Pure Progress offers balance (News Record 4/30/09)

To The Editor: I love South Orange and I love being able to serve our great town. Having served alongside my colleague and former running mate, Michael Goldberg, on the Board of Trustees for the past two years, I can say with out reservation that Michael is the right choice in the upcoming election for Board of Trustees.

I have also served with Michael on the Public Safety Committee, which he chairs, and watched as he has listened and acted on behalf of all residents that came forward with any concerns. We are lucky to have Michael on the board, and we need him to remain there for the next four years to continue the great progress that has been made.

As chair of a political women's group, I am also responsible for help ing to bring more women into local government, which is why I am equal ly excited about Michael's two Pure Progress running mates, Janine Bauer and Nancy Gould. I have gotten to know Janine through my role in the Forum and found her to be incredibly smart, hardworking, and passionate about all residents of our town. I also have known Nancy for several years and have found her to be equally smart, hardworking and passion ate about all of our residents. Knowing firsthand the hard work and expe rience that is required to serve on the Board of Trustees, I can confident ly say that Nancy and Janine are well qualified to serve our entire town well.

Our community is very special. We come from all different back grounds and experiences and different sides of the globe. Our one com monality is our love for our wonderful Village. The Pure Progress slate of Michael Goldberg, Janine Bauer and Nancy Gould offers a balance of experience and vision to represent all corners of this town, and I urge you to vote for Pure Progress, Row B, on May 12.

Deborah Davis Ford
South Orange

Pure Progress will bring change (News Record 4/30/09)

To the Editor: When Pure Progress was elected in 2007, there was a mandate for change. Our resounding victory was a statement from this community that we must move in a different direction from the failed policies and politics of the past. Row B candidates Michael Goldberg, Janine Bauer and Nancy Gould are the best candidates with both the qualifications and local expe rience to continue getting the job done.

Former Trustee Steve Steglitz has recently thrown his hat into the ring and has chosen to criticize myself and the rest of the current BOT. I find this surprising and more than a bit ironic when I think about the enormous number of accomplishments of the current board in just the past two years. More than 25 new businesses have opened, spending has been cut dramatically, our debt has been reduced, crime is down, a Senior Cit izens Advisory Committee has been created, shared services have begun with Maplewood, residents attending meetings are treated respectfully and repair of the the village infrastructure with the view to energy effi ciency is a top priority.

In contrast, when Steve Steglitz was a trustee, spending was at an all time high, debt increased more than 600 percent, crime was higher, sen iors were an afterthought, shared services were opposed and residents who raised concerns about finances were told to simply drink fewer lattes. We cannot afford to look in the rearview mirror. We need to continue to move forward for the benefit of all residents, which is why I urge you to support the Pure Progress team of Michael Goldberg, Janine Bauer and Nancy Gould in the upcoming election on May 12.

Howard Levison
South Orange

Voters should support Pure Progress (4/3/09)

To the Editor: On May 12, South Orange voters will have an opportunity to vote for Pure Progress candidates, Trustee Michael Goldberg, Janine Bauer and Nancy Gould, three uniquely-qualified individuals who possess the expe rience, knowledge and passion to serve our community as Village trustees.

Michael Goldberg was elected two years ago by a resounding margin, because South Orange residents were tired of the failed policies of the past and desperately sought positive change and new leadership for our village. Having served with Michael for the past two years, I've come to appreciate and value his commitment to fiscal responsibility, ensuring the public's safety, transparency in governing and the continuing revitaliza tion of our downtown.

Through observing and working with Janine Bauer, both as an interim trustee, Planning Board member, and as chair of the Environmental Com mission and River Greenway Committee, I have gained an appreciation for Janine's ability to sensibly protect and enhance our environment and open space, while successfully generating grant funding for the village.

And, while serving with Nancy Gould on the Planning Board and Development Committee, I've witnessed Nancy deftly apply her experi ence and insights as an accomplished professional planner and local real estate agent who keenly understands what residents value.

Successfully serving as a trustee requires a history of hands-on civic experience and an understanding of how to get the job done, for which there simply are no substitutes. And, it requires the ability to think and move beyond the past, rather than return to it, qualities only these candi dates possess.

