By Eileen Norcross | January 22, 2010
Originally published at Reason.com
“I'm gonna govern like a one-termer.” That’s the promise of New Jersey’s Chris Christie, who became New Jersey’s 55th governor this week. If true, it’s a welcome development, because fixing New Jersey’s fiscal mess isn’t a matter of mere accounting. It will require tackling institutionalized corruption head on. The Garden State’s budget has been crippled by spending schemes that largely benefit a well-paid and unionized public sector, itself a creation of New Jersey’s entrenched political class.
The magnitude of the damage is daunting. Last year’s $7 billion budgetary shortfall now stands at $8 billion and growing. The fiscal patches of 2009—stimulus money, tax hikes, and program cuts—spent their magic six months into FY 2010. With the nation’s highest property taxes (an average of $7000 per capita), an eight-bracket, progressive income tax, a $45 billion debt load, and the net loss of more than half a million residents since 2000, New Jersey is suffering the painful fallout of its long-running policy of fleecing residents to benefit politically-connected special interests.
Christie’s first challenge is to cut $8 billion. But, as many of his predecessors have discovered, fine-toothed scouring will not contain a budget that has been designed to expand. To get a sense of how intractable New Jersey’s budget has proven to previous reformers, consider the largest category of spending. Forty-one percent of New Jersey’s budget, $13 billion in FY 2009, is dedicated to the Property Tax Relief Fund (PTRF).
In 1976 the state Supreme Court ruled that New Jersey’s reliance on property taxes to fund schools disadvantaged poor districts and ordered the state to find supplemental revenues. The legislature complied by creating a nearly-flat income tax and dedicating all of the revenue to providing “indirect property tax relief.”
About 78 percent of the fund is spent on the state’s 605 school districts, with nearly half concentrated on 31 court-designated low-income “Abbott districts.” Another 6 percent of the fund supplements revenues in New Jersey’s 566 municipal governments and 15 percent is sporadically awarded as homeowner rebates to help take the bite out of individual property tax bills.
The fund has failed on all counts. Property taxes have risen every year since 1978. Homeowner rebates, averaging less than $1000 when distributed, do little to dull property tax pain. And in the meantime, the court has continued to monitor the Abbott districts, often with disastrous results. For example, a decision requiring poor school districts to spend as much per pupil as the wealthiest school district has transformed New Jersey’s income tax into an eight-bracket beast with a top rate of 10.75 percent on those earning over a million dollars a year.
In spite of this massive transfer of resources to poor districts, however, outcomes remain abysmal. Since 1998, Camden has received $2.8 billion for its schools and has spent close to $24,000 per pupil. Yet last year, just 18 percent of Camden’s 8th graders scored proficient in math. By contrast, Woodbridge Township has received $169 million in school aid over the period, spending a little more than $10,000 per pupil. Nearly 75 percent of Woodbridge’s middle school students met or exceeded proficiency in math.
The perverse outcomes of such decisions won’t be easily undone. In essence, spending that should have been determined by the legislature has been decreed by the court, which claims it is upholding New Jersey’s constitutional guarantee to provide children a “thorough and efficient” education. The biggest benefactor of Abbott’s spending largesse is the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), which is adamantly opposed to any attempt to rein in costs.
This is just one of the decades-in-the-making disasters confronting the state. Since 1990 local governments have added 45,500 new jobs. Nearly all of them are represented by one of a dozen unions, which have helped secure some of the plushest public sector jobs in the nation. It’s easy to see how property taxes have grown at twice the rate of inflation over the past decade. A government worker in New Jersey earns an average of $58,963, a police officer averages $84,223 (the second highest in the nation), and six-figure public sector salaries are commonplace. Compare this to neighboring Philadelphia, where the average police salary is $49,000. According to one estimate, of the $23 billion New Jersey raised in property taxes in 2008, $18 billion was spent on police, municipal, and teacher salaries.
The tab for public workers doesn’t end there. Factor in the state’s pension plan, currently under-funded by $34 billion. The New Jersey Taxpayers’ Association calculates pension payouts for the average teacher range from $1.6 million to $2.5 million, per retiree. For the average police officer, that range totals between $3.2 million and $6 million, per retiree.
As he takes office this week, Christie’s real challenge is to stop this exploitation of the state’s treasury by the public sector unions. Here are some easy ways to start. He can lead the charge in rooting out obvious public sector excess, such as massive cash payouts for unused leave, and paid time off for holiday shopping.
More difficult but still essential is changing the state’s budget rules. Christie must pull the plug on the Property Tax Relief Fund and reject the state Supreme Court’s Abbott funding requirements. He must return the state to a flatter income tax and put the revenues in the general fund. And finally, he must discontinue the fiction that this immense redistribution of revenues has anything to do with property tax relief.
Christie seems serious about his one-term pledge. He once told the unions he may declare a “fiscal state of emergency”—a move the public sector unions call “dictatorial.” That would allow him to void former Gov. Jon Corzine’s agreement to double the rate of increase in union salaries in 2011. Christie also has strong words for the NJEA: “They need to get realistic that change is coming.” He supports both charter schools and vouchers, noting that competition will force failing schools to “change or perish.”
He’s also proposed cutting back on two wasteful programs, the “Extraordinary Aid” and “Special Aid” to municipalities, both of which simply subsidize municipal mismanagement. Another bold policy sign is Christie’s nomination of former Jersey City mayor and outspoken school choice proponent Bret Schundler to serve as education commissioner.
These are good signs, but implementation is the hard part—especially in a political climate where patronage and rent-seeking seem to be the explicit goal of most policy makers. Chris Christie has his work cut out for him.
Eileen Norcross is a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. She is the author of the recent study "Institutions Matter: Can New Jersey Reverse Course?"
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Monmouth County To Close Youth Detention Center
Finally.
Bob Jordan at the Asbury Park Press reports that the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders voted 3-2 along party lines to close the Youth Detention Center. The three Republican Freeholders voted for the closure, while the two Democrats voted against.
Monmouth will send its roughly 25 detained youth to Middlesex County's kiddy jail at a cost of $2.5 million per year. This will result in a $2 million per year savings.
Democratic Freeholder John D'Amico came up with a good idea in his remarks opposing the closure. He questioned why privatizing the Monmouth County Jail was not on the table as a cost cutting measure. He said the county could save between $4.7 and $9.4 million per year by turning the jail over to a private company, without jeopardizing public safety. Superb! Let's get that done!
And while we're on privatization, does anyone else think its crazy to spend over $100,000 per year per detainee for the youths? Saving $2,000,000 per year sounds pretty good, but to spend $2,500,000 per year to detain 25 kids sounds absolutely insane. Let's privatize the YTD rather than send the kids and the money to Middlesex.
I offer to do the job for $1,900,000 per year. If there is over 40 kids to be detained over the summer, that's OK, no extra charge. I'll keep the money and the kids in Monmouth County. I'll create jobs and pay taxes.
I'm not kidding. If the Freeholders want to save another $600K per year and really turn those kids' lives around, they know how to reach me.
Bob Jordan at the Asbury Park Press reports that the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders voted 3-2 along party lines to close the Youth Detention Center. The three Republican Freeholders voted for the closure, while the two Democrats voted against.
Monmouth will send its roughly 25 detained youth to Middlesex County's kiddy jail at a cost of $2.5 million per year. This will result in a $2 million per year savings.
Democratic Freeholder John D'Amico came up with a good idea in his remarks opposing the closure. He questioned why privatizing the Monmouth County Jail was not on the table as a cost cutting measure. He said the county could save between $4.7 and $9.4 million per year by turning the jail over to a private company, without jeopardizing public safety. Superb! Let's get that done!
And while we're on privatization, does anyone else think its crazy to spend over $100,000 per year per detainee for the youths? Saving $2,000,000 per year sounds pretty good, but to spend $2,500,000 per year to detain 25 kids sounds absolutely insane. Let's privatize the YTD rather than send the kids and the money to Middlesex.
I offer to do the job for $1,900,000 per year. If there is over 40 kids to be detained over the summer, that's OK, no extra charge. I'll keep the money and the kids in Monmouth County. I'll create jobs and pay taxes.
I'm not kidding. If the Freeholders want to save another $600K per year and really turn those kids' lives around, they know how to reach me.
Obama and Christie: A Study In Contrasts
Monmouth University pollster Patrick Murray's piece at InTheLobby is a must read.
Read the piece here.
One major difference between the president's and the governor's broadcasts was the tone. Middle class voters want to know that their elected leaders truly appreciate the problems they face. Christie demonstrated that, while Obama fell short.
Read the piece here.
Fred Driscoll Has Risen, Again
TheStateNJ.com showed up last spring as dead Governor Fred Driscoll's answer to Politickernj's Wally Edge.
Here is what I had to say about the site last May:
Fred is back with a cast of anonymous characters and is making waves again:
Joe Cryan and Alex DeCroce can not be happy. The Assembly Majority and Minority Leaders are hit pretty hard in the site's recent resurrection.
For what it is worth, Karen Golding, who's computer is the subject of the article that is giving Cryan ajada, reached out to me via facebook to ask if I knew who was behind the mysterious site. When I told her I didn't know, she responded, "the story is factually correct but i was just curious who was behind it."
Given that Golden has never reached out to me before, I now wonder if she is one of the people behind it.
Here is what I had to say about the site last May:
How could I not plug this site?
There is a new web site covering New Jersey politics, media and all the news it can get to that the newspapers miss.
TheStateofNJ.com will be bookmarked by all of us who love and hate New Jersey politics in short order, probably right after you finish reading this post.
Fred Driscoll is the dead Governor behind this site. Students of New Jersey history will know that Alfred E.Driscoll was the first Governor under our current constitution. He succeeded Walter "Wally" Edge in 1947. Both Driscoll and Edge were Republicans. New Jersey has not elected two Republican governors consecutively since.
The modern day Driscoll seeks to succeed Politickenj's Wally Edge, who has "lost his Edge" according to Fred, as the web pundit who breaks the stories and drives the agenda in NJ.
Driscoll's content and Freditorials are funny, irreverent and brutally honest. The site reminds me of Dan Jacobson's Tri-City News in its wacky style. The current lead story on TheStateOfNJ, about an email exchange between NJGOP Chairman Tom Wilson and Rocco Riccio, will probably leave Wilson feeling about TheStateOfNJ the way former Red Bank Mayor Ed McKenna feels about Tri-City News. Not good.
Fred has keen insights into New Jersey politics. But the reason for this plug is his insights into the deminshing state of New Jersey's print media, especially this observation:Speaking of Gannett, what happened to the once great Asbury Park Press? Reviews of recent editorials seem to indicate that the great blog MoreMonmouthMusings is driving its agenda. Honestly, read Art Gallagher for a while then wait a few days and you’ll read strikingly similar sentiments in the Press.
I don't know that that is so, but I like the sentiment.
Fred is back with a cast of anonymous characters and is making waves again:
THE STATE: what began as an online experiment between a group of friends fell by the wayside as our editing staff split up for the year. Some of our people went to work for then Governor Corzine, some went to work for now Governor Christie. Some of our people joined law firms and some went to work for Assembly candidates. Still, others scattered throughout the nation to work for ballot measures of every kind.
Now we are back with a new editorial team but the same hard hitting, OG content that you and others around our fine state have come to love, admire and respect.
Ladies and gentlemen, we give you, the return of Fred Driscoll and the boys (and girls) at
THE STATE of NEW JERSEY.
Joe Cryan and Alex DeCroce can not be happy. The Assembly Majority and Minority Leaders are hit pretty hard in the site's recent resurrection.
For what it is worth, Karen Golding, who's computer is the subject of the article that is giving Cryan ajada, reached out to me via facebook to ask if I knew who was behind the mysterious site. When I told her I didn't know, she responded, "the story is factually correct but i was just curious who was behind it."
Given that Golden has never reached out to me before, I now wonder if she is one of the people behind it.
Your World With Rhoda Chodosh
The Republican of the decade, Rhoda Chodosh, will be a guest on Your World with Neil Covuto this afternoon. 4PM on the Fox News Channell.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Scott Sipprelle Reacts To President's Address
Princeton, January 28, 2010 – Declaring the big-spending, job-killing policies of President Obama and House Speaker Pelosi “an unambiguous failure,” businessman and 12th District congressional candidate Scott Sipprelle (R-Princeton) released the following statement today in response to the President’s State of the Union speech last night.
“Like most Americans, I believe we need to move beyond made-for-TV speeches that fail to offer real solutions to the serious problems facing our country,” said Sipprelle, who unveiled the six core principles of his “Blueprint for Renewal” this week – available at www.SupportScott2010.com.
“In the wake of his agenda's stunning defeat in Massachusetts, the President’s pivot back to a discussion on jobs and economic recovery was predictable,” said Sipprelle. “The larger issue, though, is that Nancy Pelosi’s Congress remains firmly committed to an agenda of big government, unchecked debt, and central control. The fact of the matter is that nothing will change until we change Congress.”
