Layoffs Occurred Today

[NewarkNative]

Has anyone heard that the City of Newark began to hand out layoff letters to the workers today!:eek:

[J. Sharpe James, J.D.]

Newark laying off 131 employees by November

by Jeffery C. Mays
Monday October 01, 2007, 5:12 PM
Newark received permission today from the State Department of Personnel to lay off 131 employees. Letters went out to all city employees this afternoon, and the layoffs will take effect Nov. 16.

"Scared to death," said one employee who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak to the media. "This is coming around the holidays."

Mayor Cory Booker has said the layoffs are necessary to close Newark's $180 million budget gap. Still, the numbers are far smaller than the 800 to 1,000 layoffs Booker said might be necessary.

Business Administrator Bo Kemp said the city was able to close all but $50 million of that gap through other measures. Earlier this year, the city offered a buyout plan which 203 employees accepted. Another 95 vacant positions were eliminated.

"This is unfortunately a necessary step in fixing our structural budget deficit," said Kemp. "The mayor and council have worked together to make the numbers and impact of the layoffs less dramatic."

The city's structural deficit, in which it spends more money than it produces, has been masked for years by the use of money from a settlement with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to fill the budget gap. Kemp said he still has to comb the budget to find another $15 to $20 million in savings this year rather than lay off another 100 to 200 employees.

Most of the employees affected will be administrative workers, said Kemp. Michael James, president of Newark Council 21, the city's white-collar and professional employees union with 1,200 members, said the city is losing valuable employees.

"I don't know where the city will stand with people who know how to do the work. An example of that is the kids who did not get paid this summer," said James.

Hundreds of kids in the city's youth summer employment program were not paid on time because of disorganization and overwhelmed employees, city officials said.

Read more in Tuesday's Star-Ledger.

[karimah]

I dont understand why they are laying people off. Did you know that they denied the library staff the package. How can you offer city workers a package but deny a certain group, especially if your trying to make cuts.

[John360]

How can you offer city workers a package but deny a certain group, especially if your trying to make cuts.

Some of those jobs are likely civil service and the city was not allowed to.

[karimah]

But John, these civil service workers volunteered to take the package, why where they denied, especially since it was offered to all city employees?

[John360]

But John, these civil service workers volunteered to take the package, why where they denied, especially since it was offered to all city employees?

Don't know for sure...but I would guess the state told them they couldn't. Or it may also have something to do with the fact that the library is not a city agency (ie like the dept of sanitation or public works) but a non-profit organization.

[Mark J.]

I am new to this forum. I just joined to say that I got my layoff notice on Monday, after 24 years of loyal service to the city.

[Doofus1]

I am new to this forum. I just joined to say that I got my layoff notice on Monday, after 24 years of loyal service to the city.

Sorry to read that. Please tell us what area you worked in. After 24 years, aren't you entitled to a pension?

[NewarkNative]

I am new to this forum. I just joined to say that I got my layoff notice on Monday, after 24 years of loyal service to the city.

I too am sorry that you are not appreciated for your years of loyal service. Unfortunately, you will not qualify for the highest earnings under the pension because you did not work the entire 25 years, and you must be 60 to get that. Do not take out the money if possible. It is better to vest the money until age of retirement.

Additionally, you will not qualify for life-time hospitalizaton benefits, only COBRA for 18 months. You also have to pay for that benefit which is extremely high when you are only receiving unemployment.

You and so many others do not deserve this. However, the administration has calculated this carefully and planned to harm good workers in this manner at a savings for them. This is the same thing that they did to people when the state took over the board of education.

My best wishes to you and your family during this trying time.

[karimah]

Mark are you taking legal actions. What are you plans next. Is the city going to assist with any job placement agency. Why do you think you were let go ?

[happy]

anywhere of whom got laid off? I know there was a listing of all the city employees, does anyone know if a list exists of the unfortuante employees?

[Poet]

Mark,

were you laid off or did you get the obligatory notice that everyone is getting? I thought they weren't officially laying folks off until November?

[happy]

I don't work for the City. My other question is will our neighbors ever be re-hired or offered their jobs back since the new-Newark is supposedly getting ready to boom? Or will the continue to be replaced by outsiders. I'd really be interested in seeing some sort of list, then do the math to see how that pairs against the current outsiders' salaries.

[RealVest]

you're telling me you still haven't figured it out yet?

[NewarkNative]

Mark are you taking legal actions. What are you plans next. Is the city going to assist with any job placement agency. Why do you think you were let go ?

Mark can only bump someone with the same title that was kept on working. Attornies and the union will only represent him/her if they were permanent. If so, they may also exercise the option to return to their last permanent title and take a pay cut when they do so. If he/she is provisional, they do not have a leg to stand on.

