The following are 3 months of posts directed toward me and my responses.
___________________________________________
1683 Does your
voice matter?
by joerenna, 6/8/03
Just before the
Freeholder board voted on approving the 2003 budget, an
additional $500,000 was added to the tax levy. There is no checks
or
balance system in our county government. Taxpayers are being
fleeced.
People are not informed and, even if they were, they are powerless
to stop
the Freeholders from doing what they want. The only way to stop
this thievery
is to elect new Freeholders who will balance the one sided democratic
board. At the very least a independent voice on the board can
keep the
public informed.
___________________________________________
1683.2.2.1 But joerenna
by GotaQ1, 6/10/03
Why do you call
the Freeholders "thieves"?
________________________________________
1683.2.2.1.1 Dear GotaQ1
by joerenna, 6/10/03
I did not call
the Freeholders thieves. I used the term "thievery"
to describe
how our taxes were raised. By definition: "to take without
its owner consent.
To secure or accomplish without being seen." Technically
the county
manager prepares the annual budget, But ultimately the Freeholders
must
approve it. My point is that the budget process and the raising
of our taxes
are done with little public oversight. I can't blame the public
because they
do not have a fair opportunity to be involved in the process.
The additional
$500,000 levy on our property tax was added the evening of the
vote to
approve the budget. This is a perfect example of what I mean
by thievery.
___________________________________________
1683.2 What will
you accomplish?
by LindenInsidr, 6/9/03
What exactly
do you think your crusade will accomplish? Revenge? I don't
think so. And your wife has become your little helper. How cute.
Get over it
and move on already. Hate is bad for your health.
___________________________________________
1683.2.2 Dear LindenInsidr
by joerenna, 6/9/03
I made it very
clear as to what I want to accomplish. As a member of the
Board of Chosen Freeholders I intend to make sure that people
are informed
about how the county operates. As a board member, I will give
the people
the opportunity to have a real say in the decisions I make.
I can be a very
effective representative of the people. That is what I would
like to accomplish with my "crusade". I don't understand
how running for
office is getting revenge. I'm not running because I hate anyone.
I don't hate
anyone. I do realize people now hate me for running. It's sad
to think that
running for office is regarded as hatred for an opponent. I'm
running because
I believe that I can improve the County Government. I will show
the
deficiencies that exist and offer solutions.
I realize that
many people rely on the present Freeholders for their jobs. I
will
make my first campaign promise: If I'm elected, I won't fire
anyone. Not even
you. It's not why I'm running. In fact if your competent I will
be relying on you
to make the county work better.
Finally, why
personally attack my wife. She is my campaign manager. True
she is cute but It's not why I married her. She is also compassionate
and
loving. She developed a great interest in public administration
and is excited
about learning all there is to know. Would you rather her be
wearing a burka?
___________________________________________
1683.3.1 Renna
vendetta
by Reillyfactor, 6/11/03
Renna is running
because he is angry at the freeholders and not because he
wants to make changes for peoples good. he works at runnels and
dosen't like
it. He was one of them. Vote Republican in November cause we're
the best.
___________________________________________
1694 Reillyfactor
et.al.
by joerenna, 6/11/03
In response to:1683.3.1.
Renna vendetta by Reillyfactor, 6/11/03 10:01 ET
Re: Does your voice matter? by joerenna, 6/11/03
Reillyfactor
wrote: Renna is running because he is angry at the freeholders
and not because he wants to make changes for peoples good. he
works at
runnels and doesn't like it. He was one of them. Vote Republican
in
November cause we're the best.
Though this is
a response to Reillyfactor, it may also clarify some
preconceptions that anyone who doesn't know me may have.
As for the reason
I am running, I assure you it is not anger. Running for office
is something I have been wanting to do for a long time. For ten
years I have
been working with many municipalities, Urban Enterprise Zones,
Special
Improvement Districts, government agencies and non-profits. This
has been
my career. I sold my business and joined on wth the county in
2001. I am a
member of the American Society of Public Administration and I
will Receive
my Masters degree in Public Administration in less than a year.
Details can
be found on my website under resume.
I was transferred
to Runnells two months ago. I love it there. It is run so
professionally and the care the patients get is top notch. It
is a top shelf. I
recommend people visit it to see for themselves. The staff is
super nice. My
supervisor, Peggy Salisbury, could not be any nicer. Working
there really give
me a sense of helping people because you get to see the results
first hand.
