Blog-On or Not to Blog-on - seems to be a pending question???

 Well, here's something that's interesting and fodder for some thought on my part. I've been doing this Blog for a long time and someone pointed out to me that the Total Page View Counter down at the bottom of the page is approaching 1 million total views.

Now, I don't pay attention to that counter since this Blog is not about me nor am I looking for any credit from anyone - I don't advertise it and you just have to know it's there to see it. I just do this Blog to try and help the People of Edison understand what goes on in this town by sharing my thoughts and opinions and hope you'll find something useful, whether you agree with me or not. Of course, more often than not, I do this by using sarcastic humor - but sarcastic humor aside, there's always a point being made.

What's interesting to me is when I look at the Total Page View Counter, doesn't look like there's space for 7 digits so not sure what's going to happen after it hits 999,999. Will it end at 999,999 and freeze in place or will it just roll back to zero?

Not for nothing but perhaps it's a sign that if the Counter is coming to an end, perhaps it's time to end this Blog too and say 'Peace Out.' Gotta think about it.

So, if someone notices what happens after it hits 999,999 and cares to share, please send me an email by hitting the Email button on the right side of the page. I will send you a, albeit cheap, Politics in Downtown Edison Pen to mark the occasion.

Anyhoo, 'Peace Out' for now and let's see what the future holds.

ETEA - 2023 BOE Candidates Night - Battle of Competing Dems

 Well, looks like there were only two slates left competing for the 3 open spots on the Edison Board of Mythomania, aka Board of EdDems, Board of Dysfunction, Board of Hoarders.

You have Mayor Sam 'The Big Lie' Joshi, aka Mr. Shrink-flation, Big-boy pants, the Weathervane Millennial,, the Event Planner and Sam the Flim-flam Man supporting the Ginny White slate and the Local Dems supporting the Jerry 'ReferenDumb' Shi, aka Mr. Shi-shed slate.

It's a good thing that the School Board is an autonomous body not infested by politically corrupt Dem-party politics. Sure, it's all about the Kids and Not control over the $350+ million up for grabs.

And you thought moving the School Board elections to November was a good idea while giving up your right to Vote on Out-of-Control $pending School Budgets. You get more turn-out alright.

As ridiculous as that may be, hard to believe that someone could lie about their record more than Mr. Shrink-flation but give it up for Mr. Shi-shed at last night's Candidates Night. For someone seeking a fourth term with a dismal 9-year record and the sole reason why, under his inept leadership, Overcrowding is still a major problem, you'd think he stick his head in the sand and step away. 

Over his 9 year term, the school tax rate went up 45.1-cents or 16.5% and the school tax levy increased by some $42 million or 22% and he was Board President a few times along the way. His charming dictatorial demeanor (as you can see with some of his answers) is really helpful in solving problems and moving the School District forward.

And let's not even  mention the 'Cheap-shots' he was taking at a former running mate in his last bid for the Board. Apparently, it was no problem when he ran with her the last time. Such a 'Class Act' - Not.

The only Vote for Mr. Shi-shed should be for Forced Retirement.

Funny though how when School budget questions came up, no one questioned why there was a discrepancy between the 2023 School Budget tax rate and the School tax rate on the last tax bill (see the post below). Seems an erroneous $500,000 being added to the School tax portion of the property tax bills should of caught someone's attention running for the School Board.

Here's the video of Candidates Night:

Anyhoo, recognize in the battle for Dem-party control over Mythomania Lane that no matter who wins this election, the town loses in this cycle but at least do yourself and the town a favor and show Mr. Shi-shed the door.

Edison 2023 Final/2024 Preliminary Tax Bill is out - and it's Wrong

 
Well, just saw the numbers on the tax bill and there seems to be a problem. This bill shows a total property tax rate of $5.921 (Per 100) and it should be $5.914 (Per 100).

The School tax rate in this bill is $3.191 (Per 100) and it should be $3.184 (Per 100).

It's the same overstatement of 7/10's of a Penny the Mayor used in the 3rd Qtr. estimated tax bills and in his 2023 Muni-budget Presentation. It overcharges the taxpayers for the year and incorrectly brings an extra $500,000 into the township coffers, if Not corrected.

The School District Budgets for the last 3 years came with No increase in the School Tax Levy:

And if you divide the School Tax Levy by the Rateables, you can see the 2023 CY School Tax Rate is $3.184 (Per 100):

You can see for yourself their calculation of the School Tax Rate for CY 2023 if you go the 2023 CY School Budget Presentation on their website:

Anyhoo, it might be helpful if the Edison Council followed up with the Administration with this discrepancy.

Looks like last night's Edison Council 'Bond-a-Mania' Meeting was a Bust

Well, just like Mayor Sam 'Mr. Shrink-flation' Joshi's infamous self-proclaimed 'Our 2023 budget projects the first property tax cut for Edison hometown since 1988' 2023 $170.2 million Muni-budget, that actually came with a 3% tax increase - seems his attempt to force through the Council some ridiculous spending in those $72 million in bonds was an unforced error too.

