YOURHARRISON.COM

Christie Cuts Harrison School Aid

John Pinho — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:11:00 GMT

Governor Chris Christie announced in a speech last Thursday before a Joint Session of the Legislature that he was withholding state aid to school districts including Harrison. Harrison is losing $2.455 million in school district aid.

Harrison's $2.455 million may seem high but Christie is withholding $29.3 million from Union City and $25.26 million from Perth Amboy. Other local school districts are slated to lose as follows: East Newark $827,937; Kearny $3.87 million; North Bergen $2.058 million and Jersey City $3.565 million.

Christie made an appearance with Michael Aron on NJN's On The Record immediately after his Joint Session of the Legislature speech. Christie explained his budget cuts in more detail. With respect to school funding, he explained that the cuts reflected dollar for dollar local school budget surplus above 2% of the school's district's budget. So the above numbers reflect surplus money in various school budgets above and beyond a 2% surplus which schools were allowed to maintain in case of an unforeseen emergency. In other words, school districts had too much money in reserve and therefore did not need state aid.

During the On The Record show, Christie was very comfortable explaining his position on the cuts that he had ordered. He was extremely frank and even stated that if voters were not happy with his decisions they could vote him out in four years. His business like attitude is extremely refreshing. New Jersey is facing a reported 11 billion dollar budget deficit in fiscal year 2010. I am glad Christie is at the head of our state trying to solve the state's budgetary deficit.

As I have stated on several occasions, local residents have been under financial stress for over two years. Our nation is facing the worse economic downturn since the Great Depression. Christie gets it. New Jersey cannot afford to give government employees the type of health, pension, and sick time benefits they currently have. Government employees must face reality. Christie asked legislators to join him in the center of the room to find a solution. He went on to say that those who did not come to the center of the room to help find a solution would be dragged out from their corner and brought into the center. Dramatic but he meant it. You could see him grabbing someone by the collar and dragging him/her out of their corner.

New Jersey must be run more like a Business. Christie understands the economic crisis facing New Jersey's residents. He intends to make government employees understand that business as usual is over. I applaud his effort to save New Jersey.

Red Bulls Show Us The Money

John Pinho — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:48:00 GMT

At the February 2, 2010 Mayor & Council meeting, Town Attorney Paul Zarbetski stated that the Red Bulls did not have to make a 2010 1st Quarter tax payment because they did not currently owe any property taxes. Zarbetski explained that the town's Tax Assessor, Al Cifelli, would only be making an added assessment in October of this year and it would not be due until November. Added Assessments are only done once a year in October.

Although I was surprised to hear that the Red Bulls were going to pay 2.1 million in property taxes, I was glad the Red Bulls were going to pay their fair share of Harrison's property tax burden.

Harrison must make a 3.5 million dollar bond interest payment in June of this year on the bonds it took out to purchase the land that the Red Bulls stadium now sits on. The timing on this interest payment could not come at a worse time.

Harrison has already lost 5 million dollars in state aid, will likely lose Abbott District funding for its schools, and no new property tax revenue is being generated as redevelopment has come to a standstill. Harrison's taxpayers may be asked to fill the budget gap that could be significant. Taxpayer's are already overwhelmed with the town's property tax bills. Mayor McDonough has already made plans to lay off town workers to save a reported 2.1 million. But the actual savings for fiscal year 2010 will be far less than the 2.1 million.

I suggested at the council meeting that the Mayor immediately consider asking higher paid town employees to voluntarily take pay cuts (3,4 or 5%) and institute furloughs to insure that there will not be a need for further employee layoffs. None of the above are popular but union leaders must come to terms with the reality of the economic storm facing the Town of Harrison and get their members actively involved in finding a solution.

I also suggested that the Mayor ask the Red Bulls to make their property tax payment before the October 2010 assessment to assist the town in weathering the cash crunch it will be experiencing this coming year. It may seem like a lot to ask for but Harrison has given a lot to the Red Bull's organization and deserves some consideration.

Let us see if the Red Bulls show us the money, sooner than later.

Regular February 2010 Meeting

John Pinho — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:06:00 GMT

The Regular February 2010 Meeting of the Mayor and Council will be held tomorrow Tuesday, February 2, 2010 starting at 6:30 p.m. with the Caucus (3rd Floor) and at 7:00 p.m. (2nd Floor) with the Regular Meeting. Both are open to the public.

The Agenda acknowledges the United Irish Grand Marshall for the 2010 St. Patrick's Day Parade, James Woods. Information on the annual United Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade is available on their website.

The Resolution recognizing James Woods states:

James ("Jim") Woods is a life-long resident of Harrison, where he attended the Harrison Public School System before attending Kean University.

He was appointed to the Harrison Fire Department in 1984 where he served as firefighter until 1998, when he was promoted to the rank of Captain and served as training officer and fire investigator. Jim's thirst for innovative and progressive techniques was a perfect fit for his role.

In 2005, Jim was promoted to Battalion Chief and assigned to his current position as a platoon commander. He also is on the staff of the Hudson County Office of Emergency Management, where he continues to work on a part time basis. Jim has been cited for valor and heroism several times throughout his career.

Jim has been married to his wife Kim for the past 24 years. They have two sons, Ryan age 20, who is currently a junior attending the University of Southern California, and Conor age 17, a senior attending Hudson County High Tech High School.

Jim's passion for his Irish heritage and love of Irish music inspired him to co-found the Hudson County Fire & Police Pipes and Drums, along with teaching his sons, who have been playing since the age of seven.

Jim attributes his Irish-American rearing, along with his three brothers and sister, to the many successes he has experienced throughout his life.

Other items on the Agenda are adoption of recommendations from the auditor. The list of recommendations are interesting but appear routine in nature. Some are surprising like the Town of Harrison does not have a General Ledger.

Also on the Agenda is the appointment of Harold Stahl to the Harrison Redevelopment Agency to fill the unexpired term of Peter Higgins, III. Stahl is a retired Fire Chief from City of Rahway. It is not clear who will undertake the responsibilities of being the Chairman of the Harrison Redevelopment Agency. Commisioner James Fife is a likely candidate although Mayor Raymond McDonough, who also sets on the Harrison Redevelopment Board, may want to assume the Chairmanship.