The years that this individual had matters greatly to the administration. By getting rid of people that have longevity (24 years in this case), administration does not have to give them health benefits for life and the pension is less as well. This method is cost effective to the administration. It is heartless to harm workers in this manner.

In the case of those people that took the buy-out, they found that they were not entitled to unemployment benefits because they left voluntarily.

Please jump in Counter and fill these poster's desire to understand the problems facing the individuals that received their pink slips.

The city is not obligated to find these people other jobs. They gave some individuals pink slips and all other employees received their forty-five day notice, a step that administration must do before letting the people go. The general notice is for the purpose of everyone receiving notification in the event that administration desires to add more people to endure a lay-off.

[fedupwithnewark]

Just like Mark, my husband (after 23 years) was given his layoff notice on Monday which means November 16th is his last day.

[counterattack]

The lay-off plan was submitted by the City and approved by the State we received ours in the mail yesterday. It looks like we have about six targeted people for the lay-offs most if not all will bump down to a previous title that the State will determine before the actual Lay-off date. Those with no previous title will not be able to bump in another position. In addition remember bumping only means someone else will be displaced from the job.

[spokenword]

Just like Mark, my husband (after 23 years) was given his layoff notice on Monday which means November 16th is his last day.




Welcome to Newarkspeaks.



Is that the only reason your "fedupwithnewark"?


Just asking!

[NewarkNative]

The lay-off plan was submitted by the City and approved by the State we received ours in the mail yesterday. It looks like we have about six targeted people for the lay-offs most if not all will bump down to a previous title that the State will determine before the actual Lay-off date. Those with no previous title will not be able to bump in another position. In addition remember bumping only means someone else will be displaced from the job.

Thanks for that confirmation Counter. People targeted for lay-off in the welfare department will also bump throughout the city to obtain another position that they have a permanent title. This is causing a domino-like affect causing more hardship on others.

People that hail this administrative behavior should by now rethink the devastation that occurs. New people hired that live out of Newark should not have jobs and put people here out of work.

The plan to close Newark welfare is aimed to clear the area of poor people coming to the facility at William Street and University Avenue so that those who are coming to town for the arena feel safer. What crap from a municipal council that were elected to represent the poor in this town. Many people that are being laid-off live here and will be unable to take care of their home, children and grandchildren without having the little finaces that came from their jobs.

I blame the council because they gave their approval of the administration's plan to get rid of these workers, then the plan went to the state for approval.

The council still has the plan on the table to vote at their next meeting to let welfare go and change the name of Health and Human Services to Family and Child Well-Being. Nowhere in the state is a department of health called the aforementioned. This suggestion is only political, to give the sitting Director an ability to remain in her job because she is not qualified to run a health department. Remember, she operated a 501-c (United Way) and brought her staff from there along with her. I was informed that the United Way asked her to leave because of her mismanagement there!:eek: She is a north ward plant - remember Steve Adubado!

Is there any Newark residents that are willing to stand up to this aggression and make Booker and the council rethink the plan, not next year but right now! Booker should get rid of most of the people that he brought in provisionally (more than 300) to help eliminate the budget gap.

[karimah]

Ain't that the truth. Look at all the inconvience that we newarkers are falling trying to cross broad and market streets because they are trying to fancy things up for the newark area, yet 5 blocks up, you will experience big pot holes trash and struggle families, while down the hill you will see folks getting off the rail train stations and spending money in the 210 million dollar areana
that newark residents paid for.

[spokenword]

Ron,


With all of the layoffs, buyouts, increase in tax's..... etc..etc.. where are we now with the budget deficit? Will the City be able to budget/balance the books come next fiscal year?

[fedupwithnewark]

Welcome to Newarkspeaks.



Is that the only reason your "fedupwithnewark"?


Just asking!

Basically yes. My husband worked for the City in a civil service position (in a title they just decided to do away with) and we were obligated to live here; which we did for all these years. On the bright side, we'll be free to go.

[fedupwithnewark]

Ron,


With all of the layoffs, buyouts, increase in tax's..... etc..etc.. where are we now with the budget deficit? Will the City be able to budget/balance the books come next fiscal year?

Probably not. Especially since they're still hiring people at big salaries.

[spokenword]

Basically yes. My husband worked for the City in a civil service position (in a title they just decided to do away with) and we were obligated to live here; which we did for all these years. On the bright side, we'll be free to go.




FAREWELL!

[NewarkNative]

Ron,


With all of the layoffs, buyouts, increase in tax's..... etc..etc.. where are we now with the budget deficit? Will the City be able to budget/balance the books come next fiscal year?

Without a doubt, the budget will increase. If you listened to the council meeting yesterday, you would have heard Councilmen Luis Quintana and Anibal Ramos question how many from the police department and fire personal are being assigned to the arena, and at what cost to the taxpayers. EMT services are mandatory as well, of course this too is at our expense.

