Councilman Elect Anthony Pranzatelli and I attend first class

I thought that you ought to know that we attended our first class in the "Powers and Duties of the Municipal Governing Body" (click red text to go to that website) class that is offered by the Center for Government Services at Rutgers University. It is a 15 hour, 5 session course that is geared to make elected officials more effective and productive.

We understand that municipal government responsibilities are broad, extensive, and impact on the quality of life of all citizens. Tony and I do take the trust that you have placed in us seriously and truly desire to safeguard your interests. To do so requires extensive knowledge of how government works as well as absorbing technical knowledge and proficiency in a multitude of subjects.

I believe that all those good citizens who desire to serve their communities should arm themselves with as many governing and management skills as they can. In fact I feel that this should be mandatory for all elected officials as well as candidates for public office so that they fully understand the nature of the office that they are seeking.

The NJ School Boards Association does indeed offer a candidate briefing seminar for all School Board Candidates. NJ under the NJ School Ethics Act requires mandatory training requirements that must be fulfilled by successful candidates during their first year of service on a school board. I was successful in completing a series of school board member courses while serving as a member of the Bound Brook Board of Education and achieved the "Certificated School Board Member " certification. The courses were extremely useful.

Until next time,

Ben

Bound Brook, NJ Veterans Day Mass, Breakfast and Ceremony Video

More on those to whom we owe so much:

The links below will bring you to Veterans Day videos of the special mass and the ceremonies that followed in Bound Brook. Also included is a link to the newspaper article regarding the event.

To see video go to http://www.youtube.com/djben1

C-N article on the event: http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071112/NEWS01/711120335/1006

Albert Einstein: I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.

Until Till next time

Ben

Nov 27 Council Meeting and my first legislative attempt!

I introduced my very first suggested resolution as a newly elected Councilman at this meeting.

It was a resolution requesting the council’s approval of a complete revision of our antiquated council by-laws. I prepared this rewrite using “Robert’s Rules of Order” and NJ Statutes as a source of information. This document will give you a clear insight into just what your council does and how they do it in carrying out the responsibilities of self-government. If you would like a copy contact me.

In future action I also plan to seek the preparation of an administrative code for Bound Brook. The purpose of the code is similar to what business organizations call a "Policy & Procedures Manual". The objective is to instill a more efficient and orderly administrative process and to make it easier to hold us all accountable for meeting our responsabilities as well as serving as guidelines for consistancy in doing our jobs. This will also help to make our government more “transparent” and make it easier for citizens to influence what we do. My personal objective is to make it easier for citizen involvement!

Until Next time,

Ben

Thanksgiving. Also Bound Brook Economic Development Advisory Committee

Isn't this the best of seasons, allowing us to enjoy our families and friends. I hope that all of you had an enriching Thanksgiving celebration. I spent mine with my family and thoroughly enjoyed interacting with my granddaughters (and yes, doing a little Friday morning shopping!).

Being the time to reflect on what we're thankful for, one item on my list is that there are people who care about others and are willing to give of themselves to really help make our self-government a successful reality. One of my assignments and responsibilities as a Councilman is to serve as 2007 council liaison to the Bound Brook Economic Development Advisory Committee. In fulfilling this duty I attended the November meeting of the committee and was impressed by the talented and dedicated people on the committee.

The Committee was organized in May of this year and its members are:

2010 Richard Shive - Chairman
2010 Trish Smith
2010 Kerry Miller – Vice Chair
2009 Fred Llaverias
2009 Charles Terytek
2009 Nancy Jorden
2008 Charles Schwall
2008 Davis Morris
2008 Margaret Lyons

(if you would like more information about the duties and powers of the committee please ask and I will provide a copy of the enabling legislation)

The Committee was given an enormous responsibility for advising and assisting the Borough Council in nurturing the commercial aspects within our community. The council believes that “partnering” with businessman to make Bound Brook an attractive and profitable business location will benefit all of us through increased tax ratables and the convenient availability of goods and services. The success of this committee is vital to the citizens of Bound Brook. I got the distinct impression that while the committee is anxious to stimulate economic development it is determined to hold the interests of the community uppermost.

This last meeting was focused on a current program to make the business community aware of the requirements in the Borough’s sign ordinance in preparation of anticipated code enforcement activity. The committee believes that the sign ordinance encourages uniformity and the maintenance of a desirable “look” to our shopping districts that are inviting to the public and sends a clear message of who we are. The approached is to be helpful and supportive – not to generate undue hardship. Please contact me to discuss any concerns that you may have.

The sign section of the ordinance is Chapter 21-10.5.

You may access the sign ordinance by clicking on the following link Go to Chapter 21, then to subchapter 10.5

Until Next time!

Ben

About my First Council Meeting

On November 13 I attended my first meeting of the Bound Brook Borough Council in this term as a Councilman.

As I promised, I am reporting to you a summary of the relevant actions taken or issues discussed.

Click on the "Red" Words to view video clips.

