Hackensack, NJ Community Message Boards

General Category => Hackensack Discussion => Topic started by: Editor on January 20, 2005, 05:09:44 PM

Title: City Council Election (Updated 8/3/05)
Post by: Editor on January 20, 2005, 05:09:44 PM
The City Council Election is May 10, 2005.  
Voter Registration Deadline is April 11, 2005.

In this and like communities, public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed.
  -Abraham Lincoln

Post Election News (In reverse chronological order)

Appointee keeps seat won by dead man (http://www.bergen.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzQ4NTM1)

Judge rules today on Hackensack Council (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzQ4MTM1)
Follow-up:  Judge Contillo denied the relief sought by Calvin Coles and essentially upheld Councilman McAuliffe's appointment.  More details tomorrow.

3 lawyers are hired to defend council (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzM4MjYw)

Loser sues for seat on council (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzI4Mzcw)

Something fishy is going on in Hackensack politics (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk5JmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzE5NDMw) (Record Editorial)

Hackensack mayor will yield post after year (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzE2MjczJnlyaXJ5N2Y3MTdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5Mg==)

Hackensack's chance (http://www.bergen.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzOTcmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY3MTYxOTAmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxNA==) (Record Editorial)

Army vet named to council (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzE0ODE5)

Troubling silence from the man who could be mayor (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk5JmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzE0MjQ2)

Hackensack awaiting word on new mayor (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzExMDkx)

Victors raised $200,000 in council race (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzA0MDQ3)

Loser in Hackensack race wants deceased winner's seat (http://www.bergen.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2MDcmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY3MDAxMjUmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkz)

An election nobody wins (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjkzNTc0)

Hackensack abuzz over mayoral pick (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjkyNzk4)

Election News (In reverse chronological order)

Death mars election day (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjkyMzEy)

Dead candidate elected (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjkyMzYy)

Candidate's death mars Hackensack election (http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newjersey/ny-bc-nj--municipalelection0510may10,0,3019423.story?coll=ny-region-apnewjersey)

Hackensack Candidate Dies On Election Day (http://cbsnewyork.com/topstories/local_story_130100618.html)

Open those closed doors (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxNCZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5NjY5MDYzOA==) (Record Editorial)

Hackensack mix-up results in new ballot (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjkwMjMw)

Council race is getting uglier (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk0NSZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5NjY4NzMyNCZ5cmlyeTdmNzE3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTM=)

New Visions slate stresses record of volunteer service (http://www.bergen.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2MDcmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY2ODY1MzQmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkz)

Hackensack slate urging votes for split ticket (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2Njg2MDc4)

Independent candidate willing to work with all (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2Njg2MDUw)

Candidates say 16 years of Zisa is enough (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2Njg1NTI2)

Hackensack Council slate criticizes phone poll (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjgwMDY0)

Meet candidates in Hackensack (http://www.bergen.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2MDcmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY2NzcwNzcmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkz)

Town elections attract crowded fields (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjY3NDc3)

Hackensack assured of an all new council  (http://www.bergen.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk1MSZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5NjY2NjA5MCZ5cmlyeTdmNzE3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTM=)

16-year mayor of Hackensack won't run again (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjYwMjM4)

Mayor Zisa will not seek another term (http://www.hackensacknow.com/images/mayor.jpg) (County Seat article)

Political progress stalls as apathy replaces activism (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjU5NDM5) (about African American candidates in Bergen County)

Two from Zisa ticket opt out of race (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjU3Nzkx) (New slate announced)

Councilwoman leaning against reelection bid (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjQyMTYz)

Democrats Conduct City Council Candidate Search (http://www.cntyseat.com/Vol2Issue11Feb12005/Candidate%20Search.htm)

Related Posts

Citizens for Change (http://www.hackensacknow.com/forums/index.php/topic,458.0.html)

Who uses Hackensack Now? (http://www.hackensacknow.com/forums/index.php?topic=427.msg949) (See follow-up posts to that message.)

Top Ten Things to Look for in a Candidate for City Council (http://www.hackensacknow.com/forums/index.php/topic,367.0.html)

Mayor / Council phone poll (http://www.hackensacknow.com/forums/index.php/topic,372.0.html)

Candidate For City Council (http://www.hackensacknow.com/forums/index.php/topic,316.0.html) (Philip Roberts) (Editor's Note: Mr. Roberts withdrew from the race. For more information click here (http://www.hackensacknow.com/forums/index.php/topic,316.0.html).)

 Candidate For City Council (http://www.hackensacknow.com/forums/index.php?PHPSESSID=262e09e0f4ca4075d7dc34be3851cbc7&topic=347.0) (Freddy Jones)

See posts below.
Title: nitteebageach
Post by: worried on February 18, 2005, 08:28:59 PM
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Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 2/18/05)
Post by: Hammer on February 20, 2005, 09:29:50 AM
Hey Worried, I think you're going to have a lot of company this spring. The first ticket to surface is intriguing but worrisome indeed as these elections are always about popularity, not substance. Hidden agendas abound here...perhaps the competition will provide more choices and for the first time a full slate getting in could really be in jeopardy. Let's all be sure to thank Hurwitz for bringing the dems into the fray although I believe there is one token republican on the ticket. Seems she'll genuflect to the demi-god Ferriero at any opportunity. But what's particularly troubling is the notion that somehow our present city and council somehow support this. After all those years of relatively good service, the residents of Hackensack deserve better. I think it incumbent upon them to at least attempt to put together a slate that best serves the citizens. If they want to move on after so many years so be it. But for the all that have supported them over the years - is that all there is? It's no secret that Mayor Zisa is poised to be our next City Manager (when he's ready and on his terms), Stein's got his job with the county leaving us with perhaps the only real intellect left on the council, Mr. Mattei. Hopefully he won't desert Hackensack and pull together a meaningful cast. In any event, it will be interesting...and look on the bright side - we might even get to see Mr. DeFalco attend something other than a sporting event and our kids will get Carvel for lunch!
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 2/18/05)
Post by: Cometblaster on February 22, 2005, 08:05:28 PM
I think its inappropriate to be picking apart this new ticket right out of the gate. We should be encouraging people who are trying to do right for the City.  Today, let's applaud them for taking the initiative to run. Tomorrow, there will be time to see where everyone stands on the issues.  It is real easy to sit around with the remote in one hand and a can of beer in the other and take shots at people who are trying to serve the community.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 2/24/05)
Post by: Editor on February 26, 2005, 12:10:15 PM
Hammer, you're entitled to your opinion but I think your insult toward Ms. Hurwitz was wrong and unnecessary.

I'm debiting karma from your account.  :)

Read more about the new Karma feature here (http://www.hackensacknow.com/forums/index.php?topic=425.msg918#msg918).

Al
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 3/5/05)
Post by: Editor on March 06, 2005, 03:14:54 PM

"New Visions For Hackensack" Council Ticket Announced. (Click) (http://www.politicsnj.com/hackensack022305.htm)

[from PoliticsNJ.com]
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 3/6/05)
Post by: wetochwink on March 07, 2005, 08:39:00 AM
Is there a potential conflict of interest with th HS principal running for mayor?  I certainly do not doubt his experience and community service to the city. This council ticket is very pro - BOE. The city manager is a former BOE member too. 

Without seeing any agenda from any ticket running, my mind is open, but I have reservations regarding the BOE, its budget and annual tax increases. Does the city have any influence with the BOE budget and spending?

Which party ticket is going to discuss the upcoming tax reassessment? I'm convinced its one of the reasons the current mayor's ticket is stepping down. Tax reassessment is political suicide.

With yesterday's Record headline article on the state budget - this year will be the year of tax increases!

There is just over a month to go for the city council election and the residents have no idea who's running against who and what the issues are.  And people wonder why on 11% (I seem to recall) of the city population voted last time.

Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 3/7/05)
Post by: Editor on March 08, 2005, 09:04:28 AM
The following is an opinion piece that appeared in the March 8, 2005 edition of The Record. 

The Record's description of the slates that Hackensack Mayor Jack Zisa and his City Council allies have run on as "bipartisan" is unfortunate ("Zisa won't run for reelection," Page L-1, March 2).

Like several other Bergen County municipalities, Hackensack has a non-partisan form of government, as well as non-partisan elections. This is not an unimportant distinction.

Bipartisan coalitions are, by their nature, temporary arrangements that eventually yield to purely partisan politics. The ideal behind non-partisan government is to keep party politics out of such things as hiring people to fill potholes. It doesn't guarantee integrity in government, but the ideal is worth preserving, especially in a time of extreme partisan heavy-handedness at the county level.

Although I do not live in Hackensack, I am troubled to read that a new slate for Hackensack has been "put together" by the chair of the Hackensack Democratic Municipal Committee ("Two from Zisa ticket opt out of race," Page L-1, Feb. 25). I hope this is not an indication of things to come.

Non-partisan government in Bergen County appears to be in the cross hairs. If Hackensack falls, can Teaneck be far behind?

Jeff Ostroth

Teaneck, March 4
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 3/8/05)
Post by: Umberto Manobianco on March 08, 2005, 03:01:06 PM
In this truth I speak there are the facts. Presented to the mayor in his office of insurance was the opinion that the latin american community were setting to dethrone him, and that he must embrace the hispanics (via club columbia) by using their contacts to ensure that Menesis would succeed as school board president. The fact that he will now elevate to city council will only place under closer scrutiny by state and federal officials that:

1. there shall be no more influence peddling to the mayor and council by ANY individuals albeit special committee members of economic development or otherwise who may profit by council decisions.

2. The mayor and council shall not be invested in real estate or projects within the city that may benefit them or their families in part or whole or any LLC or corporation where they hold member shares for their term; and for a period of seven years thereafter term where any decision effects an investment held or in process of transfer.

3. (HEDC) REVIEW OF MEMBERSHIP OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE;
a) Economic development committee may not consist of any of the following:
Developers, investors, realtors, contractors, who operate within the City of Hackensack, or business or property owners who may be a potential conflict of interest; and that as such, must be disallowed involvement in any area where potential conflict exists.

b) HEDC  Must have a proven background or education beneficial to the progress of their.

c) All members should ultimately be employed in non-conflict areas of profession and should bot have businesses which are located within the city.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 3/8/05)
Post by: Editor on March 10, 2005, 06:49:35 PM
With respect to the last post, please be aware that directory assistance (411) has no record of a Manobianco in Hackensack.  There is no listing of Umberto Manobianco in New Jersey.  I suspect it is a fictitious name.

Title: City Council Election - Use Technology
Post by: wetochwink on March 10, 2005, 08:29:01 PM
Here's a thought from myself and lab94:

Since we all know not everyone will attend a debate among candidates, why not include absentees with access via the web?

WebEx or GoToMeeting have the capability to provide real time presentations, online video / audio. Questions could be fielded thru the online session as well by email or chat.  The political parties can easily cover the cost of the online sessions.

With the use of our Middle School or High School auditoriums and studios, the audio and video needs can be addressed. The HS has a computer / technology club, that would probably jump at the chance to help. The entire broadcast could be recorded and provided as a resource on this web site or shown on the school cable channel.

There is still plenty of time to plan this and reach out to more residents. Residents that are not comfortable attending a public meeting or physically unable to would have another choice.

http://www.webex.com      and  http://www.gotomeeting.com 

I am sure there are other options, but these two are the leaders.

Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 3/18/05)
Post by: Editor on March 18, 2005, 09:05:58 PM
Click here to learn more about the "Citizens for Change" slate. (http://www.savehackensack.org/datafiles/Council%20Election-05/Bios_Bullets-3.pdf) (.pdf file)

Note:  This post should not be construed as an endorsement of any candidate.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 3/18/05)
Post by: Editor on March 18, 2005, 11:34:28 PM
The other slate running is "Community and Recreation."  This ticket consists of Freddy Jones, a salesperson and Weona Mercedez Dean, a founder of New Jersey's "Juneteenth". 
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 3/18/05)
Post by: Hackensack Jazz on March 30, 2005, 12:49:56 PM
I am reading in these posts evrything buth what I want to know. Perhaps sombody can send me an email telling me where I might find a list of of indiavidual candidates veiws, promises, visions, changes, and ticket goals for the various issues of interest to Hackensack.
I would really like to know. Like many people in this city I do not have access to technology, I don't have a TV therefore I can't tune into the city council and zoning meetings by the "under-federal-foia-scrutiny" Hackensack Schools Broadcast Information Channel...  or that wonderful (uh-hummm) unbiased and balanced (newspaper?) the "Cunning Seat" or shall I say "The Daily Obvious" - somebody pass the paper please... - Jazz
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 3/18/05)
Post by: Editor on April 15, 2005, 09:35:42 AM
Latest story: Hackensack Council slate criticizes phone poll (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjgwMDY0)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 3/18/05)
Post by: average Joe on April 16, 2005, 07:34:23 PM
this election is basically a joke-citizens for change was stronger 4 years ago with the bakery lady at the top of the slate
they stand for nothing except negativity
maybe new visions is inexperienced-but at least theyre community people-that means something-
moral of story?
take new visions and "give the points"
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 3/18/05)
Post by: Netnick on April 18, 2005, 09:46:09 AM
Did anyone receive any of these phone polls? I'm curious what the "questions" were.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 3/18/05)
Post by: Philip Roberts on April 20, 2005, 10:03:22 AM
In today's Record.

Regarding "Hackensack Council slate criticizes phone poll" (Page L-3, April 15):

It is no mystery to Hackensack residents that New Visions for Hackensack is being controlled by the Bergen County Democratic boss, Joseph Ferriero. Just look at its first campaign finance report. It includes large amounts of money given to the Democratic Advertising Co., which is located at the same address as Bergen County Democratic headquarters.

If candidates don't know what the group of people backing them are doing now, what will happen if they are elected? Hackensack is non-partisan, so let's keep it that way.

Philip Roberts

Hackensack, April 19
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 3/18/05)
Post by: wetochwink on April 25, 2005, 09:04:31 AM
Does anyone really see a challenging race for Mayor and Council this year? 

All I see is information regaring the "New Visions" ticket ( gotta say - I didnt appreciate the negative attack mailing this weekend). Perhaps the spin talk that the County Democratic engine is funding this party is true.

Where is "Citizens for Change"?  An occassion ad or lawn ornament along the way - but that's it. 

And the third option of two people - do you really think you have any chance of winning - especially if your slate is only two people.

Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 3/18/05)
Post by: Editor on April 27, 2005, 09:35:58 AM
Latest story: 
Candidates say 16 years of Zisa is enough (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2Njg1NTI2)

See more stories in first post (http://www.hackensacknow.org/forums/index.php/topic,376.0.html).
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: Editor on April 28, 2005, 11:26:03 PM
Latest stories:

Independent candidate willing to work with all (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2Njg2MDUw)

Hackensack slate urging votes for split ticket (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2Njg2MDc4)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: Editor on April 29, 2005, 07:38:43 PM
Latest story: New Visions slate stresses record of volunteer service (http://www.bergen.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2MDcmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY2ODY1MzQmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkz)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: Louie on April 30, 2005, 01:47:27 PM
I see that Melfi is going to use his expertise as an accountant to watch how our tax dollars are spent.  When was the last time Hackensack Baseball (where he has been an officer for a number of years) opened their books for an outside audit?  From what I hear, even their members aren't allowed to see the books.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: 6to10 on May 01, 2005, 08:19:27 AM
Maybe Joe Ferrero and the county politicians will help fix the city once he gets his people elected.  It is a shame that some of these canidates are still backed by the old political bosses
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: Jwalsh on May 01, 2005, 10:04:40 AM
Im hearing these rumors about a Ferriero influence in New Visions but yet no one can point to anything definative. Yes, New Visions has more money.  Isnt it possible that the reason for this is simply because more people are backing them?

New Visions record speaks for itself.  These are community people who have put in their time.  No one can point to any facts to show that they are acting out of any motivation other than to serve the community and not the county politcal machine. Beside, connections at the County level would be good. This is the time to establish a positive working relationship with the county. This can happen without "selling out" and New Visions seems well-equipped to that.

As far as the "Change" ticket, the Canestrino element seems far more "old timey" than anyone on New Visions.  The negativity on the Changes ticket is obvious.  Dunn & Company are anything but the "team players" this City needs.  New Visions had an obligation to bring to light serios charges of police brutality.  Not to do so would be irresponsible.  The public has to know the history of those who seek to lead it. 

New Visions is the way to go. 
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: average Joe on May 01, 2005, 06:20:59 PM
yes, emil doth protest too much!
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: Anthony on May 01, 2005, 09:03:08 PM
At this point it seems obvious which slate will win the upcoming election.  I hope they could answer some of my questions in the brochures they keep sending to my house.

1.  Why hasn’t the upcoming tax reassessment been mentioned?

2.  What’s being done to address the overcrowding in the schools or the possible takeover of the schools by the state?

3.  Why hasn’t a solution to the homeless problem and whether or not a shelter will be built been addressed?

4.  What happened to the construction of the county police station on the Goldberg site?

5.  Why do so many families in town choose to send their children to private or parochial schools and why isn’t anybody running for council embarrassed by this?

6.  What is being done to create harmony and community among the many cultures of people in town?  What opportunities do we have to share the richness of our diversity?  No parades on Main Street, no celebrations of heritage, just more wasted opportunities to set Hackensack apart from the rest.

7.  How are the recreation programs going to be reorganized?  Can the dedicated people that run the jr. sports programs in town check their egos at the door, pool their talents, and create a sports board that would organize all the jr. sports programs in town together?  (Besides football and track, how many HHS sports programs are CONSISTENTLY in The Record’s top 25?)

8.  At what point do we curtail the expansion of the Hackensack University Medical Center?

I’ve received many flashy brochures from the candidates but none that address a particular issue with much detail.  WHY?  One brochure has all of the candidates pictured with their shirt sleeves rolled up to represent them working hard.  Show me a picture of them cooking a meal or mopping the floor at the homeless shelter.  I don’t need to see candidates pictured in The County Seat reading to children.  I need to see candidates spending time tutoring teenagers so that they have a better chance to get into college.  I don’t want to hear more ideas about Main Street.  I want to see pictures in The County Seat of more quality stores opening on Main Street.

I give all the credit in the world to the people running and sacrificing tremendous amounts of time for the City of Hackensack but there’s a tremendous amount of power that comes with being on the council and especially mayor.   Many people want the title but aren’t prepared for the job at hand or the criticism that comes with the territory.  Answer some of the questions I’ve asked, make the changes that will make the city better, then wear the title with pride.  Good luck to all!
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: Editor on May 01, 2005, 09:48:51 PM
Latest story:

Council race is getting uglier (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk0NSZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5NjY4NzMyNCZ5cmlyeTdmNzE3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTM=)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: wetochwink on May 03, 2005, 12:27:55 PM
Quote
1.  Why hasn’t the upcoming tax reassessment been mentioned?

2.  What’s being done to address the overcrowding in the schools or the possible takeover of the schools by the state?

3.  Why hasn’t a solution to the homeless problem and whether or not a shelter will be built been addressed?

4.  What happened to the construction of the county police station on the Goldberg site?

5.  Why do so many families in town choose to send their children to private or parochial schools and why isn’t anybody running for council embarrassed by this?

6.  What is being done to create harmony and community among the many cultures of people in town?  What opportunities do we have to share the richness of our diversity?  No parades on Main Street, no celebrations of heritage, just more wasted opportunities to set Hackensack apart from the rest.

7.  How are the recreation programs going to be reorganized?  Can the dedicated people that run the jr. sports programs in town check their egos at the door, pool their talents, and create a sports board that would organize all the jr. sports programs in town together?  (Besides football and track, how many HHS sports programs are CONSISTENTLY in The Record’s top 25?)

8.  At what point do we curtail the expansion of the Hackensack University Medical Center?

I couldnt agree more! Will we ever get these questions answered?

My biggest concern with "New Visions" is that with such a background in the city public schools - where's the investment return with our tax increases and where are the improvements to our failing schools? What responsibility do they have that has led up to our current problems?


Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: average Joe on May 03, 2005, 09:13:03 PM
wetochink-you need to attend a board of ed meeting-you raise good questions about the school system-buit believe it or not-there are answers
so long as you judge the system by standardized tests that are geared for middle class white kids you will never be satisfied with our school system-and thats a shame-because its a fine one
in early june the hs holds the top 20 dinner-and within a day or so they televise the event on the school tv station-do yourself a favor watch it-you will see that our kidds are being accepted into the best colleges in the world-and im including ivies
but why do the many people who post here continue to look to the city council on questions regarding the school system? the school system is a distincr entity
i prefer that our city councilkeep a hands off policy-know what happens when politics invades a school system?-check out whats been going on in bogota-i dont want that here-and neither do you
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: wetochwink on May 04, 2005, 08:31:52 AM
Quote
i prefer that our city council keep a hands off policy

And do you or anyone else see this with "New Visions" being the next mayor and council?  I don't. These are people whom you claim are part of the distinct entity and that's what I find troubling.





Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: Anthony on May 04, 2005, 03:11:00 PM
If the school system should be a distinct entity, why is the entire New Visions slate running?  Because it’s not a distinct entity, that’s why.  New Visions has the principal of HHS, a school board member, and parents with kids in the school system.  What do you think their priority will be?
   
Watching the top 20 dinner and students being inducted into the National Honor Society is very gratifying.  Those students would succeed in any school system, anywhere.  They are extremely driven people who make Hackensack proud.  It’s from 20 on down that is my concern.  How many of them are going to Ivy League schools or college at all? 

Average Joe says that “so long as you judge the system by standardized tests that are geared for middle class white kids you will never be satisfied with our school system-and thats a shame-because its a fine one.”  Are you saying that if you’re black or Hispanic you can’t pass a BASIC SKILLS 4th grade standardized test?  Aren’t the “middle class white kids” and all the others in the same classes sitting next to each other learning the same thing?  It’s been a long time since I’ve been in Fairmount School but when I was going in the 70’s I sat next to black and Hispanic kids many of whom were smarter than this middle class white kid.  What’s changed?

