Tommy's still angling for FoxNews. He even used "bloviating".
The point of Tom DeSeno's post at Red Jersey is a good one. There's so much disingenous talk about ethics in this campaign that our real problems are not getting addressed. Could that be because neither side really want to solve the sorry state of our State? Tommy's demand of our politicians, to "stop promising to give me what you already owe me," is like asking a three card monte dealer to play fair.
Our "leaders" don't want to deal with real issues during a campaign. Governor Corzine calls issues like asset monetization, dual office holding, education funding and gay marriage "political footballs" as if that were a bad thing. Is it any wonder voter turnout is so low when campaigns have no substance and the real issues are put off for lame duck sessions when the "leaders" can vote with no consequence.
Tom goes as far to implore U.S. Attorney Chris Christie to give his corruption investigations a rest and focus on terrorism. The way I see it, the Feds are doing a good job on both corruption and terrorism. I say keep the heat on the crooks.
Rather than give the crooks a break, the Feds should make the crooks complete their rehabilitation at a place like this. It will get them closer to The Lord and there will be no place to hide the cash or the wires for that matter.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
It is certainly shaping up to be a silly season...
with Jen and Ellen playing gotcha and the legislative candidates of both parties running against business as usual in Trenton.
In the county Freeholder race, Rob Clifton should send the APP editors a thank you note for burying this article deep in the paper. Do we really need a resolution that 1) forbids county contractors from an already illegal practice, hiring illegal aliens, 2) requiring that prevailing wage be paid on all contracts (that is already the law, except for jobs of less than $11,000) and prohibits discrimination against minority contractors?
Clifton and Cantor have been doing a winning job using Anna Little's playbook on ethics reform. Instead of silly resolutions that are obvious political panders, they ought to look to Little's ideas for reducing county spending and reforming hiring practices.
They ought to do it fast before the next stroke of Barham genius dominates the headlines and rekindles the Tobia and Harvey stories.
In the county Freeholder race, Rob Clifton should send the APP editors a thank you note for burying this article deep in the paper. Do we really need a resolution that 1) forbids county contractors from an already illegal practice, hiring illegal aliens, 2) requiring that prevailing wage be paid on all contracts (that is already the law, except for jobs of less than $11,000) and prohibits discrimination against minority contractors?
Clifton and Cantor have been doing a winning job using Anna Little's playbook on ethics reform. Instead of silly resolutions that are obvious political panders, they ought to look to Little's ideas for reducing county spending and reforming hiring practices.
They ought to do it fast before the next stroke of Barham genius dominates the headlines and rekindles the Tobia and Harvey stories.
Beck lands a counter punch
Jen Beck hits Ellen Karcher with an ethics complaint of her own.
"Barry Goldwater" has great commentary on Karcher and a very funny news parody on Panter.
"Barry Goldwater" has great commentary on Karcher and a very funny news parody on Panter.
GOP Presidential Candidates Forum, Straw Poll and Brunch
Conversatives with Attitude is sponsoring a candidates forum and straw poll on Saturday, September 29, 10:30 am at the Hampton Inn on Route 9 in Woodbridge. Admission is $18 if paid in advance through PayPal. $20 at the door.
Surrogates for the campaigns of Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Tom Tancredo and Ron Paul will be discussing the issues and taking your questions. There is still time for the other campaigns to assign an official surrogate as well.
I'm hoping the Brownback girl shows up:
Surrogates for the campaigns of Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Tom Tancredo and Ron Paul will be discussing the issues and taking your questions. There is still time for the other campaigns to assign an official surrogate as well.
I'm hoping the Brownback girl shows up:
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
From the grapevine...
Monmouth County Chief Financial Officer Mark Acker is said to be slated to become the next township administrator of Middletown.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Beck takes a hit
Senator Ellen Karcher filed an ethics complaint today against her opponent, Assemblywoman Jennfier Beck. Karcher apparently has the goods on Beck with using her legislative stationary for political purposes.
Beck admitted to Politicsnj.com, that she passed out the letter Karcher has a problem with at an event at Seabrook Village, a senior living community in Tinton Falls. Beck called the complaint frivolous.
The complaint may be frivolous, but printing letter on legislative rather than campaign stationary was reckless, especially with ethics being the focus of the campaign in the 12th.
Beck admitted to Politicsnj.com, that she passed out the letter Karcher has a problem with at an event at Seabrook Village, a senior living community in Tinton Falls. Beck called the complaint frivolous.
The complaint may be frivolous, but printing letter on legislative rather than campaign stationary was reckless, especially with ethics being the focus of the campaign in the 12th.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
The Fight for the Bridge Continues
September 21, 2007
News Release
GROUP FILES FEDERAL LAWSUIT TO STOP DESTRUCTION OF HIGHLANDS SEABRIGHT BRIDGE
A citizens group has filed a federal lawsuit today seeking to prevent any further work on the Highlands-Sea Bright Bridge.
The group, which is called “Citizens for Rational Coastal Development,” alleges that the federal government incorrectly evaluated the historical aspect of the bridge and failed to provide an environmental impact study relating to the project. The group also alleges that a public hearing was required before the federal government released funds to the State for this project.
According to the group’s lawyer, Stuart J. Lieberman, “it is important that government rigidly adheres to all procedures required when they undertake large scale projects such as this. Here, the record reflects numerous shortcuts which were aimed at providing the public with either little information or misinformation.”
The group is especially critical of the State DOT’s “Hyper Build Program” which began in 2004. This project was specifically identified as a Hyper Build project.
According to Lieberman, “the State objection to the hyper build project was a streamline on capital improvement projects such as this bridge. As a result, the entire community was left in the dark about this project and the status of the work.”
Copies of the complaint maybe obtained by contacting Lieberman & Blecher, P.C. at 732-355-1311. Or contacting Stuart J. Lieberman directly at (609) 529-6557
News Release
GROUP FILES FEDERAL LAWSUIT TO STOP DESTRUCTION OF HIGHLANDS SEABRIGHT BRIDGE
A citizens group has filed a federal lawsuit today seeking to prevent any further work on the Highlands-Sea Bright Bridge.
The group, which is called “Citizens for Rational Coastal Development,” alleges that the federal government incorrectly evaluated the historical aspect of the bridge and failed to provide an environmental impact study relating to the project. The group also alleges that a public hearing was required before the federal government released funds to the State for this project.
According to the group’s lawyer, Stuart J. Lieberman, “it is important that government rigidly adheres to all procedures required when they undertake large scale projects such as this. Here, the record reflects numerous shortcuts which were aimed at providing the public with either little information or misinformation.”
The group is especially critical of the State DOT’s “Hyper Build Program” which began in 2004. This project was specifically identified as a Hyper Build project.
According to Lieberman, “the State objection to the hyper build project was a streamline on capital improvement projects such as this bridge. As a result, the entire community was left in the dark about this project and the status of the work.”
Copies of the complaint maybe obtained by contacting Lieberman & Blecher, P.C. at 732-355-1311. Or contacting Stuart J. Lieberman directly at (609) 529-6557
Interesting perspective on the immigration debate
From my inbox:
Comments? Suggestions?
Hi Art,
I am, as you suggested, sending you the story of my friend who is in this country legally and will face deportation in the spring of 2008. His name is A. Z., he is 32 years old, and he is from the Republic of Georgia.
He arrived in this country in 1999 to work on a Master’s Degree in Environmental Sciences. He was here on a grant from the Soros Foundation and had a J1 student visa. There was a 2 year-home residency requirement attached to this visa. The visa subsequently was changed to an F1 in 2001, but the home-residency requirement was not removed. After earning his Master’s, Mr. Z. entered the Doctorate program at Rutgers in New Brunswick. He will attain his Doctorate in Environmental Science approximately May 0f 2008.
