The GingerBread House is Crumbling........

[J. Sharpe James, J.D.]

Newark council members question mayor's tactics
Officials say Booker's push for legal contract shows lack of respect for their authority

Friday, June 08, 2007
BY KATIE WANG
Star-Ledger Staff
When they took office about a year ago, the nine Newark City Council members and Mayor Cory Booker pledged to use teamwork in reforming the city.

But that unity is starting to fray, exposing a growing frustration and tension between the council and administration. Last Friday, the Booker administration pushed through a contract saying four yes votes were sufficient to increase a legal contract to $1.8 million, be cause the vote represented a majority of the six members who were at the meeting.

On Wednesday, the council struck back, introducing an ordi nance requiring five yes votes to pass any resolution or law in the city. The ordinance is intended to prevent the administration from pushing resolutions through without the majority of the council's approval.

"We needed to ... put our authority out there," said West Ward Councilman Ronald Rice Jr. "This administration is going to have to start respecting this council as an oversight branch of government."

Council President Mildred Crump said she was surprised by the administration's aggressive stance on the contract.

"If they have the number of votes (needed), there should be no need to circumvent the city council," Crump said.

Crump met privately with Booker on Monday to relay the council's frustration with the way it handled the legal contract.

"The administration acknowledged in their zeal to try to clean up some of the legal matters by hir ing this particular law firm that they disrespected us," said Crump. "(Booker) acknowledged they were perhaps a little overzealous in moving forward."

Booker, through his spokeswoman Lupe Todd, confirmed Crump's account of the conversation. He said in a statement he is confident the administration and council can continue to work together despite the rifts.

"In every way possible, my administration is following the letter and spirit of the law within the strong mayor-council form of government," Booker said. "We are working to honor the requests and desires of the council, and balance is always a challenge."

Council members sounded off on a number of other instances this year where the administration has either failed to give them sufficient information or backed them into a corner over an urgent issue. For example, they said the administration came to the council with a multimillion-dollar insurance contract at the last minute and said they had to approve it or the employees would not have medical coverage.

Throughout the year, they have griped about hearing important news through the media rather than hearing it directly from the administration.

On Wednesday, a vote on funding for Newark Symphony Hall stirred up more frustrations. Council members complained the administration has not responded to repeated requests for information about the center's budget and board of directors.

"We're forced to vote on items without full disclosure," said Councilwoman Dana Rone. "We have to stop this pattern."

Rone said the council has fallen into a habit of criticizing the administration, but then voting in favor of their measures anyway.

On Wednesday, the council had to take another vote on the Schwartz, Simon, Edelstein, Celso and Kessler contract since the measure failed last Friday, said City Clerk Robert Marasco. Although the council has questioned the millions in legal contracts given out to firms since July 1, it has also approved most of them.

It did so again on Wednesday, increasing Schwartz, Simon, Edel stein, Celso and Kessler's contract to $1.8 million to handle labor is sues.

Council members Crump, Donald Payne Jr. and Luis Quintana voted against the legal contract. South Ward councilman Oscar James II abstained and the rest of the council voted in favor of it.

Rice said he does not think the administration is deliberately ig noring the council. The administration, he said, has made honest mistakes, but said those need to come to an end.

"We have accommodated this administration as well as we can," he said. "At a certain point, you have to draw a line in the sand and demand more."

[Miss Tam-Tam]

Star-Ledger: <<On Wednesday, the council struck back, introducing an ordinance requiring five yes votes to pass any resolution or law in the city. The ordinance is intended to prevent the administration from pushing resolutions through without the majority of the council's approval.

"We needed to ... put our authority out there," said West Ward Councilman Ronald Rice Jr. "This administration is going to have to start respecting this council as an oversight branch of government." >>

Kudos to the city council for asserting their authority. Less than a year ago, I would have never believed that it would come to this. It speaks of a sloppy arrogance of the Booker administration. Is Booker so impressed with his own celebrity that he can't see the forest for the trees? Not good.

http://www.ebonylove.net/forums/phpBB2/images/smiles/sc_td.gif

[LastCubanStanding]

Newark council members question mayor's tactics
Officials say Booker's push for legal contract shows lack of respect for their authority

Friday, June 08, 2007
BY KATIE WANG
Star-Ledger Staff
When they took office about a year ago, the nine Newark City Council members and Mayor Cory Booker pledged to use teamwork in reforming the city.

But that unity is starting to fray, exposing a growing frustration and tension between the council and administration. Last Friday, the Booker administration pushed through a contract saying four yes votes were sufficient to increase a legal contract to $1.8 million, be cause the vote represented a majority of the six members who were at the meeting.

On Wednesday, the council struck back, introducing an ordi nance requiring five yes votes to pass any resolution or law in the city. The ordinance is intended to prevent the administration from pushing resolutions through without the majority of the council's approval.

"We needed to ... put our authority out there," said West Ward Councilman Ronald Rice Jr. "This administration is going to have to start respecting this council as an oversight branch of government."

Council President Mildred Crump said she was surprised by the administration's aggressive stance on the contract.

"If they have the number of votes (needed), there should be no need to circumvent the city council," Crump said.

Crump met privately with Booker on Monday to relay the council's frustration with the way it handled the legal contract.

"The administration acknowledged in their zeal to try to clean up some of the legal matters by hir ing this particular law firm that they disrespected us," said Crump. "(Booker) acknowledged they were perhaps a little overzealous in moving forward."

Booker, through his spokeswoman Lupe Todd, confirmed Crump's account of the conversation. He said in a statement he is confident the administration and council can continue to work together despite the rifts.

"In every way possible, my administration is following the letter and spirit of the law within the strong mayor-council form of government," Booker said. "We are working to honor the requests and desires of the council, and balance is always a challenge."

Council members sounded off on a number of other instances this year where the administration has either failed to give them sufficient information or backed them into a corner over an urgent issue. For example, they said the administration came to the council with a multimillion-dollar insurance contract at the last minute and said they had to approve it or the employees would not have medical coverage.

Throughout the year, they have griped about hearing important news through the media rather than hearing it directly from the administration.

On Wednesday, a vote on funding for Newark Symphony Hall stirred up more frustrations. Council members complained the administration has not responded to repeated requests for information about the center's budget and board of directors.

"We're forced to vote on items without full disclosure," said Councilwoman Dana Rone. "We have to stop this pattern."

Rone said the council has fallen into a habit of criticizing the administration, but then voting in favor of their measures anyway.

On Wednesday, the council had to take another vote on the Schwartz, Simon, Edelstein, Celso and Kessler contract since the measure failed last Friday, said City Clerk Robert Marasco. Although the council has questioned the millions in legal contracts given out to firms since July 1, it has also approved most of them.

It did so again on Wednesday, increasing Schwartz, Simon, Edel stein, Celso and Kessler's contract to $1.8 million to handle labor is sues.

Council members Crump, Donald Payne Jr. and Luis Quintana voted against the legal contract. South Ward councilman Oscar James II abstained and the rest of the council voted in favor of it.

Rice said he does not think the administration is deliberately ig noring the council. The administration, he said, has made honest mistakes, but said those need to come to an end.

"We have accommodated this administration as well as we can," he said. "At a certain point, you have to draw a line in the sand and demand more."

Checks and balances, Jet-Ski. Democracy at its best. If you had been paying attention in law school....

[counterattack]

I'm with Doofus on this one if you want to ensure five votes then come to the meeting it's not like they are not passing the ordinances anyway.

City government can't be put on hold because Councilmembers fail to attend meetings.

[spokenword]

I'm with Doofus on this one if you want to ensure five votes then come to the meeting it's not like they are not passing the ordinances anyway.

City government can't be put on hold because Councilmembers fail to attend meetings.




