This site is a free service for communication, self-expression and freedom of speech.

We believe this site increases the availability of information, encourages healthy debate, and connects viewers.

While reporting on topics:
We will ask the questions some newspapers don't.
We will print the questions that some newspapers won't.

All sources of information are confidential.


Friday, October 25, 2013

PART II:Mayor Remains Silent, Fire Chief In the Dark

     On a night that saw resident Adina Enculescu call Mayor Skibitsky, "The King," the overall tone of the town council meeting was that of discontent with a mayor seeking re-election to a third consecutive term.  After being appointed to complete former Mayor Greg McDermott's mayoral term, Skibitsky was elected to office and has served the longest of any Westfield Mayor ever, thanks to the extension of a mayor's term from 2 years to 4 years.
     Within Westfield political circles, it has always been a tradition that a mayor not run for a third consecutive term allowing new candidates with new ideas to take over.  Andy Skibitsky is flushing that tradition down the toilet believing he has some unfinished business to take care of.  TFoTM suggests otherwise.
     With Republican Governor Chris Christie positioning himself for a run for the White House in 2016, the N.J. Governor's office will be up for grabs.  One of many leading candidates is Westfield's own Jon Bramnick, currently a N.J. Assemblyman.  Should Bramnick vacate his assembly seat in Trenton, expect Skibitsky to throw his name into the mix.  The old adage of "outta sight, outta mind" weighs heavily in political elections.  Skibitsky needs his name to remain in politics up until, at least, 2016.  Those that believe Skibitsky's run for a third consecutive term is based in arrogance.  Skibitsky believes he has some unfinished business.  TFoTM believes that unfinished business is attaining a higher office.  The bottom line is that Westfield residents deserve better than a mayor looking to use his office as a "stepping stone."
     When Westfield resident Karen Egert spoke at the microphone during the open public comment portion of the town council meeting, she once again asked Mayor Skibitsky to sign onto supporting Mayors Against Illegal Guns.
     Skibitsky had passed a resolution months ago citing he is against illegal guns and legal guns that
are used illegally, but he stopped short of aligning himself with other Union County mayors and pledging his support by joining the coalition.  After Egert returned to her seat with no chance of returning to the microphone during Tuesday evening's council meeting, Mayor Skibitsky went on the defensive and read a letter Egert had sent to a local news source that praised Skibitsky on the position he took on gun violence.
     Egert attempted to rebut Skibitsky by speaking from the audience asking if she could respond.  When told her time was up at the microphone and she would have to wait until the next meeting, Egert asked, "How is that fair" and demanded that she be able to respond if Skibitsky was going to use her own letter against her.
     Resident Tony DelDuca, a staunch supporter of Mayor Skibitsky's political agenda began shouting to Egert, "It's the rules, it's the rules!"
Tony DelDuca
     DelDuca is no stranger to standing up to a woman often heckling them from a distance.  During his time at the microphone on Tuesday night, DelDuca reminded everyone that he had to be escorted to his vehicle by the police after being, what he described as, "accosted" by another resident after speaking at a previous meeting.
     Perhaps Tony DelDuca can remember the time he antagonized a group, including the same woman he allegedly accused he was accosted by, as he sat in the sanctuary of his motor vehicle after a previous town council meeting.
     On that particular night, DelDuca shouted from his vehicle, ultimately having to be told by passengers in his vehicle, "Tony, shut up."  The police were called to the scene of that melee after it was suspected that DelDuca had been under the influence of alcohol.  The Westfield Police responded to the scene behind the Westfield Municipal Building and detained and interviewed DelDuca.  he was subsequently released and sent home.
     Councilman David Haas, once again refuted with facts, DelDuca's opinions concerning the HAWK Pedestrian Light on Central Ave. and the purchase of the police department's emergency mobile command center.
Mobile Command Center
     Its ironic that DelDuca stated at the beginning of his dissertation that people were entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts.  If only Anthony could differentiate between the two when he spews his political rhetoric at the microphone.  Hint to Tony:  police accident reports, statistical data, expert engineering reports, pictures, dates, and times are all facts.  The personal testimony from a certified driver education instructor is opinion based on training and experience, neither of which has any bearing on the facts of these matters being debated at town council meetings surrounding the purchase of a $300,000 emergency mobile command center, and the placement of a pedestrian light in a location opposing the recommendations of experts.

     Mr. DelDuca, with all due respect, listen to your friends.........they have said it before, "Tony, shut up!"

There may be a need for a Part III.

