How much more can Kearny Owners afford to Pay.

[Guest No Opposition is to Blame]

Well another Election Cycle has come and gone and with no Opposition to Mr Santos and Company things will get worse and this group will continue in preserving a small circle of friends and family whether it be in Town Hall or the Board of Education. The question needs to be asked "CAN WE CONTINUE TO INCREASE PROPERTY TAXES TO THE POINT THAT IT BECOMES A PROBLEM TO PAY" This is a very difficult time for Kearny whether the Mayor wants to admit it and the backdoor agreements that were made with the Police Chief which to prevent BACKLASH was done after the election just shows the arrogant power of a Mayor and Council that has no accountability to the Public and shows no sign of changing in adjusting to the hard times that we face in the years to come with the hiring of more Family Firefighters and more Teachers being Laid Off as a result of Charter Schools invading our town. The sad thing is we the residents of Kearny are to blame in allowing a one sided town government to continue to operate without any CHECKS and BALANCES and as long as we go along with this arrangement the residents of Kearny will continue to be disappointed and frustrated in having no voice and no interest in what's happening to our town and where we started with this Mayor as to where we are now. Remember this closing thought when this Mayor came into office he was a Lawyer with nothing connected to government and now we see him in my opinion as a self serving with a comfortable COUNTY JOB which pays him quite well with a COUNTY VEHICLE with many of the Council following in his footsteps on the COUNTY PAYROLL so ask yourself if these people really put you first when they make their decisions or is it just a small circle of FAMILY and FRIENDS. You be the judge its not hard to see it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Guest Kearny Senior]

Barney is jealous of the Mayor and Firefighters. Barney could never be the Mayor or a Firefighter.

[Guest Guest]

I agree with you.

We could have had change. But, the people of Kearny don't  want change.

The last board of education election is proof of that.

The same self serving people were elected.

Will there be a change in Kearny?

[Guest Resident]

The reality is that Chief Dowie was owed by contract and state law these monies. You can't blame him for getting what he earned.  Chief Dowie, a resident of Kearny, was probably one of the best Police Chiefs in Hudson County.  His police officers are professionals and even when there was a bad apple or 2, the chief didn't hide them, he did his job and for a long time and deserves to retire with what he earned.

The Mayor is an attorney, who works for the County.  If the Mayor's job paid a decent salary there would be no need for a county job.  You can't have a regular lawyer job and be Mayor of a town.  There is simply too much that goes along with doing the Job that saying it's part-time is just stupid.  It's a full-time job.  

The Charter School was the fault of the Board of Education.  They should have purchased every school building in the town and avoided the loss of funds.  We could have used the space for kids and/or use it creatively for other educational purposes.  They have lost more funding than it would have cost to buy the buildings.

I'm not against Charter Schools.  They are innovative and have lit a fire under a Board of Education that yes was just doing the status quo and feeding the families that have made it their employment agency.  What full time working resident can run for the Board of Education that has no connections to the schools so that a totally disinterested person can look at where the money is going.  The learning curve, the amount of work that needs to go into it, so we get the professional board members exchanging favors despite an ethics code supposedly there to protect us from this sort of family first activity.

Mayor Santos isn't perfect but he's pretty good... he could do more to spur the economy of Kearny, lower the taxes (please) and promote the uptown business district that is suffering.  The KUEZ is poor.  It has done little to get all the businesses online and market the town.  You need to identify where you need places where people can pull over get something and leave without getting a ticket.

The Mayor has to properly man the building department to get the houses that have been foreclosed upon "flipped" by investors who now stay away from Kearny because it takes to long to get permits and inspections for the shortage of manpower.  Eyesores would be gone if this was addressed head-on.

 If you can do better run for office.  It looks easier than it is.  Start with putting your ideas here and going to coucil meetings and asking questions.  There is plenty of information on this board going back many years to get a feel for the politics in Kearny and what to expect.  Promote this message board/forum on Facebook and get others involved.  This is the only place where information is not censored and politically correct doesn't apply for the most part.

[Guest Kearny Senior]

Barney can't be a Kearny Firefighter and he's jealous if the Mayor. You're not brave enough Barney.

[Guest Guest]

The Kearny / Hudson machine has been around for a long time and will never change, and its really most of NJ with the exception of a few towns here and there.   The best thing to do is just move out of state and leave the insane taxes behind.   It's what my family has done and I will follow shortly.  

[Guest Kearny Senior]

Barney does not like paying taxes to our brave Firefighters. Barney's doesn't have the guts to be a Firefighter.

