Auletta vs Nicholson Recount

The recount of the election results challenging my election is now history!

If you are curious to see how the recount was conducted view the video that we prepared 

I am pleased to report that the results stand and I actually gained one vote from the process (1 absentee ballet vote for me was missed in the original tally). I am happy to be able to put this behind me and to give my full attention to serving on the Borough Council. My intention is to be a proactive councilman and strive to engage more of our citizens in the practice of self-government by keeping them fully informed of what is happening in our governing body and in particular my personal thoughts on the issues facing us and the actions that we take.

My goal is to win over more of the voters through performing in response to the wishes and needs of our community and to actions that protect their interests. If I choose to run again I aim to earn a more decisive victory by helping to move Bound Brook forward with improvements that we can all be proud of!

That you for giving me the opportunity to do so.

Star-Ledger Article: http://www.nj.com/starledger/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1196746526108820.xml&coll=1

Courier News Article: http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071204/NEWS01/712040332/1006/NEWS01 

Until next time,

Ben

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