21 Trillion Missing?

A recent letter claimed that 21 trillion dollars is missing from the Federal government. That is hard to believe after you search the Internet for “21 trillion dollars” and see the results. 

The “mainstream news media” does not knowingly print “Fake News” unless it’s a proclamation form a powerful politician. Should you read a newspaper that prints “Fake News”?

Ronald A. Sobieraj

Zoning Board

This letter was read by former Zoning Board Chair Linda Cruz at the 1/23/19 4:30 p.m. Caucus Meeting.

As chair of the Zoning Board, I attended the League of Municipalities conference in Atlanta City in November. One of the seminars I attended was entitled The Vacant Property epidemic. The mayor of Collingswood, James Maley spoke about RECEIVERSHIP in which the city bonded a million dollars to repair or rebuild properties which have been vacated. More than half of Vacant properties were reduced by this initiative.

Also, Dr. Beth Ravit of Rutgers University spoke of two studies. One which was in Perth Amboy. The program identified all our parcels of land. Then approximately 14 students, using their cell phones which had been programed, toured our town and identified the vacant properties. I asked what the city did with the results and Dr. Ravit did not know. I also asked if the program could identify residences. Dr. Ravit stated, if that was programed, which it could be, all illegal housing could be identified in one month.

If you are interested, you can contact these individuals.

I was going to discuss this information at the next Zoning Board meeting. However, since I was not reappointed, the council had to become my platform.

By the comments on Facebook regarding my removal from the Zoning Board, I felt it necessary to state a couple facts. It is my understanding that the council has passed an ordinance requiring background checks of board members. I sent a letter to Mr. King on May 21 which said: 

On Friday, May 11, 2018, I received numerous calls from citizens regarding allegations presented to the City Council concerning a Zoning Board member. I was not present at the meeting and therefore could not respond to the public’s questions.

However, the article of May 16, 2018 of the Amboy Guardian reported these allegations. Needless to say, I was disturbed by the content of the article. In addition to the allegations, it was also stated you requested documentation and received said documents.

Please undertake proper steps necessary and keep me informed so I may apprise members of any decision. The public relies on us to serve their interest fairly and honorably!

Three weeks later I received a response from Mr. King stating, “the allegations are being investigated.” Apparently, the allegations being investigated, warranted this ordinance!!

Thank you for doing that.!!!

My attendance, performance, and dedication are not in question of my non-appointment. Simply view the tapes of the meetings. As council, you can appoint whomever you choose. However, your rationale for appointments are questionable. Mr. Petrick also called me and said he did what he could and that I was needed on the Planning Board. Not capable for one board, but needed for another Board?? That doesn’t compute, I did however, thank Mr. Petrick for his call.

You, the council have a problem. Not that you didn’t reappoint me. Everyone is replaceable. Not that I no longer consider you allies, or not even that I have no confidence in you. Your real problem is… you LOST MY VOTE.

Thank you

Linda Cruz