This makes me wonder

Attached is what was put into doors around town and given to neighbors by a group of volunteers Highlands Taj Mahal June 2021 AT THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING, WEDNESDAY JUNE 16 AT 8 PM, THIS ORDINANCE IS UP FOR PUBLIC HEARING. IT IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINION ON THE $12 MILLION+ BOROUGH HALL PRIOR TO THE VOTE BY COUNCIL FACT: HIGHLANDS MUNICIPAL BUILDING will cost the Borough 12 million + to build, including the prior cost of $500K for the land purchase and taxpayers will be responsible for a MINIMUM of 8 million dollars. Based on Datausa.io from 2018, the median income for Highlands residents is $59,624 with a median property value of $273,100. As stated at the council meeting on May 19th, based on these facts, if your house is valued at $273,100, your taxes could go up a MINIMUM of $183 per year. If your house is appraised higher than $273,100, your INCREASED taxes will be assessed higher. FACT: OCEANPORT MUNICIPAL BUILDING cost $11 million to complete, with taxpayers being responsible for $3.5 million. The $11 million included the purchase of land on Fort Monmouth for $1.5 million. The median household income in Oceanport is $104,668, with a median home value of $453,200,* almost double Highlands residents’ income and home value, yet the Oceanport council found a way to assess taxpayers 2/3rd less than what Highlands residents are being asked to fund. (APP Gannett 1/27/2021 ) FACT: MIDDLETOWN MUNICIPAL BUILDING is costing $60 million to complete with NO NEW DEBT. This is due in part to the work of the council in securing a leaseback deal. The complex will house most of the township services. Middletown has also stated they wish to take on the shared services with its surrounding smaller municipalities such as court, jail, etc. They will also be serving as a satellite for County services (such as voter registration, passports etc.). The Middletown Mayor and council have publicly stated this will incur NO NEW DEBT to their taxpayers. The median household income is $74,263.* (middletownnj.org) FACT: SEA BRIGHT MUNICIPAL BUILDING - TWO buildings (Firehouse/Water Safety building and Municipal Building) at a combined cost of $12. 7 million. After the Seabright council voted to approve, Seabright residents successfully pushed for the council to put this on the ballot as a referendum vote in November so residents could weigh in. The borough hall estimated cost was $7.5 million and was just recently completed. The same architects that designed the Seabright Municipal building for $7.5 million estimated cost are assessing the Highlands Municipal building cost at close to $12 million. FACT: At the May 19th council meeting, the ordinance to saddle the taxpayers with a minimum $8 million tax debt was voted down 3-2 by council. FACT: Councilwoman Jo Anne Olzsewski stated at that same meeting that she believes homeowners on a median income “can afford to spend $183 on dinner with friends so the increase in taxes for a new Borough hall should not be an issue for people.” FACT: Mayor Carolyn Broullon, after the ordinance to saddle taxpayers with this astronomical debt for the next 20 years was DEFEATED, has brought back the VERY SAME ORDINANCE under another ordinance number, stating at the June 2 council meeting that her reason to re-introduce is because Councilmember Kevin Martin did NOT UNDERSTAND what he was voting for AND THAT HIS NO VOTE ON BEHALF AND FOR THE TAXPAYERS WAS A MISTAKE. Councilmember Martin was NOT in attendance at the June 2 meeting to comment or defend himself. WE ASK: IS THERE A REASON MAYOR BROULLON REFUSES TO PUT THIS TO REFERENDUM ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT SO TAXPAYERS CAN WEIGH IN WITH THEIR VOTE? DO YOU FEEL THAT 4 MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL (Broullon, Olszewski, Melnyk and Martin) ARE TAKING YOUR TAX DOLLARS SERIOUSLY AND THAT THEY ARE TRUSTWORTHY TO VOTE ETHICALLY ON POTENTIAL COSTS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY?

Once again, Highlands taxpayers, start paying attention to how your money is being spent! Simply count the number of ordinances that are introduced to amend ordinances already introduced and passed. That includes the ordinance that council members voted down, that $10 million bond ordinance for the borough hall. Count what each ordinance cost in legal fees to be written, reviewed, presented to council….did that ever happen before a meeting when they vote on it?, printed and circulated. It’s nice the governing body wants to get things done, but you know the old saying…haste wakes waste…and it would be so much cheaper, make so much more sense…and cents….and give the folks in town a little more confidence in your abilities if you simply took your time and did the job right in the first place. Yet with all those expenditures and all that working in haste, nobody even took the time to look at a grant application suggested by a local resident. What would it have cost to simply review that possible free money and make a decision, rather than just ignore what seems like a rather astute resident’s suggestion? Heck, she even sent the proposal to you, but you didn’t even give her the courtesy of glancing at it. I do wonder what service oriented vendors we’re now paving the way to come into town with the amendment to that ordinance. Or is this just like the Bingo on Sunday ordinance it’s time for a change so we’ll spend the money and make it? And that doesn’t even co pare to the other discourtesy to the public, naming putting agendas out a scarce 24 hours before a meeting, then wiping out public hearings already scheduled and still current as of when the agenda is posted. But and hour and 45 minutes before a meeting starts, the Mayor is just then receiving information that makes it impossible to hold the public hearing? Why wasn’t that information available say, during a review of the ordinance before even introducing it? To expect residents to come out to a meeting only t cancel what you say is going to happen at a meeting is simply discourteous and downright rude. Particularly when it happens again and again. Then just for fun, take a closer look at the payment of bills every month and wonder whether some money couldn’t be saved there as well. Take this month for instance…and I’m only citing a few of the little items because they do pique my interest. How about a Gold police sergeant bade, or a retired police sergeant’s wallet for $69 each. Or better yet, a gold Det. Sergeant’s wallet, for $10 more, plus a $20 case to put one of those badges in? Or how about over $1,000 for tires (don’t know how many)_ for the Police Tahoe? Or $90 for a signature stamp for the clerk’s office? And another $30 to make copies….doesn’t the borough have its own copier? All little things, perhaps some of them even necessary. But there are lots of these little things that add up to a whopping big bill to pay. Especially when you include more than $620,000 for the regular payment to both school districts. But don’t take my word for it. Look at some of the bills, then ask what they’re for!