According to the terms of the 2 year-home residency requirement, he needs to return to Georgia and seek employment. Since 2002, Mr. Z. has returned every summer to his homeland looking for employment in his field. He has found none-there are no jobs requiring the skills that he has to offer; skills that are sorely needed in New Jersey, “Cancer Alley”.
I wrote to President Bush asking him to waive the home residency requirement. He forwarded my letter to Home Land Security who told me that since I have no legal status to represent Mr. Z, there was nothing I could do for him. Because the Government will not allow him to work, ie, no Green Card, he has no money to hire an Immigration Attorney to fight for him.
Mr. Z. is a man of great intelligence, integrity, and perseverance. He is in the USA legally, speaks perfect English, and is resolute and steadfast in his desire to live the American dream. He wants to become educated and live and work in America. If the 2 year-home residency requirement were waived and he could get a green card, there would be many opportunities for employment here in New Jersey.
Why is the United States Government denying him the right to stay in this country (he entered legally) and yet openly allows thousands of illegal aliens the right to work here, take advantage of our health care system, and attend school? Why does the United States Government deny this right to educated, English speaking, white Europeans in favor of non-English speaking, uneducated, unskilled people? Where is the logic? Do we need more busboys and lawn and car-wash employees? Or do we need people who can make a contribution to cleaning up our environment for the betterment of all people?
Time is running out and Mr. Z. fears he will be forced to leave the USA upon completion of his Doctorate. Is there anything that can be done to waive the 2 year-home residency requirement? Where are the advocates and protestors for the legal aliens in this country?
I thank you for reading my letter and greatly appreciate whatever can be done to help my friend.
Sincerely,
B. B.
Comments? Suggestions?
Friday, September 21, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Were the Newark executions anti-gay hate crimes?
Have the authorities and media covered that up?
Juan Melli at Blue Jersey has a very powerful post on the matter.
This is not a Red or a Blue issue. This is a human issue.
Many of us in Monmouth County may relate to what happens in Newark as if it happens thousands of miles away or in a different universe. I usually do, and I did when I lived a mile away from Newark in the 80's.
The truth of the matter is that Newark is about as far from Monmouth County as Rumson is from Manalapan. These tragedies happened in our back yard.
Juan Melli at Blue Jersey has a very powerful post on the matter.
This is not a Red or a Blue issue. This is a human issue.
Many of us in Monmouth County may relate to what happens in Newark as if it happens thousands of miles away or in a different universe. I usually do, and I did when I lived a mile away from Newark in the 80's.
The truth of the matter is that Newark is about as far from Monmouth County as Rumson is from Manalapan. These tragedies happened in our back yard.
Cantor not affected by NJ National Guard call up
Freeholder Candidate Jeff Cantor, a major in the US Army Reserves, is not affected by the announced deployment of up to 1/2 of the NJ National Guard in late 2008.
Cantor told MoreMonmouthMusings this morning that Reservists are not part of the Guard. He reiterated that he could be called up at any time.
Cantor also said that he is under consideration for a promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Cantor told MoreMonmouthMusings this morning that Reservists are not part of the Guard. He reiterated that he could be called up at any time.
Cantor also said that he is under consideration for a promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Dick Codey should be ashamed of himself
Senate President Dick Codey's response to the NJ GOP's Choice for Change is shameful and embarrassing. In a press release (not an off the cuff remark) issued today, Codey said,
"This is the same platform the Republicans ran on 16 years ago. History shows us that during the 10 years they ran the statehouse, they did none of this. Now all of a sudden they want to be reformers? That’s like saying Britney Spears is tired of partying and wants to be a cloistered nun."
For Codey, who once threatened a NJ Radio host with violence for making fun of his wife Mary Jo's mental illness, to score political points by making light of Britney Spear's all too public breakdown is disgraceful. Spears was recently ordered by a California family court to submit to twice weekly drugs tests and weekly psychiatric counseling.
Republicans Unveil ‘Choice For Change’ Initiative
Party Leaders Outline Aggressive Populist Reform Agenda
TRENTON, NJ - Republican Senate Leader Leonard Lance and Assembly Leader Alex DeCroce were joined Wednesday afternoon by Republican State Chairman Tom Wilson in unveiling the “Choice for Change,” a multi-pronged reform and public empowerment agenda that they will take to the voters in this fall’s legislative elections.
“This is the most aggressive reform agenda ever offered during a legislative campaign in New Jersey,” said Wilson. “Government is broken and it has become unresponsive to the concerns of New Jersey taxpayers. This agenda takes money and power away from politicians and puts it back in the hands of our citizens.”
The reform agenda focuses on the Republican Party’s core principles of providing tax relief, restoring fiscal responsibility and putting a stop to the pervasive government corruption that has festered under Democrat rule.
The nine-point plan is backed by a pledge to give the public the power to hold politicians accountable through initiative and referendum (I&R) and easier recall procedures for officials who violate the public trust.
“Trenton has become dysfunctional,” said Lance, R-Hunterdon and Warren. “New leadership is needed to enact the structural reforms necessary to make government responsive to the needs of all New Jersey residents.”
“If given the opportunity to govern, Republicans in the Legislature will fight to restore political power to the people so they can hold their elected officials accountable,” said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic. “The people should be in control of their government, and Republicans will be the agents for change that will empower our taxpayers.”
The Republican “Choice for Change” agenda includes the following points to be approved by the Legislature by July 4, 2008:
Send to the voters an initiative and referendum proposal that empowers them to enact or change laws. Our proposal will include a safeguard that protects the regional interests of all New Jerseyans.
Cut at least $1 billion in waste and unnecessary spending from the state budget and let the people decide whether the savings should be used to permanently lower property taxes by 30 percent for seniors and households earning $200,000 or less, and by 20 percent for all other homeowners.
Oppose any effort to raise taxes.
Let the people decide whether the growth of state spending should be capped at the rate of inflation.
Enact the Republican Blueprint for a Corrupt-Free New Jersey that stops pay-to-play, bans wheeling and suspends indicted public officials without pay.
Let the people decide whether it should be harder for the Legislature to raise their taxes by requiring at least a two-thirds super-majority vote to impose a new tax or increase an existing one.
Let the people decide whether voters should approve all future state debt.
Let the people vote on a new school aid formula that provides a sustainable level of state aid that is fair and equitable for all.
Make it easier for the people to recall elected officials.
“This is what we stand for as Republicans,” DeCroce said. “Government reform, fiscal reform, and ethics reform. We will give people a reason to believe change is possible and the power to hold us accountable.”
“It has become fashionable to say that control doesn’t matter, that there is little difference between the parties,” Lance said. “Recent history shows that it matters greatly which party controls the legislative houses and thus the agenda regarding ethics, fiscal responsibility and property tax reform.”
Download a PDF copy of the "Choice For Change"
Sign The Petition Supporting the "Choice For Change".
Source:NJGOP
TRENTON, NJ - Republican Senate Leader Leonard Lance and Assembly Leader Alex DeCroce were joined Wednesday afternoon by Republican State Chairman Tom Wilson in unveiling the “Choice for Change,” a multi-pronged reform and public empowerment agenda that they will take to the voters in this fall’s legislative elections.
“This is the most aggressive reform agenda ever offered during a legislative campaign in New Jersey,” said Wilson. “Government is broken and it has become unresponsive to the concerns of New Jersey taxpayers. This agenda takes money and power away from politicians and puts it back in the hands of our citizens.”
The reform agenda focuses on the Republican Party’s core principles of providing tax relief, restoring fiscal responsibility and putting a stop to the pervasive government corruption that has festered under Democrat rule.
