arrogance that was for lack of a better term the BARZA years. The time when school budgets went through the roof while the taxpayers were ignored and outright left out of many decisions and the eventual financial fallout from the special projects they arrogantly pushed. And don't forget all of their position appointments and worse that also caused problems and more financial stress to the taxpayers.

We also went full into and quite unfortunately over expanded our school bus transportation fleet, for many questionably controlled reasons, never explained by BARZA and Quinn.

I urge everyone to vote on Tuesday no matter who you vote for or what you choose to do with the budget.

The problems leadership faces in Trenton and here in our school district is very similar as to the history of both. Chris Christie inherited a nightamre of overspending on a statewide level and Dr. O'Malley similarly has to control a similar tiger from his predecesor in a downturned economy. No decision is easy and none will be without great criticism.

Make sure you vote.

Kevin in the O said...

How about the M.R.T.A. has had a long time to make themselves available. Much time passed prior to the M.R.T.A. using their soap box to push the agenda they are told to push from that big overpriced glass fronted buiilding that houses the N.J.E.A. in Trenton. Everything they tell us is calculated and the truth is the last thing they want discussed. That is why they blame the Governor and Dr. O. I am still amazed that teachers and the members who pay the N.J.E.A. have not looked into where over one hundred millions dollars of their union dues goes to. Good luck to the Cliffwood group going up against Mr.K. Monday night. That is just another mess caused by our supposed leadership.

Aberdeener said...

Anon,

I know we've had some scheduling issues with our labor attorney but don't know that we ever scheduled a meeting with the union.

However, none of this has any relevance. The union refused to offer any real concessions for a one-year contract extension. There's no reason to believe they'll be any more flexible on a 3-year contract.

Basically, the union will demand big raises and no concessions on benefits. The board will offer small raises in exchange for a less expensive health plan. The union will declare an impasse and we'll then have to wait for a state flunky to mediate. Not to mention all the other ridiculousness in the contract that needs to be negotiated.

Once again, if the union wants to save jobs all they have to do is offer a concession that saves us money. We don't need formal negotiations. An email will suffice.

Anonymous said...

Aberdeener,
If the Union sent am email tonight indicating that it would make concessions to save money, does that mean the Board would not privatize the custodial staff at the April 26th meeting? If not, why would the Union make concessions?

Aberdeener said...

We've not outsourced custodial services, we've only requested bids. If the union offered concessions tonight, we should be able to revoke the bid process and keep the custodians.

Anonymous said...

Kevin in the O,

Don't you think that 132 (low-mod rentals) housed in 11 building will also impact the O over time?? You should be saying good luck to the folks from all of Aberdeen. Even though the buildings will be in Cliffwood, they will still be a part of Aberdeen.


And as for the vote... taxes are going to go up anyway!

MAGICAL MYSTERY APPROVAL said...

COME ONE COME ALL TO THE NORMAN KAUFF *MAGICAL MYSTERY APPROVAL TOUR*. THE VOTE TONIGHT TO GIVE CENTEX/CIFFELLI THE MONEY PRESSURED APPROVALS IS A FOREGONE CONCLUSIONTHOSE WHO WILL CAST A VOTE WHAT TO DO. WHAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEE IS THE WORST OUR GOVERNMENTAL LEADERSHIP HAS TO OFFER IN SPITE OF A LOUD AND QUESTIONING PUBLIC. THE POLITICAL CRIMINAL KNOWN TO US AS KAUFF WILL VIOLATE ANOTHER PUBLIC TRUST BY PUSHING HIS PERSONAL GREEDY AND CORRUPT AGENDA. THE KAUFF APPROVAL SEWER IS JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE SHOWING IN A FAR MORE PUBLIC MANNER THAT KAUFF AND HIS DEMONIC COUNCIL AND BOARDS WILL MARCH WITH THE DEVIL THAT IS KAUFF AGAINST THE CITIZENS THEY HAVE SWORN AN OATH TO TO GOD TO REPRESENT. I AM A BIG FAN OF THE GAME OF ANGELS AND DEMONS AND YOU CAN BE ASSURED THAT IF YOU ATTEND THESE CORRUPTION LADEN AND PROCEDURALLY FRAUDULENT MEETINGS TONIGHT THAT YOU WILL SEE THE GAME PLAY OUT IN A VERY PUBLIC MANNER. THIS GAME WILL BE WITH LIVE CHARACTERS IN A GAME THAT PITS DEVELOPERS AND THEIR BOUGHT AND PAID FOR POLITICIANS VIOLATE THE PUBLIC TRUST ON BEHALF OF A CORRUPT POWER BOSS AND THE FINANCIAL GREED THAT DRIVES HIM.

Anonymous said...

The O as you have labeled Dr. O'Malley should be very vocal and concerned. Likewise the police, fire and first aid folks who will have another large area of residents to respond to should be vocal also.

