Lieutenant Governor-elect Kim Guadagno will swear in elected officials in several towns this weekend as municipalities reorganize.
On Saturday January 2, Guadagno will issue the oath of office to Sea Bright Council President Jack Keeler at Sea Bright Borough Hall at noon.
On Sunday she will issue the oath to Steve Massell as Township Committeeman, Gerry Scharfenberger as Mayor and Tony Fiore as Deputy Mayor in Middletown at 11 am. At 1:15 pm she will swear in Councilman-Elect John Newman and Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer to their terms in Freehold Borough. Finally, at 2 pm Guadagno will issue the oath to Committeeman-Elect Ryan Green of Manalapan.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Governor-Elect Chris Christie to Participate in Night Patrol with Mayor Cory Booker
TRENTON, NJ – Governor-Elect Chris Christie and Mayor Cory Booker will join volunteers and off-duty police officers in patrolling the wards of Newark. The goal of Community Caravan Night Patrols is to disrupt normal crime patterns and to get the local community engaged in the crime prevention process. The Newark based Night Patrol is active every weekend and several nights during the week, focusing on high crime sectors of the city.
Note to the Governor-elect: Pleeeease do not frisk anybody.
Note to the Governor-elect: Pleeeease do not frisk anybody.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Renewing Friendships
One of the things I love best about this time of year is the renewed contact with friends and family.
Last week I received a phone call from Bill Parness of Aberdeen.
Bill was one of my very first customers when I got into the auto leasing business some 20 years ago. He stayed with me as I changed employers over the years and as fate seemed to have it, he was my very first customer when I opened my own company in 1998.
While our relationship was always a professional business relationship, except for the one time I piggy backed on his waiting on line for concert tickets at the Arts Center, it was a steady and reliable relationship. Every couple of years we'd negotiate a car deal for himself, his wife and his sons when they became old enough to drive. Bill was the "perfect customer" for a guy like me. He wanted a new car every 3-4 years, he hated going to car dealerships and he loved that I would deliver his cars to his door. Yet, Bill was never a easy sale. Getting "the best deal" is fun for him. Every deal was a lengthy negotiation. Then he would brag about his deal and the quality of service to his friends who would call me and try to get a better deal than he did.
Unfortunately the car manufactures were determined to put themselves out of business with ridiculously priced and structured car leases. The economics of the industry forced me out of cars and into commercial vehicles and trucks. My regular contact with Bill and many others like him dwindled. I stay in touch with my best customers from my auto leasing days with holiday and birthday greetings, even though it doesn't make economic sense to do business with them now, "just in case" and "because you never know."
So last week my assistant runs into my office all excited, "Bill Parness is on the phone!" We hadn't talked in a few years. The last time he called it was not business, but because he had read about this blog in the newspaper.
So much for knowing your customers. Bill's wife Laura died after a 21 year battle with breast cancer. I never knew she was sick. I knew about her passion for her boys' education, that she loved convertibles and put up with mini-vans.
Bill's call was inspiring. He shared with me how he and Laura spent their last six years together traveling extensively, how therapeutic that was for both of them, and how he founded Laura's Journeys, a support program for cancer patients specifically designed to encourage and facilitate recreational travel for patients along with their spouse/partner or other family members/friends. Perhaps you read about the program in the Asbury Park Press earlier this month.
Laura's Journeys gave three vacations to cancer survivors last October. They will be giving a week's stay in Athens during a special drawing in January.
You can learn more about the program here.
Last week I received a phone call from Bill Parness of Aberdeen.
Bill was one of my very first customers when I got into the auto leasing business some 20 years ago. He stayed with me as I changed employers over the years and as fate seemed to have it, he was my very first customer when I opened my own company in 1998.
While our relationship was always a professional business relationship, except for the one time I piggy backed on his waiting on line for concert tickets at the Arts Center, it was a steady and reliable relationship. Every couple of years we'd negotiate a car deal for himself, his wife and his sons when they became old enough to drive. Bill was the "perfect customer" for a guy like me. He wanted a new car every 3-4 years, he hated going to car dealerships and he loved that I would deliver his cars to his door. Yet, Bill was never a easy sale. Getting "the best deal" is fun for him. Every deal was a lengthy negotiation. Then he would brag about his deal and the quality of service to his friends who would call me and try to get a better deal than he did.
Unfortunately the car manufactures were determined to put themselves out of business with ridiculously priced and structured car leases. The economics of the industry forced me out of cars and into commercial vehicles and trucks. My regular contact with Bill and many others like him dwindled. I stay in touch with my best customers from my auto leasing days with holiday and birthday greetings, even though it doesn't make economic sense to do business with them now, "just in case" and "because you never know."
So last week my assistant runs into my office all excited, "Bill Parness is on the phone!" We hadn't talked in a few years. The last time he called it was not business, but because he had read about this blog in the newspaper.
So much for knowing your customers. Bill's wife Laura died after a 21 year battle with breast cancer. I never knew she was sick. I knew about her passion for her boys' education, that she loved convertibles and put up with mini-vans.
Bill's call was inspiring. He shared with me how he and Laura spent their last six years together traveling extensively, how therapeutic that was for both of them, and how he founded Laura's Journeys, a support program for cancer patients specifically designed to encourage and facilitate recreational travel for patients along with their spouse/partner or other family members/friends. Perhaps you read about the program in the Asbury Park Press earlier this month.
Laura's Journeys gave three vacations to cancer survivors last October. They will be giving a week's stay in Athens during a special drawing in January.
You can learn more about the program here.
Middletown Reorganization
Gerry Scharfenberger will serve as Mayor of Middletown in 2010. Tony Fiore will serve as Deputy Mayor.
Steve Massell will be sworn in as a Township Committee member on January 3 at 11am.
Steve Massell will be sworn in as a Township Committee member on January 3 at 11am.
Politickernj abandons pay site model
Faster than you can say "New Coke," Politickernj as abandoned its $1800 per year subscription fee.
I just realised that the headline of this post could be misinterpreted. To the best of our knowledge, Politickernj nor any of its affiliates have ever run pay sites with models.
I just realised that the headline of this post could be misinterpreted. To the best of our knowledge, Politickernj nor any of its affiliates have ever run pay sites with models.
Politickernj now a pay site
Politickernj has a new look and a new business model.
Premium membership will give you complete access to the news, opinion, gossip and press releases that made the site a daily must read for politicos, news junkies and journalists. All of this for only $1800 per year.
Headlines and the opening paragraph of original content can still be viewed for free. Only headlines of press releases can be viewed for free.
Here's a supplemental prediction for 2010: Politickernj will be sold for a small fraction of what The New York Observer bought it for during the first half of the year.
Premium membership will give you complete access to the news, opinion, gossip and press releases that made the site a daily must read for politicos, news junkies and journalists. All of this for only $1800 per year.
Headlines and the opening paragraph of original content can still be viewed for free. Only headlines of press releases can be viewed for free.
Here's a supplemental prediction for 2010: Politickernj will be sold for a small fraction of what The New York Observer bought it for during the first half of the year.
Report: Golden to become Sheriff
The Asbury Park Press, citing anonymous sources, is reporting that Undersheriff Shaun Golden will be appointed by Governor Christie to complete Kim Guadagno's term as Monmouth County Sheriff. Guadagno will resign the post upon being sworn in as Lieutenant Governor.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Predictions Falling Already
No doubt prompted by the MoreMonmouthMusings 2010 predictions, Monmouth County Chairman Vic Scudiery told Politickernj that he is seeking another term as chairman. Vin Gopal commented that Scudiery would be re-elected unanimously.
Scudiery also said that Deputy D'Amico would seek another term, even if the office is still called "Freeholder." He said that the other Democratic nomination for Monmouth County Freeholder was Sean Byrnes' for the asking.
Scudiery also said that Deputy D'Amico would seek another term, even if the office is still called "Freeholder." He said that the other Democratic nomination for Monmouth County Freeholder was Sean Byrnes' for the asking.
2010 Predictions
Freeholders will still be called Freeholders.
The Indianapolis Colts will defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.
Governor Christie will propose a budget of $20 billion. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. There will be tens of thousands of government layoffs on the state, county and municipal level. Property taxes will rise by 4% statewide, but municipal services will decline. Class sizes will increase in schools, residents will pay private haulers to collect their garbage. There will be less police officers and more volunteer neighborhood watch groups. There will be 100 referendums to approve mergers or consolidations. 52 will pass.
ObamaCare will be approved by the House and the Senate and signed into law by the President. It will not include a public option or federal funding of abortion.
Applications to medical schools will decline by 20%.
4th quarter 2009 GDP growth will be negative. The recession continues. Unemployment will hit 11% in the 1st quarter of 2010.
The "cap and trade" bill will not be brought to the floor of the U.S. Senate.
The GOP will pick up 42 seats in the House of Representatives. The New Jersey GOP delegation will pick up one seat.
John D'Amico will not seek another term as Monmouth County Freeholder. Rob Clifton and Neptune City Mayor Tom Arnone will defeat Democrats Michelle Roth (Manalapan) and Randy Bishop (Neptune).
In Middletown, Sean Byrnes will not seek another term on the Township Committee. Gerry Scharfenberger and Thomas Wilkens will defeat Democrats Lenny Inzerillo and James Grenafege, restoring 5-0 GOP control to Middletown.
Joe Oxley will be elected to a second term as Monmouth GOP Chairman, unopposed.
Victor Scudiery will not seek another term as Monmouth Democratic Chairman. Mike Mangan will defeat Vin Gopal to succeed Scudiery.
What do you think will happen?
The Indianapolis Colts will defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.
Governor Christie will propose a budget of $20 billion. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. There will be tens of thousands of government layoffs on the state, county and municipal level. Property taxes will rise by 4% statewide, but municipal services will decline. Class sizes will increase in schools, residents will pay private haulers to collect their garbage. There will be less police officers and more volunteer neighborhood watch groups. There will be 100 referendums to approve mergers or consolidations. 52 will pass.
ObamaCare will be approved by the House and the Senate and signed into law by the President. It will not include a public option or federal funding of abortion.
Applications to medical schools will decline by 20%.
4th quarter 2009 GDP growth will be negative. The recession continues. Unemployment will hit 11% in the 1st quarter of 2010.
The "cap and trade" bill will not be brought to the floor of the U.S. Senate.
The GOP will pick up 42 seats in the House of Representatives. The New Jersey GOP delegation will pick up one seat.
John D'Amico will not seek another term as Monmouth County Freeholder. Rob Clifton and Neptune City Mayor Tom Arnone will defeat Democrats Michelle Roth (Manalapan) and Randy Bishop (Neptune).
In Middletown, Sean Byrnes will not seek another term on the Township Committee. Gerry Scharfenberger and Thomas Wilkens will defeat Democrats Lenny Inzerillo and James Grenafege, restoring 5-0 GOP control to Middletown.
Joe Oxley will be elected to a second term as Monmouth GOP Chairman, unopposed.
Victor Scudiery will not seek another term as Monmouth Democratic Chairman. Mike Mangan will defeat Vin Gopal to succeed Scudiery.
What do you think will happen?
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Is "Freeholder" a dirty word?
As previously reported, in one of their last acts in control of Monmouth County government, the Democrats lead by Deputy D'Amico passed a resolution recommending that the term "Freeholder" be changed to "Commissioner" in statutes pertaining to county government in New Jersey.
Part of the reasoning was:
Until this year, all Presidents were white males. Most of them were land owners. Bill Clinton being a notable exception if you discount his fractional interest in White Water.
Should we change the term "President" in the U.S Constitution and all statutes that refer to the Chief Executive and Commander in Chief of the United States of America?
The D'Amico resolution also claimed that the term "Freeholder" disenfranchises voters who don't live in Freehold Borough or Freehold Township who become confused when they see candidates for Freeholder on their ballots:
Many county residents? Did they take a poll? If so, who paid for it? Why did they leave out Upper Freehold?
Changing the name to "Commissioner" could create more confusion and disenfranchisement. Counties already have commissioners. On the county level there are tax commissioners, park commissioners, human rights commissioners (some towns have those too), etc.
On the state level, the governor's cabinet members are commissioners. The state really confuses people because department heads are commissioners but the Motor Vehicle Commission doesn't have a commissioner, it has a director who reports to a general who is an attorney. Why that is is a great mystery like why we park in driveways and drive on parkways.
New Jersey voters are used to having commissioners, but they don't vote for them. Commissioners on the county and state level are appointed. If it were to become law, D'Amico's resolution would only create more confusion and voters would wonder why the ballots are misprinted every year.
D'Amico should just propose a resolution banning confusion. The problem with that is that only Congress passes bills that don't apply to themselves.
Part of the reasoning was:
WHEREAS, the term "Freeholder" is a feudal anachronism, having originated in Medieval England to designate a free white male who owned an estate or land free and clear for an indefinite period of time, as opposed to a tenant or serf; and
WHEREAS, the term "Freeholder" is incompatible with our advanced democratic form of government that welcomes the participation of citizens who do not own real property, as well as women and persons of diverse racial and ancestral origin; and
Until this year, all Presidents were white males. Most of them were land owners. Bill Clinton being a notable exception if you discount his fractional interest in White Water.
Should we change the term "President" in the U.S Constitution and all statutes that refer to the Chief Executive and Commander in Chief of the United States of America?
The D'Amico resolution also claimed that the term "Freeholder" disenfranchises voters who don't live in Freehold Borough or Freehold Township who become confused when they see candidates for Freeholder on their ballots:
WHEREAS, in Monmouth County, in addition to being mystified by the use of the phrase "Boards of Chosen Freeholders" to describe the governing body of the county, many county residents believe that they cannot vote for a candidate for "Freeholder" because they do not live in Freehold Township or in the Borough of Freehold; and
Many county residents? Did they take a poll? If so, who paid for it? Why did they leave out Upper Freehold?
Changing the name to "Commissioner" could create more confusion and disenfranchisement. Counties already have commissioners. On the county level there are tax commissioners, park commissioners, human rights commissioners (some towns have those too), etc.
On the state level, the governor's cabinet members are commissioners. The state really confuses people because department heads are commissioners but the Motor Vehicle Commission doesn't have a commissioner, it has a director who reports to a general who is an attorney. Why that is is a great mystery like why we park in driveways and drive on parkways.
New Jersey voters are used to having commissioners, but they don't vote for them. Commissioners on the county and state level are appointed. If it were to become law, D'Amico's resolution would only create more confusion and voters would wonder why the ballots are misprinted every year.
D'Amico should just propose a resolution banning confusion. The problem with that is that only Congress passes bills that don't apply to themselves.
New Security Measures
Analysts are comparing the attempted terrorist attack last week to the earlier attempt by Richard Reid. Reid hid explosives in his shoes. Now airline passengers are required to remove their shoes for inspection before getting on to an airplane.
The most recent terrorist hid explosives in a condom sewed into his underwear.
The obvious new security measure could have some very positive side benefits, as passengers will naturally act to improve their health and grooming. Just as passengers have adjusted to the shoe inspection by making sure they wear nice, clean socks or have their feet properly groomed before traveling, there will be an increase in excercise, improved diets and grooming.
There will be a boom in the already thriving thong industry, as the security measures will force open a whole new market segment among airline travelers.
It is a good thing the Corzine administration did not ban the bikini wax.
The most recent terrorist hid explosives in a condom sewed into his underwear.
The obvious new security measure could have some very positive side benefits, as passengers will naturally act to improve their health and grooming. Just as passengers have adjusted to the shoe inspection by making sure they wear nice, clean socks or have their feet properly groomed before traveling, there will be an increase in excercise, improved diets and grooming.
There will be a boom in the already thriving thong industry, as the security measures will force open a whole new market segment among airline travelers.
It is a good thing the Corzine administration did not ban the bikini wax.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Are Banks Getting A Bum Rap?
Most definitely NOT!
