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COCKTAIL DINNER FUNDRAISER AT WILLOW POINT A HUGE SUCCESS!
Sunday, September 26th 4-8 PM At the lovely home of David Gotwald 99 Pinecliff Lake Drive, West Milford
An enchanting evening buffet with cocktails at this wonderful lakeside retreat in Pinecliff Lake
Paid for by N&S for Council R. Adams, Treasurer
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This was a very successful event for the young voters of West Milford....
West Milford's Young Adults Should Vote Absentee Voter Information for College Bound Young Adults Tuesday, August 17, 2010
7pm - 9pm Pizza and Watermelon will be served free! Council Candidates Bob Nolan and Geoff Sume will share ideas and goals, and answer questions. All are welcome!
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Left to Right: Passaic County Freeholder Pat Lepore, Democratic Candidate for West Milford Towhship Council Geoff Syme, West Milford Mayor Bettina Bieri, West Milford Councilman and Democratic candidate for re-election to council Bob Nolan. |
Meet & Greet ...
Community
Barbecue On Sunday, July 18, 2010, the West Milford Democratic Club hosted a community barbecue in High Crest Lake. All attending had the chance to meet and greet the Democratic candidates for West Milford Township Council, Councilman Bob Nolan, and Geoff Syme. Also on hand was Mayor Bettina Bieri, and Passaic County Freeholder candidate for re-election Pat Lapore, as well as Democratic candidat for Congress, Tod Thiese. All in attendance enjoyed great food and conversation, as well as Classic Rock music by Pulse D.K. As expected, the event was a huge success! |
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GREEN BUILDING PROGRAM EDUCATES WEST MILFORD RESIDENTS
A program delivering experts' presentations along with questions and answers about green and sustainable building technologies was hosted by the West Milford Democratic Club on June 1, 2010 at Joey's Casa Italiano Ristorante. Presenting were Passaic County Freeholder Director Bruce James; the President of North Star Building Associates, Phil Luogameno and David Smith, the Principle of D Smith Architecture. The Speakers engaged in an informative and lively round-table discussion with the 25 or so residents in attendance, focusing on various products and procedures available for home and business energy upgrades as well as new construction. They especially emphasized the short and long-term benefits associated with investing in such sustainable technologies, with careful consideration of the total cost of ownership and timelines for return on investment. Bruce James is the Passaic County Freeholder Director and Chair of the County's Energy & Sustainability Committee, which has been conducting energy audits of County buildings, with resultant upgrades saving taxpayers roughly $68,000 per building, per year. Phil Luogameno is president of North Star Building Associates, a West Milford company that specializes in custom home construction, including energy conserving mechanical systems utilizing solar and geothermal technologies. Dave Smith, is president of Dave Smith Architecture, formerly located at Pinecliff Lake, and now in Warwick New York, which has almost two decades of experience in designing and upgrading energy-efficient homes in New Jersey and New York. Freeholder Director James discussed a cogeneration plant being planned for construction by Wayne Township. The intent of the project is to create and utilize energy generated by a number of sustainable technologies, saving utility costs and also returning excess electricity back to the utility grid, generating revenue for the Township. The cogeneration plant would ultimately yield potential tax savings in the millions of dollars. As the County owns many buildings, including Passaic County Community College, Passaic County Vo-tech High School, County administration, court and sheriff's offices, energy audits and upgrades can result in substantial tax savings from such energy conservation. Mr. Luogameno elaborated upon his extensive experience with photovoltaic solar panels, including popular systems that heat water to circulate in pipes to supply hot water and reduce heating costs. He also described the inherent benefits of geothermal radiant heating, which provides effective savings and comfortable heating of indoor spaces by embedding pex tubing that circulates hot water within floors. Another emerging technology is the idea of "pico-hydro", which is a small water turbine that can be installed in an of our many streams running near homes and businesses. For new construction, he also stressed using structural insulated panels, or SIPS, with foam sandwiched between oriented strand board to yield high R-values with greatly reduced air infiltration, as opposed to traditional exterior wall and roof construction methods. Mr. Smith stressed that conservation brings the greatest savings in the shortest time span. Folks should start with home energy audits to determine where they are losing heat. Often that is by air-flow from around doors, windows and even electrical outlets, light switches in the walls and around attic stairs. He mentioned closing gaps in log-cabin chinking that permit air inflow in the winter when logs shrink. Replacing single-glazed windows with double-pane windows brings substantial heating and air conditioning savings. Smith was questioned whether there were more difficulties in obtaining regulatory approvals when designing new "green" building systems versus more traditional methods. He responded that building inspectors are doing well in remaining abreast of new technologies and seeking education, and that ultimately, it is the responsibility of the architect to ensure all designs are properly engineered. There was a lively interchange between the audience and the speakers, with many references to our uncertain economy, our country relying heavily on imported fossil fuels, and the recent Gulf of Mexico oil disaster. Residents were naturally interested in potential savings over the long-run and how sustainable practices can benefit them. The program lasted two hours with residents learning ways to improve their homes and pocketbooks now and in the future.
