From Christie's website:
Our campaign picked up the endorsement of Former Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler. Mayor Schundler is a true leader who breathed new life into Jersey City and mobilized efforts for property tax reform.
In a statement, Mayor Schundler said “I know we need a strong conservative leader who will stand up for middleclass taxpayers, and I believe that Chris Christie will be that kind of leader. Chris will be the tough, fiscal conservative we need to cut income and business taxes, provide property tax relief and get our state’s economy back on track.”
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
A letter to the editor from State Senator Marcia Karrow of District 23, Warren and Hunterdon Counties.
Governor Corzine has been saying the State's spending will be $29.8 billion in fiscal 2010. And he wrote in a recent Star Ledger letter the editor, "Having one appropriations act avoids confusion." Well, the truth is that the State will spend closer to $55 billion, and the $29.8 billion appropriations act is confusing, misleading and incomplete. It borders on an Enron style cover-up of serious financial instability.
Not long ago, almost all of New Jersey's spending was contained in a single appropriations act as required by our state Constitution. But, as state spending has surged, much of it has been pushed off the books into a labyrinth of special accounts and authorities. Above and beyond the $29.8 billion spent through what Governor Corzine calls the budget, the state spends more than an additional $20 billion “off the books” through special accounts and authorities. Furthermore, many of these special accounts and authorities are running huge deficits.
One huge example: The $4 billion in approximate annual spending that comes out of the Unemployment Insurance Fund. Spending from this fund has grown by $2 billion over several years, and it is completely outside the state's official budget. The fund is projected to spend $1 billion more than its revenues for FY 2010 because of rising unemployment.
Here are some other examples of governor’s off-budget “magic”:
1)The billions of dollars in spending by the School Building Authority will grow by leaps and bounds because of the governor’s decision to borrow and spend an additional $4 billion without voter approval. The spending isn’t recorded in the state's official budget.
2)The Turnpike Authority's nearly $2 billion in spending increased by $500 million this year alone, primed with 50% toll increases. The Turnpike Authority's spending is completely off the state budget.
3)The pension funds for state and local employees will spend more than $6 billion in fiscal 2010, even though contributions into the funds will be less than $3 billion. You guessed it: Neither the spending out of the pension funds nor a $58 billion pension deficit is accounted for in the state budget.
One particularly offensive accounting gimmick lets Governor Corzine keep $2.2 billion in federal bailout money off his budget so he can claim he spent less than last year. It’s sort of like the child who covers his eyes and says, "You can't see me."
Our state's bookkeeping is reminiscent of Enron's before it collapsed – purposely confusing, misleading, and incomplete. The growth of our State spending to approximately $55 billion and the way it is facilitated through a growing maze of authorities and special accounts are not Corzine's doing alone. But Corzine has been perfectly willing to perpetuate the myth that state spending is only what’s on the budget and that our books are balanced. It is similar to Wall Street wizards and people such as Bernie Madoff claiming their official balance sheets were strong -- right up until payments started being missed and people discovered an inconvenient truth.
Not long ago, almost all of New Jersey's spending was contained in a single appropriations act as required by our state Constitution. But, as state spending has surged, much of it has been pushed off the books into a labyrinth of special accounts and authorities. Above and beyond the $29.8 billion spent through what Governor Corzine calls the budget, the state spends more than an additional $20 billion “off the books” through special accounts and authorities. Furthermore, many of these special accounts and authorities are running huge deficits.
One huge example: The $4 billion in approximate annual spending that comes out of the Unemployment Insurance Fund. Spending from this fund has grown by $2 billion over several years, and it is completely outside the state's official budget. The fund is projected to spend $1 billion more than its revenues for FY 2010 because of rising unemployment.
Here are some other examples of governor’s off-budget “magic”:
1)The billions of dollars in spending by the School Building Authority will grow by leaps and bounds because of the governor’s decision to borrow and spend an additional $4 billion without voter approval. The spending isn’t recorded in the state's official budget.
2)The Turnpike Authority's nearly $2 billion in spending increased by $500 million this year alone, primed with 50% toll increases. The Turnpike Authority's spending is completely off the state budget.
3)The pension funds for state and local employees will spend more than $6 billion in fiscal 2010, even though contributions into the funds will be less than $3 billion. You guessed it: Neither the spending out of the pension funds nor a $58 billion pension deficit is accounted for in the state budget.
One particularly offensive accounting gimmick lets Governor Corzine keep $2.2 billion in federal bailout money off his budget so he can claim he spent less than last year. It’s sort of like the child who covers his eyes and says, "You can't see me."
Our state's bookkeeping is reminiscent of Enron's before it collapsed – purposely confusing, misleading, and incomplete. The growth of our State spending to approximately $55 billion and the way it is facilitated through a growing maze of authorities and special accounts are not Corzine's doing alone. But Corzine has been perfectly willing to perpetuate the myth that state spending is only what’s on the budget and that our books are balanced. It is similar to Wall Street wizards and people such as Bernie Madoff claiming their official balance sheets were strong -- right up until payments started being missed and people discovered an inconvenient truth.
The Democrats Challenge
With Barbara McMorrow withdrawing from the Freeholder race, State Democratic Chairman Joe Cryan is scambling to find a candidate who can help him keep control of the Monmouth County purse stings.
His challenge is to find a woman that Republicans will ♥, who will also play ball with the Trenton Democrats.
The only person I can think of that fits the mold is Bill Barham's sister-in-law; Port Authority Commissioner, Former Commerce Secretary, 9/11 widow and all around heavy hitter Virginia Bauer of Red Bank.
Could Cryan want Monmouth so badly that he would impose upon Bauer to seek a lowly Freeholder post? He already got a former Judge and former Parole Board Commissioner, John D'Amico, to "go back" to being a Freeholder. Would Bauer even consider it? I have no idea, but I bet someone will approach her today, if they haven't already.
His challenge is to find a woman that Republicans will ♥, who will also play ball with the Trenton Democrats.
The only person I can think of that fits the mold is Bill Barham's sister-in-law; Port Authority Commissioner, Former Commerce Secretary, 9/11 widow and all around heavy hitter Virginia Bauer of Red Bank.
Could Cryan want Monmouth so badly that he would impose upon Bauer to seek a lowly Freeholder post? He already got a former Judge and former Parole Board Commissioner, John D'Amico, to "go back" to being a Freeholder. Would Bauer even consider it? I have no idea, but I bet someone will approach her today, if they haven't already.
Monmouth County Tea Party
Senator Jennifer Beck and Assembly Members Declan O'Scanlon and Caroline Casagrande will be hosting a Monmouth County Tea Party on Wednesday April 15th at Moore's Tavern, 402 W. Main Street, Freehold from 6-8pm.
Cost is $15 per person to offset the cost of the event. Food and refreshments will be served.
Anyone with questions can contact Tom Fitzsimmons at tnice@aol.com
Cost is $15 per person to offset the cost of the event. Food and refreshments will be served.
Anyone with questions can contact Tom Fitzsimmons at tnice@aol.com
Words of Wisdom
"this is what continues to be the issue for the GOP on all levels: the inner fights for who's "in-charge", while the Dem's pull together and kick our butts..let's not be embarrassed again."
~ an anonymous MoreMonmouthMusings commenter
~ an anonymous MoreMonmouthMusings commenter
You’re Invited to Attend a
Monmouth County Grassroots Volunteer Meeting
with
Chris Christie
Republican Candidate for Governor
IN OCEAN TOWNSHIP
at
The West Park Ave. Recreation Center
6:30pm • Monday, April 6, 2009
615 West Park Avenue
Oakhurst (Ocean Twp.), New Jersey 07755
Learn about the Christie campaign in Monmouth County and how you can make a difference as a grassroots leader. Chris needs YOUR help in the fight to take back New Jersey.
Join the Christie for Governor Team as a grassroots leader in Monmouth County TODAY!
More Information: supporters@christiefornj.com / 862.579.3181
Monday, March 30, 2009
Corzine Ignores Bipartisan Blueprint for Secure, Affordable Pensions
By Senator Kevin O’Toole
New Jersey legislators spent the summer of 2006 searching for bipartisan solutions to a growing pension crisis.
It was one of the most exhaustive reviews of state policy on public employee benefits in the history of the Legislature.
We held 32 public hearings where hundreds testified. We reviewed thousands of documents.
The Joint Legislative Committee on Public Employees produced a 190-page report that highlighted 41 specific recommendations for restoring solvency to the system that taxpayers depend upon to provide retirement income to firefighters, teachers, and thousands of other public servants.
Lawmakers took on this task because we realized that failure to eliminate the multi-billion dollar deficit could result in soaring taxes and severe cutbacks in government services to future generations.
Three years later, it is beyond disheartening to see that our retirement plans are on shakier ground than ever before.
The pension deficit has ballooned from $20 billion to about $57 billion, or nearly twice the entire state budget. That’s not including the $75 billion that will be needed in the coming decades to pay for medical benefits for future retirees.
The growth in the shortfall is no accident.
Since 2006, the governor has refused to champion and in fact opposed many of the bipartisan recommendations that I and five other leaders of the Joint Committee on Public Employee Benefits unanimously approved.
Not surprisingly, only 11 of the 41 recommendations have become law, too few to make a significant dent in the pension problem.
These recommendations included common-sense steps such as bans on early retirement programs that send pension costs soaring and an end to dual office holding, which greatly increases the amounts paid out to elected officials from pension funds set up to compensate career government employees, not politicians.
These reforms aren’t cure-alls, but they are desperately needed first steps to restoring the pension system to solvency.
When the governor refused to back these measures, the results were both predictable and tragic.
Published reports say the depleted pension funds are paying out $300 million to $400 million more per month to retirees than they receive in contributions or earn from investments. That's $3.6 billion to $4.8 billion a year.
It's simple arithmetic to see that without an unprecedented stock market boom, the remaining pension funds could be exhausted in a decade as the number of Baby Boomer retirees drawing on the system grows.
The governor trumpets in speeches and ads that his budgets have added more money to our pension funds than all other governors combined over the last 15 years.
What he doesn’t say is that his contributions were woefully inadequate, even before the stock market crash.
Rather than take our advice from 2006 about avoiding early retirement programs, the governor actually used one this year to get temporary “savings” in the 2009 budget.
The governor didn’t find extra money to pay the pensions of workers who took advantage of the early retirement program, which will add tremendously to pension fund costs.
If the governor’s budget passes, this year may be the worst ever for irresponsible management of the state pension funds.
The state will not make $1.5 billion in required contributions, or less than one-fifth of what's needed. Local governments will be able to delay more than $500 million, or half their required contributions, in fiscal 2010.
The bottom line is that it is 99 percent certain that the pension deficit will be tens of billions of dollars higher when Governor Corzine leaves office than when he came in.
That doesn’t mean the situation is hopeless. A rebound in the stock market could easily shave a few billion dollars off the current deficit. An economic recovery in 2011 could free up cash that could be used to fund the pensions, if it’s not diverted to other programs as it has been for the past eight years.
But after nearly a decade of borrowing against our pension funds, New Jersey simply can’t rely on luck and half-measures to get us beyond this crisis.
The governor needs to join with Republicans in opposing any further deferrals of pension payments.
As part of the negotiations over possible layoffs and furloughs to balance the budgets, the governor also needs to demand that unions agree to sensible changes that bring pension benefits and all other forms of public employee compensation more in line with the norms in the private sector.
Along with those steps, the governor needs to dust off his copy of the 2006 report prepared by the Joint Legislative Committee on Public Employee Benefits.
The governor has said he is welcome to any suggestions that would help him balance this year’s budget.
He doesn’t have to wait for new ideas on how to rescue the pensions. They are available on the Internet in our 2006 report for anyone to see at http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/PropertyTaxSession/JCPE_final_report.pdf
New Jersey legislators spent the summer of 2006 searching for bipartisan solutions to a growing pension crisis.
It was one of the most exhaustive reviews of state policy on public employee benefits in the history of the Legislature.
We held 32 public hearings where hundreds testified. We reviewed thousands of documents.
The Joint Legislative Committee on Public Employees produced a 190-page report that highlighted 41 specific recommendations for restoring solvency to the system that taxpayers depend upon to provide retirement income to firefighters, teachers, and thousands of other public servants.
Lawmakers took on this task because we realized that failure to eliminate the multi-billion dollar deficit could result in soaring taxes and severe cutbacks in government services to future generations.
Three years later, it is beyond disheartening to see that our retirement plans are on shakier ground than ever before.
The pension deficit has ballooned from $20 billion to about $57 billion, or nearly twice the entire state budget. That’s not including the $75 billion that will be needed in the coming decades to pay for medical benefits for future retirees.
The growth in the shortfall is no accident.
Since 2006, the governor has refused to champion and in fact opposed many of the bipartisan recommendations that I and five other leaders of the Joint Committee on Public Employee Benefits unanimously approved.
Not surprisingly, only 11 of the 41 recommendations have become law, too few to make a significant dent in the pension problem.
These recommendations included common-sense steps such as bans on early retirement programs that send pension costs soaring and an end to dual office holding, which greatly increases the amounts paid out to elected officials from pension funds set up to compensate career government employees, not politicians.
These reforms aren’t cure-alls, but they are desperately needed first steps to restoring the pension system to solvency.
When the governor refused to back these measures, the results were both predictable and tragic.
Published reports say the depleted pension funds are paying out $300 million to $400 million more per month to retirees than they receive in contributions or earn from investments. That's $3.6 billion to $4.8 billion a year.
It's simple arithmetic to see that without an unprecedented stock market boom, the remaining pension funds could be exhausted in a decade as the number of Baby Boomer retirees drawing on the system grows.
The governor trumpets in speeches and ads that his budgets have added more money to our pension funds than all other governors combined over the last 15 years.
What he doesn’t say is that his contributions were woefully inadequate, even before the stock market crash.
Rather than take our advice from 2006 about avoiding early retirement programs, the governor actually used one this year to get temporary “savings” in the 2009 budget.
The governor didn’t find extra money to pay the pensions of workers who took advantage of the early retirement program, which will add tremendously to pension fund costs.
If the governor’s budget passes, this year may be the worst ever for irresponsible management of the state pension funds.
The state will not make $1.5 billion in required contributions, or less than one-fifth of what's needed. Local governments will be able to delay more than $500 million, or half their required contributions, in fiscal 2010.