The Obama Administration is blaming banks for the sluggish recovery. The banks are fighting back. The administration and the banks are full of bull dinky.
The Associated Press ran an PR piece for bankers the other day, Banks getting a bum rap on not lending enough?. It featured Stan Wilmoth,the CEO of a small bank in Nevada who "didn't make a lot of dumb loans during the boom."
Wilmoth says his bank is not lending because demand is down for loans to credit worthy borrowers. To make money he's paying 1.3% on CDs and earning 3% on AAA rated municipal bonds.
He's putting a great deal of faith in the same credit rating agencies who gave their stamp of approval to securitized mortgages, derivatives, Fannie and Freddie.
Demand is down for loans because the government and the banks spent most of 2009 suppressing economic activity. The government suppressed economic activity by creating enormous uncertainly over the future with the Obama/Pelosi/Reid socialist agenda. The banks, large and small, suppressed economic activity by running scared and implementing a wholesale contraction in their exposure to consumers and businesses.
Small banks that are run by thinking people are not as much a drag on our economy now as the big banks are. Have you tried talking to someone at a big bank who has the authority to make a decision? It is almost impossible.
Unless you have a seven figure relationship with a big bank, you don't get to talk to a decision maker. You interact with a computer, or if you press 0 you talk to a "customer service" representative who tells you what the computer would have told you if you pressed the correct number on your phone or read the correct page on the bank's website.
Small banks who tell the public that they didn't make dumb loans during the boom and that the lending criteria is the same now as it has always been are lying. They shut down private lending in 2009, regardless of the credit worthiness of the borrower.
Big banks, the ones run by computers, implemented a massive contraction in their exposure to their "good customers" regardless of the relationship with or performance of the customer. I experienced this first hand many times in 2009.
American Express
American Express was the worst offender. Between my business and my personal accounts I had a high 5 figure relationship with AmEx "during the boom," 2 personal accounts and 3 business accounts. I always paid them on time. In late 2008 they closed a business line of credit I had with them, just because. They said they were discontinuing that line of business.
I should have known better, but a month later I paid off a personal line with them.
A couple of months after that I was heading out of town for some business and pleasure in the sun and wanted to leave some extra cash in the business "just in case." AmEx had a promo rate on the card I paid off so I swiped the card at my business. I was shocked that it was declined and called them to see what the problem was. After twenty minutes on the phone with customer service rep trying to get the computer to tell them what the problem was, I hung up and used another card with no problem. The promo rate was no big deal..I'd be paying the card off when I got home as long as "just in case" didn't happen.
That evening my wife came back to our hotel room in Florida after picking some sun screen, etc. at the pharmacy and informed me that her AmEx card didn't work. That was weird, I had just checked into the hotel with my business AmEx card. I called to find out what the problem was and was connected to a representive who didn't have a computer script to read from. She told me that my personal cards were closed because I had attempted to use one at my own business and that was a violation of card agreement. I actually read those card agreements. I said, "It is not." "Yes it is, and you committed fraud," she retorted. I flipped out on the rep while my wife smiled and shook her head. She'd seen me go off like this before.
"What paragraph of the card agreement did I violate?" "Well, that's hard to say, we change them all the time." "I know you do, I read them. You just accused me of a crime in addition to violating our agreement. Tell me what clause I violated." "Please hold." Music.
"Mr. Gallagher, this is Ms. Supervisor, you violated your merchant agreement with us. Paragraph X prohibits you from using your own card at your place of business." I hadn't read the merchant agreement, my customers rarely use credit cards. "So cancel my merchant account and reinstate my personal accounts immediately," I replied. "I can't." "Who can?" "No one?" "Who's the head of your department?" "Doria Camaratta." "Let me talk to her." "She's gone for the day." "What is her phone number, I call tomorrow." "954-XXX-XXXX." "Thank you."
"Sorry about that honey, let's get dinner."
The next morning I called the number and asked for Ms. Camaratta. "This is Ms. Camaratta's Executive Assistant, can I help you?" I identified myself, gave my account numbers, told my story and asked her to fix it. "I'll look into it and call you back, Mr. Gallagher. It might take a couple of days." "OK, thank you."
Four days later and no call back. After my morning business meeting I dropped my wife off at Butterfly World and drove over to AmEx's office in Ft Lauderdale. Ms. Camaratta's picture was the wall behind the security desk.
Dressed in my shorts, sandals and fishing shirt I approached the security guard and asked to speak to Ms. Camaratta. Drones were swiping their ID cards and walking through turnstiles on their way back from lunch or to start their shifts. I wondered if one of them was the one I flipped out on.
"What is this about?" the security guard asked. "Problems with two of my accounts." "Have your tried calling customer service?" "Yes, and I have already spoken to Ms. Camaratta's Executive Assistant. Please call and tell Ms. Camarratta I am here." Two more security guards were now standing behind the glass with the first guard.
After about 10 minutes and three more security guards showing up, the first guard pointed to a phone on the wall. "Hello Mr. Gallagher, this is Ms. Camaratta's assistant, I'm sorry I haven't called you back yet." "That's OK. Is Ms. Camaratta there? That is a very nice picture of her on the wall down here. Are you one of the other people hanging on the wall?" Giggles. "No, my picture is not on the wall and Ms. Camarrata is not available." "Sure she is, she just doesn't want to talk to me."
"As you know, I'm here in the building, can we meet?" "I'm sorry Mr. Gallagher but since 9/11 we don't allow customers into the facility." "I'm not a terrorist, if I was even on the watch list you'd know that from my credit report that you looked at this morning." Giggles.
"I'm sorry Mr. Gallagher, but we are not going to reinstate your personal accounts, but your business account it still open." "How about just the account that I pay off every month, I need that to keep personal and business expenses separate. I don't need the line of credit anyway." "I'm sorry." "What about my membership rewards points? I tried to transfer them all to an airline, but they are frozen." "I'll call you back on that later this afternoon?" "Really, four days ago you said you'd call me in a couple of days." "I'm sorry. Really, I'll call you back this afternoon."
On my way back to Butterfly World to pick up my wife, the nice assistant called to say my membership rewards had been transferred to my business account.
Two weeks ago I got a letter from AmEx thanking me for my business and good performance. They reinstated one of the business accounts they had canceled. I won't use it until Ms Camaratta calls.
Chase
This was a six figure business and personal relationship "during the boom." During 2008 I paid off a business loan, as agreed, that Chase acquired when they bought Bank of New York. I called my representative and asked if they wanted to do it again. "Thanks for remembering me, she said. Well you'll have to fill out an application." "I already have this other loan with you..before I go applying just tell me with the exposure I have with you now, are they lending?" "Would you like me to send you an application?" "No thanks. Nice talking to you again."
During the spring of 2009 I received a letter from Chase informing me that they had reduced my credit line on a personal credit card by half. There was a phone number to call if you had questions. I called and asked, "Why did you do that?" "What was your income last year?" I told the nice lady my income. "You have $xK in credit card debt, why so much?" "Why do you think that's a lot?" "How are you going to pay it back?" "Just like I've always paid it back, only yours in going to be paid back very quickly." "Please hold." Music. "Mr. Gallagher, I've restored you credit limit and raised it $1000" "Thank you."
That went a lot better than American Express did.
A few months later I received a letter from Chase about a business loan that was interest only for another couple of years before it was to convert to a fixed term loan. They were changing the terms and requiring principle payments now. There was a phone number to call. Screw it, I'll just start paying them off. I closed my checking account that they took the payment from every month and started sending in the payments.
Citi
About a week after the first Chase letter, I get a similar letter from Citi reducing a personal credit line. I called the phone number and asked, "What are you doing? I don't even need the line, but if all you banks keep reducing my credit lines my scores will suffer and I'll be out of business." "Please hold." Music.
"Please disregard that letter Mr. Gallagher, we've restored your credit line." "Thank you."
F Ms. Camarrata and her pretty picture on the wall. It was a Citi card that I swiped for the "just in case" transaction after the AmEx card failed.
Sovereign
I have a seven figure relationship with Sovereign and can get a decision maker on the phone. However, Sovereign invested heavily in Fannie and Freddie and they were close to insolvency when Barney Frank's s**t loans hit the fan. They were taken over by a huge Spanish bank and the decision makers are scared for their jobs.
Besides, my big relationship is on the business side. Even though the business reps always asked for my personal business, they couldn't help me if there was a problem with a personal account.
Sometime in mid 2009 I got a letter from Sovereign's home equity area informing me that they were closing my HELOC. This was a substantial line. I had used to buy and renovate other properties. When ever there was excess cash in the business, I paid down this line to save interest and to manage my credit scores. Thank goodness I had just drawn down the line almost in its entirety before they froze it.
I called them to find out what the problem was. They told me my house was worth less than half of what they had appraised it at two years earlier. "That's absurd," I said, "and I've paid down the first mortgage by $X since that appraisal and made $X in improvements since then. (I hope Wayne Pominowski and Charlie Heck haven't read this far). They said they would send out an appraiser at their expense.
A few days later my wife called me at the office. "Honey, there are people from the bank here. Is everything OK?" "Let me talk to them." That was the fastest appraisal order in history. "Hi Mr. Gallagher. Sovereign Bank sent us out for a drive by. The property is beautiful. Your view is breath taking. We're taking pictures. I'm sure everything will be OK." "Thanks."
Two weeks later the appraiser called. Sovereign wants them to come back and take pictures of the inside of the house. "I didn't ask for this. I'm not buying, selling or refinancing. You're not coming into my house." "But, but, but." "I don't care. I'll just amortize the the loan." They called three more times trying to get into the house. No deal.
Wells Fargo
Wells holds a mortgage on one of my properties. This particular property happens to be in a flood zone and Wells requires that I participate in the FEMA scam.
My insurance policies renew at the end of May every year and in June I get letters from my mortgage holders asking for proof of insurance. I have multiple properties on the same insurance policy. This often causes some minor confusion that is usually rectified quickly with a phone call.
This year was going normally. The folks at Wells confused the property I have mortgaged with them for a property I have insured for significantly more and sent me a letter saying I had to increase my flood insurance limits to match the home owners insurance. They actually did me a favor, as I reviewed the policies and reduced limits on both the homeowners and flood on that property.
I sent over the documentation and followed up with a phone call. The nice lady told me everything was fine.
Then in September I got another letter saying that Wells had purchased lenders flood insurance and that I now had an negative escrow balance to be paid immediately to cover the premium. I called them, recited the time, date of the call with the nice lady. A nice young man reviewed the file, apologised and said all was fine.
The following month there was a credit on my statement for all but $65 dollars of the lenders insurance premium. This was getting to be an pain in the butt. I called again, told them they made a mistake and to take the $65 charge off my account. "I'm sorry Mr. Gallagher. I'll have this taken care of."
At the end of November I couldn't find a statement from Wells Fargo. No problem, I just sent in the December payment with my account # written on the check.
A week later my assistant tells me someone from Wells Fargo is on the phone. "Hello, Mr. Gallagher, this is an attempt to collect a debt.." "What are you taking about? I paid Wells Fargo!" "OK, if you say so, good-bye." Click. That was very weird. I immediately pulled out the Wells file and checked my bank account it see if my check cleared. It was too early in the month for them to be calling about the December payment, which had not cleared, but the November payment had.
On the phone with Wells Fargo, they tell me they received the November payment but it was not credited to the account because I didn't pay the $65. I flipped out on them and got bounced back and forth from customer service to the insurance department until I demanded a conference call with both departments until it was resolved.
What a head ache.
Over the next few days I received two letters from Wells telling me that they had tried to call me and needed to talk to me about my account, followed by a letter telling me they understand how hard things are for me now and that I should call them for help. F them.
On December 14 my December payment still hadn't cleared my checking account so I called them again. They hadn't received it, where did I send it? blah blah blah.
I gave them a payment on the phone, fees waived. The next day the check came back in the mail as undeliverable. They changed lock boxes. A day latter I received a letter that the $65 insurance premium had been refunded to them. I could care less as long as they weren't charging me for their mistakes.
Banks continue to thrwart the recovery, not only by being to tight with their lending criteria, but by putting small business people like me through the BS that they do. All the hours I spent dealing with their nonsense I could have been selling, collecting or blogging.
The Obama Administration is blaming banks for the sluggish recovery. The banks are fighting back. The administration and the banks are full of bull dinky.
The Associated Press ran an PR piece for bankers the other day, Banks getting a bum rap on not lending enough?. It featured Stan Wilmoth,the CEO of a small bank in Nevada who "didn't make a lot of dumb loans during the boom."
Wilmoth says his bank is not lending because demand is down for loans to credit worthy borrowers. To make money he's paying 1.3% on CDs and earning 3% on AAA rated municipal bonds.
He's putting a great deal of faith in the same credit rating agencies who gave their stamp of approval to securitized mortgages, derivatives, Fannie and Freddie.
Demand is down for loans because the government and the banks spent most of 2009 suppressing economic activity. The government suppressed economic activity by creating enormous uncertainly over the future with the Obama/Pelosi/Reid socialist agenda. The banks, large and small, suppressed economic activity by running scared and implementing a wholesale contraction in their exposure to consumers and businesses.
Small banks that are run by thinking people are not as much a drag on our economy now as the big banks are. Have you tried talking to someone at a big bank who has the authority to make a decision? It is almost impossible.
Unless you have a seven figure relationship with a big bank, you don't get to talk to a decision maker. You interact with a computer, or if you press 0 you talk to a "customer service" representative who tells you what the computer would have told you if you pressed the correct number on your phone or read the correct page on the bank's website.
Small banks who tell the public that they didn't make dumb loans during the boom and that the lending criteria is the same now as it has always been are lying. They shut down private lending in 2009, regardless of the credit worthiness of the borrower.
Big banks, the ones run by computers, implemented a massive contraction in their exposure to their "good customers" regardless of the relationship with or performance of the customer. I experienced this first hand many times in 2009.
American Express
American Express was the worst offender. Between my business and my personal accounts I had a high 5 figure relationship with AmEx "during the boom," 2 personal accounts and 3 business accounts. I always paid them on time. In late 2008 they closed a business line of credit I had with them, just because. They said they were discontinuing that line of business.
I should have known better, but a month later I paid off a personal line with them.
A couple of months after that I was heading out of town for some business and pleasure in the sun and wanted to leave some extra cash in the business "just in case." AmEx had a promo rate on the card I paid off so I swiped the card at my business. I was shocked that it was declined and called them to see what the problem was. After twenty minutes on the phone with customer service rep trying to get the computer to tell them what the problem was, I hung up and used another card with no problem. The promo rate was no big deal..I'd be paying the card off when I got home as long as "just in case" didn't happen.
That evening my wife came back to our hotel room in Florida after picking some sun screen, etc. at the pharmacy and informed me that her AmEx card didn't work. That was weird, I had just checked into the hotel with my business AmEx card. I called to find out what the problem was and was connected to a representive who didn't have a computer script to read from. She told me that my personal cards were closed because I had attempted to use one at my own business and that was a violation of card agreement. I actually read those card agreements. I said, "It is not." "Yes it is, and you committed fraud," she retorted. I flipped out on the rep while my wife smiled and shook her head. She'd seen me go off like this before.
"What paragraph of the card agreement did I violate?" "Well, that's hard to say, we change them all the time." "I know you do, I read them. You just accused me of a crime in addition to violating our agreement. Tell me what clause I violated." "Please hold." Music.
"Mr. Gallagher, this is Ms. Supervisor, you violated your merchant agreement with us. Paragraph X prohibits you from using your own card at your place of business." I hadn't read the merchant agreement, my customers rarely use credit cards. "So cancel my merchant account and reinstate my personal accounts immediately," I replied. "I can't." "Who can?" "No one?" "Who's the head of your department?" "Doria Camaratta." "Let me talk to her." "She's gone for the day." "What is her phone number, I call tomorrow." "954-XXX-XXXX." "Thank you."
"Sorry about that honey, let's get dinner."
