Montclair 2012 Slate "Troubled" by the For Montclair Slate's Positions

The Montclair 2012 slate released the following statement Wednesday in response to

When it comes to the fire department, the Montclair 2012 slate, headed by mayoral candidate Robert Jackson, said:

At the March 17, 2012 budget meeting For Montclair took the position that the Montclair Fire Department must be 20 percent overstaffed if it could assume the Glen Ridge contract—supposedly 20 percent of our total business—without increasing staff. 

If elected, For Montclair stated they will invoke the "exit provision" in the contract in order to negotiate a better deal. If reopening the negotiations results in Bloomfield’s likely take over of the contract, will For Montclair layoff the 20 percent of the Montclair Fire Department pursuant to its public position?

Mayoral candidate Robert Jackson says the For Montclair position shows a troubling lack of understanding regarding the economics of the fire contract.

“I implore ‘For Montclair’ to get a handle on the real economics of the Glen Ridge contract” said Jackson. “Speak to Fire Chief Allen and get a full understanding of the level of service and corresponding costs before you blow the deal. For Montclair has taken a frighteningly short-sighted position on this issue."

When it comes to the Board of Education, Montclair 2012 said:

[Mayoral candidate] Harvey Susswein states that he will forego his responsibility to appoint members to the BOE and instead  leave appointments up to the council.

Robert Jackson says as mayor he will embrace the responsibility of selecting BOE members.

“The voters of Montclair elect a Mayor to select BOE members. That responsibility is a serious one and one that should not be cavalierly handed off," Jackson said. "The voters place their confidence in the mayor and the mayor needs to stand up. Who wants a mayor who is not willing to embrace his most important assignment: selecting the individuals who will direct the educational future of our children?”

The Montclair 2012 Team includes:

• Robert Jackson
• Richard McMahon III
• Bob Russo
• Richard Murnick
• Robin Schlager
• Sean Spiller

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