Democratic Committee Candidates Spotlight Changes to Board of Health
Candidates urge residents to attend Wednesday's Board of Health meeting.
The following is a message from Democratic Candidates Margaret Bandrowski and David Barnett.
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The second meeting of the newly-constituted Board of Health, comprised of the members of the Township Committee and appointees, will meet this coming Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Ken Faigenbaum Meeting room at Town Hall. Please attend!
At the first meeting of the new board, Marc Krauss was appointed Chairperson. By contrast, the Chair of the previous Board of Health is a doctor with years of public health experience. Unsurprisingly, the meeting was dominated by Mr. Shehady who ran most of the discussion. Reports were given by Megan Avallone, Health Officer of the Westfield Department of Health. Springfield has been utilizing the Westfield Department of Health for 12 years to provide all of our inspections, flu shots and other related needs. Much of the meeting was consumed by a presentation on behalf of the Madison Department of Health seeking to replace Westfield. Madison seemed to offer services at a reduced cost although specifics were not provided.
Committeeman Rich Huber requested a side-by-side comparison of the costs and services offered by both providers that we hope will be forthcoming at Wednesday’s meeting. However, initial information suggests that the reduced costs will come with reduced services like fewer restaurant and supermarket inspections. In addition, costs of flu shots for residents will likely increase.
The rift between the Republicans and the previous autonomous Board centered on the Board’s recommendation to stay with Westfield. Our expectation therefore is that the new Board will vote against retaining Westfield and instead will bring in Madison, which has not yet been shown to offer comparable services.
Here’s something to think about . . . if the new Board votes to retain Westfield’s services, then the entire upheaval and disbanding of our previous Board, despite loud public outcry and protest, will have all been for naught. It will highlight even further that the move was a political grab for power.
Please email your thoughts about the new Board of Health to us at: democrats@springfieldnjdems.org.
BART FRAENKEL
10:14 am on Monday, October 8, 2012
One thing omitted from this article is that Mr. Krauss, the chairman of the meeting, refused to allow the newly appointed (by Mr. Krauss, Fernandez and Shehady) alternate member to speak when he wanted to ask questions. He told him (incorrectly) that as an alternate he didn't have the right to ask questions. What he probably meant was they (the Republican trio) don't want anyone to question anything they say or do.
So much for open government in Springfield. It's time to remove the current majority and make sure Krauss and Fernandez do not get re-elected so fairness and respect to the public during TC meetings is returned to our town. Remember, these are the people entrusted to work for every resident, not just those who agree with them. They do not deserve our vote because they have sat idly by and allowed Shehady to behave poorly toward people without even attempting to stop it.
Shane Ronan
7:17 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012
Way to try and spin things Bart, but you may want to try telling the truth next time.
What actually happened was Mr. Krauss was unsure what the procedure was for an Alternate speaking outside of "Public Comments". So rather then breaking the rules, he approached the issue with caution.
In fact, the situation has since been cleared up by the BOH attorney, that all members including alternates can speak and ask questions, but alternates cannot vote unless one of the "regular" members is not present.
Louis Herkalo
12:24 pm on Friday, October 19, 2012
You ae 100% correct Bart. The current majority needs to be removed. They are disrespectful & rude to the residents of Springfield. the ring leader is Super Mayor Ziad Shehady! Once his powers(or so he thinks) are removed, all he'll do is suck his thumb during TC meetings unless he gets a call from Mitt(God forbid he's elected) to work @ The White House. Don't forget, Shehady single handedly cleaned up the whole town after the floods, made "his dream come true" by having the Turf Field Built, oh but I remember all the blunders he did as Mayor the 1st time that cost the town $ as he's doing again!!
Karen Castor
11:37 am on Monday, October 8, 2012
Although presented as a news article (albeit "a message from the Democrats" (and I am a Democrat), I would prefer to see news presented as news rather than editorializing. ("Unsurprisingly, the meeting was dominated by Mr. Shehady"). If this artilcle purports to be the minutes of the meeting, it should be presented as such in a straightforward manner. I have no ax to grind, and truthfully, I don't much care about the issue involved. I do care about seeing people sniping at one another with snide comments.
