Mayor Vetos Responsible Contractor Ordinance

Well folks, that is just what Mayor Buccellato did to the Responsible Contractors Ordinance recently passed by the outgoing members of the Borough Council. Councilman Malley insisted on the voting for this Ordinance along with Councilman Bunyon and Councilman Mullaney. Against the Borough Council attorney, James Aaron, Esq.'s advice, Malley proceeded. Ironically, Councilman Mendes was not present for the vote. Councilman Cannon and Councilwoman Clifton did not vote cited conflict of interest.

For the entire story, read the details in this week's Independent by reporter Erin Stattel. Facts not presented at the Council meeting are reported. This ties into our thoughts on this Ordinance not being fair to all Contractors and limiting the pool of Contractors able to bid on Borough projects. It is unlikely that the newly elected Council members will vote against the Mayor's veto.

What a great way to end the year! It is our opinion that fairness and the best interests of Matawan Borough prevailed.

Matawan Borough Reorganization Meeting 1/1/09

New Years Day, noon the Matawan Borough Council will hold its Reorganization Meeting for 2009 at 201 Broad Street. Elected Councilpersons will be sworn in and officially take office. The people have spoken, Tom Fitzimmons and Joe Urbano will join Councilperson Linda Clifton, Councilperson Mike Cannon, Councilperson Joseph Mullaney and Mayor Paul Buccellato on the Council. They will have a tough road ahead to get Matawan's Budget out of the RED, move forward with the Transit Village, revitalization of the Downtown area, relocation of Matawan's Court/Police Department to name just a few of the issues facing our Council.


We look forward to a Borough Council working harmoniously for the benefit of Matawan.


We wish all a Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas

May the peace and joy of Christmas be with you, your family and friends.

Christmas Bells

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeatOf peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along

The unbroken song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime,A chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth

The cannon thundered in the South,

And with the sound

The Carols drowned

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said;

‘For hate is strong,

And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!’

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:‘God is not dead; nor doth he sleep

The Wrong shall fail,

The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men!’

Happy Chanukah

We would like to share the history of Chanukah with all of you.

"Chanukah is an eight day holiday which begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev. It marks the miraculous victory of the Jews, led by the Maccabees, against Greek persecution and religious oppression. In addition to being victorious in war, another miracle occurred: When the Maccabees came to rededicate the Temple, they found only one flask of oil with which to light the Menorah. This small flask lasted for eight days. In order to commemorate this miracle, we light a Menorah for the eight days of Chanukah.
This year (5769 / 2008-2009) Chanukah begins at nightfall of December 21, 2008, and ends on December 29, 2008. On the evening before each one of the days, the corresponding number of Chanukah candles are lit."

Matawan Borough Council Mtg 12/16 @ 7:30pm

Tonight is the last Borough Council meeting of the year. It will be interesting to see just how the majority Council pulls the final card trick on Matawan. How will they be remembered.....as the Democratic majority that had an increasing deficit two years in a row, having Councilmen defy the legal opinion of the Borough Attorney or bonding additional funds for the Road Program in lieu of utilizing leftover monies from previous years?

A story in a local publication reported Matawan only had to bond for $700,000 for the Road Program per Councilman Michael Cannon. If bonding is necessary why didn't the Council bond to improve the Heating/AC at 150 Main St. Why wasn't the health and welfare of our employees at 150 Main St considered before adding on to the Road Program. It cannot be denied they were aware of the problems, they chose what they thought would get votes. We could have bonded to make repairs at 150 Main St with that $700,000. and still continued with the original 2008 Road Program. But that wasn't grand enough. Now we residents will pay the price in taxation. They are certainly leaving Matawan Borough much poorer than when they came into office. The 2009 Borough Council will have a difficult time in getting Matawan back on track. Our hope is they will stand strong and utilize the expertise of our paid Professionals prior to making any decisions. We wish them luck, the way we see it they are going to need it.

On the Agenda:

Ordinance 08-27 - An Ordinance Adopting a Responsible Contractor Policy in the Borough of Matawan.