If New Visions have any new visions, all of our children will realize their potential.  The New Visions slate will be innovative and set Hackensack apart from other cities with the same cultural diversity as ours.  No more excuses, just results.  Wouldn’t it be great if ours kids grew up to be something special, not just another average joe?
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: 6to10 on May 04, 2005, 07:44:10 PM
There is a lot of talk aboaut the board of education influence in this election and there is a lot to be said about it.  When they hired the new city manager last year he came from the board and worked there for years. Now they want to stick us with Defalco and the rest of them and all any of them know how to do is spend our money. I'm sure Defalco has a big pension from the school system and now he wants another from the council. I have seen some of his running mates campaining but I havent seen him and God forbid they should talk about the issues affecting the city. Somebody on this board mentiond a tax reassesment. What is that going to cost us? They don't know and that's what should scare us. It's expensive enought o live in Hackensack. The candidates for change ticket has some good people on it adn some of them will get my vote so that we dont have the school board juniors on our city council.  
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: NotAComet on May 05, 2005, 09:24:08 PM
It is a shame that the campaign has taken such a negative turn.  There are legitimate issues for the next city council to face but the campaigns have not put forth any specific ideas.  The negative campaigning has overshadowed some very good candidates.  Unfortunately, voters will know little about the individuals when it comes time to vote.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: WestARick on May 05, 2005, 09:49:36 PM
 For any interested in looking, I looked up the New
 Visions campaign contributions  at the NJ Election
 Law Enforcment Commission. (www.elec.state.nj.us).
   While there, I found contributions from Daniel McNerney, ( I believe him to be the brother of our
County Executive.) and McNerney and Assoc. from Glen Rock. I wonder if there is any connection between New Visions and the county Dems.
    I'd hate to see a slate voted in that will be nothing more than a rubber stamp for the county gov't.

Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: 6to10 on May 05, 2005, 11:07:45 PM
McNerny is only the tip of the iceberg when you consider who else is behind the scenes in this race. We should not be surprized that the chief of police, and a former assembyman is supporting the new Visions slate. The woman who used to be his office manager is actively involved in there campaign. Police and Politics is never a  good mix but here it is coming home to roost like the old machine politics. the chief Zisa will have a free hand and it will cost us plenty we need a fair and balanced city council not the brother of the police chief or his hand picked freinds. What about property taxes and the homeless problem and programs for teens. Where is this new vision? Vote 6 to 10 and say Amen
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: Jwalsh on May 06, 2005, 12:45:55 AM
I'm not sure I understand.  Allegedly, a relative of the County Exec. makes a contribution to a team he supports and this has the makings of a conspiracy?  What are you talking about?

The Chief supposedly supports New Visions. So what?  So does the Hackensack PBA.  When New Visions takes office, are they going to hand their authority over to the police?   Again, what are talking about? 

Inuendo is worthless. 


 
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: Editor on May 06, 2005, 10:14:30 AM
Latest story: Hackensack mix-up results in new ballot (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjkwMjMw)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: Netnick on May 06, 2005, 11:28:29 AM
In the midst of all this negative campaigning, there's something to remember. On May 10th, you DO NOT have to vote for an entire slate! That's all we've had for the last 12 years. But if we don't vote 1-5 or 6-10, maybe that will send a message that we are tired of the same old same old and want a council that will have to work together to do what's right for the city instead of what's right for the "team". Wake up Hackensack and SPLIT THE VOTE!
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: average Joe on May 06, 2005, 11:43:29 PM
so the bergen record has decided to get involved in a local election-what is "malcolm" thinking?they dont trash our town enough?now they want to tell us who to vote for?
but ,ok, if this is a new policy of the record i look forward to reading their  teterboro ,rockleigh and maywood endorsements in the future
that rag is beneath contempt!
i dont care who you all vote for on tuesday-but i think one thing everyone in this community can agree on-and maybe the only thing-
"the friend of the people it serves"is no friend of this community
i wouldnt let my dog crap on it!
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: Cuzar Jones on May 07, 2005, 03:41:18 AM
"I'm not sure I understand.  Allegedly, a relative of the County Exec. makes a contribution to a team he supports and this has the makings of a conspiracy?  What are you talking about?

The Chief supposedly supports New Visions. So what?  So does the Hackensack PBA.  When New Visions takes office, are they going to hand their authority over to the police?   Again, what are talking about?"


Thank you for breathing some intelligence into this discussion... It seems to me that the "Citizens for Change" ticket has a few supporters on this thread who are constantly expressing criticism over campaign contributions to the "New Visions" TEAM.  This is one example of the problem I have in voting them into public office.  These adults are very quick to point the finger and yet do nothing to back up their allegations.  When my doorbell rang, and one of the men from the "Change" ticket appeared, it seemed he was only there to assure me that they had no intentions of doing anything Jack Zisa did.  And that statement should be somewhat concerning to the "normal" citizens of the city.  Because as a guy who's lived here for 65 years, I think for the most part, the "normal" people would have to agree that the current Mayor and council generally did what was best for the city, or Jack Zisa wouldn't have been continuously elected for a total of 16 years.  If, in all of that time, Mr.Zisa was found guilty of an ethics charge, where the fine was equivalent to a traffic ticket, I'd certainly rather live here than some of other towns which are ridden with far worse corruption by public officials.  The "change" ticket keeps speaking of the neglect of downtown Main Street, and say that Zisa did nothing, but will they ever say what they'll do differently to attract businesses? or will they just keep saying that they "WON'T do what Zisa did".  Jealousy should not be reason enough to run for public office because you can say anything you want during a campaign, but what would ever happen if you were actually elected? And then you realized that you had to run an entire city?  I have faith that there are more "normal" people in this town than "crazy".  Because normal people have the ability to see and understand the truth, but when you're crazy you live in your own world of anger and sadness and distortion and god help us if we are forced to live in their world.   
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 4/27/05)
Post by: hamburglar on May 07, 2005, 09:09:38 AM
I think Pinkstreet was confused with "vote 6 to 10 and say amen."  It should be vote 6 to 10 for "grumpy old men."  Vote 1 to 5 for a council that's alive.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: Editor on May 08, 2005, 09:36:58 AM
Latest story: Open those closed doors (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxNCZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5NjY5MDYzOA==) (Record Editorial)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: NotAComet on May 08, 2005, 10:41:29 AM
Certainly you can object to the conclusions but the arguments the Record used seem fairly valid.  The New Visions slate has not provided any specific plans.  Their campaign has been almost all negative and misleading.  It doesn't appear the candidates temselves are in charge of the campaign.  They have some strong candidates with a long history of community involvement, particularly Defalco, Sasso and Townes.  They should have let these candidates run on their own merits.  Win or lose, they have likely further divided the city.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: 6to10 on May 08, 2005, 10:48:44 AM
Today's Record Editorial has plainly stated what the Citizens fo rChange slate could not afford to say thru literature (because they aren't bought and paid for by the special intersts)  Vote 6 to 10 and say Amen.  
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: hamburglar on May 08, 2005, 11:14:06 AM
Now that the Record has weighed in, I can make up my mind who to vote for. The Record has been such a great friend to our community and is known for their complete objectivity. I foolishly was going to vote for the New Visions team because they all have been an active part of our community for decades.  I have never seen any of the "Citizens for Grumpy Old Men" team at any civic event or community program ever. Maybe because they spend most of their time working on their court cases, who knows. I didn't realize just how qualified they are to run our city until I read the Record's glowing endorsement. According to The Record, Jenny Marin actually collected the 10 signatures necessary to run for Bd of Ed. (Oops, she lost.) Calvin Coles actually lives in the house his grandfather built. Wow. Sounds like they should already start thinking about running for higher office with those qualifications. New Visions sure had me fooled. All those years that they spent volunteering for local programs and events, I thought they really liked helping our kids and our community. I never knew that they were stooges bought and paid for by special interests. Shows you how much I know.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: Anthony on May 08, 2005, 05:24:55 PM
There are lots of volunteers and community oriented people in town.  Does that make them good candidates?  Just because DeFalco goes to a Comet football game doesn't mean he'll have a clue as to handle the upcoming reassessment that he won't talk about.  It's great seeing Melfi at Baseball of Hackensack meetings, but will he still be involved once his kids move on?  Is he really involved for "our kids and our community" as hamburglar says or is it because of his own kids and his political ambitions? 

Seems like New Visions candidates are just puppets for others with a vision.  How does HUMC play into the election with their never ending expansion?  How does the county play into the election with construction of a new county police hq and demolition of the old hq?  How does the county play into construction of a homeless shelter?  Why hasn't New Visions had a vision of Teterboro Airport?  I'm sure they can hear the planes roaring overhead.  I guess maybe they're vision only sees what it wants to.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: Jwalsh on May 08, 2005, 06:42:03 PM
Volunteerism shows the dedication and committment of the candidates.  New Visions has this record.  Citizens does not.  Sure, one of them was briefly on the zoning/planning committee, but that's it.  Everyone on New Visions has put in their time.

The Record has never written objectively about Zisa and friends.  The fact that the Record decided to come out now with an endorsement in a local election for the first time is completely vindictive.  Let's not forget that Zisa and the Hackensack community stopped the Record's owner from developing Borg's Woods 16 years ago costing him millions.  In my opinion, Borg would endorse anybody who was not friendly to the Zisa administration. 

As the prior post read, vote for who you want, but not because the Record says so.  Personally, I'm voting for New Visions.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: FairmountFawn on May 08, 2005, 08:30:08 PM
It's my opinion that community involvement does improve the quality of a candidate and I would much rather have someone that spent time serving our community over someone that have never done anything but run for city council or other elected office. 

The question I would ask is what would really motivate someone that's not   involved in the community to run for city council?  It seems to me that if you want to be involved, there is more than enough opportunities to do so.  Don't just show up at election time and say you want to serve the community.  There's four years between elections to get involved in something.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: Louie on May 08, 2005, 08:40:58 PM
Clearly it is a benefit to have candidates who are involved in community activities but you also need to look at their reasons.  When someone is involved in an activity which does not directly benefit his own children then you are looking at someone who cares about the community.  Prior to starting his run for the city council, has Melfi ever been at any event which did not directly involve his own kids?  If he has, I must have missed it.  When his children are done playing, Hackensack Baseball will never see him again.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: Jwalsh on May 08, 2005, 10:07:58 PM
Louie - Let me get this straight.  You think Melfi has an improper motivation because he's looking out for his kids and only indirectly looking out for the community?  Thats nonsense.  A person's level of community involvement can change with  life circumstances.  The important thing is that he's serving in the capacity that he can.  He's also on the Recreation Board, not to mention the fact that he's a veteran.  Clearly, he's a committed public servant and a good father to boot. 
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: Louie on May 09, 2005, 08:19:22 AM
I did not say that his motivation was improper.  I simply said that his motivation was his family, not the community.  As you said, Hackensack only benefits indirectly.  I stand by my point in the previous post.  It is more significant when someone volunteers their time and effort when there is no direct benefit to their own family.  Many people volunteer when their own children are involved.  It is a much smaller number who contribute simply because they feel it is the right thing to do.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: Netnick on May 09, 2005, 10:05:34 AM
Just a reminder, for tomorrow's election, you DO NOT have to vote for an entire slate! In fact, that is probably the worst thing to do! We need some "checks and balances" in this city; how will we have that if an entire "team" is elected to council??? We need to choose those who will make a difference in our city, not just who "had the bigger campaign fund" or who "has lived in Hackensack the longest" or who "started the negative campaign" or who "fired back" yadda yadda yadda... Don't just vote a whole slate in because "it was easier" or "the numbers were so close together" or "well that's what the sign said on that lawn". Wake up Hackensack and SPLIT THE VOTE TOMORROW!
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 3/7/05)
Post by: itsme on May 09, 2005, 12:21:12 PM
The following is an opinion piece that appeared in the March 8, 2005 edition of The Record. 

The Record's description of the slates that Hackensack Mayor Jack Zisa and his City Council allies have run on as "bipartisan" is unfortunate ("Zisa won't run for reelection," Page L-1, March 2).

Like several other Bergen County municipalities, Hackensack has a non-partisan form of government, as well as non-partisan elections. This is not an unimportant distinction.