The next morning I called the number and asked for Ms. Camaratta. "This is Ms. Camaratta's Executive Assistant, can I help you?" I identified myself, gave my account numbers, told my story and asked her to fix it. "I'll look into it and call you back, Mr. Gallagher. It might take a couple of days." "OK, thank you."
Four days later and no call back. After my morning business meeting I dropped my wife off at Butterfly World and drove over to AmEx's office in Ft Lauderdale. Ms. Camaratta's picture was the wall behind the security desk.
Dressed in my shorts, sandals and fishing shirt I approached the security guard and asked to speak to Ms. Camaratta. Drones were swiping their ID cards and walking through turnstiles on their way back from lunch or to start their shifts. I wondered if one of them was the one I flipped out on.
"What is this about?" the security guard asked. "Problems with two of my accounts." "Have your tried calling customer service?" "Yes, and I have already spoken to Ms. Camaratta's Executive Assistant. Please call and tell Ms. Camarratta I am here." Two more security guards were now standing behind the glass with the first guard.
After about 10 minutes and three more security guards showing up, the first guard pointed to a phone on the wall. "Hello Mr. Gallagher, this is Ms. Camaratta's assistant, I'm sorry I haven't called you back yet." "That's OK. Is Ms. Camaratta there? That is a very nice picture of her on the wall down here. Are you one of the other people hanging on the wall?" Giggles. "No, my picture is not on the wall and Ms. Camarrata is not available." "Sure she is, she just doesn't want to talk to me."
"As you know, I'm here in the building, can we meet?" "I'm sorry Mr. Gallagher but since 9/11 we don't allow customers into the facility." "I'm not a terrorist, if I was even on the watch list you'd know that from my credit report that you looked at this morning." Giggles.
"I'm sorry Mr. Gallagher, but we are not going to reinstate your personal accounts, but your business account it still open." "How about just the account that I pay off every month, I need that to keep personal and business expenses separate. I don't need the line of credit anyway." "I'm sorry." "What about my membership rewards points? I tried to transfer them all to an airline, but they are frozen." "I'll call you back on that later this afternoon?" "Really, four days ago you said you'd call me in a couple of days." "I'm sorry. Really, I'll call you back this afternoon."
On my way back to Butterfly World to pick up my wife, the nice assistant called to say my membership rewards had been transferred to my business account.
Two weeks ago I got a letter from AmEx thanking me for my business and good performance. They reinstated one of the business accounts they had canceled. I won't use it until Ms Camaratta calls.
Chase
This was a six figure business and personal relationship "during the boom." During 2008 I paid off a business loan, as agreed, that Chase acquired when they bought Bank of New York. I called my representative and asked if they wanted to do it again. "Thanks for remembering me, she said. Well you'll have to fill out an application." "I already have this other loan with you..before I go applying just tell me with the exposure I have with you now, are they lending?" "Would you like me to send you an application?" "No thanks. Nice talking to you again."
During the spring of 2009 I received a letter from Chase informing me that they had reduced my credit line on a personal credit card by half. There was a phone number to call if you had questions. I called and asked, "Why did you do that?" "What was your income last year?" I told the nice lady my income. "You have $xK in credit card debt, why so much?" "Why do you think that's a lot?" "How are you going to pay it back?" "Just like I've always paid it back, only yours in going to be paid back very quickly." "Please hold." Music. "Mr. Gallagher, I've restored you credit limit and raised it $1000" "Thank you."
That went a lot better than American Express did.
A few months later I received a letter from Chase about a business loan that was interest only for another couple of years before it was to convert to a fixed term loan. They were changing the terms and requiring principle payments now. There was a phone number to call. Screw it, I'll just start paying them off. I closed my checking account that they took the payment from every month and started sending in the payments.
Citi
About a week after the first Chase letter, I get a similar letter from Citi reducing a personal credit line. I called the phone number and asked, "What are you doing? I don't even need the line, but if all you banks keep reducing my credit lines my scores will suffer and I'll be out of business." "Please hold." Music.
"Please disregard that letter Mr. Gallagher, we've restored your credit line." "Thank you."
F Ms. Camarrata and her pretty picture on the wall. It was a Citi card that I swiped for the "just in case" transaction after the AmEx card failed.
Sovereign
I have a seven figure relationship with Sovereign and can get a decision maker on the phone. However, Sovereign invested heavily in Fannie and Freddie and they were close to insolvency when Barney Frank's s**t loans hit the fan. They were taken over by a huge Spanish bank and the decision makers are scared for their jobs.
Besides, my big relationship is on the business side. Even though the business reps always asked for my personal business, they couldn't help me if there was a problem with a personal account.
Sometime in mid 2009 I got a letter from Sovereign's home equity area informing me that they were closing my HELOC. This was a substantial line. I had used to buy and renovate other properties. When ever there was excess cash in the business, I paid down this line to save interest and to manage my credit scores. Thank goodness I had just drawn down the line almost in its entirety before they froze it.
I called them to find out what the problem was. They told me my house was worth less than half of what they had appraised it at two years earlier. "That's absurd," I said, "and I've paid down the first mortgage by $X since that appraisal and made $X in improvements since then. (I hope Wayne Pominowski and Charlie Heck haven't read this far). They said they would send out an appraiser at their expense.
A few days later my wife called me at the office. "Honey, there are people from the bank here. Is everything OK?" "Let me talk to them." That was the fastest appraisal order in history. "Hi Mr. Gallagher. Sovereign Bank sent us out for a drive by. The property is beautiful. Your view is breath taking. We're taking pictures. I'm sure everything will be OK." "Thanks."
Two weeks later the appraiser called. Sovereign wants them to come back and take pictures of the inside of the house. "I didn't ask for this. I'm not buying, selling or refinancing. You're not coming into my house." "But, but, but." "I don't care. I'll just amortize the the loan." They called three more times trying to get into the house. No deal.
Wells Fargo
Wells holds a mortgage on one of my properties. This particular property happens to be in a flood zone and Wells requires that I participate in the FEMA scam.
My insurance policies renew at the end of May every year and in June I get letters from my mortgage holders asking for proof of insurance. I have multiple properties on the same insurance policy. This often causes some minor confusion that is usually rectified quickly with a phone call.
This year was going normally. The folks at Wells confused the property I have mortgaged with them for a property I have insured for significantly more and sent me a letter saying I had to increase my flood insurance limits to match the home owners insurance. They actually did me a favor, as I reviewed the policies and reduced limits on both the homeowners and flood on that property.
I sent over the documentation and followed up with a phone call. The nice lady told me everything was fine.
Then in September I got another letter saying that Wells had purchased lenders flood insurance and that I now had an negative escrow balance to be paid immediately to cover the premium. I called them, recited the time, date of the call with the nice lady. A nice young man reviewed the file, apologised and said all was fine.
The following month there was a credit on my statement for all but $65 dollars of the lenders insurance premium. This was getting to be an pain in the butt. I called again, told them they made a mistake and to take the $65 charge off my account. "I'm sorry Mr. Gallagher. I'll have this taken care of."
At the end of November I couldn't find a statement from Wells Fargo. No problem, I just sent in the December payment with my account # written on the check.
A week later my assistant tells me someone from Wells Fargo is on the phone. "Hello, Mr. Gallagher, this is an attempt to collect a debt.." "What are you taking about? I paid Wells Fargo!" "OK, if you say so, good-bye." Click. That was very weird. I immediately pulled out the Wells file and checked my bank account it see if my check cleared. It was too early in the month for them to be calling about the December payment, which had not cleared, but the November payment had.
On the phone with Wells Fargo, they tell me they received the November payment but it was not credited to the account because I didn't pay the $65. I flipped out on them and got bounced back and forth from customer service to the insurance department until I demanded a conference call with both departments until it was resolved.
What a head ache.
Over the next few days I received two letters from Wells telling me that they had tried to call me and needed to talk to me about my account, followed by a letter telling me they understand how hard things are for me now and that I should call them for help. F them.
On December 14 my December payment still hadn't cleared my checking account so I called them again. They hadn't received it, where did I send it? blah blah blah.
I gave them a payment on the phone, fees waived. The next day the check came back in the mail as undeliverable. They changed lock boxes. A day latter I received a letter that the $65 insurance premium had been refunded to them. I could care less as long as they weren't charging me for their mistakes.
Banks continue to thrwart the recovery, not only by being to tight with their lending criteria, but by putting small business people like me through the BS that they do. All the hours I spent dealing with their nonsense I could have been selling, collecting or blogging.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Campaign to Recall Menendez
A “Committee to Recall U.S. Senator Robert Menendez,” sponsored by the Sussex County Tea Party has announced plans to launch an effort to recall Senator Robert Menendez from his position in office. Helping to lead the charge is New Jersey Tea Parties United, the state's grass-roots coalition of county and regional Tea Party groups representing several thousand members in support of fiscal responsibility, individual liberty and limited government. The Committee filed a formal Notice of Intention to Recall with the Secretary of State's office on September 25, 2009.
Read the rest of the story at NJ Tea Party Coalition.
Note to Recall organizers: Think about re-filing rather than fighting in court. You'll need a lot less signatures if the 2009 election is the bench mark rather than the 2008 presidential election.
Read the rest of the story at NJ Tea Party Coalition.
Note to Recall organizers: Think about re-filing rather than fighting in court. You'll need a lot less signatures if the 2009 election is the bench mark rather than the 2008 presidential election.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Burry To Be Freeholder Director
Lillian Burry will return as Freeholder Director upon the county government reorganization on January 7th, according to a report in the Asbury Park Press.
Burry was director in 2008 but yielded the position to Barbara McMorrow when the Democrats won control of the Freeholder Board.
Rob Clifton, the longest serving Freeholder told the APP that he supported Burry serving a second year as director. Clifton also told the APP that we would seek another term as Freeholder in the 2010 election.
There has been speculation that Clifton would move to the Assembly should Senator Joe Kyrillos be appointed to a position in the Christie administration, prompting Amy Handlin or Sam Thompson moving to the upper house to replace Kyrillos. Kyrillos, Governor-elect Christie's campaign chairman and confidant has said he prefers to continue to serve in the senate but would serve in the administration if needed.
As one of their last acts while in control of Monmouth County government, the Democratic majority passed a resolution urging the state government to change the name of Freeholders to Commissioners. This has been a pet project of soon to be former Deputy Director John D'Amico since he attended a national conference of county government officials and had to explain what a Freeholder was to Commissioners from across the country.
Among the "Wherases" to justify the name change was:
All those voters from outside of one of the Freeholds must think the ballots were misprinted when they vote. Honest Abe has the entire resolution.
In addition to being mystified by the use of the phrase "Boards of Chosen Freeholders" county government watchers are mystified about what John D'Amico is going to do now that the Democrats will not be in control.
D'Amico was elected in 2007, defeating Clifton's running mate Jeff Cantor. Cantor is now a Democratic Councilman from Marlboro serving in Afghanistan.
There has been a great deal of speculation that D'Amico would not seek another term if the Democrats lost control and because he doesn't like being called Freeholder by mystified voters from Monmouth County and Commissioners from around the country.
Burry was director in 2008 but yielded the position to Barbara McMorrow when the Democrats won control of the Freeholder Board.
Rob Clifton, the longest serving Freeholder told the APP that he supported Burry serving a second year as director. Clifton also told the APP that we would seek another term as Freeholder in the 2010 election.
There has been speculation that Clifton would move to the Assembly should Senator Joe Kyrillos be appointed to a position in the Christie administration, prompting Amy Handlin or Sam Thompson moving to the upper house to replace Kyrillos. Kyrillos, Governor-elect Christie's campaign chairman and confidant has said he prefers to continue to serve in the senate but would serve in the administration if needed.
As one of their last acts while in control of Monmouth County government, the Democratic majority passed a resolution urging the state government to change the name of Freeholders to Commissioners. This has been a pet project of soon to be former Deputy Director John D'Amico since he attended a national conference of county government officials and had to explain what a Freeholder was to Commissioners from across the country.
Among the "Wherases" to justify the name change was:
WHEREAS, in Monmouth County, in addition to being mystified by the use of the phrase "Boards of Chosen Freeholders" to describe the governing body of the county, many county residents believe that they cannot vote for a candidate for "Freeholder" because they do not live in Freehold Township or in the Borough of Freehold; and
All those voters from outside of one of the Freeholds must think the ballots were misprinted when they vote. Honest Abe has the entire resolution.
In addition to being mystified by the use of the phrase "Boards of Chosen Freeholders" county government watchers are mystified about what John D'Amico is going to do now that the Democrats will not be in control.
D'Amico was elected in 2007, defeating Clifton's running mate Jeff Cantor. Cantor is now a Democratic Councilman from Marlboro serving in Afghanistan.
There has been a great deal of speculation that D'Amico would not seek another term if the Democrats lost control and because he doesn't like being called Freeholder by mystified voters from Monmouth County and Commissioners from around the country.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Good News For Oceanport!
Merry Christmas in Oceanport...
By Councilman Joe Irace
Today Oceanport Taxpayers received an early Christmas gift in the form of a check for $195,723.19.
This check represents a reimbursement for extraordinary planning expenses already paid by the Borough associated with the reuse of Fort Monmouth. The Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) within the Department of Defense approved this reimbursement after a year long process of documentation and justification undertaken by the Borough in conjunction with the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitilization and Planning Authority (FMERPA).
In 2008, Mayor Michael J. Mahon discovered that planning expenses as a result of a BRAC base closure were eligible for reimbursement. Unfortunately, Oceanport had hired a planner back in 2006 and paid for it with local tax dollars. Undaunted, the Borough initiated the process through FMERPA and OEA Project Manager John Leigh.
Borough Administrator Kim Jungfer and Planner Michael Sullivan of Clarke Caton Hintz, assembled the supporting documentation and met with FMERPA and federal officials intent on explaining the expenses. The untimely death of Mr. John Leigh in 2008 slowed the process. Ultimately, similar expenses, but much smaller amounts, from the host communities of Eatontown and Tinton Falls were added to a resolution supporting the reimbursement and adopted by FMERPA in October of this year.
The Borough is pursuing reimbursement for other expenses associated with the closure of Fort Monmouth including infrastructure, property acquisition and development, public safety (in particular police), as this process continues.
Congratulations to the Borough. Thanks to those that played a leading role and Merry Christmas to Oceanport Taxpayers.
By Councilman Joe Irace
Today Oceanport Taxpayers received an early Christmas gift in the form of a check for $195,723.19.
This check represents a reimbursement for extraordinary planning expenses already paid by the Borough associated with the reuse of Fort Monmouth. The Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) within the Department of Defense approved this reimbursement after a year long process of documentation and justification undertaken by the Borough in conjunction with the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitilization and Planning Authority (FMERPA).
In 2008, Mayor Michael J. Mahon discovered that planning expenses as a result of a BRAC base closure were eligible for reimbursement. Unfortunately, Oceanport had hired a planner back in 2006 and paid for it with local tax dollars. Undaunted, the Borough initiated the process through FMERPA and OEA Project Manager John Leigh.
Borough Administrator Kim Jungfer and Planner Michael Sullivan of Clarke Caton Hintz, assembled the supporting documentation and met with FMERPA and federal officials intent on explaining the expenses. The untimely death of Mr. John Leigh in 2008 slowed the process. Ultimately, similar expenses, but much smaller amounts, from the host communities of Eatontown and Tinton Falls were added to a resolution supporting the reimbursement and adopted by FMERPA in October of this year.
The Borough is pursuing reimbursement for other expenses associated with the closure of Fort Monmouth including infrastructure, property acquisition and development, public safety (in particular police), as this process continues.
Congratulations to the Borough. Thanks to those that played a leading role and Merry Christmas to Oceanport Taxpayers.