Lastly of note, is a refund of taxes to CJUF (Canyon Johnson Urban Fund) II Harrison Holdings which is the corporate name for the Harrison Commons partnership getting refunded overpayment of property taxes. The amounts are minor compared to the amount of funding provided Harrison Commons through infrastructure bonding you wonder if Harrison Commons is at all grateful for what the Mayor & Council have provided them with through the years. It is not clear whether the refunds are a result of the demolition of tax ratable buildings or if Harrison Commons made a clerical mistake and sent in double payments. The latter is not likely.

Pay Increases and Pink Slips

John Pinho — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:57:00 GMT

Mayor Raymond McDonough announced that forty eight town workers will be laid off as a result of former Governor Jon Corzine cutting 5 million dollars in distressed city aid to Harrison and increasing insurance costs. The lay offs are suppose to save the town $2.1 million.

The layoffs come in the same week that the Mayor and Council voted at a Special Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Meeting held on Monday, January 18, 2010 to increase town worker salaries by 3.5 percent each of the past three years (2007, 2008, and 2009).

If the Red Bulls make their first of their quarterly property tax payment in two weeks, the town will be on track to making up some of the 5 million dollars it has lost from the loss of distressed city aid. In a press release Mayor Raymond McDonough stated that "The taxpayers of Harrison cannot be called upon to pay additional local property taxes to replace the lost state aid."

Local business owners may find it strange that the McDonough administration started out the week giving pay increases to town workers only to turn around in the same week and hand out pink slips. When is the last time a private company announced salary increases and then laid off employees? Unheard of. Government however operates under different rules. Town employees expected pay increases and Mayor McDonough delivered those pay increases. Those with seniority are not affected by the laying off of their fellow town workers. I stated in prior posts that a pay increase would result in layoffs. It was abundantly clear that the taxpayers of Harrison would and could not support another tax increase. They may have to endure a large tax increase even with additional town worker layoffs because the Town of Harrison is facing more than one economic storm.

The town must make a 3.5 million dollar interest payment on the Red Bulls Stadium bonds. Councilman Steve McCormick questioned Mayor McDonough about how the town was going to meet its interest payment obligation. Mayor McDonough stated that he was working on it.

In addition, the town is likely to have its Abbott District school funding cut. Every dollar cut in Abbott Funding will add that amount that must be raised in property taxes to fund the school district. The Board of Education and Councilman/Superintendent of Schools James Doran must start now looking at cutting costs in the town's schools. Mayor McDonough appoints the school board members so he should have some control over the school budget.

The Jersey Journal reported on the lay offs and mentioned the freezing of town worker salaries for 2010 and 2011. The article failed to mention that the town gave 3.5% pay increases for years 2007, 2008 and 2009. I found that to be a interesting fact to miss. The names of the employees given layoff notices were also not released. Let's hope that the layoffs were based on union layoff guidelines (rules) rather than on other factors. Avoiding litigation and the increased legal fees associated with defending lawsuits is crucial to keeping costs down.

Solemn Applause For Pay Increases

John Pinho — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 01:59:00 GMT

The Mayor & Council passed a Salary Ordinance tonight which provided retroactive pay increases for years 2007, 2008 and 2009 but froze Civil Service worker's salaries for 2010 and 2011. A large crowd filled the council chambers.

A moment of silence was observed in memory of Peter Higgins. The Holy Cross Church bells began ringing as Mayor McDonough finished announcing the moment of silence as if on cue. Pete wanted us to know he was present in the council chambers once again.

Pete's sister Harrison's Chief Financial Officer, Beth Higgins, stated that the money to pay the retro pay increases was in reserve and had been in reserve in anticipation of a possible future settlement. Good news. Although I am of the opinion that the Town cannot afford any pay increases even retro increases, I am pleased that the retro pay increases will not add to the future tax burden of Harrison's taxpayers. In addition, I am pleased that there were will be no pay increases in 2010 and 2011.

At the end of the meeting, there was a show of approval for the Mayor & Council's passage of the salary increase. Town workers will be receiving a retro check in the very near future and expressed their approval with a burst of applause.

The applause was subdued by rumors that some of the town's workers are scheduled to be laid off. Harrison is about to be hit by a huge budget shortfall forcing the hand of Mayor McDonough's administration. Layoffs are unheard of in the Town of Harrison but they will undoubtedly be necessary in the face of a State budget shortfall and the unlikelihood that the Christie administration is going to restore 5 million dollars in state aid pulled by Governor Jon Corzine.

An incident that occurred in front of Town Hall after the meeting demonstrates the level of frustration that taxpayers are experiencing. While Town Workers are receiving retro pay increases, taxpayers are trying to figure out how to pay their ever increasing property taxes in the face of job loses. Town workers should be sensitive to their fellow Harrisonian's plight. One resident got loud expressing his disapproval of town worker pay increases. As expected, a town worker responded back. Although calmer heads prevailed to defuse the confrontation, Harrison Police officers stood by to make sure that the peace was maintained. As one resident pointed out this is not a fight between us and them, it is a fight for the survival of every Harrisonian. True. It is easier to have a clear mind when you know that you have a weekly paycheck. It is harder to think clearly when your weekly paycheck has been cut off and others are getting retro active pay increases. I condone any physical confrontation. Martin Luther King, Jr. would have been proud of those who stepped in to defuse the confrontation on his official birthday.

The weeks and months to come will test the resolve of all Harrisonians. Our political leaders must get together and put together a plan on how to weather the economic storm facing the town. Town workers must do their best to assist. Every interaction with town residents is going to matter. Town workers should be thankful for all that has been given them. It is significant.

I plan on being part of the solution. I ask that the good citizens of Harrison join the effort. It is your Harrison, it's up to you to make a difference.

MLK Day Town Meeting

John Pinho — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 20:25:00 GMT

On Monday, January 18, 2010, Mayor Raymond McDonough and the Town Council will hold a Special Council meeting at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Town Hall. There will be no Caucus. The only item on the Agenda is the Salary Ordinance for Civil Service Workers and other Department Heads. Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday and an official federal, state and town holiday.

