$ Matawan Having Difficulty Staying in the Green $

It ain't easy staying in the green!

"The government deficit is the difference between the amount of money the government spends and the amount it has the nerve to collect"

-Sam Ewing

A story in today's Independent by Erin Stattel, reports on the outrage of the residents of Matawan following receipt of their revaluation tax notices. This revaluation was done by Monmouth County, not Matawan Borough. Need we remind you the Democrats held off mailing information out until after the election last year. Wonder what they have up their sleeves this year?

Mayor Buccellato stated he has been telling the Council, since he took office to cut the Budget only to be ignored by the Democratic majority. He requested about a month ago that all Department Heads consider a 10% cut in their Budgets. This would be in addition to previous cuts requested the beginning of the year.

Councilman Mike Cannon, Chairperson of Finance, reported the Council is waiting for the Road Program bids to come in to make a decision as to whether or not continue with the entire project. Helllllllllllllllllllllllo, over $300,000. has already been spent on engineering costs for this project. Now if the leftover amount from the previous Road Program was $700,000. and we have already spent $300,000. of that money, that leaves us with $400,000. Not being an Einstein when it comes to math, even we can figure that out. So what are we going to get done for $400,000. Well that is when Bonding comes in. Should they go forward with Bonding we can look forward to higher taxes next year from the Municipality. BUT, it sounds like the Council is reconsidering. Per Councilman Cannon, the borough is trying to "hang in there till Nov. l." Isn't that saying we have a problem. Call me crazy but if the heating budget has been depleted, the gasoline budget depleted, the medical, we all know, is a negative $400,000. What happens if there are no line items to cover all of these Budget items? Where do they get the money for their political moves (this is an election year) that begun in Jan. with politicking and spending like drunken pirates. No offense to pirates intended. OK let's be optimistic, did we say that? Let's say the Borough receives $200,000. in insurance money owed to the Borough, that's $200,000. from $400,000. that leaves us with $200,000. deficit, not counting the heating overage, gasoline overage. Just don't see how they can make up such a large deficit. So what we have to look forward to is starting 2009 with a deficit larger than last year. When will the Council learn? Will residents have to go to Borough Council meetings in outrage? This revaluation was no surprise, the surprise was when the majority party held off the mailing till after last year's election. The surprise was watching the Council give lip service to the residents, when this same Council was insisting on increasing the Road Program, spent unauthorized money for Gravelly Brook Park, spent money on attorneys, engineers, etc.

The Matawan Borough Council majority has done a disservice to the residents with their spending. Even with the obvious failings in the insurance and stock industries, they have not tried to curtail their spending until the 11th hour. Even at the 11th hour they are still attempting to spend money on non-essentials. Matawan, its residents, demand better, we deserve better.

Follow Up to Borough Council Meeting 6/5/08

Last night's meeting held on Thursday, June 5, 2008 was uneventful. It was great to see the Council working together. Although Councilman Malley continues to make senseless barbs at the Mayor....but ah we forget he is running for re-election. Are the Borough Council meetings the proper forum for electioneering. You decide, because we think not!

At last night's "open public" portion of the meeting a resident questioned why Key Auto Body, Councilman Kevin Mendes' family owned business, is doing work for the Borough. Councilman Mendes is the Chairman of the Fire, Police, First Aid Committee.

During the brief encounter the resident had commenced to praise Councilman "Bud" Mullaney, because at a previous meeting and in one Blog this year entitled, "Mullaney will sponsor good government in Matawan," he stated his Company, Mullaney Tire, would not be doing anymore work for the Borough. It appeared that the resident agreed with Mullaney's position and was starting to commend him.

However, Councilman Mullaney stated Mullaney Tire continues to do work for the Borough.....Abruptly, Mayor Buccellato ended the discussion and chastised the resident. Why did the Mayor stop the proceeding? The Mayor requested the Borough Attorney to speak with Councilmen Mullaney and Mendes.

Will the resident that asked the question ever get an answer? Therefore, the question we pose to the readers of this Blog is:

Is it proper for a sitting Councilperson to perform work for the Borough and receive remuneration?

SPECIAL MAYORAL ELECTION, TUES., JAN. 15, 2008

A reminder to vote on Tuesday, January 15, 2008. This is an important election for Mayor in Matawan. Not that all elections aren't important but this one is right here at home. The last election showed us just how imperative it is for everyone to vote. Don't assume you know the outcome and leave the voting to your neighbors. You know what they say about assume! OK, so I saw the Bad News Bears too. Seriously, this election every vote counts. So get out and exercise your right.

