Elia said I left too soon for him to explain that Hopatcong had a AA rating and their bond yield they have to pay investor is in the low 1%. See link...

http://www.bondview.com/pricecheck/issuer/439340DX5

You see any current yields in the low 1%? No but I see a lot of 2, 3 and 4% yields.

How about the star ratings. The US government has a AA rating. You see any 5 stars for Hopatcong? NO but I see a lot of 2's 3's and 4 stars.

Market Rating Explanation for ratings
Treasury Bonds - considered risk free AA. Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
5 Stars - Best quality and stable borrowers.
4 Stars - Also high quality borrowers, with slightly more risk than 5 star borrowers.
3 Stars - More sensitive to changes in the economy that can affect price and yield.
2 Stars - Increasing economic volatility can lead to even wider swings in price and yield.
1 Star - Borrowers are vulnerable to changes in the economy which can impact ability to meet commitments.
0 Stars Very vulnerable to changes in the economy and considered speculative.

Here's the most amusing thing....look at all the refinance issues paying 4%

HOPATCONG BORO N J REF-SWR, 4.50%, 08/01/2033

HOPATCONG BORO N J REF-GEN, 4.00%, 08/01/2017

HOPATCONG BORO N J REF-SWR, 4.30%, 08/01/2026

Click on anyone one that says REF....we refinanced debt. LOL!

Then look at the volatility rating...3 stars is VERY volatile to market swings. Higher risk means higher yields.

You forgot to add they only pay 100,000 on 602 acres! That's $166.00 per acre. We are paying $18000,00.00 per acre!! I have 1/3 acre paying $6000.00 per year! Maybe it's time to write the attorney general.

I think it's just digusting That the average tax bill is over $6500.00 in this town!!!!!
It's just not worth it.....Add to that the people who have to pay the sewer fees and your talking in the $9000.00 range!!!!!
This is just wrong in so many ways......What exactly do you get for your tax dollar? Plowed roads in the winter, Garbage collection that has been cut back over the years, a school system that is failing and rated near the bottom of the state, selective enforcment of ordinances...... Yea this is what NJ is known for.....It's a dam shame.

Sure the economy is a factor but if a potential buyer does their homework, it's no wonder you can't give houses away in Hopatcong!

When the wealthiest are getting property tax deductions via land trusts they are not paying there fair share in taxes. We are taxing this unfair shortfall by lost commercial property and spreading that short fall among the middle-class. The reassessment is this unfair tax devaluation spread fairly among the midde-class. Like fools everyone says what an equitable thing this is. This is the core of my argument to the council who went ahead and voted to have this burden placed on the middle-class. No matter how you slice and dice this, the middle-class is having difficulty with this $15M budget. This does not help the homeowner who is delinquent or has a tax lien. This was not discussed. So we are being reassesed to balance a bad budget and to make up for all the properties they have in land trusts were they are no longer included as commercial property. Our town has become the tax heaven for land trust deals that our Mayor and Council where more than happy to accommodate. Ursin, Bunce and Baker on the list of people who gave pubic statement to support a Commercial Shooting License for MMK-Hudson Farms. Commercial activities with handsome membership fees on Tax exempt reclassified "non - Commercial" property. I have an idea for economic development - Why doesn't Hopatcong raise income from a Sports Club with all our undeveloped land and charge handsome membership. That would generate revenue for our town. Ooops someone took that idea for their private Bermuda business.

Lurky Loo...I just did look at the Zillow Observer.....here's the graph of house values in Hopatcong.

http://www.zillow.com/local-info/NJ-Hopatcong-home-value/r_52570/

I have been very critical of the Mayor. But I am going to give her credit for TWO things she said last night that she was 100% correct about:

1. She did the last reassessment at the height of the housing market in 2008 - CORRECT.

2. The housing market has a long way to fall before it recovers in Hopatcong - CORRECT.

A borough of sheep breeds a government of wolves! Look around you and see who's interconnected in this borough. Then see why you feel so "screwed". We created the situation by trusting our elected officials too much. Now we're going to get eaten alive.

Also heard that the new secretary to the Council run Land Use Board is a cronies's wife. Hopatcong has def become a family run operation hasn't it?

I realize I am "just" a taxpayer who owns two homes in Hopatcong (wish I only owned one but for some reason can't seem to sell one of them) and my thoughts and opinions really don't matter to our elected officials because I cannot afford to make donations to partially cover the cost of making Borough Hall comfy and pretty (I can only cover the balance with my tax dollars without being asked if I minded) but still, I can't help myself, I do have thoughts and opinions. Here's today's thought..... If you hold a meeting and your constituents are so angry about the topic of the meeting that you feel the need for police protection wouldn't logic dictate that perhaps you need to "reassess" your plans? I don't know about the rest of you but I am so sick of this "we know better than you" attitude of our Mayor and Council. If we, the taxpayers, want them to trade in all the town vehicles for clown cars and have all town employees dress as clowns then that's how it should be. Our elected officials act as if this is THEIR town and they ALLOW us to live in it. When are we going to stand up and let them know this is OUR town and we ALLOW THEM to represent it?

Well anyone who tried last night got screamed at by the Mayor! She's a nasty thing!

Randy, Michelle, here is a link for you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFnFr-DOPf8&feature=youtube_gdata_player I do know that Randy, in particular, likes links.

Tammy, LL, you are of course able to have an opinion - Personally, I am not so sure you represent the majority on your opinion - vocal minority - quite possibly however. That is what elections are for - feel free to run on the clown suit platform - if you win - that would cearly indicate that the majority of the population agreed with you and we would soon thereafter see you and others zooming around in little clown cars. The way I heard the meeting went - Michelle has a real problem playing well with others, clearly articulating any point, and speaking out of turn in a public meeting governed by Roberts Rules. It was too bad that Randy needed to run out of the meeting so early - I heard that there were some answers for him.

Alright - here's how I see it - the town will reassess, and many of us will see our assessed values drop. But the town will raise the tax rate so they won't have to cut the budget. Then, when the housing market rebounds, say 5 years down the road, they'll vote for another reassessment. Our home values will go back up, but they won't cut the tax rate. The town will see a windfall increase in taxes collected, but they'll say that it's because house values have recovered, and not because they raised taxes.

*Side Note Worthy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Kellogg

(I found it an interesting read.)

Interesting indeed! I see he already has experience in shirking his tax duties.
Taxes

Kellogg is the controlling shareholder of IAT Reinsurance Co. which has received media attention in the past for its former use of a U.S. law exempting small insurance companies from paying federal tax. Congress exempted insurance companies from taxes if they collected less than $350,000 in annual premiums; IAT qualified for this exemption at one time.[8]

Yep, it’s that filthy 1% again thinking they’re the aristocracy and that the laws of the common folk don’t and shouldn’t apply to them. I remember reading about a revolution some years back that in part was fought to deal with the disparity between the privileged and the slobs. Anybody remember that too?