As for me running
because I was sent to Runnells couldn't be future from the
truth. In fact I argue that just the opposite is the case. As
a candidate for
Freeholder, county management put me as far from the action in
Elizabeth
as possible and away from any public records.
I don't know what you mean by "one of them" so I can't really comment.
As for voting
Republican - I'm with you. I am voting Republican also!!!You
get to vote for three candidates. I will be voting for myself
and two
Republicans.If the republicans win, even if I lose, the objective
of having a
balance on the board would be met. That would please me, but
not as much
as if i was sitting there.
___________________________________________
1720 Joe Renna Banned
by UCReporter, 6/17/03
Poor Joseph has
had his paper The Peterstown Press banned forever on
county property by decree of the Union County Manager. Never
before has
the Freedom Of The Press suffered more at the faith of of the
local
totalitarism terrorists. However there is a small band of loyalists
who are hand
distributing free copies of the latest edition of the paper.
All to the chargrin of
Boss Devanney.
___________________________________________
1720.4.1 Untitled
by KingofCourts, 6/17/03
So, did this
'for the people' concern come before or after he got a job with
the county through his 'connections'?Obviously Mr. Renna started
hating the
system after he found he couldn't do what he wanted, when he
wanted.And
his brother has a pretty nice job on the golf course, as well.A
new voice?
Hardly! Just another guy who wants to be something he's not!
___________________________________________
1720.4.1.2 Dear KingofCourts
by joerenna, 6/17/03
I'd answer your
question first and then clarify your opinion of how I feel and
think.My "for the people concern was taught to me by my
parents when I was
very young. My mother especially was one of the most caring people
I ever
knew. She taught me tolerance and acceptance and compassion.
A totally
selfless person. One thing that I always try to do is think of
others first.
It sounds pretentious
to be "for the people" but there is no other way to
describe what public service should be all about. An elected
official has the
public trust to make decisions that are best for the public.
That is my only
intention for getting elected Union County Freeholder.
Now for some
clarification.I love America and I love our system of
government. It is this system that enables me to run for office.
I first started
working for the County of Union in 2001. After I sold my business
I looked on
the New Jersey State web site
(http://www.state.nj.us/personnel/vacancy/vacancy.htm) for a
job and a
position was listed for the county of Union. I took the civil
service test and
also took the supervisory test, in which I scored exceptionally
well. It was then
that I was put on the state list of qualified applicants for
the position. It was
then that I applied to the County of Union for the job opening.
This was well
received by the administration. They didn't invent a job for me.
I went through the proper channels even before I applied to the
county. My
only connection was that I did things in the correct manner.
My resume is
posted on my web site it will indicate my interest and
involvement in public service, all of which is on a volunteer
basis, from
Rahway Chamber of Commerce President to board member of Rahway
Center Partnership and the Foundation for Excellence in Education.
I have a
ten year history of community service.
It is true that
I did work for the County of Union as a vendor. Doing business
as
Rentec Design Studio I produced design and printing for the county
for ten
years. I don't hide that fact as is implied by Otis Two. It is
listed on my
resume!! I am proud of all the work I did for the county.
I always did
what I love in my career. I whole heartedly advice everyone to
do the same in their lives. One should never hate their job.
How sad. My
brother has a very nice job because he loves what he does. I
don't know what
that has to do with me running for Freeholder.
___________________________________________
1720.4.1.1.1 COUNTY VENDOR
by OtisTwo, 6/17/03
Didn't Mr. Renna
have a business in Rahway, that was a County Vendor for
the Lapolla Democrat's?. Before he started work with the County.
Signed Otis
Two
___________________________________________
1720.4.1.1.1.1 Dear Otis Two
by joerenna, 6/17/03
It is true that
I did work for the County of Union as a vendor. Doing business
as
Rentec Design Studio I produced design and printing for the county
for ten
years. I don't hide that fact as you implied. It is listed on
my resume which is
on my website!! I am proud of all the work I did for the county.
___________________________________________
1720.4.1.1.1.1.1 DEAR JOE
by OtisTwo, 6/17/03
The County was
good for you before and you on the payroll now, the point is
you keep taking the Taxpayers MONEY amd now you don't like the
system
that feeds you. THAT THE POINT!
___________________________________________
1720.4.1.1.1.1.1.1 OtisTwo
by joerenna, 6/18/03
I worked hard
for the money that I was paid. The County needs vendors and
employees. You imply that all vendors and employees are just
taking
taxpayer money without earning it. Not true. After joining the
County, I was
pleasantly surprised by how hard my fellow county employees were
working.
