I am writing to address inaccurate statements that were made at the 6/9/26 council meeting regarding the status and timeline of our union contract negotiations.
Contract negotiations began in October 2025 and have continued throughout this process with the goal of reaching a fair and equitable agreement. Contrary to the Mayor and BA, the union has not been responsible for delays in negotiations.
The only mutually agreed-upon pause occurred during December 2025. At that time, the CWA Local 1032 union representative informed us that his wife was experiencing serious health issues. Out of respect and concern for his family’s circumstances, and recognizing that the holiday season was approaching, both parties collectively agreed to suspend negotiations until after the New Year. Talks resumed again in January 2026 as planned. Since that time, meeting cancellations have originated from the administration—not from the union negotiating team. As a participant directly involved in these negotiations, I have firsthand knowledge of the scheduling history and the circumstances surrounding these cancellations.
The meeting that BA Kane stated was to happen today was in fact cancelled prior to last night’s meeting so either he was not advised or he just flat out lied….I’m going with the latter.
Both Blue & White Collar would love nothing more than to have our contracts finalized, but sadly this administration is offering nothing, but willing to take everything. The employees are just looking for what’s right and fair.
Maybe if this administration stopped making up new titles with high salaries or hiring someone for $100 an hour we could have settled by now.
Now with the Mayor, CFO and BA the negotiations will be delayed yet again. And not at the fault of either union.
I am not going to miss Mayor B being rude to everyone even the council members sitting next to him. His reaction to Ms. Donovan was extremely rude, his toddler tempertantrums show just another great example of how belmar will be better off without him.
I finally figured out what Kevin Kane is good at. Well two things. He’s great at handing Gene Creamer the microphone and he’s great at dimming the lights!
I’m disappointed that the council agreed to give him a $50,000 severance package.
Current employee here who is also part of the union. The mayor and Kevin Kane flat out lied when they said that WE are the hold up on negotiations, and the meeting that they mentioned that was supposed to take place today (6/10) was cancelled by the administration on Monday.
And did I hear right that the labor attorney has been paid $20,000 so far for being present at negotiation meetings?? No wonder they haven’t negotiated in good faith so far. We’re not getting rich from these jobs. We all took them for the benefits, and there really isn’t any benefit to having them lately. The last 3 1/2 years have been the worst years in this job for myself and many others. It makes us wonder what would happen if we all decided to do nothing at work, spend the taxpayer’s money needlessly, lie at town meetings, ignore emails, disrespect town employees and residents, and then take the coward’s way out and leave.
How bout we start with not treating employees with respect which, based on the comments on here, already is glaringly obvious. Sadly we won’t know how much damage until they are long gone. Does hiring someone for $100 an hr ring a bell? Did you not hear the MAYOR say “transparency is crap”….that alone should speak volumes
That’s one example in 3 years. No respect in what way? Curious why can complain but not give real reasons. Have to show respect to earn respect. Weren’t there employees complaining about Kirschenbaum too? Makes you think.
If you have no clue then I suggest you bow out of this post. Employees don’t owe you any examples. As for your respect comment, this administration does NOT acknowledge 99% of the employees….never did. What respect does that show….GIVE RESPECT….GET RESPECT. Not rocket science
Is anyone concerned that we have added another employee that is leaving. The list of positions have resigned are as follows: Mayor, Borough Administrator, CFO and now the Tax Collector. When will people start speaking up, asking the questions and requesting to see the Borough Audits for the past three years.
Um, where are the anti union republican voices? Shouldn’t you be chiming in now? Supporting the mayor for, apparently according to two union members, not negotiating? I mean all I hear from the GOP nationally is how unions are ruining this country. I figured you guys would applaud the mayor’s behavior.
One of these days I’ll figure you guys out.
Another current employee here. Some should watch all the shredding that is leaving the Borough Administrators office. Belmar residents please start asking the questions to reveal the real reason why 4 employees are resigning this month. We are still without an HR Office, now we’re losing the Borough Administrator, Mayor, CFO and Tax Collector. Who is next? The level of disrespect and ********** is astounding.