However, the issue was the "special" meeting. Perhaps the other members had other obligations preventing them from attending the "special" meeting. At any rate, if the law is 5 people needed to pass the vote and it was done without the 5 than it means that a rat is lurking!

[Doofus1]

The council can change the requirements, but they can't complain about what happened before the rules changed. If the mayor can call a special session, they are paid to show up.

[spokenword]

According to Booker the City was in a major deficit, something like 400 mil!! With all of these million dollar contracts being approved, is it safe to say that Newark is Now okay?:confused:


btw- The million dollar groups are benefitting, but what about the RESIDENTS of NEWARK who NEED JOBS!

[Poet]

On Wednesday, the council had to take another vote on the Schwartz, Simon, Edelstein, Celso and Kessler contract since the measure failed last Friday, said City Clerk Robert Marasco. Although the council has questioned the millions in legal contracts given out to firms since July 1, it has also approved most of them.

It did so again on Wednesday, increasing Schwartz, Simon, Edel stein, Celso and Kessler's contract to $1.8 million to handle labor is sues.

Council members Crump, Donald Payne Jr. and Luis Quintana voted against the legal contract. South Ward councilman Oscar James II abstained and the rest of the council voted in favor of it.


Wait didn't he abstain the last vote? I can understand it then because of lack of information perhaps? But two in a row? Cop out.

[Poet]

Newark's case for $2.45M in contracts
City council will hear lawyers' reasons to approve money for firms
Sunday, April 01, 2007
BY JEFFERY C. MAYS
Star-Ledger Staff

Eight law firms, the majority of whom are campaign contributors to Newark Mayor Cory Booker, are slated to receive $2.45 million in contract increases under proposals before the city council this week.

The move comes just weeks after the city council questioned the size and purpose of some legal contracts.

"My whole concern is we are facing financial issues," Council vice president Luis Quintana said of the city's budget deficit. "I want to review these contracts. What is the urgency? What is the need?"

One firm, Schwartz, Simon, Edelstein, Celso and Kessler of Florham Park, which just saw its $500,000 tax contract increased to $900,000 in February, is receiving an additional $1.05 million in two contracts for labor negotiations and general governmental matters, by far the most of all firms.

The politically active firm has a prior relationship with Booker. Schwartz, Simon, Edelstein, Celso and Kessler has contributed $12,000 to the Booker Team for Newark. Last year, senior partner Stephen J. Edelstein represented Booker before the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, where he was fined the second-highest penalty in agency history for failing to properly report campaign contributions.

If the new contracts are approved, Schwartz, Simon, Edelstein, Celso and Kessler will have received $2.2 million worth of city contracts since July 1.

Is this $1.9 IN ADDITION TO these contracts? or is it included?

[J. Sharpe James, J.D.]

:mad:

[OneEyeOpen]

and probably the reason for these idiotic distractions.

"James told he's target of grand jury probe
by Ian T. Shearn and John P. Martin, Fri, 9:05 PM

Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James has been notified by federal prosecutors that he is the target of a grand jury investigation and could soon face corruption charges.

Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger
Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James could soon face corruption charges. Details of the so-called target letter were unclear, but such notifications typically outline potential charges and offer the target an opportunity to testify before the grand jury. They also represent unofficial 11th-hour invitations to negotiate a plea, suggesting that charges could be imminent.

Several sources familiar with the investigation said the government has been proceeding on two fronts: Whether James, who is a Democratic state Senator, used his office to pay for lavish vacations and if he steered the sale of city real estate to friends and associates at deep discounts.

In recent months, FBI agents have questioned nearly a dozen potential witnesses, including Newark police officers who served as his bodyguards, city council members who approved land sales and top officials in James' administrations, according to attorneys and officials briefed on aspects of the case.

James, 71, onetime high school teacher, rose to become one of the state's most enduring and powerful politicians, winning five consecutive terms as mayor. He chose not to run for a sixth term last year, and effectively ceded the office to Cory Booker. Earlier this year, James announced he would also leave the Senate at year's end.

Neither James nor his attorney, Raymond M. Brown, returned calls seeking comment. They have repeatedly declined to discuss the investigation. A spokesman for U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie also would not acknowledge any developments in the case.

Read more in Saturday's Star-Ledger.

[LastCubanStanding]

and probably the reason for these idiotic distractions.

"James told he's target of grand jury probe
by Ian T. Shearn and John P. Martin, Fri, 9:05 PM

Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James has been notified by federal prosecutors that he is the target of a grand jury investigation and could soon face corruption charges.

Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger
Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James could soon face corruption charges. Details of the so-called target letter were unclear, but such notifications typically outline potential charges and offer the target an opportunity to testify before the grand jury. They also represent unofficial 11th-hour invitations to negotiate a plea, suggesting that charges could be imminent.

Several sources familiar with the investigation said the government has been proceeding on two fronts: Whether James, who is a Democratic state Senator, used his office to pay for lavish vacations and if he steered the sale of city real estate to friends and associates at deep discounts.

In recent months, FBI agents have questioned nearly a dozen potential witnesses, including Newark police officers who served as his bodyguards, city council members who approved land sales and top officials in James' administrations, according to attorneys and officials briefed on aspects of the case.

James, 71, onetime high school teacher, rose to become one of the state's most enduring and powerful politicians, winning five consecutive terms as mayor. He chose not to run for a sixth term last year, and effectively ceded the office to Cory Booker. Earlier this year, James announced he would also leave the Senate at year's end.

Neither James nor his attorney, Raymond M. Brown, returned calls seeking comment. They have repeatedly declined to discuss the investigation. A spokesman for U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie also would not acknowledge any developments in the case.

Read more in Saturday's Star-Ledger.


Jet-Ski....I told you several years ago that they were coming. They've been holding files on pops for years, and now that they don't need him anymore, the trap is about to close. Unfortunately, it will close your career too, J. Sharpe.

[newarknewbbie]

Steering contracts to developer friends and steering contracts towards lawyer friends seems pretty analogous to me.

I am very disappointed and angry with the administration on this one. :( There is just no way to rationalize this large of a contract to one firm, let alone this much legal work-- at $250/hr. that is 7600 hours of legal work at a decent rate. I'd like to know what was done in those 7600 hours. (ACLU-- to what extent is that public record v. attorney-client privileged?)

--Also, not that it matters much when nos. are this high, but JJ made a mistake, the 1.9M is the TOTAL amount of monies awarded to the firm, not in addition to...

[LastCubanStanding]

Steering contracts to developer friends and steering contracts towards lawyer friends seems pretty analogous to me.




Not quite. Selling land at cut-rate prices for the profit of friends while the City gets nothing in return is not the same at all.

I'll agree that there seems to be too many legal contract, but the firms are providing legitimate legal services. As Council Rice told us on this forum, there are thousands of open cases against the City. I believe he also explained that these firms were charging the City less than the going rate.

[newarknewbbie]

Not quite. Selling land at cut-rate prices for the profit of friends while the City gets nothing in return is not the same at all.

I'll agree that there seems to be too many legal contract, but the firms are providing legitimate legal services. As Council Rice told us on this forum, there are thousands of open cases against the City. I believe he also explained that these firms were charging the City less than the going rate.


Look, I like Booker and the admin, but this is BS.

Will the City benefit from having good legal services? Yes, it will. Is corp. counsel's office probably overwhelmed cleaning house? Yes, probably.

But when you have a firm that has donated $12k to the campaign, not to mention probably recruited others to donate, there is a sufficient connection there to the administration that presents, at the very least, the appearance of impropriety.

Even if there is this much legal work, why is only one firm benefiting?

There is no way for the admin to justify this one in my eyes. This is the same 'ol political crap, and I expected more from this Mayor.

I am holding him accountable on this one.

