For more complete information please find further discussion attached:

http://thealternativepress.com/articles/accusations-of-impropriety-deceit-fly-during-sum
http://thealternativepress.com/articles/council-transparency-again-becomes-an-issue-at-su

Interesting that we hold the Council to a different standard than that of our elected state and national officials.

Having converstations amoungst ones own pedigree should not be a major revelation. In fact, it is how concensus is arrived at in most cases. You know... get "your side" on board on an issue and then tee it up with the opposition.

Read the biograpghies of our founders and witness how policy, law and decisions were shaped - like this.

Shine some sunshine on the smoke filled union backrooms as they deal with Trenton law makers.

The three lone council members and Mayor should try and broker a deal rather than obstruct one.

Its pretty sad when Summit politics have sunk to the level of its own "October surprise" approach to elections and campaigning.

I wish I had the type of free time Guy Haselmann has.

Time for a change, out with the old and in with new.

At the end of the day what was the purpose of resurrecting this accusation again. What was accomplished - except demonstrating how lucky we are that an individual is leaving council and how unlucky we are that another will simply not go way. Oh and by the way lets not forget that write-in campaign for the last honest man in Summit - Haselmann for Mayor - spelling counts.

Guy, Just because you write it does not make it so. Here is some research to support what I believe is a commonly held belief about Sunshine:
“Attempting to answer questions [about open public meeting rules] has been challenging, primarily because the sunshine law was drafted long before the advent of widespread use of Internet technology. Therefore, it is difficult to provide definitive answers.
Based upon [a layman’s] understanding of the sunshine law, we can assume that having a one way flow of information via e-mail is unlikely to create a violation of the OPMA. This electronic dissemination of information could be analogized to information packets sent to board members prior to the meeting. Using technology in such a way could be an effective mechanism for delivering up to date information. It would also seem to be appropriate for individual board members to e-mail requests for supplemental materials.”
Email distribution of information is not real time chat or instant messaging.
The Hasselmann leap to judgment is far from a certain fact. Laws and guidelines evolve all the time. What seems to be consistently true is that mean-spirited rhetoric and bashing thy neighbor is a preferred tactic of the minority view.

Mr Steelman, Your facts are not correct. See front page of NJ Law Journal from September 26th. "....deliberations via email of municipal action by a quorum of municipal officials about government business violates the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (commonly known as the Sunshine Law). We should have an answer soon. City Attorney Barry Osmun will be revealing his interpretation at the next council meeting.

Let me guess... Mr. Osmun is a Democrat too.

Again I ask what is the end game here? Are these people out to slap wrists or are they suggesting something nefarious is going on? Can't just possibly be well intentioned people trying to move forward with a solution to a town's documented parking problem.

AMDZ. Like I said before, this is an evolving standard. Will the lynching and beatings begin after the next meeting? Sorry, I’m a product of an inferior public education. Please help me with the definition of DELIBERATION. I’m trying to get my mind around the idea that my e-mails may qualify as a deliberation, especially those inspired by Cabernet.

It does appear that some members of our Common Council have violated at least the spirit of the OPMA. There was a recent case of similar behavior by the Council in Evesham, NJ. The County prosecutor in that case concluded there were likely violations of the OPMA but he declined to prosecute because he saw no intent to violate the law. Nevertheless, he encouraged the town to develop a policy that discourages policy discussions among council members via e-mail. Passing along information is one thing, but attempting to develop a Council consensus on a public issue is another matter entirely.. According to the law, discussions of matters before the governing body among more than a majority of council members should only take place in the context of public meetings.

The issue is clear. Council should be operationing in full public view, following proper procedures, while obeying Sunshine Laws. If there were any breeches, the denials should stop, an apology issued with a promise to improve going forward and let's move on. Ressummit, summitdude and Robert Steelman, you are too critical and nasty. And, why do you seem to support a less than fully transparent council? Max-M and Tom Ucko are the voices who make sense. M Yost may have the best option. It's time we just clean house and vote them all out. They may be fine volunteers and well-meaning, but enough with the fighting and embarassment to the city. Its time for a change. Too bad all their terms are not expiring. Thanks for your service - goodbye.

