Summary of Blog

1. I have posted on the blog Lodi by the Numbers since 2013. It has provided a public

service by exposing government waste and abuse at all levels. I have provided

investigative reports that have been acted on by state agencies. In 2014, borough

employees were removed from the pension system after a state agency acted on my

blog posts. That is one of many examples. Elected officials throughout New Jersey

contact me after coming across my blog. I am asked about subjects such as New

Jerseys Best Practices Questionnaire for municipalities, rulings on the Open Public

Records Act (OPRA), contracts for professional services, and double-dipping public

employees.

2. This is a personal blog. I never purported to represent the positions of the Board.

The following disclaimer appears on every page:

This blog contains my personal writings (facts and opinions). I do not speak on

behalf of any individual or organization.

3. Lodi Board of Education by-laws state the following:

Board members are entitled to express themselves publicly on any matter, including

issues involving the Board and the school district. Individual Board members cannot,

however, express the position of the Board except as expressly authorized, in

 accordance with Board Policy No. 9120. A Board member shall not represent his/her

personal opinion as the positon of the Board.

4. Since joining the Board, I have dealt with a lot of confidential information. I never

posted anything confidential on the blog.

Background

1. On November 8, 2016, I was elected to the Lodi Board of Education. That election was

the first time in eighteen years that anyone was elected while running opposed to Lodis

very powerful political machine. Lodi Police Sergeant Dominic Miller (BOE incumbent)

and his two running mates, Lodi Deputy Police Chief Donald Scorzetti and Nicholas

Vara, ran on the machine ticket Children First. I ran as an independent.

2. I spent $230 of my own money on the campaign. I refused all campaign contributions

from others. The machine ticket spent upwards of $10,000 on the campaign. Children

First only showed one contribution for $3,641.16 which came from the campaign

account of Lodi Councilwoman Patricia Licata (Exhibit 1). Children Firsts ELEC

reports on-line do not list the rest of its contributions and expenditure. That disclosure is

required by law.

3. The Lodi schools had a half day schedule on November 8, 2016. Straight from school,

Patricia Licata arrived at the St. Francis parking lot, the polling place for districts 7, 8,

and 9. She spent the rest of the day there, until approximately 8 p.m. when the polls
 closed. She was accompanied by her daughter Kristen for most of the day and husband

Frank later on in the day. They stood alongside Miller, Scorzetti, and Vara. Although

campaigning is prohibited at polling places, the Licatas stood feet from the polling

entrance. They introduced their candidates to voters. They sent a message that the Lodi

mayor and council were supporting Miller, Vara, and Scorzetti.

3. I received more votes than Miller, Scorzetti, and Vara and on November 8th. The 7th, 8th,

and 9th districts were the worst districts for Patricia Licatas candidates.

4. My blog served as a means to overcome their big money advantage and powerful

political organization. Patricia Licata realizes this and that is why she filed this frivolous

ethics complaint. She wants to silence all political opposition.

5. Patricia Licata has been a member of Lodi council since 2011. She omitted that from her

complaint. That is something too important to leave out. Her son Joseph Licata was a

member of the Lodi Board of Education from May 2009 to October 2016.

6. I have been posting on the blog Lodi by the Numbers since 2013. I have been exposing

nepotism abuses and unethical behavior by both Patricia Licata and her son Joseph since

2013. Attached are a few examples (Exhibit 2).

7. In 2016, I filed an ethics complaint against then School Board President Joseph Licata.

He was using his close personal friend and Lodi school administrator Jamie Ciofalo

during school days to generate money for Licatas employer and Licatas nonprofit.

Although I filed the complaint with the SEC, I strongly believe that this could have been

a criminal matter being so much money was involved and because it was done on the

taxpayers dime. On August 23, 2016, the SEC found probable cause to credit the
 allegations against Joseph Licata and the matter was transmitted to the Office of

Administrative Law. Joseph Licata resigned from the Lodi Board of Education in

October 2016. Jamie Ciofalo resigned from as an administrator with the Lodi Board of

Education in February 2017.

8. In December 2016, I reported that Councilwoman Licatas son Patrick received a $26,626

raise (56% pay increase) in his position with the Lodi DPW (Building & Grounds).

