J
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Comments
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On the article Pedestrian Struck By Car on Main Street Hospitalized
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On the Blog Post Is Millburn practicing “soft bigotry of lowered expectations”?
J
11:22 am on Friday, May 31, 2013
ReplyJust a thought...why not create a comprehensive district-wide report that includes all the measurable data included here (and more) AND broken down by each school showing: finances; # students per school, grade, teacher, class; # specialists; # students requiring help; schools entitled to Title 1 funds; # IEP students by school, grade; etc. And what about a "score card" by school so we truly know how each is doing? And what about electing to the BoE 1 rep/school (or at least to a sub-committee); giving each school equal representation? Perhaps I'm very naive or unrealistic to think that this would greatly reduce a lot of the uncertainty and mistrust. But we cannot expect the local media to be our 'watch dogs' because they haven't got enough staff, and do need to operate in a more effective and efficient manner. We need greater transparency and a "shared" vision for what we want/expect for the district as a district. Lastly, I think compiling a specific list of concerns and getting people organized outside of these "chats" and outside of BoE meetings would prove to be more prudent and allow the opportunity to receive and respond in a more conducive way to key issues and concerns. And, if they don't, well than the organized public can elect new officials willing to operate in a more transparent and functional manner. Ultimately, we need a better way of operating and it will take leadership in all areas to achieve that goal...for our children's sake.
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On the article JCP&L Brings in Extra Workers for Storm
J
11:06 am on Friday, May 31, 2013
ReplyGreat to see proactive action, but can't help but think about the increase JCP&L asked for after Sandy...when their efforts were not as strong as for this storm.
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On the article 25-Year Millburn Public Worker Charged With Theft
J
11:18 am on Friday, May 31, 2013
ReplyWhile the alleged defendant is ultimately responsible for the impact of his alleged actions, we (as mature, compassionate and caring adults) are responsible for our actions (and words). So perhaps some ought to spend more time talking with their children about the appropriate treatment of others than posting negative comments online. Just sayin'
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On the article Pasternak Resigns from Board of Education
J
11:08 am on Friday, May 31, 2013
ReplyBelieve what you want, but there are a number of reasons and examples why we need more Jean Pasternacks on the BOE. And to suggest that Jean was to blame for making BOE meetings painful to attend, it's absurd. Those meetings have been painful to attend for tens of years (because that's how long I've lived in the area and on occasion attended them). What I've found painful...no extremely frustrating is watching BOE members with a 'higher than mighty' attitude who refuse to operate in a transparent way, and dig into and report on some of the alarming practices that are taking place right under their noses. Example: The prevalence of (potential) legal action taking place against the high school because of case miss-handling and (alleged) cover-ups by the Guidance Depart; occurrences of bullying that are covered-up by pressuring students into believing that they somehow brought on their being mistreated by another student; and the number of students who are simply passed along through the system with the belief that the parents should simply go get their child a tutor (and that they can even afford one). And that's just the tip of the iceberg, and Dr. Crisfield is well aware of it.
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On the article Pasternak Resigns from Board of Education
J
11:07 am on Friday, May 31, 2013
(A) No one used the word hero and (B) Jean's "agenda" was to represent one of the voices that is constantly drowned out or ignored by the BOE. Perhaps after having first-hand experience with the BOE's "style" and culture Jean became understandable frustrated. Based on the number of people that have attended and spoken up at BOE meetings, Jean is certainly not alone in her differences with the BOA. But perhaps we should all just 'drink the Kool-Aid' and agree w/ and follow along with whatever the majority of the BOE believes. Really?
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On the Blog Post Is Millburn practicing “soft bigotry of lowered expectations”?
J
11:06 am on Friday, May 31, 2013
I think Hari might want to speak with Jean Pasternack before considering a run at a BOE seat.
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On the article Millburn Residents Against Proposed Stop and Shop
J
11:09 am on Friday, May 31, 2013
ReplyVarious towns and counties are addressing icy roads by putting down a liquid deicing agent.
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On the article Photo of the Day: Downtown Millburn Parking Garage
J
11:10 am on Friday, May 31, 2013
ReplyJust drove by the site again and say what you will, but this parking lot is beautiful as well as a much needed strategy for addressing parking needs in town.
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On the article Shop & Shop Traffic Hearing Set for End of January
J
11:10 am on Friday, May 31, 2013
Eyesore - Really..."eyesore"? The L&T property doesn't look much different today than when L&T inhabited the building. And if it is then perhaps the owners ought to clean it up! Degrades real estate values - How does an empty building degrade real estate values than the expected tidal wave of traffic? Non-issues - traffic jams, lower home values...those are "non-issues"? Being played by certain interest groups - The most vocal group has been residents in the surrounding neighborhoods will be directly impacted by this monstrosity! Want to keep the competition away - Of course other supermarkets in the area do, and why wouldn't they and why shouldn't they have a voice? They pay taxes too! Local residents will be the beneficiaries of the store - How exactly? With crushing traffic, and lower home values? And is driving less than 1/4 mile further for groceries that much of an inconvenience?! "Ruse" - How is being concerned about a threat to traffic conditions and home values a ruse? Which is it...you don't live in the neighborhoods that will be directly impacted...you think driving an additional 8th to a quarter mile further for groceries is a huge inconvenience...or you don't care about traffic congestion on THE major road running through our town?
J
11:00 am on Friday, May 31, 2013
Every day I see cars blow right by the yellow pedestrian crossing signs and ignore the white-painted cross walk areas. It won't stop until the police (strongly) enforce the law with large fines...and insurance companies (heavily) penalize dangerous drivers.