In the face of a loss of $5 million in state aid and an economic crisis, Mayor McDonough had previously tabled the Salary Ordinances providing for retroactive pay increases for the Police, Fire, and Civil Service workers. The Police and Fire ordinances however were added to the Town's Reorganization meeting held on New Year's Day, January 1, 2010 and were passed. The Civil Service ordinance however was not on the New Year's Meeting Agenda.

On Tuesday January 19, 2010, Governor-elect Chris Christie will be sworn in as New Jersey's 55th Governor. Christie will start his inauguration day by attending a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark and he will end the day with a subdued inaugural ball at the Prudential Center Arena in Newark. Both of these locations are within a mile of Harrison. Christie announced this week that he does not plan on giving out any additional distressed city aid to cities including the Town of Harrison. Over 5 million dollars has been withheld from Harrison by Governor Jon Corzine and there is no expectation that Governor-elect Chris Christie will bless Harrison with the funds anytime soon. In fact distressed city funding may decrease even more under the Christie administration.

So why give town workers salary increases in the face of a loss of 5 million dollars in state aid? You will get the opportunity to ask that question if you attend the Special Martin Luther King, Jr. Meeting on Monday.

Because of the Town's Budget deficit, there will undoubtedly be a need to lay off town workers. Passing a salary increase will put an additional burden on Harrison's property tax payers who are already overwhelmed. Mayor McDonough cannot be insensitive to the plight of Harrison's taxpayers. He however is torn between facing the reality of present Harrison and following through with his promise to his base, town workers. Tough times however call for strong leadership. Mayor McDonough must lobby the councilmembers and vote down the salary ordinance.

Some Town workers will be upset with me for suggesting that retroactive salary increases be denied. The reality is that if salary increases are passed there will be no possibility that Governor-elect Chris Christie will restore any of the 5 million dollar aid to Harrison. Nor will the town be looked upon with any credibility in years to come which will effect future aid to Harrison.

The other byproduct of salary increases is the need for laying off town workers. Town workers with less seniority and lower salaries will be lost entirely. Wouldn't it make more sense to forgo salary increases in exchange for job security for all. Town workers must face the reality that town residents have been facing for over two years-- job loss, salary decreases, job insecurity, and ever increasing property taxes. The choice for town workers is save fellow town workers jobs or get a short lived pay increase?

What would Martin Luther King Jr. think of the Town of Harrison holding a special town meeting on his official birthday? He would probably tell everyone that the best present you could give him would be to make sure you went out to the meeting and expressed your thoughts. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership in the face of incredible odds pales in contrast to what it takes to voice your opinion at a council meeting. What he accomplished is extraordinary. I urge everyone to visit the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennesee. The Museum is located at the site of Martin Luther King's assassination, the Lorraine Motel. I was extremely moved when I realized in the course of an audio tour that I was standing a couple feet away from where Martin Luther King Jr. was gunned down. The Civil Rights struggle was not just Martin Luther Kings, there were other individuals who gave their lives to pave the way, but how devastating was it to lose such a person as Martin Luther King Jr. I will be reflecting on his courage when I attend the Special Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Meeting of the Harrison Mayor & Council.

Peter Higgins In Memoriam

John Pinho — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 18:21:00 GMT

On Sunday, January 3, 2010, Peter B. Higgins III, the chairman of the Harrison Redevelopment Agency, former secretary and Business Administrator to the Harrison Board of Education, and former Councilman of Harrison's 4th Ward passed peacefully after battling throat cancer. Peter's obituary reminded us of how special a person Pete was. Peter's influence on Harrison goes well beyond the accomplishments set forth in his obituary. His legacy will continue to unfold for years to come. Peter was Mayor Raymond McDonough's right hand man, an adviser, and confidant. Peter was sought out by developers due to his integral role in the redevelopment of Harrison and his notable role in the decision making.

Erik Stover, the managing Director of the Red Bulls, stated in the Red Bulls blog that quite simply the reason the New York Red Bulls have a new home inHarrison was because of Peter Higgins. Stover credits Peter's vision and leadership as the guiding force through numerous difficulties.

Former President and General Manager of the MetroStars soccer team, Nick Sakiewicz stated that he was saddened by Pete's passing and added that “Peter Higgins was the definition of class, loyalty and friendship. Iworked with Peter for four years on the stadium project in Harrison,N.J. and he always put his family and his community first in everythinghe did". The MetroStars were bought out by the Red Bulls. Much of the negotiations between the Town of Harrison and the MetroStars was conducted between Nick Sakiewicz and Peter Higgins.

I had the honor of sitting with Peter as a Commissioner on the Harrison Redevelopment Agency when it was first formed. I also had the privilege of working on one of Peter's 4th Ward ReElection Campaigns. As I attempted to get voters out and saw other campaign workers sitting around, I realized that the machine had turned against him and that Peter was destined to lose to his challenger James (Jim) Doran. Doran ran on a reform platform and has been reelected since his initial victory. Whether Doran fulfilled his promises of that campaign may be the subject of some future posting.

What impressed me about Peter Higgins was what he did in the face of defeat. Pete's opponent slammed the door in Pete's face by challenging and defeating him in Harrison's 4th Ward. No easy feat. Peter however went on to accomplish much more behind the scenes. Former Mayor Frank E. Rodgers had purportedly passed Pete over as his successor to the Mayor's chair in favor of a more amicable Raymond McDonough. Mayor Rodgers had insight. In retrospect, Peter Higgins was much more effective behind the scenes. Peter however deserved to be Mayor at least for one day.

Pete's legacy to his hometown of Harrison will unfold in the years to come. Pete did not always put Harrison first. When the developers were trying to get cheap liquor licenses Pete testified that there were no available liquor licenses for purchase in town. Pete's statement was not accurate. There were no cheap licenses available but there were some market price licenses available. Ultimately, the restaurant owners and some local liquor license owners made sure that the value of their investment was secured. The proposed legislation to issue special licenses for Harrison's Redevelopment Zone was defeated.

The above example (and others) do not take away from Peter's vision for Harrison. I am sure that the opinions of landowners who had to file lawsuits against the Town of Harrison and the Harrison Redevelopment Agency to get just compensation for their property may not have such a sympathetic view of Peter Higgins efforts as Chairman of the Harrison Redevelopment Agency.

