Politics & Government

Concern Over Budget Dominates Council Meeting

Library director complains about $450,00 reduction in funding.

The biggest excitement at Tuesday's Montclair Town Council meeting happened outside the chambers, where Republican candidate Roland Straten held a rally to protest what he saw as his unfair treatment by town officials in comparison to incumbent Democrat Bill Pascrell.

Straten, who was surrounded by a few dozen supporters, some holding Tea Party banners, said that Pascrell was permitted to host a forum on senior issues while he was not given the same access.

Inside, while the sound of the rally could be heard occasionally, it was fairly humdrum, given the absence of Mayor Jerry Fried in China as well as some other council members and many residents.

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Again on people's minds was the economic slowdown and its impact on the town's budget.

David Hinkley, the Director of the Montclair Public Library, said the library was facing a $450,000 reduction in the budget, despite an increase in circulation and services. He said that the council should consider that libraries provide a measurable economic return above and beyond their expenditure, and that there should be a consideration of the quality of life the library provides for Montclair residents.

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Alan Hobeck of North Mountain Avenue also asked about the budget. "When will the 2010 budget be up for discussion again?" he demanded, expressing a concern for "transparency on budgets and tax levies.  The people need to know what they're paying for."  He concluded, "What I'm presenting to you is an opportunity to be loved by your  constituents."

Councilman Marc Desheild replied, "We cannot pass our budget until we hear from the state. The state has indicated this will happen in early September."

In later remarks, Desheild also expressed frustration about the budget.

"We need some changes in 2011. It unfortunate that we don't have a full council tonight to talk about the budget but I'm confident this will happen soon. We want to hit 2011 running."

Councilman Cary Africk also weighed in: "I just want everyone to understand that the budget this year is not acceptable to me. West Orange has a zero percent budget increase this year. I don't know how they do it but they do it. The long-term solution is reorganization and slimming down."

He went on to say, "We have to question how we spend money.  For everything we spend money on, we have to ask ourselves, 'do we really need this'? I just have that constant concern."

Among other issues discussed:

—Joyce Goldman spoke on behalf of Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr.  She mentioned the upcoming annual September 11th Commemoration Ceremony that will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its traditional location on Eagle Rock Avenue.  Goldman also announced that the new mini-golf course in West Orange is complete and will be open to the public on September 16.  She invited all Montclair residents to attend both events.

—Councilor Kathryn Weller-Demming called people's attention to the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Ammendment. She stated that people should take a moment to remember that on August 26, 1920, women were granted the right to vote. She suggested that people commemorate the date with programs and events that would mark the date.

—NJ landscaper Rich Gallo requested a temporary lifting of the ban on leaf blowers in Montclair, which he said negatively impacted his business and the beauty of town gardens. Deputy Mayor Roger Terry replied that he didn't wish to discuss this "hot topic" on an evening when so many council members were not present.  Gallo responded, "It's a sad thing when you're so afraid of your own constituents that you can't discuss these matters, for fear that they won't vote for you." Terry promised Gallo that there would be more discussion on the issue in the future.

The following were in attendance: Alan Trembulak, Carla Horowitz, Marc C. Desheild, Cary Africk, Rich Murnick, Kathryn Weller-Demming, and Nick Lewis. Deputy Mayor Roger Terry presided. 


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