New Deputy Attorney General Selected: [NY Times]
Although the Clean Election Program is working well in the 14th, other pilot districts have complaints: [Trenton Times]
Sasa Olessi Montano to become acting director of Trenton's housing and economic development office: [Trenton Times]
Princeton to log environmental assets with new grant: [Princeton Packet]
Township attorney on the chopping block in West Windsor as new council majority throws its weight around: [Princeton Packet]
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Apologies, Apologies and Back to Work
It's back to the grind this Tuesday morning here at the Government Affairs desk. A fine summer weekend lasted a little longer than expected, and while we don't think anything pressing has been overlooked (as of yet), we ought to be acconuted for.
Further, we would like to extend to you our loyal readers the stolid promise that coverage will resume in its entirety - and with the normal and expected Prussian efficiency that has so far guided us in these endeavors - today, with probable postponement tomorrow for the celebration of our national overthrow of tyranny, the setting of our course towards a Manifest Destiny, the beginnings of this great Horatio Alger myth-making and the omnipresent American 'git 'er done' attitude so beautifully espoused by Toby Keith and every God-fearing backwards thinking redneck from Haddonfield to San Jacinto.
After that all-too-brief respite for Freedom, (with a special honor to be bestowed on recently commuted patriot, lying dog, and american hero I. Lewie Libby) the Government Affairs Desk will be up and running, as the fine weather and surf conditions down the shore allow, of course.
Further, we would like to extend to you our loyal readers the stolid promise that coverage will resume in its entirety - and with the normal and expected Prussian efficiency that has so far guided us in these endeavors - today, with probable postponement tomorrow for the celebration of our national overthrow of tyranny, the setting of our course towards a Manifest Destiny, the beginnings of this great Horatio Alger myth-making and the omnipresent American 'git 'er done' attitude so beautifully espoused by Toby Keith and every God-fearing backwards thinking redneck from Haddonfield to San Jacinto.
After that all-too-brief respite for Freedom, (with a special honor to be bestowed on recently commuted patriot, lying dog, and american hero I. Lewie Libby) the Government Affairs Desk will be up and running, as the fine weather and surf conditions down the shore allow, of course.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Daily 'Lines
At budget signing, Corzine reminds legislature that road leasing is still on the table: [NY Times]
Gov. signs into law CWA healthcare relief, teachers' new health insurance plan: [Star Ledger]
Hightstown puts the brakes on housing redevelopment plan: [Trenton Times]
West Windsor citizens group in support of train station redevelopment is forming; just build the thing already: [Trenton Times]
Big time Trenton developer, Performa, "forgets" to pay taxes: [Trenton Times]
Corzine vetoes $10 million in pet projects and pork, many for arts: [Inquirer]
Gov. signs into law CWA healthcare relief, teachers' new health insurance plan: [Star Ledger]
Hightstown puts the brakes on housing redevelopment plan: [Trenton Times]
West Windsor citizens group in support of train station redevelopment is forming; just build the thing already: [Trenton Times]
Big time Trenton developer, Performa, "forgets" to pay taxes: [Trenton Times]
Corzine vetoes $10 million in pet projects and pork, many for arts: [Inquirer]
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Daily 'Lines
Toll road sale unpopular with South Jersey lawmakers: [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Pork won't survive under Corzine's line-item veto: [Star Ledger]
Hamilton State Legislature candidates have raised the required amounts to qualify for the Clean and Fair Elections pilot program: [Star Ledger]
Greenies demand more protection for rivers and land under new proposed water quality management rules: [Star Ledger]
Pork won't survive under Corzine's line-item veto: [Star Ledger]
Hamilton State Legislature candidates have raised the required amounts to qualify for the Clean and Fair Elections pilot program: [Star Ledger]
Greenies demand more protection for rivers and land under new proposed water quality management rules: [Star Ledger]
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Gilmore makes big fireworks claims, local community rivals ask, "can he back them up?"
HAMILTON - Mayor Glen Gilmore may have set off a few too many fireworks with his recent claim that Hamilton Township will be hosting the "region's best independence celebration."
According to his press release, the Independence celebration to be held July 3rd in Veterans Park will feature the National Anthem and presentation of Colors at 7 p.m., an oldies cover band and, “a belly-full of summer food, a moon-bounce for the kids, and what I know will be the area’s biggest and best fireworks display to start at dusk.”
The Community Rivalry Desk has yet to ascertain comments from the other localities in the region, but we will be updating you, the loyal reader, as this crisis continues.
According to his press release, the Independence celebration to be held July 3rd in Veterans Park will feature the National Anthem and presentation of Colors at 7 p.m., an oldies cover band and, “a belly-full of summer food, a moon-bounce for the kids, and what I know will be the area’s biggest and best fireworks display to start at dusk.”
The Community Rivalry Desk has yet to ascertain comments from the other localities in the region, but we will be updating you, the loyal reader, as this crisis continues.