Additionally, Booker continues to use executive orders to hire people in the newly named department - Family and Child Well-Being that was on agenda yesterday with the council approving that item. These are more individuals that he planned to hire but could not justify them under the Health and Human Services name. He already increased the number of people in the health department alone from 389 to 407 in 2006. Is there any wonder why they had no money to give medication to the poor people that come to this clinic or laboratory assistance as they cut these items from the budget for 2007.

This layoff and name change is nothing less than a shell game. The bottom line is that we surely will inherit a budget increase for 2008, especially if Booker does not tighten his belt right now. The people need to review the budget in other departments for those increases as well.

This is not the economic engine that the people bargined for - and please don't blame it all on Sharpe alone for the deficit. Booker is equally responsible by hiring just as many people as he determined needed to be laid-off.:(

[spokenword]

Without a doubt, the budget will increase. If you listened to the council meeting yesterday, you would have heard Councilmen Luis Quintana and Anibal Ramos question how many from the police department and fire personal are being assigned to the arena, and at what cost to the taxpayers. EMT services are mandatory as well, of course this too is at our expense.

Additionally, Booker continues to use executive orders to hire people in the newly named department - Family and Child Well-Being that was on agenda yesterday with the council approving that item. These are more individuals that he planned to hire but could not justify them under the Health and Human Services name. He already increased the number of people in the health department alone from 389 to 407 in 2006. Is there any wonder why they had no money to give medication to the poor people that come to this clinic or laboratory assistance as they cut these items from the budget for 2007.

This layoff and name change is nothing less than a shell game. The bottom line is that we surely will inherit a budget increase for 2008, especially if Booker does not tighten his belt right now. The people need to review the budget in other departments for those increases as well.

This is not the economic engine that the people bargined for - and please don't blame it all on Sharpe alone for the deficit. Booker is equally responsible by hiring just as many people as he determined needed to be laid-off.:(




You have to look at the bigger picture when it comes to providing services for the poor. Until Bush is out of office, poor folks are going to lack the bare necessities in order to survive. It seems as if this Country is moving toward "The Great Depression" in the 21st century. I still cant' get over the fact that 47 million people are without health care. This is so unfair in more ways than one. :(



Are the new positions temp postions? Did they create new titles in order to wipe out the old?

[NewarkNative]

You have to look at the bigger picture when it comes to providing services for the poor. Until Bush is out of office, poor folks are going to lack the bare necessities in order to survive. It seems as if this Country is moving toward "The Great Depression" in the 21st century. I still cant' get over the fact that 47 million people are without health care. This is so unfair in more ways than one. :(?

Agreeable that the Bush group is making it difficult for people in more ways than one. But this reasoning does not excuse us from becoming more creative in providing services without giving our friends political perks. There has always been a depression for the poor - they just have not been rebelling in terms of expectations to receive their fair share.



Are the new positions temp postions? Did they create new titles in order to wipe out the old?

Mike James, president of Council 21, presented the council with a copy of the old ordinance passed in 1977 when the name was changed from Health and Welfare to Health and Human Services. That document stipulated that the titles were to remain the same, only changing the department's name. The council requested that the city clerk amend the new document to include the same language. This process ensured that the administration would not eliminate the already existing titles. Additionally, the new ordinance had to be advertised appropriately according to the Sunshine Law and is awaiting the council's approval at its next meeting.

This, however, did not stop the administration from creating more titles to accomodate the individuals they have in mind to hire. The council voted affirmative on the mayor's request to create more titles in the proposed Department of Family and Child Well-Being although the council has not formally approved the name change. How do you layoff individuals and say it is because you need to streamline the budget. Yet, on the other hand you continue to create more jobs (not temporary). This is where the community should become more vigilent to stop the excessive spending.

There should be an absolute hiring freeze to see where you are before continuing in the same venue of adding more people on the city's payroll. Councilmen Donald Payne, Jr. and Ronald Rice vowed "to review the budget for next year more thoroughly to remove the fat and ensure that all departments are cut equally." That's a little too late. The people desperately need for them to do that right now and stop the layoff, which is still within their power. No showboating is needed - positive legislating is required from them immediately.

Imagine, Dana Roan removed the Charter School issue from the table and the council voted for the city to give them more money.:eek: Enough is enough with these people doing as they damn please.:mad:

[NewarkNative]

where are you? Any advise for the people that are facing unemployment after working for the city over twenty years. And, what can be done to stop the council from moving, instead of tabling this ordinance to change the name of the health department, especially since we are enduring a layoff of city workers.

