EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW: Next weekend, on February 18, the Fire Department will once again hold the elections for Fire Commissioners, and for the budget. Two of the five seats for Fire Commissioner will be up for re-election this year. Up for re-election, are Vince Lobello and Juan Ortiz.
A hopeful for one of those seats, is Attorney Larry Loigman.
Loigman, a renowned Attorney, hopes to bring transparency within the department by cutting the proposed operating budgets by using surplus funds which documents show the department possesses.
Loigman also has plans to make the department more friendly and welcoming for new applicants, while bringing forth more incentives to the current volunteer firefighters.
According to documents obtained, the 2009 proposed operating expenses were $2,894,189. The actual expenses, documents show, were $2,284,600.
In 2010, the proposed operating expenses were $3,015,000, while the actual expenses were $2,392,849.
In 2011, the proposed operating expenses were $3,142,000. Actual expenses are not yet available for 2011.
This year’s proposed operating expenses are $3,256,536.
Documents show that the department has ‘millions’ stashed in the bank, while a typical department of this size should between $300,000-$400,000 in surplus funds.
Loigman sat down with the Lakewood Shopper and TLS for an exclusive interview, and was presented with the following questions:
1) Is it necessary to have a Board of Fire Commissioners?
2) What can be done to strengthen the volunteer component of the Fire Department?
3) The Jewish community is well-represented in the emergency medicine field, including Hatzolah and the Lakewood First Aid Squad. What can be done to increase participation in the Fire Department?
4) How can the Fire Department be organized in a more efficient manner?
5) Why is this election important to Lakewood residents?
6) Does the election have to be conducted on Shabbos?
7) What are the challenges facing the Fire Department?
if every one had to pay taxes we would not be in this shape
I will vote Larry Loigman and Juan Ortiz and of course no to the budget!!
If we can lower the budget by cutting surplus let’s do it! It will save a lot more than EMS last year and no employees will get hurt! I am very for this budget cut!
they have a surplus so they can buy new as needed not bond them,
I hope the board of fire commissioners don’t go back to the old practice of bonding future purchases. Years ago the township committee would buy fire equipment with a useful life of 10 to 15 years and pay for it with a bond floated for 20 to 30 years. The equipment would be disposed of and the tax payers were still paying the bond off years later. A small amount of money put away each year for the larger projects is the best way to go.
Really, Larry?
In the 40 some years I’ve been an unpaid volunteer NO one has ever been turned away unless they have had some sort of criminal record or been so inept that they couldn’t pass state fire school. We’re still waiting for the 200 volunteers from the frum community. that were promised this time last year. As far as the narrow street and the cookie cutter construction look to your inspection and building departments, the bus accident described on this sight is a perfect example.
We formed the fire district when the town refused to supply in a timely manner equipment either worn out or mandated by the state and and also due to the fact that the township would bond equipment and would be paying for it long after it was worn out further costing the taxpayers additional monies.
Think the commissioners like building and maintaining all those firehouses? The insurance underwriters who determine what your fire insurance rates are tells us how many fire houses the township must have and recommends their location. The unchecked building going on on every open space in town is going to insure another one in the foreseeable future.
What really amazes me is that people are complaining over a budget that costs them less in taxes a year than their monthly cell phone bill yet say nothing over the bloated school budget. Both were defeated last year and the township committee cut over $600,000.00 from the fire department but only $100,000.00 from the board of education.
Tell me, Mr. Loigman, How many years of free service have you dedicated to this town as compared to the other candidates? What fire related experience do you have to draw on to know what both serves the needs of the department and of the town ?
Don’t start up with the fire dept! Everyone cries for budget cuts, and then what happens when there is a need for a new truck, or something else. None of us reg. tax payers know what is truly needed for the dept to run smoothly. If you go and change the current status, its gonna cost us, NOT save us in the long run!
Obviously it’s the one public position not controlled. Makes sense since voting is on Saturday.
Does Larry Loigman have any fire experience ? I believe all the current commissioners served as volunteer fireman for many years. How can a person make intelligent choses on important fire related topics If they have no idea how the fire service works.