Hamilton Dems look to catch up on fundraising tonight
Just one day after 14th district GOP nominee Bill Baroni announced that he has reached the 400 donation threshold and qualified for up to $534,000 in state funding under the Clean and Fair Elections Pilot Program, Hamilton Democrats will be hosting a Clean and Fair Elections event to drum up support for their cause.
In a release provided by the Hamilton Democratic Party: "Hamilton Mayor Glen Gilmore, Councilman Ed Pattik, and Former Councilwoman Eileen Thorton invite you to 'Clean Election Event' for 14th Legislative District Candidates: State Senate Candidate Seema Singh, Assembly candidate Wayne DeAngelo, Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein. Wednesday, June 27th, 6:00 PM- 8:30 PM at the Hamilton Elks Club, 1580 Kuser Road, Hamilton.
Donations are, of course, $10 dollars. Hurry up Singh! Baroni's pulling away!
In a release provided by the Hamilton Democratic Party: "Hamilton Mayor Glen Gilmore, Councilman Ed Pattik, and Former Councilwoman Eileen Thorton invite you to 'Clean Election Event' for 14th Legislative District Candidates: State Senate Candidate Seema Singh, Assembly candidate Wayne DeAngelo, Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein. Wednesday, June 27th, 6:00 PM- 8:30 PM at the Hamilton Elks Club, 1580 Kuser Road, Hamilton.
Donations are, of course, $10 dollars. Hurry up Singh! Baroni's pulling away!
Daily 'Lines
Baroni reaches donations milestone in Clean Elections Program, entitling him to $534,000 in public money; Dems hot on his trail: [Trenton Times]
Ewing twp. council considers curfew after recent late-night fried chicken shootings: [Trenton Times]
Hamilton twp. raising tax rates to 81 cents. GOP council says politics, as usual: [Trenton Times]
Appeals court rules against college kids who left accident victim for dead: [Star Ledger]
West Windsor board member Morgan, who tried to create secret document society after watching Paul Walker movie "The Skulls," called out by board: [Trenton Times]
Washington Twp. maybe changing its name come November ballot. Proposals include: Spiderman Twp., Dan Sucks Twp., Robbinsville Twp., UR Gay Twp. Officials also decided to remove write-in box: [Messenger-Press]
Ewing twp. council considers curfew after recent late-night fried chicken shootings: [Trenton Times]
Hamilton twp. raising tax rates to 81 cents. GOP council says politics, as usual: [Trenton Times]
Appeals court rules against college kids who left accident victim for dead: [Star Ledger]
West Windsor board member Morgan, who tried to create secret document society after watching Paul Walker movie "The Skulls," called out by board: [Trenton Times]
Washington Twp. maybe changing its name come November ballot. Proposals include: Spiderman Twp., Dan Sucks Twp., Robbinsville Twp., UR Gay Twp. Officials also decided to remove write-in box: [Messenger-Press]
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Daily 'Lines
Mayor Doogie Palmer, Prez of U.S. Conference of Mayors, speaks to national TV audience...sort of: [Trentonian]
West Windsor courting firms for development project: [Trenton Times]
$54 million for low-cost rentals in NJ, none in Trenton or Central NJ: [Star Ledger]
Whitman in the hot seat for post-9/11 air quality: [NY Times]
Rider bans booze at frats: [Trentonian]
West Windsor courting firms for development project: [Trenton Times]
$54 million for low-cost rentals in NJ, none in Trenton or Central NJ: [Star Ledger]
Whitman in the hot seat for post-9/11 air quality: [NY Times]
Rider bans booze at frats: [Trentonian]
Monday, June 25, 2007
Freedom Fest in Mercer
June 30th has been slated by Mercer County as the date for the annual Freedom Fest, which coincides with the July 4th holiday (er, sort of, this year). In a press release from the county: The festival, which has grown increasingly popular each year, will be held at Mercer County Park in West Windsor from 1 to 9:30 p.m. The Freedom Festival features a stellar lineup of live music, food, rides, crafts and games, and culminates with a fireworks display at nightfall-all free of charge.
This year's festival features diverse musical groups, including the renowned New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, which is set to perform from 7 to 9 p.m., just before the fireworks extravaganza.
I dunno. There wasn't much out there today. Besides, if you're not down the shore next weekend, what else are you gonna do?
This year's festival features diverse musical groups, including the renowned New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, which is set to perform from 7 to 9 p.m., just before the fireworks extravaganza.
I dunno. There wasn't much out there today. Besides, if you're not down the shore next weekend, what else are you gonna do?