The test of how much the management of the Red Bulls appreciates what Peter Higgins did for them to make the Red Bulls Stadium a reality is when Harrison's Tax Collector sends them a $2.1 Million tax bill this year. Will the Red Bulls pay the bill? Will the Red Bulls say on behalf of Peter Higgins "thank you Harrison for hosting our stadium"? Or will they turn their back on Peter and the taxpayers of Harrison? Time will tell.

Peter may you rest in peace. You will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, the Higgins familyhas requested that donations be made in Peter’s name to Camp Fatima ofNew Jersey, P.O. Box 234, Harrison, NJ, 07029.

Record Special Meeting for 2009

John Pinho — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:41:00 GMT

Mayor Raymond McDonough has scheduled a special meeting for this Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.

Off the Agenda at least the published Agenda is the repeal of the Parking Garage Ordinance and salary increases for Town workers. The published Agenda however is subject to change so one will only know at the meeting if anything is added onto the Agenda.

This year has seen a record number of Special Meetings. November and December's Mayor & Council regular meetings have been canceled and replaced with Special meetings. Thursday's meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. and there appears that there is no Caucus portion. The meeting will start right at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of Harrison Town Hall located at 318 Harrison Avenue, Harrison NJ.

The Agenda for the meeting is available by clicking here.

Lights Out:Town Hall Goes Dark

John Pinho — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:54:00 GMT

The Lights were out tonight at Harrison's Town Hall as Mayor Raymond McDonough canceled tonight's regularly scheduled December 1, 2009 Mayor & Council meeting.

On the Agenda were several items including the proposed adoption of a revised salary ordinance reflecting pay increases for town workers. It was expected that a large group of residents were going to be in attendance.

The official word was that the Mayor was going town to Trenton to seek reinstatement of distressed city aid which was cut by Governor Jon Corzine's administration to Harrison and other cities. Some questioned whether the cancellation of the meeting was simply a stalling tactic to avoid a large crowd in anticipation of scheduling a Special Meeting later this month.

Whatever the reason for the cancellation of the Mayor & Council meeting, it is abundantly clear that the Town of Harrison's financial crisis is getting worse and unlikely to get better in the near future. Tough decisions must be made by the McDonough administration. Town workers must be included in these decisions and cost cutting measures implemented.

Harrison was also prominently mentioned in a State Commission of Investigation report released today outlining large payouts to retiring public employees. The report is available online. Harrison's write up starts on page 37. The report is entitled, The Beat Goes On.

Crucial Decision on Tuesday

John Pinho — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:48:00 GMT

Harrison's Mayor Raymond McDonough faces the toughest decision of his political career on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. The Mayor & Council are scheduled to meet and discuss Ordinances which will retroactively increase town worker salaries.

Governor Jon Corzine and Governor Elect Chris Christie have announced that there will be additional cuts to the aid to municipalities. Governor Corzine plans to cut municipal aid to make up a 1 billion dollar state budget deficit. Governor-elect Christie's transition team in a statement released to the press stated,"These budget shortfalls make it clear that the Corzine administrationmust take urgent and immediate action to bring the budget under control". Governor Corzine apparently agrees and is moving to make the cuts before he leaves office.

I previously suggested that Mayor McDonough ask town workers to forgo pay increases. The Town of Harrison taxpayers simply cannot afford any higher taxes. With record unemployment, State aid being cut to towns and school districts, and millions in bond interest payments coming due in 2010, Mayor McDonough must use his political will power and convince town workers that they cannot get retroactive pay raises. Not this year. The economy simply cannot support town worker pay increases. Other towns plan to lay off workers to trim their budgets. The Town of Harrison is no longer immune to State budget cuts to municipalities and school districts.

A look at the town's salary ordinance reveals that in some politically appointed positions, Mayor McDonough has rewarded some with salaries higher than those that the private sector would support. If town workers get pay increases, it is unlikely that Governor-elect Christie will look favorably on Harrison. The excesses of the past simply won't be tolerated by New Jersey's new governor. A salary freeze would go a long way to show the new Governor that Harrison is serious about doing its part to solve the State's 1 Billion Dollar budget deficit.

I strongly urge Mayor McDonough to table the salary ordinance. Call a meeting of the Union bargaining units and discuss a negotiated freeze of salary increases until the town and the state's economy can support those increases. If Mayor McDonough does nothing and passes the salary ordinance, the new year will bring forced layoffs of town workers. Those less politically connected will undoubtedly be the first to go.

Asking workers to forgo pay increases isn't a popular statement with town workers or in the private sector. The reality however is that many town residents have been out of work and/or underemployed for over a year. Town workers should be thankful for what they have already. In the past year in a half, my office has been dealing with the economic storm that has hit our country, state and town. Residents are not attending town meetings because they suddenly found this website or Joe Wood's website, www.HarrisonMeetings.com, or because of what Councilmembers Steve and Marie McCormick have stated publically about the town's finances. Harrison Residents are attending town meetings because they are unemployed, their tenants are unemployed and they cannot make their mortgage payments and Harrison's property taxes, school taxes, and water/sewer bills keep going up. The town cannot afford town worker pay increases. Irreparable harm will be done to town residents if Mayor McDonough and the council continue to ignore the worse economic meltdown since the Great Depression.

Attend Tuesday's Mayor & Council meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Join me at the Caucus at 6:30 p.m. on the Third Floor or if you can't make 6:30 p.m., at 7:00 p.m. or as soon as you can make it, on the Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor. Let's see if Mayor McDonough ignores the red light in front of him and goes through the intersection. If McDonough's decision only effected him I wouldn't care but his decision to take the red light effects every resident in Harrison including town workers he says he's helping.

Christie Change Is Coming

John Pinho — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:39:00 GMT

Governor Elect Chris Christie addressed a group of elected and town officials at the New Jersey League of Municipalities Convention in Atlantic City today. If anyone in Harrison thought that the Governor Elect was not serious that cuts are coming, he made it clear that it is no longer about what's in it for me.