The nine-point plan is backed by a pledge to give the public the power to hold politicians accountable through initiative and referendum (I&R) and easier recall procedures for officials who violate the public trust.
“Trenton has become dysfunctional,” said Lance, R-Hunterdon and Warren. “New leadership is needed to enact the structural reforms necessary to make government responsive to the needs of all New Jersey residents.”
“If given the opportunity to govern, Republicans in the Legislature will fight to restore political power to the people so they can hold their elected officials accountable,” said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic. “The people should be in control of their government, and Republicans will be the agents for change that will empower our taxpayers.”
The Republican “Choice for Change” agenda includes the following points to be approved by the Legislature by July 4, 2008:
Send to the voters an initiative and referendum proposal that empowers them to enact or change laws. Our proposal will include a safeguard that protects the regional interests of all New Jerseyans.
Cut at least $1 billion in waste and unnecessary spending from the state budget and let the people decide whether the savings should be used to permanently lower property taxes by 30 percent for seniors and households earning $200,000 or less, and by 20 percent for all other homeowners.
Oppose any effort to raise taxes.
Let the people decide whether the growth of state spending should be capped at the rate of inflation.
Enact the Republican Blueprint for a Corrupt-Free New Jersey that stops pay-to-play, bans wheeling and suspends indicted public officials without pay.
Let the people decide whether it should be harder for the Legislature to raise their taxes by requiring at least a two-thirds super-majority vote to impose a new tax or increase an existing one.
Let the people decide whether voters should approve all future state debt.
Let the people vote on a new school aid formula that provides a sustainable level of state aid that is fair and equitable for all.
Make it easier for the people to recall elected officials.
“This is what we stand for as Republicans,” DeCroce said. “Government reform, fiscal reform, and ethics reform. We will give people a reason to believe change is possible and the power to hold us accountable.”
“It has become fashionable to say that control doesn’t matter, that there is little difference between the parties,” Lance said. “Recent history shows that it matters greatly which party controls the legislative houses and thus the agenda regarding ethics, fiscal responsibility and property tax reform.”
Download a PDF copy of the "Choice For Change"
Sign The Petition Supporting the "Choice For Change".
Source:NJGOP
D'Amico praises the crumudgeonly counsel
Democratic freeholder candidate John D'Amico praised the work of sassy solicitor Malcolm Carton, in a APP article today wherein Republican candidate Jeff Cantor bashed the petulant pettifogger's insubordination towards Freeholder Anna Little.
While Adam Puharic might be surprised to see a pro-Republican posts on a blog, I am equally pleased that the message this blog has espoused with regard to term limits and a rotational directorship, and Honest Abe's message about Miserly Malcolm and John D'Amico have made their way into the Republican campaign.
While Adam Puharic might be surprised to see a pro-Republican posts on a blog, I am equally pleased that the message this blog has espoused with regard to term limits and a rotational directorship, and Honest Abe's message about Miserly Malcolm and John D'Amico have made their way into the Republican campaign.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Adam Plugs More Monmouth Musings!
Stupid is as Stupid Does
My Fellow Republicans,
I never thought I would see this day ... A pro Republican post from a blog site. Enjoy.
Adam Puharic,
Chairman
Attributed to More Monmouth Musings:
(the rest of Adam's wireside chat was a re-print of yesterday's Stupid is as Stupid does post)
I have two things to say:
1) This beats being called a terrorist.
2) Adam better be careful or he'll end up with a F'Artagher
And...no one got hurt....
The Lady in Red
20 ethics laws with no teeth. We'll have to wait for the lame duck session when Senators under indictment can vote for real reforms.
No bills to prevent Farm Land Assessment Abuse.
Senator Karcher-Hochberg's running mates have ads running on cable TV too. They sound like tax cutting Republicans. If they really are tax cutting reformers, why are the state Democrats, unions and special interests spending so much money to get them elected?
Monday, September 17, 2007
"Stupid is as stupid does" ~ Forrest Gump
"People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" ~ American Proverb
Kate Mellina's OpEd piece, "Ethics is as ethics does", which I critiqued yesterday, is creating a backlash for Mellina, and support for Clifton and Cantor.
Blogger "Teddy Roosevelt" calls Mellina a "Sore Winner."
Blogger Barry Goldwater in a brilliantly titled post, likens Mellina to MoveOn.org, and wishes she would.
The harshest response comes for an anonymous Asbury Park activist who cites the "Queen of Ethics" as a hypocritical joke who was supportive of Operation Bid Rig felon Terrance Weldon after Weldon pled guilty to his crimes. As an Asbury Park councilwoman, Mellina engineered a $67,609.00 payment for back pay to Weldon, dispite the fact that the council's labor attorney said that such a payment was at the council's discretion. Mellina asked the labor attorney to change his opinion to state that the payment was mandatory. He refused. This according to Asbury Radio's The Weldon Timeline.
Asbury Radio's Weldon Timeline also states that Mellina revealed during a radio interview that she wrote to the federal judge hearing Weldon's case pleading for mercy for her friend.
Why does Mellina attack Clifton and Cantor who embraced and forwarded her reform agenda? Mellina says they are late to the party. Evidently she was too. I don't recall any Republicans voting to give any back pay to any of the county employees who were snagged in Bid Rig.
If Mellina is authentically committed to her reform agenda, she should welcome support from any political party, and refrain from partisan attacks on fellow reformers. Otherwise she is simply a partisan hack.
Kate Mellina owes Rob Clifton and Jeff Cantor an apology.
Kate Mellina's OpEd piece, "Ethics is as ethics does", which I critiqued yesterday, is creating a backlash for Mellina, and support for Clifton and Cantor.
Blogger "Teddy Roosevelt" calls Mellina a "Sore Winner."
Blogger Barry Goldwater in a brilliantly titled post, likens Mellina to MoveOn.org, and wishes she would.
The harshest response comes for an anonymous Asbury Park activist who cites the "Queen of Ethics" as a hypocritical joke who was supportive of Operation Bid Rig felon Terrance Weldon after Weldon pled guilty to his crimes. As an Asbury Park councilwoman, Mellina engineered a $67,609.00 payment for back pay to Weldon, dispite the fact that the council's labor attorney said that such a payment was at the council's discretion. Mellina asked the labor attorney to change his opinion to state that the payment was mandatory. He refused. This according to Asbury Radio's The Weldon Timeline.
Asbury Radio's Weldon Timeline also states that Mellina revealed during a radio interview that she wrote to the federal judge hearing Weldon's case pleading for mercy for her friend.
Why does Mellina attack Clifton and Cantor who embraced and forwarded her reform agenda? Mellina says they are late to the party. Evidently she was too. I don't recall any Republicans voting to give any back pay to any of the county employees who were snagged in Bid Rig.
If Mellina is authentically committed to her reform agenda, she should welcome support from any political party, and refrain from partisan attacks on fellow reformers. Otherwise she is simply a partisan hack.
Kate Mellina owes Rob Clifton and Jeff Cantor an apology.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Mellina's attacks spoil otherwise strong message
In her OpEd piece in today's Asbury Park Press, Kate Mellina spoils her strong message by attacking those who were most responsible for implementing the reforms that Mellina has worked so hard for.
Rather than celebrating the unprecedented reforms the Monmouth County Freeholder Board voted for last week, Mellina bashes Rob Clifton and Jeff Cantor for not making those reforms happen sooner, and for hanging Anna Little out to dry while she was calling for those reforms earlier this year.
As a stong supporter of Little, I share Mellina's sentiment. I think Clifton should have stood up for Little when Bill Barham and Adam Puharic were engineering her unceremonious dump from the Republican ticket. I think Jeff Cantor should have rejected Puharic's last minute arm twisting to seek Little's seat and that he should have run for Assembly in the 12th district. However, that is water under the bridge.
