One citizen using his voice…

I’m steaming mad.

While driving to work this morning, I was pulled over in my town of Montclair by police in a completely bogus speed trap. Actually, approximately 16 cars were yanked to the side of the road in front of me, and in the 15 minutes I sat there (while the officer checked my ID, registration, etc.); another 7 cars were quickly forced to get in line, by those brave men in Montclair blue.

It seems that we were all offenders of driving the normal speed through a green light in which there is a crosswalk. According to the officer (who I questioned), there were two or three under cover cops either waiting on the side of the road, or about to cross the street. And, we committed an illegal driving act by not stopping to wait for them to do so. I was then handed a ticket 15 minutes later.

Here’s the problem I have with the entire ordeal (and it goes towards a much bigger problem in Montclair). This was no ordinary speed trap. Literally, eight cops were sitting at a table at the side of the road pulling over cars (it looked like they were selling PBA raffle tickets) and then another two or three were acting under cover. How could our town authorize 10 or more police officers to spend the day handing out tickets to town residents who are already being taxed beyond belief? Is this the way our taxes are being spent? The ticket is incidental. My bet is that over an eight hour period, these Starsky & Hutch’s of Montclair will end up handing out over 200 tickets.

Of course, I was outraged. So, I asked two of the cops why so many of them had to be there and questioned whether it was a good use of their time or our money. The arrogant response was, “don’t worry. Most of this crosswalk safety initiative is being financed by a state grant. It’s not impacting your taxes in the least.” That’s 100 percent inaccurate (and I explained why to the cop). Instead of only Montclair residents feeling the pinch, all New Jersey tax payers are feeding this grant with their tax money.

Montclair is one of the most wasteful, backwards run local governments I’ve ever seen. And, it starts and ends with most of our public services. Take the police as an example (I’m harping on them) because it’s just perfect. We’ve just witnessed one of the most heinous murders to take place in our town in a long time (happened late last week). The killer is still free and on the run and residents are pretty freaked out. One would think that our town police chief would have had more sense (at least to public relations nuances of this matter) and take maybe seven, eight or nine of those officers (who had nothing better to do than waste the time of people who don’t have time to waste) and assign them to join the manhunt to track down this killer. Ok. Let’s give our chief the benefit of the doubt. Maybe there are already enough resources devoted to this crime (although I hardly believe that). Well…then why not leverage these officers to help stop car theft (a big problem in our town), or robberies, or assaults, or….you get the picture.

Every single day, I see anywhere from three to five speed traps in town. Cops are just sitting there hoping to catch the next unsuspecting criminal…er…resident. If we can afford to easily have so many police officers do nothing but impose meaningless fines on our citizens, then we HAVE FAR TOO MANY POLICE OFFICERS. And, that’s a lot of wasted tax money that should never have been taken from the bank accounts of Montclair residents. I say get rid of some of our police force.

Today I spoke to a newly elected Montclair councilman about this problem and we both agreed that this town needs to (first and foremost) stop playing patronage and politics and start operating like a real business would. There are far too many public jobs/costs for the amount of work that needs to be done and there are far too few creative ideas being implemented to cut back on wasteful costs and encourage innovation to better our services. Basically, someone needs to take a red lined pen to the out of date, old way of doing things that only hurt Montclair residents. And, we need innovative change that will demonstrate results now. Here are a few initial thoughts which came from this discussion:

1) Cut away municipal jobs that aren’t essential and outsource – How many jobs are really needed within each key public works department? I’ve heard from many knowledgeable sources that we spend far too much money on extra salaries. I also know that we could be much more cost-efficient by outsourcing services such as waste removal and snow clearing to private companies who can do it cheaper and better. We need someone with authority and accountability to go department by department, cutting away excess fat and implementing innovative solutions where they are needed.

2) Long standing pensions from public services (a la police, fire, municipal jobs) are killing us - Our town simply can’t afford to continue to pay lifetime pensions for each and every municipal employee. This is the single biggest reason why our tax situation is so out of control. There is nothing we can do about those who have retired, but we need to be smarter with current employees. I’m sure the town could save millions of $$$ by offering many employees incentive based retirement packages (without life time pensions). And, then we should change our policies and hire new employees who are younger, cheaper and will not weigh us down with these legacy financial bombs.