Are you kidding me? Incentives from the township to join the volunteer Fire Dept!! You mean spend more money on the left while cutting more money on the right?!? Sounds like the same old political squabble! The Fire Dept. Needs to make residents safety paramount?? WHAT? What are they there for if not to protect the residents during an emergency? How about STOP building houses so close together and making streets more narrow! Good Idea? Didn’t the Commissioners warn the TOWN of their concern with this type of building? YES!!! No one has been turned away from fire companies because of too many constraints put on them by LFD! You don’t just walk in the door and get to say “I am firefighter”!! There is a lot of training involved…..training that never stops!!
You can not compare a First Aid Squad to a Fire Department, they are 2 completly different agencies and operate totally different from one another. The First Aid Squad has their own internal problems with membership, leadership and most importantly finances and the Fire Dept has their own problems.
Why does everyone want to keep looking into the finances of the Fire Dept., how about we start looking into the First Aid Squad finances and see how poorly they spend and have spent the tax payers money that has been donated over the years.
Yes, the board of fire commissioners is important this is a board made up of firefighters all of whom have more than 20 years experience within the fire service that have done a great job bringing and keeping the Fire Dept. status where it is today.
To strengthen any volunteer service the economy has to get better, these volunteers don’t have the amount of free time to devote anymore due to the hard financial burden that has fallen on everyone causing them to work multiple jobs and longer hours. The solution to this problem is going towards career departments, this ensures that we are being protected at all times.
The main challenge facing the fire department and every agency in Lakewood is the explosive growth of the town, it doesn’t seem like its going to slow down anytime soon.
why traffic was snarled at the bus accident in Westgate as reported on here earlier, the fire department allowed the narrow roads that you can’t drive down because people park on both sides of the steet allowing one lane, sometimes. And they allowed the narrow roads with dead ends in the other developments.
And I thought it was the PLANNING AND ZONING boards that approved these developments. Thanks Mr. Logman for the insight. Oh, I voted already absentee.
Mr Loigman, I think you should join the fire department and see what they do, and walk a mile in their boots before you even begin to think about trying to step up and run the fire department.
To #4 there is no budget cuts all that should be cut is the surplus and we have millions in the bank in case of emergency !
why is the fire commissioners secretary getting paid over (moderated). higher than the township manager?
Fire budget is about 3 million but the first aid budget is only about 50k. DO YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE? how is the first aid wasting money?
The problem is that the fire dept is playing games!!!
thank you Anon. i am in complete agreement with you. when voting for the fire dept one must look at the entire picture and not just pick on the budget. our volunteers are led by responsible and knowledgeable fire fighters who try to keep the fire fighters as well as the community safe. the commissioners too wish to keep taxes down since they themselves own at least one property if not multiple properties within lakewood township. please to our entire community, look at the entire picture ask any jewish fire fighter in town and they would be more than happy to explain in detail what their take is on the commissioners’ seats. maybe speak to them and see who they wish to be led by and why. answers are right in front of you, so if you really care about your community and the jewish fire fighters who try to be a shliach to keep you all safe than reassess and vote for our current commissioners.
thank you
fire fighter wife
#8 – The Planning and Zoning Boards ARE the ones who approve the narrow streets and ALLOW the parking on Both sides of these narrow streets!! When the Ocean County Fire Marshalls and the Board of Fire Commissioners is asked for input, It is always stated that THIS IS UNSAFE and may lead to delayed Arrival by FD apparatus. Because they cannot get access to these areas!!! Safety is Paramount to the FD for the whole town! Planning & Zoning put all of our lives in Jeopardy everytime they make a decision like this. That is a Bold Face Lie!
Mr. Loigman,
You should sit down with the 7 frum firefighters and find out directly from them how they feel about being in the fire service… How they were welcomed by the department and its members, how the Chief personally showed up by their graduations, how other members are being sensitive and understanding of religious issues when in comes to fires on Shabbos. There were no obstacles preventing them from joining. The requirements are state mandated for all departments, NOT LAKEWOOD ONLY!!! If you truly knew anything about the fire service, you would know that. So check your facts first, before speaking. Firefighters are held to a higher standard, LETS KEEP IT THAT WAY!!!