[Guest No Opposition is to Blame]

On 11/19/2017 at 10:30 AM, Guest Resident said:

The reality is that Chief Dowie was owed by contract and state law these monies. You can't blame him for getting what he earned.  Chief Dowie, a resident of Kearny, was probably one of the best Police Chiefs in Hudson County.  His police officers are professionals and even when there was a bad apple or 2, the chief didn't hide them, he did his job and for a long time and deserves to retire with what he earned.

The Mayor is an attorney, who works for the County.  If the Mayor's job paid a decent salary there would be no need for a county job.  You can't have a regular lawyer job and be Mayor of a town.  There is simply too much that goes along with doing the Job that saying it's part-time is just stupid.  It's a full-time job.  

The Charter School was the fault of the Board of Education.  They should have purchased every school building in the town and avoided the loss of funds.  We could have used the space for kids and/or use it creatively for other educational purposes.  They have lost more funding than it would have cost to buy the buildings.

I'm not against Charter Schools.  They are innovative and have lit a fire under a Board of Education that yes was just doing the status quo and feeding the families that have made it their employment agency.  What full time working resident can run for the Board of Education that has no connections to the schools so that a totally disinterested person can look at where the money is going.  The learning curve, the amount of work that needs to go into it, so we get the professional board members exchanging favors despite an ethics code supposedly there to protect us from this sort of family first activity.

Mayor Santos isn't perfect but he's pretty good... he could do more to spur the economy of Kearny, lower the taxes (please) and promote the uptown business district that is suffering.  The KUEZ is poor.  It has done little to get all the businesses online and market the town.  You need to identify where you need places where people can pull over get something and leave without getting a ticket.

The Mayor has to properly man the building department to get the houses that have been foreclosed upon "flipped" by investors who now stay away from Kearny because it takes to long to get permits and inspections for the shortage of manpower.  Eyesores would be gone if this was addressed head-on.

 If you can do better run for office.  It looks easier than it is.  Start with putting your ideas here and going to coucil meetings and asking questions.  There is plenty of information on this board going back many years to get a feel for the politics in Kearny and what to expect.  Promote this message board/forum on Facebook and get others involved.  This is the only place where information is not censored and politically correct doesn't apply for the most part.

I don't deny that this a difficult job being Mayor or Councilperson and the way this Mayor and Council was able to convince Kearny that they would reduce Property Taxes and the prior adminstration was selling the water " WHICH THEY DID " and started the protests at Town Hall and started a uprising and made themselves the Hero's when in fact they gave away the candy store to gain control of town government only to enrich themselves with COUNTY JOBS which only a short time ago they detested "REMEMBER THE SANTOS THREAT TO RUN AGAINST SENATOR NICK SACCO" Long forgotten are are how the DOYLE, SANTOS GROUP ripped the county apart and now walks hand and foot in order to continue in getting a paycheck. This Mayor looks at his job as a man who thinks this is hard I have to get something out it and that's how he landed on his feet with a very well paid COUNTY JOB with a COUNTY CAR. I understand this is a difficult job but candidates that would like to run for office are discredited and are cast as bad people as they drag anyone who opposes them threw the mud and their little network of underground false rumor mill "AND THEY ARE PRETTY GOOD AT IT" discourages good people from running for any town position. Town Government is one sided and all I'm saying it doesn't hurt in having elections that matter to the residents of Kearny where they can go to the polls and make a choice instead of accepting an only choice. The next big tax increase is coming soon and the bonding of the GUNNEL OVAL PROJECT which should have been done long ago will cost this town a lot of money in debt for many years on top of the normal tax increase that you have received since SANTOS has been MAYOR when he first became MAYOR he said he had a plan and it was all glitter just to get elected so I will leave you with this for all you long time Kearny Property owners " WHAT WERE YOUR PROPERTY TAXES WHEN SANTOS FIRST TOOK OFFICE AND WHAT ARE THEY TODAY" Its easy to govern when you have the power to control unlimited funds. Until someone emerges that fully commits to running against this one sided government then people will continue to go to Town Hall and pay more increased taxes each and every year and nothing will change.

[Guest Kearny Senior]

When I was younger I used to throw rocks at the trains that came past Garofola park.  Now I just throw tantrums, Barney.

[Guest Guest]

What you can afford to pay doesn't matter! You are TOLD what to pay and will obey your Masters at the top in silence. It's the people's own fault for electing the sane trolls overland over. Either move or keep supporting high paying political jobs, six figure salaries for over 100 untrained and seldom used Firefighters who do NOT live in Kearny, poor fiscal management and a thriving patronage & nepotism machine. Property taxes at $12,000/year is a reality! Thank a Firefighter if you can find one that's not sleeping, barricaded inside the clubhouse or hightailing it back down the shore! 😂😘🤑

[Guest Concerned Taxpayer]

There were two candidates that worked full time and did serve on the board.

