January 6, 1999 Herald & News Mayor's Appointments Draw Criticism in Prospect Park By Donna Mitchell PROSPECT PARK - When the borough ushered Democratic Mayor Will Kubofcik into office, officials had already braced themselves for the possibility of a new municipal judge and prosecutor. Last Friday, the council voted to approve the appointments of Robert Baer as municipal judge and Harley Breite as prosecutor at the borough's reorganization meeting. Their appointments ended the mystery about who would replace the borough's former judge Ralph Faasse and William Monaghan, the prosecutor. The two had acquired a solid reputation in the borough, and had good working relationships with the borough employees. Up until Friday, the mayor was silent about his selections for replacements. Kubofcik did not return calls seeking comment Tuesday but has steadfastly tried to assure residents that his appointments were not a bad reflection on the former court officials' performances and told residents who objected to the move that "this is not a game or a political maneuver." However, there is a political connection between Breite and the new Democratic regime. The attorney represented the Democratic ticket when GOP mayoral candidate Antoinette Atie sued for a new general election last month. And, according to Kubofcik's recent campaign finance report, Breite contributed $1,350 to Kubofcik's campaign coffers, making him the largest individual contributor. Two council members complained about the appointment process, saying the candidates were almost strangers who were never interviewed by the council. "My concern is I don't know him (Breite). He is an inexperienced person and we never interviewed him." said Atie, who is still a member of the council. "I have nothing against him personally, but I never saw his qualifications on paper." Breite, 31, said while this will be his first official appointment as a prosecutor, he has occasionally filled in for Hawthorne Prosecutor Kenneth Del Vecchio. He also holds a master's degree in trial advocacy, saying that he is committed to being a trial attorney. He was also an adjunct professor at William Paterson University and Rowan University. Judge Baer, 42, was a clerk for Superior Court Judge Sylvan Rothenberg in Paterson after graduating Seton Hall University Law School in 1985. He was a prosecutor in Jersey City for the special civil and remand courts. The approvals were helped along after Joseph Pepe was appointed to the council over two other candidates and later voted for Kubofcik's selections. Kubofcik took the oath of office from Freeholder Peter Eagler, sealing his place in history as the borough's first Democratic mayor, and at age 32, possibly its youngest. One Democratic councilman, Tom Magura, also decried the process, saying that Kubofcik's first action as a mayor was immature. All the new appointments were made from candidates whom the council barely knew, especially for higher-level court positions. He said the board received no resumes or background information about them. "I've never seen such a disgusting act of leadership. If we don't have a good prosecutor and judge, it could destroy the whole town," said Magura. 
photo by David F. Adornato, Herald & News January 6, 1999 Shopper News Kubofcik is ready to focus By Gloria Stroedecke PROSPECT PARK - Facing high expectations and close scrutiny, Prospect Park's newly elected mayor, William Kubofcik, has many plans he is eager to implement as he takes office. His agenda features improving the quality of life, stabilizing taxes, reinvigorating economic development and conducting community activities for adults and children. Kubofcik was sworn in on Jan. 1. He is the first Democratic mayor in the borough's history. In between his Election Day victory over Republican Councilwoman Antoinette Atie and the day he took office, Kubofcik had to stand by and watch Atie file a complaint in Superior Court charging that fraudulent votes were cast in the election. Atie dropped her complaint on Dec. 21 and the case was dismissed. All the while Kubofcik stressed that the allegations were unfounded and that the will of the people had been served when they chose him to be their new mayor. Atie remains on the council and regardless of any ill-will the controversy may have created between parties, Kubofcik anticipates no problems in carrying out his vision for Prospect Park. "I look forward to working with Antoinette Atie," said Kubofcik. One quality of life issue of ongoing concern is the operation of the local quarry. Community activism in the forum of a quarry citizen's advisory, is expected to be effective in minimizing dust levels as well as other concerns regarding quarry operations. A plant-a-tree campaign and litter-free zone program also tops the list for improving the quality of life which the mayor hopes children will participate in. Crime, according to Kubofcik, is also to be addressed. He urged participation in a community crime watch program. In addition, patrols will focus more on streets rather than the border of neighboring towns. Kubofcik said that police officers will become more involved with senior citizens through the community watch and with children as the drug and alcohol education safety programs are expanded. Action to stabilize taxes will be taken in several ways. Kubofcik is working to establish a tri-boro purchasing