3) Learn to balance budgets or be held accountable – The Board of Education is a disgrace. But, it feels like no public administration in Montclair understands how to actually balance a budget. What have we appointed or voted these people into office for? That’s rhetorical. Either they learn how to do the job at hand, or an accountability system should be mandated where those in charge are automatically ejected from their seats/positions. More to the point of solving this, I wonder if we can bring in an economics professor from Montclair State University to teach a simple course on budget development and management. That would certainly ensure that at least the ‘know how’ exists.

This town is in chaos and it feels like the financial woes are only getting worse. I’ve been told that Montclair is now considered to be one of the mostly highly taxed towns within the tri-state area (which probably means within the country as well). It’s time to throw out the baby with the bath water and change the way our local politicians think. Otherwise, within a decade, it will lose so many of the affluent, young families who emigrated from New York City because the burdens will clearly out weigh the unique atmosphere that now exists. Here’s one citizen who will continue to speak out…

Comments

[Steve Shannon]

Until New Jersey moves local governance from the town level to the county level this is what you are going to get. Only voters can effect this change and that means not only unseating town council members, but state legislators and governors too, as they are really the ones who can change the form and effectiveness of government in NJ via the state constitution. Sadly, I see most NJ residents willing to accept their current fate rather than fight it.

[ed]

Steve, you know more about how NJ politics work than me.

I can't see "the people" ever stepping forward because it just takes too much time and effort for them to care.

What a joke...

Ed

[Deron Siddons]

Hi Ed, Sid here. I could not agree with you more. I was recently given a bogus ticket for passing 3 car on the right which were turning left in a line at a trafic light. I went to traffic court and fought this only to lose because the policeman lied blatently in front of the judge saying the cars went staight ahead. Of course a tax paying residents word is not as good as one of our corrupt finest. What a discrace.

[ed]

Sid,

It's crazy.

We're being whacked at both ends by these public servants.

I just hope the new council/mayor can make a dent, or many of us won't be here long term.

Ed

[Stephen Best]

Township Council, County Government, State Representative AND State Senate. Too many civil servants, too many public employees to pay. No wonder our taxes are so high...

[ed]

Amen, Stephen.

Still, if read between all the financial lines, the biggest increase in our taxes comes from our town each year.

Our taxes would be 5 to 50 percent lower in many other NJ towns.

[Paula]

I've been living in town for ten years and this is about as bad as it's gotten. I have some hope with the new administration, but if things don't change within the next year, I'll be packing it in. Thanks for reiterating the high (or should I say low) points of life for the Montclair taxpayer.

[Alicia]

I do not live in Montclair but I am one of those who were pulled over for "failure to yield to pedestrian". It seems that it would be a lot easier if I just plead guilty and pay the fine (+ 2 pts)but I never saw a pedestrian crossing. I can't accept that I am guilty so I am going to court. I'll be taking time off from work. I know that they will find me guilty. I won't be represented by a lawyer and from what I read from The Star Ledger (June 14),this police activity was being funded by a federal grant,so how can I fight the federal government and the police. I am trapped.

[ed]

Alicia,

I feel your pain.

I plan to go to court as well. Maybe if enough of us do this, we can make a dent. I think they will negotiate out the 2 points (which is totally absurd).

I do plan to wage a public relations campaign against the town. Fortunately, I have the resources and know how to do this. I'm just completely disgusted and have had enough.

Thanks for your comments.

[GR]

I recieved this ticket as well this morning.

I literally did not see anyone in the crosswalk nor did my three children in the car. They claim the officer was halfway across the street, which means I must be blind. I too will go to court hoping to at least get out of the points.

[Linda]

Ed,
I agree with many of your comments, but take extreme exception to point #2 - replacing olders workers with younger ones just because they're cheaper. Should the more experienced worker in any sector be tossed aside just because their replacement is cheaper. Shame shame! Your day will come too, and hopefully you've prepared well for retirement at 50 or so, the time when age discrimation frequently begins and middle-aged folks start losing life-sustaining jobs to young whipper snappers. It could happen to you too!