Only two names will be on the ballot, Mary Aufseeser and Paul Buccellato. For the record, we support Paul Buccellato. After observing Mary Aufseeser these last few years, at Council Meetings and based on her performance, DO NOT BELIEVE SHE HAS "THE RIGHT STUFF," to continue to be Mayor of Matawan. While she may be a nice person, that alone does not qualify her to be Mayor. She has shown us during her time as Mayor that she lacks the experience and backbone to be Mayor of Matawan. Even when direct questions are asked of her she defers to others. Not that she doesn't have an opinion, but it appears she is afraid to express them. She is not a strong enough presence to stand up when she errs, but lets others take the heat, i.e. Beacon Study Report. I want a courageous Mayor....in the words of Harry S. Truman, "if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen." Aufseeser should return to the private sector, where she might make a good volunteer.

We need someone who will fight for Matawan. Paul Buccellato has the knowledge, education, experience and guts to guide Matawan in the right direction. It is our opinion that Paul would make appointments based on experience, knowledge, background and who would do the best job for Matawan. He has the strength to stand up for what he believes to be right and to see the big picture for Matawan. Paul would not be the majority party, he along with Councilwoman Linda Clifton will be a powerful watchdog for Matawan residents. We need a strong Mayor in Matawan who can take the heat. Who will fight for the Police and Fire Depts. This is a decisive time for us all, we will be a Borough that has grown and thrived or a Borough that used to be a nice place to live. It is up to us all.

Don't forget to get out and vote on Tuesday, January 15, 2008.

Is Matawan Really Pinching Pennies?

Budget - Who's pinching pennies in Matawan, but spending dollars? At the December 18, 2007 Borough Council meeting, Resolution 07-12-30 for Emergency Appropriation Hospitalization in the amount of $125,000 was introduced and passed. After a resident questioned this resolution Councilman Cannon stated that the funding would be coming from the 2007 budget. Another Councilman questioned that statement and indicated that the money was to be provided in full from the 2008 Budget with the hope that monies from the 2007 budget could be applied to the appropriation.

This means to me, a layperson, that a $125,000 expense from the 2007 budget is being place on the shoulders of the 2008 budget. Why? It sounds to me like no one was minding the store? Where was the Borough Administrator (obviously writing his new contract)? Where was the Finance Committee? Where was Councilman Cannon, who constantly cries that we are pinching pennies? Where was Counclwoman Meghan Mullaney, the Finance Chairperson, until she resigned from the Council right after the election in November? I guess resigning was better than the alternative?

Borough Administrator - In another "financial faux paux" the Borough Administrator, Fred Carr, the same Administrator who lost the Beacon Survey Report of Main Street which cost the taxpayers money, the same Administrator who lost the Borough grant money and the same Administrator who has not filed for a current grant, was given a nice "fat" new contract? Yes, boys and girls screw up your job in Matawan and get rewarded. Only in Matawan! He was not only given an increase in salary, family health, dental and prescription coverage with premiums FULLY PAID FOR BY MATAWAN BOROUGH (for those that don't know...that is you and me), vision benefit for only himself(how considerate.) I would guess his family doesn't need glasses. Paid holidays same as other Borough employees. Fifteen (15) vacation days, five (5) personal days, the same number of sick days per year and sick leave, as enjoyed by other municipal workers. Wait it gets better, he will get time off and reimbursement for expenses for professional development and/or attendance at conferences. A maximum of 10 days off for attending ICMA, NJMMA etc. conferences with authorized reimbursement not to exceed $3,000. Now here is a break for you, he will not have a Borough vehicle but he will receive $200. per month paid on a quarterly basis. By the time he is finished we'd have to figure out how many days he will actually be working. No wonder we keep losing grants!!!!

All this based on a 35 hour week, Mon thru Fri. including evening Council meetings. He also must be available at all times and on call.

Objections - Could we not have a part time Borough Administrator, thereby providing a savings to the Borough. We have had part timers before without any problems so why not now. Why are we providing medical benefits for Mr. Carr when he has military health benefits, why are we paying him expenses for his vehicle, does he travel that much, if so, then shouldn't it be on an "as needed" basis with a capped amount? Now for the final objection, as we have not had anything going on regarding Redevelopment and trusting that next years Council will get moving on it, Does Mr. Carr have any experience with Redevelopment? Will Mr. Carr be learning all about Redevelopment at Matawan's expense?

All of this for a Borough Administrator who has misplaced valuable Reports, lost the Borough grants and has not gotten the Borough any new grants. Yeah, working for the Municipal government is a piece of cake! I'm just sick and tired of it being my cake! In the private sector this type of worker wouldn't last.......Only in Matawan....

