Sun, 03/22/2009 - 10:37am - Posted by: Anonymous

Michael Donohue should not be the prosecutor in a township where his brother is Chief of Police. Also, I have personal knowledge of improprieties that have occurred in his court. More later........

Wed, 01/14/2009 - 6:36pm - Posted by: Anonymous

At least Solicitor P.B under stood Municipal Laws. The only thing A.M. knows is how to bilk the Township out of a lot of money with his fees. BIG MISTAKE. This is not the only mistake Beck has made with his new appointee's. He is running things like Larry Starner did and this was a total disaster. Sad thing is Walt Craig was blamed for all the mess left by Starner and Beck.

Mon, 01/12/2009 - 7:11am - Posted by: Anonymous

Way to go Mayor and Council. I'm already impressed.
Good job replacing R & V engineering. We can't go back and fix the pay to play and other problems we had that Cape May and Wildwood are also having with this engineering firm but at least you stopped it from continuing in Lower Twp. I commend your integrity for not allowing this to continue.
Replacing PB as solicitor was another really good move. Too bad we will still have to pay to defend the township from the countersuit from PB losing the township suits for the debacle of Bennetts Crossing. That's going to cost the township a bundle.

Sun, 01/11/2009 - 1:38pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Isn't MV I(Margaret Viitelli) the one in City Hall who had the fire alarms and all disconnected? Wasn't that illegal and didn't she put the the employees and Town Hall in jeopardy through her illegal and negligent actions? Isn't she the one that keeps screaming that she's a whistle blower...after all these things happened? Isn't she just a disgruntled employee because she didn't get the BIG pay raise she was demanding? Now it all makes sense.

Sun, 01/11/2009 - 10:07am - Posted by: Anonymous

12:43AM and don't forget MV's poor husband who wasn't gettin any...guess he'll get it now and then some!

Sun, 01/11/2009 - 5:31am - Posted by: Anonymous

The prosecutor, solicitor, engineering firm, township manager, public defender and many other positions are not hired township employees. They are contracted services and political appointments. All commissioners and committee members are also appointments. Beck and Lare are doing what every other elected official does, even what our previous officials had done; surround themselves with people who they feel will do a better job working with them and for the township. No big conspiracy there, just routine reorganization that happens with every new Mayoral election.

In this economy, we can't afford the township to be run "as business as usual." We need strong leadership to get us through these very bad times. Fortunately for us; we were smart enough to elect two people who can provide that leadership. Most of the township residents are happy with our new Mayor and Deputy Mayor; after all we elected them over the other choices and we understand the need to make some changes.

Sun, 01/11/2009 - 5:25am - Posted by: Anonymous

So what you are saying is Mike Beck is no better than the previous regime. Handing out pay raises not even one week after taking office! What about the comment made about the MUA and Beck stating "we the people" would be paying as much as he did, even though is could be done for less? Come on Herald you are a fine upstanding newspaper that gives us the news, dont you have any investigative reporters to get to the bottom of these accusations? Who didnt know that there would be a lawsuit filed by this township employee, when you get caught doing something, its always sue the one who caught you! it takes the attention away from what you did. Help Wanted an unbiased investigative reporter for the Cape May County Herald

Sun, 01/11/2009 - 1:43am - Posted by: Anonymous

MV has been doing the same job, three separate titles, all approved by council,
but the only difference is she has not been compensated for any of them.
Maybe because Joe Jackson, Bob Nolan, Walt Craig, DP and Remington Vernick were all so busy trying to fire her because she kept blowing the whistle on all the illegal activity they were attempting. There is a lawsuit against JJ,BN,WC,DP and R&V that will end up costing the Township, for the personal attacks against MV including withholding compensation. While Joe Jackson handed out 6 pay raises to his "buddies/snitches" that weren't even budgeted for, no certifications or extra responsibilities were required
just pay back for their integrity for back stabbing. But BN removed,out of a 26 million dollar budget, one 6K pay raise from last years budget guess who...MV. But it's nothing personal.

Cape May City has fired and subsequently filed a lawsuit against R&V and removed
their manager according the AC Press it had something to do with R&V, I see a connection. R&V has too much political influence and have abused that power to further their own interests. Providing Nolan and Jackson with luxury box seat tickets to the Eagles game courtesy of R&V. There is pay to play laws being violated, and I'm sure those "gifts" among others will be investigated. I'm sure they will be getting a knock on their door soon.