This is an impassioned plea. People of Highlands, I’m going to say it again. And again. And I’m going to continue saying it until you wake up, pay attention, and take action while you still have the chance, before all the taxpayers have to pay even more money and while you still have a little bit of control of your town. I say all this because the world in general knows how much I love Highlands, how happy I was to be married there and raise my children in an atmosphere of love, freedom, fun, health, education and everything else wonderful and rarely found together so neatly and plentiful as in Highlands. While my body is no longer living there, my heart still is. They say once you get the sand between your toes, you can’t leave Highlands. The truth is, Highlands can never leave you. So I am fearful at what is happening to this beautiful town. Tomorrow Night… Wednesday Night, June 2nd at 8PM… yet again, a $10 million…that’s a dollar sign, a one, and seven zeroes, is being introduced. On the surface, and without legal scrutiny, it appears to be very much like the ordinance that was just shot down by Councilmembers KL Martin and Linda Mazzola. So it makes me wonder….has the majority or just the mayor talked to one of the two dissenters into changing his or her mind and approving it on a second go around? Could it be true that in spite of all the people coming out to that meeting when it was defeated, they are not going to be listened to? That meeting remember, was poorly advertised as only being in person and not virtually available to all. Has FEMA promised their half of the $10 million in writing but nobody else can know about it yet? OK, they are all possibilities. Now read the new Section 8 of this soon to be introduced ordinance. That gives the borough the right to meet its obligations with ad valorem taxes WITHOUT LIMITATION!! That means, don’t pay any attention to that low figure on how your taxes would be impacted that you were given when the ordinance was first introduced and defeated. If you can add ad valorem taxes WITHOUT LIMITATION, you don’t even know what the tax rate will be! Then look at the section that tells you what the governing body can do if they do get grants…like the one some think they’re getting from FEMA (even though FEMA doesn’t put it in writing!) That section could mean that the powers that be can take that grant and apply it to paying off the bond….and still tax you for the entire $10 million…what with those ad valorem taxes added. It is absolutely fearful what this governing body is doing. They’re talking bonding for $10 million a second time. And they’re doing this one at a meeting where the agenda and the proposed resolutions and ordinances are downright difficult to find! Check out the Highlands NJ web page, the official page of the borough of Highlands. Try to find the meeting. It’s there and you can find it. But it isn’t easy!!!! Then take another look and seek out the resolutions and ordinances. Think about timing, All of a sudden, the borough has decided to change its webpage, so when you look for the usual suspects, whoops, they aren’t there….you have to keep searching. Kind of like the recent ordinance when it was so essential to pass a law allowing Bingo on Sundays! Really? How many applications have been made for that? That it be so essential during a pandemic, when people are out of jobs, losing their homes, and struggling, to waste money amending an ordinance that no one cares about?. Doesn’t it scare anyone that this is the second time the $10 million bond ordinance is being acted on in less than a month, even though it was voted down? Yet it’s difficult to see it in advance. It is only advertised perhaps 30 hours before the meeting and even then not easy to find. Does anyone wonder what it cost to advertise it the first time? And now a second time? Does anyone ask what the attorney charges to re-write what he wrote the first time with whatever changes there might be in it? Or, for that matter, why he didn’t include any chances in the first place? Does anyone question why there hasn’t been an executive session since it was voted down the first time ? Does that mean NOBODY except whoever told the attorney to draw it up again has even seen it, let alone know what it’s about? Or does it mean perhaps some of the council has talked about it, but not the majority? For that matter, there were many complaints about this $10 million ordinance for a building that’s supposed to be around for at least 30 years. People clearly offered other things to thing about, other ways to save money, other ideas for the building? Don’t any of these things matter to the governing body? Don’t citizens’ ideas mean enough to even be considered? If that one ordinance isn’t enough to get you interested enough to fight for your town, look at the resolutions. It’s just barely the middle of the year and already there have been 132 resolutions introduced. Compare that to other towns. Does whoever drums up all these resolutions…and check how many of them are resolutions to amend resolutions……think this town is so terrible it needs 132 resolutions in addition to 20 something new ordinances to change it? Doesn’t anyone on council love Highlands like I do? Do you, the taxpayer, think this beautiful piece of heaven on earth, with the nicest people in the world, need so many changes to make it what? Less perfect? Please love the Highlands I love.

Listening through a three hour Atlantic Highlands Council meeting the other night brought home loud and clear just how different the governing bodies of this community and its neighboring Highlands are. I would urge every Highlands council member and every person who still loves Highlands to listen in to an Atlantic Highlands council meeting to see how it could be done so much better, so much cheaper, so much more involving not only all council members but the public as well. Remember when Highlands quickly passed that ordinance permitting marijuana shops in town? It was done with little discussion, with absolutely no public input from any professionals, be they planners, psychologists, educators or anyone else. After that, the governing body had to go into executive session for something or other to discuss it. And it’s still not right, complete, or if any professionals have come with advice, information or recommendations, the public sure hasn’t heard about it. Not so in Atlantic Highlands. There they had an hour or so of deep exploration, deep questioning, deep and intelligent information from professionals as well as some great research from council members, especially Councilman Steve Borrachio who pointed out annual renewal fees could reap as much as $10 million for some communities…Highlands thinks $1500 is a good amount! Then they all took in all the information, are taking it home to study it, then taking listening to the people and then, and only then, taking action. Highlands taxpayers, you ought to start looking at what all these ordinances are costing you, not only in legal fees and office time, but all those advertising costs as well. Does Highlands really need to introduce no fewer than 26 ordinances before the year is even half over? By comparison, Atlantic Highlands adopted nine ordinances. Last year, Highlands adopted 26 ordinances in total! Atlantic Highlands, 11. Does the Highlands mayor, who is the one who seems to know the most about any new ordinance, think Highlands is in such bad shape it needs so many changes and new laws … or is this some type of competition? Because the mayor is the one who usually introduces, explains and makes the motions on all these ordinances, it once again makes me wonder, particularly in the absence of advertised executive sessions to discuss them, how many council members actually know what’s in these expensive codes they introduce before they introduce them. You have to hand it to Atlantic Highlands Councilwoman Lori Hohenleitner. She pulled off what could have been a very embarrassing and very crude situation at the council meeting, when to my way of thinking, things got a bit too crass considering the usual high quality of these council meetings. But rather than act insulted, rather than be indignant, rather than grow angry at the hint she might not respect the American flag because she turns off her camera when she stands to pledge at the beginning of the meeting, she stood and showed why she shuts off the camera! With a bit of a tease in her voice, the councilwoman pointed out that most people would not like to see the torso of a 40-something that would be on display throughout the pledge if she did not turn off the camera. And while in another town, there’s a spouse who always likes to stick up for her husband, I think this was a first for Lori’s husband. Obviously indignant over the suggestion his wife isn’t patriotic, he went public with his opinion, earning a great comment from his wife when the meeting was adjourned. This was the second time political comments on the local political pages came under fire at a council meeting, the first when the Democrats hinted that perhaps the police aren’t as great as we all think they are, council members said they knew nothing about it, and the post was taken down the next day. Atlantic Highlands, you’re too good for all of that nonsense. Don’t begin to stoop to that level. It was so much nicer later in the meeting hearing all the wonderful accolades for borough employees. Also difficult to understand why so many people, granted most of them from the Ocean Blvd.. area, are so opposed to further parking on Ocean Blvd. The idea came up with the former police chief, was reiterated, studied, and endorsed by the present chief, approved by Monmouth County, which owns the road in the first place, and thoroughly studied and recommended by the Parking Committee. I have no doubt most people in town respect each of these entities, but to all of a sudden decide every one of them is wrong is kind of sad. Perhaps all these people should have been attending planning board meetings when that body was approving all those apartments and not requiring off street parking for them. It would also be interesting to see how many vehicles each of those opposed to more parking spaces have within their own homes and wonder whether they have sufficient parking off street or whether they would rather cut back on their own number so as not to destroy the beauty of a neighborhood with a parked car. There’s no doubt Ocean Blvd is a scenic road but certainly not down at the level of where more parking could be accommodated. That high rise does a great job of lessening the scenic beauty or view from Ocean Blvd on its own. Thanks should go to Mark Fisher for all the work he did in study and research and for the council members who indeed weren’t thinking politics but rather common sense in thinking he had some good ideas. Thanks also to the chief who seems to work well with everyone eager to do the best for the town as a whole. Sounds like good news coming concerning the theater on First Avenue. Can’t wait to hear all the new details. And July 1 will mark the opening to the public of Borough Hall, not that the employees haven’t been diligently at work behind those closed doors every day. And folks have to remember that all districts will vote in the Charles Hesse Parish Center on South Avenue this election day. That’s a switch, and it’s probably temporary, but for the primary, don’t forget. There are no contests among the Democrats, ,but Republicans have the opportunity vote off the GOP line and bring Serena DeMaso back to Trenton as our hard working Assemblywoman, and hey, let’s put Tom Scarano in for freeholder/county commissioner! He’s hard working, smart, and certainly will be able to hold his own on that board. Judging from the enthusiasm for that team last week, from former Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno right on down, Serena will still be in there fighting for us in the state Assembly. But go out and vote, just to be sure! And while I’m talking about some great things that have happened around here, look for some of my 20th century history stories focusing on the Middletown filming of The Miracle Worker 60 years ago. Historian Peter Van Nortwick supplied me with enough information to write a book, from how Matt Gill got the McLean Farm for the film company to use for outdoor scenes to how the Van Nortwick bus company transported the 100 or so crew members and stars from their accommodations at the Molly Pitcher to the farm on Red Hill Road every day. There will be a story on some of the local kids who were called on for bit parts in the film, as well as some great photos Peter has in his collection. What a fun time that must have been! And look for something really great, and really exciting happening at the Atlantic Theater on First Avenue very soon. Some mighty fine people are involved and things are looking pretty terrific! Watch for it.,