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The West Milford Democratic Organization held its February meeting at the Hillcrest Community Center on Tuesday, February 24th. The organization was treated to a presentation by the West Milford High School Model UN Debate Team, a wonderful group of talented and dedicated students that are studying the political process and world events. Also, a terrific presentation was made by the Pequannock River Coalition who gave an extremely informative presentation. The Pequannock River Coalition is dedicated to the preservation of the Pequannock River as a natural, recreational, aesthetic and water supply resource. Both groups need your support! Contact the Model UN through their moderator, Social Studies Teacher Greg Matlosz at West Milford High School. Visit the Pequannock River Coalition at www.pequannockriver.org. |
Members of The West Milford High School Model UN Debate Team recently met with the West Milford Democratic Organization, announcing plans for a Board of Education candidates debate. Pictured from left are West Milford Councilman Robert Nolan, UN Club moderator Greg Matlosz, Jordan Haferbier, Heather Ryan, West Milford Mayor Bettina Bieri, and Steve Reda. |
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Racing for Autism Research
NASCAR racing legend and Fox Sports announcer Daryl Waltrip is joined by West Milford's James Warden and Mayor Bettina Bieri as well as members of the Delaware National Guard during this year's "Drive for Autism" held at the Dupont Country Club in Wilmington. The event raised more than $550,000.00 to benefit Autism research. Warden has been a major sponsor of the event for the last nine years and has deep roots with NASCAR and its drivers. Since its inception, the event has raised more than 2 million dollars. Statistics show that 1 in 95 children will be diagnosed with Autism this year.
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The Pequannock River Coalition recently awarded West Milford Mayor Bettina Bieri its Public Service Award for her work in protecting the Pequannock River Watershed and West Milford's environment. The award was presented by Ross Kushner on behalf of the Pequannock River Coalition Board of Directors. |
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September 8, 2008 Democratic Campaign Kickoff!
The West Milford Democratic campaign kickoff party was a huge success! Held at the home of David Gotwald in Pinecliffe Lake, over forty residents and dignitaries attended the gathering. On hand were Mayor Bettina Bieri, Councilman Bob Nolan, Council candidates James Warden and Andy Gargano, Passaic County Freeholders Terry Duffy, Greyson Hannigan, and Bruce James. Also on hand were West Milford Democratic Club President Jim Geist, Vice President Carla Horton, Secretary Robert Bailey as well as representatives from the Obama and Shulman campaigns. A host of West Milford residents were introduced to the candidates as they outlined their specific plans for a better West Milford by supporting Mayor Bieri, making the tough decisions, and bringing fresh ideas to West Milford government. |
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West Milford Councilman Bob Nolan and Mayor Bettina Bieri are joined by former West Milford Councilman James Warden during the Pequannock River Cleanup sponsored by the Pequannock River Coalition. The trio were just some of the volunteers who spent the day on the banks of the Pequannock River in West Milford bagging and removing trash. |
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Mayor Bieri Joins Motorcycle Rally for Charity |
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When asked why she participated in a 90-mile motorcycle run for charity on Saturday, July 12th, West Milford Mayor Bettina Bieri stated, "I have always believed in supporting charitable organizations whenever possible. It's not only part of our civic responsibilities, but it enables us, as individuals, to truly and positively impact the lives of people we don't otherwise know or come in contact with. Unselfish acts of kindness are incredibly rewarding. You can't beat the feeling you get from helping others." Beginning in Wayne and ending in the neighboring town of Bloomfield, this 90-mile scenic ride was police escorted and traveled through numerous towns, including Wayne, Haledon, Oakland, Mahwah, Ringwood, West Milford and Kinnelon. "It was a beautiful sunny day. I was proud to be a part of such a large group of people wanting to make a difference in the lives of others," Bieri said. Although over 150 motorcyclists registered for the annual rally, Mayor Bieri was one of only three