Finally, they see michele for who or what she she thinks she is. No she does not play well with others. Very self-centered, her way or no way. Look how far her way got everyone. She has done nothing or ever will. she's really got to stop her name calling and enough with heritage issue. starting to get old. Good for Marie. Believe me that was going through no matter what ,10 people there or 100. This is politics. Michele made fun of me and the "olden days" and the way they did politics way back when, guess what same old same old. I live here because I like it here. Why go pay higher taxes elsewhere. what kind of services does everyone want. If you get more you pay more. what we don't have subways, skyscrapers, tunnels,big department stores..they plow the roads, pick up the garbage , get the children back and forth to school, great police dept, fire dept, ambulance. a plaza, enough food stores and eateries, liquior factory, cleaners, gas stations, bank, post office deli's, nail places beauty salons. What more do you want from a small town. Like I said you want more your going to have to pay more. Okay Michele, I'm ever so ready for your trashing, like I really care what you think. Move on you lost the battle. pack that boloney sandwhich along with the baloney that plays out with you on patch.

http://www.thenation.com/article/159943/tax-day-farms-owned-rich-provide-massive-tax-shelter#

Anything in this article sound familiar? It's pointless to argue with the Town Council over this issue as they really have no control on taxing Farmlands. You're barking up the wrong tree. It's a waste of time and energy. There is really nothing the mayor can do in getting Hudson Farm to pay more in taxes since it is considered Farmland. The municipality has no control in those kinds of tax breaks. There are more issues that can and should be addressed. Like controling spending, concerns over merging boards, what plans they have in revitalizing the River Styx Bridge area and how they plan on making it more desireable for businesses to open here.

Interesting...for "Randy needing to run out of the meeting so early - I heard that there were some answers for him". I left early because the SS troops were called in to surpress the crowd and the answers I was getting from Elia were misleading like he was with the authorities in Saddle Brook when $1M went missing. Now we have the "spin doctor".

Tina B...so what has Kellogg done for Hopatcong besides take valuable tax dollars away from us as Open Land from the borough? Across the lake looks what's happening...

http://hopatcong.patch.com/articles/report-man-donates-100k-to-lake-hopatcong

Well I am all for setting aside some land for Open Space (not for the ultra rich to have their favorite hunting club on), we need business development in this borough. Kellogg needs to free up a few hundred thousand then I'll know he cares as much for Hopatcong as he does for his residency of Short Hills. Become a "giver" and not a "taker" in this borough.

Lurky Loo...I think Galate was more afraid of being hit with a shoe. I saw that happen on a news reel once at another Republican event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSHNRNi91wQ

Thanks Tammy....I can be a very determined person for what I believe in and one of the things I hate are the LOW standard of ethics in this borough.

What is wrong with some of you people. Your over-the-top hatred for people you likely have never met and certainly have never had a civil conversation with is disgusting. You complain about EVERYTHING, often using foul language and personal attacks ..... yet, you offer NO solutions. The only "positive" posts I have seen from some of you, is when you stroke one of your compatriots vile posts.

I hope everyone enjoys the upcoming summer weekend.

GOD Bless the United States of America.
GOD Bless the United States Military.

From what I understand, they produce firewood. All they need is 5 acres of land that produces firewood to be considered as farmland. Do I think it is right? No! But it is completely legal. Is there anything that the mayor or town council can do to get them to pay more taxes? No, since they are farmland. Would it be nice if Kellogg freed up a few hundred thousand for the town of Hopatcong? Yes. But fighting this issue is wasted time since what he is doing is legal. It may not be fair, but it is legal. I saw the police officer come in, talk to Galate, they walked out of the room together, and then she returned alone. I didn't see it as her calling for police protection (maybe, I'm wrong). I thought he just came in to talk to her about something. She didn't leave the room to go get him. He came in on his own. The reassesment is going to happen. Will it make a huge impact on what we are currently paying in taxes? No. The budget is what the budget is. The only way our taxes will go down is if the budget goes down or more businesses come in and make the town more appealing for out of towners to spend time here. Either the town pays 300,000 for the reassesment or they pay $150,000 or more in tax appeals.

Tammy, Sorry I stand by what I said. People know her by her posts on patch. She loves telling people what to do.I don't want her speaking for me. Had children graduate from the system, grandchildren that still attend. I am by far not a wealthy person, but I faced reality about what goes on in politics. it's a game, just listen to the presidential candidates. whoever plays the game best wins. Sad but true. michele doen't know how to play the game, that is why she doesn't make any headway. this is my opinion, no one has to agree with me, and I don't have to agree with michele or anyone else. Just saying how I feel, just like you did. Tammy i have done my sgare of rocking the boat. You always 5 minutes to speak, but if your interuppting your losing time to speak your mind. I always said it is how you approach people, never had a problem. I was concerned not to long ago about an issue with my taxes and I called the Mayor and she directed me to the person I had to speak to and issue resolved. I didn't scream at her or make demands. I am sure you do not like people screaming at you and the mayor and council are people.I find no matter where you choose to live there are problems and in order to resolve them respect on both sides is expected. You give it ,it will come back to you, you don't and no one will hear you. I am sorry if I offended you in any way,but it still will not make me change MY opinion.

Laker....are you new to Hopatcong Patch? Solution is BANKRUPTCY! We can't produce $ out of thin air like the fed. Only way out of the $61M mountain of debt, the employment contracts the BOE and borough negotiated, etc. It's unsustainable!!!! Ever hear of the term "robbing Peter to pay Paul". That's what they're doing everytime they roll over debt and they've done it about 20 times this past year. Why? Interest rates are low. But nothing gets paid down. Instead we take on new debt. I am waiting for interest rates to go up. Watch where sewer/water rates go and property taxes increase to. We'll be in worse shape by then.

Michele. I bated you. because you responded. Wait with baited breath, hahahahaha. Hey missy, I won your out of my radar. Before I forget , California called, they want you, they heard what a great job you did for Hopatcong.

Unfortunately, I was not able to make the meeting as I had a deadline to meet. I did however email Mayor and all council members with a respectful, legitimate suggestion and received a flippant response directly from the mayor. I'm actually amazed she found the time to respond to a lowly citizen, given the tending her landscaping shrine requires.

Rockon...OMG....Community Garden? Did that produce some tax revenue (besides possibly sales tax for NJ) for Hopatcong? We need TAX revenue from business. Don't u get it? BUSINESS TAX REVENUE so we can pay salaries, benefits and pensions plus debt principal, interest, etc. Get it???? Tell the Mayor to get that Economic Development Plan going or was that just another empty campaign promise?

Why do I have a bad feeling that all the lakefront homeowers are going to get screwed with another 25% tax hike just like the last time

Stock up on KY, the baloney biscuit is a comin'

Michelle,
I had some cretins on my salad at noon but they were awfully hard to swallow!

Anybody notice the nice new vehicles Hopatcong DOT drive, or the nice new steel building at the recycling center (what is it even for), or the nice overhang for the DOT gas fill, or all of the landscaping around the town hall? How much of our taxes went to those?

