I for one am shocked, appalled, and dismayed that our elected Council members can behave this way. Ray Codey initiated, presented, and implemented many substantial cost saving ideas and programs for this Borough and this is how he is treated? To do something like this in a public forum was disgraceful and embarrassing for anyone sitting in the meeting as I was last night.

For Council to do this to Mr Codey should give everyone pause. Take the national outcry of many and apply it here first - this Borough doesn't have a tax rate issue, it has a spending problem. Am I'm not talking about personnel costs here. In my self informed opinion, that part of the equation has been addressed and there is nothing more to cut on the "salary" side without substantial reduction in Borough services that most Madison residents demand, expect, and generally have delivered to them.
How much politics played into this I am uncertain. The Borough's financial challenges are entirely and completely self inflicted and our elected officials are to blame. Yes, it's a complicated and deep financial issue to understand and lay out on the table due to creative accounting and "projections" on many fronts.

The fact that Dr Esposito is still sitting on the Council given the facts of his case and what has been admitted to and reported in the media is proof that our elected officials lack good judgment, embrace political gamesmanship, and clearly are not qualified to be representing the Borough.

The Republicans strike again. Ms. Tsukamoto, and Mssrs. Catalanello, Links, and Landrigan should be ashamed of themselves. Ray Codey has been one of the best things to ever happen to this town. He has class, extraordinary competence, and the respect of everyone he deals with. Problem is, he's a Democrat working with a Republican Council...something that shouldn't matter, except in this era we've seen the GOP reluctance to function in a bi-partisan manner. These Council members who voted him out ostensibly did so in the name of the budget while at the same time increasing the size of the police force and adding to the already ridiculously out-of-control payroll of the DPW.

If Jim Burnet is half the man I've always believed him to be, he will refuse to continue as administrator under these circumstances. It's time people in our society return to the example of leadership illustrated by Elliot Richardson back in 1974, and put principle ahead of monetary considerations. Should Jim accede to Council's wishes, his reputation will be forever tainted in my book. Here's hoping he takes a stand.

And one further thing on a related front: For all those who argue that teachers' unions should not insist upon tenure for their members, this is the perfect political example of why they must, Codey wasn't dismissed for performance issues, merely political ones. Unfortunately, he didn't have the protections that veteran teachers do. And Madison is the lesser for it.

Did we HAVE TO HAVE the MRC where we had spent MILLIONS of dollars ? The council should had thought about saving money when they considered this project!!!!

Shame on this towns council for terminating one of the best admins we've ever had here. Tsukamoto can say what she wants, but to release codey and say its because of his salary is bull. This new regime of Madison leaders sucks! . To trim fat from a towns costs you just can't axe the guy with the highest salary, ray codey did things for this town that others wouldn't even be able to come up with! Shame on all of you!

Outrageous. This town has seen much more improvements due to the work of Ray Codey than we have for these 4 voting councilmen. With this act why not fire Tskumoto for poor performance and poor judgement. Actually let's impeach she and her three friends. To create this uproar for purely political reasons is unforgivable.

Salaries ($154,000 + $95,000) + Benefits (30 - 40%? of $249,000) = $325 - 350,000 per year for the Business Administrator function. Seems a bit rich for a town the size of Madison.

Perhaps this is indeed the lead up to the Apocalypse, clearly the world has gone mad or perhaps it is just Madison. I have chosen to make my home here for twenty seven years and have seen a lot of unfortunate things but I have never been as disappointed in or embarrassed by the action of the borough government as I am today. Ray Codey has been a godsend to this town. Brilliant, yet self-effacing, he has proven himself unfailingly committed to doing the right thing for this community even when it was not popular or politically expedient. I can only hope this is a cruel joke or a moment of temporary insanity that can be reconsidered. The man is an absolute class act and has brought this borough immeasurably forward in the worst of times and this is how he is repaid? Shameful.

Not sure what to make of this. There's a lot to decipher here.

