Tax Abatements AGAIN

Millville City commissioners approved 10 new tax abatements for city businesses by a 3 to 1 vote.

Commissioner Dave Vanaman voted against the abatements,

The abatements allow businesses to pay fewer property taxes during the first five years of operation.

The commissioners voted Dec. 16 to change the rules of the abatement program so any new business in the program must file an annual report certifying sales, employment and other statistics. The rule change also calls for the commissioners to consider each applicant individually.

These are the first abatements approved under the new procedure.

Abatements have been a controversial topic, criticized by a small group who don't want the city to lose tax revenue. except by friviolous lawsuit by retired lawyers. The small group asked nit-picking questions and had us all in the overheated Commission Chambers for 3 hours. The commissioners who support abatements say the tool is necessary to bring businesses to the city. They showed class and humer unlike some Freeholder leader who attacks critics with personal attacks!!!!!!! More videos will go on YouTube but my connection dies out EVERY time I start uploading....

MagazzuWatch.com Makes the Front Page

The News of Cumberland County had at the bottom of the front page this anti-Magazzu website called www.magazzuwatch.com It must be getting MANY HITS. I looked though it and man its got me on on it. I am sure they are trolling for any news that the press dare not go to.

Freeholder Reorganization Meeting

I decided to go to Cumberland County College to see what the plans are for the new Freeholder Board. I did not know that Gov. Jon Corzine, Sen. Bob Menendez and other top level politicians would be there. It was an eventful meeting if you like pomp with your politics. The main speaker was not the Governor but our Freeholder Director Lou Magazzu Here are some photo and video highlights of this meeting. Of course the Media on the most part just took quotes and created a nice narritive. Don't believe me then read the January 5th News Of Cumberland County


In the first video below, Freeholder Director Magazzu states there will be a tax cut. Maintains Cumberland County has the lowest property taxes and has only 56 more employees then in 1998.Praises certain County employees.Says that New creativity is needed and he praises the County Bus Program
The Second Video Lou says this:
"Debate, dialogue and difference of opinion will be welcomed and encouraged. We will be seeking those who have a passion to bring positive change to the people who, until now, have not been properly served."

Senseless Death

This was sent by an old friend of mine I have known since grade school. Its so sad

From: Stuart
Sent: Saturday, January 03, 2009 6:15 PM
To: Peter >; Steve Mark Wes
Subject: sad news about Lesley

I am sorry to tell you that my sister was killed on new year's eve by her neighbor in Asheville, NC, who also killed his ex wife and a woman renting a room from him. Then he shot himself later, surrounded by police in his cousin's trailer. It is a plot straight out of a Lifetime TV movie. Anyway, Helen and my Mom and I are driving down right now to check out her house and bring a few things back. We haven't figured out anything beyond that but there is no rush.

Stu

New Years Eve on Route 55

The woman I am following gets pulled over by the State Police

The Countdown Begins

Clouds on New Years Eve

Going to work yesterday Dec 31st, I saw these cool cloud formations. I took these while I was driving and to have them come out as well as they did, I wanted to share with you on the new year. It was a nice drive toward Philly. Check this out!