The 4th Ward Gazette:
An Englewood, NJ Newsletter focusing on the events impacting the 4th ward, its residents and the family and friends who care about the traditions and welfare of Englewood residents. Members of our "Neighborhood Watch Program" do not carry guns. We carry telephones and cameras. The 4th Ward Gazette is dedicated to uplifting the hearts & minds of a people long overdue for some success & recognition. It is a warm friendly bear hug for a Community.
Always
Vote like the lives of your children depend on your doing so!
“You never know who is going to have to hand you your last glass of water”.
As Election Day approaches I wanted to take an opportunity to share some thoughts. Having had the privilege of speaking with people throughout Englewood, people of different races, religions, income levels, genders, and ages, this statement replayed over and over in my mind. This was an expression that my mother used quite often throughout my childhood. While talking with, and most importantly, listening to resident’s concerns, there was one overarching theme.
People want to feel valued, safe, and heard.
Removing the notion that we all identify as a member of a specific group, whether it be categorized by race, religion, gender, etc., as individuals feeling heard, safe, and valued speaks to our humanity.
While it is of the utmost importance that we stand united against the perpetrators of all forms of bias and hate as individuals and as a collective, regardless of who the intended target is, we have to get back to basics. To effectively combat racism, anti-semitism, sexism , anti-LGBTG, ageism, or any other -ism or anti-, we must first view each other as human beings. We must understand that at our core we experience joy and pain the same.
I believe we can be better. We can do better. We can be a community that demonstrates and represents the values that each of us hold dear as individuals. It is only when we lose sight of people as individuals and focus on the collective that we fall down the rabbit hole of us vs them. I believe that respecting the individual is the most effective way to fight bias and hate.
On Nov 5th we have an opportunity to begin working towards a humanistic Englewood. We have an opportunity to begin the work of uniting around who we are as individuals, curating a climate and culture that values the person irrespective of what group they may identify with. I believe this is how we demonstrate the appreciation and value of living in a community as diverse as Englewood.
I am asking the residents of Englewood to join me on this journey, this journey to create a community that not just professes to stand against bias and hate, but that sees Englewood through a kaleidoscope of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
I rarely pay attention to my Suburbanite anymore. It seldom includes anything that I consider local enough to include me. Last week someone called me and asked if I had brought in my paper. I had not. So in the middle of the night I had to go out and search for wherever the paper may have fallen. It was there in the street. I was pleased to open it to this amazing celebration of a daughter for her Mother. Loretta Weinberg is legendary in Bergen County politics.
I was not surprised to find the announcement that the film was premiering, but I was surprised to see what I found on page 13. Our Grass Roots Campaign was given new hope by the anonymous post endorsing Amy Jones Bulluck for Englewood Council @Large. We will take it and are grateful to whomever Anonymous is. Thank you.
Amy Jones Bulluck Candidate Englewood City Council @ Large
I’m reaching out to you today with a heartfelt request for support as we embark on an important journey together - a journey that has the power to shape the future of our community.
As you may know, Amy Jones Bulluck, is running for Council-At-Large for Englewood in the upcoming election. This campaign is a true grassroots effort, built on the belief that our community deserves a representative who genuinely cares about the concerns of the people in our entire City.
While other candidates may have millions of dollars backing them, we have something far more valuable. We have the heart and the determination of the people.
To effectively campaign and ultimately win, candidates need an estimated $25,000 to $30,000. This is where your help is needed. This campaign is powered by the generosity of community members like you who believe in a better future for Englewood. Every dollar you contribute helps bring our message to more voters, organize events, and ensures that your voice is heard loud and clear.
We all know that big money influences many elections, but we believe that with the support of our neighbors, friends, and families, we can make a real difference in November. With your help we can make a difference that reflects the values and needs of our community as a whole.