association which would save money by purchasing on a large scale. "Items as simple as paper and office supplies to heavy equipment can make a marked difference," said Kubofcik, "as well as combining recycling with neighboring towns, which also reduces the tax burden." Taxes would be stabilized by a program being developed to prevent non-resident children from attending Prospect Park's grammar schools. "Currently, between $6,200 to $6,500 is spent per child in Prospect Park's elementary schools," Kubofcik said. Removing those students who attend from nearby towns creates a considerable savings as well as enlarging the resources available to the town's children, said Kubofcik. Economic development is being approached in two ways. Federal grants are being pursued while merchants have access to consultation with the Paterson Economic Development Center and Chamber of Commerce. Job training and job placement are being created as well. Corporate sponsorship is being courted for the renovation of the town's ballfield and ice skating rink. Kubofcik has spoken to Joe Scanlan about an adult basketball league between Haledon and Prospect Park residents. More sports activity for residents follows with the development of a bowling league for kids at the Wayne T-Bowl. Negotiations to use the Haledon PAL for some of the youth activities are taking place. In late spring to early summer, Prospect Park has plans to host an ethnic festival which will celebrate the rich diversity of cultures which thrive there. Streets near the municipal building will be closed off to traffic for the event which the mayor hopes will become an annual occurrence. Technological resources will be easier for all the community to access as the grammar schools get wired for the Internet. Likewise, Kubofcik said an agreement with Manchester Regional High School is forming for Prospect Park residents to use their library after school hours. The technology momentum doesn't stop there. Kubofcik is excited about plans to televise the Monday night council meetings as well as posting the meeting minutes and agenda on the Internet. January 7, 1999 Hawthorne Press Kubofcik Is First Democratic Mayor in Prospect Park history In the past two decades of government in Prospect Park, it was rare for the mayor, as the presiding member of a seven-member council, to cast a tie breaking vote. Within minutes of the inauguration of Mayor Will Kubofcik, the first Democratic administration in 98 years, he cast two tie breakers. The New Year's Day reorganization meeting, held in the auditorium of the Prospect Park School, started with the swearing in of Kubofcik, his running mates Councilman Leonard Lembo and Khalil Kasht. Before taking the oath of office, Kubofcik had resigned his council seat and three names were submitted by the Democratic County Committee for the vacancy. The candidates were Joe Pepe, Ted Noah and Sal Iaculano. Pepe was nominated for the seat and Councilman Tom Magura moved to table the appointment. "We haven't had time to digest these names. I think this appointment should be tabled to our next January meeting," said Magura, who had been defeated by Kubofcik in the Democratic mayoral primary. No one supported Magura's attempt to delay the appointment and Pepe was appointed by a 4-1 vote. Next on the agenda came the selection of council president. Magura nominated Councilwoman Antoinette Atie, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor on the GOP ticket, and Councilman Jay Birch seconded the motion. Lembo made a motion to table the vote until January 11th. Kasht and Pepe supported his motion while the other three council members opposed it. Kubofcik cast the tiebreaker that delayed the decision. The most controversial vote of the day was generated by the consent agenda for the mayor's appointments. These included the nomination of Robert Baer as municipal judge, replacing Ralph Faasse, who has served the borough for over 20 years; Harley Breite as borough prosecutor, replacing William Monaghan; Ferrioli, Wielkotz as borough auditor: Ted Noah and Peter Martinez as administrative consultants. Magura attempted to amend the resolution to exclude those five appointments. "We did not interview these individuals and we do not even know them," said Atie. "How can we appoint a municipal judge and a prosecutor without a resume or an interview." "I'm mystified," said Magura referring to Kubofcik's pledge for open government. "How can we have open government if you keep it (an appointment) secret." Magura challenged Kubofcik to detail these attorneys' credentials, their law school, their court experience, etc. "We know Harley Breite was Will Kubofcik's attorney in a recent lawsuit," said Magura, referring to Atie's court challenge of the November election. Birch tried to play the role of peacemaker. "I have faith in the new mayor and his judgement," he said. "As part of a new beginning of a new administration, we'll have many discussions where we'll agree or disagree." Birch suggested taking a breather, delaying the vote until everyone had had time to review the mayor's candidates. Kubofcik called for a vote on the motion to table. Again, Atie, Birch and Magura voted 'yes', Kasht, Lembo and Pepe voted 'no' and the mayor cast the deciding ballot. Then followed the council's advice and consent vote on the mayor's appointment. Magura dissented on the five