“Like most Americans, I believe we need to move beyond made-for-TV speeches that fail to offer real solutions to the serious problems facing our country,” said Sipprelle, who unveiled the six core principles of his “Blueprint for Renewal” this week – available at www.SupportScott2010.com.
“In the wake of his agenda's stunning defeat in Massachusetts, the President’s pivot back to a discussion on jobs and economic recovery was predictable,” said Sipprelle. “The larger issue, though, is that Nancy Pelosi’s Congress remains firmly committed to an agenda of big government, unchecked debt, and central control. The fact of the matter is that nothing will change until we change Congress.”
Earth to Obama
An editorial from GetLiberty.org
The American people simply do not matter to Barack Obama. He said so himself last night as he attempted his first State of the Union Address, declaring, “[W]hen I ran for president, I promised I wouldn't just do what was popular -- I would do what was necessary.” This was a nice way of saying he had heard the overwhelming opposition to his Big Government agenda — and he has decided to plow ahead anyway.
“I will not walk away” from the government health care takeover, he said, and “neither should the people in this chamber.” This, in spite of devastating resistance to the scheme that would ration care, raise premiums, drive people off of their insurance, cut benefits, and bankrupt the treasury with over $1.5 trillion in costs over ten years once fully implemented.
All told, 58 percent oppose the plan in Scott Rasmussen’s last weekly poll on the subject. His tracking has been way ahead of the curve on opposition to the health care takeover. While apologists were claiming majority support for plans like the “public option,” Rasmussen has polled clear opposition for most of 2009.
Barack Obama doesn’t care. With only an occasional glance at the glaring reality that the American people really are not in favor of his plans, Obama’s State of the Union was mostly a “stay the course” campaign rally, coupled with blind assertions as to the correctness of his position. Not to mention his bull-headed insistence that the Democrats get it done and “not run for the hills.”
For example, he came close to prevaricating (to put it kindly) about losses from the Troubled Asset Relief Program: “[W]e have recovered most of the money we spent on the banks. To recover the rest, I have proposed a fee on the biggest banks.” Only, the biggest banks are the ones who have paid TARP back in full, with interest.
Most of the $120 billion in losses have arisen under loans to AIG (not a bank), GM (not a bank), and Chrysler (not a bank). It was Obama’s own Treasury secretary, Timothy Geithner who testified to Congress, “There is a significant likelihood that we will not be repaid for the full value of our investments in AIG, GM and Chrysler.”
But not to worry, Obama says, “I am not interested in punishing banks.” Only, he is. He asserted that “Our most urgent task upon taking office was to shore up the same banks that helped cause this crisis.” By that, he means, take over, regulate, and monopolize. You know, punish.
Despite all of his bald distortions, Barack Obama’s greatest transgression in this speech was more a sin of omission than commission in his historical account of what actually happened. In fact, the only entities Obama is not interested in targeting are those most directly responsible for the mess.
Obama had positively nothing to say about Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Reserve (government-created entities all), whose errant policies of loose lending and easy money coupled together to incentivize borrowing on an unprecedented level, inflate the housing bubble, sell worthless securities worldwide, and bring the economy to brink of ruin. Not one word.
Even as George Bush was attempting to justify the unprecedented bailouts his Administration ushered in, he at least acknowledged the role played by, for example, too-low interest rates. Instead, Obama presented a bizarre, disjointed address that was almost completely disconnected from reality, save for the touch of icy indifference to the express will of the American people not to proceed on this course.
But then, by now, that is what the American people have come to expect from the imperial, impervious president.
The American people simply do not matter to Barack Obama. He said so himself last night as he attempted his first State of the Union Address, declaring, “[W]hen I ran for president, I promised I wouldn't just do what was popular -- I would do what was necessary.” This was a nice way of saying he had heard the overwhelming opposition to his Big Government agenda — and he has decided to plow ahead anyway.
“I will not walk away” from the government health care takeover, he said, and “neither should the people in this chamber.” This, in spite of devastating resistance to the scheme that would ration care, raise premiums, drive people off of their insurance, cut benefits, and bankrupt the treasury with over $1.5 trillion in costs over ten years once fully implemented.
All told, 58 percent oppose the plan in Scott Rasmussen’s last weekly poll on the subject. His tracking has been way ahead of the curve on opposition to the health care takeover. While apologists were claiming majority support for plans like the “public option,” Rasmussen has polled clear opposition for most of 2009.
Barack Obama doesn’t care. With only an occasional glance at the glaring reality that the American people really are not in favor of his plans, Obama’s State of the Union was mostly a “stay the course” campaign rally, coupled with blind assertions as to the correctness of his position. Not to mention his bull-headed insistence that the Democrats get it done and “not run for the hills.”
For example, he came close to prevaricating (to put it kindly) about losses from the Troubled Asset Relief Program: “[W]e have recovered most of the money we spent on the banks. To recover the rest, I have proposed a fee on the biggest banks.” Only, the biggest banks are the ones who have paid TARP back in full, with interest.
Most of the $120 billion in losses have arisen under loans to AIG (not a bank), GM (not a bank), and Chrysler (not a bank). It was Obama’s own Treasury secretary, Timothy Geithner who testified to Congress, “There is a significant likelihood that we will not be repaid for the full value of our investments in AIG, GM and Chrysler.”
But not to worry, Obama says, “I am not interested in punishing banks.” Only, he is. He asserted that “Our most urgent task upon taking office was to shore up the same banks that helped cause this crisis.” By that, he means, take over, regulate, and monopolize. You know, punish.
Despite all of his bald distortions, Barack Obama’s greatest transgression in this speech was more a sin of omission than commission in his historical account of what actually happened. In fact, the only entities Obama is not interested in targeting are those most directly responsible for the mess.
Obama had positively nothing to say about Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Reserve (government-created entities all), whose errant policies of loose lending and easy money coupled together to incentivize borrowing on an unprecedented level, inflate the housing bubble, sell worthless securities worldwide, and bring the economy to brink of ruin. Not one word.
Even as George Bush was attempting to justify the unprecedented bailouts his Administration ushered in, he at least acknowledged the role played by, for example, too-low interest rates. Instead, Obama presented a bizarre, disjointed address that was almost completely disconnected from reality, save for the touch of icy indifference to the express will of the American people not to proceed on this course.
But then, by now, that is what the American people have come to expect from the imperial, impervious president.
264 Days Till Election Day
President Obama told America last night that we have misunderstood him. His electoral defeats in New Jersey, Virginia and Massachusetts were because he didn't explain his agenda well enough. If he had just explained it better, we would have embraced ObamaCare, cap and tax and applauded take over of so much of the private sector.
Good luck with repacking your agenda Mr. President. We'll be sending you another message on November 2.
Good luck with repacking your agenda Mr. President. We'll be sending you another message on November 2.
HALFACRE DEMANDS APOLOGY FROM HOLT FOR RUDE TREATMENT OF CONSTITUENT AT TOWNHALL MEETING
12th District Republican congressional candidate Fair Haven Mayor Mike Halfacre today demanded an apology from Congressman Rush Holt for grabbing the microphone from the hand of one of his constituents during his most recent townhall meeting in Marlboro, and for his continued refusal to listen to the people who he is supposed to represent.
“Rhoda Chodosh is a constituent of Rush Holt’s, who had taken the time to come and speak with the Congressman about issues that concern her. For him to grab the microphone out of her hand while she was speaking the way he did is one of the rudest, most arrogant things I’ve ever seen an elected official do and he should apologize to her, immediately. He should be ashamed of himself, treating a constituent and a woman that way.”
Halfacre said that Chodosh was well known in Monmouth County for her attendance at meetings on every level of government. “Whether it’s a Manalapan Township Committee meeting, Freeholders meeting, or even a legislative committee meeting in Trenton, you’ll find Rhoda there and she’s always well informed and ready to ask the tough questions, regardless of party affiliation. We should have more citizens like her. And here you have her own Congressman treating her the way he did. Just disgraceful.”
Holt’s behavior toward Mrs. Chodosh and the angry reaction of the attendees to Holt’s attempts to control the meeting have become national news, as you tube videos of the event have circulated and at least one major media outlet highlighted the video in newscasts.
Halfacre said this was not the first time voter anger had bubbled over at one of Holt’s townhall meetings and that the Congressman himself was to blame for it.
“I’ve attended several of these meetings over the last eight months and they’ve all been the same: they are specifically designed to limit participation of the attendees. He starts off with a half hour lecture listing his meager accomplishments on issues that are of little concern to the average voter. He then reads questions which attendees are forced to submit on cards, so that he or one of his staff members can screen the questions and he can answer the ones he chooses to answer. And when he does answer a question it’s usually answered in political doublespeak.”
Halfacre continued “Most of the people who attend these meetings are already angry about the unprecedented federal spending and government expansion which have taken place in the last year . They’ve taken time out of their busy lives, often driving a great distance to attend these meetings. And from the moment the meeting starts, it’s patently obvious that Rush Holt has no interest in what the attendees have to say if they disagree with him; that the format of the meeting is to limit participation and avoid answering tough questions. It’s no wonder people get even more angry. While he’s apologizing to Mrs. Chodosh, he should apologize to all the people whose time he wasted over the last eight months with these Kabuki theater townhall meetings.”
“Rhoda Chodosh is a constituent of Rush Holt’s, who had taken the time to come and speak with the Congressman about issues that concern her. For him to grab the microphone out of her hand while she was speaking the way he did is one of the rudest, most arrogant things I’ve ever seen an elected official do and he should apologize to her, immediately. He should be ashamed of himself, treating a constituent and a woman that way.”
Halfacre said that Chodosh was well known in Monmouth County for her attendance at meetings on every level of government. “Whether it’s a Manalapan Township Committee meeting, Freeholders meeting, or even a legislative committee meeting in Trenton, you’ll find Rhoda there and she’s always well informed and ready to ask the tough questions, regardless of party affiliation. We should have more citizens like her. And here you have her own Congressman treating her the way he did. Just disgraceful.”
Holt’s behavior toward Mrs. Chodosh and the angry reaction of the attendees to Holt’s attempts to control the meeting have become national news, as you tube videos of the event have circulated and at least one major media outlet highlighted the video in newscasts.
Halfacre said this was not the first time voter anger had bubbled over at one of Holt’s townhall meetings and that the Congressman himself was to blame for it.
“I’ve attended several of these meetings over the last eight months and they’ve all been the same: they are specifically designed to limit participation of the attendees. He starts off with a half hour lecture listing his meager accomplishments on issues that are of little concern to the average voter. He then reads questions which attendees are forced to submit on cards, so that he or one of his staff members can screen the questions and he can answer the ones he chooses to answer. And when he does answer a question it’s usually answered in political doublespeak.”
Halfacre continued “Most of the people who attend these meetings are already angry about the unprecedented federal spending and government expansion which have taken place in the last year . They’ve taken time out of their busy lives, often driving a great distance to attend these meetings. And from the moment the meeting starts, it’s patently obvious that Rush Holt has no interest in what the attendees have to say if they disagree with him; that the format of the meeting is to limit participation and avoid answering tough questions. It’s no wonder people get even more angry. While he’s apologizing to Mrs. Chodosh, he should apologize to all the people whose time he wasted over the last eight months with these Kabuki theater townhall meetings.”
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Republican of The Decade (So Far)
With apologies to Wayne Pomanowski, who awards The Republican of The Week designation at the Monmouth GOP Affiliated Club website, there is no question that Rhoda Chodosh is the Republican of this young decade.
Thanks Rhoda, for exposing Rush Holt as the national embarrassment that he is.
Thanks to Matt Rooney at SaveJersey for the video.
Thanks Rhoda, for exposing Rush Holt as the national embarrassment that he is.
Thanks to Matt Rooney at SaveJersey for the video.
Governor Chris Christie Exercises Veto Authority
Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie exercised his veto power for the first time related to a $1.267 million change order approved on January 6 by the board of the Schools Development Authority.
Including the vetoed amount, change orders for construction of a new addition to the Burlington City High School in the Burlington School District total $18.825 million. The original contract price was $28,723,000, meaning that the project has now increased by 66 percent to $47,548,791, according to figures provided by the SDA.
“We will be placing far greater scrutiny than ever previously imposed on contracts and expenditures like these,” said Governor Christie. “This is symbolic and symptomatic of a much larger problem at the SDA when you have change orders that increase a building contract price by a staggering 66 percent.”
“This careful and critical review is precisely the role that my Authorities Unit will undertake during my administration to ensure that taxpayer money is not being wasted,” Governor Christie said.
The Governor’s veto letter was delivered to the SDA yesterday afternoon. The Governor also vetoed action taken at SDA’s January 6 meeting, in which the board approved the readoption of certain regulations of the New Jersey Administrative Code.
Executive Orders 1, 2 and 3, issued by Governor Christie on January 20, require that all pending and proposed rules and regulations be reviewed by the Red Tape Review Group prior to adoption by any state agency or authority.
Including the vetoed amount, change orders for construction of a new addition to the Burlington City High School in the Burlington School District total $18.825 million. The original contract price was $28,723,000, meaning that the project has now increased by 66 percent to $47,548,791, according to figures provided by the SDA.