Mayors to participate. She was joined by North Haledon Mayor Randy George and Haledon Mayor Domenick Stampone. Other participating dignitaries from West Milford included Passaic County Freeholder Terry Duffy, West Milford Democratic Committee leaders Ken and Helen Springstead, Former West Milford Councilman and current council candidate James Warden, West Milford Animal Shelter Society President Jean Bremy and her husband, West Milford Democratic Club Executive Board member Peter Bremy. The event was sponsored by the Jerry Speziale Community Outreach Foundation, Inc. (JSCOF). This non-profit organization, founded by Passaic County Sheriff Jerry Speziale, is dedicated solely to helping charitable causes throughout Passaic County. One such cause is Project Lifesaver, which provides monitoring bands to help locate and rescue missing children with autism and seniors with Alzheimer's disease. Indeed, according to JSCOF trustee Bob Calcagno, "Due to the explosive statistics of autism in New Jersey, autism has become one of our many targeted causes. Overall, our annual budget of up to $75,000 focuses on helping children, seniors and families in need." Warden, who rides regularly, continues to be an outspoken advocate of Autism Awareness. He has helped to raise millions of dollars for research through the racing community and NASCAR. "The statistics on Autism are staggering," said Warden. "In 1995, 1 in 2500 children were diagnosed; in 2007 it was 1 in 100." The JSCOF also supports the Royal Family Kids' Camps for abused and neglected children in the area as well as programs for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts. They provide 6-12 annual higher education scholarships for high school students, sponsorships for youth sports teams and uniforms, wheelchairs and other assistance to families in need, turkeys for Thanksgiving, and over 1,000 gifts annually through their Holiday Gift Drive. When Mayor Bieri asked more specifically about West Milford's needs, JSCOF Trustee Calcagno stated, "We service all of Passaic County. We would encourage and welcome more requests from West Milford and other up-county towns." Requests for West Milford assistance can be made directly through Mayor Bieri via email at bieri@westmilford.org. Donations can be made payable to JSCOF and mailed to PO Box 3690, Wayne, NJ 07474-3690. |
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West Milford Democratic Club Sponsored Meet & Greet, big success! On Wednesday, May 21, 2008 the West Milford Democratic Club hosted a 'Meet & Greet The Candidates' night at Wine in the Woods in West Milford. Many residents from West Milford, and surrounding towns were on hand to meet US Congressional Candidate Camile Abate, and West Milford Council Candidates James Warden and Andy Gargano. All the candidates took a turn to speak and answer concerns. Passaic County Freeholder Terry Duffy, who was also lending support for the evening, announced his endorsement for Camile Abate. |
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Councilman
James Warden ... |
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Mayor
Bettina Bieri ... |
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Pequannock River Cleanup Day... |
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Memorial Day 2007
Bettina Bieri, West Milford Mayor (at the time mayoral candidate) and Passaic County Freeholder Terry Duffy participated in West Milford's Memorial Day Parade and honored our service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. |
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West Milford Mayor and animal shelter volunteer Bettina Bieri (right) is shown here on the animal shelter's float with fellow volunteer Joan Gulick during the Memorial Day Parade in West Milford. The animal shelter has participated in the parade for 12 years thanks to Marshall Hill Materials, who provides the truck and the driver. |
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Speech by Bettina Bieri, Mayor (at the time Mayoral Candidate), at Highlands Rally on May 5, 2007
