I don't know what to say but VOTE THEM OUT...

Gee... I seem to remember this behavior being frowned on when I was ...let's see... in kindergarten? If you didn't like the way the game was going, you picked up your toys and went home. But you were sorry about that when no one wanted to play with you ever again... like after November 6????

It's disappointing and annoying that the council members who left the meeting don't understand that they are "servants of the people" and were elected to cooperate in solving Bloomingdale's difficulties and making the town a pleasant place to live in. They should serve the town's interest and not that of a County political party. Remember, folks, Bloomingdale should be first in their hearts.

How unprofessional can you get? Completely the wrong way to act on behalf of the tax payers of this town. Extremely disappointing, but unfortunately, not unexpected.

I hope that everyone reads or hears about this and remembers on election day.

#ClownCouncilFail

First of all Paul you were not even at the meeting, so your comments are purely "political". Oh yes that is what Ray states whenever someone disagrees with him. He and Jon should be admonished, their behavior was reprehensible. They badgered, words from the audience, Linda Shortman. Sad day for Bloomingdale when someone that disagrees get badgered by the mayor and another council person. Whatever happened to the council members being able to disagree. That is no longer permissible in the Dunleavy administration. If you want council members that think for themselves, DO NOT ELECT THE DEMS> They will follow JD to hell and back. And unfortunately us taxpayers will pay the price.

What a disgrace by the Republicans walking out of a work session. Their pay should be donated to the animal shelter. These are the people that were elected to serve the community, have utterly failed. The citizenry is entitled to ask questions of their councilmembers, with the hope of getting a response/explaination.
Thank you

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The citizenry was not asking questions Yazdi and Jonwas badgering them. This is not allowed in court why is it allowed at a council meeting. Because Jon does not know how to do anything but attack people who do not agree with him. His typical abusive behavior. Thoes that do not see this have not been paying attenion

Linda, Asking questions of an elected official is in no way abusive behavior. No one was being bullied or badgered. Linda Shortman voted no on the PILOT for a few specific reason that Ray and I were questioning. She voted no because she said that the Avalon Bay site is not an area in need of redevelopment but she voted YES on the ordinance declaring it as such. So I asked her why. Linda Shortman seem to not even recall that she voted in favor of the redevelopment ordinance and this is quite concerning to me. She also voted no because of the State Comptroller report that PILOTS are not good. This report simply outlined PILOTs and the pros and cons. The report stated that in most cases PILOTs are not given enough public input. We have had over 13 hours of public input. The report was also referencing PILOTS in Hoboken and Jersey City, which cannot be compared to the Avalon Bay PILOT. So as a result of these finding we were questioning Shortman about her vote. Furthermore Shortman responded to the questions. I am passionate about Bloomingdale and I know the PILOT is the beginning of the relief we need. It is our job as elected officials to try and lobby the council to garner support. The real reason the majority walked out, lead by Pituch, is because Joanne Pituch saw that I had her factless PILOT flyer in my hand. When she questioned if I was allowed to address this flyer and was told yes, I advised her I will be asking her a few questions about the flyer.

Linda these things are televised. We've all seen with our own eyes that our mayor has not been abusive and consistently attacking anyone. He's just been expressing his point of view, backing it up with solid information and not getting alot of cooperation. No one is perfect, people phrase things in ways others take offense to. But we are grown ups and grown ups have jobs to do. I have patients and colleagues I disagree with on a daily basis, patients who are at times nearly abusive, but I handle it professionally and I certainly have never walked off the job because I couldn't hold my own in a debate. Debates get heated Linda and as they say, if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. Its honestly like the whole Rep group in council is in some weird oppositional/defiance disorder/stockholm syndrome warp world and they can't get far enough from their dislike of Jon Dunleavy to get on with it and get to work. Took their ball and went home, as a friend said. Not diplomatic, not putting the taxpayors first. And just because someone here sees how wrong these actions tonight were, please don't imply they aren't able to think for themselves. Its patronizing and its completely incorrect.