The bottom line is that it is 99 percent certain that the pension deficit will be tens of billions of dollars higher when Governor Corzine leaves office than when he came in.
That doesn’t mean the situation is hopeless. A rebound in the stock market could easily shave a few billion dollars off the current deficit. An economic recovery in 2011 could free up cash that could be used to fund the pensions, if it’s not diverted to other programs as it has been for the past eight years.
But after nearly a decade of borrowing against our pension funds, New Jersey simply can’t rely on luck and half-measures to get us beyond this crisis.
The governor needs to join with Republicans in opposing any further deferrals of pension payments.
As part of the negotiations over possible layoffs and furloughs to balance the budgets, the governor also needs to demand that unions agree to sensible changes that bring pension benefits and all other forms of public employee compensation more in line with the norms in the private sector.
Along with those steps, the governor needs to dust off his copy of the 2006 report prepared by the Joint Legislative Committee on Public Employee Benefits.
The governor has said he is welcome to any suggestions that would help him balance this year’s budget.
He doesn’t have to wait for new ideas on how to rescue the pensions. They are available on the Internet in our 2006 report for anyone to see at http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/PropertyTaxSession/JCPE_final_report.pdf
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Pallone and The Asbury Park Press Miss The Mark Again
James Wassel's Sandy Hook Partners announced that they finally have the financing lined up to redevelope Fort Hankcock at Sandy Hook.
Congressman Frank Pallone and The Asbury Park Press want the details of the financing package made public in order that they may wreck havoc on the project again. Pallone and his allies have delayed the rehabilitation of the park for years, while the historic buildings have continued to decline and become more hazardous.
The Press says, "at the very least, assurances must be forthcoming that the private elements of the rehabilitation will not effectively bar public access to the site." You have to wonder if any of the editorial board members have visited the site lately. The buildings are hazardous. There is no public access. Here's an assurance; there will be more public access to Fort Hancock when Wassel's project is complete than there is now.
Pallone could have prevented the need for private development at the National Park if he had been an effective congressman. Bill Clinton was president when the Park Service put the Fort Hancock project out to bid. Pallone's protests that he couldn't get any money while Republicans were in power was weak but at least had a kernel of credibilty. But he should have been able to fund the project in the 90's. Now that his fellow Obamamaniacs are on a spending spree, he could have gotten the Sandy Hook Partners project funded on better terms than what Wassel probably got, or made it a public project, which would inevitably been more expensive even if the government didn't have to buy Wassel out.
Fort Hancock is falling down. Pallone can't save it. Let Wassel and his investors do it.
Congressman Frank Pallone and The Asbury Park Press want the details of the financing package made public in order that they may wreck havoc on the project again. Pallone and his allies have delayed the rehabilitation of the park for years, while the historic buildings have continued to decline and become more hazardous.
The Press says, "at the very least, assurances must be forthcoming that the private elements of the rehabilitation will not effectively bar public access to the site." You have to wonder if any of the editorial board members have visited the site lately. The buildings are hazardous. There is no public access. Here's an assurance; there will be more public access to Fort Hancock when Wassel's project is complete than there is now.
Pallone could have prevented the need for private development at the National Park if he had been an effective congressman. Bill Clinton was president when the Park Service put the Fort Hancock project out to bid. Pallone's protests that he couldn't get any money while Republicans were in power was weak but at least had a kernel of credibilty. But he should have been able to fund the project in the 90's. Now that his fellow Obamamaniacs are on a spending spree, he could have gotten the Sandy Hook Partners project funded on better terms than what Wassel probably got, or made it a public project, which would inevitably been more expensive even if the government didn't have to buy Wassel out.
Fort Hancock is falling down. Pallone can't save it. Let Wassel and his investors do it.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Monmouth GOP Nominates Curley For Freeholder
By a vote of 36-27, Chairman Joe Oxley's selection committee nominated John Curley to be the GOP candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder this year.
Curley bested former Atlantic Highlands Councilwoman Kim Spatola in a second ballot roll call vote.
The selection committee consisted of past and present county and state elected officials, former county chairmen and municipal chairs.
Curley was defeated by Amy Mallet in last year's election by a margin of less than four hundred votes.
The Democratic candidate for Freeholder will be chosen next weekend. The Monmouth County Democratic Party postponed their convention, which had been scheduled for today, when Freeholder Director Barbara McMorrow announced that she would not seek a second term on the board. McMorrow made her announcement on Thursday during the Freeholder workshop session.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Breaking News: McMorrow NOT Running For Re-Election
Freeholder Director Barbara McMorrow will not run for re-election.
During Freeholder comments at today's workshop session a tearful McMorrow announced that due to health issues she will not seek a second term.
Reportedly the County Democrats have postponed their convention one week until Saturday April 4 to give candidates an opportunity to line up support.
During Freeholder comments at today's workshop session a tearful McMorrow announced that due to health issues she will not seek a second term.
Reportedly the County Democrats have postponed their convention one week until Saturday April 4 to give candidates an opportunity to line up support.
Speaking of Brazilians...
More Good Spam:
The Dept Of Defense briefed the president this morning, they told OBAMA that 2 Brazilian soldiers were killed in Iraq . To everyone's surprise, all the color drained from Obama's face.
Then he collapsed onto his desk, head in his hands, visibly shaken, almost in tears.
Finally, he composed himself and asked, 'Just how many is a brazilian?'
This is especially funny since he obviously has no understanding of billion or
trillion either.
The Dept Of Defense briefed the president this morning, they told OBAMA that 2 Brazilian soldiers were killed in Iraq . To everyone's surprise, all the color drained from Obama's face.
Then he collapsed onto his desk, head in his hands, visibly shaken, almost in tears.
Finally, he composed himself and asked, 'Just how many is a brazilian?'
This is especially funny since he obviously has no understanding of billion or
trillion either.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Short Uncertain About Re-election Bid
Twelve days before the filing deadline Middletown Township Committee Member Patrick Short (D) is undecided about seeking a second term on the governing body.
Short told me he has yet to make a commitment to running this evening at the Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce's Meet the Mayors networking event.
Short broke the decades long GOP deadlock on the Township Committee in 2006 in the wake off Operation Bid Rig and the anti-Iraqi war turnout. He has been an outspoken critic of the GOP majority in his 2 1/2 years in office. The following year voters split their ballots, electing Democrat Sean Byrnes and Republican Gerald Scharfenberger and splitting control 3-2 GOP.
Threatened with the loss of control for the first time in 20 years, last year the Middletown GOP woke up to the fact that they could no longer cruise to victory and waged an all stops out campaign, complete with devastating opposition research on one the the Democratic candidates.
I don't know what Short's considerations are, but politically he should consider 1) will the top of the ticket help him, i.e. is Corzine more popular in Middletown than Obama was last November? and 2) can he defend the record of his first term and whatever material the GOP opposition research team will exploit this time out that they let slide last time?
Steve Massell will be the GOP candidate.
Take the plaque Pat.
Short told me he has yet to make a commitment to running this evening at the Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce's Meet the Mayors networking event.
Short broke the decades long GOP deadlock on the Township Committee in 2006 in the wake off Operation Bid Rig and the anti-Iraqi war turnout. He has been an outspoken critic of the GOP majority in his 2 1/2 years in office. The following year voters split their ballots, electing Democrat Sean Byrnes and Republican Gerald Scharfenberger and splitting control 3-2 GOP.
Threatened with the loss of control for the first time in 20 years, last year the Middletown GOP woke up to the fact that they could no longer cruise to victory and waged an all stops out campaign, complete with devastating opposition research on one the the Democratic candidates.
I don't know what Short's considerations are, but politically he should consider 1) will the top of the ticket help him, i.e. is Corzine more popular in Middletown than Obama was last November? and 2) can he defend the record of his first term and whatever material the GOP opposition research team will exploit this time out that they let slide last time?
Steve Massell will be the GOP candidate.
Take the plaque Pat.
Kean and Kyrillos Voice Concern for Jobless, Urge Corzine to Support Bills to Aid Workers
From “Rendell Poaching Business From N.J.,” Newark Star-Ledger, July 6, 2008:
John Kaufman, chairman and CEO of International Battery, said he was looking to build a factory for lithium-ion batteries, which would create 240 jobs. With headquarters in northern Bergen County, he wanted to stay in New Jersey. “We got no support. We spoke to many state agencies. Nothing happened.” Kaufman said. “There's no support here. Everybody’s too busy.” As his frustrations mounted, Kaufman said, one of his investors told him to check out Pennsylvania. “The state of Pennsylvania was terrific,” he said. “The governor’s action team is terrific. They work with you.” International Battery opened its plant in Allentown, PA in October. Kaufman also moved his corporate headquarters there, and kept only a small engineering operation in New Jersey. “New Jersey’s a great state,” he said. “But when government feels it’s bigger than its industry, government will fail.”
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean of Union County and Senator Joseph Kyrillos of Monmouth voiced their deep concern today after the state reported that New Jersey’s unemployment rate rose to 8.2 percent in February from 7.3 percent in January. It is now higher than the national rate for the first time since October 2006, and is much higher than the rates posted recently by New York, Delaware and Pennsylvania. The Senators urged Governor Corzine to support long-delayed legislation that would help New Jersey create jobs and strengthen the state’s safety net for unemployed and underemployed workers.
“It’s heartbreaking to see neighbors suffer,” Kyrillos said. “Governor Corzine and the Democratic majority in the legislature need to act far more dramatically to bring jobs back to New Jersey by reversing years of policy decisions that have driven employers from the state.”
“Now is the time to safeguard the funds that provide the safety net for unemployed and underemployed workers,” Kean said. “It’s only fair that we meet the promise to provide benefits to workers who the state taxed to pay for those benefits.”
Republicans proposed smart reforms in May 2008 to make New Jersey more competitive with its neighbors including eliminating the job killing “throwout” rule, encouraging entrepreneurs by passing new rules on deducting net operating losses and killing a “single sales factor” rule for business taxes that made us uncompetitive with dozens of states in attracting employers.
Last year, Governor Corzine issued hyperpartisan attacks on the "Common-Sense Plan for an Affordable New Jersey" that included the changes listed above. By December 2008 he was trumpeting many of the same ideas as his own, and helped put them into law.
We urge the governor to push for passage of two more Republican initiatives:
S-281, The Economic Development Promotion Act, which will jump-start New Jersey's economic development efforts to create stable, high-paying jobs and increase the economic security of state residents.
SCR 60, Puts Unemployment Insurance Fund contributions in a locked box so laid-off workers are guaranteed that their taxes will go to pay the benefits they earned. Over $5 billion has been diverted from the funds during good economic times. On Monday Governor Corzine said New Jersey will borrow from the federal government to pay unemployment benefits because of the deferments.
John Kaufman, chairman and CEO of International Battery, said he was looking to build a factory for lithium-ion batteries, which would create 240 jobs. With headquarters in northern Bergen County, he wanted to stay in New Jersey. “We got no support. We spoke to many state agencies. Nothing happened.” Kaufman said. “There's no support here. Everybody’s too busy.” As his frustrations mounted, Kaufman said, one of his investors told him to check out Pennsylvania. “The state of Pennsylvania was terrific,” he said. “The governor’s action team is terrific. They work with you.” International Battery opened its plant in Allentown, PA in October. Kaufman also moved his corporate headquarters there, and kept only a small engineering operation in New Jersey. “New Jersey’s a great state,” he said. “But when government feels it’s bigger than its industry, government will fail.”
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean of Union County and Senator Joseph Kyrillos of Monmouth voiced their deep concern today after the state reported that New Jersey’s unemployment rate rose to 8.2 percent in February from 7.3 percent in January. It is now higher than the national rate for the first time since October 2006, and is much higher than the rates posted recently by New York, Delaware and Pennsylvania. The Senators urged Governor Corzine to support long-delayed legislation that would help New Jersey create jobs and strengthen the state’s safety net for unemployed and underemployed workers.
“It’s heartbreaking to see neighbors suffer,” Kyrillos said. “Governor Corzine and the Democratic majority in the legislature need to act far more dramatically to bring jobs back to New Jersey by reversing years of policy decisions that have driven employers from the state.”
“Now is the time to safeguard the funds that provide the safety net for unemployed and underemployed workers,” Kean said. “It’s only fair that we meet the promise to provide benefits to workers who the state taxed to pay for those benefits.”
Republicans proposed smart reforms in May 2008 to make New Jersey more competitive with its neighbors including eliminating the job killing “throwout” rule, encouraging entrepreneurs by passing new rules on deducting net operating losses and killing a “single sales factor” rule for business taxes that made us uncompetitive with dozens of states in attracting employers.
Last year, Governor Corzine issued hyperpartisan attacks on the "Common-Sense Plan for an Affordable New Jersey" that included the changes listed above. By December 2008 he was trumpeting many of the same ideas as his own, and helped put them into law.
We urge the governor to push for passage of two more Republican initiatives:
S-281, The Economic Development Promotion Act, which will jump-start New Jersey's economic development efforts to create stable, high-paying jobs and increase the economic security of state residents.
SCR 60, Puts Unemployment Insurance Fund contributions in a locked box so laid-off workers are guaranteed that their taxes will go to pay the benefits they earned. Over $5 billion has been diverted from the funds during good economic times. On Monday Governor Corzine said New Jersey will borrow from the federal government to pay unemployment benefits because of the deferments.
Sandy Hook Developer Secures Financing
The Asbury Park Press reports that Sandy Hook Partners, the developer selected to rehabilitate 36structures in Fort Hancock at Sandy Hook, has secured financing for the project. The National Park Service must now review the terms of the financing package.
The $60+ million dollar project has been delayed for five years by litigation initiated by Save Sandy Hook, an organization headed by Judith Stanley Coleman and her husband, Judge James Coleman. The litigation failed, but the historic structure at the park have continued to deteriorate.
Congressman Frank Pallone has also been a vocal opponent to the private/public partnership to rehabiltate the park. The APP article refers to Pallone as a consistent opponent, which is not accurate. Pallone initially supported the project, and flip floped after Stanley-Coleman's opposition became public.
The only thing consistent about Pallone regarding Sandy Hook is his inablitity to get funding for the National Park. 20 years in Congress and Pallone still has no clout.
The $60+ million dollar project has been delayed for five years by litigation initiated by Save Sandy Hook, an organization headed by Judith Stanley Coleman and her husband, Judge James Coleman. The litigation failed, but the historic structure at the park have continued to deteriorate.