The only NO vote for this contract came from Councilman Paul Buccellato.

Is anyone else outraged at the free spending attitude of the current Administration? Let's hear from you.

Airing an Issue.......

There has been much talk about Councilman Buccellato's firm receiving a project from the County. Well, boys and girls, here is the scoop. As the MA has commented on the Aberdeener, another Blogger, thought it was important to repeat.

Buccellato's firm along with several other firms, was requested to give the County an R.F.P., Request for a Proposal and they did. Unlike a bid, which by law must go to the lowest bidder, a RFP is determined by the County looking for the best qualifications out of the firms having submitted proposals.

An example of the lowest bidder, is Seaview Contracting, which just finished paving Marc Drive and Union Street. Truth be told they didn't have the experience re: water and sewer and had to dig up the streets several times. They also damaged homeowners property and caused a few problems with the water and gas service to residents. However, they did do the job and they were the lowest bidder. By law Matawan had to accept their bid regardless of their qualifications. The streets are done and at this point it is up to the Borough Engineer to accept the work.

And that folks is the truth in Matawan......

New Election to be held for Mayor-Tied Vote

A good source just advised the MA that there will be a new election for Mayor in Matawan. To all those nay-sayers, it seems that one of Buccellato's votes was not counted. Buccellato did follow the rules and went the distance to let his supporters know that all their work was not in vain. To those of you who claimed this blog cried "sour grapes," half of Matawan agrees with the MA. The Judge will set a date for a new election. It will be interesting to see if it is possible to have an election based on the issues. Truly hope so. No games, no tricks, just a plain, old, clean election. Let's not have an election by the newsmedia, but by the people of Matawan.

Research each candidate and make up your own mind as to who would do the best job for Matawan.

Clinton Street Youth Center Matawan

Without any fanfare, Councilman Paul Buccellato arranged to put a new roof on the Clinton St Youth Center without any cost to Matawan. Contractor (not from Matawan) & materials were donated to the Borough thanks to the efforts of Buccellato. It is refreshing to see someone who just "takes care of business."

The lack of acknowledgement by the Council was brought to the attention of the Borough Council at the last meeting by Mr. Gerry Hourihan. Mr. Hourihan, waited to the end of the Council meeting to express his displeasure with the Council for not acknowledging Buccellato's accomplishment in getting a new roof put on the Clinton St Youth Center. So much for working together.

Kudos to Councilman Buccellato for a job well done.

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

In the first step of a re-count Paul Buccellato has called for a check on the absentee ballots. So folks, in the words of Yogi Berra, that great Yankee player, IT AIN'T OVER TILL IT'S OVER!

More to follow.......

Let's Play Six Degrees of Separation

Remember the game "Six Degrees of Separation" regarding Kevin Bacon, the Actor. Well, Matawn has its own version of this game as regards, Vic Scudiery, Councilman Mullaney and Matawan. Here we go people, Vic Scudiery owns property on Main Street by the Train Station, Vic Scudiery's nephew, Robert "Bob" Bunyon is running for Council, Robert Bunyon is the same person who was replaced at last year's election by Michael Cannon (you all remember the man who is running, not running and then the man who legally was not entitled to run, Mike Cannon.) Councilman Mullaney endorses the Mayor, Bunyon and Mendes. Now here is where the six degrees of separation come in..Mullaney, Bunyon and Mendes are all on the Planning/Zoning Board, Scudiery owns property on Main Street, Matawan. The Transit Village Redevelopment Area encompasses land owned by Scudiery, Mendes and Mullaney, we all know Mullaney owns Mullaney Tires on Main St and his son, Michael Mullaney has a Physical Therapy office on Main St. There is more American Properties, The Preserve on Route 79 has two huge signs on the Entrance to the property endorsing Aufseeser, Bunyon and Mendes. Now if that doesn't smack of conflict of interest I don't know what does! Messrs. Bunyon, Mendes and Mullaney are all Planning/Zoning Board members. Councilman Mullaney abstained at Council meetings and Planning/Zoning Board meetings from voting due to the fact that he and Mr. Sic of American Properties had some kind of relationship 17 years ago. As it turns out, Ken Cassiday, Chairperson of the Planning/Zoning Board stepped down because he lives close to the American Properties site and Kevin Mendes stepped in as Chairperson when American Properties came before the Board. Now American Properties has signs endorsing Bunyon and Mendes. Is Matawan running Matawan or Vic Scudiery through Councilman Mullaney running Matawan? Think people, the NJ Department of Motor Vehicles moved from Matawan to a Hazlet strip mall owned by Vic Scudiery. Did anyone hear of Mullaney and Company attempt to prevent them from moving? Word has it that C-Town is closing but not until after the election. How much did Mullaney have to do with it staying open until after the election? We all know he had alot to do with bringing this store to Matawan and continues to fight to keep it on Main St. Where were they when it came to the NJ Department of Motor Vehicles? When all the businesses in that area lost business due to Motor Vehicles moving to Hazlet? Where was Mullaney when it came to the Health and Safety issues confronting Matawan at the 7-11 on Main St? I know where Councilman Buccellato and Councilwoman Buragina stand. Buccellato brought forth an idea for a solution to the problems. He along with concerned citizens forced the Health Department to take a stand. These are questions that should be in mind when voting this November.