Daily 'Lines
Whitman under fire for "safe air" call at Ground Zero, [Star Ledger]: http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-7/1182745743118460.xml&coll=1
GOP is asking Corzine to line-item monetization language hidden in the budget, [Star Ledger]: http://www.nj.com/statehouse/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/118257270526310.xml&coll=1
More coverage of NJ's nation-leading environmental bill, [Inquirer]: http://www.philly.com/philly/health_and_science/20070625_N_J__set_to_lead_on_global_warming.html
Menendez looking to lead on immigration, [NY Times]: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/25/nyregion/25menendez.html?ref=nyregion
GOP is asking Corzine to line-item monetization language hidden in the budget, [Star Ledger]: http://www.nj.com/statehouse/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/118257270526310.xml&coll=1
More coverage of NJ's nation-leading environmental bill, [Inquirer]: http://www.philly.com/philly/health_and_science/20070625_N_J__set_to_lead_on_global_warming.html
Menendez looking to lead on immigration, [NY Times]: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/25/nyregion/25menendez.html?ref=nyregion
Friday, June 22, 2007
Voting Day Under the Gold Dome: Highs and Lows
The final day of a NJ legislative session is a lot like a term paper deadline in an undergraduate survey course. For one day, several dozen procrastinating "social drinkers" who are trying to get into bed with anyone worth bragging about, do their best to convince somebody that they've actually been working for the past six months.
Fortunately, this year nobody demanded an extension.
The $33.5 billion dollar state budget is now on its way to the governor's desk along with a slew of other legislation, and with that under our belts we lowly members of the State Governmental Affairs Desk here at CentralNJ Politics will now dutifully supply you, our faithful reader(s), with a run-down of the highs and lows of this year's final day of voting.
Please bear with us. It's been a long day of number-crunching and vote-counting, and we are understaffed, overdrugged and were expecting all this budget business to come closer to June 30. Looks like the pre-budget vote cocktail hour (week) wasn't as well-timed as we might have thought. Ah well, keep easy.
Campaign talking point high: The legistature put through the budget on time, with more than 50% less pork and without any tax increases. Although the voting was split along party lines (according to PoliticsNJ.com 22-15 in the Senate and 50-3 in the Assembly, you didn't think we really wasted out time counting votes, that's for interns!) both the Dems and the GOP got something they could run with. The Democrats have a budget with over $100 million less pork, passed on time and with no new taxes. The GOP has a $2.7 billion spending increase and a still staggering disputed figure in the $100 million range in christmas tree spending.
Pension funding low: The nearly $1 billion set aside in this year's budget for the state workers' pension fund still doesn't make up for years of robbing the pension coffers. The Legislature only postponed a fight down the road over how to keep the pension system tenable. This was one, among many, band-aid appropriations, especially considering that the pension system is currently running with an estimated $25 billion in unfunded liability, with a federal probe set to investigate.
Rabner approved, ok: No big opinion on this. We're just glad Nia Gill now looks like a backstabbing wannabe.
Garden State Green Space, nice buzz, for now: The Senate approved an appropriation of $200 million for the Garden State Preservation Trust, according to the Trenton Times. While the cash now will keep the trust in the black for the present (their funding was set to expire at the end of the year), it's another band-aid measure that still leaves the long-term future of the trust in the air. With the development and over-development occurring across the state, the environmental impact of population increases and development needs to be taken seriously. Which takes us to...
Grass is greener in NJ! Well, by 2050 hopefully: The Legislature approved a dramatic greenhouse gas emissions and environmental stewardship bill that has the farthest reaching plans in the country, according to the NY Times, who wrote: "Under the new law, greenhouse gas emissions generated by every aspect of the state’s economy, not just electricity-generating stations, will have to drop about 13 percent, to 1990 levels, by 2020. The bill further requires that emissions be capped at 80 percent of 2006’s levels by 2050.
"A few other states have set emissions reduction goals, but none go as far into the future as New Jersey’s. California, which passed a similar law earlier this year that was widely considered the toughest in the country, extends only to 2020."
Corzine is ready to sign, but questions have still been raised on the bill's implementation. Enforcement will fall to the Department of Environmental Protection, who do not currently have a plan for meeting these targeted goals, the Times reports.
Sorry for the lengthy greeny treatise, reality check "let us get cancer!" low: A bill making the smoking ban comprehensive in New Jersey, including in the Atlantic City casinos was passed yesterday, according to several sources. Despite the Govermental Affairs Desk's unblemished record of supporting public health initiatives even when in direct confrontation with some of its members' personal, ahem, discretions, we are going out on a limb to call this one a "Low" today. There is nothing like a cool drag after dropping the rent check on a misplayed double-down at 4 a.m. in the Tropicana. Can't their be an exemption for the born loser?
Fortunately, this year nobody demanded an extension.
The $33.5 billion dollar state budget is now on its way to the governor's desk along with a slew of other legislation, and with that under our belts we lowly members of the State Governmental Affairs Desk here at CentralNJ Politics will now dutifully supply you, our faithful reader(s), with a run-down of the highs and lows of this year's final day of voting.
Please bear with us. It's been a long day of number-crunching and vote-counting, and we are understaffed, overdrugged and were expecting all this budget business to come closer to June 30. Looks like the pre-budget vote cocktail hour (week) wasn't as well-timed as we might have thought. Ah well, keep easy.