N.J. Governor-elect Christie tells local officials to expect 'a continued period of pain'

DailyHarrison: Pinho Blasts Mayor's Move

John Pinho — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:13:00 GMT

DailyHarrison.com has on its front page an article entitled "Pinho Blasts Mayor's Move" with a great picture of Mayor McDonough, United States Senator Robert Menendez and State Senator Richard Codey at the Red Bulls Stadium. It got my attention and I am sure the attention of others.

It is not my intention to "blast" Mayor McDonough. I have a great deal of respect for Mayor McDonough and all politicians (and what they have to do on a daily basis) to blast any one of them. I believe that Mayor McDonough's intentions when he set out to "Redevelop" Harrison were genuine. Remember, I was there at the beginning of the Harrison Redevelopment Agency as one of initial Commissioners. Unfortunately, the Mayor's good intentions were sidetracked. Harrison residents will pay for the poor planning. There however is still hope that things can be turned around for the better.

The achilles heal in the McDonough's Administration is that those close to him are "Yesing" him every opportunity they can looking out for their own self interests. In other words, instead of expressing their opinions they are agreeing with the Mayor so long as it does not effect them. That has made for some poorly thought out decisions. The repeal of the Parking Lot Ordinance is such a decision. The Town's outside counsel is happy with the proposed decision as his firm will be billing the town thousands of dollars per month to defend the litigation that will be filed the day after the town passes the ordinance.

Mayor McDonough has always been cordial and respectful to me. I have always done the same. We may disagree but its not personal. I have been involved in several campaigns for and against Mayor McDonough and his team and I respect what he has accomplished both politically and personally. I have even a higher regard for the person who hand picked Mayor McDonough to be the nominee to succeed him in the Mayor's seat, the late Mayor Frank E. Rodgers. Rodgers obviously is a very tough act to follow. You do not get elected every two years for over forty years unless you have touched people's lives in a genuine way. My parents have a Frank E. Rodgers sign protected with clear plastic hanging in their basement. My father has stated on occasion that he is going to hang it on the porch someday so people can vote for Frank E. Rodgers again. Rodgers would fix this mess.

It struck me the other day that McDonough was repealing the Parking Ordinance devised by Mayor Frank E. Rodgers to generate some income for Harrison from daily commuters. What would Mayor Rodgers think of all that has transpired since he stepped down as the longest sitting Mayor in the United States. Would he happy that the Guyon Industrial Complex had been torned down and a soccer stadium was built without a property lease in place that would generate enough revenue to pay the interest on the bond that insured the stadium would be built? Would he be happy that one of the few green spaces in town, the John F. Kennedy Stadium along the Passaic River, was sold to a developer to build housing and they have failed to complete the project as promised? Would he be happy that long time business and property owners were evicted and had to fight to receive proper compensation from outside developers and now the "redevelopers" are stalling, changing plans, and asking for more assistance? Would he be happy that the salary ordinance for the town of Harrison has a parking meter attendant making more than most Harrison Police Officers? Would he be happy to see Mayor McDonough and council members walking out of town meetings when simple questions are asked?

Mayor McDonough and his team must ask themselves, What would Mayor Rodgers do? Mayor Rodgers would first call Governor-elect Chris Christie to congratulate him on his election victory and offer his best wishes. He would then call Governor Corzine and express his dismay at his loss and offer any assistance he could give to Governor Corzine in the future. He would then have his secretary call me and arrange a visit to his office on the Third Floor of town hall. As soon as I sat down in the sinking guest chair, he would ask about my parents. "How are they doing? Please let them know I was asking about them." He then would ask about "my lovely wife". Mayor Rodgers knew what was important: Family. Mayor Rodger's extended family was the people of the Town of Harrison. He touched countless lives in varying degrees. Rodgers would then ask me why I was upset with him. He would then listen. Listening is a lost art.

Why am I upset with Mayor McDonough? Simply put he has lost his way. Harrison is not about outside "Redevelopers". Harrison is about folks like my parents who are blue collar hardworking individuals who moved to Harrison for great police protection, a good education for their children, great garbage collection services, thorough and efficient Department of Public Works and great neighbors of various ethnic cultures. Look around and you will see that all of these services are suffering despite ever increasing property taxes. The residents cannot afford town employees to get pay raises. The residents cannot afford to have the police department understaffed. The residents cannot afford more money being handed to redevelopers in the form of concessions. Mayor McDonough must take decisive action to save Harrison. Mayor McDonough must be Harrison's leader. Tough decisions must be made in the face of the nation's worst economic downturn since the Great Depression and in the face of some questionable decisions and deals made by his administration.

If it sounds like I am blasting the Mayor, forgive me. I am simply trying to get his attention before it is too late. If more of his friends told him the truth and lent him support Harrison would be a lot better in the years to come.

Video: November 17th Special Meeting

John Pinho — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:43:00 GMT

Joe Wood has posted video of the November 17th Special Meeting on his website.

You can follow this link to his HarrisonMeetings website. Joe has broken the meeting into three parts.

I am very impressed by Joe Wood's maturity and instinct at council meetings. It is not easy to stand up and ask questions and make statements at a Harrison Council meeting. The overreaction Council members Larry Bennett, James Doran, Francisco Nascimento and Mayor McDonough had to Joe's simple questions on how the elected officials managed to make a 4 p.m. meeting given their work schedules demonstrates the tactics used to stop public questions at Harrison council meetings. Councilman Steve McCormick's statement that this is Harrison's form of democracy says it all.

Public Parking Garages Under Attack

John Pinho — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:34:00 GMT

         Mayor Raymond McDonough and six of eight council members voted this afternoon to introduce Ordinance 1223 which will repeal Town Ordinance 886 that was adopted on March 2, 1993 to regulate Public Parking Garages in the Town of Harrison. The Ordinance was the only item on the agenda.

         Several attorneys representing owners of existing parking lots in the Redevelopment Zone were at the meeting. The meeting was moved from the Third Floor Conference room to the Second Floor council chambers because there were not enough seats in the Conference room to accommodate all attendees.

       At the public session, there were several attempts by the attorneys attending the meeting to speak about the Ordinance. With varying success, the attorneys made several points objecting to the repeal of the Ordinance which appears to be an attempt to eliminate other parking garages in the Redevelopment Zone in effect eliminating any competition to the town's new Public Parking Garage.

