Monday, November 3, 2008
Bring Back Rudolph!
Is it me or is it too quiet in town. Our Mayor and Council has done a very good job of keeping the "Dirty Dozen" at bay. The Suburbanite has been very innocuous, even the blogs are desperate for material. The only media has been natural disasters like house fires, house explosions and the East Lawn Drive problem. We need Rudolph back to add a little flavor to our Council meetings. I'm falling asleep watching these meetings.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Four Women Vote for the Peace Resolution
Its official.
The Teaneck Council now has passed an official meaningless resolution asking the NJ Senate, to ask the Governor, to ask the President, to bring home the troops.
In a 4-3 vote, the Council passed the peace coalition's resolution.
Mayor Farker was the deciding vote and Councilman Gussen was the most vocal against. Gussen demanded to know who wrote the resolution, why was it not discussed at a workshop, how did it get on the agenda and so on. It was a great Council show and I am sure now that the Peace Coalition have Farker wrapped around their pinky, they will be back for more.
Stay tuned.
The Teaneck Council now has passed an official meaningless resolution asking the NJ Senate, to ask the Governor, to ask the President, to bring home the troops.
In a 4-3 vote, the Council passed the peace coalition's resolution.
Mayor Farker was the deciding vote and Councilman Gussen was the most vocal against. Gussen demanded to know who wrote the resolution, why was it not discussed at a workshop, how did it get on the agenda and so on. It was a great Council show and I am sure now that the Peace Coalition have Farker wrapped around their pinky, they will be back for more.
Stay tuned.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
How will the Credit Crunch Effect Teaneck
As Teaneck news is slow, I haven't posted in a while.
In looking back at the last several weeks and months on wall street, here are some observations of how i feel Teaneck will be effected by the credit crunch. My degree is not in economics, so allow me some leeway.
1- State aid will drop as state revenues fall.
2- Borrowing and bonding costs will rise significantly.
3- Local home assesments will drop- we wont have a reval of course but individual tax protests will skyrocket, and rightfully so.
4- Demand for higher end houses will plummet, as many of the bankers and market makers who purchase them will tighten their pockets.
5- Home renovations will slow, both as a result of homeowners tighten their belts and home equity lines drying up. This will cause permit fees to sharp, followed by the usual assessment increases to vanish.
6- Fill in your comments here.
I can think of no better person to run this ship then Mayor Feit. As we saw over the 2007 and 2008 budget season, he will rip the budget apart line by line, as will Gussen. We will need the rest of the council to jump on board (Monica- just skip those meetings).
As I like to compare Teaneck to NYC, I see Mayor Katz as Mayor Giuliani, both whom i loved. These captains got the boats out of the storm and heading in the right direction. Mayor Michael "Bloomberg" Feit now needs to keep the engines on cruise when everything around will try to send it back into the storm.
The biggest challenge- getting the Board of Education to finally follow suit. I URGE Ned Goldman to head back into that forum, and Alan Sohn to put his positive traits to work ripping that budget into shape 2008 style.
In looking back at the last several weeks and months on wall street, here are some observations of how i feel Teaneck will be effected by the credit crunch. My degree is not in economics, so allow me some leeway.
1- State aid will drop as state revenues fall.
2- Borrowing and bonding costs will rise significantly.
3- Local home assesments will drop- we wont have a reval of course but individual tax protests will skyrocket, and rightfully so.
4- Demand for higher end houses will plummet, as many of the bankers and market makers who purchase them will tighten their pockets.
5- Home renovations will slow, both as a result of homeowners tighten their belts and home equity lines drying up. This will cause permit fees to sharp, followed by the usual assessment increases to vanish.
6- Fill in your comments here.
I can think of no better person to run this ship then Mayor Feit. As we saw over the 2007 and 2008 budget season, he will rip the budget apart line by line, as will Gussen. We will need the rest of the council to jump on board (Monica- just skip those meetings).
As I like to compare Teaneck to NYC, I see Mayor Katz as Mayor Giuliani, both whom i loved. These captains got the boats out of the storm and heading in the right direction. Mayor Michael "Bloomberg" Feit now needs to keep the engines on cruise when everything around will try to send it back into the storm.
The biggest challenge- getting the Board of Education to finally follow suit. I URGE Ned Goldman to head back into that forum, and Alan Sohn to put his positive traits to work ripping that budget into shape 2008 style.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Progress
I heard over the weekend that the Marcihal property at River Road and New Bridge Road was finally approved. Ground to be broken soon!
17 townhomes in an area of Teaneck sorely lacking higher end multi family housing (or any for that matter). While the neighboring Kramers may not like that, where else will people in that area go if they no longer want to take care of their homes?
Good for Teaneck!!! We need more !!
17 townhomes in an area of Teaneck sorely lacking higher end multi family housing (or any for that matter). While the neighboring Kramers may not like that, where else will people in that area go if they no longer want to take care of their homes?
Good for Teaneck!!! We need more !!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
I Missed Teaneck, sort of...
I'm Back. Probably let the last string go one day too much. As Esther or Tom would say, the anonymous posters are probably all of 4 people.
So Teaneck is quiet, Mayor Feit's ratings are high and the new playground is open!
Until some news develops, I've disabled comments so as to not have to read about some synagogue over and over and all the hate it spews.
Email me at teanecktruth@gmail.com if you're bored!
So Teaneck is quiet, Mayor Feit's ratings are high and the new playground is open!
Until some news develops, I've disabled comments so as to not have to read about some synagogue over and over and all the hate it spews.
Email me at teanecktruth@gmail.com if you're bored!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Can't help but noticing that we've got...
the best parks around.
As some of you know, I spend most of my summer on Long Beach Island, so I can't always keep current with all the Teaneck happenings.
You think Teaneck has politics, you should see my blog posts at LBI.
I was amazed to see this week the progress on Rudolph's handicap playground. It is a magnificent addition to our park.
I have concluded that Teaneck probably has the best parks and equipment hands down in Bergen County. Maybe we take it for granted, because its in our backyard, but when you travel like I do, you will see the stark differences in parks. (Unless you prefer beer bottles and take out food garbage).
As some of you know, I spend most of my summer on Long Beach Island, so I can't always keep current with all the Teaneck happenings.
You think Teaneck has politics, you should see my blog posts at LBI.
I was amazed to see this week the progress on Rudolph's handicap playground. It is a magnificent addition to our park.
I have concluded that Teaneck probably has the best parks and equipment hands down in Bergen County. Maybe we take it for granted, because its in our backyard, but when you travel like I do, you will see the stark differences in parks. (Unless you prefer beer bottles and take out food garbage).
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Off to a Good Start
The first Council meeting seemed to have gone well.
Quick Status report....
1- All of the police promotions were done at the meeting
2-One upset DPW employee for Council's failure to recognize their efforts with the pool closing
3-Board appointments all went uncontested with the exception of Honis voting against Gussen on the Planning Board.
One person that did not make the cut was a very experienced Ned Goldman. Was that the price he paid for trying to win against Toffler?
Quick Status report....
1- All of the police promotions were done at the meeting
2-One upset DPW employee for Council's failure to recognize their efforts with the pool closing
3-Board appointments all went uncontested with the exception of Honis voting against Gussen on the Planning Board.
One person that did not make the cut was a very experienced Ned Goldman. Was that the price he paid for trying to win against Toffler?
Friday, July 25, 2008
Glenpointe Officer Tower Approved
While I am hoping for a slow blog summer, one piece of breaking news just came across my desk.
After reviewing plans for 3 hours last night, I was just told that a new office tower was approved by the Planning Board last night. This follows the zoning changes made earlier this year by the Council as recommended by the Board.
I heard from someone there that the conceptual drawing were gorgeous, as is the tax revenue!
GO TEANECK
Enjoy the summer
After reviewing plans for 3 hours last night, I was just told that a new office tower was approved by the Planning Board last night. This follows the zoning changes made earlier this year by the Council as recommended by the Board.
I heard from someone there that the conceptual drawing were gorgeous, as is the tax revenue!
GO TEANECK
Enjoy the summer
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Now It's Fire Boxes
(warning- contains much sarcasm)
The way you know its not us but "them" is by sitting back and letting "them" shoot themselves in the foot.
All this happy and cheer and let's all be friends have given "them" too much time to find something else to complain about.
In this weeks Suburbanite, the "them" made an issue about having emergency fire boxes in town.
Could "them" have picked a more innocuous (and cheap) safety device to criticize and bellyache about?
Why not critique the fire department for purchasing fire hoses, after all how many hoses do we need?
Maybe we don't even need a fire department (tongue in cheek for my serious readers). We spend 9 million dollars a year for the fire department- if two or three of the taxpayers homes burn down, we can pay $1.5 million and still save money left over (Sohn, start crunching the numbers).
Maybe we shouldn't pave streets anymore. Think how much money we could save? There would be no pot holes, less painting, slower traffic and we wouldn't need a police detail when PSE+G is digging up our dirt roads.
The point is, I realize we are all different people with many opinions, but do we always have to give credibility and press to the nuts?
The way you know its not us but "them" is by sitting back and letting "them" shoot themselves in the foot.
All this happy and cheer and let's all be friends have given "them" too much time to find something else to complain about.
In this weeks Suburbanite, the "them" made an issue about having emergency fire boxes in town.