Your donation, no matter the size, will have a tremendous impact on our ability to run a strong and effective campaign. It’s not just about the money; it’s about showing that our community stands together, united for a common cause. Your contribution is a powerful statement that we are ready for change and that we believe in a candidate who truly understands and champions our concerns.
If you’d like to get involved in other ways - by volunteering or spreading the word - we would love to hear from you as well.
Thank you for considering this request. Together, we can ensure that our community’s voice is heard, and that Amy Jones Bulluck has the opportunity and the honor to represent us with the integrity, compassion, and dedication that we deserve.
I just watched and listened to a very disappointing Englewood Public School District Special School Board Meeting which seemed designed to throw our current School Business Administrator under the bus. Since when do we need an Assistant School Business Administrator? Is there a problem with money that we should know about? Is the BA overwhelmed with paper work because vendors fall under the BA and the District has turned former BOE employees into vendors/independent contractors? Or is the current BA not satisfactory to our "new" Superintendent. And why is this action mirroring what just happened at the City level where an Assistant City Manager was added to the payroll?
Why did they hire this man, Jason A. Jones as Assistant BA? We certainly do not need an Assistant Business Administrator, especially one who comes with too many questions about inappropriate and near criminal behavior. Why is our Board so eager to hire people that other Districts fire for just cause, but at the same time, refuse to hire qualified Englewood School District Personnel? The School Board should know that we are fully aware of how many and which of our current long-term employees hold Superintendent certifications. Why also is no one concerned with Bill A393 before the NJ Legislature? Check it out. It is an interesting read. Do you have a problem with the fact that they just hired a person with a questionable background and record to be the second in command with the job of keeping up with the spending of our "Tax dollars"? Was there a "Critical Need" to hire this employee also? The situation is very suspect. Is Our District in trouble academically and Financially? If so, this means that our Schools are in more of a Crisis situation than ever before. Why will this politican and part time Business Administrator make things better? How is hiring an Assistant School Business Administrator going to address the Achievement, Health and Safety of our children? Besides all that, this man is a politician. Our district does not need to be steeped any deeper in politics. It already appears that at least one BOE member has not been able to separate his partisan indoctrination from his duties as a BOE member.
I like that Henry Pruitt had questions about the presentation on test results and Pathways to graduation. It appears we were both wondering why this presentation was being given when graduation is less than a month away. Another thing, why not encourage 11th graders to choose a "Pathway to Graduation" before the final hour? We would not have this problem if students were required to take a class designed to help them learn to take and pass the test. The concept of teaching to the test is deplorable, but preparing students specifically to take this required test is what? Forbidden? I think not. Students are prepared to take the SAT. Why not prepare them to take the NJGPA and all of the others based on their choice? Let them practice with supervision. We have agreed as a profession that all students learn differently. Considering that, why are we testing them all the same? Another thing, how does a child actually do well on the PSAT in 10th grade and fail the NJGPA 4 times? Perhaps the problem is not the students. I repeat, students should be encouraged to choose a Pathway to graduation before 12th grade. This should be a choice, not a punishment in the final hour. This is too demoralizing. For instance, the 29 Portfolio Review Students should have more time to put together a Portfolio. Will a Portfolio thrown together now, in such a short timespan, represent the student's best work? Does the District care about the student achieving his/her best work?
David Matthews has still NOT learned his lessons about what his job is as a School BoardMember. I will be so glad when he is bored with this, because it really does look like his Supporters will keep him there forever. One wonders why, since he has repeatedly ignored the School Ethics Commissions "Code of Ethics for School Board Members". Every time I watch or attend a BOE Meeting, I end up wondering this. Why is David Matthews telling the Professionals how to do their jobs instead of setting goals and objectives for the District that will force the Superintendent and her staff to create an "Action Plan" that addresses the goals and objectives? I have watched this man publicly question an employee about such things as: why are there so many special education students, why are there are so many students under Title I because Englewood rents are so high, how can these people possibly be this poor and still afford to live in Englewood and this one is a kicker, asking for detailed information about point of entry children/immigrants....This told me that Mr. Matthews is not reading enough and he should let the Professionals do the jobs for which they were hired. Meanwhile, he was President of the Borad of Education and he was sitting beside the person who holds the responsibility. the BA, to be able to answer all of the questions that he was directing to an employee who had just given an indept report on the status of Academic Achievement for Elementary students. At one point, Cheryl Balletto, the BA, did interject with the relevant information. He needs more NJSBA training. His being restricted from running and serving on the Board for 10 years did not seem to take. It was difficult to watch him preside over the Board, because he does not know his role.