UPDATE: A police source has revealed that Westfield Police Chief David Wayman was not a "Happy Camper" upon his return to town with the emergency mobile command center after it was MIA earlier this week.  It's whereabouts were unknown by Westfield Fire Chief/OEM Coordinator Dan Kelly and Mayor Skibitsky.      

13 comments:

  1. Question: Whats the cost of not getting locking up for a DUI or disturbing the peace while intoxicated.....
    Answer: $300,000 Mobile Command Center.....

    ReplyDelete
  2. So where was the command center? Who had the command center? Was the personal with it being paid by the town or on their own? Who paid for its gas? As a town resident can I take it on vacation?

    ReplyDelete
  3. So let me get this straight......Mr. Happy Camper and his Sidekick took a piece of equipment that is suppose to be at the 24/7 to help the citizens of Westfield in time of emergency......I didnt know that Wayman was psychic or has a crystal ball to gaze into the future to see if nothing is going to happen while he was away....Westfield is a very lucky town to have an all seeing leading on its payroll....perhaps he can see his way to giving me the next set of winning lottery numbers....

    ReplyDelete
  4. Does any elected/appointed official of a good job other than Haas? You complain about Skibitsky, Gildea, Wayman, Kelly and the rest of the Town Council.

    You think you gain credibility by creating foolish graphics of Skibitsky in a king or ice skating outfit or stretching Gildea's nose. You think the circus-like attitude you create at Town Council meetings and the lack of respect you give to these volunteers helps your cause?

    Westfield voters are much smarter than you are and continue to see through your antics that continue to get you nowhere. When you ran for Town Council two years ago, you came in last by a wide margin over the two other candidates. You and a few of your cronies complain about the Central Avenue traffic light and the Command Center, but most residents, if polled, would agree with the Town leadership and will show this on Election Day.

    If Westfield was run so poorly, you could have run for Town Council again, but your support is razor thin and continues to erode. You don’t want to admit it because you are simply a disgruntled ex-police officer with a chip on your shoulder trying to retaliate against any Town official that you feel has slighted you in some way. Westfield is well run town and a wonderful place to live and raise a family. Fortunately, your bitterness is easily overshadowed by all the good that goes on in Town.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Adina Toescu-EnculescuThursday, October 31, 2013

      Anonymous, I agree with you 100%, Westfield has been a very nice town, a wonderful one, for the last 31 years since I bought my house. It was a lovely residential town long before Mr. Skibitsky came in this town 15 years ago and it will be a great town after he will not be Mayor. Nobody said that the government of this town did not do anything good, but there were some things done in an inacceptable way for a democratic government for a democratic society. In your comment, you insulted Mr. Kasko and all the residents who asked for the relocation of the crosswalk on Central Avenue from the middle of the block to the intersection where it has been for at least 32 years. You might not be aware that more than 25 residents from this neighborhood came NUMEROUS times in the Council meetings asking for this relocation. You might ignore that a petition signed by 122 residents, 53 from the immediate location asked the same thing. All these people did not come lately because they were offended and treated disrespectfully. They were demeaned and their legitimate request was ignored by Mr. Skibitsky who did not want to recognize his mistaken decision taken as a favor for 3-4 people. The relocation was offered for free by Union County but was not accepted by Mr. Skibitsky. For him, hundreds of people, even the experts don’t exist but a few friends do. Speaking about the command center, why was needed to be spent a quarter of a million dollar for something existing two blocks away, at the County’s location? Why this thing that was meant to save Westfield in a catastrophe time was not kept in town and instead was sent to Philadelphia and nobody knew where it was? Now, you are attacking Mr. Kasko in a very disrespectful way. I never knew he even exists until 3 years ago when he started to speak in the Council meetings. Since then, he has produced all the experts’ reports, all the documents confirming his statements, and everybody could see that he NEVER said any untrue word. He was also calm and respectful. Sure it infuriates Mr. Skibitsky and his pals. Your statements brought a question to my mind and most probably in many people’s mind. If Mr. Kasko is such a “disgruntled ex-police officer" why Mr. Skibitsky and Mr. Gildea facilitated his continuous tenure, and gave him a pension from our taxpayers’ money? The problem is that they gave him a pension. If he was so bad, NOBODY should offer him a pension. There is only one explanation; Mr. Kasko was not guilty of any accusations, he was right, and they covered his mouth. If he was guilty he wouldn’t get any penny. I believe Mr. Kasko was honest and right when he brought to light some issues, and now NOBODY has the right to insult him. If one, like you, does not have an honest answer to a problem, and does not want to repair a mistake, starts to attack the person and everybody around. It is disgraceful! Actually your first sentence is disrespectful even to Mr. Haas, the Council member for Ward 3, who is running for Mayor now. He has been all along these 3 years honest and transparent with all of us. By the way, who are you? If your integrity was not questionable you should sign with your name. You don’t have the courage to divulge your name because your comment is actually a dirty political ad. It is appalling! I hope the electorate in this town is smarter than to believe all the false pretenses of you and your pals. You guessed well, I am one of the “Cronies” but I have the courage to sign because the truth and the justice are on my side.