This turned into a really big story because nobody seemed to be aware of it. It was never

listed on any council minutes. It was never reported in the papers. Members of Patricks

own department seemed unaware of it. I had discovered it after filing an OPRA request

for borough payroll (Exhibit 3). I reported this story and questioned the mayor and

council at a public meetings. This infuriated Councilwoman Licata.

9. Councilwoman Licata filed this frivolous complaint against me as retaliation for the

ethics complaint I filed against her son and for exposing the Licata familys nepotism and

abuse in public office.

Alleged Violations

18A:12-24.1 Code of Ethics for School Board Members

e. I will recognize that authority rests with the board of education and will make no personal
promises nor take any private action that may compromise the board.

i. I will support and protect school personnel in proper performance of their duties.

j. I will refer all complaints to the chief administrative officer and will act on the complaints at
public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution.
Answer to Complaint
Paragraphs 1 to 5

1. I agree with paragraphs 1-4. I dispute paragraph 5. If I referenced any Board of

Education employees, it was for their political activity or union activity.

Paragraph 6

2. I never made any promises on the blog nor did I take any private board actions on the

blog. The blog reports on local news, provides public information, and offers my personal

opinions as it has done since 2013. My freedom of expression is protected by the first

amendment.

Paragraphs 7 and 8

3. On May 24, 2017, there was Board of Education meeting at the borough hall. A large

crowd was expected. Lodi teachers are working under an expired contract so the union has had a

large presence at recent meetings.

4. At about 6 p.m. on May 24th, Councilwoman Licata led a group of union members in a

protest outside the house in which I live and outside the business in which I work. The protest

lasted about 45 minutes. When I drove out of my driveway to attend the board meeting, the

teachers ran to their cars across the street and followed me to the meeting.

5. At the same time the protest was taking place outside my house, a protest was also taking

place outside the home of Al Mastrofilipo Jr., another board member. Al Mastrofilipo Jr. also

ran as an independent in the November 8, 2016 election.

6. There are currently eight board members. Protesters only targeted the homes of two

members. Al Mastrofilipo and I are the newest members on the board. I am not on the

negotiations team. I never said anything negative towards the union prior to May 24th. Neither

Trustee Mastrofilipo nor I were on the board when the union voted down a proposed contract.

Its strange that we would be the targets that night.

7. Most of the protesters that were at my house are employees at Wilson elementary school.

Most of the protesters that were at Mr. Mastrofilipos house are employees at Washington

elementary school. Councilwoman Licata works at Wilson school and Mayor Carafa works at

Washington school. It was clear that the union protests were not because of contract

negotiations. Two longtime Lodi politicians were organizing the union to target two

new independent board members that were challenging a corrupt system.

8. Its my opinion that many of these people did behave like animals that night. The mayor

of Lodi Emil Carafa (a principal at Washington School) insulted me during the hearing of the

citizens. A union leader Debra Kwapniewski (a pre-k teacher at Washington school, a close

personal friend of Licata and Carafa, and someone that is active in all political elections) insulted

me during the hearing of the citizens. When I attempted to explain myself, Emil Carafa walked

out of the meeting. Much of the union leadership got up and turned their backs to me when I

went to speak. Then they walked out.

9. It is my opinion that Councilwoman Patricia Licata is miserable. I have witnessed her

fighting with people at St. Francis on Election Day. I have witnessed her insulting a woman

outside of Wilson school, denigrating her for living in low income housing and not paying

taxes. She cursed at me during a board meeting (Exhibit 4) while I was there as a citizen and
not as a trustee. Patricia Licata and her husband Frank have insulted, intimidated, and harassed

many people during and after public meetings. In exhibit 4, the incident referenced was Frank

Licata telling a woman if you were a good mother, your son wouldnt have needles in his

arms. The woman spoke about school issues during the hearing of the citizens and did not

deserve that. I personally witnessed this. It occurred immediately following the adjournment of

that nights board meeting. The comment was made in the meeting room and in the presence of

many. So, yes, people that behave like that are miserable.

