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It's your Harrison, it's up to you to make a difference.
It's your Harrison, it's up to you to make a difference.
YOURHARRISON.COM
Red Bulls Show Us The Money
At the February 2, 2010 Mayor & Council meeting, Town Attorney Paul Zarbetski stated that the Red Bulls did not have to make a 2010 1st Quarter tax payment because they did not currently owe any property taxes. Zarbetski explained that the town's Tax Assessor, Al Cifelli, would only be making an added assessment in October of this year and it would not be due until November. Added Assessments are only done once a year in October.
Although I was surprised to hear that the Red Bulls were going to pay 2.1 million in property taxes, I was glad the Red Bulls were going to pay their fair share of Harrison's property tax burden.
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Although I was surprised to hear that the Red Bulls were going to pay 2.1 million in property taxes, I was glad the Red Bulls were going to pay their fair share of Harrison's property tax burden.
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Regular February 2010 Meeting
The Agenda acknowledges the United Irish Grand Marshall for the 2010 St. Patrick's Day Parade, James Woods. Information on the annual United Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade is available on their website.
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Pay Increases and Pink Slips
Mayor Raymond McDonough announced that forty eight town workers will be laid off as a result of former Governor Jon Corzine cutting 5 million dollars in distressed city aid to Harrison and increasing insurance costs. The lay offs are suppose to save the town $2.1 million.
The layoffs come in the same week that the Mayor and Council voted at a Special Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Meeting held on Monday, January 18, 2010 to increase town worker salaries by 3.5 percent each of the past three years (2007, 2008, and 2009).
If the Red Bulls make their first of their quarterly property tax payment in two weeks, the town will be on track to making up some of the 5 million dollars it has lost from the loss of distressed city aid. In a press release Mayor Raymond McDonough stated that "The taxpayers of Harrison cannot be called upon to pay additional local property taxes to replace the lost state aid."
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The layoffs come in the same week that the Mayor and Council voted at a Special Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Meeting held on Monday, January 18, 2010 to increase town worker salaries by 3.5 percent each of the past three years (2007, 2008, and 2009).
If the Red Bulls make their first of their quarterly property tax payment in two weeks, the town will be on track to making up some of the 5 million dollars it has lost from the loss of distressed city aid. In a press release Mayor Raymond McDonough stated that "The taxpayers of Harrison cannot be called upon to pay additional local property taxes to replace the lost state aid."
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Solemn Applause For Pay Increases
The Mayor & Council passed a Salary Ordinance tonight which provided retroactive pay increases for years 2007, 2008 and 2009 but froze Civil Service worker's salaries for 2010 and 2011. A large crowd filled the council chambers.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of Peter Higgins. The Holy Cross Church bells began ringing as Mayor McDonough finished announcing the moment of silence as if on cue. Pete wanted us to know he was present in the council chambers once again.
Pete's sister Harrison's Chief Financial Officer, Beth Higgins, stated that the money to pay the retro pay increases was in reserve and had been in reserve in anticipation of a possible future settlement. Good news. Although I am of the opinion that the Town cannot afford any pay increases even retro increases, I am pleased that the retro pay increases will not add to the future tax burden of Harrison's taxpayers. In addition, I am pleased that there were will be no pay increases in 2010 and 2011.
At the end of the meeting, there was a show of approval for the Mayor & Council's passage of the salary increase. Town workers will be receiving a retro check in the very near future and expressed their approval with a burst of applause.
The applause was subdued by rumors that some of the town's workers are scheduled to be laid off. Harrison is about to be hit by a huge budget shortfall forcing the hand of Mayor McDonough's administration. Layoffs are unheard of in the Town of Harrison but they will undoubtedly be necessary in the face of a State budget shortfall and the unlikelihood that the Christie administration is going to restore 5 million dollars in state aid pulled by Governor Jon Corzine.
An incident that occurred in front of Town Hall after the meeting demonstrates the level of frustration that taxpayers are experiencing. While Town Workers are receiving retro pay increases, taxpayers are trying to figure out how to pay their ever increasing property taxes in the face of job loses. Town workers should be sensitive to their fellow Harrisonian's plight. One resident got loud expressing his disapproval of town worker pay increases. As expected, a town worker responded back. Although calmer heads prevailed to defuse the confrontation, Harrison Police officers stood by to make sure that the peace was maintained. As one resident pointed out this is not a fight between us and them, it is a fight for the survival of every Harrisonian. True. It is easier to have a clear mind when you know that you have a weekly paycheck. It is harder to think clearly when your weekly paycheck has been cut off and others are getting retro active pay increases. I condone any physical confrontation. Martin Luther King, Jr. would have been proud of those who stepped in to defuse the confrontation on his official birthday.
