OLD NEWS BUT WORTH REPEATING
Friday, March 6th, 2009Who’s Checking the Facts? Nov. 7, 2007
It is obvious to anyone attending, or watching City Commission meetings that the Commissioners do not discuss the matters the vote on. It appears they are not fully informed about the actions they are taking. One Commissioner has publicly stated he does not read the material he is given, but relies on the staff. Resolution A-5946 passed unanimously at the Nov. 5 stealth meeting revoked a tax abatement and directed the tax collector to send the business a tax bill for $79,849.28.
This action came about after Millville First raised the question on its website. The business, DiNaso Brothers, had closed. Therefore, since it was not providing jobs, the primary reason for getting a tax abatement, its abatement should be rescinded.
However, there’s a problem. The Resolution revoked the tax abatement of the wrong business! Anyone who read the resolution and had any familiarity with the Orange Street Wade Blvd. Industrial Park would have immediately realized that 1601 Eden Rd. (the one revoked) is long way from 724 Orange St. (the one closed). If the address did trigger a question in a Commissioner’s mind why wasn‘t it brought up in the agenda session? The obvious answer is that nobody read it and this important piece of business was never discussed.
This is a classic example of a major failure of this Commission. Decisions should be made by all 5 reaching consensus after public discussion on the merits. It is not happening. Perhaps, with the election of Dave Vanaman, the public will be treated to some public discussion of the important issues that face a fast growing rapidly developing City.
Are the commissioners up on what they’re voting on? Are they discussing things? Or are they operating as rubber stamps of staff proposals and each others favorite projects? If not then when and where are the discussions taking place and the decisions being made?
You be the Judge!