Could "them" have picked a more innocuous (and cheap) safety device to criticize and bellyache about?
Why not critique the fire department for purchasing fire hoses, after all how many hoses do we need?
Maybe we don't even need a fire department (tongue in cheek for my serious readers). We spend 9 million dollars a year for the fire department- if two or three of the taxpayers homes burn down, we can pay $1.5 million and still save money left over (Sohn, start crunching the numbers).
Maybe we shouldn't pave streets anymore. Think how much money we could save? There would be no pot holes, less painting, slower traffic and we wouldn't need a police detail when PSE+G is digging up our dirt roads.
The point is, I realize we are all different people with many opinions, but do we always have to give credibility and press to the nuts?
Sunday, July 13, 2008
REWARD IF FOUND: Where is Katz?
Is it just me or is Katz missing in action.
I saw him march at the parade on the 4th.
I heard he was at the workshop meeting last week yet I have not seen him around town or gotten any emails from him.
Is he in the same obscure place as Ostrow has been for the last two years. Is there a Mayors hiding place in town? Are Paul, Jackie and Katz playing Majong in Miami together?
If someone sees him, tell him to email or post something so we know he is alive.I read a nice article this week in the Jewish Standard about Mayor Farker. Seems like they are settling in to the position.
What action items can we expect? We have seen many years of increased taxes and stagnant services.
Will there be any new proposals put forward.
What ideas can we give the Council that we as a community would like, other then banning certain people from the meetings.
I saw him march at the parade on the 4th.
I heard he was at the workshop meeting last week yet I have not seen him around town or gotten any emails from him.
Is he in the same obscure place as Ostrow has been for the last two years. Is there a Mayors hiding place in town? Are Paul, Jackie and Katz playing Majong in Miami together?
If someone sees him, tell him to email or post something so we know he is alive.I read a nice article this week in the Jewish Standard about Mayor Farker. Seems like they are settling in to the position.
What action items can we expect? We have seen many years of increased taxes and stagnant services.
Will there be any new proposals put forward.
What ideas can we give the Council that we as a community would like, other then banning certain people from the meetings.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Two for the Price of One
I am sorry that I couldn't attend the Council meeting last week. I heard that we now have two Mayors running the meeting- Feit and Parker. The word I got was that Feit was trying to run the meeting and Parker kept interrupting, commenting on everything and telling Feit what to do. I guess we needed two to fill Katz's shoes, but it was a little confusing from what I hear. So please join me in welcoming the new Mayor: Mayor Farker
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
I See Your True Colors Shining Through
I think that is a song a that was written about Barbara Toffler. Just a few minutes in to Mayor Feit's meeting Toffler tried to stick it to the town attorney and prosecutor by re appointing them on a two month trial. I am sure the family members of both were thrilled to have come out only to have Toffler embarrass their spouses publicly.
Thank goodness that Mayor Katz came to their rescue and derailed Toffler's plan. Katz pointed out that Toffler had ample opportunity (and did indeed utilize the time to do so) to interview and meet with the attorney and prosecutor and specifically indicated that she supports both to the Manager prior to that night. So why the sudden change of heart. Well, the "Truth" is that Toffler was showing her true colors.
This was a power play. She is a vindictive and will not let this Council proceed forward. Good luck Teaneck!!
Thank goodness that Mayor Katz came to their rescue and derailed Toffler's plan. Katz pointed out that Toffler had ample opportunity (and did indeed utilize the time to do so) to interview and meet with the attorney and prosecutor and specifically indicated that she supports both to the Manager prior to that night. So why the sudden change of heart. Well, the "Truth" is that Toffler was showing her true colors.
This was a power play. She is a vindictive and will not let this Council proceed forward. Good luck Teaneck!!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
It's Official
By now we have all seen the email from Mayor Katz in which he will not seek a second term as Mayor but will support Feit.
I personally am very saddened by Katz's decision. While I did not always agree with him, I have not seen someone so dedicated and committed to the success of Teaneck since Ostrow.
The questions still remain will Feit be up for the job and who will be Deputy Mayor.
Inside sources tell me it is a toss between Parker, Toffler and Gussen. This town is really changing, stay tuned.
I personally am very saddened by Katz's decision. While I did not always agree with him, I have not seen someone so dedicated and committed to the success of Teaneck since Ostrow.
The questions still remain will Feit be up for the job and who will be Deputy Mayor.
Inside sources tell me it is a toss between Parker, Toffler and Gussen. This town is really changing, stay tuned.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The Deal of the Century?
Teaneck Mayor and Deputy Mayor Chosen
There have been rumors running around for the last few weeks of Toffler wanting to be the Mayor. After all, she was the top vote getter .With the likelihood of that happening, I hear that Toffler has been trying to drive a wedge between Feit and Katz and pit one against the other for Mayor. I am fairly certain that they both have not bought in to her psychology. I am told that in the interest of a peaceful compromise and to pick someone that has shown from their votes that they represent the northeast community and all Teaneck, Toffler has garnered support from Katz, Honis, and Hameeduddin for Deputy Mayor.
I am not sure what to make of it initially, but the "Truth" is this could be a good compromise.
There are many that feel that Parker lacks any leadership qualities and much of the New Beginnings/ Teaneck Divided conflicts could have been averted. If you think of any of the other alternatives, they may be perceived as too extreme.
Very clever and very impressive, good old fashioned political horse trading. Mayor Katz and Deputy Mayor Toffler, that is my pick as the end result.
7 days left!
There have been rumors running around for the last few weeks of Toffler wanting to be the Mayor. After all, she was the top vote getter .With the likelihood of that happening, I hear that Toffler has been trying to drive a wedge between Feit and Katz and pit one against the other for Mayor. I am fairly certain that they both have not bought in to her psychology. I am told that in the interest of a peaceful compromise and to pick someone that has shown from their votes that they represent the northeast community and all Teaneck, Toffler has garnered support from Katz, Honis, and Hameeduddin for Deputy Mayor.
I am not sure what to make of it initially, but the "Truth" is this could be a good compromise.
There are many that feel that Parker lacks any leadership qualities and much of the New Beginnings/ Teaneck Divided conflicts could have been averted. If you think of any of the other alternatives, they may be perceived as too extreme.
Very clever and very impressive, good old fashioned political horse trading. Mayor Katz and Deputy Mayor Toffler, that is my pick as the end result.
7 days left!
Monday, June 23, 2008
United at Last
Unity Day for All
After months of press releases, articles and talk, Teaneck celebrated it's first Unity Day.
At first it appeared that it was going to be washed out because of the rain, though even with the that threat over one thousand people came down.
When the sun came out so did the mass of people.
The "Truth" is, it was probably one of the most successful events Teaneck has seen in many years. My nephew enjoyed the rides. I loved the bazaar and food. I was sad to see they cancelled the dunk tank because of the rain. I was prepared to blow a paycheck dunking Katz and Gussen (Monica next year!!). But this event was great and I thank the event organizers. I hope that Teaneck will continue this Unity even after the event.
And one addition- I got to see all my Blog friends happy together. Anonymous was walking hand in hand with karin and.....
After months of press releases, articles and talk, Teaneck celebrated it's first Unity Day.
At first it appeared that it was going to be washed out because of the rain, though even with the that threat over one thousand people came down.
When the sun came out so did the mass of people.
The "Truth" is, it was probably one of the most successful events Teaneck has seen in many years. My nephew enjoyed the rides. I loved the bazaar and food. I was sad to see they cancelled the dunk tank because of the rain. I was prepared to blow a paycheck dunking Katz and Gussen (Monica next year!!). But this event was great and I thank the event organizers. I hope that Teaneck will continue this Unity even after the event.
And one addition- I got to see all my Blog friends happy together. Anonymous was walking hand in hand with karin and.....
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
What's Broken in Teaneck
With the new Council organizing in two weeks, the question that many residents are asking is what is broken and what can Council fix.
One of my personal issues is the parks. I am very pleased that Teaneck has so many parks, but often when I take my nephew to Votee, the track is cracked, the grass is growing and in some areas I feel like I am walking in swamp land.
Another broken area is our building department. Last year when I had to pave my driveway, I left the building department very frustrated and angry.
And what about our taxes. With no more County connection, will we ever see any more aid in Teaneck?
These are just some of the issues that are on my mind.
What do you think we should tell Council is broken?
One of my personal issues is the parks. I am very pleased that Teaneck has so many parks, but often when I take my nephew to Votee, the track is cracked, the grass is growing and in some areas I feel like I am walking in swamp land.
Another broken area is our building department. Last year when I had to pave my driveway, I left the building department very frustrated and angry.
And what about our taxes. With no more County connection, will we ever see any more aid in Teaneck?
These are just some of the issues that are on my mind.
What do you think we should tell Council is broken?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
What the?
I remember watching the super bowl a few years back during half time and seeing what I thought I saw, the now "famous wardrobe malfunction".
At first I had a "what the?" moment. It took several replays for it to really sink in.
Well I had another "what the?" moment tonight. Even though I couldn't get past the hall doors of the standing room only Council meeting, I was able to hear the entire meeting.
Ok, the poll workers issue was handled and I am glad the Council passed a resolution. Now the County can take it from here.