“We will be placing far greater scrutiny than ever previously imposed on contracts and expenditures like these,” said Governor Christie. “This is symbolic and symptomatic of a much larger problem at the SDA when you have change orders that increase a building contract price by a staggering 66 percent.”
“This careful and critical review is precisely the role that my Authorities Unit will undertake during my administration to ensure that taxpayer money is not being wasted,” Governor Christie said.
The Governor’s veto letter was delivered to the SDA yesterday afternoon. The Governor also vetoed action taken at SDA’s January 6 meeting, in which the board approved the readoption of certain regulations of the New Jersey Administrative Code.
Executive Orders 1, 2 and 3, issued by Governor Christie on January 20, require that all pending and proposed rules and regulations be reviewed by the Red Tape Review Group prior to adoption by any state agency or authority.
Must See SJ
New Officers for Middlesex County Young Republicans
The Middlesex County Young Republicans had their Election meeting last night Jan 26 at 7:30 pm at Middlesex County GOP Headquarter in Woodbridge, NJ.
Meeting was attended by Assemblyman Sam Thompson, likely incoming Chairman of Middlesex GOP. Sam Thompson did the swearing in of all new board members.
New Board Members are:
Chairwoman: Synnove Bakke
Vice Chairwoman: Tonia Kulberda
Treasurer: Rob Volino
Secretary: Alissa Bengivenga
State Committeman: Matthew Malat
State Commiteewoman: Candice Greaux
Previous Chairman: Wil Mitchell
New Committee Chairs are:
Program and Campaign Chair: Candice Greaux
Social Media Chair: Jeff Mack
Outreach and Recruitment Chair, Will Mitchell and Vice-chair, Matt Filosa
For more information and to join our group and make a difference in this fun and exiting upcoming election year, please contact Synnove Bakke, MCYR Chairwoman at 718 309 5024 or email synnove.bakke@yahoo.com
You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter, where we post new and exiting events.
Meeting was attended by Assemblyman Sam Thompson, likely incoming Chairman of Middlesex GOP. Sam Thompson did the swearing in of all new board members.
New Board Members are:
Chairwoman: Synnove Bakke
Vice Chairwoman: Tonia Kulberda
Treasurer: Rob Volino
Secretary: Alissa Bengivenga
State Committeman: Matthew Malat
State Commiteewoman: Candice Greaux
Previous Chairman: Wil Mitchell
New Committee Chairs are:
Program and Campaign Chair: Candice Greaux
Social Media Chair: Jeff Mack
Outreach and Recruitment Chair, Will Mitchell and Vice-chair, Matt Filosa
For more information and to join our group and make a difference in this fun and exiting upcoming election year, please contact Synnove Bakke, MCYR Chairwoman at 718 309 5024 or email synnove.bakke@yahoo.com
You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter, where we post new and exiting events.
FUND RAISER TO BE HELD FOR HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
South Gate Manor, along with 12th District Legislators Senator Jennifer Beck, Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, the Freehold Township Committee and the Freehold Borough Mayor and Council invite all to come together and support the people of Haiti in their time of crisis.
South Gate Manor is donating both a breakfast and brunch buffet so that 100% of the proceeds can go to assist in the Haitian earthquake relief efforts.
The event will take place on Sunday, January 31st at South Gate Manor 260 South Street, Freehold, NJ. Reservations are being accepted, and space is limited. To make a reservation, please call 732-431-1500.
Charity Breakfast Buffet 10:00 – 12:00-$25*
Children under 12-$10
Charity Brunch Buffet 1:00 – 4:00-$40*
Children under 12-$15
Make checks payable to:
Saint Rose of Lima
Haiti Earthquake Relief
Please come, bring your friends and make a difference
* Suggested minimum donation.
South Gate Manor is donating both a breakfast and brunch buffet so that 100% of the proceeds can go to assist in the Haitian earthquake relief efforts.
The event will take place on Sunday, January 31st at South Gate Manor 260 South Street, Freehold, NJ. Reservations are being accepted, and space is limited. To make a reservation, please call 732-431-1500.
Charity Breakfast Buffet 10:00 – 12:00-$25*
Children under 12-$10
Charity Brunch Buffet 1:00 – 4:00-$40*
Children under 12-$15
Make checks payable to:
Saint Rose of Lima
Haiti Earthquake Relief
Please come, bring your friends and make a difference
* Suggested minimum donation.
Readers Write
I couldn't tell you why, but traffic to this little blog is up over 40% since the first of the year. Maybe it was the Inauguration, maybe the emerging congressional races, maybe the syndication with Gannett's Freehold.InJersey. Maybe it's because Conservatives with Ineptitude thinks I've lost my mind because I called Steve Lonegan out on his destructive bloviating. For whatever the reason, welcome new readers.
We're hearing from a lot of new commenters. Consider reading the comments and jumping in, if you are not already.
I'm also getting more emails, some from old friends, some from new friends. Got a topic you'd like discussed here, a complaint or a cause to promote? Contact me at artvg at aol .com.
Here's my favorite email of the week; a complaint about of all things the news links on the sidebar and what they say about my preference for a congressional candidate in CD 6:
and my response:
We're hearing from a lot of new commenters. Consider reading the comments and jumping in, if you are not already.
I'm also getting more emails, some from old friends, some from new friends. Got a topic you'd like discussed here, a complaint or a cause to promote? Contact me at artvg at aol .com.
Here's my favorite email of the week; a complaint about of all things the news links on the sidebar and what they say about my preference for a congressional candidate in CD 6:
-----Original Message-----
From: D K
To: artvg at aol .com
Sent: Wed, Jan 27, 2010 6:40 am
Subject: Newspapers
Reading your list of "approved" Monmouth County papers, there are two
glaring omissions: The Monmouth Journal and Tri City News.
The fact that the vapid embarrassment of the Two River Times made your list
makes me think you'll be pulling for Gooch in D-6. I guess, in the end,
money really can buy you anything. And we all know how well that went for
Corzine...
and my response:
Hi D K,
My News links have been on the blog since before the Monmouth Journal was on the scene. I know that the Tri-City News does not publish online, which is why it is not linked. I enjoy the Tri-City News and have written about it. http://moremonmouthmusings.blogspot.com/search?q=TriCity . Dan Jacobs' brilliant business model does not include the Internet.
Regarding The Monmouth Journal, it is a nice local paper. I didn't know it had a website until I got your email and looked for it. To be honest, based on alexis.com and my experience of the print edition, I think MoreMonmouthMusings has a broader reach than the paper does. We cover different interests.
I also don't link the New York Times or my friend Vin's Monitor newspapers. Don't read to much into those links.
As far as who I will support in CD 6, all I know at this point is that it won't be Frank Pallone. No one has declared a candidacy. I know Bill Barham and Mary Pat Angelini. Either would be better than Pallone. I don't know Diane Gooch, but she was nice enough to respond to my email about her interest in the race. That makes her more responsive than Frank Pallone.
Thanks for reading and writing. Please come back often.
Art
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monmouth Guy on Fox!
Brian Hagerty, a local tea party leader from Keansburg, will be Fox and Friends Wednesday morning at 6:50. Hegarty will be discussing Rush Holt's Town Hall meeting.
Tommy DeSeno is devastated.
Tommy DeSeno is devastated.
ICYMI: Mulshine on CD 12
The SLedger's Paul Mulshine did some live blogging at Rush Holt's Town Hall meeting last night; Holt takes a beating in the school cafeteria.
Here are a couple of Mulshine's gems:
and,
Here are a couple of Mulshine's gems:
"...these people aren’t in the mood for that sort of thing. They’re ticked off over the entire Obama agenda, from cap-and-trade to health care. They’re yelling things like “Do you care why we’re here?”
Holt didn’t help his cause when he finally started taking written questions. The first was “Is there any similarity between the tea parties of today and the original tea parties?”
Instead of saying something like “I’m sure you tea-party types are all well-meaning people” – which they are – he replied, “There’s none that I can think of.”
That got a rise out of the crowd, which has a number of tea-party adherents among the several hundred who showed up.
Things just got worse for a while until finally Holt lost his patience and said “Maybe I would like to take people who would actually like to have a dialogue into another room.”
That didn’t help. Finally a local official took the mike and set up a new format. He would work as the emcee and people could come to the mike and ask questions directly. That helped a bit, but the crowd is still very anti-Holt and anti-Democrat in general.
Holt is in what is supposedly a safe Democratic district. But I’ll bet he doesn’t feel so safe this year."
and,
After the session, I met another candidate for Holt’s seat in Congress outside. His name is Scott Sipprelle and he was telling people why he would make a good congressman from New Jersey.
Unfortunately, he’s not from New Jersey. He’s from Princeton.
And Princeton is its own little world, one that doesn’t include the rest of us. I love Princeton and its historic institutions, such as the Triumph Brewpub and the Alchemist and Barrister.
But Princeton people are a bit detached, to say the least. When, after speaking to Sipprelle for a while, I mentioned I write for the Star-Ledger, he seemed to have only a vague idea what the Star-Ledger is.
And he also seems to have only a vague idea of what the Republican Party is. Sipprelle has been donating money to Democratic candidates all over America, a point on which Halfacre has been attacking him.
Who is the Dede Scozzafava of New Jersey?
Dede Scozzafava is the center left Republican from upstate New York who suspended her campaign in a special election for congress and threw her support to the Democrat, rather than see her conservative opponent win the seat.
Steve Lonegan told Politickernj's Matt Friedman that he considers Bergen County Clerk Kathe Donovan, who is the Bergen GOP's consensus candidate for County Executive, the Dede Scozzafava of New Jersey because she is not as conservative as he is.
Lonegan did not offer any alternative candidate. He simply criticised the GOP for not recruiting more conservative candidates. He even said, that the GOP rallied around Donovan because "they had no alternative" after a "desperate behind the scenes effort to find another candidate," which included asking him to run. Lonegan said he declined to run because his "interests do not lie there."
So what is Lonegan's point in criticising Donovan and the Bergen GOP if "they had no choice" and if he wasn't willing to step up, or as a conservative leader, recruit an alternative candidate?
Dede Scozzafava didn't tank the GOP changes of picking up a congressional seat by being too liberal or by withdrawing from the race. She tanked the GOP by helping the Democrat win. In that respect, helping the Democrats over a fellow Republican, Lonegan more resembles Scozzafava than Donovan does.
Steve Lonegan told Politickernj's Matt Friedman that he considers Bergen County Clerk Kathe Donovan, who is the Bergen GOP's consensus candidate for County Executive, the Dede Scozzafava of New Jersey because she is not as conservative as he is.
Lonegan did not offer any alternative candidate. He simply criticised the GOP for not recruiting more conservative candidates. He even said, that the GOP rallied around Donovan because "they had no alternative" after a "desperate behind the scenes effort to find another candidate," which included asking him to run. Lonegan said he declined to run because his "interests do not lie there."
So what is Lonegan's point in criticising Donovan and the Bergen GOP if "they had no choice" and if he wasn't willing to step up, or as a conservative leader, recruit an alternative candidate?
Dede Scozzafava didn't tank the GOP changes of picking up a congressional seat by being too liberal or by withdrawing from the race. She tanked the GOP by helping the Democrat win. In that respect, helping the Democrats over a fellow Republican, Lonegan more resembles Scozzafava than Donovan does.
TOWNHALL MEETING ATTENDEES = POLITICAL TERRORISTS ACCORDING TO ONE OF THE SIPPRELLE FIVE
Tom Fitzsimmons, campaign manager for 12th District Republican congressional candidate Fair Haven Mayor Mike Halfacre, asked today whether Wall Street insider Scott Sipprelle considered the attendees asking Rush Holt pointed questions at his townhall meeting in Marlboro Monday night “political terrorists”.
“Last June, Scott Sipprelle inexplicably gave $2,500 to five House Democrats. One of the five, Baron Hill of Indiana, twice referred to the people who showed up at townhall meetings all over the United States to protest the government takeover of healthcare as “political terrorists”. (link: http://hoosierpundit.blogspot.com/2009/08/baron-hill-repeats-political-terrorists.html) Considering Mr. Sipprelle’s support of Congressman Hill, I think it’s fair to ask if he agrees with Mr. Baron that the people who take time out of their day to meet with their Congressional representative and express their opinions are “terrorists”.
Baron also voted for the controversial healthcare bill.
Fitzsimmons noted that last summer, while Mr. Sipprelle was supporting Democrats and Congressman Hill was insulting constituents, Halfacre hosted his own townhall meeting in Middletown.
“In August, when Rush Holt held his townhall meeting in a 240 seat venue, Mayor Halfacre held a “Townhall for All” right outside Holt’s meeting for all the people who couldn’t get in,” said Fitzsimmons. “There were nearly 400 people there and Mike allowed everyone to speak, regardless of their point of view. That’s what a true representative would do, and that’s why Mayor Halfacre will be a great representative of the 12th District when he’s elected in November”
“Last June, Scott Sipprelle inexplicably gave $2,500 to five House Democrats. One of the five, Baron Hill of Indiana, twice referred to the people who showed up at townhall meetings all over the United States to protest the government takeover of healthcare as “political terrorists”. (link: http://hoosierpundit.blogspot.com/2009/08/baron-hill-repeats-political-terrorists.html) Considering Mr. Sipprelle’s support of Congressman Hill, I think it’s fair to ask if he agrees with Mr. Baron that the people who take time out of their day to meet with their Congressional representative and express their opinions are “terrorists”.