The weeks and months to come will test the resolve of all Harrisonians. Our political leaders must get together and put together a plan on how to weather the economic storm facing the town. Town workers must do their best to assist. Every interaction with town residents is going to matter. Town workers should be thankful for all that has been given them. It is significant.
I plan on being part of the solution. I ask that the good citizens of Harrison join the effort. It is your Harrison, it's up to you to make a difference.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of Peter Higgins. The Holy Cross Church bells began ringing as Mayor McDonough finished announcing the moment of silence as if on cue. Pete wanted us to know he was present in the council chambers once again.
Pete's sister Harrison's Chief Financial Officer, Beth Higgins, stated that the money to pay the retro pay increases was in reserve and had been in reserve in anticipation of a possible future settlement. Good news. Although I am of the opinion that the Town cannot afford any pay increases even retro increases, I am pleased that the retro pay increases will not add to the future tax burden of Harrison's taxpayers. In addition, I am pleased that there were will be no pay increases in 2010 and 2011.
At the end of the meeting, there was a show of approval for the Mayor & Council's passage of the salary increase. Town workers will be receiving a retro check in the very near future and expressed their approval with a burst of applause.
The applause was subdued by rumors that some of the town's workers are scheduled to be laid off. Harrison is about to be hit by a huge budget shortfall forcing the hand of Mayor McDonough's administration. Layoffs are unheard of in the Town of Harrison but they will undoubtedly be necessary in the face of a State budget shortfall and the unlikelihood that the Christie administration is going to restore 5 million dollars in state aid pulled by Governor Jon Corzine.
An incident that occurred in front of Town Hall after the meeting demonstrates the level of frustration that taxpayers are experiencing. While Town Workers are receiving retro pay increases, taxpayers are trying to figure out how to pay their ever increasing property taxes in the face of job loses. Town workers should be sensitive to their fellow Harrisonian's plight. One resident got loud expressing his disapproval of town worker pay increases. As expected, a town worker responded back. Although calmer heads prevailed to defuse the confrontation, Harrison Police officers stood by to make sure that the peace was maintained. As one resident pointed out this is not a fight between us and them, it is a fight for the survival of every Harrisonian. True. It is easier to have a clear mind when you know that you have a weekly paycheck. It is harder to think clearly when your weekly paycheck has been cut off and others are getting retro active pay increases. I condone any physical confrontation. Martin Luther King, Jr. would have been proud of those who stepped in to defuse the confrontation on his official birthday.
The weeks and months to come will test the resolve of all Harrisonians. Our political leaders must get together and put together a plan on how to weather the economic storm facing the town. Town workers must do their best to assist. Every interaction with town residents is going to matter. Town workers should be thankful for all that has been given them. It is significant.
I plan on being part of the solution. I ask that the good citizens of Harrison join the effort. It is your Harrison, it's up to you to make a difference.
MLK Day Town Meeting
On Monday, January 18, 2010, Mayor Raymond McDonough and the Town Council will hold a Special Council meeting at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Town Hall. There will be no Caucus. The only item on the Agenda is the Salary Ordinance for Civil Service Workers and other Department Heads. Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday and an official federal, state and town holiday.
In the face of a loss of $5 million in state aid and an economic crisis, Mayor McDonough had previously tabled the Salary Ordinances providing for retroactive pay increases for the Police, Fire, and Civil Service workers. The Police and Fire ordinances however were added to the Town's Reorganization meeting held on New Year's Day, January 1, 2010 and were passed. The Civil Service ordinance however was not on the New Year's Meeting Agenda.
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In the face of a loss of $5 million in state aid and an economic crisis, Mayor McDonough had previously tabled the Salary Ordinances providing for retroactive pay increases for the Police, Fire, and Civil Service workers. The Police and Fire ordinances however were added to the Town's Reorganization meeting held on New Year's Day, January 1, 2010 and were passed. The Civil Service ordinance however was not on the New Year's Meeting Agenda.