No one had a problem when the construction official took his position and went from 30K to 60K, or the tax collector from 40K to 70K, it is nothing other than a personal vendetta against MV.

Sat, 01/10/2009 - 7:49pm - Posted by: Anonymous

6:28 who cares who the prosecutor is when they get rid of all the cops who will be left to prosecute? I hope the herald continues doing a good job covering the police dept so we can see how this is affecting us. They are going to get someone killed when they have no backup!

Sat, 01/10/2009 - 7:28pm - Posted by: Anonymous

NEW DIRECTION.....YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING...let's see....Beck and Lare get rid of a Prosecutor tough on crime...I guess the new direction is SOFT ON CRIME...$15,000. pay raises to their buddies....guess they'll try and buy the rest of the Twp Employees...the ones that are left that is cause I hear they're looking at privatizing trash collection!!!! LAPTOPS FOR MEMBERS OF COUNCIL...guess private cars are next.

Sat, 01/10/2009 - 6:12pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Congratulations Mike and Kevin. We are looking forward to your taking Lower Township in a better direction. Please disregard the employee naysayers on here. We are.

Sat, 01/10/2009 - 2:43pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Maybe with that extra 15K MV can get her hubby a lifetime supply of Vitamin V for that problem they mentioned in the lawsuit.

Sat, 01/10/2009 - 1:38pm - Posted by: Anonymous

TRUTH BE TOLD....MV got the raise for being one of Beck's snitches in Town Hall and for being as disruptive as possible in Town Hall!!!!. Hmmm... Mr Beck are you going to reverse the Council pay raises that you were so VEHEMENTLY against! You're the MAYOR now, lets not be a hypocrite. We're looking for action...not empty promises and so far all we're seeing are broken campaign promises.

Sat, 01/10/2009 - 12:41pm - Posted by: Anonymous

I was curious as to why MV got the 15 thousands dollar raise too. That little clique over in Town Hall really do take care of themselves. How can Lauren Reed look at herself in the mirror knowing that Col Crip and Marg Vit make as much as they do. Keep up the good work Mr. Beck.

Sat, 01/10/2009 - 12:25pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Looks like the transparency in Mike Beck is showing through. BIG PAY RAISES FOR HIS BUDDIES IN TOWN HALL, Monzo back, who is said to have contributed quite handsomely to his campaign!!!!!!, so much for not taking $ from potential employees, at odds with our Police Dept less than a week in office......WE'LL ALL BE WATCHING YOU BECK....YOU CAN BET ON THAT1

Sat, 01/10/2009 - 6:33am - Posted by: Anonymous

I certainly don't mind if an administration does a clean sweep...if it's a clean sweep. Mike Donahue was a great Prosecutor for the Twp, but hopefuly Mrs Bittner will be as good or better. She better be better as she is getting paid more than Mike was. Don't mind replacing Baldini either. But they could have gotten better than Mr Monzo. Monzo sucked over 200k from the twp just dealing with PBA contract issues last time he was in. That was just the PBA contract, so probably add a very nice price to that to include the other twp unions. It cost the twp more to pay his fees than it did to pay the retro money to the employees. I guess he needed all that money for that huge house he built, which he shafted alot of contractors on. That's the only big change Mr Beck made that I think he was an idiot for doing.
As Mr Beck does talk about tight budgeting, downsizing, trying to save the township money...why is it that a clerk in twp hall, got a title change, but no additional duties. She is doing the very same job she had been doing. The difference now is the title change gave her a $15000 raise!!! Is this Mr Beck's way of saying the township is actually doing much better than he's telling us????
Mr Beck, you talk about saving us money, but yet your actions are painting a different picture. You don't have the surplus to draw from like you and Mr Starner had years ago. Remember, you guys whittled that down over the years as you held that no tax increase line.

Fri, 01/09/2009 - 8:26pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Tony Monzo Ha someone should look into his personal life. unless maybe Beck and Lare are looking for someone that does not pay his finacial obligations to contractors who worked on his house.

Fri, 01/09/2009 - 4:16pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Well you can't please all. We all know this. Let's just let it all play out and then we can start the (I told you so's). Fair enough?

