The statements below are responses by the 10 candidates for the South Orange Board of Trustees to South Mountain Peace Action's question

How do you see your role as a South Orange Trustee with regard to community activities promoting peaceful alternatives to war, such as those organized by South Mountain Peace Action?

The statements are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

For further information visit the websites of the candidates' slates:

http://www.pureprogress.org/ for the Pure Progress slate of Deborah Davis Ford, Michael Goldberg, Howard Levison, Douglas Newman and Mark Rosner.


http://www.avillageunited.org/ for the Village United slate of Janine Bauer, Bill Calabrese, Frank J. Rodino, Allan Rosen and Art Taylor.

_____________________________________

JANINE BAUER

I was against the war in Iraq before it was popular to be against the war in Iraq.

Deeds speak louder than words. I have been a peace activist my whole life.

As a Village Trustee, I supported a resolution against the war, in support of withdrawal. I have spoken out, including at your forum, asking Congress to end spending for the war -- which is really the only way to end it. I have marched, I have called. I have donated.

Bring the troops home. That is how the Vietnam war was ended. Congress finally cut off the appropriations.

The war's cost to taxpayers, in our small Village, in New Jersey and across the nation, is enormous. It hasn't really even begun to be felt in all of its proportion. The impact will be huge and will hurt everything from health care and education to roads and rail commutation.

The President has squandered not only our economic prosperity, and surplus, but he has squandered the goodwill America had built up through careful diplomacy, trade and investment over the decades since the Cold War.

I am committed to avoid war and to use my leadership and diplomacy skills to seek peaceful resolution of conflicts no matter how complex.

___________________________________

BILL CALABRESE

(Joint Statement with Allan Rosen)

Bill Calabrese, the incumbent Village President and Trustees have been firm supporters of a timely and responsible withdrawal from Iraq. The Board approved a proclamation naming March 24th as Be About Peace Day in South Orange. The proclamation went on to note that the war has cost U.S. taxpayers nearly $400-billion, New Jersey Taxpayers more than $17-billion and South Orange taxpayers more than $50-million.

It recognized numerous efforts by South Orange citizens to raise awareness of the human, economic and security costs of the war in Iraq and acknowledges the petition signed by more than 1,100 local residents, co-authored by South Mountain Peace Action and by Paul Schroeder and Rosemary Palmer, parents of Marine Lance Corporal Augie Schroeder, a Columbia High graduate killed in Iraq in 2005.

The proclamation recognizes the importance of ongoing citizens to promote the goals of peace and security and suggests holding an annual Be About Peace Day in South Orange.

_________________________________

DEBORAH DAVIS FORD

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

MICHAEL GOLDBERG

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

HOWARD LEVISON

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

DOUGLAS NEWMAN

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

FRANK J. RODINO

Having come of age in the 1960s, I remember how persistent, grassroots efforts helped to bring the Vietnam conflict to a close. But I also remember the carnage that followed in the killing fields of Cambodia while the world sat silent. Unfortunately, we haven't learned much from events that took place only a generation ago. We repeated our errors in Iraq and Darfur.

It's not too late to learn from our past to achieve a positive outcome. We need to let the Iraqis govern themselves, but we need to lead an aggressive, regional diplomatic effort or Baghdad will fall like Saigon. We need to bring our troops home now, but we must acknowledge their service and help ease their return to a normal life. We need to protect the Darfur refugees, but we need to address the fundamental causes of their civil war to affect a lasting peace. These are views that I share with South Mountain Peace Action.

A Village Trustee may not be able to directly influence an international policy, but I believe it's important to add a local leadership voice when an injustice takes place on a local, national, or global level. Change will only take place when our elected Federal officials know just how concerned their constituents are about such issues.

As evidenced by recent proclamations from South Orange and Maplewood, South Mountain Peace Action has become an influential voice within our community. I'll work with South Mountain Peace Action to craft thoughtful, balanced policies to address injustices when they occur and I'll use the power of the elected office to get action from our elected Federal officials.

