Page 18 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • May 12, 2010 Ho-Ho-Kus Letters to the Editor (continued from page 22) folks from industry, and the training for it at the local level is a bit scant. That said, intuitively, I found the percentage rate of increase of the tax levy over 2007 excessive -- especially after doing not a small amount of spreadsheet lineitem analysis. 2009 Municipal Budget: I voted against a near 5.5 percent municipal tax increase over 2008 during a period of the most powerful decline in our economy since the Great Depression. Granting the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn lease to Councilman Hamm: I voted against that lease twice, because the first time the council missed a requirement (or two) of the Sunshine Law in communicating the matter to the public. I have also spoken out about frivolous spending and, when appropriate, not granting funds for borough activities that cost money but don’t necessarily impact a significant portion of our residents. Further, and while the voting and funding of the Streetscape project preceded me, my council colleagues and I have agreed, at least in principle, to scale that expense back to commit to Phase I and II, but to suspend Phase III -- which would add to the already committed greater than $500,000 expense of I and II. I also have some pretty sound shared services ideas, but those are pretty tough to pitch as a minority of one. As to my five-year service on the zoning board (something Mr. Wahlberg should relate to, as he followed me there) before my being asked by Mayor Randall to run for the council seat (against a Democratic challenger): my attendance record was solid, I never abstained on any matter, and recused myself twice based on what could have been interpreted as a potential conflict of interest. The bottom line is I’m out of favor with any kind of abstinence unless no other workable option exists. Lee Flemming, Councilman Ho-Ho-Kus It is the policy of the Villadom TIMES to have a signed copy of letters to the editor in our files. Please fax a signed copy to (201) 670-4745 or drop a signed copy in the mail to Villadom Times, P.O. Box 96, Midland Park, NJ 07432. Signed letters may also be dropped off at our office located at 333 Godwin Avenue in Midland Park.. Citizens recognized for support The Washington Elm VFW Post 192 (Ridgewood—Ho-Ho-Kus) recently presented Certificates of Appreciation to Joseph M. Sanzari, CEO of Sanzari Companies of Ho-Ho-Kus and Hackensack, and to David B. Feeney, Managing Partner of Feeney Funeral Home, Ridgewood. The certificates were given for the two men’s ‘meritorious and distinguished service in furthering the aims and ideals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States’ demonstrated by their consistent support of all military veterans as well as those on active duty and their families. At left: Donald Alverson, Trustee of VFW Post 192 and David B. Feeney. At right: Joseph M. Sanzari and VFW Post 192 Commander Stanley Kober. ���������������������������� KEANE FIT & WELLNESS ��������� elebrate C Sheila Keane ������������������������������������������� The Allendale Fire Department would like to invite all to the celebration of its 100th Anniversary. A parade and festivities will be held on Saturday, May 22nd beginning at 1:00 p.m. There will be food, beverages and live entertainment at Crestwood Park following the parade. ������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� ���������������������������������������������� • EDUCATED - MA in exercise science • CERTIFIED - ACSM, NASM, Post Rehab Specialist, MAT Specialist • EXPERIENCED - 15 years one-to-one personal training The Villadom TIMES will be publishing a special section commemorating the Allendale Fire Department’s 100th Anniversary. Join other merchants in advertising your business while promoting this special occassion. Don’t miss the opportunity to show local consumers what you have to offer! 201-341-0183 • CALL NOW Fitness, Weight Loss, Bariatrics, Geriatrics & Parkinson’s Programs Publication Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 Reservation Deadline: Wednesday, May 12 Call Mike at The Villadom TIMES today. 201-652-0744 ���������������������������