81 students failed the NJGPA 4 times and all the School District didwas scheduleanother test date. Where was our Guidance Director, that they keep praising, during this time? What does he think of all of this? Scamardella has been here all of ten minutes and is an Elementary School Professional, not a high schoolprofessional . Her tone while dealing with the numbers was quite offputting.
Nothing was done in the interim, either time, to make sure that the scores improved, yet they expected improvement. Why would the District/or the Board of Education expect improvement?Let us also remember that this 12th grade class was in the 9th grade during a full Virtual Schooling year because of Covid 19. In March of 2020 Teachers did not know which way was up, neither did Administrators or students. Some students had not been on their computer but 4 times in their entire school experience. This information was there and available when the students signed in for Virtual Learning March of 2020. This grade should have been given some kind of support and maybe even been exempt from this standardized test. What did the District do to prepare students to retake the test? Why would the test score be higher if nothing was done in between test taking? How do you ignore the fact that nothing changed from test to test? Did anyone even wonder why nothing changed? Why would 81 students take the same test and fail it 4 times? Another thing, educators all over the world agree that children learn differently. So why does the state test all of them the same?
Hazelton has not even been here a year, and barely knows
anything about the district, yet the Board of Education has allowed her to change things drastically. For change sake? To make a name for herself? Why? If a new Superintendent is hired every 2 or 3 years and they are each allowed free reign with change, where is the stability? Another thing, we are "not" going to have a Superintendent with a NJ address by June 30 and she is not filing a lawsuit that The New Jersey First Act is unconstitutional. The Englewood Board of Education has interceded at the state on her behalf. The State's Employee Residency Review Board of NJ has given her a pass, because the Employer, the EPSD has a "critical need" for her services. Seriously?
"2024-127(R) Marnie Hazelton
Englewood Public School District
The applicant’s request for exemption from the residency requirement was
GRANTED on the grounds of employer critical need." Click here and scroll down Click here and scroll down to the bottom of the 2nd page.
The Englewood Public School District has failed yet another group of seniors and are actively blaming the victim. I blame the School Board, the same School Board that just made a heaping lot of questionable decisions based on the recommendations of a totally unproven Superintendent. The only thing missing now is George Garrison III running into the Grieco Cafeteria with his arms in the air yelling, "we just hired a Superman". I am not impressed.I am also not impressed that the Board is moving ahead with the plan to send the 6th grade back to McCloud School.
Again, I will say that the Englewood Board of Education is a broken machine. Everytime a new Superintendent comes in, the machine is remade as the person gets his/her sea legs. The District and the Students never have stability in any area of the QSAC because of this. The New Superintendent becomes the tail wagging the Dog. All one need do is count the numerous Superintendents, including when the County has had to take over, to see that there is a problem with our School Board knowing how to hire a Superintendent. That is the minimum basic requirement of a School Board. We even had a Superintendent for a few years that was never approved by the state and who did not have a NJ Certification when hired. Since the days of John Grieco this has been happening more often. The Board never gets to see if the Superintendent's Action Plan has indeed been successful in implementing the Board Goals and Objectives. The Board ends up having to pay our hard earned money to get rid of Supertintendents that do not make it. Many times Superintendents are paid merit pay for things they did not do because those things were in place when they got here. For example, R. Kravitz was given Merit Pay for making Twitter and Facebook accounts, but we already had these Social Media accounts long before he became Superintendent.