Baron also voted for the controversial healthcare bill.
Fitzsimmons noted that last summer, while Mr. Sipprelle was supporting Democrats and Congressman Hill was insulting constituents, Halfacre hosted his own townhall meeting in Middletown.
“In August, when Rush Holt held his townhall meeting in a 240 seat venue, Mayor Halfacre held a “Townhall for All” right outside Holt’s meeting for all the people who couldn’t get in,” said Fitzsimmons. “There were nearly 400 people there and Mike allowed everyone to speak, regardless of their point of view. That’s what a true representative would do, and that’s why Mayor Halfacre will be a great representative of the 12th District when he’s elected in November”
Christie: Unemployment Taxes Will Rise In June
Gannett's Michael Symons is reporting that Governor Christie is acknowledging the inevitable unemployment tax increase that will occur in June.
This is largely the result of previous administrations and legislatures, Democrats and Republicans, raiding the Unemployment Fund to the tune of $4.8 billion since 1992.
This is not a new tax. Every year unemployment "premiums" are set based upon a statutory formula that includes the amount in the fund and the employers' "claims."
The very unfortunate reality is that this tax, even before the coming increase, contributes mightily to reduced employment. The tax is a percentage of payroll. For small businesses struggling to survive, this cost is real consideration in having to lay people off. For those who made it through struggle to recover and grow again, this cost is an impediment to hiring and re-hiring.
Unfortunately, Christie has no choice but to let this tax/insurance premium increase as scheduled. Even if the Obama administration bails out the fund, it has to be replenished.
However there are steps the Christie administration should take immediately to address the long term and short term viability of the Unemployment Insurance Program.
This is largely the result of previous administrations and legislatures, Democrats and Republicans, raiding the Unemployment Fund to the tune of $4.8 billion since 1992.
This is not a new tax. Every year unemployment "premiums" are set based upon a statutory formula that includes the amount in the fund and the employers' "claims."
The very unfortunate reality is that this tax, even before the coming increase, contributes mightily to reduced employment. The tax is a percentage of payroll. For small businesses struggling to survive, this cost is real consideration in having to lay people off. For those who made it through struggle to recover and grow again, this cost is an impediment to hiring and re-hiring.
Unfortunately, Christie has no choice but to let this tax/insurance premium increase as scheduled. Even if the Obama administration bails out the fund, it has to be replenished.
However there are steps the Christie administration should take immediately to address the long term and short term viability of the Unemployment Insurance Program.
1) Take whatever legal steps are necessary to prevent legislature and governors from ever raiding this fund again. The fund should be set up as a real insurance trust fund with an prudent investment strategy that enhances the funds liquidity come the next crisis.
2)Improve claims management and fight abuse. Not everyone collecting unemployment benefits qualifies. I had an employee who was awarded benefits despite the fact that she had a full time position offered. Mine can't be the only business that this has happened to. There are people collecting benefits and not looking for work, as they are required to do. Some treat unemployment as a paid vacation. Others are working "off the books" while continuing to collect. There are those who's lives are set up to take advantage to the Unemployment Fund. Seasonal employees at restaurants along the shore often make enough in three - six months to live for a year. Much of that seasonal income is cash that is not reported and taxed. A system should be set up to prevent those who year after year after year make winter unemployment claims, when they are not really unemployed. They are really seasonal workers taking advantage of a loop hole.
3)Make Unemployment premiums/taxes "No fault." Currently, premiums increase for companies who have had to let people go, but only on a percentage of payroll currently being paid. Thus, the cost to hire or re-hire is increased based on the company's claim history. Businesses, large and small are forced to postpone hiring or resort to inefficient but creative (and legal) hiring and compensation practices to reduce their premiums. For example, setting up a new employment company with no claims history. Business owners almost never qualify for benefits, yet if take a salary they pay both the employee and the employer share of the unemployment tax on their own pay. Owners, especially of companies who have had to lay people off are forced to reduce or eliminate their salaries and compensate themselves in ways that are not subject to payroll taxes. For example, a business owner who also owns the property where the business operates can increase the rent to off set a salary reduction and save on unemployment taxes and other payroll deductions.
By making premiums/taxes "no fault" the system would elimiate a disincentvie to hiring, encourage business owners to put themselves "on the books" and reduce the incentive for inefficient/creative hiring and compensation. This might be unfair to those few, if any, businesses that have never had an unemployment claim. But those who have had claims can get the favorable premiums anyway through the creative methods discussed.
Monmouth University Hosts Panel Discussion
“The Politics of Civility”
The Office of Academic Program Initiatives and the Department of Political Science at Monmouth University will co-sponsor a panel discussion “The Politics of Civility,” on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 1:00-2:30 pm in Wilson Hall Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.
The "Politics of Civility" exists when members of the two major political parties can be intellectual and ideological opponents without being personal enemies. Unfortunately, politics at both the federal and state levels has become increasingly acrimonious over the past two decades, and a decline in good government has been a result. Two of New Jersey's greatest governors, Democrat Richard J. Hughes and Republican Tom Kean were outstanding practitioners of The Politics of Civility. Our program on this topic focuses on how these two men practiced the Politics of Civility and how all too often this has become a lost art.
Moderated by Alan Steinberg, Public Servant in Residence at Monmouth University, panelists will include Honorable Thomas H. Kean, former New Jersey Governor; Alvin Felzenberg, author of Governor Tom Kean; John Wefing, professor, Seton Hall Law School and author of The Life and Times of Richard J. Hughes: The Politics of Civility; and Michael Murphy former Morris County Prosecutor and stepson of former Governor Richard J. Hughes.
For additional information on the “Politics of Civility” panel discussion, please contact Petra Ludwig, Director of Public Affairs, at 732-263-5507.
About Monmouth University
Located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, Monmouth University is a leading comprehensive, private institution that offers coeducational undergraduate and graduate degrees and 50 distinctive curricular programs. Sprawled across a magnificent, historic campus, the University is approximately one hour from both Manhattan and Philadelphia and is within walking distance of the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Monmouth University combines the state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant environment of a large institution with the individual attention of a small, liberal arts college. For more information, visit Monmouth University at http://www.monmouth.edu.
The Office of Academic Program Initiatives and the Department of Political Science at Monmouth University will co-sponsor a panel discussion “The Politics of Civility,” on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 1:00-2:30 pm in Wilson Hall Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.
The "Politics of Civility" exists when members of the two major political parties can be intellectual and ideological opponents without being personal enemies. Unfortunately, politics at both the federal and state levels has become increasingly acrimonious over the past two decades, and a decline in good government has been a result. Two of New Jersey's greatest governors, Democrat Richard J. Hughes and Republican Tom Kean were outstanding practitioners of The Politics of Civility. Our program on this topic focuses on how these two men practiced the Politics of Civility and how all too often this has become a lost art.
Moderated by Alan Steinberg, Public Servant in Residence at Monmouth University, panelists will include Honorable Thomas H. Kean, former New Jersey Governor; Alvin Felzenberg, author of Governor Tom Kean; John Wefing, professor, Seton Hall Law School and author of The Life and Times of Richard J. Hughes: The Politics of Civility; and Michael Murphy former Morris County Prosecutor and stepson of former Governor Richard J. Hughes.
For additional information on the “Politics of Civility” panel discussion, please contact Petra Ludwig, Director of Public Affairs, at 732-263-5507.
About Monmouth University
Located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, Monmouth University is a leading comprehensive, private institution that offers coeducational undergraduate and graduate degrees and 50 distinctive curricular programs. Sprawled across a magnificent, historic campus, the University is approximately one hour from both Manhattan and Philadelphia and is within walking distance of the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Monmouth University combines the state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant environment of a large institution with the individual attention of a small, liberal arts college. For more information, visit Monmouth University at http://www.monmouth.edu.
Monday, January 25, 2010
"Mayhem erupted, Holt's goons came in" at Town Hall Meeting
Rush Holt had another tough night in Monmouth County.
Chris Fotache has the play by play at RightInJersey.
Angelini in the mix for CD 6
Add Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini to the list of people considering a challenge to Congressman Frank Pallone.
Angelini gave the scoop to Matt Friedman at Politickernj, which was very foolish of her considering that I am a voter and a municipal chairman in her district.
As Friedman notes in his article about Angelini, the "experts", both in the GOP and and pundits like Monmouth University's Patrick Murray, generally feel as though Pallone can't be beat. Yet, the GOP wants to mount a credible challenge to make Pallone spend a chunk of the $4 million war chest, to weaken him should be seek a U.S. Senate seat and as payback for how he abused his office in attacking Chris Christie while U.S. Attorney and during the gubernatorial campaign.
Anecdotally, there is a great deal of anger at Pallone, at least within the Monmouth County portions of the district. The anger has been growing over the last couple of years. I first witnessed it at a FEMA flood insurance meeting in Keansburg during the summer of 2008. A resident saved Pallone campaign materials going back twenty years. He was quoting from them and challenging the congressman to account for his performance. Pallone called him "disagreeable."
Pallone's arrogance, and his declaration of loyalty to Nancy Pelosi and Henry Waxman, at his Red Bank Town Hall meeting last August has not been forgotten. The Asbury Park Press, which for some reason still likes Pallone called the crowd at the Red Bank Town Hall meeting "disgraceful and unsettling." If anything, the angry mood toward Pallone has increased as he has increased his public profile in defense of Obamacare.
Just yesterday while at a non-political fundraiser, two prominent members of the Monmouth County business community cornered me for a half hour and charged me to "tell your big shot friends that we need to get rid of Pallone this year."
OK. I told them.
I don't know if there has been any scientific polling of the district. I would guess not yet. However, I encourage the GOP powers that be to poll Pallone before deciding to mount a race to weaken him rather than a race to beat him.
Angelini gave the scoop to Matt Friedman at Politickernj, which was very foolish of her considering that I am a voter and a municipal chairman in her district.
As Friedman notes in his article about Angelini, the "experts", both in the GOP and and pundits like Monmouth University's Patrick Murray, generally feel as though Pallone can't be beat. Yet, the GOP wants to mount a credible challenge to make Pallone spend a chunk of the $4 million war chest, to weaken him should be seek a U.S. Senate seat and as payback for how he abused his office in attacking Chris Christie while U.S. Attorney and during the gubernatorial campaign.
Anecdotally, there is a great deal of anger at Pallone, at least within the Monmouth County portions of the district. The anger has been growing over the last couple of years. I first witnessed it at a FEMA flood insurance meeting in Keansburg during the summer of 2008. A resident saved Pallone campaign materials going back twenty years. He was quoting from them and challenging the congressman to account for his performance. Pallone called him "disagreeable."
Pallone's arrogance, and his declaration of loyalty to Nancy Pelosi and Henry Waxman, at his Red Bank Town Hall meeting last August has not been forgotten. The Asbury Park Press, which for some reason still likes Pallone called the crowd at the Red Bank Town Hall meeting "disgraceful and unsettling." If anything, the angry mood toward Pallone has increased as he has increased his public profile in defense of Obamacare.
Just yesterday while at a non-political fundraiser, two prominent members of the Monmouth County business community cornered me for a half hour and charged me to "tell your big shot friends that we need to get rid of Pallone this year."
OK. I told them.
I don't know if there has been any scientific polling of the district. I would guess not yet. However, I encourage the GOP powers that be to poll Pallone before deciding to mount a race to weaken him rather than a race to beat him.
Governor Chris Christie Continues to Create Strong, Experienced Team
Announces Key Cabinet Appointments for Labor and DCA
Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie continued to create a strong, experienced team with the announcement of two cabinet positions today. Christie nominated Hal Wirths as Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Labor and Lori Grifa as Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
Gov. Christie Said, “It is important we have a strong team who is willing to be creative, think outside the box and do what needs to be done to get results. There is no disputing we have a series of difficult challenges we must tackle and overcome and I am confident that with this team in place we will fundamentally change the way New Jersey government operates.”
Hal Wirths, Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Labor
Hal Wirths is a founding member and on the Board of Directors at the Highland’s State Bank and has been with the firm since 2004. He is Chairman of the Loan Committee and a member of the strategic merger team. Since 2000, Mr. Wirths has been Freeholder Director for Sussex County. He serves as the Chairman of the Budget Committee, which oversees a budget of over $100 million.
From 1986 until 2004, Mr. Wirths was a successful small business owner of the Oak Shoppe Furniture store. As owner and operator of two locations, Mr. Wirths oversaw sales, acquisitions and advertising.
Mr. Wirths has been a member of a number of organizations including: Rotary International, Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, Branchville Businessmen’s Club and an Honorary Member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Mr. Wirths resides in Wantage, New Jersey.
Lori Grifa, Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Lori Grifa was most recently a member of Wolff & Samson’s Government and Regulatory Affairs Group. She focused on the areas of administrative, regulatory and government affairs, and handles commercial and employment litigation.