It is at this point that she packed her things and walked out followed by Conklin.I felt bad for Linda Shortman because I dont think she wanted to follow but she did. I will ask Joanne Pituch my questions at the next meeting.She did not give a reason why she voted NO, so I can only assume the flyer explains her reasons.The flyer is full of mis information and I feel she owes an explanation for her vote.I am fine with people disagreeing with me as this normally should result in an healthy debate. Our residents should not tolerate elected officials that do not explain their positions publically. I will also continue to lobby my position on any issue as that is my function as your Mayor.Here is some of the important business items that were not dealt with due to the Majority walking out 1.Voting on resolution for $460,000 of State Aid. 2.Discuss Nightmare on Bailey Ave which is certainly a dead issue now. 3. Reviewing unauthorized bill from the majorities auditor. 4 Authorizing an emergency repair on a water main break on Lakeside Ave that has only been temporarily patched. 5. Authorization of funding for our water tank which will now be delayed.6. Replacing 2 employess to run our animal shelter.7. Approving Fire Dept fundraiser event. 8. Resolution to submit our Municipal Drug Alliance Grant.9. acceptance of $78000 in grant funding from Passiac County for WTB restrooms., Plus much more.I can only hope that I have a quorum on Oct 16th, where the PILOT will be discussed again

I can tell you that during our official training for the planning board we were instructed that the public has a right to know why we voted a particular way on an issue and that it is our obligation to provide a reason for every vote.I don't see why it should be any less important for a council member. In fact, it seems it would be even more important.

Regarding the Patch article, I would like to make two points: The article states that the PILOT money will go to the town "as opposed to going to the school district". I think a better comment would be as opposed to going to the COUNTY. Also, the article suggests that Shortman did not believe "his numbers"-- meaning Yazdi. I asked about that and was told that not only did the Republican Auditor introduce and recommend the idea of PILOT but the numbers presented by Yazdi were all Mr. Dieter's numbers. If you recall, Mr Dieter was hand-picked by the Republicans at a much greater expense to the town and over the objections of the Democrats. Now they don't "believe" his numbers? The other Council members have every right to question the reasoning behind their "no" votes. Had they not done so, the public was there and ready to do so, as John Darcey stated. Would the 3 Republican members then have gotten up and walked out on the public?

"Nightmare on Bailey Ave" my ass... your Nightmare is right there at the Borough Hall.
I would only ask that the public would stop referring to them as Republicans; it's giving us a bad name and rap ...and I don't like it.
From where I'm sitting the "Dems" are trying to 1. Pay Down Debt., 2. Increase revenue into the town., 3. Create jobs, 4. Make Bloomingdale look a little more appealing for people to move into own., 5. Revitalize "down town" to bring more patrons in to spend money at the local business's and 6.Have a little town wide fun for the whole family ... yea, they seem like such bad people... Yet, if you ask any of them why they are thinking of doing this or that or why they voted the way they did; they'll give you clear, concise answers with back up. For Bloomingdale I hope the people are not "Party Voters" and are smart, enlightened, and motivated Independent voters.

Linda, back to the basic principals of adult behavior theme. 1) was don't walk away from your responsibilites when you don't get your way .....now 2) is.... No one can really ever "make" you do anything. Your response to to others is always yours. Own it.

You are right, Andy. I wish there were a more convenient way to refer to them. Team A and Team B? The majority? Apparently, last night Mrs.Shortman said, "I'm tired of this situation". When you choose a position as she did, then that's a very inappropriate comment. But it does suggest that perhaps this job is not really right for her. As you suggest, none of us should be party voters. We should vote to make the town better.

This is irresponsible behavior coming from public servants and representative. In light of the juvenile behavior they exhibited, I reply with what a parent would say to a child..."shame on them." If they cannot back up their actions or beliefs when questioned, they shouldn't be in public office.

Ted Ehrenburg's comments were to the point, if we don't do something we die. The majority doesn't "believe" the numbers that were provided by their handpicked guy (most probably because there were presented by Yazdi), the majority doesn't believe that the decrease in taxes to the school won't effect the school district even though the Board of Education said don't worry, the majority doesn't believe future councils will honor the decisions of the current council. In the "after meeting" we discussed how school enrollment is significantly decreasing, 82 graduates, 57 new students; school budget is a non issue. The increase of students from AB will not even impact the schools for another two years at least and they only project a total of 12 kids, that still doesn't bring us to the level we're at today. This is their only valid argument against the PILOT. They're not offering solutions other than to stop spending but you can't, you will always need something, like policemen! The solution is to generate revenue, that's what this PILOT program would do. If you have a valid argument that has not been refuted, state it so that we can discuss it, but stating the Mayor is going to take these funds and put them in a "slush" fund rather than pay down debt is not an argument it's an accusation. Right now Bloomingdale is a laughing stock and businesses that are considering moving into our town are looking elsewhere because we are impossible to deal with.