10. A few years ago, Councilwoman Licata was moved from being a 4th grade teacher to a

basic skills teacher. That is a coveted position and sought by many. Teachers seek that

position because they wouldnt have to deal with their own class, they would have less papers to

grade, etc. Patricia Licata received the position over better qualified candidates. Others that

expressed interest had more years of experience and more advanced degrees. Patricia Licata did

not have a masters degree at the time. Joseph Licata was the president of the Lodi Board of

Education at the time of his mothers appointment.

11. With the new position came more freedom and privileges for Councilwoman Licata. I

have a business across the street from Wilson school. I see Ms. Licata socializing outside the

school during different times of the day while school is in session. I see her leaving the building

during different times of the day and returning with food. Parents and students refer to her as

the lady that sells pencils in the Wilson school store because of the time she spends in her

makeshift store.
Conclusion

12. Motivated by politics and retaliation, Councilwoman Patricia Licata filed a frivolous

complaint against me.

13. I refuse to use Lodi tax dollars in responding to this frivolous complaint. It is time

consuming and I am spending money out of pocket on ink, postage, etc.

13. Councilwoman Licata has taken time from me that couldve been spent dealing with real

school issues. Councilwoman Licata has taken time from the SEC.

14. Councilwoman Patricia Licata should be fined for filing a frivolous ethics complaint.
 VERIFYING CERTIFICATION

I, Ryan Cmioni, of full age, certify as follows:

1. I am of the Lodi Board of Education and a Respondent in this matter.

2. I have read the Verified Answer to which this Verifying Certification is attached and the
responses set forth therein are true unless expressly stated as based upon information and
belief.

3. I certify that the foregoing statements made by me are true. I am aware that if any of the
foregoing statements made by me are willfully false, I am subject to punishment.

Dated: July~, 2017

 .. ""
ExhibitJ
This form can be electronicaly fifed at www.etec.statft.n).U8
SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION FORMC-1
FOR STATE USE ONLV