I would like an elaboration on the obstacles Mr. Loigman speaks of? What could these obstacles possible be? You have to be trained properly and certified by the state, is that the obstacle? You must pass a background check, medical exam and drug test is that an obstacle he wants to do away with? Would you like criminals, drug addicts or people who are not physically up to this difficult job coming to “help” you? What other equipment would he like us to receive? We are issued all of the personal equipment we need, gloves, boots, helmet, turnout pants, jacket, pager and i.d. tags. What more would Mr. Loigman like to give us? Are we going to receive personal axes and Halligan bars? Does Mr. Loigman know what a Halligan bar is, hint it’s not a lightbar? How will Mr. Loigman make firefighting more attractive? Firefighting is physically and mentally tough, dirty work and is not for everyone. Firefighting is a commitment to the man or woman next to you on the hoseline. Firefighting means running into a burning building were it’s hot, you can’t see, you have 50 pounds of equipment on plus a several hundred pound hoseline to drag. (Not that Mr. Loigman would know anything about that) If it was as easy as being an EMT then we wouldn’t be having this discussion. (I am an EMT in Lakewood and most of the EMT’s I encounter have no clue what they are doing but are somehow certified) The role of an EMT cannot be compared to the job of the fire service. Firefighting requires greater strength both physically and mentally then the medical field and we welcome anyone of any race, creed, gender or ethnic background to apply to work along side of us. We have a number of Jewish members and I think you would be hard pressed to have them tell you they were held up or discouraged from being members for anything other then state and federal requirements. Maybe an investigation should be done on the first aid squad for their lack of diversity or for how quickly they accept members. Is the first aid squad doing background checks before they bring members on that enter peoples homes and put their hands on them. The fire department does and that takes time. Instead of bringing a well run department like the LFD under township control maybe the first aid and Hatzolah should be supervised by EMS and the township to make sure they are spending properly, training properly and recruiting properly. You were asked questions and didn’t really offer any solutions to these non-problems Mr. Loigman. He doesn’t know what is needed to make the transition and provide adequate fire service for now and the future.
how abt u speak to the over ten frum people who are going through a nightmare trying to join the fire department.they are being given the run arouund for no good reason.
NEVER EVERY BLAME the commissioner or the fire dept. for the poor road and access in this town. For years submitted plans were reviewed by the fire commissioners and they would file comments to improve fire safety in this town and guess what happen, somebody IGNORED the suggested comments. You are Barking up a wrong tree. There’s games being played and it isn’t the fire dept playing them. A lot of (moderated) flying around like usual the week before the elections, it’s very sad.
I have a few friends on the fire department and a relative. They all say that the department couldn’t be nicer to them and they treat them amazingly. They even took on a new chaplain for them. A few rabble roosts make noise and our heroes who dedicate their time and lives for us get shafted. People think all frum Jews are behind this movement while this is not the case. Most of our community is happy people are volunteering and don’t need to get involved in the name of lowering taxes which will never happen.
Thank you chief and all of the firemen. May g__d bless you all with safety and happiness and please know the community is behind you and thanks you.
Please people don’t vote for a person because he is wearing a yalmuka, vote for the most qualified person.
As a firefighter And Emt I know how much harder it is being a firefighter and that the training is 3 times as hard and allot longer.
If only a couple hundred people have shown up to vote in previous years , there was plenty of parking and the lines were not long why should the commissioners waste tax dollars on placing more voting polls?
Did you know the commissioners pay over $500,000 for the fire hydrants in town?
The so called secretary is a actualy a business manager and dose the same job that toms river and howell pays 4 people to do.
Did you know Lakewood has only 1 district compared to 2-5 in Howell and toms river? Our budget is allot less than any of the surrounding town’s and our ISO (insurance Safety ratting) is almost 100%, therefore you save on your homeowners insurance?
The passed couple of years the budget has been voted down and was scrutinized by the township comity and cut. Being so I find it extremely hard to believe that there is close to $1,000,000 in leftovers in the budget.
Talk to a firefighter or the current commissioners before you place your vote. Make a educated vote and use your saichal.
This is a general election so everyone has a right to vote , I don’t think it’s only the firefighters should decide who spends tax dollars and has millions in the bank!
GOOD LUCK TO ALL RUNNING
Does Mr. Loigman understand that a big chunk of the Fire Depts budget is actually used to pay for the rental of all of the fire hydrants in town. Thats right, those fire hydrants are not free. Please look as close as you can to see that we are operating on a shoe-string budget. I give up between 20-30 hours a week for FREE to protect the citizens of Lakewood. Ask the Jewish firefighters their opinion about how everybody is treated in the dept. Get your facts straight before voting (moderated).
