Harry's Take is the 'official' blog of Councilman and Former Mayor Harry Zikas, Jr.
March 9, 2010
25 Cent
The following video features rapper Curtis James Jackson III, commonly known as 50 Cent:
Well, according to Councilman Michael Savary, Craig S. Dunwell is a possible candidate for Alpha Borough Council ("He's sitting on the fence.") and that's a good enough reason for me to continue mentioning him on this blog. Instead of constantly writing his name out, I'll refer to him as 25 Cent. Why? As I mentioned in a previous post, there is a lot to the Dunwell & Savary Saga and I need to save some of the good stuff for later.
So, at tonight's Council Meeting, 25 Cent applauded Councilman John Hajdu for announcing that he was giving up his 'in-lieu-of' medical benefits payments. He went on to state that he hopes that the other two Councilmen that take those payments consider the same action, but ONCE AGAIN, failed to mention Councilman Michael Savary, who has signed up to take the actual medical benefits that cost twice the amount of those payments.
Interesting - the man that based his campaign against medical benefits and the 'in-lieu-of' payments for elected officials decided to take them upon his election to Council, but yet his "brain trust" refuses to criticize him for it. In November, I made the following statement: "Mr. Savary closes by asking our citizens to attend meetings and to hold us – elected officials – accountable for our actions. Well, come January, those eyes and mine will be focused squarely on Mr. Savary." Unfortunately, he would prefer that our citizens be blind to his own actions.
25 Cent also questioned a comment that I made in a recent article.
While the borough's five full-time employees' salaries have already been settled in contracts, Zikas said part-time workers' pay will be determined in the budget.
"We try to be as fair as possible, but that's something we could play around with," Zikas said.
He said that I was quoted that all contracts had been settled. Yes, that's what the article says, but my quote has to do with part-time salaries. I remember speaking to the reporter and when she asked me about salaries, I stated that the five full-time employees have contracts that dictate the amount that is put into the budget line items. Part-time employees don't have contracts, so we can be flexible with their salaries when it comes to budgeting. First let me state that the reporter who wrote the piece is an excellent journalist and an asset to The Express-Times. She did contact me after the story was published to clarify the situation and I offered her an apology if my statements mislead her in any way since that was obviously not my intention. For the record, the contract for the three full-time employees in the Department of Public Works has not been settled yet. They are currently working under their last one which expired on December 31, 2009.
25 Cent didn't stop there, he continued his diatribe and basically said that I should no longer offer comments to the media. As I said tonight, I truly believe that that's a disservice to the public. I will continue to offer my feelings and opinions so that the people I represent know how I feel or where I stand on an issue. This quote by Elbert Hubbard says it best: "To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing."
If I was a doctor, I would have also diagnosed 25 Cent with selective hearing tonight. During my report, I mentioned that Alpha's official website was coming along and went on to show Mayor and Council a quick preview. When it came to our public comment period, 25 Cent asked about the site and criticized the delay. I can't help but chuckle, because his vendetta against me all stems from the reason he's earned the 25 Cent monicker.
My record is expensive for Alpha!? Oh, really?
After 8 years as Mayor and 2 years as a Councilman, Alpha has over a million dollars in surplus and we have a better bond rating because of our low debt, yet Craig Dunwell asked, "Isn't it time for a change?"
Alpha officials search for $150,000 to cut from budget
By SARAH M. WOJCIK
The Express-Times
Sunday, February 28, 2010
ALPHA | Borough officials want to cut about $150,000 from the proposed municipal budget to minimize the use of surplus money in balancing this year's $2.7 million spending plan.
To keep the municipal tax increase below 3 cents per $100 of assessment, the borough planned on borrowing $400,000 of the $1 million surplus fund, according to borough Chief Financial Officer Lorraine Rossetti.
Seeking to preserve some of the surplus for future years, Rossetti asked council to find between $100,000 and $150,000 to eliminate from the budget.
"We want to use a healthy amount that we could still rebuild over a year or so," Rossetti said.
Council acknowledges the search for that money in the already lean budget won't be easy.
"I think we need to go through with a fine-toothed comb," Councilman Michael Savary said. "I'd like to know where the money is being spent (for each item) and if it's justified."
Rossetti said money is budgeted for undetermined capital projects that could be axed to make room for more urgent needs in the borough.
"This isn't the year to fund a project that doesn't have a name yet," Rossetti said.
Councilwoman Klara Tarsi said even if the council must take small amounts from several different places, she's determined to hunt down at least $100,000.
"We're going to look everywhere humanly possible, even if it's little by little we cut," Tarsi said.
Councilman Harry Zikas Jr. mirrored that sentiment.
"From my standpoint, no line item is safe," he said.
While the borough's five full-time employees' salaries have already been settled in contracts, Zikas said part-time workers' pay will be determined in the budget.
