Gilmore releases Hamilton municipal budget with a $5 million hole, Report says Hackett sexual harassment charges are meritorious, Judge gets to see secret monetization report, McGreeveys manage to find something else to fight about, Corzine the green governor, Van Drew’s last minute campaign stop.
ELECTION DAY BOMBSHELL?
"HAMILTON — The township's annual financial statement, released late yesterday after a court battle between the mayor and the council, shows a $5 million hole that could fuel a double-digit tax increase in the coming budget.
The shortfall is even greater than GOP officials predicted during their monthlong struggle to gain access to the annual financial statement, which provides a snapshot of the township's fiscal health at the close of the fiscal year on June 30.
Their analysis of the statement and the fiscal peril they say it carries sparked fresh outrage from Republicans who have maintained the document was withheld for political reasons.
"Now I can see why Mayor (Glen D.) Gilmore didn't put this out before," said council President Dave Kenny, who acted as attorney for the council in the battle over the release of the document. "Even our cursory analysis shows that our projection of a 25 percent tax increase may be low."
Reached late yesterday, Gilmore did not dispute the GOP's analysis of the $5 million shortfall but accused the council of working against him to try to raise taxes and using the document for political gain.
"(By releasing the annual financial statement), there is no doubt in my mind the council is trying to put us in the position of saying 'I told you so,' rather than trying to work to find solutions to the challenges we face," he said. "They are trying to create a climate where people will jump to conclusions about the budget."
The $5 million shortfall is in addition to a $4.3 million overexpenditure sparked by a sewer line collapse last spring that Gilmore has said was at the heart of the delay in releasing the financial statement. That deficit is expected to be offset by the administration in an accounting move that will spread the payments over many years.
But on the eve of the election that will determine who will hold the township's top elected post into the next decade, GOP leaders did not hesitate to point out that the budget hole does not include additional spending in the upcoming budget, which the township's auditor has predicted could approach $5 million.
http://www.nj.com/news/times/index.ssf?/base/news-3/119432611728120.xml&coll=5
“MIMS IS COOL”
”An independent report commissioned by Orange's personnel director concludes that Mayor Mims Hackett Jr.'s executive secretary was subjected to sexual harassment and unfavorable job treatment after rebuffing the mayor's alleged lewd remarks and sexual advances.
The report by East Orange attorney Christopher C. Roberts found Laverne M. Ballard has "a meritorious claim for sexual harassment" against Hackett. "Without additional evidence, the only way for this matter to be resolved is through litigation."
Ballard, who was fired from her $44,000-a-year job as Hackett's secretary on July 21, 2006, filed a sexual harassment suit against the mayor and city in September.
The lawsuit, filed by Ballard's attorney-husband, Ronald Washington, accuses Hackett of making unwelcome, graphic and disrespectful remarks about her shape and clothing at various times during her employment, which began in September 2004.
She also accused Hackett, at times, of asking her to get very close to him while working at his office desk; of making lewd comments regarding a horse's anatomy to her and others over dinner during a December 2004 National League of Cities Conference in Indianapolis; and leaving her a card key to his hotel room there, and insisting she visit him.
"This matter is in litigation," Orange city attorney Marvin Braker said in response to both Roberts' report and to Ballard's lawsuit. ” (Dilworth, Star-Ledger)
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-8/1194328409147540.xml&coll=1
JUDGE GETS TO SEE MONETIZATION REPORT, BUT NOT THE PUBLIC
“State officials yesterday handed over to a Mercer County judge a secret study of traffic and revenue trends on state toll roads.
Superior Court Judge Linda Feinberg requested the analysis, which is being used by Gov. Jon Corzine to devise a plan to let a new state agency borrow billions of dollars and repay the debt with higher tolls.
Corzine wants to use the windfall to finance long-lasting public improvements, such as new bridges and schools, without driving up the state budget. But his plan, not yet made public, has become a political issue because the administration has refused to release the consultant's report before today's election.
Feinberg will privately review the highway study before announcing Nov. 16 whether she will agree to a Republican request to make the document public. GOP members insist that since taxpayers already have forked over $800,000 for the study, the public should be allowed to see the data collected by a British consulting firm, Steer Davies Gleave of London.