Congressman Frank Pallone has also been a vocal opponent to the private/public partnership to rehabiltate the park. The APP article refers to Pallone as a consistent opponent, which is not accurate. Pallone initially supported the project, and flip floped after Stanley-Coleman's opposition became public.
The only thing consistent about Pallone regarding Sandy Hook is his inablitity to get funding for the National Park. 20 years in Congress and Pallone still has no clout.
Christie On The Air Waves
Chris Christie launched his radio ad campaign yesterday. His first ad can be heard at his website.
Fair Haven To Cut Spending And Taxes
For the second consecutive year, Mayor Mike Halfacre and the Fair Haven council have introduced a budget that cuts spending and cuts taxes.
They avoided Trenton style gimmickry, budgeting their full pension payments. They created efficiencies in engineering, public works, and attorneys fees. They are enjoying revenue from a new cell phone tower. Trenton cut their state funding (it is not aid, it is funding)by 4%.
It can be done.
Congratulations to the citizens of Fair Haven and their governing body.
They avoided Trenton style gimmickry, budgeting their full pension payments. They created efficiencies in engineering, public works, and attorneys fees. They are enjoying revenue from a new cell phone tower. Trenton cut their state funding (it is not aid, it is funding)by 4%.
It can be done.
Congratulations to the citizens of Fair Haven and their governing body.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
O’SCANLON: CORZINE’S BUDGET PROPOSAL TO DIVERT
The ink on Governor Corzine’s budget proposal is not even dry and already his plan calls for diverting $20 million from the fees generated by the Motor Vehicle Commission to the state’s General Fund. Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, a Republican member on the Budget Committee called the diversion a prime example of how hollow the words are that comes from the administration.
“One month ago the public was told that certain Motor Vehicle Commission fees needed to be increased in order to sustain its operation,” stated O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth and Mercer. “The justification for new rates on motorcycle registrations, commercial-driver exam permits and documents was supposed to help close the commission’s $27 million deficit, and keep those revenues within that agency. Now, Governor Corzine is playing his usual shell game with dedicated funds. This is another item that he needs to rethink.”
In February, Motor Vehicle Commissioner Sharon Harrington was quoted in news reports as saying, “Some pieces of our business were subsidizing other pieces of our business, which isn’t fair to the taxpayers.” Harrington went on to say that the proposed fees were designed to reflect more closely the commission’s cost for those transactions.
“Commissioner Harrington had it right when she said that it wasn’t fair that fees generated by the MVC were subsidizing other parts of government,” said O’Scanlon. “It’s unfortunate that Governor Corzine doesn’t share the same sentiment that taxpayers should be treated fairly.”
O’Scanlon’s comments were made as the Assembly Budget Committee began hearing public testimony today on Corzine’s spending plan that includes eliminating property tax rebates for those earning over $75,000 annually and who are not senior citizens, removing the property tax deduction for those with incomes over $150,000, and reducing aid to municipalities. All told, Corzine is seeking to raise $1 billion through tax increases.
“The financial double-talk emitted by this governor is appalling,” continued O’Scanlon. “The requested increases were to generate an estimated $40 million to $60 million to run the MVC. Is it any wonder the public doesn’t believe what it hears regarding revenues and spending from this administration? Who can blame anyone for being cynical?”
“One month ago the public was told that certain Motor Vehicle Commission fees needed to be increased in order to sustain its operation,” stated O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth and Mercer. “The justification for new rates on motorcycle registrations, commercial-driver exam permits and documents was supposed to help close the commission’s $27 million deficit, and keep those revenues within that agency. Now, Governor Corzine is playing his usual shell game with dedicated funds. This is another item that he needs to rethink.”
In February, Motor Vehicle Commissioner Sharon Harrington was quoted in news reports as saying, “Some pieces of our business were subsidizing other pieces of our business, which isn’t fair to the taxpayers.” Harrington went on to say that the proposed fees were designed to reflect more closely the commission’s cost for those transactions.
“Commissioner Harrington had it right when she said that it wasn’t fair that fees generated by the MVC were subsidizing other parts of government,” said O’Scanlon. “It’s unfortunate that Governor Corzine doesn’t share the same sentiment that taxpayers should be treated fairly.”
O’Scanlon’s comments were made as the Assembly Budget Committee began hearing public testimony today on Corzine’s spending plan that includes eliminating property tax rebates for those earning over $75,000 annually and who are not senior citizens, removing the property tax deduction for those with incomes over $150,000, and reducing aid to municipalities. All told, Corzine is seeking to raise $1 billion through tax increases.
“The financial double-talk emitted by this governor is appalling,” continued O’Scanlon. “The requested increases were to generate an estimated $40 million to $60 million to run the MVC. Is it any wonder the public doesn’t believe what it hears regarding revenues and spending from this administration? Who can blame anyone for being cynical?”
The Riccio Interview Continued
In part III and IV of Matt Rooney's interview with Rocco Riccio, Carla Katz's brother-in-law and the man who was gagged by $362,000 of Corzine's, paints himself as a reformer. He speaks of corruption at the senior levels of New Jersey's civil service bureaucracy and the Trenton Democratic Machine.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Shore Team Press Conference
11th District Legislators, Assemblyman Dave Rible and Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini
will hold a press conference to address the Governor's budget and its impact on middle class taxpayers at noon today. The conference will be at The Foodtown of Wall Township, 1732 Highway 35 and 18th Ave, Wall.
The legislators will be joined by residents to propose alternatives to the state budget.
For more information, please call 732-974-0400.
will hold a press conference to address the Governor's budget and its impact on middle class taxpayers at noon today. The conference will be at The Foodtown of Wall Township, 1732 Highway 35 and 18th Ave, Wall.
The legislators will be joined by residents to propose alternatives to the state budget.
For more information, please call 732-974-0400.
Save Jersey Exclusive:
Save Jersey's Matt Rooney sits down with Rocco Riccio.
Not to be outdone, Conservatives with Attitude posted links to videos of paint drying and tumbleweed rolling.
Not to be outdone, Conservatives with Attitude posted links to videos of paint drying and tumbleweed rolling.
GOP Moms To Meet on March 31
The second meeting of the Monmouth County Association of Republican Moms will be on Tuesday, March 31 at 10am at the Monmouth Library in Shrewsbury. Moms who work in or out of the house are welcome! Grandmas and children welcome too. Refreshments will be served.
Our guest speakers will be Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (R-12), who will address economic issues facing New Jersey families, and Kathy Lodato, President of the Monmouth Federation of Republican Women.
Download an announcment for the meeting here and pass it on.
Our guest speakers will be Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (R-12), who will address economic issues facing New Jersey families, and Kathy Lodato, President of the Monmouth Federation of Republican Women.
Download an announcment for the meeting here and pass it on.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Lonegan Takes A Shot At Michael Steele
-- "RNC bills should not be paid with Teachers Union Money"
LONEGAN CALLS ON STEELE TO RETURN NEA DONATION TO RNC
ORADELL -- Republican Gubernatorial candidate Steve Lonegan today urged Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele to return a $15,000 donation from the National Education Association Political Action Committee
Politico reports that the NEA PAC donation was part of $90,000 collected from PACs in the last month, the first under Steele's chairmanship.
"I believe in raising money from people who share your vision of leadership," said Lonegan whose own campaign is closing in on the $2 Million fundraising mark including matching funds. "But I do not believe in asking for or accepting money from people or organizations whose mission differs from yours,” he added. "The National Education Association agenda is the exact opposite of the Republican Party's agenda, or at least what our agenda should be."
"What's next? Accepting money from the National Abortion Rights Action League, Handgun Control, Gay Marriage PACs and George Soros?" Lonegan wondered.
"Chairman Steele needs to return this $15,000 check to the NEA and stop the practice of asking our enemies to underwrite our activities. If Chairman Steele cannot run the RNC with the support of rank and file Republicans, then he should step down and turn the job over to someone else."
Lonegan said he was very disappointed in the first few weeks of Steele’s tenure.
"First he stepped out and attacked Rush Limbaugh, who has done more to galvanize taxpayers against the Obama agenda than the RNC has done. Then he said abortion was 'a choice' and now is taking money from the Teachers Union. While my opponent Mr. Christie and other party liberals may have no problem with Chairman Steele's actions, I do. We’re going to take back this country by standing tall for what we believe, not getting in bed with our opponents. And the battle to take back our nation starts right here in New Jersey, "Lonegan added.
LONEGAN CALLS ON STEELE TO RETURN NEA DONATION TO RNC
ORADELL -- Republican Gubernatorial candidate Steve Lonegan today urged Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele to return a $15,000 donation from the National Education Association Political Action Committee
Politico reports that the NEA PAC donation was part of $90,000 collected from PACs in the last month, the first under Steele's chairmanship.
"I believe in raising money from people who share your vision of leadership," said Lonegan whose own campaign is closing in on the $2 Million fundraising mark including matching funds. "But I do not believe in asking for or accepting money from people or organizations whose mission differs from yours,” he added. "The National Education Association agenda is the exact opposite of the Republican Party's agenda, or at least what our agenda should be."
"What's next? Accepting money from the National Abortion Rights Action League, Handgun Control, Gay Marriage PACs and George Soros?" Lonegan wondered.
"Chairman Steele needs to return this $15,000 check to the NEA and stop the practice of asking our enemies to underwrite our activities. If Chairman Steele cannot run the RNC with the support of rank and file Republicans, then he should step down and turn the job over to someone else."
Lonegan said he was very disappointed in the first few weeks of Steele’s tenure.
"First he stepped out and attacked Rush Limbaugh, who has done more to galvanize taxpayers against the Obama agenda than the RNC has done. Then he said abortion was 'a choice' and now is taking money from the Teachers Union. While my opponent Mr. Christie and other party liberals may have no problem with Chairman Steele's actions, I do. We’re going to take back this country by standing tall for what we believe, not getting in bed with our opponents. And the battle to take back our nation starts right here in New Jersey, "Lonegan added.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Chris Christie's NJ 101.5 Interview with Dennis and Michelle
Chris Christie sat down this week with Dennis Malloy and Michele Pilenza for an interview broadcast on NJ 101.5.
Christie did an admirable job answering criticism that he has not offered specifics of how he would govern. He was funny and self-effacing with Malloy's too frequent fat jokes. He went toe to toe with both Malloy, who was openly pro Lonegan, and with hostile callers.
I recommend that every GOP primary voter listen to the interview, which is linked here from the 101.5 site in four segments.
Segment One
Segment Two
Segment Three
Segment Four
Christie did an admirable job answering criticism that he has not offered specifics of how he would govern. He was funny and self-effacing with Malloy's too frequent fat jokes. He went toe to toe with both Malloy, who was openly pro Lonegan, and with hostile callers.
I recommend that every GOP primary voter listen to the interview, which is linked here from the 101.5 site in four segments.
Segment One
Segment Two
Segment Three
Segment Four
What Will He Do Now?
Governor Corzine is boxed in.
First he was going to keep New Jersey's government bloated by eliminating the income tax deduction for property taxes. He came to Monmouth County and the Eatontown residents he met with talked him out of that. Instead he said he would raise income taxes on those who make over $500,000 to 10.25%. Senate President and sometimes Governor Richard Codey said raising taxes on those high income earners would hurt the economy and that he will not go along with that. Even with Codey on board, Corzine might not have gotten the tax increase through the Senate. Without Codey on board, it is dead.
The solution to declining revenue is obvious. Families and business are doing it. You cut back spending. Yet our Governor refuses to do that. With the money he is getting from Obama, Pelosi and Reid, Corzine is still trying spend as much in the upcoming year as he is in the current year.
Look for Corzine to seek more money from Washington, cut the property tax rebate program back even further and to propose a surcharge on the bikini wax.
First he was going to keep New Jersey's government bloated by eliminating the income tax deduction for property taxes. He came to Monmouth County and the Eatontown residents he met with talked him out of that. Instead he said he would raise income taxes on those who make over $500,000 to 10.25%. Senate President and sometimes Governor Richard Codey said raising taxes on those high income earners would hurt the economy and that he will not go along with that. Even with Codey on board, Corzine might not have gotten the tax increase through the Senate. Without Codey on board, it is dead.
The solution to declining revenue is obvious. Families and business are doing it. You cut back spending. Yet our Governor refuses to do that. With the money he is getting from Obama, Pelosi and Reid, Corzine is still trying spend as much in the upcoming year as he is in the current year.
Look for Corzine to seek more money from Washington, cut the property tax rebate program back even further and to propose a surcharge on the bikini wax.
Let Freedom Ring
Following a public outcry over the proposed ban of the Brazilian bikini wax, State Consumer Affairs Director David Szuchman has instructed the State Cosmetology and Hairstyling board not to enforce a prohibition of the procedure and the study ways to make it safer.
I wonder how many new state jobs will be created to keep the procedure safe.
I wonder how many new state jobs will be created to keep the procedure safe.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wax On Wax Off
The Socialist State of New Jersey is moving to ban the bikini wax. The state cosmetology and hairstyling board will meet on April 14 to decide on adopting language that specifically bans genital waxing because two women complained of getting infections from the procedure.
What is the standard of proof? How does the board know that those women who complained really got waxed at a licensed establishment before getting infected?
I'm wondering how this new ban will be enforced. Will beach badge inspectors be empowered to inspect people who appear to be sans hair down there to determine if they are shaved or waxed and issue a summons for those with no stubble? Will cameras be set up in waxing salons? Will there be undercover operatives busting salons? Will the fines make up for the lost sales tax revenue? Is shaving less likely to result in infection than waxing?
How will this impact tourism on the Jersey Shore? I guess we could make Perfect Together ads for the hirsute community. Governor Corzine would be the perfect spokesperson. Belmar Mayor Pringle's newsletter should be interesting. Business will be booming on Staten Island salons, but visitors should carry their receipt from a Staten Island waxing establishment to show the badge and down there inspectors in order to avoid the fines.
What is the standard of proof? How does the board know that those women who complained really got waxed at a licensed establishment before getting infected?
I'm wondering how this new ban will be enforced. Will beach badge inspectors be empowered to inspect people who appear to be sans hair down there to determine if they are shaved or waxed and issue a summons for those with no stubble? Will cameras be set up in waxing salons? Will there be undercover operatives busting salons? Will the fines make up for the lost sales tax revenue? Is shaving less likely to result in infection than waxing?