"We try to be as fair as possible, but that's something we could play around with," Zikas said.
Rossetti said the borough's finances appear in good shape. The borough's low debt, for instance, has scored Alpha a better bond rating, she said.
The borough has $898,000 in debt, well below the state's cap of $7 million for a municipality Alpha's size, according to Rossetti.
Reporter Sarah M. Wojcik can be reached at 610-258-7171, ext. 3631, or swojcik@express-times.com.
Zikas' record expensive, embarrassing for Alpha
Thursday, January 28, 2010
It was baffling to read Alpha Councilman Harry Zikas Jr.'s letter (Jan.17) on the "in-lieu-of medical benefits" issue. With New Jersey's budget crisis, high taxes and loss of state aid, why is he so preoccupied with petty sarcasm and name-calling?
Maybe the explanation is two-fold: Zikas is up for re-election this year and wants to distance himself from his failed policies over the last 10 years. His general approach is both insulting and embarrassing.
This controversial medical benefits plan, adopted during Zikas' second term as mayor, has been a complete disaster for Alpha taxpayers. Since 2004, more than $108,000 has been paid to elected officials, with almost 70 percent going to just three council members (Robert Gara, $35,410; Louis Pettinelli , $22,243; and John Hajdu, $15,358) even though they all receive "Cadillac" medical benefits from various governmental bodies.
Also, in a Twitter post, Zikas called Pohatcong Township Mayor Stephen Babinsky "the Hugo Chavez of Warren County." During an Interstate 78 scenic byway presentation, he insulted and belittled Elaine Emiliani, Greenwich Township's mayor.
When Michael Savary objected to giving the borough attorney an exorbitant 7 percent increase, Zikas shot back, referring to a uniquely male part of Savary's anatomy.
If all this weren't enough, his tie-breaking vote approving the pool fiasco, his multiyear foot-dragging developing a borough Web site, the explosion in payroll costs under his watch, and Enron-style financial shell games with the water/sewer money should cause voters to ask, "Isn't it time for a change?"
Craig S. Dunwell
Alpha
I want to thank Dunwell for giving me so much to work with here - I don't even know where to begin! I would love to respond with a Letter to the Editor of my own, but The Express-Times only allows one letter per month and I reached that quota on January 17.
The first thing you need to know is that Dunwell is Councilman Michael Savary's 'Karl Rove', the "brain trust", if you will. He claims that he's not 'a surrogate' for anybody, but the writing is clearly on the wall. To be fair, Dunwell is currently a private citizen with his own opinions and he's clearly entitled to them, but when you attack my record and reputation, I'm going to respond and respond forcefully I will.
So, let's begin. Dunwell insinuates that I'm not concerned with "New Jersey's budget crisis, high taxes and loss of state aid". I would like to know where he would get an idea like that! Just like every citizen, business owner and elected official in this state, I'm extremely worried about our finances. Dunwell mentions 'loss of state aid' and unfortunately, that is an issue every municipality will have to work through. I'm not sure if Dunwell remembers, but when I first took office as Mayor, one of the first things we did was apply for extraordinary aid to help repair Alpha's finances. Our application was successful and after a few more years of that additional aid, Alpha was on course to a stable financial future. Council held its first budget meeting of the year on Tuesday and if Dunwell were in attendance, he would have found out that our years of hard work are paying off. In fact, Moody's just upgraded our rating from Baa2 to Baa1. **See Below**
Ok, let's take his next shot at me - Dunwell states that I'm pre-occupied with "petty sarcasm and name-calling" because I'm up for re-election and I want to distance myself from my failed policies. While my seat on council is up this year, I haven't made a decision on running for re-election as of yet. I also don't consider my policies a failure and neither do the voters of Alpha who re-elected me as their Mayor in 2003 and allowed me the opportunity to continue serving Alpha as a Councilman by electing me to my current office in 2007. He opines that my general approach is "insulting and embarrassing". What about Councilman Savary's 'curb scandal'? Wasn't that "insulting and embarrassing" enough for him?
Dunwell brings up the story that won't die - the medical benefits plan! Yes, Alpha switched from a private health benefits package to the state health benefits package. Yes, we did it to save money. No, we were not aware that it had to be offered to elected officials. Was it a disaster? Far from it. While most of the savings were eaten up by having to offer the plan to elected officials, I still feel that the decision to switch was a smart move. It's interesting to note that Dunwell fails to mention Councilman Savary's decision to accept health benefits and what that will cost Alpha's taxpayers over the next three years of his term. Between the years of 2004 and up to and including 2006, Councilman Savary cost Alpha's taxpayers $15,688.68. Over the next three years, it is estimated that Councilman Savary's health benefits will cost $22,717.80 for a grand total of $38,406.48.