Dr. O'Malley should be ready and planning for another possible 100 more students coming out of these apartments off County Road if they are built. Likewise the 34 project under the same could be good for 25+ - more students as well. Let us do the quick math. 125 students at $13,000.00 per student adds almost $1,600,000.00 + - to the school budget to say nothing of classroom sizes and other services.

Will theses developers be chipping in and building any additions on the schools to facilitate these students from the projects? Will the politicians designate all taxes to go to the schools from these projects?

All that i suggest is very doubtful as this entire back door approval policy violates the public trust. Then again we are talking about politicians and the words public trust have long left most peoples definition when describing what politicians do on behalf of the people.

Please vote against development said...

A letter to the town council of aberdeen.

Ladies and gentlemen

How can you even entertain the review of this idiotic building development proposal? With all you know of the dishonesty Of Mr. K. and the end around meetings you will be a part of this evening you know these proceedings are just another crime against the taxpayers. How can you go against the citizens that voted for you? It is not on there behalf that you will cast your votes. It is your deaf, dumb and blind allegiance to Mr. K. that will rule these meetings, meetings that are so flawed and corrupt that you will be a part of tonight. Three extensions to these developers and they cannot get it right? Developers and owners who seem to change names and ownership at every denial is also very telling. And there always lurking in the background with their fangs dripping with the green blood of money from there fangs are Mr. K. and his handpicked and so beholding professionals just waiting to cashin. If any of you vote for this approval tonight you are all guilty of crimes against those you are supposed to work on in there behalf. Ask yourself is it worth it just to please Mr. K. in the face of many who will lose money and quality of life and be so negatively impacted by your votes tonight. It is a sham pure and simple and another blow to open and honest government. Then again our town has not had open and honest government has not existed since the day Mr. K. walked into the building. The land is commercially to be used for rateables. It will not be a rateable it will be a drain on the schools and services of this community. You will be commiting a crime tonight if you vote with Mr. K. this evening. Don't do it. Please.

Aberdeener said...

I plan to attend tonight's meetings and I expect I won't be the only school board member present.

This ordinance should not pass.

Anonymous said...

Is Dr O'Malley attending tonights meeting?

Anonymous said...

There is enough non-value added spending in this budget to be reprioritized to fund new things. That is the bottom line. No need to keep going back to raising taxes to do this.

Vote no.

Anonymous said...

Aberdeener,
No response to the very first anonymous post? It seems to make a good point about your and the districts priorities. Your argument to vote for this budget is weak.

Aberdeener said...

The first anon is dealing in theory but we have to deal with the political reality. The board has already approved the budget and it's very unlikely they'll make any changes to the budget cuts if the budget fails.

The political reality is the librarians will almost certainly not be restored if the budget fails.

anon said...

Hi Aberdeener,

I was at the last board meeting and I thought that we were told that the exact things that would be cut were not written in stone. Someone asked if the budget was passed, if we could still switch positions or things to be cut and I believe the answer was yes. Is that not so?

Vote Yes for a good budget said...

Wow, I agree with the Aberdeener! It happens occasionally.

My reasoning is summary form is that as is; the proposed budget contains some serious cutting of fat, and the result of not passing it would be that meat would be cut out of it as well. For those that need help - fat equals costs that do not directly effect the quality of education.

So, do the right thing:

Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater

And remember -- a failed budget puts these important decisions in the laps of two town councils that would rather increase their towns' taxes instead of the schools.

Say no to bloated mayors, no to a bloated township and borough, and yes to our children.

By bloated I mean that both the borough and township Mayor and councils are full of gas.

Aberdeener said...

Anon,

The board reserves the right to recommend changes to the budget but I don't see the librarians being restored if the budget fails. Given my difficulty trying to restore summer school, I can tell you it's not easy getting the board to change its mind.

Kaufff kauff kauff said...

KAUFF
KAUFF
KAUFF
KAUFF

KAUFF IS THE ONLY NAME THAT HAS TO BE USED TONIGHT AT EITHER MEETING.

WHY IS KAUFF INVOLVED

WHO IS KAUFF ACCOUNTABLE TO

WHAT IS KAUFF PAID

WHY DOES KAUFF RUN ABERDEEN

WHERE DOES KAUFF HOLD MEETINGS

WHY DOES KAUFF HEAD UP MEETINGS

WHY DOES KAUFF DO ANYTHING

EVERYTHING ELSE THEY WILL TELL YOU IS A LIE IF THEY DON'T ANSWER THE KAUFF QUESTIONS. THEY KNOW WE KNOW.

Norm said...

Because I rule, that's why. I'm the man, I'm the man, I'm bad, I'm so bad I should be in detention. I'm the man

Anonymous said...