Jewish Fire F for the last 15 yrs in
Lakewood and never had a problem.and My 50% of my life insurance is to Lakewood fire Dep.
number 7 how is the fire dept playing games . what games are we playing .. do you have any clue what you are talking about ? lakewood is fortuneate enough to have both a paid and a vol dept. all for 3 million dollars , we have state required training and saftey regulations that require money , we have equipment that if fails because not properly maintained we DIE ….. we have multiple firehouses to fund and mulriple truck that need to be taken care of. do you have any idea what we pay just to have the fire hydrants in this town ? about 400 thousand dollars a year just for water… should we talk insurance ? really cut the fire budget . this budget is so slim i dont see where its going. do you know toms river number 1 has a budget for 2012 of 7.5 million dollars….. wake up and smell the coffee , if u cut this budget or mess with the fire dept to much people are going to DIE !!!!!!
The firefighters of lakewood are some of the best in the state and have for yrs given to this town never asking for anything.The members of the board are also firefighters so why would a person want to run for this office when in his video (look at it) call us second class citizens.. He isnt a firefighter.
I’ve worked with Larry on several issues over the past few years, and he’s an honest and honorable man. He has my vote.
I heard a complaint is being filed with the state regulators to look at the fire districts budgeting (overtaxing) practices.
To # 4 .Old man says:
Thank you for providing an honest factual information and not just some one sided oppinion.no more needed to be said
#18 You know it’s not Ok to lie? Same old story about “phantom people”….you should be ashamed of yourself !
Didn’t you try this last time inside the Southside sandwich shop ??
Who are ” they”?? Who have they spoken to about this… Besides you??!! Pathetic !!
Do you want to cut the fire budget? OK. Then do so. HOWEVER, when a new truck is needed the town will have to BORROW the money to pay for it and be charged INTEREST on that money. At present, if the FD needs a new truck, they can pay cash for it and NOT have to pay interest on that money. The money they have in “surplus” is EARNING interest.
Mr Loigman while you were asleep in your nice warm bed last night the great firefighters of lakewood were risking their lives to protect life and property.
6 dollars a month…… The average cost of fire protection per month for the homeowners of Lakewood
it is amazing how just a few very few bored people were able to make so much noise and make it look like the fd is a sinister group…shame on you and i hope there are better days ahead. when i applied for the fd (which once married the wife nixed) they couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful. i and the entire town of Lakewood applaud our firemen and women. it is amazing how much fighting hatred and animosity is caused by this fantasy called cutting taxes. If we shaft the fd the savings will be spent in an hour or so on something as vital as a raise for the supetintendant
Hi to all i just want to tell you that if you guys new how much time and work VINCE puts in to the department and the whole fire department you guys better vote for vince the man put 30 plus years in to this with his heart and on top of all this when something needs to get done you know who they call Vince the man will close his shop down and do what it takes to make things run smooth. ill say it again comes the 18 make sure you vote for vince and bring everyone that can vote lets all show support for vince he deserves it. and if you are worried about your taxes why dosent this town go and fight property taxes. instead of picking on something that saves lifes and homes. GO VINCE GO VINCE WERE HERE TO SUPORT YOU AND SO IS THE WHOLE TOWN.
Go vince im here for you and you got my vote.
To our town of Lakewood lets find something better to do with our time and leave the fire department alone there doing a great job and i think its time to move on and go out and vote for Vince on the 18.
Dont cut funding to our emergencey services hello when our houses burn down we are gonna scream and its all our fault if theres no money they cant get proper equipment to save us. it doesnt affect everybody when the lakewood first aid squad funds are cut because we have hatzolah
Is Vince the same Vince that stood in front of the twp committee ans cursed them out? Just wondering
Its not Dorit. “Lakewood fire Girl”
To the TAX PAYERS of Lakewood I am a vol. of the Lakewood Fire Dept. I have a family,I work approximately 55 hours a week. I still find time to serve my town to protect it. I you want to vote down the budget because you think it is to high fine. We will just have to bond for any major purchases we will make. It will cost more in the long run but it is how the tax payers want it. But please do not vote for a man or woman that has no clue in how the fire service works. MY SAFETY depends on it. If you think the fd is pulling the wool over your eyes then come out to a meeting and see for your self. I don’t know of any person who was turned down by the dept. for who they are. We are still waiting for the 200 people from last year at this time. Please ask before you vote and you will see there is nothing being hidden. Thank you for your support.
a friend of mine tried applying and there was a lot of paperwork to due and needed to keep going back to the station to get papers approved, every time he went he was met with a unfriendly face
I would rather vote for a person that has spent many years involved in the Volunteer Fire Department than someone who is an honorary member in a Fire Department and claims to know all about it. Book Learning and looking from the sidelines is not the same as practical hands on experience. I think it is time to just let all of them run it and move out. Let’s see how much it will cost and how much the state will allow with all the regulations that are in place.