Campaign talking point high: The legistature put through the budget on time, with more than 50% less pork and without any tax increases. Although the voting was split along party lines (according to PoliticsNJ.com 22-15 in the Senate and 50-3 in the Assembly, you didn't think we really wasted out time counting votes, that's for interns!) both the Dems and the GOP got something they could run with. The Democrats have a budget with over $100 million less pork, passed on time and with no new taxes. The GOP has a $2.7 billion spending increase and a still staggering disputed figure in the $100 million range in christmas tree spending.
Pension funding low: The nearly $1 billion set aside in this year's budget for the state workers' pension fund still doesn't make up for years of robbing the pension coffers. The Legislature only postponed a fight down the road over how to keep the pension system tenable. This was one, among many, band-aid appropriations, especially considering that the pension system is currently running with an estimated $25 billion in unfunded liability, with a federal probe set to investigate.
Rabner approved, ok: No big opinion on this. We're just glad Nia Gill now looks like a backstabbing wannabe.
Garden State Green Space, nice buzz, for now: The Senate approved an appropriation of $200 million for the Garden State Preservation Trust, according to the Trenton Times. While the cash now will keep the trust in the black for the present (their funding was set to expire at the end of the year), it's another band-aid measure that still leaves the long-term future of the trust in the air. With the development and over-development occurring across the state, the environmental impact of population increases and development needs to be taken seriously. Which takes us to...
Grass is greener in NJ! Well, by 2050 hopefully: The Legislature approved a dramatic greenhouse gas emissions and environmental stewardship bill that has the farthest reaching plans in the country, according to the NY Times, who wrote: "Under the new law, greenhouse gas emissions generated by every aspect of the state’s economy, not just electricity-generating stations, will have to drop about 13 percent, to 1990 levels, by 2020. The bill further requires that emissions be capped at 80 percent of 2006’s levels by 2050.
"A few other states have set emissions reduction goals, but none go as far into the future as New Jersey’s. California, which passed a similar law earlier this year that was widely considered the toughest in the country, extends only to 2020."
Corzine is ready to sign, but questions have still been raised on the bill's implementation. Enforcement will fall to the Department of Environmental Protection, who do not currently have a plan for meeting these targeted goals, the Times reports.
Sorry for the lengthy greeny treatise, reality check "let us get cancer!" low: A bill making the smoking ban comprehensive in New Jersey, including in the Atlantic City casinos was passed yesterday, according to several sources. Despite the Govermental Affairs Desk's unblemished record of supporting public health initiatives even when in direct confrontation with some of its members' personal, ahem, discretions, we are going out on a limb to call this one a "Low" today. There is nothing like a cool drag after dropping the rent check on a misplayed double-down at 4 a.m. in the Tropicana. Can't their be an exemption for the born loser?
Daily 'Lines
NJ lawmakers send $33.5 billion budget to Corzine's desk, without a major squabble, [Star Ledger]: http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1182487597216650.xml&coll=1
Legislature approves Rabner nomination, [Star Ledger]:http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1182487515216650.xml&coll=1
Legislature approves floating of $450 million bond for stem-cell research [Star Ledger]: http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1182487509216650.xml&coll=1
NJ Legislature passes bill aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, [NY Times]:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/22/nyregion/22warming.html
Dual-Office holder ban too wimpy, critics say, [Star Ledger]: http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1182487590216650.xml&coll=1
Editorial - Trenton Pork, (in the legislature that is), fell to $112 million this year but is still too much to stomach, [Trenton Times]: http://www.nj.com/opinion/times/editorials/index.ssf?/base/news-0/118248522281290.xml&coll=5
Legislature approves Rabner nomination, [Star Ledger]:http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1182487515216650.xml&coll=1
Legislature approves floating of $450 million bond for stem-cell research [Star Ledger]: http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1182487509216650.xml&coll=1
NJ Legislature passes bill aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, [NY Times]:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/22/nyregion/22warming.html
Dual-Office holder ban too wimpy, critics say, [Star Ledger]: http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1182487590216650.xml&coll=1
Editorial - Trenton Pork, (in the legislature that is), fell to $112 million this year but is still too much to stomach, [Trenton Times]: http://www.nj.com/opinion/times/editorials/index.ssf?/base/news-0/118248522281290.xml&coll=5
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Strange Times Ahead in the Battle Between Development & Open Space
It's fitting that on the same day that Lawrence township is debating Wal-Mart's impact on traffic patterns and Washington township is mired in a re-appraisal of its development on Rte. 130 in lieu of a state supreme court decision that a new "Keep it Green" campaign has been created to lobby for the continuation of state funding for preserving open space.
It's doubtful whether Wal-Mart is a part of the nearly 100 environmental groups that have contributed to this campaign, run through the Outdoor Recreation Alliance.