_______________________________

ALLAN ROSEN

(Joint Statement with Bill Calabrese)

Bill Calabrese, the incumbent Village President and Trustees have been firm supporters of a timely and responsible withdrawal from Iraq. The Board approved a proclamation naming March 24th as Be About Peace Day in South Orange. The proclamation went on to note that the war has cost U.S. taxpayers nearly $400-billion, New Jersey Taxpayers more than $17-billion and South Orange taxpayers more than $50-million.

It recognized numerous efforts by South Orange citizens to raise awareness of the human, economic and security costs of the war in Iraq and acknowledges the petition signed by more than 1,100 local residents, co-authored by South Mountain Peace Action and by Paul Schroeder and Rosemary Palmer, parents of Marine Lance Corporal Augie Schroeder, a Columbia High graduate killed in Iraq in 2005.

The proclamation recognizes the importance of ongoing citizens to promote the goals of peace and security and suggests holding an annual Be About Peace Day in South Orange.

___________________________

MARK ROSNER

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

ARTHUR TAYLOR

How do I see my role as a South Orange Trustee with regard to community activities promoting peaceful alternatives to war, such as those organized by South Mountain Peace Action?

Please know that I fully support the efforts of South Mountain Peace Action in pursuit of peaceful alternatives to war, as I have in the past. As a Trustee, I have made my support known by attending your event, signing your statement that advocated peaceful alternatives to war and by endorsing a statement from the Board of Trustees supporting peaceful alternatives to war.

As a Trustee, I consider it my responsibility to assure that we to not operate in a manner that restricts free expression of ideas, within applicable laws. I have always been an advocate for resolving disagreements through diplomatic means. Building consensus through discussion and compromise usually produces solutions that are acceptable to both parties and are a lot more long-lasting. As a Trustee, that has been my approach to resolving conflict among various groups within the Village.

As a public official and a private citizen, I have always made my preference for peaceful alternatives to war known and will continue to do so. I am saddened by the opportunities to do good that lost because of the huge amount of human and material resources that are wasted on war. South Mountain Peace Action represents a positive, sustained and effective vehicle to express those views and, for that reason, I will continue to support your efforts, both as a private citizen and an elected official.

###

Powered by
Movable Type 3.16

The statements below are responses by the 10 candidates for the South Orange Board of Trustees to South Mountain Peace Action's question

How do you see your role as a South Orange Trustee with regard to community activities promoting peaceful alternatives to war, such as those organized by South Mountain Peace Action?

The statements are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

For further information visit the websites of the candidates' slates:

http://www.pureprogress.org/ for the Pure Progress slate of Deborah Davis Ford, Michael Goldberg, Howard Levison, Douglas Newman and Mark Rosner.


http://www.avillageunited.org/ for the Village United slate of Janine Bauer, Bill Calabrese, Frank J. Rodino, Allan Rosen and Art Taylor.

_____________________________________

JANINE BAUER

I was against the war in Iraq before it was popular to be against the war in Iraq.

Deeds speak louder than words. I have been a peace activist my whole life.

As a Village Trustee, I supported a resolution against the war, in support of withdrawal. I have spoken out, including at your forum, asking Congress to end spending for the war -- which is really the only way to end it. I have marched, I have called. I have donated.

Bring the troops home. That is how the Vietnam war was ended. Congress finally cut off the appropriations.

The war's cost to taxpayers, in our small Village, in New Jersey and across the nation, is enormous. It hasn't really even begun to be felt in all of its proportion. The impact will be huge and will hurt everything from health care and education to roads and rail commutation.

The President has squandered not only our economic prosperity, and surplus, but he has squandered the goodwill America had built up through careful diplomacy, trade and investment over the decades since the Cold War.

I am committed to avoid war and to use my leadership and diplomacy skills to seek peaceful resolution of conflicts no matter how complex.

___________________________________

BILL CALABRESE

(Joint Statement with Allan Rosen)

Bill Calabrese, the incumbent Village President and Trustees have been firm supporters of a timely and responsible withdrawal from Iraq. The Board approved a proclamation naming March 24th as Be About Peace Day in South Orange. The proclamation went on to note that the war has cost U.S. taxpayers nearly $400-billion, New Jersey Taxpayers more than $17-billion and South Orange taxpayers more than $50-million.