But, being outnumbered their votes did nothing to change things.

Kearny had their chance to change things. 

Watch your taxes go up

[Guest Lifelong Resident]

On 11/26/2017 at 9:40 AM, Guest Guest said:

What you can afford to pay doesn't matter! You are TOLD what to pay and will obey your Masters at the top in silence. It's the people's own fault for electing the sane trolls overland over. Either move or keep supporting high paying political jobs, six figure salaries for over 100 untrained and seldom used Firefighters who do NOT live in Kearny, poor fiscal management and a thriving patronage & nepotism machine. Property taxes at $12,000/year is a reality! Thank a Firefighter if you can find one that's not sleeping, barricaded inside the clubhouse or hightailing it back down the shore! 😂😘🤑

2012 Budget for Fire Salaries... 10,350,000

2017 Budget for Fire Salaries... 9,000,000 (Some of this is being funding by a SAFER Grant also)

Interesting the salaries have dropped over the past 5 years... wonder why...

TRUTH HURTS

[Guest Guest]

The math works out to each Firefighter costing the taxpayers $90,000/year in salary alone! Most people would kill for $90,000 a year! That figure doesn't include at least $1,000,000 or more in overtime, top shelf medical benefits, clothing allowance, vacation days, sick days, boat payments in the hundreds of thousands of dollars at the end and other perks too numerous to list. All of that for a part-time, 2 day a week appearance at the clubhouse to sleep, eat, shit and run personal errands. Danger is non-existent but suckers fall for the FD propaganda machine. If it was so dangerous then why do almost 100% of Kearny/Harrison Firefighters make it 25 to 30 years except for the fraud called 2/3 tax free disability? I'll put aside the alcohol and drug abuse for now. It's a slap in the face to every taxpayer that the Firefighters are still crying about money! Only recipients of the Firefighter white man's welfare could see that as a small amount of money! The Fire Department is a proven cesspool of nepotism and patronage. Kearny doesn't even have one decent fire a year! IT IS A HUGE WASTE OF MONEY! The town could get 100 better motivated people if it advertised for $15/hour with no benefits. The taxpayers by choice have no voice. PAY UP AND SHUT UP!! SUPPORT YOUR OUT OF TOWN LIVING FAT CATS AT ALL COST! This is a prime example of how out of control property taxes are putting people on the street!!

[Guest Kearny Senior]

On ‎11‎/‎27‎/‎2017 at 11:22 PM, Guest Guest said:

The math works out to each Firefighter costing the taxpayers $90,000/year in salary alone! Most people would kill for $90,000 a year! That figure doesn't include at least $1,000,000 or more in overtime, top shelf medical benefits, clothing allowance, vacation days, sick days, boat payments in the hundreds of thousands of dollars at the end and other perks too numerous to list. All of that for a part-time, 2 day a week appearance at the clubhouse to sleep, eat, shit and run personal errands. Danger is non-existent but suckers fall for the FD propaganda machine. If it was so dangerous then why do almost 100% of Kearny/Harrison Firefighters make it 25 to 30 years except for the fraud called 2/3 tax free disability? I'll put aside the alcohol and drug abuse for now. It's a slap in the face to every taxpayer that the Firefighters are still crying about money! Only recipients of the Firefighter white man's welfare could see that as a small amount of money! The Fire Department is a proven cesspool of nepotism and patronage. Kearny doesn't even have one decent fire a year! IT IS A HUGE WASTE OF MONEY! The town could get 100 better motivated people if it advertised for $15/hour with no benefits. The taxpayers by choice have no voice. PAY UP AND SHUT UP!! SUPPORT YOUR OUT OF TOWN LIVING FAT CATS AT ALL COST! This is a prime example of how out of control property taxes are putting people on the street!!

Barney is becoming unhinged. He obviously hates being a cop.  His bitterness about not making it as a FF is driving him crazy. I hope he gets help before he hurts himself.

[Guest Guest]

Looks like you're proud Fire Department FAILED with flying colors. A complete disgrace!

[Guest Kearny Senior]

On ‎11‎/‎30‎/‎2017 at 2:11 PM, Guest Guest said:

Looks like you're proud Fire Department FAILED with flying colors. A complete disgrace!

   I'm wondering why you're rubbing salt in the wounds of the family members of the deceased?  I also wonder if any other cops feel like you?

 

[Guest Guest]

How about forming the West Hudson Regional Fire Department. 

[Guest Guest ear]

What a great idea, let's regionalize everything!!!