Next up, Dunwell references my infamous Twitter post about Mayor Babinsky. I think I made it pretty clear in my blog post that I said what I said out of frustration due to Mayor Babinsky's unwillingness to cooperate with the Borough of Alpha on several cost-saving, shared services proposals. He continues on to say that I "insulted and belittled" Elaine Emiliani during a Route I-78 scenic byway presentation. If asking questions is insulting and belittling, then I'm guilty. Again, I posted a few entries on this blog regarding my feelings on the scenic byway proposal and how this state has bigger issues to confront and solve before we start designating highways as scenic byways.
Ok, Dunwell's next statement definitely needs some clarification. At Alpha's recent re-organization meeting on January 5, Councilman Savary decided to vote on our attorney's contract, which called for a 4.4% increase not 7%. I objected to him voting at all, whether for it or against it, because Councilman Savary is a defendant in a lawsuit filed by the Borough of Alpha that is being litigated by our attorney. When our municipal clerk went through the roll call and I heard Councilman Savary enter a vote, I finished voting and this is what transpired:
Me: "...My colleague, Michael Savary, just voted on this resolution and I don't mean, pardon my language, to bust your balls, but you are a current defendant in litigation that our attorney is [representing us on]."
Savary: "So, you want me to abstain?"
Me: "You should."
Savary: "Yeah, I was wondering about that...yeah, I'll abstain."
I tried to stop Councilman Savary from crossing the fine line of ethics, but I'm the bad guy because I said the word 'balls'. The horror!
Dunwell finally closes his letter with a bunch of rapid fire accusations. Let's take them one by one:
- my tie-breaking vote approving the pool fiasco
Yes, on May 23, 2006, I voted to break a tie to enter into a contract with the local YMCA to run the John Dolak Memorial Pool. I was willing to give the pool one last shot to break even, but unfortunately, it did not. We learned our lesson and decided to permanently close the pool after that season ended.
- multiyear foot-dragging developing a Borough website
While I did put the website on the back burner, the Borough's site is currently under development and will be live soon. Printed directories, newsletters and a mass e-mail list were developed to keep residents informed in the meantime.
- explosion of payroll costs under my watch
I don't think modest pay increases for our employees would qualify as an "explosion". Alpha had a history of constant turnover with our clerk and finance officer, but since 2000, the same two people have held those positions.
- Enron-style financial shell games with the water/sewer money
Coincidentally, Councilman Savary used the same attack line in his campaign flier that I issued a rebuttal to back in November 2009. This statement was made because our three public works employees are paid out of the water/sewer fund instead of the general fund. The Borough of Alpha's finances and records are audited yearly and our budget meetings are open to the public. The public has full access to the process and we have absolutely nothing to hide.
"Fiasco", "foot-dragging", "explosion", "Enron-style" - all words used to alarm people, because usually where there's smoke, there's fire, but in this case, where there's smoke, there's two desperate men rubbing sticks together trying to start a fire. There's a lot more to the Dunwell & Savary Saga, but I'll save it for the days and weeks to come.
**MOODY'S UPGRADES BOROUGH OF ALPHA'S (NJ) G.O. RATING TO Baa1 FROM Baa2**
Baa1 RATING APPLIES TO $350,000 IN OUTSTANDING PARITY DEBT
Alpha (Borough of) NJ
Municipality
New Jersey
NEW YORK, January 26, 2010 -- Moody's Investors Service has upgraded the Borough of Alpha's (NJ) rating to Baa1 from Baa2, affecting $350,000 in outstanding general obligation debt. The bonds are secured by the borough's general obligation unlimited tax pledge. The upgrade reflects significant growth of financial margins evident in the Current Fund balance increasing more than 600% since fiscal 2005 and the expectation that reserves will remain in-line with recent trends. Fiscal 2008 Current Fund balance was $1.06 million (44.1% of Current Fund revenues). The Baa1 rating incorporates the borough's improved financial position, limited $233 million tax base with the presence of several age restricted housing developments in Warren County (GO rated A2), wealth indices below state and national medians, and modest debt position. Pay out of debt is rapid with 100% paid within the next eight years and the borough has no future borrowing plans. All of the borough's debt is fixed rate and the borough is not party to any derivative agreements.
Moody's believes the borough's financial position will remain sound given a healthy Current Fund balance and management's conservative budgeting practices. Over a three-year period ending in fiscal 2008 (December 31), Current Fund balance increased to $1.06 million, or a healthy 44.1% of Current Fund revenues. Positive financial performance was primarily due to collecting property taxes in excess of budget and nonbudgeted revenue. Based on unaudited fiscal 2009 results, the borough expects to fully replenish its $243,000 in appropriated surplus and increase its Current Fund balance by $29,000 to $1.09 million (approximately 45% of Current Fund revenues). The majority of Current
Fund revenue (fiscal 2008) is comprised of properties taxes and state aid at 70.4% and 11.6%, respectively. Moody's believes the borough's financial position will face pressures in the near-term given the current operating environment of the state but expects reserve levels to be maintained well in excess of 2006 levels.
