The Teamsters come to Flemington

by: Jeff Doshna

Tue Mar 29, 2011 at 08:01:41 AM EDT

The  About 25 members of Teamsters Local 469 were out in force at last evening's Flemington Borough Council Meeting.  They represent both blue and white collar workers in our small town.

Turns out that 2 of the 9 employees that are part of the bargaining unit may be up for layoff due to budget cuts. And they learned about it by reading the newspaper.  more below

This was at a meeting when a 20% increase in sewer rates was on the agenda (and later tabled) so that $300,000 could be used to cover a shortfall in the town's operating budget.  The projected $650,000 shortfall has been directly attributed to Christies 2 percent cap.

The real kicker was that the Union has been trying to meet with the Mayor, Erica Edwards, since November on possible cost savings -- in order to avoid layoffs.  Broderick says that their calls have gone unanswered.

When asked a direct question by Joey Novick, Ms Edwards would not commit to meeting with the Union's representative, Mr. Broderick.  She said she would commit to communicate with him.  Whatever that means.

What is most concerning is that Ms Edwards kept repeating that her principal obligation was to the taxpayers of the town, to keep their property taxes down.

So much for her obligation to the men and women who actually pave the roads, ensure clean drinking water, answer the phones at Borough Hall, and make this town great.

I'll keep everyone posted as this story develops.