How will this impact tourism on the Jersey Shore? I guess we could make Perfect Together ads for the hirsute community. Governor Corzine would be the perfect spokesperson. Belmar Mayor Pringle's newsletter should be interesting. Business will be booming on Staten Island salons, but visitors should carry their receipt from a Staten Island waxing establishment to show the badge and down there inspectors in order to avoid the fines.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
O’TOOLE: CORZINE’S PENSION DEFERRAL SCHEME WRONG MOVE FOR NEW JERSEY TAXPAYERS
Senator Kevin O’Toole, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee commented today on the passage of a bill inspired by Governor Corzine that permits some New Jersey towns to postpone paying a portion of their share to the state employees’ pension funds:
“This initiative by the Corzine Administration and sanctioned by his allies in the legislature will cost New Jersey taxpayers significantly more when the bill comes due. Make no mistake about it not only will taxpayers today pay more, their children and grandchildren will pay more as well due to this incredibly poor decision by the Trenton Democrats. This debt will start being repaid in 2012 and we will continue repaying it for 15 years until 2027.
“We were forewarned on at least two occasions. In 2005 Phillip Murphy, a fiscal analyst, produced a report that stated in no uncertain terms that fiscal mismanagement had placed the state’s public employees systems in grave danger.
“Only a year later, a Special Committee on Pension and Health Benefits Reform that I served on issued a report that recommended 41 changes to the management of the state pensions system, which if adopted, would have put the systems on course to long-term fiscal health.
“Every member of the Committee signed a letter urging our colleagues in the legislature and the Governor to adopt all of the 41 recommendations. To my dismay and to the disappointment of some of my colleagues, the leadership of the legislature and Governor Corzine chose to adopt only 11 of the 41 recommended changes.
“This ‘quarter a loaf’ approach to pension reform is clearly inadequate. Yesterday we traded $90 million in short term saving for hundreds of millions in future liabilities. Legislators must get together on a bi-partisan basis to solve this problem. We cannot delay any longer.
We must change the way the pension system is managed. The first step is clear; adopt an amendment to the state constitution to forbid any more pension deferrals. Secondly, the remaining 30 recommendations from the 2006 Special Committee must be instituted as quickly as possible.
“The time for bold action and strong leadership is now. To do any less is unfair to the taxpayers and the public employees.”
“This initiative by the Corzine Administration and sanctioned by his allies in the legislature will cost New Jersey taxpayers significantly more when the bill comes due. Make no mistake about it not only will taxpayers today pay more, their children and grandchildren will pay more as well due to this incredibly poor decision by the Trenton Democrats. This debt will start being repaid in 2012 and we will continue repaying it for 15 years until 2027.
“We were forewarned on at least two occasions. In 2005 Phillip Murphy, a fiscal analyst, produced a report that stated in no uncertain terms that fiscal mismanagement had placed the state’s public employees systems in grave danger.
“Only a year later, a Special Committee on Pension and Health Benefits Reform that I served on issued a report that recommended 41 changes to the management of the state pensions system, which if adopted, would have put the systems on course to long-term fiscal health.
“Every member of the Committee signed a letter urging our colleagues in the legislature and the Governor to adopt all of the 41 recommendations. To my dismay and to the disappointment of some of my colleagues, the leadership of the legislature and Governor Corzine chose to adopt only 11 of the 41 recommended changes.
“This ‘quarter a loaf’ approach to pension reform is clearly inadequate. Yesterday we traded $90 million in short term saving for hundreds of millions in future liabilities. Legislators must get together on a bi-partisan basis to solve this problem. We cannot delay any longer.
We must change the way the pension system is managed. The first step is clear; adopt an amendment to the state constitution to forbid any more pension deferrals. Secondly, the remaining 30 recommendations from the 2006 Special Committee must be instituted as quickly as possible.
“The time for bold action and strong leadership is now. To do any less is unfair to the taxpayers and the public employees.”
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Kyrillos, Kean & Beck Say Cuts In Tax Rebates, Property Tax Deductions & Aid Should Be Last On Corzine’s List
Monmouth County Senators Joe Kyrillos, Sean Kean and Jen Beck expressed disappointment, but not surprise, that Governor Corzine chose to come to Monmouth County to hold a “kitchen table” press conference. The governor is desperate to convince middle-class families that his proposal to eliminate rebates and property tax deductions won’t drive more of them from New Jersey by making the state even more unaffordable. Monmouth County residents will be among the hardest hit if his spending plan is approved:
“Governor Corzine won office in 2005 with a campaign that promised lower property taxes over the duration of his term,” Kyrillos stated. “It never happened. The governor never even proposed legislation that would meet this promise. In 2006, he raised sales taxes and agreed to use the money for higher rebates. After just one year, those rebates disappeared for many middle-class New Jersey families. Only the tax hike remains. Now he plans to cut the rebates as well as the property tax deduction.”
“Governor Corzine could have considered common-sense Republican proposals for eliminating billions of dollars of unnecessary and unjustifiable spending over the last three years,” Senator Sean Kean said. “If he had done so, the draconian cuts he is making in rebates might not have been necessary because we would have a far larger surplus to rely on today.”
“The borrowing that this governor has done without voter approval has locked us into debt payments that can not be deferred,” Senator Beck said. “For this governor, raising taxes and cutting municipal and education aid that benefits middle class has always been preferable to slowing the huge growth in state debt and spending. It is insulting that the governor is coming to Monmouth to sell his fourth budget that shortchanges the hardworking middle class residents of this county.”
“Governor Corzine won office in 2005 with a campaign that promised lower property taxes over the duration of his term,” Kyrillos stated. “It never happened. The governor never even proposed legislation that would meet this promise. In 2006, he raised sales taxes and agreed to use the money for higher rebates. After just one year, those rebates disappeared for many middle-class New Jersey families. Only the tax hike remains. Now he plans to cut the rebates as well as the property tax deduction.”
“Governor Corzine could have considered common-sense Republican proposals for eliminating billions of dollars of unnecessary and unjustifiable spending over the last three years,” Senator Sean Kean said. “If he had done so, the draconian cuts he is making in rebates might not have been necessary because we would have a far larger surplus to rely on today.”
“The borrowing that this governor has done without voter approval has locked us into debt payments that can not be deferred,” Senator Beck said. “For this governor, raising taxes and cutting municipal and education aid that benefits middle class has always been preferable to slowing the huge growth in state debt and spending. It is insulting that the governor is coming to Monmouth to sell his fourth budget that shortchanges the hardworking middle class residents of this county.”
Monday, March 16, 2009
NJ’s DC Democrats Abandon Poorest Constituents
By Mayor Mike Halfacre, Fair Haven
Last Tuesday, President Obama gave a key policy speech focusing on education, including the possibility of merit pay for teachers, increasing the number of charter schools, and other reforms. Also on Tuesday, Governor Corzine spoke about the importance of education as part of his State budget address. While everyone agrees that education is important, Democrats in Congress are only paying lip service to improving the quality of our poorest children’s education, with their actions speaking louder than their words.
Congressional Democrats, who have little control over most local school districts, have put restrictions on federal financing for a school voucher program in the District of Columbia, and they are urging the DC schools chancellor to prepare the public schools to re-enroll, in fall 2010, some 1,700 students currently attending private schools at taxpayer expense. While there is much debate about school voucher programs in general, the DC program is by all accounts a success, with not only parents, but the DC schools chancellor advocating for the program’s continuation.
Michelle A. Rhee, the schools chancellor, said in the New York Times that she did not share the negative view of vouchers held by many big-city superintendents.
“Part of my job is to make sure that all kids get a great education, and it doesn’t matter whether that’s in charter, parochial or public schools,” Ms. Rhee said. “I don’t think vouchers are going to solve all the ills of public education, but parents who are zoned to schools that are failing kids should have options to do better by their kids.”
Yet the most recent budget bill recently passed by the democratically controlled House of Representatives specifically seeks to put kids back into failing schools.
Democrats in Washington are playing politics with the lives of the children in the voucher program. The program was initiated in 2004 by a Republican-controlled Congress. It provides scholarships of up to $7,500 annually to cover tuition, fees and transportation expenses for about 1,700 Kindergarten through 12th Grade children to attend private school. Some 90 percent of the participating students have been African-American, and an additional 9 percent Hispanic. The bill that is expected to be signed by President Obama today will require these 1,700 students to re-matriculate back to their failing local schools.
As stated in a Washington Post editorial opposing the plan, someone needs to tell the parents of these poor and minority children why a bunch of elected officials who can send their children to any school they choose are taking that option away from them.
The change to the DC voucher program would be bad enough on its own. But the change comes as part of an orgy of spending that has gripped Washington. In the past two weeks, the House of Representatives and Senate both approved the $410 Billion spending bill, called an “omnibus bill” that is designed to keep the federal government operating until the end of the fiscal year. This bill contains language that will eliminate spending for the voucher program, and specifically directs the chancellor to prepare to accept the voucher children back into the public schools.
The bill passed by the House consists of 1,132 pages with over 8,000 individual earmarks that add billions of dollars of pet project spending from our elected representatives in Congress. The 12th District’s Rush Holt (D) is responsible for three individual earmarks totaling $652,500.00 and is a part of 64 other earmarks that total in excess of $67 million. The 6th District’s Frank Pallone is responsible for five earmarks, totaling $1,413,000.00 and is a part of 29 other earmarks that total in excess of $18,548,000. Senators Menendez and Lautenberg are a part of 171 and 173 earmarks, respectively, totaling over 158,750,500.00 each.
Congressmen Holt and Pallone and Senators Menendez and Lautenberg voted yes on the omnibus bill, choosing to spend billions on earmarks, yet can not spare a couple of million for the poorest of our nation’s children. It goes without saying that such action is not the hope that President Obama talked about nor the change DC families want.
Last Tuesday, President Obama gave a key policy speech focusing on education, including the possibility of merit pay for teachers, increasing the number of charter schools, and other reforms. Also on Tuesday, Governor Corzine spoke about the importance of education as part of his State budget address. While everyone agrees that education is important, Democrats in Congress are only paying lip service to improving the quality of our poorest children’s education, with their actions speaking louder than their words.
Congressional Democrats, who have little control over most local school districts, have put restrictions on federal financing for a school voucher program in the District of Columbia, and they are urging the DC schools chancellor to prepare the public schools to re-enroll, in fall 2010, some 1,700 students currently attending private schools at taxpayer expense. While there is much debate about school voucher programs in general, the DC program is by all accounts a success, with not only parents, but the DC schools chancellor advocating for the program’s continuation.
Michelle A. Rhee, the schools chancellor, said in the New York Times that she did not share the negative view of vouchers held by many big-city superintendents.
“Part of my job is to make sure that all kids get a great education, and it doesn’t matter whether that’s in charter, parochial or public schools,” Ms. Rhee said. “I don’t think vouchers are going to solve all the ills of public education, but parents who are zoned to schools that are failing kids should have options to do better by their kids.”
Yet the most recent budget bill recently passed by the democratically controlled House of Representatives specifically seeks to put kids back into failing schools.
Democrats in Washington are playing politics with the lives of the children in the voucher program. The program was initiated in 2004 by a Republican-controlled Congress. It provides scholarships of up to $7,500 annually to cover tuition, fees and transportation expenses for about 1,700 Kindergarten through 12th Grade children to attend private school. Some 90 percent of the participating students have been African-American, and an additional 9 percent Hispanic. The bill that is expected to be signed by President Obama today will require these 1,700 students to re-matriculate back to their failing local schools.
As stated in a Washington Post editorial opposing the plan, someone needs to tell the parents of these poor and minority children why a bunch of elected officials who can send their children to any school they choose are taking that option away from them.
The change to the DC voucher program would be bad enough on its own. But the change comes as part of an orgy of spending that has gripped Washington. In the past two weeks, the House of Representatives and Senate both approved the $410 Billion spending bill, called an “omnibus bill” that is designed to keep the federal government operating until the end of the fiscal year. This bill contains language that will eliminate spending for the voucher program, and specifically directs the chancellor to prepare to accept the voucher children back into the public schools.
The bill passed by the House consists of 1,132 pages with over 8,000 individual earmarks that add billions of dollars of pet project spending from our elected representatives in Congress. The 12th District’s Rush Holt (D) is responsible for three individual earmarks totaling $652,500.00 and is a part of 64 other earmarks that total in excess of $67 million. The 6th District’s Frank Pallone is responsible for five earmarks, totaling $1,413,000.00 and is a part of 29 other earmarks that total in excess of $18,548,000. Senators Menendez and Lautenberg are a part of 171 and 173 earmarks, respectively, totaling over 158,750,500.00 each.
Congressmen Holt and Pallone and Senators Menendez and Lautenberg voted yes on the omnibus bill, choosing to spend billions on earmarks, yet can not spare a couple of million for the poorest of our nation’s children. It goes without saying that such action is not the hope that President Obama talked about nor the change DC families want.
John Curley Meet and Greet
TAKE BACK MONMOUTH COUNTY!
JOIN
JOHN P. CURLEY
at
Zachary’s Restaurant
71 Oceanport Ave.
West Long Branch
Get reacquainted with John Curley
As your Freeholder candidate, John will work to take back
Monmouth County from those who are already threatening our
way of life.
As your Freeholder, John will offer transparency and integrity to
all of the people of Monmouth County.
Wednesday, March 18
6:30-8:30 PM
$35 per person at the door
For more information, email johnpcurley2009@hotmail.com
Donations can be made to: John P Curley for Freeholder,
PO Box 144, Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750
JOIN
JOHN P. CURLEY
at
Zachary’s Restaurant
71 Oceanport Ave.
West Long Branch
Get reacquainted with John Curley
As your Freeholder candidate, John will work to take back
Monmouth County from those who are already threatening our
way of life.
As your Freeholder, John will offer transparency and integrity to
all of the people of Monmouth County.
Wednesday, March 18
6:30-8:30 PM
$35 per person at the door
For more information, email johnpcurley2009@hotmail.com
Donations can be made to: John P Curley for Freeholder,
PO Box 144, Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
New Jersey election law allows contributions with a limit of $2600 from individuals and corporations,
except those industries regulated by the State of New Jersey. PACs may contribute $8200 per election.
A partnership may contribute a maximum of $2600 per partner per election. A letter allocating the
contribution to the individual partner(s) must accompany the check.