Is there legislation that prohibits this council's action. Please advise if you have that information; particularly interested in knowing where to find the statute. It was brought to my attention that the council is in violation of said statute if they should passed this ordinance and also vote to give the welfare department to Essex County.

The same question is asked of Councilman Ronald Rice. Please respond.

[fedupwithnewark]

[/COLOR]




FAREWELL!

Maybe you'd be bitter too if you worked somewhere for 23 years and the rug was pulled out from under you! Leaving you to collect unemployment. How would you feel? My husband has sat there while the Booker administration hired people half his age at twice his salary. Yes that's right twice - because if my husband's salary was doubled he still wouldn't make six figures. And you know not very many, if at all, of these new hires actually live in Newark. They get to go back to their posh homes while we're stuck here with bullets flying! He has no clue about being a mayor - all he wants to do is have his picture taken. He's using Newark as a stepping stone and he's got almost everyone fooled.

[J. Sharpe James, J.D.]

Its sad we tried to communicate this to folks, but Booker was so slick running around buying votes, joining forces with every anti-Sharpe faction and flat out lying to regular folks about how he was going to change this and make things better. By voters buying into the whole Booker Team "SWEEP" SHAM, we now don't have ANY councilmembers (except maybe RON jr.) who have the BALL$ to say anything against him.

I really feel for your family.


Maybe you'd be bitter too if you worked somewhere for 23 years and the rug was pulled out from under you! Leaving you to collect unemployment. How would you feel? My husband has sat there while the Booker administration hired people half his age at twice his salary. Yes that's right twice - because if my husband's salary was doubled he still wouldn't make six figures. And you know not very many, if at all, of these new hires actually live in Newark. They get to go back to their posh homes while we're stuck here with bullets flying! He has no clue about being a mayor - all he wants to do is have his picture taken. He's using Newark as a stepping stone and he's got almost everyone fooled.

[fedupwithnewark]

Its sad we tried to communicate this to folks, but Booker was so slick running around buying votes, joining forces with every anti-Sharpe faction and flat out lying to regular folks about how he was going to change this and make things better. By voters buying into the whole Booker Team "SWEEP" SHAM, we now don't have ANY councilmembers (except maybe RON jr.) who have the BALL$ to say anything against him.

I really feel for your family.

Thank you, John James.

[NewarkNative]

Maybe you'd be bitter too if you worked somewhere for 23 years and the rug was pulled out from under you! Leaving you to collect unemployment. How would you feel? My husband has sat there while the Booker administration hired people half his age at twice his salary. Yes that's right twice - because if my husband's salary was doubled he still wouldn't make six figures. And you know not very many, if at all, of these new hires actually live in Newark. They get to go back to their posh homes while we're stuck here with bullets flying! He has no clue about being a mayor - all he wants to do is have his picture taken. He's using Newark as a stepping stone and he's got almost everyone fooled.

Hello Fedupwithnewark:

My sentiments to your family while you go through this ordeal. I feel your pain and understand quite well the pitfalls you will endure while attempting to bounce back from this trauma. This is why I speak so strongly against the aggression of this new administration and council. They worked real well at turning Newark's residents against one another, a vehicle that opened the door to allow this type of devastation. The population was so blindly willing to do. It is so hard to believe that people continue to demonstrate a hardened heart - something that we were warned against many centuries ago by a leader that loved and died for everyone despite their wicked ways.

Please don't leave this city, which is a goldmine although it has its problems. The administration and people that support Booker want you to do just that - leave then there is more for them. I encourage you to fight back knowing that there are others like you that are doing the same. You can begin the fight by keeping logged on this website and straighten out some of these idots that post opinions that exemplifies the height of their ignorance.:mad:

I wish you well and look forward to your continued posts. Together we will defeat this evil.:cool:

[Mark J.]

I'm not going to mention where I work as I do not want to be targeted for retaliation while I am attempting to contest my dismissal. I am being let go because the State DOP has agreed to allow Newark to eliminate my title. Since it is a fairly unique title, I will not enjoy any bumping rights. I think the new administration is highly pleased anytime they can get someone out before they qualify for the hospitalization benefit. For me, at my age and in my state of health, it is like a death sentence. Mayor Booker supposedly cares about the people of Newark, but there is one category of Newarkers he does not care about, and that is the citizens of Newark who have given the best years of their lives in service to the city without receiving a lot of monetary compensation in return. The mayor treats us like criminals because we were here throughout the James years. he assumes that because we are Newarkers, we do not have the same job skills as people from Manhattan or West Orange. Thank you to everyone who has responded to me with kind words. I was not sure what the political climate here would be; I even expected there might be some insults and derision from avid Booker supporters. I might add I voted for the man myself. Now I've watched as he gave "impulse raises" to some his friends totaling ten times my annual salary, and has to lay me off to make up some of this deficit.