There was no documentation or indication of how many students in this graduating class dropped out of school. I am interested in that number. They should not be forgotten. The Englewood Board of Education abolished the Alternative School, but the students who needed The Program are still here. How are the Children?
All I can say is that the Website looks great! Unfortunately a passable looking electronic sign nor a great looking interactive Official Website page with a state Senator congratulating the states 2024 graduates will "not" increase test scores. Oh, and by the way, the graduating Seniors should be told that there is a message on the Website from our United States Senator from NJ. I have not spoken to a single student who has seen or listened to it.
In the community room of the SECIL, a small but engaged audience gathered for the Council At-Large debate organized by the Englewood Democratic Club. The candidates, each with their own unique perspectives and backgrounds, engaged the residents with their words.
Charles Cobb, a seasoned leader, spoke of years spent in local
government. His voice carried the weight of experience as he
articulated his priorities and the importance of doing the
hard work. "Englewood needs leadership that understands the complexities of governance," he emphasized. "We must encourage community collaboration that benefits all residents, not just a select few."
Horace Ragbir presented a historical perspective of city
government with no faith in execution of the “Master Plan”.
He spoke passionately about the changes he believed Englewood
needed to see. Yet, behind his words, there was a hint of skepticism,
as if the past had left him doubtful about the prospects of real
change on the council.
Sara Stroman, her energy contrasting sharply with the other candidates, spoke about her issues with the status quo. The self proclaimed “newbie," is determined to stay committed to Englewood regardless of the outcome of the election. The debate continued with focused responses to questions from the audience, each attempting to distinguish themselves as the best choice for Englewood's future.
The absence of the fourth candidate did not go unnoticed, and murmurs began to spread through the audience. "If they can't bother to show up, they don't deserve our votes," someone muttered, voicing the sentiment of many in attendance.
As the debate drew to a close, the candidates made their final remarks to the audience. Cobb reiterated his commitment to hard work and collaboration. Sarah, vowed to be a fresh voice that truly listens to the people of Englewood. Horace highlighted his past defeats, but continues to be steadfast in fighting for Englewood. In the end, the residents of Englewood would have a decision to make. Each candidate offered a different perspective, and it was up to the community to choose who they believe will lead Englewood forward.
Left to Right: Horace Ragbir, Charles Cobb, Sara Stroman
Don't you just feel like throwing a parade when the world finally catches up with you on an issue when it seemed no one was listening? I remember people in my own community giving us the side eye when we protested "the LINE". For years we have watched the integrity challenged politicians in our City manipulate and control the LINE.
Now it looks like Democrats who had formerly profited and taken advantage of the LINE may watch the change that is coming. NJ Democrats like Valerie Huttle and Andy Kim have taken the bull by the horns.
My grandchildren and I were prepared for the 2020 Elections and were looking forward to the counting of Electoral Votes. We were not prepared for the attack on the Country's Capitol Building. We were having a lesson in Civics when the Capitol was breached in real time. The World's schoolchildren were being taught virtually because of Covid 19.
When the Senate and Congress were allowed back in the Capitol Building, we watchedAndy Kim participate in the clean up, in his good blue suit.
He was in a different building during the attack, but he was present the morning after the January 6th insurrection helping to clean up the mess. My grandchildren and I agreed that his actions spoke to his character and that he had a good upbring.
That blue suit is now hanging in the Smithsonian.
We would like to thank Congressman Andy Kim and others for their unrelenting work in neutralizing NJ's County LINE.
In 2022 the agenda of the County Bosses became more blatant when 4th Warders were called upon, to vote for a Candidate chosen for us by the party bosses and elected officials in our Community. We did not like the fact that she was being given to us and we had no idea who she was. It was not easy to beat the LINE, but we did and we elected the Candidate Chosen by the Voters in the 4th Ward. The County Bosses had gotten together with local Englewood Politicians and selected someone that almost none of us knew. We had no idea who she was. We should never have to deal with such political heavy handedness.