New Jersey election law requires we collect the name, address, occupation, employer and employer’s
address for every individual contribution in excess of $300. Contributions are not deductible for
income tax purposes.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Christie Widens Lead Over Corzine To 9 Points
A Quinnipiac poll released this morning indicates that former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie has widen his lead over Governor Corzine to 46-37. A February 4th poll had Christie leading the Governor 44-38.
Christie leads Steve Lonegan in the race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination by 40-19 with 32% undecided. Corzine beats Lonegan 41-37, even though 77% of the respondents don't know enough about Lonegan to form an opinion about him.
Christie leads Steve Lonegan in the race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination by 40-19 with 32% undecided. Corzine beats Lonegan 41-37, even though 77% of the respondents don't know enough about Lonegan to form an opinion about him.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
LONEGAN: GOP MUST UNITE AGAINST NEW TAXES ON INCOME, SMOKES AND BOOZE
ORADELL -- Republican Gubernatorial candidate Steve Lonegan today called on the Republican Party to announce united opposition to allegedly “popular” tax hikes on cigarettes, wine, liquor and high-income taxpayers.
“I don't care what any poll says, I'm against more taxes,” Lonegan said. “New Jersey's taxes are the highest in the nation and making them higher will make our economic situation even worse.”
“And it goes without saying that taking away the property tax deduction is the ultimate insult to injury,” he pointed out. “With the highest property taxes in the nation thanks to the Abbott Court decision and other liberal court decisions and state mandates, Corzine's giving homeowners just one more kick in the teeth.”
Lonegan made it a point to speak out against specific tax increases that a recently released Quinnipiac University poll said voters support.
“If you make cigarettes $8 a pack, people will buy them in Pennsylvania or Delaware. If you make wine and liquor more expensive, people will buy that out of state too. And if you raise the income tax rate to 9.72% on people earning over $500,000 a year, they will take all that income to other states,” Lonegan added.
“That is why we need a flat tax in New Jersey, and we need it now,” Lonegan noted. “Because 9.72% of nothing is nothing.”
“People forget that when someone crosses the Delaware to buy cigarettes, they are also buying other items including lottery tickets. New Jersey merchants are losing that business and the state is losing tax and lottery revenues at the same time,” he pointed out. “This is just one example of the state's tax policies having a direct effect on jobs.”
Lonegan blamed the state's budget crisis on exactly the kinds of taxes the Governor aims to increase. “The reason we have a budget shortfall is an overdependence on income taxes from high income earners, as well as over reliance on cigarette taxes that continue to drop as fewer people smoke and those who do often buy their cigarettes out of state.”
Lonegan said he would govern without regard to the polls.
“I know that after four years of a smaller state government, reduced taxes and competent leadership, I will win reelection and solidify Republican margins in both houses,” Lonegan added. “All it takes is leadership.”
Lonegan, who was elected as Mayor three times in a 2-1 Democrat town by double-digit margins, said that all it takes to change public opinion is standing up for what you believe.
“Two years ago, every poll said that New Jersey voters supported Corzine's half billion dollars for Embryonic Stem Cell Research as well as their phony rebate and sales tax hike scam,” Lonegan said. “Yet when the voters spoke out, both these liberal ideas were soundly defeated. These polls reflect the frustration New Jersey voters have had with the ultra left-wing Corzine Democrats in Trenton today.”
“I don't care what any poll says, I'm against more taxes,” Lonegan said. “New Jersey's taxes are the highest in the nation and making them higher will make our economic situation even worse.”
“And it goes without saying that taking away the property tax deduction is the ultimate insult to injury,” he pointed out. “With the highest property taxes in the nation thanks to the Abbott Court decision and other liberal court decisions and state mandates, Corzine's giving homeowners just one more kick in the teeth.”
Lonegan made it a point to speak out against specific tax increases that a recently released Quinnipiac University poll said voters support.
“If you make cigarettes $8 a pack, people will buy them in Pennsylvania or Delaware. If you make wine and liquor more expensive, people will buy that out of state too. And if you raise the income tax rate to 9.72% on people earning over $500,000 a year, they will take all that income to other states,” Lonegan added.
“That is why we need a flat tax in New Jersey, and we need it now,” Lonegan noted. “Because 9.72% of nothing is nothing.”
“People forget that when someone crosses the Delaware to buy cigarettes, they are also buying other items including lottery tickets. New Jersey merchants are losing that business and the state is losing tax and lottery revenues at the same time,” he pointed out. “This is just one example of the state's tax policies having a direct effect on jobs.”
Lonegan blamed the state's budget crisis on exactly the kinds of taxes the Governor aims to increase. “The reason we have a budget shortfall is an overdependence on income taxes from high income earners, as well as over reliance on cigarette taxes that continue to drop as fewer people smoke and those who do often buy their cigarettes out of state.”
Lonegan said he would govern without regard to the polls.
“I know that after four years of a smaller state government, reduced taxes and competent leadership, I will win reelection and solidify Republican margins in both houses,” Lonegan added. “All it takes is leadership.”
Lonegan, who was elected as Mayor three times in a 2-1 Democrat town by double-digit margins, said that all it takes to change public opinion is standing up for what you believe.
“Two years ago, every poll said that New Jersey voters supported Corzine's half billion dollars for Embryonic Stem Cell Research as well as their phony rebate and sales tax hike scam,” Lonegan said. “Yet when the voters spoke out, both these liberal ideas were soundly defeated. These polls reflect the frustration New Jersey voters have had with the ultra left-wing Corzine Democrats in Trenton today.”
McMorrow Caves to Partisan Pressure
Freeholder Director Barbara McMorrow started her term as Director in January with a declaration that the era of partisan government was over. She must have been referring to the previous year when Republican Lillian Burry was Director.
The Asbury Park Press is reporting that McMorrow will go along with Deputy D'Amico and Amy Mallet in appointing Mallet's running mate for Freeholder, Glenn Mason, as the county's Emergency Management Coordinator. Mason, who is collecting a police pension, will leap frog acting OEM Director Gary McTighe, who has been performing the job with acclaimed results since 2007 when Harry Conover was busted for stealing 7.8 gallons of gasoline. Mason will earn over $90,000. McTighe will remain on the job.
Potentially more expensive than appointing Mason to a vacant job, is McMorrow's decision to go along with replacing Mark Acker, Monmouth's Chief Financial Officer for 25 years. I guess a AAA bond rating for years was not good enough to save his job.
D'Amico said that Acker who makes $175,000, and Lynn Miller, head of Human Services who makes $125,000, will be replaced by promoting from within their departments. The new directors will earn less. D'Amico didn't say why he sought cost savings from these jobs, while forsaking a $2.5 million savings by closing the Youth Detention Center.
Not reported by the APP, but widely talked about in county circles; Mike Mangan, Director of the Monmouth Democrats, is also up for a $90K+ job and McMorrow's husband is seeking a judgeship.
UPDATE:
State Democratic Chairman Joe Cryan issued a statement that he supports McMorrow's re-election bid. No word on Cryan supporting Freeholders from other counties. The timing is purely coincidental.
The Asbury Park Press is reporting that McMorrow will go along with Deputy D'Amico and Amy Mallet in appointing Mallet's running mate for Freeholder, Glenn Mason, as the county's Emergency Management Coordinator. Mason, who is collecting a police pension, will leap frog acting OEM Director Gary McTighe, who has been performing the job with acclaimed results since 2007 when Harry Conover was busted for stealing 7.8 gallons of gasoline. Mason will earn over $90,000. McTighe will remain on the job.
Potentially more expensive than appointing Mason to a vacant job, is McMorrow's decision to go along with replacing Mark Acker, Monmouth's Chief Financial Officer for 25 years. I guess a AAA bond rating for years was not good enough to save his job.
D'Amico said that Acker who makes $175,000, and Lynn Miller, head of Human Services who makes $125,000, will be replaced by promoting from within their departments. The new directors will earn less. D'Amico didn't say why he sought cost savings from these jobs, while forsaking a $2.5 million savings by closing the Youth Detention Center.
Not reported by the APP, but widely talked about in county circles; Mike Mangan, Director of the Monmouth Democrats, is also up for a $90K+ job and McMorrow's husband is seeking a judgeship.
UPDATE:
State Democratic Chairman Joe Cryan issued a statement that he supports McMorrow's re-election bid. No word on Cryan supporting Freeholders from other counties. The timing is purely coincidental.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
STATEMENT BY CHRIS CHRISTIE ON GOVERNOR CORZINE’S BUDGET PROPOSAL
By Chris Christie
PARSIPPANY, NJ – Today, Chris Christie released the following statement regarding Governor Corzine’s budget proposal:
“Today's speech by the Governor is the unfortunate culmination of the Corzine-McGreevey era--seven years of tax increases, irresponsible spending, the doubling of our state debt and, most importantly, a failure to make the tough decisions. The Wall Street philosophy of spend now, borrow now and pay later has driven New Jersey to be unaffordable for its people. This budget proposal is just more of the same--higher state taxes, higher property taxes and no accountability for the pain that this lack of strong leadership has caused the people of New Jersey."
PARSIPPANY, NJ – Today, Chris Christie released the following statement regarding Governor Corzine’s budget proposal:
“Today's speech by the Governor is the unfortunate culmination of the Corzine-McGreevey era--seven years of tax increases, irresponsible spending, the doubling of our state debt and, most importantly, a failure to make the tough decisions. The Wall Street philosophy of spend now, borrow now and pay later has driven New Jersey to be unaffordable for its people. This budget proposal is just more of the same--higher state taxes, higher property taxes and no accountability for the pain that this lack of strong leadership has caused the people of New Jersey."
NJ GOP Responds to Corzine's Budget
Jon Corzine introduced his budget proposal for the coming year and…Surprise…he wants to raise your taxes again! Our Republican legislators have drawn a line in the sand. They sent a clear message today: “We’re with the taxpayers. We’re not supporting any budget that raises any taxes on anyone. Period.”
The Corzine $1.5 billion tax hike plan:
Raise property taxes $500 million by eliminating rebates for anyone who earns over $75,000 a year.
Raise property taxes ANOTHER $400 million by eliminating the property tax deduction from NJ Income Taxes (by the way, Obama wants to eliminate the deduction from your federal tax too!)
Raise income taxes $380 million
$400 million tax hike by eliminating the property tax deduction
$80 million in increased business taxes
$48 million tax hike on cigarettes, alcohol and wine
$30 million in increased motor vehicle fees
We’re in the midst of the worst recession since World War II. Economics 101: You don’t raise taxes in a recession!
Republicans understand this and are standing strong and firm. After 7 years of tax increases (more than 100), a 50% increase in state spending, and a TRIPLING of state debt, it’s time for all of us to draw a line in the sand and say “Enough!”
Sign the "Open Letter to Governor Corzine" telling the Governor you will vote against him in November for signing a budget that raises taxes on anyone.
Lonegan: Corzine’s Budget fails to come to terms with the problems facing New Jersey
Mayor Steve Lonegan, Republican gubernatorial candidate, issued the following statement after listening to the budget address of New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine:
The Governor's budget ignores the fact that New Jersey is the highest taxed state in America. His proposal exacerbates this condition by increasing the income tax, guaranteeing that we will continue to drive out high-income wage earners. I have proposed a flat income tax of 2.9% that will provide the state with the revenue we need while stopping the outflow of jobs and high-income tax payers from New Jersey.
This budget increases destructive small-business corporate income taxes – the third highest in the nation – perpetuating New Jersey's ranking as the worst state to do business in.
As I predicted in 2007, the rebate program which was funded with higher income taxes will once again be cut back and turned into nothing more than a glorified welfare check.
New Jersey's governing establishment has failed time and again to recognize the role played by the State Supreme Court in burdening property taxpayers with funding mandates and regulation.
The Abbott school funding decision continues to drain billions of dollars to be poured into a failed education bureaucracy. Because of the State Supreme Court and the acquiescence of both party establishments, New Jersey has the most unequal education funding system in America and the highest property taxes anywhere in our nation.
The Court-inspired COAH scheme to tax job-creation in order to build 100,000 government subsidized low-income housing units will further drive out income producing businesses and jobs.
Instead of addressing these economic life and death issues, the Governor continues to hide behind a "happy-talk" income redistribution philosophy of big government programs and social engineering.
The Governor's budget ignores the fact that New Jersey is the highest taxed state in America. His proposal exacerbates this condition by increasing the income tax, guaranteeing that we will continue to drive out high-income wage earners. I have proposed a flat income tax of 2.9% that will provide the state with the revenue we need while stopping the outflow of jobs and high-income tax payers from New Jersey.
This budget increases destructive small-business corporate income taxes – the third highest in the nation – perpetuating New Jersey's ranking as the worst state to do business in.
As I predicted in 2007, the rebate program which was funded with higher income taxes will once again be cut back and turned into nothing more than a glorified welfare check.
New Jersey's governing establishment has failed time and again to recognize the role played by the State Supreme Court in burdening property taxpayers with funding mandates and regulation.
The Abbott school funding decision continues to drain billions of dollars to be poured into a failed education bureaucracy. Because of the State Supreme Court and the acquiescence of both party establishments, New Jersey has the most unequal education funding system in America and the highest property taxes anywhere in our nation.
The Court-inspired COAH scheme to tax job-creation in order to build 100,000 government subsidized low-income housing units will further drive out income producing businesses and jobs.
Instead of addressing these economic life and death issues, the Governor continues to hide behind a "happy-talk" income redistribution philosophy of big government programs and social engineering.
ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN BUDGET COMMITTEE: BUDGET OFFERS TAX INCREASES, BUT NO GOVERNMENT OVERHAUL
Today’s budget address by Gov. Jon Corzine that outlined cuts in school and municipal aid, the elimination of deducting property taxes paid on state income tax filings, a severe reduction in those eligible for property tax rebates and payroll tax increases for unemployment insurance was severely criticized by members of the Assembly Republican Budget Committee. Members were united in their lack of support for the governor’s plan.
“Governor Corzine’s address is a repeat of a litany of new taxes that has been proposed for the last seven years,” commented Republican Budget Officer Joseph Malone. “Instead of providing relief, this budget will bring more pain to the middle class who are already struggling. Once again the governor has failed to offer fundamental reforms to the structure of state government. Until this issue is addressed we will continue to be faced with the same problems and hear the same old gibberish that pretends to solve them.”
“Despite what the governor would like us to believe, New Jersey did not get into this fiscal mess overnight,” said Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose,
R-Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon. “This state’s economic meltdown and its chronic budget woes have been festering for seven years. It’s the result of fiscal mismanagement, endless tax increases, runaway spending and reckless borrowing.
