By Frank Fleischman III (FF3,) Lead Editor Editor’s Note: Belleville Watch has a “no endorsements” policy. Specific mention of candidate’s names in this piece does not constitute an endorsement by Belleville Watch. Last night’s Board of Education Candidate’s Forum was… Continue Reading →
Mayor Michael Melham often mentions a political opponent’s past with a real estate developer turned FBI informant. But some things in Melham’s political career don’t exactly appear wholesome, either. By Frank Fleischman III, (FF3,) Lead Editor We all know that… Continue Reading →
By Frank F. Fleischman III, Lead Editor I think every writer or artist wishes — once in their lifetime — to address a high school or college graduating class. It seems to be a wonderful way to impart one’s wisdom… Continue Reading →
By Frank Fleischman III (FF3,) Lead Editor (Headline with apologies to the late writer Edward Abbey.) Belleville has had a long history of nasty politics and often scheming and self-serving politicians. Our town is worth fighting for, one step at… Continue Reading →
BetterBelleville — consisting of Mayor Michael Melham and at-large councilpersons Naomy DePena and Thomas Graziano promised transparency in government and a break from Belleville’s political past. We believe they have failed in this endeavor and do not deserve re-election.
Belleville has seen bad politicians come and go but we believe that never has a Belleville mayor like Michael Melham so blatantly and arrogantly grabbed for power, control, and benefit. Throughout the past four years of Melham’s reign, his running mates on the Town Council have been largely silent. For these reasons, it is our opinion that Melham and BetterBelleville do not deserve re-election.
Since 2019, Mayor Michael Melham has claimed the right to appoint almost all members of the planning board, despite contrary evidence. The planning board’s vice-chairman challenged the mayor’s claims at a recent planning board meeting. by FF3, Lead Editor Note:… Continue Reading →
A recent New York Times article about Belleville painted an idealized picture of the town, especially from a real estate point of view. Here, Belleville Watch highlights some of the things that maybe realtors and politicians would rather not discuss.
Why would a legal opinion from a library board attorney, apparently concerning a conflict of interest with AlphaDog Solutions — Mayor Michael Melham’s company — be necessary?
By FF3, Lead Editor A nearly 200-year old painting, appraised at $125,000 and belonging to the Belleville Historical Society, was removed from the Belleville Public Library and now hangs on the wall in Michael Melham’s office at Town Hall. The… Continue Reading →
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