Dear TLS:
I am writing this open letter to address a dark and ugly conspiracy that is taking root in the blogs and in common conversations. We of all people know all too well the destructive power of rumor and innuendo, all the more so when there is no basis in truth to the accusations. Goebbels made a crusade out of the Big Lie theory. I missed most of the fireworks at the Township Committee reorganization meeting on Friday but, thanks to TLS, I think I am fully caught up on the action. I have to say that the most disturbing thing I heard during the Mayor’s comments, and which I have heard repeatedly from innocent people misled by lies, is that Steve Langert’s brother-in-law, owner of an ambulance service, has been promised the deal when the EMS is disbanded. I know Steve and his family, and I challenge ANYONE to show me who that brother-in-law is. His brother-in-law does not own an ambulance service. There is no such person, and the constant snide comments are taking root among otherwise reasonable people and casting aspersions on the one true public servant we have seen come along in a long while. Steve has the courage to operate in the light of day and face the public in the aftermath of any decision.
No one is perfect and I am sure he will do many things which people will disagree with over the coming year, but this pack of lies and disinformation smacks of a plot to demonize our community whichever way the negotiations and RFP process play out. In a fair and legal RFP process, which is by law open to public scrutiny, anyone may bid and should a frum company emerge as the winner, the shouts and accusations will start right in. I have heard people say that they hope no Jewish company gets the business because of the backlash. This is the most backward thinking imaginable and is discriminatory against the Jewish community in general and specific businessmen in particular. If the process is above board, why should a frum provider lose out because some racists want to paint this as an us against them issue? Again, I challenge anyone to identify this elusive brother-in-law of his. It’s a baldfaced lie.
As to Cunliffe’s comments…Charlie, don’t make me laugh. You were the one constantly raiding the surplus and spending like a new divorcee who discovers she still has one of her ex-husband’s credit cards. You more than most put us in this economic nightmare which is causing the town to make tough decisions, but lucky for you, you’re on the outside free to play the high and mighty and devoted to the public servants. How about some devotion to the taxpayers all the dozen years you damaged us? Time to slink away and let people with vision and courage lead us out of the mess you made.
For the EMS, I applaud your dedication and service and I pray your leadership will figure things out with the town so we can retain the squad. If not, please know that your service is and always has been extremely well respected and appreciated. Losing you pains all of us deeply and we hope it does not come to pass. It is not my place to suggest specific solutions, but I hope everything is on the table, including voluntary pay cuts and other givebacks so the town can see their way to another path. I wish the committee well and that the new Mayor lead them in wise decisions for the betterment of all our lives, because we are ALL Lakewood.
Thank you.
Anon #613
Perhaps the current EMS members can form a private outfit of providing ambulance service. Then they will be in a position to present thei credentials and bid on the service.
Steve is the best thing that ever happen to lakewood finally we have some one who stands behind his decision and doesnt waver under political pressure
to anon 613 “why should a frum provider lose out because some racists want to paint this as an us against them issue?” the answer is one word gulus. We are in gulus we don’t need to add any sinah that there already is. and everybody will be saying it when they see that a frum yid got the contract.
That was very well written, steve. Just do what you need to do, ignore all the nattering nabobs who will criticize every move you make. Keep doing the right thing and let others defend you. You should be way too busy to answer to all the holier than thou. Sincerely,
Your brother in law (just kidding)
I had a personel issue with the township, and Steve was there to help me through the whole way. Thank you Steve!
Who ever really wrote this article why don’t you put your name on it…….could it be?????I WONDER WHO THIS IS
what with the UEZ 🙁
Why doesnt he write his name on his article?
I never heard that it was his brother in law that was the owner of the ambulatory service that has ALREADY purchased 10 new ambulances in preparation of March 1, 2010 when they are taking over for the EMS. I heard it was his cousin. Brother in law, cousin, very good friend? Does it really matter? It is what it is.
To number 8,
You are right. It doesn’t really matter let’s slander him with any false ridiculous claim we come up with. If there is no brother-in-law will just claim it’s a cousin. Oops, no cousin, a friend. We are just a bunch of liars trying to protect some good union jobs at the expense of the rest of the hardworking township employees and taxpayers.
Damn the truth, it is overrated.
corruption, anyone?
OH say can you see….. by the dawns early light.(bam bam bam bam)…..what so proudly we hailed, by the twilight’s last gleaming…..
I was thinking the exact same thing let the ems workers that are there now band together form a private entity and we’ll hire them , then won’t everyone be happy? they could even be open to more outside revenue. also to anon 613, I love the spending like a divorcee who found her husbands credit card line, so cool . yes you are right, Mr. Cunliffe, we do blame you for all that went on over the years now we are picking up the tab , the stadium , the empty soccer parks, the gazillion dollar waste facility, the land deals, BOE , zoning board fiascos etc etc etc etc , when we were in surplus if you would have put the money back into our hands, that wouldve been the best thing for Lakewood. Sorry Charlie!
Maybe the new company can hire the old employees of the lakewood ems like this they will have a job we will have there experience township will save money taxes may go down win win for all
Anybody care to respond ?