Feit gave a great speech. Kates was all over the place with her speech, but touched on the Honis comment a little. Parker once again sat silent about Honis.
And now comes the "what the?" moment. Honis attacked the people that were offended by her comments and challenged them to help abolish the death penalty on a Federal level. I was looking around the room at her supporters as they all said "what the?".
I don't want to speak for her because she was too busy boasting about her election, but I think Toffler cringed again. Gussen jumped on her statements with I think a "what the?" and then Katz spoke and also criticized her for standing on principle and not acknowledging and apologizing for her insensitive comment.
The "truth" is, I am embarrassed to have our town represented by Ms. Honis and I think her supporters feel the same way.
So to Monica Honis, "what the?"Please resign.
At first I had a "what the?" moment. It took several replays for it to really sink in.
Well I had another "what the?" moment tonight. Even though I couldn't get past the hall doors of the standing room only Council meeting, I was able to hear the entire meeting.
Ok, the poll workers issue was handled and I am glad the Council passed a resolution. Now the County can take it from here.
Feit gave a great speech. Kates was all over the place with her speech, but touched on the Honis comment a little. Parker once again sat silent about Honis.
And now comes the "what the?" moment. Honis attacked the people that were offended by her comments and challenged them to help abolish the death penalty on a Federal level. I was looking around the room at her supporters as they all said "what the?".
I don't want to speak for her because she was too busy boasting about her election, but I think Toffler cringed again. Gussen jumped on her statements with I think a "what the?" and then Katz spoke and also criticized her for standing on principle and not acknowledging and apologizing for her insensitive comment.
The "truth" is, I am embarrassed to have our town represented by Ms. Honis and I think her supporters feel the same way.
So to Monica Honis, "what the?"Please resign.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Loretta Eats Crow
After several days of glossy mailings, negative campaigning, letters, negative flyers, robo calls and countless out of state canvassers that were working for the AFL-CIO and being paid by "someone" $100 per day (plus food and hotel), it appears to have been a big waste of money and time.
Senator Weinberg's people lost in almost every district challenged. So what will be the future of the Teaneck Democrats and who is to credit and blame for this big defeat? In my opinion, some of the blame goes to the Teaneck Dems themselves that have used their position on County Committee to mount campaigns against (insert your choice here) and not lobby for (same).
Some of the losers are:
Paul Cunningham (the current chair)
Almita Honis (mother of the infamous Monica Honis)
Alan Sohn
The Gussen family
So what does this mean for Teaneck residents and what was really won last night.
Was this another Ferierro v Weinberg fight?
Was this a Teaneck new v Teaneck old? Or were there many people disenfranchised by the Teaneck Democrats that it was time for a change.
Only time will tell if Loretta will start delivering more money to Teaneck.
Maybe we will finally qualify for (miraculously) school funding or extraordinary aid.
But one thing is for certain, with so many unhappy losers, the fights have just begun.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The Great Teaneck Theory
I am not sure who needs the medication or what type to prescribe. There are many that seem to be suffering from Bipolar Hypocritical Cynics Syndrome. They claim they want clean campaigning and then Teaneck Divided sends out nasty divisive letters, postcards and ads.
Other blogs kvetch in a post of "have yourself a cup of...." And then go on to post links to community hate meetings and recently attacks Mayor Katz for putting together a happy feel good Teaneck video (with his own money).
At today's Memorial Day street fair, Senator Weinberg's booth was giving out dirty, negative campaign literature about the upcoming June primary. To my surprise, it was the same graphics that was used in the May Council election. Is it TRUE that the Senator's office was behind a local, non partisan Teaneck election? Say it aint so!
Negative campaigning: Now that doesn't sound like the sweet Weinberg we all know and love.
Did I see our Deputy Mayor Parker's name on a Democratic County Committee election as a candidate?
So what is the moral of today's "truth" lesson? Hypocrisy is an active sport in Teaneck and our non partisan government is a great cover. It should really be called non participation government, oh, unless you are a Weinberg Democrat.
Other blogs kvetch in a post of "have yourself a cup of...." And then go on to post links to community hate meetings and recently attacks Mayor Katz for putting together a happy feel good Teaneck video (with his own money).
At today's Memorial Day street fair, Senator Weinberg's booth was giving out dirty, negative campaign literature about the upcoming June primary. To my surprise, it was the same graphics that was used in the May Council election. Is it TRUE that the Senator's office was behind a local, non partisan Teaneck election? Say it aint so!
Negative campaigning: Now that doesn't sound like the sweet Weinberg we all know and love.
Did I see our Deputy Mayor Parker's name on a Democratic County Committee election as a candidate?
So what is the moral of today's "truth" lesson? Hypocrisy is an active sport in Teaneck and our non partisan government is a great cover. It should really be called non participation government, oh, unless you are a Weinberg Democrat.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Monica in the Hot Seat
At Tuesday nights Council meeting Council member Honis was questioned again about her Gas Chamber remark and again she didn't comment.
The question I have is, the fact that she was just reelected, is her remarks a mute point or should our elected officials be responsible for their words and actions.
(We all remember Galluci and the fire dept comments)
I keep hearing excuses about her.
Ok, so let me understand this. She votes to raise our taxes and contributes nothing on Council (how many council listed items in the last four years did she initiate- i was just told none- calling Mr Abbot and Mr Sohn- please confirm)
Now she is insensitive to her constituents.
I wasn't the biggest Monica supporter before, but now, to protect the integrity of Teaneck, Monica must go.
The question I have is, the fact that she was just reelected, is her remarks a mute point or should our elected officials be responsible for their words and actions.
(We all remember Galluci and the fire dept comments)
I keep hearing excuses about her.
Ok, so let me understand this. She votes to raise our taxes and contributes nothing on Council (how many council listed items in the last four years did she initiate- i was just told none- calling Mr Abbot and Mr Sohn- please confirm)
Now she is insensitive to her constituents.
I wasn't the biggest Monica supporter before, but now, to protect the integrity of Teaneck, Monica must go.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Let's Move On
Results are in, the council format has been established.
Lets hear about what they should do next:
Build out American Legion Drive
Jitneys
Swim club ?.....
And here on in you need to use a registered "name" to post- the 250 postings of the last string appear to be from 10 people, bitter and hateful if i may say so.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Results are in...
Toffler 3354- winner
Monica 2990- winner
Hameedudin 2905- winner
Rudolph 2851
Robinson 2830
Jackson 2571
Goldman 2126
Rose 1311
Monica 2990- winner
Hameedudin 2905- winner
Rudolph 2851
Robinson 2830
Jackson 2571
Goldman 2126
Rose 1311
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Final Countdown
In less then 24 hours Teaneck residents will find out if the town will fall in to the hands of fiscally irresponsible management as demonstrated by years of Monica Honis votes and the vocal supporters of Teaneck Divided; or will Teaneck residents have proper fiscal management as demonstrated by Goldman and Team Teaneck.
Oh- Just in case the Abott Meter is broken, yes, Toffler's mail and ads have been negative.
So, who is going to win this wacko election.
Put your prediction on the record. And use creative names so I don't have to stop allowing anonymous postings.
Oh- Just in case the Abott Meter is broken, yes, Toffler's mail and ads have been negative.
So, who is going to win this wacko election.
Put your prediction on the record. And use creative names so I don't have to stop allowing anonymous postings.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Where is Weinberg?
Silence is deafening.
Loretta Weinberg has been a visible fixture in Teaneck politics for many years. (for the record I have never met her personally)
She sent out a mailing 2 years ago for Parker and 8 others in an election for four seats (we all remember it as the letter referring to voting for some people because of their gender).
She sent out a letter supporting Katz, Dworkin and Honis several years before that and two employees from her office were in attendance at the Monday night north east block association/ Teaneck United rally for Honis.
She also tried to create a forum this week with members of the Hispanic community for " her candidates" (I assume Honis, Toffler and Jackson- Inside Bergen.com has seemed to indicate as that they are Weinberg supported).
So my question is-- WHERE IS WEINBERG?:
Monica Honis probably said one of the most insensitive comments to the Jewish Community and probably all communities for that matter. A couple of key elected officials and supporters are noticeably silent.
This is not election fodder, this woman should not be on our Council.
Toffler made her NY Times comment that offended many in the Jewish Community:::::no apology
Honis makes her public comment about "the gas chamber"::::::no apology.
Does Weinberg really stand with them? And is this behavior acceptable?
Loretta Weinberg has been a visible fixture in Teaneck politics for many years. (for the record I have never met her personally)
She sent out a mailing 2 years ago for Parker and 8 others in an election for four seats (we all remember it as the letter referring to voting for some people because of their gender).
She sent out a letter supporting Katz, Dworkin and Honis several years before that and two employees from her office were in attendance at the Monday night north east block association/ Teaneck United rally for Honis.
She also tried to create a forum this week with members of the Hispanic community for " her candidates" (I assume Honis, Toffler and Jackson- Inside Bergen.com has seemed to indicate as that they are Weinberg supported).
So my question is-- WHERE IS WEINBERG?:
Monica Honis probably said one of the most insensitive comments to the Jewish Community and probably all communities for that matter. A couple of key elected officials and supporters are noticeably silent.
This is not election fodder, this woman should not be on our Council.