NEW JERSEY ELECTION LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION
P.O. Box 185, Trenton, NJ08625-0185
o;-,'J:
(609} 2.92-8700 er Toll Free Within NJ 1-888-313-ELEC (3532)
,. www.elec.state.nj.~
El.Ee Receive:
CONTRIBUTIONS REPORT TYPE (CHECK ONE)
0 Committee spending under the R-1 n!portlng threshold (A-1 or A-2 filers etc.) Who reoeived a oornributlo11 In OCT 2 5 21118
ex<:eSS of $300 In the aggregate from one souroe in the election, or any CUfl8ncy (cash) contributions. Amendment?
IX] Committee receiving a contribution in excess o1$1,4'00iRtheaggregatBfrom one sourceslarting with the 13nt
day before the election 1.p to, and including the day of I.he election (48-Hour Notice). Yes ~No
SECTION I. CANDIDATE, JOINT CANDIDATES, OR POLITICAL COMMITTEE INFORMATION
Candidate{s) Name Dominic Miiier; Donald Scorzettl; Nicholas Vara ' Election Date
11108/2016
Committee Name Election District/Municipality
CHILDREN FIRST BOROUGH OF LODI
Candidate or Committee Address {Number aod Street, City. State, Zip Code}
15 ROOSEVELT AVENUE l..001, NJ 07644
Office Sought ) County *(Area) OayTelephone
BOARD OF EDUCATION BERGEN 973-931-4148
Political Party "'(Area) Evening Telephone
NON-PARTISAN 973-931-4148
~~~.~fRIBUTION INFORMATION (Receipt Types: A =Currency ~~~n}

c Date Received
10/13/2016

~Roosevelt Ave., Lodi, NJ 07644

Occupan'"'n-~""-'i:....;dllaD
l
Contributor Name
UNITED FOR LODI MUNICIPAL COUNCIL COMMITTEE
Address (Number and Street, City, state, Zip Code}

JReceipt Type jCheck if

Aggregate Amount
$ 3,641.16
Amount
""--,,_~

$3,641.16~
- Description~C'-'"~!:~
t_;:~~Q~
~

41 I
Employer Name (lflndividual) I L
Employer Mailing Adlhss (Hlmtividual}

Date Receive~ IContributor Name

I~
Address (Number and Street. City, State, Zip Code) Aggregate Amount
$
Occupation (lflndividual} IReceiptType 'Checkif Description, if In-Kind Contribution
Ct.Jrrency [
Employer Name (lflndividual) I Employer Mailing Address (lflndividual)

Date Received I
Contributor Name

l~nt
Address (Number and Street, City. State, Zip Code) Aggregate Amount
$
Occupalion (tflndlvldual) Receipt Type rheck if Description, if In-Kind Contribution
1 Currency 0
Employer Name (lflndividual) I Employer Mailing Address (lflndividual}

Date Received IContributor Name

Address (Number and Street. City, State. Zip Code) Aggregate Amount
$
l~ount
Occupation (ff Individual)
IReceipt Type 'CCurrency
heck if r Description, if ln--KindContribution

Employer Name (IfIndividual) tEmployer Mailing Address (lflndividual)

(COMPLETE THIS LINE FOR EVERY PAGE USED) TOTAL, THIS PAGE $ ~H!.l6
(COMPLETE THIS LINE FOR LAST PAGE USED} GRAND TOTAL $ 3,641.1
Candidate orTreasurerSignak.lr~~~:J

.. Yl2..'\S4l12.R.
I Date
10/14'2011
New Jerwy Electic>n i.- EMxcemenl ..... Ferm C-1 ~ il1Q3l2015

I
Lodi by the Numbers: Patti Licata brought her home to work with her... http://lodioverhaul.blogspot.com/2015/03/patti-licata-brought-her-hom ...

G+l 2 More Next Blog lodioverhaul@gmail.com New Post [

Lodi by the Numbers

Monday, March 30, 2015 Blog Archive

... 2017 (226)

Patti Licata brought her home to work with ... 2016 (257)

her. .. ... 2015 (215)

... December (30)
... November (31)
... October (9)

... September (9)

... August (17)
... July (16)
... June (10)
... May (23)
... April (22)
... March (25)
Anyone can buy votes with
other people's money. N ...

Patti Licata brought her horn

work with her ...

Patti Licata will not debate 1~

The following took place AFTER Patti Licata joined the council four Platfonn: Ethics
years ago: Borough Manager accepts l
karat gold gift.

From Lodi to Bloomsburg ...

Patti Licata's son, Patrick, was hired FULL-TIME in the DPW. The
Luna, Masopust, and A Loni
position was never advertised. The hiring was never mentioned at any
History of Shenanigans ...
council meeting. It never appeared on any meeting minutes.
George Reggo: "If! didn't d<
good job, they wou ...

Patti Licata voted to create a new "Building and Grounds" department. Is "procedurally wrong"
something like "not in cor:
Then she made her son its first employee. Tony Luna said that Pat Licata
handles the whole department. Joe Licata omits '"consult ing
fees" from financial ...
Today's Public Notice: 7
Candidates Running for 5.
Patti Licata supported the layoffs of two DPW employees that each had
four years of seniority over her son. One hand washes the other.. .
Lodi tax dollars.

Brnce Masopust promised a