It recognized numerous efforts by South Orange citizens to raise awareness of the human, economic and security costs of the war in Iraq and acknowledges the petition signed by more than 1,100 local residents, co-authored by South Mountain Peace Action and by Paul Schroeder and Rosemary Palmer, parents of Marine Lance Corporal Augie Schroeder, a Columbia High graduate killed in Iraq in 2005.

The proclamation recognizes the importance of ongoing citizens to promote the goals of peace and security and suggests holding an annual Be About Peace Day in South Orange.

_________________________________

DEBORAH DAVIS FORD

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

MICHAEL GOLDBERG

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

HOWARD LEVISON

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

DOUGLAS NEWMAN

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

FRANK J. RODINO

Having come of age in the 1960s, I remember how persistent, grassroots efforts helped to bring the Vietnam conflict to a close. But I also remember the carnage that followed in the killing fields of Cambodia while the world sat silent. Unfortunately, we haven't learned much from events that took place only a generation ago. We repeated our errors in Iraq and Darfur.

It's not too late to learn from our past to achieve a positive outcome. We need to let the Iraqis govern themselves, but we need to lead an aggressive, regional diplomatic effort or Baghdad will fall like Saigon. We need to bring our troops home now, but we must acknowledge their service and help ease their return to a normal life. We need to protect the Darfur refugees, but we need to address the fundamental causes of their civil war to affect a lasting peace. These are views that I share with South Mountain Peace Action.

A Village Trustee may not be able to directly influence an international policy, but I believe it's important to add a local leadership voice when an injustice takes place on a local, national, or global level. Change will only take place when our elected Federal officials know just how concerned their constituents are about such issues.

As evidenced by recent proclamations from South Orange and Maplewood, South Mountain Peace Action has become an influential voice within our community. I'll work with South Mountain Peace Action to craft thoughtful, balanced policies to address injustices when they occur and I'll use the power of the elected office to get action from our elected Federal officials.

_______________________________

ALLAN ROSEN

(Joint Statement with Bill Calabrese)

Bill Calabrese, the incumbent Village President and Trustees have been firm supporters of a timely and responsible withdrawal from Iraq. The Board approved a proclamation naming March 24th as Be About Peace Day in South Orange. The proclamation went on to note that the war has cost U.S. taxpayers nearly $400-billion, New Jersey Taxpayers more than $17-billion and South Orange taxpayers more than $50-million.

It recognized numerous efforts by South Orange citizens to raise awareness of the human, economic and security costs of the war in Iraq and acknowledges the petition signed by more than 1,100 local residents, co-authored by South Mountain Peace Action and by Paul Schroeder and Rosemary Palmer, parents of Marine Lance Corporal Augie Schroeder, a Columbia High graduate killed in Iraq in 2005.

The proclamation recognizes the importance of ongoing citizens to promote the goals of peace and security and suggests holding an annual Be About Peace Day in South Orange.

___________________________

MARK ROSNER

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

ARTHUR TAYLOR

How do I see my role as a South Orange Trustee with regard to community activities promoting peaceful alternatives to war, such as those organized by South Mountain Peace Action?

Please know that I fully support the efforts of South Mountain Peace Action in pursuit of peaceful alternatives to war, as I have in the past. As a Trustee, I have made my support known by attending your event, signing your statement that advocated peaceful alternatives to war and by endorsing a statement from the Board of Trustees supporting peaceful alternatives to war.

As a Trustee, I consider it my responsibility to assure that we to not operate in a manner that restricts free expression of ideas, within applicable laws. I have always been an advocate for resolving disagreements through diplomatic means. Building consensus through discussion and compromise usually produces solutions that are acceptable to both parties and are a lot more long-lasting. As a Trustee, that has been my approach to resolving conflict among various groups within the Village.