From 2002-2003, Lori served as chief of staff to New Jersey Attorney General David Samson. In that capacity, she was responsible for managing the New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety, a department comprised of more than 9,500 employees (including 800 attorneys), as well as for the civil representation of the State of New Jersey and overseeing the state’s criminal prosecution efforts.
Before joining Wolff & Samson, she was a special assistant district attorney in the Homicide Investigation Unit of the New York County District Attorney’s Office for two years and was a senior assistant district attorney in the Office of the Kings County (Brooklyn) District Attorney from 1989-1997, where she specialized in homicide and gang-related prosecutions.
Lori received appointments by the chief justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court to a number of important committees, including the Committee for Women and the Courts and the State Domestic Violence Working Group. Most recently, she was appointed to the District V-A Attorney Ethics Committee for a four-year term that began in September 2008.
She is listed in The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Administrative Law and was named by NJBIZ in 2008 as one of New Jersey’s “Best 50 Women in Business." She has received Martindale Hubbell’s highest AV® rating.
A graduate of Boston College School of Law, Lori served as law clerk to Judge Elbert Tuttle of the Superior Court of Massachusetts. She also earned her B.A., cum laude, from Rutgers University, where she was a Henry Rutgers Thesis Scholar and member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie continued to create a strong, experienced team with the announcement of two cabinet positions today. Christie nominated Hal Wirths as Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Labor and Lori Grifa as Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
Gov. Christie Said, “It is important we have a strong team who is willing to be creative, think outside the box and do what needs to be done to get results. There is no disputing we have a series of difficult challenges we must tackle and overcome and I am confident that with this team in place we will fundamentally change the way New Jersey government operates.”
Hal Wirths, Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Labor
Hal Wirths is a founding member and on the Board of Directors at the Highland’s State Bank and has been with the firm since 2004. He is Chairman of the Loan Committee and a member of the strategic merger team. Since 2000, Mr. Wirths has been Freeholder Director for Sussex County. He serves as the Chairman of the Budget Committee, which oversees a budget of over $100 million.
From 1986 until 2004, Mr. Wirths was a successful small business owner of the Oak Shoppe Furniture store. As owner and operator of two locations, Mr. Wirths oversaw sales, acquisitions and advertising.
Mr. Wirths has been a member of a number of organizations including: Rotary International, Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, Branchville Businessmen’s Club and an Honorary Member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Mr. Wirths resides in Wantage, New Jersey.
Lori Grifa, Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Lori Grifa was most recently a member of Wolff & Samson’s Government and Regulatory Affairs Group. She focused on the areas of administrative, regulatory and government affairs, and handles commercial and employment litigation.
From 2002-2003, Lori served as chief of staff to New Jersey Attorney General David Samson. In that capacity, she was responsible for managing the New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety, a department comprised of more than 9,500 employees (including 800 attorneys), as well as for the civil representation of the State of New Jersey and overseeing the state’s criminal prosecution efforts.
Before joining Wolff & Samson, she was a special assistant district attorney in the Homicide Investigation Unit of the New York County District Attorney’s Office for two years and was a senior assistant district attorney in the Office of the Kings County (Brooklyn) District Attorney from 1989-1997, where she specialized in homicide and gang-related prosecutions.
Lori received appointments by the chief justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court to a number of important committees, including the Committee for Women and the Courts and the State Domestic Violence Working Group. Most recently, she was appointed to the District V-A Attorney Ethics Committee for a four-year term that began in September 2008.
She is listed in The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Administrative Law and was named by NJBIZ in 2008 as one of New Jersey’s “Best 50 Women in Business." She has received Martindale Hubbell’s highest AV® rating.
A graduate of Boston College School of Law, Lori served as law clerk to Judge Elbert Tuttle of the Superior Court of Massachusetts. She also earned her B.A., cum laude, from Rutgers University, where she was a Henry Rutgers Thesis Scholar and member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Scott Sipprelle Unveils Blueprint for Renewal
Princeton, January 25, 2010 – Pledging a weekly roll-out of position papers outlining fresh approaches to address the economic and political problems facing America, businessman Scott Sipprelle (R-Princeton) today unveiled the six core principles of his “Blueprint for Renewal.”
“I refuse to be a candidate who offers timid, poll-tested sound-bytes masquerading as a panacea to the serious problems we face as a nation and a world,” said Sipprelle. “That is why I am unveiling the six core principles that will form the cornerstone of my campaign’s “Blueprint for Renewal,” aimed at addressing these problems by offering bold and dynamic solutions that will make America work again.”
Scott Sipprelle’s “Blueprint for Renewal”
A Pro-Jobs Agenda Grounded in Smart Investment.
“With unemployment exceeding 10% and a so-called stimulus package that has only added to the unemployment rolls, it’s time for a new direction,” said Sipprelle. “If this last year has proven anything, it’s that soaring government spending is not the answer to our economic problems. We need to remove the chokehold of government that is preventing job-creation. We must put our trust back in the entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic of the American people and we need new ideas and new incentives to nourish and revitalize private sector employment.”
Control Government Spending and the National Debt
“Washington spending is out of control,” said Sipprelle. “Deficit spending by both parties over the last 10 years has led to an enormous increase in our national debt, much of it owned by our economic and political adversaries like the Chinese and the Russians. If we are to remain a great and independent nation, we must reform our dysfunctional federal budget process and begin to recognize the danger posed by our massive unfunded liabilities.”
Reform the Tax Code to Spur Investment and Saving.
“According to the non-partisan Tax Foundation in Washington, the average American had to work 103 days in 2009 just to cover the amount of taxes they were expected to pay last year – that’s absurd,” said Sipprelle, who noted that here in New Jersey, the figure ballooned all the way up to 119 days, second worst in the country. “Not only will my plan cut income taxes for every working American, but it will also advocate for top-to-bottom reform of the entire federal tax code to make it fairer and simpler while also creating incentives for new investment.” (Source: http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxfreedomday/)
Reform Congress to Increase Integrity and Fiscal Responsibility.
“The toxic environment within the Beltway and, especially, within the halls of Congress has been years in the making and both political parties are to blame,” said Sipprelle. “I would start with constitutional term limits for members of both the House and Senate and eliminate the scandal-plagued practice of earmarks. We need fundamental systemic reform in Congress that begins to restore the confidence of ordinary Americans in their elected leaders.”
Reform Wall Street to Serve the Needs of the Broader Economy.
“My opponents are sure to make predictable attacks against my successful career in the financial industry and spout boilerplate anecdotes less about prompting reform and more about scoring political points. Unlike them, I know intimately how Wall Street should work and also why it failed,” said Sipprelle. “Long before it became politically popular to do so, I publicly criticized the governance problems and excesses that contributed to the financial collapse. I have the experience required to repair and remake Wall Street, without destroying one of our nation’s leading industries. My plan will make Wall Street work for Main Street, not the other way around, by serving its intended purpose: to allocate capital for investments that benefit all Americans, not just a select few.”
Promote Healthcare Solutions that Enhance Access, Choice and Affordability.
“Hatched via shady backroom deals, this so-called healthcare reform package in Congress was nothing more than a desperate attempt to shove government-controlled healthcare down the throats of Americans anguished about ever-rising costs and accessibility,” said Sipprelle. “My plan, on the other hand, will focus on lowering costs through the use of enhanced health information systems to streamline medical records, disease management and patient care. My plan will also promote solutions to expand healthcare access by giving consumers more individual choice as opposed to mandating one-size-fits-all plans.”
“I refuse to be a candidate who offers timid, poll-tested sound-bytes masquerading as a panacea to the serious problems we face as a nation and a world,” said Sipprelle. “That is why I am unveiling the six core principles that will form the cornerstone of my campaign’s “Blueprint for Renewal,” aimed at addressing these problems by offering bold and dynamic solutions that will make America work again.”
Scott Sipprelle’s “Blueprint for Renewal”
A Pro-Jobs Agenda Grounded in Smart Investment.
“With unemployment exceeding 10% and a so-called stimulus package that has only added to the unemployment rolls, it’s time for a new direction,” said Sipprelle. “If this last year has proven anything, it’s that soaring government spending is not the answer to our economic problems. We need to remove the chokehold of government that is preventing job-creation. We must put our trust back in the entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic of the American people and we need new ideas and new incentives to nourish and revitalize private sector employment.”
Control Government Spending and the National Debt
“Washington spending is out of control,” said Sipprelle. “Deficit spending by both parties over the last 10 years has led to an enormous increase in our national debt, much of it owned by our economic and political adversaries like the Chinese and the Russians. If we are to remain a great and independent nation, we must reform our dysfunctional federal budget process and begin to recognize the danger posed by our massive unfunded liabilities.”
Reform the Tax Code to Spur Investment and Saving.
“According to the non-partisan Tax Foundation in Washington, the average American had to work 103 days in 2009 just to cover the amount of taxes they were expected to pay last year – that’s absurd,” said Sipprelle, who noted that here in New Jersey, the figure ballooned all the way up to 119 days, second worst in the country. “Not only will my plan cut income taxes for every working American, but it will also advocate for top-to-bottom reform of the entire federal tax code to make it fairer and simpler while also creating incentives for new investment.” (Source: http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxfreedomday/)
Reform Congress to Increase Integrity and Fiscal Responsibility.
“The toxic environment within the Beltway and, especially, within the halls of Congress has been years in the making and both political parties are to blame,” said Sipprelle. “I would start with constitutional term limits for members of both the House and Senate and eliminate the scandal-plagued practice of earmarks. We need fundamental systemic reform in Congress that begins to restore the confidence of ordinary Americans in their elected leaders.”
Reform Wall Street to Serve the Needs of the Broader Economy.
“My opponents are sure to make predictable attacks against my successful career in the financial industry and spout boilerplate anecdotes less about prompting reform and more about scoring political points. Unlike them, I know intimately how Wall Street should work and also why it failed,” said Sipprelle. “Long before it became politically popular to do so, I publicly criticized the governance problems and excesses that contributed to the financial collapse. I have the experience required to repair and remake Wall Street, without destroying one of our nation’s leading industries. My plan will make Wall Street work for Main Street, not the other way around, by serving its intended purpose: to allocate capital for investments that benefit all Americans, not just a select few.”
Promote Healthcare Solutions that Enhance Access, Choice and Affordability.
“Hatched via shady backroom deals, this so-called healthcare reform package in Congress was nothing more than a desperate attempt to shove government-controlled healthcare down the throats of Americans anguished about ever-rising costs and accessibility,” said Sipprelle. “My plan, on the other hand, will focus on lowering costs through the use of enhanced health information systems to streamline medical records, disease management and patient care. My plan will also promote solutions to expand healthcare access by giving consumers more individual choice as opposed to mandating one-size-fits-all plans.”
Rush Holt Town Hall Tonight
Congressman Rush Holt is hosting a Town Hall meeting this evening in Marlboro at the Marlboro Memorial Middle School,70 Nolan Road.
The meeting starts at 7PM. You are encouraged to arrive by 6PM to assure entry.
The meeting starts at 7PM. You are encouraged to arrive by 6PM to assure entry.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Obama to Menendez: PANTS ON THE GROUND!
In the wake of Scott Brown's stunning defeat of Martha Coakley for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by Ted Kennedy, President Obama has directed his political team to oversee Senate, House and gubernatorial races in 2010, effectively benching NJ Senator Bob Menendez, the Chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
Menendez probably knew Coakley was going down, as he spent Tuesday in New Jersey for Chris Christie's inauguration, rather than traveling to Massachusetts for a concession speach.
SaveJersey has the story.
This is good news for Republicans, as it is an indication that Obama has not yet heard the American people reject his socialist agenda. Just as the Obama team could not save Jon Corzine in NJ, a better political operation will not be able to sell a flawed agenda this November.
The bad news for America is that Republicans have not yet said or done anything to earn our good fortune. Obama keeps giving to us.
Menendez probably knew Coakley was going down, as he spent Tuesday in New Jersey for Chris Christie's inauguration, rather than traveling to Massachusetts for a concession speach.
SaveJersey has the story.
This is good news for Republicans, as it is an indication that Obama has not yet heard the American people reject his socialist agenda. Just as the Obama team could not save Jon Corzine in NJ, a better political operation will not be able to sell a flawed agenda this November.
The bad news for America is that Republicans have not yet said or done anything to earn our good fortune. Obama keeps giving to us.
Barham and Gooch considering a challenge to Pallone
Former Freeholder Bill Barham and Monmouth County GOP Vice Chair Diane Gooch are separately considering a challenge to Congressman Frank Pallone in the 6th Congressional District of New Jersey.
Barham, from Monmouth Beach, told MoreMonmouthMusings that he "is not there yet," but is actively exploring a run. He said, "I would love to go to Washington and drive Nancy Pelosi crazy."
Gooch is the publisher of The Two River Times. She is a resident of Rumson, which is in the 12th congressional district. Residency in a district is not a requirement to seek a congressional seat.