BECK, O’SCANLON AND CASAGRANDE: THRILLED AT THE NEWS THAT SEAN GOLDMAN IS FINALLY COMING HOME
The 12th District Legislators are thrilled with the recent announcement that Brazil’s top justice announced his decision that Sean Goldman should be returned to his father, David Goldman. Below is a statement from Senator Jennifer Beck, Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, who have advocated on David Goldman’s behalf in his on-going struggle to bring his son home after he was abducted by his Brazilian mother in 2004 and taken to Brazil:
“This most recent decision by Brazilian Chief Justice Gilmar Mendes is the culmination of years or hard work and struggle by so many people especially David Goldman and Rep. Chris Smith, who took on David’s mission as his own. It’s so heartening to see that justice is being served and that David will soon have his son home after so many years without him.
“Today it was also announced that Sean’s Brazilian family will not file any more appeals to attempt to keep him in their custody, so Sean will be on his way home soon. It’s not likely to be an easy transition for Sean, but David’s willingness to permit his son’s Brazilian relatives to remain in touch with Sean will surely be a help as he readjusts to life in America.
“Until Sean lands safely in the U.S., however, we realize that the pressure must continue to be placed upon both Brazilian and American officials. Rep. Smith is currently in Brazil with David Goldman, and we are certain that he will continue to keep up the good fight on David’s behalf and that very soon, we will see David and Sean step off the plane back together on American soil.”
“This most recent decision by Brazilian Chief Justice Gilmar Mendes is the culmination of years or hard work and struggle by so many people especially David Goldman and Rep. Chris Smith, who took on David’s mission as his own. It’s so heartening to see that justice is being served and that David will soon have his son home after so many years without him.
“Today it was also announced that Sean’s Brazilian family will not file any more appeals to attempt to keep him in their custody, so Sean will be on his way home soon. It’s not likely to be an easy transition for Sean, but David’s willingness to permit his son’s Brazilian relatives to remain in touch with Sean will surely be a help as he readjusts to life in America.
“Until Sean lands safely in the U.S., however, we realize that the pressure must continue to be placed upon both Brazilian and American officials. Rep. Smith is currently in Brazil with David Goldman, and we are certain that he will continue to keep up the good fight on David’s behalf and that very soon, we will see David and Sean step off the plane back together on American soil.”
Smith A Lock For Re-election
Wally Edge is making the case that Congressman Chris Smith effectively won re-election this month thanks to his efforts to bring nine year old Sean Goldman home from Brazil to be raised by his father, Tinton Falls resident David.
Former Holmdel Deputy Mayor Alan Bateman, who abandoned another run against Rush Holt in the 12th district rather than fight Fair Haven Mayor Mike Halfacre for the GOP nomination, is wasting his efforts challenging Smith for the GOP nomination in the 4th.
Bateman would have had more party support had he 1) stuck it out it the 12th or 2)mounted a challenge Frank Pallone is the 6th. He may be too late even for the 6th nomination which for years had party leaders begging candidates to run the seemingly invincible Pallone. There is a high level NJ GOP effort to recruit a "real challenger" to Pallone for the 2010 race.
Meanwhile in the 12th district, Halfacre does not yet have the nomination locked up. There is a Princeton based investment banker testing the waters for the GOP nod.
Former Holmdel Deputy Mayor Alan Bateman, who abandoned another run against Rush Holt in the 12th district rather than fight Fair Haven Mayor Mike Halfacre for the GOP nomination, is wasting his efforts challenging Smith for the GOP nomination in the 4th.
Bateman would have had more party support had he 1) stuck it out it the 12th or 2)mounted a challenge Frank Pallone is the 6th. He may be too late even for the 6th nomination which for years had party leaders begging candidates to run the seemingly invincible Pallone. There is a high level NJ GOP effort to recruit a "real challenger" to Pallone for the 2010 race.
Meanwhile in the 12th district, Halfacre does not yet have the nomination locked up. There is a Princeton based investment banker testing the waters for the GOP nod.
KYRILLOS PLEASED THAT ABDUCTED CHILD CLOSER TO COMING HOME FROM BRAZIL
FATHER WAGED 5 YEAR CUSTODY BATTLE
Senator Joseph Kyrillos (R-Monmouth) issued the following statement today after a Brazilian court ruled that David Goldman's son be returned to him after a 5-year custody battle. Goldman has been seeking custody of his son, Sean, who was taken to Brazil in 2004 by his now deceased mother and never returned. Lawyers on both sides agreed there is still a chance for the Brazilian family to appeal, though the chances of success are slight.
I am pleased, that after 5 years, Brazil's Chief Justice has decided to do what is morally and legally right, based on the tenets of the Hague convention. Now Sean Goldman is one step closer to being returned to the loving arms of his Dad, his only living parent. This has been a long time coming, and I am overjoyed for David, Sean and the entire Goldman family.
Unfortunately, Sean Goldman is not the only young American that has been abducted to the country of Brazil and kept there against the wishes of parents and immediate family. An estimated 65 other young American children are there in blatant violation of international law. The leadership of Brazil must understand that there will be consequences if they continue to let their country become a haven for people who abduct children to avoid meeting the terms of divorce and custody agreements. Brazil is a sophisticated country, plays an important role in the world economy and has been designated the host of the Olympic games in 2016. It is absurd for Brazil to risk its standing among the world's nations by flaunting just laws.Earlier this month Senator Kyrillos sponsored a resolution in the State Senate expressing support for David Goldman and his efforts to gain the return of his son.
Senator Joseph Kyrillos (R-Monmouth) issued the following statement today after a Brazilian court ruled that David Goldman's son be returned to him after a 5-year custody battle. Goldman has been seeking custody of his son, Sean, who was taken to Brazil in 2004 by his now deceased mother and never returned. Lawyers on both sides agreed there is still a chance for the Brazilian family to appeal, though the chances of success are slight.
I am pleased, that after 5 years, Brazil's Chief Justice has decided to do what is morally and legally right, based on the tenets of the Hague convention. Now Sean Goldman is one step closer to being returned to the loving arms of his Dad, his only living parent. This has been a long time coming, and I am overjoyed for David, Sean and the entire Goldman family.
Unfortunately, Sean Goldman is not the only young American that has been abducted to the country of Brazil and kept there against the wishes of parents and immediate family. An estimated 65 other young American children are there in blatant violation of international law. The leadership of Brazil must understand that there will be consequences if they continue to let their country become a haven for people who abduct children to avoid meeting the terms of divorce and custody agreements. Brazil is a sophisticated country, plays an important role in the world economy and has been designated the host of the Olympic games in 2016. It is absurd for Brazil to risk its standing among the world's nations by flaunting just laws.Earlier this month Senator Kyrillos sponsored a resolution in the State Senate expressing support for David Goldman and his efforts to gain the return of his son.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Vote for Oxley
Save Jersey has a poll: Who was the best gop county chair of the 2009 election?
A case could be made for each of the nine included. I'm asking MoreMonmouthMusings readers to click over and vote for Joe Oxley.
In his first full year as chairman he made the very risky move of doing away with conventions and ended the public display of acrimony that ripped apart the party during the terms of his predecessors.
Yet, he maintained democracy by including municipal chairs in candidate screening and selection. He empowered the rank and file with an outstanding education seminar series throughout the summer and he recruited a team that recruited hudreds of volunteers that made tens of thousands of phone calls and knocked on thousands of doors throughout the campaign.
Monmouth County was the first to award "the line" to Chris Christie.
The Monmouth GOP regained control of county government.
Christie won Monmouth by a 64,000 vote plurality.
Click over the Save Jersey and vote for Joe.
A case could be made for each of the nine included. I'm asking MoreMonmouthMusings readers to click over and vote for Joe Oxley.
In his first full year as chairman he made the very risky move of doing away with conventions and ended the public display of acrimony that ripped apart the party during the terms of his predecessors.
Yet, he maintained democracy by including municipal chairs in candidate screening and selection. He empowered the rank and file with an outstanding education seminar series throughout the summer and he recruited a team that recruited hudreds of volunteers that made tens of thousands of phone calls and knocked on thousands of doors throughout the campaign.
Monmouth County was the first to award "the line" to Chris Christie.
The Monmouth GOP regained control of county government.
Christie won Monmouth by a 64,000 vote plurality.
Click over the Save Jersey and vote for Joe.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Governor-Elect Chris Christie Announces “New Jersey Heroes”
2010 Inaugural Program Highlights Citizens Serving Their Communities
Morristown, NJ – Governor-Elect Chris Christie announced today as part of the 2010 Inauguration the New Jersey Heroes program. In the spirit of the theme “Rebuilding New Jersey Together: Pride Through Service And Community,” the New Jersey Heroes program will highlight and honor those men and women who are serving their communities and making a difference in the lives of New Jerseyans across our state.
Anyone can nominate a New Jersey Hero by telling the story of someone they know is making a difference at http://www.njinaugural2010.com/njheroes.html. In the upcoming weeks, these New Jersey Heroes will be highlighted by the 2010 Inaugural committee on the official website, leading up to a group of Heroes being selected to attend the inaugural festivities on January 19th.
“I believe the spirit of service is paramount to our mission of rebuilding New Jersey and I am pleased to have the opportunity to honor the men and women who give of themselves for their communities,” Governor-Elect Christie said. “At a time when our state is facing many challenges, it is more important than ever that we work together to strengthen our communities and serve one another. That is why the inaugural celebration is focused on the value of service and why I intend to make community service a cornerstone of my administration.”
For more details about the New Jersey Heroes program or to nominate your own hero, please visit: http://www.njinaugural2010.com/njheroes.html.
Morristown, NJ – Governor-Elect Chris Christie announced today as part of the 2010 Inauguration the New Jersey Heroes program. In the spirit of the theme “Rebuilding New Jersey Together: Pride Through Service And Community,” the New Jersey Heroes program will highlight and honor those men and women who are serving their communities and making a difference in the lives of New Jerseyans across our state.
Anyone can nominate a New Jersey Hero by telling the story of someone they know is making a difference at http://www.njinaugural2010.com/njheroes.html. In the upcoming weeks, these New Jersey Heroes will be highlighted by the 2010 Inaugural committee on the official website, leading up to a group of Heroes being selected to attend the inaugural festivities on January 19th.
“I believe the spirit of service is paramount to our mission of rebuilding New Jersey and I am pleased to have the opportunity to honor the men and women who give of themselves for their communities,” Governor-Elect Christie said. “At a time when our state is facing many challenges, it is more important than ever that we work together to strengthen our communities and serve one another. That is why the inaugural celebration is focused on the value of service and why I intend to make community service a cornerstone of my administration.”
For more details about the New Jersey Heroes program or to nominate your own hero, please visit: http://www.njinaugural2010.com/njheroes.html.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Seasons Greetings
To All My Democrat Friends:
Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.
I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2010, but not without due respect for the calendars of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere .
Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.
To All My Republican Friends:
Have a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year
Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.
I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2010, but not without due respect for the calendars of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere .
Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.
To All My Republican Friends:
Have a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year
Friday, December 18, 2009
Federal Stimulus Money Going to Democratic Districts
A new study from Mercatus Center scholars Veronique de Rugy and Jerry Brito that reveals the straight facts about stimulus spending:
Statistics to support these findings were taken from government data, such as Recovery.gov, economic and political data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Census Bureau & GovTrack.us.
You can find the study, including charts/graphs, here: http://mercatus.org/publication/stimulusfacts
*Stimulus spending in Democrat districts is almost twice that of Republican districts
*Majority of stimulus spending is not going to the states with the highest unemployment rates
Statistics to support these findings were taken from government data, such as Recovery.gov, economic and political data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Census Bureau & GovTrack.us.
You can find the study, including charts/graphs, here: http://mercatus.org/publication/stimulusfacts
Five Republican Senators Pledge Their Support for Civil Union Reform
Five Republican senators today said that it’s unlikely that a bill redefining marriage can pass the Senate and asked their Democratic colleagues to join them in a bipartisan effort to strengthen New Jersey’s civil union law. The five said that while they can’t support the Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act (S-1967), they will work to ensure that New Jersey civil union law is enforced and provides all rights and benefits that legislators intended.
“Moving testimony in Senate hearings suggests that New Jersey’s civil union law is not always understood or followed,” Senator Tom Kean said. “We need to educate the public about the law, and enhance it if necessary so that no civil union partner is turned away from the hospital bed of a loved one.”
“A civil union is a legal contract, and the terms must be respected,” Senator Andrew Ciesla said. “No one can ignore the law.”
“It should be just as easy for civil union couples to split assets or to go through probate as it is for married couples,” said Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, who urged reform of the civil union laws while hearing testimony on the issue before the Senate Judiciary Committee. “I would support any reasonable legislation that ensures this happens in every case.”
“If medical coverage is offered to spouses and other dependents, then it also should be offered to civil union partners,” Senator Sean Kean said. “We will do everything possible to ensure that no partner in a civil union is denied medical care.”
“We must ensure that there are strong penalties for those who break the civil union law,” Senator Jennifer Beck said. “We must also ensure that civil union partners get the retirement and pension benefits that the law requires.”
All five senators said they welcome suggestions from constituents and Democratic colleagues on how to strengthen the civil union legislation. They pledged to work on a bipartisan basis to close any loopholes.
“Moving testimony in Senate hearings suggests that New Jersey’s civil union law is not always understood or followed,” Senator Tom Kean said. “We need to educate the public about the law, and enhance it if necessary so that no civil union partner is turned away from the hospital bed of a loved one.”
“A civil union is a legal contract, and the terms must be respected,” Senator Andrew Ciesla said. “No one can ignore the law.”
“It should be just as easy for civil union couples to split assets or to go through probate as it is for married couples,” said Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, who urged reform of the civil union laws while hearing testimony on the issue before the Senate Judiciary Committee. “I would support any reasonable legislation that ensures this happens in every case.”
“If medical coverage is offered to spouses and other dependents, then it also should be offered to civil union partners,” Senator Sean Kean said. “We will do everything possible to ensure that no partner in a civil union is denied medical care.”
“We must ensure that there are strong penalties for those who break the civil union law,” Senator Jennifer Beck said. “We must also ensure that civil union partners get the retirement and pension benefits that the law requires.”
All five senators said they welcome suggestions from constituents and Democratic colleagues on how to strengthen the civil union legislation. They pledged to work on a bipartisan basis to close any loopholes.
Pallone Is A Twit
Lame Duck Lunacy
In an Op-Ed piece published at InTheLobby Richard A. Lee, the Communications Director of the Hall Institute of Public Policy - NJ argues that the lame-duck mischief that has taken place in our governments since the first Adams administration could be solved by having newly elected office holders sworn in the day after they are elected.
Our system of government is designed to protect our freedoms by limiting governmental power through checks and balances. Lame-duck periods are weakness in this system, as those leaving power are free to take reckless and unpopular actions
after they have been checked by the voters.
Lee argues that by having new officials sworn in the day after they are elected that they will have to be better prepared to take office during the election and that voters will have a better sense of the government that they will be choosing. While the objective of eliminating lame-duck abuses is desirable, the solution of eliminating a transition is unrealistic. It would create worse chaos than the current system and would prevent new administrations and legislatures from recruiting the best people to serve on their teams.
A better solution would be to add new checks and balances to the current system. Amend the constitution to require that legislation passed during a lame-duck period be signed into law or vetoed by the new Governor. Nominations made during the lame-duck period to positions requiring Senatorial consent should be ratified, or not, by the new Senate. Direct gubernatorial appointments should be made before election day.
Such a system would allow for a smoother transition than we are currently experiencing and better government than the solution Lee suggests. It would protect the electorate from the recklessness of those they fired.
Our system of government is designed to protect our freedoms by limiting governmental power through checks and balances. Lame-duck periods are weakness in this system, as those leaving power are free to take reckless and unpopular actions
after they have been checked by the voters.
Lee argues that by having new officials sworn in the day after they are elected that they will have to be better prepared to take office during the election and that voters will have a better sense of the government that they will be choosing. While the objective of eliminating lame-duck abuses is desirable, the solution of eliminating a transition is unrealistic. It would create worse chaos than the current system and would prevent new administrations and legislatures from recruiting the best people to serve on their teams.