Toffler made her NY Times comment that offended many in the Jewish Community:::::no apology
Honis makes her public comment about "the gas chamber"::::::no apology.
Does Weinberg really stand with them? And is this behavior acceptable?
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
New Poll
See the new poll to the left
I am speechless
"going to the council without my running mates would be like going to the gas chamber"
"I chose my words very carefully knowing full well there was a 98 percent chance that some person would take my words and turn them around to make them something they were not meant to be"
Sure monica
I am speechless
"going to the council without my running mates would be like going to the gas chamber"
"I chose my words very carefully knowing full well there was a 98 percent chance that some person would take my words and turn them around to make them something they were not meant to be"
Sure monica
Saturday, May 3, 2008
"And the Truth shall set you Free"
Calling All Hypocrites and Kvetchers
The Team Teaneck aka Katz Team has come under fire this week for an ad that was put out by Robinson. This was their "dirty" piece. To me, it was their "truth" piece. Honis has a horrible public record on taxes. Katz wrote in the County Seat and Suburbanite that she:
1) voted for a police hiring package that would cost taxpayers over 60,000,000.
2) voted against the financial advisory board
3) voted against the new Glenpointe office building that would bring in over 800,000 in new taxes.
4) Voted against the budget that will deliver a zero municipal tax increase
What has she done for the taxes?
So what's the problem with Robinson pointing out the "truth". Maybe because its combating all of Monica's lies. After all, it is Teaneck United that has attacked the revaluation at these forums, so I can't blame Robinson for pointing out another one of Mayor Monica's smoke and mirror shows.
And who has been slinging mud? Could it be negative campaigning when Teaneck United holds a public forum at St. Marks Church filled with lies and innuendos with the only purpose to defeat Team Teaneck. Or maybe its negative when Teaneck United goes on a writing blitz and attacks Team Teaneck in the Suburbanite and the Record.
Or is it negative when Honis attacked Katz at the Bryant school and in the Record.
No this is not negative campaigning.
So let's move on.
How about Teaneck United's Tooth Fairy Ad about the Council.
Has anyone seen the police report against a certain Teaneck United organizer that allegedly verbally assaulted and harassed a Team Teaneck supporter from the north east.( Ax of the Record and Prosnitz have the Suburbanite have them)
Or maybe you have spoken to the merchants on Teaneck Road that were allegedly badgered by a Teaneck United supporter and North East Teaneck Road Block Association President.
Or the countless emails from Bill Morning attacking Team Teaneck. How about the Abbot family assault machine? Does that count?
Have we been sleeping or is denial no longer a river in Teaneck.
I am glad to see Robinson finally striking back. I was beginning to think that Team Teaneck had no back bone.
The Team Teaneck aka Katz Team has come under fire this week for an ad that was put out by Robinson. This was their "dirty" piece. To me, it was their "truth" piece. Honis has a horrible public record on taxes. Katz wrote in the County Seat and Suburbanite that she:
1) voted for a police hiring package that would cost taxpayers over 60,000,000.
2) voted against the financial advisory board
3) voted against the new Glenpointe office building that would bring in over 800,000 in new taxes.
4) Voted against the budget that will deliver a zero municipal tax increase
What has she done for the taxes?
So what's the problem with Robinson pointing out the "truth". Maybe because its combating all of Monica's lies. After all, it is Teaneck United that has attacked the revaluation at these forums, so I can't blame Robinson for pointing out another one of Mayor Monica's smoke and mirror shows.
And who has been slinging mud? Could it be negative campaigning when Teaneck United holds a public forum at St. Marks Church filled with lies and innuendos with the only purpose to defeat Team Teaneck. Or maybe its negative when Teaneck United goes on a writing blitz and attacks Team Teaneck in the Suburbanite and the Record.
Or is it negative when Honis attacked Katz at the Bryant school and in the Record.
No this is not negative campaigning.
So let's move on.
How about Teaneck United's Tooth Fairy Ad about the Council.
Has anyone seen the police report against a certain Teaneck United organizer that allegedly verbally assaulted and harassed a Team Teaneck supporter from the north east.( Ax of the Record and Prosnitz have the Suburbanite have them)
Or maybe you have spoken to the merchants on Teaneck Road that were allegedly badgered by a Teaneck United supporter and North East Teaneck Road Block Association President.
Or the countless emails from Bill Morning attacking Team Teaneck. How about the Abbot family assault machine? Does that count?
Have we been sleeping or is denial no longer a river in Teaneck.
I am glad to see Robinson finally striking back. I was beginning to think that Team Teaneck had no back bone.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
What's Eating The Abbots?
A posting on Teaneck Progress by "is the election over yet" details specific examples of censorship by Tom Abbot. I always wondered what those removed posts were all about (ones removed within minutes).
here is the link- sorry i can't do anything fancy with it
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=28495920&postID=3977512904577253609
Two of the most vocal negative people(s) in this campaign have been Alan Sohn and The Abbot Family. And I am sure they will, and have been the first to criticize negative campaigning, but their failure to hold them selves to the same standards is modern day hypocrisy.
They probably justify it as spreading the "truth", a word we are very familiar with and appreciate here at Teaneck Truth. For the most part, we know Sohn's history and root of anger, but how do you explain the Abbots. They have painted a public picture as "we stand for all good and pure and can't accept the evil head of Ferriero or whatever his name is from Bergen County". But many in Abbot's circle of friends still questioned the extent of his dedication and drive to go against "what's his face" from Bergen County. To the extent of working and frolicking with the same group of people that have tormented, abused and badgered Mrs. Abbot while she dedicated many years to the Board of Education in Teaneck. The same group that aligned themselves last year with others to successfully oust Barbara Ostroth. The same group that has been vocal and antagonistic to almost every dedicated elected official from Frank Hall, to Kielizek, to Jackie Kate's husband to the current Mayor Katz. And yes, we know what Senator many in this group coincidentally have very close ties to, though we thought it was a coincidence.
I was ready to take this at face value that the Abbot's have switched teams, made amends, buried the hatchet, water under the bridge. It happens. This is politics.
But then I read last weeks Suburbanite and I couldn't help but notice a little article about a House of Worship on Queen Anne. And the most vocal critics were, that's right, the Abbots. (as well as his posts on Teaneck Progress re this topic)
Is this coincidence or is there some kind of connection between their over the top public dislike of Mayor Katz and Team Teaneck and the project in their back yard. Have they just discovered "The enemy of my enemy is my friend". Have they sold their principles and beliefs and genuinely believe that Monica Honis walk on water and the crew associated and endorsed by their former detractors are whats best for Teaneck.
I think in life when people have biases, they tend to have blinders on.
I think I know have truly seen the meaning of " Bite your nose, spite your face".
Good bye good Teaneck, the Abbots are mad.
here is the link- sorry i can't do anything fancy with it
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=28495920&postID=3977512904577253609
Two of the most vocal negative people(s) in this campaign have been Alan Sohn and The Abbot Family. And I am sure they will, and have been the first to criticize negative campaigning, but their failure to hold them selves to the same standards is modern day hypocrisy.
They probably justify it as spreading the "truth", a word we are very familiar with and appreciate here at Teaneck Truth. For the most part, we know Sohn's history and root of anger, but how do you explain the Abbots. They have painted a public picture as "we stand for all good and pure and can't accept the evil head of Ferriero or whatever his name is from Bergen County". But many in Abbot's circle of friends still questioned the extent of his dedication and drive to go against "what's his face" from Bergen County. To the extent of working and frolicking with the same group of people that have tormented, abused and badgered Mrs. Abbot while she dedicated many years to the Board of Education in Teaneck. The same group that aligned themselves last year with others to successfully oust Barbara Ostroth. The same group that has been vocal and antagonistic to almost every dedicated elected official from Frank Hall, to Kielizek, to Jackie Kate's husband to the current Mayor Katz. And yes, we know what Senator many in this group coincidentally have very close ties to, though we thought it was a coincidence.
I was ready to take this at face value that the Abbot's have switched teams, made amends, buried the hatchet, water under the bridge. It happens. This is politics.
But then I read last weeks Suburbanite and I couldn't help but notice a little article about a House of Worship on Queen Anne. And the most vocal critics were, that's right, the Abbots. (as well as his posts on Teaneck Progress re this topic)
Is this coincidence or is there some kind of connection between their over the top public dislike of Mayor Katz and Team Teaneck and the project in their back yard. Have they just discovered "The enemy of my enemy is my friend". Have they sold their principles and beliefs and genuinely believe that Monica Honis walk on water and the crew associated and endorsed by their former detractors are whats best for Teaneck.
I think in life when people have biases, they tend to have blinders on.
I think I know have truly seen the meaning of " Bite your nose, spite your face".
Good bye good Teaneck, the Abbots are mad.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Our policy
Our Policy:
I will not accept any racist or illegal comments. Teaneck Truth is a forum for the truth to come out. And while many may take exception to the vile and hateful comments by some, this is the forum that those vile and hateful people are using to express the Truth about themselves.
So if you go to the Supermarket- smile and wave to a fellow loving Teaneck resident. They may be on our blog dishing the truth about you. But, we will not tolerate bias crimes or comments and not only will we cooperate with any authorities, we will turn over the ip's voluntarily. So continue to be mean, continue to hate, continue to love and continue showing your truth, just no racial hate and keep it legal.