 

[Guest Kev]

On 12/2/2017 at 9:38 AM, Guest Guest said:

How about forming the West Hudson Regional Fire Department. 

Agreed, Harrison, East Newark, Kearny. 

[Guest Kearny guest]

On ‎12‎/‎1‎/‎2017 at 8:34 PM, Guest Kearny Senior said:

   I'm wondering why you're rubbing salt in the wounds of the family members of the deceased?  I also wonder if any other cops feel like you?

 

That's a good question.  Why would anyone post about someone dying a horrible death in a fire?  What say you, Barney.

[Guest Barney]

On 11/27/2017 at 11:22 PM, Guest Guest said:

The math works out to each Firefighter costing the taxpayers $90,000/year in salary alone! Most people would kill for $90,000 a year! That figure doesn't include at least $1,000,000 or more in overtime, top shelf medical benefits, clothing allowance, vacation days, sick days, boat payments in the hundreds of thousands of dollars at the end and other perks too numerous to list. All of that for a part-time, 2 day a week appearance at the clubhouse to sleep, eat, shit and run personal errands. Danger is non-existent but suckers fall for the FD propaganda machine. If it was so dangerous then why do almost 100% of Kearny/Harrison Firefighters make it 25 to 30 years except for the fraud called 2/3 tax free disability? I'll put aside the alcohol and drug abuse for now. It's a slap in the face to every taxpayer that the Firefighters are still crying about money! Only recipients of the Firefighter white man's welfare could see that as a small amount of money! The Fire Department is a proven cesspool of nepotism and patronage. Kearny doesn't even have one decent fire a year! IT IS A HUGE WASTE OF MONEY! The town could get 100 better motivated people if it advertised for $15/hour with no benefits. The taxpayers by choice have no voice. PAY UP AND SHUT UP!! SUPPORT YOUR OUT OF TOWN LIVING FAT CATS AT ALL COST! This is a prime example of how out of control property taxes are putting people on the street!!

Lets not forget get the overpaid Fire Chief in which he has enriched himself and the Public Official's were DUM enough to employ his entire family on the Town Taxpayer Employment roles. IE BOE. FIRE DEPT. 4 PEOPLE EMPLOYED FROM ONE FAMILY WITH A COMBINED TOTAL INCOME OF CLOSE TO $500,000 DOLLARS A YEAR. How DUM CAN ELECTED OFFICIAL'S BE IN ALLOWING THIS ABUSE TO TAKE PLACE IN ALLOWING ONE FAMILY TO MAKE ALL THIS MONEY OF PROPERTY TAXES THAT WE PAY AND NOT HAVE A FAIR EMPLOYMENT POLICY IN PREVENTING THIS FROM EVER HAPPENING AGAIN.  Angry yes, Bitter You bet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Guest Lol]

You misspelled dumb!

[Guest Barney]

I didn't misspell ABUSE and GREED

[Guest Concerned Parent]

On 11/18/2017 at 10:54 AM, Guest No Opposition is to Blame said:

Well another Election Cycle has come and gone and with no Opposition to Mr Santos and Company things will get worse and this group will continue in preserving a small circle of friends and family whether it be in Town Hall or the Board of Education. The question needs to be asked "CAN WE CONTINUE TO INCREASE PROPERTY TAXES TO THE POINT THAT IT BECOMES A PROBLEM TO PAY" This is a very difficult time for Kearny whether the Mayor wants to admit it and the backdoor agreements that were made with the Police Chief which to prevent BACKLASH was done after the election just shows the arrogant power of a Mayor and Council that has no accountability to the Public and shows no sign of changing in adjusting to the hard times that we face in the years to come with the hiring of more Family Firefighters and more Teachers being Laid Off as a result of Charter Schools invading our town. The sad thing is we the residents of Kearny are to blame in allowing a one sided town government to continue to operate without any CHECKS and BALANCES and as long as we go along with this arrangement the residents of Kearny will continue to be disappointed and frustrated in having no voice and no interest in what's happening to our town and where we started with this Mayor as to where we are now. Remember this closing thought when this Mayor came into office he was a Lawyer with nothing connected to government and now we see him in my opinion as a self serving with a comfortable COUNTY JOB which pays him quite well with a COUNTY VEHICLE with many of the Council following in his footsteps on the COUNTY PAYROLL so ask yourself if these people really put you first when they make their decisions or is it just a small circle of FAMILY and FRIENDS. You be the judge its not hard to see it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is why Kearny has fallen off the rails!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Guest Luka]

Mayor Santos will not have a county job, once Degise is out of office! Maybe, he can focus on Kearny!