The way I see it your choices are for people who care about Matawan or people who have their own self interests. Needless to say my vote goes to Paul Buccellato, Debra Buragina and Linda Clifton. These are people who care what happens to Matawan. From what I have observed at Council meetings they are the people who will get the Transit Village Redevelopment up and going.

Great Editorial Independent 10/17/07

Great editorial in the Independent on October 17, 2007 pertaining to the Beacon Report, paid for by taxpayers and dismissed by Mayor Aufseeser and Councilman Mullaney. As reported in this Blog, the Report disappeared from the mailboxes of Councilpersons excluding Councilman Mullaney. At the last council meeting prior to Election Day, it was brought to light that there were not one but many items that would have helped Matawan with revitalization. The questions is WHY DID MAYOR AUFSEESER AND COUNCILMAN MULLANEY HIDE THIS REPORT FROM THE COUNCIL AND TAXPAYERS? Take a moment and read this unbiased editorial. Note it wasn't reported in the Asbury Park Press, known to be pro Democrats on the Borough level, nor the Courier, a weekly publication, also pro Democrats. Could it be that even they can't justify the actions of these two officials? So much for reporting just the facts!

As election day approaches, it is obvious to anyone who is aware of the goings on the Borough level that Matawan needs and deserves a well educated, experienced Mayor! The candidate that is the right person for the job is Paul Buccellato. Check his record out for yourself. He has experience on the Borough level, both on the Council and Planning/Zoning Board, is a professional Architect, business owner in Red Bank and has previously been working on the Transit Village. Debra Buragina and Linda Clifton are his running mates. Debra comes with the experience of being on Council for 9 years, worked on the Transit Village and was requested by the Mayor, and took over the troubled Recreation Committee when the Recreation Committee's former chairperson and its members could not get along. Linda Clifton is a new candidate who adds a fresh perspective to the Council. Living and working in Matawan she is familiar with the problems we residents are facing. All are for the Transit Village and revitalization. Without which Matawan will be just a small town, with high taxes, no services, a decaying Downtown area and no future. Matawan needs change. We need people who care about Matawan and not their own self interests.

"Matty" The Ghost of Matawan Borough

Street & Parking Report Missing - Has anyone seen "Matty The Ghost of Matawan Borough?" Well, apparently in the Halloween spirit a Report regarding parking and streets in Matawan was never given to the Borough Council. Interestingly enough Councilman "Buddy" Mullaney stated he did receive the Report. However, his daughter, Councilwoman Mullaney, Councilwoman Deborah Buragina, Councilman Mike Cannon, Councilman Paul Buccellato did not. This was brought to the attention of the Borough by Councilman Buccellato who informed the Council, including the Mayor, that he may file a complaint with the Attorney General's office, etc. It seems the Report was received by Fred Carr, Borough Administrator, who claims he distributed it to each Councilpersons mail box in the beginning of 2007. That rascal, "Matty The Ghost of Matawan," must be up to his old tricks, he must be the one who took the Reports. Except for Councilman "Buddy" Mullaney's report. My, my, my, I don't know what you people think, but I don't believe good ole "Buddy" received the report either. This would raise the question of why did he say he received it or if he did receive it why didn't he discuss the report with the anyone else on the Council? Councilman Malley was absent so we don't know if he too received the Report. It all stinks, if you ask me. Oh Mullaney may come back and say he was mistaken, he was confused about which report it was, or that "tricky Matty The Ghost" was at it again. I say hogwash!

What is going on people? I truly encourage Councilman Buccellato to go forth with notifying the proper authorities. There should be transparency in government.