“Governor Corzine’s plan to eliminate the property tax deduction on state income taxes is a direct assault on our homeowners who simply cannot afford to lose that deduction,” she continued. “It’s nothing but a backdoor tax. You would be hard pressed to find any middle class families or senior citizens who could say they are better off today than we were seven years ago when Democrats took control of the state. Look at the facts - state spending has increased nearly 50 percent, state debt has almost tripled and we now have 103 new or higher taxes on the books.”
“The governor’s budget is an abandonment of New Jersey’s middle class,” said Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth and Mercer. “Republicans cannot support a plan that cuts property tax relief and raises taxes and fees. The impact of his proposal will be that people and businesses will continue to leave the state because it is unaffordable.”
“Unlike Democrats, who like to assign blame to anyone but themselves, Republicans have spent the last seven years offering common sense solutions – not band aid fixes or shell game shams - to make New Jersey affordable once again,” said David Wolfe, R-Ocean and Monmouth.
“We have proposed $4 billion in spending cuts and constitutional amendments to bring real reform to our government and budget process,” added Wolfe. “Each time we offered to work with Governor Corzine and Democrat leadership in a bipartisan effort, we were ignored. Today, unfortunately, the residents of New Jersey will once again pay for the fiscal sins of their leaders with a host of higher taxes.”
“Governor Corzine’s address is a repeat of a litany of new taxes that has been proposed for the last seven years,” commented Republican Budget Officer Joseph Malone. “Instead of providing relief, this budget will bring more pain to the middle class who are already struggling. Once again the governor has failed to offer fundamental reforms to the structure of state government. Until this issue is addressed we will continue to be faced with the same problems and hear the same old gibberish that pretends to solve them.”
“Despite what the governor would like us to believe, New Jersey did not get into this fiscal mess overnight,” said Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose,
R-Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon. “This state’s economic meltdown and its chronic budget woes have been festering for seven years. It’s the result of fiscal mismanagement, endless tax increases, runaway spending and reckless borrowing.
“Governor Corzine’s plan to eliminate the property tax deduction on state income taxes is a direct assault on our homeowners who simply cannot afford to lose that deduction,” she continued. “It’s nothing but a backdoor tax. You would be hard pressed to find any middle class families or senior citizens who could say they are better off today than we were seven years ago when Democrats took control of the state. Look at the facts - state spending has increased nearly 50 percent, state debt has almost tripled and we now have 103 new or higher taxes on the books.”
“The governor’s budget is an abandonment of New Jersey’s middle class,” said Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth and Mercer. “Republicans cannot support a plan that cuts property tax relief and raises taxes and fees. The impact of his proposal will be that people and businesses will continue to leave the state because it is unaffordable.”
“Unlike Democrats, who like to assign blame to anyone but themselves, Republicans have spent the last seven years offering common sense solutions – not band aid fixes or shell game shams - to make New Jersey affordable once again,” said David Wolfe, R-Ocean and Monmouth.
“We have proposed $4 billion in spending cuts and constitutional amendments to bring real reform to our government and budget process,” added Wolfe. “Each time we offered to work with Governor Corzine and Democrat leadership in a bipartisan effort, we were ignored. Today, unfortunately, the residents of New Jersey will once again pay for the fiscal sins of their leaders with a host of higher taxes.”
Senate Republicans Respond To Corzine's Budget Address
Corzine Budget to Raise Taxes on Almost Everyone
Fails to Address Underlying Problems with New Jersey Economy
Senator Steve Oroho, Assemblywoman Alison McHose, and Assemblyman Gary Chiusano, R – Sussex, Morris & Hunterdon Counties, issued the following statement today on Governor Jon Corzine’s budget address:
“The budget proposed by Governor Jon Corzine today raises taxes on just about everyone who currently pays taxes in New Jersey. It does so at a time of great economic distress, in the midst of a recession in which our state is losing businesses and jobs.
(more…)
Beck: Elimination of Property Tax Deduction Must Not Stand
Senator Jennifer Beck (R- Monmouth, Mercer) issued the following statement regarding Governor Corzine’s proposal to eliminate the property tax deduction from the state income tax:
“Governor Corzine’s proposal to eliminate the property tax deduction from state income taxes is offensive. This is nothing more than a thinly disguised income tax hike on every homeowner in New Jersey who is not a senior citizen.
(more…)
Oroho: Corzine’s Proposed $350 Million Payroll Tax Increase Will Drive Business and Jobs from NJ
Senator Steven Oroho (R-24), a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement in response to Governor Jon Corzine’s proposal to increase payroll taxes on New Jersey businesses by $350 million in FY 2010.
“I am extremely disturbed that Governor Corzine wants to raise taxes once again on the businesses that provide paychecks to millions of New Jersey families.
(more…)
Karrow: Corzine Fails to Accept His Irresponsible Decisions
Senator Marcia Karrow (R-Hunterdon/Warren) expressed exasperation today after Governor Corzine’s annual budget address to the State Legislature and made the following comment:
(more…)
Haines: Corzine’s Mismanagement of State Finances Has Led Us to Fiscal Failure
Senator Phil Haines, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee issued the following statement regarding the proposed budget announced by Governor Corzine today:
(more…)
Tom Kean: Corzine Proposal Puts Added Burden on Struggling Home Owners
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean of Westfield issued the following statement after Governor Jon Corzine proposed in his budget speech to end the long-standing deduction for property taxes that New Jersey residents can take from their annual income taxes:
(more…)
Bucco: Jon Corzine’s Devastating Attack on the Middle Class
Republican Budget Officer Anthony Bucco of Morris County said today’s budget proposal by Governor Corzine is a brazen attack on middle-class home ownership and exactly the wrong thing to do when thousands of people are losing their houses to foreclosure:
(more…)
Pennacchio: Corzine Must Release Updated Pension Figures
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris/Passaic) is calling on the Corzine administration to update calculations of the huge state pension deficit before the Legislature considers any bills that would defer or delay even more payments into the starving system. As of June 30, 2007, state, schools and local governments officially had a $28.4 billion long-term pension deficit, but that figure does not account for the multi-billion losses that state has experienced since then. Now Corzine proposes that the state, towns and school districts defer billions more over the next three years to help “balance” their budgets.
(more…)
Fails to Address Underlying Problems with New Jersey Economy
Senator Steve Oroho, Assemblywoman Alison McHose, and Assemblyman Gary Chiusano, R – Sussex, Morris & Hunterdon Counties, issued the following statement today on Governor Jon Corzine’s budget address:
“The budget proposed by Governor Jon Corzine today raises taxes on just about everyone who currently pays taxes in New Jersey. It does so at a time of great economic distress, in the midst of a recession in which our state is losing businesses and jobs.
(more…)
Beck: Elimination of Property Tax Deduction Must Not Stand
Senator Jennifer Beck (R- Monmouth, Mercer) issued the following statement regarding Governor Corzine’s proposal to eliminate the property tax deduction from the state income tax:
“Governor Corzine’s proposal to eliminate the property tax deduction from state income taxes is offensive. This is nothing more than a thinly disguised income tax hike on every homeowner in New Jersey who is not a senior citizen.
(more…)
Oroho: Corzine’s Proposed $350 Million Payroll Tax Increase Will Drive Business and Jobs from NJ
Senator Steven Oroho (R-24), a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement in response to Governor Jon Corzine’s proposal to increase payroll taxes on New Jersey businesses by $350 million in FY 2010.
“I am extremely disturbed that Governor Corzine wants to raise taxes once again on the businesses that provide paychecks to millions of New Jersey families.
(more…)
Karrow: Corzine Fails to Accept His Irresponsible Decisions
Senator Marcia Karrow (R-Hunterdon/Warren) expressed exasperation today after Governor Corzine’s annual budget address to the State Legislature and made the following comment:
(more…)
Haines: Corzine’s Mismanagement of State Finances Has Led Us to Fiscal Failure
Senator Phil Haines, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee issued the following statement regarding the proposed budget announced by Governor Corzine today:
(more…)
Tom Kean: Corzine Proposal Puts Added Burden on Struggling Home Owners
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean of Westfield issued the following statement after Governor Jon Corzine proposed in his budget speech to end the long-standing deduction for property taxes that New Jersey residents can take from their annual income taxes:
(more…)
Bucco: Jon Corzine’s Devastating Attack on the Middle Class
Republican Budget Officer Anthony Bucco of Morris County said today’s budget proposal by Governor Corzine is a brazen attack on middle-class home ownership and exactly the wrong thing to do when thousands of people are losing their houses to foreclosure:
(more…)
Pennacchio: Corzine Must Release Updated Pension Figures
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris/Passaic) is calling on the Corzine administration to update calculations of the huge state pension deficit before the Legislature considers any bills that would defer or delay even more payments into the starving system. As of June 30, 2007, state, schools and local governments officially had a $28.4 billion long-term pension deficit, but that figure does not account for the multi-billion losses that state has experienced since then. Now Corzine proposes that the state, towns and school districts defer billions more over the next three years to help “balance” their budgets.
(more…)
Monday, March 09, 2009
It’s Time for Trenton to “Pay as they go”
By Declan O’Scanlon, Assemblyman 12th District
In a time like this, when Wall Street is floundering, the housing market is plummeting and governments from the federal to the local level are scrambling to get their financial houses in order, we have some decisions to make: we can either continue doing business the way we’ve always done in New Jersey, or we can make much needed reforms and take responsibility for how each tax payer dollar is spent.
Over the past few months, New Jersey has been on the edge of, if not over, the financial precipice. Irrespective of the fact that our budget doesn’t have room for any spending increases, the Legislature continues to spend.
Is it just me, or isn’t this exactly the kind of thinking that brought about this financial calamity in the first place? Over the last five years, the State budget has grown by 50 percent and the State debt has more than doubled. We currently have a $32 billion State budget and a $47 billion State debt. Over the past seven years we have saddled our residents with 103 new taxes. How can we, as elected officials, justify that to the taxpayers?
Despite the economic mess we all find our selves in, despite the rising unemployment and bankruptcies, despite the increase in foreclosures and decrease of confidence in our financial systems, I believe that some good can come out of this situation. Now is the time we as Legislators should fundamentally change the way we spend your tax dollars.
That is why I am introducing a resolution that would inhibit members of the General Assembly and State Senate from increasing spending on a whim. The Legislature would have a “pay-as-you-go” system. PAYGO would prevent members of the Legislature from introducing and passing legislation that requires funding, yet leaving it in the hands of the Governor to determine how to pay for it.
Too often, on the floor of the General Assembly and State Senate, when Legislators are asked how a piece of legislation will be funded, there is no answer other than: “That is not the job of the Legislature.”
The people of New Jersey deserve a better answer. The people of New Jersey deserve better leadership. This resolution will give that to you, by requiring the question “How will we pay for this?” be answered before any legislation can be considered. It will serve to protect tax payers from spending for which no one will take responsibility. It’s time elected officials set a better example.
When legislation is introduced with spending, a direct and offsetting amount must be identified in the current budget to pay for the proposed project. In order to prevent further taxation on a citizenry that lives in one of the highest taxed States, in all categories, a supermajority of 2/3 of each body of the Legislature would be required in order to increase taxes or fees. This would serve to prevent the knee-jerk reaction in the State Legislature: to simply raise the taxes of New Jersey residents, which has become an all too common default to fund new or expanded programs.
This should not be a difficult concept for my fellow members of the Legislature to grasp. This is common sense fiscal planning. This is the way we, as individuals, make financial decisions by prioritizing in our daily lives and find the funding before taking action. It’s about time the Legislature started exercising some common sense and fiscal discipline as well.
If my fellow Legislators are interested in protecting the State’s economic vitality, and if they are interested in reducing the unsustainability that the present tax burden places on the hard-working families of New Jersey, they should sign on to this resolution.
Declan O’Scanlon is the Assemblyman for the 12th Legislative District (Monmouth/Mercer)
In a time like this, when Wall Street is floundering, the housing market is plummeting and governments from the federal to the local level are scrambling to get their financial houses in order, we have some decisions to make: we can either continue doing business the way we’ve always done in New Jersey, or we can make much needed reforms and take responsibility for how each tax payer dollar is spent.
Over the past few months, New Jersey has been on the edge of, if not over, the financial precipice. Irrespective of the fact that our budget doesn’t have room for any spending increases, the Legislature continues to spend.
Is it just me, or isn’t this exactly the kind of thinking that brought about this financial calamity in the first place? Over the last five years, the State budget has grown by 50 percent and the State debt has more than doubled. We currently have a $32 billion State budget and a $47 billion State debt. Over the past seven years we have saddled our residents with 103 new taxes. How can we, as elected officials, justify that to the taxpayers?
Despite the economic mess we all find our selves in, despite the rising unemployment and bankruptcies, despite the increase in foreclosures and decrease of confidence in our financial systems, I believe that some good can come out of this situation. Now is the time we as Legislators should fundamentally change the way we spend your tax dollars.
That is why I am introducing a resolution that would inhibit members of the General Assembly and State Senate from increasing spending on a whim. The Legislature would have a “pay-as-you-go” system. PAYGO would prevent members of the Legislature from introducing and passing legislation that requires funding, yet leaving it in the hands of the Governor to determine how to pay for it.
Too often, on the floor of the General Assembly and State Senate, when Legislators are asked how a piece of legislation will be funded, there is no answer other than: “That is not the job of the Legislature.”
The people of New Jersey deserve a better answer. The people of New Jersey deserve better leadership. This resolution will give that to you, by requiring the question “How will we pay for this?” be answered before any legislation can be considered. It will serve to protect tax payers from spending for which no one will take responsibility. It’s time elected officials set a better example.
When legislation is introduced with spending, a direct and offsetting amount must be identified in the current budget to pay for the proposed project. In order to prevent further taxation on a citizenry that lives in one of the highest taxed States, in all categories, a supermajority of 2/3 of each body of the Legislature would be required in order to increase taxes or fees. This would serve to prevent the knee-jerk reaction in the State Legislature: to simply raise the taxes of New Jersey residents, which has become an all too common default to fund new or expanded programs.
This should not be a difficult concept for my fellow members of the Legislature to grasp. This is common sense fiscal planning. This is the way we, as individuals, make financial decisions by prioritizing in our daily lives and find the funding before taking action. It’s about time the Legislature started exercising some common sense and fiscal discipline as well.