I have to wonder if the "Bloomingdalians" realize that there is no room for "Party Politics" in small towns? There are no "platforms" You run for office to help guide, grow and maintain your town. It is your moral obligation to give back to the community and you have chosen the town counsel to be your arena. Your responsibilities are; 1. Leave it better off than you found it., 2. Take care of the safety of your young and old; they are your history and your future. 3. Keep it affordable for the ones in between to maintain it. Sometimes your stance and votes will not be liked by, neighbors, counsel members, the mayor... DPW, Police, Fire ... BOE, teachers or even your family but, you should always have a legitimate, articulate reasons for why you vote the way you vote. You have been entrusted with the well-being of all the a fore mentioned, as well as the continuity and stability of the town itself. From everything I read and hear, I believe that there are some counsel members who have given of themselves to the town and should be commended and thanked but, it is time for them to let others serve and if they don't know when it's time to step down, the voters will have to.

To all- As you many of you have expressed, this course of action taken by the republican party (and regardless of the emotion at the meeting) is inexcusable. And I am embarassed to say that as I am a registered republican. Voting on the principle of "just because" is not one of the basic principles in which our government (whether local, state, or federal) is founded on. Our elected officials have a duty to not only listen to the people and represent us in the best manner possible, but when they make a decision on something that is certainly going to impact us all, they have a duty to justify their decision. And it has gone on far too long in the State of NJ, that elected officials have made decisions on the "just because" prinicple. I implore the voting public to stop voting based on party politics and whose you're buddy and really THINK about who we are putting in public office. We should not be voting for the lesser of two evils. We should be voting like our lives depend on it, because it DOES! Vote rationally. Because in this case with our beloved town council we didn't. And now it's come back to haunt us in a very sensitive and trying time. REPUBLICAN COUNCIL MEMBERS of BLOOMINDALE YOU OWE US A VALID AND COHESIVE EXPLANATION! Face the public and tell us WHY you are saying NO to PILOT. We are ready to listen and consider your viewpoint. But your explanation better be factual and reasonable. Because at this point even us registered republicans are ready to vote you out!

What's scary is that by the time we vote them out it will be too late. The builder will have started building and all of their shenanigans and staying away from the quorum will have hurt the town in a major way. We can blame them for the rest of their lives, but it will be small comfort.

One more thought (or question): Why are the townspeople not storming the Council Chambers at every meeting???? It's always the same faces. Yet, I know people care about the quality of their town and the taxes they pay. This is puzzling.

Seems to me if you walk out of a meeting you can't be that passionate about what the issue is. its time to grow up and deal with these issues at hand.

How about we make it an independent, at-large, citizen council, i.e. no party affiliation permitted? No Dems or Repubs allowed.

I can't believe what I just read. I myself wasn't at the meeting but its absolutely ridiculous that the council memebers are acting like a bunch of 5 year olds. Picking up and just leaving isn't how you solve problems it's how you run away from them. Running away from the tax problem in Bloomingdale is going to get us no where and is going to land the town in bankrupcy faster than your heads can spin. It also going to come across to the residents of Bloomingdale that you could care less about the problem at hand and could care less about what's good for the town. The Republicans should be held accountable for the way they vote and they should be able to explain it to the town. Also the Republicans just need to own up to the fact that they don't have a plan to help Bloomingdale's taxes situation. Stop beating around the bush and acting like you have a plan for Bloomingdale when you don't.