[LastCubanStanding]

Look, I like Booker and the admin, but this is BS.

Will the City benefit from having good legal services? Yes, it will. Is corp. counsel's office probably overwhelmed cleaning house? Yes, probably.

But when you have a firm that has donated $12k to the campaign, not to mention probably recruited others to donate, there is a sufficient connection there to the administration that presents, at the very least, the appearance of impropriety.

Even if there is this much legal work, why is only one firm benefiting?

There is no way for the admin to justify this one in my eyes. This is the same 'ol political crap, and I expected more from this Mayor.

I am holding him accountable on this one.

I'll agree, but an appearance of impropriety is quite different than blatantly corrupt practices, as Sharpe did. I'll agree it doesn't look good, though.


And yes, he should be held accountable.

[newarknewbbie]

I wasn't in Newark when Sharpe entered office, but I am sure that the corrupt practices began with some less-than-ethical practices and ballooned into Chris Christie attention-getting activities.

I don't want this Mayor going down that same road. I have too much respect for Booker-the-candidate to see him become less than what he aspired to be as Mayor. The City deserves the man they voted for, not a compromised version of that man.

[ProSouth]

Look, I like Booker and the admin, but this is BS.

Will the City benefit from having good legal services? Yes, it will. Is corp. counsel's office probably overwhelmed cleaning house? Yes, probably.

But when you have a firm that has donated $12k to the campaign, not to mention probably recruited others to donate, there is a sufficient connection there to the administration that presents, at the very least, the appearance of impropriety.

Even if there is this much legal work, why is only one firm benefiting?

There is no way for the admin to justify this one in my eyes. This is the same 'ol political crap, and I expected more from this Mayor.

I am holding him accountable on this one.Booker can run over a old lady on Broad & Market, with a thousand people watching and Cuban will find some way to blame the old lady.

The truth does not change for Booker. He's turning out to look like a lying, typical politician. I didn't sign on for that and I know most people who voted for him did not either. That's the truth.

[ProSouth]

and probably the reason for these idiotic distractions.

"James told he's target of grand jury probe
by Ian T. Shearn and John P. Martin, Fri, 9:05 PM

Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James has been notified by federal prosecutors that he is the target of a grand jury investigation and could soon face corruption charges.

Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger
Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James could soon face corruption charges. Details of the so-called target letter were unclear, but such notifications typically outline potential charges and offer the target an opportunity to testify before the grand jury. They also represent unofficial 11th-hour invitations to negotiate a plea, suggesting that charges could be imminent.

Several sources familiar with the investigation said the government has been proceeding on two fronts: Whether James, who is a Democratic state Senator, used his office to pay for lavish vacations and if he steered the sale of city real estate to friends and associates at deep discounts.

In recent months, FBI agents have questioned nearly a dozen potential witnesses, including Newark police officers who served as his bodyguards, city council members who approved land sales and top officials in James' administrations, according to attorneys and officials briefed on aspects of the case.

James, 71, onetime high school teacher, rose to become one of the state's most enduring and powerful politicians, winning five consecutive terms as mayor. He chose not to run for a sixth term last year, and effectively ceded the office to Cory Booker. Earlier this year, James announced he would also leave the Senate at year's end.

Neither James nor his attorney, Raymond M. Brown, returned calls seeking comment. They have repeatedly declined to discuss the investigation. A spokesman for U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie also would not acknowledge any developments in the case.

Read more in Saturday's Star-Ledger.Smelling cheese and changing the subject of the thread.

[newarknewbbie]

I think that Cuban gave an honest response, I don't think he is trying to cover for the Mayor-- I think he is juggling what those of us who supported the Mayor are feeling-- we know he a legit person, but the "compromises of governing" are chipping away at the man we voted for.

I don't think the Mayor is a "liar", I think he is a good man-- I want to believe that Sharpe was a good man when he came into office.

I do think that (as the old adage goes) "absolute power corrupts, absolutely." We can't dismiss the "little" compromises by any of our leaders, because they lead to larger--sometimes illegal/unethical--actions. I don't think there were enough, if any, checks on Sharpe, which led to his corruption. As I said before, I don't want this to happen to our current Mayor-- or any of the "new" politicians (i.e. Obama...).

I was concerned about the Booker Team sweeping because I didn't want the Mayor surrounded by "yes" men. I think that it is good the Council is challenging the Mayor, but they have to challenge him by more than words--they need to put their votes where their mouths are.

This really isn't about whether you like Booker or whether you like Sharpe--when our leaders start compromising, their constituents lose. And I will keep saying it-- it is our job to HONESTLY assess whoever are elected officials are (try to stay neutral on the personal level-- and I know this is a tough one in politics, I am as guilty as the next person) and tell them when they are straying from their principles.

If we don't want politics as usual, then we have to keep them on point.

(That goes for my Councilwoman Ms. Rone and her employees too-- pull it together over there!!)

[ProSouth]

If we don't want politics as usual, then we have to keep them on point.


This is exactly my point. You can't keep them on point without making sure that they keep their word.

Cory has 3 more yaers in office before the election. Whose going to keep Cory on point?

Minimizing these so called small compromises gives way to large compromises.

So far with little under a year in office Cory can be a poster child for Newark pay-to-play.

[Miss Tam-Tam]

I don't want this Mayor going down that same road. I have too much respect for Booker-the-candidate to see him become less than what he aspired to be as Mayor. The City deserves the man they voted for, not a compromised version of that man.

I fear that issues regarding Newark may become a back burner to Booker's celebrity. Also, that he may have allowed himself to be insulated with "yes" men. Time and again, I have seen initially promising leaders become dragged under in this dynamic. His foray into politics is his right, I suppose. But we know how much can get compromised in that regard. It gets sticky and twisted very quickly. I guarantee you'll see that on the road to November's elections.

[OneEyeOpen]

Smelling cheese and changing the subject of the thread.

Is this a secret I am unaware of?

No one has to change the subject, all they have to do is begin talking about relevant issues, instead of spinning nonsense into something that makes you and your ilk feel better about themselves in the face of the REALITY presented here.

[nwkbrn]

how can some of you compare S.James and 20 years of service to Mr. Booker, for those of us who remember lots were going for a 1.00 and we couldnt give land away!
So what if some of sharpe james PEOPLE, made some money a pivotal point in newarks transition, :mad:

lets talk about whats going on and been going on since Corey took office! Murder rate is up! after all the passionate speeches and sound bites, he has done nothing to stop the violence but hire an out of town director that demoralized an already defunct police dept.

promise broken!

I have yet to hear of any economic advantages for US newarkers in regards to the arena, the projec our former Mayor spearheaded!

the council who helped him get elected eyes are begining to open, the B.S. he says to there face and the actions he takes behind there back are starting to become Business as Usual!!

in short Corey is keeping ALL of his promises, he made when running for Mayor. Promises to keep is Attorney freinds paid. passing contracts in emergency meeting with 4 votes should be criminal.

[OneEyeOpen]

how can some of you compare S.James and 20 years of service to Mr. Booker, for those of us who remember lots were going for a 1.00 and we couldnt give land away!
So what if some of sharpe james PEOPLE, made some money a pivotal point in newarks transition, :mad:

lets talk about whats going on and been going on since Corey took office! Murder rate is up! after all the passionate speeches and sound bites, he has done nothing to stop the violence but hire an out of town director that demoralized an already defunct police dept.

promise broken!

I have yet to hear of any economic advantages for US newarkers in regards to the arena, the projec our former Mayor spearheaded!

the council who helped him get elected eyes are begining to open, the B.S. he says to there face and the actions he takes behind there back are starting to become Business as Usual!!

in short Corey is keeping ALL of his promises, he made when running for Mayor. Promises to keep is Attorney freinds paid. passing contracts in emergency meeting with 4 votes should be criminal.