According to an infinitesimal blurb of an article in the Trenton Times this morning, The Garden State Preservation Trust that provides open space initiatives with financial assistance in New Jersey will, by year's end, have exhausted its funding. There are no initiatives currently pending with the State Legislature to continue the operation of this trust.
According to a petition put forth on the preservationNJ website, "Every day New Jersey loses 50 acres of valuable open space and countless historic sites to development. At the same time, the Garden State Preservation Trust, which funds the popular and successful Green Acres, Farmland Preservation and New Jersey Historic Trust programs, is running out of money, and the State Legislature has failed to act to renew the Trust."
Currently, Governor Corzine and the State Assembly are backslapping each other for a 'fight free' budget period that lacked the dramatic government shut-down of last summer. Unfortunately, in deciding on a conciliatory budget agreement, both parties sidestepped this important initiative.
Meanwhile, central NJ can celebrate the impending opening of a new Wal-Mart.
It's doubtful whether Wal-Mart is a part of the nearly 100 environmental groups that have contributed to this campaign, run through the Outdoor Recreation Alliance.
According to an infinitesimal blurb of an article in the Trenton Times this morning, The Garden State Preservation Trust that provides open space initiatives with financial assistance in New Jersey will, by year's end, have exhausted its funding. There are no initiatives currently pending with the State Legislature to continue the operation of this trust.
According to a petition put forth on the preservationNJ website, "Every day New Jersey loses 50 acres of valuable open space and countless historic sites to development. At the same time, the Garden State Preservation Trust, which funds the popular and successful Green Acres, Farmland Preservation and New Jersey Historic Trust programs, is running out of money, and the State Legislature has failed to act to renew the Trust."
Currently, Governor Corzine and the State Assembly are backslapping each other for a 'fight free' budget period that lacked the dramatic government shut-down of last summer. Unfortunately, in deciding on a conciliatory budget agreement, both parties sidestepped this important initiative.
Meanwhile, central NJ can celebrate the impending opening of a new Wal-Mart.
Daily 'Lines
14th District candidates qualify for public funds, [Trenton Times]: http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-9/118239881889740.xml&coll=5
Hamilton council GOP said stoplight report, others, taking too long. Administration claims they were stuck in traffic, [Trenton Times]: http://www.nj.com/news/times/index.ssf?/base/news-3/118239883189740.xml&coll=5
Lawrence Wal-Mart hopes to narrow roads to deal with traffic congestion. They also have plans to help the local environment by salting the earth, [Trenton Times]: http://www.nj.com/news/times/index.ssf?/base/news-3/118239873089740.xml&coll=5
State Supreme court holds up redevelopment plans in Washington twp., [Messenger-Press]:http://pacpub.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18498043&BRD=1091&PAG=461&dept_id=425686&rfi=6
NJ Division on Civil Rights receives civil union complaint, [NY Times]: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/21/nyregion/21mbrfs-lesbians.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
Profile on NJ Attorney General nominee focuses on her chocolate cake, seriously, [NY Times]: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/21/nyregion/21milgram.html?ref=nyregion
Hamilton council GOP said stoplight report, others, taking too long. Administration claims they were stuck in traffic, [Trenton Times]: http://www.nj.com/news/times/index.ssf?/base/news-3/118239883189740.xml&coll=5
Lawrence Wal-Mart hopes to narrow roads to deal with traffic congestion. They also have plans to help the local environment by salting the earth, [Trenton Times]: http://www.nj.com/news/times/index.ssf?/base/news-3/118239873089740.xml&coll=5
State Supreme court holds up redevelopment plans in Washington twp., [Messenger-Press]:http://pacpub.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18498043&BRD=1091&PAG=461&dept_id=425686&rfi=6
NJ Division on Civil Rights receives civil union complaint, [NY Times]: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/21/nyregion/21mbrfs-lesbians.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
Profile on NJ Attorney General nominee focuses on her chocolate cake, seriously, [NY Times]: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/21/nyregion/21milgram.html?ref=nyregion
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Truth or Consequences for Gill and Senatorial Courtesy
Gov. Corzine's nomination of Attorney General Stuart Rabner for Chief Justice of the NJ Supreme Court has sparked a very public democratic political squabble that only now looks to be nearing its end. The hold-up of Rabner's nomination by Sen. Nia Hill through her employment of senatorial courtesy looks from the outside to be a small check on the gov's power from the Senate majority, but if Nia Gill continues to go the "no comment" route about her reasons for putting the brakes on the appointment process, she should reap a political backlash.
Senatorial courtesy remains a viable legislative and political tool for wielding influence in what would normally be rubber stamp gubernatorial appointments, in order to force greater discussion and public debate about the unelected people who run the majority of our government programs; however, it is not without a two-edged caveat - in this case caveat tacenda, beware things that are passed over in silence. Nia Gill raised an objection to Rabner's appointment, but did so without public explanation. Essentially, she spoke out silently and disrupted the appointment process without fostering greater debate on the issue of the appointment.