MESSAGE #2- Please forward to teanecktruth@gmail.com any of your own postings (with a byline) and I will put them up as their own posts for public discussion. That's what this- a forum to discuss.
I will not accept any racist or illegal comments. Teaneck Truth is a forum for the truth to come out. And while many may take exception to the vile and hateful comments by some, this is the forum that those vile and hateful people are using to express the Truth about themselves.
So if you go to the Supermarket- smile and wave to a fellow loving Teaneck resident. They may be on our blog dishing the truth about you. But, we will not tolerate bias crimes or comments and not only will we cooperate with any authorities, we will turn over the ip's voluntarily. So continue to be mean, continue to hate, continue to love and continue showing your truth, just no racial hate and keep it legal.
MESSAGE #2- Please forward to teanecktruth@gmail.com any of your own postings (with a byline) and I will put them up as their own posts for public discussion. That's what this- a forum to discuss.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Teaneck Divided Has Changed It Name
For Immediate Release
Contact: Teaneck Divided
It's official. Teaneck Divided has changed its name to Teaneck Abusive.
Ok, here is the latest email going around town. Rumor has it, A certain person, who's name we shall not mention, but let's just say he or she lives on Shepard (and may be one of the organizers of Teaneck Divided and member of the Northeast Block Association).
Ok, back to the story, she went to Teaneck Road Merchant (s) and said if you don't take down the Team Teaneck sign their store will be boycotted. It doesn't end there. She then (allgedly) called a TeamTeaneck supporter in the Northeast and used some very harsh sailor language, to the point that I understand there is a police report floating around. The rumors going around is that the Teaneck Abusive members have spoken to many merchants and residents that have dared to support TeamTeaneck.
I know that Tom Abbot and Alan Sohn will somehow draw a connection between the moon, the stars County Politics and Rudolph made her do it, and I understand. But, for the rest of us, I ask, is this the leadership we are looking for in Teaneck?
I may just be voting for Ned too.
and there is more to come...
Contact: Teaneck Divided
It's official. Teaneck Divided has changed its name to Teaneck Abusive.
Ok, here is the latest email going around town. Rumor has it, A certain person, who's name we shall not mention, but let's just say he or she lives on Shepard (and may be one of the organizers of Teaneck Divided and member of the Northeast Block Association).
Ok, back to the story, she went to Teaneck Road Merchant (s) and said if you don't take down the Team Teaneck sign their store will be boycotted. It doesn't end there. She then (allgedly) called a TeamTeaneck supporter in the Northeast and used some very harsh sailor language, to the point that I understand there is a police report floating around. The rumors going around is that the Teaneck Abusive members have spoken to many merchants and residents that have dared to support TeamTeaneck.
I know that Tom Abbot and Alan Sohn will somehow draw a connection between the moon, the stars County Politics and Rudolph made her do it, and I understand. But, for the rest of us, I ask, is this the leadership we are looking for in Teaneck?
I may just be voting for Ned too.
and there is more to come...
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
I'm taking out my "What If" Crystal Ball
There is a lot of talk about Monica Honis wanting to be the Mayor. Rumor has it, that she is already telling people that she will be the top vote getter and that Audra Jackson is not even going to win. Since Parker bumped her for Deputy, last time, Monica wants to return the favor this year.
So Mayor Monica, will lead the charge for no more progress, continued reduction in services, and more tax increases. She will appoint Bill Morning as community relations specialist, Marty Cramer as Township Attorney, Ron Schwartz as Zoning Board Attorney, Mildred Tucker as Planning Board Chair, Sandy Loft as Board of Adjustment Chair, they have a Manager already interviewed and waiting.
Teaneck's future is not looking good.
The nice community we all love will be turned upside down. You can't manage a town with hate and anger.
I just woke up in a cold sweat. Is it May 13th yet?
Good bye Mayor Katz (and your ugly green tie) say hello to Mayor Monica.
Save Teaneck!!
So Mayor Monica, will lead the charge for no more progress, continued reduction in services, and more tax increases. She will appoint Bill Morning as community relations specialist, Marty Cramer as Township Attorney, Ron Schwartz as Zoning Board Attorney, Mildred Tucker as Planning Board Chair, Sandy Loft as Board of Adjustment Chair, they have a Manager already interviewed and waiting.
Teaneck's future is not looking good.
The nice community we all love will be turned upside down. You can't manage a town with hate and anger.
I just woke up in a cold sweat. Is it May 13th yet?
Good bye Mayor Katz (and your ugly green tie) say hello to Mayor Monica.
Save Teaneck!!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Kids, It's Time for a Time Out
With this Election getting very, very hot. I needed something to cool it down. I once again looked towards my sister blog for a distraction and guidance. Well, the hamburger was her preferred method of change. There was also a person holding a cup of coffee and saying something, but that seems to be gone.
So I decided to take something more local.
I could talk about Toffler's rage last night, or I could mention the actress Honis Bonus Tax, or maybe say a word or two about Rose the flip flopper. But instead, today I will. criticize someone I happen to be fond of, our Mayor.
If you got to see last nights Council meeting you would see that our Mayor stood out like a soar thumb in his new brown suit. Matching what looked like an ugly green tie. My suggestion to our Mayor is stick to running our town well and ask for a little advise with the clothing selection. Lucky for you, this blog doesn't judge a book by its cover.
Speaking of books, I have to get back to my Final Accounting by Mrs. Toffler.
So I decided to take something more local.
I could talk about Toffler's rage last night, or I could mention the actress Honis Bonus Tax, or maybe say a word or two about Rose the flip flopper. But instead, today I will. criticize someone I happen to be fond of, our Mayor.
If you got to see last nights Council meeting you would see that our Mayor stood out like a soar thumb in his new brown suit. Matching what looked like an ugly green tie. My suggestion to our Mayor is stick to running our town well and ask for a little advise with the clothing selection. Lucky for you, this blog doesn't judge a book by its cover.
Speaking of books, I have to get back to my Final Accounting by Mrs. Toffler.
Monday, April 14, 2008
PBS Expose
(as cut and pasted from a comment in the prior post)
PBS Exposed Barbara Toffler as an Unethical Ethicist
Cheating for Arthur Andersen and Enron—Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars at a Time Snatched to Feed Her Fancy Habits and Grandiose Ego
Barbara Ley Toffler: The Culture of Greed
May 2, 2003 Episode no. 635
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week635/cover.html
BOB ABERNETHY, anchor: This week, 10 of the biggest banks and brokers on Wall Street agreed to pay $1.4 billion to settle charges that for their own profit, they had knowingly misled millions of investors.
Phil Jones has the story of one woman caught up in the unethical culture that brought down Enron, Arthur Andersen, and many others.
PHIL JONES: Bob, it was in the early 1990s that business ethics actually became a business unto itself. With concerns over business scandals, the U.S. Sentencing Commission, which is an independent federal agency that advises courts, basically said to corporations, "We are going to sock you with huge fines when you break federal laws dealing with white-collar crimes -- but if you have tough, formal written programs dealing with ethics and standards, the fines will be less." So businesses began to hire experts to draw up ethics codes. One of the nation's leading accounting-auditing companies saw a chance to cash in on the ethics consulting business. And before it was over, ironically, one of the nation's ethics experts had lost her own ethical compass.
BARBARA TOFFLER (Business Ethics Consultant): I remember when I walked into the building, 1995 -- the flagship office of Arthur Andersen -- and I was starting a new adventure.
JONES: Barbara Toffler's adventure came in the midst of the 1990s bubble economy. Wall Street was on a high. During this period, Toffler, a leading expert on management ethics, got a call from the Arthur Andersen auditing firm. They asked her to run an ethics consulting service for Andersen clients. Little did she realize what was happening inside the firm.
Ms. TOFFLER: Everybody was trying to grab business from somebody else. I mean, that was my daily activity -- fighting. It was like one piece of bread, and 10 of us there, "Got to get it! Got to get it!" It doesn't matter whether I like bread, whether I know what to do with the bread. But, "I've got to get it."
JONES: Toffler was making about $300,000 a year back then, living in style in New York. She was now playing in the big game -- which even included company pep rallies and clients of Arthur Andersen that one day would become notorious.
Ms. TOFFLER: We had this huge light and sound show -- fabulous -- for the "client of the future" -- our best client and the one that everyone should be going out and getting more of. And up on those screens comes the upended E -- Enron.
JONES: Barbara Toffler, who had built a career in the field of business ethics, was asked to do unethical things, and she complied.
(to Ms. Toffler): Were you told by your bosses not to be aggressive on billing and ethical matters?
Ms. TOFFLER: Not to be aggressive on billing?
JONES: Mm-hmm.
Ms. TOFFLER: No. I was certainly not told I should not be aggressive. I mean, I was told, of course we were going to be aggressive.
JONES: The billing was maddening?
Ms. TOFFLER: And one of the phrases that we used to describe it was "billing our brains out."
JONES: But as Toffler has recalled her nightmare in a book called FINAL ACCOUNTING: AMBITION, GREED, AND THE FALL OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN, she claims that on at least one occasion she was coerced by a partner to overbill a client.