Thanks to Guy for taking the time. Its important because some of the players are running for office. We need to know where our potential mayor stands.

Likewise, even if Mike V. (in essence) said lets wait til after the election, doesn't everyone realize that Ellen Dickson did the same thing by voting no after she initially voted yes. Its so clear that she too wanted to wait until after the election so as not to put off potential voters. Please, at least that was transparent!

JC. You posted your comments to contribute an opinion so you are part of the fray. Your conclusion or question is wrong. I’d like to see far more transparency and far less hypocrisy. Council is not the first place to look for things the public should know about. Start by going to the public library, trot down to the reference desk and ask for the Council meeting file-back up documents. This is where you’ll find a wealth of information the public never sees about City administration matters. Then you may want to delve into the decision-making process of city officials, contract employees/firms, appointed boards and committees. Little sunshine is shed on this work. Do you really believe no discussions takes place amongst interested parties on important matters before they are presented to the public?
For the sake of City progress, good governance and fairness I object to political attacks on elected officials. That is not to say I won’t share my profound disappointment of the pathetically waffling mayor on the parking issue. Or share my astonishment that anyone can tolerate the uncivil behavior of Vernotico. Oh and for your comment about being nasty, it used to be a compliment when I was a young man, now it seems creepy.

Hi Guy, You are a nice neighbor with great taste in music, but we want our elected officials to be governing and not politicking from the dais. It is hard to watch good, honest volunteers get trashed repeatedly for nonsensical, legalistic baloney. Elected officials who cannot work with their colleagues are doing a disservice to Summit. The campaign theme is a new start-- "transparency." We get it, but don't for a minute believe any of the sinister undercurrent you suggest. Happy Campaigning.

This is election theatrics at its best, but I prefer "baloney." I have a J.D. by the way, so I understand full well when the "law" is being manipulated by a politician or his strategists. The absurdity of all of this is enough to make people who rarely comment-- very, very frustrated. Maybe this should all be investigated so that the City can spend whatever money it takes to find no wrong-doing.

Well said Kathleen.

Kathleen, Guy is a good neighbor to all of Summit, not just to you. You should be thanking him. I read Guy’s statement. He never uttered the word “sinister”. He seemed to prove that this council has not been fully transparent. Council business should be conducted in the public’s view: such is not unreasonable and ensures nothing improper can take place. I will surmise that the reason why these “well-intention volunteers” did not follow proper rules has nothing to do with anything "sinister", but rather the reason found in Ms. Portuondo’s statements. She suggested the “group of 5” did not “include” Mr. Murphy was because they already knew his stance; and they did not include Vernotico because, simply stated, they hate “the jerk”. Regardless, this is not a valid excuse to break the law. I have been a Summit resident for over 50 years. I have never seen such an angry divisive group on council. Fighting among council members has to stop. Disagreements need to remain polite and professional. I blame Mr. Bomgaars, not Guy. I am embarrassed to admit that I voted for him. I will not make that mistake again. Since Mr. Hurley would only bring more hostility to this council, I will not be voting for him. For me, they all need to go. I say again, “thanks for your service- goodbye”.

Kathleen, if Mr. Osmun reports that he believes the Sunshine Law was breeched, then you need to mend your neighbor’s fence and offer Guy an apology.

Even good neighbors have a right to disagree. I thank Ellen Dickson for getting rid of the rooming house on Springfield Ave. (the one where people were shooting guns right next to my house on the corner of Hobart Ave.) and helping my neighborhood fight the Infiniti eyesore. I'm sure most of my neighbors appreciate what Ellen has done to preserve our neighborhood. So yes, I will speak up when I watch Mrs. Dickson be accused of wrongdoing strategically right before the election even though there's no substance or support for Mike Vernotico. So, this is all about splitting the vote and electing Mrs. Ludden. Brilliant.

