Author: admin

Frank Kapusinski arguing a case before the New Jersey Supreme Court earlier this year.

Back in April, I reported that my brother, Frank Kapusinski, had argued a case in front of the New Jersey Supreme Court. He represented Bergen County’s County Executive in the case: Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority v. Kathleen A. Donovan. The case revolved around a County Executive’s veto authority and had implications for the counties in New Jersey that have a County Executive form of government. The case was about a County Executive’s executive power and how that could be asserted over an independent agency.

Recently the New Jersey Supreme Court handed down its decision in this case.

Unlike a sporting event where there is a clear winner and loser, court decisions sometimes reflect the complexities of a case where competing statutes have to be interpreted with decisions that accept some of the arguments from both parties. This was that type of case.

The New Jersey Supreme Court decided the case Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority v. Donovan by giving both parties something. The Court held that the then-Bergen County Executive, Kathleen Donovan, had been within her rights to use her executive veto to cut commissioners’ health benefits that had never been properly authorized. However, the Court held that her firings of the commissioners — when they ignored her vetoes – had not been undertaken consistent with applicable law.

So if you see Frank around the Landing, you can congratulate him for winning some of his arguments!

The Huletts Landing Volunteer Fire Company needs your help. This year alone they taught the First Aid Course, purchased the AED’s for the community and had their open house. They have steadfastly kept the community up to date with their activities thru the Huletts Current and emails.

This year, in order to save money, instead of mailing their annual appeal, they sent their annual fund drive letter electronically.

The bottom line?

This year’s fund drive responses so far to date: 20. Last year at this time they had already received 215!

In another week the summer will be over, and lots of people will return to their other homes.

So bottom line – please help. I am sending in my donation today. Will you also? Here is the original solicitation.

HULETTS LANDING VOLUNTEER FIRE CO.
ANNUAL FUND DRIVE – NEWSLETTER

Dear Friends and Supporters of the HLVFC,

The Huletts Landing Volunteer Fire Company relies heavily on fundraising to keep our fire and emergency medical responses at a level greater than the town provided funding. Our budget is derived partly from the Town of Dresden, but it is just barely enough to cover our operating expenses, let alone purchase the necessary equipment to support the efforts of our many volunteers. Donations from residents, citizen’s groups and renters help us to provide a high level of service to the community. Our mere existence keeps your fire insurance rates lower than they otherwise would be without us.

Last year we increased our donation rate from the prior year of 20% to an astounding community donation rate of greater than 65%. This banner year enabled us to purchase state of the art cardiac defibrillators for our first responders to carry in their jump kits and one on our medical response Engine 372. We also purchased a Stryker Rescue chair so we can carry people where stretchers can’t go, for example, from dock to the road.

Our Chief Jay also has on his wish list to acquire 5 inch diameter hose to increase water flow at fires. Five-inch hose has been the standard in the fire service for at least the last 20 years or more. All of our surrounding fire departments have 5 inch hose. Wonder why we do not have any?

The reason we do not have 5 inch hose yet is very simple: 5 inch hose isn’t cheap. But it moves a lot of water. This past June during a mutual aid drill we organized, we proved we can supply a continuous and reliable flow of water via a tanker relay into parts of Land’s End. Five inch hose will extend our reach. It will increase our water flow 3x what it is now and, as in recent years, modernized our fire company. Many of you are aware of the house that burned down of the top of Route 6 in late June. We pumped and shuttled water from 6AM to 2PM to cool the fire down enough to allow fire investigators to sift through the ashes for human remains and investigative purposes. More water means more fire extinguishing capability, less time on scene and helps to save surrounding exposures.

Remember, the HLVFC is a nonprofit 501(c) corporation so your donation to the department is tax deductible. If your employer has a matching gift program, think of us. To state the obvious, we would be glad to receive a corporate match. It leverages your donation.

Lastly, we are always in need of new volunteers. Every person who joins can do something to contribute to our dedicated personnel. We drill generally 3 Monday’s a month. Our business meeting is the second Monday of every month, except if it is a holiday.

Thank you for reading our letter. Now it is time for action on your part. A suggested donation schedule is below. There is no mandate here. Give what you can. Every dollar is appreciated and goes back directly to the community.

Help our Chief Jay fulfill his wish list with your donation.

Sincerely,
The Volunteers of the Huletts Landing Fire Company

Suggested donation:
______ $1,000 (or more)
______ $500
______ $250
______ $100
______ $75
______ $50
______ Other

Thank you for your generous support. May you have a happy, healthy and safe year. We are grateful for your support and we will be there when you need us 24/7.

Please mail your tax deductible contribution to the following address:
HULETTS LANDING FD, PO Box 59, Huletts Landing, NY 12841