I don't know Mr Codey but based on what I’ve read and his response to this action he seems like a very decent person who deserved far better treatment then to be blindsided with this motion and unceremoniously removed from his position. I think most telling was Catalanello's comment that the move 'greatly affects taxes'. What was he referring to if not Mr Cody's performance in this role? Clearly not the $100K this year saved in the position's salary. And even that would be assuming Mr. Codey provided no value at all. If there did truly appear to be redundancy in this role and cause for it's elimination, it's hard to believe there would not be a more tactful manner to handle it.

Maybe more will come out about this that will better explain this action. Catalanello's second comment about a dramatic increase in taxes if Mr. Codey was to stay in the role was perhaps more foretelling of there being something more than whats apparent. But it's hard to imagine what that would be. Perhaps most telling will be follow up actions to be taken by the council. Will there be similar cost cutting maneuvers or will this stand alone.

If indeed this is nothing more than council members use of political leverage to fulfill personal agendas, then it’s shameful conduct. And as one resident noted, it would be an embarrassment to be part of a community represented by such a dysfunctional council

"Dysfunctional." There's Madison in a nutshell, sad to say. This makes the Peachie Council era of a dozen years ago look normal by comparison.

Wait a second - someone is suggesting that Jim Burnet should quit his job to prove he has character? So Jim should put his family at risk to prove he is a 'man'? Really?

I agree with you, society has lost its way. Although I do think it would be a tad nobler if you (righteously) abandoned your livelihood in protest. I guess it is always easier to suggest someone else does the sacrificing.

I'd be happy to if I had one at the moment...the recession took care of that for me.

Figures that someone who's afraid to use their real name would be a Bork defender.

I agree with you again Steve! I never liked Bjork. Having said that, haven't I seen you rale against the bloated municipal payroll over the years? How can you now say you are not advocating cutting costs? And haven't there been a spate of car thefts and break-ins in Madison recently? Not sure you would feel the same way about police staffing if you were a victim.

George Steinbrenner-ism is alive and well in the Madison Borough Council. George at his worst rarely matched the duplicity of the majority voting to remove Mr. Cody without cause last night. Led by a hench- woman the pack of jackals executed the sneak attack with preciseness. They could not wait until the Ides of March to do their deed. Tim Harrington

Mr Codey didn't break the law, and was axed. Mr Esposito did break the law, and is still on the council..go figure.

A day at the beach indeed...which is EXACTLY why Council wouldn't propose it even if it were the correct thing to do for the well-being of residents. Which tells you a lot about the resolve of the people we elect to represent us.

Mr. Codey was an amazing administrator and public servant to Madison. I had the pleasure of contacting him by email twice, and both times my issue was resolved within 24 hours. This is a tremendous - TREMENDOUS - loss to Madison. Shame on the members of the current council who voted yes. You too will be ousted as soon as possible.

Mr. Codey has always impressed me as a very competent,dedicated and fully engaged administrator. Even after being blindsided by the Council he remained gracious and professional. However, if the two thirds majority believe that the town can't afford his services than I respect their decision as budget issues are front and center and all is on the table. Notwithstanding, I have to believe that there could have been a more sensitive approach to dealing with his departure. The best ending to this story will come when Mr. Codey returns to gainful employment, in a position he loves while doubling his salary. I wish him all the best.

This issue here is more the way that we was let go and not the fact that he was let go. He offered to work for his required three months on termination and was as I recalled denied. He wanted a smooth transition to the new person. It seems as there may be been some talk of this in the future. Springing it on everyone unexpected and abruptly is the issue. For whatever reason this happened it was not why but how that leaves the putrid taste in one's mouth. I would hope that this is not a sign of things to come in council meetings. Popcorn sales may go up but town efficiency will go down if there is a constant quibble in the council chambers on what to do.

If anything this is a reason for us all to attend town meetings and to pick over what is done and to voice our opinions, concerns, and points of views to the council.

Ask any department head or employee about Ray! He treated all of them like garbage after his initial comment when he arrived that "the employees make the town" and without good employees we have no town! I have been in town for over 25 years and never seen things as bad as they were with him at the wheel. And by the way Mr. Esposito should do the "right thing" and resign and worry about his defense instead of being a distraction.

Why does anything negative about Ray get deleted??????? I thought this was an open forum.

