Candidate Statement – Harvey Roseff – Independent

Name:  Harvey Roseff, website:  HROSEFF.ORG

Office you are running for:  Freeholder

Political affiliation:  A fiscally conservative Independent

Hometown (Municipality where you reside in Sussex County):  Byram Township

How long have you resided in Sussex County? If you are not a lifetime resident here please share where you lived previously:  32 years (Before: Westchester, NY and Bergen Counties).

Tell me whatever you’d like to about yourself and your family:  I’m an inquisitive, fast learning, young at heart world traveler with a backbone.

What business/career path have you worked in?
High Technologist and Small International Businessman in the field of mechanical vibration, acoustic and dynamic pressure pulsation and flow.  I have strong experience with Government contracting practices and executed pro se legal actions – all of which add to the independence and critical eye needed to well serve you as your Freeholder.

What activities have you been involved in within the community? Charitable work.

Is this your first time running for political office? If not, please list previous offices held and time periods: 
Because I have not previously held elected or appointed office, I have not been indoctrinated to any party system nor have I become beholden to any Party Boss. During the past 32 years, I have formed and led several coalitions challenging local government practices in areas of budgeting, zoning and permitting. Common sense and business sense, not follow-the-herd mentality, is what is needed for this position amongst a group of professional managers.

Have you been involved with any local committees/boards/organizations? If so please name them and your position(s) held: Various professional and charitable organizations.

What are the top three political issues that you are most passionate about and why?

It is way past time to end our tolerance of the party-sponsored political status quo – of featherbedding, single-bid contract shenanigans, costly mismanaged projects and taxpayer disrespect.

This past year saw an imploded costly solar program due to mismanagement. Its’ bid  evaluation committee was first crammed with self-interested parties.  The project was never funded with promised developer “equity”, yet protected construction funds were later allowed to make the very first bond payment (Amendment I). This solar debacle even resulted in an inane agreement to  pay the defaulting parties’ continuous legal fees ( >$1,000,000.00) without a public airing!

Worse, with Amendment I the local solar units (BOEs, Fredon municipals, etc.) gave up their authority to approve future contract changes.  They held the door open for the foxes to enter.

Last year also saw unethical contracting practices at SCCC,  leading to higher taxes, reduced services and higher tuition and two Trustee resignations.

During the preceding year, the Freeholders constructed a financially flawed 911 system – a “shared services” program that COSTS, not saves, us money!

My present Independent Freeholder Run is to counterbalance this costly legacy.

Some specific actions that can be immediately taken are:

End the abusive use of no-bid and single-bid projects: no more single bid “solar” and ethically challenged SCCC programs. No more backroom selections of new solar contractors and electricity suppliers.

The solar program continues to hemorrhage enlarged and undeclared losses that reside off the County balance sheet.  Establish a forensic accounting and legal actionable review.

Bring true taxpayer relief. We can start this process by ending the ridiculous “Transitional Healthcare” program (which fights Medicare’s quality improvement initiative) and revise the 9-1-1 shared services program for taxpayer savings.

Stop following the advice of the League of Municipalities that burdens taxpayers:End the yearly adoption of “Exceed the Budget Cap Limit” ordinances.  Confine this ordinance to only crisis situations.

The Sussex County Court and jail system needs attention to reduce its costs, jail population and to adhere to the right to a speedy trial. Also, victimless crime needs new judiciary approaches.

What do you think should happen overall to make life more comfortable for current residents to live in Sussex County (and if for assembly candidates, Leg Dist 24), and to retain our resident base?

Government should refocus, get smaller, reduce taxes and reduce their presence in our daily lives.  Jobs will return and residents will be able to more fully enjoy their lives.

If elected, what would be the first order of business you would like to tackle?

A 0% budget increase, which will be challenging but is necessary.  If senior citizens are being held to a 0% social security increase, surely the County can show respect to all residents by “living”  likewise.  For three straight years, Morris County has held to a 0% increase – Sussex County needs to do so.

Is there anything more you’d like to share, in conclusion as a candidate not already asked above?

An Independent candidate has no historical organization and little funding to assure success.  If you like the message, tell your friends and neighbors. hroseff.org/article-oct-11.html

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