Mellina said, "But with November elections looming, it's definitely time to shake it up at the county and state levels, where Republicans and Democrats, respectively, have held power for far too long." In April, after Little was dumped, I would have agreed with Mellina's points wholeheartedly. However, the Democratic candidates for Freeholder have yet to offer anything other than increased government spending...they called for an expensive renovation of the court house and for an ethics ombudsman to do what they should be doing if elected. They rejected term limits, which the Republicans have endorsed.
Mellina concludes,"New Jersey politicians still aren't getting the message that state residents want honest, ethical government. It's time to grab their attention."
Clifton and Cantor apparently did get the message, belatedly or not. Their opponents have yet to demonstrate that they have gotten the message. If Clifton and Cantor are elected and their ethics reforms turn out to be empty election year politics, I'll lead the recall effort. But for now, they are winning on the ethics issue.
I hope the Democratic candidates embrace and endorse the reforms too, rather than declaring them "20 years too late," as candidate John D'Amico did after they were passed.
Wouldn't it be something if ethics weren't a campaign issue because all sides agree to do the right thing. Then we could have a campaign about issues that effect the quality of life.
Rather than celebrating the unprecedented reforms the Monmouth County Freeholder Board voted for last week, Mellina bashes Rob Clifton and Jeff Cantor for not making those reforms happen sooner, and for hanging Anna Little out to dry while she was calling for those reforms earlier this year.
As a stong supporter of Little, I share Mellina's sentiment. I think Clifton should have stood up for Little when Bill Barham and Adam Puharic were engineering her unceremonious dump from the Republican ticket. I think Jeff Cantor should have rejected Puharic's last minute arm twisting to seek Little's seat and that he should have run for Assembly in the 12th district. However, that is water under the bridge.
Mellina said, "But with November elections looming, it's definitely time to shake it up at the county and state levels, where Republicans and Democrats, respectively, have held power for far too long." In April, after Little was dumped, I would have agreed with Mellina's points wholeheartedly. However, the Democratic candidates for Freeholder have yet to offer anything other than increased government spending...they called for an expensive renovation of the court house and for an ethics ombudsman to do what they should be doing if elected. They rejected term limits, which the Republicans have endorsed.
Mellina concludes,"New Jersey politicians still aren't getting the message that state residents want honest, ethical government. It's time to grab their attention."
Clifton and Cantor apparently did get the message, belatedly or not. Their opponents have yet to demonstrate that they have gotten the message. If Clifton and Cantor are elected and their ethics reforms turn out to be empty election year politics, I'll lead the recall effort. But for now, they are winning on the ethics issue.
I hope the Democratic candidates embrace and endorse the reforms too, rather than declaring them "20 years too late," as candidate John D'Amico did after they were passed.
Wouldn't it be something if ethics weren't a campaign issue because all sides agree to do the right thing. Then we could have a campaign about issues that effect the quality of life.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
What is in those secret emails?
Secret Email conversation.... written by an anonymous poster on Bob Ingle's blog.
Boss Karla: But Jon, You can't charge these people for Health Insurance, It will make me look bad... And If I look bad... Then you will look bad. because you know what I can tell them about you...
Corrupzine: Well Sweetie, I helped you out with quite a bit of pocket change, I need you to help me look better to "Joe-SixPack" out there.
Boss Karla: Well you know how 'huge' your ego is... You don't want me saying anything about how small some things are. and My children are going to be in the system someday and they will need to have the taxpayers take care of them.
Corrupzine: Well they will.. So here's what we do.....We let them negotiate the health insurance issue at the table. The union will get the raises. The people will think that we are cutting back by having state workers contribute to their health insurance. Then, when it comes time to finalize the contract, I will flip-flop and give the free health coverage back...
Boss Karla: Oh Corrupzeen, You are so smart... Well if you do that, I won't make any negative statements in public about you. And don't forget about paying the kids tuition, like you said you would!
Corrupzine: It's all Bait & switch, My dear... I didn't get this rich by not 'duping' people!
Boss Karla: And I have learned so much from you... I am getting very popular too you know. My name is in the paper everyday.
Corrupzine: Yeah Boss-honey, I got your behind!!! LOL
Boss Karla: Not Anymore, But I do have your Balls! ROTFLMAO
Corrupzine: Yep.. But I have 'Executive-Privilege'!!!
And a big Chopper. Wanna ride my whirly bird?
Boss Karla: But Jon, You can't charge these people for Health Insurance, It will make me look bad... And If I look bad... Then you will look bad. because you know what I can tell them about you...
Corrupzine: Well Sweetie, I helped you out with quite a bit of pocket change, I need you to help me look better to "Joe-SixPack" out there.
Boss Karla: Well you know how 'huge' your ego is... You don't want me saying anything about how small some things are. and My children are going to be in the system someday and they will need to have the taxpayers take care of them.
Corrupzine: Well they will.. So here's what we do.....We let them negotiate the health insurance issue at the table. The union will get the raises. The people will think that we are cutting back by having state workers contribute to their health insurance. Then, when it comes time to finalize the contract, I will flip-flop and give the free health coverage back...
Boss Karla: Oh Corrupzeen, You are so smart... Well if you do that, I won't make any negative statements in public about you. And don't forget about paying the kids tuition, like you said you would!
Corrupzine: It's all Bait & switch, My dear... I didn't get this rich by not 'duping' people!
Boss Karla: And I have learned so much from you... I am getting very popular too you know. My name is in the paper everyday.
Corrupzine: Yeah Boss-honey, I got your behind!!! LOL
Boss Karla: Not Anymore, But I do have your Balls! ROTFLMAO
Corrupzine: Yep.. But I have 'Executive-Privilege'!!!
And a big Chopper. Wanna ride my whirly bird?
Friday, September 14, 2007
JUDGE INNES SETS OCTOBER 5 HEARING TO DETERMINE WHETHER CORZINE HAS COMPLIED WITH ORDER TO PRODUCE EMAILS
--GOP Claims Corzine Failed to Document That Their Search Was Thorough and Complete--
--Order of the Honorable Paul Innes Denying Motion to Dismiss and Requiring Defendant to Submit Documents for In Camera Review, August 21, 2007, Docket No. L-1297-07
Trenton, NJ -- New Jersey Republican State Committee Chairman Tom Wilson issued the following statement today:
“Late yesterday afternoon Judge Paul Innes schedule a hearing on our motion to compel ordering everyone to appear before him in open court on October 5 to resolve the question of whether or not Governor Corzine has fully complied with his previous order to fully detail the steps taken to identify and turn over all communications covered by my initial OPRA request. It is our position that he did not comply. Their description of the steps they took indicates that at best, their search was perfunctory. Their failure to do more than ask a few people if they had anything that would comply falls disturbingly short of the effort that Judge Innes’ order required. Amazingly, their response indicates that no one even asked the Governor himself about the existence of any communications between he and Carla Katz.
Particularly troubling is their response to the order as it relates to the secret email server used by Jon Corzine, Tom Shea, and who knows who else. Since his use of a secret email account to conduct state business was exposed, Jon Corzine has refused to provide any information about it. He won’t say who has accounts, who determines who gets an account, what guidelines are in place spelling out when it should and shouldn’t be used, or what steps are taken to ensure that any email that discusses state business are preserved. These aren’t difficult questions and if everything is on the up and up, then why doesn’t Jon Corzine practice the transparency he preaches and lay out how this secret email server works?