There were 5 Bond ordinances totaling $71,800,000 up for a vote"

1. O.2183 - $20,450,000 - Various Capital Improvements
2. O.2184 - $9,500,000 - Various Water Main System improvements
3. O.2185 - $18,000,000 - Pump Station Repair & Rehabilitation
4. O.2186 - $8,850,000 - Wide Water Meter Replacement
5. O. 2187 - $15,000,000 - Gravity and Pressure Collection System Assessment and Rehabilitation

Seems with a super majority required, and one council person absent, only 2 or the 5 passed - both for the Sewer Utility (O.2185 & O.2187) totaling $33,000,000.

Not for nothing but it was apparent that some Council members were left out of the loop by the Administration and their concerns never made it into the final Ordinances. 

It's too bad that 'Mr. Shrink-flation' can't find a way to make things work with the Council because there were some good things in some of these ordinances that went by the wayside because of his inability to work with all Council Members and not just those who support and agree with him.

And just for the record, here's the Council Votes:

1. O.2183 - Fails by a Vote of 4-2 with Brescher & Ship-Freeman Voting No.
2. O.2184 - Fails by a Vote of 4-2 with Brescher & Ship-Freeman Voting No.
3. O. 2185 - Passes by a Vote of 6-0 with all Voting in the Affirmative.
4. O.2186 - Fails by a Vote of 4-2 with Brescher & Ship-Freeman Voting No.
5. O. 2187- Passes by a Vote of 5-1 with Brescher Voting No.

Anyhoo, it was just another in a long line of dysfunctional Council Meetings where childish behavior triumphs over the People of Edison because of an Inept Stewardship and a dysfunctional Council deciding on how best to spend your tax dollars.

Edison School District Super Dr. Aldarelli's Employment Contract

 Well, happy to see Dr. Aldarelli got the nod to be Superintendent of the Edison School District. Well deserved.

Just received his employment contract. Some basics - his contract runs from August 16, 2023 to June 30, 2028 (4 years-10 months). His salary is $278,000 (prorated for the 2023-24 school year. He's eligible for minimum salary increases of 2.8% starting July 1, 2024 and each July 1 thereafter.

Here's the Employment Contract:

Anyhoo, Best of Luck to Dr. Aldarelli in the challenging yet exciting days ahead.

Breakdown of the $450 million in School Construction Funding

 Well, saw the piece here in NJ Insider about the Murphy Administration's Approval of $450 Million in School Construction Funding.

Total projects of 668 covering 261 districts with total cost of projects of $1,044,599,377 with state share of $449,993,347.

Edison received a grant of $1,336,466 (40%) with a commitment of $3,341,164.

Here's all Middlesex County:

Here's the data by County:

Anyhoo, good to see.

State Aid Funding for School System Upgrades

 Well, saw this piece here in nj1015.com about State Money for a Billion Dollars in Upgrades.

It says these grants will assist with $1 billion worth of school construction projects. Local contributions for the projects are estimated to total more than $598.5 million. The total approval was close to $450 million.  

It further states that the money is earmarked for 668 projects across 261 school districts. The projects include essential building system upgrades, such as repair or replacement of structural components and electrical systems.

Edison's Estimated Project Costs in this article are $215,600,000 and the Funding is $86,240,000.

The funding is for 40% of the Estimated Project Costs.

Here's what's reported in this article for Middlesex County:

Anyhoo, always good to hear about additional state aid.

Edison Township Education Association (ETEA) Contract Renewal

Well, looks like the Renewal of the ETEA's 3-year contract (for Certified & Non-Certified) expiring June 30, 2023 is nearing completion and will be renewed for 5-years. 

It's my understanding that the new 5-year contract with all it's provisions and salary guides etc., as well as the financial analysis of the costs over each of the 5-years will be available to the public sometime after the next two weeks, pending approvals.

Will look for it when it comes out.

Anyhoo, let's hope they worked together to be fair to everyone.

Just something that may be a helpful reference - Edison's Property tax rates (Per 100) for last 10 years

 The 2023 tax rates are budget numbers since the final tax bills won't come out until the final quarter.

Anyhoo, hope you find it useful.

Upcoming Local elections in Edison

You know, when I look at the bigger picture in town and these upcoming Council & BoE elections on November 7th, can't help but conclude that nothing much will change, no matter who wins in this cycle. Nothing against the candidates, just as the bigger picture looks to be unfolding.

Given that, if it doesn't matter to me who wins, then it doesn't make much sense (or fair to you) for me to bore or waste your time commenting about this and that up to the election.

So, I'll spare doing that to you in this election cycle. 

Now, don't get me wrong. That's just me. 

It's important that everyone gets out and votes. 

Take the time to check out all the candidates and vote for those people who you believe will best represent what's important to you, no matter what that is.

As for me, I'll stick with my usual "No Confidence' vote for incumbents as they come up for reelection.

Anyhoo, there may be some hopefuls for the future in the mix, see if you can find them as you check out all the candidates.