Bettina Bieri speaks ath Highlands Rally photo courtesy of Greenwood Lake News When the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act was signed on August 10th, 2004, it was welcomed with joy by most but also criticized by many. The Highlands Act is a work-in-progress and is currently under much scrutiny. Without a doubt, we can all agree that it is not without its flaws. Its intent, however, is something we can all agree upon. In this day and age of overpopulation, excessive growth, and environmental destruction, legislation that protects our valuable drinking water and the sensitive environment of the surrounding areas is sorely needed and long overdue. The purpose of the Highlands Act is to protect the drinking water of over 5.4 million people in New Jersey and to preserve New Jersey's dwindling open space. It is important for the press and the public to note that the Highlands Act affects most of New Jersey's residents, not just those who reside within its boundaries. That being said, the Highlands Act has two significant flaws that I'll be discussing briefly today. The first flaw involves the Highlands Regional Map, which in its current form, is in direct contradiction to the very purpose of the Highlands Act. This map divides the Highlands into 3 zones. The Planned Community Zones, or purple blotch areas, are areas where growth will be targeted. Herein lies the problem. Many of these growth areas are directly surrounding our sensitive and already overdeveloped lakes and rivers. Many of these lakes and rivers in turn feed the reservoirs, and the reservoirs ultimately feed water to over ½ of New Jersey's residents. Is this what the Highlands Council considers smart growth? How did the Council determine these areas? Could it be because their maps also indicate that many of these areas have existing sewer service, when indeed they do not? Or could it be because these areas have already shown a pattern of growth, even though this growth has already proven detrimental to the environment? Could it be because they claim that our local governing boards can change the designation if they so choose, even though this leaves the door open to the developers, who now can use the Act as a legitimate reason to appeal decisions made by our local boards? By having these purple blotch areas located within the most sensitive areas of the Highlands Region, the Highlands Council is negating its very purpose. The second flaw is the lack of permanent financial aid to the Highlands communities. The existing wording is vague and does not guarantee direct compensation to the communities in the Preservation Area. A small user fee, adjusted annually by inflation, is not only the logical answer but the fair and just answer. A user fee, water tax, or preservation fee would not be a financial burden to the families who enjoy the use of our water, yet cumulatively these fees could achieve significant financial relief for the Preservation Areas. Many residents of West Milford and surrounding Highlands communities have already experienced both long and short term water shortages and even dry wells. Meanwhile, we are in charge of protecting the water supply for over 5.4 million fellow NJ residents... that's more than one half of NJ's population, and we do so without any compensation whatsoever. Some say that a water tax or user fee will not be enacted because nobody wants to support a new tax, especially legislators seeking voter support. I don't consider paying for a necessary product the same as paying a tax. We all pay for our water in some fashion. In this case, the users need to pay for the job we have been given, ie - to protect and preserve their water. Perhaps if those 5.4 million residents, including some of our legislators, lived without water for a day, if they knew what it was like to turn on their faucets and not get a single drop of water, perhaps then they'd be begging for a small water use tax instead of avoiding it. According to the Highlands Council, the Highlands Region supplies 379 million gallons of water per day. At 1 cent per 100 gallons, that would provide annual funding to the Highlands Preservation areas in the amount of approximately fourteen million dollars while costing each user household only about $13 per year. This, ladies and gentlemen, is a small price to pay for such a valuable commodity. In summary, the smart growth planning areas are far from smart. The purple blotches in the preservation areas need to be eliminated. The green preservation areas need to be expanded. And the suppliers of water to over one half of NJ's residents need to be fairly compensated. Otherwise, it's not only highway robbery, it's water robbery. Before finalizing the Act and its Regional Map, the Highlands Council needs to realize that it has lost sight of its principal goals. They need to take one step back in order to move about 380 million gallons of water forward on a daily basis. |
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West
Milford Councilmen
Nolan and Warden, Mayoral Candidate Bettina Bieri and
The Democratic Club
As in every year, the West Milford Democratic Club participated in the annual West Milford Clean Up Day program. The group gathered up more than fourteen bags of garbage along Westbrook Road. |