A better solution would be to add new checks and balances to the current system. Amend the constitution to require that legislation passed during a lame-duck period be signed into law or vetoed by the new Governor. Nominations made during the lame-duck period to positions requiring Senatorial consent should be ratified, or not, by the new Senate. Direct gubernatorial appointments should be made before election day.
Such a system would allow for a smoother transition than we are currently experiencing and better government than the solution Lee suggests. It would protect the electorate from the recklessness of those they fired.
Friday Funny
News from the BCC:
Noisy sex woman admits Asbo breach
The couple's lovemaking was described as 'unnatural'
A woman who was given an anti-social behaviour order banning her from making loud noises during sex has admitted breaching the order.
Caroline and Steve Cartwright's love-making was described as "murder" and "unnatural" at Newcastle Crown Court.
Neighbours, the local postman and a woman taking her child to school complained about the noise.
Cartwright, 48, from Washington on Wearside, pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching the Asbo.
She will be sentenced on 18 January.
At an earlier hearing, next door neighbour Rachel O'Connor told the court she was frequently late for work because she overslept having been awake most of the night because of the noise.
She said: "The noise sounds like they are both in considerable pain. I cannot describe the noise. I have never ever heard anything like it."
Neighbour Rachel O'Connor said the couple sounded like they were in pain
In November, Cartwright appealed against a noise abatement notice imposed in 2007, as well as the subsequent Asbo, which banned the couple from "shouting, screaming or vocalisation at such a level as to be a statutory nuisance".
Her bid was rejected by Recorder Jeremy Freedman, who said: "It certainly was intrusive and constituted a statutory nuisance.
"It was clearly of a very disturbing nature and it was also compounded by the duration - this was not a one-off, it went on for hours at a time.
"It is further compounded by the frequency of the episode, virtually every night."
Sunderland City Council told the court they had recorded noise levels of up to 47 decibels using equipment installed at Cartwright's neighbour's house.
World Health Organisation guidelines state that 30 decibels is enough to cause sleep disturbance.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
RUSH HOLT ON FEDERAL SPENDING AND DEBT: THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW
Self proclaimed “good steward of taxpayer money” votes to raise federal debt ceiling to pay for runaway Democrat spending he supported
(Fair Haven, NJ) 12th District Republican congressional candidate Fair Haven Mayor Mike Halfacre today criticized Congressman Rush Holt for voting to increase the federal debt ceiling Wednesday, saying that the measure was due in large part to the massive increase in federal spending supported by Holt and Congressional Democrats, and accusing Holt of hypocrisy on the issue.
“Yesterday, Rush Holt, Nancy Pelosi, and the Democrat-controlled Congress voted to increase the federal debt ceiling to pay for their out of control spending which resulted in a record $1.4 trillion budget deficit this year” said Halfacre. “At some point that money has to be paid back, and it’s going to be paid back with higher taxes.”
Halfacre also pointed out that Holt had made numerous public statements in previous years opposing increases in the national debt, opposing increases in the debt ceiling, and against pushing current obligations onto future generations (see attached).
“Apparently, Mr. Holt was only against budget deficits and debt when it was politically convenient. Now that his party is in the majority and he has a chance to influence fiscal policy, he has done a complete 180 degree turn and has vocally supported every one of the Obama/Pelosi/Reid spending initiatives which put the United States on the brink of default. That is hypocritical, and worse, it is irresponsible for the country and for the residents of the 12th Congressional District.”
Last week, Congress passed a $1.1 trillion spending bill which represents annual appropriations increases averaging almost 10% for the agencies covered, a figure well above the rate of inflation. Containing over 5,000 earmarks, the appropriations bill increases discretionary spending by 8%.
Halfacre concluded by saying, “In the recent gubernatorial election, New Jersey voters rejected Jon Corzine and his borrow, spend and tax policies- yet for some reason, Rush Holt continues to support those same policies in Washington DC. As Mayor of Fair Haven I CUT property taxes two years in a row and constantly look for ways to take less of people’s money, not more. In November 2010, the people of the 12th District are going to have a clear choice who will truly be a good steward of taxpayer money.”
####
RUSH HOLT’S PREVIOUS STATEMENTS ON DEFICITS, DEBT, AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
“During my time in Congress, I have always strived to be a good steward of taxpayer money.” (Rush Holt statement on his House website, July, 2009) http://holt.house.gov/list/press/nj12_holt/072309.html
“Rush Holt fights for the priorities which matter to central New Jersey; responsible fiscal policies so that our children will not be left with a mountain of debt…” (Statement to Project Vote Smart)
http://www.votesmart.org/speech_detail.php?sc_id=419309&keyword=&phrase=&contain=
"Holt, a plasma physicist turned politician, provided an out-of-town preview of the type of opposition Democrats are preparing to mount against Bush's plan for restructuring the Social Security system...He warned about the long-term costs and potential debate resulting from Bush's idea, saying it could be "not just spending the kids' inheritance, but putting them into debt."The Washington Post, February 14, 2005
Mr. HOLT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Republican budget resolution. The Republican budget resolution is no plan to bring the budget back to balance. The Republican budget includes a deficit for 2006 of $372 billion, and a deficit for 2007 of $348 billion. These deficits mean that, under Republican policies, the five largest deficits in history will have occurred in five consecutive years. Over the next five years (2007-2011), the budget resolution calls for deficits totaling $1.1 trillion.
Since this Administration took office, it has requested and the Congress has provided four increases in the statutory debt ceiling totaling $3 trillion. Under this budget, by 2011 the statutory debt will increase by another $2.3 trillion, for a total increase of $5.3 trillion. It will leave the statutory debt at a record level of $11.3 trillion. The President's reckless economic policies have doubled our nation's debt. Further, I am concerned by the amount of the debt that has been accumulated by foreign bank, individuals and governments. In 1980, 17 percent of the federal debt held by the public was in foreign hands. By 2006, 45 percent of the debt held by the public was owned overseas. Unfortunately, this trend seems to be increasing rapidly. During the past year, approximately 90 percent of the debt we have accumulated has been purchased by foreign banks, individuals and governments. (Floor of the House, 05/17/2006)(Source: Project Vote Smart)
(Fair Haven, NJ) 12th District Republican congressional candidate Fair Haven Mayor Mike Halfacre today criticized Congressman Rush Holt for voting to increase the federal debt ceiling Wednesday, saying that the measure was due in large part to the massive increase in federal spending supported by Holt and Congressional Democrats, and accusing Holt of hypocrisy on the issue.
“Yesterday, Rush Holt, Nancy Pelosi, and the Democrat-controlled Congress voted to increase the federal debt ceiling to pay for their out of control spending which resulted in a record $1.4 trillion budget deficit this year” said Halfacre. “At some point that money has to be paid back, and it’s going to be paid back with higher taxes.”
Halfacre also pointed out that Holt had made numerous public statements in previous years opposing increases in the national debt, opposing increases in the debt ceiling, and against pushing current obligations onto future generations (see attached).
“Apparently, Mr. Holt was only against budget deficits and debt when it was politically convenient. Now that his party is in the majority and he has a chance to influence fiscal policy, he has done a complete 180 degree turn and has vocally supported every one of the Obama/Pelosi/Reid spending initiatives which put the United States on the brink of default. That is hypocritical, and worse, it is irresponsible for the country and for the residents of the 12th Congressional District.”
Last week, Congress passed a $1.1 trillion spending bill which represents annual appropriations increases averaging almost 10% for the agencies covered, a figure well above the rate of inflation. Containing over 5,000 earmarks, the appropriations bill increases discretionary spending by 8%.
Halfacre concluded by saying, “In the recent gubernatorial election, New Jersey voters rejected Jon Corzine and his borrow, spend and tax policies- yet for some reason, Rush Holt continues to support those same policies in Washington DC. As Mayor of Fair Haven I CUT property taxes two years in a row and constantly look for ways to take less of people’s money, not more. In November 2010, the people of the 12th District are going to have a clear choice who will truly be a good steward of taxpayer money.”
####
RUSH HOLT’S PREVIOUS STATEMENTS ON DEFICITS, DEBT, AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
“During my time in Congress, I have always strived to be a good steward of taxpayer money.” (Rush Holt statement on his House website, July, 2009) http://holt.house.gov/list/press/nj12_holt/072309.html
“Rush Holt fights for the priorities which matter to central New Jersey; responsible fiscal policies so that our children will not be left with a mountain of debt…” (Statement to Project Vote Smart)
http://www.votesmart.org/speech_detail.php?sc_id=419309&keyword=&phrase=&contain=
"Holt, a plasma physicist turned politician, provided an out-of-town preview of the type of opposition Democrats are preparing to mount against Bush's plan for restructuring the Social Security system...He warned about the long-term costs and potential debate resulting from Bush's idea, saying it could be "not just spending the kids' inheritance, but putting them into debt."The Washington Post, February 14, 2005
Mr. HOLT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Republican budget resolution. The Republican budget resolution is no plan to bring the budget back to balance. The Republican budget includes a deficit for 2006 of $372 billion, and a deficit for 2007 of $348 billion. These deficits mean that, under Republican policies, the five largest deficits in history will have occurred in five consecutive years. Over the next five years (2007-2011), the budget resolution calls for deficits totaling $1.1 trillion.
Since this Administration took office, it has requested and the Congress has provided four increases in the statutory debt ceiling totaling $3 trillion. Under this budget, by 2011 the statutory debt will increase by another $2.3 trillion, for a total increase of $5.3 trillion. It will leave the statutory debt at a record level of $11.3 trillion. The President's reckless economic policies have doubled our nation's debt. Further, I am concerned by the amount of the debt that has been accumulated by foreign bank, individuals and governments. In 1980, 17 percent of the federal debt held by the public was in foreign hands. By 2006, 45 percent of the debt held by the public was owned overseas. Unfortunately, this trend seems to be increasing rapidly. During the past year, approximately 90 percent of the debt we have accumulated has been purchased by foreign banks, individuals and governments. (Floor of the House, 05/17/2006)(Source: Project Vote Smart)
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Parting Shot
Jonny B. Goode, an anonymous Trenton insider who has been dogging Jon Corzine for the last few years at InTheLobby, has a wonderful send off and reprise of the Governor's tenure in today's edition.
Governor-Elect Christie Announces Lt. Governor-Elect Kim Guadagno As New Jersey Secretary Of State
Guadagno Will Lead Economic Development Efforts to Create Jobs & Grow Economy
Trenton, NJ – Governor-Elect Chris Christie today announced Lieutenant Governor-Elect Kim Guadagno as New Jersey’s next Secretary of State. Christie cited Lieutenant Governor-Elect Guadagno’s record as a tough, independent and experienced former prosecutor and Chief Executive of Monmouth County’s largest law enforcement agency.
Governor-Elect Christie said, “Kim has been an extraordinarily capable member of my leadership team and our transition efforts, and I’ve tasked her specifically with the critical task of leading my administration’s economic development efforts. Our campaign was about reviving our economy, creating good, lasting jobs and getting our state back on track. I am honored to have Lieutenant Governor-Elect Guadagno’s continued service in this expanded role as we put New Jerseyans back to work and meet the many fiscal challenges our state faces.”
Guadagno is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, where she served as Deputy Director of the Division of Criminal Justice and Deputy Chief of the Corruption Unit. Guadagno was elected as Monmouth County Sheriff in 2007, where she served as Chief Executive of the county’s largest law enforcement agency. This included managing an annual budget of $65 million, a 695 member team and three divisions including the Law Enforcement Division, Correctional Facility, and Youth Detention Center. Guadagno was elected as New Jersey’s first Lieutenant Governor on November 3rd, 2009.
In addition to the traditional duties of the New Jersey Secretary of State, Guadagno will be charged with leading the development and implementation of the “New Jersey Partnership For Action,” a new agency within the Department of State to consolidate the state’s fragmented economic development activities.
The New Jersey Partnership For Action will serve as a one-stop shop for new businesses to make opening in or relocating to New Jersey easier. This agency will walk new companies through the regulatory process and assist with tax incentives to make the process more efficient. By creating these public-private partnerships to implement economic growth strategies, New Jersey will more successfully foster private sector job growth.
Lieutenant Governor-Elect Guadagno said, “I am humbled to have the opportunity to serve my fellow New Jerseyans in this capacity. New Jersey faces great challenges, but I firmly believe that there are always opportunities in the challenges we face. Our state is in need of new, creative solutions to make it a place where businesses and the jobs they bring can flourish. I am confident that with the New Jersey Partnership for Action we will serve our new and homegrown businesses to create sustainable, quality jobs and grow our economy.”
The New Jersey Secretary of State oversees 16 separate departments and agencies within the Department of State, including the Divisions of Elections, Travel and Tourism, Community Service, Archives and Records Management, and the Governor’s Office of Volunteerism.
The mission of the Department of State is to advance and support the arts, heritage, and historic record of New Jersey through public participation in cultural programs, quality of life initiatives and community service activities. The Department is committed to educating and empowering the State’s citizens in the areas of faith and community based service, history, the arts, and the collection of fine and decorative art objects, ethnological and archeological material, and scientific specimens. The Department also provides records administration and records management services to the State’s citizens.
Trenton, NJ – Governor-Elect Chris Christie today announced Lieutenant Governor-Elect Kim Guadagno as New Jersey’s next Secretary of State. Christie cited Lieutenant Governor-Elect Guadagno’s record as a tough, independent and experienced former prosecutor and Chief Executive of Monmouth County’s largest law enforcement agency.
Governor-Elect Christie said, “Kim has been an extraordinarily capable member of my leadership team and our transition efforts, and I’ve tasked her specifically with the critical task of leading my administration’s economic development efforts. Our campaign was about reviving our economy, creating good, lasting jobs and getting our state back on track. I am honored to have Lieutenant Governor-Elect Guadagno’s continued service in this expanded role as we put New Jerseyans back to work and meet the many fiscal challenges our state faces.”
Guadagno is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, where she served as Deputy Director of the Division of Criminal Justice and Deputy Chief of the Corruption Unit. Guadagno was elected as Monmouth County Sheriff in 2007, where she served as Chief Executive of the county’s largest law enforcement agency. This included managing an annual budget of $65 million, a 695 member team and three divisions including the Law Enforcement Division, Correctional Facility, and Youth Detention Center. Guadagno was elected as New Jersey’s first Lieutenant Governor on November 3rd, 2009.
In addition to the traditional duties of the New Jersey Secretary of State, Guadagno will be charged with leading the development and implementation of the “New Jersey Partnership For Action,” a new agency within the Department of State to consolidate the state’s fragmented economic development activities.
The New Jersey Partnership For Action will serve as a one-stop shop for new businesses to make opening in or relocating to New Jersey easier. This agency will walk new companies through the regulatory process and assist with tax incentives to make the process more efficient. By creating these public-private partnerships to implement economic growth strategies, New Jersey will more successfully foster private sector job growth.
Lieutenant Governor-Elect Guadagno said, “I am humbled to have the opportunity to serve my fellow New Jerseyans in this capacity. New Jersey faces great challenges, but I firmly believe that there are always opportunities in the challenges we face. Our state is in need of new, creative solutions to make it a place where businesses and the jobs they bring can flourish. I am confident that with the New Jersey Partnership for Action we will serve our new and homegrown businesses to create sustainable, quality jobs and grow our economy.”
The New Jersey Secretary of State oversees 16 separate departments and agencies within the Department of State, including the Divisions of Elections, Travel and Tourism, Community Service, Archives and Records Management, and the Governor’s Office of Volunteerism.
The mission of the Department of State is to advance and support the arts, heritage, and historic record of New Jersey through public participation in cultural programs, quality of life initiatives and community service activities. The Department is committed to educating and empowering the State’s citizens in the areas of faith and community based service, history, the arts, and the collection of fine and decorative art objects, ethnological and archeological material, and scientific specimens. The Department also provides records administration and records management services to the State’s citizens.
