To The Editor:
If you attended the Monday and Tuesday night Council forums for the upcoming Council elections, it could be dubbed the massacre at the O.K. Corral.
If you were an outsider looking in, it is very clear that Councilman Nochimson and Challenger Alex Roman have a clear vision, knowledge, fiscal background, and a commitment to fix Verona’s problems. Incumbent Sapienza and Challenger Williamson are fixed on the same old story, no new ideas, no visible form of fiscal discipline, and clearly no idea of fiscal responsibility.
Councilman Sapienza even said that if you removed $1 million dollars out of the budget, it would only save the taxpayer approximately $15 a month, or $180 per year. To him, it didn’t seem worthwhile. This to me is an insult to the taxpayers of our town and shows no fiscal responsibility. This is the same behavior that he and his two other voting cronies and the town manager have portrayed towards the taxpayers of our town.
It would be a travesty to elect Sapienza and Williamson. Mr. Williamson may not know the value of property taxes in Verona as a renter and also has close family members working in our town, so this may be a conflict of interest to his judgement as a councilman. Furthermore, a recent report shows that Verona has more than 160 workers on the payroll for a town of less than 2 square miles. This is shocking and portrays the fiscal disaster of our town.
Michael Nochimson and Alex Roman have answered the tough questions. See the Town Council forum footage on MyVeronaNJ.com. It would be an injustice to our town and government and to the taxpayers of Verona if both of these men are not elected. Please vote for Michael Nochimson and Alex Roman on May 12.
Camillus Mitchell
Verona, NJ
According to Councilman Nochimson’s website, Mr. Mitchell is one of his team members serving on his “ground operations”, so his opinion is obviously bias. I encourage residents to not be influenced by the campaign tactics and misleading propaganda that we have been witnessing the past few weeks. Please take the time to learn the issues for yourself. The VCGT and Verona Chamber of Commerce co-hosted an honest, reputable forum that is currently being broadcast on VTV.
Be careful when reading the phrasing of their propaganda as it is a blatant attempt to mislead residents. For example, he stated about “Verona has more than 160 workers on the payroll for a town of less than 2 square miles”. The truth is Verona has about 85 full time employees. He conveniently leaves out that, if his figure is even accurate, it includes summer pool lifeguards and temporary youth summer help whose salaries are supported by user fees. If he is indicating that number should be cut on behalf of his candidates, then say goodbye to the children’s summer programs and pool staffing. Parents rely heavily on these summer programs.
Mr. Mitchell, like the two candidates he represents continue to make false promises and reckless accusations about not only their opponents, but anyone that may disagree with them. It’s very unfortunate that instead of being positive and talk about the future of our town, he brings my family and residential status into this. Therefore, I need to set the record strait, as my opponents have difficulty sticking to the issues. As with many families, when their children grow up and move on, there is a need to downsize. After 22 years of being a homeowner, we sold our house and I am temporarily renting in Verona, while looking for another place in town. This is not unlike many of our residents.
However, as a long time taxpayer, President of the VBSL, Rutgers Safety Course instructor, VMAC member, former Environmental Commission member as well as a church elder, not only do I know the value of our tax dollar, but serving on the Budget Review Committee, has given me a deep understanding of our municipal finances. It has also enabled me to have my finger on the pulse of this town.
Its a cheap shot to invoke family members into a campaign. However, since they chose to make it an issue, I’ll gladly explain. My son has worked for our town for six years. Mr. Nochimson’s wife and Mr. Sapienza’s wife also work in our municipality for the Board of Education. The town and BoE share in many joint ventures, which go to the town council for approval. Is Mr. Mitchell indicating that his candidate and I both cannot be objective?
This is not the first time a councilmember has had a family member work for the town. Most recently, a council member had a son that serves on the Verona Police Department. This councilman was also a long time contributing public servant that handled the situation admirably by recusing himself when various issues dealing with the police came before the council. He did the right thing and I will follow in his footsteps and do the same if the situation arises, as I would expect my opponents Mr. Nochimson and Mr. Sapienza to do. We are a small community and simply by having a family member work for the town shouldn’t disqualify someone form running for office. To indicate otherwise, as Mr. Mitchell does, is a baseless cheap shot against not only me, but his own candidate. These are tactics to divert from the real issues. This is what candidates and their “staff” do when they have accomplished nothing in their time representing our community.
I encourage residents to learn who their candidates actually are before they pull the lever. Which candidates have an agenda and which candidates are honest and truthful and hold the best interest of our community at heart. If they can’t be honest and truthful in their campaign, how can you expect them to be honest and truthful when representing this community on the town council.
Rich Williamson
Mr. Mitchell’s tally of 160 employees includes full- and part-time employees, but no seasonal pool or playground workers.
Mr. Williamson addressed the issue of potential conflicts of interest at the forum co-sponsored by MyVeronaNJ and the Verona Observer. Readers may watch that video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uChGJgfdsLU