As a public official and a private citizen, I have always made my preference for peaceful alternatives to war known and will continue to do so. I am saddened by the opportunities to do good that lost because of the huge amount of human and material resources that are wasted on war. South Mountain Peace Action represents a positive, sustained and effective vehicle to express those views and, for that reason, I will continue to support your efforts, both as a private citizen and an elected official.

###

Powered by
Movable Type 3.16

The statements below are responses by the 10 candidates for the South Orange Board of Trustees to South Mountain Peace Action's question

How do you see your role as a South Orange Trustee with regard to community activities promoting peaceful alternatives to war, such as those organized by South Mountain Peace Action?

The statements are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

For further information visit the websites of the candidates' slates:

http://www.pureprogress.org/ for the Pure Progress slate of Deborah Davis Ford, Michael Goldberg, Howard Levison, Douglas Newman and Mark Rosner.


http://www.avillageunited.org/ for the Village United slate of Janine Bauer, Bill Calabrese, Frank J. Rodino, Allan Rosen and Art Taylor.

_____________________________________

JANINE BAUER

I was against the war in Iraq before it was popular to be against the war in Iraq.

Deeds speak louder than words. I have been a peace activist my whole life.

As a Village Trustee, I supported a resolution against the war, in support of withdrawal. I have spoken out, including at your forum, asking Congress to end spending for the war -- which is really the only way to end it. I have marched, I have called. I have donated.

Bring the troops home. That is how the Vietnam war was ended. Congress finally cut off the appropriations.

The war's cost to taxpayers, in our small Village, in New Jersey and across the nation, is enormous. It hasn't really even begun to be felt in all of its proportion. The impact will be huge and will hurt everything from health care and education to roads and rail commutation.

The President has squandered not only our economic prosperity, and surplus, but he has squandered the goodwill America had built up through careful diplomacy, trade and investment over the decades since the Cold War.

I am committed to avoid war and to use my leadership and diplomacy skills to seek peaceful resolution of conflicts no matter how complex.

___________________________________

BILL CALABRESE

(Joint Statement with Allan Rosen)

Bill Calabrese, the incumbent Village President and Trustees have been firm supporters of a timely and responsible withdrawal from Iraq. The Board approved a proclamation naming March 24th as Be About Peace Day in South Orange. The proclamation went on to note that the war has cost U.S. taxpayers nearly $400-billion, New Jersey Taxpayers more than $17-billion and South Orange taxpayers more than $50-million.

It recognized numerous efforts by South Orange citizens to raise awareness of the human, economic and security costs of the war in Iraq and acknowledges the petition signed by more than 1,100 local residents, co-authored by South Mountain Peace Action and by Paul Schroeder and Rosemary Palmer, parents of Marine Lance Corporal Augie Schroeder, a Columbia High graduate killed in Iraq in 2005.

The proclamation recognizes the importance of ongoing citizens to promote the goals of peace and security and suggests holding an annual Be About Peace Day in South Orange.

_________________________________

DEBORAH DAVIS FORD

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

MICHAEL GOLDBERG

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

HOWARD LEVISON

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

DOUGLAS NEWMAN

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

FRANK J. RODINO

Having come of age in the 1960s, I remember how persistent, grassroots efforts helped to bring the Vietnam conflict to a close. But I also remember the carnage that followed in the killing fields of Cambodia while the world sat silent. Unfortunately, we haven't learned much from events that took place only a generation ago. We repeated our errors in Iraq and Darfur.

It's not too late to learn from our past to achieve a positive outcome. We need to let the Iraqis govern themselves, but we need to lead an aggressive, regional diplomatic effort or Baghdad will fall like Saigon. We need to bring our troops home now, but we must acknowledge their service and help ease their return to a normal life. We need to protect the Darfur refugees, but we need to address the fundamental causes of their civil war to affect a lasting peace. These are views that I share with South Mountain Peace Action.

A Village Trustee may not be able to directly influence an international policy, but I believe it's important to add a local leadership voice when an injustice takes place on a local, national, or global level. Change will only take place when our elected Federal officials know just how concerned their constituents are about such issues.