The borough defers payment of $1.03 million (a sizeable 37.2% 2008 Current Fund balance) of the local school tax levy. The deferred amount represents an off-balance sheet liability, which Moody's believes could create fiscal vulnerability in the event that school property taxes are reduced. However, the borough has kept the deferral amount constant thereby reducing the deferral as a percentage of the levy to 37.2% from 42.3% in 2005, and below the maximum permitted level of 50%.
STRENGTHS
* Low debt burden with no future debt plans and rapid amortization of debt
* Strong Current Fund balance at 44.1% of Current Fund revenues
* Management's conservative budgeting practices
CHALLENGES
* Limited tax base of $233 million
* Below average wealth levels in western New Jersey
* High debt service expenditures as a percentage of Current Fund expenses
KEY STATISTICS:
-2008 Population: 2,386 (-3.9% since 2000)
-2010 Full Valuation: $233 million
-2010 Full Value Per Capita: $97,458
-1999 Per Capita Income (as % of NJ and US): $20,104 (74.4% and 93.1%)
-1999 Median Family Income (as % of NJ and US): $45,435 (69.5% and 90.8%)
-Direct Debt Burden: 0.3%
-Payout of Principal (8 years): 100%
-2008 General Fund Balance: $1.1 million (44.1% of Current Fund revenue)
-Long-term G.O. Debt Outstanding: $350,000
Before I dive into the subject matter at hand, I want to share one of my favorite movie scenes of all time:
So, Councilman Michael Savary formally took his seat this evening at our [Borough of Alpha] Council Re-Organization Meeting. For those of you following the story, you know that I was disgusted with his campaign tactics and his unfair attack on (now former) Councilman Lou Pettinelli. If you're not familiar with what went down, here's the gist: Mr. Savary distributed a flyer (without the necessary 'paid for by' disclaimer language required by law) around Alpha vilifying Mr. Pettinelli for taking payments in-lieu of the offered state health benefits (the payments are 50% of the actual cash value of the benefits). What was odd about the accusation was the fact that when Mr. Savary previously served on Council, he took those same benefits! Shocking, right? Well, it gets better. You would assume that Mr. Savary would now turn down those very same benefits upon his election to Council. Wrong! I issued a rebuttal to Mr. Savary's illegal campaign flyer and asked that he make a pledge to refuse the medical benefits and opt out from receiving the payments. So here we are today and according to The Express-Times (January 6, 2010):
Savary strongly criticized the program during the 2009 campaign, lambasting former Councilman Louis Pettinelli for taking cash in lieu of coverage. Savary admitted to taking the benefits when he served on council in the past, saying he disagreed with the option of accepting money instead of benefits.
"But it's not like you can vote for one and not the other," Savary said after Tuesday's meeting.
The councilman explained that as a small business owner he was in need of the health benefits and intends to enroll in the state plan.
I have to take offense to his explanation that he is need of health benefits because he is a small business owner. My father is a small business owner and purchases his own benefits. Why can't Mr. Savary do the same?
Hypocrisy. Can you say that with me? Hy-poc-ri-sy. Well, Buenos días.
In other news, I am honored and humbled to have been elected Council President for 2010 by my Alpha Borough Council colleagues. I want to thank them for their support and vote of confidence. It is truly appreciated.
You took me for a joke, you took me for a child (Thank You Alanis Morissette), but your silence is deafening.
Yes, it's true - I called Mayor Babinsky of Pohatcong Township a tool. Did I compare him to Hugo Chavez ? Oh yeah, I did that too. Here's the back story - A few years ago Alpha agreed to disband our Police Department and contract with Pohatcong for police coverage. The agreement is working and, I believe, both municipalities are happy or, at the very least, content. Since then, whenever we (Alpha) proposed an idea for sharing services, Pohatcong put the kibosh to it - it was always their way or no way. Alpha has wanted to share our Public Works Department, Code Enforcement Officer and now brush disposal - all of which would save money for both municipalities. I was fed up and I let my feelings be known to the 'Twitterverse'. Anyway, as I said, it is what it is.
I wish 'The Express-Times' would have used a better photo of me. :-)
Elected officials who use Twitter will tell you that the increasingly popular social-networking tool is an excellent way to communicate with constituents and keep the public apprised of their every move.
What politicians won't tell you -- perhaps because many don't realize it until after the fact -- is that some "tweets," a term for Twitter updates, are better kept to oneself.
Capitol Hill's elite learned that lesson last week when some members of Congress used their BlackBerrys to Twitter about everything except the nation's financial crisis as President Barack Obama addressed them on that very topic.
Alpha Councilman Harry Zikas Jr., who became New Jersey's youngest mayor when he was sworn in at age 21 in 2000, learned that lesson this week.