On May 12, our community is counting on your vote for Pure Progress candidates, Trustee Michael Goldberg, Janine Bauer and Nancy Gould. That's why I urge you to vote for them.

Douglas C. Newman
South Orange

Steglitz should not return to board (News Record 4/3/09)

To the Editor:

I read with dismay your article about the return of Steve Steglitz to the South Orange political scene.

During his tenure on the Board of Trustees, Mr. Steglitz, a municipal bond salesman, led our village into record debt through the use of — you guessed it — bonding. As just one example, there is a $5 million payment due this summer that, according to the co-chair of the Citizen's Budget Advisory Board, we will most likely have to finance. This means we are borrowing to pay debt that Mr. Steglitz incurred for the ill conceived SOPAC financing. Finance strategies like this, Ponzi schemes really, are what has gotten us into the current financial mess that we all face.

Contrast this with Michael Goldberg, who heads the Line B Pure Progress ticket opposing Mr. Steglitz. Since his moving to town 12 years ago, Michael Goldberg has been involved in trying to fix this type of fis cal malfeasance. His activities on behalf of the citizens of this community remind me of the quote from Arundhati Roy: "Like me, you could ... be unfortunate enough to stumble upon a silent war. The trouble is that once you see it, you can't un-see it. And once you've seen it, keeping quiet, saying nothing, becomes as political an act as speaking out. Either way, you're accountable. "

Mr. Goldberg has defiantly not kept quiet. He has said "enough" to the practice of providing funding to every special interest group that appears before the board. This stance has not made him the most popular guy in town but it has made him the most fiscally responsible. Mr. Goldberg and his team have earned my respect and my vote.

I ask your readers to Vote Line B in the May 12 election.

Dan Shelffo
South Orange

Michael Goldberg (News Record Candidate's Essay 4/30/09)

Two years ago, after committing my time and experience to make South Orange an even better place, I was elected to serve on the Board of Trustees. With my newly-elected running mates, we set out an ambitious platform which included redeveloping and revitalizing the downtown, practicing disciplined fiscal management, reigning in property taxes, governing with respect and transparency, and supporting public safety. I am really proud to say that we have made great progress towards what we set out to accomplish.

Our downtown already looks much better! More than 25 new businesses have opened in the last two years alone, including Eden Marketplace. We increased commuter parking for residents by 77 percent. The Vision Plan, which will chart a positive course for downtown development for years to come, is nearing completion.

We made tough financial decisions, which achieved a successful outcome for both taxpayers and employees. We have significantly cut spending across the board and have kept personnel costs flat. We have aggressively sought out and received more than $1,000,000 in state aid and more than $1,000,000 in grants, easing pressures on the Village’s budget. We finally implemented and continue to explore shared services with Maplewood and, more recently, with Millburn.

Crime is down 12 percent in the last two years. We established evening foot patrols around Sloan Street and SOPAC. Our historic Firehouse is finally scheduled to re-open this summer.

Meetings are now run professionally and all residents/speakers are treated respectfully. All proposed ordinances are now posted online in advance of meetings. Agendas are announced publicly in advance of executive sessions; in addition, I have made a strong effort to foster even greater transparency by posting further details of what we are doing online, as well as on my blog.

We continue to make great progress; and, I know we can extend that progress into the future. I am very proud to be joined by Janine Bauer and Nancy Gould to continue working towards the goals we set out to accomplish. Nancy and Janine have critical knowledge of the issues and experience in dealing with them, and will be ready on Day 1 to serve the Village. We must ensure that we continue to move forward for the benefit of all residents of our great town.

To learn more about us and our goals and accomplishments, please check out www.pureprogress.org. And thank you in advance for voting for Pure Progress candidates on Row B on May 12th.

Janine Bauer (News Record Candidate's Essay 4/30/09)

Property tax relief is vital to the continuing health of our community and to attracting new residents and businesses to South Orange. If elected, my Pure Progress running mates, Trustee Michael Goldberg and Nancy Gould, and I will dedicate ourselves to advancing the economic stability and safety of the Village.