Without knowing the specific steps taken to look for communications between Corzine and Katz, we can’t know that Judge Innes was provided with everything he required under his order. The Judge has given Jon Corzine several opportunities to end his stonewalling. Instead of providing transparency, he’s continued to engage in cover-up. If Jon Corzine has nothing to hide, then why is he doing everything he can to keep secret his back channel communications with Carla Katz?”
--Press release from NJGOP
“Not later than September 3, 2007, Defendant shall file and serve upon Plaintiff and Interveners an affidavit or certification by a person(s) competent to testify as to the search for documents responsive to Plaintiff’s OPRA request and shall describe in detail the steps taken to locate responsive documents including all persons contacted regarding the search.”
--Order of the Honorable Paul Innes Denying Motion to Dismiss and Requiring Defendant to Submit Documents for In Camera Review, August 21, 2007, Docket No. L-1297-07
Trenton, NJ -- New Jersey Republican State Committee Chairman Tom Wilson issued the following statement today:
“Late yesterday afternoon Judge Paul Innes schedule a hearing on our motion to compel ordering everyone to appear before him in open court on October 5 to resolve the question of whether or not Governor Corzine has fully complied with his previous order to fully detail the steps taken to identify and turn over all communications covered by my initial OPRA request. It is our position that he did not comply. Their description of the steps they took indicates that at best, their search was perfunctory. Their failure to do more than ask a few people if they had anything that would comply falls disturbingly short of the effort that Judge Innes’ order required. Amazingly, their response indicates that no one even asked the Governor himself about the existence of any communications between he and Carla Katz.
Particularly troubling is their response to the order as it relates to the secret email server used by Jon Corzine, Tom Shea, and who knows who else. Since his use of a secret email account to conduct state business was exposed, Jon Corzine has refused to provide any information about it. He won’t say who has accounts, who determines who gets an account, what guidelines are in place spelling out when it should and shouldn’t be used, or what steps are taken to ensure that any email that discusses state business are preserved. These aren’t difficult questions and if everything is on the up and up, then why doesn’t Jon Corzine practice the transparency he preaches and lay out how this secret email server works?
Without knowing the specific steps taken to look for communications between Corzine and Katz, we can’t know that Judge Innes was provided with everything he required under his order. The Judge has given Jon Corzine several opportunities to end his stonewalling. Instead of providing transparency, he’s continued to engage in cover-up. If Jon Corzine has nothing to hide, then why is he doing everything he can to keep secret his back channel communications with Carla Katz?”
--Press release from NJGOP
Just for fun
In the unlikely event that Bill Barham resigns by Monday, who would the candidates be for his seat?
On the Republican side, there are several possibilities.
Anna Little would be a natural. She's an incumbent, very popular, and she's been incredibly effective in the face of tremendous obstacles. The problem with her candidacy is that she is running for Mayor of Highlands. If she were elected to both offices she could serve in both under the Karcher/Panter/Corzine reforms that grandfather dual office holders as of February 1, 2008. But that would fly in the face of the reforms she has championed.
Andrew Lucas? He came close last year, losing to Barbara McMarrow. He is running for re-election to the Township Committee in Manalapan. Lucas ran last year on a record of reducing taxes in Manalapan, but this year had to raise taxes 28%.
The Mayor of Howell. You all know who that is, but I won't print his name. Whenever I do he calls me, talks dirty and says he will take my house away. As I sit here early in the morning watching first light emerge over the Atlantic to my right and the New York skyline to my left, I don't even want to chance it. Howell had big tax increases this year too, but the Mayor voted against them. He has long been a favorite of the party establishment. Look for him to be a candidate if Barham resigns after the election.
How about Terence Wall? He's available and has lots of experience.
Brian Reilly is a mover, if not a shaker.
Robert Kleinberg is running for re-election as Mayor of Marlboro. We already have a candidate from Marlboro.
Tom DeSeno would be a favorite of mine, even though we disagree about term limits and that he was caught up in the Miss New Jersey scandal.
On the Republican side, there are several possibilities.
Anna Little would be a natural. She's an incumbent, very popular, and she's been incredibly effective in the face of tremendous obstacles. The problem with her candidacy is that she is running for Mayor of Highlands. If she were elected to both offices she could serve in both under the Karcher/Panter/Corzine reforms that grandfather dual office holders as of February 1, 2008. But that would fly in the face of the reforms she has championed.
Andrew Lucas? He came close last year, losing to Barbara McMarrow. He is running for re-election to the Township Committee in Manalapan. Lucas ran last year on a record of reducing taxes in Manalapan, but this year had to raise taxes 28%.
The Mayor of Howell. You all know who that is, but I won't print his name. Whenever I do he calls me, talks dirty and says he will take my house away. As I sit here early in the morning watching first light emerge over the Atlantic to my right and the New York skyline to my left, I don't even want to chance it. Howell had big tax increases this year too, but the Mayor voted against them. He has long been a favorite of the party establishment. Look for him to be a candidate if Barham resigns after the election.
How about Terence Wall? He's available and has lots of experience.
Brian Reilly is a mover, if not a shaker.
Robert Kleinberg is running for re-election as Mayor of Marlboro. We already have a candidate from Marlboro.
Tom DeSeno would be a favorite of mine, even though we disagree about term limits and that he was caught up in the Miss New Jersey scandal.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Is Bill Barham toast?
The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders passed three resolutions this week that:
- Established a rotational Directorship. No Freeholder shall be Director for more than two consecutive one year terms. Due to legal technicalities, the resolution must be adapted every year in order to be effective.
- Supported Assemblywoman Amy Handlin's proposed legislation that would prohibit dual office holding in New Jersey with no grandfathering of current dual office holders.
- Supported Assemblywoman Amy Handlin's proposed constitutional amendment that would establish term limits of 12 years for all elective offices in New Jersey, with the exception of Governor which has been term limited to 8 years since 1844.
Each resolution pass unanimously.
Congratulations to Freeholder Rob Clifton for making this happen. Four months ago, Freeholder Anna Little proposed similar resolutions, with no support, not even a second to her motion, from the other four Freeholders. Clifton, and his running mate Jeff Cantor who publicly supported both term limits and a rotational Directorship in an act of public defiance towards Director Bill Barham with his "Director Barham, you are not going to like this. Freeholder Little, you are absolutely right, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" speech at the August 9, 2007 Freeholder meeting, have changed Monmouth County government. Hopefully for the long term.
How did Bill Barham let this happen? It is well known that Barham has been battling Little since she took office over her reform agenda. Barham won the battle, by seeing to it that Little was not renominated for her office. He has apparently surrendered the war, as Little's reform agenda is now for the most part a reality, 3 months before she leaves office.
It has been well known in Republican circles that Barham would be challenged for renomination himself next year. Lately he has been speaking of not running next year, and even stating that he might not be in office come January when the Freeholder Board reorganizes.
Apparently Barham has realized that the public is not going to stand for him being Harry Larrison II, which he seemed to think was his legacy.
If Barham has decided he is done, and that he will resign before January, he should do so immediately, and let the voters chose his replacement in the upcoming election.
Funniest post of the day
The blogger formerly known as Ronald Reagan has the funniest post of the day. Check it out on Conservatives with Attitude.
The Pay to Play diversion
Steve Lonegan on Pay to Play
Steve Lonegan's piece on Pay to Play, published on PoliticsNJ.com, is right on the mark. I encourage all to read it.
Here are some highlights:
Steve Lonegan's piece on Pay to Play, published on PoliticsNJ.com, is right on the mark. I encourage all to read it.
Here are some highlights:
"The push for these “pay to play” laws comes from these beaten down and defeated politicians on one side, but also from another side as well: millionaire politicians who can fund their own campaigns, liberal newspaper editors who believe they are the only ones with a right to self-expression, and labor union bosses who are always exempt from whatever laws are passed."
