Tom Russo
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On the article The Fanwood Blotter: Clark Woman Arrested for DWI
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On the Blog Post A Kid in the Hall of Fame?
Tom Russo
4:15 pm on Thursday, May 2, 2013
ReplyMost prominent Expos Hall of Famer? Interesting? As far as I recall, Andre Dawson is the only other Hall of Famer from the Expos. Tony Perez was there for a couple of years and I know that Dick Williams and Frank Robinson managed them for a while, but who else is there? Hmm..Tim Raines, I guess would go in as an Expo, if he ever gets elected.
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On the article Springfield Doctor Who Sexually Assaulted Patient Sentenced to 364 Days in Jail
Tom Russo
4:27 pm on Friday, April 5, 2013
Just realized that that wasn't clear either. So you know, I have no experience as an inmate. Its late in the day.
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On the article Springfield Doctor Who Sexually Assaulted Patient Sentenced to 364 Days in Jail
Tom Russo
4:26 pm on Friday, April 5, 2013
ReplyYou are correct, Barney. In my experience, a 364 day sentence usually means that the Defendant serves about 4 months unless he has an extensive prior record. Let me clarify that I mean "in my experience" as a criminal defense attorney, not as an inmate.
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On the article Heated SID Discussion Transpires at Scotch Plains Council Meeting
Tom Russo
6:05 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013
ReplyThe total proposed budget of $87,000.00 includes projected advertising revenue of $12,000.00 if the SID continues to publish a magazine. The actual expenditure of assessment monies from 2012 is $75,000.00. That figure also includes some carry over from the prior year. There are approximately 160 properties whose owners pay the $400.00 assessment. The SID has received approximately $64,000.00 to $66,000.00 per year in assessment monies. The Mayor has proposed eliminating Route 22 businesses and others not in the downtown from the assessment which would reduce the total revenue by more than half. Thus, in my opinion, even if the SID were able to survive the suspension of the assessment, the amount to be collected from the property owners in the area remaining in the district would not be enough to accomplish anything.
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On the Blog Post My Top Five Baseball Families
Tom Russo
10:54 am on Thursday, March 7, 2013
ReplyJust wanted to point out that while Vince DiMaggio was not a great hitter, he was a two-time All Star. His brothers both considered him the best fielder of the three so he must have been terrific on defense.
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On the article Heated SID Discussion Transpires at Scotch Plains Council Meeting
Tom Russo
11:01 am on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
ReplyMr. Minall, You are 100% correct about the need for architectural standards relating to storefronts and signage. You are also dead-on about storefronts being used for office space. You may not have a business in town or pay the SID assessment but that does not mean you do not have "skin in the game". Every resident will benefit from a vibrant, robust business district. Thank you for your comments.
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On the article Scotch Plains Management Corporation Discusses Suspending Yearly Fee
Tom Russo
4:52 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
ReplyI am not sure what is meant by a zero-based budget. Obviously, we are preparing a budget that anticipates that the Mayor and Council may suspend the assessment and the SPMC would then have to work with only monies on hand and previously owed.
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On the article Scotch Plains Management Corporation Discusses Suspending Yearly Fee
Tom Russo
4:35 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
ReplyI was recently elected Treasurer of the Scotch Management Corporation. Respectfully, neither the Alternative Press, nor the Patch was present at the meeting of the SPMC on January 30. This story is not accurate.The SPMC did not vote to suspend the SID assessment. Mayor Glover indicated that he wanted to have the assessment suspended and intended to propose that to the Council. There was discussion about the assessment. However, the Board did not vote nor, in my opinion, was there a consensus to support the Mayor's plan to suspend the assessment. The Board is well aware that the power to suspend the assessment rests with the Council.
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On the article Oasis Church Moves to Snuffy’s Pantagis in Scotch Plains
Tom Russo
1:53 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
ReplyDon't mean to rain on anyone's parade so to speak but I do not believe that using this venue for school or church services is a permitted use and it is probably a violation of the local zoning ordinance.
Tom Russo
9:43 am on Friday, May 3, 2013
Not sure what you mean by "not treating these offenses seriously". As an attorney and former Scotch Plains municipal prosecutor, I can tell you that, in my experience, DWI is taken very seriously. For a first offense, with a blood alcohol reading of .10 or above, an offender faces a driver's license suspension of 7 to 12 months, 12 hours of classes at the Intoxicated Drivers Resource Center (at the offenders expense), fines and surcharges totaling approximately $4,000.00, and up to 30 days in jail. All penalties but the jail sentence are mandatory. Increase in insurance premiums usually bring the total cost to around $10,000.00. A blood alcohol reading of above .15 requires and additional penalty of an ignition interlock device that must be installed in your car so that it will not start without your blowing into it to pass an alcohol test. The cost of the device runs about another $75 per month and can be required for up to one year after the restoration of your license so you could be paying for that for up to 2 years (another $1,800.00). Those penalties are just for a first offense. If you are involved in an accident, have a minor in the car or are in a school zone (regardless of whether school is in session) you face enhanced penalties.