The majority is playing a dangerous game. It is dangerous for several reasons: Firstly, they are harming the reputation of the Republican Party in this town. Secondly, they are damaging their own reputations and losing the respect of their neighbors. Thirdly, they may be doing irreparable damage to Bloomingdale and will be blamed for it for many years to come. Is this all worth it just to oppose a Mayor with whom they have some kind of personal history? They are following the lead of a woman who lost an election in this town by a healthy amount. They did not learn from history but instead continue to follow the angry example she sets before them. It's almost tragic on so many levels.

Once upon a time there was a TOP groundswell in Bloomingdale in order to save our town from the disaster of a garbage disposal facility. Town Over Party worked TOGETHER to confront and solve the threat. Today the danger is lack of will. Will all the council members.....elected by their constituents... agree that it's Bloomingdale's future that is in jeopardy? Please, folks, consider the outcome of your actions.

I am both saddened and disgusted by the behavior of the Majority at the meeting last night. If you CHOOSE to serve in a public position, ELECTED by your peers, to REPRESENT them, you are ACCOUNTABLE to them for every decision that you make, for every vote that you cast. You peers have the right to ask you to explain your reasons for your decisions - whether you are a democrat or a republican should have no bearing in a town of our size. EVERYONE should work together for the betterment of Bloomingdale! TOWN OVER PARTY as Joanne said above. There is no room for personal vendettas at this level of government. We must do what is best for our town, and for our townspeople! I am truly ashamed of these people. What a truly unprofessional way to behave!

I wasn't at the meeting, but just by reading these comments, I can see how she maybe have felt like she was being badged. With that said, I don't think leaving was the correct action. Sometimes we just get caught up in the moment. She should have had a response to their questions on this issue. The response I would have given is it can make a bad presadent in the future. If we allow them not to have to pay school taxes, what will the next developer want. And every time there is a school budget up for vote, all the dems want it passed. Now you are saying we don't need his money for the school system. It just doesn't make sense to me. Everyone who owns property in B'dale has to pay school taxes. They should not be exempt. If we want to pay down our debt, we need to get those stores on Main Street filled, stop foolish spending, (like buying a building for the police on Union Ave. and never using it), losing the taxes from that building.

Bloomingdale Resident, perfection is the enemy of improvement. Just because there are better/other ways to stabilize taxes (full storefronts, running leaner) that haven't happened isn't a valid to turn your nose up at an opportunity to make positive inroads into a difficult situation. Doing this doesn't stop us from trying to fill up Main St, doesn't stop us from trying to cut spending. Our taxes are out of control and we need to do all of the above, not begrudge an opportunity because there are other ways we like better. We need to do all of them.

Dear "Bloomingdale Resident". Since you weren't at the meeting, you may want to check out the video on YouTube. You will be able to see that the people asking questions were polite and patient. Much of the yelling was done by two people in the audience who are personal friends of Ms. Shortman. She and the others need to answer the public. They were elected to serve the public. If you want to see a town (among the many) that has benefited by PILOT, go and look at South Orange. I used to live in the next town over. S. Orange was pretty much like Bloomingdale. Now it has 10 PILOT programs and is booming-- full of restaurants and charming shops as well as a Performing Arts Center. We could be that town if we could attract anyone here. Think about it. This is really our last chance. If we turn this down, and just cut measly services, nobody will want to come here....ever! Your property values will go down, your taxes will go up and your children will have to pay down the debt. Is that what you really want? I doubt it. Everybody should forget about political parties. That has no meaning in a small town. Town above party! I would give Dellaripa and Sondermeyer a chance.

One comment I'd lke to leave regarding the idea of redevelopement of main street. I know this may have been said but I am happy that someone has turned their attention to REALLY cleaning up main street. Not just by replacing stupid side walks and lights either. And I'd love to get the mayor to turn his attention to the decrepid looking apartments that EVERYONE sees first when they come into our town. Right across the street from the Gulf station where they sit on the so called "front lawn" next to their unkept appartment, at their ramshackle table next to the shopping carts that they stole from down the street at the Foodworld while drinking beer! What a DISGRACE!!!! Or the abandoned pharmacy which the town has to upkeep across from 7-eleven. Or the several other crappy looking buildings who's landlords receive no incentives to upkeep (or receive penalties for neglect either)! Our town's main street has no curb appeal at all for perspective home buyers. So it's about time someone took sight on what's really important.