Two Stars
Gannett's Andrea Clurfeld interviewed Governor-elect Chris Christie for an article in today's Asbury Park Press.
Christie said that he will use many of the recommendations of the 2006 special legislative session on property taxes, as well as ideas from Gannett's "Fighting New Jersey's Tax Crush" series to implement "top to bottom" reform in New Jersey government.
He said that if he is unable to enact significant reform in the first two years of his term do to systematic forces he would ask the legislature and voters to approve a constitutional convention to change the system.
Christie's message earns four stars, but Clurfeld's article only two. It is not Pulitzer Prize quality.
For more on Clurfeld, read Tom DeSeno's entry on his Jersey Shore blog from February 2007.
Christie said that he will use many of the recommendations of the 2006 special legislative session on property taxes, as well as ideas from Gannett's "Fighting New Jersey's Tax Crush" series to implement "top to bottom" reform in New Jersey government.
He said that if he is unable to enact significant reform in the first two years of his term do to systematic forces he would ask the legislature and voters to approve a constitutional convention to change the system.
Christie's message earns four stars, but Clurfeld's article only two. It is not Pulitzer Prize quality.
For more on Clurfeld, read Tom DeSeno's entry on his Jersey Shore blog from February 2007.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Governor-Elect Christie Announces Essex County Prosecutor Paula Dow as New Jersey Attorney General
Names Bipartisan Leadership Team with Proven Experience Battling Corruption
Trenton, NJ – Governor-Elect Chris Christie today named former federal prosecutors with proven records of battling corruption to the New Jersey Attorney General’s office leadership team. Christie appointed Essex County Prosecutor Paula Dow as Attorney General; Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division at the U.S. Attorney’s office Marc Ferzan, as Executive Assistant Attorney General; Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division at the U.S. Attorney’s office Phillip Kwon, as First Assistant Attorney General; and First Assistant Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray, as Counsel to the Attorney General.
The incoming leadership team at the Attorney General’s office will work hand in hand with the U.S Attorney’s office to make fighting corruption a priority. Dow has experience both in the U.S. Attorney’s office where she led the corruption case against former Irvington Mayor Sara Boas and as Essex County Prosecutor. Dow currently oversees the largest office in the state, managing 430 total employees, including investigators, assistant prosecutors and support staff.
Governor-Elect Christie said, “The only way we are going to change the culture of corruption in New Jersey is by making it a priority at all levels of government. I am confident that this strong team will only reinforce that corruption will not be tolerated in the Christie administration.
“I am honored to have Paula’s experience, know-how and tough approach leading this dedicated group of federal prosecutors who know exactly what we need to do to root out waste, fraud and corruption because they’ve done it before,” concluded Christie.
Paula Dow, New Jersey Attorney General
In October 2003 Paula T. Dow of Maplewood, New Jersey assumed the office of Acting Essex County Prosecutor. In this position, Prosecutor Dow oversees an office of over 400 assistant prosecutors, investigators, and support staff and serves as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in New Jersey’s busiest County.
Before joining the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Paula Dow worked for eight years in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. From 2001 to 2003, she served as Counsel to U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie. As an Assistant United States Attorney, Ms. Dow previously handled criminal prosecutions in the Special Prosecutions Division and the Criminal Division of New Jersey’s United States Attorney’s Office. From 1987 to 1994 Ms. Dow served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
Ms. Dow earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977 from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where she majored in government and economics. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1980. Ms. Dow is admitted to the Bars of New Jersey, New York and Texas; the United States Supreme Court; the Second and Fifth Circuit Courts of Appeals; the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, District of New Jersey, and Northern and Southern Districts of Texas. Ms. Dow presently serves as President of the New Jersey Association of County Prosecutors. Ms. Dow is also a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association, where she served as Co-Chair of the Judicial Administration Committee and previously chaired the Minorities in the Profession Section. She is also a member of the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey, Inc. and the Garden State Bar Association. Before being named Acting Essex County Prosecutor, Ms. Dow served as the New Jersey U.S. Attorney Liaison for the Orange and Newark Weed and Seed programs. Ms. Dow and her two sons are active members of St. Paul Baptist Church in Montclair.
Paula Dow has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award, the Hispanic Law Enforcement Officers & Firefighters Assocation of Essex County Law Enforcement Award, the Clinton Hill Weed and Seed Outstanding Achievement Award, the Christian Love Baptist Church (Irvington, NJ) Community Service Award, the New Jersey State Law Enforcement Officers Assn. Outstanding Police Work Award, the Miller Street Academy Award for Service to Youths, the New Jersey Chapter Achievement Award from the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, and the N.A.A.C.P. (Newark Branch) Leadership in Community Advocacy Award.
She has also received certificates of appreciation for her work in law enforcement and community outreach from many federal, state and local departments and organizations.
Marc Ferzan, Executive Assistant Attorney General
In August 2001 Marc-Philip Ferzan joined the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey where he’s held various positions, including: Assistant U.S. Attorney, Chief of the Commercial Crimes Unit, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division focusing on the Office’s white collar crimes program, as well as Acting Deputy U.S. Attorney and Acting Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney.
Before joining the U.S Attorney’s Office, Mr. Ferzan also served as a trial attorney with the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, and a Senior Counsel with the Enforcement Division of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He has also spent time in private practice at law firms in New York and Philadelphia.
Mr. Ferzan earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1989 from Rutgers College in New Brunswick, New Jersey where he majored in political science. He graduated from Fordham University School of Law School in New York, New York in 1992. Marc is admitted to the Bars of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
During his tenure of more than fifteen years in public service, Mr. Ferzan has received numerous awards and recognitions in connection with the investigation and prosecution of violations of banking, securities, healthcare, tax and other economic crimes.
Phillip Kwon, First Assistant Attorney General
In September 1999, Phillip Kwon joined the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division, focusing on crimes involving drugs, gangs, counterfeiting, white-collar fraud, and immigration fraud. Mr. Kwon then became an AUSA in the Special Prosecutions Division where he worked specifically on corruption cases and trials, including those involving Robert Janiszewski, Nidia Davila-Colon, William Braker, Zachary Turner, and others. He also secured convictions of those involved in the sale of fraudulent birth certificates from the Hudson County Registrar’s Office. Mr. Kwon was also a prosecutor on the trial team that convicted Sharpe James and Tamika Riley in their federal corruption case.
In 2005, Mr. Kwon was named as the Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit where he supervised the Office’s gang prosecutors. In 2006, Mr. Kwon was named as the Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division where he directly oversaw the Commercial Crimes Unit, the Terrorism Unit, and the Violent Crimes Unit.
Mr. Kwon earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1989 from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. where he majored in history. He graduated from Rutgers University School of Law School in Newark, N.J. in 1994. From 1994 to 1997, Mr. Kwon was an associate at LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae in Newark, N.J. From 1997 to 1999, he was a law clerk to the Honorable Harold A. Ackerman, a Federal District Court Judge sitting in Newark, N.J.
Carolyn Murray, Counsel to the Attorney General
Carolyn Murray received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, in 1984, and her law degree, in 1987, from the New York University School of Law. She joined the law firm of Tompkins, McGuire & Wachenfeld in Newark, New Jersey, after graduation, and in 1988, she became an Assistant Prosecutor in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
During the next seven years in Essex, she tried criminal cases in the Superior Court of New Jersey, including homicide, sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence and aggravated assault cases. In 1995, she joined the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey where she continued to try criminal cases, conducted narcotics wiretap investigations, coordinated multi-agency enforcement initiatives, and served as Violent Crime Coordinator. In 2002, she was named Chief of the Public Prosecution Unit.
Carolyn returned to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office in 2003 to serve as First Assistant Prosecutor.
Trenton, NJ – Governor-Elect Chris Christie today named former federal prosecutors with proven records of battling corruption to the New Jersey Attorney General’s office leadership team. Christie appointed Essex County Prosecutor Paula Dow as Attorney General; Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division at the U.S. Attorney’s office Marc Ferzan, as Executive Assistant Attorney General; Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division at the U.S. Attorney’s office Phillip Kwon, as First Assistant Attorney General; and First Assistant Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray, as Counsel to the Attorney General.
The incoming leadership team at the Attorney General’s office will work hand in hand with the U.S Attorney’s office to make fighting corruption a priority. Dow has experience both in the U.S. Attorney’s office where she led the corruption case against former Irvington Mayor Sara Boas and as Essex County Prosecutor. Dow currently oversees the largest office in the state, managing 430 total employees, including investigators, assistant prosecutors and support staff.
Governor-Elect Christie said, “The only way we are going to change the culture of corruption in New Jersey is by making it a priority at all levels of government. I am confident that this strong team will only reinforce that corruption will not be tolerated in the Christie administration.
“I am honored to have Paula’s experience, know-how and tough approach leading this dedicated group of federal prosecutors who know exactly what we need to do to root out waste, fraud and corruption because they’ve done it before,” concluded Christie.
Paula Dow, New Jersey Attorney General
In October 2003 Paula T. Dow of Maplewood, New Jersey assumed the office of Acting Essex County Prosecutor. In this position, Prosecutor Dow oversees an office of over 400 assistant prosecutors, investigators, and support staff and serves as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in New Jersey’s busiest County.
Before joining the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Paula Dow worked for eight years in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. From 2001 to 2003, she served as Counsel to U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie. As an Assistant United States Attorney, Ms. Dow previously handled criminal prosecutions in the Special Prosecutions Division and the Criminal Division of New Jersey’s United States Attorney’s Office. From 1987 to 1994 Ms. Dow served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
Ms. Dow earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977 from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where she majored in government and economics. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1980. Ms. Dow is admitted to the Bars of New Jersey, New York and Texas; the United States Supreme Court; the Second and Fifth Circuit Courts of Appeals; the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, District of New Jersey, and Northern and Southern Districts of Texas. Ms. Dow presently serves as President of the New Jersey Association of County Prosecutors. Ms. Dow is also a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association, where she served as Co-Chair of the Judicial Administration Committee and previously chaired the Minorities in the Profession Section. She is also a member of the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey, Inc. and the Garden State Bar Association. Before being named Acting Essex County Prosecutor, Ms. Dow served as the New Jersey U.S. Attorney Liaison for the Orange and Newark Weed and Seed programs. Ms. Dow and her two sons are active members of St. Paul Baptist Church in Montclair.
Paula Dow has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Essex County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award, the Hispanic Law Enforcement Officers & Firefighters Assocation of Essex County Law Enforcement Award, the Clinton Hill Weed and Seed Outstanding Achievement Award, the Christian Love Baptist Church (Irvington, NJ) Community Service Award, the New Jersey State Law Enforcement Officers Assn. Outstanding Police Work Award, the Miller Street Academy Award for Service to Youths, the New Jersey Chapter Achievement Award from the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, and the N.A.A.C.P. (Newark Branch) Leadership in Community Advocacy Award.
She has also received certificates of appreciation for her work in law enforcement and community outreach from many federal, state and local departments and organizations.
Marc Ferzan, Executive Assistant Attorney General
In August 2001 Marc-Philip Ferzan joined the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey where he’s held various positions, including: Assistant U.S. Attorney, Chief of the Commercial Crimes Unit, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division focusing on the Office’s white collar crimes program, as well as Acting Deputy U.S. Attorney and Acting Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney.
Before joining the U.S Attorney’s Office, Mr. Ferzan also served as a trial attorney with the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, and a Senior Counsel with the Enforcement Division of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He has also spent time in private practice at law firms in New York and Philadelphia.
Mr. Ferzan earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1989 from Rutgers College in New Brunswick, New Jersey where he majored in political science. He graduated from Fordham University School of Law School in New York, New York in 1992. Marc is admitted to the Bars of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
During his tenure of more than fifteen years in public service, Mr. Ferzan has received numerous awards and recognitions in connection with the investigation and prosecution of violations of banking, securities, healthcare, tax and other economic crimes.
Phillip Kwon, First Assistant Attorney General
In September 1999, Phillip Kwon joined the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division, focusing on crimes involving drugs, gangs, counterfeiting, white-collar fraud, and immigration fraud. Mr. Kwon then became an AUSA in the Special Prosecutions Division where he worked specifically on corruption cases and trials, including those involving Robert Janiszewski, Nidia Davila-Colon, William Braker, Zachary Turner, and others. He also secured convictions of those involved in the sale of fraudulent birth certificates from the Hudson County Registrar’s Office. Mr. Kwon was also a prosecutor on the trial team that convicted Sharpe James and Tamika Riley in their federal corruption case.
In 2005, Mr. Kwon was named as the Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit where he supervised the Office’s gang prosecutors. In 2006, Mr. Kwon was named as the Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division where he directly oversaw the Commercial Crimes Unit, the Terrorism Unit, and the Violent Crimes Unit.
Mr. Kwon earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1989 from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. where he majored in history. He graduated from Rutgers University School of Law School in Newark, N.J. in 1994. From 1994 to 1997, Mr. Kwon was an associate at LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae in Newark, N.J. From 1997 to 1999, he was a law clerk to the Honorable Harold A. Ackerman, a Federal District Court Judge sitting in Newark, N.J.
Carolyn Murray, Counsel to the Attorney General
Carolyn Murray received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, in 1984, and her law degree, in 1987, from the New York University School of Law. She joined the law firm of Tompkins, McGuire & Wachenfeld in Newark, New Jersey, after graduation, and in 1988, she became an Assistant Prosecutor in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
During the next seven years in Essex, she tried criminal cases in the Superior Court of New Jersey, including homicide, sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence and aggravated assault cases. In 1995, she joined the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey where she continued to try criminal cases, conducted narcotics wiretap investigations, coordinated multi-agency enforcement initiatives, and served as Violent Crime Coordinator. In 2002, she was named Chief of the Public Prosecution Unit.
Carolyn returned to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office in 2003 to serve as First Assistant Prosecutor.
The Other Shoe Drops
When word came out last week that Governor-elect Chris Christie had "approved" $1.2 billion in Transportation Trust Fund borrowing and then Christie sort of confirmed it the next day during his press conference with NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg, I resisted the temptation to criticise him. "This Is Turning Trenton Upside Down?" was my working headline. But I had a sense that something else was up.
The source of the story, the Associated Press quoting Corzine's team had me wondering what this was a set up for or distraction from. The AP has been anything but objective when reporting on all things Christie. Their NJ reporter Angela Delli Santi is more qualified to be a Blue Jersey blogger than she is to be an "objective" journalist. The best that can be said about her is that she doesn't hide her bias. However, her prose should be on the Op-Ed page, not on the news page.
This is how I imagine that this "news" story happened. Someone on Corzine's team called the friendly Delli Santi and said, "we were scheduled to issue $225 million in transportation bonds, but decided to issue the entire $1.2 billion we would have borrowed between now and June if we won." (The source didn't mention that this way their bond counsel and bankers earn their fees) "The Christie transition team approves of this." Delli Santi calls the Christie team and is told, "the Corzine administration consulted with us on this and many other issues." The AP runs with the story and headline that Christie "approved" the borrowing.
I would have loved some red meat from Christie on this. A quote condemning the borrowing and a pledge to renegotiate the pork laden contracts they are funding. A condemnation of "prevailing wage" and paying a union member $75 per hour to waive an orange flag. Instead he said these were Corzine's projects and he needs to pay the bills. He said he would be irresponsible not to approve paying those workers. Red meat would have made me feel good, but it would not have reduced any of the borrowing that Corzine was going to do. Still, something else must be up.
Yesterday the other shoe dropped.
The Star Ledger is reporting that "two weeks of intense behind-the-scenes negotiations" over lame duck patronage appointments resulted escalated political warfare as Corzine announced dozens of nominations to coveted posts on state boards and commissions over Christie's objections.
