Orange's mayor cuts her pay $34.50; council to follow

Story

ORANGE – When city workers lost five percent of their salaries to furloughs, Mayor Carolyn Cavecche quietly asked for 5 percent to be cut from her $690 monthly stipend.

Cavecche was the lone member of the City Council to have five percent, or $34.50, taken out, beginning July 1; other council members said they did not know they could take such a cut.

Members of the Orange City Council have pledged to follow the lead of Mayor Carolyn Cavecche to have 5 percent of their $690 monthly stipends deducted.

"When the City Council put city personnel on furlough (in June), I felt I had to do something to show my support for them," Cavecche said.

City Attorney David DeBerry said that state law prohibits City Council members as a group from adjusting their stipends for a current term. But, DeBerry said, council members can individually ask for their stipends to be cut, as Cavecche did.

Cavecche said she didn't tell any other City Council member, because the decision was a "personal one."

Other council members learned of her pay cut during Cavecche's recent campaign, when she talked about it.

Councilman Mark Murphy, termed out of office in December, pledged to have his last stipend cut.

"I wasn't aware from an individual standpoint that we could do this," Murphy said. "I think it's appropriate that we all consider this."

Councilman Denis Bilodeau said he would have his stipend cut, but he pointed out that the City Council needs to look at serious ways to bridge an expected deficit of more than $10 million next fiscal year.

"Giving yourself a $34 pay cut isn't going to solve a $10-million budget deficit," Bilodeau said. "I think everything should be on the table."

Councilman Jon Dumitru said the City Council needed to set an example for city workers, even if the pay cut was symbolic.

"I think we should step forward as the leaders of the city," Dumitru said.

Cavecche praised her fellow council members for following her lead.

"I think it's wonderful," she said.

Councilwomen Tita Smith, the fifth member of the City Council, did not return telephone calls.

nasty campaign that could spell the end of the political ambitions of Orange Councilman Jon Dumtru

Popular Orange Mayor Carolyn Cavecche won a landslide re-election in a nasty campaign that could spell the end of the political ambitions of Orange Councilman Jon Dumtru. ( I like the sound of that) The two open seats on the Orange City Council had incumbent Denis Bilodeau and Fred Whitaker top the crowded eight candidate field for the posts.
http://greaterorange.blogspot.com/

Will he or won't he?

Just wondering if my wounded little Turtle Muffin will show his shell at the Orange Rotary today, Hope he can cope with his HUGE loss on Tuesday, 4th place just sucks, oh well, I'll send another pizza over for lunch on Friday.  I know my fat little Mutant Ninja Turtle sleeps better with a full tummy

How big of him to not hold a grudge

NANISU

http://www.ocregister.com/news/cavecche-274190-dumitru-term.html

8:39 AM on November 3, 2010

How big of him to not hold a grudge. Your article was a little misleading (big surprise)--it seems to indicate that she fired the first shot in the negative campaigning issue, when in fact it was Councilman Dimitru who came out of the chute swinging with negative, nasty, and untrue mailers to the citizens. Mayor Cavecche sent hers out only AFTER 3 negative--and once again untrue--mailers about her were received by the citizens of Orange. Your article seems to imply that she sent hers out first which was not the case. 

As for his comment that "it will be incumbent on her to work with me" (???)--this mayor has the integrity to rise above this and get the job done. I'm thinking it would be "incumbent" on Councilman Dimitru to attemtp to work with her for the next two years to show a little city spirit and get HIS job done

The Million Dollar Question?

People want to know who I am, and have accused good people during this campaign of being me.  I am me, not affiliated with any campaign, or cause, I am a mother, a friend, a daughter and a sister.  I am latina, and proud of my heritage.  My sons need to grow up in a community of servant leaders, those that chose to serve first.  Strong leaders to build the future for my children and yours.  I want them to understand and appreciate the freedom that we have in America, and that men have made the ultimate sacrifice in order to preserve our freedom.  My father paid that ultimate price in Vietnam, and I miss my father everyday.  I know that this is only a small city election, but my children need to understand that the freedom many people take for granted, is more than just voting, more than just endorsing a candidate, the democratic process is us.  Being a part of the greater picture, being involved.  Speaking our minds.  Pointing out the injustice, and demanding truth.  And most of all, freedom to be me.  

So, I will be having breakfast Friday morning at my favorite little spot in downtown Orange, around 8:30, after the boys are at school, in case you want to stop by and say hello.

 I love the old town scramble!  It's the best!

Horton Hears A Calling

To my guy Chris, you ran a great race, and I hope you run again! I hope to see you face around town, and on the ballot in 2012!
Never give up,
Never surrender

"This is how hope works: it looks for the good in people and situations, rather than finding the worst; it discovers what can be done instead of throwing up its hands at what can't; it considers problems large and small, as opportunities to move forward when it would be easier to quit; it makes us human, helping us find the very best in ourselves for those around us and the situations we face. "—Kevin Eikenberry

Just so we're clear... Cavecche crushes DUM I Tru

FRESHSQUEEZED
http://www.ocregister.com/news/cavecche-274190-dumitru-term.html
1:53 AM on November 3, 2010

Just so we're clear... Cavecche crushes Dumitru, nearly doubling his vote total, and he demands that she comes groveling to him on bended knee? Why exactly does Dumitru say, "it will be incumbent upon her to build a working relationship with me"?

After what he put her through it is amazing she is as gracious as she is. What she ought to do is put Dumitru and Bilodeau in their corner and see how much they can get passed with their two votes.

Thank God we have true responsible leaders in Orange like Cavecche, Whitaker and Smith. The sooner Dumitru and Bioldeau are termed out the better.