names previously mentioned. Atie voted against the Judge and the prosecutor. Birch voted in the affirmative saying that the selections were qualified people and also saying he could understand the concern of his counterparts. The appointments passed 4-2 and the new magistrate and prosecutor were sworn in. Baer is a former assistant prosecutor in Hudson and Union counties where he investigated 150 homicide cases. The 42-year-old now has an office in Wayne. Breite taught criminal justice at William Paterson University, has done municipal court defense work for the past six years and is a pool attorney for the Essex County public defender. January 7, 1999 Hawthorne Press Kubofcik pledges change; urges community involvement Saying his administration is about change, Prospect Park Mayor William Kubofcik pledged to find solutions to the challenges that face the community. In his inaugural address, the youngest mayor in the borough's history asked residents to come forward and help at every level. Focusing on recreation in a town with limited resources, Kubofcik said he would seek an agreement to use swimming facilities in nearby towns (Wayne or Hawthorne); would seek cooperation with the Haledon PAL for basketball and other programs; would participate in the NBA hoop program, expand after school and adult programs. He also cited the need for Prospect Park to have library facilities, to expand curbside recycling collections, to institute a job placement service for its citizens and an economic development committee to attract business to the community. Prospect Park's legacy of stabilized taxes will continue, he said, promising to seek economies of scale through tri-borough purchases and to lobby against state mandates that are a burden on local taxes. Kubofcik pledged an administration of open government by televising meetings, providing council minutes on the Internet and making a suggestion box available at borough hall. "Whenever a challenge presents itself, we must find a solution or make one," he said. January 21, 1999 THE HAWTHORNE PRESS Magura switches parties as politics heats up in Prospect Park Prospect Park Councilman Tom Magura, former borough Democratic leader, has switched parties joining the Republican ranks. Magura became a registered Republican last week after more than 30 years as a Democrat. The councilman, who lost the Democratic mayoral primary to Mayor Will Kubofcik, said the new administration doesn't have the best interests of the borough at heart." In the June Primary last year, Magura garnered only 86 votes to Kubofcik's 296. Kubofcik's win also positioned him to take control of the Democratic Party that had been headed by Magura. Magura's council seat expires at the end of this year and if he decides to seek re-election, it will be as a Republican. After 15 years in a leadership position with the Democrats, the councilman said he was "soured" by the way the Kubofcik administration was doing things. The mayor said he hoped all elected officials could work together for the betterment of the town. However at the first regular meeting of the council on January 11th, conditions were anything but harmonious. Kubofcik was challenged for his committee appointments and his administrative consultants by former Councilman Joe Bridge. Bridge questioned what role administrative consultants Peter Martinez and Ted Noah would play and whether they would be paid. Noah is a former police officer who was terminated from that position. "Many communities have administrators," said Kubofcik, "but we don't have the funds." The mayor said "these two gentlemen have the interest and experience. I decided to have them look at the processes and see how they can be improved. Their role is strictly to recommend. They have no enforcement; the positions have no teeth." Neither one will receive a salary, according to the mayor. Committee assignments challenged On committee appointments, Bridge noted that Councilman Tom Magura had been relegated to the chairmanship of the animal control committee and had been shut out of participation from most other committees. "What does the animal control committee do," asked Bridge. "It handles licensing, enforcement of strays and removal of dead animals," answered Kubofcik. "The DPW picks up dead animals. Paterson Animal Control deals with strays," said Magura. "It's a bogus committee." Earlier in the meeting, the mayor replaced Councilman Joe Pepe with Magura on the fire/emergency management committee. Bridge pointed out that committee assignments are weighted heavily with Democrats. Councilman Kelly Kasht is on 12 committees and chairs five; Councilman Len Lembo is on 10 and chairs four; Pepe is on 12 and chairs four. Councilman Jay Birch, a Republican, is on nine and chairs two. Councilwoman Antoinette Atie, who ran against Kubofcik for mayor, is on two committees and chairs one. Magura is on four committees with one chairmanship. "The problem is when you talk about focus, this doesn't seem like focus," said Bridge. "When you overload people, they won't do the job." "We're just asking for an opportunity to get the Job done," said Kubofcik. "I guarantee I'll be here to see that it gets done," answered Bridge. Allegation against Kasht Another contentious issue was an allegation that Kasht had abused the office of councilman. Margaret Kelly said that Kasht was transported in the DPW