[Inkwell]

I'm not going to mention where I work as I do not want to be targeted for retaliation while I am attempting to contest my dismissal. I am being let go because the State DOP has agreed to allow Newark to eliminate my title. Since it is a fairly unique title, I will not enjoy any bumping rights. I think the new administration is highly pleased anytime they can get someone out before they qualify for the hospitalization benefit. For me, at my age and in my state of health, it is like a death sentence. Mayor Booker supposedly cares about the people of Newark, but there is one category of Newarkers he does not care about, and that is the citizens of Newark who have given the best years of their lives in service to the city without receiving a lot of monetary compensation in return. The mayor treats us like criminals because we were here throughout the James years. he assumes that because we are Newarkers, we do not have the same job skills as people from Manhattan or West Orange. Thank you to everyone who has responded to me with kind words. I was not sure what the political climate here would be; I even expected there might be some insults and derision from avid Booker supporters. I might add I voted for the man myself. Now I've watched as he gave "impulse raises" to some his friends totaling ten times my annual salary, and has to lay me off to make up some of this deficit.

What happened to the provisionals? I thought they were to be targeted first!!
Not vested civil service workers. This is truly a "clean sweep" of hard working city residents, who keep the local economy running. Keep the faith and keep fighting for your job.

[NewarkNative]

What happened to the provisionals? I thought they were to be targeted first!!
Not vested civil service workers. This is truly a "clean sweep" of hard working city residents, who keep the local economy running. Keep the faith and keep fighting for your job.

Hi Inkwell:

As Mark J. stated, it was announced that Booker planned to layoff 95 people by eliminating their titles. What a shame. Of course, as the poster said, this is so that he can give new jobs to political patrons. This was his plan in renaming the health department as well. Hopefully, the council will wake up and stop his crap. Too bad that we, the people cannot outright fire both Booker and Bo Kemp. But, on the other hand we can - through a recall!;)

[Inkwell]

Hi Inkwell:

As Mark J. stated, it was announced that Booker planned to layoff 95 people by eliminating their titles. What a shame. Of course, as the poster said, this is so that he can give new jobs to political patrons. This was his plan in renaming the health department as well. Hopefully, the council will wake up and stop his crap. Too bad that we, the people cannot outright fire both Booker and Bo Kemp. But, on the other hand we can - through a recall!;)

Should certainly increase petition signatures. Say what they will, Sharpe James kept Newarkers working. Maybe he didn't make folks millionaires, but he did keep a living wage paycheck in their pockets.

[NewarkNative]

What happened to the provisionals? I thought they were to be targeted first!!
Not vested civil service workers. This is truly a "clean sweep" of hard working city residents, who keep the local economy running. Keep the faith and keep fighting for your job.

Councilman Ronald C. Rice motioned at the last council meeting that administration provide him with a list of all the people that Cory Booker hired, their salaries, police record check results and if they received a residency waiver. Please note that the administration to-date has ignored to provide the council with any information they request.:o So why should they begin to do so now, especially since the administration is treading in deep water and being exposed to their fraudulent tactics they are utilizing to get rid of city employees.:eek:

A number of people that were hired are not on the lay-off list since they were last hired and should be the first to go. A PD-2 was not submitted on many of these people so that their information falls below the radar.:eek: The New Jersey Department of Personnel does not have that information because Newark's personnel department has not received and cannot submit the paperwork. Additionally, their records are not provided to payroll yet, so they are still working and have not yet received their paychecks. Employees falling in this status are not targeted for layoff, and the NJDOP should demand the information so they can make a just decision on who should remain and who should go.

Such trickery from Booker and Bo Kemp should not be allowed. It is my hope that they will be prosecuted for this behavior. Because of this layoff, the city will be targeted for a number of lawsuits. My bad, this is to Kemp's advantage for it will allow him to hire more attornies to handle the cases.:cool: More importantly, this city heading for bankruptcy will not be the first time for Bo. His resume touts his ability to lead all that he touches into bankruptcy.:rolleyes:

[fedupwithnewark]

Hello Fedupwithnewark:

My sentiments to your family while you go through this ordeal. I feel your pain and understand quite well the pitfalls you will endure while attempting to bounce back from this trauma. This is why I speak so strongly against the aggression of this new administration and council. They worked real well at turning Newark's residents against one another, a vehicle that opened the door to allow this type of devastation. The population was so blindly willing to do. It is so hard to believe that people continue to demonstrate a hardened heart - something that we were warned against many centuries ago by a leader that loved and died for everyone despite their wicked ways.