As a public official, her political choices should (and have) come under scrutiny, especially those based on a subjective provision like senatorial courtesy. She needs to explain herself, with a good reason for her objection despite her backing from Richard Cody and the senate majority, or else in her silence reap some political consequences.
PoliticsNJ.com captured U.S. Attorney Chris Christie's reaction, in a story from June 14: "It's absolutely appalling and I am angry and you should be angry too," said Christie, referring in part to Gill’s expressed desire to take her time assessing Rabner’s qualifications, a practice in this case known as senatorial courtesy.
"You should have had it up to your ears with the petty politics of Trenton, with the failure of the people that we elect to represent us," Christie said "... It's petty and small and all that's wrong with politics in this state."
Now there isn't anyone that I can see who wouldn't give a week's worth of senatorial courtesy to avoid hearing Christie's opinion on anything as of late, and while his point on the pettiness of the political aspects of Gill's move are noted, if anything he should be asking for a further explanation of why Gill needs more time to deliberate Rabner's appointment, instead of taking the political low-ground while masquerading as a high-minded anti-pol. We know you're angling for an office, Christie, can't you save some of the rhetoric?
So despite the Christie media oppportunity, we need to take a look at why Gill is blocking the appointment, and she needs to be prodded into providing a reason for her stall tactics lest she be judged to have used this opportunity as another grudge match trump card.
If she was stalling for time, and allegations begin surfacing against Rabner's effectiveness for the post, then perhaps her outspoken silence will be vindicated. At the moment, it looks as though political power moves spurred Gill towards using senatorial courtesy to block the appointment, but without a leg to stand on.
Senatorial courtesy remains a viable legislative and political tool for wielding influence in what would normally be rubber stamp gubernatorial appointments, in order to force greater discussion and public debate about the unelected people who run the majority of our government programs; however, it is not without a two-edged caveat - in this case caveat tacenda, beware things that are passed over in silence. Nia Gill raised an objection to Rabner's appointment, but did so without public explanation. Essentially, she spoke out silently and disrupted the appointment process without fostering greater debate on the issue of the appointment.
As a public official, her political choices should (and have) come under scrutiny, especially those based on a subjective provision like senatorial courtesy. She needs to explain herself, with a good reason for her objection despite her backing from Richard Cody and the senate majority, or else in her silence reap some political consequences.
PoliticsNJ.com captured U.S. Attorney Chris Christie's reaction, in a story from June 14: "It's absolutely appalling and I am angry and you should be angry too," said Christie, referring in part to Gill’s expressed desire to take her time assessing Rabner’s qualifications, a practice in this case known as senatorial courtesy.
"You should have had it up to your ears with the petty politics of Trenton, with the failure of the people that we elect to represent us," Christie said "... It's petty and small and all that's wrong with politics in this state."
Now there isn't anyone that I can see who wouldn't give a week's worth of senatorial courtesy to avoid hearing Christie's opinion on anything as of late, and while his point on the pettiness of the political aspects of Gill's move are noted, if anything he should be asking for a further explanation of why Gill needs more time to deliberate Rabner's appointment, instead of taking the political low-ground while masquerading as a high-minded anti-pol. We know you're angling for an office, Christie, can't you save some of the rhetoric?
So despite the Christie media oppportunity, we need to take a look at why Gill is blocking the appointment, and she needs to be prodded into providing a reason for her stall tactics lest she be judged to have used this opportunity as another grudge match trump card.
If she was stalling for time, and allegations begin surfacing against Rabner's effectiveness for the post, then perhaps her outspoken silence will be vindicated. At the moment, it looks as though political power moves spurred Gill towards using senatorial courtesy to block the appointment, but without a leg to stand on.
Daily 'Lines
Hotel tax proposed for Hamilton, [Trenton Times]: http://www.nj.com/news/times/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1182312514217890.xml&coll=5
New housing code in Trenton proposed to stop slum lords, [Trenton Times]:http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-9/1182312453217890.xml&coll=5
GOP loses Bloomberg, '08 presidential race might be getting a little more crowded [NY Times]: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/20/us/politics/20mayor.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Nia Gill allows Rabner nomination to continue, [NY Times]: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/20/nyregion/20justice.html?ref=nyregion
Residents Nix Library Closing in Jamesburg, [Cranbury Press]: http://www.pacpub.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18481154&BRD=1091&PAG=461&dept_id=425419&rfi=6
Iorio out in race for Hopewell town council, [Hopewell Valley News]: http://www.pacpub.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18474554&BRD=1091%20&PAG=461&dept_id=425744&rfi=6
Don't whistle in Lawrence after 9 o'clock, you'll be breaking the new Noise Ordinance, [Lawrence Ledger]: http://www.pacpub.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18470971&BRD=1091&PAG=461&dept_id=425643&rfi=6
New housing code in Trenton proposed to stop slum lords, [Trenton Times]:http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-9/1182312453217890.xml&coll=5
GOP loses Bloomberg, '08 presidential race might be getting a little more crowded [NY Times]: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/20/us/politics/20mayor.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Nia Gill allows Rabner nomination to continue, [NY Times]: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/20/nyregion/20justice.html?ref=nyregion
Residents Nix Library Closing in Jamesburg, [Cranbury Press]: http://www.pacpub.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18481154&BRD=1091&PAG=461&dept_id=425419&rfi=6
Iorio out in race for Hopewell town council, [Hopewell Valley News]: http://www.pacpub.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18474554&BRD=1091%20&PAG=461&dept_id=425744&rfi=6
Don't whistle in Lawrence after 9 o'clock, you'll be breaking the new Noise Ordinance, [Lawrence Ledger]: http://www.pacpub.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18470971&BRD=1091&PAG=461&dept_id=425643&rfi=6
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Why No Needles? Fear and Politics
When city officials withdrew their application to join the state's needle exchange program citing Mayor Palmer and the Trenton city council's lackluster support for the proposal, they provided a telling example to voters of the policy gerrymandering that is suffocating the capital and keeping positive changes from developing within the city.