        Mayor McDonough stated that the public would have an opportunity to speak on the Ordinance at the public comment session to be held on December 1, 2009. The attorneys stated that they will be in attendance. Daily commuters may find their way to Harrison's Town Hall since their daily parking rate will undoubtedly be effected by the elimination of all parking garage competition in the Redevelopment Zone.

       It is fairly clear that Mayor McDonough seeks to eliminate all other public parking garages in the Redevelopment Zone. Since there are no public parking garages outside the Redevelopment Zone, the new Public Parking Garage will be the only place commuters can park. The latter appears on the surface to be a brilliant move on the part of Mayor McDonough. The parking lot owners apparently were not anticipating such a move and have been caught off guard.

         The preamble to Ordinance 1223 sets forth the rationale for eliminating surface parking lots, "Due to the amount of land taken-up by surface parking lots, which is not beneficial for the Town, the Plan requires structured parking (i.e. multilevel parking garages) in lieu of surface parking lots in the redevelopment zones" In other words, the Redevelopment Zone plan provides that there is a better use for the land than its current use as surface parking lots. Litigation will undoubtedly result if Ordinance 1223 is adopted.

         The Redevelopment Plan provides for a scheme of construction. The plan does envision converting areas occupied by surface parking lots into buildings. However, can a municipality outlaw by elimination of an Ordinance the current use of a property.   If Ordinance 866 is repealed, parking lot owners will still be able to use their properties to park cars. The surface parking garages would be grandfathered in as a permitted use. So eliminating Ordinance 866 signed by then Mayor Frank E. Rodgers will deregulate parking lots and therefore eliminate the means by which the town enforces the collection of a parking tax and conduct of parking garage owners.

         I commend Mayor McDonough for his valiant attempt to think outside the box but the repeal of Ordinance 1223, in my opinion, will not achieve the goal of making the Town of Harrison more revenue. The repeal of Ordinance 866 will cost the town of Harrison loss of parking tax revenue, increase legal fees paid to attorneys, and cause chaos and resentment by longtime surface parking garage owners and commuters.

         The lack of transparency in the manner that the Town of Harrison operates makes it difficult to really know what exactly Mayor McDonough is attempting to accomplish.

Commuters:Special Meeting Tuesday

John Pinho — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:28:00 GMT

Mayor Raymond McDonough canceled the regular November 5th Mayor & Council meeting stating that the Special meeting of October 26, 2009 had dealt with all pending town business. Apparently, Mayor McDonough was mistaken or he was simply misleading the public.

Mayor McDonough has scheduled yet another Special Meeting. This meeting is set for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2009. Yes, you read it correctly 4 p.m. The last special meeting was for 6 p.m. and a crowd of vocal residents showed up so, the Mayor has moved the meeting to 4 p.m. to insure their is no public input to "close down some parking garages". Well, it isn't exactly clear what will be on the Agenda for the Special Meeting because the Agenda on the town's website simply states AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NUMBER 886 REGARDING PUBLIC PARKING LOTS IN THE TOWN OF HARRISON. The proposed Ordinance, however, was not provided.

From what Mayor Raymond McDonough stated in passing at the Harrison Redevelopment Meeting, the Ordinance has to deal with the anticipated opening of the new Parking Deck next to the PATH station. It appears that the Mayor is going to close down some other parking lots to insure that there is enough cars patronizing the public parking garage.

In a prior posting, Parking Deck Unlikely to Turn a Profit, I set out my rationale as to why the parking garage was unlikely to turn a profit. Mayor McDonough, I am guessing is trying to prove me wrong by insuring that the Parking Deck is filled to full capacity by eliminating the competition and/or increasing the parking tax (or both).

Why would Mayor McDonough schedule another Special Meeting and set the time for 4 p.m. rather than 7 p.m. ? Because he is used to doing it. How can the part time Councilmembers get off from work to attend? The majority do not have to take off work. Councilman/Superintendent of Harrison Schools James Doran gets off at 3:15 p.m. Councilman/Harrison High Maintenance Supervisor Michael Dolaghan gets off at 3:15 p.m as well. Councilman/Vice Principal Francisco Nascimento also gets off at 3:15 p.m. Councilman/Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission Employee Larry Bennett leaves early or get some time off. Councilman/Board of Education employee Jesus Huaranga also gets off at 3:15 p.m. A 4 o'clock meeting makes perfect since for these elected officials. Why wait around till 7 p.m. for a meeting when you can get it over with at 4 p.m.?

Mayor McDonough does not expect a large crowd at Tuesday's Special Meeting. The Agenda for the meeting states that it will be held in the 3rd Floor Conference Room at the Harrison Town Hall.

Harrison To Pay for Red Bull Lighting

John Pinho — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:50:00 GMT

The Harrison Redevelopment Agency authorized tonight the payment of three invoices from PSE&G totaling over $698,000.00 for "buydown of poles, brackets and shrouds and ... cost of construction" for street poles and lights along Guyon Avenue, Cape May Street, and South Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. The Resolution was passed without discussion by the Commissioners or input from the public.

The preamble to the Resolution stated that "pursuant to the Rider to the Redevelopment Agreement between the Agency and Advance at Harrison LLC ("Advance") the Agency is responsible to reimburse Advance for the "Stadium's Pro Rata Share" of Infrastructure costs, up to a maximum of $8,000,000".

Councilman Steve McCormick attended the meeting as a member of the public and attempted once again to ask Town Attorney and Redevelopment Agency attorney Greg Castano (Sr.) about the legality of the Agency's policy of not allowing members of the public to ask questions or speak at Redevelopment Agency meetings. Councilman McCormick video taped the meeting and plans on putting the video up on the web in the future. There were no other members of the public at the meeting.

As a former Redevelopment Agency Commissioner, the meeting brought me back to a more simpler time when I naively thought that my appointment to the Agency was in recognition of my contributions to the Harrison community and my professional achievements. As a Commissioner, I toke my job seriously and asked for Agenda documents, actual bills and to be provided same on a Friday afternoon rather than at the Tuesday meeting so I could review those documents over the weekend. When I found errors in billing or thought it inappropriate to pay for an item, I raised my concerns and expressed my opinion. Ultimately, my naivete resulted in my not being re-appointed. Mayor McDonough did not even send me a letter thanking me for my service.