Anonymous89
1:17 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012
Admittedly, I'm confused about the politics of this issue. But, what I am not confused about is my concern about the fewer restaurant and supermarket inspections that may occur if services are switched to the Madison Board of Health (BOH). We already don't dine in Springfield because of the lack of desireable restaurants, the controversy surrounding the BOH, and allusion by one Patch commenter awhile back to poor hygiene at one of the local restaurants. In a time when downtown Springfield has an increasing number of vacant storefronts, one would think that we would want to attract restaurants and patronage to them. What better way to drive people away than to decrease the number of health inspections for these establishments. Politics aside, I agree with Committeeman Rich Huber who requested a side-by-side comparison of the costs and services. As I have commented before, our politicians are in politics not to serve the people but, for their own personal gain and egos. I challenge those who cannot serve all of the people of Springfield to step down from their political perches. Our town is no one's private practice, sole proprietership, etc. It's time that the town of Springfield is governed by those that can be objective rather than those who have the need to promote their own quest for power and political gain.
brrr
10:24 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012
well said anonymous59. politics has no place when it comes to health.
tiredofpolitics
2:16 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012
Im almost embarrassed to admit i read this stuff. It seems the only "crock" here is that the immature mayor continues to post under fake names such as Anthony D. Pretty much everyone knows this by now so he might want to pick a new alias. When u take that into account it seems so silly to even follow this nonsense anymore. What good are all these doctors if they are not allowed to speak at the meetings? Was Mr. Krauss correct in not letting that physician speak? It is the ultimate disrespect to a busy man who is giving his time to this town to not allow him to speak. I would like to know where they came up with that rule?
voiceofreason
6:13 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012
It is interesting. Anthony D never denies it. He speaks cleverly, but never denies it. If the mayor is assuming fake identities, pretending he has a wife, deceiving the general public, applauding his own personal endeavors, and participating in harassment in cyberspace -this is an ethical and moral dilemma. Also, Mr. Krauss should respond and confirm if he was the one who did not let the physician speak. Unless you heard it with your own ears ,you should at least give Mr Krauss the benefit of the doubt. It's possible Bart is making it all up to cause trouble. If Mr Krauss did not let the guy speak- its really unbelievable- especially considering he appointed him to the Board. Im sure he'd like to clear it up if its not true. He might also want to distance himself from the Mayor/ Anthony D at least until the election is over. Voters are tired of this nonsense.
BART FRAENKEL
7:52 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012
Anthony Z, I only post here under my own name and always have. Despite your many attempts accusing me otherwise, the best I can do is respond with a recent quote by Governor Christie when he was in North Dakota. "I don't give a damn what you think".
As for Shane, I did not attend the BOH meeting and I stated what was written in The Local Source's article. It specifically stated that Mr. Krauss refused to allow the alternate member to ask questions. I also spoke with people who did attend the meeting and they confirmed that is what occurred. No spin there, just the facts. If they were reported wrong, then how about correcting them for us, since you are on the BOH and were appointed by Shehady, Krauss, et al.
However, you're statement that Krauss was being cautious is pure spin mode.
Come on, do you really believe this stuff or have you drank so much Kool Aid that you aren't thinking straight anymore?
brrr
10:55 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012
bart his name is anthony d not anthony z correct your grammer mister lol. im just playing with you.
Louis Herkalo
12:46 pm on Friday, October 19, 2012
Probably is him!! Knew a lot about me when I was writing letters about Shehady's drunk driving/failure to appear arrests when he was running for office the 2nd time. Wouldn't put it past him. Remember, there is a syndrome he as called King Baby: "I want what I want, when I want it"! Tell him Bart! Whoever Anthony D is, whatever he spews out of his mouth is nonsense & makes no sense. I have worked with children who could complete sentences that made more sense then a complete comment from Anthony D! 1 other thing I liked Bart is I use my full name. I'm not afraid to hide I speak my peace. Shehady tried threating me when I was writing something that was pblic record. Guess he never learned about the 1st Amendment. Has anyone ever challenged Shehady to where he actually resides. I heard it was Hillside, but uses his parents address so he can be on the TC??
voiceofreason
8:33 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012
Shane, was the attorney not present at the meeting? Why wouldn't Mr Krauss just ask the attorney the procedure if there was a question rather than humiliating the doctor by not letting him speak. It seems quite peculiar. What did that doctor have to say anyway? Was it something Mr. Fernandez did not want to hear? Is there in fact a recording of this meeting because I'm interested in making my own judgement without the spinning from both sides. Shane, since you are a member of the Board perhaps you can let the public know how they can view this meeting. I know this administration strives to be"transparent". Sounds like someone is trying to hide something. I don't have a good understanding of the details, but I know when something smells fishy.
brrr
10:59 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012
the attorney admitted he made a mistake. stuff happens. LETS MOVE ON AND GET OVER THIS ISSUE. lets worry about the real issue which is the BOH is about to vote for a new contract with madison next month. hopefully it has an out clause like this yrs contract just did. this way in case its not working out we can use the out clause in the next administration and bring back westfield in 2014. its a forgone conclusion that the boh is getting rid of westfield for political reasons to look good by saving 40,000 give or take.
voiceofreason
9:39 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012
Interesting.... Anthony D still does not deny he is the mayor. Does anyone know what other names Mayor Shady posts under? I was just reading about the basketball hoops. Some of those posts sound suspicious too. Especially some of those foul mouth moms. I just don't buy it. This guy is too much.
voiceofreason
8:14 am on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
As an elected official, it is our right to hold the Mayor to high standards both legally, ethically, and morally. By assuming false identities and participating in this game with Bart Fraenkel, he is deceiving the public. He pretends he is a mom of 3(a republican, stay at home mom, woman of color who lives on Laurel Ave) in one post and later he refers to his 2 young children in another. Did you forget you had 3 children Mayor? Its hard to keep all these personalities straight- B freeman, Anthony D-the bottom line is he is a liar. You cannot believe anything he or his followers say.