In the Trenton Times today, Mayor Palmer was quoted as saying, "This is an issue that I really want to see how it's managed in other cities...I want to see how other cities are faring, what were some of the obstacles and use that information to have a better program."
Palmer acts as if the NJ program is a revolutionary idea. In fact, there are successful needle exchange programs across the country that are reducing the HIV and Hepatitis C infection rates from used needles.
Needle Exchange programs can be a political minefield based on the incorrect assumptions and myths associated with the programs, including increased drug use in areas with an exchange program, attract crime, and weaken the war on drugs, but studies show that the distribution of needles does not lead to increased drug use. According to Wikipedia, former United States Surgeon General Dr. Davis Satcher, former Director of the National Institutes of Health Dr. Harold Varmus, and former Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Servies, Donna Shalala have all endorsed these statistics.
Mayor Palmer and the city council are playing politics with health policy. Needle exchange programs work, and if they need more evidence, there are plenty of places to look.
In the Trenton Times today, Mayor Palmer was quoted as saying, "This is an issue that I really want to see how it's managed in other cities...I want to see how other cities are faring, what were some of the obstacles and use that information to have a better program."
Palmer acts as if the NJ program is a revolutionary idea. In fact, there are successful needle exchange programs across the country that are reducing the HIV and Hepatitis C infection rates from used needles.
Needle Exchange programs can be a political minefield based on the incorrect assumptions and myths associated with the programs, including increased drug use in areas with an exchange program, attract crime, and weaken the war on drugs, but studies show that the distribution of needles does not lead to increased drug use. According to Wikipedia, former United States Surgeon General Dr. Davis Satcher, former Director of the National Institutes of Health Dr. Harold Varmus, and former Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Servies, Donna Shalala have all endorsed these statistics.
Mayor Palmer and the city council are playing politics with health policy. Needle exchange programs work, and if they need more evidence, there are plenty of places to look.
Daily 'Lines
Trenton City Council and Doogie Palmer, Mayor, send Needle Exchange Program packing,
[Trenton Times] : http://www.nj.com/news/times/index.ssf?/base/news-3/118222609828430.xml&coll=5
State budget is through committee in House and Assembly, $2.5 billion deficit could be around the corner [Star-Ledger]: http://www.nj.com/statehouse/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1182228354122250.xml&coll=1
Chris Smith is good, like - real good; he and his God also like mixing wind metaphors, and sometimes hang out to listen to old Bob Seger bootlegs, [Trentonian] http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18486127&BRD=1697&PAG=461&dept_id=44551&rfi=6
Ed. Note: we can still find idiots to write into back talk, [Trentonian]: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18491241&BRD=1697&PAG=461&dept_id=44551&rfi=6
NJ man, as first to lodge formal complaint to the NJ Civil Union Board, wins free movie tickets and gift certificate to Macaroni Grill! Well, probably... [NY Times]: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/19/nyregion/19civil.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
[Trenton Times] : http://www.nj.com/news/times/index.ssf?/base/news-3/118222609828430.xml&coll=5
State budget is through committee in House and Assembly, $2.5 billion deficit could be around the corner [Star-Ledger]: http://www.nj.com/statehouse/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1182228354122250.xml&coll=1
Chris Smith is good, like - real good; he and his God also like mixing wind metaphors, and sometimes hang out to listen to old Bob Seger bootlegs, [Trentonian] http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18486127&BRD=1697&PAG=461&dept_id=44551&rfi=6
Ed. Note: we can still find idiots to write into back talk, [Trentonian]: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18491241&BRD=1697&PAG=461&dept_id=44551&rfi=6
NJ man, as first to lodge formal complaint to the NJ Civil Union Board, wins free movie tickets and gift certificate to Macaroni Grill! Well, probably... [NY Times]: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/19/nyregion/19civil.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Daily 'Lines
West Windsor still in discussions about transit village; architect ready to pull out of project, so is the incoming town council: [Trenton Times] http://www.nj.com/news/times/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1181016412116730.xml&coll=5
Ethics charges against Pistol Pete and six other GOP lawmakers dropped: [Star Ledger] http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1181018070176330.xml&coll=1
Corzine moving on double-dipping; threatens hold-out on budget: [Star Ledger] http://www.nj.com/statehouse/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1181018159176330.xml&coll=1