[Stu]

As a frequent pedestrian crosser at Oxford and Grove, one can often wait 5 minutes before there is a large enough gap to cross Grove Street. In my seven years crossing there, I do not think there have been more than 5 cars that stopped for me. There is even one of those yield to pedestrians signs on the double yellow there, but it is obviously ignored. My point is, it is unlikely that the Montclair Police are pulling over cars without reason and it is extremely rare for any drivers to stop for pedestrians in cross walks. If there were 10 policemen on the scene during this operation, then it is extremely likely that they were video taping the proceedings. You will most likely be wasting your time in court as the video tape will most likely prove your guilt.

The purpose of this operation is to convince lawbreakers to adhere to the rules of the road. This particular law, to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, is too frequently ignored. I'm certain that you and the other offenders will become more weary of this law.

The fact that you do not speed and the fact that you think the local police should be out seeking the Y-murderer are inconsequential to your guilt.

I look forward to being able to cross the streets of Montclair without waiting 5 minutes at the corner.

[ed]

Linda,

I can appreciate your point. And, can also understand how my brief focus on this issue could upset you. I probably should have expanded further.

I'm not after just "throwing out" all people in Montclair public service who have spent a good part of their lives working hard at these jobs and deserved to be rewarded. But, I do think we need to find a way to offer appealing buy out incentives for some employees because we simply have far too many than are actually needed being supported on the Montclair tax payer's dime.

We also have a case where some/many employees don't even live in Montclair and it would be cheaper to outsource their jobs to private firms. Should we put these non-residential workers (like those in sanitation) welfare ahead of those who actually live in the town? I don't think so.

I'm more concerned with leaving in the life time pension law. To be candid, it is not good for Montclair because financially this law will bust the Montclair bank within the next 10-15 years. And, then everyone will be in trouble (most especially those workers who will be out of jobs).

The system has to change. That's the point.

[lorry]

My family lived in NJ for over 15 years. And many of those years were great.But things started going downhill really fast so what we did was move, out of Montclair and out of NJ. Life is Great.

[ed]

Stu,

Point taken on the issues with the cross walk. But, I completely disagree with you on the number of police officers that is/was needed to run this sting operation.

There were easily more than 12. That is just totally absurd. This could have been done well with less than half that amount. Maybe one third of the tickets wouldn't have happened. But, the point and lesson would certainly have been made.

Everyday, I see far too many speed traps in Montclair. Sorry, buddy...but that's not where our absurdly escalating tax dollars should be going. There's far too much crime in this town and that needs to be the number one priority. If Montclair can afford to have so many police officers sit around looking to hand out tickets, then again...it has too many cops working on our dime.

[mv07042]

At $130 per ticket and with the number of cars that are being pulled over...and considering this is being paid with a state grant (I know, it all eventually comes out of our pocket), the program may be a moneymaker for the town.

[David Powell]

Given the current economic climate, the governor's efforts to wean NJ from decades of fiscal irresponsibility, and the state's entrenched legacy of easygoing, wink-wink-nudge style corruption (particularly in the NY metro counties), expect this sort of official looting of the citizenry to become ever more common in the next few years. I'm glad I got out when I did. Barring an economic upturn, something will have to give; can a state like NJ become a federally-managed fiefdom like the District of Columbia? I hope we don't have to find out.

Stu: I know motorists can be very inconsiderate of pedestrians, but your assertion that the Montclair (or any) police are "unlikely" to pull over motorists without justification is jaw-droppingly naive. Are you new to the area?

[WhoDunIt]

WOW, all this ranting and ranting (no raving here!) about how "I swear I didn't see the person in the crosswalk" or "this is a bogus speed trap" etc..etc..etc.. is wonderful. When it's your child who is struck and killed in this same crosswalk you did not yield in, then your response will be "Montclair Police need to enforce these laws instead of looking for REAL crime." Some people are never happy and 99.9% of the people the police pull over are guilty of the offense they committed, they just don't like the fact they got caught.

Now with that said, I am a Police Officer (doesn't matter where). I can assure you plenty of resources are being dedicated to the homicide that occurred in your town. Most likely, the Prosecutors Office is handling the majority of the case as they have more resources then your local departments. Stop complaining about the ticket, bogus speed trap, too many officers, pensions, etc. and start taking care of your own. That means YOUR own children, police shouldn't have to raise your family and discipline them. YOUR driving habits, which according to your standards are supreme, yet the 4 points on your drivers license say otherwise. YOUR inability to lock your home and car doors allowing easy access to burglars. Start taking responsibility for your actions (or inactions) and this town, and world, will be a better place.