truck to go grocery shopping at the corner of North 8th Street and Brown Avenue. Borough resident Helen Donohue, Magura's mother, said she had also heard that a council member used borough facilities and personnel for personal reasons. "It's unethical. It may be illegal. I call it theft of services," she said. Kasht told The Press he was in the DPW truck on January 2nd with DPW Supervisor Ken Valt. They were checking on recyclables that had been put out to make sure the contents didn't fall into the roadway. Kasht acknowledged that he went into the store but only to get coffee for lunch. He said he had two bags and some cigarettes. Kelly said the truck was parked outside the store for about 45 minutes. She was also critical of Kubofcik for his committee assignments. "How can you place Kelly Kasht in charge of job placement when he hasn't worked in how long" asked Kelly. She suggested the mayor do a better job of spreading out the committee assignments. March 9 - Bergen Record by Michele Comandini PROSPECT PARK FAILS TO PRESENT 1999 BUDGET The Borough Council failed to introduce a 1999 municipal budget Monday. Instead some council members and the mayor traded insults, one side accusing the other of "playing political games" with the budget's presentation. The $2.9 million spending plan, up slightly from the 1998 budget, was to be introduced. But before a vote was taken, a bitter verbal exchange erupted between council members Thomas Magura and Antoinette Atie and Mayor Will Kubofcik. Magura said he would oppose introduction because he had not seen the full budget until he arrived at the meeting. He criticized the tax rate, which includes an increase that he termed, "the highest in the borough's history." The proposed $1.6 million tax levy would be $200,000 larger than the 1998 plan, a 14 percent increase. But the tax rate to collect that amount would go up 16 percent - 14 tax point - because the borough's tax base has shrunk. The tax increase would also pay for some costs previously covered with surplus funds. The mayor argued after the meeting, however, that the municipal tax increase would be offset by a 25-point drop in the school tax rate. County and regional school taxes are also decreasing by 1 tax point each. Overall, taxes would drop by 10 points - equal to a $128 tax cut on a home assessed at $130,000., the borough average. Taxes on such a home were $3,821.44 last year. A tax point is equal to $18,000 - the amount collected by taxing all properties in the borough at 1 cent per $100 of assessed valuation. The mayor told Magura that the administration provided all council members copies of the budget two weeks ago. He said he called all council members to ask them if they had any questions. Given those notices, he said, Magura was now "playing games to stall government for political reasons." Magura and Kubofcik have had an increasingly tense relationship since June, when Kubofcik defeated Magura for the Democratic mayoral nomination. Magura left the party and declared himself a Republican. And Kubofcik later removed Magura as chairman of the council's finance committee. Friction has also developed between Atie - the failed Republican mayoral candidate - and Kubofcik since the fall elections. When Atie tried to ask a question about the budget Monday night, Kubofcik denied her permission to speak. Atie challenged the mayor's right to do so and questioned the budget's preparation. She asked for a line-by-line explanation of costs and criticized Kubofcik's leadership, saying he "has a lack of communication as a mayor." Kubofcik lashed back: "You said you have nine years of experience, and now at the eleventh hour you want to be spoon-fed." Councilman Joseph Pepe, chairman of the finance committee, was frustrated that the council failed to introduce the budget, saying, "this is a bunch of bull." The mayor agreed: "You were given time to review this, and unfortunately you want to play a political game this evening. It's garbage." "Can you change the word 'garbage'?" Atie asked. "It's unprofessional." The council decided to try again on March 22. Borough Auditor James Cerullo told the council that stalling the budget could delay sending out tax bills and collecting revenues. After the meeting, Kubofcik said the loss of businesses in town and the success of tax appeals has eroded the tax base by about $20 million since 1995, when it was about $200 million. He also said that the budget will use $182,000 in surplus to cover costs. Atie and Magura said they were concerned about the small amount of remaining surplus - $160,000 - and wanted more time to review the budget. Prospect Park fails to present 1999 budget The Borough Council failed to introduce a 1999 municipal budget Monday. Instead some council members and the mayor traded insults, one side accusing the other of "playing political games" with the budget's presentation. The $2.9 million spending plan, up slightly from the 1998 budget, was to be introduced. But before a vote was taken, a bitter verbal exchange erupted between council members Thomas Magura and Antoinette Atie and Mayor Will Kubofcik. Magura said he would oppose introduction because he had not seen the full budget until he arrived at the meeting. He criticized the tax rate, which includes an increase that he termed, "the highest in the borough's history." The proposed $1.6 million tax levy