Borough Freezes Budget - There will be no more spending in Matawan. The Budget has been frozen as was revealed at the Council meeting. I guess the party is over! Hap-hazard spending for Matawan Police covering the Matawan Alliance events at no cost to the Alliance, but to the taxpayers is over, Municipal employees working on these events, paid for taxpayers is over. I admire what the Matawan Alliance is trying to do. However, not with the taxpayers money. Giving money to the Matawan Alliance to help defray their insurance costs prior to the Budget being adopted is over! Well folks, if Matawan should have some kind of emergency requiring emergency services where will the money come from. Good guess is our pockets. Afterall, the 2007 Budget shows an increase of $1.4 million dollars over the 2005, 2006 Budget.

DEP News - Savings to Matawan- Councilman Paul Buccellato reported he received an email, release date October 1, 2007. Speaking to Councilman Mike Cannon and the Council he advised the NJ DEP is refinancing the Matawan Bond for Major Sewer System Rehab, thus saving the Borough $43,462.95. Councilwoman Meghan Mullaney appeared not to know about this fact and did not mention it as a Report. No surprise here. A simple guess is that her head was in the same place it was when the present Administration was spending, spending, spending. In the opinion of MA, Councilwoman Mullaney should not be Chairperson to the Finance, Education & Personnel Committee. It is becoming very apparent that her interests lie elsewhere.

Court Renovation - Councilman Mike Cannon proclaimed he cannot go along with the estimate of $221,000. to renovate the Court. This amount far exceeded the original estimate. It is my opinion, whoever did the estimate should find another job. In a sincere statement Councilman Cannon explained that he is asking that other options be explored i.e., utilizing nearby towns Courts for the time being. It was so moved by the Council. Councilman Cannon was on his toes here and at least is thinking. With the Budget frozen, there is no money for this renovation. It must be done as mandated by the State, just not now. Councilman Cannon made it clear that he keeps a close eye on the finances of the Borough. Even though he is not the Chairperson of that committee, he continually touches base with the CFO. Once again, where was Councilwoman Mullaney??????

Note - Not to take away from Councilman Cannon, but Councilman Buccellato mentioned at a previous meeting, when Cannon was not present, that this project's estimate requires more work. Buccellato mentioned items that should have been included, that weren't, and the cost was way over the estimate. Just in case you thought we fell asleep at previous meetings.

Mullaneyville or Matawan? YOU decide!

You had to be there. That’s right you just had to be there to see the attitudes at the 5/1/07 Matawan Borough Council meeting! Resolution 07-05-09 Payment of Bills, raised questions from Councilman Paul Buccellato regarding donations and the procedures and criteria used in such determinations. Buccellato questioned the IRS status of one such charity, the Matawan Alliance stating to his knowledge there was no record of filing with the IRS of this group. Apparently, if there is a criterion, all Council Members and the public have not been made aware of it.
As a layperson, we must ask why is Matawan giving away money?
a) our Budget hasn’t been adopted yet
b) the voters didn’t pass the school budget, and
c) if Matawan has $4900. to donate, can we afford to be so magnanimous?

In a previous Council Meeting, Councilman Michael Cannon was heard saying, we have to count our pennies. While we are counting pennies, did we forget the dollars? We are currently looking at a Budget INCREASE of over $1.3 million dollars between the 2006 & 2007 municipal budget. Who is kidding whom here?

In a defiant move, Councilman “Bud” Mullaney and his daughter, Councilwoman Meghan Mullaney went against the advice of Borough Council Attorney; Pat Menna, Esq. to delay payment pending investigation and attempted to pass a resolution to donate monies to the Matawan Alliance and the Boy Scouts of America. Mary Mullaney, a founding member of the Matawan Alliance, took to the podium, in a failed attempt to display a file folder containing paperwork purported to be IRS filing. Well, it turns out that the Borough Attorney, Pat Menna, Esq., is investigating the Matawan Alliance’s IRS status. This raises questions regarding the legal ramifications of all donations made to this group. We trust Mr. Menna will have the answers and can resolve this issue. Councilman Mullaney and Councilwoman Mullaney would have placed the Borough in legal jeopardy had it not been for the advice of our Borough Attorney, Mr. Menna and the initial question asked by Councilman Buccellato. As to donations, past and present look to the next Council meeting and the findings of the Borough Attorney for guidance.

It is prudent as witnessed by present events that we establish and publicize guidelines for charitable donations given by the Borough. It is clear if we have such guidelines in place not everyone is aware.

Following the actions of certain Councilpersons, it is timely for a refresher course in “responsibilities, ethics, duties and obligations” of Council Members. No elected official should knowingly jeopardize the Borough for his or her own egos!