Once again, cheers to Kim Skorka for managing to put the Highlands Council meeting live on Facebook Thursday night, when the Mayor and Council decided to hold their first meeting in person, shutting off virtual attendance at a meeting that involved a $10 million new borough hall, a couple of ordinances to make it easier to open a marijuana shop in town and a few more things all borough residents should really know about and get concerned over. Cheers also for that half dozen or so local residents who did get to speak up at that meeting at the Community Center and made so much sense during the public portion on the bonding ordinance. Their voices and hearts reached to at least two council members, Linda Mazzola and Kevin Martin, who said they were there to do the will of the people, not their own. Loved the Highlands Avenue resident and attorney who reminded the elected officials that “government works for the people,” and urged the council to listen to the people, and find another way. He made a lot of sense, and while he said it was his first time speaking out at a public meeting, it certainly is hoped he’ll be there again and again with his sensible thinking and great ideas. It’s also amazing when you think of it, that Mayor Broullon was not the only Mayor in the room, as she pointed out. The last two mayors were also present, and it speaks well for the interest, love, and dedication of both that even after they’ve been out of office, they still are there on the opposite side of the desk to ensure things are done right and in the manner the people want. Melissa Pedersen always seems to do a lot of homework and research before attending any meeting and Thursday was no exception. When she was told that the $10 million figures took the last year’s dramatic and sharp increase in building supply costs into consideration, she questioned how they could be so, since the $10 million figure hasn’t changed in three years and nobody could predict Covid, or many other things. She said nobody has a crystal ball, but the boro hall plans certainly seem to be short-sighted without enough research into alternate possibilities. She reminded council taxpayers have already had a pretty expensive year, what with council paying out $10,000 for a Welcome to Highlands sign, creating a new position not yet filled “as far as I know” for a confidential aide for the mayor and administrator, and hiring an administrator at a considerably higher salary that the last one. “You’re spending a hell of a lot of money” she told the Mayor and Council. It’s true, as many people have said, there are three or four ladies who speak out pretty consistently at council meetings, and taxpayers should thank them profusely for being so attentive, resourceful, and interested. Too many things can just slide by when people simply don’t care, don’t act, don’t even become informed. When the tax bills come in, it’s too late to complain. The time to question and have input is before funds are authorized, before things change. It still makes me wonder when the council gets to know everything that’s going on without executive sessions. How do you dream up seven new ordinances without any consideration in an executive session, let alone a public meeting? Do they even read them or simply pay the attorney to draw something up, pay newspapers to print them, then figure only the resourceful ladies, and at this last meeting, some very intelligent men as well, will know about it and maybe they can just get these things done before the folks find out what the heck is really happening? And while I think the Mayor is a charming lady, is working hard for what she feels is right for the town, and many other things, did anyone else notice how different her chair at the table is from the others? Most are straitlaced, professional looking and comfortable enough for a meeting, hers appears to be more a classic piece of furniture with a padded back and very pretty oval design. Kind of royal looking. One more thing. The possibility of a marijuana shop on Bay avenue is one thing, but can’t you just see the signs on the highway now if a marijuana shop opens on Route 36, as one ordinance introduce this week would permit. Something like “Get Your Pot Here! Last Stop before enjoying in on the Beach.” Wonder whether Sandy Hook rangers are gonna feel about that?

Love the Visiting Nurses Association (VMA) and love all they do, including coupling with our own First Call company on First Avenue who will be giving Covid tests Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Harbor along with other giveaways. That's all very good. But really, why is VNA coming to the Harbor in the first place? Why aren't they going to an area in need? Does everyone forget how hard Rich Stryker worked, studied, and put money into being able to give Covid shots at Bayshore Pharmacy? Does everyone forget that in spite of all this readiness, because he wasn't a giant conglomerate of a pharmacy, he never got the vaccine until recently? So now he has it, now he's all prepared, now he's giving the vaccine on a regular basis and local folks are so happy to have their friendly pharmacist be involved. Let the VNA go where there isn't a friendly pharmacist who's well prepared. So well prepared, we hear, that J&J is now begging him to take some more of their vaccine before it goes bad. Stop in the pharmacy, see their setup for vaccines, say hello to the friendly staff, and remember they're a local business who really love your support. Go in if only to get cheered up...has anyone ever seen Rich Stryker without a friendly smile and a hearty laugh?

Well it took the strength of two council members in Highlands, KL Martin and Linda Mazzola, but borough residents were finally heard at a council meeting and the proposed $10 million borough hall bonding was shot down by the votes against it by these two council members last night. Can’t give all the intimate details about the discussions and public hearing that preceded the vote, but kudos to Mr. Martin and Ms Mazzola who both said they were listening to the people. A bonding issue requires four votes, not simply a majority, so Mr. Martin not voting with the crowd was the deciding factor. Ms Mazzola had said in the past that unless she had a warranty in writing from FEMA they were indeed going to finance part of it, she did not want to burden the taxpayers. And Mr. Martin said the same thing, adding he didn’t get elected for himself, but rather to represent the people. And he feels from everything he’s heard, the overwhelming majority of them didn’t like the $10 million proposal and accompanying tax rate if FEMA didn’t come through. It is a shame, however, that government officials can’t trust government officials, but it’s true. Why does anyone think FEMA would hand over 5 million dollars now when they haven’t done it in the ten years or so since Sandy? Is it because borough officials never asked for it before? Is it because they didn’t want to fund it before? Is it for some other reason? Who knows, cause this Mayor nor the last has never said. Certainly happy though that Mr. Martin and Ms. Mazzola were against a 5 million dollar gamble. Can’t give the intimate details on the vote simply because I couldn’t get to the meeting, what with there being no official announcement that all of a sudden virtual meetings are gone. In spite of not one, but two requests, I got no response from borough hall on what ADA accommodations they would make for my handicap, one that affects the vast majority of senior citizens. (yes, I’m definitely one of those!!!) It would seem that now that everyone has gotten used to virtual meetings, it should now be possible to offer meetings both virtually and in person. Only private citizen Kim Skorka cared enough to be sure people who couldn’t make the meeting could still get an idea of what was going on. She simply had the meeting live on Facebook, and while imperfect, it gave those at home, and those who want to see it again or for the first time, the opportunity to go on the Highlands Facebook page and see the action live. Like her or not, listen to her opinions because they’re all based on thoughtfulness, research, thinking out of the box, and a genuine concern for the future of Highlands. The same goes true for former Councilwoman Claudette D’Arrigo who also gave some very moving and deeply felt remembrances tonight of the late Carol Bucco. Claudette almost made you feel Carol’s presence in the room and it was heartfelt and true. There’s something else I’ve been wondering about and haven’t figured out on my own yet. Lots of things happen at council meetings….say, the introduction of seven ordinances at a meeting that also had public hearings on two other ordinances, practically all of which will have long lasting impacts on Highlands residents for generations. When do you think council members come up with all these things? Surely they don’t do it together, do they? Of course not, because there haven’t been any notices of executive meetings. So do the elected officials even get to read these ordinances, none of which is cheap to introduce, you know, before putting them on the agenda? Does each one decide he or she will come up with an ordinance and drop it in the laps of the others at the meeting? Somebody must know about them, since they’re on the agenda. But executive sessions must also be advertised.