"There is no reason why important data, information and facts that can be used to help articulate or craft policy should remain hidden under lock and key within the offices of the executive branch," a brief filed by the GOP last week said.
Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth), who jointly filed the lawsuit with Assemblyman Sean Kean (R-Monmouth), elaborated yesterday.
"The Corzine administration has been thumbing their noses to the public who paid $800,000 for this report," she said. "I am hopeful Judge Feinberg will agree with our positions that the public has a right to review it." ” (Donohue, Star-Ledger)
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-8/1194328250147540.xml&coll=1
SOAP OPERA DIGEST
“Once again, Superior Court Judge Karen Cassidy has to step between the squabbling McGreeveys, this time to sort out who will drop off and pick up the couple's 5-year-old daughter when she has her weekly overnight visits with dad.
Dina Matos McGreevey and James E. McGreevey have been unable to agree in their month-long discussions, despite the recommendation of a court-appointed administrator to share the duties.
Last month, McGreevey filed a motion in Family Court asking his estranged wife to follow the recommendations of the parenting coordinator. But in court papers released yesterday, Matos McGreevey said she wanted her attorney to go before Cassidy and ask that she not be required to follow some of those recommendations.
Jim and Dina McGreevey live less than 10 miles from each other, but the issue of transportation of their child has risen to the top of their divorce proceedings, along with money and custody.
Cassidy is expected to rule on the transportation issue on Nov. 16. The McGreeveys are not expected to be present for the court proceeding in Elizabeth……..
In the meantime, Matos McGreevey wants her estranged husband to pick up their daughter Jacqueline at her home in Springfield at 6 p.m. on Tuesday and drive her to school on Wednesday mornings.
McGreevey wants Matos McGreevey to share the transportation duties with him. That means she would drive the child to his home in Plainfield for overnight visits. ” (Lucas, Star-Ledger)
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-8/1194328295147540.xml&coll=1
“I’M NOT REALLY HAPPY WITH HIM RIGHT NOW, TO BE HONEST”
“Voters can be tough to please.
Just ask state Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, who was campaigning with his running mates Monday afternoon outside ShopRite at Union Lake Crossing shopping center on North 2nd Street.
A middle-aged man exiting the store stopped when Van Drew handed him some campaign literature.
"Are you a Democrat or a Republican?" the man asked.
"What do I look like?" Van Drew replied with a half-smile.
"What's your opinion on George Bush?" Pause.
"I'm not really happy with him right now, to be honest."
"See you later," the man said, walking away.
On the last day of campaigning before today's election, both Van Drew and Republican state Sen. Nicholas Asselta crossed the 1st District for one last shot at wooing voters in a legislative race that's one of the most closely watched in the state.” (Zatzariny, Daily Journal)
http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071106/NEWS01/711060307/1002
CORZINE THE GREEN
“Governor Corzine, the former Wall Street businessman turned politician, is known more for earning green than being green.
Yet Corzine, who touted his business pedigree while running for state office in 2005, has been steadily pursuing an environmental agenda that's put him in the company of Al Gore and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The governor was in Portugal last week to join an international coalition against global climate change.
In doing so, he put New Jersey on the front lines of the fight against global warming and alongside Schwarzenegger's California and some of Europe's most progressive countries on clean-air issues.
In July, Corzine stood with Gore, the former vice president and recent Nobel Peace Prize winner, at the Meadowlands on the eve of the Live Earth concerts. There, he signed into law one of the nation's most aggressive plans to attack global warming emissions.
Corzine's administration has implemented new rules to widen the protection of streams and is working to preserve the Highlands region in North Jersey. His administration also is helping threatened animal species such as the red knot, a migratory shore bird that has experienced an 80 percent decline over the last 10 years…………
Heather Howard, the governor's policy counsel, said Corzine's focus on environmental issues dates to his tenure in the U.S. Senate.
Corzine served on the Committee on Environment and Public Works. His votes were always graded well by the League of Conservation Voters, including perfect scores of 100 in 2001 and 2004…………
Thus far, the governor's work is receiving mixed reviews in the environmental community.
Jeff Tittel, head of New Jersey's Sierra Club, called Corzine "a work in progress."
He praised the governor for his goals, but said it takes time to get Corzine to go from talking about something to actually doing it.