Bipartisan coalitions are, by their nature, temporary arrangements that eventually yield to purely partisan politics. The ideal behind non-partisan government is to keep party politics out of such things as hiring people to fill potholes. It doesn't guarantee integrity in government, but the ideal is worth preserving, especially in a time of extreme partisan heavy-handedness at the county level.

Although I do not live in Hackensack, I am troubled to read that a new slate for Hackensack has been "put together" by the chair of the Hackensack Democratic Municipal Committee ("Two from Zisa ticket opt out of race," Page L-1, Feb. 25). I hope this is not an indication of things to come.

Non-partisan government in Bergen County appears to be in the cross hairs. If Hackensack falls, can Teaneck be far behind?

Jeff Ostroth

Teaneck, March 4

Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: ericmartindale on May 09, 2005, 05:00:47 PM
Editor's note: Post deleted at Eric Martindale's request. 



Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: 6to10 on May 09, 2005, 08:13:39 PM
The Record is not always right and there not always fair. But they have made a lot of sense in there editorial on Sunday and it deserves our attention. For the next four years we are going to be served by whoever wins tomorrow. There has been a lot of mud slinging and little knowledge of the issues affecting this city. The promises that have been made are few and far between. The city has been influenced by one family for many years and there influence is seen and heard in this years race as well even though they have tried to hide there personal interests. Tomorow's election should be about who actually has a better idea of where Hackensack needs to go. All the involvement in the world on the school board and in the teaching profession isn't going to be worth anything when your trash doesn't get picked up or your taxes fly after the reevaluation, or someones brother gets a promotion. Remember these things when you go to the polls to cast your vote and whoever wins hopefully everyone will come together after to move the city forward for the good of us all.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: WestARick on May 09, 2005, 09:41:18 PM
 I agree with NetNick, voting a split ticket seems to be the way to go in this election. Neither New Visions nor Citizens for Change are wow-ing me. I didn't like New Visions  negative campaign and Citizens spent their campaign fighting off the opposing slate's charges. After speaking to Fred Jones, I'll use one of my votes for him. Even though I'm not too sure about the vending machines in the parks, I like the idea of someone on the council being committed to increasing the feeling of community here in Hackensack.
   Overall, I plan on voting:
      #4- Townes
      #6- Dunn
      #7- Canestrino
      #10- Martino
      #11- Jones

 I'd like to hear from other people about their votes if they don't mind posting them.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: Editor on May 09, 2005, 10:07:57 PM
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank to you everyone for "weighing in" on the election.  For the most part, residents have addressed substantive issues in a constructive and respectful way.  It is encouraging to see that so many people are truly concerned with the fate and direction of the City.  More than 2000 people looked at this message board topic!

Local elections are as important as state and federal elections.  The decisions this council makes will directly affect our day to day lives.  From a look at these messages, it's clear that local voters understand this.  When everything is said and done, I think we could all agree that democracy is alive and well in Hackensack. 

As an aside, I have to agree with the prior post.  There should have been a debate.  I think a debate goes a long way in helping voters get a feel for the type of person a candidate is.  Maybe next election.

I appreciate the efforts of the 13 candidates who ran.  This was a particularly grueling race. I credit anyone who subjects themselves to this type of pressure in the hope of having the opportunity to serve the community.  I wish all the candidates luck. 

Albert Dib

Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: hamburglar on May 09, 2005, 10:25:22 PM
I think that WestARick is on to something. If we vote here, can we save a trip to the polls tomorrow and go to the beach? I've been wrestling with this decision throughout the campaign and going back and forth in my mind. Do I vote for the 5 people who have never done anything for our community or the 5 who have sacrificed their time and effort over many years for our city. Oh, the confusion! I think I'll take a shot with the ones who have been involved in our city instead of the ones who appeared one day to tell us how lousy and corrupt our city is and that we should put them on the city council to fix it.                                                                                                                     #1.DeFalco, #2.Sasso,#3.Meneses,#4.Townes,#5Melfi
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: wetochwink on May 10, 2005, 08:34:09 AM
I'd like to thank the "New Visions" team for littering my neighborhood with the door handle literature that was put out yesterday.

Was it really necessary to place this information on car windshields too?  We now how a litter problem, as most of the loose papers from car windshields are all over the neighborhood.

TO BOTH PARTIES for the future:  Please refrain from calling homes more than once.  Mail out less negative ads. Send out less amount of mailings too. 

Perhaps a positive spun, future planning ticket may get more residents to vote in the future.

Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/8/05)
Post by: Orleans on May 10, 2005, 08:51:12 AM
Citizens for change had my vote until they drove up and down mystreet blowing their *&%#@& horns.  Very obnoxious.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/10/05)
Post by: Netnick on May 10, 2005, 03:43:19 PM
Serious question: Has anyone heard anything about DeFalco today? My mother just called from work and said that DeFalco had a heart attack. The person that told her has a son that is one of the teachers at the high school. Anyone else hear anything?
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/10/05)
Post by: mitmie on May 10, 2005, 04:24:10 PM
Mr. Joe DeFalco had a massive heart attack this morning and passed away at his home.  It will be a great loss to this entire town and school system.  If you have lived in Hackensack for any length of time, you must have had him as a principal, teacher, coach or just a friend.  He was a good man and will be greatly missed.
VOTE FOR JOE!!  Let's see his dream come true! New Visions 1 - 5
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/10/05)
Post by: Steve on May 10, 2005, 04:51:37 PM
It's sad but true, Mr. Defalco passed away this morning from a heart attack. My son attends HHS and called me to let me know they made this announcement at school.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/10/05)
Post by: hope51005 on May 10, 2005, 05:33:18 PM
Here's the scoop: From what I am hearing you can still vote for Prin. Defalco and your vote WILL BE COUNTED.  The four elected can appoint someone for the vacant position. 

It will sure be hard to find someone to fill Joe's shoes.

VOTE FOR JOE and the NEW VISIONS slate!
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/10/05)
Post by: irons35 on May 10, 2005, 06:18:37 PM
you absolutely can vote for Mr. De Falco, and the rest of his slate.  This is not the first situation to arise like this, and it wont be the last in this country. YOU CAN STILL VOTE FOR HIM!!! 

now,  from what I understand, the Citizens for Change group has been telling voters at the polling places that they cannot vote for him. FOR SHAME ON THEM...They are doing nothing more than spreading absolute lies. 

GET OUT AND VOTE FOR THE DEFALCO TICKET  VOTE 1-5

your future depends on it. and that aint no lie.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/10/05)
Post by: Editor on May 10, 2005, 06:27:22 PM
Latest story: Hackensack Candidate Dies On Election Day (http://cbsnewyork.com/topstories/local_story_130100618.html)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/10/05)
Post by: Irene35 on May 10, 2005, 06:40:27 PM
In the above article, Ted Dunn said:

“I’m sorry this happened. But you know, he wasn’t a well man and maybe he shouldn’t have even bothered to get into this campaign because of his health.”

What an asinine thing to say.  God forbid a man places his community above his own interests. 
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/10/05)
Post by: Jwalsh on May 10, 2005, 07:12:56 PM
The polls close soon. Call your friends and neighbors and tell them to vote NEW VISIONS. In the article from CBS the city attorney said that the four winning candidates will pick someone on July 1st to fill Mr. Defalco's position. 

Get out and vote for Joe!
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/10/05)
Post by: FriendsofJoe on May 10, 2005, 07:31:43 PM
(http://www.hackensacknow.com/images/JoeD.jpg)

TO ALL HACKENSACK VOTERS

As you may have heard, our beloved Hackensack High School principal, Joseph DeFalco, passed away this morning. For the past forty years, Mr. DeFalco served the community that he loved in many different capacities, most recently as our high school principal. A few months ago, he decided to carry his service to another level and began a campaign as a candidate for city council. He always displayed a positive approach to his community service and will be greatly missed.

Unfortunately, under our democratic system today's election must continue to its conclusion regardless of how devastated we are as a community. The greatest tribute that we can pay to Mr. DeFalco is to take the few minutes necessary in our moment of grief to vote for Joe and his running mates as planned.

Mi. DeFalco campaigned very hard during the past few months with his team who shared his positive vision for our community. We know that he would want them to carry on his legacy for the city he loved.

His opponents, who had been so cruel to him during the campaign, are actually standing in front of polling places today and telling voters that they can no longer vote for Joe. That is not true. Several hours after his passing, his courageous wife Vicki was escorted by family and friends to her polling place where she voted for her husband and his running mates. Let her strength be an inspiration to all of us as we deal with this stunning tragedy.

There has never been a more compelling reason to vote in a local election. As a community, we must demonstrate that the devotion and dedication of individuals like Joe DeFalco matters. The polls are open until 8:00 p.m.

On behalf of the family and friends of Joe DeFalco and for the betterment of our entire community, we ask that you go out today to vote for Joe and the entire New Visions team who are numbers 1-5 on the ballot.
FRIENDS OF JOE DEFALCO
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/10/05)
Post by: Victory05 on May 10, 2005, 09:11:11 PM
The unofficial word on the street is:

NEW VISIONS HAS SWEPT THE ELECTION

to win all five seats on the Hackensack City Council.

Congratulations!

Official results to be released soon.


Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/10/05)
Post by: Editor on May 10, 2005, 10:34:36 PM
No doubt this is a bitter sweet victory for the New Visions slate.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the DeFalco Family. 

I realize many people will want to post condolences to the DeFalco Family. There is another message thread for this purpose here: Joe DeFalco (http://www.hackensacknow.org/forums/index.php/topic,486.0.html)

Please reply to this thread for election related topics only.

I moved a post by "WestARick" to the other thread.

Thank you.

Editor
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/10/05)
Post by: Editor on May 10, 2005, 10:41:13 PM
Latest story: Candidate's death mars Hackensack election (http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newjersey/ny-bc-nj--municipalelection0510may10,0,3019423.story?coll=ny-region-apnewjersey)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/10/05)
Post by: average Joe on May 11, 2005, 01:02:56 AM
lessons to be learned:
1.quality people will always beat those who would do nothing but tear down and destroy
2.maybe some people would have been better off watching monday night football the last few years
3. the Bergen Record? LOL
4.if i tell you to take "new visions" and give the points-listen to me next time!
and oh yes-there WILL be a next time!!!
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/10/05)
Post by: hamburglar on May 11, 2005, 04:05:29 AM
Kudos to Eric Martindale for his insightful analysis of the City Council election. His proclamation that New Visions had been outcampaigned by Citizens for Change and that they wish they could do it over again along with his prediction of a sweep by Citizens for Change left him off the mark by only 5 council seats. Good call.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: Editor on May 11, 2005, 09:13:56 AM
Latest stories:

Death mars election day (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjkyMzEy)

Dead candidate elected (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjkyMzYy)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: wetochwink on May 11, 2005, 11:46:15 AM
Less than half of the city voted.  Wow. 

Were all the phone calls, negative attacks, repetative mailings worth it?

Somehow after all this, I managed to convince my wife to vote. So she heads out to vote and was greeted (no thats too nice), was harassed by supporters of "New Visions" and "Citizens for Change" and given one last piece of paperwork by both as she heads in to vote.

As she registers to vote, a voting volunteer attacks her for bringing in the flyers that were just handed to her.
 
The fact that both parties were heading off voters with more propaganda as they head to the voting booths is distrubing. The way this mayoral race has run - I don't find this surprising despite the passing of Mr. DeFalco. How is anyone suppose to feel comfortable voting?