Agreed, Jawsman. But I think if you check out the history of the abandoned pharmacy you'll learn that our various leaders have tried for years to do something about it, but the owner is implacable. My understanding is that she will NOT sell it. It isn't always as easy as it looks from the outside, is it. There once was a large beautification committee that met for several years to try to improve the downtown. There was a lot of resistance on the part of business owners and no money. What a combination! All they were able to accomplish was to get the signs installed at all the entrances to our town. Believe it or not, we never had these before they were designed by Brad MacKenn! Perhaps, eventually, the PILOT program will help by bringing some money in! One can only hope!

Mr. Mayor. Thank you for your explaination and I understand everything you said. It does make sense but, it bothers me that they don't have to pay school taxes. To me, it's just a matter of being fair to the other tax payers. You said it's only a matter of appox. 12 new students. That's a lot. I have no kids that go to the public school as they are grown, and I pay school taxes. Can you understand my side? But thank you for your time explaining your side. I do have one more issue tho. Why keep bring this up at council meetings? The majority voted it down and it was Yadzi's idea to also vote it down so it can be brought up again, correct? So why not just wait until November and if the democrates get the majority, then you can change the vote. Why frustrate the now majority making it seem like their vote really doesn't matter. And also frustrating the towns people who take time out of their night to attend the meeting. B/c of them leaving you didn't even get to talk about other issues that you wanted to address. Why add fuel to the fire? Just wait till Nov. and go from there. Just my opinion. I still think buying a building for the police which stands empty on Union Ave. was a waste of money. What do you think?

Voters, whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, it looks as if the Mayor has ideas for how to move this town forward. The last two years, under Majority control, has not succeeded in producing and new ideas but has cost us more money for professionals. I say, we all give this idea a chance. I sincerely hope that one of the Republican majority on the council will look deeply inward, make an effort to understand what's offered, give up on personal angers for the sake of the town and vote "yes". Give it a try, please, because we haven't many choices. If not, then the only pathway is for the voters to make the change.

I saw the meeting in question on video. One superficial look is all you need to see before absolutely knowing that it was a premeditated move by the majority and definitely not warranted. There was no badgering. There was no bullying at all. Just some debate. From the very beginning, you can see pituch and shortman planning their escape, gathering their things and waiting for a moment when it might be construed as the correct thing to do, except, it was never the correct thing to do. And Linda, the landslide loser, claps and carries on like her child is recieving the noble piece prize, she is sooo proud. But dont let them tell you that anyone was bullied or badgered, that would be a total LIE!

And further, it has huntley's grimy MO all over it. You can tell that they all discussed this plan before hatching it. Coming to meetings without any intention of completing the business of the town. I urge anyone of sound mind to watch the video and decide for yourself. It's all right there for all to see. Completely planned before hand by the majority.

I understand why some people did not want a video to be made and fought it. When you watch (and I hope you will) the first badgering and yelling you will see done is by Linda Huntley. Then she storms off and the woman next to her continues the shouting and badgering. Often (but not on this video) Mr. Caputo comes to the front yelling. There was only one person on the Huntley side who did not yell. Throughout, the Mayor and the head of the Budget Committee stay cool and polite, though you can see their exasperation. The majority is an angry group. That makes any discussion almost impossible. There's no choice but to take them out of office., since they can't work across the aisle whatsoever.

Ann, sorry but you are wrong. First of all Caputo was not even there, second Yazdi attacked Huntley when she tried to ask him questions and kept talking over her. You will see what you want, and obviously you want to see the mayor and yazdi cool and polite, but that is definitely not the case.

You did not read carefully. I said "Often (but not on this video)"
And, secondly, it doesn't much matter what you or I see. We know how we will vote. What really matters is what the voters out there--the people who never attend meetings--will see. I suspect they'll form their own judgments without our help!

There is allot to say, and when this happens at the bloomingdale board of education the patch wouldn't take notice and when anything is said it gets rejected ,so maybe the town should call more media for coverage and lets get rid of the OLD WOOD.Once and for all ,I am sure when more people become aware of all this out of date behaviour the state dept will come , and if that doesn't work the federal goverment would love to add this bologna to the abuse that has already been documented in this tiny little town .