Wake up and smell the manure, mayor and council will have us all out to pasture

Well Rockon...if you didn't get it "I was referring to $....big $". Not a new countertop. The kind he spends on his boys at the club. The kind the Mayor spends on new cars for borough employees and new trucks for DPW workers. Oh wait...that was long term capital expenditures or may be even a grant "money we don't have to pay back". LOL! Forgive me but it's just the attitude of the Mayor and Council. I still drive my 2007 Ford Explorer with 125,000 miles on it. Why? Because when the recession hit in 2008 I cut back on capital expenses. I was looking at new trucks last month. Couldn't justify it even as a needed business expense. So I bought new tires, did a tune up and oil change and ran with the old one for another couple years.

Rockon...the shrine the Mayor built for herself out in front of Borough Hall is priceless.

Too bad the rest of the borough beyond the mayor's 50' radius is ignored....

Rockon....I thought you just told me Peter Kellogg did a lot for the Community Garden? Now you're telling me "no political agenda"? Which is it? Or are they both the same?

Rockon...I just need to know the number as in $ figure rather than "priceless". Cause "priceless" to me has something to do with a credit card commercial. So let me know the $ investment he made.

Tammy. To challenge the mayor would be taking steps backwards for me. No need to. I wouldn't want her job if they told I would be paid six figures and benefits and free vacations. Running a town isn't easy. totally not like running a home. Large scale and so many people to deal with. I know she took the responsibility on and she's in it for the long haul. she knows that too. Give her credit. I think the mess from Dick Hodson and his sewers really took a toll on this town. millions of dollars wasted and it still isn't completed. Not her fault. so in order to get us out of the mess she has to do certain things . this situation just didn't start with her it has been going on far to many years before she threw her hat into the ring.. I voted for her and I would vote for her again. Give her a chance. attitudes flying all over the place and you can see nothing is accomplished. There are two things in this world we can never change and that is death and taxes. Sorry to be so morbid but that's the truth. we have got to stop fighting each other. I still don't agree with roll back and you know who, there way isn't cutting it and they have been at this a long time. so what does tell you. not working find another method. they go to the attorney general, for what. I tried that once. I really think they have a file 13 for petty things. So all the proper papers being filed and percentages,calculations, dead end. if all of that worked we wouldn't be having this conversation. Goodnight!

Hi Emily---By "challenge" I meant to question her or disagree with her or prove her wrong. I did not mean to run against her in an election. It's good that you support the Mayor, it brings on healthy debates and discussions. I agree with you that she inherited a horrible mess but it was her choice to put her hat in the ring. I don't see where she has done anything to clean up that mess. In my opinion she has foolishly spent our tax dollars many times. I also think she does not respect the opinions of the very people she is supposed to be representing. While I respect your right to disagree with other posters I find it ironic that you stated "their way isn't cutting it and they have been at this a long time" The very same could be said about our Mayor. Take care.

Well we're not the only ones pissed about their assessment, Byram residents are NOT happy! Roughly 200 LAKE residents saw and average INCREASE of 20% .The rest of the town (3000 homes) either went down, up to 7% for some, to an increase of 1% for the rest.

Ever since the last assessment people have been complaining about it. Now, the council seems to be trying to address those issues and people are complaining about that. Guess there are just two sure things in life: Taxes and people complaining about them. I’m bowing out as it seems as though this format is just used as a complaining board. Enjoy guys.

Byram another Town who got 100's of acres gobbled up by a MMK Reinsurance Bermuda Ltd Land Trust deal - a reduction in assessment values and tax ratables. Giving away land to the wealthy like this it will impact a Town's tax revenues. Why is this math hard to figure out by the powers that be. Use to get money from Peter and Paul. Now only getting money just from Paul. Before 1+1=2 then 0+2=2 see how the math always brings you back to the same total. Problem solved - right?

Speaking of Peter and Paul. I've been out of the market since the end of last year.

http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/startling-evidence-that-central-banks-and-wall-street-insiders-are-rapidly-preparing-for-something-big

"As anger rises, riots on the streets of American cities are inevitable. “Yes, yes, yes,” he says, almost gleefully. The response to the unrest could be more damaging than the violence itself. “It will be an excuse for cracking down and using strong-arm tactics to maintain law and order, which, carried to an extreme, could bring about a repressive political system, a society where individual liberty is much more constrained, which would be a break with the tradition of the United States.”

If you were the at the Hopatcong Council Meeting that night, you may have witnessed the beginning of what it will be like when people get angry enough. Like I said, "anger" is one letter short of "danger" and who will be left standing driving the car off the financial cliff?

Unfortunately, the American public is never told to prepare because authorities never want "to panic" the general population. That's what Hopatcong is doing. We're in debt up to our eyeballs and they're denying it.

Actually MMK Reinsurance has over 1,000 acres and pays less than $100,000 in taxes. Largest landowner in Hopatcong pays the LEAST amount per acre. Plus we are officially $61M in debt now because they borrowed another $1.8 M to finance NEW debt. Who do they think they are the federal government.

http://thealternativepress.com/towns/hopatcong/articles/hopatcong-properties-to-be-reassessed

Guttenberg was particularly critical of the taxes paid by MMK Reinsurance Bermuda Ltd., owner of Hudson Farms. She said she had paperwork indicating Hudson Farms was not being taxed at its full valuation. Ursin said as a non-profit MMK was actually paying more than could be expected.

Guttenberg said Hudson Farms has 602 acres in Hopatcong and only pays $100,000 a year in taxes.

Resident Randall Paulenich said the borough allowed MMK a farmland assessment. Ursin said rules for farmland assessment are set by the state.

Paulenich said, as he has before, the borough is in financial trouble because of $59 million in debt. Petillo said the bonds were issued when sewers were put in and to make state Department of Environmental Protection mandated repairs to the water system and are paid off through sewer and water fees.

And just so you know where did Peter Kellogg make all his billions? From the sale of his business to Goldman Sachs right BEFORE the financial collapse. The same company WE as "taxpayers" bailed out with Tarp funds. I not saying he sold them junk. All I am saying it's another way we got "fleeced" as Americans by the "ultra rich" and got holding the bag. All Hopatcong needs to do is be honest and fair with us. All these tax appeals (money spent on both sides) could have been avoided if when we walked into the tax assessors office armed with a certified home appraisal, the Assessor could have reduced our taxes on the spot. Should of, would of, could of. Claim bankruptcy NOW before we're at this again next year after the reassessment and our home values have fallen even further. This isn't Short Hills (where Peter Kellogg lives) with an endless stream of millionaires and billionaires.