Remember a few months back when the borough gave a chunk of Cornwall street away to the two restaurants on either side of it, but kept the bulkhead to itself so the borough can always pay for and make bulkhead repairs? Well, since then, someone put up a barrier, and now there are tables where there used to be an ADA parking space. Don’t know who did it, or where a replacement ADA parking place is located, but it would be good to let people know. Does the borough simply allow that kind of parking place to be removed?

Call me a cynic, call me a worry wart, or call me anything you’d like. But if the people of Highlands don’t start waking up and looking at what is going on in their town, they’re going to lose the Highlands we all know and love. They’ve certainly already lost control seeing how there is rarely any conflicting opinions or questioning of what the mayor says and promotes. Consider tomorrow (Wednesday) night’s council meeting. Without prior announcement, the governing body has decided to hold the meeting at the Community Center, which is a good idea as we all strive and yearn to get over the Covid restrictions. BUT…they’re doing it without giving citizens the right to continue virtual attendance if they choose. Or if they need. On top of that, they have public hearings on a couple of ordinances on the agenda, along with the introduction of SEVEN new ordinances, several having to do with their “we wanna be the very first to sell marijuana in our community” plans and goals. Think of the problems this will cause without even considering what the heck is in those ordinances. For one thing, now that virtual meetings are a reality, shouldn’t the governing body consider continuing virtual options to meet ADA requirements for handicapped people? Say, people who cannot drive at night, people who cannot walk up the stairs to the Community Center, people who cannot hear in that room but certainly can hear virtually. Then, if the public learns there are SEVEN ordinances being introduced, a couple on that marijuana issue, what are they going to do if there is an overflow crowd? A little planning ahead or simply offering virtual or live, would resolve two problems before they are even created. The ordinances up for public hearings probably won’t draw much of a crowd, although the need to allow Bingo on Sundays and spending the money for that ordinance seems a bit strange with so many other problems facing the borough. IS there some unseen or unknown bunch of folks that suddenly want to conduct Sunday Bingos? Or any other day for that matter? The other public hearing is on that $10 million for the new borough hall, appropriating $4.750 in bonds or notes to help finance it. Wouldn’t it be more prudent to see whether FEMA is going to give the town the money its leaders are hoping to get? Here’s another vital ordinance that is being introduced, with costs, I presume, not only for the attorney drawing it up but also for its advertisement in the newspapers, which is certainly not cheap these days. But in Highlands, it’s important enough to introduce an ordinance that takes the word “peddler” out of its licensing code for “mobile vendors,” those folks who sell from bikes, cars, trucks or other mobile means of travel. Is peddler a bad word? There’s an ordinance being introduced to extend the liquor licensed for Off the Hook, apparently to accommodate its outdoor dining. The restaurant has been doing a spectacular job of making that corner look neat, clean and inviting, and has thought outside the box when it comes to continuing to provide great meals and drinks outdoors. There are a couple of parking and no parking ordinances being introduced, one that takes away resident only parking in some places, one that takes away temporary permit parking on Washington Avenue for the….you’ll love this….”reconstruction project.” Is that where the bulkhead fell apart? Then there are the marijuana ordinances.. The one setting the fee to get a license to sell marijuana. That ordinance isn’t even designed to help Highlands financially. It sets the application fee at $1500, and the annual renewal at $750. Now check out and consider other states which have been in the business of selling pot for a while…those fees ran in the tens of thousands! And that shop will be able to be open seven days a week! From 10 a.m. every day. Of course, on Sunday, it can only be open until 5 p.m. instead of 7 p.m., it is a day of rest, remember. The borough is setting its transfer and user taxes at 2 per cent, another bargain for the marijuana dealer, not so much for the borough coffers. Then there’s the ordinance that says where the shop can be. And once again, Highlands appears to want to be sure to be the first and the cheapest to allow this new kind of business to come right smack in the middle of its business district…..or the highway! Of course the new pot place is going to have to be 1,000 feet or more from a school…but isn’t most of the highway residential? And does the school at OLPH count as a school? It still is, although closed now. What happens if it reopens? Or if a cannabis shop comes in first, can’t it ever re-open? Is that yet another jab at private education? I’m really not making this stuff up. Highlands residents, please go to the Highlands Borough page, check out the agenda, read each of the resolutions and codes yourself, attend the meeting if you’re able and ask yourself…..is this really still Highlands? Is it the future you want for Highlands? Can you even absorb yet another SEVEN new ordinances at a single meeting? Is this where you want to raise your kids? It’s up to you.

Anybody who knows him knows that before Mater Dei Jim Smith always praised his 8th grade English teacher at OLPH, Sister Hilda, for the strong foundation she gave him in grammar. He's got a natural talent for writing which is far better than anything I have. So it is imperative for me,at least this one time, to step back and let him write what makes him wonder. Read it, absorb it, then let him know what you think. I'll be happy to include your comments as well! The main objective of this article was to discuss the fiasco that is Captain’s Cove Marina, the seemingly shoddy workmanship, the sweetheart deals between the Governing Body and the Developer, the hands off, laissez-faire, condescending approach the administration has towards residents’ concerns, the violation of permit requirements, and the improper disposal of dredge spoils containing known carcinogens in the Borough Right of Way. While discussing the outline of my post my objective changed when someone made an innocuous comment made in jest, they called me an idealist. The comment gave me pause and I was reminded of the adage, “There’s a grain of truth in every joke.” Long after the conversation, the comment lingered like a splinter that was beginning to fester beneath the skin. Was I an idealist? That turned into Why do I care? The answer to the first question is simple, in many ways I am an idealist, I am a person who cherishes or pursues high or noble principles, purposes, or goals. I look at most situations not as they are, but at what they should be. Captain’s Cove certainly falls into that category. The answer to the second question, why do I care? is a bit more complicated. I no longer live in Highlands, and I haven’t for many years, none of the “Smiths” live there any longer, and none of my business or personal interests are negatively impacted by the decisions of this new Mayor and Council, so why do I care? It’s a two-part answer, number one, I am an idealist, and I can’t help myself. Firsts, the agreements, the deals, the special treatment of Captain’s Cove Marina are wrong, so I feel a moral obligation to try to right it. And two is legacy. I often refer to my childhood growing up in Highlands as idyllic. The river, the ocean, the woods, the summers, what more could a young boy want? What I never say is that it was easy. I didn’t go to Henry Hudson with the friends I had known all my life. Not because Henry Hudson didn’t offer a good education, but because of my faith I went to Mater Dei in New Monmouth. It was new, it was exciting, and it was an eye opener. Outside of Highlands, the Borough’s reputation is the dregs of society. This is a reality to anyone who has lived there longer than 5-10 years. Highlands, Belford, Keansburg, all the bottom of the proverbial barrel and the “Upper Crust” kids of Middletown weren’t shy about letting you know where you stood. This current administration isn’t doing anything to dismiss those long-held beliefs. This is a Mayor who was elected by one vote. Where 50% of the voters didn’t think she was up to the job, and instead of earning their approval, she alienates them through her failure to listen and consider opposing perspectives, and ideas, dismissive mannerisms, and draconian approach to governance. Why do I care? Because my Grandfather, amongst others, was responsible for this Marina being built back in 1947. He didn’t do it for personal gain, he did it because it was a good thing for Highlands. Now some 74 years later the Marina is in disrepair and in need of substantial rehabilitation. I’m ecstatic that there is a developer willing to invest the money to undertake this project, but the town and specifically the Mayor and Council have a moral and legal obligation to ensure that it is done right. I’m not convinced that is being done. Why do I care? Because it’s the right thing to do.