report on the Dmg Allia ...
Patti Licata voted "YES" on the new Building and Grounds contract
where her son signed his name as the "Shop Steward". Alan Spiniello received a
$10,000 raise this year... .
Why won 't Charles Cuccia r
over the 2014 annual...

1 of3 7/4/17, 1:16 PM

Lodi by the Numbers: Patti Licata brought her home to work with her... http://lodioverhaul.blogspot.com/2015/03/patti-licata-brought-her-hom ...

Patti Licata allowed her son to take the town's Ford Expedition home. A NO BID contract for a
Patti's son blamed me when people questioned why the borough vehicle campaign contributor vs.

was taken home. Runaway Payouts

Ideas for Recreation and

Conununity Events
Records showed that Patti's son was the only "Building and Grounds" One line shocks the public n
employee having his i-phone paid for by the taxpayers of Lodi. than others .. .

"Young Pat, Pat Licata hand!

all of building and ...
Patti's son, Joseph (the president of the Lodi Board of Education), has Where is Lodi's "2014 Annu
been paid thousands of dollars in "consulting fees" with Lodi Drug Debt Statement"?
Alliance money. During the last four years, Patti has been unable to Today, I filed to run for Lodi
explain what he has actually done for that money. She refused to produce Cmmcil.
any of his supposed work even after it was requested through the Open " Professional Services'"
Public Records Act. She gets angry and argumentative when
"Best Practices" discussed ir
questioned. article about Teanec ...

'MIRACULOUSLY" dropp
by over $150,000 ...
After Patti Licata began paying the Lodi Boys Club $60,000 a year with
Lodi tax dollars, her son Joseph received a substantial pay increase at the ..,.. Februa1y (4)
club. Patti refused to disclose her son's compensation at the club as she ..,.. January (19)
was voting "YES" on the payments. Employees of the club were laid off
as Joe Licata received his substantial pay increase. .... 2014 (123)

.... 2013 (47)

After Patti Licata began paying the Lodi Boys Club $60,000 a year with
This blog contains my
Lodi tax dollars, her daughter began working at the club.
personal writings (facts al
opinions). I do not speak (
Patti Licata voted "Yes" on all of the appointments to the Lodi Housing behalf of any individual OJ
Authority where a third son is employed.
mganization.

Patti voted "YES" on numerous bills for a business that employed two of
her sons.

Patti Licata received a new position in the Lodi schools. She was chosen
over teachers with more education and more years of service.

In the last four years, Patti Licata has not offered one idea at any council
meeting. Why is she running again?

Posted by RC at 6:26 PM j>

G+t +2 Recommend this on Google

Newer Post Home Older Post

12of3 7/4/17, 1:16PM

Lodi by the Numbers: Patrick Licata's $74,300 salary must be investig ... http://lodioverhaul.blogspot.com/2016/12/patrick-licatas-74300-salar...

G+1 o More Next Blog lod ioverhau l@gmail.com New Post [

Lodi by the Numbers

Sunday, December 4, 2016 Blog Archive

.... 2017 (226)

Patrick Licata's $74,300 salary must be " 2016 (257)
'f December (39)
investigated! 2016: Most viewed posts of
year...

Norah Peck should appear al

BOE meeting.
Below is from the November 30, 2016 payroll (two week's Everyday Lodi is a lot smart
pay): than the Capizzi Fi ...

Norah Peck is not properly

serving Lodi. Another ...
Account: 60126300001101 BUILDING AND GROUNDS Bella Vara unhinged!

AUFIERO LOUIS Borough bills are available t

December...
Earnings: REGULAR 2,928.55 LONGVTY 351. 42 "During the special meeting
Tuesday, the same m ...

REGULAR
(-_ $74,300 More tax dollars being wast<
to honor two self-se ...

LISA MICHAEL salary Marc Capizzi got his "do-ov

Earnings : REGULAR Special Board of Ed meetinf

1,333.33
Tuesday...
LISA VINCENT Incentivizing a rip-off. ..
Earnings: REGULAR 2,026.15 Who else tried to buy the
election for "Capizzi Fi ...

For the Capizzi Five,

They have to be kidding!

Capizzi sets special mee ...
Below is from the July 2015 payroll (two week's pay): Nick Vara is trying to get
revenge on Lodi for ous ...

Email just submitted to inter

BUILDIUG Af.'D GROUNDS Bergen County Supe ...
;ccount: 50126293001101
Three BOE Trustees had the
AUFIERO LOUIS courage to do the right ...

Earnings: REGULAR 2,871.13 LONGVTY 344.54 Debra Kwapniewski was

defending bad Board
behavior...
~ $47,674 Letter submitted to the Lodi