Pohatcong Township "Mayor Babinsky is a tool," Zikas wrote in a tweet published to the Web about 1:45 a.m. Wednesday. "There, I said it."
Zikas continued, writing "He is the Hugo Chavez of Warren County," comparing Stephen Babinsky with the controversial Venezuelan president.
Babinsky, at a Tuesday evening township meeting, had objected to a shared-services agreement proposed by Alpha, saying it's too complicated.
Zikas, 30, didn't attend the meeting. He read about it on lehighvalleylive.com then shared his thoughts via Twitter.
A few minutes later Zikas removed the post and replaced it with a gripe about the borough's past dealings with Pohatcong Township.
By then all 65 of his Twitter followers had received the original update.
Babinsky doesn't use Twitter, but he did have something to say about Zikas' tweet Wednesday afternoon. He delivered his message the old-fashioned way -- over the phone.
"If he's got a problem, he should call me. He should try to work it out instead of hiding behind a computer screen," the mayor said, adding that he doesn't have beef with Zikas.
"I've got more important things to worry about than this stuff," Babinsky said. "It's childish."
Babinsky, Zikas said, is hard to get along with because he puts township residents first, often at the expense of borough residents.
The update wasn't intended to offend Babinsky or anyone else, he said.
"It is what it is," he said. "No regrets. At the time, it was exactly what I was thinking."
Zikas, who delivered tweet-by-tweet coverage of Alpha's last council meeting, said he thinks Twitter is an amazing tool that he doesn't intend to stop using anytime soon.
"I absolutely see the value in it as far as communicating and being as open as possible," he said.
Reporter Precious Petty can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at ppetty@express-times.com.
Just pondering: I kind of miss Mayor Mary Van Lieu. - HZ
The proposed byway has shrunk a few miles from its original 34-mile length. The version now proposed runs about 24 miles, between milepost 3.27 on the Pohatcong/Alpha border in Warren County through Hunterdon County to milepost 27.65 in Bedminster Township, Somerset County. Bridgewater Township decided not to join the effort. Phillipsburg also opted not to join, but "it really only has 500 feet of frontage on 78," said Mr. Paradis. He said Alpha hadn't decided yet whether it would participate.
WHAT?!? We voted on the proposal THREE times and each time it was rejected. How many more times do we have to say "No!!" for the message to get across? I don't understand why that comment was made, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he was misquoted by the reporter. Maybe Mayor Paradis will stop by this blog again to leave another comment and give us his side of the story.
The application requesting state "Scenic Byway" status for Route 78 is in the state's hands.
"We would hope to hear something back at least within the first quarter" of this year, said Lebanon Mayor Mark Paradis. "They unfortunately don't give any timeline."
Mr. Paradis has headed the grassroots effort seeking scenic status, working with municipal officials and professionals volunteering their time.
State Department of Transportation spokesman Timothy Greeley said the I-78 Corridor Historic and Scenic Byway Alliance should get some news in short order, but said "no final decision is expected at this time."
The proposed byway has shrunk a few miles from its original 34-mile length. The version now proposed runs about 24 miles, between milepost 3.27 on the Pohatcong/Alpha border in Warren County through Hunterdon County to milepost 27.65 in Bedminster Township, Somerset County. Bridgewater Township decided not to join the effort. Phillipsburg also opted not to join, but "it really only has 500 feet of frontage on 78," said Mr. Paradis. He said Alpha hadn't decided yet whether it would participate.
One of the protections provided by the status is a ban on future billboard construction, which isn't necessarily seen as a benefit for towns that earn revenue from billboard companies.
Planner Carl Hintz provided the printing and then personally delivered 10 copies of the nomination to the state Scenic Byways coordinator at the Department of Transportation in December. The coordinator distributes it to the New Jersey Scenic Byways Advisory Committee, which makes a recommendation to DOT Commissioner Steve Dilts. He makes the ultimate decision.
In addition to Mr. Hintz's help, attorney J. Peter Jost worked pro-bono on the project and professional photographer Robin Giordiano of Lebanon took pictures of vistas along the highway. The application is the culmination of monthly meetings since May.
The scenic byway bid is endorsed by AAA Mid-Atlantic, HART and the Freeholder and Planning Boards of Warren, Hunterdon and Somerset and 11 towns: Bloomsbury, Clinton, Lebanon and the townships of Bethlehem, Bedminster, Union, Tewksbury, Readington, Pohatcong, Greenwich and Franklin (Hunterdon).
The proposal mentions scenic views such as the Delaware River Valley, preserved farmland, Round Valley and Musconetcong Mountain. Photos show the mature hardwood forest, and text describes Route 78's origin as a Native American trade route.
According to the DOT, the benefits of designation are federal funding, recognition, increased tourism, technical assistance in the scenic byway process, planning for protection and managed growth and possible grants to help with implementing a mandatory five-year byway plan.