First of all, what you're suggesting regarding the land deals is a crime. You can't steer your friends to deals you're not offering the public. Second, that land was worth more than a dollar, you couldn't sell it because crime was that bad. The artificial inflation of the market created opportunities your greedy friends wanted to keep all to themselves, hence committing a crime that is only now being prosecuted.

You seem to be suggesting that it was legal for the former mayor to have a credit card, specifically prohibited by the State DCA, for the purpose of personal travel on the city dime. Furthermore that it was somehow acceptable for him to do so on the budget of a department that YOU admit was already in horrible shape, and could ill afford someone raiding their budget for your friends personal travel needs. As for the current state of the city, just how do you think it got this way. Is any of this poverty, unemployment or crime a new phenomenom?

Apparently you hope to blame those who inherited the arena deal, for the bad planning of those who initiated it. Just how exactly is that the case, and did you forget the parade of Sharpe supporters getting paid off the process?

While you're desperately trying to spin what the current mayor is doing into something criminal, Newark has a federal grand jury and a well respected prosecutor telling us your hero is a criminal. Should we collectively close our eyes to those facts so that you don't have to accept that reality?

[ProSouth]

I fear that issues regarding Newark may become a back burner to Booker's celebrity. And we are walking wide eyed right into it. We are nothing but a bunch of suckers being pimped like whores.

[ProSouth]

First of all, what you're suggesting regarding the land deals is a crime. You can't steer your friends to deals you're not offering the public. Second, that land was worth more than a dollar, you couldn't sell it because crime was that bad. The artificial inflation of the market created opportunities your greedy friends wanted to keep all to themselves, hence committing a crime that is only now being prosecuted.

You seem to be suggesting that it was legal for the former mayor to have a credit card, specifically prohibited by the State DCA, for the purpose of personal travel on the city dime. Furthermore that it was somehow acceptable for him to do so on the budget of a department that YOU admit was already in horrible shape, and could ill afford someone raiding their budget for your friends personal travel needs. As for the current state of the city, just how do you think it got this way. Is any of this poverty, unemployment or crime a new phenomenom?

Apparently you hope to blame those who inherited the arena deal, for the bad planning of those who initiated it. Just how exactly is that the case, and did you forget the parade of Sharpe supporters getting paid off the process?

While you're desperately trying to spin what the current mayor is doing into something criminal, Newark has a federal grand jury and a well respected prosecutor telling us your hero is a criminal. Should we collectively close our eyes to those facts so that you don't have to accept that reality?You come here posting as though we are stupid.

Question fake Einstein:

What's the difference for the City of Newark financially if I steer friends and contributors towards purchasing city-owned property vs. giving friends and contributors millions in city contracts? Same thing, different method.

You speak as though there's a difference financially? Let's couple this with the fact that Booker promised and damn near swore that he would not engage in this practice. Which in my mind makes Cory not only a liar but nothing more than a manipulative, calculating liar.

Stop trying to make Cory Booker's present actions as Mayor better than anyone elses. To date he has not done nothing and has gone back on most of the campaign promises he was claiming before becoming Mayor.

[Doofus1]

And we are walking wide eyed right into it. We are nothing but a bunch of suckers being pimped like whores.


The difference, Pro, is you can vote the guy out. He doesn't have to get the 20 year free stay that Newarkers were so willing to give in he past if he fails to perform.

[OneEyeOpen]

You come here posting as though we are stupid.

Question fake Einstein:

What's the difference for the City of Newark financially if I steer friends and contributors towards purchasing city-owned property vs. giving friends and contributors millions in city contracts? Same thing, different method.

You speak as though there's a difference financially? Let's couple this with the fact that Booker promised and damn near swore that he would not engage in this practice. Which in my mind makes Cory not only a liar but nothing more than a manipulative, calculating liar.

Stop trying to make Cory Booker's present actions as Mayor better than anyone elses. To date he has not done nothing and has gone back on most of the campaign promises he was claiming before becoming Mayor.

If you, as city official, steer your friends and contributors to land not offered on the open market, and give them prices that no one else is able to get, THAT IS A CRIME. If you have any problem figuring out the applicable law, I suggest that you pay attention at Mr. Christie's next press release, as I'm fairly confident that the details necessary for your limited intellect to grasp that concept will be available. If you believe that there is a crime in the manner with which those legal contracts were handed out, why don't you call Mr. Christie's office and inform him? It's not like you've described any crime here, maybe you'll have better luck with him. When they stop laughing, come back and tell us what they say. Your partisan dribble, apparent on these boards long before Booker served a single day in office, betrays your intent and your desperation. That reality you can't duck no matter what nonsense you waste bandwidth spewing. BTW, I do note how far you stay away from the issue of that DCA prohibited, NPD manipulated, credit card and the personal travel associated with it. The only one here insulting the intelligence of anyone with their doubletalk, is you.

[ProSouth]

If you, as city official, steer your friends and contributors to land not offered on the open market, and give them prices that no one else is able to get, THAT IS A CRIME. If you have any problem figuring out the applicable law, I suggest that you pay attention at Mr. Christie's next press release, as I'm fairly confident that the details necessary for your limited intellect to grasp that concept will be available. If you believe that there is a crime in the manner with which those legal contracts were handed out, why don't you call Mr. Christie's office and inform him? It's not like you've described any crime here, maybe you'll have better luck with him. When they stop laughing, come back and tell us what they say. Your partisan dribble, apparent on these boards long before Booker served a single day in office, betrays your intent and your desperation. That reality you can't duck no matter what nonsense you waste bandwidth spewing. BTW, I do note how far you stay away from the issue of that DCA prohibited, NPD manipulated, credit card and the personal travel associated with it. The only one here insulting the intelligence of anyone with their doubletalk, is you.I enjoy toying with you :D .

Let's try this again. I did not ask you whether it was a crime or not (re-read my post). My question was: What's the difference between the two FINANCIALLY FOR THE CITY ?

[LastCubanStanding]

I enjoy toying with you :D .

Let's try this again. I did not ask you whether it was a crime or not (re-read my post). My question was: What's the difference between the two FINANCIALLY FOR THE CITY ?


The City receives a service from the attorneys. With 6,000 open cases involving the City, there is a need for legal representation. The choice of firms is another matter. When the sell the property for next-to-nothing, the City loses money.

[OneEyeOpen]

I enjoy toying with you :D .

Let's try this again. I did not ask you whether it was a crime or not (re-read my post). My question was: What's the difference between the two FINANCIALLY FOR THE CITY ?

You're making the usual fool of yourself, as the points, NOT originally directed to you, were a factual analysis of the points addressed in the article, and the statements made in response to the poster "nwkbrn." I know you didn't ask whether or not a crime was committed, as we both know that relevant points such as that don't bode well for your irrelevant arguments. You may have believed that you could direct the debate where you wish it to go for the sake of your partisan spin and desperate desire to avoid accountability for such issues, but let's face it, you're simply not that good.

For the sake of dispatching your nonsensical point, the difference between the two is that the legal contracts are apparently LEGAL, and required to deal with the legal mess your false prophet and his criminal minions have left Newark to deal with. The dollar land deals for friends and contributors, and the bogus use of NPD credit cards for personal travel are ILLEGAL, and simply drained resources from an already financially strapped municipality and police department for the sake of a self serving few. That is what the federal grand jury is all about, whether you elect to deal with that reality or not.

[J. Sharpe James, J.D.]

The Newark City Council VOTED to have the land sold at $1 and then $4 a square foot NOT Sharpe.

Sharpe did not go into a back room and create these prices. EVERYONE who bought land during this period paid THE SAME prices give or take 20 cents. So LEGALLY Sharpe sold the land at the prices set by the council. The city has GIVEN away land in the past to non-profits, churches and developers, unfortunately years ago no one wanted to build in substancial numbers.