Comment: This states that only Contractors who participate in the Apprenticeship Program can bid on Borough projects. It is offensive to all taxpayers as it limits the amount of Contractors who may bid. It is offensive to the good Contractors who have years of experience along with excellent work ethic, BUT do not participate in an Apprenticeship Program. Being a skeptic, we must ask ourselves, why would Councilman Will Malley, on one of his last days in office insist that this Ordinance be passed? Taken from the Elec Reports, Councilmen Malley & Bunyon (both Union members) received a total of $7,500. in campaign contributions from Local Union 400 Pac Fund, Iron Workers Local 66 Pac Fund and last but not least Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union No. 9. Both Councilmen refused to step down from the dais at the last meeting. In essence they are not fulfilling their responsibility to the residents of Matawan by opposing the advice of the Borough Attorney. What is more important "paying back" the Unions or placing Matawan Borough in jeopardy?

Adieu Councilman Malley and Councilman Bunyon....thanks for the memories...(sic)

THIS BANK CAN'T FAIL

Have you ever experience hunger? Not the kind caused by being late for dinner, but the kind by opening the pantry or refrigerator and seeing nothing to eat. Well, this is what our FoodBanks in NJ are experiencing. Imagine a child waking up and not having anything to eat. Imagine the heartache a parent has when they are not able to feed their children.

We who are blessed and never had that experience should lend a helping hand. If everyone in Matawan alone made a donation of a box of cereal, a can of food, or a monetary donation to the FoodBank of New Jersey we could possibly stamp out hunger. Why not purchase an extra can of food every time you do your food shopping?

Donation sites in Matawan can be made at the Matawan Aberdeen Library, Matawan Police Department, Shop Rite and Stop'n'Shop.

For more information please call 908 355-FOOD or through the website www.njFoodBank.org.

Let's see to it that this Holiday Season....THIS BANK DOESN'T FAIL!

Hunger Hurts

The Matawan Advocate is happy to join with other bloggers on Monday, December 15, 2008 to make everyone aware of the food shortage at the Community Food Bank. The photo shows a little girl eating what looks like a chocolate chip cookie. Well, it should be that simple. Here are some stats taken from the Community FoodBank of NJ Fact Sheet:

"At the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, requests for food have gone up 30%, but donations are down by 25 percent."

"Warehouse shelves that are typically stocked with food are bare and supplies have gotten so low that, for the first time in its 25 year history, the food bank is developing a rationing mechanism."

When we say food, we are not talking cookies, we are referring to canned goods, cereal, pancake mix, syrup, canned fish, baked beans. These are just some of the items needed. More to follow on Monday.

You can visit www.njfoodbank.org or call 908-355-FOOD to donate.

More Good Deeds in Matawan Borough

The Matawan-Aberdeen Public Library, Main Street, Matawan is accepting food donations for fines this Holiday Season. You can bring any of the following items to the Library which will be donated to the Matawan Aberdeen Food Pantry:

Canned Vegetables, canned fruit, pasta sauce, boxed macaroni & cheese, cereal, canned tuna or salmon, pancake mix & syrup, soup, canned stew, ramen noodles, peanut butter.

Please make sure the items are not past their expiration date.
If we all donate 1 item think of the families we will help feed this Holiday Season.

Please don't forget the other locations you can donate are the Matawan Police Dept., Matawan Fire & First Aid. The Fire Dept. & First Aid are also selling live Christmas trees and wreaths, proceeds to go to families in need.

This is what Matawan is all about folks, people helping people.

Elect Report 2008 Bunyon and Malley

We apologize to those who tried the links for the ELEC Reports previously posted. As you may know.....it didn't work. Here is the website http://www.elec.state.nj.us/

Taken directly from the Bunyon and Malley for Council, ELEC Report, submitted by Rose Mary Malley, Treasurer, dated May 22, 2008, a contribution was made by:

LOCAL UNION 400 PAC FUND of $5,000.

IRONWORKERS LOCAL 68 PAC FUND of $500.

Taken directly from the Bunyon and Malley for Council, ELEC Report submitted by Rose Mary Malley, Treasurer, dated June 24, 2008, a contribution was made by:

PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS LOCAL UNION NO. 9 of $2,000.