If my fellow Legislators are interested in protecting the State’s economic vitality, and if they are interested in reducing the unsustainability that the present tax burden places on the hard-working families of New Jersey, they should sign on to this resolution.
Declan O’Scanlon is the Assemblyman for the 12th Legislative District (Monmouth/Mercer)
Sunday, March 08, 2009
4 To Vie For Monmouth GOP Freeholder Nod
Five candidates have submitted letters of intent to seek the GOP nomination for Freeholder to Chairman Joseph Oxley.
They are:
Kim Spatoloa of Atlantic Highlands. Member of the Henry Hudson Regional School Board. Former Council person, Atlantic Highlands, former member of the Atlantic Highlands Harbor Commission.
John Curley of Middletown. Former Red Bank Councilman. Freeholder candidate last year.
Gary J. Rich of Spring Lake. 3 term Spring Lake Councilman.
Joseph Ficalora of Manalapan. No previous public service experience.
Chairman Oxley will convene a meeting of his screening committee on March 28 to advise him on the selection of a candidate. The screening committee consists of all past and present elected state and county officials in the county, as well as all current municipal chairs.
The Affiliated Club will have a Freeholder candidates night on March 20th at Doolan's in Spring Lake Heights.
They are:
Kim Spatoloa of Atlantic Highlands. Member of the Henry Hudson Regional School Board. Former Council person, Atlantic Highlands, former member of the Atlantic Highlands Harbor Commission.
John Curley of Middletown. Former Red Bank Councilman. Freeholder candidate last year.
Gary J. Rich of Spring Lake. 3 term Spring Lake Councilman.
Joseph Ficalora of Manalapan. No previous public service experience.
Chairman Oxley will convene a meeting of his screening committee on March 28 to advise him on the selection of a candidate. The screening committee consists of all past and present elected state and county officials in the county, as well as all current municipal chairs.
The Affiliated Club will have a Freeholder candidates night on March 20th at Doolan's in Spring Lake Heights.
Corzine Campaign Kickoff
Middletown Mike is reporting that Jon Corzine has kicked off his re-election campaign and that he has started using email again.
Mike posted the following letter he received from Corzine's campaign. It would be comical if it wasn't so insulting; "...New Jersey is significantly better off than many other states because of the action my colleagues in the legislature and I have taken during the past three years..."
Corzine is actually going to run on his record!
Here's the letter, including email links for Corzine. Tell him what you think.
Friends-
This is an important year for New Jersey.
On March 10th, I will deliver my executive budget and begin the process of addressing our state's $7 billion deficit. While New Jersey is significantly better off than many other states because of the action my colleagues in the legislature and I have taken during the past three years, it is critical that we continue to make responsible decisions and the right choices for New Jersey.
I believe that the national financial crisis is an opportunity to outline our priorities and take measure of our values. This is a moment to define who we are as a state, and as a people.
This is not a moment for cheap answers to our most important questions. New Jersey deserves details and direct answers, and you will continue to get both from me.
This is not a moment for short-sighted solutions and tepid half-measures. New Jersey deserves responsible, long-term solutions, and you will continue to hear detailed proposals from me.
This is not a moment for antagonistic grandstanding or political stunts. New Jersey deserves a committed partner who will work with President Obama, and you will continue to see my partnerships with leaders at the national and state level deliver real results for our working families.
This is not a moment for politically-convenient rhetoric that simplifies or downplays the difficult challenges we face. New Jersey deserves honest and serious leadership, and you have always been able to count on that from me.
New Jersey remains ahead of the curve in dealing with this national recession, and my responsibility as Governor is to insure that we stay on a course for fiscal prosperity into the future while making certain that New Jersey families have the support that they need to make it through these difficult times.
These are big challenges, and I am going to need your help.
I am going to be regularly sharing the details of my budget, initiatives, and the latest developments from Trenton and Washington DC, and I want to encourage you to share your thoughts with me via my website or by sending an email to JSC@JonCorzine09.com. I'll be answering questions and comments regularly via email, my soon-to-be-launched new website, and other online events.
Please stand with me, our state leaders, and our Democratic partners in Washington DC as we confront these challenges. There is far too much riding on the year ahead to sit on the sidelines.
Thank you,
Governor Jon Corzine
Mike posted the following letter he received from Corzine's campaign. It would be comical if it wasn't so insulting; "...New Jersey is significantly better off than many other states because of the action my colleagues in the legislature and I have taken during the past three years..."
Corzine is actually going to run on his record!
Here's the letter, including email links for Corzine. Tell him what you think.
Friends-
This is an important year for New Jersey.
On March 10th, I will deliver my executive budget and begin the process of addressing our state's $7 billion deficit. While New Jersey is significantly better off than many other states because of the action my colleagues in the legislature and I have taken during the past three years, it is critical that we continue to make responsible decisions and the right choices for New Jersey.
I believe that the national financial crisis is an opportunity to outline our priorities and take measure of our values. This is a moment to define who we are as a state, and as a people.
This is not a moment for cheap answers to our most important questions. New Jersey deserves details and direct answers, and you will continue to get both from me.
This is not a moment for short-sighted solutions and tepid half-measures. New Jersey deserves responsible, long-term solutions, and you will continue to hear detailed proposals from me.
This is not a moment for antagonistic grandstanding or political stunts. New Jersey deserves a committed partner who will work with President Obama, and you will continue to see my partnerships with leaders at the national and state level deliver real results for our working families.
This is not a moment for politically-convenient rhetoric that simplifies or downplays the difficult challenges we face. New Jersey deserves honest and serious leadership, and you have always been able to count on that from me.
New Jersey remains ahead of the curve in dealing with this national recession, and my responsibility as Governor is to insure that we stay on a course for fiscal prosperity into the future while making certain that New Jersey families have the support that they need to make it through these difficult times.
These are big challenges, and I am going to need your help.
I am going to be regularly sharing the details of my budget, initiatives, and the latest developments from Trenton and Washington DC, and I want to encourage you to share your thoughts with me via my website or by sending an email to JSC@JonCorzine09.com. I'll be answering questions and comments regularly via email, my soon-to-be-launched new website, and other online events.
Please stand with me, our state leaders, and our Democratic partners in Washington DC as we confront these challenges. There is far too much riding on the year ahead to sit on the sidelines.
Thank you,
Governor Jon Corzine
Trenton Style Gimmickry in Monmouth
Freeholder Amy Mallet's proposal to suspend the Open Space tax is Trenton style gimmickry.
As reported in the Asbury Park Press this week, Mallet floated the idea of suspending the $7.8 million tax "because people are hurting" and to offset the $11 million tax increase the Freeholders are considering for county operations.
Rather than find more savings in county operations, Mallet wants to create the illusion of taxes not rising too much by suspending the collection of the only tax that Monmouth County voters consistently approve of.
Monmouth County voters approve of the open space tax because it preserves the quality of life. By suspending the tax this year, the Freeholders would miss out on long term savings in open space acquisition. With real estate values depressed due to the Barney Frank/Chris Dodd recession, the Freeholders should be looking to save the taxpayers money on the acquisition of land at bargain prices
Mallet, and her comrades Barbara McMorrow and John D'Amico passed on an opportunity to save $2.5 million in taxpayers dollars when the voted against Freeholder Rob Clifton's resolution to start the process of closing the Monmouth County Youth Detention Center.
Mallet, McMorrow and D'Amico are looking to cut spending at Brookdale Community College, the Monmouth County Library, the Park System, and Open Space, while maintaining wasteful spending at the Youth Detention Center that has twice as many union employees as it has detained youth.
The Democratic trio's priorities make my predictions of Monmouth transforming into Bergen County with beaches look optimistic.
As reported in the Asbury Park Press this week, Mallet floated the idea of suspending the $7.8 million tax "because people are hurting" and to offset the $11 million tax increase the Freeholders are considering for county operations.
Rather than find more savings in county operations, Mallet wants to create the illusion of taxes not rising too much by suspending the collection of the only tax that Monmouth County voters consistently approve of.
Monmouth County voters approve of the open space tax because it preserves the quality of life. By suspending the tax this year, the Freeholders would miss out on long term savings in open space acquisition. With real estate values depressed due to the Barney Frank/Chris Dodd recession, the Freeholders should be looking to save the taxpayers money on the acquisition of land at bargain prices
Mallet, and her comrades Barbara McMorrow and John D'Amico passed on an opportunity to save $2.5 million in taxpayers dollars when the voted against Freeholder Rob Clifton's resolution to start the process of closing the Monmouth County Youth Detention Center.
Mallet, McMorrow and D'Amico are looking to cut spending at Brookdale Community College, the Monmouth County Library, the Park System, and Open Space, while maintaining wasteful spending at the Youth Detention Center that has twice as many union employees as it has detained youth.
The Democratic trio's priorities make my predictions of Monmouth transforming into Bergen County with beaches look optimistic.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Eileen Kean Withdraws From Freeholder Race
Wayne Pomanowski has confirmed that Eileen Kean will not be a candidate for the GOP nomination for Freeholder. Kean's withdrawal has been rumored for the better part of a week. Kudos to Wayne for getting the scoop.
Wayne reports on the Affiliated site, that in addition to John Curley and Kim Spatola, he expects three other candidates to vie for the nomination.
Wayne reports on the Affiliated site, that in addition to John Curley and Kim Spatola, he expects three other candidates to vie for the nomination.
More Good Spam
HOW TO START EACH DAY
WITH A POSITIVE OUTLOOK!!
1. Open a new file in your computer.
2. Name it 'Barack Obama'.
3. Send it to the Recycle Bin.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin.
5. Your PC will ask you: 'Do you really want to get rid of 'Barack Obama?'
6. Firmly Click 'Yes.'
7. Feel better?
GOOD! - Tomorrow we'll do Nancy Pelosi!
WITH A POSITIVE OUTLOOK!!
1. Open a new file in your computer.
2. Name it 'Barack Obama'.
3. Send it to the Recycle Bin.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin.
5. Your PC will ask you: 'Do you really want to get rid of 'Barack Obama?'
6. Firmly Click 'Yes.'
7. Feel better?
GOOD! - Tomorrow we'll do Nancy Pelosi!
ELEC rules in favor of Lonegan
Rick Shaftan, Steven Lonegan's campaign manager told MoreMonmouthMusings that the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission has ruled for the Lonegan for Governor campaign after an investigation into Lonegan's eligibility for state matching campaign funds.
The primary continues.
The primary continues.
A Liberal Idea that Tom DeSeno Might Like
The Memphis Flyer's Tim Sampson invited Tom DeSeno and Ann Coulter to Tennessee to eat each other.
I would write a song parody, but I can't decide on the theme to Deliverance or Bolero.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
November Preview?
State Democratic Chair Joe Cyran took a break from running Monmouth County today to blame New Jersey's fiscal woes on George Bush and Chris Christie.
Spatola Hits the Ground Running
Save the date!!
Friday, March 13, 2009
7 o’clock p.m. buffet
Cash Bar
Julia’s
First Avenue
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
(across from the theater)
Meet
Kim Spatola
Accomplishments:
Atlantic Highlands Council 6 years
Harbor Commission 5 years
Hazlet School System Teacher
Board of Education Member
Candidate for Freeholder
Call for Reservations:
732-741-0700
Advance Reservations $50.00 – at the door $65.00
Paid for by Kim Spatola, candidate for Freeholder
Download your invitation here.
Friday, March 13, 2009
7 o’clock p.m. buffet
Cash Bar
Julia’s
First Avenue
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
(across from the theater)
Meet
Kim Spatola
Accomplishments:
Atlantic Highlands Council 6 years
Harbor Commission 5 years
Hazlet School System Teacher
Board of Education Member
Candidate for Freeholder
Call for Reservations:
732-741-0700
Advance Reservations $50.00 – at the door $65.00
Paid for by Kim Spatola, candidate for Freeholder
Download your invitation here.
Curley Will Seek Freeholder Nomination
Former Red Bank Councilman John Curley, who narrowly lost to Amy Mallet in last year's Freeholder race, will seek the GOP nomination again this year.
Curley told MoreMonmouthMusings that he will personally submit his letter of intent to Chairman Joe Oxley on Friday March 6.
DiBella Not Running For Freeholder
Former Howell Mayor Joe DiBella told MoreMonmouthMusings that he will not be a candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder this year.
DiBella said that he appreciates that he name has been mentioned as a viable candidate, but that the timing is just not right for him. He will continue to attend Freeholder meetings, will stay active in the Monmouth GOP and will work to elect the GOP Freeholder candidate this year.
DiBella said that he appreciates that he name has been mentioned as a viable candidate, but that the timing is just not right for him. He will continue to attend Freeholder meetings, will stay active in the Monmouth GOP and will work to elect the GOP Freeholder candidate this year.
FDU Poll: Christie Leads Corzine By 9%
A FDU poll released this morning shows Chris Christie leading Jon Corzine by 9% in the race for Governor.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Monmouth County's Sarah Palin?
Atlantic Highlands Mayor Fred Rast introduced Freeholder candidate Kim Spatola to Steve Lonegan's event last night as an NRA member. Based on this photo of Rast and Spatola, Fred should know.
Lonegan's event at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands was surprisingly well attended given the weather. The crowd of about 100 included many familiar faces from Monmouth GOP circles, as well as quite a few new faces. One newcomer announced that he left the Republican party last year because it was indistinguishable from the Democratic Party. He asked Lonegan how he would lead the GOP back to its conservative roots. "By winning and providing principled conservative leadership," Lonegan replied, which prompted Leonardo's Andrew Bane to announce that Steve's remarks were "sending a warm tingly feeling down his leg."
Based upon what I observed on Monday evening, the race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination is far from over, pending the outcome of Thrusday's ELEC meeting, perhaps.
Emergency ELEC Hearing On Thursday
The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission announced today that they are convening a special telephonic meeting on Thrusday March 5 at 10:30 am.
According to the statement, "This special meeting is being held
pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-9 and is necessary to deal with an urgent matter of importance and of concern to the public interest about the 2009 gubernatorial election. A delay for the purpose of providing adequate notice might result in harm to the public interest."
Frederick M. Herrman, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Commission declined to be more specific about the topic of the meeting, other than to state that it is an investigative matter.