Assemblyman Sam Thompson introduced Gooch as a candidate against Pallone at the Middlesex Republican Holiday Party last week, before being corrected by Middlesex GOP Chair Joe Leo who said she was still exploring her options.
Gooch told MoreMonmouthMusings, "It is true that I am exploring a variety of political topics as I consider the failure of the Democrats in Congress to represent New Jersey. I will be making decisions about the future very soon."
Barham, from Monmouth Beach, told MoreMonmouthMusings that he "is not there yet," but is actively exploring a run. He said, "I would love to go to Washington and drive Nancy Pelosi crazy."
Gooch is the publisher of The Two River Times. She is a resident of Rumson, which is in the 12th congressional district. Residency in a district is not a requirement to seek a congressional seat.
Assemblyman Sam Thompson introduced Gooch as a candidate against Pallone at the Middlesex Republican Holiday Party last week, before being corrected by Middlesex GOP Chair Joe Leo who said she was still exploring her options.
Gooch told MoreMonmouthMusings, "It is true that I am exploring a variety of political topics as I consider the failure of the Democrats in Congress to represent New Jersey. I will be making decisions about the future very soon."
Friday, January 22, 2010
Guadagno Will Be Acting Governor This Weekend
Governor Chris Christie will be traveling to Indiana this weekend to attend the AFC Championship game between the East Rutherford Jets and the Indianapolis Colts. He will meet with Governor Mitch Daniels while in Indiana.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno will be Acting Governor while Christie is out of state.
Sipprelle: My boss made me do it.
Scott Sipprelle, a CD 12 candidate for the GOP nomination has been telling Republican club and county committee members that he donated to NY Senator Chuck Schumer's coffers because his boss at Morgan Stanley told all the junior associates to do so.
John A. Mennella, a law enforcment officer and Republcian from East Brunswick, reported on the Christie Supporters for Halfacre facebook page,
Mennella told MoreMonmouthMusings that he was not satisfied with Sipprelle's explanation that he donated under pressure and then quit. He wonders how Sipprelle would stand up to pressure from Nancy Pelosi or President Obama.
Menella may have good reason to be unsatisfied with Sipprelle's explanation. According to his Linked In page, Sipprelle left Morgan Stanley in 1998. He donated to Schumer in 2002 while a hedge fund manager at Midtown Capital Partners.
John A. Mennella, a law enforcment officer and Republcian from East Brunswick, reported on the Christie Supporters for Halfacre facebook page,
Spoke to Sipprelle last night at function in East Brunswick. Asked him about why he gave donations to Chuckie Cheese Schumer, and his response was because the senior partner at Morgan Stanley told all the junior associates to donate. He went on to say that he resigned from there because of it.
I asked him if he resigned before or after he donated, and he stated he donated then resigned.
Mennella told MoreMonmouthMusings that he was not satisfied with Sipprelle's explanation that he donated under pressure and then quit. He wonders how Sipprelle would stand up to pressure from Nancy Pelosi or President Obama.
Menella may have good reason to be unsatisfied with Sipprelle's explanation. According to his Linked In page, Sipprelle left Morgan Stanley in 1998. He donated to Schumer in 2002 while a hedge fund manager at Midtown Capital Partners.
HALFACRE TO SIPPRELLE: ANSWER THE QUESTION
Halfacre for Congress spokesman Tom Fitzsimmons today took issue with Wall Street insider Scott Sipprelle’s confusing non-answer to questions on why he donated $2,500 to five House Democrats only seven months ago, when House Republicans were battling the Pelosi/Reid/Holt agenda of government-run healthcare and cap and trade.
“If Scott Sipprelle wants to carry the Republican banner in the 12th District this fall, voters deserve answers to legitimate questions, not political doublespeak and whining,” said Fitzsimmons.
“No one cares that he may have given x thousands of dollars to Club for Growth years ago. The fact remains that just seven months ago, while House Republicans were battling to oppose the very big government policies that Rush Holt fully supports and Americans are rejecting in droves, Mr. Sipprelle gave money to five Democrats who support that agenda. Why? ‘I gave a lot of money here or there and stop asking me hard questions’ is not an answer. Voters in the 12th District are going to want a better explanation than that.”
Fitzsimmons noted that Sipprelle’s non-answer stated he wanted to ‘repair the financial fabric of America.’ “How can you claim to want to repair the financial fabric of America, and then donate money to the very people who are tearing that fabric in the first place?”
Fitzsimmons concluded, “Mike Halfacre has spent the last eight months talking to people in the 12th District about his record of cutting spending and property taxes as Mayor of Fair Haven, and about his small government, pro-business governing philosophy. They know he will oppose the Peolsi/Reid/Holt agenda in Washington, and that’s why he has gathered so much support from both grassroots activists and Republican leaders. Scott Sipprelle was supporting that agenda seven months ago. The choice for 12th District voters, in June and in November, is now clear.”
“If Scott Sipprelle wants to carry the Republican banner in the 12th District this fall, voters deserve answers to legitimate questions, not political doublespeak and whining,” said Fitzsimmons.
“No one cares that he may have given x thousands of dollars to Club for Growth years ago. The fact remains that just seven months ago, while House Republicans were battling to oppose the very big government policies that Rush Holt fully supports and Americans are rejecting in droves, Mr. Sipprelle gave money to five Democrats who support that agenda. Why? ‘I gave a lot of money here or there and stop asking me hard questions’ is not an answer. Voters in the 12th District are going to want a better explanation than that.”
Fitzsimmons noted that Sipprelle’s non-answer stated he wanted to ‘repair the financial fabric of America.’ “How can you claim to want to repair the financial fabric of America, and then donate money to the very people who are tearing that fabric in the first place?”
Fitzsimmons concluded, “Mike Halfacre has spent the last eight months talking to people in the 12th District about his record of cutting spending and property taxes as Mayor of Fair Haven, and about his small government, pro-business governing philosophy. They know he will oppose the Peolsi/Reid/Holt agenda in Washington, and that’s why he has gathered so much support from both grassroots activists and Republican leaders. Scott Sipprelle was supporting that agenda seven months ago. The choice for 12th District voters, in June and in November, is now clear.”
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Gloves Are Off In CD 12
The so-far announced candidates for the GOP nomination in the 12th congressional district are off to an early fighting start to the primary season.
Halfacre's campaign issued a press release today slamming Sipprelle's donations to Democratic congressional candidates. Sipprelle's team countered with a statement saying the donations to Democrats were only $5K of the $95K that Sipprelle has contributed, that Halfacre is desperate for bringing it up and that the mayor is violating Reagan's 11th commandment.
Ahhh, the games have begun and the NFL playoffs aren't even over yet. There have been no Lincoln Day Dinners, no conventions or screening committee meetings. During the gubernatorial primary last year, the gloves didn't come off until April, after the county lines were awarded.
That's because at this point the candidates are competing for the county lines and the significant edge the holder of those lines will have in the primary. Sipprelle's team knows that if they win the lines in Monmouth, Middlesex, Somerset and Hunterdon counties, that Halfacre can't compete in an expensive primary. If Halfacre wins those lines he could win the primary, especially in a low turnout "off year" election season. If Halfacre wins the Mercer line too, despite Sipprelle's Mercer roots, he has to be considered the favorite to win the nomination.
This blog, SaveJersey, along with facebook and twitter will likely be the primary media coverage for this race. The mainstream media doesn't care about pre-convention/screening battles because the majority of their readers don't care.
This public battle for the county lines is a good thing. Both candidates, as well as the possible future entries, need to be vetted. There is no better screening than an opposing candidate. As this week's swearing in of Governor Christie demonstrates, a contentious contest for a nomination is not necessarily an general election handicap.
Halfacre raising Sipprelle's donations to Democrats is not a violation of the 11th commandment. It is a legitamate issue that Sipprelle should defend. We know very little about Scott Sipprelle other than that he has a lot of money. Recent history of Republican candidates with a lot of money and little or no political experience has not been good. We should hope that Halfacre's scrappy team on a shoe string budget can dig into Sipprelle's background. We should also hope that Sipprelle has better responses than, "he's desperate and not being nice to another Republican." We know Rush Holt is going to spend whatever he has to on opposition research against whoever the nominee is. Let's see how our candidates handle the heat.
Sipprelle has been working the phones trying to pick off Halfacre supporters. That is a smart move. Halfacre's abiltiy to hold onto his support in the face of a well funded opponent will tell us a great deal about how good a candidate he his.
Expect "the establishment," the county chairs and power brokers from Trenton and Washington to support Sipprelle because of his money and only because of his money. In their eyes, Sipprelle's money makes the district more competitive, puts funds in the local party coffers and let's them focus their fund raising efforts elsewhere. This establishment, who embraced Halfacre when he was the only horse in the race may come to see him as a pesky annoyance. Too bad. Halfacre's job is to either prove that he is a better candidate or demostrate that Sipprelle is a flawed candidate. If Halfacre fails in his quest while putting up a vigorous fight, he will make Sipprelle, who has never faced the rigors of a campaign, a stronger candidate. If Halfacre wins, Sipprelle was a flawed candidate. Either way a strong effort by Halfacre serves the party.
It will be interesting to see how today's U.S. Supreme Court decision lifting the bans on political spending by corporations and unions will have on this race, if any. It could potentially be a boost to Halfacre's efforts.
Regardless of the impact of the Supreme's decision, the Halfacre team needs a strong fundraising showing, and soon, to demonstrate that his declaration, "I will raise the money" is more than hot air. If I were them I'd be reaching out to Phillip Purcell to see if he or any of his friends might have a few shekels to spare if for no other reason than to give Sipprelle a little comeuppance.
Halfacre's campaign issued a press release today slamming Sipprelle's donations to Democratic congressional candidates. Sipprelle's team countered with a statement saying the donations to Democrats were only $5K of the $95K that Sipprelle has contributed, that Halfacre is desperate for bringing it up and that the mayor is violating Reagan's 11th commandment.
Ahhh, the games have begun and the NFL playoffs aren't even over yet. There have been no Lincoln Day Dinners, no conventions or screening committee meetings. During the gubernatorial primary last year, the gloves didn't come off until April, after the county lines were awarded.
That's because at this point the candidates are competing for the county lines and the significant edge the holder of those lines will have in the primary. Sipprelle's team knows that if they win the lines in Monmouth, Middlesex, Somerset and Hunterdon counties, that Halfacre can't compete in an expensive primary. If Halfacre wins those lines he could win the primary, especially in a low turnout "off year" election season. If Halfacre wins the Mercer line too, despite Sipprelle's Mercer roots, he has to be considered the favorite to win the nomination.
This blog, SaveJersey, along with facebook and twitter will likely be the primary media coverage for this race. The mainstream media doesn't care about pre-convention/screening battles because the majority of their readers don't care.
This public battle for the county lines is a good thing. Both candidates, as well as the possible future entries, need to be vetted. There is no better screening than an opposing candidate. As this week's swearing in of Governor Christie demonstrates, a contentious contest for a nomination is not necessarily an general election handicap.
Halfacre raising Sipprelle's donations to Democrats is not a violation of the 11th commandment. It is a legitamate issue that Sipprelle should defend. We know very little about Scott Sipprelle other than that he has a lot of money. Recent history of Republican candidates with a lot of money and little or no political experience has not been good. We should hope that Halfacre's scrappy team on a shoe string budget can dig into Sipprelle's background. We should also hope that Sipprelle has better responses than, "he's desperate and not being nice to another Republican." We know Rush Holt is going to spend whatever he has to on opposition research against whoever the nominee is. Let's see how our candidates handle the heat.
Sipprelle has been working the phones trying to pick off Halfacre supporters. That is a smart move. Halfacre's abiltiy to hold onto his support in the face of a well funded opponent will tell us a great deal about how good a candidate he his.
Expect "the establishment," the county chairs and power brokers from Trenton and Washington to support Sipprelle because of his money and only because of his money. In their eyes, Sipprelle's money makes the district more competitive, puts funds in the local party coffers and let's them focus their fund raising efforts elsewhere. This establishment, who embraced Halfacre when he was the only horse in the race may come to see him as a pesky annoyance. Too bad. Halfacre's job is to either prove that he is a better candidate or demostrate that Sipprelle is a flawed candidate. If Halfacre fails in his quest while putting up a vigorous fight, he will make Sipprelle, who has never faced the rigors of a campaign, a stronger candidate. If Halfacre wins, Sipprelle was a flawed candidate. Either way a strong effort by Halfacre serves the party.
It will be interesting to see how today's U.S. Supreme Court decision lifting the bans on political spending by corporations and unions will have on this race, if any. It could potentially be a boost to Halfacre's efforts.
Regardless of the impact of the Supreme's decision, the Halfacre team needs a strong fundraising showing, and soon, to demonstrate that his declaration, "I will raise the money" is more than hot air. If I were them I'd be reaching out to Phillip Purcell to see if he or any of his friends might have a few shekels to spare if for no other reason than to give Sipprelle a little comeuppance.
Sipprelle Responds To Halfacre's Press Release:
“Scott Sipprelle is running for Congress to reform a dysfunctional political process and to repair the financial fabric of America. Mike Halfacre’s desperate, negative attack violates Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment of not speaking ill of another Republican and clearly shows a campaign in distress. The fact is that Scott has a long history of generously supporting Republicans all across the country and has been proud to do so.”
