Robert Pignatello
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Comments
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On the article Cost to Attend William Paterson is Low, Scorecard Shows
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On the article Board Selects Ortiz to Fill Vacant Seat
Robert Pignatello
10:48 am on Friday, February 15, 2013
ReplyThe personal attacks and innuendo here don’t do anything to make our schools better,address rising taxes, balance any budget, make us a stronger community or address what we want the BOE to accomplish.I think most people see through it for what it is.
To set the record straight, I have a master degree in management and I am studying for a Doctorate. I sought elective office at the age of 25.That was in 1985. It was a great experience that taught me a lot. I'm proud of the work I did. I ran three times. Won twice and lost once. A few years later we started to raise children. Eventually we chose to move to Wayne for personal and family reasons 18 years ago. You don't make an important life choice like that for political reasons.
I have had no interest or activity in party politics since those days.I registered as an Independent many years ago.I thought that getting involved with the BOE would be a chance to serve again.This time where I could bring my experience in education to bear and work with others to create a better,more efficient and affordable school system – in a non-partisan environment where fair minded people could openly deliberate, disagree and be civil about it.
I have attended a few meetings this year and there is certainly much to observe, learn and absorb.I plan on attending more upcoming meetings.For those of you who are interested in the direction of our schools and would like to talk, I will see you there and look forward to hearing your views. -
On the article Board Selects Ortiz to Fill Vacant Seat
Robert Pignatello
10:17 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
ReplyOver the last couple of years it was hard not to hear and wonder about certain questionable BOE practices. And with over half our tax dollars going to finance education and how much we depend on it, this is serious business. I came forward and offered my services because I thought change was needed and that I could make a difference. I offered to help look at district expenses so we can be more efficient, to thoroughly examine management effectiveness, and reduce non academic costs, strive for continuous improvement, hold administrators accountable, to increase revenue in other ways than raising taxes and to keep our schools affordable. I have done this successfully. I thought if appointed I could hit the ground running and contribute.
I’d like to see more transparency and communications concerning board decisions. We need to build more support beyond traditional interest groups. What is the value proposition for Senior citizens, renters, those with no children, those whose children have graduated? Every citizen has a stake in the local education system. But it doesn't always feel that way to them.
I like to ask questions and challenge assumptions. That is clearly not what the board was looking for since candidates who stood for that were passed over. But that's what is needed in my view. In the end, the people will have the final say. That's what elections are for. -
On the article Board Selects Ortiz to Fill Vacant Seat
Robert Pignatello
10:17 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
ReplyFor the record, I don’t belong to either political party. My voter registration is "unaffiliated". I don’t have ties to any local special interests, individuals or political groups of any kind. I have not been involved in anything of a political nature for over 20 years focusing instead on family and professional career.
I have experience in managing a large educational institution as a college Vice President for many years. This includes managing a budget of over $90 million, Public Safety, HR (I know a great about resumes and interviews too. I hire people all the time), Technology services and Facilities. I have been successful in bringing down administrative costs while supporting the preservation and enhancement of academic quality and services.
I care deeply about education. It's been my career. To me, helping to prepare high school students transition into college and write their own success story is a great cause to work for. I'm sure we can do even more to strengthen ties with local colleges for our children. -
On the article Board Selects Ortiz to Fill Vacant Seat
Robert Pignatello
10:17 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
ReplyThere are some very strong opinions here on the BOE's decision to fill the unexpired term. The Board has made their choice and everyone is entitled to have their say about it. But it is pretty obvious that some of the comments, whether from those using actual names or creative screen names to conceal their identity, are from those who have an agenda that supports the board's interest in the keeping the status quo. In this world, new ideas and people who might challenge theirs are not welcomed and are actively resisted.
Unfortunately, a few comments on my candidacy and interest in serving are being made without knowing much about me. Why the pre-judgment? Is it politics rearing its ugly head?
For the record, I have lived in Wayne for 18 years. Before moving to Wayne I served as a local official in Verona. My two daughters went through the Wayne school system from elementary school to high school and my step son is currently in middle school. Wayne is a great community. It has much to offer. My family and I have been very happy here for a long time. But, it amazes me how Wayne seems to be under the spell and dominance of partisan politics. The local school board is supposed to be non- partisan. But I'm not so sure. It's apparent that some will work very hard to hold on to maintaining tight control of decision making. That's not good for the rest of us. (cont'd) -
On the article Mayor Expected to Drop Incumbent from Ticket
Robert Pignatello
9:09 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
ReplyWard vs at large representation is not what is ailing us. We have both and that is fine. It's more about the decisions that are made, who gets to make them, and how they are made.
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On the article Mayor Expected to Drop Incumbent from Ticket
Robert Pignatello
8:22 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
ReplySome good points here. Extreme partisanship clouds better judgement and can become the overriding reason decisions are made and that is just not healthy. Some new unaffiliated voices should be welcomed and are needed. As far as wards go I disagree. A mix of at large and ward representation helps to insure that all parts of the community are represented. That's very important. Otherwise it is possible for all your officials to literally come from the same neighborhood. Think about how congressional districts are set up and break a state down versus a us senator who represents the entire state. So to me it creates fairer representation. This is all in theory of course. A lot depends on who you elect and what form of government you have. That's what elections are for.
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On the article Deadline to Apply for Vacant Board Seat is Friday
Robert Pignatello
6:42 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
ReplyI certainly hope you are both wrong about that. Some new perspectives and an independent voice should be considered, welcomed and would certainly be healthy of course.
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On the article State Farm Building on Route 23 to be Demolished
Robert Pignatello
11:34 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
ReplyContinued decline and accept it as something we can't influence.
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On the article State Farm Building on Route 23 to be Demolished
Robert Pignatello
11:33 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
ReplyOne has to wonder how much of this commentary is tongue in cheek but one thing is pretty obvious and that is our commercial areas are run down, dated and tired looking, abandoned, and not diverse or appealing for residents to want o visit and spend time there. I think the areas I saw named are certainly among the most glaring. What's amazing is that there does not seem to be an official recognition of this by our government leaders as being a problem or great public discussion about turning things around. It didn't happened over night either. It has been a slow but steady decline. I have not reviewed the town's master plan but we seem to only be in reactive mode here. Surrounding towns are taking actions (Clifton) was sited and we just preside over
Robert Pignatello
5:13 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
It would be great to see WPU and township community activities more connected and mutually involved. We are fortunate to have a university within our boundaries. They call this sort of program "town & gown". I hope we can do that in Wayne.