As evidenced by recent proclamations from South Orange and Maplewood, South Mountain Peace Action has become an influential voice within our community. I'll work with South Mountain Peace Action to craft thoughtful, balanced policies to address injustices when they occur and I'll use the power of the elected office to get action from our elected Federal officials.

_______________________________

ALLAN ROSEN

(Joint Statement with Bill Calabrese)

Bill Calabrese, the incumbent Village President and Trustees have been firm supporters of a timely and responsible withdrawal from Iraq. The Board approved a proclamation naming March 24th as Be About Peace Day in South Orange. The proclamation went on to note that the war has cost U.S. taxpayers nearly $400-billion, New Jersey Taxpayers more than $17-billion and South Orange taxpayers more than $50-million.

It recognized numerous efforts by South Orange citizens to raise awareness of the human, economic and security costs of the war in Iraq and acknowledges the petition signed by more than 1,100 local residents, co-authored by South Mountain Peace Action and by Paul Schroeder and Rosemary Palmer, parents of Marine Lance Corporal Augie Schroeder, a Columbia High graduate killed in Iraq in 2005.

The proclamation recognizes the importance of ongoing citizens to promote the goals of peace and security and suggests holding an annual Be About Peace Day in South Orange.

___________________________

MARK ROSNER

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

ARTHUR TAYLOR

How do I see my role as a South Orange Trustee with regard to community activities promoting peaceful alternatives to war, such as those organized by South Mountain Peace Action?

Please know that I fully support the efforts of South Mountain Peace Action in pursuit of peaceful alternatives to war, as I have in the past. As a Trustee, I have made my support known by attending your event, signing your statement that advocated peaceful alternatives to war and by endorsing a statement from the Board of Trustees supporting peaceful alternatives to war.

As a Trustee, I consider it my responsibility to assure that we to not operate in a manner that restricts free expression of ideas, within applicable laws. I have always been an advocate for resolving disagreements through diplomatic means. Building consensus through discussion and compromise usually produces solutions that are acceptable to both parties and are a lot more long-lasting. As a Trustee, that has been my approach to resolving conflict among various groups within the Village.

As a public official and a private citizen, I have always made my preference for peaceful alternatives to war known and will continue to do so. I am saddened by the opportunities to do good that lost because of the huge amount of human and material resources that are wasted on war. South Mountain Peace Action represents a positive, sustained and effective vehicle to express those views and, for that reason, I will continue to support your efforts, both as a private citizen and an elected official.

###

The statements below are responses by the 10 candidates for the South Orange Board of Trustees to South Mountain Peace Action's question

How do you see your role as a South Orange Trustee with regard to community activities promoting peaceful alternatives to war, such as those organized by South Mountain Peace Action?

The statements are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

For further information visit the websites of the candidates' slates:

http://www.pureprogress.org/ for the Pure Progress slate of Deborah Davis Ford, Michael Goldberg, Howard Levison, Douglas Newman and Mark Rosner.


http://www.avillageunited.org/ for the Village United slate of Janine Bauer, Bill Calabrese, Frank J. Rodino, Allan Rosen and Art Taylor.

_____________________________________

JANINE BAUER

I was against the war in Iraq before it was popular to be against the war in Iraq.

Deeds speak louder than words. I have been a peace activist my whole life.

As a Village Trustee, I supported a resolution against the war, in support of withdrawal. I have spoken out, including at your forum, asking Congress to end spending for the war -- which is really the only way to end it. I have marched, I have called. I have donated.

Bring the troops home. That is how the Vietnam war was ended. Congress finally cut off the appropriations.

The war's cost to taxpayers, in our small Village, in New Jersey and across the nation, is enormous. It hasn't really even begun to be felt in all of its proportion. The impact will be huge and will hurt everything from health care and education to roads and rail commutation.

The President has squandered not only our economic prosperity, and surplus, but he has squandered the goodwill America had built up through careful diplomacy, trade and investment over the decades since the Cold War.

I am committed to avoid war and to use my leadership and diplomacy skills to seek peaceful resolution of conflicts no matter how complex.