My wife pays barely enough attention to the political races to decide who to vote for. She's completely disgusted how city residents turned on each other and has vowed she may never take part in elections again. I cant blame her.

*****************

Mr. DeFalco was my athletic director in high school. He knew practically every student that took part in any sport is school. Basketball / Football were the dominating sports - but he always acknowledge everyone else too. One of the few that always supported and kept tabs on the other sports/athletes in school.

I think the campaign short changed who he was and capable of accomplishing for Hackensack. 





Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: devil on May 11, 2005, 11:03:05 PM
The election is over. Thank God. The voters sent a message loud and clear. Those that wish to bring the City to its knees by berating our elected officials, even when they are not running were shown that their message is garbage. For Ted Dunn to come in behind a man whose only claim to fame was that he lives in his grandmother's house shows that the voters are not the boobs the Dunn ticket thought they were.

The Record rag obviously has less than no influence in our town. They endorse for the first time in history and their chosen group gets wooped.

That rag loves controversy, and the Dunn ticket certainly gives it wnat it wants. Even the headlines are an insult to Mr. De Falco's memory.

maybe it will tell the story of Mrs. Dunn yelling at 14 ans 15 year old kids at St. Marks Church for wearing hand made shirts with Joe De Falco's name on them. Don't believe me, ask your kids.

The Record has never published any letters to the editor of a political nature less than 7 days before a local election, except now. They continued to break their own rules in the hopes of getting Dunn elected. I hope the paper got the message, but probably not. Cancel your subscriptions. May be they will get the message then.

Why is it so hard to support Hackensack. Oh yea, good news does not sell.

From now on I think I will rely on "The County Seat".

The County Seat said it would not endorse any candidates and it stayed neutral.

Lastly, Canistrino was on television. Apparently he believes that DeFalco's group staged Joes Death in order to gain an advantage. He Knew Joe. Shame on him. He lost to a dead man. Apparently the voters thought that Joe defalco was still better than Dunn and Canestrino.

God bless you , Joe. May you rest in peace for all the lives you touched.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: Editor on May 12, 2005, 10:43:50 AM
Latest story: Hackensack abuzz over mayoral pick (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjkyNzk4)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: Editor on May 15, 2005, 10:52:44 AM
Record Editorial: An election nobody wins (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjkzNTc0)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: Editor on May 15, 2005, 10:57:46 AM
Opinions published in 5/15/05 edition of The Record:

Regarding the headline for the story about last week's municipal election in Hackensack ("Dead candidate elected," Page A-1, May 11):

I am aware that headlines are often useful in selling newspapers. At times, they also do a disservice to the heart of the story and cause injury to the people connected to it and to your readership.

It was extremely painful to me and many of my colleagues at Hackensack High School to read of Principal Joseph DeFalco as a dead person who was elected to a public office. I imagine many of our students, their families and a very large segment of not only Hackensack's population who knew him or knew of him (and even your general readership) were similarly shocked and outraged at what I would hope is an isolated case of poor judgment.

Joe was an extremely caring and dedicated professional educator, colleague and member of the Hackensack community. He loved his students; he was tirelessly accessible to them. He encouraged staff and led it in fostering a family-like working environment that could be a model for many high schools.

The headline traded the richness of Joe's life and presence in Hackensack and the high school for what I experienced as a deep insult. It seemed to me to be shoddy sensationalism.

You handled the story of Joe as principal thoughtfully and appropriately with two articles elsewhere in the paper. But how do you think his family and many close friends might feel about the front-page headline?

I believe many of your readers would appreciate (and even be impressed with) a published acknowledgement of your lapse and regret.

Larry W. Gingold

Hackensack, May 12

The writer is school psychologist for Hackensack High School.

_________________________________________________________

I was appalled by your headline "Dead candidate elected" (Page A-1, May 11) in your story about municipal elections in Hackensack.

You trivialized the life of Hackensack High School Principal Joseph DeFalco with an article about his politics, which is just a small part of what he was all about.

Joe DeFalco achieved so much during his almost 40-year career at Hackensack High. As a teacher, coach, athletic director and principal, Mr. DeFalco touched more lives and affected more children than we will ever know. He was beloved by his students, both present and former, their parents and teachers and staff. He will be greatly missed.

You have shown that although you are based in Hackensack, you really have no hometown allegiance.

Mary Ellen Waanders

Maywood, May 11
_____________________________________________________________

I was appalled to see the headline on the news story relating the untimely passing of Hackensack High School Principal Joseph DeFalco ("Dead man elected," Page A-1, May 11).

There are so many other headlines that could have graced this story. Instead, you published a headline that was hurtful to all the people who mourn his passing. It was crass, it was low, and it was demeaning and thoughtless. It is typical of a low-grade scandal sheet.

Your newspaper owes a public apology to Mr. DeFalco's family, his supporters in the recent Hackensack election and, most of all, to all the children he affected in a positive manner as coach and principal.

Audrey Koran

Hackensack, May 12

Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: irish eyes on May 15, 2005, 12:21:34 PM
I also am appalled at the Bergen Record's audacity of taking pictures in the sanctity of Holy Trinity Church during service.  They always amaze me as to the new low that they stoop to.  I found it rather amusing that the Hackensack City election process got under the skin of Malcolm Borg so deeply that his paper chose to endorse people in the election.  Way to go Malcolm, you sure know how to pick them !!!  Obviously, the voters in Hackensack understand what the Bergen Record's agenda is all about.  I for one have not subscribed to the Record in years.  I will not give them a penny of my money.  I read the paper online for FREE and I urge others to do the same.  I urge the Record to continue to print their sleazy headlines and their reporters/photographers to continue to act as puppets for Malcolm Borg, after all, you wouldn't want to disappoint the Hackensack voters.  Thanks Malcolm for all the laughs.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: Cuzar Jones on May 15, 2005, 02:52:01 PM
Enough is enough with the Record!!  The "Dead Candidate Wins Election" headline was derogatory and insulting enough, but today's editorial in the Sunday edition was downright despicable and inhumane.  The beloved man is not even cold in his grave and Mike Kelly, a man who probably never met Joe DeFalco calls Mr.DeFalco's election to council a "cynical joke".  I for one am completely outraged and appalled that this kind of writing is allowed.  Others on this board have made reference to the Record being likened to a rag newspaper, similar to the NY Post, or National Enquirer.  I believe it's even worse because the Record has won prestigious awards for its journalism...thats a "cynical joke" if I've ever heard one.  What can we do as a community to put an end to this kind of negative reporting?  I pledge that I will take the reins if I have enough support.  I will help to arrange a public meeting where we can discuss ideas on how to stand up and let Malcolm Borg know that enough is enough!!  Any ideas??  If the Record is suggesting that Joe DeFalco was elected to the city council in vain, we need to step up and show them our own "New Vision" for not taking such abuse from the "Borg Empire". 
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: average Joe on May 15, 2005, 04:53:48 PM
does anyone know?has Mike Kelly ever attended a city council meeting?-was he present when Joe De Falco was interviewed by the Record? why do i suspect that the answers to these questions are  "no"?
and by the way,i understand that Jack Zisa is a registered republican-not a democrat like ferriearo-yet Kelly-to back up his"conspiracy" theory puts them into political "bed"-together
people have speculated what Borgs hatred is all about regarding Hackensack-some say it is bitterness over the millions he didnt get when Borgs woods(can that be renamed?(how about "De Falco preserve"?)-others say its payback over other issues like zisas opposition to the homeless shelter-
try this one-notice how the records "public enemies" zisa and ferriearo have vowels at the end of their names-far-fetched?
go back and read the papers when the city changed its form of government in the 30s-
what you will find is this-the change movement was led by the wasp north side of town-led by?you guessed it-malcolms father and the record-seems they didnt like the politics of the town at that time-largely in the 1st ward-guess they didnt like our grandparents and their broken english-but guess what?those folks literally built this town-and Malcolm and family are long gone
good riddence!
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: hamburglar on May 15, 2005, 07:37:57 PM
I know it's hard for most people to understand how The Rag can be so obsessed with an election that's over and how they can be so heartless toward a beloved figure who passed away. Maybe I can help explain it. First of all, they don't get the concept of being loved and respected by other people. We're talking about Malcolm Borg here. Do you think that if he didn't have money, his family would even like him? So the disrespect is easy to figure out. About the election. Average Joe was right on with the Borg's Woods reference. After Borg tried to gut Borg's Woods to jam in a couple of hundred townhouses and got blocked by a group which Mayor Zisa was part of, he never stopped denigrating Hackensack and Mayor Zisa. Every time Zisa got re-elected, Borg got a little crazier. By the time this election came around, the Rag decided to become part of the campaign team of "Citizens that hate Zisa". When they got blown out in the election after The Rag's way-out-on-a-limb-as-far-as-you-go endorsement, Borg must have been bawling and stamping his feet like the kids who lose the T-Ball game. So he orders his prat boy, Mike Kelly, to get a few shots in concerning the "election results that The Rag just cannot accept." My favorite comment was the "16 years of uninspiring leadership and CIA-like secrecy." I guess that's the kind of government we like in Hackensack, Mikey, 'cause we're not smart like you. I won't even go into the rest of his tantrum column or his incredibly bizarre theories, I'll just leave Mikey and Malcolm with this advice: Malcolm, you're not going to have a lot of happy election nights in Hackensack because Hackensack voters apparently DON'T LISTEN TO YOU! Mikey, you can take the aluminum foil off your head. The space aliens have already taken over. 
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: devil on May 15, 2005, 09:03:20 PM
The Record Rag ( now known as the Rag) has stooped to another new low. Borg complains that Mayor Zisa, a republican, has to much influence yet this idiot Mike Kelly aparently has Borg's hand up his you know what. The hatred that Borg has for Hackensack is incredible. Not only can't he let a gentle, kind man rest in peace, he insults the family and othe mourners by sending a photographer to the church to desecrate the service.

Borg didn't get his way with Borg's Wood's, therefore he can only print filth, lies and misstatements.

Borg and the 'Rag' can't stand that Hackensack has another printed voice ( the Seat) that he does not control. He realizes that the 'Rag' no longer influences the voters. Negativity no longer rules.

Mayor Zisa is stepping down after 16 years of distinguished service but Borg is still running a private war against him. Give it a rest.

There was mention in The County Seat that the editor was looking for letters stating what the voters thought about Joe Defalco. This may be a good opprtunity to say why you voted for Joe and why the vote is more important now than ever. Remember, voting for Joe kept the candidates that the Rag endorsed out of office.
Malcolm, please keep endorsing candidates. We not know who to vote against.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: Jwalsh on May 15, 2005, 10:52:14 PM
Mike Kelly said:

"But voters will not chose his replacement. That will be left to DeFalco's running mates on the New Visions slate, all of whom won seats. So in casting that "tribute" vote for DeFalco, voters basically wasted their vote."

How ridiculous.  Regardless of whether or not voters decided to pay a "tribute" to Joe DeFalco is besides the point.  My guess is that the vast majority of Hackensack voters who voted  for Joe did so because they trusted his running mates would find a replacement better suited for the task than any of the opposition candidates who obviously did not like what Joe Defalco stood for.  Should voters have elected a political foe simply because there was another button to press?  To call this show of support for New Visions a "wasted vote" is nonsense.  Kelly should know better and so should Malcolm.

As for Defalco's answer about what he'd do if he were elected (as Kelly put it, "the sort of question politicians yearn for - an uncontested invitation to yap about all manner of proposals. An easy home run") Defalco was no "politician".  That's why people liked him.  And maybe he wasn't looking for the "easy home run".  Once in a while, a candidate comes along who has integrity and dedication.  Those are enough reasons to vote for him.  The plans will follow once he has time to study the terrain.  But maybe what Joe meant was that he didn't have any specifics FOR THE RECORD. That rag would only screw up the quote and the context anyway.