"New Jersey’s biggest political diversion is the “pay to play” mantra of politicians desperate to avoid the tax issue and Republicans have totally fallen into the trap. With the highest property and sales taxes in the country, the worst income tax, and the fastest growing debt in the nation, Trenton has proven dangerous even for many Republicans."
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Term Limits and Dual Office Holding on Freeholders' Agenda
The agenda for tonight's Freeholder meeting includes resolutions supporting Assembly bill A2481, which prohibits dual office holding with no grandfathering, and Assembly Concurrent Resolution A261, which ammends the state constitution to limit the terms all elective office holders in New Jersey, except governor, to twelve years.
Assemblywoman Amy Handlin is the sponsor of both pieces of legislation. Handlin introduced A2481 in February of 2006, shortly after she took office. Assemblyman Sean Kean is a co-sponsor of the bill, which has langished in committee.
Handlin introduced ACR261 on June 11, 2007.
Assemblywoman Amy Handlin is the sponsor of both pieces of legislation. Handlin introduced A2481 in February of 2006, shortly after she took office. Assemblyman Sean Kean is a co-sponsor of the bill, which has langished in committee.
Handlin introduced ACR261 on June 11, 2007.
Monday, September 10, 2007
It is time for Term Limits
Graphic linked from Sid in the City
New Jersey has had Gubernatorial term limits since 1844.
Sixteen states have term limited their legislatures. It is time we do the same here in New Jersey.
U.S Attorney Christopher Christie's record has shown that here in New Jersey corruption is a disease that is rampant from top to bottom. From the Governor's office (remember the unindicted co-conspirator who used the word "Machiavelli") to school boards and planning boards, our current governmental culture attracts people either are looking to accumulate wealth and power in the name of public service, or who do not have the character to resist the temptations.
Those who argue that we have a system for term limits, elections, are naive at best. More likely they are disingenuous. They know the power of incumbency thwarts intra-party challenges and that gerrymandering prevents real competition in most cases.
In Monmouth County, Freeholder Rob Clifton is currently in a position where he has the power to make real reform stick in county government by making sure term limits become law. He can do it now, unlike the governor who wants to wait until after the election to make real reforms.
I hope Rob does it. It is the right thing to do and it is good politics. His current running mate, Jeff Cantor has endorsed term limits. His former running mate, Assemblywoman Amy Handlin proposed state wide term limits only to have her bill buried in Mims Hackett's committee. This week, Clifton can do what his running mates have so far only been able to talk about.
New Jersey has had Gubernatorial term limits since 1844.
Sixteen states have term limited their legislatures. It is time we do the same here in New Jersey.
U.S Attorney Christopher Christie's record has shown that here in New Jersey corruption is a disease that is rampant from top to bottom. From the Governor's office (remember the unindicted co-conspirator who used the word "Machiavelli") to school boards and planning boards, our current governmental culture attracts people either are looking to accumulate wealth and power in the name of public service, or who do not have the character to resist the temptations.
Those who argue that we have a system for term limits, elections, are naive at best. More likely they are disingenuous. They know the power of incumbency thwarts intra-party challenges and that gerrymandering prevents real competition in most cases.
In Monmouth County, Freeholder Rob Clifton is currently in a position where he has the power to make real reform stick in county government by making sure term limits become law. He can do it now, unlike the governor who wants to wait until after the election to make real reforms.
I hope Rob does it. It is the right thing to do and it is good politics. His current running mate, Jeff Cantor has endorsed term limits. His former running mate, Assemblywoman Amy Handlin proposed state wide term limits only to have her bill buried in Mims Hackett's committee. This week, Clifton can do what his running mates have so far only been able to talk about.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Another Fed Up Democrat
Jersey Boy, a Blue Jersey blogger, writes that he's losing faith in Jon Corzine and will vote for Bill Baroni in the 14th Senate race because of Baroni's call for a special legislative session to enact real government reform NOW. Jersey Boy says he might even vote for a Republican gubernatorial candidate in 2009. He isn't the only one.
Why wouldn't the Democrats be demoralized after a summer that gave us record setting spending, bogus property tax reform, bogus ethics reform, more of Carla Katz and her family running the government, asset monetization, illegal immigrants executing college students in Newark, Senatorial indictments and Broken Boards Busts?
Apparently Republicans are demoralized too. Their message is "the Democrats are bad" and "our bogus property tax reform will be 10% higher." They are not even trying to win.
Here is some inspiring rhetoric from Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance to the Associated Press:
THAT'S NOT ENOUGH OF A DIFFERENCE, SENATOR!
Will somebody please give these guys a Red Bull?
If Alex DeCroce and Leonard Lance can not or will not seize this opportunity and lead the charge by giving New Jersey voters a real alternative to the status quo, GOP Chairman Tom Wilson should gather the caucuses and candidates and demand that they elect new leadership NOW.
Potential U.S Senate and Gubernatorial candidates past and present should hit the campaign trails, airwaves, mainstream and Internet media calling for a new state legislature to reform our government and save our state from the Corzine/Katz/Goldman Sachs cabal.
Why wouldn't the Democrats be demoralized after a summer that gave us record setting spending, bogus property tax reform, bogus ethics reform, more of Carla Katz and her family running the government, asset monetization, illegal immigrants executing college students in Newark, Senatorial indictments and Broken Boards Busts?
Apparently Republicans are demoralized too. Their message is "the Democrats are bad" and "our bogus property tax reform will be 10% higher." They are not even trying to win.
Here is some inspiring rhetoric from Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance to the Associated Press:
"It has become fashionable to say that there is little difference between the parties," "There is a real distinction between Republicans and Democrats regarding campaign finance and ethics reform.''
THAT'S NOT ENOUGH OF A DIFFERENCE, SENATOR!
Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce noted that Orange Mayor Mims Hackett, Jr was chairman of the Assembly committe that weighs ethics reform.
Will somebody please give these guys a Red Bull?
If Alex DeCroce and Leonard Lance can not or will not seize this opportunity and lead the charge by giving New Jersey voters a real alternative to the status quo, GOP Chairman Tom Wilson should gather the caucuses and candidates and demand that they elect new leadership NOW.
Potential U.S Senate and Gubernatorial candidates past and present should hit the campaign trails, airwaves, mainstream and Internet media calling for a new state legislature to reform our government and save our state from the Corzine/Katz/Goldman Sachs cabal.
I'm From New Jersey
Maybe corrupt and bloated government is just the way it is in New Jersey. We don't expect too much and we'll adjust here in the former pig poop capital of the world.
Last summer, shortly after Adam Puharic was elected chairman, I rode down to Long Branch to help Adam and the Littles, Anna and Rob, at some huge festival Long Branch was having on the boardwalk. Adam had organized a "Monmouth Tea Party" as a campaign event at the festival. We were handing out iced tea for free and a colonial era type parchment about lowering taxes by voting for Anna Little and Andrew Lucas. It was pretty funny to see Adam and Rob wearing kids size three corner colonial costume hats. This is was during the short time that Adam and the Littles were still friends.
Thankfully they didn't have a three corner hat for me. But being a good Republican I grabbed some parchments and set out to engage with some passers by who were enjoying the festival. "Yeah right" was the second most common response after "No thanks." One sincere woman actually stopped and told me, "You'll never be able to lower taxes." After about a half hour of this I couldn't take it and went back to Highlands where I was on the ballot to go door to door and tell me neighbors my plans for lowering taxes. Evidently they didn't buy it either.
Anybody from New Jersey that reads Governor Corzine's pledge to enact governmental reforms after the election knows it really won't happen. Corzine might think he can do it, but he's a Wisconsin cheesehead. If it doesn't happen now, while the topic is hot, and the legislator's jobs are on the line,it won't happen.