As I sat in the audience at Redevelopment meeting in a room on the Second Floor above the Harrison Department of Public Works (DPW) on Essex Street, my thoughts reflected on how public money is being spent without any input from the public. If an elected public official cannot ask questions about the Redevelopment at the Redevelopment Agency Meeting and is told to "put it in writing", where are the checks and balances. If the public came to this out of the way location to attend a "Redevelopment Meeting", they would not be able to ask a question. Mayor McDonough and the other Commissioners passed a resolution to that effect and apparently see nothing wrong with the policy. What are they afraid the public will ask or comment upon?

Well, maybe the fact that the Harrison Redevelopment Agency (or should I say the Harrison taxpayers) should not be footing the bill for new street lights for the Advance Group and/or Red Bulls without first having them pay their contractual portion of the cost. From the documents I reviewed it appears that the Agency is making a direct payment in advance to PSE&G before they even order the poles and lights. Advance did not pay for the lights. The Resolution states that its a reimbursement which is not accurate.

Other questions come to mind: Are these temporary telephone pole lights or permanent decorative lights. Why can't PSE&G foot the bill for the street lights since the town would be paying for the electricity making PSE&G some additional revenue? The public may never know because the Agency's silence policy prevents anyone from asking. If you go to the Town Council meeting and ask, Mayor McDonough will direct you to go to the Redevelopment Agency to ask. Unfortunately, unless you "put it in writing" you won't be able to ask at the Agency meeting. Mayor McDonough who sits on the Agency Board will not give you his opinion. The cone of silence surrounds the Redevelopment Agency decisions. Now we know why it's in such a remote location.

By the way, there is a Special Meeting of the Mayor & Council for this coming Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 4 p.m. Tell your boss that you have to leave early because Mayor McDonough has scheduled another Special Meeting. Do not worry about the blank stare you get from your boss, you do not need your job after all. Mayor McDonough canceled last Thursday's Regular Meeting because all the town's business had been handled at a Special October 26, 2009 town meeting. McDonough was apparently wrong. According to Mayor McDonough, shutting down some parking garages is on the Agenda.

Christie To Audit Harrison School District

John Pinho — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:04:00 GMT

At his first post-election public appearance, Governor Elect Chris Christie stated that his administration will be auditing costly school districts. While visiting the Robert Treat Charter School in North Newark, Christie stated, "We have to figure out ways to make some priority judgments either tohave more of that money find its way into the classroom and or some ofthat money to find its way back to the taxpayers," The Robert Treat Charter School was founded by Steve Adubato, Sr. and his considered a model for urban education. Christie mentioned the Robert Treat Charter School throughout his campaign for Governor as an example of how a Charter school education could benefit the children of New Jersey.

The Harrison School District is likely to be one of the first districts to be audited by the Governor elect. Harrison receives state funding as an Abbott District but has shown little progress in improving the education of Harrison's children. Children are starving to be challenged and long for a good education. The New Jersey Supreme Court's mandate in Abbott to fund urban schools on par with more affluent suburban schools was well intended but immediately hijacked by many school administrations with much of the additional funding not improving student education. According to the New Jersey Department of Education, Harrison School District spends $16,898.00 per student. The best private schools in New Jersey do not charge that much in tuition. To review a copy of the School Board's budget, click here.

As a product of a Public School Education and an alumni of the Harrison Public School system, I understand the importance of maintaining the ideal of a good public school system. However, Governor Elect Chris Christie's support of private charter schools combined with auditing of public school districts is exactly what is needed to improve our public schools. Administrators must be held accountable for the money earmarked to improve our public schools. Politics should not be a significant part of our children's education. In Harrison, politics plays a significant role in who is hired by the Board of Education and directly impacts the educational process. It is not unique to Harrison but nonetheless should not play a significant role in any school district.

It will be interesting to see what an audit of the Harrison School district reveals.

What Christie's Victory Means For Harrison.

John Pinho — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:09:00 GMT

Chris Christie's victory last night means that it will not be business as usual in Harrison. Governor Jon Corzine was in many ways a benefactor for the Town of Harrison. Mayor Raymond McDonough's close Democratic ties with Governor Corzine provided assess and funding for the town of Harrison. Christie is not likely to be so kind.

Harrison receives both Abbott District money, Distressed City Funding and its share of Extraordinary Aid from the State of New Jersey. With a looming interest payment of $3.5 million due in 2010 for the $40 million dollar Red Bulls Bond and retroactive pay increases to town employees, any loss of funding can be devastating to Harrison's taxpayers.

At the Special Council meeting held on October 26, 2009, a resident asked the Mayor on several occasions what his plan was to reduce the property tax burden. Mayor McDonough had no plan. McDonough lamented that the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 had stalled the redevelopment and that the current economy was stalling the project. McDonough's plan to decrease property taxes through Redevelopment has hit a huge brick wall. The wall is almost as thick as the 20 foot foundation walls of the demolished Guyon Building.

McDonough did reveal that he had a conversation with Peter Cocoziello, President and CEO of Advance Realty (Advance), the designated developer of the property in front of the Red Bull's Stadium. Peter Cocoziello had promised to start vertical construction on the project designated as the RiverBend District. McDonough however could not provide any details on the nature of the vertical construction.

Daily Harrison has picked up on a Advance Press Release and published an article entitled Infrastructure work at the Riverbend District. The press release sounds great but after reading it carefully the release simply states the obvious. The sewers, sidewalks and lights will be installed in front of the Red Bulls Stadium. The Harrison Planning Board previously modified its agreement with Advance allowing them to install temporary blacktop sidewalks and telephone pole street lighting. Advance will therefore be completing temporary horizontal improvements.

Obviously, the nation's economic downturn has effected the viability of the Riverbend District project. Advance has delayed construction but promises in the same release that:

"Phase I of vertical construction at the Riverbend District is scheduledto begin in 2010 and will feature more than 800,000 square feet ofretail space, including an anchor grocery and retailers, a 16-screencinema and notable restaurants; a 175-room hotel and a 350-room, fullservice hotel with 25,000 square feet of conference space; a wellnesscenter; corporate and boutique office space; and approximately 1,900for sale and rental residential units."