Don't pooh pooh the write-in campaign fot the last honest man in Summit - Haselmann for Mayor - and spelling counts.

i am also a long time summit resident and have to admit i never really paid attention to local politics (if I'm being honest never really cared)...busy schedule etc...probably a lot of people in my camp. I just went on the assumption that these elected "volunteers" would do their best in an effective and efficient manner since most have day jobs and families to deal with. this latest mess (in a series of recent messes) clearly indicates that we need to overhaul our council. since it doesn't look like we will see anyone resign, as a community we need to do it through the electoral process. It's time to get fresh minds to discuss and help solve our problems effectively and efficiently. I welcome back the days when I didn't need to pay attention to local politics and could just assume good intentioned volunteers steer our town in the right direction. summit is not Washington DC. there is some saying that goes something like...individuals are generally rational beings but when put in a group can make very poor, irrational decisions. Its time to end this circus and this clown act. I will now make an effort to get to know new faces to summit politics like rubino and ludden.

Oh my, Kathleen. Now I see. Your comments are politically motivated. You are pro-Dickson, anti-Vernotico because your husband is Chairman of the Planning Board. I have no such ulterior motives. For me, City Hall can be more productive if we get rid of this entire group ---- but without replacing them with more angry types like Mr. Hurley. I do not know Mrs. Ludden personally, but I will be sure to meet her before the election, because anyone is better than the group we now have.

I’ll risk pulling on Superman’s cape. Guy hardly deserves super- hero treatment. I see a political hack with a ream of e-mails trying to ream some of your dedicated elected officials. So what does the public want to see happen? Do you need a fine-grained legal analysis to help you reach the conclusion that perhaps best practices and perfection was not achieved, but no wrong-doing and intent was present? Have you not been down this road before? It sure is politically convenient to forget the true source of the rancor. The parking debate has become the mule saddled with partisan political baggage. Too bad.

Good luck with the anonymous comments. You seem to know me, and should know that my husband speaks for himself, as do I. Please read his opinion letter that should be posted on the patch soon!

Guy and I are both members of the Summit Elk Lodge. I have come to know him through working with various Elk charity programs that help serve youths, veterans and special needs kids. Recently, the Elk’s deservedly honored Guy with the “Elk of the Year” award. Guy is friendly, honest, and “well-intentioned”. I am sure that it is the attacks on Guy that are politically motivated, not Guy’s actions

400 pages -- one email from a Councilman to a committee. If he had sent three seperate identical emails, would we be having this discussion; or if he had sent it to the Committee, but left one out, what would the outcry be then? Secondly, OPRA prohibits "discussion"; not communication. As none of the emails were answered, there was no discussion. We call it "silly season" for a reason.

Last honest man in Summit and Elk of the Year - this is a once in a lifetime opportunity - Haselmann for Mayor - spelling counts.

Folks, this definitely appears to be an October surprise sandbag operation by the Democrats. My congratulations for a successful operation and taking local politics to a new (and lower) level. The Dems seem to be much more organized this year and this proves it. You don't come up with this stuff over night. Well played.

It really is unfortunate that so many of you have to drag politics into what is really a good government issue. I have no idea what Mr. Hasselman's motivation is, but whatever his motivation the issues he raises are legitimate. Speaking for myself, my motivations are totally non-political as you would realize if you saw the lawn signs I have. One can disagree with some actions or stances of someone running for office and still support their election.

Councilwoman Portuondo showed her mettle during the Tom Getzendanner "lets backdate the bills" fiasco by first promising to spearhead an investigation and subsequently waffling when it came to the follow through. When first elected she showed early flashes of independent reasoning. Now she's joined with the party line run council which chooses to force their agendas down the throat of the Summit taxpayer taxpayer time and again. As to her competence? Google her name.