As far as the other towns' reluctance to take part, [Lebanon Borough Mayor Mark] Paradis said, "we're not trying to tell them what to do."
'The Star-Ledger'
01/11/2009
I appreciate this comment, I really do, but I'll go back to the night that Greenwich Township Mayor Elaine Emiliani attended Alpha's Council Meeting to present the Route I-78 Scenic Byway Proposal. Mayor Emiliani got defensive during my questioning and called me rude, disrespectful and antagonistic. The way she came across that night sure made me feel that it was her way or the highway...no pun intended. Mayor Paradis may not be trying to 'tell us what to do', but their [I-78 Corridor Historic and Scenic Byway Alliance] Warren County Contact definitely tried and it didn't work. Mayor Emiliani stated at our meeting (and quoted in 'The Express-Times' on 09/24/2008) "You're the only town that hasn't bought into this, I didn't anticipate it would be this difficult." Oh really?
But three other towns initially proposed as part of the byway -- Alpha, Phillipsburg and Bridgewater -- opted not to take part, reducing the 29-mile scenic swath originally envisioned to about 24 miles.
'The Star-Ledger'
01/11/2009
Was she purposely misleading us, trying to make us feel like the odd man out? I guess we'll never know. Just for the record, this proposal has come up at our Council Meetings a total of four times - twice in August and twice in September. It was voted on at three of those meetings and defeated. I guess the first two votes didn't send a clear enough message, so Mayor Emiliani showed up to 'tell us what to do'. I wish we spent the same amount of time on more pressing matters - like property taxes, land preservation and economic development.
Sunday, January 11, 2009 BY JEANETTE RUNDQUIST Star-Ledger Staff
A somewhat shorter, but still scenic, stretch of Route 78 in northwest New Jersey has been proposed for designation as a scenic byway.
A dozen towns in Warren, Hunterdon and Somerset counties joined forces last month, applying with the state Department of Transportation for the interstate corridor to be declared a "New Jersey Historic and Scenic Byway."
But three other towns initially proposed as part of the byway -- Alpha, Phillipsburg and Bridgewater -- opted not to take part, reducing the 29-mile scenic swath originally envisioned to about 24 miles.
One Alpha councilman said he voted against joining partly because it would eliminate billboards proposed for town-owned land. Alpha, in Warren County, currently receives between $1,000 and $2,000 per month rent for a billboard on property near the Pennsylvania border. Other billboards also are proposed for Alpha's land, which includes industrial and farmland, Councilman Harry Zikas Jr. said.
"Those billboards would be so out of the way they wouldn't bother anyone in town, and we'd be able to make the profit," Zikas said. "We're looking to get revenue any which way we can. Had we joined the proposal, those billboards would not be permitted."
The scenic byway proposal was started last spring, led by Lebanon Borough Mayor Mark Paradis. He said the idea was to preserve the scenic beauty of the corridor, which runs through mountains, forests and farmland, and passes by picturesque small towns. The roadway has history as well: It began as a Native American trade route, grew into a local road, and in 1917 be came one of New Jersey's first 15 state highways.
"It's a remarkable east-west corridor that has some significant history to it, and we feel that it's important for people to realize that and for us to preserve it," Paradis said.
Scenic byway designation also means no off-premises signs can be built that are "visible to any highway or portion of a highway designated as a scenic byway, or ... nominated for designation," according to the state Department of Transportation.
Lebanon Borough is involved in a legal tussle with an outdoor advertising company, after a proposed billboard was turned down by the planning board last summer. The mayor said scenic byway designation was not sought simply as a way to block billboards, however.
"There is some protection from billboards, but that's really not the real reason we're doing this," he said. "We feel this corridor is something that has a story to tell."
As far as the other towns' reluctance to take part, Paradis said, "we're not trying to tell them what to do."
"We understand it's an economic (matter)," he said of Alpha's billboard revenue. "I still feel Alpha is a viable partner in working with us."
Phillipsburg includes only about 500 feet of the originally proposed corridor, Paradis said, and opted not to participate, but sent a letter of support. Bridgewater officials indicated they did not want to be included at this time, he said.
The proposed scenic byway begins at Route 78's milepost 3.27 on the Pohatcong/Alpha border, and ends at milepost 27.65 in Bedminster. The application, supported by towns such as Greenwich Township, Clinton and Readington, as well as by Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren County officials and the Automobile Association of America, was delivered to state transportation officials in December.
The state scenic byways coordinator is reviewing the application, and will respond to the towns with any comments and concerns soon, a DOT spokesman said. No timetable was given for the final decision.
If the application is approved, the towns have five years to prepare a required Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan. The towns could also apply for national scenic byway designation, and if they receive it, seek funding that could be used for the management plan.
Zikas said the management plan was a concern for him, too.