The Mayor and Council did an awful lot of things right at their meeting this week, but there’s so much more they can do to prove to the people that they really are open and not keeping actions that affect all taxpayers under wraps. Cheers to Linda Mazzola and Don Melnyk pressing the vote on voting for each of the resolutions individually. It’s usually not a terrible idea to group them all together, but that’s in towns where people are kept abreast of everything and most of the resolutions are routine anyway. Ms Mazzola is pretty much the only council member who asks questions, and Mr. Melnyk is doing a great job in opening up communications, so hopefully both are trying to keep the public informed. It was great to see all their faces this week, a sharp contrast to previous meetings when you could only each when he or she spoke. This late in the game and they’re finally starting to be as professional as so many other towns. It’s greater news that they’re really going to hold meetings that people can attend again, but it’s a shame they won’t continue a combination of in person and Zoom. It’s a new world out there now, with plenty more possibilities for people to learn what’s going on in town, but I guess it will take a while before Highlands gets that advanced or desirous of wanting the people to know everything. The “cannabis legislation’ is one example. The agenda reported that the executive session prior to the meeting, was for “cannabis legislation.” During the meeting, the attorney said it was necessary for “attorney-client privilege,” which, according to state law, is not a reason for the governing body to discuss a matter in executive session. Highlands has already adopted an ordinance allowing marijuana…the type of cannabis included in the new state law.. to be sold in stores in the borough. Is the executive session because the borough is being sued for acting so quickly? Is the executive session because maybe they rushed that ordinance through too fast and has to be amended before it even goes into effect? Is it because a member of council knows somebody who wants to open a marijuana store? The executive session for “attorney-client privilege” leaves too many questions unanswered. For the second time, the governing body introduced that $10 million ordinance for the will-it-ever-be- borough hall on the highway, and this time the public hearing will be May 19. The good news is there MIGHT be FEMA funds totaling half of that amount, which would make the tax rate increase about four cents, instead of the seven cents predicted before. The bad news is there’s no guarantee that FEMA money will really be coming, no matter how promising it looks. So once again, after ten years, what is the rush? Hasn’t that FEMA money been pursued before while so many other municipalities have already rebuilt with FEMA funds? Certainly happy the emergency and police volunteers in Highlands are continuing their agreement with the Coast Guard to be first responders should there be fire or health emergencies on Sandy Hook. But no one seemed to know whether Middletown, where the Sandy Hook Coast Guard station is located, is also a first responder. Nobody seemed to know whether there’s a similar agreement with the National Park Service for the rest of Sandy Hook, though Highlands is forever out there in emergency situations. Of course Highlands is closer, Sea Bright is closer, but Sandy Hook is still in Middletown and Middletown ought to be doing more than its fair share not only in emergency situations, but even in all that traffic folks in Highlands have to endure for Sandy Hook visitors. Yet keep in mind, when there are private/public agreements out there, Middletown certainly wants the taxes for improvements. Criticizing the governing body is healthy for a council that wants to keep the people informed and happy, but the public has obligations as well. Yet only one resident asked any questions on the municipal budget during the public hearing. Yet many will be down there complaining when they get their tax bills. That simply isn’t fair. There will be more on it, but May 22 from 9 ,a.m. to 2 p.m. is the town-wide yard sale. Check out the borough’s page for how and when to sign up to be included in advance information on it. This is always a fun idea, keeps things orderly, and brings lots of folks looking for bargains or treasurers into town.

It makes me wonder….and I know it’s not a popular position to take…..but are the facts always really checked when someone files complaints or civil suits or goes on TV or Facebook to say they were sexually assaulted? The New York political candidate recently charged for unlawful and unwanted advances on a volunteer who worked for him years ago is the latest example that makes me wonder about these things. He’s going on tv saying it isn’t true, that isn’t the kind of person he is, anything he’s done has been consensual. She’s going on with written statements she’s only too happy to share saying it’s all so, she’s been damaged, and it isn’t right. She’s even going on comedy shows and making a mockery of her ‘assault’ in disgusting terms. That’s ok, she said, because it’s therapeutic to be able to laugh about it. Really? Ruining another person’s life because you say he did something years ago? Is there no one who believes him? Aren’t we still in America where everyone is innocent until proven guilty? Did she file a criminal charge against him, and is that being investigated? Or did she simply file a civil charge and it’s her word that will get her monetary compensation, which I guess, is more therapeutic even than mocking it on television. Last year, the Boy Scouts folded, are in the midst of selling their assets and agreeing to settle all the civil suits that were filed by a specific deadline. That means that everyone who met that deadline, got themselves a lawyer to represent them…there are bundles out there who make their own healthy compensation on that kind of class action suit…..will simply get a check. No proof needed, no going to court, no hearing from the ‘accused,’ simply a fat check and poof, therapy has cured whatever happened decades before. Forget about lives ruined, reputations damaged forever. Without any investigations or proofs, it almost looks like a creative writer can make more in civil suits than in writing books. The same thing appears to be happening with the clergy. There are attorneys advertising they’ll be happy to represent ‘victim’s so long as they get the story, get the ‘facts’ and file the action before a specific deadline. Have we sunk so low we don’t even bother to check facts or circumstances before finding someone guilty or making him pay for something he never did?

You gotta love Assemblywoman DiMaso. She's a strong advocate of keeping our personal lives personal. While vaccines are most likely the right way to go...I say most likely because we don't know the impact they could have on us after they've been tested a few years... but she's a stronger advocate of the government not dictating everything we do on an everyday basis. So having to carry a card to prove we've done the deal when we're sitting next to our friends at a baseball game or buying a hot dog in a small restaurant is a little much. Small businesses have had it tough enough during the pandemic, and they've been wise, learned a lot...lost a lot as well....and don't need yet another mandate to check on people before they can spend money. Read my story in my trains and planes column to see how much more difficult it is already in order to travel. We should have such stringent regulations at the southern border. On a cheerier note, I love East Point Fitness on Route 36 on the Highlands line with Middletown, and love all the people who go there. Nice to see so many taking great (and fun) steps to stay healthy. But I laugh everytime I pull into the parking lot because all of the spots closest to the fit ness center are filled with all the people going inside the fitness center to get their exercise. COuldn't it start in the parking lot by parking at the far end or at least on the other side? Ane back to that new bakery on West Avenue in Atlantic Highlands...that is only open weekends for now but will open more days soon...take the time while you're in that parking lot to see the other great businesses there. Woodhaven Florist maks you smile just to see all their beautiful plants outside, and their shelves of books ready for the borrowing. There's a hair cutter in there as well, and a dog groomer. It's my bet this little mall is going to grow and become more popular...there's still one empty store for rent.

There are Democrats with some class and Jon Crowley, councilman in Atlantic Highlands is one of them. Look for the response shortly that the councilman is issuing in response to the police disparagement hoopla on the AH Democratic club's page! Sounds like he and the other Democrat council members and Dem chair are above such antics. Haven't looked, but I also heard he's made certain the ugly stuff is gone from the page.