This is an example of why it’s so important to vote for the candidate and not for the party. When I look back and think of how this Mayor was elected, I have to know that there was influence from the party. Not common sense. Please, when you vote this November consider someone who is a leader. Consider someone that genuinely cares about Belmar. Anger is an emotion and it is not sustainable. Case in point “anger” resigned.
Sir I’m an old guy and have been a notoriously slow learner my whole life. However, when I do finally get it right, no one can ever convince me I’m wrong. Trust me on this, voting is a con job.
I wouldn’t hire a new BA until after the election. No need to. The department heads have been running the town for 3 1/2 years. They are competent. Plus it will save us a little money being we are paying Kane’s salary till the end of the year.
What department heads are left? Employees are quickly leaving before **** really hits the fan. Once these guys are out all that has happened behind closed doors will come to light. We have lost: Mayor, Borough Administrator, Human Resources was the fish to jump ship and her position was never filled (she now works for Kane in Freehold), CFO and Tax Collector. Who is left. We have a Chief of Police, Superintendent, Court Administrator & Purchasing Agent. Apparently another employee will be leaving within the next month as well!
I am writing to address inaccurate statements that were made at the 6/9/26 council meeting regarding the status and timeline of our union contract negotiations.
Contract negotiations began in October 2025 and have continued throughout this process with the goal of reaching a fair and equitable agreement. Contrary to the Mayor and BA, the union has not been responsible for delays in negotiations.
The only mutually agreed-upon pause occurred during December 2025. At that time, the CWA Local 1032 union representative informed us that his wife was experiencing serious health issues. Out of respect and concern for his family’s circumstances, and recognizing that the holiday season was approaching, both parties collectively agreed to suspend negotiations until after the New Year. Talks resumed again in January 2026 as planned. Since that time, meeting cancellations have originated from the administration—not from the union negotiating team. As a participant directly involved in these negotiations, I have firsthand knowledge of the scheduling history and the circumstances surrounding these cancellations.
The meeting that BA Kane stated was to happen today was in fact cancelled prior to last night’s meeting so either he was not advised or he just flat out lied….I’m going with the latter.
Both Blue & White Collar would love nothing more than to have our contracts finalized, but sadly this administration is offering nothing, but willing to take everything. The employees are just looking for what’s right and fair.
Maybe if this administration stopped making up new titles with high salaries or hiring someone for $100 an hour we could have settled by now.
Now with the Mayor, CFO and BA the negotiations will be delayed yet again. And not at the fault of either union.
This is what transparency looks like….the truth
Unions always want more and more $$$. Politicans will always pay their friends more and more $$. It will never end.
Actually we’re not asking for much.
I am not going to miss Mayor B being rude to everyone even the council members sitting next to him. His reaction to Ms. Donovan was extremely rude, his toddler tempertantrums show just another great example of how belmar will be better off without him.
I finally figured out what Kevin Kane is good at. Well two things. He’s great at handing Gene Creamer the microphone and he’s great at dimming the lights!
I’m disappointed that the council agreed to give him a $50,000 severance package.
Lights on no1 home
Current employee here who is also part of the union. The mayor and Kevin Kane flat out lied when they said that WE are the hold up on negotiations, and the meeting that they mentioned that was supposed to take place today (6/10) was cancelled by the administration on Monday.
And did I hear right that the labor attorney has been paid $20,000 so far for being present at negotiation meetings?? No wonder they haven’t negotiated in good faith so far. We’re not getting rich from these jobs. We all took them for the benefits, and there really isn’t any benefit to having them lately. The last 3 1/2 years have been the worst years in this job for myself and many others. It makes us wonder what would happen if we all decided to do nothing at work, spend the taxpayer’s money needlessly, lie at town meetings, ignore emails, disrespect town employees and residents, and then take the coward’s way out and leave.
What was so bad? Can you provide examples?