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Peter Higgins In Memoriam
On Sunday, January 3, 2010, Peter B. Higgins III, the chairman of the Harrison Redevelopment Agency, former secretary and Business Administrator to the Harrison Board of Education, and former Councilman of Harrison's 4th Ward passed peacefully after battling throat cancer. Peter's obituary reminded us of how special a person Pete was. Peter's influence on Harrison goes well beyond the accomplishments set forth in his obituary. His legacy will continue to unfold for years to come. Peter was Mayor Raymond McDonough's right hand man, an adviser, and confidant. Peter was sought out by developers due to his integral role in the redevelopment of Harrison and his notable role in the decision making.
Erik Stover, the managing Director of the Red Bulls, stated in the Red Bulls blog that quite simply the reason the New York Red Bulls have a new home inHarrison was because of Peter Higgins. Stover credits Peter's vision and leadership as the guiding force through numerousdifficulties.<< MORE >>
Record Special Meeting for 2009
Mayor Raymond McDonough has scheduled a special meeting for this Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
Off the Agenda at least the published Agenda is the repeal of the Parking Garage Ordinance and salary increases for Town workers. The published Agenda however is subject to change so one will only know at the meeting if anything is added onto the Agenda.
This year has seen a record number of Special Meetings. November and December's Mayor & Council regular meetings have been canceled and replaced with Special meetings. Thursday's meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. and there appears that there is no Caucus portion. The meeting will start right at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of Harrison Town Hall located at 318 Harrison Avenue, Harrison NJ.
The Agenda for the meeting is available by clicking here.
Off the Agenda at least the published Agenda is the repeal of the Parking Garage Ordinance and salary increases for Town workers. The published Agenda however is subject to change so one will only know at the meeting if anything is added onto the Agenda.
This year has seen a record number of Special Meetings. November and December's Mayor & Council regular meetings have been canceled and replaced with Special meetings. Thursday's meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. and there appears that there is no Caucus portion. The meeting will start right at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of Harrison Town Hall located at 318 Harrison Avenue, Harrison NJ.
The Agenda for the meeting is available by clicking here.
Lights Out:Town Hall Goes Dark
The Lights were out tonight at Harrison's Town Hall as Mayor Raymond McDonough canceled tonight's regularly scheduled December 1, 2009 Mayor & Council
meeting.
On the Agenda were several items including the proposed adoption of a revised salary ordinance reflecting pay increases for town workers. It was expected that a large group of residents were going to be in attendance.
The official word was that the Mayor was going town to Trenton to seek ... << MORE >>
On the Agenda were several items including the proposed adoption of a revised salary ordinance reflecting pay increases for town workers. It was expected that a large group of residents were going to be in attendance.
The official word was that the Mayor was going town to Trenton to seek ... << MORE >>
Crucial Decision on Tuesday
Harrison's Mayor Raymond McDonough faces the toughest decision of his political career on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. The Mayor & Council are scheduled to meet and discuss Ordinances which will retroactively increase town worker salaries.
Governor Jon Corzine and Governor Elect Chris Christie have announced that there will be additional cuts to the aid to municipalities. Governor Corzine plans to cut municipal aid to make up a 1 billion dollar state budget deficit. Governor-elect Christie's transition team in a statement released to the press stated,"These budget shortfalls make it clear that the Corzine administrationmust take urgent and immediate action to bring the budget under control". Governor Corzine apparently agrees and is moving to make the cuts before he leaves office.
I previously suggested that Mayor McDonough ask town workers to forgo pay increases. The Town of Harrison taxpayers simply cannot afford any higher taxes. With record unemployment, State aid being cut to towns and school districts, and millions in bond interest payments coming due in 2010, Mayor McDonough must use his political will power and convince town workers that they cannot get retroactive pay raises. Not this year. The economy simply cannot support town worker pay increases. Other towns plan to lay off workers to trim their budgets. The Town of Harrison is no longer immune to State budget cuts to municipalities and school districts.
A look at the town's salary ordinance reveals that in some politically appointed positions, Mayor McDonough has rewarded some with salaries higher than those that the private sector would support. If town workers get pay increases, it is unlikely that Governor-elect Christie will look favorably on Harrison. The excesses of the past simply won't be tolerated by New Jersey's new governor. A salary freeze would go a long way to show the new Governor that Harrison is serious about doing its part to solve the State's 1 Billion Dollar budget deficit.
I strongly urge Mayor McDonough to table the salary ordinance. Call a meeting of the Union bargaining units and discuss a negotiated freeze of salary increases until the town and the state's economy can support those increases. If Mayor McDonough does nothing and passes the salary ordinance, the new year will bring forced layoffs of town workers. Those less politically connected will undoubtedly be the first to go.