In the past 10 years, due to Newarks positive growth, EVERYONE wants to build in Newark. The sales INCREASE revenue for the city on vacant land which was previously either not paying taxes or paying minimal amounts. Simply put the City GETS significant TAX revenue from the $500,000 house as opposed to a 25x100 vacant lot.

Booker blasted Sharpe for giving Tax Abatements, BUT he STILL gives away tax abatements. Is it a crime? NO.

ANYONE who bought land under Sharpe applied and created thousands of pages of DOCUMENTATION through the law department, economic development department, Tax department, City council's office, BA's office and of course had final sign off by the Mayor.

Nothing was HIDDEN and nothing has been DISCOVERED.

After a 37 year career there is NO doubt Sharpe will KNOW people who buy city property. Cory admits he KNOWS many of the new law firms getting City contracts. It isn't illegal. Nor is selling land to people you know at prices set by the council. When the community developers were building the East Ward using their OWN money and banks, what did the rest of the wards do (Specifically South, Central and West). We built nothing and finally after hearing decades of complaints about empty lots, vacant lots, reminders of the riots and dwindling revenue for the city Sharpe pushed these eyesore, drug strewn and littered lots to be built upon and bring TAX revenue for the city. Thats called doing his job. A crime would have been leaving the city with MORE vacant lots than when you were elected to office and serving 20 years as Mayor.

The NY Times says Newark's hosting stock is beginning to get "Hot", I wonder why?

In addition, using a POLICE credit card, which Sharpe PUT HIS SIGNATURE ON to sign for expenditures on trips where you have a POLICE security detail is not illegal. It is not secretive, HE SIGNED THE CHARGE. Nothing hidden. If taken to court Sharpe can EASILY point to CURRENT expenditures by the CURRENT Mayor, who has the police department pay for the lease on at least TWO floors, with two officers sleeping on the floor below, of his CURRENT residence. The kicker is that Sharpe did not nor has EVER gone over the travel expense account allowed by his office.

BTW - The Portugese festival was great, unfortunately a young girl was killed by a hit and run. Supposedly witnesses got the van's information.

[ProSouth]

You're making the usual fool of yourself, as the points, NOT originally directed to you, were a factual analysis of the points addressed in the article, and the statements made in response to the poster "nwkbrn." I know you didn't ask whether or not a crime was committed, as we both know that relevant points such as that don't bode well for your irrelevant arguments. You may have believed that you could direct the debate where you wish it to go for the sake of your partisan spin and desperate desire to avoid accountability for such issues, but let's face it, you're simply not that good.

For the sake of dispatching your nonsensical point, the difference between the two is that the legal contracts are apparently LEGAL, and required to deal with the legal mess your false prophet and his criminal minions have left Newark to deal with. The dollar land deals for friends and contributors, and the bogus use of NPD credit cards for personal travel are ILLEGAL, and simply drained resources from an already financially strapped municipality and police department for the sake of a self serving few. That is what the federal grand jury is all about, whether you elect to deal with that reality or not.Since we have established that:

1. You are incapable of answering a direct question (for very obvious reasons).

2. The factual points of the ORIGINAL article had absolutely nothing to do with Sharpe, it was all Booker. Wonder who again tried to abduct and re-direct the thread to Sharpe?

3. We all know that your only job on this forum (and you're not doing a good job I might add) is to try and steer every negative of Cory Booker to Sharpe James. We get it.

Another direct question for you Pink Eye:

When Cory Booker was a Councilman did he ever give his all important and ethical vote to sell city owned property to these so called friends of James or anyone else at these "dollar" prices as you say?

[OneEyeOpen]

Since we have established that:

1. You are incapable of answering a direct question (for very obvious reasons).

What part of that DIRECT response is it that your tiny mind could not comprehend? Were there too many big words for you to handle? Your moronic question was answered even though it is irrelevant, and so stated as it was addresses.

2. The factual points of the ORIGINAL article had absolutely nothing to do with Sharpe, it was all Booker. Wonder who again tried to abduct and re-direct the thread to Sharpe?

The article was about Sharpe being notified of the pending indictment, and what the notification is an indication of. If the article was not about him, who exactly was it about? You're just not very good at this, are you?

3. We all know that your only job on this forum (and you're not doing a good job I might add) is to try and steer every negative of Cory Booker to Sharpe James. We get it.

You can't be serious. You have a HISTORY here of playing dim witted protagonist, long before Booker even ran for office, so who exactly is the one with the partisan agenda? You're the one who came here claiming that you've offered "criticism" of Sharpe James and hold no allegiance to anyone, yet no such posts authored by YOU exist holding James responsible anything, even issues for which his own son has held him accountable. You're a ridiculous fraud, and too simple minded to even realize that you're not fooling a soul.

Another direct question for you Pink Eye:

When Cory Booker was a Councilman did he ever give his all important and ethical vote to sell city owned property to these so called friends of James or anyone else at these "dollar" prices as you say?

Is it some secret that the James machine had people fooled? You're just one of those fools who believes that you can re-write history. Apparently the US Attorney has a much clearer view of that history, and isn't buying the crap you're trying to sell.

[LastCubanStanding]

What part of that DIRECT response is it that your tiny mind could not comprehend? Were there too many big words for you to handle? Your moronic question was answered even though it is irrelevant, and so stated as it was addresses.



The article was about Sharpe being notified of the pending indictment, and what the notification is an indication of. If the article was not about him, who exactly was it about? You're just not very good at this, are you?

.

You can't be serious. You have a HISTORY here of playing dim witted protagonist, long before Booker even ran for office, so who exactly is the one with the partisan agenda? You're the one who came here claiming that you've offered "criticism" of Sharpe James and hold no allegiance to anyone, yet no such posts authored by YOU exist holding James responsible anything, even issues for which his own son has held him accountable. You're a ridiculous fraud, and too simple minded to even realize that you're not fooling a soul.

Another direct question for you Pink Eye:



Is it some secret that the James machine had people fooled? You're just one of those fools who believes that you can re-write history. Apparently the US Attorney has a much clearer view of that history, and isn't buying the crap you're trying to sell.


Let me know where you two are registered. I'd like to send a gift. :D

[OneEyeOpen]

Let me know where you two are registered. I'd like to send a gift. :D

In case you didn't notice, I NEVER initiate any dialogue with Pro Sharpe, yet that doesn't stop our slow witted friend from trying to debate everything I write. If you're trying to tell me that I have a stalker/admirer, then I'd have to admit I'm nauseated at the prospect. Maybe you see that as an option you'd like to pursue? Feel free!

[J. Sharpe James, J.D.]

And I thought WE were an ITEM?:o

[Miss Tam-Tam]

Let me know where you two are registered. I'd like to send a gift. :D

For your information, Cuban, I already purchased the Deluxe Swiffer Floor Cleaning System. :D

[LastCubanStanding]

And I thought WE were an ITEM?:o


We're old news.

[J. Sharpe James, J.D.]

I guess when the warm weather hit.......folks moved on:(

[OneEyeOpen]

The Newark City Council VOTED to have the land sold at $1 and then $4 a square foot NOT Sharpe.

Sharpe did not go into a back room and create these prices. EVERYONE who bought land during this period paid THE SAME prices give or take 20 cents. So LEGALLY Sharpe sold the land at the prices set by the council. The city has GIVEN away land in the past to non-profits, churches and developers, unfortunately years ago no one wanted to build in substancial numbers.

In the past 10 years, due to Newarks positive growth, EVERYONE wants to build in Newark. The sales INCREASE revenue for the city on vacant land which was previously either not paying taxes or paying minimal amounts. Simply put the City GETS significant TAX revenue from the $500,000 house as opposed to a 25x100 vacant lot.