Rabner called a "moderate voice" as nominee for NJ supreme court: [NY Times] http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/05/nyregion/05chief.html
Ethics charges against Pistol Pete and six other GOP lawmakers dropped: [Star Ledger] http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1181018070176330.xml&coll=1
Corzine moving on double-dipping; threatens hold-out on budget: [Star Ledger] http://www.nj.com/statehouse/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1181018159176330.xml&coll=1
Rabner called a "moderate voice" as nominee for NJ supreme court: [NY Times] http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/05/nyregion/05chief.html
Monday, June 4, 2007
Daily 'Lines
Pistol Pete Inverso is against constitutional amendment the Dems are proposing on sales-tax; so is Corzine: [AP]http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20070604_Corzine_defends_06_tax_hike_that_led_to_shutdown.html
Hopewell Twp. is afraid of tall buildings: [Trenton Times] http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-9/1180930114191290.xml&coll=5&thispage=2
Editorial - Open space initiative should make it onto November's ballot: [Trenton Times] http://www.nj.com/opinion/times/editorials/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1180929970191290.xml&coll=5
Editorial - while making sure not to actually say anything, the Packet did manage to get a B+ after submitting this editorial to their middle school English teacher...who lovvvvesss cliched Dylan lyrics: [Princeton Packet] http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18396076&BRD=1091&PAG=461&dept_id=425702&rfi=6
Ethics charges dropped, requisite lawsuits to be filed: [politicsnj.com] http://politicsnj.com/ethics-charges-against-gop-legislators-dismissed-9008
Hopewell Twp. is afraid of tall buildings: [Trenton Times] http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-9/1180930114191290.xml&coll=5&thispage=2
Editorial - Open space initiative should make it onto November's ballot: [Trenton Times] http://www.nj.com/opinion/times/editorials/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1180929970191290.xml&coll=5
Editorial - while making sure not to actually say anything, the Packet did manage to get a B+ after submitting this editorial to their middle school English teacher...who lovvvvesss cliched Dylan lyrics: [Princeton Packet] http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18396076&BRD=1091&PAG=461&dept_id=425702&rfi=6
Ethics charges dropped, requisite lawsuits to be filed: [politicsnj.com] http://politicsnj.com/ethics-charges-against-gop-legislators-dismissed-9008
Friday, June 1, 2007
Today's 'Lines
Trenton School District nabbed again today for jumping cab fares: [Trenton Times]http://www.nj.com/news/times/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1180671033247330.xml&coll=5
Big runoff in Pennington Tuesday. One whole contested primary!!! Let the granola slinging begin: [Hopewell Valley News] http://www.pacpub.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18407966&BRD=1091&PAG=461&dept_id=425744&rfi=6
Princeton Dem Mayoral Primary infiltrated with GOP bucks? How many Dems do you have to pay to get a historic designation around here?: [Princeton Packet] http://www.pacpub.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18411609&BRD=1091&PAG=461&dept_id=425695&rfi=6
Hamilton's Glen Gilmore finds easiest way to get your wings - jump out of a plane, fall and break your ass, and make sure this happens in the Netherlands. Oh, you also have to be a mayor, or at least on the school board or run a little league probably: [Trenton Times] http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-9/1180670916247330.xml&coll=5
Fare hike for NJ Transit. If you are taking the River Line, guard your wallets - would be muggers will expect you to be carrying roughly 8 percent more cash: [Star Ledger] http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-11/118067618725610.xml&coll=1
Big runoff in Pennington Tuesday. One whole contested primary!!! Let the granola slinging begin: [Hopewell Valley News] http://www.pacpub.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18407966&BRD=1091&PAG=461&dept_id=425744&rfi=6
Princeton Dem Mayoral Primary infiltrated with GOP bucks? How many Dems do you have to pay to get a historic designation around here?: [Princeton Packet] http://www.pacpub.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18411609&BRD=1091&PAG=461&dept_id=425695&rfi=6
Hamilton's Glen Gilmore finds easiest way to get your wings - jump out of a plane, fall and break your ass, and make sure this happens in the Netherlands. Oh, you also have to be a mayor, or at least on the school board or run a little league probably: [Trenton Times] http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-9/1180670916247330.xml&coll=5
Fare hike for NJ Transit. If you are taking the River Line, guard your wallets - would be muggers will expect you to be carrying roughly 8 percent more cash: [Star Ledger] http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-11/118067618725610.xml&coll=1
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