I personally am not Jewish, but i read this blog and i do live in Lakewood. I find it quite interesting and there is quite helpful information. Thank you TLS for your helpful information. One thing i would like to comment on, is what appears to me to be hatred among fellow Jews on this blog. I thought the Jewish people were the “People of the Book” and beyond petty arguing and name calling. I pains me to see my Jewish brethren bash each other as they do quite often. As a non-Jewish friend of the Jewish community, I advise you, my Jewish brethren to work out your differences in private and in a civil manor. Thank You
Du bist oiched a blogger. Why should I listen to you more than der andereh bloggers?
Steve ur doing great keep up the great work
the b-i-l does exist. his last initial is R
#18. you are Rong. that guy doesnt own an ambulance, unless its made by Matchbox and fits in your pocket.
your right he owns more than one
They own adult day care centers not ambulances. They are also wonderful people.
#18 and #20 you are very cute to try and create controversy but its out and out sheker. and 21 you are correct they are wonderful people and dont deserve this.
OBVIOUSLY WRITTEN BY STEVE HIMSELF!
WELL WRITEN THOUGH AND GREAT LINE WITH THE CREDIT CARD!
U ROCK :))
Chulent in chabad forget about it
im shore gem will be more then happy to hire all the old emts they are always hiring and any one that knows anything knows its not his brother inlaw how could any be saying that it is when everybody knows its not true
While I served on the Lakewood Committee I worked to reduce taxes. I was successful for 7 of the 12 years I served.
When I left the Committee on 12/31/08 Lakewood had a net Surplus greater than 7 MILLION. This administration has run the surplus down to less than 1.5 million.
Anon #613 you don’t have the courage to to use your name??
You sound like a spin doctor for someone who has mismanaged the budget in only one year… and now they want to balance it on the backs of the EMS? What a shame!
the money the EMT’s will make working for a private company will be no wheres close to what they need to support their families. $10 an hour employees are what is coming into lakewood to help you and i when we need it the most. i’m moving out of this town now.
It is osur to vote for frummer candidates. It is against daas torah. Frummer Yidden don’t belong in public office. Remember we are in Golus R”L.
SIR, WHY DO YOU REFER TO RACEISM AND OTHER COMMENTS WHICH HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE SITUATION, THE CRUST OF THE MATTER IS THAT LAKEWOOD HAS HAD AN EXCELLENT AND DEDICATED AMBULANCE//EMERGENCY SERVICE. WHEN SOMETHING IS NOT BROKE WHY DISTURBE SUCCESS. EMS IS NOT A CLERICAL SQUAD BUT A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO ARE PROVIDING PROFFESIONAL AND HIGHLYSOPHISCATED SERVICE. EMS PERFORMS LIFE SAVING SERVICES. WHY MESS WITH THIS? IF THEIR IS A FINANCIAL SITUATION. WELL,. FIX THAT. BUT, DON’T GET RID OF A SERVICE IN WHICH IS PROVIDED FOR THE HAVE AND THE HAVE NOTS IN THIS TOWN. IT CAN BE DONE. WE, IN THE SENIOR COMMUNITY HAVE COME TO FEEL SECURE WITH AN”OL FRIEND” LIKE OUR EMS. WE HAVE TESTED THEM AND THEY HAVE ALWAYS COME THROUGH. LETS SIT DOWN AND IRON OUT THIS PROBLEM. I KNOW WE CAN DO IT.
And WHO IS Anon #613…..no editor worth his salt should even publish an anonymous letter — shame on you!!! The EMS has served our community here at The Fairways and the town of Lakewood in an exceptional mannerl — is responsive on an exceptionally timely basis and should be saved at whatever cost.
Well Anon #613..
First I am offended that you use yiddish, judaic, hebrew words to describe your issue. Speak and write english when you are publicly addressing a multiethnic society or at least provide this population an english definition..
I hear:that Cedarbridge has not fulfilled their obligation and the town fathers just write it off as a loss ..
Pine River , Somerset LLC supposedly gave the town fathers 750,000 dollars which somehow was transferred to an endowment fund.
Board of Education … bus route requires drop offs and pick ups to many non-public schools but our town fathers can’t come up with a complete list .
New ordinances can be pushed through for special interests without consideration for our Lakewood township residents.
Pine River if you are not orthodox jewish u can’t purchase an adult home … This is not a rumor … It was stated at the Smart Growth Public hearing but the Town fathers appear to be hard of hearing.
Now … I believe we the citizens of Lakewood are due a factual response to the above and it is not lip service nor from those members who are talented “A Tap Dance”
The Town fathers condone the reported abuses by their employees by not reprimanding and/or punishing its’ employees.
The Town fathers are inviting anti-semitism and through their actions whether percieved or real are promoting it .
I know that open dialogue,honesty, respect for each others concerns
and a willingness to be fair and share will bring about harmony.
One reaps what he/she sows and for Lakewood that could mean disaster ..
mayor – you are starting your new regime. i suggest you thinkof motivating lakewood to increase our ecomomics. lakewood could be the economic engine to creating j9bs, rateables, better schools, increase road improvement, etc. this will increase our quality of life in lakewood. when we increase jobs and ecomics in lakewood. it will reduce crime, our property values will increase. we have to change the image of lakewood. mayor, this is your goals. maybe you should think of creating a think tank of residents to assist you in this endeavor.