Booker blasted Sharpe for giving Tax Abatements, BUT he STILL gives away tax abatements. Is it a crime? NO.

ANYONE who bought land under Sharpe applied and created thousands of pages of DOCUMENTATION through the law department, economic development department, Tax department, City council's office, BA's office and of course had final sign off by the Mayor.

Nothing was HIDDEN and nothing has been DISCOVERED.

After a 37 year career there is NO doubt Sharpe will KNOW people who buy city property. Cory admits he KNOWS many of the new law firms getting City contracts. It isn't illegal. Nor is selling land to people you know at prices set by the council. When the community developers were building the East Ward using their OWN money and banks, what did the rest of the wards do (Specifically South, Central and West). We built nothing and finally after hearing decades of complaints about empty lots, vacant lots, reminders of the riots and dwindling revenue for the city Sharpe pushed these eyesore, drug strewn and littered lots to be built upon and bring TAX revenue for the city. Thats called doing his job. A crime would have been leaving the city with MORE vacant lots than when you were elected to office and serving 20 years as Mayor.

The NY Times says Newark's hosting stock is beginning to get "Hot", I wonder why?

In addition, using a POLICE credit card, which Sharpe PUT HIS SIGNATURE ON to sign for expenditures on trips where you have a POLICE security detail is not illegal. It is not secretive, HE SIGNED THE CHARGE. Nothing hidden. If taken to court Sharpe can EASILY point to CURRENT expenditures by the CURRENT Mayor, who has the police department pay for the lease on at least TWO floors, with two officers sleeping on the floor below, of his CURRENT residence. The kicker is that Sharpe did not nor has EVER gone over the travel expense account allowed by his office.

BTW - The Portugese festival was great, unfortunately a young girl was killed by a hit and run. Supposedly witnesses got the van's information.

I respect your understandable dedication to your father, even if I see that entire offering as a desperate attempt to re-write history and spin reality into a preemptive, public relations defense of the indefensible. You went to law school John, ask yourself if there is ANY legal basis for the defense you have offered? It is not my intention to beat you up with this reality, but you don't do yourself or your father's defense team any favors trying to make your public relations points here, as those points are neither legitimate legal theory, or any factual representation of the substance of the prosecutions case. Let the courts do their thing, and then let the chips fall where they may. You can stand by your family without these vain attempts at spin that serve as nothing more than substantiation to a weary public, that mercy and consideration for what was at one time honorable service to the city, are not warranted by virtue of a lack of contriteness.

[J. Sharpe James, J.D.]

Sorry you have to resort to big words to try and spin municipal economic development actions into corruption.

Re-write History. Ask ANYONE who lived during the riots if Newark is better today AFTER Sharpe or before Sharpe......

Don't get upset when the average citizen tells you he was a good Mayor....

[LastCubanStanding]

Sorry you have to resort to big words to try and spin municipal economic development actions into corruption.


LOL.....the only economic development was that of your Dad's friends bank accounts. :D

Better off??? Do you REALLY want the results of that pole?

Jet-Ski - your Dad's lawyer called...SHUT UP!!!!!

[OneEyeOpen]

Sorry you have to resort to big words to try and spin municipal economic development actions into corruption.

Re-write History. Ask ANYONE who lived during the riots if Newark is better today AFTER Sharpe or before Sharpe......

Don't get upset when the average citizen tells you he was a good Mayor....

You didn't have any inclination to talk slick when you were standing next to me in Bellville, why take it there now? As for my vocabulary, I wasn't aware until now that it intimidated you. I have been under the impression that you are a college graduate, and therefore didn't see the need to dumb down my commentary. As for the legal and historic facts, they are what they are, I can't change them, and neither can you.

Sharpe wasn't the mayor during the riots, so what's your point? He presided over Newark during a period of unprecedented prosperity in this nation, so he had his opportunity to do better. In the beginning, he did some great things for Newark. I was even one of his supporters as he promoted the improvement of Newark. What happened? This crime, unemployment and poverty is not his finest hour, and you can believe that it is all his. The NPS situation is scandalous in light of the Senate influence he has.

That is all moot today, as his effectiveness as a politician or municipal manager is not why he is being criminally investigated, it's his self serving actions in recent years. I seriously doubt that the "average citizen" feels what you claim, or he wouldn't have bowed out after learning his petition trick didn't work.

Keep it civil John, you don't serve either yours or your fathers interests by taking these discussions down such roads.

[ProSouth]

I got you pegged from the door. Not only are you a fool but on the facts you are jaded. I am sure that you are nothing but a Booker plant. No problem, you make things interesting.



[quote=OneEyeOpen]What part of that DIRECT response is it that your tiny mind could not comprehend? Were there too many big words for you to handle? Your moronic question was answered even though it is irrelevant, and so stated as it was addresses.

I'm a little high from smoking crack, please quote your direct answer to my direct question.


The article was about Sharpe being notified of the pending indictment, and what the notification is an indication of. If the article was not about him, who exactly was it about? You're just not very good at this, are you?
Actually it wasn't hooked on phonics, the original article in this thread was about:

Newark council members question mayor's tactics
Officials say Booker's push for legal contract shows lack of respect for their authority

Wrong again idiot.



You can't be serious. You have a HISTORY here of playing dim witted protagonist, long before Booker even ran for office, so who exactly is the one with the partisan agenda? You're the one who came here claiming that you've offered "criticism" of Sharpe James and hold no allegiance to anyone, yet no such posts authored by YOU exist holding James responsible anything, even issues for which his own son has held him accountable. You're a ridiculous fraud, and too simple minded to even realize that you're not fooling a soul.
Wrong again.

Another direct question for you Pink Eye:



Is it some secret that the James machine had people fooled? You're just one of those fools who believes that you can re-write history. Apparently the US Attorney has a much clearer view of that history, and isn't buying the crap you're trying to sell.So that's the excuse now, the Rhode Scholar was fooled by Sharpe into voting to sell people land for what you called "dollar" prices? So what you are obviousy admitting is that Booker is not that smart huh? LMAO :D .

Obviously the answer to my direct question is YES, Mr. Rhode Scholar Lawyer voted for something that now you fools are calling illegal. Amazing.

For laughs though, please explain how Sharpe duped Cory and the other members of the council into voting for the so called "dollar land sale"?

[OneEyeOpen]

I got you pegged from the door. Not only are you a fool but on the facts you are jaded. I am sure that you are nothing but a Booker plant. No problem, you make things interesting.


[QUOTE]

I'm a little high from smoking crack, please quote your direct answer to my direct question.

Actually it wasn't hooked on phonics, the original article in this thread was about:

Newark council members question mayor's tactics
Officials say Booker's push for legal contract shows lack of respect for their authority

Wrong again idiot.


Wrong again.

Another direct question for you Pink Eye:

So that's the excuse now, the Rhode Scholar was fooled by Sharpe into voting to sell people land for what you called "dollar" prices? So what you are obviousy admitting is that Booker is not that smart huh? LMAO :D .

Obviously the answer to my direct question is YES, Mr. Rhode Scholar Lawyer voted for something that now you fools are calling illegal. Amazing.

For laughs though, please explain how Sharpe duped Cory and the other members of the council into voting for the so called "dollar land sale"?

at the sentencing hearing. Pegged from the door? You must be smoking crack to think anyone is fo slow as to believe that you're what you miserably failed in trying to represent yourself as. We're still waiting for that post where YOU criticized Sharpe, or the one that even suggests that your tiny mind was open prior to December 2005. If Booker messed up supporting the criminal agenda of your moronic crew with regard to those clearly criminal land hustles, then he should suffer the criticism. See the difference criminal, honest people can admit that. That won't make you or your crooked crew any less a pack of thieves.