Two words for The Record:  Sore Loser.

Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: devil on May 15, 2005, 11:40:34 PM
jwalsh is right. The voters did choose. They trusted his running mates to choose the right replacement rather than vote for Dunn and his gang. Do you think Dunn got the point? The voters would rather vote for someone that died rather than him. Apparently hate does not work.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: lab94 on May 16, 2005, 09:51:35 PM
It won't be long before The Record starts printing articles like Newsweek did! I think it all boils down to two things, big egos and the biggest thing is MONEY. Make good headlines that sell the papers. They don't care if it's true, as long as it sells. Hell, they could care less if it hurts peoples reputations or if it gets people killed! It's all about the money.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: devil on May 16, 2005, 11:02:40 PM
Newsweek was forced to print a retraction. Will the Rag do the same thing? I doubt it. I am sure Dunn will push the Rag to keep printing more half truths.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: Anthony on May 18, 2005, 06:21:49 PM
July 1st will be a historic day for our city.  Our city’s first black mayor will take office and hopefully Mayor Townes will lead our city to new levels in several areas.  I’m looking forward to improved recreational opportunities for our children and our taxes being stabilized.  I hope the council broadcasts their meetings on the local access cable channel and also think it would benefit everyone if BOE meetings and zoning board meetings were broadcast too.  I don’t know of any other town that does and it would be one small way to set Hackensack apart from the rest.  Good luck to Mayor Townes and the rest of our new city council.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: average Joe on May 18, 2005, 10:59:00 PM
Dunn>>>>>>>>> DONE!
Canestrino>>>>>>>Still no convictions (but the day is young)
Coles>>>>>>>Grandpa throwing out of house
Marin>>>>>>>>0 fer 2-(but whos counting?)
Martino>>>>>>Footnote to history(a/k/a "a bug on the windshield of time")
"6 thru 10? NEVER AGAIN!!!"
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: Editor on May 19, 2005, 02:25:17 PM
Click here for official election results (http://www.hackensack.org/filestorage/43/94/Municipal_Elec_2005.xls). (Requires Microsoft Excel).
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: devil on May 19, 2005, 10:49:29 PM
Am I wrong or did Dunn and group lose by even more votes than originally reported?
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: Editor on May 22, 2005, 11:23:25 PM
As printed in the Sunday, May 22, 2005 edition of The Record:

Columnist Mike Kelly's latest column exposes The Record and its editorial board for what they really are - a bunch of sore losers ("An election nobody wins," Opinion, Page O-1, May 15).

First The Record takes the step of endorsing candidates in a municipal election. Then, when those candidates are soundly defeated in the election, its news section responds with an amazingly insensitive headline.

Now, Kelly whines about the voters' continued support for Joseph DeFalco and his New Visions team after his tragic death on Election Day, in effect denigrating every citizen's right to cast a ballot for the candidate of his or her choice.

The voters responded to the solid background of Hackensack community activity offered by the New Visions slate. The voters endorsed the team concept offered by DeFalco and the New Visions slate, and the importance of making him a winner in his final contest. In overwhelmingly choosing to keep all of The Record-endorsed candidates off the council, the voters clearly did not believe their votes were wasted.

Among the many lessons DeFalco taught by example was the importance of being gracious in both victory and defeat. It's a lesson The Record's editors and columnists need to learn.

Daniel E. Kirsch

Hackensack, May 17

The writer, an attorney, is a member of the Hackensack Board of Education.
____________________________________________

Columnist Mike Kelly has summed up the events of the last week much better than I could have done. I wholeheartedly agree with his "An election nobody wins" (Opinion, Page O-1, May 15).

As I was campaigning in Hackensack the last several weeks, the overwhelming problem on the minds of our citizens was property taxes. I reminded the residents that in the April 19 school board election and budget vote, only 1,300 people voted.

These 1,300 voters reelected the "same old gang" to run our school system, which spends the bulk of our taxes. This will mean continued tax increases and a continued decline in Hackensack's education system. We now have two failing schools, and our high school is in the lowest 10 percentile of all New Jersey high schools.

The members of the New Visions slate are heavily involved with the Board of Education. Hackensack residents can expect much larger tax increases from this new administration because they are also obligated to the power brokers of Bergen County and Joe Ferriero, the boss of the Democratic Party that supported the team.

We passed up a unique opportunity to open Hackensack government. But with only 23 percent of the eligible voters coming to the polls, one can only interpret this to mean that most citizens are satisfied with the way the city has been run during the last 16 years.

I am not.

Ted Dunn

Hackensack, May 16

The writer was a losing candidate in the Hackensack municipal election.
__________________________________________________

Columnist Mike Kelly is wrong to state that former Hackensack High School Principal Joseph DeFalco's election was based on last-minute campaigning ("An election nobody wins," Opinion, Page O-1, May 15). His election was based on more than 40 years of community service.

Let's review The Record's recent actions. It started last week endorsing a group of people who proved their worth to the voters of Hackensack on Election Day ("Open those closed doors," Editorial, May 8th). Those results taught us the irrelevance of a Record endorsement.

It continued showing a lack of class with an insulting headline following the death of an icon to both the children and community of Hackensack ("Dead candidate elected," Page A-1, May 11).

Finally, rather than let DeFalco rest in peace, Kelly continued to berate his memory. Kelly cited a statement from The Record's editorial in which DeFalco said he had no specifics on what he planned if elected. He described DeFalco's election as playing to our darkest cynicism, calling it a continuation of the sad practices of the administration of former Gov. James McGreevey. Such disgraceful references will not diminish DeFalco's lifetime of accomplishments.

Democracy did indeed prevail on Election Day. The election of DeFalco was evidence that the voters of Hackensack have confidence in the New Visions team to select an individual to stand in for DeFalco and carry on his legacy of community service before self.

Robert J. Cerco

River Edge, May 15
_____________________________________________________

Regarding Columnist Mike Kelly's "An election nobody wins" (Opinion, Page O-1, May 15):

I have lived in Hackensack for 35 years. I have never been active in the political process, but I have voted in every election during those years.

This year's municipal election gave us a clear choice between two very different tickets. Having serious doubts about the platform and character of the candidates of Citizens for Change, I chose to vote for New Visions.

When I learned about Joseph DeFalco's tragic death and what the mechanism would be for filling the open seat, the choice was obvious: I would rather depend on his running mates to fill the open slot than have it filled by any other candidate on the ballot.

My vote was not a tribute to any candidate but was consistent with my conclusion about which slate could give Hackensack a better future. In talking to other voters the day after the election I found the same logic motivated them.

Kelly's comments insulted the Hackensack electorate. We voted with our heads, not our hearts, and the decisive nature of the vote bears this out. If the vote had been merely a tribute to Joe, he probably would have come in first.

Larry Eisen

Hackensack, May 18
____________________________________________________

We have always assumed that one of the primary principles of journalism was to write with heart. In that, The Record has failed miserably.

The morning after the Hackensack election, we woke up to one of the most insensitive headlines we have ever read in The Record: "Dead candidate elected" (Page A-1, May 11).

Yes, technically your headline was factual. But Hackensack High School Principal Joseph DeFalco was much more than what it suggested. In the week of mourning our loss, we listened to many talk about the headline and the disbelief that our hometown newspaper could be so insensitive.

Sunday, we woke up to a second article, Columnist Mike Kelly's "An election nobody wins" (Opinion, Page O-1, May 15). This column lost direction. Joe DeFalco's election was not due to backroom politics. It was a tribute from a city that loved him.

Yes, voter turnout in our city is poor, as Kelly stated, and for that we are ashamed. However, he missed the point entirely: Electing Joe was a statement that tells of our appreciation to a man for a job well-done.

The people of Hackensack have won for having known and loved Joseph DeFalco.

Judy and Frank Albolino

Hackensack, May 16
___________________________________________________

I am sickened by Columnist Mike Kelly's disrespect for Hackensack High School Principal Joseph DeFalco in "An election nobody wins" (Opinion, Page O-1, May 16).

You suggested that all who cast votes for DeFalco were aware of his demise at the time they voted. Polls opened at 6 a.m. DeFalco's death was not made public until almost four hours later.

The morning of Election Day is one of the three times in which the polls are busiest. Since many of these voters were clearly unaware of the event that had occurred, I think it is safe to say that a large majority of the votes cast for DeFalco were not merely out of sympathy but reflected a genuine desire to put this great man into office.

"Friends of Joe DeFalco" did not send out a flier in favor of voting for DeFalco until after the members of the Citizens for Change ticket began telling arriving voters that they couldn't vote for DeFalco. He was on the ballot whether or not he was able to accept the position if he won.

DeFalco was a wonderful man in whatever role he took on: coach, teacher, principal and friend. He did not deserve what your newspaper has done to him.

It is truly disgusting and heartbreaking to read a newspaper based in Hackensack constantly berating its hometown.

Kerry Salkin

Hackensack, May 16

The writer is a senior at Hackensack High School.
_______________________________________________________

I think Columnist Mike Kelly showed a lot of guts to say the late Hackensack High School Principal Joseph Defalco was an empty suit as a Hackensack City Council candidate, especially since he is at the moment being mourned ("An election nobody wins," Opinion, Page O-1, May 15).

DeFalco may have been a great principal. But without plans as to what he wanted to do, it does make you wonder if some or all of the candidates were figureheads.

I did not realize the New Visions slate were cronies of Hackensack Mayor John "Jack" Zisa. Frankly, the first time I received a New Visions mailing I thought it was junk mail from an optical place that opened in Hackensack.

Do you know what would be a great idea for democracy, and would really scare the powers that be? How about having City Council elections on a Tuesday in November that coincides with the general elections?

Then, perhaps, you could have 15,000 people (in a presidential year), not 4,979, weighing in on who should run local government.

Steven Gigante

Hackensack, May 16

Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: Editor on May 22, 2005, 11:30:41 PM
The following is from The Record: "Journalism students: Welcome to our world (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxNCZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5NjY5NjcyMA==)"

Friends of Hackensack High School principal Joseph DeFalco criticized us in print and by phone for a headline we published the day after he died. As a candidate for the Hackensack City Council, DeFalco died suddenly the morning of the election and was elected that day. Our headline read "Dead candidate elected."

Some readers close to Mr. DeFalco took exception to that headline, calling it insensitive, among other things.

We understand that the closer you are to a tragedy, the more you see the headlines and stories differently. I understand why they felt that way, and why they were angry at us for that headline. It's a natural reaction.

The whole situation was very unusual. The headline reflected that. It was strong. It was powerful. People were talking about the fact that this beloved man, this man who had given so much of his life to the education of children both in the classroom and on the athletic fields, had died of a heart attack. Because of his popularity, he was elected to office. The majority of voters, I suspect, did not know he had died when they voted for him.

The Record wrote three stories that day about him. The one on the front page reflected the news story about the event and the unusual circumstances of his death. The other two were tributes to his life. We ran photos of those who mourned him.

By all accounts he was a very good man. The paper meant no disrespect to him in that headline.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: Editor on May 25, 2005, 09:34:39 AM
The following opinion is from The Record, May 25, 2005:

In May 10 municipal elections, Hackensack voters decided to stay at home: A meager 25 percent came to the polls.