During this transition period, Christie is both building his team and attempting to limit the damage that Corzine can do on his way out. With no legal power to thwart Corzine all the Christie team has to work with is negotiation, PR, and the threat of having GOP Senators use Senatorial courtesy to block appointments. The vast majority of the Corzine's nominees are from counties with Democratic Senators.
I'm chalking up the transportation borrowing story to gamesmanship on Corzine's part and Christie's conciliatory response to part of the negotiations over other matters.
Christie has a press conference at the State House at 10am this morning. Maybe we'll get some red meat now that Corzine has played his nominations hand.
The source of the story, the Associated Press quoting Corzine's team had me wondering what this was a set up for or distraction from. The AP has been anything but objective when reporting on all things Christie. Their NJ reporter Angela Delli Santi is more qualified to be a Blue Jersey blogger than she is to be an "objective" journalist. The best that can be said about her is that she doesn't hide her bias. However, her prose should be on the Op-Ed page, not on the news page.
This is how I imagine that this "news" story happened. Someone on Corzine's team called the friendly Delli Santi and said, "we were scheduled to issue $225 million in transportation bonds, but decided to issue the entire $1.2 billion we would have borrowed between now and June if we won." (The source didn't mention that this way their bond counsel and bankers earn their fees) "The Christie transition team approves of this." Delli Santi calls the Christie team and is told, "the Corzine administration consulted with us on this and many other issues." The AP runs with the story and headline that Christie "approved" the borrowing.
I would have loved some red meat from Christie on this. A quote condemning the borrowing and a pledge to renegotiate the pork laden contracts they are funding. A condemnation of "prevailing wage" and paying a union member $75 per hour to waive an orange flag. Instead he said these were Corzine's projects and he needs to pay the bills. He said he would be irresponsible not to approve paying those workers. Red meat would have made me feel good, but it would not have reduced any of the borrowing that Corzine was going to do. Still, something else must be up.
Yesterday the other shoe dropped.
The Star Ledger is reporting that "two weeks of intense behind-the-scenes negotiations" over lame duck patronage appointments resulted escalated political warfare as Corzine announced dozens of nominations to coveted posts on state boards and commissions over Christie's objections.
During this transition period, Christie is both building his team and attempting to limit the damage that Corzine can do on his way out. With no legal power to thwart Corzine all the Christie team has to work with is negotiation, PR, and the threat of having GOP Senators use Senatorial courtesy to block appointments. The vast majority of the Corzine's nominees are from counties with Democratic Senators.
I'm chalking up the transportation borrowing story to gamesmanship on Corzine's part and Christie's conciliatory response to part of the negotiations over other matters.
Christie has a press conference at the State House at 10am this morning. Maybe we'll get some red meat now that Corzine has played his nominations hand.
Friday, December 11, 2009
TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF COURSE HELPS MAKE PROJECT LITTLE SOLDIERS A SUCCESS FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW
On Wednesday, Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande were on hand at the Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck to collect the more than 100 toys the organization collected to donate to “Project Little Soldiers”.
Project Little Soldiers is a program run through American Recreational Military Services (ARMS). The program provides gifts for children of New Jersey soldiers who are serving overseas.
“I am so grateful for the participation of the Trump Organization and all of the towns,” said Casagrande. “That kind of generosity really brings into focus what we’re really doing here. The men and women who serve our country overseas, living in harsh conditions so far away from their children, deserve any peace of mind we can offer them. In assisting Project Little Soldier, we can promise to make their children’s Christmas’s just a little brighter.”
The Trump Organization provided more than 120 toys and gifts to Project Little Soldiers this year, an increase from the generous gift of 80 toys last year.
“Thanks to the generosity of Trump National Golf Club’s members, management and staff, we are delighted our support of the toy drive will be able to bring holiday cheer to so many ‘little soldiers’ in our home state of New Jersey,” said John J. Roberts, General Manager & COO. “The Trump Organization, under the leadership and direction of Mr. Donald J. Trump, is grateful to the 12th Legislative District for their dedication to such a meaningful, powerful initiative.”
“We wanted to make this year even better than last for Project Little Soldiers,” said O’Scanlon, “and when I saw all of this presents under the tree in the clubhouse, I felt like it was possible. The men and women serving in our military overseas sacrifice so much, including all those things we take for granted, like spending the holidays with our loved ones. Through this program, we can help bring smiles to the children whose parents are so far away.”
The gifts from the Trump National Golf Club, as well as the numerous toys collected through the participation of a dozen local municipalities will be dropped off on Friday, December 11th at the Toms River Armory, 1200 Whitesville Rd, Toms River. The 12th District Legislators will be on hand to help unload the toys in preparation for distribution to hundreds of area children.
The participating municipalities include: Colts Neck, Tinton Falls, Freehold Township, Freehold Borough, Englishtown, Fair Haven, Little Silver, Oceanport, Manalapan, Marlboro and Red Bank.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Gay Marriage Good For The Economy?
From NJBiz:
Garden State Equality, the most vocal supporting organization, cited a 2008 study by the University of California, Los Angeles, that the bill would bring $248 million over three years to the state.
The study estimated 45,831 same-sex couples from other states would come to New Jersey to marry, generate $19 million in local government revenue alone.
I wonder how you come up with an estimate of 45,831.
Garden State Equality, the most vocal supporting organization, cited a 2008 study by the University of California, Los Angeles, that the bill would bring $248 million over three years to the state.
The study estimated 45,831 same-sex couples from other states would come to New Jersey to marry, generate $19 million in local government revenue alone.
I wonder how you come up with an estimate of 45,831.
Governor-Elect Chris Christie Announces 2010 Inaugural Theme
“Rebuilding New Jersey Together: Pride Through Service And Community”
Morristown, NJ – Governor-Elect Chris Christie announced today his inauguration theme, “Rebuilding New Jersey Together: Pride Through Service and Community.” This theme emphasizes the Governor-Elect’s commitment to community partnerships and the importance of serving each other, especially during this period of renewal. The theme will be part of many of the events leading up to the January 19th ceremonies.
To emphasize this theme, the 2010 Inaugural Committee will partner with several charity organizations, including The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, the National Guard State Family Readiness Council and Daytop-New Jersey, an organization that provides treatment, education and assistance to adolescents and their families struggling with substance abuse problems. These charities will be an integral part of activities throughout the next few months as the Inaugural Committee profiles New Jersey individuals and organizations for their service to the state.
The inauguration will also bring Governor-Elect Christie back to his hometown of Newark. Christie made clear during the campaign that turning around New Jersey’s urban centers is critical to turning around the state’s overall economy. Coming home to Newark on January 19th only reinforces the fact that the revitalizing the state’s urban communities is a priority for the Christie-Guadagno administration.
“At a time when our state is facing many daunting challenges, it is crucial to remember we are all in this together,” Governor-Elect Christie said. “The future of our state depends on us working together to rejuvenate our communities and that begins by all of us working together to turnaround our cities. I am proud to be returning to Newark to celebrate the beginning of my administration and commemorate the start of New Jersey's renewal.”
As additional details about the Christie-Guadagno Inauguration are announced, they can be found at www.njinaugural2010.com.
Morristown, NJ – Governor-Elect Chris Christie announced today his inauguration theme, “Rebuilding New Jersey Together: Pride Through Service and Community.” This theme emphasizes the Governor-Elect’s commitment to community partnerships and the importance of serving each other, especially during this period of renewal. The theme will be part of many of the events leading up to the January 19th ceremonies.
To emphasize this theme, the 2010 Inaugural Committee will partner with several charity organizations, including The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, the National Guard State Family Readiness Council and Daytop-New Jersey, an organization that provides treatment, education and assistance to adolescents and their families struggling with substance abuse problems. These charities will be an integral part of activities throughout the next few months as the Inaugural Committee profiles New Jersey individuals and organizations for their service to the state.
The inauguration will also bring Governor-Elect Christie back to his hometown of Newark. Christie made clear during the campaign that turning around New Jersey’s urban centers is critical to turning around the state’s overall economy. Coming home to Newark on January 19th only reinforces the fact that the revitalizing the state’s urban communities is a priority for the Christie-Guadagno administration.
“At a time when our state is facing many daunting challenges, it is crucial to remember we are all in this together,” Governor-Elect Christie said. “The future of our state depends on us working together to rejuvenate our communities and that begins by all of us working together to turnaround our cities. I am proud to be returning to Newark to celebrate the beginning of my administration and commemorate the start of New Jersey's renewal.”
As additional details about the Christie-Guadagno Inauguration are announced, they can be found at www.njinaugural2010.com.
Christie Approves $1.2 Billion In Transportation Borrowing?
Say It Ain't So!
The Associated Press is reporting that the Christie transition team signed off on Corzine's Transportation Trust Fund Authority selling $1.2 billion in bonds to pay for previously approved transportation projects through June 30.
What happened to "everything is on the table?" What about a review of the projects to see if savings are possible, say by eliminating "prevailing wage" before bonding for the projects?
I hope the AP got this wrong or that Christie steps in and overrules his transition advisers. At the very least, I hope his team has more to say about this than, "the transition team was consulting with Democratic Gov. Jon S. Corzine's administration on a number of issues, including this one."
The Associated Press is reporting that the Christie transition team signed off on Corzine's Transportation Trust Fund Authority selling $1.2 billion in bonds to pay for previously approved transportation projects through June 30.
What happened to "everything is on the table?" What about a review of the projects to see if savings are possible, say by eliminating "prevailing wage" before bonding for the projects?
I hope the AP got this wrong or that Christie steps in and overrules his transition advisers. At the very least, I hope his team has more to say about this than, "the transition team was consulting with Democratic Gov. Jon S. Corzine's administration on a number of issues, including this one."
Musings On Marriage
Senate President Codey has postponed the vote on the "Marriage Equality" bill at the request of its sponsors, Senators Ray Lesniak and Loretta Weinberg. Lesniak and Weinberg don't have the votes to pass the bill. They say they want the Assembly Judiciary Committee to debate the bill before the Senate votes.
In the comments here at MMM, and elsewhere, "social conservatives" have been making the argument that procreation, or even the possibility of procreation is the fundamental reason for marriage to be legally between one man and one woman. What does that say about marriages between one man and one woman wherein procreation is medically impossible? What about marriages between one man and one woman who are beyond their child bearing years? Should birth control be illegal in marriages?
One reader sent me an article that argues that cohabitation is detrimental to society, a sin against social justice. What about cohabitating widows and widowers who cannot afford to get married due to the loss of pension or social security benefits if they did? I have an uncle in his 80's who got remarried within two years of being widowed. He could afford to. I have another uncle cohabitating. He can't afford to get married and was never very good at it anyway.
Is Tiger Woods in such trouble because he was caught catting around or because he is married? On Sunday I was watching the football games at one of Highlands' finest establishments. One of the sociological experts on the other side of the bar was arguing that Woods' problems were due to being married and invoked the names of single sport stars to make his point. The stars he mentioned haven't procreated, as far as we know.
In the comments here at MMM, and elsewhere, "social conservatives" have been making the argument that procreation, or even the possibility of procreation is the fundamental reason for marriage to be legally between one man and one woman. What does that say about marriages between one man and one woman wherein procreation is medically impossible? What about marriages between one man and one woman who are beyond their child bearing years? Should birth control be illegal in marriages?
One reader sent me an article that argues that cohabitation is detrimental to society, a sin against social justice. What about cohabitating widows and widowers who cannot afford to get married due to the loss of pension or social security benefits if they did? I have an uncle in his 80's who got remarried within two years of being widowed. He could afford to. I have another uncle cohabitating. He can't afford to get married and was never very good at it anyway.
Is Tiger Woods in such trouble because he was caught catting around or because he is married? On Sunday I was watching the football games at one of Highlands' finest establishments. One of the sociological experts on the other side of the bar was arguing that Woods' problems were due to being married and invoked the names of single sport stars to make his point. The stars he mentioned haven't procreated, as far as we know.
Ex-Springsteen Fan Speaks Out
Bruce Springsteen You Are A Disgrace and a Hypocrite
By Marica D. Dicino
You have disappointed me for the last time as an American and a NJ resident. I have been a fan of yours since I was 11 years old in 1975. I went through three vinyl copies of Born to Run and until 2006, made sure to purchase your every album, CD, DVD, books about you, and see you in concert over 50 times. We named our beloved dog Bruce after you because of how intense a fan I was, idolizing you for 31 years. Bruce our dog is the only thing allowed in this house that has the name Bruce, as everything else has been given away, sold or tossed. The dog stays and sad to say he is too old now to change his name. After receiving your e-mail to your fans in November 2006 that basically said if you did not vote the way YOU were voting, you were stupid. I'm sorry, I don't remember you going to college and studying Politic Science that made you an informed Pundit. Celebrities are the LAST people I look to for information I need to make an informed political decision.
I was fortunate enough to have a younger aunt and uncle who introduced me to great rock and roll since I was a very little girl, and I spent those 31 years obsessing over you for naught, as your music no longer has the meaning that it had during those years. I even wrote papers about you during my high school and college years. I hear you and I hear someone who is a left-wing hater who could care less that he is diminishing and marginalizing his Conservative fans.
Now I hear that you refuse to play at Chris Christie's inauguration, as he is a HUGE fan of yours, and always had your music blaring from his campaign bus. You are a disgrace and a hypocrite, and you deserve every fan you lose, and I hope that your behavior in this matter causes other fans like me, who were blinded by your music to realize what a jerk you are, and that they never buy another product that gives you a profit. Sad. Very sad. All your music that got me through so many times in my life, happy, sad and that gave me great memories has lost all joy that I had being such a die-hard fan, and I honestly do not care. I will never pay or waste my time going to see you in concert, as I don't want to hear your left-wing proselytizing and preaching as it make me sick. As an American, I understand that you have a right to your opinions and beliefs, but I also have the right to make sure I never waste my precious time or money on anything to do with you. You have disappointed me for the last time. And I am so delighted that many of my friends see you for the rude hypocrite you are.
By Marica D. Dicino
You have disappointed me for the last time as an American and a NJ resident. I have been a fan of yours since I was 11 years old in 1975. I went through three vinyl copies of Born to Run and until 2006, made sure to purchase your every album, CD, DVD, books about you, and see you in concert over 50 times. We named our beloved dog Bruce after you because of how intense a fan I was, idolizing you for 31 years. Bruce our dog is the only thing allowed in this house that has the name Bruce, as everything else has been given away, sold or tossed. The dog stays and sad to say he is too old now to change his name. After receiving your e-mail to your fans in November 2006 that basically said if you did not vote the way YOU were voting, you were stupid. I'm sorry, I don't remember you going to college and studying Politic Science that made you an informed Pundit. Celebrities are the LAST people I look to for information I need to make an informed political decision.
I was fortunate enough to have a younger aunt and uncle who introduced me to great rock and roll since I was a very little girl, and I spent those 31 years obsessing over you for naught, as your music no longer has the meaning that it had during those years. I even wrote papers about you during my high school and college years. I hear you and I hear someone who is a left-wing hater who could care less that he is diminishing and marginalizing his Conservative fans.
Now I hear that you refuse to play at Chris Christie's inauguration, as he is a HUGE fan of yours, and always had your music blaring from his campaign bus. You are a disgrace and a hypocrite, and you deserve every fan you lose, and I hope that your behavior in this matter causes other fans like me, who were blinded by your music to realize what a jerk you are, and that they never buy another product that gives you a profit. Sad. Very sad. All your music that got me through so many times in my life, happy, sad and that gave me great memories has lost all joy that I had being such a die-hard fan, and I honestly do not care. I will never pay or waste my time going to see you in concert, as I don't want to hear your left-wing proselytizing and preaching as it make me sick. As an American, I understand that you have a right to your opinions and beliefs, but I also have the right to make sure I never waste my precious time or money on anything to do with you. You have disappointed me for the last time. And I am so delighted that many of my friends see you for the rude hypocrite you are.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
ASSEMBLY PASSES BILL TO REQUIRE AN INDEPENDENT STUDY OF PRIVATE HOUSING ON EARLE
12th District Assembly members Declan O’Scanlon and Caroline Casagrande are pleased to announce the passage by the General Assembly of A- 4159, a bill that requires the State to perform an independent study on the effects of privatizing 300 housing units located on Naval Weapons Station Earle.