Please don't leave this city, which is a goldmine although it has its problems. The administration and people that support Booker want you to do just that - leave then there is more for them. I encourage you to fight back knowing that there are others like you that are doing the same. You can begin the fight by keeping logged on this website and straighten out some of these idots that post opinions that exemplifies the height of their ignorance.:mad:

I wish you well and look forward to your continued posts. Together we will defeat this evil.:cool:

Thank you NewarkNative for your words of encouragement. I always took pride in the fact that my husband and I both live and work in Newark, but for the record I don't work for the City. As long as I'm still working in Newark, I'm sure we'll stay.

[Miss Tam-Tam]

Councilman Ronald C. Rice motioned at the last council meeting that administration provide him with a list of all the people that Cory Booker hired, their salaries, police record check results and if they received a residency waiver. Please note that the administration to-date has ignored to provide the council with any information they request.

There's probably been a run on sleeping bags and inflatable mattresses for the out-of-towners that Booker is hiring. You inflate the beds and you've got instant hotel from Monday through Friday. You can flop in any living room. Booker might have an entire floor of these sleeping bags/mattresses at his rental on Hawthorne. Probably looks like something akin to the Heaven's Gate cult. Unless, of course, you're the Business Administrator. In which case you get to sleep in Westchester County every night.

http://images.overstock.com/f/102/3117/8h/www.overstock.com/images/products/T10084948.jpg

[Inkwell]

Councilman Ronald C. Rice motioned at the last council meeting that administration provide him with a list of all the people that Cory Booker hired, their salaries, police record check results and if they received a residency waiver. Please note that the administration to-date has ignored to provide the council with any information they request.:o So why should they begin to do so now, especially since the administration is treading in deep water and being exposed to their fraudulent tactics they are utilizing to get rid of city employees.:eek:

A number of people that were hired are not on the lay-off list since they were last hired and should be the first to go. A PD-2 was not submitted on many of these people so that their information falls below the radar.:eek: The New Jersey Department of Personnel does not have that information because Newark's personnel department has not received and cannot submit the paperwork. Additionally, their records are not provided to payroll yet, so they are still working and have not yet received their paychecks. Employees falling in this status are not targeted for layoff, and the NJDOP should demand the information so they can make a just decision on who should remain and who should go.

Such trickery from Booker and Bo Kemp should not be allowed. It is my hope that they will be prosecuted for this behavior. Because of this layoff, the city will be targeted for a number of lawsuits. My bad, this is to Kemp's advantage for it will allow him to hire more attornies to handle the cases.:cool: More importantly, this city heading for bankruptcy will not be the first time for Bo. His resume touts his ability to lead all that he touches into bankruptcy.:rolleyes:

Wow! All I can say is if these latest allegations about the new administration are true, then they bring new meaning to "Let them eat cake" WOW!! :eek:

[NewarkNative]

Wow! All I can say is if these latest allegations about the new administration are true, then they bring new meaning to "Let them eat cake" WOW!! :eek:

Mark J. and Inkwell:

You are exactly right about the "A Shining City on the Hill" being unreacheable by the folks that they expect to pay high taxes for their extravagence.

The tactics that this administration is using to cover-up the personnel they hired is more than devious! The New Jersey Department of Personnel needs to demand that Cory Booker provide them with the list of people that Pablo Fonseca and Bo Kemp put to work so that they may adequately determine who should remain and get rid of the excess that were last hired.

Additionally, Booker campaigned stating that deputy mayors were only ceremonial and should go...how many of those in that title did he hire. If he spent more time in Newark catering to the citizens, he would need less people in the aforementioned jobs to represent him to respond to their complaints or give out commendation certificates.

I plan to review the budget for other departments to see how many other things that the administration decided were essential or not. I urge the councilmembers to do the same. Previously, the council questioned the budget items in writing. Want to bet that these elected people didn't inquire about anything because they so truly trusted in their leader that they felt no need to do so.

Two councilmembers spoke about next years budget that they will scrutinize it more closely. To the council - you still have the ability to say no to some of the things that come before you right now. You do not have to wait until next year...just say no now!:;) It is hard to believe that you have not yet learned how to handle your authority since you sat in these seats. Remember the methods of the late-Honorable Donald Tucker who recently was laid in state at the city hall rotunda. Allow that power to seep into your spirit and remove the passivity. It is okay to get mad enough to stand up to the administration's aggressiveness.:mad:

[Inkwell]

What are Pablo Fonseca's credentials? All I remember hearing/reading was that he worked in Code Enforcement, switched camps and became a Booker disciple. Is he qualified for that job? And as for Bankrupt Bo, well, his resume speaks for itself. I am truly surprised, as many are I'm sure, that Mayor Booker took on so many B-rated players. With the salaries he's paying we should have triple A superstars on staff.

Insofar as the Council, they used Booker to get elected and vis a versa, and if they want to get re-elected, they better start listening to their constituents, cause when opportunity knocks, CB is headed for the first thing smoking out of town.

