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 →
Nothing makes a civic watchdog happier than to see people attending public meetings and demanding answers and accountability from their elected officials. Belleville residents demonstrated that spirit at last Tuesday’s Town Council meeting at the Belleville High School auditorium. People… Continue Reading →
Dear Attorney General Grewal, You are obviously a busy man, so I will be direct. The residents of Belleville – a small town in Essex County – have patiently waited for your office to investigate the shameful – and possibly… Continue Reading →
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