“This bill is so important to the safety and well-being of the people of Monmouth County,” said Casagrande. “It will give us the financial and security related answers that we didn’t get from the Navy’s Environmental Impact Study. We cannot assume that moving 300 new families, with a likely total of 1,000 new citizens, into our area will not have an impact. We also cannot assume that there are no security risks with allowing civilians unfettered access to the heart of an ammunitions depot. With all of the risks involved with such a project, it is not safe to assume anything. We need the facts, and with this bill, we will get them.”
“This has been a long time coming,” said O’Scanlon, “and I am happy to see support from the entire Assembly on this issue. In times of true fiscal jeopardy, operating with all the facts becomes even more vital. This legislation will help provide us with the answers that I believe will only confirm what myself and my colleagues already know, which is that bringing 300 new families to the area will pose a real financial difficulty for any towns asked to bear that burden. No town should be asked to take on such load without all of the facts in order.”
The bill requires the analysis to contain the following information:
*An economic impact statement including a cost benefit analysis of the increased housing units and their impact on educational costs and local services costs that may be borne by local taxpayers;
*A security analysis addressing any security issues on surrounding municipalities which will be prepared by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, in consultation with the New Jersey State Police and the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs;
*An impact statement on the adequacy of present school and municipal infrastructure to handle the increased demands resulting from the conversion to civilian housing; and an estimate regarding the increased school district and municipal costs that will be required to adequately address the anticipated increased infrastructure requirements which will be prepared by the Center for Government Services at Rutgers.
The Senate version of the bill, S-3017, sponsored by state Senator Jennifer Beck, also District 12, awaits action in the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.
“I am hopeful that the Senate will move this bill along in the same manner the Assembly has,” said Beck. “It’s important to recognize the potential security risks that come hand in hand with permitting hundreds of unvetted civilians access to the largest ammunitions depot on the east coast. There are always consequences and this legislation will empower us to see what the consequences of this action is likely to be.”
“This bill is so important to the safety and well-being of the people of Monmouth County,” said Casagrande. “It will give us the financial and security related answers that we didn’t get from the Navy’s Environmental Impact Study. We cannot assume that moving 300 new families, with a likely total of 1,000 new citizens, into our area will not have an impact. We also cannot assume that there are no security risks with allowing civilians unfettered access to the heart of an ammunitions depot. With all of the risks involved with such a project, it is not safe to assume anything. We need the facts, and with this bill, we will get them.”
“This has been a long time coming,” said O’Scanlon, “and I am happy to see support from the entire Assembly on this issue. In times of true fiscal jeopardy, operating with all the facts becomes even more vital. This legislation will help provide us with the answers that I believe will only confirm what myself and my colleagues already know, which is that bringing 300 new families to the area will pose a real financial difficulty for any towns asked to bear that burden. No town should be asked to take on such load without all of the facts in order.”
The bill requires the analysis to contain the following information:
*An economic impact statement including a cost benefit analysis of the increased housing units and their impact on educational costs and local services costs that may be borne by local taxpayers;
*A security analysis addressing any security issues on surrounding municipalities which will be prepared by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, in consultation with the New Jersey State Police and the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs;
*An impact statement on the adequacy of present school and municipal infrastructure to handle the increased demands resulting from the conversion to civilian housing; and an estimate regarding the increased school district and municipal costs that will be required to adequately address the anticipated increased infrastructure requirements which will be prepared by the Center for Government Services at Rutgers.
The Senate version of the bill, S-3017, sponsored by state Senator Jennifer Beck, also District 12, awaits action in the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.
“I am hopeful that the Senate will move this bill along in the same manner the Assembly has,” said Beck. “It’s important to recognize the potential security risks that come hand in hand with permitting hundreds of unvetted civilians access to the largest ammunitions depot on the east coast. There are always consequences and this legislation will empower us to see what the consequences of this action is likely to be.”
Lt. Col. Allen West
Congressional candidate Lieutenant Colonel West speaking at the American Freedom tour in Fort Lauderdale Florida at the Revolution Nightclub. For more information about the West for Congress campaign or to become involved please follow this link http://allenwestforcongress.com/
NJBIA TO PRESENT KYRILLOS WITH THE TROAST AWARD
Senator Joseph Kyrillos, the ranking Republican member of the Senate Economic Growth Committee received the Troast award from the New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) today. The award is presented for distinguished public service.
The award was presented at the NJBIA’s annual public policy forum. The Troast award is named after Paul Troast, former Chairman of the Board of the NJBIA.
“I am gratified to receive this award for my work to make New Jersey more competitive in the global economy,” Kyrillos stated. “I am hopeful that over the course of the next eight years the Legislature the Executive branch and the business community will work together to return New Jersey to prosperity.”
The award was presented at the NJBIA’s annual public policy forum. The Troast award is named after Paul Troast, former Chairman of the Board of the NJBIA.
“I am gratified to receive this award for my work to make New Jersey more competitive in the global economy,” Kyrillos stated. “I am hopeful that over the course of the next eight years the Legislature the Executive branch and the business community will work together to return New Jersey to prosperity.”
Updated information about Homosexual Marriage Bill
By Dan Gallic
I just received a letter detailing the inadequacies of the amendment proposed by Bill Baroni and passed by the Judiciary Committee.
The letter began as I had expected. A detailed account why the amendment does not protect churches and it's members adequately. It had one really good point that might render the amendment a Trojan horse. The point was that a California court decided that since a Catholic Charities entity, serving the poor, was receiving public money that it was required to dispense birth control.
This is a good point to raise. Something that truly may be a fatal flaw in what I believe is a required amendment no matter which side of the fence you support.
The bottom line is: You can't force people of good-will to perform homosexual marriage. And, while some hot-heads are likening this debate to bigotry based on race, it is not. This is not about bigotry or prejudice. If, either by legislation or blunt force of the judiciary activism, people are forced to accept AND PARTICIPATE under fear of personal and professional damage, by the passing of this bill, then EVERYONE, on both sides, must reject it.
At this point, the homosexual marriage bill not not about homosexual marriage. It is about legislatively forcing one particular moral view on the public over another. This is categorically and absolutely wrong.
But that is not why I offer an update to my comments yesterday.
The bill also carries the language that students, whose parents have opted out of sex ed and other questionable moral activities or teaching, will also be exempt from.... I don't know and the bill doesn't explain.
One must construe that the bill carries some language that can be twisted into a policy that EVERY SCHOOL MUST TEACH HOMOSEXUAL MARRIAGE AS THE NORM BY DEFAULT.
This is insane. It's one thing to argue that some sort of sex ed must be taught. That is biology and, frankly, necessary because most parents are idiots when it comes to teaching their own children about sex, but it's another thing entirely, to, by default, teach everyone that particular morals are better than others, especially on topics such as homosexual marriage, where the word "marriage" connotes religious acceptance and support.
After listening to the Obama official teach 14-year-olds about fisting (if you don't know, don't ask), the idea that this bill gives a venue to speak about homosexual marriage as a default in public schools, is nothing short of crazy and, now listen carefully, will specifically create an atmosphere of divisive bigotry against the minority of students whose parents opt out of these programs or publicly disagree.
I will, today, call my daughters public school and request the opt-out option. Not because I'm some prude or think that sex-ed is wrong, which it might be, I just haven't heard of any objectionable material to date, but because if the default is to present one person's morals over another's, on issues not pertaining to fact or science, I'll take a pass.
I want to expose my daughter to these types of debates. I desire for her to understand her faith and why we believe, as Catholics, what we believe, but I DO NOT want the default position to be a biased, and possibly personally damaging, morale platform. By opting out of this discussion, we have preserved our rights to discuss this as practical Catholics and fair-minded citizens.
All of my contentions above are only true if you believe that "fair-minded" individual have a right to disagree, strongly, with homosexual marriage. If you think that everyone should accept homosexual marriage, no matter the creed, then your an ******** bigot. This law reads like it was written by bigots.
This bill must be denied passage. Legislators who find this bill acceptable will be guilty of a dereliction of their duty to uphold the constitution that guarantees freedom of religion without discrimination.
I just received a letter detailing the inadequacies of the amendment proposed by Bill Baroni and passed by the Judiciary Committee.
The letter began as I had expected. A detailed account why the amendment does not protect churches and it's members adequately. It had one really good point that might render the amendment a Trojan horse. The point was that a California court decided that since a Catholic Charities entity, serving the poor, was receiving public money that it was required to dispense birth control.
This is a good point to raise. Something that truly may be a fatal flaw in what I believe is a required amendment no matter which side of the fence you support.
The bottom line is: You can't force people of good-will to perform homosexual marriage. And, while some hot-heads are likening this debate to bigotry based on race, it is not. This is not about bigotry or prejudice. If, either by legislation or blunt force of the judiciary activism, people are forced to accept AND PARTICIPATE under fear of personal and professional damage, by the passing of this bill, then EVERYONE, on both sides, must reject it.
At this point, the homosexual marriage bill not not about homosexual marriage. It is about legislatively forcing one particular moral view on the public over another. This is categorically and absolutely wrong.
But that is not why I offer an update to my comments yesterday.
The bill also carries the language that students, whose parents have opted out of sex ed and other questionable moral activities or teaching, will also be exempt from.... I don't know and the bill doesn't explain.
One must construe that the bill carries some language that can be twisted into a policy that EVERY SCHOOL MUST TEACH HOMOSEXUAL MARRIAGE AS THE NORM BY DEFAULT.
This is insane. It's one thing to argue that some sort of sex ed must be taught. That is biology and, frankly, necessary because most parents are idiots when it comes to teaching their own children about sex, but it's another thing entirely, to, by default, teach everyone that particular morals are better than others, especially on topics such as homosexual marriage, where the word "marriage" connotes religious acceptance and support.
After listening to the Obama official teach 14-year-olds about fisting (if you don't know, don't ask), the idea that this bill gives a venue to speak about homosexual marriage as a default in public schools, is nothing short of crazy and, now listen carefully, will specifically create an atmosphere of divisive bigotry against the minority of students whose parents opt out of these programs or publicly disagree.
I will, today, call my daughters public school and request the opt-out option. Not because I'm some prude or think that sex-ed is wrong, which it might be, I just haven't heard of any objectionable material to date, but because if the default is to present one person's morals over another's, on issues not pertaining to fact or science, I'll take a pass.
I want to expose my daughter to these types of debates. I desire for her to understand her faith and why we believe, as Catholics, what we believe, but I DO NOT want the default position to be a biased, and possibly personally damaging, morale platform. By opting out of this discussion, we have preserved our rights to discuss this as practical Catholics and fair-minded citizens.
All of my contentions above are only true if you believe that "fair-minded" individual have a right to disagree, strongly, with homosexual marriage. If you think that everyone should accept homosexual marriage, no matter the creed, then your an ******** bigot. This law reads like it was written by bigots.
This bill must be denied passage. Legislators who find this bill acceptable will be guilty of a dereliction of their duty to uphold the constitution that guarantees freedom of religion without discrimination.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Three Reasons Conservatives Should Not Be Angry With Baroni's Gay Marriage Vote
By Dan Gallic
First, it wasn't "tie-breaking". Ultimately the vote in the Senate was going to happen. One of the Dems who voted "no" would have voted "yes" and it would have been released from committee.
Second, his amendment was important to place in this legislation because it protects religious organizations from being held liable for refusing to perform or allow homosexual marriages from taking place on their properties. Without this amendment, if this vote were to pass, everyone would be forced to participate in homosexual marriages. This would create criminals of every practical Catholic and it's clergy. If Baroni voted "yes", without this amendment, he would deserve to be thrown out on his ear. Instead he protected fair-minded people who disagree with homosexual marriage from being seen as criminals. I know for a fact that this was Baroni's intent prior to Chris Christie winning the election, and this amendment would have been the only thing protecting churches from the ridiculousness that surrounds this issue. In as much as this legislation MAY pass, if his vote was a "deal" to get this amendment installed, it was worth it. (Bill, thanks for making sure my parish priest isn't a criminal for refusing to take part in a homosexual marriage.)
Third, by allowing this to go to the floor for a full vote, it forces dissension in the Democrat party over this issue. Dissension in the Democrat ranks creates openings for Republicans to take advantage of. One of the most difficult things, over the last ten years, that the Republican party has had to deal with was the unity of the Democrat party while the Republican Party closely imitated a Keystone Cop routine.
I'm sure that people will find fault with Baroni, but in my opinion, the murder of millions of unborn children far outweighs the fight over the word "marriage" therefore a minor foible does not make for a reason for rejection. I personally agree with Assemblyman Michael Carroll who argues that the government should be out of the marriage business entirely. It's a sacred, religious institution that should not be regulated by government.
And just so that we are clear, I am not in favor of homosexual marriage. I'm also not in favor of other issues that are more important than this issue and are more deserving of my attention and action. And, lastly, put me in the category of "I don't give a flying hoot what people do in their bedrooms."
That said, this bill MUST fail and I would encourage everyone to call your local State Senator, and demand they vote "NO".
First, it wasn't "tie-breaking". Ultimately the vote in the Senate was going to happen. One of the Dems who voted "no" would have voted "yes" and it would have been released from committee.
Second, his amendment was important to place in this legislation because it protects religious organizations from being held liable for refusing to perform or allow homosexual marriages from taking place on their properties. Without this amendment, if this vote were to pass, everyone would be forced to participate in homosexual marriages. This would create criminals of every practical Catholic and it's clergy. If Baroni voted "yes", without this amendment, he would deserve to be thrown out on his ear. Instead he protected fair-minded people who disagree with homosexual marriage from being seen as criminals. I know for a fact that this was Baroni's intent prior to Chris Christie winning the election, and this amendment would have been the only thing protecting churches from the ridiculousness that surrounds this issue. In as much as this legislation MAY pass, if his vote was a "deal" to get this amendment installed, it was worth it. (Bill, thanks for making sure my parish priest isn't a criminal for refusing to take part in a homosexual marriage.)
Third, by allowing this to go to the floor for a full vote, it forces dissension in the Democrat party over this issue. Dissension in the Democrat ranks creates openings for Republicans to take advantage of. One of the most difficult things, over the last ten years, that the Republican party has had to deal with was the unity of the Democrat party while the Republican Party closely imitated a Keystone Cop routine.
I'm sure that people will find fault with Baroni, but in my opinion, the murder of millions of unborn children far outweighs the fight over the word "marriage" therefore a minor foible does not make for a reason for rejection. I personally agree with Assemblyman Michael Carroll who argues that the government should be out of the marriage business entirely. It's a sacred, religious institution that should not be regulated by government.
And just so that we are clear, I am not in favor of homosexual marriage. I'm also not in favor of other issues that are more important than this issue and are more deserving of my attention and action. And, lastly, put me in the category of "I don't give a flying hoot what people do in their bedrooms."
That said, this bill MUST fail and I would encourage everyone to call your local State Senator, and demand they vote "NO".
Ask The Governor Elect
Governor Elect Chris Christie will appear on NJ 101.5 this evening at 7pm for the first of his promised monthly appearances.
Eric Scott takes your calls and live blog comments, as he talks to the incoming 55th Governor. They will talk about issues facing New Jersey from the budget to property tax relief to the economy. Call New Jersey 101.5 by dialing 1-800-283-1015.
Eric Scott takes your calls and live blog comments, as he talks to the incoming 55th Governor. They will talk about issues facing New Jersey from the budget to property tax relief to the economy. Call New Jersey 101.5 by dialing 1-800-283-1015.
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