Folks, that totals $7,500. for a small NJ Borough election campaign. Anyone want to dispute the reasoning behind Councilman Malley's last ditched efforts for the Responsible Contractors Ordinance?

As the saying goes, "I was born at night, but not last night"

Update on Planning & Zoning Board

Closing arguments on the Big Blue House will be made at the Feb. 2, 2009

Planning & Zoning Board meeting.

Lakeside Drive matter is carried over until March 2009.

2009 will possibly bring a change in members of the P & Z Board.

Note: P & Z Board Agendas were not available for the audience. We encourage the P & Z Board to correct this problem. Members of the audience have no idea of what the Agenda is for the meeting. The Borough website does not show current Agendas or Meeting Minutes.

A somewhat confusing vote was called for by Board member Kevin Mendes, re a change in the location of signage as stated on an approved site plan for a business located near Mr. Mendes employment. There was only an aerial photo showing the location of the signage and members could not realistically see where the sign would sit. Couldn't help but wonder if there is a conflict of interest on the part of Mr. Mendes. Was it appropriate for him to call for a vote on this issue?

Guess we will leave that to the P &Z attorney, Mr. Irene, who seems to be competent. Don't know how this was missed.

We will keep you posted.

Good Deeds in the Borough

Our apologies to Matawan's Fire Department for the delay in printing their email. This is what the Holiday Season is all about. Doing for others. Once again these fine volunteers lead by example. We urge you to stop by and donate to make a families Christmas special.

Good Morning The Matawan Fire Department is helping families a different way Washington Engine Co. No. 1 @ 176 Jackson Street is conducting a Christmas tree and wreath sale starting November 29, 2008 Mon-Fri 5 pm to 10 pm / Sat & Sun 9am to 10 pm Free delivery $35 a tree We are raising money to help two needy families in Matawan, last year we worked with St. Vincent De Paul from St. Joseph, this year we are working with United Baptist Church on 327 Main Street Matawan. Rev Kisenwether to help with the two families.The money raise will help with the purchase of Christmas dinner, tree and gifts Also we are doing Pancake breakfast with Santa on Sunday December 14, 2008 from 8 am to 12 noon Washington Engine Co. No 1 $ 6 for adults and seniors and children under 10 years old are $5 all children under 5 years old are free

Any Questions contact Captain Paul Richards 732-921-2073.

Matawan Council Meeting Update

The sharks were circling Matawan at last night's Council meeting trying to get a bite of Matawan tax dollars. How could this be, you ask, well let us tell you the events of the frenzy.....

Responsible Contractor Ordinance - A Workshop discussion pertaining to this proposed ordinance was held. The content of the Ordinance limits contractors bidding to only those who participate in Apprenticeship Programs.

Prior to the discussion, Mayor Buccellato spoke about the Borough Attorney's recent correspondence regarding conflicts with Council members. The Council majority after the Borough Attorney reiterated his position voted to ignore him and continue the discussion. Kudos to Councilpersons Cannon and Clifton for voting to uphold the attorney's recommendations. They also stepped down from the dais to avoid any potential conflict with their respective employment or spouses employment. Councilman Mullaney claimed "politics" when Mayor Buccellato requested the Council abide by the advice of the Borough Attorney, James Aaron, Esq., not to continue with this Ordinance. Ironically, Mr. Aaron was Councilman Mullaney and the Democratic Council's choice for Borough Attorney. Politics, we think not. Mr. Aaron is the attorney you chose for the job Mr. Mullaney. Councilmen Malley and Bunyon, both Union members, did not step down. Against James Aaron, Esq., the paid professional Borough Attorney's advice, Councilmen Bunyon, Malley and Mullaney all voted to proceed with this Ordinance. To his credit Councilman Mendes did try to reach a compromise in the wording. If he was true to his word he stated he was trying to get the entire Council to participate in the discussion and eventually the vote. However, Councilman Malley insisted that it stand as written, which would mandate that Contractors participate in the Apprenticeship Program. Councilman Mendes abstained from the vote. Malley, Bunyon and Mullaney (none of whom are attorneys) went against the advice of James Aaron, Borough Attorney, Matawan's paid professional, and voted to have it drawn up by the Attorney for the next Council meeting. It will be presented at the next Borough Council meeting. We will publish this Ordinance once available for your input.