Fri, 01/09/2009 - 1:19pm - Posted by: Anonymous

TO: Fri, 01/09/2009 - 11:22am

I do like the public defender change. Chris Gibson is great choice

He has been the PD for a few years now. The only problem with this pick is he is hardly ever there. He has his underlings doing his job.

Fri, 01/09/2009 - 12:42pm - Posted by: Anonymous

To 9:12pm....Thank you for the spelling lesson. I spelled the word "political" correctly 2 out of 3 times in the same article. Ever hear of a typo? Get a life.

Fri, 01/09/2009 - 12:22pm - Posted by: Anonymous

I do like the public defender change. Chris Gibson is great choice.

Fri, 01/09/2009 - 12:13pm - Posted by: Anonymous

I guess a clean sweep sort of makes sense. Sweep all out that the old crew that you hated had in place. I guess I would not want most of them there either. I'd probably bring in my own as well. I find it a little different with the pros. though and I can't help it. I just believe that old saying, "If it ain't broken then don't fix it". I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. Anyway, I'm done with this. Good luck to the new prosecutor.

Fri, 01/09/2009 - 11:49am - Posted by: Anonymous

So if we had a Mayor who save us a bunch of tax money and did an amazing job you would be ok if he/she was voted out after four years? No! You would be confused and a bit bothered by it. It would not make sense right!?

Fri, 01/09/2009 - 11:41am - Posted by: Anonymous

I do have an issue with people who think they know more then a group from the state who specialize in our courts. Simple as that! Does council know more then these guys? It has never been a problem in our courts and that's why the state passed us with flying colors and no recommendations to make anything better. Don't you think that if there were any complaints about the pros. being the chiefs brother then the state would have said something? Absolutely! If it was a big issue it would have been dealt accordingly! Simply put...it was not an issue and all was running smooth. Truth be told...Mike was great but I could care less who's in there! I just hope they are at least as good or better.

Fri, 01/09/2009 - 11:33am - Posted by: Anonymous

Save it WW!!! We don't expect you to agree with anything anyone says except your boyfriend Mike. According to you his word is gold! He is the Messiah! I wonder...do you wash his feet?

Fri, 01/09/2009 - 10:32am - Posted by: Anonymous

The Judge did not want the Municipal Prosecutor in Lower Township replaced,
the Court Clerk Staff did not want him replaced,and the State of New Jersey just
reported that he was doing a Great Job!

So much for..... "CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT AND OPEN GOVERMENT".

Fri, 01/09/2009 - 4:44am - Posted by: Anonymous

Obviously you are either related to or are a police officer, but I do not believe that this had anything to do with the Chief. Why aren't you complaining about the Paul Baldini, the attorney, or Remington Vernick the engineer? It wasn't just Mike D. It seems to me that the new mayor wanted to do a clean sweep including the manager. So again, it wasn't just Mike D.

Fri, 01/09/2009 - 3:46am - Posted by: Anonymous

You seem to have an issue with the Chiefs brother, the former prosecutor being replaced. Why's that? With all the other replacements..the engineer, the public defender, the soliticitor and so forth...you single out the prosecutor to cry foul.
Your doing this just proves the point that the "family connection" between the chief and the prosecutor may have been problematic, if not in reality then in public perception. I had no previous strong feelings one way or the other; but now I realize it really was a very good idea to replace the prosecutor with a non connected prosecutor.

Fri, 01/09/2009 - 1:10am - Posted by: Anonymous

To 8:27: I believe it was the rest of council who did indeed pick the new pros. only because Beck wanted McPherson and Monzo back in. Beck wanted someone else as pros. but he let the rest of council make the call as long as he could bring back McPherson and Monzo. This is why I wrote Beck and council in my post. Either way...Beck wanted Mike D out and my only question is why? Why if a man is doing such a good job that the state can't even find any negatives, does this new council kick him to the curb? It does not make sense! Only one reason and it is very clear! The reason why it went down that way is also obvious. Beck wanted it to look like he had nothing to do with it. Smart move but lets be real, he had someone else picked even if council didn't pick who they did.

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 10:12pm - Posted by: Anonymous

to the 7:29 PM Poster...here's a lesson in spelling...P-O-L-I-T-I-C-A-L--POLITICAL

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 9:38pm - Posted by: Anonymous

They got rid of the engineer just in time, they got thrown out of Cape May and the prosecutors office is investigating. I guess they can't grease the new guys pockets.