Below are a few examples of how the 4th Ward Gazette protested the "LINE" over the years.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Yesterday's Photo Opp, Today's Environmental Hazard
At Tuesday's City Council Meeting controversial statements were made by the 2nd Ward Councilperson that made some of us ask the question, "what is hate speech?". When dealing with a person's First Amendment Rights, the sword cuts both ways. In the video of the meeting below, fast forward to 1:55:28 and listen to a condemnation of a Community person's right to speak passionately about what he/she feels.
The Councilperson even chastised other members of the Council for failing to shut the Resident up. The Councilperson seemed to think that the governing body, of which she is a member, has the right and the duty to deny voting American Citizens their First Amendment rights. It is a strange scary world in which the 2nd Amendment carries more weight than the First Amendment. This becomes even more horrifying once one realizes that more than half the country fear losing their guns more than anything. What are these same people willing to sacrifice for the freedom of speech guaranteed in the United States Constitution?
The Residents of Englewood need a written definition of what this Country, State, County, City Council deems hate speech. If we have to listen to a Council Person raging about how a Community Member exercises his/her First Amendment rights, we need to know just what the governing body thinks is hate speech. We need this cleared up sooner, rather than later.
Below the video of the Englewood City Council Meeting held 3/19/2024 are the views of the ACLU that document the United States Constitution at work.
IS IT MALICIOUS INTENT?
The ACLU website states:
“Censoring so-called hate speech also runs counter to the long-term interests of the most frequent victims of hate: racial, ethnic, religious and sexual minorities. We should not give the government the power to decide which opinions are hateful, for history has taught us that government is more apt to use this power to prosecute minorities than to protect them. As one federal judge has put it, tolerating hateful speech is “the best protection we have against any Nazi-type regime in this country.”
“The American Civil Liberties Union has been involved in virtually all of the landmark First Amendment cases to reach the U.S. Supreme Court, and remains absolutely committed to the preservation of each and every individual’s freedom of expression.”
“The emergence of these self-styled fascist groups raised the issue of whether the First Amendment protected hate speech. The ACLU concluded that, in the words of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, defending ‘freedom for the thought we hate’ is not only necessary but vital to upholding the principles of the First Amendment. The ACLU has held to that position ever since, most notably in a 1978 case involving the right of neo-Nazis to march through the town of Skokie, Illinois.”
“In a Supreme Court case on the issue, Matal v. Tam (2017), the justices unanimously reaffirmed that there is effectively no "hate speech" exception to the free speech rights protected by the First Amendment and that the U.S. government may not discriminate against speech on the basis of the speaker's viewpoint.”
As elected officials the city council and Mayor have taken an oath to uphold the constitution of the United States. Council’s attempt to silence American citizens under the unofficial term of “hate speech” is in fact a violation of that oath . The Fact remains-we are in the USA and the first amendment guarantees the right to free speech, even if it is personally viewed as “hate speech”. To sit on the dais and blatantly try to prohibit citizens from expressing their views is Anti-American. And let’s not talk about how trying to entrap the Council President into these shenanigans is insane, especially since there was no attempt to lure the previous council president into violating people’s rights to free speech. Just because you don’t like or agree with something someone said doesn’t mean they don’t have the right to say it.
To provide some context, African Americans and Black people have been subjected to racist rhetoric for hundreds of years even up until today, even from a former and potential future President. The ACLU has even defended the right to free speech for the KKK. Whether you agree or disagree it is one of the founding principles of this country. These are the rules of the land. My father told me years ago, if you don’t like the rules in my house then leave. I left and moved into my own apartment. just saying.