Comments from the public included concern about property maintenance code enforcement at 3 specific properties. I have since visited those properties and agree that the concerns are justified and I am currently investigating the situation and plan to report to you and the specific citizens voicing their concerns how your government will deal with the situation. I believe that it is your elected officials’ responsibility to respond to legitimate questions from our citizens. I encourage you to contact us with your questions and /or needs and requests. I personally will do what I can to get you answers and explanations if not action.

Another issue brought up by a citizen living on Watchung Road was a request to repave the street and deal with water problems. This is a difficult issue to resolve because we have a number of conflicting desires that appear to be impossible to satisfy in a fiscally responsible manner. A substantial number of concerned (and angry) residents approached the Council with their desire to maintain the current natural environment and not endanger trees in the center island. To do so would require roadwork that would not have a life expectancy to justify the expenditures. At the insistence of these vocal citizens the Council decided to stop the project and consider reallocating the funds that were provided for this project. Council members may revisit this issue in the future.
Our Borough Engineers reported on a list of other road conditions throughout the Borough that requires attention and actions mandated by the State or County. These continuing needs and associated costs are overwhelming to me. Eventually we will have to attend to them all.

The Council enacted a well-deserved promotion of Acting Chief of Police Thomas White to Deputy Chief. His salary was not increased and he will continue to serve as acting chief.

The Council increased annual dog license fees from $8 and $11, to $18 and $21 to match NJ suggested fees and to help cover our costs for animal control.

Here is another example of what it costs to run the Borough. We entered into an agreement with Bridgewater to process our collected leaves for 3 months for a fee of $10,500.00. At this point, this is our only recourse.

Drunk drivers – don’t do it in Bound Brook! Borough Police will provide for increased police presence in connection with the state program “Over the limit under arrest 2007 year end crackdown” program to attempt to cut down on impaired driving. The state of NJ will provide for up to $5,000.00 in overtime enforcement grants funding.

Thanks to Joe Lemire at http://www.08805.com/ for the video clips

Until Next time,

Ben

Video Of Me Being Sworn In

http://www.08805.com/media/video/council/ba111307.wmv

It’s Official! I start Tuesday 11/13/2007 @ 7pm

I attended a really special tribute to our veterans this morning and was honored to sit with the guys who won WW II and other wars (no I was not with them back then – my service did not start until 1959). A lot of good people came out to show their appreciation for the gifts that their courage and patriotism gave us. Those of you who did not make it this year please plan to join us next year.

While at the special ceremonies I was asked by quite a few citizens if my election to Borough Council held up. Well, I will be sworn in this Tuesday (11/13/07 at 7PM). It would be very nice to see you there.

While I will accept the seat it really belongs to you – the people who put me there and especially our great campaign team. I owe a special thanks to our campaign chairman, Karen Carroll and my energetic running mates – Javier, Tony and Debbie.
Although I'm appreciative of many who helped and contributed to the campaign, I do want to mention always faithful and loyal Democrat, Jean Mangino and her son-in law Brad Higginbottom who served as our treasurer. Of course I can't forget my super-charged son Ben, Jr. who worked tirelessly delivering literature and posting and retrieving lawn signs. He also pushed me to keep campaigning, was our media contact and offered campaign ideas.

I hope that you will take advantage of my position on the council to input your thoughts and desires for how our government should be conducted. I do want to hear from you and I will attempt to keep you informed with what your government is doing. If you are pleased with my performance, that's great. If my choices disappoint you, please tell me (in private) and lets discuss the issue.

The Latest From Late Night Comedians:

Jay Leno-"Hey, don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour this weekend. You get an extra hour of sleep. It's kind of like watching a Fred Thompson speech."

Until Next Time,

Ben

Let’s come out for our Military Veterans

Sunday, November 11, is the day to show our appreciation for those who stepped up to defend our country – often putting their lives in danger for the protection of all of us. We can never give them back what they lost, but we can honor the memory of those brave men and women who are no longer with us and demonstrate our gratitude to the vets among us by joining with them at the Veterans Day Ceremonies.

In Bound Brook please attend the special Veterans Day ceremonies starting with an 8:30 a.m. Veterans Day Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, Mountain Avenue and High Street. William Siebel, commander of the American Legion Giles-Biondi Post No. 63 of Bound Brook with Father Charles O’Connor will conduct the ceremony. There also will be a procession of flags. Participating veterans are encouraged to wear uniforms if they have them. For more information, call Bill Siebel at (732) 356-8762. A breakfast for all veterans, their families, and residents will follow in the Holy Family Academy gymnasium on Second Street. Cost for the breakfast is $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for children age 12 or younger.

At 11:00 a.m. a Ceremony will be conducted at the monument island at the intersection of Union Avenue and Vosseller Ave.

Let’s all be there for them!

Until next time,

Ben

Thank You!

Newly Elected Councilmen - Ben Auletta and Anthony "Tony" Pranzatelli

I think that it is now the appropriate time to thank the voters who supported my candidacy and elected me to the Bound Brook Borough Council. I especially thank our campaign manager, Karen Carroll and the entire campaign staff, and my running mates who energized our campaign.

