SOD Hosting Candidates Night Wednesday
Candidates for New Milford Borough Council will be answering questions from residents.
SOD (Stop Over Development) is hosting Candidates Night Wednesday at 7:30pm at David E. Owens Middle School (DEOMS).
Candidates Night has been organized to give the four candidates vying for the two open council seats a chance to answer questions posed by residents.
The Democratic Candidates are: Councilman Austin Ashley and former Councilman Michael Putrino. The Republican Candidates are: Council President Howard Berner (R) and former Councilman Peter Rebsch.
The League of Women Voters will be moderating the event.
Miriam Pickett, Executive Director of SOD, said, "All issues will be covered and questioning will not be limited to just those regarding the development of the United Water property."
Prior to the start of Candidates Night, SOD will be holding a meeting for the general membership beginning at 7 pm at DEOMS.
"This is your opportunity to find out which candidates will support your vision for the future of New Milford," Pickett said.
"This is a crucial election and we need to be prepared to cast our votes accordingly."
Ulises
9:08 pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
I don't know if New Milford has ever had a Candidates Nights, if it did it must of been a long time ago. Every vote counts in elections and getting to know where your representatives stand on the issues, that will shape the future of the town, makes you more prepared when it's time to choose on election day. Please come tomorrow and partake in an evening that truly shapes the freedoms and liberties we take for granted, and many in the world envy.
Mary McElroy
8:55 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
I'll be there but I think we both know that where our representatives stand pre and post election are always two different things. On the other hand, I've heard more plans for NM & who stands where on the Patch during the last two weeks than I've heard from the incumbents & some sitting council members during the last two years attending council meetings. Both groups now have 'plans' but I think it's more appropriate to call them sales pitches. Basically, they are touting the same thing but it's not their plan, it's SOD's plan. Perhaps if our representatives had spent a little more time executing their like-minded vision & building a consensus among the parties instead of trying to make the other group look bad, we'd be in better shape. At the very least, it will be interesting to hear it all & of course, it's all going to be done at no cost to the taxpayer which is always the greatest farce of all but people keep buying it.
Lori Barton
1:33 pm on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
This is your opportunity to ask ANY questions concerning the future of New Milford. This is not only about the Suez/United Water land. Please come to meet all of the candidates. How refreshing to be able to make a truly educated decision on Election Day.
Jimmy Drake
8:27 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
I think it might have been appropriate to offer the Board of Education candidates a chance to present themselves also.
The Board of Education wasn't too thrilled with SOD issues either - before there was even a SOD program.. and I do believe they qualify as candidates on our town's VERY CONFUSING election.
Just remember:
Party # 1 Party # 2
Pres/VP
US Senate
House of Representatives
Freeholder's
Town Council
Board of Education FOUR candidates vying for only Three slots
Joe Steele
Laura O'Grady
Jim Prendergast
Darren Drake
Bd of Education ONE YEAR term only
Chris Ryan
Public question # 1 YES or NO
Public Question # 2 YES or NO
ALL IN ENGLISH, SPANISH AND KOREAN
So, with a challenging ballot such as this first of it's kind, I think the candidates should at least be given a chance to say hello. Holding it at DEO is a rub and not inviting BOE candidate's to have a few moments is just impolite.
new milford dad of 3
8:38 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
I agree with you on this Jimmy very well thought
Jimmy Drake
8:41 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Thank you.
Rosemary Fuhrman
9:11 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
I hope that many New Milford residents will attend this Candidate's night at DEOMS at 7:30 p.m. More and more residents have become informed and concerned about differing visions for the future of our borough. Please take the time to meet the council candidates and ask them to articulate their vision for our shared future. This is a perfect opportunity to see the wheels of a representative democracy in action.
Ulises
10:44 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Jimmy, we didn't think of asking the BoE candidates and maybe we should have. We encourage them to show up tonight and meet their constituents. Our apologies if you thought we were impolite but it was more of an oversight since this is the first time we've ever hosted such an event. I hope the BoE candidates show up tonight.
Jimmy Drake
11:13 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Really nice of you to say that Ulises. Thanks.
I know Darren and Joe will bring a letter from Superintendent Mike Polizzi to the M & C dated September 16th 2011, detailing how the B o E feels about the Water Property and the effect that over development it will have on the school system.
And as far as the B o E candidates go, we all have to remember that as Lori will attest, BoE elected members get ZERO compensation. Their required reading and research is on a college level and their decisions will help the school administrators through some challenging times coming up.
All for our most important product - Our youth and leaders of tomorrow.
Thanks again.
jimmy
Lori Barton
1:28 pm on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
There is a WONDERFUL letter from Superintendent of Schools Michael Polizzi in today's Patch (letter to the editor). He has it right; too bad the Mayor doesn't.