This is not even close to being politics! It's doing the right thing for the borough!!

Too bad my last comment didn't make it up here also Devilsfan. Thought it was respectful yet challanging and insightful regarding your declarations about Mr Codey. I supppose they are afraid of your allegations and subsequent ridicule on this board due to your "allegations" that may be harbored in personal or fraternal resentment. Wish we all could have enjoyed them.

They do appear on my "Profile" but not on here. Any explanation Stuart???

WHY HAS THIS QUITE TOWN GONE CRAZY. IT WAS NEVER I THIS BEFORE. ITS ALL BLOOD SHED ON EACH OTHER.

What a huge loss for Madison. I have seen first hand that Mr. Codey has given his all to this town, and he should be treated with more respect and gratitude.

You've gone through the looking glass, Barbara. I have not insulted Jim Burnet in any way. But then given what we've seen this week from Council, perhaps it's far too much to expect anyone to rise above what serves his/her own interests in the name of a more noble cause. My kids don't even understand why (in fact, find it unbelievable that) a character like John Proctor makes the ultimate choice he does in "The Crucible." Such is the era we live in.

John Proctor? "The Crucible"? The Salem Witch Trials? I am sorry but this is a huge stretch, even for a comment on Patch. The spectral evidence used (In the late 17th century) to convict Mr Proctor has more basis in reality than your logic. Look inward if you want to find out who is responsible for your kids inability to understand why John Proctor made his fateful decision.

Sure, John, let's shift the focus from where it belongs...on the Council. John Proctor was a larger reference, which you seem to miss (and opt instead for an uninformed cack)...a reference to defining one's actions, regardless of consequence, by the dictates of one's conscience, not by unbridled self-interest.

I'm sorry Mr. Wells I disagree. While all the qualities you lay out are indeed noble and praiseworthy I find it quite unsavory that you are demanding that another individual adduce he possesses said qualities and demonstrate the nature of his character by resigning from his post. It would be like someone suggesting that you follow the example of Gandhi and go on a hunger strike to protest the Council's action.

You're right, Barbara, there IS nothing more to say about it because the whole concept of honor has been compromised in our society to the point that it seems foreign to you. As an honorable and respected Republican, Bob Dole, observed some years ago, I've seen a better America.

I agree that it was a horrible way to terminate someone! However there were rumors towards the end of last year of not re-appointing Ray in January or possibly getting rid of him back then. You people must know there has to be so much more to this than politics for it to happen the way it did. Lots of bad stuff went on behind the scenes. Ray did do lots of good you just didn't hear about any of the bad because it was kept in-house.

So why don't you enlighten us, Devilsfan, and use your real name in doing so?

Actually, Mr Wells writing that an individuals "reputation will be forever tainted in my book" if he stays in his new job IS demanding that he resign. To now suggest that it would be refreshing to see someone fall on their sword for a cause you support is dishonorable and pusillanimous. Refreshing for you perhaps, probably not as pleasant for his family.

Devilsfan knows something....who cares what his real name is. Where's all the conspiracy theorists when you need them! All I see is a steady parade of Dems on here.

"In MY book" is what my words you quote say, John. Doesn't mean it has to be in yours or anyone else's. But more to the point, I'm curious, in YOUR book, is there ever a time when someone should put self-interest aside and stand up for what is right?

According to the 2007 ordinance (Ordinance 06-2007) that created the position of Borough Administrator in Madison, Mr. Codey has ten days to request a public hearing on his removal. Read the ordinance, which includes the procedures for removal, on Rosenet. I would include the link here, but my previous comments have been deleted because I included that link. You can find the ordinance on Rosenet by going to "Borough Agencies," then "Mayor and Council," then click on the link to "Ordinances" at the very bottom right of the webpage. This information is buried, but worth reading!