[NewarkNative]

What are Pablo Fonseca's credentials? All I remember hearing/reading was that he worked in Code Enforcement, switched camps and became a Booker disciple. Is he qualified for that job? And as for Bankrupt Bo, well, his resume speaks for itself. I am truly surprised, as many are I'm sure, that Mayor Booker took on so many B-rated players. With the salaries he's paying we should have triple A superstars on staff.

Insofar as the Council, they used Booker to get elected and vis a versa, and if they want to get re-elected, they better start listening to their constituents, cause when opportunity knocks, CB is headed for the first thing smoking out of town.

Pablos credentials is extortionist.:eek: He made businesses and apartment building owners give up big bucks while working for Sharpe as Code Enforcement director. The guy has gotten very fat - must be eating plenty in east ward restaurants for free! Yes, he is the job giver - making sure that he takes care of the Hispanics. And don't forget that he has a residency waiver as well, (big up) lives in West Orange and refused to move to Newark.

Let us not forget that Pablo tried to rule former councilman Hector Corchado - but could not get to first base. That is why he axed Hector and took on with Booker. Play to pay is Pablo's calling card - that is why he was chosen to be Booker's Chief of Staff. Booker is paying dearly to those he accepted political favors. His reputation is also becoming more and more tainted with this guy on his hip.

Yep - Pablo's the man! He runs personnel. Saw how he was able to let the Director/Chief of Police Campos know it was hands off on his pal Luis Osario, the taxi director, when Osario boldly broke his nephew out of the north ward cell block. And, Osario received a big promotion to sergeant. By the way, I heard that another autocab driver from Dianne Dell was killed on Friday night. Maybe since Osario was promoted to sergeant, he might crack the case on who did it since he is still responsible for the taxi division.

I apologize for the bigger type - just needed everyone to see what skum that we have running city hall.:mad:

[Inkwell]

[QUOTE=NewarkNative]

Yep - Pablo's the man! He runs personnel. Saw how he was able to let the Director/Chief of Police Campos know it was hands off on his pal Luis Osario, the taxi director, when Osario boldly broke his nephew out of the north ward cell block. And, Osario received a big promotion to sergeant. By the way, I heard that another autocab driver from Dianne Dell was killed on Friday night. Maybe since Osario was promoted to sergeant, he might crack the case on who did it since he is still responsible for the taxi division.

Pardon me, but isn't the Taxi Director positon a CIVILIAN JOB? At least that's what it used to be classified as.

Looks like all the RULES have changed, and no one in Trenton seems interested in DOING anything about it. What a shame.

[NewarkNative]

[QUOTE=NewarkNative]

Yep - Pablo's the man! He runs personnel. Saw how he was able to let the Director/Chief of Police Campos know it was hands off on his pal Luis Osario, the taxi director, when Osario boldly broke his nephew out of the north ward cell block. And, Osario received a big promotion to sergeant. By the way, I heard that another autocab driver from Dianne Dell was killed on Friday night. Maybe since Osario was promoted to sergeant, he might crack the case on who did it since he is still responsible for the taxi division.

Pardon me, but isn't the Taxi Director positon a CIVILIAN JOB? At least that's what it used to be classified as.

Looks like all the RULES have changed, and no one in Trenton seems interested in DOING anything about it. What a shame.

This gang of thugs calling themselves administrators do just what they want and nobody does anything about it including the NJDOP. All taxi directors and ABC directors were civilians. Those that previously served on the police force were retired from active duty. Leroy Jones, Lynda Thorne and Patricia Bradford never served on the police force; they had administrative experience. It was my impression that managers and directors of those divisions must be civilians; same as the police director.

Money talks. Remember, Osario paid for his job to the tune of $22,000 political contribution. He was suspended when he was caught driving Booker around campaigning when he was on duty. Civil Service 11A:8-1 stipulates that it is unlawful for any employee to participate in any political activity during your work time. It seems that this item slipped through the cracks but the feds should investigate this type of goings on!

[NewarkNative]

[QUOTE=Inkwell]

This gang of thugs calling themselves administrators do just what they want and nobody does anything about it including the NJDOP. All taxi directors and ABC directors were civilians. Those that previously served on the police force were retired from active duty. Leroy Jones, Lynda Thorne and Patricia Bradford never served on the police force; they had administrative experience. It was my impression that managers and directors of those divisions must be civilians; same as the police director.

Money talks. Remember, Osario paid for his job to the tune of $22,000 political contribution. He was suspended when he was caught driving Booker around campaigning when he was on duty. Civil Service 11A:8-1 stipulates that it is unlawful for any employee to participate in any political activity during your work time. It seems that this item slipped through the cracks but the feds should investigate this type of goings on!