Voters in the Fifth Ward, the city's usually politically active Fairmount section, couldn't find the time to cast ballots. Although complaints of high taxes and poor services were frequent responses to surveys taken in the section, its residents still didn't vote.

The Second Ward - the Hill section, where residents were very vocal in complaining about parking problems, traffic congestion and the hospital expansion - also stayed at home.

The First Ward, with its constant flooding, did not show at the polling booths.

The New Visions for Hackensack ticket anticipates selecting a replacement for the late Joseph DeFalco. The logical choice should be Calvin Coles Jr., who placed sixth in the election. But immediately after the election, it was not clear that he would be selected. To choose a person who did not actually run in the election would not be fair, nor would it be part of our democratic process.

After 16 years of frustration, it appears nothing has changed.

Emil Canestrino
Hackensack, May 23
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/11/05)
Post by: Editor on May 28, 2005, 03:39:12 PM
Latest story:  Loser in Hackensack race wants deceased winner's seat (http://www.bergen.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2MDcmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY3MDAxMjUmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkz)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/28/05)
Post by: Cuzar Jones on May 29, 2005, 02:32:34 AM
Two words sums up Calvin Coles-
SORE LOSER
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/28/05)
Post by: devil on May 30, 2005, 08:42:14 PM
Coles even lost to a dead man. Doesn't he get the picture that we don't want or need him? Get a life.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/28/05)
Post by: Rob Gartner on May 31, 2005, 03:02:07 PM
If this election had been close then I could understand Mr. Coles position.  But the fact is that he missed getting elected by almost 500 votes (a substantial margin when less than 5,000 votes were cast).  Despite each voter having 5 chances to choose Mr. Coles, only 42% of voters selected his name.  I think the voters in Hackensack made it clear that they did not find him to be an attractive candidate for the City Council.  The new City Council should look outside the candidates the voters have already rejected to fill the last slot.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 5/28/05)
Post by: Editor on June 02, 2005, 09:45:34 AM
The following opinion is from June 2, 2005 edition of The Record:

Regarding letters of Hackensack political candidates Emil Canestrino ("No change in Hackensack," Your Views, May 25) and Ted Dunn ("Trampling image of more than a Hackensack favorite son," Your Views, May 22):

Citizens for Change just doesn't get it. Enough is enough. The ticket's candidates lost.

They complain about low voter turnout. Yet history shows that about 25 percent of the Hackensack voting public goes to the polls in municipal elections regardless of efforts to increase voter turnout.

They complain about people in various sections in the city who, as Citizens for Change wants us to believe, have "significant complaints according to their survey." Yet like the rest of their campaign, their survey was probably flawed.

Citizens for Change complains about the selection process regarding the vacant council seat. If they took the time to become educated, they would know that the law permits the incoming council to make this selection.

The electorate in Hackensack supported the New Visions team because they had confidence in the candidates and their message.

If the election results are just too difficult for Canestrino and Dunn to comprehend, then let me put it into words they might understand: You lost.

Mark Stein
Hackensack, May 25
The writer is a member of the Hackensack City Council.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: Editor on June 05, 2005, 11:10:26 AM
Latest story: Victors raised $200,000 in council race (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzA0MDQ3)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: Editor on June 08, 2005, 06:39:50 PM
The following opinion appeard in the June 8, 2005 edition of The Record:

Regarding "Victors raised $200,000 in council race" (Page L-3, June 5):

This shows that in the non-partisan Hackensack municipal election, Joseph Ferriero and the Bergen County Democratic Organization backed the New Visions slate. New Visions has opened the door to pay-to-play by accepting the considerable donation of Peter Repetti of T&M Associates, the Red Bank engineering firm that has contributed to the county Democratic organization and received thousands of dollars in government contracts since Democrats took over the Bergen Freeholder Board in 2002.

I'm afraid Hackensack voters just elected a rubber-stamp City Council.

Phil Roberts

Hackensack, June 6
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: Editor on June 22, 2005, 09:46:19 AM
Latest story:  Hackensack awaiting word on new mayor (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzExMDkx)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: Editor on June 29, 2005, 09:35:12 AM
Latest story:

Troubling silence from the man who could be mayor (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk5JmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzE0MjQ2)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: wetochwink on June 29, 2005, 01:23:53 PM
Quote
the winning candidates have failed to say whom they favor for mayor

Quote
no one expected the deafening silence

Does anyone else find this odd?  Should residents expect to get more of the same type of response on future city issues / business? Where's the leadership we were promised?

Any chance Mayor Zisa continues at the helm? It would certainly change the rumors of him becoming the next City Manager.

Quote
But we will find out Friday, when they'll be sworn in and announce their choice.

Then again we may not - I believe I read a previous post that the newly elected city council has 30 days from July 1st.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: Editor on June 30, 2005, 09:34:43 AM
Latest story: Army vet named to council (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzE0ODE5)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: devil on July 02, 2005, 01:14:17 AM
Our new Mayor and Council have been sworn in and have selected their fifth person to fill the empty seat. Congratulations to the incomming administration.

Hopefully everyone will support them in running the City. It is in everyone's best interest ot do so. Even Phil Roberts pledged his support. What will the crazys do?

Let's see if they can bury their hate since it is a new administration with fresh new faces.

They are even rotating the Mayor's position. Next year we will have our first female mayor and the following year will welcome our first Hispanic Mayor.

The New Visions group really has it together.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: average Joe on July 04, 2005, 10:24:06 AM
The Record just wont give up...fortunately its become a joke that nobody takes seriously anymore.their editorial on sunday is just another slap at our town.Curiously, they referred to "the June election in Hackensack"-I must have missed that one.was that the election in which their slate won? -as opposed to the MAY election in which the people of Hackensack won?
Good luck to our new council !
(and again,no Pulitzer for the Record)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: devil on July 04, 2005, 03:01:34 PM
Average Joe is right. The Record Rag can't even let the new council get their feet wet before taking jabs. The editors should really get a life.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: Editor on July 04, 2005, 03:32:19 PM
Latest stories:

Hackensack mayor will yield post after year (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzE2MjczJnlyaXJ5N2Y3MTdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5Mg==)

Hackensack's chance (http://www.bergen.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzOTcmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY3MTYxOTAmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxNA==) (Record Editorial)

Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: hamburglar on July 04, 2005, 04:42:11 PM
I think you should cut The Bergen Rag some slack on their never ending temper tantrum.  After all, the Hackensack election was a humiliating blow for the arrogant Mr. Borg after he went so far out on a limb supporting the angry people.  I thought the editorial was informative.  For example, Borg's declaration that our former mayor's term was "marked by nepotism, secrecy and a failure to include a diverse range of citizens in making city decisions" was something I didn't know.  But I guess that's why our nepotistic, secretive, exclusive voters elected him 4 times in a row.  I also didn't know that nepotism now includes hiring people not related to elected officials, but who may have been related to officials at some time in our history.  The new council should have instead hired attorney Jennifer Borg to avoid any appearance of nepotism.  Oh, never mind.  Her Dad already gave her a job working for him.  I wonder how Borg got his job at the Rag.  Oh, that's right, his Dad hired him.  I also appreciated Borg telling the new council that they should run the city for the benefit of our residents, not for greedy political hacks.  How would our new council have ever known that if they didn't read it in The Rag?  With the help of Borg and his cronies, I think this council might do okay after all.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: devil on July 04, 2005, 11:05:55 PM
Hamburgler when you are right, you are right. It is refreshing to learn from 'the Rag' the true meaning of nepotism. Perhaps Malcolm can come to a Council meeting and give the uneducated voters of Hackensack an english lesson as redifined by the Borgs.

I am a fan of Star Trek. On the show isn't the Borg an alien race that tries to alter  civilizations by making everyone think as they do, and if that doesn't work they simply destroy them? I wonder where the show's writers got that idea. Any clues?
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: irish eyes on July 05, 2005, 09:42:50 AM
You have got to love the Rag !!!!! Malcolm is the only one that can take a criticism and turn it into a "compliment" .Did he really believe when Mayor Townes said ....."With the help of our hometown paper, it quickly became an issue" (meaning the position of Mayor) that he was giving the Rag accolades???

I know everyone was laughing at the stupidity of the Rag...and their intelligence of actually putting that in print....Thanks again Malcolm for the laughs!!!!
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: hoodeeni on July 05, 2005, 01:06:13 PM
I thought "our hometown paper" was the County Seat?!  ;D
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: devil on July 06, 2005, 08:09:33 PM
Ferddie Jones said that he would move out of town if he lost the election. He kept his word and is moving to the Carolina's.

Ted Dunn said the same thing. Since Dunn is Done will he keep his word or was he lying about this just like his other statements during the campaign? Enquiring minds want to know.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: Editor on July 06, 2005, 10:07:59 PM
In response to the last post, - the election is over.  Let it go.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: Editor on July 06, 2005, 11:36:28 PM
NJN News did a short piece on the New Council.  You can find it here  (http://www.njn.net/television/webcast/njnnewswednesday.html)for a limited time.   It appears just before the first commercial break.  You can right click to fast forward. 
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: Editor on July 08, 2005, 09:44:23 AM
Latest Record Opinion:  Something fishy is going on in Hackensack politics (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk5JmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzE5NDMw)

I try to stay neutral when it comes to politics on these boards.  Suffice it to say, I think Mr. Aaron's opinion is nonsense.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: irish eyes on July 08, 2005, 09:56:55 AM
I agree, but the amusing part is that the Rag is so fixated on Hackensack they cannot let it go...have you ever seen anything like it....they just dream up innuendoes, nothing is EVER factual...and somehow they believe that they know what the voters in Hackensack want....hello we got what we wanted...the RAG did not....
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: Editor on July 10, 2005, 10:36:08 AM
The following appeared in the July 10, 2005 edition of The Record:

Anyone who lives or works in Hackensack should wonder what your editors see when they look out the windows of your offices here ("Hackensack's chance," Editorial, July 3). Is it really a complete lack of progress under former Mayor Jack Zisa?

Have they noticed the Target store on Hackensack Avenue and the satellite businesses (and jobs) that have sprung-up there? Or the expansion of Hackensack University Medical Center and its effect on the surrounding area? Have they heard about the new construction at State Street and at Union Street?

Surely they can see the Ice House skating rink, which has sparked a boom in youth hockey in Bergen County? Why has an Asian bakery opened across from the Sears store? Or would various ethnic restaurants be lining Main Street?

Do your editors read your real estate section, which shows a city residential real estate boom matching ones in the surrounding area?

There's much more to be done, of course. Main Street needs work, including a sensible policy of preventing the homeless from disrupting business there. And the new administration must continue to improve recreational facilities and address issues between police and the community.

But it seems that the "turnaround" you advocate started several years ago. Zisa may have had something to do with that. Rather than "turn back" that type of progress, the city's new leaders should build upon it.

Michael Farhi

Hackensack, July 5
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: devil on July 10, 2005, 10:57:13 PM
The Rag is the one that can't let it go. The Council hasn't been in office one month yet and editorial after editorial has been written that the new council will not do it's job. Give me a break. This pattern of intimidation will not work. The vote was clear. The margin of victory left no doubt. Thankfully nobody that counts takes the 'Rag' seriously. The editors just can't stand that there is another paper in town.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: Editor on July 12, 2005, 11:26:06 PM
Some posts that appeared here now appear in a new topic: Civilian Complaint Review Board (http://www.hackensacknow.org/forums/index.php/topic,526.0.html)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: Editor on July 14, 2005, 09:54:41 AM
The following appeared in the July 13, 2005 edition of The Record:

Even living in a foreign country, I keep abreast of what goes on in my hometown of Hackensack through The Record's Web site. And even from a foreign country, I'm tired of the criticism of former Mayor Jack Zisa now that he has left office - not that I wasn't tired of it while he was in office.