How bout we start with not treating employees with respect which, based on the comments on here, already is glaringly obvious. Sadly we won’t know how much damage until they are long gone. Does hiring someone for $100 an hr ring a bell? Did you not hear the MAYOR say “transparency is crap”….that alone should speak volumes
That’s one example in 3 years. No respect in what way? Curious why can complain but not give real reasons. Have to show respect to earn respect. Weren’t there employees complaining about Kirschenbaum too? Makes you think.
If you have no clue then I suggest you bow out of this post. Employees don’t owe you any examples. As for your respect comment, this administration does NOT acknowledge 99% of the employees….never did. What respect does that show….GIVE RESPECT….GET RESPECT. Not rocket science
You are joking right?
Do I sound like I am?
How bout you list all the good things this administration has done for the employees????
Sit down and let the adults handle
If you are young enough pick another career.
Great advice *insert eyeroll*
Thanks Dr Phil
You too can sit down and ****
Not a bad suggestion. Only problem is the job market is in the tank. This is the year of “if you have a job, hang on to it!”
Worst Mayor Belmar has had in my lifetime.
Thank you for not letting him push things through without proper planning.
July needs to hurry up.
Definitely the worst since Walsifer. And he was the worst since Doherty.
We’re not on a great streak here.
Is anyone concerned that we have added another employee that is leaving. The list of positions have resigned are as follows: Mayor, Borough Administrator, CFO and now the Tax Collector. When will people start speaking up, asking the questions and requesting to see the Borough Audits for the past three years.
Um, where are the anti union republican voices? Shouldn’t you be chiming in now? Supporting the mayor for, apparently according to two union members, not negotiating? I mean all I hear from the GOP nationally is how unions are ruining this country. I figured you guys would applaud the mayor’s behavior.
One of these days I’ll figure you guys out.
Mr./Mrs/Miss Union Busters….
Union employees should be aware that some of their dues may get filtered down to illegal aliens. Take that you fool
Winner for the dumbest comment
You ***** it’s true
(Asterisks are mine, Editor.)
Those Lake Como events sound nice. I like the idea of Wednesday events. Helps break up the week.
Another current employee here. Some should watch all the shredding that is leaving the Borough Administrators office. Belmar residents please start asking the questions to reveal the real reason why 4 employees are resigning this month. We are still without an HR Office, now we’re losing the Borough Administrator, Mayor, CFO and Tax Collector. Who is next? The level of disrespect and ********** is astounding.
(Asterisks are mine, Editor.)
Hopefully the town engineering firm is next to go if they had anything to do with those 16th ave bathroom specs and drawings.
This is an example of why it’s so important to vote for the candidate and not for the party. When I look back and think of how this Mayor was elected, I have to know that there was influence from the party. Not common sense. Please, when you vote this November consider someone who is a leader. Consider someone that genuinely cares about Belmar. Anger is an emotion and it is not sustainable. Case in point “anger” resigned.
Consider what is best for BELMAR.
Please, when you vote this November consider someone who is a leader.
———————————————————————–
HAR-HAR-HARDEE-HAR-HAR!!!
DON’T VOTE in these so-called elections
Don’t vote
Don’t complain
Sir I’m an old guy and have been a notoriously slow learner my whole life. However, when I do finally get it right, no one can ever convince me I’m wrong. Trust me on this, voting is a con job.
I wouldn’t hire a new BA until after the election. No need to. The department heads have been running the town for 3 1/2 years. They are competent. Plus it will save us a little money being we are paying Kane’s salary till the end of the year.
What department heads are left? Employees are quickly leaving before **** really hits the fan. Once these guys are out all that has happened behind closed doors will come to light. We have lost: Mayor, Borough Administrator, Human Resources was the fish to jump ship and her position was never filled (she now works for Kane in Freehold), CFO and Tax Collector. Who is left. We have a Chief of Police, Superintendent, Court Administrator & Purchasing Agent. Apparently another employee will be leaving within the next month as well!
So hire new people
We shouldn’t hire a new BA period. There is no need. Doherty started that tradition and it’s been nothing but trouble.
There were Administrators before Doherty was mayor
Employees and residents are tired of the ‘mushroom farm’ administration … keeping them in the dark … in the corner … in the shade.
Great analogy from a brilliant man