Comments

• On the article Montclair 2012 Sweeps Election With Robert Jackson Declared Mayor

  

  Mara Novak

  9:57 pm on Monday, May 7, 2012

  Gosh Roy, shouldn't you be on your way to Spain by now?

• On the article UPDATED Politics Roundup: Turner's Final Letter, Carlson's Math, And Other Hot Button Items

  

  Mara Novak

  9:25 pm on Monday, May 7, 2012

  And here you are Paine, stirring up something, just as ROC predicted. And still unwilling to post under your real name. What makes you better than any of the other nameless maroons on this blog? You asked us to take your endorsements seriously. Hard to take anything you say seriously.

• On the article UPDATED: Karen Turner Talks About Commitment To Library System

  

  Mara Novak

  4:48 pm on Saturday, May 5, 2012

  Thanks for the link Andrew. According to the first doc I opened (4/27), Mr. Vanderer was paid $2000 on 3/27 for consulting by the RPM campaign.

  Relevant to me mainly because the above piece by him does not disclose this.

• On the article UPDATED: Karen Turner Talks About Commitment To Library System

  

  Mara Novak

  4:09 pm on Saturday, May 5, 2012

  Interesting. If this is so, it should certainly be noted that Mr. Vanderer is a paid worker for the campaign, not a volunteer, in the article. Can you provide a link?

• On the article UPDATE: More Campaign Flyers Means More Charges—Cary Chevat Endorses Jackson

  

  Mara Novak

  2:50 pm on Saturday, May 5, 2012

  Dead Zone, I agree that over-development can cause problems. I don't think the examples I cited above resulted in any of those. My larger point is that the candidates who primarily promote controlling costs, cutting taxes, managing debt as their primary solution to Montclair's problems are not being realistic. A flat tax pledge, without somehow increasing revenue, is going to result in a reduction of services. Note that Cary Chevat put in countless hours on the BoE revenue committee, coming up with many great ideas about ways to increase revenue to the school system (which would then help reduce school taxes if they are every implemented. So far, I'm discouraged to say that nothing much has happened). The town has to look for ways to increase revenue as well. Business developments are one piece of that. Supporting national Health Care reform is another. Another is working for better, fairer ways to fund public schools that rely far less on homeowner property taxes.

• On the article UPDATE: More Campaign Flyers Means More Charges—Cary Chevat Endorses Jackson

  

  Mara Novak

  12:52 pm on Saturday, May 5, 2012

  Development is an critical element in strengthening our financial picture. Smart development is key. Recent Montclair examples that make me hopeful: Academy Square, Hillside Square and Brassworks.

  By the by, from what I've read, it seems Dick Grabowsky and and Steve Plofker are suppporting the Turner slate.

• On the article Kathryn Weller-Demming: What Other Candidates Aren't Telling You

  Mara Novak

  12:33 pm on Friday, May 4, 2012

  I understand the argument regarding anonymity on blogs, though I do not agree. But here, on these election posts, I think it is simply spin at best and cowardice at worst to not use your real name when you either state your support for a candidate or discuss what you don't like about someone. Some of these posts pretty obviously cross the line into rumor-mongering and slander. Would you say these things if you had to sign your name? I bet not.

  Reply

• On the article Why You Support The Slates You Do

  Mara Novak

  6:36 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012

  Thanks to Beth, Bianca and Pegi for stating their reasons for supporting the slates they do.

  I'm not for any one slate, I am looking closely at each candidate. In fact, I hope that no slate has a majority. That said, I have definitely decided to vote for Robin Schlager. I have known her for many years, there are few people who are harder working or more dedicated to the schools, the town and to public service. I also plan to vote for Bob Russo. Bob impressed me last year during the BoE budget meetings with his eloquent support for the school aides. I wish I could vote for Sean Springer, I have spoken to him a few times, I really was impressed. And while there are some who seem to find union a dirty word, I think having a union member or two on the council would be a plus. I think it will be easier to negotiate with the unions if there are some who understand their situation and do not regard them as adversaries.

  I am still trying to decide who to vote for Mayor and for the other at-large position. Jon Bonesteel, whatcha got for me?

  Reply

• On the article Why You Support The Slates You Do

  Mara Novak

  6:35 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012

  Thanks to Beth, Bianca and Pegi for stating their reasons for supporting the slates they do.

  I'm not for any one slate, I am looking closely at each candidate. In fact, I hope that no slate has a majority. That said, I have definitely decided to vote for Robin Schlager. I have know her for many years, there are few people I know who are harder working or more dedicated to the schools, the town and to public service. I also plan to vote for Bob Russo. Bob impressed me last year during the BoE budget meetings with his eloquent support for the school aides. I wish I could vote for Sean Springer, I have spoken to him a few times, I really was impressed. And while there are some who seem to find union a dirty word, I think having a union member or two on the council would be a plus. I think it will be easier to negotiate with unions if there are some who understand their situation and do not regard them as adversaries.

  I am still trying to decide who to vote for Mayor and for the other at-large position. Jon Bonesteel, whatcha got for me?

  Reply

• On the article Why You Support The Slates You Do

  Mara Novak

  6:03 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012

  Oooh, Jon, I don't see how Jessica is going to be able to resist. But wait, what's your position on the importance of tennis?

  Reply