"I think the governor himself is committed to the environment and has a very good agenda," said Tittel, who joined Corzine at the global warming announcement at Giants Stadium in July. "I think the concern is, between his support and getting things done, there seems to be a lag time."” (Reitmeyer, Bergen Record)
THE CASINOS SHOULD HAVE BETTING POOLS AS TO HOW LONG THE NEXT MAYOR WILL LAST
“The city's Democrats will meet this Friday, said party Chairman Scott Evans, and may even vote to pick a mayor.
But Evans would not say if media and onlookers would be allowed to watch the city party cast its votes. He initially laughed when asked. He then said, "We will be discussing that in the next few days." He added, "but everything will be done fair and honest."
Evans also declined to outline the voting process the party would follow.
The 52-member Atlantic City Democratic Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Friday in the second-floor of O'Grady's restaurant and bar, 3901 Atlantic Ave.
At issue is picking a permanent replacement for former Mayor Bob Levy, who resigned Oct. 10 and last week admitted lying to government officials to secure military benefits worth $24,683.
City Council President William Marsh has served as acting mayor since.
The 52-member Atlantic City Democratic Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Friday in the second-floor of O'Grady's restaurant and bar, 3901 Atlantic Ave.
At issue is picking a permanent replacement for former Mayor Bob Levy, who resigned Oct. 10 and last week admitted lying to government officials to secure military benefits worth $24,683.
City Council President William Marsh has served as acting mayor since.
The state Democratic Committee and city Committeeman John Devlin challenged the picks with an Oct. 24 lawsuit. It asked Superior Court Judge Valerie H. Armstrong to overturn the results of the Oct. 17 meeting.
City party filings last week said the city party followed proper procedure, its rights would be violated by judicial intervention and that the state party and Devlin have no standing to challenge the voting.
In final court filings Monday, the state party and Devlin again asked for intervention..” (Harper, Press of Atlantic City)
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic_city/story/7514630p-7413433c.html
A POLITICAL TOWN THE DAY BEFORE AN ELECTION
“It’s all politics in Hamilton a day before Election Day as Republican mayoral candidate John Bencivengo climbs out of his sport utility vehicle and walks into the office of Council President Dave Kenny.
Kenny and the Republican Council have been fighting with Democratic Mayor Glen Gilmore over the town’s budget and pressuring the mayor through the courts to release details of Hamilton’s financial health before, and not after, the mayoral election.
Moments earlier, the appellate division of the state Superior Court upheld Kenny’s appeal, and denied Gilmore’s motion to issue a stay in the release of the town’s annual financial statement. Now Bencivengo watches as Kenny receives by fax the financial statement from Bowman and Company, the company charged with preparing the information.
"I’m doing great," says Bencivengo, who has said publicly that the two-term mayor doesn’t want the figures out there because they show the need for a 25% tax increase.
The pages come one by one.
In another part of town, on Route 33, vans carrying young people with their get-out-the- vote packets leave district 14 Democratic headquarters, bound for any of district 14's seven towns.
These are volunteers canvassing for state Senate candidate Seema Singh, Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein and Assembly candidate Wayne DeAngelo, and they are disconnected from the immediate workings of Hamilton Township politics. Their job is to get the legislative team elected.
"We have 200 bodies on the street knocking on doors," says campaign spokeswoman Elizabeth Meyers. "There are about 17,000 doors we’re knocking on today. We knocked on about 35,000 over the weekend. We’re going to have another 250-300 bodies out tomorrow on Election Day. …We’ve had a great problem of too many folks wanting to help."” (Pizarro, PoliticsNJ.com)
http://www.politicsnj.com/working-all-fronts-everyone-concerned-citizen-hamilton-13780
WELL, IT ANGERED DEMOCRATS. WHAT ABOUT SOME OTHER REPUBLICANS?
“State Senator Gerald Cardinale’s latest attack on Democratic state Senate candidate Joe Ariyan has drawn sharp rebukes by some Jewish Democrats as well as at least one Republican.
Last week, Cardinale accused Ariyan of having ties to the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), an advocacy group whose former communications director, Hussein Ibish, has made some controversial remarks in the past. Ariyan's law partner and campaign donor, Hani Khoury, served as president of the group’s New Jersey chapter in 2005 and 2006, and is still a member.