I was stunned to hear at the Atlantic Highlands Council meeting that one of the town's political parties put up a photo and a police-hating message on their Facebook page on April 13 of all days...Thomas Jefferson's birthday..... that does nothing but teach children how to distrust police. In a community like Atlantic Highlands, where the police are a vital part of everyday life, where they take the time from their duties to help a wonderful kid who painted beautiful pictures for elderly residents just to make them feel better, where you know you can call an officer and ask for help for anything from giving you information to being there in a crisis, the page was an absolute insult. Let's not compare, relate or even infer national issues in major cities where there are major crimes every day and police action needed to respond to major crimes every day have anything to do with a community like Atlantic Highlands. So many of us stop a military member to say thanks for your service, or pick up the tab for their lunch if we see them in a restaurant. It's about time we start doing that for police officers like Atlantic Highlands has on its force every day. Go to Veni, Vedi Scripto and read for yourself how our local PBA President....a great guy himself., as is the entire department had to say about what the AH Democratic club had up on its page. I didn't look tonight, I certainly hope it's gone by now. Good officers are pretty hurt, offended and disgusted right now...let's give them thanks for their jobs well done! ______________________________________________________________________ As the Atlantic Highlands PBA President, I would like to take the time to address the Mayor and Council specifically the members of the Atlantic Highlands Democratic Party. I come to you today first, as a concerned Father, Husband and Police Officer about a picture that was posted on the Atlantic Highlands Democratic Club Facebook page on 4/13. For those unaware this post depicts a faceless, brown skinned male subject, hands up in the air, with four bullet holes on his shirt. Next to this picture there is also writing that states "Hands Up, They Shoot, Hands Down, They Shoot, You Walk, They Shoot, You Run, They Shoot, You Hide, They Shoot, You Sleep, They Shoot, You Comply, They Shoot". By "they" this picture insinuates that "they" are Law Enforcement Officers and we the members of Atlantic Highlands PBA Local 242 are Law Enforcement Officers. This post which is completely untrue attempts to spew hatred, and entice violence towards Law Enforcement Officers with no factual basis behind it. This comment, filtered to all that can read it are teaching young kids that all Law Enforcement Officers are racist, killers and this attitude can result in somebody getting hurt or killed. This comment is inflammatory and untrue and our residents’ young and old should not be taught to be afraid of us. This disgusting rhetoric attempts to portray a false narrative that police shoot people for no reason. Although this Atlantic Highlands Democratic Club Facebook page has 459 fans with only 2 comments and 10 likes under this post proves to us that a majority do not support this ignorant view. It was on 3/12 that Resolution 54-2021 was passed by the Borough of Atlantic Highlands making the month of May, Law Enforcement Appreciation Month, one month and one day later this post appears. Myself and the members of the Atlantic Highlands PBA 242 who serve the Atlantic Highlands community are offended by this post and completely surprised that members of the Democratic Party feel this way about us. The Atlantic Highlands Police Department is a diverse Department that serves this community with the upmost pride and respect. The Atlantic Highlands PBA denounces any form of hatred or injustice against anyone and we condemn this post and what it represents. Thank you Adam Gurian Atlantic Highlands PBA 242 President

The resident who frequently questions and follows up on numerous actions of the governing body was fearful she might miss the meeting because of other obligations. Rather than take t hat chance, she emailed questions, was able tolisten to a portion of meeting. She let Veni, VId, Scripto know she wold have even had her questions in earlier but thought some of them may have been answered during the regular meeting. So she waited until the agenda was posted, which didn't happen until almost the 11th hour, sometime the day before the meeting. Michelle, I don't know if I'll be able to attend the council meeting. Kindly ensure the following questions are asked during public portion if they are not addressed during the regular meeting: I never received an answer from Councilmember Martin. What is the status of the USGS steep slope study? What is the status of the public hearing(s) on the school consolidation feasibility study? Has anyone reached out to the state regarding the police department study that never got off the ground? What is the status? I have noticed that Monmouth County is doing our street sweeping. I support shared services if they are saving us money. If Monmouth County is using their equipment, can we sell our sweeper? Why is Mayor Broullon still denying that the borough is not allowed to hold in-person council meetings? Emphasis mine, at the end. According to Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-1 et seq.,(b) If during a declared emergency a local public body holds a physical meeting in a location where, pursuant to State and/or Federal guidelines meant to mitigate the risk of contagious infection, the declared emergency necessitates capacity restrictions reducing the number of individuals that can be present in the meeting room to an amount below that reasonably expected for the public meeting by the governing body, the local public body must either: (1) hold the public meeting at another location with adequate capacity for the reasonably expected attendance by the public; or (2) hold the public meeting as both an in-person meeting and a remote public meeting. As set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.4(c), no in person meeting shall proceed if the room capacity does not permit any member of the public to attend. Based at that final section, the council is able to hold a meeting safely in the community center. There is more than enough room for the council and administration to socially distance, and a limited number of the public to attend in person. The reduced capacity allows for this. Thank you, Kim S

HIGHLANDS - Local resident Kim Skorka almost didn’t get her questions and concerned addressed at last night‘s meeting of the Mayor and Council, except for the alert attention of Councilwoman Linda Mazzola. During an otherwise well run and organized council meeting, complete with a new presentation of visuals far improved from last month, the public portion was coming to an end and Mayor Carolyn Broullon announced she saw no more hands to be recognized. It was then that Mazzola asked if an e-mail had not been received with some concerns mentioned. Broullon, obviously irked or upset by the reminder, concurred, and apparently with the e-mail in front of her or easily accessible, responded to Skorka, though never reading the e-mail to the public nor entering it on the public record of the meeting. In response to Skorka’s question about the status of a USGS steep slope study and the fact she has asked before and never received a response from Councilman Martin, Broullon said the last report was in 2017 and she doesn’t know anything about it since then. Although she did not go into detail, that was when the USGS put sensors on the steep slope in Atlantic Highlands to monitor movement of the slope. The hill was the topic of numerous newspaper articles and stories and the topic at many council meetings in both Highlands and Atlantic Highlands when the 10 story Eastpointe was in the planning stages half a century ago. At that time, James R. Snyder headed the firm that wanted to construct two high rises on Mount Mitchill; Highlands approved what was then Top of the East and Atlantic Highlands denied it on the adjacent tract in that municipality where Mount Mitchill County Park and the 9-11 Memorial are now located. Some residents say the sensors put in place a few years ago sensed movement shortly thereafter, but since Skorka knew of no updates or further information on any faults in the steep slope, she posed the question. In response to Skorka’s question on the status of public hearings on the school consolidation feasibility study, Broullon said there are none set as people want an open meeting when all can be present rather than on Zoom. Nor was there any update on Skorka’s question concerning the state’s plans regarding a police department study. Skorka also questioned why Highlands cannot hold in-person council meetings, citing the Open Public Meetings act which would suggest meetings could be held both in person and virtually to accommodate any size crowd. The mayor contended the Governor has said no more than 25 persons can be gathered for a meeting, and the present presentations will continue. That the Council was portrayed better this month than last may well have been in response to numerous earlier comments when the administration stopped permitting the faces of the public during the meeting. At that time the Mayor said persons attending the meeting would not be shown, citing cases where people were not professional and she did not feel it was proper at a government meeting. However, in eliminating the public’s portrayals during the public portion, administration also only showed council members individually when each was speaking as opposed to throughout the meeting. Last night, administration used the more common form of meeting protocol used by many towns in which all council members and professionals are shown, and speakers are recognized by voice only during the public portion.

If you don’t want to read opinions on political issues, stop reading the next section. But I do wonder about the idea of withdrawing all of our troops from Afghanistan on the 20th anniversary of the Bombing of the World Trade Center. Does that mean we are now going to be celebrating the end of a war and forgetting about all the people who perished in that bombing? Are we going to have bands playing and grand speeches on Mount Mitchill rather than solemn reminders of all our local residents who personally felt the agony of so many deaths? Are we going to be celebrating we are giving the enemy the country and forgetting all our military who have fought and died for freedom for the people? It makes me wonder. And while I’m on national issues, Mr. Jefferson’s 278th birthday was the same day I heard about the possibility of increasing the Supreme Court. When FDR’s attempt to increase the number of Supreme Court Justices was revisited while the current President was in the Senate, he called it a ‘bonehead idea.” I certainly hope that isn’t why he is in support of that same idea now. Granted, while since 1789, we’ve gone from five to 10 Justices before we settled on nine right after the Civil War, it’s been working for more than 100 years just fine and other stipulations have been put into place just so the Supreme Court could and would remain non-political. As it must! I wonder about the changes being suggested, but I can’t help wonder what poor Mr. Jefferson and the other Founding Fathers must be thinking.

