( - promoted by njdem)
Promoted from the diaries by njdemIf Somerset County Freeholders keep this up, I'll have to ask Al Franken to add a new chapter to his book, "Lies and the Lying Liars that Tell Them". I'll explain what I mean.
Only two weeks ago, Freeholders were sure they would abolish the corrupt parks commission. "It might be time for a little less vision and a little more operational excellence," said Freeholder Jack Ciattarelli, adding the commission should be abolished and its employees should report to the freeholders.
The statements came as the freeholders named Hillsborough banker Peter Schoberl to fill the last vacancy on the nine-member commission. Four members stepped down after the freeholders last month released a damaging report on the commission's management and finances, which prompted a subpoena from the state Attorney General's Office for park records.
The Wolff and Samson law firm reported the commission violated public bidding laws, steered contracts to favored vendors, paid for limousines and liquor, and provided perks such as houses, cars and free gas to some employees.
"The park commission has been found wanting," Freeholder Peter Palmer said.
But, let's be fair, these guys were talking out of both sides of their mouth even as they hinted at cleaning up corruption:
"I can't help think about whether or not most elected officials would have the courage to stand up and say yes to projects like the Somerset ballpark, Natirar, Colonial Park, Torpey Field, a new turf football field in Warren, Ne shanic Valley" golf course, Fontana said, ticking off park projects.
Hey, I have an idea - why not let voters decide if they want to continue the current corruption system (Sharpe James is shaking his head in awe somewhere)? The problem never was that civic leaders failed to take care of the parks - the problem was that the Freeholders ran the Parks Commission as a patronage mill.
Make the jump, but take your Malox first. |
| And they still are. But now they are breaking their two-week-old (not quite!) promise. Worse, not only are they not going to take any action now, but the Freeholders' decision to sit on their hands prevents voters from having any say in the matter at all.
The decision had little practical impact because the freeholders previously said any transformation of the semi-autonomous commis sion into a county department would not take place until January.
But the delay eliminated an opportunity to put the question be fore Somerset voters, who established the commission by referendum in 1956. The freeholders would have had to approve a referendum this week to get it on the November ballot.
Why are the Freeholders afraid of the voters? Do they know that things are going to go badly for them?
This is part of a pattern of backtracking on promises and taking only half measures and only when they are forced, Ms Marano noted, in reference to partial steps and extended deadlines for ending the practice of free cars, low-cost housing and no-bid contracts for families and friends.
The only way to deliver real reform is to get new freeholders who aren't part of the network of Republicans. We've just seen how Republicans reform - they get different names to do the same jobs. Unless and until the monopoly of GOP power is broken in Somerset, "business as usual" will continue to treat taxpayers like a rich uncle and voters as an annoyance to be avoided at all cost.
I know that most Blue Jersey readers don't live in Somerset County. That doesn't matter. If you can read this and your blood doesn't boil, then you just can't really be committed to progressive, open, and responsive government. I need your help to take back government for the people. This is who I am and with your help I aim to clean up government in Somerset County.
We have to start somewhere. Why not here? |