"There's a plan you have to pay for, and I didn't feel comfortable supporting it, not knowing the cost," he said. "I just feel we have so many other issues to deal with, a scenic byway proposal wasn't the way to go. ... Our highway infrastructure across the state is in desperate need of repair, and I think tax dollars should go toward improving those before we put money toward scenic byway proposals."
Star-Ledger interview on Route I-78 Scenic Byway Proposal
I received a call from Jeanette Rundquist of 'The Star-Ledger' earlier today and was asked a few insightful questions regarding my opposition to the Route I-78 Scenic Byway Proposal. As soon as it goes online, I'll link or post it here and offer any further opinions.
On October 28, Mayor Mark Paradis of the Borough of Lebanon (Hunterdon County), left a comment on this blog about the Route I-78 Scenic Byway proposal. You can take a look at his comment here - just scroll down past my post.
He fully admits that Alpha is NOT 'the only town that hasn't bought into this'. The Township of Bridgewater and more recently, the Town of Phillipsburg have also opted out. Why did Mayor Elaine Emiliani pontificate that we were? Who knows? Unfortunately, false statements like that only seem to further sully a reputation.
I noticed that Mayor Paradis attended Phillipsburg Town Council Meetings with Mayor Emiliani to present their proposal. Phillipsburg defeated the resolution by a 2-2 tie vote. I found it quite odd that when they were offered a letter of support, they jumped on it. When I tried to do the same with Mayor Emiliani at our meeting, she turned it down.
Note to Mayor Paradis - You seem like a reasonable person and I would have hoped that you had attended our meeting. Sending Mayor Emiliani alone was probably the absolute worst move. I wish you all the best in your endeavors and I, too, look forward to hopefully working together in the future.
There may be a misunderstanding regarding the billboards issue, but all of the material that I have read prohibits billboards along a designated scenic byway. If existing billboards are permitted to stay - great, but what about the applications that are in the pipeline and the revenue that comes along with them? Gone, I'm afraid.
Unfortunately, I look at the issue realistically and not through the rose colored glasses that others do. The negatives of this designation truly outweigh the positives. We, as a region, need to look at our transportation infrastructure and not at the 'scenic' value of an interstate. This area needs better highways and more mass transportation among other things and we need to start working towards solving those problems first. When did the important issues take a backseat to a scenic byway designation? This country and this state have major problems and when those are dealt with accordingly, then we can take another look at designating I-78 as a scenic byway.
Just pondering: Oh, how I miss Mayor Debbie Pasquarelli...
The Borough of Alpha had its two seat council race heat up in the last few weeks. Below I have posted the two articles that were published before and after the election along with my comments. I decided to reserve comment until after the election due to my brother being an incumbent candidate in the race.
Matt DeLaRosa and Chris Pfefferle launch write-in campaign for two council seats up for election
By SARAH WOJCIK The Express-Times Thursday, October 30, 2008
ALPHA | Two Alpha residents have scattered signs throughout the borough, hoping their names stick in the minds of neighbors as firmly as the stakes have taken to lawns.
Republicans Matt DeLaRosa and Chris Pfefferle have launched a write-in campaign for the council seats of Democratic incumbents Robert Gara and Alex Zikas.
DeLaRosa and Pfefferle said the last-minute battle for the council seats stems from their belief that the all-Democrat council is in need of variety.
"Whether the council was made up of all Democrats or all Republicans, you need some diversity," said Pfefferle.
After missing the ballot deadline, he said, the two considered waiting until next year's election but attending a few meetings renewed their desire to run.
"A lot of people want change now," said DeLaRosa.
Two-term Councilman Gara said he welcomed competition.
"I do commend them on running, I really do, but it's not a walk in the park," Gara said.
Zikas, a one-term councilman, expressed confusion on the candidates' method of seeking office.
"To be honest, I don't really know them," Zikas said. "To me, it's a little odd that they chose to run at the last minute when they had the chance four months ago to get on the ballot."
Council members serve three-year terms and are compensated $2,100 a year. They are also offered state health insurance or money amounting to half of the value of those benefits.
Zikas and Councilman Louis Pettinelli said they take partial benefits and the remaining cash balance. Councilman Harry Zikas Jr. said he takes partial benefits but refuses the remainder of the money and Gara said he takes money in lieu of the benefits. Councilwoman Klara Tarsi said she refuses both.
Councilman John Hajdu did not immediately return calls for comment.
Pfefferle and DeLaRosa expressed discontent with the practice of taking money in lieu of benefits and vowed it would be an issue they would confront if elected.
Gara said he was concerned about infrastructure needs, shared service opportunities and regulations regarding the Council on Affordable Housing.
Zikas said he wants to concentrate on lowering taxes and creating programs for children.
Pfefferle and DeLaRosa said the preservation of Alpha's industrial sector is of pressing importance.