We are not just losing librarians. We are losing computer teachers, child study team members, and all the teachers that worked closely with our kids to make sure they didn't fail. The loss of all these teachers is going to make a huge impact in test scores, student achievement and class size. Your lack of enthusiasm to pass the budget is going to ensure my kids suffer if the budget fails. Those of you who are going to punish the teachers union by voting down the budget are going to have to live with the consequences. I just hope your kids and the board members kids are in my child's class of 30 or more without books, computer instruction, and basic skills intervention! If the budget is voted down I'm going to use my $60 savings to buy lottery tickets so I can afford to buy some of these services for my child.

meeting was a joke said...

The Norman controlled Town council and the Norman controlled Planning and Zoning Boards are a joke. This was exemplified tonight by the unfunny joke of these meetings held tonight wherein the US Constitution was almost denied by two attorneys bought and paid for by Norman *F THE TAXPAYERS* Kauff.

Supposedly C.O.A.H. votes were needed under rules that only the attorney Dan Mcarthy whose laughable statement that the people should trust him *trust a Kauff attorney* NO F'N WAY*. That was laughed at by all in attendance should *TRUST ME F. U. Dan Mcarthy*. We were to trust him since he attended a meeting on C.O.A.H. in N.J. and *he knows what the C.O.A.H. needs are for Aberdeen according to the State of N.J.*. The best thing is that they kept this supposed need to approve this according to attorney Mcarthy for six weeks now. We could have petitioned for delays or more access to documents and records on this Norman Kauff controlled developmental deal had they not kept that secret.

That statement and belief by those who voted *Jimmy Lauro, Fred Tagliareni, Margie Montone, Greg Cannon, Owen Drapkin, Vincent Vincie to allow this farce to go forward on the mere premise *without one letter from the state or any documentation at all to prove that we should trust him?* that attorney Dan Mcarthy along with the equally laughable statement by attorney Mark *demeaning and discgraceful as it was* by the ever obedient *anything you say Norman Kauff* Lechstein that *he would call the police* all because former Aberdeen Councilman John Gartley dared to speak out and dared to say *that the people have the right to be heard* was laughable and sad for this old man long past his attorney expiration date.

I suggest that the Monmouth County Bar Association be contacted in regards to the conduct of these two attorneys this evening.

If the gauge of open and honest government was to be measured this evening by the meeting we just observed, then open and honest government does not exist in Aberdeen or anywhere else that Norman Kauff holds the reigns of power in his greedy teeth.
The meeting this evening was the most comical thing I have seen this year. Excluding the last Zoning Board meeting held last week.

Next meeting will have to be publicized and oh yeah Norman we are coming to that meeting to. Just try and deny us our right to speak then. We will get it all on tape next time on Channel 12 News. You don't think they won't want to record this for their news next time. These two idiot Norman Kauff attorneys have unleashed a lion. We are the lions that will not be silenced. Hear us roar Norman Kauff?

I thank Mr. Gartley on behalf of my fellow County Road residents. Most of us did not vote for you but we applaud your efforts tonight.

The biggest joke of the evening was when the council members said *almost to the person* that they did not know who owned the property approval they were voting on this evening? Bullshit i say to these allegiant liars. All of them deserve to be thrown out of office.

Anonymous said...

How did Ms. Gumbs vote tonight My guess is she abstained or voted no to appease her dwindling base. Th USS Gumbs has sailed.

Anonymous said...

We need more housing like Fred Tag needs a hole in his head , very sad day in Aberdeen , We will get all the garbage from Newark, Jersey City and all of the others that are knocking down the low income housing due to gang and drugs investation , these cities are building luxury apartments and driving low income out and we are there septic tank , school budget will expolode agan so I am voting no now and forever after. A parent with 2 kids in school

Living in the Real World said...

MATAWAN-ABERDEEN REGIONAL

Tax levy — $44,677,896
Votes for — 1,645
√ Votes against — 2,189

ABERDEEN
(three-year terms)
√ John P. Delaney* — 1,254
√ Patricia Demarest — 1,294
Thelma L. Gattis — 885

MATAWAN
(1 three-year term)
√ Anissa Esposito — 736

Difficult times ahead as the failed budget is now in the hands of the mayors of Matawan & Aberdeen. Lets hope they tread lightly. Where do you carve at when close to $7,000,000 has already been sliced? We are down to the bare bones. I hope rational, thoughtful minds prevail.

Anonymous said...

MATAWAN-ABERDEEN REGIONAL

Tax levy — $44,677,896
Votes for — 1,645
√ Votes against — 2,189

The people have spoken and responded to O'Malley's Raise.......

Anonymous said...

The people have spoken and spoke to the teacher's union that refused to take a one year pay freeze! Or make any kind of concessions.

a mole said...

Hey Joey, did you happen to notice who got the most votes?
You and your master, O'malley should get out now before you get tarred and feathered.

Anonymous said...

I am sure it did not help the budget question when the BOE member with a blog lies and tells everyone that the money will ONLY go towards teacher salaries??

How contradictory....vote for it he says but supposedly the money goes toward to teacher salaries after no meeting have been held....

SNAFU?? No -


Aberdeener =

Self righteous
Self Promoting
Grandstanding.....