The public perception of the government is wrong. I do have a
serious
problem with the waste. Though it is caused by a small percentage
of upper
management, it overwhelms the rest of the system.
You are wrong
about me not liking the system. The system offers the
opportunity to run for Freeholder. Why do you consider running
for Freeholder
a hateful thing?
___________________________________________
1743 Otis My Man
by joerenna, 6/20/03
Otis Two wrote: Post #1720.4.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.
I don't think
running for Freeholder is hateful my point is will you be getting
TWO Salary;s. I just see the County going downhill for the last
seven years
with your friends in charge. If elected you fall in line with
the Lapolla's who
put you there. I am voting Republican because we need checks
and
balances not another Lapolla Democrat.
response
Dear OtisTwo,
If elected to
the Freeholder board I will have to quit my job with the county.
Union County Freeholders can not work for the County of Union.
Too clarify your
second point: I am running as an independent. I've been
registered as an independent for 20 years. I'm not the type to
"fall in line"
with anyone. I'm my own person. I think that is why I am accepted
by many
people who stand opposite each other on issues. I have no hidden
agenda or
allegiance to anything except what I think is right. People can
trust me to be
consistent in that fact and fair.
Not everyone
has to agree with each other. in fact having different opinions
on a subject is healthy for making sound decisions. But those
opinions should
be honest and sincere and rooted in fact.
I think we are
on the same page when it comes to what we expect from
government but your assumptions of my political affiliations
and my moral
integrity is off base. We should be talking more about issues
that concern the
county and ways to improve how the county operates.
___________________________________________
1743.1 JOERENNA
by OtisTwo, 6/21/03
#1 I am not your man, don't get cute or smart with me.
#2 Read #1740 PROBLEM WITH RENNA that says it all
#3 I know you better than you think.
#4 Most people
at the County HATE the Lapolla brothers, because they like
people who kiss up to them. Isn't that how you got your JOB!
___________________________________________
1743.1.1 OtisTwo
by joerenna, 6/21/03
I apologize for
being cute or smart. I will dumb down my statements for you.
It's just hard to take you seriously when you post anonymously.
You may know
me and that's OK. If you do I probable consider you a friend.
I don't hate
anyone. Life is too short and it takes too much energy. I'd rather
spend my
time doing things that enhance the quality of my life.
If you hate me
then I must have done something to you. I couldn't imagine I
hurt you on purpose. If you hate me because I'm running for office
or that I'm
friendly to someone you don't like, then I can't do anything
about that.
I grew up with
the Lapolla's. They are one of the nicest families you could
ever meet. I know Mike had very tough dealings with people as
county
manager. Do I not associate with him because of that? That would
be like
me hating you because of you support another candidate.
As a candidate,
I started posting so people could find out more about me.
There are people who will work very hard to make sure I lose.
Actually, they
will be working hard for their candidates to win. Its just the
technique to win
the election is to trash the opponent. I don't take it personally.
They would do
it to anyone in my position. It just happens to be me at this
time.
I respect the
posts that are have a positive purpose to them. But claims, like
those that are made in post 1740 are slanderous. The post is
full of
misinformation and lies. I explained how I got my job with the
county in post
1720.4.1.2. My life has been an open book. I have no secrets
dealings or
back-room relationships.
The internet
is fantastic it has done so much in the way of communication
and education. Its accessibility gives voice to thousands that
never had an
opportunity t be heard.The Union County Forum is our little piece
of new
found freedom. We are free to voice our opinions. The format
is casual and
fun. The anonymity, though, is a doubled edge sword. It does
give those who
can suffer retaliation in their jobs a safe outlet. But it also
gives cowards a
free ride to spew hate. What anonymity also does is discredits
the content of
the message.
If you must be
anonymous because of job issues, I feel very bad for you. It is
one of the most basic freedoms that can be taken from you. I
can't
understand being anonymous for any other reason. As a publisher
of a
newspaper, I believe whole heartedly in our freedom of speech.
I try to
promote the same in others.
Posts used to
personally attach people are sleazy. The visitors to this forum
all have the same interest in mind. Union County government has
brought us
all together. There is a sophistication to most of the readers
that see through
the scurvy posters.
I think the negative
posters reveal more about themselves than they do about
their subjects. I'm no psychiatrist, but talk about "projection".
It's just a shame
that they don't have the courage to lay claim to their own opinion.