___________________________________

BILL CALABRESE

(Joint Statement with Allan Rosen)

Bill Calabrese, the incumbent Village President and Trustees have been firm supporters of a timely and responsible withdrawal from Iraq. The Board approved a proclamation naming March 24th as Be About Peace Day in South Orange. The proclamation went on to note that the war has cost U.S. taxpayers nearly $400-billion, New Jersey Taxpayers more than $17-billion and South Orange taxpayers more than $50-million.

It recognized numerous efforts by South Orange citizens to raise awareness of the human, economic and security costs of the war in Iraq and acknowledges the petition signed by more than 1,100 local residents, co-authored by South Mountain Peace Action and by Paul Schroeder and Rosemary Palmer, parents of Marine Lance Corporal Augie Schroeder, a Columbia High graduate killed in Iraq in 2005.

The proclamation recognizes the importance of ongoing citizens to promote the goals of peace and security and suggests holding an annual Be About Peace Day in South Orange.

_________________________________

DEBORAH DAVIS FORD

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

MICHAEL GOLDBERG

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

HOWARD LEVISON

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

DOUGLAS NEWMAN

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

FRANK J. RODINO

Having come of age in the 1960s, I remember how persistent, grassroots efforts helped to bring the Vietnam conflict to a close. But I also remember the carnage that followed in the killing fields of Cambodia while the world sat silent. Unfortunately, we haven't learned much from events that took place only a generation ago. We repeated our errors in Iraq and Darfur.

It's not too late to learn from our past to achieve a positive outcome. We need to let the Iraqis govern themselves, but we need to lead an aggressive, regional diplomatic effort or Baghdad will fall like Saigon. We need to bring our troops home now, but we must acknowledge their service and help ease their return to a normal life. We need to protect the Darfur refugees, but we need to address the fundamental causes of their civil war to affect a lasting peace. These are views that I share with South Mountain Peace Action.

A Village Trustee may not be able to directly influence an international policy, but I believe it's important to add a local leadership voice when an injustice takes place on a local, national, or global level. Change will only take place when our elected Federal officials know just how concerned their constituents are about such issues.

As evidenced by recent proclamations from South Orange and Maplewood, South Mountain Peace Action has become an influential voice within our community. I'll work with South Mountain Peace Action to craft thoughtful, balanced policies to address injustices when they occur and I'll use the power of the elected office to get action from our elected Federal officials.

_______________________________

ALLAN ROSEN

(Joint Statement with Bill Calabrese)

Bill Calabrese, the incumbent Village President and Trustees have been firm supporters of a timely and responsible withdrawal from Iraq. The Board approved a proclamation naming March 24th as Be About Peace Day in South Orange. The proclamation went on to note that the war has cost U.S. taxpayers nearly $400-billion, New Jersey Taxpayers more than $17-billion and South Orange taxpayers more than $50-million.

It recognized numerous efforts by South Orange citizens to raise awareness of the human, economic and security costs of the war in Iraq and acknowledges the petition signed by more than 1,100 local residents, co-authored by South Mountain Peace Action and by Paul Schroeder and Rosemary Palmer, parents of Marine Lance Corporal Augie Schroeder, a Columbia High graduate killed in Iraq in 2005.

The proclamation recognizes the importance of ongoing citizens to promote the goals of peace and security and suggests holding an annual Be About Peace Day in South Orange.

___________________________

MARK ROSNER

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

ARTHUR TAYLOR

How do I see my role as a South Orange Trustee with regard to community activities promoting peaceful alternatives to war, such as those organized by South Mountain Peace Action?

Please know that I fully support the efforts of South Mountain Peace Action in pursuit of peaceful alternatives to war, as I have in the past. As a Trustee, I have made my support known by attending your event, signing your statement that advocated peaceful alternatives to war and by endorsing a statement from the Board of Trustees supporting peaceful alternatives to war.

As a Trustee, I consider it my responsibility to assure that we to not operate in a manner that restricts free expression of ideas, within applicable laws. I have always been an advocate for resolving disagreements through diplomatic means. Building consensus through discussion and compromise usually produces solutions that are acceptable to both parties and are a lot more long-lasting. As a Trustee, that has been my approach to resolving conflict among various groups within the Village.