We'll just shrug off the arrests and indictments until the next time. We don't expect too much.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Governor: Ethics will be a lame duck priority
The Star Ledger reports that Governor Corzine will propose ethics reform legislation after the election, during the lame duck session. (I wonder if he will do that before or after he reveals his double secret asset monetization plan.) He pledged to end dual office holding, even for those he grandfathered in this week, and end wheeling and pay to pay.
He should throw term limits in while he's at it.
Good luck with that Governor. It is a character issue, but the only way your going to get the characters in the legislature to go along with it is to do it now, before the election when their jobs are on the line.
Republican Assemblyman and Senate candidate Bill Baroni has asked the governor to call a special legislative session and pass reforms this week. Baroni's call to action should become the Republicans' chorus.
The Broken Board Busts gave the NJGOP an opening to win control that they were woefully unprepared for. They don't have candidates in every race, and they don't have a winning message. Corzine gave them another opening by deciding to wait until after the election to enact reforms.
This week will tell if the GOP leadership has grown a set.
He should throw term limits in while he's at it.
"It's not a healthy environment to do this in front of an election," Corzine said. "I don't think this is a Republican or a Democratic issue, it's a character issue and it should be addressed that way."
Good luck with that Governor. It is a character issue, but the only way your going to get the characters in the legislature to go along with it is to do it now, before the election when their jobs are on the line.
Republican Assemblyman and Senate candidate Bill Baroni has asked the governor to call a special legislative session and pass reforms this week. Baroni's call to action should become the Republicans' chorus.
The Broken Board Busts gave the NJGOP an opening to win control that they were woefully unprepared for. They don't have candidates in every race, and they don't have a winning message. Corzine gave them another opening by deciding to wait until after the election to enact reforms.
This week will tell if the GOP leadership has grown a set.
Hackett quits Assembly, withdraws from race
The Star Ledger reports that Mims Hackett, Jr (D-27) resigned his Assembly seat and withdrew from the race for re-election.
Wall resigns
Terence Wall has resigned as Borough Manager of Keansburg. His letter of resignation was accepted by the council, 3 in favor, two opposed.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Check Please
I'm glad to see that the Asbury Park Press Editorial Board has joined the chorus calling for Freeholder term limits.
Our system of government is based on checks and balances, and we need new checks. Not only on the county level, but on the state and municipal level as well.
On the state level, Minority Leaders Leonard Lance and Alex DeCroce, along with GOP Chair Tom Wilson should use the opening they've been given by the "Broken Boards" arrests to call for comprehensive reform of our state government, with term limits being a major plank of the platform.
Here in Monmouth County, Freeholder Rob Clifton should make term limits and a rotational directorship on the county level a reality next Tuesday at the Freeholder meeting. Clifton should dust off the resolution Anna Little proposed earlier this year and put it to a vote. The votes are there, if Clifton supports it.
Our system of government is based on checks and balances, and we need new checks. Not only on the county level, but on the state and municipal level as well.
On the state level, Minority Leaders Leonard Lance and Alex DeCroce, along with GOP Chair Tom Wilson should use the opening they've been given by the "Broken Boards" arrests to call for comprehensive reform of our state government, with term limits being a major plank of the platform.
Here in Monmouth County, Freeholder Rob Clifton should make term limits and a rotational directorship on the county level a reality next Tuesday at the Freeholder meeting. Clifton should dust off the resolution Anna Little proposed earlier this year and put it to a vote. The votes are there, if Clifton supports it.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
11 public officials arrested on corruption charges
The Star Ledger and the Associated Press are reporting that 11 public officials, from school board members to state legislators, have been snagged by the FBI and U.S. Attorney's office in "Operation Broken Boards."
The Feds have a news conference scheduled for noon to report more details on the arrests.
From a political point of view, it is noteworthy that one of those arrested, Assemblyman Mims Hackett, is from the 27th district, where the Republicans only have one candidate on the ballot for Assembly.
The Feds have a news conference scheduled for noon to report more details on the arrests.
From a political point of view, it is noteworthy that one of those arrested, Assemblyman Mims Hackett, is from the 27th district, where the Republicans only have one candidate on the ballot for Assembly.
Wall's fate on hold until Friday
Former Keansburg Councilman Patrick Pecora reports in the Atlantic Highlands Herald that the Keansburg governing body has adjourned deliberations over the employment of Terence Wall as Borough Manager until their regular meeting on Friday, September 7.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
And they're off!
The Democratic candidates for Monmouth County Freeholder have finally started their campaign.
According the the Asbury Park Press, candidates John D'Amico and Stephen Schueler have joined Republican candidate Jeff Cantor in calling for limits on the number of years a Freeholder can serve as Director.
Freeholder Anna Little has been proposing a rotational directorship and Freeholder term limits since shortly after she took office in February of last year. Cantor has also endorsed term limits.
D'Amico and Schueler said they also want to create a new paid county job -- an internal inspector general, who would review county operations and serve as an ombudsman for citizens. Isn't that what Freeholders are for? If they really want to triangulate, the Democrats will announce that they will offer the job to Anna Little if they are elected.
D'Amico and Schueler can win on the directorship issue. They will make taking down Bully Barham the center piece of their campaign. Running against Bully, even when he's not on the ballot will be a winning strategy and neutralize Cantor's appeal.
Republican Freeholder Rob Clifton should finally stand up to Bully Barham and propose term limits and a rotational directorship. The votes are there to pass the resolution at the next Freeholder meeting. Take the issue off the table, Robby. It is the right thing to do, and good politics to boot.
According the the Asbury Park Press, candidates John D'Amico and Stephen Schueler have joined Republican candidate Jeff Cantor in calling for limits on the number of years a Freeholder can serve as Director.
Freeholder Anna Little has been proposing a rotational directorship and Freeholder term limits since shortly after she took office in February of last year. Cantor has also endorsed term limits.
D'Amico and Schueler said they also want to create a new paid county job -- an internal inspector general, who would review county operations and serve as an ombudsman for citizens. Isn't that what Freeholders are for? If they really want to triangulate, the Democrats will announce that they will offer the job to Anna Little if they are elected.
D'Amico and Schueler can win on the directorship issue. They will make taking down Bully Barham the center piece of their campaign. Running against Bully, even when he's not on the ballot will be a winning strategy and neutralize Cantor's appeal.
Republican Freeholder Rob Clifton should finally stand up to Bully Barham and propose term limits and a rotational directorship. The votes are there to pass the resolution at the next Freeholder meeting. Take the issue off the table, Robby. It is the right thing to do, and good politics to boot.
Jon Corzine = Jim McGreevey II ?
The Ridge Nightfly makes a good argument that things are "Democrats as usual" in Trenton, and that the Corzine adminsitration is a redux of the McGreevey administration.
I think Mr. Nightfly is being generous. Corzine is much worse than McGreevey, and potentially far more dangerous to New Jersey's economy and quality of life than Reverend Jim ever would have been.
Certainly there are similarities. Both are compulsive liars. McGreevey was much better at it, and understandably so. Both betrayed their familes in a quest for political power. Both have been dominated by former extra-marital love interests.
However, Carla Katz's influence is much more damaging than Gordon Cipel's ever could have been. The excesses granted to state workers and pensioners will be a drag on our economy for generations.
Both Corzine and McGreevey proposed to borrow billions of dollars without voter approval. McGreevey got away with it..once, before the Supreme Court said "Just this once." Corzine wants to do it through a shell entity with independent borrowing authority that will not require voter approval under the state constitution and Supreme Court rulings, or so he hopes. His agenda is far more ambitious and will cost future generations tremendously.