Why would Ray fight his termination and work where he is not wanted! The Council voted him out and most employees did not like him!

going back to steve wells comments from yesterday, he has got to be kidding by saying that hiring a police officer is the wrong thing or a waste of money, l surely want to know that there will be an officer available when l need one or an officer on the road to stop the drunk driver who may kill a fellow madisonian, really steve, really

I agree with commonsense, our police force as I understand is down about 10 officers. They are working with a staff the size it was in the 60's! Not to mention the crime rate does not seem to be going down. Our public works staff has also been depleted, they are probably working with numbers from the 30's! As residents there are services that we expect to have for the taxes we pay and I'm not sure how you get it when we keep cutting, cutting, cutting. By the way, how much is Jim Burnet going to do? He's now the administrator and overseeing recycling, recreaction, purchasing, etc... How much can you pile on him now?

If you look at the Police Dept site on rose.net. They list 33 employees before being granted a new position on Monday. When you consider that Drew University has its own police force and Madison need only pick up students from them when there are issues, it seems to me that our small town has no need of such a large force.
This fact makes the firing of Codey even worse. Perhaps his view of saving tax payer money ran counter to the common wisdom of 4 councilman.

Oh and Devilsfan. Does that mean the Police force should be at 44 employees?

Actually Judith I think if you check with the Chief of Police the FBI/State Police recommend the number of officers based on crime stats. With that being said I recall the Chief telling council some time ago that they should be over 40 officers. One officer told me that last weekend they had to call Florham Park Police twice in one night to handle calls in Madison. I guess when you need help you wouldn't have an issue waiting for another town to get to you! Just saying....

Don't be silly. I am only making the point that all of the immediate response at Drew is done by Drew security, most of whom were former local or state police. So therefore they are not really a complication for the Madison police force. Madison police are called after the fact and when transport is needed. The work needed for regular Madison residents is totally in the hands of our fine police I happen to respect our local police very well and would certainly not want them treated the way Ray Codey was. I was just questioning the priority setting by the council, to take away someone many residents see as a positive force in the community in order to add positions to other areas. Since this was done in such a sneaky and underhanded way it leads me to believe the council was unwilling to think about things differently. If they thought this department was so important to add a new spot ( Burnet) a short time ago, I am surprised this was the outcome.

Judith, you are a bit off with regards to Drew. The last time I asked there is only ONE person at Drew Security that was a cop and that's the new Chief that retired from Summit a few months ago. They are "SECURITY GUARDS" just like in the malls! They are not going to the fire alarms, medicals, rapes, robberies, burglaries and everything else that happen there our cops are and they are doing it alot. Why don't you and some others go to one of the open houses at the Public safety Complex and see first hand what our cops and fireman do, maybe then your head will pop out of the sand. Catherine with a K got it!!! Rays games caught up to him, I'm sure it will surface in time.

I wish Devilsfan and Catherine would come forward with some instances, or facts, of their allegations regarding Mr Codey instead of making statements without any reasonable backup.

The fact that this discussion has degenerated from a legitimate coversation on the merits of the town council replacing an administrator to the problems at Drew University is a joke.

S...I mean, Devilsfan 100. I can't speak to why negative comments about Mr. Codey are deleted. I believe that all comments should be posted.

Your observations seem to be rooted in personal experiences with Mr. Codey. Are you upset about arbitration or do you truly believe that Mr. Codey got what he deserved? I'd hate to see what would happen if "Union Protections" were eliminated and more budget-based personal decisions could be made regarding the entire Borough workforce. Be careful for what you advocate because as was mentioned earlier, "Karma is a ....."

Well said, Larry. I have YET to hear even one single specific "charge" against Codey. And had the partisan right-wing engineers of this blindside attack HAD any legitimate "cause" to be base it on, there can be no doubt that they would have cited it. Their "budget savings" argument has been proven to be bogus. Tsukamoto and Catalanello have shown themselves to be minor-league versions of Scott Walker and John Kasich, with their overreach agendas being repudiated by the people they were elected to serve. Shame on them.