Ms. TOFFLER: Our piece of this particular budget was somewhere around -- stretching it -- $75,000. It wasn't that big a job. I gave him my budget. He looked at it, threw it back at me, and said, "Double it." I said, "Double it? That's it. We can't double it." "That's what you do," he said. "I want that doubled. Double it. Don't bring it back to me until it's doubled."
JONES: And?
Ms. TOFFLER: Back I came with a $150,000 [budget]. I did.
JONES: And did you say anything?
Ms. TOFFLER: I just gave it to him. And we stretched it! We added hours. We added tasks.
JONES: However, she admits that sometimes she overbilled on her own. The game, she said, was to make a client dependent on her, especially when the client was new to the ethics business.
Ms. TOFFLER: It gave us the wonderful opportunity to say, "Well, this is what you need. And you certainly are not prepared to do this on your own, so here are the very many things that we can possibly do for you. And we'll set up weekly kinds of activities for you to do." So if this person's doing something every week, then, obviously, he has to come back to us. We have to be there. Well, suffice it to say, within a very short time, we had set up a planned program to bill this firm $250,000 a month to basically do work that their employees should've been doing. The CEO got wind of this and he basically said, "Enough, enough."
JONES: So you sort of got caught on that one.
Ms. TOFFLER: Yeah, yeah, yeah. This was somebody I know, somebody I still know. But I was enormously embarrassed. I mean, I had never ever done something like that.
JONES: But you never went to your bosses and said, "This isn't ethical."
Ms. TOFFLER: Sure, I did. But I was seen as kind of a pain in the neck. I mean, I know I was seen as a pain in the neck. My feeling was like, "There goes Barbara again."
JONES: Toffler's experiences occurred before the scandals of Enron, WorldCom, Quest Communications, and Global Crossing. But before she finally left in 1999, three years before Arthur Andersen collapsed, Toffler herself had become a victim of what she calls a new greedy culture at Arthur Andersen.
JONES: So while you were working there, what happened to your ethics?
Ms. TOFFLER: I don't want to say that I forgot everything that I was raised with, but you know, when you spend time working in an organization -- particularly one that has a strong culture -- you find yourself being drawn into that culture and beginning to behave the same way the people around you do.
JONES: Toffler argues that she never did anything that was illegal, but she's spent a lot of time thinking about how she managed to get caught in a web of unethical behavior.
(to Ms. Toffler): As you look back, why do you think you did these things?
Ms. TOFFLER: I did them for many reasons. One, I was making very good money, living a very comfortable life, and I didn't want to give that up. Two, I had brought several young people into the firm, creating opportunities for them to start to build their career. And I felt that if I left, or if I created too much of a disturbance, I might be harming them. Three, I always thought of myself as a competent person, somebody who could be successful in most environments that I had been in. I'd been a professor at Harvard. I had a very successful, honest, ethical consulting firm. I couldn't believe that I couldn't be successful at Arthur Andersen. Oh, I felt -- well, of course, I felt like I was failing. I felt like I couldn't play the game the way they did.
.
Ms. TOFFLER: If I am given a target, and the only way I can achieve that target is by doing something that's ethically questionable, or even illegal, but my boss is unrelenting and I have got to do it -- most people are not morally courageous. And many people will say, "Look, I've got kids in school. I've got aging parents. I've got a mortgage. I've got all kinds of commitments. Who am I to be so cavalier to say, 'I'm sorry. I will not work under these conditions,' and walk out?"
also- see another one: http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/dml/engine.php?action=viewMedia&genreFilter=8&listPlace=8&mediaIndex=148&rootCategory=1&source=category&typeFilter=0
PBS Exposed Barbara Toffler as an Unethical Ethicist
Cheating for Arthur Andersen and Enron—Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars at a Time Snatched to Feed Her Fancy Habits and Grandiose Ego
Barbara Ley Toffler: The Culture of Greed
May 2, 2003 Episode no. 635
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week635/cover.html
BOB ABERNETHY, anchor: This week, 10 of the biggest banks and brokers on Wall Street agreed to pay $1.4 billion to settle charges that for their own profit, they had knowingly misled millions of investors.
Phil Jones has the story of one woman caught up in the unethical culture that brought down Enron, Arthur Andersen, and many others.
PHIL JONES: Bob, it was in the early 1990s that business ethics actually became a business unto itself. With concerns over business scandals, the U.S. Sentencing Commission, which is an independent federal agency that advises courts, basically said to corporations, "We are going to sock you with huge fines when you break federal laws dealing with white-collar crimes -- but if you have tough, formal written programs dealing with ethics and standards, the fines will be less." So businesses began to hire experts to draw up ethics codes. One of the nation's leading accounting-auditing companies saw a chance to cash in on the ethics consulting business. And before it was over, ironically, one of the nation's ethics experts had lost her own ethical compass.
BARBARA TOFFLER (Business Ethics Consultant): I remember when I walked into the building, 1995 -- the flagship office of Arthur Andersen -- and I was starting a new adventure.
JONES: Barbara Toffler's adventure came in the midst of the 1990s bubble economy. Wall Street was on a high. During this period, Toffler, a leading expert on management ethics, got a call from the Arthur Andersen auditing firm. They asked her to run an ethics consulting service for Andersen clients. Little did she realize what was happening inside the firm.
Ms. TOFFLER: Everybody was trying to grab business from somebody else. I mean, that was my daily activity -- fighting. It was like one piece of bread, and 10 of us there, "Got to get it! Got to get it!" It doesn't matter whether I like bread, whether I know what to do with the bread. But, "I've got to get it."
JONES: Toffler was making about $300,000 a year back then, living in style in New York. She was now playing in the big game -- which even included company pep rallies and clients of Arthur Andersen that one day would become notorious.
Ms. TOFFLER: We had this huge light and sound show -- fabulous -- for the "client of the future" -- our best client and the one that everyone should be going out and getting more of. And up on those screens comes the upended E -- Enron.
JONES: Barbara Toffler, who had built a career in the field of business ethics, was asked to do unethical things, and she complied.
(to Ms. Toffler): Were you told by your bosses not to be aggressive on billing and ethical matters?
Ms. TOFFLER: Not to be aggressive on billing?
JONES: Mm-hmm.
Ms. TOFFLER: No. I was certainly not told I should not be aggressive. I mean, I was told, of course we were going to be aggressive.
JONES: The billing was maddening?
Ms. TOFFLER: And one of the phrases that we used to describe it was "billing our brains out."
JONES: But as Toffler has recalled her nightmare in a book called FINAL ACCOUNTING: AMBITION, GREED, AND THE FALL OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN, she claims that on at least one occasion she was coerced by a partner to overbill a client.
Ms. TOFFLER: Our piece of this particular budget was somewhere around -- stretching it -- $75,000. It wasn't that big a job. I gave him my budget. He looked at it, threw it back at me, and said, "Double it." I said, "Double it? That's it. We can't double it." "That's what you do," he said. "I want that doubled. Double it. Don't bring it back to me until it's doubled."
JONES: And?
Ms. TOFFLER: Back I came with a $150,000 [budget]. I did.
JONES: And did you say anything?
Ms. TOFFLER: I just gave it to him. And we stretched it! We added hours. We added tasks.
JONES: However, she admits that sometimes she overbilled on her own. The game, she said, was to make a client dependent on her, especially when the client was new to the ethics business.
Ms. TOFFLER: It gave us the wonderful opportunity to say, "Well, this is what you need. And you certainly are not prepared to do this on your own, so here are the very many things that we can possibly do for you. And we'll set up weekly kinds of activities for you to do." So if this person's doing something every week, then, obviously, he has to come back to us. We have to be there. Well, suffice it to say, within a very short time, we had set up a planned program to bill this firm $250,000 a month to basically do work that their employees should've been doing. The CEO got wind of this and he basically said, "Enough, enough."
JONES: So you sort of got caught on that one.
Ms. TOFFLER: Yeah, yeah, yeah. This was somebody I know, somebody I still know. But I was enormously embarrassed. I mean, I had never ever done something like that.
JONES: But you never went to your bosses and said, "This isn't ethical."
Ms. TOFFLER: Sure, I did. But I was seen as kind of a pain in the neck. I mean, I know I was seen as a pain in the neck. My feeling was like, "There goes Barbara again."
JONES: Toffler's experiences occurred before the scandals of Enron, WorldCom, Quest Communications, and Global Crossing. But before she finally left in 1999, three years before Arthur Andersen collapsed, Toffler herself had become a victim of what she calls a new greedy culture at Arthur Andersen.
JONES: So while you were working there, what happened to your ethics?
Ms. TOFFLER: I don't want to say that I forgot everything that I was raised with, but you know, when you spend time working in an organization -- particularly one that has a strong culture -- you find yourself being drawn into that culture and beginning to behave the same way the people around you do.
JONES: Toffler argues that she never did anything that was illegal, but she's spent a lot of time thinking about how she managed to get caught in a web of unethical behavior.
(to Ms. Toffler): As you look back, why do you think you did these things?
Ms. TOFFLER: I did them for many reasons. One, I was making very good money, living a very comfortable life, and I didn't want to give that up. Two, I had brought several young people into the firm, creating opportunities for them to start to build their career. And I felt that if I left, or if I created too much of a disturbance, I might be harming them. Three, I always thought of myself as a competent person, somebody who could be successful in most environments that I had been in. I'd been a professor at Harvard. I had a very successful, honest, ethical consulting firm. I couldn't believe that I couldn't be successful at Arthur Andersen. Oh, I felt -- well, of course, I felt like I was failing. I felt like I couldn't play the game the way they did.