Board of Education ..... .

LISA VI!lCENT
salary December 21st Board of Ed
agenda is available ...
Earn i ngs: REGULAR 1,919 . 25
Move over Wall Street!
How close was the mayor ar

1 of3 7/4/17, 1:26 PM

Lodi by the Numbers: Patrick Licata's $74,300 salary must be investig ... http://lodioverhaul.blogspot.com/2016/12/patrick-licatas-74300-salar...

cow1ci1 to CanISo prio ...

The Borough is showing Patrick Licata's salary increased Was Mayor Carafa trnthful t
the papers 9
$26,626 or 56% in just one year.
A Christmas rush 9

Kinnelon seeks public input.

Why won't Lodi 9
Maybe Patty can explain.
Nepostism raises go beyond

There were some good

Patty Licata should not be allowed to vote on the Borough applicants for Borough
Manage ...
Manager appointment. She is unfit to serve.
This administration violated
open public recor...

OPRA response due tomorrc

Her family has abused everything!
Not al 1 headlines read the
san1e ..

Congranilations to Al
Mastrofilipo Jr!

Special BOE Meeting tonigt

Propping up Patrick Licata t

Brian Paladino 's jo ...

Post by "Prima Facie": Thos

wonderful turf field ...

Patty Licata abstained on FI'

resolutions at the ..

When, where, why, and how

Patrick Licata recei ...

Patrick Licata's $74,300 sah

must be investigat...

BecatlSe everything is backn

You can find Patrick Licata's "regular" two week pay on and secretive, I ju.. .

page 18 of the most recent borough payroll linked below: 2016 "'Best Practices"
questionnaire: more bad
prac ...

https://www.scribd.com/document/333138062/Borough- II>- November (35)

Payroll-November-30-2016 II>- October (42)

II>- September (31)

II>- August (29)

II>- July (18)

Posted by RC at 9 :00 AM ~

G+l Recommend this on Google II>- June (15)

II>- May (7)

Newer Post Home Older Post II>- April (12)

II>- March (8)

II>- February (6)

II>- January (15)

II>- 2015 (215)

II>- 2014 (123)

II>- 2013 (47)

2 of3 7/4/17, 1:26 PM

Lodi by the Numbers: A lack of morality and decency ... http://lodioverhaul.blogspot.com/2015/12/a-lack-of-morality-and-dece...

G+I 0 More Next Blog lodioverhaul@gmail.com New Post Design Sign Out

Lodi by the Numbers

Thursday, December 17, 2015 Blog Archive

.. 2017 (226)

A lack of morality and decency ... .. 2016 (257)

't' 2015 (215)

't' December (30)
Jamie Ciofalo adds a new
disclosure to his website ...

W hy are they starring Brnce

Masopust at such a big .. .
Resolutions violated to overpay
Luna s daughter an ...

More special treaunent for

Patty's children.
. . ....
.
, ~ , .... ' ~ " ,.. ~
December bills are available .

4% raises this year for ve1y

limited to NO SHOW jo...

I look forward to paying $46 for

an audio CD of a ...

A board of bullies and clear

ethics violations.

Capizzi & Board post

The $7 .5 million dollar project is really bad. But something else incomplete minutes. Passaic
made many residents sicker to their stomachs.
Parents had asked for the rest of
the PARCC result ...
l have been attending meetings for many years. I have never Joe Licata wouldn"t let residents
been more ashamed or embarrassed for Lodi. speak, or even t ...

A lack of morality and

decency ...

Frank Licata, the father of the Board President and husband of Please Attend Wednesday's
BOE Meeting.
the Deputy Mayor, said something really horrible to a woman in
attendance about her child. His statement was made in the Marc. you aren 't building a
school. And those ar...
presence of many people including myself. All were in disbelief.
Lunas hunting buddy (of JO
Many feel a sense of sadness today because of the mean- years?) is now Lodi's .. .
spiritedness and lack of basic decency.
Which exemption is Marc
Capizzi using when he deni ...

Desomma's CD fight:
Children should never be attacked. Period.
Besides all the gushing over
Tony Lnna, there w ill...

Look at what Hasbrouck

The Deputy Mayor and Wilson School employee, Patricia Licata, Heights was showing for
uttered the word "a-hole" many times during the meeting. $10 ...
Wilson school parents were in attendance. What example is she Don't allow those wasting $7 .5
setting? million to occupy t...

"District to demolish BOE

ofiices at Lincoln Schoo ...
Words matter. Decency matters. What are the Capizzis' trne
1notives? There is no ..
Posted by RC at 10: 18 PM tf? OPRA request just submitted.
G+l Recommend this on Google Lodi deserves transp ...

Lincoln project was based on

1 of2 7/4/1 7, 1:31 PM