Stephen, you're off the mark in thinking the Tsukamoto-Catalanello always had Holden's vote "in their back pocket." In fact, on key votes such as the budget, she voted AGAINST them in moving it forward last year. Also, ironically, given the strong council/weak mayor structure in Madison, this travesty wouldn't have happened were she still mayor and Conley still on council (so the guilty parties here actually gained strength due to her defeat, and Conley's "promotion"). Had the Council make-up been as it was LAST year, the vote would have at best been 3-3 (with Conley dissenting), and I don't believe MAH would have broken that tie (the only time the mayor CAN vote) by siding with those on the far right. What's amazing here -- and gives the issue traction -- is that Codey had earned the respect of almost everyone, regardless of party affiliation. Which is why the action to remove him is so despicable.

Does anyone know who gave Gary R the false information about the Republicans trying to de-fund the library?

Another good point by Anonymous! It is what it is! What's a real shame is our council and past elected officials cannot or will not go public with some of the issues with Ray. For whatever reason whether it be respect, fear of being sued or the fact that personel matter are I guess confidential the truth will never come out officially! Again, why can't anyone figure out that 4 council members would not do this for no good reason!!!!!!!! It's not politics....................

Wells, ask virtually any borough employee about "ruthless tactics" then you will understand why there is an undercurrent of "live by the sword, die by the sword" moving below the surface.That said, the way it happened was wrong but there was no love lost with borough employees. I realize from reading your previous posts you have much disdain for borough employees so your outrage with the consolidation is understandable.

Borough administrator job consolidated with assistant borough administrator job. Is it that difficult to understand? Allison didn't have an assistant, did he? During tough times like we have now we really don't have that financial luxury. You of all people should be applauding this move. Of course I say that tongue in cheek. And I reiterate, I do not approve of the way this went down. There has to be more to the story we don't know.

Just like there's "more" to why Limbaugh slandered a young law student? Often there ISN'T substance behind the action.

As for Burnet being his "assistant," I hasten to remind you that Burnet was originally hired as Downtown Manager, Most of this SAME governing body changed his title AND increased his salary not all that long ago, arguing that both his workload and Codey's demanded it. To now cut Codey loose and retain Burnet is disingenuous at best. In fact, it reeks. The ONLY ones I've heard with ANYTHING negative to say about Codey are borough employees like yourself (and inappropriately Ms. Maines). Want to hear all MY gripes about bosses I'VE had in my life? Now, use your real name.

The assistant administrators position is a fine example of ONE thing Ray PUSHED through that was not needed. How funny is it that Ray and Jim Burnet's families went away on vacation together and he becomes asst. administrator and now administrator at the hands of his friend. Isn't it funny how things happen and now Jim is left with a pile of S...T to deal with, not fair to him I might say. As for the only one's you hear from is employees, maybe that's because he treated ALL of them like trash! Whats you attraction to people using their real names, who cares where the info comes from! Maybe some people that post will have to worry about retailiation so get off them. We all know you sit around all day waiting to comment on something here. I guess this will get deleted! Again, council members will never come out publically and say why they cut Ray, never gonna happen!!!!

Catherine with an R: Thanks for the clarification on who provided Gary Ruckelshaus with the "misleading" information on funding the library.

Steve - re: item 2). Does that mean either one of them did/will put these "condemnations" in writing so it really is "publicly"?

Lynching, execution . . . beyond hyperbole.

Should we expect to see any of your "reporting" in a credible news source? Or is this just more of the same, a la the Jack Dunne quote that blew up in your face?

Not sure how you can't say it isn't Politics when you've been beating the drum all week. You haven't been a supporter of these council members in the past. Your Political Opportunism, cloaked in Humanity, is obvious and beyond shameful.

Wow, another courageous no-name contributor. To correct your several errors:

Clarification for others who may not be aware, Jack Dunne's comment in support of Codey was posted without a "Jr." on it; I and others assumed it was the former mayor not his son.

As for my "not being a supporter of these council members in the past," that's totally misinformed. I was very heavily involved in Tsukamoto's initial campaign for Council campaign in 2007, and was also a supporter of Links in 2009.

Anyone who needs verification as to the represented positions of Sette and Holden need only speak to a few people who were at the Library Benefit last night where both made their views known.

And, finally, Codey's dismissal is what was politically motivated. It's the overwhelming reaction of the Madison public that ISN'T, which is what I stated for those who know how to read.

So that means no, don't expect to see any condemnations in "writing"?