___________________________________________
1813 Train Rally in Roselle Park
by joerenna, 7/3/03
I'm an independent
candidate for Union County Freeholder. I attended the
rally to stop the reactivation of the train line on July 1 in
Roselle Park. It was
very organized and informative. I wanted to find out all I could
on the issue
and express my concern. I believe that as freeholder It would
be my duty to
gather all the information possible on the issue to make a decision
that is in
the best interest of the residents of Union County.
An elected official
has access to information that the general public does
not. They are on the front lines of negotiations. They have the
power to make
decisions on behalf of the people and have an obligation to inform
the
people of what is going on. And so lies the problem with Union
County.
For my complete
comments go to my website at joerenna.com
___________________________________________
1813.1 but would you kill geese?
by gotsangool, 7/3/03
___________________________________________
1827 Hey Joe Renna
by nlino0615, 7/5/03
What is your
2cents on the Canada Geese situation ?
___________________________________________
1835 What I think about the geese
by joerenna, 7/6/03
The only thing
that killing these geese did was to clear the parks for the
Fourth of July Fireworks, the music festivals and kids fairs,
plus any other
public event that gives the incumbent candidates an audience
(at taxpayers
expense).
I think that
the County was wrong in killing the geese. The geese are
problematic but there are more intelligent ways of dealing with
them. A
continuous plan combining several techniques of habitat modification
and
scare tactics can prevail, but it would take leadership that
can think past
November 4th.
For my complete
comments go to my website at joerenna.com
___________________________________________
1793 Renna My Man
by kimbobo, 7/1/03
In post #1743,
Joe Renna titled a response "Otis My Man" to an OtisTwo
post
#1720 that Mr Renna would collect two salaries from Union County.
Mr.
Renna politely responded how this was not the case. OtisTwo took
offense
and attacked Joe Renna.
I think that
the Otis My Man is a reference to the John Belushi Animal House
movie and not meant to be derogative to OtisTwo.
I would suggest
that if OtisTwo has a problem with Mr. Renna and wishes to
"expose" him, why not better select an issue or situation
and ask how he
would handle as Freeholder.
For example,
Mr. Renna what is your position on Union County Budget?
___________________________________________
1793.2 My opinion on the budget
by joerenna, 7/3/03
My opinion on
the county budget can be found on my website at
joerenna.com. Thanks for asking.
___________________________________________
1813.4 Untitled
by choochoohed, 7/3/03
Not to get too
much into it Joe, but your information is inaccurate at best.
NS
and CSX have no intentions of running mile long freight trains
on the line. At
the speed allowed due to the design of the tracks and grade,
it would be
faster and more efficient for them not to use the RVRR trackage
which
actually turns out be a long cut if anything.
The company handling
the reactivation is the Morristown and Erie, a
well-known short line railroad company. Their intention is to
service the many
businesses along the tracks. Their operation will directly and
indirectly be
beneficial to the communities in which they travel. Directly
in terms of profit
sharing to those towns and indirectly by making these towns more
attractive
to small companies and businesses...Ratables...This will keep
the towns
property taxes lower for individual homeowners as well as bring
more jobs to
Union County. None of this is expected to happen over night,
as it is only one
piece of the puzzle in making Union County a better operating
economical
machine.
As for building
more houses along the vacant industrial property...why?
Traffic is terrible as it is throughout the county; the addition
of more cars plus
trucks on the roads/highways is insane. A small train with the
ability to carry
up to over 20 truckloads is a wise choice.
These lines have
been there for over 100 years. Many of the same homes
along the tracks that are there today were there in 1992. There
were no
adverse quality of life issues 15 years ago when this line was
fully
operational. The only ones crying now are the ones who have since
over-extended their yards encroaching on the railroads property.
If by any
chance these rails were not to be activated, I would love to
see the County in
spite of the opposing towns (especially Roselle Park and Kenilworth)
Fence
off the railroad ROW and collect back taxes on the property these
homeowners stole. The liberalness inside of me would also be
all for the
building of extra low income housing and section 8 apartments
on that
property for our poverty stricken brothers and sisters.
___________________________________________
1845 Response
to Choochoohead post 1813
by joerenna, 7/7/03
Dear Choochoohead,
Yours is the
most intelligent post I have read in support of the shortline
freight
service and since I wrote my post I did find out more about the
switch to
Morristown and Erie RR service. In general, I am a fan of railroad
service, it
does all those wonderful things like removing trucks from the
road and
encouraging industry development but I cannot embrace this plan
because
the facts were never presented truthfully or in their entirety.