As a public official and a private citizen, I have always made my preference for peaceful alternatives to war known and will continue to do so. I am saddened by the opportunities to do good that lost because of the huge amount of human and material resources that are wasted on war. South Mountain Peace Action represents a positive, sustained and effective vehicle to express those views and, for that reason, I will continue to support your efforts, both as a private citizen and an elected official.

###

The statements below are responses by the 10 candidates for the South Orange Board of Trustees to South Mountain Peace Action's question

How do you see your role as a South Orange Trustee with regard to community activities promoting peaceful alternatives to war, such as those organized by South Mountain Peace Action?

The statements are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

For further information visit the websites of the candidates' slates:

http://www.pureprogress.org/ for the Pure Progress slate of Deborah Davis Ford, Michael Goldberg, Howard Levison, Douglas Newman and Mark Rosner.


http://www.avillageunited.org/ for the Village United slate of Janine Bauer, Bill Calabrese, Frank J. Rodino, Allan Rosen and Art Taylor.

_____________________________________

JANINE BAUER

I was against the war in Iraq before it was popular to be against the war in Iraq.

Deeds speak louder than words. I have been a peace activist my whole life.

As a Village Trustee, I supported a resolution against the war, in support of withdrawal. I have spoken out, including at your forum, asking Congress to end spending for the war -- which is really the only way to end it. I have marched, I have called. I have donated.

Bring the troops home. That is how the Vietnam war was ended. Congress finally cut off the appropriations.

The war's cost to taxpayers, in our small Village, in New Jersey and across the nation, is enormous. It hasn't really even begun to be felt in all of its proportion. The impact will be huge and will hurt everything from health care and education to roads and rail commutation.

The President has squandered not only our economic prosperity, and surplus, but he has squandered the goodwill America had built up through careful diplomacy, trade and investment over the decades since the Cold War.

I am committed to avoid war and to use my leadership and diplomacy skills to seek peaceful resolution of conflicts no matter how complex.

___________________________________

BILL CALABRESE

(Joint Statement with Allan Rosen)

Bill Calabrese, the incumbent Village President and Trustees have been firm supporters of a timely and responsible withdrawal from Iraq. The Board approved a proclamation naming March 24th as Be About Peace Day in South Orange. The proclamation went on to note that the war has cost U.S. taxpayers nearly $400-billion, New Jersey Taxpayers more than $17-billion and South Orange taxpayers more than $50-million.

It recognized numerous efforts by South Orange citizens to raise awareness of the human, economic and security costs of the war in Iraq and acknowledges the petition signed by more than 1,100 local residents, co-authored by South Mountain Peace Action and by Paul Schroeder and Rosemary Palmer, parents of Marine Lance Corporal Augie Schroeder, a Columbia High graduate killed in Iraq in 2005.

The proclamation recognizes the importance of ongoing citizens to promote the goals of peace and security and suggests holding an annual Be About Peace Day in South Orange.

_________________________________

DEBORAH DAVIS FORD

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

MICHAEL GOLDBERG

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

HOWARD LEVISON

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

DOUGLAS NEWMAN

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

FRANK J. RODINO

Having come of age in the 1960s, I remember how persistent, grassroots efforts helped to bring the Vietnam conflict to a close. But I also remember the carnage that followed in the killing fields of Cambodia while the world sat silent. Unfortunately, we haven't learned much from events that took place only a generation ago. We repeated our errors in Iraq and Darfur.

It's not too late to learn from our past to achieve a positive outcome. We need to let the Iraqis govern themselves, but we need to lead an aggressive, regional diplomatic effort or Baghdad will fall like Saigon. We need to bring our troops home now, but we must acknowledge their service and help ease their return to a normal life. We need to protect the Darfur refugees, but we need to address the fundamental causes of their civil war to affect a lasting peace. These are views that I share with South Mountain Peace Action.