Hope everyone enjoyed the marvelous fireworks this 4th :-)

[ed]

WhoDunit,

I have a lot of respect for law enforcement....especially the local town cops who protect us each and every day.

And, I also agree that parents/the public need to be responsible for being smart about taking care of themselves, cars and homes betters.

But, you cannot dispute the fact that Montclair has a lot of crime. And, I have to believe that most of it is not due to our residents just leaving their houses unlocked or not being smarter about their protection.

Anyways, the point of my post was not to argue whether this speed trap was a good or bad idea. I understand that sometimes a point needs to be made for safety of children, etc.

I just question the strategy behind having so many police officers doing this all day for so many days. The point and lesson could have certainly been made with 3-4 officers assigned to this. The town might have only made 40 percent of the total proceeds it raked in from its citizens...but the point would have been understood.

[interested observer]

WhoDunit,

This sting had more to do with generating revenue than it did with extolling the virtues of public safety.

"When it's your child who is struck and killed in this same crosswalk you did not yield in, then your response will be "Montclair Police need to enforce these laws instead of looking for REAL crime."" In a word: Bull$hit.

If the town of Montclair really gave a rat's arse about the crosswalk safety of our children, they'd place pedestrian traffic lights at the crosswalks. 12 cops (the majority of whom probably arranged to engage in this cushy detail while on overtime) to supposedly enforce a law where a traffic light would suffice. Spare us the sanctimony WD, reserve that for the court when you "testilie" (that's what cops call it amongst themselves) against innocent residents caught up in this obvious cash grab.

[Stu]

"Stu: I know motorists can be very inconsiderate of pedestrians, but your assertion that the Montclair (or any) police are "unlikely" to pull over motorists without justification is jaw-droppingly naive. Are you new to the area?"

There are a few bad cops out there for sure, but I would bet that everyone pulled over in this operation was guilty. I have lived in Northern Jersey for the past 32 years and Montclair for 12 of the last 17 of them. I am not naive. What I am uniquely aware of, especially in Montclair, is for everyone to blame their irresponsibility on others.

Even though you are 3 to 4 times more likely to get into an auto accident while chatting on the cell phone (not hands-free), I would bet more than half of the population is too stupid and irresponsible to pay $5 for a hands-free mic and ear piece. But, when they crash into the next guy, they'll blame the police for lack of enforcement.

I am 37 years old and do not have a single insurance claim (auto, home, health, etc.). I received my one and only speeding ticket at 17 on a monstrous downhill stretch of the New York Thruway of which I was guilty of not watching my speed. I am careful, law abiding and I always pulled over and stopped to speak on my cell phone prior to purchasing a bluetooth headset.

If my kids were in the car and I got pulled over, I would teach them a lesson by saying that I was not paying close enough attention to safely drive a car. To fight the police will set you up with a child like the skateboard boy who has been taught from day one to defy authority. The police told him not to skate in the bank parking lot. He then chose to hang out in said parking lot with skateboard in hand (and most likely under foot). Is it no surprise that his parents have recently foreclosed on their home?

[stupain]

I think the lack of uniform signage with regard to crosswalk is a great aurgement. Until NJ gets uniform on the issue of ped xing signs these tickets are bogus and should not be paid. I will be there in court ready to fight alongside you!

[mv07042]

Where does it say there NEEDS to be a sign at a crosswalk? The crosswalk is the sign to yield.

[Bubbles]

Ed is not saying that there shouldn't be monitoring at the crosswalks, or he doesn't care about the safety of pedestrians. His point is that they don't need 10-12 cops at this "trap." It's not as if Montclair is crime-free and the police have nothing else to do.

[Linda]

Ed,
I agree that our public employee pension system needs to be overhauled to reduce the crippling expenses on the taxpayers, but your initial solution was just to hire younger and cheaper workers. Next time go after the unions that demand the lucrative benefits for their members and the politicians who sign off instead of recommending the replacement of experienced older workers just trying to make a living. By the way, that practice is called age discrimination and it's illegal.