Background: Check out this link as well: http://www.fec.gov/finance/disclosure/norindsea.shtml It's important to put this into context. Scott has made more than $95,000 in campaign contributions overall and fewer than $5,000 have gone to Democrats.
Background: Check out this link as well: http://www.fec.gov/finance/disclosure/norindsea.shtml It's important to put this into context. Scott has made more than $95,000 in campaign contributions overall and fewer than $5,000 have gone to Democrats.
Quote Of The Day:
"If Ted Kennedy would see his Senate seat taken over by a Republican, he'd probably drive off a bridge." ~Chris Fotache
ObamaCare is DOAOB
(Dead On Arrival Of Brown)
From The Hill:
From The Hill:
House Democrats lack enough votes to pass the Senate's healthcare bill, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Thursday.
Pelosi threw cold water on the idea that the House could muster enough support to pass the Senate's bill, which includes a number of provisions liberals in the House find distasteful.
"I don't see the votes for it at this time," Pelosi told reporters during her weekly press conference. "The members have been very clear."
Democrats have been forced to confront how they could proceed with healthcare reform legislation after having lost Tuesday's special election in Massachusetts to Republicans, giving the GOP enough votes to filibuster a bill in the Senate. One option under discussion has been passing the Senate bill, which would send the bill directly to President Barack Obama for a signature.
"We have to get a bill passed. We know that," Pelosi said, adding that "unease would be a gentle word" to describe House members' attitude toward the Senate legislation at the moment.
Still, the Speaker reiterated that all options are on the table, and House leaders had to always be prepared for the possibility that the Senate wouldn't be able to muster the 60 votes necessary to pass healthcare legislation.
Czech To Head Civil Service Commission
Monmouth County Administrator Robert Czech is headed to Trenton to join the Christie Administration as the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission.
The cabinet level appointment will be officially announced at 2pm this afternoon.
Czech became Monmouth County’s administrator on Dec. 3, 2007, after serving 6 years as Middletown Township Administrator.
He is a licensed attorney who began his public service career with the City of Jersey City in the Office of Management & Budget. Subsequent to this, Mr. Czech worked for a short period with the City of New York before getting a position with the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services’ Distressed Cities Program. Since working for the Division of Local Government Services, Mr. Czech has served as a Municipal Manager and Administrator for municipalities in Essex, Passaic and Hudson counties. He also worked for the law firm of Scarinci & Hollenbeck in Secaucus, practicing in the areas of Municipal and Labor Law.
Czech received his master’s degree in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, and his law degree from Seton Hall Law School in Newark.
SCOTT SIPPRELLE: DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN?
Self-proclaimed Wall Street insider was donating to House Dems only months ago
Tom Fitzsimmons, campaign manager for 12th District Republican Congressional candidate Mike Halfacre, today questioned why self-proclaimed Wall Street insider Scott Sipprelle was making donations to five Congressional Democrats just seven months ago, in June of 2009.
“Last June was the height of the battle for Congressional Republicans,” said Fitzsimmons. “The Democrats had rammed through the stimulus, cap and trade was being debated, government-run health care was on the table- and in the middle of all that, Scott Sipprelle made donations to not one, not two, but five separate Democrats.”
Fitzsimmons continued “It begs the question: why? Why, in the heat of the battle against the unprecedented Pelosi/Reid/Obama agenda of government expansion, would he give money to the enemy if he opposes that agenda? And more importantly, why should voters in a Republican primary support a Wall Street insider who, seven months ago, was hedging his bets by donating to Democrats? Scott Sipprelle has a lot of explaining to do.”
Fitzsimmons pointed out that of the five- Allen Boyd Jr., FL-2; Charles Melancon, LA-3; Heath Shuler, NC-11; Barron Hill, IN-9; Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, SD-1:
- three voted for cap and trade
- three voted for the bloated stimulus package
- four voted to increase national debt limit
- one voted for the healthcare bill and called people who showed up at townhall meetings to oppose Obamacare “political terrorists”
Fitzsimmons also noted that Sipprelle made the donations after Governor Chris Christie had emerged as the winner of the Republican gubernatorial primary.
“At the time we had an historic opportunity to elect a Republican Governor in New Jersey, one who needed to raise money to defeat the Corzine attack machine, and Scott Sipprelle gives more money to Democrats in Congress than he does to Chris Christie. I think that speaks volumes about what kind of “Republican” Scott Sipprelle really is.”
Fitzsimmons concluded by saying “Scott Brown’s victory in Massachusetts on Tuesday showed once again that voters want someone with the courage of their convictions to go to Washington and oppose the Pelosi/Reid/Obama agenda. Mike Halfacre will go to Washington and oppose that agenda at every turn; Scott Sipprelle was supporting it just seven months ago. The choice for District 12 voters, in June and in November, is now clear.
Tom Fitzsimmons, campaign manager for 12th District Republican Congressional candidate Mike Halfacre, today questioned why self-proclaimed Wall Street insider Scott Sipprelle was making donations to five Congressional Democrats just seven months ago, in June of 2009.
“Last June was the height of the battle for Congressional Republicans,” said Fitzsimmons. “The Democrats had rammed through the stimulus, cap and trade was being debated, government-run health care was on the table- and in the middle of all that, Scott Sipprelle made donations to not one, not two, but five separate Democrats.”
Fitzsimmons continued “It begs the question: why? Why, in the heat of the battle against the unprecedented Pelosi/Reid/Obama agenda of government expansion, would he give money to the enemy if he opposes that agenda? And more importantly, why should voters in a Republican primary support a Wall Street insider who, seven months ago, was hedging his bets by donating to Democrats? Scott Sipprelle has a lot of explaining to do.”
Fitzsimmons pointed out that of the five- Allen Boyd Jr., FL-2; Charles Melancon, LA-3; Heath Shuler, NC-11; Barron Hill, IN-9; Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, SD-1:
- three voted for cap and trade
- three voted for the bloated stimulus package
- four voted to increase national debt limit
- one voted for the healthcare bill and called people who showed up at townhall meetings to oppose Obamacare “political terrorists”
Fitzsimmons also noted that Sipprelle made the donations after Governor Chris Christie had emerged as the winner of the Republican gubernatorial primary.
“At the time we had an historic opportunity to elect a Republican Governor in New Jersey, one who needed to raise money to defeat the Corzine attack machine, and Scott Sipprelle gives more money to Democrats in Congress than he does to Chris Christie. I think that speaks volumes about what kind of “Republican” Scott Sipprelle really is.”
Fitzsimmons concluded by saying “Scott Brown’s victory in Massachusetts on Tuesday showed once again that voters want someone with the courage of their convictions to go to Washington and oppose the Pelosi/Reid/Obama agenda. Mike Halfacre will go to Washington and oppose that agenda at every turn; Scott Sipprelle was supporting it just seven months ago. The choice for District 12 voters, in June and in November, is now clear.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Change Has Indeed Arrived!
I can't imagine any of our previous governors celebrating their inauguration like this:
One more reason that New Jersey is grateful that Chris Christie has a new day job.
| New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie sings "Born to Run" with Bruce Springsteen tribute band. |
One more reason that New Jersey is grateful that Chris Christie has a new day job.
Sipprelle Calls Brown Victory a Triumph of Fiscal Sanity
Princeton, January 20, 2010 – Hailing Scott Brown’s historic win in Massachusetts yesterday as “a resounding victory for ordinary Americans and a wake-up call for a woefully out-of-touch Congress,” businessman Scott Sipprelle (R-Princeton) challenged incumbent Rush Holt to publicly withdraw his support for the disastrous healthcare reform package favored by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and to work towards reform that actually lowers costs and improves choices for consumers, while not adding to the country’s already massive deficit.
Sipprelle also blasted Holt for falsely characterizing the legislative process leading up to this point as “one of the most open and deliberative processes in recent memory” and for his misleading claims about the current bill not adding to the nation’s already massive deficit. (Source: http://holt.house.gov/list/press/nj12_holt/110709.html)
“Congressman Holt has lost his way,” said Sipprelle. “The shady back-room dealing that has characterized the construction of this bill is simply shameful; and the fictional accounting used to support a claim of deficit neutrality has been roundly refuted by Medicare’s own Chief Actuary.”
(Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703652104574652563562216036.html)
“After more than a decade inside the beltway, Rush Holt has become a creature of Washington who routinely puts his loyalty to Nancy Pelosi ahead of his sworn duty to serve the constituents he represents,” added Sipprelle. “I congratulate Senator-elect Brown and the people of Massachusetts on their shared victory tonight, and look forward to adding another ‘Scott’ to Congress this November.”
Sipprelle also blasted Holt for falsely characterizing the legislative process leading up to this point as “one of the most open and deliberative processes in recent memory” and for his misleading claims about the current bill not adding to the nation’s already massive deficit. (Source: http://holt.house.gov/list/press/nj12_holt/110709.html)
“Congressman Holt has lost his way,” said Sipprelle. “The shady back-room dealing that has characterized the construction of this bill is simply shameful; and the fictional accounting used to support a claim of deficit neutrality has been roundly refuted by Medicare’s own Chief Actuary.”
(Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703652104574652563562216036.html)
“After more than a decade inside the beltway, Rush Holt has become a creature of Washington who routinely puts his loyalty to Nancy Pelosi ahead of his sworn duty to serve the constituents he represents,” added Sipprelle. “I congratulate Senator-elect Brown and the people of Massachusetts on their shared victory tonight, and look forward to adding another ‘Scott’ to Congress this November.”
Times, they are a changin'
"Game changer" is a term that has been thrown around quite a bit lately. Scott Brown's election to the U.S. Senate really is a game changer, nationally.
Things are changing locally too. While some snarking commenters like to poke fun at my annual predictions...here are a few that you can take to the bank:
1) Mike Halfacre and Scott Sipprelle will not be the only candidates for the CD 12 nomination. Look for another candidate or two to enter the race within the next month.
2) There will be a viable challenger to Frank Pallone in CD 6.
On the county level:
Acting Sheriff Shaun Golden does not have the job locked up. He could well end up being Governor Christie's choice for Monmouth County Sheriff and be confirmed by the Senate, but as of now the situation is fluid.
There is no front runner for a GOP Freeholder candidate to be Rob Clifton's running mate.
Things are changing locally too. While some snarking commenters like to poke fun at my annual predictions...here are a few that you can take to the bank:
1) Mike Halfacre and Scott Sipprelle will not be the only candidates for the CD 12 nomination. Look for another candidate or two to enter the race within the next month.
2) There will be a viable challenger to Frank Pallone in CD 6.
On the county level:
Acting Sheriff Shaun Golden does not have the job locked up. He could well end up being Governor Christie's choice for Monmouth County Sheriff and be confirmed by the Senate, but as of now the situation is fluid.
There is no front runner for a GOP Freeholder candidate to be Rob Clifton's running mate.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
A view from the cheap seats
A huge congratulations goes out to the team that managed the inauguration of Governor Christie today. The logistics for the events in Newark and Trenton this morning were flawless. I was hesitant to take a day away from my business, even for such an historic event, because I feared what I would face in those two challenging cities; from parking to crowds. Both events were extraordinarily managed. If this kind of management is an indication of what is to come from the Christie administration, we are in for quite an improved New Jersey.
The atmosphere at the swearing in ceremony at the War Memorial in Trenton was one of both overwhelming enthusiasm for the opportunity before us and tremendous anxiety for the tasks ahead. One got the sense observing Trenton insiders that there was anxiety about the kind of governor Christie promises to be. He said nothing to relieve that anxiety. Quite the contrary. While he graciously reach outed to the legislative leadership and he did not use the words "turn Trenton upside down," he made it perfectly clear that he intends to do just that. His message to those who want to protect the status quo:
When Christie was introduced, he was welcomed with a boisterous standing ovation that must have lasted three minutes, repeated by another after he was sworn in. He took a deep breath and let it out in an expression of relief and accomplishment as he stood next to his wife, Mary Pat, after taking the oath.
Sitting behind the governor, facing the audience, during his inaugural address was the entire legislature, former governors, supreme court justices, members of the cabinet and other dignitaries. From the balcony, for some reason I was reminded of the experience of attending the theatrical production of Equus. Certainly not because of the content of the play, but because watching the reaction of other spectators and cast members is was a compelling element to the experience of the production. Observing the reactions of those on the stage, behind the governor, was very much like that today.
Even with his back to them, Christie was captivating. Click on the picture for a clearer view. Hit back space to come back.
Captivation was not the only reaction. I wish I could remember what Christie was saying when I snapped this. Maybe Senator Rice or Senator Sweeney remembers:
Even some of the Republicans look worried. Good.
Governor Christie put it all on the line today. He said he was going to do what he said he was going to do. He said he would make a difference. He said he would return New Jersey to greatness. He said he would succeed.
We the people need to both back him up and hold him to it. Not that I think holding him to it is necessary. I don't. But from the looks on some of those faces, he is going to need our help.