In its most basic form, local government was established to build, pave and plow streets, to remove trash, to provide clean water and sewers, to protect us from crime and fires, and to make and enforce the laws. Many other programs and services are important to our “quality” of life. Unless a program or service is mandated by the State, however, we need to carefully question whether to fund it with local tax dollars—and at what level. In these constrained times, we will all need to be even more energetic and creative about finding non-governmental resources to fund enriched services. I am sincerely committed to that goal, and I look forward to working with the entire community to “get it done.”

For over a decade, I directed a non-profit firm in New York City. This experience provided me with budget, management, and fundraising skills. Several non-profit boards asked me to serve as a director. As an attorney, I’ve garnered legislative experience that will serve the Village well in drafting and considering the implications of ordinances. I was fortunate enough to have served on the South Orange Planning Board for six years and understand the details of development applications. I helped guide new parts of our Master Plan. As part of the Environmental Commission, I have helped bring a number of projects to fruition and raise money for them; as a result, I feel qualified to suggest budgetary restraint because I understand what it takes to raise money for projects and services, having done it myself.

Pure Progress’ leadership over the last two years—on property taxes, the municipal budget, reducing debt, helping 25 new businesses open downtown, including Eden Marketplace, and fostering contributions to health care costs from Village employees, shows that Pure Progress is truly capable of getting it done.

To learn more about us, our goals and accomplishments, please check out www.pureprogress.org. And thank you in advance for voting for Pure Progress candidates on Row B on May 12th.

Nancy Gould (News Record Candidate's Essay 4/30/09)

Almost a decade ago, I began my real estate career in South Orange. I made a decision, even before moving here, that South Orange was where I wanted to work and live. After moving here, I immediately felt at home – it’s truly a great community, and I love being a part of it.

When Trustee Michael Goldberg asked me to join the Pure Progress team, I committed to work with him and Janine Bauer to help the town that I love become even better. I believe my expertise and experience as an accomplished local real estate agent, as an urban planner for 18 years, and as an active member of our community, serving on the Planning Board and the Development Committee, uniquely qualifies me to serve as a thoughtful, knowledgeable member and voice on our Board of Trustees.

South Orange clearly faces a number of critical issues. Taxes are a crushing burden for residents, and prospective homeowners often express concern about our high taxes. As a Trustee, I will work tirelessly with my colleagues to identify creative, fiscally-responsible relief for South Orange taxpayers. The Board’s current pursuit of shared services with Maplewood is an excellent first step, as is aggressively pursuing grants from County, State and Federal sources.  Far more must be done, and I pledge to help lead that effort.

Our downtown is improving continuously, with 25 new businesses opening in the past two years, including Eden Marketplace. But, that’s only a beginning, and more must be done to attract new businesses and make our downtown a destination. The nearly completed Vision Plan, on which I worked as a member of our Development Committee, will give the town a much needed blueprint for future, rational growth and improvements. I have years of experience in the execution of large-scale master plans, and will use my expertise to help the Board guide future development and increase commercial ratables as our economy recovers.

Cultural arts are vital to our well-being and community’s identity. As the Chair of the Board of Playwrights Theater of New Jersey, I am deeply committed to the arts and understand how important they are to residents. For this reason; I believe we should look comprehensively at the arts and identify creative ways to fund programs, whether through fundraising, grants or increased fees for non-residents.

To learn more about us, our goals and accomplishments, please check out www.pureprogress.org.  And thank you in advance for voting for Pure Progress candidates, on Row B, on May 12th.

Pure Progress team going door to door.

Gourmet food and progressive candidates.

Arts need fiscal responsibility (News Record 4/16/09)

To the Editor: I am a jazz musician/historian/ producer/ educator living in South Orange. I have spent a lifetime in the performing arts and have traveled all over the world doing so. I am also a supporter of Michael Goldberg and his Pure Progress ticket.

For several years, Goldberg has been a tireless advocate of fiscal responsibility in our community. A handful of local arts supporters have tried to create a false dichotomy between his stances and being a "friend of the arts."

Nothing could be further from reality. Especially now, it's essential that we have sober evaluations of what we as a community can afford to support, including the arts. Otherwise, our property taxes will rise to crushing levels and we'll cease to be an attractive place to live. Before being an "arts destination" -- which for South Orange at present is more wishful thinking than substance, a number of admirable arts programs notwithstanding -- we need to be a fiscally-stable destination.