Interesting sent us a Youtube link about not getting angry. I uploaded a pdf on this post to get you ANGRY. It is the list of names that gave public comment regarding Hudson Farms (MMK Reinsurance Bermuda Ltd) CSP - Commercial Shooting License for them to operate their elite private shooting club. On the list was our Attorney Ursin and Councilman Bunce and Baker. This clearly demonstrates the prejudicial favoritism are officials have for the largest landholder and the largest tax exempt recipient of Land Trusts in Hopatcong. Tax property reassessment reductions that will be spread out for you to pay as the middle class when it is incorporated into the new tax rate.The assessed valuation of commercial properties is -minus , negative - $21,264,900 from 2007 that is over $21 MILLION Dollars. What was one of the major causes - converting commercial properties into special land trusts. Who will be paying the tax revenue lost on this -YOU WILL. So as you think about the unfairness of your neighbor getting that property reassessment reduction on their home, think about the BIG MILLION DOLLAR players of tax reduction reassessments and the Council members and Town Attorneys that are probably getting discounted memberships to an elite sporting club in short driving distances from our City Hall. And for "Interesting" this is my favorite YouTube clip http://youtu.be/WINDtlPXmmE

LOL...."when you're mad as hell you'll do something about it". Old program was TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program). New program coming soon will be FART (Furthering the A**holes, Retirement Transition) when the next downturn occurs. But I will say this...."birds of a feather stick together". Who was associated w/Kellogg?

http://www.blackstarnews.com/news/125/ARTICLE/6581/2010-06-01.html

On January 6, 2010 The New York Times published an article, “New Jersey Governor’s Brother Asset And A Risk.”

Chris Christie is Governor of New Jersey. But the question is: Who is Todd Christie his brother?

"Todd was one of the top 10 senior managing directors at Spear Leeds and Kellogg when it was purchased in 2000 by Goldman Sachs for in excess of $6 billion. But there is one glaring mistake in the Times article; the amount of money that Todd received as a partner in Spear Leeds and Kellogg when Goldman Sachs purchased SLK. And that error casts doubt upon this article. The article states that Todd received $60 million when Goldman purchased Spear. That sum of $60 million is the cash, which Todd had in Spear Leeds. That does not include the shares (units) of Todd’s partnership stake in Spear. So let's examine the units, which various individuals held in Spear Leeds and Kellogg.

continued....

Under pressure from Grasso, who could order the legal department to investigate Goldman, Goldman agreed to prop up the price of the stock by using its specialist unit and its stock trading unit to trade the stock of AIG in order to keep its price high. In 2003 it was reported that Goldman had lost $14 million since 2000, when it purchased Spear Leeds, to artificially maintain the price of AIG at a high level.

This was at Goldman’s trading desk and did not include losses from its specialist unit. At that time the Securities Exchange Act prohibited a brokerage firm from trading stocks in which it acted as the specialist. And as I proved in my article, “AIG And Stock Manipulation,” it is illegal for a specialist unit to support the price of the stock.

Now the question remains: “Who was the specialist in AIG stock for Goldman Sachs?” And that information is public information as recounted in “Blood On The Street” by Charles Gasparino. The specialist was Todd Christie.

Todd was never charged with violations of the Securities Exchange Act. The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Richard Kelley was a Republican. Chris Christie was United States Attorney for New Jersey.

And according to published accounts, Todd Christie had donated $400,000 to the Republican Party coffers.

Such is the state of America.

Joe...try to get the schools improved to be perform at least "average" that way when we pay 53% of our tax dollars towards it we know we're getting something in return. BTW...doesn't your wife sit on the school board? Your last name is spelled different "Buongiorno" instead of "Bongiormo". If that's true all the people in my RBOT group helped get her the job and our schools are worse off then they were 5 years ago!

Here's the deal RBOT RealBadOnTruth. Since you and many of the bloggers on this site against me can't identify yourselves of tell us what you stand for, I consider your comments self centered because you're either related to some one or have a vested interest in the borough. So here's a song to go along with your posts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdiRhzTsSnk

Sounds like Joe B in using the words "arrogant and disreSpectful" is describing the Mayor and Council to a T. I enjoyed your "rehearsed" remarks too Joe. Were you "planted" by the Mayor? If so, keep up the good work!

RBOT RealBadOnTruth what are you talking about? You're delusional.

Joe B...look at attachment above acerage in Hopatcong. Hudson Farms pays a little over $85,000 in property taxes on 19 acres where's there's a main building and a few smaller buildings.

http://tax1.co.monmouth.nj.us/cgi-bin/m4.cgi?district=1912&l02=191250002____00007_________M

The rest of the 1,070 plus acres in Hopatcong they pay almost nothing on this list because it's described as farm. They "farm" birds.

You guys are psychiatrists wet dream!
Thanks for the daily comedy bit

Lol RBOT Real Bad On Truth you're finally cracking and now schizophrenic! Only took a couple hours.

James...it was entertaining. I am going to head out and have some dinner.

See ya....signed Bubba

Randy looks like you hit a nerve, the minions are circling the wagons

Joe B since you have few critical comments about me, I will just reply on a new comment. You say that I gave wrong information at the meeting. How do you know that? Did you see the 2 documents presented? Where you there at the Aug 1st meeting where I presented the first document and never got the reply back to the question from the Town officials. Do you have a direct quote of the wrong info I gave them. Because in the Aug 1st meeting I made a point to say point 20%. Point 20% is .0020. Do the math conversion. Apparently the Mayor & Co. can’t do the math and that’s why we have budgeting issues. They also have a bad rep for name calling people and provoking lawsuits. Don’t be disrespectful of me, I do have professional credentials. I just don’t state them on Patch. Secondly, I was embarrassed by you and your sycophant behavior. For someone who publically opposed the merger of the 2 planning boards on Patch and the Mayor’s famous Ethics violation letter that followed, your behavior seem very gratuitous. Unfortunately, I will be following up on your name on Municipal bill lists etc. If you ever receive a paid municipal position in the near future, I will dredge up this post and state Aug 15th was the Day Joe B prostituted himself at the Town Meeting.

So Randy are you saying Ursin fought tax appeals he KNEW were valid (devaluation) now he wants a re-evaluation. The council gets to raise our taxes because of the re-eval and then he gets paid to fight the new tax appeals? Guess he also forgets he works and gets paid BY the TAXPAYERS

Watcher...yes that is correct. Ursin said there was a total of 500 plus tax appeals. Out of that about 361 had to go to tax appeal court. The rest were negotiated outside of court. Do the numbers. If his hourly rate is $160/hour (which is supposedly his rate per Council Meeting) he made $80,000 whether he went to court or not. Add that to the borough car we give Elia to drive to and from work in Saddle Brook that's another $80,000 in expenses we can't afford. But like I said before, "it's not their money". So we'll spend $600,000 on a reassessment, finance it over 5 years (with interest at 5% add another $79,364) and be back at this again next year when home values in Hopatcong fall even more.