This writing is in direct response to Mr. Larry Loigman’s video and statement talking about the needs of the Lakewood Fire Dept. As you can see I am not hiding behide being anonymous or using a fake name. My name is john Stillwell and I have been in the fire dept for over 35 years, raising though the ranks and become Chief of the Department. I have given blood, sweat and yes even tears to this community and to have Mr. loigman say we are treated as second class citizens is wrong. Where does he get the information about or equipment, we have the best of the best in our personal protective gear and fire equipment. Second he speaks of stream lining the application process but fails to understand it takes time to do background checks. But according to him he is a pass member of the Friendship Fire Association of Washington D.C and he must have forgotten what its takes to even belong to that association because as quoted from their web site” New Applicants must be interviewed by a committee and this process may take several months according to procedures laid down by the by laws” secondly another statement of the association is to “operate the canteen wagon (refreshment truck) of the district of Columbia and also as a member to perpetuate the international hobby of fire buffing (defined as a sidewalk superintendent of fire) This to me doesn’t sound like a person with firefighting experience. Also Mr. Loigman claims other firefighting experience how-ever no where can I find his Firefighting 1 certificate as required by law. And please don’t try and pass on to the people of Lakewood a statement like the “clerk makes more then the Township manager. She is not a clerk but a business administrator with a masters degree, she is a one person doing the work of five. How many assistances does the township manager have helping him each day.
In closing I have stood side by side with men and women, black or white, jewish or non-jew and I will continue to do so as long as a person like Mr. Loigman is not involved in the Lakewood Fire Department.
Again, I thank and support the current Fire Commissioners. They have risen through the ranks, understand the Fire Department, and have managed with strength, integrity, and skill.
There is no room for misleading accusations, and/or misleading information being posted as commentary.
Thank you Vince Lobello and Juan Ortiz. I pray for your success. Continue to serve proudly and with honor.
To all those concerned about having not an active volunteer elected to be a commissioner , the law which regulates all fire district rules and procedures specifically states that it a position that is available for any Lakewood resident !! WHO ARE YOU TO VIOLATE OR ATTEMPT TO VIOLATE THAT ONLY FIREFIGHTERS ARE SUITED FOR THE JOB!
I hear loigman is on the ballot and there will a write in candidate the last minute .
well said Mr Stillwell
I agree with much of what was said. I just want to make a point. Why does everyone agree that one who makes decisions about fighting fires must have experience, but everyone has no problem voting in people who have no experience with education, to the BOE?
Thank you Chief
To Ex Chief Stillwell says:
Thank you for setting things straight ,words of truth will always prevail
Your dedication to this town and to the Lakewood Fire Dept and those who serve under you deserve the utmost respect.
Thank you John
If just firefighters have the credentials for the job why have an election, obviously Firefighting is not one of the credentials , and you can understand how to run a fire district without being a firefighter . I think we need someone who knows the law and obeys the law be a commissioner ! I will vote LOIGMAN SATURDAY FEB. 18 th
Go Larry Go .. You have my vote
well said Mr Stillwell.
Yes to Loigman! No to Vincent Lobello!
Well said Mr. Stillwell. Yes one can vote a person without firefighting experience just like the Board of Education board without teaching experience. However look what has happened to our school system. I tis in a shamles. Would you like that to happen to our FIRE DEPARTMENT too? We are talking about decicions that could amount to death and injuries. I for one will support Juan Ortiz and Vince LoBello. When that alarm sounds, I could count on them to be there, as they have been for many years and trust them to run an efficient, sound and intelligent commissioners board.
Chief Stillwell well said and me for one am glad to see someone like you stand up for what is right.the same as you did as a great chief. As far as some of the other comments about the fire department and board of education elections you can compare or you might not want to compare because look what has happen to our schools
To tis and Mr loigman can you please round up all of the questions, concerns and accusations made by all the commenters and make a another interview sowe can see the truth to all the commenters concerns?
vince lobello has not been on a fire scene in 15 years !!!!! i see Juan all they time actually doing the worl…
To whom it may concern,
1) A fire commissioner is not required by law to be a firefighter
2) The election is for all registered voters not just firefighters
3) A fire chief runs and manages fires , not commissioner
Examples . The township committee are not police officers , inspectors , judges , prosecutors , but they decided on budgets for all departments with the input from the Chief of police, department heads etc. A fire commissioner is a township committeemen for the fire district and listens to recommendations from chiefs etc.