In large part, the Board of Trustees is dealing with inherited contrac tual commitments from past years, the most egregious being SOPAC, a seemingly bottomless money pit that, whatever its artistic successes, seems unlikely to ever be self-supporting. No one on the board, including Goldberg, advocates a scorched-earth policy toward the arts.

Being fiscally responsible does not necessarily equate with being low brow Philistines. It simply means being prudent.

Bill Kirchner, South Orange

Support the Pure Progress ticket (News Record 4/16/09)

To the Editor: In these difficult financial times, South Orange is extremely fortunate to have the leadership of Michael Goldberg, joined by his colleagues on the Pure Progress Team, Janine Bauer and Nancy Gould. Good govern ment, transparency, and education of the polity are the hallmarks of their effort. Mr. Goldberg has always made himself available, tirelessly responding to citizens' concerns about civic matters, whether they be taxes, the arts, parking, safety, environmental issues and quality-of-life concerns.

Ms. Bauer and Ms. Gould have already served our community in important official capacities. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expe rience that we need for the important decisions that lay ahead.

A lot has been accomplished in the past two years. More than 25 new businesses have been established and progress in South Orange continues apace, but poor fiscal decisions by past administrations have left the vil lage with enormous financial obligations, compounded by the faltering national economy.

We need the expertise of the Pure Progress team to help us survive and thrive. The citizens and voters have the opportunity to endorse this progress and to have Mr. Goldberg's leadership for the next four years. Please vote for Michael Goldberg, Janine Bauer and Nancy Gould for Board of Trustees.

Robert Landau, South Orange

Support Pure Progress ticket (News Record 4/9/09)

To the Editor: I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the Michael Gold berg, Janine Bauer and Nancy Gould on the "Pure Progress" ticket in the trustees election in the South Orange on May 12. I have known both Michael and Janine for almost 10 years.

I first worked with Michael when he was one of the citizen leaders in the successful fight to prevent construction of nearly 200 rental units in the old quarry, which undoubtedly has saved every taxpayer in town thou sands of dollars in school taxes. He has continued working for fiscal responsibility, transparency in government and common sense governing. I have worked with Janine Bauer on the River Greenway Committee, which she is chairwoman of, for several years and found her a smart and savvy person who knows how to get things done. I am very impressed by her success in obtaining grants for the project. Her professional legal expertise in land use, environmental, transportation and contracts issues will be a huge benefit to the town.

I am supporting the Pure Progress ticket of Michael Goldberg, Janine Bauer and Nancy Gould, and I hope you will, too.

Kirk Barrett, South Orange

Pure Progress is fiscally responsible (News Record (4/9/09)

To the Editor: We are supportive of the Pure Progress ticket of Michael Goldberg, Janine Bauer and Nancy Gould, as they seem to get it. They understand the No. 1 issue in South Orange is the ever-increasing property taxes. Pure Progress is supportive of the current village administration's decision to cut positions and funding for services and programs in order to balance the budget.

As residents of South Orange who are active in the community and supportive of the arts, we are amazed at the recent outcry to not cut non essential spending, with a looming tax increase of 26 percent. Do these people think that a 26 percent increase in their property taxes is not pos sible? Ask residents in Hoboken. Did we think that our property taxes would increase by 48 percent in five years? Anything is possible and 26 percent is a reality if our village administration is not allowed to cut non essential spending.

In addition, the Pure Progress ticket, if elected, will continue on this same path of fiscal responsibility to lessen the tax burden and make South Orange more affordable. It's a matter of priorities, and public safety and education are our priorities, not non-essential services. In the end, does it really matter if we lose some services and are not as much of an arts des tination, if we can't afford to live here? Pure Progress really gets that, too!

John and Renee Sammaro, South Orange

Vote `yes' to Pure Progress ticket (News Record 4/9/09)

To the Editor: Change for South Orange began two years ago, with the initiation of the original Pure Progress ticket. But, as we all know, change takes time, change takes initiative, but, most of all, change takes dedication. The Pure Progress ticket of 2009, consisting of incumbent Michael Goldberg, Janine Bauer and Nancy Gould, possess that dedication.