Is there anyway we can get a total on Ursin's fees for fighting Tax appeals. This is the game the Mayor & Co play. Handing out partial info at Town Mtgs and then sliding the other expenses through at some poorly attended Town Mtg where things get voted through with vague descriptions. Unless you are connecting the dots which is very hard to do, you never get the full picture on what is going on. The Aug 15th Mtg is a classic example. Everyone is focused on that $300K emergency fund number as the total cost of the Reassessment. Of course they are not publishing the expenses that were exhausted before this and the additional costs to the $300K. But some of the Citizen Expert Smurfs at the mtg will say things like "zero-sum game,” meaning that if the assessments drop, the tax rate would rise but a homeowner’s property taxes would remain roughly the same." Duh! How about all the expenses it cost to set up this little fiasco. The was not a "Zero Sum Game" No this was " You are picking up the check on This one buddy " except you won't see the bill on this one right away.They don't want the Taxpayer to get the sticker shock or connect the dots. So they keep slipping in the charges in increments and also relabel it. Relabeling is their area of expertise. Settlements become Donations etc. All so Hopatcong's people stay Happy because no real info gets released just happy talk and the problems disappear into the big money pit of the Municipal budget like magic.

Michele, unfortunately the disillusioned and the ignorant will never comprehend the facts. I agree with you totally, but at some point one needs to relinquish the battle for self-preservation sake. You cannot possibly win a battle of wit against those which are clearly unarmed.

PJ....you're right "the disillusioned and the ignorant will never comprehend the facts". Byram went through the same thing w/a Council member as we did with our Mayor. Only we got an ethics violation.

http://sussexgopwatchdog.wordpress.com/2012/06/11/sussex-superpac-behind-push-to-extend-highlands-land-grab/

"Skylands Victory PAC boss John Ursin is a former member of the Highlands Coalition Board of Trustees, a group that supports the Highlands Act and the Highlands Regional Master Plan. The Byram Township attorney and his SuperPAC have supported Byram Councilman Scott Olson, who has led what some have called “the Agenda 21 forces” in support of the Highlands Regional Master Plan. According to documents obtained by the New Jersey Herald, Councilman Olson received three $5,000 payments from the Highlands Coalition “to write newsletters”. Before the vote, some members of the Byram Council argued that Olson needed to recuse himself from the vote on the grounds that his participation was “morally and ethically unsound”. Unsurprisingly, the township’s attorney ruled that there was no conflict of interest. The pro-Highlands Act (pro-Agenda 21) ordinance was passed 3-1 with one abstention".

Ursin will need to resign as Hopatcong Borough attorney due to a "conflict of interest". There are cases upheld in the Appellate Division. That was part of my brief filed w/Attorney General. This will make it easier for Byram to appeal. Win small battles first. Makes big ones easier.

Did you let the cretins out of their box again Michelle? You naughty girl!

Joe B...Gina's going to be mad at you now. She got a tax assessment reduction in 2012. Now you're going to have to explain to her why you want a reassessment. Good luck!

I will agree with you and a couple things Joe...."If he could solve one problem in the world today, Mr. Buongiorno would address the downfall of the world economy and widespread unemployment". That's actually TWO things.

http://staging.cambridgewhoswho.com/Members/NJ/Joseph-Buongiorno-1051306.html

I attribute my success to my work ethic too. However, there are too many people feeding at the trough and we're getting nothing in return for our $ here in Hopatcong.

http://www.grpundit.com/2008/11/14/pigs-feeding-at-the-trough-of-government-largesse/

We are at a crossroads here in America. My "hidden agenda" is to try to put an end to the waste and mismanagement in government at least in Hopatcong. The only way I know how to do that for now is to hit them in the pocketbook.

Joe B....you must be having a mental breakdown. Gina is your daughter and she appealed her taxes this past year. That's why I said...."she's going to be mad at you". The woman on the school board I mistakenly assumed you were related to is Margaret Bongiorno. http://www.hopatcongschools.org/board/. So ask your daughter tomorrow how she feels about the reassessment. She got a nice reduction.

Joe B...I know I posted this before but where exactly did over $2 MILLION go in Hopatcong from the Federal Recovery Act?

http://www.recovery.gov/espsearch/Pages/advanced.aspx?data=recipientAwardsList&State=NJ&AwardType=CGL&zip=07843&RecipName=hopatcong

Joe B - I don't make treats, I make predictions. And the numbers you just quoted were not the numbers on the 2 docs I presented but what the Mayor yelled out. You did not see the 2 documents but opened your mouth and inserted your foot about them. My calculations were confirmed correct by someone in the municipal office before I presented them. If I am smoking something it is from the source and not recycled smoke from someone else's orifice. I would say from your past comments you are a recycled smoke kind of guy. I am an authority on Budgets- hard for your sexist brain to comprehend especially from all that recycled smoke you've been blowing. But I really should not bother to waste my time answering you since I would put your comments on par with Emily's and RealBadOnTruth. Nothing smart is generated by you repreating the propaganda and expecting me to apologize for refusing to eat the Sh*t sandwich the Mayor made for us.

Here's the difference between Byram and Hopatcong...their taxpayer's get involved.

http://thealternativepress.com/articles/residents-air-concerns-about-cranberry-lake-reval

Albrecht said the 200 homes in Cranberry Lake experienced more of a tax increase than the 3,000 other homes in Byram, which experienced minimal decrease. “The 200 homes realized a 20 percent increase from 2011 to 2012 due to the reval,” she said.

Albrecht said her home was valued at approximately $300,000 in 2009, and in 2012, came in at $298,000. “I thought this was great,” she said. However, she learned because the rate was raised, the valuation decreased, and her taxes escalated from $8,000 a year, to $9,500. “My home is 1,200 square feet with two bedrooms, and .19 acres,” Albrecht said. The tax burden for the lakefront homes has been targeted.”

“We the taxpayers of Cranberry Lake are being taxed out of our homes,” Albrecht concluded. “The vast majorities of them have histories at the lake, and town dating to 50 years.”

Pat Reed was another one who noted a net difference of $2,000 a year in taxes. “I think we’ve been singled out to carry the weight,” Reed said.

Larry Nick, another resident, said he went through the appeals process in 2009, and had his taxes reduced by 15 percent. And in 2012, the taxes are back up again.

Get ready lakefront owners. We're property "rich" but "equity" poor. But we deserve to pay more! Sell the homes now and get out.

Here's the sad part....my neighbor who's 83 has lived in her lakefront property since 1960. She's on a fixed public employees pension plan. She can't afford her $14,000 plus in real estate taxes per year. She requested our help to appeal her taxes because the Assessor's office wouldn't cooperate. So Ursin challenged appeal in tax court and won one of the few cases presented. Her taxes remained the same because of the "comps". You think the borough would have given her a break. It's a shame what we're doing to our senior citizens who are trying to stay independent and stay in their homes. Last year she found it difficult to heat her home. This winter she'll have to decide between heat and taxes. Sad state of affairs in Hopatcong.

So you're saying certain people should get a break. I dont think you're partners in crime will agree.

James you're always so unsympathetic. Sometimes I think you're at Nazi or possibly a Communist.

In NY state senior citizens get the Star Program.

http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/index.htm

We tried with our Homestead Tax Rebate.

http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/relief.shtml

It's not cutting it.

Nor that im unsympathetic, you just sound like a huge hypocrite right now. Especially since your sidekick has expressed her dislike for the " old timers" in this town.