My bad - wrong statute - it is 11A: 10-1 Violations. No employee whether federal, state or municipal should conduct any political activity during work.

The other statute is related to layoffs. I suggest that you review both statutes to edify yourselves about the dos and don'ts about civil service.

[Inkwell]

[QUOTE=Inkwell]

This gang of thugs calling themselves administrators do just what they want and nobody does anything about it including the NJDOP. All taxi directors and ABC directors were civilians. Those that previously served on the police force were retired from active duty. Leroy Jones, Lynda Thorne and Patricia Bradford never served on the police force; they had administrative experience. It was my impression that managers and directors of those divisions must be civilians; same as the police director.

Money talks. Remember, Osario paid for his job to the tune of $22,000 political contribution. He was suspended when he was caught driving Booker around campaigning when he was on duty. Civil Service 11A:8-1 stipulates that it is unlawful for any employee to participate in any political activity during your work time. It seems that this item slipped through the cracks but the feds should investigate this type of goings on!

That's quiet a chunk of change for a police officer's salary. Well I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the Feds, they're busy dealing with other folks:eek:

[NewarkNative]

[QUOTE=NewarkNative]

That's quiet a chunk of change for a police officer's salary. Well I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the Feds, they're busy dealing with other folks:eek:

Agreeable Ink - the feds need to continue its investigation beyond Mildred's group. By the way, they say that there was a lot of shredding going on at that council office last week.:D The feds should have come in and confiscated the files and records before this crew eliminated the evidence!:cool:

[Inkwell]

[QUOTE=Inkwell]

Agreeable Ink - the feds need to continue its investigation beyond Mildred's group. By the way, they say that there was a lot of shredding going on at that council office last week.:D The feds should have come in and confiscated the files and records before this crew eliminated the evidence!:cool:

Gee, where's Joan Whitlow when you need her. She practically jumped into the dumpsters when the former administration was heading out the door:D

[NewarkNative]

It is absurd for the people that did not receive their pink slip last week for November to believe that they are safe. Past practice is for department heads and managers to call more individuals into their office on the last day (after lunch hour) to tell them that they, too, are fired. The board of education and County of Essex handled their layoffs in the manner described above. This the reason that administration gave some the slips, but all employees received a forty-five day lay-off notice as well. Notices were also posted in the hallways and at elevators at city hall.

Therefore, I advise you to tighten your belts because the next one to be let go may be you! The administration is not playing "Deal or No Deal." They are geniunely playing "Cut Throat.":eek:

[fedupwithnewark]

More people in my husband's office just got there layoff notices!

[Inkwell]

More people in my husband's office just got there layoff notices!

Wasn't this predicted? God only knows how these notices are going to negatively affect employee morale. It's hard to be motivated to work under these circumstances and I'm afraid city services will slow down to a snails pace.

[fedupwithnewark]

Wasn't this predicted? God only knows how these notices are going to negatively affect employee morale. It's hard to be motivated to work under these circumstances and I'm afraid city services will slow down to a snails pace.

I don't think there's any morale left. Everyone's walking around in a daze, including the families. I know I am. My husband's office was small to begin with now there's three people going.

[NewarkNative]

I don't think there's any morale left. Everyone's walking around in a daze, including the families. I know I am. My husband's office was small to begin with now there's three people going.

Lots of workers have discontinued working and are only biting their fingernails. I sympathize with them because it is difficult to concentrate with this big cloud of gloom over their heads. Be strong for this too will pass and you shall find peace that surpasses all understanding. These goons will reap what they sew and it won't be long before it happens.:)

[Inkwell]

Lots of workers have discontinued working and are only biting their fingernails. I sympathize with them because it is difficult to concentrate with this big cloud of gloom over their heads. Be strong for this too will pass and you shall find peace that surpasses all understanding. These goons will reap what they sew and it won't be long before it happens.:)
Amen! And remember, the harvest is always greater than the seed sown. Newark is a praying town, that is the ONLY reason it has survived and thrived, in spite of the odds against her. I know folks are doing some heartfelt praying right about now, and woe be to those who are knowingly and intentionally ploting the demise of the people who put their trust in those elected to SERVE THEM.:eek:

[NewarkNative]

You read all the reasons and feel the pain of Cory Booker's vindictiveness under the guise of what is best for Newark including who and where his cronies are. What are you going to do to let this guy know that enough is enough!

Recall - the hard-working recall committee meets on Saturday at 12 noon on Broad Street (at the NTU building across from Symphony Hall). This is the group that laid the foundation for putting Booker out of office. He will not believe that he can be defeated until the action grows and stops him completely. It does not take a lot of money - but comittment from the Newark citizens to accomplish this feat. It only takes enough petitions filed to force another election. Please join the group and put an end to this madman.