I moved to South Orange with my family a little more than two years ago and have come to feel part of this town in a very short time. So much so, I explored the possibility of running for the Board of Trustees myself. The exploration process taught me a great deal about the inner workings of the village Board of Trustees and specific decisions that have been made in the past two years. I learned that these decisions are not easy and, in some cases, actually limit South Orange's exposure to potential future financial obligations.

In order to gain the support of the public, transparency is necessary. Michael has done his best to force recipients of public funds to publish financials and plans and, when he didn't receive what he asked for, he voted "No." It is this kind of strength that South Orange needs. I am con fident that Janine and Nancy will bring this strength to the board and hope that the people of South Orange recognize these qualities.

We are in a tax mess and we can't make decisions based on how deci sions were made in the past. Times have changed and we need to think outside the box to make extraordinary things happen. Michael, Janine and Nancy will think innovatively and make decisions accordingly.

Please make sure you register and cast your vote for Michael, Janine and Nancy on May 12.

Scott A. Greenstone, South Orange

Pure Progress Announces Ticket for May 2009 South Orange Municipal Election

NJ March 19, 2009, South Orange, --- With 3 Village Trustee positions up for grabs in the May 12, 2009 municipal election, South Orange residents Trustee Michael Goldberg, Janine Bauer, and Nancy Gould have joined forces and formed a new Pure Progress ticket.

South Orange residents and followers of local politics will recall Pure Progress' resounding victory, by nearly a 2 to 1 margin, over incumbent Village President Bill Calabrese and his team in 2007. Pure Progress* platform highlighted by a renewed focus on downtown redevelopment, improved fiscal management and governing with respect, integrity and transparency resonated with voters in what was the largest municipal election turnout in South Orange history.

Ten year village resident, software engagement manager and incumbent Village Trustee Michael Goldberg heads the new Pure Progress slate. "I'm looking forward to this campaign and continuing to work with village residents," stated Goldberg. "Even in the midst of a global economic crisis and massive challenges on the local level I'm very proud of what we've been able to accomplish in the last 2 years. I also recognize that we have a lot more work to do and I am thrilled that Janine Bauer and Nancy Gould have joined our team."

Having previously served as an interim Trustee and as a member of the Planning Board and Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, Janine Bauer is no stranger to village issues. "Janine is incredibly smart, hard working, passionate about South Orange, and provides skills that will dramatically enhance the board while positively impacting our residents," stated Goldberg. "First and foremost Janine is a proven fundraiser. Residents might be surprised to know that Janine is directly responsible for procuring over $1.2 million in village grants." Issues like development, open space, cost savings through energy efficiency and the "greening" of South Orange directly align with Ms. Bauer/s expertise as an environmental attorney.

Bauer, who ran against the Pure Progress slate in 2007 has an optimistic outlook and believes combining her talent and expertise with the current board is what will be necessary to meet many future challenges. "We're at a critical juncture right now in the village and it's time to move beyond politics of the past. One thing we all agree upon is continuing the progress that has been made. I'm ready for the challenge," said Bauer.

Current Planning Board member, former member of the Downtown Management Corporation, 4 year Montrose resident and local realtor Nancy Gould rounds out the ticket. Her background also includes being a Partner in a large Architectural and Engineering firm where she managed multi-million dollar development projects and was in charge of the Planning and Urban design departments. "Nancy offers very relevant and diverse skills to our community," stated Goldberg. "Whenever I talk to residents, one of their primary concerns is property values. South Orange residents are engaged and recognize that good local government not only improves the community at-large but also enhances one of their biggest investments, their home. Nancy offers a birds-eye view as to why residents are attracted to our village, what makes them stay and why they might leave. Obviously, this is useful insight as we strive to constantly improve the village."

Additionally, Ms. Gould serves as the President of the Board of Playwrights Theater in Madison. "I've always had a passion for live theater, music and the arts, stated Gould. I know the important role the arts have played and will continue to play in our community. Many of my clients are initially attracted to South Orange, stay here and thrive here because we are a unique community that embraces the arts."

Lastly, Pure Progress announced that plans are being developed for a 2009 election kickoff, Candidate's mixer and fundraiser. A formal announcement will be made shortly.

South Orange Election Day is May 12, 2009