Recently, Cardinale sent out a campaign mailer saying that Ariyan has allowed “his firm to defend numerous illegal aliens detained by the federal government after 9-11 for suspected terrorism,” and noted Ariyan’s relationship with Khoury. Of the ADC, it said “This group has instructed its members to right (sic) letters in support of radical and extremist Palestinian attacks against the Jewish people and Israel.”
The flyer went on to quote Shelley Rubin, Chairman & CEO of the Jewish Defense League, condemning the ADC.
The Jewish Defense League was referred by a 2001 FBI publication as a “right-wing terrorist group” and a “violent extremist Jewish organization.”
“The continuing threats posed by terrorism and anti-Semitism are too real and too great for anyone to play cheap politics and invoke them recklessly,” said Rabbi Dennis Shulman, who’s seeking the Democratic nomination to run against U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett. “And yet State Senator Gerald Cardinale has had the gall to suggest that Joseph Ariyan is dangerous to both the residents of New Jersey generally and Jews specifically on the most specious grounds imaginable.”…….
Cardinale responded that Ariyan ought to return Khoury’s campaign contributions, and that everything in his mailer was “factually correct.”
“Mr. Ariyan's law firm defended illegal aliens suspected of terrorism by the federal government. It is also true that he has received contributions from the immediate past president and current board member of the ADC-NJ,” said Cardinale, who noted that some of the pages on the ADC’s Web site had, until recently, contained pictures of “anti-Israel” protests and instructions for writing letters to media sources with “anti-Zionist comments.”
“No matter how loudly Mr. Ariyan protests, the facts remain the same: he should return the money and explain his error in judgment in accepting the campaign contributions,” said Cardinale.” (Friedman, PoliticsNJ.com)
http://www.politicsnj.com/cardinale-s-attack-mailer-stirs-controversy-13770
AT THIS POINT, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE WEATHER
“They're off!
More than 90 local candidates are seeking election today, but how many voters will turn out at the polls to elect them?
In an election year that has no national or statewide races and where some top local officeholders are running unopposed, the final factor that may feed into voter apathy could be today's weather.
The National Weather Service forecast a 40 percent chance of showers. If last April's Board of Education elections are any indicator, a little rain can keep a lot of people away from the polls.
Some Republicans are hoping that will create a chance for their candidates to pull off an upset in Passaic County, where the Democrats have dominated for most of the decade.
Democrats have held a majority of seats on the Board of Chosen Freeholders since 1999 and have held all of the seats since 2005. Democrat Jerry Speziale has been sheriff since 2002.” (Brubaker, Herald News)
RAIN WON’T HELP
“Election Day is here.
Does anyone care?
Lucy Olszewski, administrator for Cumberland County Board of Elections, believes so.
"There really is a lot of interest in this race," Olszewski said. "(Although) you can't predict what the turnout is going to be, I feel like it's going to be heavy, based on the amount of activity around here."
More people chose to cast their votes through absentee ballots this year than in prior years, the county board of elections reported Monday.
Last year was the first year residents were allowed to cast an absentee ballot without a specific reason for not voting in public.
Olszewski and her staff counted ballots at the board of election's Broad Street office on Monday, as the last of the county's voting machines were being delivered to polling places across Cumberland County. ………..
Freeholder Director Doug Rainear, who is running for re-election, said Monday most people are predicting a low turnout for this year's election, based on what he's read in the media.
"I think we'll see 35 to 40 percent," he remarked. "That's very unfortunate. Certainly, everyone should take the responsibility to get out and vote."
But Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, whose state Senate race against incumbent state Senator Nick Asselta is one of the closely-watched in the state, is more optimistic.
"I'm hopeful that people will realize the importance of the election and will be, in some degree, mobilized to vote. I'm hopeful there's been so much discussion and debate in this election that we get a higher turnout than expected," he remarked. ” (Dunn, Bridgeton News)
http://www.nj.com/news/bridgeton/index.ssf?/base/news-2/119432593357920.xml&coll=10
TRENTON’S YET-TO-BE JADED FACES
“Even before the first votes are cast today for 40 state senators and 80 Assembly members, one outcome is certain: When the next Legislature is sworn in, at least a third of each house will be freshmen.