.
Ms. TOFFLER: If I am given a target, and the only way I can achieve that target is by doing something that's ethically questionable, or even illegal, but my boss is unrelenting and I have got to do it -- most people are not morally courageous. And many people will say, "Look, I've got kids in school. I've got aging parents. I've got a mortgage. I've got all kinds of commitments. Who am I to be so cavalier to say, 'I'm sorry. I will not work under these conditions,' and walk out?"
also- see another one: http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/dml/engine.php?action=viewMedia&genreFilter=8&listPlace=8&mediaIndex=148&rootCategory=1&source=category&typeFilter=0
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Alan Sohn for Board of Ed
Can I reccomend to all a write in for Alan Sohn for Boad of Education. Am i the only one wishing that more then three people are running?
Though he claims to be a numbers man I am a bit confuised about how he only got 228 or so petitions. I know, it is a conspiracy.
His public comments show that he does not want to work with this Council or probably anyone for that matter. He mentions all of the private meetings he has had with Cramer, Zucker and Harris but publicly comes out and condemns Katz, Feit, Rudolph and Gussen. I have not spoken to any of them, but I will bet dollars to donuts that Sohn never sat down for a whole day and tried communicating the issues with Council. So what we have here is good old fashion hypocrisy and viciousness. I hope the people Sohn is supporting in this election come out and honor their campaign pledge to condemn Sohn's actions. Maybe Sohn should write something about himself and how his comments violate these pledges.
My only surprise is why do these stupid Councilmen appoint these nasty and angry people to boards. Alan Sohn and Howard Rose both people that have publicly denounced Council's actions for a public cheer and both people that have been appointed by this Council to several boards.
Though he claims to be a numbers man I am a bit confuised about how he only got 228 or so petitions. I know, it is a conspiracy.
His public comments show that he does not want to work with this Council or probably anyone for that matter. He mentions all of the private meetings he has had with Cramer, Zucker and Harris but publicly comes out and condemns Katz, Feit, Rudolph and Gussen. I have not spoken to any of them, but I will bet dollars to donuts that Sohn never sat down for a whole day and tried communicating the issues with Council. So what we have here is good old fashion hypocrisy and viciousness. I hope the people Sohn is supporting in this election come out and honor their campaign pledge to condemn Sohn's actions. Maybe Sohn should write something about himself and how his comments violate these pledges.
My only surprise is why do these stupid Councilmen appoint these nasty and angry people to boards. Alan Sohn and Howard Rose both people that have publicly denounced Council's actions for a public cheer and both people that have been appointed by this Council to several boards.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Race Baiting or too much "Truth"
There has been much chatter about the most recent Jewish Voice article. The question is did the Voice cross the line or accurately depict the inappropriate actions of several residents.
I don't have that answer, but just some observations of different actions and comments that I have heard.
We have Mildred Tucker. Many have suggested that she is simply acting as a mouthpiece for Naomi Cramer and Laura Zucker. But her flyers, comments and emails are the questionable material. "Gentrification", "discriminatory zoning" and words like that. (wait until you see some of the emails i have collected- will post over the next two weeks- preview "this isn't monsey")
Ok, how about Jordan Wouk. Was it not Jordan that publicly raised questions about "certain members on the Council and Planning Board".
Ok, how about Barbara Toffler....we know about her NY times debut and her very public Councilman Feit dialogue. Then there was her public attack and attempt to embarrass former Councilman Stern after she sought his help. What about the recent Councilman Rudolph attack, ok that was politics.
Then we have the Joe Harris email from two years ago: I believe "Bigot" was the word of choice.
And who is this new Suburbanite letter writer. I believe its one of the Teaneck's Divided organizers. Is he not the same former Councilman that caused a public stir with his very very public comments about synagogues in Teaneck opening on West Englewood. Check out Mike Kelly's book Color Lines..or check out the minutes from the council meetings dating back DECADES.
Let's see, what do all these people have in common? Oh I know, they are all part of the Teaneck Divided group.
Paging Alan Sohn, Paging Alan Sohn, please report to the Teaneck Truth desk and bring your broken moral compass, you have some more writing to do.
I don't have that answer, but just some observations of different actions and comments that I have heard.
We have Mildred Tucker. Many have suggested that she is simply acting as a mouthpiece for Naomi Cramer and Laura Zucker. But her flyers, comments and emails are the questionable material. "Gentrification", "discriminatory zoning" and words like that. (wait until you see some of the emails i have collected- will post over the next two weeks- preview "this isn't monsey")
Ok, how about Jordan Wouk. Was it not Jordan that publicly raised questions about "certain members on the Council and Planning Board".
Ok, how about Barbara Toffler....we know about her NY times debut and her very public Councilman Feit dialogue. Then there was her public attack and attempt to embarrass former Councilman Stern after she sought his help. What about the recent Councilman Rudolph attack, ok that was politics.
Then we have the Joe Harris email from two years ago: I believe "Bigot" was the word of choice.
And who is this new Suburbanite letter writer. I believe its one of the Teaneck's Divided organizers. Is he not the same former Councilman that caused a public stir with his very very public comments about synagogues in Teaneck opening on West Englewood. Check out Mike Kelly's book Color Lines..or check out the minutes from the council meetings dating back DECADES.
Let's see, what do all these people have in common? Oh I know, they are all part of the Teaneck Divided group.
Paging Alan Sohn, Paging Alan Sohn, please report to the Teaneck Truth desk and bring your broken moral compass, you have some more writing to do.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
So i am a few days late...
We had our first debate/ forum....
But no questions were answered. What I heard sitting in the audience was tension, Rudolph attacks, and Monica Honis the new brains behind everything good in Teaneck. Teaneck would cease to exist if not for Honis and all of her great work on the Council.
What was really missing was the small minor detail called issues. What do these people stand for. If we elect Monica will there still be a drama queen that gets nothing done. Will Audra be the new Gussen? Will Toffler just be Rude. How about Rose, will he yell at everyone at good and welfare. These are all important questions, and the residents of Teaneck deserve to know what and who they are voting for. And what about Cramer....how does he fit in with all of this? We need answers.
But no questions were answered. What I heard sitting in the audience was tension, Rudolph attacks, and Monica Honis the new brains behind everything good in Teaneck. Teaneck would cease to exist if not for Honis and all of her great work on the Council.
What was really missing was the small minor detail called issues. What do these people stand for. If we elect Monica will there still be a drama queen that gets nothing done. Will Audra be the new Gussen? Will Toffler just be Rude. How about Rose, will he yell at everyone at good and welfare. These are all important questions, and the residents of Teaneck deserve to know what and who they are voting for. And what about Cramer....how does he fit in with all of this? We need answers.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
The lineups....
Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!!!!!!
Monica Honis, Audra Jackson and Barbara Toffler are a ticket. The three people that stand for ???, oh yes, The "Weinberg" ticket. In our beautiful non partisan town, how could it be? I am shocked.
What is their platform- their goals and objectives. What do they want to achieve. Its been two years of complaining with no other ideas- LETS HEAR IT
Let's analyze them one at a time. You have our "ethicist" that embarrass former Council members publicly by reading sound bytes of private emails. You have the incumbent that has a very, very strong record of doing NOTHING and then you have Mrs. Jackson, that could probably do a very good job on the Council.
I find it a little unfair to her cousin Monica (they are cousins)that will no longer get away with her public rants, taking everyone elses credit and just keeping a seat warm. This should be a very interesting race.
Too bad for Goldman and Rose, they got left flapping in the wind.
I must admit, I was a little shocked that Teaneck Divided did not endorse Elnatan. Maybe Cramer can't state in the papers his groups sole mission is to unseat Elnatan.
Next up- the recap from the first debate
Monica Honis, Audra Jackson and Barbara Toffler are a ticket. The three people that stand for ???, oh yes, The "Weinberg" ticket. In our beautiful non partisan town, how could it be? I am shocked.
What is their platform- their goals and objectives. What do they want to achieve. Its been two years of complaining with no other ideas- LETS HEAR IT
Let's analyze them one at a time. You have our "ethicist" that embarrass former Council members publicly by reading sound bytes of private emails. You have the incumbent that has a very, very strong record of doing NOTHING and then you have Mrs. Jackson, that could probably do a very good job on the Council.
I find it a little unfair to her cousin Monica (they are cousins)that will no longer get away with her public rants, taking everyone elses credit and just keeping a seat warm. This should be a very interesting race.
Too bad for Goldman and Rose, they got left flapping in the wind.
I must admit, I was a little shocked that Teaneck Divided did not endorse Elnatan. Maybe Cramer can't state in the papers his groups sole mission is to unseat Elnatan.
Next up- the recap from the first debate
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Loretta's Turf!
Is this a turf war as reported in several papers?
Rudolph had the audacity and hutzpah to build a relationship with the Bergen Democrats, Loretta Weinberg's nemesis. For the last two years Rudolph has been badgered and harassed by many of Weinberg's "friends". Coincidence? Is there any "truth" to the comments that Weinberg hasn't delivered money to Teaneck. There are some that say that Weinberg has no power outside of Teaneck and that is why she is so desperate to keep control of this Council.