"If you want to boost your town, you need to be open," Pfefferle said. "You need to be business-friendly."
#1. Alpha's Council is not 'all-Democrat'. Councilman Lou Pettinelli is a Republican and that's commonly known around town.
#2. I can only comment on myself, but for the record I do take the dental insurance that is offered. Now, while I can let the Borough pay for 100% of the cost, I reimburse the Borough for the maximum allowed by the State Health Benefits Plan, which is 50%. The dental plan costs approximately $40 - $45 a month and each month, half that amount is deducted from my council salary. The other issue is the actual health insurance plan. I refuse the health benefits and the reimbursement that I'm eligible for upon refusal. That part of the article was a bit misleading and could have been better explained.
Alpha incumbents Robert Gara and Alex Zikas remain at their posts despite write-in challengers
From staff reports The Express-Times Friday, November 07, 2008
Incumbents Alex Zikas and Robert Gara will remain on Alpha's council despite a challenge from two write-in candidates late in the election season.
Republicans Matt DeLaRosa and Chris Pfefferle tried to amass attention weeks before the election to unseat the two Democrats, but they fell short. According to Patricia Kolb, Warren County clerk, Gara and Zikas each received 594 votes while 335 were cast for write-in candidates.
Provisional ballots are still being counted, she said, so there is no information yet available to determine how many votes DeLaGrosa and Pfefferle received individually.
Kolb said most of the 335 votes were likely split between the two challengers.
Gara had been seeking his third term this year and Zikas was running for his second term. Alpha council members' terms last for three years. They are compensated $2,100 a year. They are also offered state health insurance or money amounting to half of the value of those benefits.
The incumbents' victory keeps the council an all-Democratic body.
#1. I would like to congratulate Bob and my brother, Alex, for their victory on Tuesday. They ran on their records, which is always tough to do, and came out on top.
#2. Again, the Borough of Alpha Council is not an 'all-Democratic' body as Councilman Pettinelli is a Republican.
Alpha: No scenic labels Borough council nixes joining other communities in designation for I-78.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
By SARAH WOJCIK The Express-Times
ALPHA - Efforts to designate Interstate 78 a scenic byway will continue without Alpha's support, Greenwich Township Mayor Elaine Emiliani said Tuesday night.
Emiliani approached Alpha Borough Council representing a group behind the scenic byway proposal. She hoped for a letter of support from council members.
Instead, she received staunch opposition to the idea.
"It was more of a courtesy to have them involved," she said after the meeting. "We can and will proceed without them."
The designation would earn the corridor federal money for safety and aesthetic improvements.
No one on borough council seconded a motion to send a letter of support to the state for the designation.
"I, personally, do not see the benefits of making I-78 a scenic byway," Alpha Councilman Harry Zikas Jr. said
Billboards that dot the interstate were the biggest sticking points between the council and Emiliani. Restrictions on roadside advertising would accompany the byway designation.
Emiliani, noting the high level of crashes on the corridor, suggested billboard removal could benefit traffic safety.
Alpha Mayor Ed Hanics Jr. said the digital billboards Emiliani criticized can serve the public in several ways, including Amber Alerts.
Emiliani agreed, but said state signs at weigh stations can serve the same purpose.
Hanics and Zikas cited heavy signage along the roadway as reasons why designating it a scenic byway seemed silly.
"All you see on one side is walls and then on the other, advertisements for businesses," Hanics said.
Emiliani called these observations the "negatives" on the highway that can be remedied if I-78 were a scenic byway.
"The positives certainly outweigh the negatives for historic value," she said.
Zikas said he saw no redeeming features in giving I-78 the special designation.
"Route 29 as a scenic byway? Certainly; it's beautiful," said Zikas, referring to the state road in Hunterdon County. "But I-78, with 18-wheelers all over the road? No, I'm sorry, I don't see it.
"I'm looking at this realistically. It's just not rolling hills anymore."
Emiliani said she reached out to Alpha to pursue the designation with hopes for neighborly cooperation.
"You're the only town that hasn't bought into this," she told council. "I didn't anticipate it would be this difficult."
Emilani said after the meeting the proposal to designate the interstate has gone before and been accepted by 16 other municipalities among Warren, Hunterdon and Somerset counties.
Ok, now my turn (again)...Mayor Emiliani mislead us. Alpha is NOT the "only town that hasn't bought into this". It seems that the Town of Phillipsburg has yet to adopt a resolution or issue a letter of support for the scenic byway proposal. During the meeting, I kept asking Ms. Emiliani if Greenwich benefits from their 'scenic' weigh station right on Route 78, but she kept dodging and wouldn't give me an answer. Well, of course they benefit from it and if Route 78 is designated as a scenic byway, Greenwich gets to keep their weigh station and continue to benefit, but Alpha would lose their single billboard and the lease payments that go along with it. Who wins, who loses?