Just from my own experience, I know how well the Atlantic Highlands Public Works department keeps that recycling yard, how efficient they are in keeping it clean and neat, and how they are always there to make sure there’s plenty of room in the crusher to take all those boxes and newspapers. But it’s also nice and not at all surprising to see the borough administrator making rounds of all municipal businesses and buildings, just to keep himself certain things are up to his standard. Besides that, he’s downright nice to all the employees, which might be another reason why this borough operates so smoothly, the employees are so polite and courteous, and always eager to accommodate the public. Speaking of boxes in that crusher, it’s getting very obvious more and more people are shopping Amazon and other home delivery places. But I do wonder why everything always comes packaged in boxes way too big for the shipped item, meaning there’s a lot of air-filled bags picking up the slack inside and oversize boxes being used once and tossed into recycling. The price of convenience! Highlands has its council meeting Wednesday night, and the resolution on the agenda allowing the municipal budget resolution to be introduced by title only means folks won’t get to see the $8.145 million budget unless they seek it out themselves. There is $10,000 scheduled to be approved though, to pay the Business Partnership for that sign that was up at Linden Avenue, taken down by borough employees and the story gets fuzzy about what happened after that, but it seems there have been plenty of executive sessions over what to do about it, and the governing body would rather give the Partnership $10,000 than carry on discussions about it any further. Hope it doesn’t take too long to get the new sign back. Summer is almost here. Nice to see Martin Hawley will be add as a special law enforcement officer when necessary, and Father Jarlath Quinn, pastor Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes, has been named chaplain for the police department. We can all do with some prayers, that’s for sure, and Father Jarlath is amiable, helpful, and downright nice. Good for the Chief for recommending him.

That three hour long council meeting in Atlantic Highlands was unusually long, what with the two hours of actually listening to the public voice their opinions on parking on Ocean Blvd. That part of the meeting made me think, once again, the differences between this town and Highlands, these two adjacent, and both charming and wonderful towns. A two hour public hearing? Letting everyone say what he wanted? Even let him talk a second time if he thought of something new or different? Courteous and polite, with words of thanks for having the hearing in the first place, polite discourse and exchange of ideas? Then putting off action to give the governing body time to review all the comments? All of this, even though not only this Chief of Police, but the one prior to this, to say nothing of the Parking Committee and its very investigative researcher and chairman, all recommended it? It would do Highlands voters well to listen in…and oh yes, actually see, all of the council members and see how a really excellent council meeting should be run. Then during the last hour of the meeting, this bipartisan elected body did so many more things. Read the news story about how one council-member called for a resolution to be removed for discussion because she said she doesn’t want to vote for anything political, then yep, she voted for it. And another council-member abstain rather take a stand either way, because he thought it had too many vagaries.” The bottom line is, all this council wanted to do, and did, was show the state Department of Healthy that here in Atlantic Highlands, elected officials care about their local businesses, will stand up for them any day, and will do anything they can as often as they can to protect and help this business and every other business in town. If that’s politics, it’s the first time I’ve ever seen it be so kind, pleasant and caring. So parking on Ocean Blvd. and helping local businesses aside, the Mayor and Council here also announced a town wide Yard Sale on May 15 and urged everyone to sign up for it before the May 1 deadline. This is an annual event that draws lots of folks into town, lets lots of families do great spring cleanings of their homes, provides maps of the homeowners who signed up, and there again, helps the local restaurants and cafes because shoppers like to take that break between visiting and scooping up all the goodies. They also announced what sounds like a really great musical event at the Yacht Harbor on July 31 featuring some really great local names in music, and the Recreation Committee will have lots more on that before summer. They explained why water on the west side of town has been brownish, but explained it isn’t pretty, but not sickening to drink, and even explained homeowners should just let water run from the lowest tap on their property, like the outside hookup for the garden hose, to clear the water. They also let folks know that disposable wipes have created a problem in the sewage system, and should be disposed of in the garbage rather than toilet when necessary, to save the town money and the DPW some extra work needed for repairs sewage lines. They let the folks know there will definitely be a public hearing on what’s going to be happening with marijuana in Atlantic Highlands, and that meeting will have to be held before Aug. 22. Just to be sure everyone knows about it so they can of course have another probably long public hearing, they will have more information, the time and date will be on the borough web page and they’ll keep reminding people to check the webpage for the date and time when it’s been set. The administrator, who always seems to be on the job and looking out for the taxpayers, said there’s another opportunity for grant applications coming up, and he’s already looking into it to see where Atlantic Highlands can save some money and get some things done at no cost by applying for one or several. There’s going to be a groundbreaking on April 27 at 21 Lincoln Ave once the closing goes through for a Habitat for Humanity home. All this. And more. In one hour. After a two hour public hearing. And if all that isn’t enough, one final suggestion to everyone. Keep checking the borough’s official page, AHNJ.com It’s updated all the time and crammed full of all this information. What a way to run a town. Highlands…are you listening?

Wednesday’s Highlands Council meeting went smoothly, politely, courteously, and an awful lot was accomplished in a short time. But whoever takes care of their virtual technology should be fired and someone who knows enough about it to be fair to the public should run the virtual meetings. This is old stuff, now, so professionals in this borough should know at least as much as the persons in every other municipality who are conducting their meetings via zoom. Of course they can show everyone of the elected officials’ and paid professionals’ smiling faces throughout the entire meeting, not just when they’re talking. And of course they can turn the camera off of everyone from the public who speaks so that they, as the Mayor said, who come to the meeting virtually and are eating, drinking, or lying in bed or scantily clad, are not seen. (I’ve never seen that, guess I’ll have to look more closely!) It just sounds like the Mayor either doesn’t like to see the people she represents, or doesn’t want the people she and the other four represent to see them other than when they’re talking. Or both. Whichever it is, it certainly isn’t friendly and certainly insulting to those, and I presume that’s the majority, who want to know what’s going on and come to the meeting not drinking, not eating, not lying in bed and not scantily clad. Equally insulting is not requiring, or thinking to require, a report from every professional to be read at every meeting. Councilwoman Linda Mazzola said it right when she said they work hard, they do great things, and their actions and activities are truly the business of the public. Wonderful to see Councilman Don Melnyk immediately agree and call for a change in that policy, which, to their credit, they are going to do. Ms Mazzola was also right in questioning why the borough is so eager to simply hand over $10000 to the Business Partnership without seeing whether any insurance…the borough’s or the BPP’s….would cover any part of it. If it was negligence, which is debatable, doesn’t the borough have any policy that covers them for that? Why wouldn’t storm damage cover it for the BPP? The idea that they will settle a $10,000 feud under what both the mayor and attorney apparently are guaranteed would cost them $20,000 to fight is equally ludicrous. Ms Mazzola suggested showing that community spirit and letting the people do something to help raise the money Her idea is if it be necessary to shell out $10,000 rather than simply putting yet another bill on the shoulders of the taxpayers why not a fund raiser, a community event people could enjoy. That shows a great sense of thinking outside the box while drawing people together. There were certainly odd bedfellows during the public portion, with not one, but three different people, who don’t usually agree on much as one said, asking who you have to know to get away with things or take advantage of things in Highlands. Captain’s Cove raises its ugly head again. Or still. Cheers also for the resident who keeps minutes from meetings of years ago so she can correct statements made at public meetings about expenditures back then. Oh, maybe it was a typo, like the 2020 deadline for filing an application for that confidential clerk to the Mayor and Administrator position. That same resident also cited a fascinating local law neither the attorney nor the council seemed to know about.