GOP gubernatorial candidate Steve Lonegan has acknowledged that his applications for matching funds are subject to an ELEC investigation due to his previous employment with an issue advocacy group. This matter may be totally unrelated to the Lonegan investigation, but you can bet all eyes and ears from the Christie and Lonegan camps will be tuned in to Trenton on Thursday morning.
According to the statement, "This special meeting is being held
pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-9 and is necessary to deal with an urgent matter of importance and of concern to the public interest about the 2009 gubernatorial election. A delay for the purpose of providing adequate notice might result in harm to the public interest."
Frederick M. Herrman, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Commission declined to be more specific about the topic of the meeting, other than to state that it is an investigative matter.
GOP gubernatorial candidate Steve Lonegan has acknowledged that his applications for matching funds are subject to an ELEC investigation due to his previous employment with an issue advocacy group. This matter may be totally unrelated to the Lonegan investigation, but you can bet all eyes and ears from the Christie and Lonegan camps will be tuned in to Trenton on Thursday morning.
$22 Million For Snow Removal
Governor Corzine told the Associated Press that yesterday's storm cost the State between $2.5 and $7 million. So far this winter New Jersey has spent $22 million on "frequent snow events."
Snow event. I don't believe I've ever heard that term before. Snow storm, blizzard, angel's dandruff I've heard. Snow event is a new one.
I wonder how much it would have cost to clean up these snow events if there had been no "prevailing wage" in effect.
Snow event. I don't believe I've ever heard that term before. Snow storm, blizzard, angel's dandruff I've heard. Snow event is a new one.
I wonder how much it would have cost to clean up these snow events if there had been no "prevailing wage" in effect.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Lonegan To Skip County Conventions
STATEMENT: HANK BUTEHORN, CHAIRMAN, LONEGAN FOR GOVERNOR
"Today the Lonegan for Governor campaign has decided to redirect our efforts away from the process to secure county committee “lines” – and towards linking together a network of Republican grassroots activists throughout New Jersey. If I may use a Star Wars metaphor, we are leaving behind the Empire to focus on building a Rebel Alliance.
We entered into the county committee nominating process skeptical, but made a good faith effort to play by the GOP establishment’s rules. We leave this process convinced that a gubernatorial nominee has been pre-selected.
It is no secret that the county committees of both parties are as unaccountable and often undemocratic, as they are powerful. These private bodies – made an integral part of New Jersey’s election process through Title 19 – have the power to give candidates a “thumbs up” on the official ballot through what is called the party “line.” They also have power to fill the replacement of elected officials who cannot complete their term in office. 40 percent of New Jersey’s legislators currently serving today were selected by county committees when, in most of America, they would have been elected by special election.
New Jersey’s county committees are the most powerful in America, but the State GOP tried to stop bi-partisan legislation designed to provide them with a legal framework to ensure fairness and transparency.
This legislation, called the Party Democracy Act (S-930/ A-1904), provides a few basic safeguards like requiring that county committees have a published set of rules and that these rules are available for the asking. It requires that the county committees keep a list of their members and creates a process to prevent last minute stacking of the deck prior to nominating conventions. And it requires that county committee nominating conventions are conducted by secret ballot so that people have the opportunity to vote their conscience.
Last Thursday, February 26, the Party Democracy Act was unanimously passed out of the Senate State Government Committee. Among those who have or intend to co-sponsor this legislation are Senators Diane Allen of Burlington County and Jennifer Beck of Monmouth County; Assemblywomen Amy Handlin of Monmouth County, Charlotte Vandervalk of Bergen County, and Alison Littell McHose of Sussex County; as well as Assemblyman Gary Chiusano of Sussex County.
The state GOP and most of its county chairmen oppose these reforms. Last Thursday, Senator Allen and others spoke eloquently of the harassment they have experienced at the hands of county committees. Senator Allen described these party machines and their bosses as “fiefdoms” run by individuals who “intimidate… bully… and even blackmail” in an attempt to control the process.
We agree, and conclude that it is not in the best interests of the electorate or the Republican Party to take part in any county committee nominating process until the Party Democracy Act is law.
Mayor Lonegan understands that some of his supporters will continue to try to work within the current framework. He will not discourage their efforts or boycott their requests to speak before the individual county committees to spread his plans to cut the size of government, cut taxes, and stand up for taxpayers. Steve understands that there are many good people stuck in the existing process who embrace his message as the future of the party.
Steve Lonegan supports passage of S-930/ A-1904 and calls on the other candidates for Governor to do the same."
This is a smart strategic move of the part of the Lonegan campaign as it as been obvious for months that Steve had no shot to gain support of the Republican establishment. After last year's fiasco for U.S. Senate nomination, I was surprised that the Lonegan campaign spent any resources on the conventions in the first place.
The conventions are now irrelevant except for county and legislative races where there are any.
Win or lose the nomination, Lonegan's message is important for New Jersey and for the NJ GOP to hear.
Now Chris Christie and Steve Lonegan can focus their resources (our tax dollars)on delivering their messages to the primary voters. Hopefully both sides will conduct dignified, issue oriented campaigns that will result in a nominee that NJ Republicans can rally around for the fight against Corzine and the Trenton Democratic machine come November.
"Today the Lonegan for Governor campaign has decided to redirect our efforts away from the process to secure county committee “lines” – and towards linking together a network of Republican grassroots activists throughout New Jersey. If I may use a Star Wars metaphor, we are leaving behind the Empire to focus on building a Rebel Alliance.
We entered into the county committee nominating process skeptical, but made a good faith effort to play by the GOP establishment’s rules. We leave this process convinced that a gubernatorial nominee has been pre-selected.
It is no secret that the county committees of both parties are as unaccountable and often undemocratic, as they are powerful. These private bodies – made an integral part of New Jersey’s election process through Title 19 – have the power to give candidates a “thumbs up” on the official ballot through what is called the party “line.” They also have power to fill the replacement of elected officials who cannot complete their term in office. 40 percent of New Jersey’s legislators currently serving today were selected by county committees when, in most of America, they would have been elected by special election.
New Jersey’s county committees are the most powerful in America, but the State GOP tried to stop bi-partisan legislation designed to provide them with a legal framework to ensure fairness and transparency.
This legislation, called the Party Democracy Act (S-930/ A-1904), provides a few basic safeguards like requiring that county committees have a published set of rules and that these rules are available for the asking. It requires that the county committees keep a list of their members and creates a process to prevent last minute stacking of the deck prior to nominating conventions. And it requires that county committee nominating conventions are conducted by secret ballot so that people have the opportunity to vote their conscience.
Last Thursday, February 26, the Party Democracy Act was unanimously passed out of the Senate State Government Committee. Among those who have or intend to co-sponsor this legislation are Senators Diane Allen of Burlington County and Jennifer Beck of Monmouth County; Assemblywomen Amy Handlin of Monmouth County, Charlotte Vandervalk of Bergen County, and Alison Littell McHose of Sussex County; as well as Assemblyman Gary Chiusano of Sussex County.
The state GOP and most of its county chairmen oppose these reforms. Last Thursday, Senator Allen and others spoke eloquently of the harassment they have experienced at the hands of county committees. Senator Allen described these party machines and their bosses as “fiefdoms” run by individuals who “intimidate… bully… and even blackmail” in an attempt to control the process.
We agree, and conclude that it is not in the best interests of the electorate or the Republican Party to take part in any county committee nominating process until the Party Democracy Act is law.
Mayor Lonegan understands that some of his supporters will continue to try to work within the current framework. He will not discourage their efforts or boycott their requests to speak before the individual county committees to spread his plans to cut the size of government, cut taxes, and stand up for taxpayers. Steve understands that there are many good people stuck in the existing process who embrace his message as the future of the party.
Steve Lonegan supports passage of S-930/ A-1904 and calls on the other candidates for Governor to do the same."
This is a smart strategic move of the part of the Lonegan campaign as it as been obvious for months that Steve had no shot to gain support of the Republican establishment. After last year's fiasco for U.S. Senate nomination, I was surprised that the Lonegan campaign spent any resources on the conventions in the first place.
The conventions are now irrelevant except for county and legislative races where there are any.
Win or lose the nomination, Lonegan's message is important for New Jersey and for the NJ GOP to hear.
Now Chris Christie and Steve Lonegan can focus their resources (our tax dollars)on delivering their messages to the primary voters. Hopefully both sides will conduct dignified, issue oriented campaigns that will result in a nominee that NJ Republicans can rally around for the fight against Corzine and the Trenton Democratic machine come November.
Good Spam
Young Chuck in Montana bought a horse from a farmer for $100. The farmer agreed to deliver the horse the next day.
The next day the farmer drove up and said, "Sorry son, but I have some bad news... the horse died."
Chuck replied, "Well, then just give me my money back."
The farmer said, "Can't do that. I went and spent it already."
Chuck said, "Ok, then, just bring me the dead horse."
The farmer asked, "What ya gonna do with him?"
Chuck said, "I'm going to raffle him off."
The farmer said, "You can't raffle off a dead horse!"
Chuck said, "Sure I can, Watch me. I just won't tell anybody he's dead."
A month later, the farmer met up with Chuck and asked, "What happened with that dead horse?"
Chuck said, "I raffled him off. I sold 500 tickets at two dollars a piece and made a profit of $998."
The farmer said, "Didn't anyone complain?"
Chuck said, "Just the guy who won. So I gave him his two dollars back."
Chuck grew up and now works for the government. He's the one who figured out how this "bail-out" is going to work
The next day the farmer drove up and said, "Sorry son, but I have some bad news... the horse died."
Chuck replied, "Well, then just give me my money back."
The farmer said, "Can't do that. I went and spent it already."
Chuck said, "Ok, then, just bring me the dead horse."
The farmer asked, "What ya gonna do with him?"
Chuck said, "I'm going to raffle him off."
The farmer said, "You can't raffle off a dead horse!"
Chuck said, "Sure I can, Watch me. I just won't tell anybody he's dead."
A month later, the farmer met up with Chuck and asked, "What happened with that dead horse?"
Chuck said, "I raffled him off. I sold 500 tickets at two dollars a piece and made a profit of $998."
The farmer said, "Didn't anyone complain?"
Chuck said, "Just the guy who won. So I gave him his two dollars back."
Chuck grew up and now works for the government. He's the one who figured out how this "bail-out" is going to work
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Kim Spatola Throws Her Hat In The Ring
Kimberly Spatola of Atlantic Highlands has submitted a letter of intent to seek the Monmouth County GOP nomination for Freeholder to Chairman Joe Oxley.
Spatola, 44, served on the Atlantic Highlands Borough Council from 2001 through 2007. She was Council President in 2007. She served as a member of the Atlantic Highlands Harbor Commission from 2002 through 2007. She currently serves on the Henry Hudson Regional High School Board.
Kim teaches 6th grade in the Hazlet school system. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2007. She and her husband Phil have two sons in college.
Christie, Levine and Lonegan: On The Record
GOP gubernatorial candidates Chris Christie, Brian Levine and Steve Lonegan appeared together on NJN's On The Record. Rick Merkt was traveling for business and did not attend.
The candidates performed very well. If the rest of the primary is conducted with this level of dignity, the GOP will be well positioned to defeat Corzine in November.
Well done gentlemen.
The program can be viewed here.
The candidates performed very well. If the rest of the primary is conducted with this level of dignity, the GOP will be well positioned to defeat Corzine in November.
Well done gentlemen.
The program can be viewed here.
Democrats Control Monmouth County
The speculation over which party controls the Monmouth County Freeholder Board is over. Barbara McMorrow stopped swinging and has landed firmly to the left.
At the Freeholder meeting last Thursday, Republican Freeholder Rob Clifton proposed a resolution authorizing the county administrator to start the negotiations to move Monmouth County's 20 some odd detained juvenile delinquents to the Middlesex County Youth Detention Center. Such a move would have resulted in detaining the youth in a superior facility and saved Monmouth County taxpayers $2.5 million. Clifton's resolution failed, 2 for, Clifton and Republican Lillian Burry, to 3 against, Democrats McMorrow, John D'Amico and Amy Mallet.
At the same meeting, Burry proposed a resolution to amend the county administrative code to eliminate the position of Inspector General. This position which has been advocated by Democrats throughout New Jersey, will create a new level of bureaucracy and duplicate some of the functions of the county prosecutor and the auditor. D'Amico has been doing the bidding for the position here in Monmouth. Burry's resolution failed 2-3 also, with Clifton supporting the measure, but not before D'Amico tried to change the subject by proposing yet another level of bureaucracy, an Ethics Commission.
As a Democratic blogger recently wrote, McMorrow's flirtation with the GOP members of the Freeholer Board was just election year politics. She is firmly pro-union and pro-patronage. She will vote to cut funding for Brookdale Community College, the Monmouth County Library and the Park System, while maintaining the wasteful Youth Detention Spending. She will create new high paying government positions for Trenton cronies to fill.
The Monmouth GOP can win this year. The deadline for Freeholder candidates to declare their intention to Chairman Joe Oxley is Saturday March 7. Time to get off the fence and get busy.
At the Freeholder meeting last Thursday, Republican Freeholder Rob Clifton proposed a resolution authorizing the county administrator to start the negotiations to move Monmouth County's 20 some odd detained juvenile delinquents to the Middlesex County Youth Detention Center. Such a move would have resulted in detaining the youth in a superior facility and saved Monmouth County taxpayers $2.5 million. Clifton's resolution failed, 2 for, Clifton and Republican Lillian Burry, to 3 against, Democrats McMorrow, John D'Amico and Amy Mallet.
At the same meeting, Burry proposed a resolution to amend the county administrative code to eliminate the position of Inspector General. This position which has been advocated by Democrats throughout New Jersey, will create a new level of bureaucracy and duplicate some of the functions of the county prosecutor and the auditor. D'Amico has been doing the bidding for the position here in Monmouth. Burry's resolution failed 2-3 also, with Clifton supporting the measure, but not before D'Amico tried to change the subject by proposing yet another level of bureaucracy, an Ethics Commission.
As a Democratic blogger recently wrote, McMorrow's flirtation with the GOP members of the Freeholer Board was just election year politics. She is firmly pro-union and pro-patronage. She will vote to cut funding for Brookdale Community College, the Monmouth County Library and the Park System, while maintaining the wasteful Youth Detention Spending. She will create new high paying government positions for Trenton cronies to fill.
The Monmouth GOP can win this year. The deadline for Freeholder candidates to declare their intention to Chairman Joe Oxley is Saturday March 7. Time to get off the fence and get busy.
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