The question as it was posed to ME, was with regard to the article about Sharpes notification from the US Attorney's office. You're right, you do need an adult literacy course, and apparently a better NA program.

[ProSouth]

The question as it was posed to ME, was with regard to the article about Sharpes notification from the US Attorney's office. You're right, you do need an adult literacy course, and apparently a better NA program.Hiring an idiot to throw propaganda on Newark Speaks.

The thread was about Booker trying to pull the okey-doke on the Council. Here comes the Newark Speak's One-Eyed Idiot (out of his rat hole and out of nowhere) with post #11 about Sharpe: http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showpost.php?p=61827&postcount=11

Nobody asked you crap and it was off subject for the thread. Don't get me wrong, I understand why you did it. You're trying to do your job. But again like a rat you smelled cheese (anti_Booker story and comments) and you came running: http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5253 .

Look here Punk-Eye, I don't have anything against the you personally. I actually have a soft heart for the mentally and socially challenged.

1. Sharpe is no longer the Mayor of Newark.

2. Cory Booker is the Mayor of Newark.

3. I live in Newark.

4. You don't live in Newark.

5. I pay property taxes in Newark.

6. You pay property taxes in Bergen County or is it Morris County?

7. I vote here.

8. You vote there.

So your purpose here is what again?

[OneEyeOpen]

Hiring an idiot to throw propaganda on Newark Speaks.

The thread was about Booker trying to pull the okey-doke on the Council. Here comes the Newark Speak's One-Eyed Idiot (out of his rat hole and out of nowhere) with post #11 about Sharpe: http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showpost.php?p=61827&postcount=11

Nobody asked you crap and it was off subject for the thread. Don't get me wrong, I understand why you did it. You're trying to do your job. But again like a rat you smelled cheese (anti_Booker story and comments) and you came running: http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5253 .

Look here Punk-Eye, I don't have anything against the you personally. I actually have a soft heart for the mentally and socially challenged.

1. Sharpe is no longer the Mayor of Newark.

2. Cory Booker is the Mayor of Newark.

3. I live in Newark.

4. You don't live in Newark.

5. I pay property taxes in Newark.

6. You pay property taxes in Bergen County or is it Morris County?

7. I vote here.

8. You vote there.

So your purpose here is what again?

Or at least grow a pair and show us who you are to substantiate your ridiculous assertion that you're just some regular guy shilling for a soon to be convicted criminal. I'm willing to prove who I am and who I represent, how about you bull artist?

Answers to your most recent list of irrelevant tripe:

Sharpe is being investigated for the damage caused Newark by the greed of co-conspirators such as yourself. You're apparent desperation is related to the problem you have as that investigation widens, and Sharpe starts to sell out the mindless pawns such as you for an easier time from Chris Christie.

Booker is the mayor of a city that was left in shambles. That won't change no matter how much you try and avoid that fact. The actions you hope to criticize him for, as you did before he even ran for mayor, were necessary due to the mess your false prophet left. You have no answer for that reality, so you pull this nonsense out your behind in an attempt to distract the assembled from that reality.

I don't live here anymore, but unlike you I do pay business, real estate, and other assorted taxes here. I have family and close friends that still live here. I hire people who live here, how about you? I mentor young people here, and try and point them in a direction away from the death-style your crowd has left them for more than a generation. You on the other hand hide on message boards playing concerned citizen as your brothers die wholesale in the streets, doing your protagonist schtick while offering NOTHING of substance. Where was your indigence in 2004, 2005 or early 2006, were there not enough dead kids then? Your history here speaks for itself coward, and nothing you try and sell now will change that reality.

You accuse me of working for Booker, well here's your chance to prove it. I'll bet you pass like the lying coward you are, as your identity is only one in this forum that needs to remain a secret. This fraud you're trying to perpetrate is the same weak crap that once came out of the old crowd on the regular, and in case you didn't figure it out from the election results and pending indictments, it isn't working anymore.

[newarknewbbie]

Please stop the personal attacks against each other-- I know we can all engage in it from time to time--it downgrades the discussion.

I am sick of comparing one administration to the other. I am sick of reading about folks doing the same. Can we please move forward??? Support the good initiatives coming out of this administration and call them out when there are things that look suspect. (I am trying to practice what I preach...)

[OneEyeOpen]

Please stop the personal attacks against each other-- I know we can all engage in it from time to time--it downgrades the discussion.

I am sick of comparing one administration to the other. I am sick of reading about folks doing the same. Can we please move forward??? Support the good initiatives coming out of this administration and call them out when there are things that look suspect. (I am trying to practice what I preach...)

Take a long hard look at who routinely takes the discussion down that road, and then come back and tell me to whom you really need to direct that advice. I will endeavour not to respond to the childish bards, but like you, the best I can promise is to try and ignore them.

[ProSouth]

Or at least grow a pair and show us who you are to substantiate your ridiculous assertion that you're just some regular guy shilling for a soon to be convicted criminal. I'm willing to prove who I am and who I represent, how about you bull artist?

Answers to your most recent list of irrelevant tripe:

Sharpe is being investigated for the damage caused Newark by the greed of co-conspirators such as yourself. You're apparent desperation is related to the problem you have as that investigation widens, and Sharpe starts to sell out the mindless pawns such as you for an easier time from Chris Christie.

Booker is the mayor of a city that was left in shambles. That won't change no matter how much you try and avoid that fact. The actions you hope to criticize him for, as you did before he even ran for mayor, were necessary due to the mess your false prophet left. You have no answer for that reality, so you pull this nonsense out your behind in an attempt to distract the assembled from that reality.

I don't live here anymore, but unlike you I do pay business, real estate, and other assorted taxes here. I have family and close friends that still live here. I hire people who live here, how about you? I mentor young people here, and try and point them in a direction away from the death-style your crowd has left them for more than a generation. You on the other hand hide on message boards playing concerned citizen as your brothers die wholesale in the streets, doing your protagonist schtick while offering NOTHING of substance. Where was your indigence in 2004, 2005 or early 2006, were there not enough dead kids then? Your history here speaks for itself coward, and nothing you try and sell now will change that reality.

You accuse me of working for Booker, well here's your chance to prove it. I'll bet you pass like the lying coward you are, as your identity is only one in this forum that needs to remain a secret. This fraud you're trying to perpetrate is the same weak crap that once came out of the old crowd on the regular, and in case you didn't figure it out from the election results and pending indictments, it isn't working anymore.

And that's what makes fools like you come out of the woodwork with the ignorance that is you. Again, I understand your mentality. A person who constantly harps on what WAS the problem and excuses what IS the problem has plenty of problems. It is also a very well used vehicle of politics.

If my street is not cleaned TODAY or there's crime on my block TODAY, Cory Booker is the problem. The ignorance suggested by always bringing up the past Mayor is just as stupid as calling Sharpe TODAY to complain why my garbage isn't picked up.

Couple that ignorance with the ignorance of some of you trying to re-write the positive contributions of Sharpe as though Sharpe did absolutely nothing positive for the city of Newark. This really shows your bias as well as your agenda. I remember the city trying to auction lots in Newark with a starting bid of $50.00 - $100.00 and not even being able to get more than $300- $500.00. I remember Newark pre-Society Hill, post-Bamberger's and Hahnes. I remember my Aunt having excellent credit and 15 years on a job and not being able to get a mortgage from the bank that held her savings account just because the house was in Newark. With all of his faults Sharpe was our biggest cheerleader.

Not that I have to justify anything to you, those who know me here for almost 3 years know that I have had serious issues with Sharpe and argued often with Sharpe supporters regarding those issues. To prove my point of your agenda you have said more times than I can count that I have NEVER criticized Sharpe James on this forum. You have also said numerous times that you searched for it and could not find my criticism of Sharpe.