Not*

You'd think if the state's Homestead Rebate Program couldn't cut it for the seniors, the Mayor would come up with a local program to help the seniors since she's so big on making sure she gets their vote. I guess that would be taking badly needed money away from being able to meet the salary, benefits and pension obligations.

I like the spongebob underwear photo above. Not sure what it has to do with the article though, unless the Mayor dons it when she has to do all her heavy 'thinking'. Personally, I think she channels Patrick on a daily basis.

Too funny

Emily...I agree. Tax increases for all especially the senior citizens. I'll take my doubling up on tax increase but I'll be back again next year to appeal when our property value doubles down. That's if we're still here. Hopefully not.

Roll back, I thought I could move away from this conversation, but tell me exactly what has come to frutation from your efforts. Attorney General's office, what a joke. Takes time and you'll never hear from them again. music links, calculations percentages and no one is taking seriously. Oh wait you have a following of possibly four. your starting to name call and insult, so when that happens your toast. Sorry I really thought you had something going for you. I guess not. I had my say now I will carry on with my "senior citizen" way of life. Enjoy everyday that I have and don't sweat the small stuff. high taxes will be here long after I'm gone. We'll rollback. just tighten the belt, no big deal. I have a home to live in a family and a dog and cat that loves us and cares about us. All we need. We have been through worse times then this and survived without help from anyone. So now come back with some snappy remark or insult, I need a good laugh today.

Emily...you just wasted a lot of energy responding and yes I wanted to move away from this conversation with you. But you keep coming back like a bad dream. I said "I agreed with you". What more do you want?

Rbot, i actually thought you were making some sense there, then you followed in your sidekicks footsteps with the nasty remarks, name calling, bringing up family members, etc. All the things i teach my son NOT to do, you and your classless gang do everyday.

I'm liking you more and more James. you speak the truth!!!!

Joe B...yes I was really impressed with your credential on LinkedIn

Manager Building Infrastructure Design
Nabisco Kraft Foods
August 1983 – March 2004 (20 years 8 months) East Hanover, New Jersey

Led architectural, civil and structural design for one-million sf $600M Nabisco facility.
Reengineered major Nabisco manufacturing plant upgrade, reducing project costs 56% to $4M.
Standardized Kraft Foods roof maintenance program, saving $15M first year.
Played key role in design of 20,000 sf plant addition and brought project in $1M under budget.
Provided expert construction and cost testimony for Nabisco, winning $2.5M tax refund.

If you don't mind me asking "what was the expert construction and cost testimony you provided for Nabisco to win them a $2.5M tax refund from the state of NJ? That's sounds to me like lost revenue to pay for the pensions, benefits and salaries of the state payroll. Please explain.

Bye, Bye roll back. your done.no one really cares about your opinions except a choice few, and I mean very few. Sad because you were doing okay until you started bashing the very people you needed on your side. So much for the crowds gathering at the council meetings. I would vote for Sylvia Petillo again . She's doing something for us and things people wanted and I don't hear her bashing people or their families like you and Dumplin. See what happens when you lose ground. you should all go back to cretinville. Left handed compliment roll back on my candor and politics in the borough. won't win this battle with me. I got A plus in creative writing in school. So keep it coming and I will respond if I feel like it and then again why bother, you have blinders on. Lost sight of the issues. Stick to music links.I love We Are Family. Played it all our weddings.

James knows what he is fighting for. It is well established on Patch comments that he is a government employee but not a school teacher. Therefore, we can establish that his jabs to us are because we are attacking his scared cow the Municipal Budget. If I were James I too would be on the attack of any person or group who wants to clean house on the fat that's in our town's budget. That fat may be his fat. We are the enemy who is trying to demolish his bountiful feeding trough. People like us are trying to break up the chow line that they worked so hard in building over the years - the many years of Pork Barrel voting, supporting their pork barrel candidates to make sure their family got to bring home the bacon regardless if their neighbors were hurting financially from reduced wages, businesses or layoffs They must still pay these raising taxes but with diminished quality on education and services. Put if they don't pay up they loose their home. There were over 200 homes in Hopatcong in delinquency or with tax liens. Some how this number is never discussed in Town Mtgs or by people like James. Why is that? Because our rising taxes is their bacon. Touch the budget is touching their bacon. When you touch someones bacon they are start calling you names. You know you have hit a nerve when the Jimmy Dean Pork sausage crowd starts responding.

Right now there are 845 PREforeclosure properties in Sussex county. There are 75 homes in PREforclosure in Hopatcong and it's getting WORSE. Last time I looked there were much less. Here's the list now:

http://www.foreclosure.com/search.html?ps=25&q=&pcn=&ob=asc&o=ci&tab=p&pdc=&cno=037&pdn=&pmap=true&st=NJ&pg=9

http://www.foreclosure.com/search.html?ps=25&q=&pcn=&ob=asc&o=ci&tab=p&pdc=&cno=037&pdn=&pmap=true&st=NJ&pg=10

http://www.foreclosure.com/search.html?ps=25&q=&pcn=&ob=asc&o=ci&tab=p&pdc=&cno=037&pdn=&pmap=true&st=NJ&pg=11

http://www.foreclosure.com/search.html?ps=25&q=&pcn=&ob=asc&o=ci&tab=p&pdc=&cno=037&pdn=&pmap=true&st=NJ&pg=12

PREforclosure means "they're behind on house payments". These people could be your neighbors. Can't pay the house payment then can't pay the taxes. People then walk away from their homes and the house sits vacant with shrubs growing, grass uncut, etc. The inside even worse.... This is what one looks like...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_pzNjnQCsI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB5vSfn7klk

Some are already are up for auction when you see "auction date". But the houses will be in disrepair. What do you think happens to the values of your homes in your neighborhood when they go up for auction? Anyone want to buy a house cheap? All you have to do is get caught up on the taxes, then negotiate a deal with the bank.

I say forget about the Jimmy Dean Sausage.....let's grill some rats!

Michele
"I would not back down on this Handicap issue and was asked to leave. I would not leave nor remain silent on the disregard of Federal & State Handicap Laws by our Municipality." There is not a shred of truth in that; it there were you would have filed ADA complaints; if you have filed ADA complaints were are the responses? Also the Woman's Club would be very silly to impose 'unacceotable' handicap adaptions for their members.
I bet you think Sylvia Petillo had something to do with JFK's assassination; or maybe John P. did.
Kwown Kars..BEEP BEEP!

Jazzman...now that we know John Pezzino aka is "real bad on truth" give us more clues on the identities of the others cause evidently what you said silenced the opposition.

John....Honk...Honk! Beep....Beep! You're seeing things again John.