Yesterday my victory was essentially confirmed and I await my official certification. I am eager and ready to assume my responsibilities in service to all the citizens of Bound Brook. Both parties and Mrs. Pounaras enthusiastically waged the campaign and I congratulate the victors, Tony Pranzatelli, Jeff Thompson, and Carey Pilato and I look forward to a proactive and dedicated 2008 council.

The following excerpts from this mornings’ Star-Ledger and the Courier News explain what happened to place the results in doubt:
Extra ballots augment victories
Bound Brook could have oath delayed
Friday, November 09, 2007
BY CATHY BUGMAN
Star-Ledger Staff
The winners in tight races for council seats in Bernardsville and Bound Brook expanded their margins of victory yesterday after Somerset County election officials opened provisional ballots.
Provisional ballots … gave wider edges of victory to Bernardsville Republican Councilmen-elect Kevin Sooy and Edward McDowell as well as Democratic Bound Brook Councilman-elect Ben Auletta.

County election commissioners and office staff unzipped bright orange bags containing provisional ballots before an audience of candidates, party leaders and others interested in the outcome.

In Bound Brook, Auletta yesterday took on an additional six votes to bring his new total to 816, while Republican incumbent Jacquelyn Nicholson gained another three votes, bringing her up to 807 votes.
While it's anticipated that Auletta will take the oath of office and replace Nicholson at Tuesday night's council meeting, it will depend on the borough's receiving a "certificate of election" from County Clerk Radi.
The certificate could be held up by county Election Board Administrator Jerry Midgette, who said his office is seeking a court order to open a voting machine from District 3 in Bound Brook and from District 18 in Bridgewater to check whether any provisional ballots possibly locked inside them would alter the results in a significant way.
Once that is done, Radi's office can certify the election results, allowing the swearing-in ceremony to commence in Bound Brook.

Auletta, a former councilman and member of the planning and school boards, said he has two ordinances already drafted -- one concerning the proliferation of signs and the other on public decorum at meetings -- and is looking forward to presenting them.
"I'm anxious to get to work," he said.
Cathy Bugman works in the Somerset County bureau. She may be reached at cbugman@starledger.com or (908) 429-9925.

Vote count continues for Bound Brook council seat
Results confirm GOP council sweep in Bernardsville.
By MARTIN C. BRICKETTO
STAFF WRITER Courier News
SOMERVILLE -- Two days after the election, the race for a two-year, unexpired term on the Bound Brook Borough Council between Democrat Ben Auletta Sr. and Republican Jacquelyn Nicholson still isn't officially settled.
Provisional ballots counted so far continue to show Auletta leading Nicholson 816 to 807, Somerset County Clerk Brett Radi said Thursday.
But Radi added that a bag for provisional ballots remains inside one voting machine, and the Somerset County Board of Elections is pursuing a court order to retrieve that bag and count any ballots.
Until that takes place, Radi said he will not certify the results.

An Auletta victory will mean a council in Bound Brook evenly split 3-3 between Democrats and Republicans…

Until Next Time,

Ben (I plan to update this after every meeting i attend)

Join the Citizen Army!

I just returned from the Bound Brook Mayoral Candidates’ debate at St Joseph’s School gymnasium. Video of the debate to be post on http://www.08805.com/

Father Charlie, the host moderator of the debate, made a powerful and profound statement. He said that all of the candidates have demonstrated their dedication to the community and that he would be proud to serve as a citizen under anyone of them.

I never heard it put that way! As I thought about what he said it struck me that that is exactly what we must all do in order to survive as a nation and keep our traditions of self-government, independence and our precious four freedoms as depicted by Norman Rockwell’s famous paintings – Freedom from Fear, freedom from Want, Freedom of Speech, freedom to Worship.
Serving as a citizen means meeting the responsibilities of citizenship. There are six basic responsibilities of U.S. Citizenship – five mandatory and one voluntary. The voluntary one is voting.

The right to vote is a duty or responsibility as well as a privilege. It is important for all citizens to vote in every election to make sure that the democratic, representative system of government is maintained. Persons who do not vote lose their voice in the government. Before voting in an election, each citizen should be well informed about the issues and candidates.

I was in the company of almost 200 Bound Brookers who apparently take their citizenship seriously and are willing to “serve as citizens”. I salute them.

I also salute the candidates Phyllis Pounaras, Javier Vasquez, and Cary Pilato for being there and for their willingness to serve. I thought that they handled the questions posed to them well (although I did not believe some of the rhetoric). I was particularly impressed by Javier’s knowledge of the needs of Bound Brook and his ideas on how to meet them. I’m sorry to say that the performance and words of Cary Pilato were tarnished by his rude refusal to accept my congratulatory handshake. It underscored his propensity to say what sounds nice but not what he truly believes. He indicated during his discourse something to the effect that people had the right to disagree but that we were still all friends and neighbors. Apparently I am not considered a citizen who deserves the same respect that I pay him.

Both Javier and Phyllis graciously accepted my heartfelt congratulations.

The Latest From Late Night Comedians:

Conan O'Brien-10/31/07 -"Last night during the Democratic presidential debate, Senator Barack Obama accused Hillary Clinton of frequently changing positions. After hearing this, Bill Clinton said, 'I wish.'"

Until Next Time,

Ben