In his "Something fishy going on in Hackensack" (Other Views, July 8), Columnist Lawrence Aaron chastises Hackensack as a "Zisa fiefdom." Those of us who supported Zisa during his years in office are tired of hearing such nonsensical terms applied to our city.

We voted for Jack Zisa because we believed in him and his vision for Hackensack. There's something special about being from Hackensack, something you take with you no matter where in the world you live. I was always proud to call Jack my mayor, just as I was proud to call Joseph DeFalco my principal when I was a Hackensack High School student and just as I am proud to call Marlin Townes my mayor now.

Hackensack is also The Record's hometown. It should be proud of it as well. And it ought to give the New Visions for Hackensack team a chance before cutting it down in print time and time again.

John Bellocchio

Fredericton, N. B., Canada, July 11

The writer is the son of Hackensack Board of Education member John F. Bellocchio.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Hackensack's chance" (Editorial, July 3) on the recent Hackensack municipal election was on the mark.

The appointment of Joseph Zisa as the city attorney shows that nepotism is alive and well and that the city remains under Zisa family control.

Although selection of a municipal court judge was not among appointments made July 1, the new City Council should consider the removal of Judge Louis Dinice, who served under the previous administration. Dinice's disrespectful handling of residents (not criminals) in the courtroom has been offensive.

He has commented on their command of the English language; such remarks are not necessary for conducting the court's business. It also appears to be his theme that all are guilty until proven innocent.

It is every citizen's right to be treated with respect.

Rhonda Bembry
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: Editor on July 22, 2005, 10:06:52 AM
Latest story:
Loser sues for seat on council (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzI4Mzcw)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: keysersoze on July 22, 2005, 10:46:04 AM
Since I was the sixth-highest vote-getter, the fifth seat should have been mine," Coles said this week.

[trunicated]

Coles' lawyer, Theodore Takvorian, says that there are flaws with the state statute pertaining to non-partisan elections.

"A non-partisan election in my way of thinking is the direct vote of the people without a party," he said. "If you don't have a party, how can these four people that are in appoint a fifth person?"


Ahh, more sophistry from the losing ticket, as well as a complete refusal, or at least inability, to understand that people who voted for the New Visions slate trusted their decision about who would fill out Joe DeFalco's term.  Perhaps someone could point out to Mr. Takvorian that, while Hackensack's elections are non-partisan, the predominant slate-focused campaign style does provide voters with a clear choice in governing styles.  If people wanted someone who thinks like Calvin Coles on the council, they would have elected him; the voters of Hackensack, however, wanted someone who thinks like Joe DeFalco on the council instead.

But Takvorian argues that the next election is in November, when voters go to the polls to elect county and state officials.

"They appointed him for four years and I'm saying no," Takvorian said. "I'm saying the next election is in November."


And the next election is partisan, Mr. Takvorian.  Municipal elections are not.  For all the bluster Citizens for Change made about the machinations of the Bergen County Democratic Party and its interference in the election, Coles certainly seems to be spoiling to bring them into the election by injecting a statewide partisan election into the mix.  Perhaps he's made an agreement with Joe Ferriero, and is willing to be his puppet on the council?!?!?

Besides the city and the council, the lawsuit names the New Jersey Board of Elections and Bergen County Clerk Kathleen Donovan. The lawsuit notes it has named those parties for the "sake of notice" and that they have not directly caused harm to Coles.

"For sake of notice" is Legalese for "throw crap at a wall and see what sticks," right?
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: hamburglar on July 22, 2005, 12:39:26 PM
keysersoze made some excellent points about the "We still refuse to accept that we lost" lawsuit. It boils down to this: we can always depend on the "usual suspects" to try to create turmoil in our city. GET OVER IT! If you really cared about Hackensack, you would support your new City Council in moving our city forward rather than continually trying to create impediments to progress.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: Hackensack harry on July 22, 2005, 05:22:12 PM
The recent lawsuit by the losing candidate is rediculous. I am new to this discussion but have followed the discussions for quite a long time. This, however, affects my pocketbook. I pay taxes. I vote. The election is over. Now we will have to pay the lawyers to fight this. If the city loses then we have to pay for a new election. And what do we get? Nothing. Coles main contribution to this town is living in his grandmothers house. Thats terrific. McAuliffe is a war hero.

More importantly, the election is over. Run again in four years. I read a posting recently. It hit the nail on the head. He lost to a dead guy.

This time if the court agrees with the loser (god I hope not) then Coles will have the chance to lose to a live guy.

If he really wants to help the town he should join some organizations such as baseball of Hackensack, the volunteer ambulence or some recreation programs. At least make beleive he is trying to be as active as the current council.

this council is made up of five non-political people. Don't turn this into a political circus just to get your name in the paper.

(By the way I like the name you all gave that paper. It is appropriately now known as the "Rag" in my household.)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 6/5/05)
Post by: keysersoze on July 22, 2005, 06:13:34 PM
This, however, affects my pocketbook. I pay taxes. I vote. The election is over. Now we will have to pay the lawyers to fight this. If the city loses then we have to pay for a new election.

Not to mention that the moment the he's ruled against, he'll probably appeal.  Then when the appellate court upholds the ruling, he'll probably appeal again.  And on and on, until there are no more options, and he's already cost the city (and, as a result, the taxpayers) a bundle.  The Hackensack Taxpayers Association would be appalled at such a frivolous waste of taxpayers' money, I'm sure.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 7/25/05)
Post by: ericmartindale on July 26, 2005, 01:07:03 PM
I don't think there will be a big waste of taxpayer's money. I expect Coles' entire case to be thrown out of court.

This isn't the first time this situation has happened. It's happened many times, and every time the plaintiff is shot down. There's 50 states and over 100 years of records in every state. I bet there is case law on this right here in NJ. Much as we think this is a unique event, it isn't. With that much case law out there, Coles doesn't stand a chance.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 7/25/05)
Post by: Editor on August 03, 2005, 10:24:35 AM
Latest story: 3 lawyers are hired to defend council (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzM4MjYw)
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 8/3/05)
Post by: Editor on August 16, 2005, 01:55:53 PM
Latest story: Judge rules today on Hackensack Council (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzQ4MTM1)

Follow-up:  Judge Contillo denied the relief sought by Calvin Coles and essentially upheld Councilman McAuliffe's appointment.  More details tomorrow.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 8/3/05)
Post by: devil on August 16, 2005, 10:38:32 PM
Thanks for the update. I can't wait to read the details. Now maybe the losers will finally let our city council run the town instead of having to defend lawsuits that simply waste the taxpayers money. Perhaps the City should file a lawsuit against Coles for a frivilous lawsuit.

Did the Judge make a decision in the court room or did he give a detailed written decision? My lawyer told me that sometimes a Judge will take the time to write a decision if he feels strongly about the case.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 8/3/05)
Post by: average Joe on August 17, 2005, 08:56:39 AM
devil,sue Coles?-whats the city gonna get if it wins? the right to live in his grandpas house?
the judges decisin must really"sting" in certain corners...
"citizens for change" are on a bit of a losing streak-zero for lifetime
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 8/3/05)
Post by: keysersoze on August 17, 2005, 11:35:28 AM
Latest story: Appointee of mayor, council keeps seat won by dead man (http://bergen.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk0NTkmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY3NDg1MzUmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkz)

Once again, The Record comes through with a tasteful, non-inflammatory headline for coverage of the May 2005 Council Election.

For goodness' sake, Joe DeFalco was someone's husband, someone's father, someone's friend.  He was a role model and critical figure in the Hackensack community, something The Record can never hope to be so long as it continues its advisarial relationship towards its home city.  He's was a man who helped build community, and he deserves a damned sight better than the treatment The Record has given him.

It all comes down to why the people of Hackensack don't listen to The Record.  There's no recognition of why Joe DeFalco's death was such a crushing blow to the city and community, and a continued insensitivity to the community's loss.  Once again, The Record should be ashamed of itself.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 8/3/05)
Post by: ericmartindale on August 17, 2005, 06:14:16 PM
I'm not surprised by the judge's decision, except that he didn't throw it out of court entirely. I had predicted that it wouldn't even get this far, but a judge actually accepted the case and made a ruling on it. I guess it's better that way, make it official.

I agree that the Record has been generally insensitive regarding the death of Joseph DeFalco. His death was a great loss to the high school. 

However, I am not unhappy about the changes that happened on the city council. I believe that McAuliffe will be as good an office-holder as DeFalco, if not better. McAuliffe, like his 4 companions on the city council, has had no experience being part of a government beaurocracy. This I see as a positive. DeFalco, as principle of the high school, was by the very nature of his employment part of a bureaucracy (no slight intended against the high school). Having this life experience would have made DeFalco more passive in the formulation of city policy, simply because he was more well-rounded and experienced to know what "can" and "can't" be done. 

Sometimes there's an advantage to not knowing the in's and out's of government bureaucracy. Sometimes not knowing that something can't be done makes getting it done possible. That's exactly how Borg's Woods was preserved. At the time, myself and my colleagues were too naive to know it couldn't be done, so we tried real hard, and we succeeded.

I think we need some bold changes in the City of Hackensack, and I am optimistic that the 5 current office holders are uninhibited to seek out these changes. Some of these changes may be things that "can't be done", but will wind up getting done because they tried. I for one, couldn't be happier with the constituency of the city council, and the tenure of Marlin Townes as Mayor.  And now because of Contillo's ruling, we can take confidence in knowing that there won't be a gadfly on the city council to try and throw monkey-wrenches into all progress.
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 8/3/05)
Post by: hamburglar on August 18, 2005, 01:46:04 AM
STOP!!! ENOUGH!!! That's all I can say to the council slate now known as "Losers Begging for Change, Any Kind of Change...Please". How pompous is Calvin "I deserve to be a councilman because I live in my grandfather's house" Coles? He declared after his latest loss that the real losers are the citizens of Hackensack. What doesn't he get? HACKENSACK VOTERS DIDN'T ELECT YOU ON ELECTION DAY! AND NOW YOU LOST AGAIN! The voters' wishes were upheld by the court after you sued to try to steal a council seat. Based on the actions of you and your associates since the election, I can only assume that you will continue to waste our taxpayers' money by appealing your latest loss in your misguided attempt to undermine our City Council and prevent them from making progress. Here's my best advice: Build your resume by adding 4 more years in your grandfather's house. Then the voters will surely look favorably on your candidacy in 2009. Oh, and maybe you can actually become involved in community activities. There's a thought!
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 8/3/05)
Post by: irish eyes on August 18, 2005, 03:51:49 PM
as always the "RAG" never ceases to amaze me...they went through all the trouble of defending their headline after election day....bad habits are hard to give up.....let's see...do you think possibly their circulation has gone down....they start their own little town paper b/c they are threatened by the County Seat...Hats off to the County Seat, that has to make you feel good...but take heed record...Calvin Coles will continue to have the paper delivered to his "grandfather's house"...so you can sleep at night
Title: Re: City Council Election (Updated 8/3/05)
Post by: devil on August 19, 2005, 07:52:42 AM
So, since Dunn got his ass kicked again do you think he will keep his promise and move out of town. This is obviously such a bad place to live that it is a shame to have him pay taxes here. I hear that Juno Alaska is nice this time of year.