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 9:27pm - Posted by: Anonymous

to 7:57 PM post---I agree Donohue was a top shelf Prosecutor, but why are you barking at Beck....I hear it was actually Douglass who went and interviewed the new Prosecutor....sounds and looks like he was the moving party here and not Beck! Lets assess BLAME where it belongs and chalk this one up to *** Douglass!

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 9:26pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Did a cop loose his job for assaulting a woman? Or are these more unfounded rumors.

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 8:57pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Mike Donahue was great and I'm sorry to see him go. The state gave our courts great approval across the boards and the only reason Mike is gone is because he is the chiefs brother! Simple as that!!! Everyone knows it!!!! If the state can't recommend any changes, why does Beck and council think they should fix something that is not broken? Again...because Beck hates the police and the chief!!! I hope the new prosecutor really does well. She has big shoes to fill.

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 8:29pm - Posted by: Anonymous

To 9:15....here's a quick lesson in Polical Science 101...... political appointments are only good for as long as the party who appointed you are in power UNLESS they choose to keep you, which rarely happens. Since the city prosecutor position is a POLITICAL APPOINTMENT Michael Donohue had no expectation of staying on in that position, a position I might point out, raised the issue of nepotism. And, just out of curiousity....how loud would you scream if your son/daughter came up on charges handed down by the prosecutor whose brother was the Chief? Think about that.

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 6:09pm - Posted by: Anonymous

WW can lie till hell freezes over, most of the people in this Township know that the Starner Admin. of which Beck was part of, set the stage for the financial problems that we currently have. This Township is going to be racked w/crime under the Beck Admin. Opps...I FORGOT WW suit up and make sure justice prevails!

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 3:54pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 11:09am the difference is we will be down to a "reactive" police force instead of the "proactive" force me now enjoy.

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 12:09pm - Posted by: Anonymous

It doesn't matter what happens. Let it play out. If cuts are made, the police are still going to do what they have to to do their job as best as they can even if their short on patrol and need to pull the officers out of the schools and put them on patrol. I know people would not like that but hey...if we need officers on the street then I stand behind the chief to do what he needs to do to keep Lower Safe as possible.

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 8:34am - Posted by: Anonymous

Hey, potty mouth 7:27. No one said anything about closing fire companies...EXCEPT YOU.

YES, COPS DO GET LAID OFF....START READING THE PAPER.

Stop trying to stir the pot........no one is buying your save my job baloney. Are you willing to give up your salary and benefits like you expect council to do??? How about your retro pay and new raises.......would you give them up to save your job???

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 6:46am - Posted by: Anonymous

We are in deep financial trouble, courtesy of the previous administration. They gave us the largest tax hikes in history and it wasn't enough to cover the spending.

When Beck and Lare campaigned, they promised to downsize the overall number of township employees through attrition. Maybe they could ask all the township employees to roll back their salaries? If they don't agree to save their jobs, then positions should be cut. This is happening everywhere. Unions are renegotiating and giving back salary and benefits to save jobs. Many towns are cutting employee positions, even in the police departments. Just read the paper or watch the news and you see it is happening everywhere. We are no different. I trust our elected officials to make decisions in the best interest of the people who elected them, the taxpayers.

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 12:22am - Posted by: Anonymous

Hey 4:42...or should I say Wonder Woman (AKA JP), no scare tactics here just something that I truly heard. I know you don't like it but it is something that perhaps someone should look into. You are the Pres. of the LTTA, go save us some tax money! Maybe your boyfriend isn't so perfect?

Wed, 01/07/2009 - 8:27pm - Posted by: Anonymous

If he thinks he needs to take our police officers from us and jeopardize the health and safety of the township to save money then BECK and LARE should forfeit there salaries and benefits.

Will you do that you two?

YOU DON't LAY OFF COPS and YOU DON't CLOSE FIRE HOUSES. WHAT THE *** IS THE MATTER WITH YOU????????

I hope the Herald hangs your *** the 1st time someone is killed or injured because of your laysoffs!

