Dear Benny:

Of course, we included your letter. This newsletter is an open and democratic forum. As the democratically elected President of the Radburn Citizens’ Association, I have always encouraged all of our community to share their viewpoints in this forum. I have also repeatedly and strongly urged all current and previous board members (such as yourself) to attend the Citizens’ Association meetings to express your thoughts.

Still, if it’s true, as you claim, that others and I have made “many incorrect accusations,” it’s striking that you failed to provide even one example of such a false accusation. Furthermore, you, as a former Trustee, are a member of the group of 50 or so people who hold an annual confidential meeting to select two Trustees to govern 1250 adults. It seems obvious to me that you have a conflict of interest.

My question to you is simple: What’s so terrible about democracy? Your economic arguments should have been submitted to the Radburn community for a vote before any contract was signed. We are quite capable of evaluating your arguments and governing ourselves.

You accuse me of “putting down the Board.” The plain fact is everyone in Radburn has the same interest in Radburn’s future, but that only the Trustees get to have any input in the decision-making process. Based on what has happened for the last two years, the community can no longer tolerate the present dictatorial attitude of the Board. For this reason, democratizing the Board now is in the interest of everyone in Radburn.

You are correct to note that Radburn’s assets will at some point require further investment, but there have always been numerous options that would allow Daly Field to remain green and still generate revenue for Radburn. These include state grants for conservation easements, leasing use rights to Fair Lawn sports organizations, and many other scenarios.

As to “really car[ing] about Radburn,” how does having a point of view different from yours make me less caring about Radburn’s future? I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming Citizens’ Association meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 16, to continue this dialogue.

Sincerely,

June

Section 45:22A-46(a) of the New Jersey Planned Real Estate Development Full Disclosure Act

“…all meetings of the executive board, except conference or working sessions at which no binding votes are to be taken, shall be open to attendance by all unit owners, and adequate notice of any such meeting shall be given to all unit owners in such manner as the bylaws shall prescribe; except that the executive board may exclude or restrict attendance at those meetings, or portions of meetings, dealing with (1) any matter the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy; (2) any pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiations; (3) any matters falling within the attorney-client privilege, to the extent that confidentiality is required in order for the attorney to exercise his ethical duties as a lawyer; or (4) any matter involving the employment, promotion, discipline or dismissal of a specific officer or employee of the association. At each meeting required under this subsection to be open to all unit owners, the participation of unit owners in the proceedings or the provision of a public comment session shall be at the discretion of the executive board, minutes of the proceedings shall be taken, and copies of those minutes shall be made available to all unit owners before the next open meeting.”