John Pezzino aka DINO aka RealBadOnTruth aka Mr. Lonely you didn't answer my questions Are you sad because you are lonely? Are you striving for attention at all costs? Are you feeling like a failure because no one is paying attention to you? Maybe you should wait until your medication wears off before posting. God Bless

Watcher...yes RBOT RealBadOnTruth is lonely because he's been busy insulting us. Then using those same words to describe himself by saying "you guys have added a whole new dimension to the world of fiction! Psychofarce induced cultmania!! Whatta bunch o' holes! Beam me up, Scottie, there's a bunch o' A**holes down here what uses their butts to communicate"! Schizophrenic behavior (can't tell difference real vs unreal)!

According to Wikipedia, Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) affects one percent of the population and has little to do with looking at themselves in the mirror. It has a lot to do with unrealistic fantasies of success, power and intelligence. Some NPD sufferers become cult leaders or mass murderers, the rest become economists and policy-makers. Despite having a highly elevated sense of self-worth, narcissists have fragile self-esteem and handle criticism unpredictably, so let’s keep this to ourselves because he and the Mayor belong together.

But let's check out John Pezzino's Facebook site.

http://www.facebook.com/joggercong

He's really into "girlie" magazines.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/IFBB-Bikini-Pro-Juliana-Daniell/133845530017308

http://www.facebook.com/FemFitnessModels

http://www.facebook.com/HotChicksWithAbs

http://www.facebook.com/pages/IFBB-Bikini-Inge-D-C-Moeller/252247018148393

So he wants to align himself with the Republican party in this borough? Yes that's where he belongs. Keep him! Send us a thank you letter.

LOL and look what just happened in Jefferson.

http://jefferson.patch.com/articles/jefferson-state-acquire-835-acres-of-property-for-open-space

Lurky Loo - You are so on target with this Rockaway and Rockaway Mall connection. That was what my yelling match with the Mayor was all about. I found a table that was given to the Bond Holders and that table listed percentages of net valuations. What I wanted our officials to admit is that we lost tax valuation property on the biggest commercial properties not due to a down cline in business but because they transferred (in many cases) 80%+ of the property assessment into a non taxable land trust. They lost tax ratable properties but did not readjust their spending budget for these loses. As a budgeting analyst, if you lose you funding you must adjust your budget. Hopatcong did not do this they kept the same spending budget. I pointed out that the Commercial Assessment were devalued far greater than the residential properties. However, being that these properties are no longer commercial properties they cannot be reassessed because now they are tax exempt properties in a Land Trust. So, my anger with people like Joe B saying this assessment was fair they obviously are not seeing the big picture here. Everyone of us will be compensating for the Land Trust tax revenue that was lost. They will tax these lost commercial revenues and distribute it into the adjusted tax rate that both the residential owner and struggling business owner will be paying. Still they want to add more Land Trust properties with the OSRP program and no one is Yelling Foul.

Here's where 53% of your tax dollars are going to....bad schools right next to Camden who's 287th on list.

http://hopatcong.patch.com/articles/hopatcong-h-s-drops-to-289th-in-nj-monthly-rankings#comment_4439988

I will sound the alarm again.....BANKRUPTCY IS ONLY SOLUTION FOR HOPATCONG.

Oh and by the way....things aren't going to change anytime soon. Hoboken is 298 on the list.

https://www.box.com/s/7c300516930c32f71a8e

Where did the new Principal we hired come from? HOBOKEN. LOL!!!!!!

http://hoboken.patch.com/articles/hoboken-high-school-principal-hired-by-hopatcong-district

OMG...you can't make this stuff up!

Is that why he went south originally?

Watcher...if you're talking about the Doc then he's having the last laugh. He convinced the BOE to hire the Hoboken principal who's school district performs worse than Hopatcong, got them to extend his contract by ONE year to hang around another year to do nothing, just to collect more on his pension. He's laughing all the way to the bank!

The boom days of Hopatcong are over. Time to buckle down and ride out the storm.

http://www.profitconfidential.com/economic-analysis/a-chilling-indicator-of-whats-ahead-for-the-economy/?subid=OUTBRAIN

But wait....Hopatcong borough is partying like a drunken sailor: The party continues here. New police cars, borough cars, DPW trucks. Raises for everyone. Why? I really don’t know. Popular consumer goods are flying off the shelves too. Designer clothes, fast and expensive cars, restaurants with one-hour waits…people are spending in America today at an unbelievable clip. 1932, 1933…who remembers those years? The depression of the 1930s was the biggest bust of modern history. 2005, 2006, 2007…welcome to the biggest boom of the same period. Then 2008...we said OMG! When will it all end? Soon, time to file bankruptcy and get out of this pile of debt. The whole plot behind this ponzi scheme is to keep the revenue flowing and make the doubters buy into it. The game is over.

One happy borough John Pezzino aka RBOT RealBadOnTruth. So let's all fart the star spangled banner to show our appreciation. But let us all first clear our throats PHHHHHHHHH in front of the Mayor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT0LKMSSAW0

John Pezzino aka RBOT RealBadOnTruth...I think that was what you were referring to when you called us all here in Hopatcong "Whatta bunch o' holes! Beam me up, Scottie, there's a bunch o' A**holes down here that uses their butts to communicate"! Right?

Say "good night John". I have to get up early tomorrow to go to work to pay my taxes. Don't stay up too late looking a body builders on your Facebook site you know the large breasted women you claim you admire. Looks suspicious to me. Beep beep....honk honk!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1206927904061&set=a.1161339644383.25646.1554595270&type=1&theater

John Pezzino, RBOT, RealBadOnTruth, Dino, 10.

Let's all join together and sing...."Who Are You"?

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=qii499Pfwc0&gl=US

Please take a position on something, select a party, address the issue and stick with it. You're inconsistent like your posts and your identity!

Off to work I go. Have to pay my taxes. Enjoy your day at home. Beep beep..honk honk!

Hey Rock On...."and where do we go from here? Which is the way that's clear?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q_cq-qdYLI

Please do tell us Mayor Petillo. Where do we go from here?

John got caught in another lie so now RBOT RealBadOnTruth aka DINO is back until he gets snagged again Perhaps you missed the comments:
John Pezzino
8:10 pm on Thursday, August 23, 2012
hello folks keep your comments comming I'm enjoying evey word,Its a good thing I'm fat because your not that creative. and I see your stealing alot of my phrases and words. I'm honored. Your wrong about my view on the reassessment. I think the mayor and council are right on the mark. I am so happy that we have such a fine administration in place. God Bless you all.

The Watcher
11:58 pm on Thursday, August 23, 2012
John Pezzino you got caught in another lie John Pezzino 1:25 am on Friday, August 3, 2012
"CAUTION! THE REASSESSMENT WILL ONLY HURT THE HOPATCONG HOMEOWNERS. The value of our properties and homes will be reduced, our tax rate will be increased so we will ALL pay the same amount of taxes we are paying now, or even face an increase in some cases, worst of all the equity in our homes will be instantly reduced, so if we don’t stop this, you might as well put off your retirement, or your Childs college, that new car, home improvements, etc. etc."
Since you love the current administration I guess you will not be running for office.

Watcher....I told you he's SKITZOOOOOO!