would be $200,000 larger than the 1998 plan, a 14 percent increase. But the tax rate to collect that amount would go up 16 percent - 14 tax point - because the borough's tax base has shrunk. The tax increase would also pay for some costs previously covered with surplus funds. The mayor argued after the meeting, however, that the municipal tax increase would be offset by a 25-point drop in the school tax rate. County and regional school taxes are also decreasing by 1 tax point each. Overall, taxes would drop by 10 points - equal to a $128 tax cut on a home assessed at $130,000., the borough average. Taxes on such a home were $3,821.44 last year. A tax point is equal to $18,000 - the amount collected by taxing all properties in the borough at 1 cent per $100 of assessed valuation. The mayor told Magura that the administration provided all council members copies of the budget two weeks ago. He said he called all council members to ask them if they had any questions. Given those notices, he said, Magura was now "playing games to stall government for political reasons." Magura and Kubofcik have had an increasingly tense relationship since June, when Kubofcik defeated Magura for the Democratic mayoral nomination. Magura left the party and declared himself a Republican. And Kubofcik later removed Magura as chairman of the council's finance committee. Friction has also developed between Atie - the failed Republican mayoral candidate - and Kubofcik since the fall elections. When Atie tried to ask a question about the budget Monday night, Kubofcik denied her permission to speak. Atie challenged the mayor's right to do so and questioned the budget's preparation. She asked for a line-by-line explanation of costs and criticized Kubofcik's leadership, saying he "has a lack of communication as a mayor." Kubofcik lashed back: "You said you have nine years of experience, and now at the eleventh hour you want to be spoon-fed." Councilman Joseph Pepe, chairman of the finance committee, was frustrated that the council failed to introduce the budget, saying, "this is a bunch of bull." The mayor agreed: "You were given time to review this, and unfortunately you want to play a political game this evening. It's garbage." "Can you change the word 'garbage'?" Atie asked. "It's unprofessional." "No. because that is what it is," Kubofcik replied. The heated exchange lasted about 15 minutes. The council's 3-1 vote fell one vote short of the four necessary for introduction. Atie abstained, saying she could not vote on something she had not seen. Magura voted no. Councilman Paul Birch was absent. The council decided to try again on March 22. Borough Auditor James Cerullo told the council that stalling the budget could delay sending out tax bills and collecting revenues. After the meeting, Kubofcik said the loss of businesses in town and the success of tax appeals has eroded the tax base by about $20 million since 1995, when it was about $200 million. He also said that the budget will use $182,000 in surplus to cover costs. Atie and Magura said they were concerned about the small amount of remaining surplus - $160,000 - and wanted more time to review the budget. April 15,1999 THE HAWTHORNE PRESS Prospect Park adopts higher standards for police Like Wayne and Hawthorne, Prospect Park has adopted new regulations which set higher standards for police applicants. Previously police candidates needed a high school education or equivalent. Now applicants must have 60 college credits or two years of military duty with an honorable discharge or already be a police officer with two years experience. The resolution establishing this criteria was adopted by the borough council Monday night by a 5-0 vote. Mayor Will Kubofcik tried to defer action so further discussion could be held on this issue. He also wanted Council President Len Lembo, who was absent, to have an opportunity to participate in this decision. Councilman Jay Birch, head of the police committee, said the two years of post high school experience was recommended by Police Chief George Faso, who also heads the Passaic County Police Academy. "It's a trend," said Councilman Tom Magura pointing to Wayne and Hawthorne, which had already adopted this criteria. "It moves the police officer to another level of professionalism." Kubofcik said the change was inherently good but noted that "most of the officers on the department wouldn't have qualified and they're good policemen." "It could be an injustice to preclude someone from applying for a police officer's job just because they don't have two years of college or two years in the military," added the mayor. "This is why I think the matter deserves further discussion." Faso said the last three or four officers hired by the department were individuals with college degrees. He said the new requirements would be an incentive to supervisors and other officers to continue their education. The Prospect Park Police Department has scheduled a test for May 27 at the Passaic County Police Academy. April 22, 1999 Hawthorne Press No opposition for BOE Contenders in Prospect Park With no opposition and no tax increase from the 1999-2000 school budget, voter turnout was low in Prospect Park on Tuesday. Less than 10% of the electorate went to the polls, casting 182 votes for Craig Jolliffe, owner of the Prospect Park Deli and 179 voles for Pamela Eruhow, a