Wed, 01/07/2009 - 8:18pm - Posted by: Anonymous

If the layoffs happen then so be it. If the police are short a few guys then they should just stop doing some of the services not required. Vehicle lock outs, private and commercial property checks, etc. Don't answer to animal complaints, that's Don's job I think. With changes in man power comes changes in service. It's a give and take and it will be interesting to say the least.

Wed, 01/07/2009 - 8:08pm - Posted by: Anonymous

A woman beater who the chief of police at the time did not want to hire. You know who pushed to get him in......drum roll please....Mike Beck and Kathy Mcpherson. This officer had a history prior to him being hired and they hired him anyway.

Wed, 01/07/2009 - 6:55pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Mike Beck are you going to tell the people of Lower Township how you "are" lowering the # police officers, how you plan to reduce the amount of officers by up to five or more. Mike Beck do you really understand the amount of crime there is in Lower Township, or better yet the amount of crime that is kept out of our town due to the efforts of the police department. Lowering the # of officers "may" save acouple of dollars, but is the sacrifice worth it? When the people of Lower really get there cars broken into, there houses broken into, drugs become out of control, will it still be worth the few dollars you saved. Or is it more about controling the police department.
Mike Beck I would like to know what you feel the current drug problem is in the township, do you know if there are home-invasions in our town, do you think there are any "gangmembers" living in our town, do you know how many houses are broken into weekly or monthly, how many kids have there bikes taken during the week, how about the amount of domestics that are handled. Maybe the residents of Lower Township want to keep a police department which has the manpower to handle any and all problems that may arise.

Wed, 01/07/2009 - 6:29pm - Posted by: Anonymous

We just voted out a Mayor and Deputy Mayor who were best buds with the police department. Good for the police bad for the people. Our taxes went through the roof. Now we have a Mayor that is good for the people. Our taxes will stabilize.
If some of the police have an issue with our Mayor, I suggest they get over it and quickly....or quit and go work in some other town.

Wed, 01/07/2009 - 6:00pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Good Luck Lower Township! Kevin Lare was once a part of the governing body in West Cape May. He ran for re-election and and ended up 5th out of 6. Not long after, he sold his home and moved out of town. Lucky you- you will now have the same opportunity that the voters in West Cape May- ONE TERM AND OUT.

Wed, 01/07/2009 - 5:42pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Not to worry 2:54pm. The people elected Mayor Beck knowing the police didn't want him to be Mayor. Does that tell you something? We're good with whatever he feels he needs to do. If you want to make it a contest between you and the Mayor with your scare tactics and rumor mill; you are going to lose.

Yeah you better start to straighten out or you could be looking for a new job just like the woman beater that just said bye bye to his job.
Fortunately we have a bunch of good police; it's just you few losers that need to be weeded out. I hope the good cops realize how much damage you few are doing to the image of the entire department.

Wed, 01/07/2009 - 3:54pm - Posted by: Anonymous

You are right 12:53. I have a feeling that it will get ugly in LT! I can't believe that Beck can be so childish and vindictive! AS mayor, he is the face of this town now. If the police dept. and the mayor/council can't get along, then he looks bad because he is not fixing it. As a result, we will continue to be the laughing stock of Cape May County! Well, I heard a bombshell the other day from an MUA worker. Not sure if it's true but you be the judge. I was told that the new guy in charge at the MUA was concerned about the complaints of the mandatory hookups costing too much so he met with Beck and set the price at $1,000.00 in which payments could be made. Allegedly Mike Beck said that he had to pay $1,600.00 so that's as low as he would go! What!!!! If...and I say IF this is true, that would be a disgrace to his whole platform. I hope it's not but I believe it. Pray for us Middle, Cape May, West Cape May, the Wildwoods, and Ocean City.....we need all the help we can get.

Wed, 01/07/2009 - 1:53pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Maybe you guys should stop the proactive policing in Lower and just start answering calls like they do in other towns. Then you can fill your motels with drug infested maggots and your section 8 rental properties can start coming back then you can just relax and have some coffee while you wait for the service calls, take your time getting there because you will have no backing of the Mayor and Council and mull around making it look good writing thisngs down. Then do a little paperwork here and there and go home safe and sound because you know you didn't have to give it your all anymore because that is obviously what the people want in Lower Twp. They made their statement with who they voted into office. If they really cared about you they wouldv'e taken the hint during election time and made sure they went a different direction.