Comment: We have nothing against Unions. However, limiting the pool of Contractors allowed to bid for Matawan projects is questionable. Mandatory restrictions discriminates against experienced Contractors who have chosen not to participate in Apprenticeship Programs.

The government is finally acknowledging we are in a recession. We don't understand why anyone who claims to be looking for the best interests of Matawan would want to limit the bidder pool, potentially increasing the Borough expenditures on a project.

One would have to think that Malley's insistence on this order and the recent results from the the November election has something to do with campaign contributions. We are investigating this further and will report back on this blog. Fact is Malley is a union member. Self-serving.....pay back....in the best interests of Matawan.....you be the judge.

Even deceased, famed Oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau, through a fogged face mask, could have seen through this sham. Never under estimate the intelligence of Matawan's residents!

Employee Health Plan - A presentation will be given at the next meeting.

Bonding Ordinances were passed to Bond for the 2008 Road Program along with Improvements to the Water/Sewers. Total amount of bonding was unavailable. Amounts mentioned in the Ordinances were $665,000. and $200,000.

Comments: At the very least the Road Program project should have gone out to bid again, we repeat the RECESSION! Do we really need this work done at this time?

Shared Services - Councilwoman Clifton requested a vote for Matawan to participate in a Waste Management Study at no cost to the Borough. It was passed.

Comments: We look forward to the results of the Study.

Police, Fire & First Aid - Councilman Mendes' report informed residents that there was a shooting in the Clinton Street Park area. A local newspaper blogger commented on this prior to the Councilman's report to the residents. In an ironic twist, the same blogger did not comment on the Responsible Contractor Ordinance, which is their choice. Per Councilman Mendes, Chief Alston is "beefing up" patrols in that area. We think it would require overtime for our Police Department. As reported by Councilman Mullaney, Chief Alston called him and discussed the closing of Clinton Street Park during the investigation. No determination has been made to date pending further discussion with the Chief and Council.

Comments: We are confident everything is being done by our Police Department to keep Matawan safe.

Democrat, Republican or Independent, residents must let the Council know Matawan will not be a place for personal agendas or political pay backs. We urge you to attend the Dec. 14 Borough Council meeting and let your voice be heard as the voters did on Nov. 4, 2008.

Sorry for being so long winded, but it really annoys us when elected officials try to B.S. us.

Hope to see you there.....

Borough Council Meeting @ 7:30pm Tonight

Santa Comes to the Borough

A big THANK YOU to Matawan First Aid and Matawan Fire Department for bringing Santa Claus to Matawan. The Tree Trimming and Santa were just delightful. The children were thrilled.

As a side note: Keep in mind that these wonderful volunteers picked up the ball when the Recreation Commission decided not to participate in the Tree Trimming and Santa Claus Events. Kudos to the Matawan First Aid and Matawan Fire Department for not allowing this Matawan Tradition to be terminated. We may not say it often enough but we residents do appreciate all you do for us. This prompts us to ask if the Recreation Commission gave some of their Budget money to help with the costs of these functions? Anyone know?

Mayor Buccellato was the only attendee from the Borough Council. Ironically, the Recreation Commission ran its 5K Turkey Trot Run/Walk was held the same day. Guess they were all busy.
Comment: We would be remiss if we didn't report on Councilman Mullaney's Police escort to TD Bank with the proceeds from the Turkey Trot. Really Councilman, don't you think Matawan Police Officers have more important things to do with their time, our taxpayer money? We residents carry money to the bank without an escort every day. Should we request an escort too? Maybe now some of the money can be used to make our parks handicapped accessible? Or isn't that showy enough?

The changes on Borough Council can make positive changes in Matawan. Instead of separatism, we want to see togetherness in Matawan. All parties working in unison to make Matawan the best it can be! Just think of the possibilities if all participated in the Tree Trimming, the Santa Run, the Menorah Lighting, etc.