The atmosphere at the swearing in ceremony at the War Memorial in Trenton was one of both overwhelming enthusiasm for the opportunity before us and tremendous anxiety for the tasks ahead. One got the sense observing Trenton insiders that there was anxiety about the kind of governor Christie promises to be. He said nothing to relieve that anxiety. Quite the contrary. While he graciously reach outed to the legislative leadership and he did not use the words "turn Trenton upside down," he made it perfectly clear that he intends to do just that. His message to those who want to protect the status quo:
For the choice before each of us now is clear: either to work together to move our State forward, or to get out of the way of those who will.
When Christie was introduced, he was welcomed with a boisterous standing ovation that must have lasted three minutes, repeated by another after he was sworn in. He took a deep breath and let it out in an expression of relief and accomplishment as he stood next to his wife, Mary Pat, after taking the oath.
Sitting behind the governor, facing the audience, during his inaugural address was the entire legislature, former governors, supreme court justices, members of the cabinet and other dignitaries. From the balcony, for some reason I was reminded of the experience of attending the theatrical production of Equus. Certainly not because of the content of the play, but because watching the reaction of other spectators and cast members is was a compelling element to the experience of the production. Observing the reactions of those on the stage, behind the governor, was very much like that today.
Even with his back to them, Christie was captivating. Click on the picture for a clearer view. Hit back space to come back.
Captivation was not the only reaction. I wish I could remember what Christie was saying when I snapped this. Maybe Senator Rice or Senator Sweeney remembers:
Even some of the Republicans look worried. Good.
Governor Christie put it all on the line today. He said he was going to do what he said he was going to do. He said he would make a difference. He said he would return New Jersey to greatness. He said he would succeed.
We the people need to both back him up and hold him to it. Not that I think holding him to it is necessary. I don't. But from the looks on some of those faces, he is going to need our help.
As for me, I will heed the message I have heard over and over again from our citizens as I have traveled around the State in the last 11 weeks—simply put, they have told me to do what I said I would do. So let there be no doubt in this hall, or in any corner of this State: I will treat that promise to the people of our State just as solemnly as I will treat my oath of office. I will do exactly what I said I would do over the last year, no matter the obstacle or trial.
And to all of you, I ask you to build this better future with me. I ask for your help.
Scott Brown Wins Massachusetts U.S. Senate Seat!
The Associated Press has declared Republican Scott Brown the winner of the special election for the U.S. Senate Seat vacated by the death of Edward M. Kennedy.
The Democratic filibuster proof majority in the U.S. Senate is history.
The Democratic filibuster proof majority in the U.S. Senate is history.
A Who's Who of NJ Government and Politics
Governor Christie's Inaugural Ceremony was a Who's Who convention of New Jersey government and politics. Here's a slide show of photos of some of the notables I was able to capture.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Change Has Arrived: Governor Christie's Inaugural Address
Lieutenant Governor Guadagno, Senate President Sweeney, Speaker Oliver, members of the 214th legislature, Chief Justice Rabner and the members of the supreme court, to all the former Governors, to my former U.S. Attorney colleagues, to my dear family and friends, and most of all to the hard working men and women of New Jersey, I stand here today as your Governor. I understand the task before me and I am well aware of your expectations for me and this government. You voted loudly and clearly for change and you have entrusted us with what may be our last, best hope for a stronger New Jersey—the New Jersey of our youth, full of hope and opportunity. New Jersey, you voted for change and today change has arrived—right here, right now.
I stand before you at an historic moment for New Jersey, a State rich in history.
It was, of course, in this very city, in the midst of a cold winter such as this one, and tremendous hardship for his troops, that George Washington crossed an icy Delaware some 233 years ago to win a battle that contributed so much to our history as a free people, and ultimately to the idea that a better life was possible in America.
Today, our challenges are different. We do not face the hardship of Washington’s troops. But our economy is struggling. Our budget is in deep deficit and our State is losing ground. Our people are dispirited and wondering if our best days are truly still ahead of us.
So let me begin with the spirit of those giants who have preceded us in mind.
First, I say to the people of New Jersey, while the economic hour is dark, there are brighter days ahead. We have the tools to win the battle for a better future. More than our forefathers had; even more than we realize ourselves.
And second, to all the people of the State, whether you voted for me or not, whether we have agreed or disagreed in the past – today, I am your governor. Young or old, republican or democrat, rich or poor, regardless of color or heritage – I promise you this: I will work every waking hour of every day for a better life for all of our citizens.
To governor Corzine, I thank you for your decade of service to the nation and to the people of New Jersey. Your focus on the health of our children is something for which many New Jerseyans will long be grateful.
Rarely in New Jersey’s history have we faced the challenges we face today. There is fear and uncertainty. But fear and uncertainty are not necessary and do not have to be permanent. We have the tools for a brighter future, if we change direction.
To the people of New Jersey, I say this: you voted for change. And today, change has arrived.
One thing is clear: the old ways of doing business have not worked.
The era of partisanship and acrimony has not served the people well. Problems have festered while too much of the time of our leaders has been spent assigning blame instead of assuming responsibility. Today, we are taking a new direction. Today, a new era of accountability and transparency is here. Today, I will sign executive orders that will make our finances, our budgeting, and our processes more transparent for all citizens to see. Today, change has arrived.
The era of runaway spending and higher and higher taxes has not worked. We have the largest budget deficit per person of any State in the Union. We have the highest tax rates in the nation. We have the highest unemployment rate in over a quarter century. Our economy is stagnant and our people are suffering under the burden government has placed on them. And we cannot continue to mortgage our future if we hope to improve it. Today, we are taking a new direction. Today, a new era of lower taxes and higher growth will begin. Today, change has arrived.
The era of broken schools and broken streets and broken dreams in our cities has not worked. Too many urban school districts have failed despite massive spending per pupil. Crime is too high, and hope is too low. Today, we are taking a new direction. Today, a new era in which parents have choices, in which charter schools can help young people pursue excellence, in which we work to attract people to cities instead of driving them out, begins. Today, change has arrived.
Many have commented that our problems are large. Some say they are insurmountable.
But I disagree.
As I have traveled this State, I have indeed seen people struggling.
I have seen moms who put their kids on the school bus worried about whether they are getting a 21st century education.
I have seen dads who went to work hoping for a good day but worried that their week might end on the unemployment line.
I have met parents who tuck their children into bed, wondering whether New Jersey can once again be a place where our kids can afford to raise their kids.
But I have also seen something else. All across our State, I have encountered strong and determined mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, students and their grandparents. Accepting the hand they have been dealt -- by the economy, by fate, but also by our own past choices and policies -- but anxious to work, together, to forge a new direction -- to fix the problems we face. So, to all those with hope in their heart, with determination in their soul, and with a willingness to pitch in and work together, I say—keep going; have faith; for today, change has arrived.
The people of our State are nothing if not determined. Families overcoming unimaginable burdens to hold together. Workers training for their second or third career. Students working two jobs to help pay for the hope given to each of them by a college education.
Certainly if they can do that, we can come together to do the people’s work by accomplishing the long overdue task of fixing our State’s problems and governing it with more foresight. By your example, you the people have shown us the path to change.
The greatest thing about New Jersey has always been New Jerseyans themselves. To truly understand this, you need only look at the New Jersey heroes we have with us today.
There is Carolyn B.T. Wallace of Newark. Forty years ago, she and her late husband James founded the international youth organization as a way to help kids in Newark. She has dedicated her life to transforming lives through education and community service.
There is Dave Girgenti of Cherry Hill, who three years ago began the wish upon a hero website. Using the power of the internet, he brings wishers and granters of wishes together. In these three short years, the power of Dave’s idea has made the wishes of 48,000 people come true.
Tammy Evans-Colquitt of Pennsauken created “image and attitude” in the year 2000 to help improve the self-image of disadvantaged men and women in Camden county. She helped women transitioning from welfare to work and men from incarceration to the workplace. Tammy’s hard work has proven once again that no life is disposable and that everyone deserves a second chance.
Jim Benedict of freehold started and runs a lunch kitchen out of St. Peter’s church, serving hot meals to 200 people, three days a week. With no formal funding from Gov’t, Jim calls on the generosity of New Jerseyans to feed the hungry.
Finally, Chip Paillex of Pittstown is the founder of America’s grow-a-row, a non-profit that feeds the hungry by encouraging the donation of fresh produce to food banks all over new jersey. He started in his own garden and last year, over 700 volunteers donated 225,000 pounds of produce to area food banks.
These folks are just a few examples of what New Jerseyans are all about. When faced with tough problems, you choose hard work over giving up. You rise to the challenge, not shrink from it. For all of us on this stage we must now resolve to use all of you as our example. We in office must not shrink from the challenge, we must rise to it.
So today, right now, I ask Senator Sweeney and Speaker Oliver to come and stand with me and join in a handshake of resolve and friendship. In a handshake of commitment to stand for our principles—but to never abandon our duty to serve the people. Let us shake hands as a symbol for our citizens of all that is possible in a future that demands that who gets the credit finally takes a back seat to doing something worth getting credit for. Senator Sweeney and Speaker Oliver—I offer you my hand and my commitment.
For my part: I asked to serve as governor to help solve our State’s problems. I asked to serve because I believe we can do it – we can chart a new course and write a better history. I stand here today as governor supremely confident that we are up to the challenge.
Why am I confident? Because we have the tools to grow again. Because we have resources that few other States can match.
In an economy powered by knowledge, we are home to one-fifth of all the researchers and scientists in the country.
In an interconnected world powered by trade, we are home to one of America’s greatest transportation hubs –one of the largest ports in the world, an unparalleled network of highways, and one of America’s busiest airports.
In a time of historic medical innovation, we are the number one home of life sciences in the nation.
In a society that draws strength from diversity, we are one of the most diverse States in the nation – home to mountains and beaches, to cities and farms, and to people of every background, color and creed imaginable. This diversity is our strength.
Now, we must once again be the home for growth. We can become that through the choices we make. Together, we must take the future in our own hands and shape it to our liking. We are not a State of passive observers; we are a State of builders and doers.
Together, we can build a stronger economy. Yes, we will have to cut some programs and transform others to get our budget in balance. Yes, we will have to curb spending in municipal governments where there has been too little control. Yes, we will have to restrain State government, even as we invest to be prepared for the economic competition ahead. But we can do these things—and once again be a home for growth.
Together, we can build better schools that train our students for a brighter future. Yes, we will have to make better use of the resources showered on education. Yes, we will have to hold schools accountable and give people the choice to pursue alternatives to schools that fail. Yes, we will have to reward excellence, and not tolerate failure. But we can do these things—and once again be a home for growth.
Together, we can cut red tape and make it easier for the entrepreneur to create new jobs and the business owner to keep them. With Lt. Governor Guadagno in the lead, we must revisit the complex web of rules woven by various special interests over many years. But that is a long overdue visit if we are once again going to be the home for growth.
Together, we can help our national government be a friend and not a barrier to growth. The era of expensive and sometimes thoughtless mandates from Washington must end. After all, the States are supposed to be “laboratories of democracy”, not guinea pigs for failed federal experiments.
Most of all, together we can restore pride in our State. We have the talent, the natural beauty, the rich history, and the even richer character as a people, to be proud of New Jersey again. It is time to bring our pride back.
If we can do these things, New Jersey can indeed again be a home for growth.
It will not happen overnight, for our problems did not accumulate in a day. They have been decades in the making.
The problems will not be solved if we retreat into a corner, or if we shrug our shoulders in the belief that one person cannot make a difference. This is not a time for just another season of cynicism. With a State in crisis, we must cast aside blame and embrace action. One person can make a difference. I will make a difference. And each of you will make a difference too, if you believe in a better tomorrow. Believe me, I did not come to this office for failure. I came here for success, the kind of success that only comes from putting public service ahead of self-service.
These problems will be solved by the force of our people. By a shared vision, from all of us, that New Jersey can once again be a place where one can find opportunity and a great job. A place to raise a family and find excellent schools. A place to call home with pride and confidence in the possibilities ahead.
For the choice before each of us now is clear: either to work together to move our State forward, or to get out of the way of those who will.
I am not going to pretend to have all the answers myself, because I do not. But I am ready to work with all of you. I am ready to make change happen. And like the people of this great State, I believe that real change can bring us real hope for a better tomorrow.
As for me, I will heed the message I have heard over and over again from our citizens as I have traveled around the State in the last 11 weeks—simply put, they have told me to do what I said I would do. So let there be no doubt in this hall, or in any corner of this State: I will treat that promise to the people of our State just as solemnly as I will treat my oath of office. I will do exactly what I said I would do over the last year, no matter the obstacle or trial.
And to all of you, I ask you to build this better future with me. I ask for your help.
When Abraham Lincoln came to New Jersey in February of 1861, awaiting his swearing in as president of a nation on the verge of rupture, he said while visiting the people of Newark: “Without the people I cannot hope to succeed; with them I cannot fail.”
So today, the time for change has arrived. Today, change is here. And I ask not only for God’s blessing, but for your help.
God bless New Jersey, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
| N.J. governor Chris Christie's inauguration speech |
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