In my work I get an opportunity to tell newcomers about Summit. I tell them it’s a great place to live, to work and to visit. That said, it is also a place that needs good people to step up and participate to keep the City moving forward. That takes mettle. Google up LuvSummit and you get nothing but a voice from the shadows-self-righteous sounding and meaningless. And for Jane “Doe’s” comment: First congratulations on your membership and choice or organizations. Yet a Google search indicates that membership inclusion of African-Americans was not possible until around 1970 and women until around 1995. Should these legacy issues taint good work?

"self-righteous sounding and meaningless", eh....Mr. Steelman. That means your immaturity can't handle other people's opinions. Go write a book! You'll make a fortune. They pay by the word.

Dear Luv. So we’re going for comic relief, eh. How about a book like Self-Help for the Self-Righteous? Thanks for the straight line.

SUMMIT, NJ - The city solicitor has issued an opinion that four members of the Summit Common Council did violate the Open Public Meetings Act by conferring via e-mail about an upcoming vote; three other members of council, including the mayor, were not included on the e-mail.

For the entire story see the following link:

http://thealternativepress.com/articles/city-solicitor-summit-common-council-violated-su

City Solicitor: Summit Common Council Violated Sunshine Law:

http://thealternativepress.com/articles/city-solicitor-summit-common-council-violated-su

This is the danger of local politics. It only takes a few extremist to corrupt due process and distort reality. Keep this in mind. US, NJ, City. You have an opinion not a judgment or verdict. I suggest you read the whole opinion. Is there no concern for the constitutional guarantee of rights? Let’s teach the kids when it is OK to look past the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

ah yes, due process. constitutional rights. read the whole opinion. waa!! wait, a computer is technically not telecommunication equipment...the opinion is wrong! waa!! let's pay someone top dollar to conduct a formal investigation. more waste. what happened to common sense. and dickson wants to be mayor? waa!! the circus is in town and the clowns are running around...listen up fellow citizens, we are being clowned..this is going to cost us...how much will this council spend to investigate something we know the answer to...waa!!

OK, so known partisan Guy Haselmann spends a few months combing through 400 documents, then decides two weeks before the election that ONE email from goofy Getz meets what he is looking for. None of the email recipients replied... what is the news here? Where is all this rank corruption?

LuvSummit. The way it works is that I’m an independent contractor with clients. I take those clients to a company and provide a service.These are business relationships. My clients can read. Your approach was not unexpected. I own my comments, the Patch platform allows anyone to click on my name and read them. Their rhythm is two thirds something to say and one third burr under the saddle to boost page views. By “far out there” I assume you refer to the provocative stuff and ignore anything else. In summary here is what I have to say: Permitting the mistreatment of your volunteers creates a brain drain. Good people stay away and weakened policy boards accomplish little or may create trouble. Business interests have been convenient objects of attack because as non-voters their needs could be safely ignored. Better to tap into taxpayer-citizen energy which includes both residents and business owners. It’s time to identify the impediments and not to be cowed into accepting less than progress.

Robert: Well, if I were one of your commercial customers at "Cronheim Commercial Real Estate" ( a little plug, there) I'd start looking for a new agent. One that doesn't spend all his time writing verbose posts on the Summit Patch.

summitdude, I love when you call others partisan. Its not like there are other dudes (ahem...), who come out to defend all things republican, ellen, and dickson on this site. The bottom line is that an agreement was struck among the 5 (dickson included). Once they got Getz on board they moved to a vote vs the scheduled discussion. If its not illegal its shady at best and doesn't smell right especially since it fell along party lines. Since we won't see anyone resign its time to vote in new faces with fresh ideas, different perspectives, and some common sense and better judgement.
As for Guy, good for him. Its never fun to have to go through that much paperwork either in discovery or an RFI

LuvSummit. I quick review of your posts show you to be one of Summit’s more unbalanced residents. Your cheap shots at Summit’s most dedicated people clearly makes you a card carrying member of the town’s malcontent club. Do you have urgings to knock on people’s door and run away or to egg their house, too? I lived in the South; people like you were the ones wearing hoods.

...his name was robert steelman...his name was robert steelman...

That's great that Tom Ucko is voting for Andy Smith. Let's hope the rest of Summit does so as well.