A Village Trustee may not be able to directly influence an international policy, but I believe it's important to add a local leadership voice when an injustice takes place on a local, national, or global level. Change will only take place when our elected Federal officials know just how concerned their constituents are about such issues.

As evidenced by recent proclamations from South Orange and Maplewood, South Mountain Peace Action has become an influential voice within our community. I'll work with South Mountain Peace Action to craft thoughtful, balanced policies to address injustices when they occur and I'll use the power of the elected office to get action from our elected Federal officials.

_______________________________

ALLAN ROSEN

(Joint Statement with Bill Calabrese)

Bill Calabrese, the incumbent Village President and Trustees have been firm supporters of a timely and responsible withdrawal from Iraq. The Board approved a proclamation naming March 24th as Be About Peace Day in South Orange. The proclamation went on to note that the war has cost U.S. taxpayers nearly $400-billion, New Jersey Taxpayers more than $17-billion and South Orange taxpayers more than $50-million.

It recognized numerous efforts by South Orange citizens to raise awareness of the human, economic and security costs of the war in Iraq and acknowledges the petition signed by more than 1,100 local residents, co-authored by South Mountain Peace Action and by Paul Schroeder and Rosemary Palmer, parents of Marine Lance Corporal Augie Schroeder, a Columbia High graduate killed in Iraq in 2005.

The proclamation recognizes the importance of ongoing citizens to promote the goals of peace and security and suggests holding an annual Be About Peace Day in South Orange.

___________________________

MARK ROSNER

(Joint Pure Progress Statement)

While the governing body of South Orange Village does not have authority over national issues of war and peace, we all have a role to play in fostering a more harmonious and livable community.

Pure Progress commends South Mountain Peace Action for contributing to the education of our residents about these critical issues, and for its dedication to peaceful alternatives to war. All of us on the Pure Progress ticket are committed to a diverse Village with a rich cultural heritage based on mutual respect and understanding, and we believe that celebrating those aspects of South Orange will lead to a community of which we can all be proud. We believe in a government that treats all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity, and we support the development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community's diverse talent and address its interests.

As community leaders, we have an obligation to set a tone of peace and generosity of spirit that trickles up to our nation's leaders. We are opposed to the U.S.'s involvement in the Iraq war. We absolutely support every American's unalienable right to exercise his/her First Amendment right to express views about the war. We strongly believe, as a nation, we must work much harder to pursue peaceful pathways, including diplomacy and economic leverage, to resolve international conflicts. And, we have the utmost respect for every member of the U.S. military who puts his/her life on the line to defend our nation. However, it deeply disturbs us that our President has asked them to do so, based on inadequate and misrepresented intelligence.

The Village President and Trustees of South Orange may not have a say in affairs of state, but we do possess a bully pulpit from which we can articulate a vision for the Village and the country that comes closer to the ideal to which all South Orange residents strive. The Pure Progress candidates on Row A take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you.

_______________________________________

ARTHUR TAYLOR

How do I see my role as a South Orange Trustee with regard to community activities promoting peaceful alternatives to war, such as those organized by South Mountain Peace Action?

Please know that I fully support the efforts of South Mountain Peace Action in pursuit of peaceful alternatives to war, as I have in the past. As a Trustee, I have made my support known by attending your event, signing your statement that advocated peaceful alternatives to war and by endorsing a statement from the Board of Trustees supporting peaceful alternatives to war.

As a Trustee, I consider it my responsibility to assure that we to not operate in a manner that restricts free expression of ideas, within applicable laws. I have always been an advocate for resolving disagreements through diplomatic means. Building consensus through discussion and compromise usually produces solutions that are acceptable to both parties and are a lot more long-lasting. As a Trustee, that has been my approach to resolving conflict among various groups within the Village.

As a public official and a private citizen, I have always made my preference for peaceful alternatives to war known and will continue to do so. I am saddened by the opportunities to do good that lost because of the huge amount of human and material resources that are wasted on war. South Mountain Peace Action represents a positive, sustained and effective vehicle to express those views and, for that reason, I will continue to support your efforts, both as a private citizen and an elected official.

###

Powered by
Movable Type 3.16