HIGHLANDS - Charging the majority of the governing body have signed their voting rights away and created a dictatorship in the borough, former Councilwoman Claudette D’Arrigo minced no words in conversations with The Monmouth Journal in criticizing the recently adopted ordinance which enables the mayor alone to hire and fire a newly created position as confidential aide to the mayor and administrator. When contacted for comment, Mayor Broullon made no comments in response to D’Arrigo’s accusations about dictatorship, but did comment on other allegations the former councilwoman cited. D’Arrigo said, “It is unbelievable that council members can be that ignorant of what they have done” and called it shameful that “a dictator mayor now rules.” She also predicted that since the three council members, whom she identified as the three elected to their first terms on the governing body in November, approved this ordinance, it will not be long before they also sign away the administrator’s responsibility to answer to the full governing body, instead to enable him to answer to the mayor alone. The ordinance, one of seven which were introduced by the governing body at their organizational meeting in January, calls for a confidential aide to the mayor and administrator to be hired and or fired by the mayor alone, to have the duties dictated by the mayor alone, and to have the terms of hiring be at the mayor’s direction, with no action or opinions from the remaining four members of council. The ordinance passed on its final reading in March, with councilmembers Donald Melnyk, Jo-Anne Olszewski and Kevin Martin and voting in favor of it, along with Mayor Carolyn Broullon and only councilwoman opposed. D’Arrigo said “It is up to Highlands voters whether they want this mayor’s ‘dictatorship’ to continue” noting there are two council seats up for election in November, and voters “hopefully for the sake of Highlands can reverse the poor decision of the three members who don’t understand bipartisanship in a non-partisan town.” In support of her opinions, D’Arrigo cited four primary problems borough residents now face because of the current situation and actions of the governing body. The fact the confidential aide ordinance was introduced at the organization meeting was in itself highly unusual, she said, since “rarely if ever is a majority council of new members called up to change or institute new town laws at their very first meeting.” The new position also means, according to the former councilwoman, that the individual hired and vetted solely by the mayor would not be bound by OPRA laws and would be permitted to discuss town issues only with the mayor, with the public, nor the rest of council, having any access to knowledge of those municipal matter discussions. The Mayor disagreed, but noted the position has not yet been filled, saying “We have not found a candidate for the Assistant position yet. The first meeting of the year was four months ago, the position has been approved by ordinance. Both the Administrator and four members of the Council wanted the position.” D’Arrigo also is critical of the mayor’s decision to continue virtual meetings even when space is available and 100 persons can attend under current Covid guidelines. She cited 17 years of past history when she said she never once saw that many people attend any council meeting. The matter is worse, she continued, since “other public gatherings of more than 100 people are permitted, adding, “this shows the voting public and residents exactly what the mayor thinks of their opinions.” Coupling that with muting of some speakers at public meetings to the announced three minute limit of all public input at council meetings, D’Arrigo said the mayor allows “her friends and nonresidents who favorably follow her personal agendas to speak for ten minutes or longer.” To this, Mayor Broullon said “the clerk times everyone and tells them when their time is up.” D’Arrigo also pointed out that because of the ban on public attending council meetings, the three new council members “have yet to meet the public in person at a council meeting.” Yet, she said, “they regularly meet residents at bars, restaurants or in a park at events . Why is that?” In her comments, Mayor Broullon made it clear she is continuing the present policy of conducting all municipal council meetings virtually. “The maximum number of persons allowed at an indoor gathering as per the Governor's Executive Order is 25 and we all have to be six feet apart. There are five members on Council then with the Clerk and the rest of the professionals, that is another five. That means only 15 other people would be able to come to the meeting. I am uncomfortable to turn anyone away so we will remain remote until indoor requirements are changed by the Governor.” “The residents of this town deserve to be heard in person and not be treated like six year olds,” D’ Arrigo said. “Highlands deserves a better than the hidden agendas of this council of one dictator.”

So, to some people, it still seems it’s all about money. Does anyone honestly feel Brian Williams is worthy of an award presented in honor of an honorable man because he gave money to help save Mater Dei High School? Granted, he had the money to give because he had gained such a great education at Mater Dei and could hold a high paying job, but to be honored after publicly lying, not owning up to it until he was publicly caught at it and trying to put himself out as a hero to men and women who really are heroes is pretty sick. Certainly not the epitome of what Mr. Outwater stood for. And should not be what a catholic high school or anyone with decent morals stands for. Forgiveness is one thing, honoring is something else!

I don’t follow Facebook too carefully because I tend to think people are very brave with their opinions when they can hide behind something so odious. But seeing some comments about a civil war between Highlands and Atlantic Highlands brings stupid to a new really low level. Both towns are terrific, both towns have great people, perhaps one of the reasons why so many from one town marry so many from the other. And both towns depend on each other to keep the camaraderie and excellence they both own individually. There’s nothing like the Twin Lights, but then, that magnificent harbor with its park benches offers pretty terrific views as well. There are sensational restaurants in both towns, with a lot of them getting that great seafood from the Lobster Pound. Both are the seats of incredible history nd both have the people who know and are so willing to share all that history. But this week, I certainly hope Highlands leaders take a hint from their neighboring government leaders and put out a similar questionnaire. You see, in Atlantic Highlands, they aren’t afraid for the folks to know what’s going on. In fact, they encourage people to k ow what’s going on. Heck, they not only let people talk more than three minutes at a meeting, they even call on them again if they see they have more to say. Yet, as great as a job they do in communications, Atlantic Highlands wants to do even more. They just put out a questionnaire asking for your opinions…yes, they really want your opinions….on how they can do better. They want to know if they aren’t communicating enough for you, what do you suggest? They want to know if you have any particular disability or problem that keeps you from knowing what’s going on. Then, of all things, they want to fix it!!!! If you’re lucky enough to be living in the borough that wants you to know everything that’s going on and wants to hear from you, no matter how long it takes you to say something, answer their questionnaire. It only takes a minute or so. If everything is perfect for you now, tell them that as well. And if you live in Highlands, why not ask at a public meeting if that council would like to do the same?

I should put this in my Braggadoccio column, but I'd rather put it in It Makes me Wonder, because it does make me wonder how Mater Dei can do such a drastic turnaround from the time it taught all of my children and so many others integrity that lasts a lifetime. Honoring Mr. Williams to me looks more like giving a public thanks for generous donations or just aligning with a name better known than most other Seraphs. But this particular award is named for Frank Outwater and there are scores of students, grads, families that remember that outstanding educator and leader, who really did know the meaning of the word integrity and practiced it a lifetime. What a shame Mater Dei has lowered its standards, and so happy Jim has not! The following is a copy of the letter Jim, Mater Dei, Class of 1979, sent to the Administrator this week after learning a liar, although a well known and affluent one, was honored with the Frank Outwater Award. As an Alumni (Class of '79), I am mortified, ashamed, and embarrassed that this organization presented Brian Williams with the Frank Outwater Lifetime Achievement Award. To quote the MC, "This recipient embodies our core values". As graduate of Mater Dei, let me make it perfectly clear, Brian Williams does not embody the core values that I was taught by my parents, reinforced by Mater Dei, and forged as a United States Marine. The MC goes on to list the core values as "faith, family, community service, inclusiveness and integrity". I guess 4 out of 5 isn't bad. Integrity means that you are honest and truthful in what you say or do. You put honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else. I am fully cognizant of the fact that memories are flawed, and that a lie requires conscious intent to deceive, or that over time people can confuse an event they experienced with subsequent similar experiences, that their memory may conflate the original experience with stories that they've heard, videos they've seen, or articles they've read. The fog of memory may excuse the question of a lie, but the award is for faith, family, community service, inclusiveness and ***integrity*** Honesty, by definition, is to tell the truth and being true. Integrity is having strong moral principles based on honesty and to follow those principles religiously. Brian Williams, in telling the story of being on an aircraft that was hit by RPG fire in Afghanistan, simply was not being honest because it wasn't true, and therefore lacks the integrity required for this honor.