Shane, I'm still hoping for a response from you. I want to see for myself what Mr Krauss said to that doctor and why would he try to stop him from speaking? What did that doctor want to say?
Keepboh Autonomous
4:18 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Madison Health Dept is known for massive price increases too:
http://www.nj.com/independentpress/index.ssf/2008/12/health_contract_cost_shocks_th.html
Shane Ronan
4:28 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
The contract and pricing proposed to Springfield by Madison locks in the pricing for up to three years, thus price increases such as the one cited in the article above are not an issue. Further, Chatham should be inquiring regarding the pricing for their new contract much sooner, to avoid the "surprise" they say they received.
Annnonymous
11:54 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
The meeting was a disgrace as always. The mayor is a disgrace.
Louis Herkalo
1:05 pm on Friday, October 19, 2012
I hit flag as inapprop. by mistake for your comment on 10/11. My apology! Keep going after that little weasle!!
Annnonymousp
7:02 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012
The meeting i'm referring to was certainly online because I watched it from my house. I particularly enjoyed the part where the mayor screamed " from the chair" at another member repeatedly. The mayor reminds me more and more of a kid on the playground. His temper tantrums and outbursts are so childish and immature. Who is advising this guy?Anthony D - the others are right you are the mayor. How are you so sure the meeting is not online? Are you the one who operates the cameras? Stop deceiving the public and just post under your own name mr. Shehady - you have embarrassed yourself and this town enough. You are a disgrace.
brrr
11:09 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012
mini mi strikes again lol.
Louis Herkalo
1:01 pm on Friday, October 19, 2012
His new nam has gone from Super Mayor to King Baby! "I want what I want, when I want it"
BART FRAENKEL
11:25 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012
Many people are beginning to see Shehady's bad behavior, from the televising or video streaming of TC meetings or from being there in person. During his first 2 years on the TC I fully supported him at first but when these weaknesses of his arose I could no longer do so. I was able to recognize them sooner simply because I was with him on the TC. Now his bad behavior and need for control are out in the open and regardless of what political affiliation anyone has, his behavior toward the public is unacceptable. But he can't be held solely responsible, because without the tacit approval of Krauss and Fernandez, it wouldn't go on. The question is when will they finally accept their responsibility to all the residents of the town instead of maintaining their support of his poor behavior.
Louis Herkalo
12:58 pm on Friday, October 19, 2012
What sad about the whole thing is "King Baby only one by 56 votes! If the Democrats pushed the legal troubles Shehady had while serving as Mayor the 1st time, he would have lost. I thought Rich Huber would've had the stones to use that against him & Shehady would not be on th TC today!
BART FRAENKEL
2:37 pm on Friday, October 19, 2012
Lou, just a slight correction for you. The legal troubles you referred to didn't occur the year he served as mayor, it was his first year on the TC.
Youngatheart
1:01 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012
What's wrong with all these politicians today? Mr. frenandez thinks he has the seniors vote because of the free food ,but the seniors made up their minds long ago when he voted to move to Chisholm. Not gonna be forgotten even with somevtasty food. The seniors dont trust the juvenile mayor who needs a good talkin to. Hes a lier. seniors love free food, but the votes are not for sale. Taste good though so who gets the last laugh? Stop trying to buy votes and earn them by gettin rid of that guy. Enough
Louis Herkalo
10:30 am on Friday, October 19, 2012
You go annonymous! You have to rememember Ziad Shehady is a "legend in his own mind! I agree with you that the spending of taxpayers money on projects that can't be afforded isn't the right time. My hat is off to all the children, parents and coaches who fought hard to get a Turf Field. I read somewhere it's costing 3.3 million to build from the ground up. Shehady will if he has not done so already, take the accolades for this being done. If had the smarts like he puts the facade on to play Super Mayor, he would have gotten together with school & County officials to have this project done @ Meisel Field at less then half then what the cost is now. I just don't blame him there. I blame the entire Township Committe for not looking into this further! Once the taxpayers get their increases to pay for the Turf Fieldthat the kids of Springfield "deserve", they will probably lynch Shehady @ Meisel Field!