Who is Vincent Lobello is he the guy who’s always screaming how to fix the world
@ #64—-Its been longer then 15 years I can assure you.
its been more then 15 years i assure you
To ex firefighter says:
Quote ” you might not want to compare because look what has happen to our schools”
right on target!! end results are proof of performance ,so at a 37% graduation rate no one on the BOE can be proud of its accomplishments unless, ~ well I won’t go there .
Question answered in order
1. Yes, the board of Fire Commissioners sole purpose is to provide fire protection to the township of Lakewood. Control of the Fire Dept. should not be left to just anyone.
2. More volunteers will greatly strengthen the Department. There is a process to join and that includes a background check. Would you as a homeowner let just anyone into your home? Alone?
3. The Jewish Community is well represented in the current Department and the numbers of Jewish firefighters goes up each year. You do not become a firefighter overnight. It takes months of training and a year as a probationary firefighter before you become an active firefighter.
4. Why? Do calls go unanswered? Does the Current Department need to be reorganized ?
5. (moderated) “To protect Life and Property”
6. Yes, State law requires the election to be on Saturday. The local Fire District has no say in when the election is held. Also the County not the Board of Fire commissioners is the reason there is not another polling place.
7. People that have no experience running a fire department trying to gain control of the Department. Trying to do a dangerous job in the safest manner possible is hard even when your leaders have given you every tool to accomplish the task at hand, doing that job without the very best equipment is hazardous at least and fatal at worst. Remember it takes money to run a Fire Department No one likes to pay their homeowners, health, or car insurance but when you need it, It can save your life. Much like the Fire department.
Please vote for the incumbents and YES for the budget your life and the lives of many others depends on this.
well i can see how the scoop is censoring again since my comment was never posted, maybe i will go the asbury park press instead!
To # 67
“well i can see how the scoop is censoring again since my comment was never posted, maybe i will go the asbury park press instead!”
they seem to have a problem when you disagree with them . have posted my oppinions that were held in “moderation” long after many others posted, I guess they figure we are dumb and don’t realize this is just censorship holding it up until no one bothers to look at what is an old posting ,very troubling to see this kind of mentality that takes place on this site. you are right just go to another place that shares news without this kind of nonsense
Ok Vince LoBello who is a lifelong resident and businessman needs to work on his manners. He tells it like it is, but is the rudest and loudest person on earth. SO when it comes to making friends, it takes a while to warm up to him. He is an expert on more things than most of us will ever know, BUT VINCE its old already, enough of the good old boy stuff. And thanks to ex Chief John Stillwell for giving us an honest perspective, but in todays age, we need a proper checks and balance system and sorry fellas, it can’t work k=like it is. And Megan deserves every penny she makes, make no mistake, but once again its time for fair accounting and no more good old boy towns folks here. But Larry, NO WAY, so we need a better choice PEOPLE. But Larry hasn’t a clue, and VINCE is ready for greener pastures, SO VOTE WISELY.
We gave the fire department enough chances to run their ‘own’ affairs,unfortunatelythat can’t seem to keep their finances in order. Being that the public has a right to know and decide how THEIR money is being spent, the public nominated a experienced Lawyer with experience in the fire fighting field to make assist the public in keeping the fire department healthy both in operational and financial aspects.
I am a orthodox fire fighter and unfortunately I can’t say my name because many of my colleagues are scared of change. But I do belive that the fire department is in great need of change. What was good yesterday is not necessarily good tomorrow. It is time for all of us to rise and say what we feel in our heart. We need change. For the good of the department and for the good of this town. With all due respect to Cheif Stillwell, I don’t belive it does honor to your good name by making threats. Please join me in voting for Attorney Larry Loigman for Lakewood fire commissioner!!!!
I am the previous posters wife and my husband is not really a fire fighter, he just dresses up as one on special occasions…
It’s time for change!