It's really a shame that the NJ Republicans are not trying to stop this by making a serious effort to win control of the legislature. If the Democrats retain control, and they probably will, they will give Corzine what he wants, despite their campaign rhetoric to the contrary. Just like they gave in to the sales tax increase in exchange for "Christmas Tree" appropriations, it will be "Democrats as usual in Trenton." Bought and paid for with your tax dollars.
Little to run for Mayor
The Highlands Republican Committee unanimously nominated Freeholder Anna Little for Mayor. If Monmouth GOP Chairman Adam Puharic approves, Little will fill the vacancy on the ballot created by the withdrawl of Mayor Rick O'Neil.
Little will join Councilwoman Nancy Thomas on the Republican ticket against Democratic Councilman John Urbanski for Mayor and former Councilwoman Rebecca Kane.
Thomas was appointed to fill the seat the Little vacated last September during her successful run for Freeholder.
Little and Thomas are defending a 3-2 Republican majority on the Highlands Borough Council.
Little will join Councilwoman Nancy Thomas on the Republican ticket against Democratic Councilman John Urbanski for Mayor and former Councilwoman Rebecca Kane.
Thomas was appointed to fill the seat the Little vacated last September during her successful run for Freeholder.
Little and Thomas are defending a 3-2 Republican majority on the Highlands Borough Council.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Herein lies the problem
MORE, WE WANT MORE!
"MORE!" is the mantra of the labor unions that are crippling our state economy the same way they have crushed most manufacturing industries in the United States.
In her September 2 column from the beach on LBI (at least she wasn't in the Hamptons with Jonboy and Bon Jovi), Carla Katz, president of the largest state workers union and the governor's ex-girlfriend, espouses the wonders of the labor movement;
As a small business owner who is accustomed to 12 hour workdays and seven day workweeks, I hereby thank Samuel Gumperts and his successors for a well deserved day off yesterday.
There is no questioning that the labor movement has made a positive difference in our society since 1883. Yes there have been, and are presently, excesses, which lead to the mixed feelings Katz mentions.
Lord Acton's axiom, "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" applies to economic as well as political power.
The labor movement, assisted by government, has historically provided a check and balance to the absolute power of the robber barons and industrialists of late 19th and early 20th century.
Likewise, management and owners, also assisted by government, provide a check to unfettered power of organized labor.
Through negotiation, an equitable balance of econonic interests arises. When negotions fail and equitable balance cannot be reached, or there is a fundamental shift in the marketplace that makes organized labor too costly given the alternatives, management/ownership will adjust and either shut down or find cheaper labor elsewhere.
New Jersey government is out of balance, because organized labor is unchecked. There is no "management" to provide the need balance, because labor has too much economic power in the political system. Our elected officials, of both parties, who should be "management" are beholden to or fearful of organized labor. Thus the cost of government is out of control and the "owners", the tax payers, are acting rationally and are leaving for cheaper government elsewhere.
"MORE!" is the mantra of the labor unions that are crippling our state economy the same way they have crushed most manufacturing industries in the United States.
In her September 2 column from the beach on LBI (at least she wasn't in the Hamptons with Jonboy and Bon Jovi), Carla Katz, president of the largest state workers union and the governor's ex-girlfriend, espouses the wonders of the labor movement;
"New Jerseyans, like many Americans, have mixed feelings about unions. Old stereotypes die hard and the bad ones get perpetuated by the right wing press and anti-union employers. But regardless of those feelings, this Labor Day weekend we should acknowledge that without unions, there would be no three day weekends or paid holidays for most workers. Without the historic efforts of organized labor, there would also be no protections from job hazards, no secure pensions, no overtime pay, no job security, no paid vacations. And the list goes on. In fact, without the struggles of the American labor movement, there might still be legal child labor, or a 12-hour workday and a seven day workweek."
As a small business owner who is accustomed to 12 hour workdays and seven day workweeks, I hereby thank Samuel Gumperts and his successors for a well deserved day off yesterday.
There is no questioning that the labor movement has made a positive difference in our society since 1883. Yes there have been, and are presently, excesses, which lead to the mixed feelings Katz mentions.
Lord Acton's axiom, "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" applies to economic as well as political power.
The labor movement, assisted by government, has historically provided a check and balance to the absolute power of the robber barons and industrialists of late 19th and early 20th century.
Likewise, management and owners, also assisted by government, provide a check to unfettered power of organized labor.
Through negotiation, an equitable balance of econonic interests arises. When negotions fail and equitable balance cannot be reached, or there is a fundamental shift in the marketplace that makes organized labor too costly given the alternatives, management/ownership will adjust and either shut down or find cheaper labor elsewhere.
New Jersey government is out of balance, because organized labor is unchecked. There is no "management" to provide the need balance, because labor has too much economic power in the political system. Our elected officials, of both parties, who should be "management" are beholden to or fearful of organized labor. Thus the cost of government is out of control and the "owners", the tax payers, are acting rationally and are leaving for cheaper government elsewhere.
Monday, September 03, 2007
No Choice for Change: NJGOP=Democrat Lite
As the campaign season kicks off with all 120 legislative seats at stake, New Jersey's Republican leadership is offering voters the same old tired message that has been rejected at the polls before.
Reading Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance's and Assembly Minority Leaders Alex DeCroce's comments in Joe Donohue's election analysis in the Star Ledger today put me to sleep.
Voters rejected the message of a 30% property tax reduction in the last statewide election. What has changed that makes this a winning message now? $2.2 billion in proposed spending cuts? Sorry, the math doesn't work. Besides, state spending has increased $11 billion since the Democrats took control. Why only $2.2 billion in cuts?
Where is the plan for a school funding formula that is equitable and works?
Where is the plan to end eminent domain abuse?
Where is the plan to deal with illegal immigrants?
Where is the plan for Initiative and Referendum?
Where is the plan to reduce the size of the state payroll?
Where is ethics reform with teeth?
Who is going to stop Corzine from borrowing billions against the future revenue of tolls roads and raising tolls 150%?
The current Republican message is "We'll do the same thing the Democrats are doing, but we'll give 10% more of your property taxes back." Will that message sell as voters are cashing their rebate checks? Not likely.
Reading Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance's and Assembly Minority Leaders Alex DeCroce's comments in Joe Donohue's election analysis in the Star Ledger today put me to sleep.
Voters rejected the message of a 30% property tax reduction in the last statewide election. What has changed that makes this a winning message now? $2.2 billion in proposed spending cuts? Sorry, the math doesn't work. Besides, state spending has increased $11 billion since the Democrats took control. Why only $2.2 billion in cuts?
Where is the plan for a school funding formula that is equitable and works?
Where is the plan to end eminent domain abuse?
Where is the plan to deal with illegal immigrants?
Where is the plan for Initiative and Referendum?
Where is the plan to reduce the size of the state payroll?
Where is ethics reform with teeth?
Who is going to stop Corzine from borrowing billions against the future revenue of tolls roads and raising tolls 150%?
The current Republican message is "We'll do the same thing the Democrats are doing, but we'll give 10% more of your property taxes back." Will that message sell as voters are cashing their rebate checks? Not likely.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Monetization
The Star Ledger is reporting that Governor Jon Corzine gave $15,000 this year, to the brother-in-law of his former love interest, state union leader Carla Katz. Corzine had previously stated that he had ended his financial dealings with Katz and her family.
Katz has certainly has mastered monetizing her assets.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Wall's job on the line?
Rumours are flying through Keansburg, and on an internet forum,that Terence Wall's job as Keansburg Borough Manager is in jeopardy.
Calls to Wall have gone unanswered, so far.
Photo linked from The Independent, which has an interesting piece on Wall's history.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