With that being said, I understand how hurtful words can be, but as alleged leaders the council’s primary responsibilities are to uphold the laws of this land and govern this city. Personal attacks on people’s right to free speech from the dais only serves to leave the city and taxpayers susceptible to yet another lawsuit. While all are entitled to personal opinions, elected officials must learn to separate their responsibilities from their personal views.
Council members often proclaim to love the diversity that Englewood offers until that diversity disagrees with their personal views. Diversity is a beautiful thing but it comes with challenges. Those challenges include different needs, different desires AND differing points of view.
If council members do not have the emotional intelligence to be able to empathize with others and make equitable decisions taking into consideration the needs and wants of others outside of their personal opinions and circles, then perhaps being on the city council in a city like Englewood is not for them.
With that being said, the 1st amendment also affords council members the right to free speech as well; however as elected officials they are in fact held to a higher standard. They must give consideration to the thought that just because you can say something doesn’t mean you should. Council members, who sit in positions of leadership, must think about the impact of their comments on the community as a whole. Will their words advance the community or further divide it? Will their words cause members of the community additional pain in an already tense environment or will their words bring some sort of consolation or reinforcement that in America everyone and their opinions matter?
At the March 19 meeting, Councilwoman Wisotsky decided to use her platform, not for the purpose of conducting city business, but instead for the purpose of advocating to deny citizens their first amendment right. While I agree that profanity is not okay, her attempt to silence citizens under the guise of hate speech was in fact her personal stance and not appropriate on the dais. Whether she proclaims it as her personal opinion or not, once the meeting is called to order she represents the City of Englewood.
I would advise, respectfully, that Councilwoman Wisotsky tread carefully. Knowingly making statements that would incite anger, fear, anxiety, and even violence, while attempting to blatantly violate a citizens first amendment right to free speech is clearly a display of malicious intent. Under current First Amendment jurisprudence, hate speech can only be criminalized when it directly incites imminent criminal activity or consists of specific threats of violence targeted against a person or group. Councilwoman Wisotsky is dangerously close to inciting imminent criminal activity.
Every statement doesn’t need a response. Sometimes silence is the best response in the interest of public safety(physically, mentally, and emotionally). Seems like good judgement and common sense is clearly not so common anymore. Perhaps it is time for Mr. Bailey to issue a formal opinion as the city attorney so that council can draft an ordinance that will guide council and Mayor on what they should or should not be saying from the dais.
Regardless of where you stand on issues as elected officials you are duty bound to give consideration to ALL those you represent. As American citizens, living and serving as elected officials in America, the council needs to be clear on where their allegiance lies and that my friends, should be and must be to upholding the Constitution of the United States. Your personal views are yours but your duty and service is to the American people. ALL of the American people regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual identity, or economic status.
I empathize with the innocent Israeli people who were attacked and kidnapped on Oct 7 just as I empathize with the innocent Palestinian people who have been killed and displaced. I recognize that hurt people, hurt people, but leadership must stop perpetuating this “us" vs. them” climate. We are all victims of some form of discrimination. The elephants are fighting and the grass is getting trampled, but the fact is there is nothing we can do about it at a local level.
The issue is beyond our scope. Perhaps it is best to keep international issues out of local government.
Perhaps it is also best to keep personal agendas and grievances out of local government.
The council’s job is to govern the City of Englewood and from what I can see there has been very little governance happening over the last several years. It really is okay to agree to disagree.
Let’s get back to the business of running the city. In case you forgot, here are a few of the many local issues, in no particular order;
Bernard Placide Jr. (what action has been taken by the Council?)
community center,
parks in disrepair,
Recreation Dept,
Lawsuits,
flooding/Infrastructure,
MOA with the School District
Use of Tryon Pool Agreement
Exterior Lighting around dark City buildings (the garage)
HR policies/actions.
The Overlay Zone Debacle
Traffic
Bergen PAC and SID
Open Gym
Civics In Our Schools
Signed: Amy Jones Bulluck, Constitutionally entitled and empowered!!!