The Press Release does not specify when in 2010 the Advance plans on starting the vertical construction on the property or when it plans to complete construction. Horizontal construction paid for by taxpayer bonding is nice but Vertical construction paid for by a redeveloper which will eventually lead to some income for Harrison is much better.

Mayor McDonough must be proactive in heading off a large and devastating property tax increase. McDonough must realize that taxpayers are on the verge of panic over ever increasing property taxes. If the last three council meetings are any indication, it is clear that McDonough can no longer ignore the poor financial condition Harrison finds itself in. The sooner the Mayor takes the bull by the horns the more likely he will be able to avoid a devastating property tax increase.

As unpopular as it may be, the Mayor must ask town employees to defer arbitrator awarded pay increases for two years. There is record unemployment. Many residents find themselves unemployed and with ever increasing expenses. Mayor McDonough could demonstrate with such a request of town employees that he is serious about weathering this economic storm without imposing an additional property tax burden on homeowners. Union leaders should be very conscious of the current economy and seriously consider the deferral proposal. Many private sector employers have implemented wage freezes to avoid layoffs. One's current salary is better than no salary. A deferred pay increase will enable Harrison to weather the current economic storm. Once the vertical construction is complete tax revenues will be available to pay the salary increases without overwhelming property owners.

Mayor McDonough's legacy will be determined in the action he takes in the next few weeks. Let's see if he has the ability to make some difficult but necessary decisions. Let's hope he doesn't make only "political" decisions but makes some unpopular but necessary "business" decisions. Harrison's future and his legacy hang in the balance.

Corzine Loses Governor's Race

John Pinho — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:29:00 GMT

The Associated Press and New Jersey Network (NJN) has projected that Chris Christie will be the next Governor of the State of New Jersey. In July, I endorsed the candidacy of Chris Christie in a piece entitled Why Corzine Should Lose. As a long time Democrat, I expressed my feelings about Governor Jon Corzine.

My piece was spurred on by a visit from President Obama to New Jersey to campaign on behalf of Governor Corzine. Here is what I wrote back in July:

"My wife’s a Republican. I’m a Democrat. She said the other day to me that she knows that it will be the first time in a long time that I will be voting for a Republican come November. She is right. Corzine does not deserve my vote. Every decision he makes is political. I want a Governor who makes decisions on what is good for the average citizen and not what appears to be politically convenient. An example of the latter is his caving to the New Jersey Public Employees Union Leaders who threatened to picket a Corzine campaign rally at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange where Vice President Joe Biden was going to be the Guest of Honor. Biden had stated that he would not cross a Union picket line to attend the campaign event. The Union Leaders knew that Corzine would buckle under the pressure and give in to their demands. A real Governor would have told the Union Leaders go ahead and picket the Vice President of the United States. To Vice President Biden, Corzine should have said that is your personal choice, the rally will go forward either way.

I ask you to seriously consider who you want to be the next Governor of the State of New Jersey. I voted for Obama and I'm voting for Chris Christie. Join me."

As President Obama and Governor Corzine were attending a campaign rally at the Prudential Center in Newark, I was in my office in the Ironbound Section of Newark working. As I traveled out of the Ironbound, I was confronted by some unusual traffic as a result of the President's visit. In my heart, I knew that the President's visit was not going to make a difference. I am glad that many of my fellow Democrats joined me in voting for Chris Christie. Congratulations Mr. Christie. The work to make New Jersey better begins right after the celebration.

Red Bulls Assessed $2.1 Million in Taxes

John Pinho — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:32:00 GMT

Albert Cifelli, the Tax Assessor for the Town of Harrison, stated at the October 26, 2009 Special Council meeting that the town will realize $2.1 to $2.2 Million in property taxes for the new Red Bulls Stadium. Cifelli answering a hypothetical question stated that an improvement valued at $100 million would generated a tax bill of $2.1 million to $2.2 million at Harrison's current tax rate. The Red Bulls stadium once built is suppose to be valued at $100 million. Harrison could use the extra tax money. Once again, residents turned out to the town meeting expressing their concerns above ever increasing property taxes.

The influx of new property tax money to the Town of Harrison however may hit a roadblock. The Red Bulls do not own the stadium property. It is not clear whether you can tax a tenant of a property and not the owner of the property. The Town of Harrison bonded $40 million dollars to purchase the property and the Town owns the real estate.

In an exchange between Councilman Steve McCormick, Tax Assessor Albert Cifelli, Town Attorney Greg Castano (Sr.), and Mayor Raymond McDonough the public learned that The Red Bulls will pay $150,000 per year to the County of Hudson earmarked to pay down the interest on the Path Station parking garage; the interest due from the Town of Harrison on the Red Bulls bond in 2010 is $3.5 million; the Town of Harrison will receive nothing else from the Red Bulls as there is no other monetary payments or rights received by the Town in its agreement with the Red Bulls; the interest on the Stadium bonds were suppose to be paid by Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs) from the Millenium RiverWalk project; Millenium only built two of the four planned housing units and thus there is a significant short fall in revenue earmarked to make the interest payments on the Stadium bonds. It is not clear where the money to make the Red Bull bond interest payment will come from. Since the bonds are backed by the Town of Harrison, property taxes may need to raised to make the payment.

Town Attorney Greg Castano (Sr.), when confronted by Councilman Steve McCormick as to who negotiated the deal between the Red Bulls stated that despite the fact that he was both the Town Attorney and the Harrison Redevelopment Agency attorney that special counsel Charles Astor* represented the town because he was a specialist in stadium contracts. In reviewing other stadium deals, the Town or governmental unit retains the naming rights of the stadium as a means of recouping public monies used to finance the stadium projects. The Town of Harrison did not retain those rights or obtain any other concessions from the Red Bulls (at the time the MetroStars).

*Please note: A Google search did not reveal an attorney by the name of Charles Astor who specialized in redevelopment or stadium contracts. The spelling on Mr. Astor's name may be incorrect.