This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

ROBERT JOHNS, A REAL SCREEN NAME?

@ Robert Johns.   It would be a delight never having to hear or use the term "MacDonkeys" again, but as long as their braying continues, I do not see that happening.

Speaking of braying, the last time I heard someone tell someone else to "man up", it was at a town council meeting, and one of McCormac's minions used that term to chide a resident over some silly comment. 

But why would someone like you, a sock puppet hiding behind a screen name, use a term that clearly stands for the complete opposite of their own cowering persona?

Find out what's happening in Woodbridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As for the question of what I know about a "school budget", about as much as I know about multi-million dollar construction and corporate budgets.  That said, I also know the State put a 'cap' on school budgets.  Now here is something which may be of use to Robert Johns in regard to understanding budgets:https://www.google.com/search?q=budget+definition&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:offic...

As nothing I say, or for that matter that NJ State Comptroller has said, about PILOT (Payment in Lieu Taxes) Programs seems to resonate with Robert Johns (RJ), perhaps the following exchange between a respected local citizen and some screen name (bybosl) on another forum, that addresses PILOT Programs, may offer RJ some insights that RJ can grasp.

Find out what's happening in Woodbridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

                                                                                                                          

START

10233.3.2.1.1.1.2.2.

Why does byobsl get a pass on facts?

by dpinkowitz, 10/11/13 4:29 PM

Re: Ask Why the "Y" is Leaving Woodbridge! by tom_maras, 10/11/13 4:29 PM

 

byobsl states as "facts" things that may or may not be true. For example, he assumes that in the absence of a PILOT that the tax for a property would be zero. There is no evidence that would be the case. There are over $3 million in PILOT revenues for the next fiscal year according to the proposed budget. If we use the 25% number claimed for the schools, we should expect over $800,000 in revenues for the schools. I challenge someone to identify that in the budget. More important, when the Township gives PILOT money to the schools, it isn't going in a line item just to give the schools the money. The township decides how to spend the money and asks the Board of Education contribute the rest. In the most recent year, playgrounds were purchased by the Township, but the Board was on the hook for the installation and higher insurance rates. When someone burned one of the playgrounds, the Board was on the hook for any deductible as well. For a 25% gift, if it even is that high, there sure seem to be a lot of strings. I don't agree with all Tom's methods and I don't agree with anyone's name calling on this board, but just because he said something doesn't make him wrong and just because someone else says something doesn't make it right.

10233.3.2.1.1.1.2.2.1.

Seriously?

by byobsl, 10/11/13 10:19 PM

Re: Ask Why the "Y" is Leaving Woodbridge! by tom_maras, 10/11/13 10:19 PM

 

If someone offered to buy me a car, I would gladly pay the insurance and the cost of maintenance. You make it sound like the BOE having to spend money on the installation costs for the playground equipment and the extra insurance is a bad deal. You also conveniently left out the new track and field, and all the computer and lab equipment. An omission of facts is as bad as a lie.

10233.3.2.1.1.1.2.2.1.1.

Yes, seriously

by dpinkowitz, 10/11/13 11:56 PM

Re: Ask Why the "Y" is Leaving Woodbridge! by tom_maras, 10/11/13 11:56 PM

 

If I didn't need a new car, whether because I had one or I didn't drive, why would I want to pay the expense of insurance and maintenance? The schools didn't need the playgrounds. Recess is short as it is and it is just one more thing for administrators to worry about. Because the Township is paying for it, the playgrounds must also remain publicly accessible. The risk of injury is then spread not just to children during school, but also after school regardless of who ends up on the equipment; therefore, liability for the school district is even greater. Yes, I did leave out the track and the field and for that matter, I left out the tennis courts too. I spoke about the expenses made in the last year and I was specific about that. There was no omission. You did also mention the computers. I have yet to see evidence of those computer purchases, other than from an article written by the mayor. If you can enlighten me as to what was purchased, when and which schools benefited from them, I would be happy to listen. Meanwhile, you didn't address the fact that your assumptions about the PILOTs were that they replaced zero dollars in taxes. You ignore the possibility that taxes might still be due on the property absent the PILOT. You also ignore that without the PILOT, either the same business or another might have paid for the taxes either immediately or in future years. Just because the mayor might insist the PILOT was required does not mean that it was.

END

 

NOTE: If Robert Johns, whoever that may be, wishes to receive any answers to questions he or she raises on my blog,  it will be necessary to full confirm your identity, as your trial membership has expired!





We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?