For many years our Council has been beholden to Weinberg:
Kates, Katz, Parker, Honis
Rudolph refuses to kiss the ring, so he seems to face the wrath of Weinberg and her supporters. I think I saw a movie about this, called "The Truman Show". The producer would send any obstacle (storms, road closures etc) to Truman so he wouldn't get to see that there is a big world outside the bubble. It seems that Rudolph found hundreds of thousands of dollars in the "outside world" that Weinberg didn't deliver or couldn't deliver and now there will be hell to pay.
So what about the comment that Teaneck is non partisan and we don't want to be under the influence of a party boss? Last I checked Weinberg is a Democrat and some of her big supporters are in significant power positions in Teaneck:
1) Veach, prosecutor
2) Turitz, attorney
3) Ginova, attorney
4) Cramer, former attorney
5) DeCotis (Huttle), attorney
And the list goes on.
So is it hypocrisy, or welcome to Teaneck politics??
Rudolph had the audacity and hutzpah to build a relationship with the Bergen Democrats, Loretta Weinberg's nemesis. For the last two years Rudolph has been badgered and harassed by many of Weinberg's "friends". Coincidence? Is there any "truth" to the comments that Weinberg hasn't delivered money to Teaneck. There are some that say that Weinberg has no power outside of Teaneck and that is why she is so desperate to keep control of this Council.
For many years our Council has been beholden to Weinberg:
Kates, Katz, Parker, Honis
Rudolph refuses to kiss the ring, so he seems to face the wrath of Weinberg and her supporters. I think I saw a movie about this, called "The Truman Show". The producer would send any obstacle (storms, road closures etc) to Truman so he wouldn't get to see that there is a big world outside the bubble. It seems that Rudolph found hundreds of thousands of dollars in the "outside world" that Weinberg didn't deliver or couldn't deliver and now there will be hell to pay.
So what about the comment that Teaneck is non partisan and we don't want to be under the influence of a party boss? Last I checked Weinberg is a Democrat and some of her big supporters are in significant power positions in Teaneck:
1) Veach, prosecutor
2) Turitz, attorney
3) Ginova, attorney
4) Cramer, former attorney
5) DeCotis (Huttle), attorney
And the list goes on.
So is it hypocrisy, or welcome to Teaneck politics??
Thursday, March 20, 2008
And the contestants are...
Eleven people submitted petitions.
The following three did not qualify:
Alan Sohn
Allen Gailes Jr
Vadiraja (Raj) Murthy
They did not have enough qualifying signatures
The balance of the names are:
Elnatan Rudolph
Mohammed Hameeduddin
Robert Robinson
Howard Rose
Monica Honis
Audra Jackson
Ned Goldman
Barbara Ley Toffler
Let the games begin!
The following three did not qualify:
Alan Sohn
Allen Gailes Jr
Vadiraja (Raj) Murthy
They did not have enough qualifying signatures
The balance of the names are:
Elnatan Rudolph
Mohammed Hameeduddin
Robert Robinson
Howard Rose
Monica Honis
Audra Jackson
Ned Goldman
Barbara Ley Toffler
Let the games begin!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Lockstep? That's not the truth
Last weeks Suburbanite quoted Martin Cramer as stating that the Council Majority has voted in "lock step" in almost every important vote. A recent email that has been circulating around town will help the general public see "the truth" about the Council's voting record.
* 2006: 260 resolutions and 25 ordinances passed (July to Dec)
* 2007: 488 resolutions and 69 ordinances passed
* 2008: 74 resolutions and 6 ordinances passed (Jan and Feb)
There were only 3 "4-3" votes in all of 2007: to send notices to the County Seat, re-appointing Birdsall as the Township Planner, and appointment of Steven Kaye to the Planning Board. There have been no "4-3" votes so far in 2008.
In 2006, there were only 5 "4-3" votes: to appoint Birdsall as the Township Planner, to award Birdsall the Development Opportunities Analysis, to award Birdsall the Master Plan, campaign resolution, and appointment of Sandy Loft to the HNBLC.
You do the math: 8 disagreements in 2 1/2 years. This is less than 1/10 of 1%. There were at least that many disagreements along "mixed" lines during that time (off the top of my head - rent control, establishment of the FAB, seating preferences at meetings, holiday display, phone system, buying new police cars, hiring 5 new officers, the budget).
Additionally, in the back of the Township Manager's report, there are 329 names listed under the various advisory boards (some names are included more than once but you get the basic idea). Council disagreed on 2 out of 329. Again, an amazing percentage of agreement among all Council members.
I guess "truth" + accuracy is a minor detail with some people's political agenda.
* 2006: 260 resolutions and 25 ordinances passed (July to Dec)
* 2007: 488 resolutions and 69 ordinances passed
* 2008: 74 resolutions and 6 ordinances passed (Jan and Feb)
There were only 3 "4-3" votes in all of 2007: to send notices to the County Seat, re-appointing Birdsall as the Township Planner, and appointment of Steven Kaye to the Planning Board. There have been no "4-3" votes so far in 2008.
In 2006, there were only 5 "4-3" votes: to appoint Birdsall as the Township Planner, to award Birdsall the Development Opportunities Analysis, to award Birdsall the Master Plan, campaign resolution, and appointment of Sandy Loft to the HNBLC.
You do the math: 8 disagreements in 2 1/2 years. This is less than 1/10 of 1%. There were at least that many disagreements along "mixed" lines during that time (off the top of my head - rent control, establishment of the FAB, seating preferences at meetings, holiday display, phone system, buying new police cars, hiring 5 new officers, the budget).
Additionally, in the back of the Township Manager's report, there are 329 names listed under the various advisory boards (some names are included more than once but you get the basic idea). Council disagreed on 2 out of 329. Again, an amazing percentage of agreement among all Council members.
I guess "truth" + accuracy is a minor detail with some people's political agenda.
Monday, March 17, 2008
the deadline for petitions is approaching..
Who is Teaneck United?
What do they stand for? Who are they? And why so much noise about a group no one knows anything about. They have been called the "New" New Beginnings , some have said that this is Loretta Weinberg's group. But not much is really known about who they are and what their intentions are.
Is this another Ferriero front? who are they running?
Election season has come and it is time for "Truth" to be more active and help uncover the mysteries and unanswered questions about all of the candidates and their platforms.
We heard about Team Teaneck- time to start grilling EVEYBODY who wants to run- what will they do for Teaneck - NOT WHAT THEY THINK THE COUNCIL HAS DONE WRONG OR RIGHT PRGORESSIVE THINKERS ONLY
Stay tuned......
What do they stand for? Who are they? And why so much noise about a group no one knows anything about. They have been called the "New" New Beginnings , some have said that this is Loretta Weinberg's group. But not much is really known about who they are and what their intentions are.
Is this another Ferriero front? who are they running?
Election season has come and it is time for "Truth" to be more active and help uncover the mysteries and unanswered questions about all of the candidates and their platforms.
We heard about Team Teaneck- time to start grilling EVEYBODY who wants to run- what will they do for Teaneck - NOT WHAT THEY THINK THE COUNCIL HAS DONE WRONG OR RIGHT PRGORESSIVE THINKERS ONLY
Stay tuned......
Friday, March 7, 2008
Astroturf in Teaneck
This link is pretty interesting. First I have seen of this blog.
http://www.insidebergen.com/read/305/Astroturf-in-Teaneck
Next up- Randall Day's letter to the Suburbanite preaching his Churches independence in the election.
Topics to be reviewed:
IRS violations
His Churches hosting meetings
His insistence that he is not pushing any candidates
His robo calls made in 2006 (from the phone line of Ron Schwartz)
Love,
Your Republican Blogger
http://www.insidebergen.com/read/305/Astroturf-in-Teaneck
Next up- Randall Day's letter to the Suburbanite preaching his Churches independence in the election.
Topics to be reviewed:
IRS violations
His Churches hosting meetings
His insistence that he is not pushing any candidates
His robo calls made in 2006 (from the phone line of Ron Schwartz)
Love,
Your Republican Blogger
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Remember this one?
In reading the recent criticism of the newest Holuba/ Stanton/ Soap Factory plan for 520 Palisades Avenues, a flashback occurred. Does anybody remember stopping by the Teaneck High School meeting in which wave of neighbors got up and protested the condominium development that was proposed? If you may recall, or if you remember the letters to the editors, the neighbors were open to anything, that is anything except for residential. Many commented how industrial or commercial is fine, just not the dreaded condominiums. Well, now industrial is proposed, and guess who is out in force complaining? NIMBYs of the year, two years running?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
I'm back!!!
I'm back!!I tried to go away and enjoy life in Teaneck, but with the recent change in political climate and the recent outrage in last weeks Suburbanite about Teaneck United, I couldn't stay away any longer.Well, its official: Election 2008 is here. The event that some people have been waiting for since May 2006 has arrived.Who will be the brave few to put themselves forward to be scrutinized by the community and publicly attacked by certain groups.Teaneck United got called out in last weeks paper for being the same group with a few additions.Team Teaneck seems to be the Team that everyone will take aim at.So stay tuned for the "Truth", and brace yourself, this is going to be interesting.
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