Larry I hear there is a company mtg. tonight. Why dont you go before the mtg and meet some of the firefighters. Talk to them Jewish and non Jewish and tell them your plans maybe you could get some extra support.
To; frum firefighters wife. Your comments is typical of those who are scared of change and like to delighitimize everyone who has a diffrent opinion then you. Just for the record I don’t have a wife. So stop impersonating.
You are either a liar or a spineless trader.
FYI, there are only 7 frum FireFighters on LFD. After seeing your comment, WE ALL asked each other if it was any of us and everyone of us denied it. So, as I said you are either a Liar and you are not a FF or you are a trader amongst us. Either way, both positions are not something to be proud of!
There are allegations of real documented corruption swirling around that the fire district is very corrupt
To # 72
“unfortunatelythat can’t seem to keep their finances in order”
Please tell me what’s out of order so I can make an educated decision as to whom to support and how to vote on the budget. I have never heard of any issue with this group(fire) when it came to being financially out of order. Every board, be it township, school, or fire always had a reserve for emergency or capital needs. If something sinister was going on with all the eyes of Lakewood lurking about something would have already been bought to the public’s attention if there was an issue. Is there something inappropriate going on? or is it your unhappy that too much money is in the reserve fund? I’m going guess your unhappy about the reserve, which was address by the township when the fire budget was voted down. The same as when the school budget was rejected.
You are correct that the public has a right to know and decide how the money is being spent. Each year all proposed budgets are submitted to the DCA and is available to the public for review and to vote on. Every month the boards have open meetings with a public portions open to the voters to air their concerns. It’s very unfortunate that very few if any voters voice any of their concerns at these monthly meeting . Any large purchase of equipment or construction project is always advertized and voted on by the public. To be an informed tax payer and voter takes a little bit of work by attend meetings and following the legal adds, too bad that 95% of voters are not willing to do the work to stay informed of the facts. The internet is a wonderful tool to stay informed , But is also a cesspool of mis-information
I plan to Google the name of all the candidates to see what info I can find on them, so I can make educated choice. Do your homework, ask question of those involved, don’t believe all that’s printed in blogs.
Please remember if it wasn’t for the volunteer firefighters in this town the budget would be millions of dollars more than it is. Bless all the firefighters for a job well done.
That’s why they want only firefighters and no business people because they won’t allow this corruption!
Let’s have change and better oversight! Loigman and Ortiz ! And NO to the budget!
I just saw the minutes of fire commissioner meetings in the shopper!
A quote from Vincent Lobello ” let’s not let the info get out let’s keep it between the firefighters ” Look at the shopper pages 102 – 104!!
I don’t understand why 7 firefighters think they should have a chutzpah to endorse a candidate when it’s a general election that involves all taxpayers ! Commissioners jobs are to run the finances of district and the Chiefs jobs to run fires and deal with the volunteers
Mr. LaBello owns property in lakewood, but stays in toms river
I cannot believe how TLS allows the character assassination of the Board of Fire Commissioners with lies and Innuendos. You allow Mr. Loigman to twist and misstate information without question. TLS you should be ashamed.
Wy are we fighting the same people that save lives and properties. we should be supporting them just like the other wonderful organization in town
The numbers are facts from the audited financials!
Can someone please explain why I am being called a tratior? Is there a rule who I have to vote for?
Hey frum firefighter, How many truck apparatuses does Lakewood have and what type are they?
Why do we want to fix something that isn’t brooken? The current commissioners have managed to keep the fire dept running smoothly and their finances in order, unlike the rest of the town. Go Vince and Juan!!!
Larry this is a 24/7 job, are you up to it?
larry rocks
The finances are not in order!
why didnt tlc interview vince let him speak what he has to say
I asked my mommy and she sad the finances are in order.
I heard that the Jewish workers in public works will be issuing a endorsement. Maybe Jewish cops also!
SHAYCHAS???!!! What do the firefighters think they have a say in who becomes the next commissionor. I never heard that the police officers choose who the nxt chief is. Just saying
Why break something that’s not broken. The fireman save our lives, homes and possession. Up to now they have done a very good job. Why mess with them? Years of experience cannot be ignored. Remember Mr. Loigman is a lawyer and lawyers (moderated) Make the right decision when you vote. The average cost for the fire dept in Lakewood is less then $100. a year
per home. Don’t be foolish. Vote for Vince.
Well the 18 is almost here . I hope for the good of the town and fire dept. Vince and Juan win!!!
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