I would never
endorse something I know nothing about. And I believe the municipalities
were left in the dark over this deal. I would not expect the
officials in the
towns that this train runs trough to endorse it either.
These officials
are 100% correct in challenging the decisions of the County.
They have a responsibility to their constituents and they are
being forced to
confront the Freeholder Board because they were excluded in the
decision
to reactivate the line. If the plan to reactivate will result
in the tremendous
benefits that the County says it would, then the elected officials
may even
support it. As it stands, there was no information from the negotiation
process
shared with the local officials. They would be remiss in their
duties to stand
by while something this major was injected into their towns.
If there were
economic and environmental studies done, why weren't they
presented to the towns involved? Why wasn't the towns consulted?
If I wanted
to put a six foot fence up on my property I would have to notify
all my
neighbors and go before the zoning board for a variance. These
towns are
expected to accept the conditions of this rail road without any
say at all.
The County now
wants everyone to believe that the state was going to
reactivate the rail line with or without County approval. Records
show that the
County was not only involved from the start but was "the
projects sponsor" and
"lead agency". All I demand from the County is representation.
If they are not
doing the will of the people they represent then they are in
breach of their
their duties.
The fact of the
mater is that the Freeholders can do whatever they want
regardless of the public's point of view. There is plenty of
examples of that.
But they should at least have the decency to give the people
and the local
elected officials a chance to voice that opinion before they
ignore it.
___________________________________________
1858.1 Renna, you have NO chance in November.
by curiousinrp, 7/8/03
Stop wasting
your time, money and go back to where you came from. The
incumbents will run away with this election too.
___________________________________________
1860 to curiousinrp post1858
by joerenna, 7/9/03
Dear Curious,
Life is a journey
not a destination. The rewards of running for office is in the
campaigning not the win. Though it would be nice, the voters
ultimately
decide who wins. I understand that I'm a huge underdog in November
but the
experience of running is invaluable. I want to hear every side
of every issue.
There is no downside to sharing information and opinions. There
are many
valid viewpoints that I may not have considered. The more knowledge
we
gain the more fulfilled we become.
Previous posts
suggests that I hate the Freeholders. This is not true. I've
worked for them for ten years. I've known Dan Sullivan and Mary
Ruotolo's
families my whole life. My criticism of the County transcends
the individual
Freeholders and goes to the heart of the system. I believe that
the individual
Freeholders are capable of much more than they have exhibited
but they are
stifled in the system in which they operate.
When it comes
to political ideology, there is no diverger on nine member
Freeholder board. Their loyalty to the Democratic party is understandable.
The strength of the party is why, like you said, "the incumbents
will run away
with this election". There is no incentive to explore alternatives
to the
decisions that are made for political reasons. In fact, the fear
of retribution
from the party is a real consideration. The Freeholders are more
indebted to
their party than they are to the voters. Consciously or not,
I think this has
stifled their leadership capabilities.
If I were to
be elected Freeholder, I would not pose a threat to their power.
I
would be just one vote against eight. I do think I will stimulate
debate that
can only result in a more enriched government. If I may wax poetic,
I would
be a ripple on a stagnant pond.
My challenges
and criticism of the County government focus on the
administrative procedures being practiced. The fine line that
separates
ethical and appropriate behavior has been blurred beyond distinction.
It is a
natural occurrence that is inevitable when there is an absolute
power in
place for as long as Union County has had. I'd like to bring
definition back to
that line. I would like to do so in a position where I could
be most effective,
and that is sitting as a Freeholder.
I like Union
County. I lived here my whole life and chose to raise my family
here. There has been and will be decisions made by the County
government
that can have irreparable effects on our quality of life, economy
and
ecology. There is still six months left to this year and, as
always, I pray that
my elected officials have the fortitude to make the right decisions,
regardless
of political affiliation.
The best way
to support our elected officials is to share whatever knowledge
you have concerning an issue and offer your opinion and advice
on making
a decision. The more information that is shared between the public
and its
government the better it is for everyone.
___________________________________________
1848 The things Renna doesn't know
by Rennajoke, 7/8/03
Candidate Renna
is quick to offer opinions and facts as he sees them without
any regard or understanding of government.
The train issue
is simple. The towns HAVE NO VOICE in the train line. The
ARE NOT ENTITLED to a voice in the train line. Why? Because train
lines at
protected by FEDERAL LAW and overseen by THE STATE
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT. No town has any say at all in the
operation of the lines. NONE, NO, NADA, NOTHING.
