Compromising a Negotiating Position

The previous blog entry took notice of Point Pleasant mayoral candidate Schroeder's comments that borough employees need to trust that the "council is dealing straight and fair with them" and that his "opponents have completely lost that trust." He also said that the jobs of borough employees should not be jeopardized.

The remarks could unnecessarily limit the town's negotiating options with municipal employee unions. Schroeder makes an unsubstantiated allegation about trust. He does not cite specifics which would lead a reasonable person to conclude that inappropriate actions led to an issue involving trust and fairness. If Schroeder has knowledge of specifics he should have mentioned them. If not he should not have said anything. What he did was put forth a negative descriptor of town officials which compromises their negotiating effectiveness. That's a serious act on the part of someone who aspires to lead the town and empowers unions at the expense of the town.

In addition Schroeder needlessly gave away a valued bargaining chip by ruling out in advance any adverse action directed at borough employee jobs. Why do that without a quid pro quo? Maintaining maximum flexibility in advance of concessions from the other side is a basic bargaining concept.

Mayoral Candidate Schroeder on the Cap and Borough Employees

The previous blog entry noted the views of Councilwoman Rogers on how the deal with the 2 percent cap limit. Those view were detailed in the Ocean Star article Mayoral candidates share ideas for staying under 2-percent cap, Rogers' opponent, Mr. Schroeder, responded by indicating he would look into shared services "including the court and the planning and building departments." His specifics also included restructuring permit application fees "to make our planning and building department self-sufficient.” He added that court fines also could be increased.

Schroeder ruled out jeopardizing borough employees’ jobs. Then, in what appeared to be a swipe at his opponent, Schroeder said

.... the employees have to trust that council is dealing straight and fair with them. Categorically, I can tell you we have that trust and our opponents have completely lost that trust. Real financial responsibility avoids gimmicks and corrects past mismanagement. Real financial responsibility is the now and the future of what Point Pleasant needs. There is no right way to do the wrong thing.

To which Councilwoman Rogers responded:

I find Mr. Schroeder’s opinions about me just that — his opinions — and not those of borough personnel or taxpayers. I have their respect and trust. I believe Mr. Schroeder was an ineffective councilman and mayor who increased property taxes 68 percent, cut sweetheart deals for the PBA and municipal unions off the backs of taxpayers, and did it all behind closed doors.

Councilwoman Rogers Addresses the 2 Percent Cap Problem

Eric Colvin wrote the article Mayoral candidates share ideas for staying under 2-percent cap, which appears in the Point Pleasant News section of The Ocean Star, a publication of the Star News Group. Councilwoman Rogers, one of the two mayoral candidates, provided specific answers. She spoke of "options to drastically lower garbage pickup and recycling expenses” and a pledge to require that appointed professionals "take a 20-percent, hourly-fee reduction, along with tiered billing." Her explanation that: “The pain of the budget must include a shared sacrifice, and not off the backs of taxpayers — they have had enough,” was in keeping with the mood of the electorate and the reality of New Jersey's excessive taxation.

Reliable Home Remodeling Services in the Local Area

Walter A. Miller Remodelers is based in Brick and has had prior successful projects completed in Point Pleasant. The office phone number is 732-458-8530. Residential home remodeling is a service which the company provides and included within this parameter are:

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In addition clients have access to online files and communication. This is a well run business and one that operates with integrity.