      Delete
  5. I have taken the liberty of copying your post so I can respond to each of your points.
    .
    "Does any elected/appointed official of a good job other than Haas?" ANSWER: Yes

    "You complain about Skibitsky, Gildea, Wayman, Kelly and the rest of the Town Council". ANSWER: I have exposed issues that face our town, a town I have lived in for 42 years.

    "You think you gain credibility by creating foolish graphics of Skibitsky in a king or ice skating outfit or stretching Gildea's nose." ANSWER: This site has used sarcasm, innuendo, cartoons, facts and other means of reporting in issues. The cartoons are no different than what you would find in newspapers. I'm not looking for credibility, the facts posted speak for themselves.

    "You think the circus-like attitude you create at Town Council meetings and the lack of respect you give to these volunteers helps your cause?" ANSWER: As a taxpayer I have every right to hold my town elected officials accountable for their decisions. Respect is a two way street.If you think that these "volunteers" don't benefit from their exposure on the town council, you are ignorant.

    "Westfield voters are much smarter than you are and continue to see through your antics that continue to get you nowhere." ANSWER: On the contrary, this website has provided information to the public that is censored by the local newspaper and has effectively altered the way business is conducted in each town department. While town employees and residents continue to thank me for exposing information that the town would rather withhold from the public, I will continue to do just that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Adina Toescu-EnculescuThursday, October 31, 2013

      Anonymous, I agree with you 100%, Westfield has been a very nice town, a wonderful one, for the last 31 years since I bought my house. It was a lovely residential town long before Mr. Skibitsky came in this town 15 years ago and it will be a great town after he will not be Mayor. Nobody said that the government of this town did not do anything good, but there were some things done in an inacceptable way for a democratic government for a democratic society. In your comment, you insulted Mr. Kasko and all the residents who asked for the relocation of the crosswalk on Central Avenue from the middle of the block to the intersection where it has been for at least 32 years. You might not be aware that more than 25 residents from this neighborhood came NUMEROUS times in the Council meetings asking for this relocation. You might ignore that a petition signed by 122 residents, 53 from the immediate location asked the same thing. All these people did not come lately because they were offended and treated disrespectfully. They were demeaned and their legitimate request was ignored by Mr. Skibitsky who did not want to recognize his mistaken decision taken as a favor for 3-4 people. The relocation was offered for free by Union County but was not accepted by Mr. Skibitsky. For him, hundreds of people, even the experts don’t exist but a few friends do. Still, 17 accidents have happened in the last less than 3 years. Speaking about the command center, why was needed to be spent a quarter of a million dollar for something existing two blocks away, at the County’s location? Why this thing that was meant to save Westfield in a catastrophe time was not kept in town and instead was sent to Philadelphia and nobody knew where it was? Now, you are attacking Mr. Kasko in a very disrespectful way. I never knew he even exists until 3 years ago when he started to speak in the Council meetings. Since then, he has produced all the experts’ reports, all the documents confirming his statements, and everybody could see that he NEVER said any untrue word. He was also calm and respectful. Sure it infuriates Mr. Skibitsky and his pals. Your statements brought a question to my mind and most probably in many people’s mind. If Mr. Kasko is such a “disgruntled ex-police officer" why Mr. Skibitsky and Mr. Gildea facilitated his continuous tenure, and gave him a pension from our taxpayers’ money? The problem is that they gave him a pension. If he was so bad, NOBODY should offer him a pension. There is only one explanation; Mr. Kasko was not guilty of any accusations, he was right, and they covered his mouth. If he was guilty he wouldn’t get any penny. I believe Mr. Kasko was honest and right when he brought to light some issues, and now NOBODY has the right to insult him. If one, like you, does not have an honest answer to a problem, and does not want to repair a mistake, starts to attack the person and everybody around. It is disgraceful! Actually your first sentence is disrespectful even to Mr. Haas, the Council member for Ward 3, who is running for Mayor now. He has been all along these 3 years honest and transparent with all of us. By the way, who are you? If your integrity was not questionable you should sign with your name. You don’t have the courage to divulge your name because your comment is actually a dirty political ad. It is appalling! I hope the electorate in this town is smarter than to believe all the false pretenses of you and your pals. You guessed well, I am one of the “Cronies” but I have the courage to sign with my name because the truth and the justice are on my side.