The county stepped
in an stopped things like garbage and huge freight trains
from coming down the tracks. THE TOWNS SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR
WHAT THE COUNTY DID FOR THEM!!!!!!
Renna is a leaky
bag of misinformation who uses this forum as his platform. If
he understood government he would know that running it is way
over his
head.
___________________________________________
1858 Rennajoke reveal yourself
by joerenna, 7/8/03
It is interesting
how characteristics of someone's writing style can be as
identifiable as fingerprints. I read this critique of me by Rennajoke
and
thought I recognized the style from some where. It seems that
posts by
OtisTwo and Kingofcourts were all authored by the same person.
But I still
thought that I saw this style elsewhere. It was puzzling me until
I read a
article in the Rahway News Record by its publisher Jim Devine.
I thought,
"Can this be Devine attacking me personally on this message
board?" I can't
believe this would be Devine. Since he is a newspaper publisher,
I think he
would be a champion of the first amendment and not post anonymously.
Whoever is doing
this is a coward along with being a racist. The name
calling and ethnic slurs are extremely sleazy and totally inappropriate.
As a
Candidate for Freeholder, I knew I would be subjected to personal
attacks
and name calling. Sadly, it is the way politics is played in
these parts. I'm a
firm believer that we reap what we sow on this earth and that
the hatred one
directs towards others will come back tenfold.
I'm not sure
if this is Devine but I am curious to know who it is. I do wish
they
would stop, but this is a free country and this is the price
that is payed for that
freedom. A good poker player can spot a subconscious trait in
an opponent's
mannerisms that exposes his reactions to the cards. Its called
a "tell". Writers
also have a "tells", even those who are trying to mask
their natural style will
slip up and reveal themselves.
I will address
the issues that were brought up in this post and hope the readers
will appreciate my truthfulness and candor. I try to be fair
in my evaluations,
honest in my opinion and respectful of others. As a publisher
of my own
newspaper I hold the first amendment dear to my heart.
My response will
appear in a subsequent post.
___________________________________________
1858.2 You twist again Renna
by Rennajoke, 7/9/03
There have been
no ethnic slurs leveled against you. The Goodfellas
reference is the misapplication of words throughout the film,
the writers way
of including humor, only thought of because of how you butcher
the
language. (This is in no way meant to swipe at Italians, for
I myself am of
Italian descent. If I offended anyone, I apologize for that).
But it is easy for
you to twist the message to portray yourself as a victim. I'm
getting a towel
right now to wipe away my tears.
I only judge
you from the materials you publish and your messages, having
never met you personally. You definitely are a leaky bag of misinformation
and often expose yourself as a buffoon, not knowing the subjects
you
pontificate on.
No I am not the
Devine you refer to, a publisher or a professional writer. Just
an interested follower of Union County Government, a reader of
this forum.
I'm back at school now that the children are out and taking English
and
Creative Writing classes at UCC.
You should join
the classes too. It would help you learn to use words properly
___________________________________________
post # 1860
Dear Rennajoke,
I'm flattered by all the attention you have given me but you sound like your in the 9th grade and you have a crush on me. I hate to disappoint you, but I am faithfully married to a woman.
I wish I could
make more sense of what you are writing so I can comment on the
issues. For instance in post 1848 you write:
"Candidate Renna is quick to offer opinions and facts as
he sees them without
any regard or understanding of government."
Is it a bad thing that I am quick to offer opinions and facts the way I see them? What other way would you rather me state my opinion? The "understanding of government" part of this statement is your opinion so I'll leave that be. My experience with government is documented on my website I am comfortable with my knowledge and so your statement is actually a compliment and I thank you.
You continue to say that "the train issue is simple" and that I am misinformed. I've stated a number of times that it is my desire to learn as much about the issues as possible. In my article about the railroad (on my website) I put quotation marks around the facts I use and cite my sources for the information. I quoted the Freeholders, the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, New York City Economic Development Corporation, New Jersey Department of Transportation and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. If my facts are wrong then you should be questioning these agencies. If you have facts from an authoritative source please reveal them. I would love to know what they are. Maybe you could could simplify the train issue for all the readers. You should also present your findings before the Freeholders at the next meeting. It certainly doesn't seem simple for them. They've been working on this issue for over 5 years and they still haven't produced an economic or environmental impact rep