homemaker. Both are members of the Prospect Park Board of Recreation and want the school district to bring back electives such as music and art. An important issue facing this school district is the proposed expansion which is scheduled to be presented to voters this year. Three unopposed for Manchester BOE Manchester Regional Board of Education had three candidates running unopposed for seats in each of the sending communities. Frank Felice received 276 to win re-election to his seat representing Haledon. In Prospect Park, Al Demarest garnered 173 votes to, return to the regional board. A retired police dispatcher, he is also president of the Prospect Park School Board. Bruce Stoll's vole total was 479 in North Haledon. One of the issues thai the school board is seeking to address is the amount of money Manchester pays for tuition to Passaic County Technical Institute. That figure with busing is about $900,000 and reduces the funds available for programs within the regional school. July 15, 1999 The Hawthorne Press Fireworks set off at meeting of Prospect Park Council July 4th was over but fireworks were still exploding at the Prospect Park Council meeting Monday night. The spectacle began when Council President Len Lembo read a prepared statement demanding a public apology from Councilman Tom Magura for calling the mayor and other borough appointees "a moron" and "an idiot." "In my estimation, this was unbecoming behavior of an elected official. Moreover, it was a blatant affront, not just to the man who holds the office, but to the office of the mayor itself," said Lembo. The incident occurred during last Thursday's worksession while the council was in executive session. In response to the council president's motion demanding an apology, Magura responded, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen" adding that he was quoting President Harry Truman. The other two Republican members of the council. Jay Birch and Antoinette Atie said that "what's behind closed doors should stay there." "I'm not talking about the content of what was discussed in private session," answered Lembo. "My duty as council president is to seek respect for the office of the mayor. It could be any mayor and I'd object to this." When the vote was taken, Magura and Atie said "no". Birch abstained and Lembo, Kasht and Councilman Joe Pepe said "yes." Declaring the vote a tie, Mayor Will Kubofcik cast an affirmative vote to demand an apology. Someone in the audience shouted "Don't do it Tom" and Magura declined to apologize. "That's a Fine way for a public official to act," the mayor told Magura. Residents got involved in the debate when the meeting was opened to the public. School Board President Al Demarest said, "I take offense to blasting Councilman Magura for something that happened in executive session. It's an insult to him." "When a meeting is out of order, it's out of order," answered the mayor. "There's a way to conduct oneself in a professional manner." "It takes more than one person to fight," commented Birch. "If it happened in public, I'd crucify the person," said Demarest. "He (Magura) stated that he'd be willing to go on record and state it," said Kubofcik. Bethany Seidel said she was appalled by Lembo's statement. She chastised the mayor for rolling his eyes when Councilman Birch was making a statement. "You act like a little boy," she told Kubofcik. "Shame on the puppet; shame on the puppeteer. Keep it behind closed doors." After the meeting, Magura said a moron is defined as a person who finds it difficult to perform intelligent tasks." The councilman, who was defeated by Kubofcik in last year's Democratic mayoral primary, said, "I feel he's in over his head with the job of mayor. The town's in complete inertia. It's not moving ahead." "This is not about Will," said Lembo. "It's about respect for the office of the mayor, no matter who holds it. Elected officials are supposed to be professional. He (Magura) has no decorum whatsoever." Kubofcik said Magura has a constant pattern of disrespect. "He refuses to shake my hand. He won't say hello. He calls me and the judge 'scum bags'. This is a leader?" July 29, 1999 Hawthorne Press Pepe and Birch have regrets over voting for local judge Councilman Joe Pepe put party politics aside Monday night when he issued a statement praising Court Clerk Judy Critchley for her years of service and apologizing for the way she has been treated in recent weeks. Critchley, who has been Prospect Park's Borough Clerk, for 23 years was moved outside the courtroom by Judge Robert Baer. "On July I4th, I went to observe court and there was another woman sitting where Judy sits," said Pepe. The councilman said he asked Critchley why she was not in the courtroom ard she would not answer because she's under a gag order by the Administrative Office of the Courts. The councilman said efforts to determine what happened had not been fruitful. "Judy and her family have served the Borough of Prospect Park admirably for over 25 years. In my opinion when a dedicated employee tries to protect the interests of the borough, she should be rewarded, not punished by being removed from the court room," he continued. Pepe said the borough should give a 25-year veteran the benefit of the doubt "over the word of a Judge who has been associated with the town for only six months." The apology was owed. he said, "because