      Delete
  6. Response to Anonymous continued.........

    "When you ran for Town Council two years ago, you came in last by a wide margin over the two other candidates." ANSWER: Knowing that Councilman Ciarocca was not going to be the candidate on the November ballot (he was nominated for the judicial bench), I chose to run as an Independent instead of having to run against him in a June primary for the Republican nomination which I know I would have lost based on his popularity amongst registered Republicans. Losing the primary would've prevented me from being on the ballot come election time. It is an uphill battle to win any elected office as an Independent. I knew that. The 250+ votes I received are votes from people that chose me on the ballot and not one political party or another. I am grateful for the opportunity to run for office and met some wonderful people along the way.

    "You and a few of your cronies complain about the Central Avenue traffic light and the Command Center, but most residents, if polled, would agree with the Town leadership and will show this on Election Day." ANSWER: I'm happy that you have your finger on the pulse of Westfield residents. Perhaps mind reading is a forte' of yours. Election results are indicitive of voter turnout response and not 100% of the electorate. Quite frankly, when voter turnout is low, it means some people just don't care enough to vote.

    "If Westfield was run so poorly, you could have run for Town Council again, but your support is razor thin and continues to erode. ANSWER: Oner person on council in opposition to some of Mayor Skibitsky's ill advised decisions is rendered silent without someone else to second a motion. Example: Councilman Skibitsky. The one time I've witnessed another council member oppose a decision by Skibitsky (Kimmins) she was admonished by the Mayor behind closed doors, Running for elected office is a time consuming effort that takes a person away from their family and other endeavors. My experience of running for town council was rewarding and I have not counted out running for elected office again.

    "You don’t want to admit it because you are simply a disgruntled ex-police officer with a chip on your shoulder trying to retaliate against any Town official that you feel has slighted you in some way."
    ANSWER: As a retired Westfield police officer, I have nothing but good memories serving the people of Westfield. I have been rewarded for that service with a monthly pension that continues for the rest of my natural life. Although I may not serve my fellow residents in the capacity of a public servant in uniform, I do so as a neighbor and retired employee that enjoys avenues of communication with numerous town employees including police, fire, DPW, teachers, council members, teachers, school board members, students, and residents. That's what makes this site what it is.

    "Westfield is well run town and a wonderful place to live and raise a family. Fortunately, your bitterness is easily overshadowed by all the good that goes on in Town." Answer: Westfield runs itself with the combined efforts of all those I just mentioned and is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. I agree.with your observation about Westfield being a wonderful town, that's why I chose to stay here and raise my own family after my parents moved.
    "Fortunately, your bitterness is easily overshadowed by all the good that goes on in Town." ANSWER: I don't wear rose colored glasses 24 hrs a day. Perhaps you should take yours off or seek a new prescription.

    Thank you for your thought provoking comments.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Greg is doing the same thing now that he did as a police officer and that is looking out for his fellow residents. When he exposed corrupt police chief Tracy the town went after Greg. They silenced him with bogus disciplinary charge that from what I know as a police officer were dismissed. I'm thankful for the work he does. The town can't silence him now so they attack him personally. Everything I read here is true, I know because I experience it as a town employee but am afraid to say anything out I fear for my job. Keep it up Greg, the residents need to know what goes on.

    ReplyDelete
  8. one of the croniesThursday, October 31, 2013

    To the Anonymous that posted the rhetoric about Greg......I have know Greg both professionally and personally for some twenty years and the one thing I can say about him is he states facts and truths not allegations and lies....and to throw comments like disgruntled ex cop is misleading and false....he is retired and still in good standing with his police union......and you say cronies like its a bad thing

    ReplyDelete
  9. Not looking after his fellow interests. It is bad cop looking after other bad cops who are managed by other bad cops. You all make me sick. I no longer feel that the cops in this town, including the leadership are looking after any other interests but their own,

    ReplyDelete
  10. Better to be one of the cronies then a Wayman lemmings heading toward the cliff

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've noticed a great deal of discussion on this sight about the light and the harm it has caused the homeowners that are close to it. No one has discussed the other side. When the light was installed, two streets became cul-de-sacs or dead ends. I'm guessing that this has not only inreased their residents quality of life but also their property values. If the light were moved, would these streets be reopened and others closed? Who lives on them?

    ReplyDelete