Asking workers to forgo pay increases isn't a popular statement with town workers or in the private sector. The reality however is that many town residents have been out of work and/or underemployed for over a year. Town workers should be thankful for what they have already. In the past year in a half, my office has been dealing with the economic storm that has hit our country, state and town. Residents are not attending town meetings because they suddenly found this website or Joe Wood's website, www.HarrisonMeetings.com, or because of what Councilmembers Steve and Marie McCormick have stated publically about the town's finances. Harrison Residents are attending town meetings because they are unemployed, their tenants are unemployed and they cannot make their mortgage payments and Harrison's property taxes, school taxes, and water/sewer bills keep going up. The town cannot afford town worker pay increases. Irreparable harm will be done to town residents if Mayor McDonough and the council continue to ignore the worse economic meltdown since the Great Depression.
Attend Tuesday's Mayor & Council meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Join me at the Caucus at 6:30 p.m. on the Third Floor or if you can't make 6:30 p.m., at 7:00 p.m. or as soon as you can make it, on the Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor. Let's see if Mayor McDonough ignores the red light in front of him and goes through the intersection. If McDonough's decision only effected him I wouldn't care but his decision to take the red light effects every resident in Harrison including town workers he says he's helping.
Governor Jon Corzine and Governor Elect Chris Christie have announced that there will be additional cuts to the aid to municipalities. Governor Corzine plans to cut municipal aid to make up a 1 billion dollar state budget deficit. Governor-elect Christie's transition team in a statement released to the press stated,"These budget shortfalls make it clear that the Corzine administrationmust take urgent and immediate action to bring the budget under control". Governor Corzine apparently agrees and is moving to make the cuts before he leaves office.
I previously suggested that Mayor McDonough ask town workers to forgo pay increases. The Town of Harrison taxpayers simply cannot afford any higher taxes. With record unemployment, State aid being cut to towns and school districts, and millions in bond interest payments coming due in 2010, Mayor McDonough must use his political will power and convince town workers that they cannot get retroactive pay raises. Not this year. The economy simply cannot support town worker pay increases. Other towns plan to lay off workers to trim their budgets. The Town of Harrison is no longer immune to State budget cuts to municipalities and school districts.
A look at the town's salary ordinance reveals that in some politically appointed positions, Mayor McDonough has rewarded some with salaries higher than those that the private sector would support. If town workers get pay increases, it is unlikely that Governor-elect Christie will look favorably on Harrison. The excesses of the past simply won't be tolerated by New Jersey's new governor. A salary freeze would go a long way to show the new Governor that Harrison is serious about doing its part to solve the State's 1 Billion Dollar budget deficit.
I strongly urge Mayor McDonough to table the salary ordinance. Call a meeting of the Union bargaining units and discuss a negotiated freeze of salary increases until the town and the state's economy can support those increases. If Mayor McDonough does nothing and passes the salary ordinance, the new year will bring forced layoffs of town workers. Those less politically connected will undoubtedly be the first to go.
Asking workers to forgo pay increases isn't a popular statement with town workers or in the private sector. The reality however is that many town residents have been out of work and/or underemployed for over a year. Town workers should be thankful for what they have already. In the past year in a half, my office has been dealing with the economic storm that has hit our country, state and town. Residents are not attending town meetings because they suddenly found this website or Joe Wood's website, www.HarrisonMeetings.com, or because of what Councilmembers Steve and Marie McCormick have stated publically about the town's finances. Harrison Residents are attending town meetings because they are unemployed, their tenants are unemployed and they cannot make their mortgage payments and Harrison's property taxes, school taxes, and water/sewer bills keep going up. The town cannot afford town worker pay increases. Irreparable harm will be done to town residents if Mayor McDonough and the council continue to ignore the worse economic meltdown since the Great Depression.
Attend Tuesday's Mayor & Council meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Join me at the Caucus at 6:30 p.m. on the Third Floor or if you can't make 6:30 p.m., at 7:00 p.m. or as soon as you can make it, on the Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor. Let's see if Mayor McDonough ignores the red light in front of him and goes through the intersection. If McDonough's decision only effected him I wouldn't care but his decision to take the red light effects every resident in Harrison including town workers he says he's helping.
Christie Change Is Coming
| N.J. Governor-elect Christie tells local officials to expect 'a continued period of pain' |