I was partly responsible for appointing the judge." Pepe is part of the Democrat-controlled council and his statement criticizes the judge selected by Mayor Will Kubofcik. Councilman Jay Birch, the only Republican to vote for Baer's appointment, also said he had regrets about his support for the new judge. "On January 1st, I felt we should give the new mayor the benefit of the doubt. I trusted that this administration would move the borough forward. Now I'm disappointed," said Birch. He was joined by GOP Council members Tom Magura and Antoinette Atie as well as several citizens in supporting Critchley. Her advocates also sought an explanation for the current courtroom situation. Kubofcik has refused comment saying it is a personnel matter. "I don't believe this decision reflects what's best for the borough arid what the people of Prospect Park want," said Birch. December 2 - Hawthorne Press CRITCHLEY RESIGNS COURT POSITION CONFLICT BETWEEN JUDGE AND PEPE The conflict between the Prospect Park Council and the municipal judge over the court administrator's position escalated into a confrontation last week. On Sunday, November 21 when Councilman Joe Pepe walked into borough hall and discovered that Judge Robert Baer was interviewing applicants for the court administrator's post, the two had words. As a result of the verbal dispute, Pepe filed an incident report at police headquarters. Pepe said Baer told him to watch his step and stated, "Well, I'm a judge and you know what I can do." At issue was the fact that there was no vacancy for the court administrator's position which is held by Borough Clerk Judy Critchley. Critchley is retiring as borough clerk on December 31 but was intending to stay on as court administrator. That changed on November 30 when Critchley told Pepe that she would resign the court administrator's post. Yesterday Critchley confirmed that she will leave the $27,398 post at the end of the year. After 20 years on this job, she said, "It's been the toughest year. I would have stayed forever. I love the court." After her retirement, she will stay on as a consultant to help the new appointees with their positions. Pepe said no one should have been interviewed until Critchley gave her resignation. E-mail notices had been sent out through the court system telling potential applicants to contact either Mayor Will Kubofcik or Judge Baer. Kubofcik couldn't be reached for comment but had authorized the E-mail notice. The process of appointing a court administrator requires the mayor to name someone for council approval. Pepe says Kubofcik had told him the screening would be done by a committee of four including himself, the mayor, the judge and Councilman Jay Birch. The council majority has supported Critchley and the governing body is questioning why she was removed from the local courtroom in June. Since then, a person appointed by the county's AOC (Administrator of the Courts) has been recording the proceedings while Critchley remains in her office as court administrator and collects the fines. "We appointed the court administrator. Why can't someone from the AOC come and tell us why our appointee has been removed," said Pepe. While some characterize this issue as a power struggle between two branches of government, Pepe said his concern is mainly for the safety of the community. "I don't want offenders thinking it's easy to get away with something in Prospect Park," said Pepe. Under former Judge Ralph Faasse, the court was very strict in it's interpretation, was one of the highest revenue producing courts in the county and had an excellent relationship with the police department. FIREMEN AGREE TO FOOT PARTIAL COST OF $540,000 LADDER TRUCK The Prospect Park Council and the borough's Hose Company have come to a meeting of the minds over the purchase of a new hook and ladder. When bids were received for the 75-foot Seagrave ladder truck last month, the cost was $65,000 higher than the $500,000 allocated in the bond ordinance. As a result of a worksession between the firefighters and the governing body on November 19, the council agreed to accept the lone bid. The municipality will pay $500,000 towards the purchase; expects to receive between $15,000 and $25,000 from the trade-in of the 24-year truck and the hose company will pay the balance. Fire Chief George Decker said the fire company has agreed to kick in about $16,000. The bid has been reduced by about $25,000 by eliminating the cost of SCOT air packs for a total cost of $540,000. Councilman Len Lembo, the fire commissioner, said he was glad the matter is getting resolved. "This has been going on for two years," he said. "When we asked the firemen for a cost estimate, they told us $500,000. We didn't pull this number out of the air." Lembo said he didn't want to throw out the $565,000 bid and start over. That would have meant waiting until next year to award a bid. "We're working as best we can to resolve this," he said. The matter should be finalized at the council's December 9th worksession so the bid can be awarded on December 13. Since it will take at least a year to build the new apparatus, the bond money can also be invested to accrue additional funds. Borough Clerk Judy Critchley said all of these details have to be worked out between the borough attorney and the municipal auditor. |
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