The politicians aren't really interested in you either - they figure that they can buy your vote with all of the money that they are getting from the wealthy people.

http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/forsaken-and-forgotten

"The middle class in America is being absolutely shredded. In a recent article I wrote entitled "84 Statistics That Prove That The Decline Of The Middle Class Is Real And That It Is Getting Worse" I detailed this very clearly. But most Americans don't think about this very much because they are just focused on what is going on in their own little worlds. If they still have their jobs and if their family and friends are still doing okay then they are likely to believe that everything is just fine. But everything is not fine".

Wake up Hopatcong. Disaster brewing. Bad schools, property values falling, tax breaks for the rich, bad roads and even the one asset the lake is losing its luster. But we're still spending....new vehicles, raises for everyone, promotions, etc. Then they want to reassess and raise your taxes even more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbvOO4DnReI

Randy $539,900? "You must be joking..right?" Shoot for the stars, that's your right, but as you have often advised others to check Zillow.com to find the real current value, they will and New Jersey Monthly also. Personally, I like Sawbuck.com, I find them more reflective of actual selling prices. Good luck!

Does anyone know how long the town administrator is saying the town has been in "good shape"?

Wise people say that timing is life is everything. Brendan, you bailed at just about the perfect time! Have any favorite lottery numbers?

I know this is off topic but since I cannot comment there I have to ask here. Am I the only one that has noticed some articles no longer have the "comment" option? I am not referring to articles where the editor have closed comments, I am referring to those that never had the option. Such as today's Board of Ed article.

Tammy...this is what the editor said about the above article.

"I’m in the middle of finishing this and just got denied access".

Ellen Oxild

She's a free lancer. No one gave me an explanation. Evidently, Patch doesn't want us commenting any more.

Tammy & My Civil Friends on Patch Your are always welcome to post a comment on my Blog post. I have had civil descussion with people who have a diffrent view point than me. The lastest one was on the 19 Amendment and the Women's Right to vote. I welcome comments on your thoughts on Civil and Constitutional rights that are disappearing today. Or maybe you DON'T feel this way and want to express that too. All I ask is that you respect the blogger and no character attacks of me because you don't like my opinion. Disagree great but state your counter argument why.

Oz speaks!

Roll Back...the Mighty OZ is incorrect once more; these do not include those Hopatcong residences with post office addresses other than 07843...the real number is much higher..Oh, Mighty Oz I humbly beseech thee!

Yes, that is all it includes; MUCH of the borough does NOT use 07843....I have to agree with you, you described yourself!..

Roll Back...beem reading here, seems HPD has been kept quite busy by you; can I assume that the only 'action' they have taken was to inform you the mayor felt threatened by your remarks? Have youheard from the FBI?..Have YOU made any plea deals?

Abe...if the HPD wants to get wrapped up in matters that's their perrogative. Yes, yes and no...answers to your questions. Nothing more to report. Thank you for inquiring.

Abe...if you look at map Hopatcong is clearly outlined. “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”

Roll Out or perhaps Roll Back or Roll HPD or whatever....let me simplify this for you...I know of at least 15 houses in foreclosure located in Hopatcong where the zip is not equal to 07843; these are not listed; I do see every house that I am aware of where the zip does equal 07843 listed....

Abe...again “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” Here's another quote of yours "you can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time but you cannot fool all the people all the time". I am onto you Abe.

Michele...yes I did. Looks like another Ethics violation under review by the Attorney General's office in retaliation to the filing of my first complaint against her. She just keeps digging the hole deeper. Abe has an "ax" to grind too. "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe".

Had you directed that phrase at me I would have done the same.

Overacting and misinterpretation. BTW..what was the phrase? I can't remember.

OK so we heard it hear first from Abe himself. To everyone who John Pezzino aka RBOT real bad on truth etc etc etc that felt "threatened" or "harassed" (please include friends and neighbors that are not on patch or do not have computers that he included in his remarks) and file a report with the police. It will be interesting to see if you are afforded the same treatment in the same time frame.

I agree Abe...let's call off the reassessment!

Or AGAIN we should just see if we can collect the money on all the tax liened homes in Hopatcong before we pass any increases onto to those who still can pay their taxes. Here's the most recent list of tax liened properties in Hopatcong YTD:

http://www.foreclosure.com/search.html?ps=50&q=&ob=asc&dty=&o=ci&tab=t&cno=037&ntv=&xtv=&pmap=true&st=NJ&ay=&pg=9

http://www.foreclosure.com/search.html?ps=50&q=&ob=asc&dty=&o=ci&tab=t&cno=037&ntv=&xtv=&pmap=true&st=NJ&ay=&pg=10

http://www.foreclosure.com/search.html?ps=50&q=&ob=asc&dty=&o=ci&tab=t&cno=037&ntv=&xtv=&pmap=true&st=NJ&ay=&pg=11

http://www.foreclosure.com/search.html?ps=50&q=&ob=asc&dty=&o=ci&tab=t&cno=037&ntv=&xtv=&pmap=true&st=NJ&ay=&pg=12

http://www.foreclosure.com/search.html?ps=50&q=&ob=asc&dty=&o=ci&tab=t&cno=037&ntv=&xtv=&pmap=true&st=NJ&ay=&pg=13

There's 5 pages of them. They start at # 425 and it goes to #636. A grand total of 211 out of 1,537 in Sussex county or about 14%! We have to call Hopatcong now "The Borough of Unpaid Taxes".

Watson...borrow Sherlock's magnifying glass. Did I say anything about property taxes NOT being paid on the 74 foreclosed homes (posted August 30th)? What I'd did say was "will there anyone left in Hopatcong to pay taxes come 2013"? Would you like to comment on the 211 "tax liened" properties above? If you open the links you will see they are "tax liened" properties I posted today September 3rd. You really need to find better ways to discredit me because obviously you are a bigger idiot than me.

Trust me. NO ONE is a bigger idiot than you.

Well Watson....if any one could identify an IDIOT it would be you! Good investigative work!

We need to get Abe and Watson together. I think between the two of them we could make one complete person. Problem is one would be British and the other one would be an American. Would that mean conflicting views? No because they are the same person. Genius!

Looks like more spending on things we can't afford....Upcoming September 5th Council Meeting agenda

http://www.hopatcong.org/agenda/REG090512.pdf

8. Resolution #2012-224 – Purchase of Mason Dumps
A motion is in order to adopt a resolution authorizing the award of a contract for
two mason dump trucks with snow plows and spreaders to Beyer Ford for a net
amount of $152,986.00.

Then another ordinance amending Chapter 5 of the Borough Code regarding the Land Use Board...

2. Adoption Ordinance #22-2012 – Amending Chapter 5 of the Borough Code
A motion is in order to adopt an ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE
BOROUGH OF HOPATCONG AMENDING CHAPTER 5 OF THE CODE OF
THE BOROUGH OF HOPATCONG ENTITLED ‘BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND
COMMISSIONS’ TO REFLECT THE BOROUGH’S MERGING OF THE
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARDS INTO ONE LAND USE BOARD”.