For your review, here's just some criticisms of Sharpe and proof of your lies:

(BTW: Please note the dates of the posts)

http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=460&highlight

http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5860&postcount=5

http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6040&postcount=9

http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=613&highlight=prosouth+sharpe

http://www.newarkspeaks.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10191&postcount=2

http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showpost.php?p=282&postcount=1

http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2106&postcount=2

http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=203&highlight

http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=319&highlight

http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=348&highlight

http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=355&highlight

http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=380&highlight

http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=563&highlight

http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6350&postcount=18

http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=659&highlight

http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6411&postcount=14

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http://newarkspeaks.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10078&postcount=35

How many times did you say that I never criticized Mayor James?

One-Eye, you represent everything that Cory Booker has shown the people of Newark thus far.... You think that by saying something over and over again that eventually you will make people believe what you were saying thinking that we all are too stupid to know the truth. In the end it still ends up to be a lie.

[J. Sharpe James, J.D.]

Don't expect any response anytime soon from Pink Eye. I even remember as going back and forth about the Talib issue.

[ProSouth]

Don't expect any response anytime soon from Pink Eye. I even remember as going back and forth about the Talib issue.This pro-Booker idiot must have said a dozen times that I have never been critical of Sharpe, I have. You and I have had some heated exchanges especially back on NJ.com regarding Sharpe.

Cats like him are hilarious because they don't have a clue. I notice how every criticism of Booker is met with "jet-ski" or some other nonsense in an attempt to deflect from the present issue (as was done in this thread) and their constant reference to some crap that hasn't even happened (more proof of their agenda). If you are a fair person but just hate Sharpe personally how can you righteously ever insinuate that Sharpe James wasn't the biggest cheerleader this city has probably ever had? Is politics that strong to make you sell your sense of righteousness and honesty?

So far Booker has done absolutely nothing of substance so I understand the damage control, just be fair and honest about it.

[LastCubanStanding]

So far Booker has done absolutely nothing of substance

Really? Now who is being unfair?

[J. Sharpe James, J.D.]

True Dat-

I remember whooping up on you on nj.com:eek:

When confronted by news 12 last night about his own swelling of the City Hall ranks by over 100 New (Out-of-town) hires, Booker side-stepped the question and once again blamed Sharpe.

He is a joke on a ship sinking fast. I want to see how many of the new 100k salary hires get laid off or fired. :cool: Maybe he needs to return all those Blackberries? (They weren't being used except for games anyway)

He certainly hasn't done ANYTHING to show his RHODES SCHOLAR abilities or HOLLYWOOD (Oprah supported me) connections.

[ProSouth]

True Dat-

I remember whooping up on you on nj.com:eek: LOL

[ProSouth]

Really? Now who is being unfair?It's true. I ain't sitting here talking about imaginary indictments, Toms River, jet-skis, trips or credit cards.

I'm talking substance. What has he accomplished so far other than culminate 1/2 plans that he stole from NYC?

[LastCubanStanding]

I'm talking substance. What has he accomplished so far other than culminate 1/2 plans that he stole from NYC?

So now you have a probelm with me? Cool. :eek:

Perhaps you need to shut your mouth for a few seconds, because we all know you like hearing yourself "speak," and answer your own question. The fact that you asked that question tells me you are either out of touch or a shill. For whom, I don't know. The progress made by this administration is well-documented - find out for yourself.

Does Booker need a lot more work? ABSOLUTELY. Has he not met some of his promises? ABSOLUTELY.

I suppose you'll now turn this post personal, calling me some catchy name like Pink-Eye or something because I dared to confront you. Knock yourself out. I won't bother to reply.

[J. Sharpe James, J.D.]

.So now you have a probelm with me? Cool. :eek:

Perhaps you need to shut your mouth for a few seconds, because we all know you like hearing yourself "speak," and answer your own question. The fact that you asked that question tells me you are either out of touch or a shill. For whom, I don't know. The progress made by this administration is well-documented - find out for yourself. (This is classic shill, "Find out for yourself", sounds like something out of grammar school) Booker ADMITS he hasn't done much in every EXCUSE he gives....Here's a summary of excuses 1. Sharpe left him a mess, 2. He's figuring things out, 3. he doesn't have the money to do what he wants to do, 4. He didn't know how bad the problems were, 5. The citizens aren't helping police solve crimes and 6. AGAIN Sharpe left him a MESS.
Does Booker need a lot more work? ABSOLUTELY. Has he not met some of his promises? ABSOLUTELY.

I suppose you'll now turn this post personal, calling me some catchy name like Pink-Eye or something because I dared to confront you. Knock yourself out. I won't bother to reply.

[ProSouth]

So now you have a probelm with me? Cool. :eek:

Perhaps you need to shut your mouth for a few seconds, because we all know you like hearing yourself "speak," and answer your own question. The fact that you asked that question tells me you are either out of touch or a shill. For whom, I don't know. The progress made by this administration is well-documented - find out for yourself.

Does Booker need a lot more work? ABSOLUTELY. Has he not met some of his promises? ABSOLUTELY.

I suppose you'll now turn this post personal, calling me some catchy name like Pink-Eye or something because I dared to confront you. Knock yourself out. I won't bother to reply.Damn Cube relax. All I did was respond to your question. What are you talking about? Now we can't disagree with each other without you getting upset? You and I have been disagreeing on here for years (that's no secret) and I don't take anything you say personally even if it sometimes gets heated. We can disagree all day and at the end of the day we should still be able to walk away with respect. Again, it ain't personal.

You have faith in the Booker Administration, so far I do not. I have seen nothing from Booker so far that I could not have accomplished myself and I hate politics.

[LastCubanStanding]

Damn Cube relax. All I did was respond to your question. What are you talking about? Now we can't disagree with each other without you getting upset? You and I have been disagreeing on here for years (that's no secret) and I don't take anything you say personally even if it sometimes gets heated. We can disagree all day and at the end of the day we should still be able to walk away with respect. Again, it ain't personal.

You have faith in the Booker Administration, so far I do not. I have seen nothing from Booker so far that I could not have accomplished myself and I hate politics.

Apologies for the overreaction.

I don't have faith in ANY politician. By nature, they are ALL liars and whores.

[spokenword]

Apologies for the overreaction.

I don't have faith in ANY politician. By nature, they are ALL liars and whores.



I'm sure he put the word out to his buddies!



Matos McGreevey says gays aren't buying her book
by Paul Cox, Tue, 10:43 AM



Dina Matos McGreevey says her tell-all memoir about life with the Garden State "Love Gov" has tanked because gay men aren't buying it, according to a report in the New York Post.



New York Post
Dina Matos McGreeveyJim McGreevey is the reason she can't raise enough cash for the nonprofit hospital fund she runs, Matos McGreevey is arguing in new court papers filed in Union County family court, the report says.

"New Jersey's furious former first lady whines that her estranged husband's claims that she is homophobic and knew from the get-go that he was gay have torpedoed her earning power and wrecked her reputation.

"The documents - which mark the latest salvo in an already mind-boggling back-and-forth divorce battle - are part of Matos McGreevey's effort to support charges of libel and defamation she filed earlier in the contentious proceedings."

[ProSouth]

Apologies for the overreaction.No apology necessary.

BTW: You're right, I do like to hear myself talk. Noboby else will listen. Hell, my own mother turns off the lights and doesn't answer the phone when I go to visit. :D

[LastCubanStanding]

No apology necessary.

BTW: You're right, I do like to hear myself talk. Noboby else will listen. Hell, my own mother turns off the lights and doesn't answer the phone when I go to visit. :D

Join the club - my kid pretends like she's sleeping. :D