Retirements and resignations, several of which were prompted by criminal investigations, are about to produce the largest turnover in decades. The Assembly will get its largest infusion of new blood — at least 26 freshmen — since the anti-tax backlash of 1991. The Senate will see its largest turnover — 13 members at minimum — since the Watergate scandal of 1973.
Departing legislators will take with them a combined four centuries of law-making expertise.
"There is a real experience gap that will occur, both in the Senate and Assembly," said Brigid Harrison, a professor of political science and law at Montclair State University. "There is an enormous loss in experience on some very important committees."
On the plus side, she said, "we now have fresh blood and hopefully new ideas and new energy." ” (Schwaneberg, Star-Ledger)
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-8/1194328185147540.xml&coll=1
“Local election officials have made extensive preparations but said they expect only a moderate turnout at the polls today, with no national or statewide offices at stake.
The last delivery of Monmouth County's 900 voting machines was made to polling places Monday, said John Bradshaw, the county's elections superintendent. Deliveries began early last week from a warehouse on Halls Mill Road, Freehold Township.
"We sent out the final two dozen machines (Monday) to roughly 20 polling places that had been inaccessible for delivery last week," Bradshaw said………
Carl W. Block, the Ocean County clerk, estimated that between 38 and 42 percent of the approximately 350,000 registered voters in his county will vote.
In the 2006 general elections, 48 percent of Ocean's registered voters went to the polls as did 47 percent of Monmouth's. But a statewide contest likely helped lure voters to the polls. Democrat Robert Menendez defeated Republican Thomas H. Kean Jr. for a U.S. Senate seat.” (Jordan and Amsel, Asbury Park Press)
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071106/POLITICS/711060366/1004/NEWS01
A BETTER USE OF THE MONEY MIGHT BE TO BUILD A TIME MACHINE WITH A DELOREAN
“An actor suffering from Parkinson's disease and a paralyzed New York City police officer are running ads on New Jersey's stem cell research ballot question, but they're not on the same side of the emotional debate playing out in the Garden State.
Actor Michael J. Fox is asking New Jersey voters to support borrowing $450 million for stem cell research in Tuesday's election. Former police officer Steven McDonald is asking voters to reject it.
Fox's ads are funded by the political action committee New Jersey for Hope, which has now received $200,000 to run ads promoting the question's passage from multimillionaire Democratic Gov. Corzine.” (AP)
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071106/NEWS03/711060358/1007
DON’T FORGET: WE’RE AN “EXTREMELY WEALTHY STATE WITH A LOT OF RESOURCES”
“At a groundbreaking for the Stem Cell Institute of New Jersey recently, Gov. Jon S. Corzine drove a spade into the dirt and declared the site the “nexus of cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs.”
At first glance, the institute has just about everything a state facility could ask for: the full-throated backing of the state’s political leadership, $270 million for construction costs, and plans for research centers across the state.
But voters must still approve the $450 million bond plan to pay for the scientists and the research they are to do there. It is one of many issues New Jersey voters will face in Tuesday’s election, which will also determine the makeup of the State Legislature. All 120 legislators are up for re-election in the state’s 40 districts — each electing two Assembly members and a senator — and four statewide ballot initiatives will decide how the state spends money, allocates sales tax revenue and sets voting rights for the mentally disabled………….
Taken together, borrowing $650 million and diverting sales tax revenue has raised the question of whether it is the right time for the state to take on more debt. But independent government finance experts said that, for a variety of reasons, adding to the state’s tab was actually not as risky as it might appear to be.
“There’s no tipping the balance here,” said Mark Tenenhaus, a vice president with Moody’s Investors Service, who monitors New Jersey’s financial situation. “What you’ve got to keep in mind, too, it is an extremely wealthy state with a lot of resources.
Although New Jersey seems to perpetually grapple with revenue shortages and budget deficits, it had the highest median income in the nation — $64,169 — according to the Census Bureau’s most recent three-year estimate, from 2004 to 2006. Tax revenue for the first quarter of this fiscal year was higher than the state initially estimated. And despite New Jersey’s having some of the largest debt burdens in the nation, it has recently slowed its pace of borrowing.” (Peters, New York Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/06/nyregion/06ballot.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion&oref=slogin
KLEINBERG ALSO ENDORSED BY RONALD REAGAN, GEORGE WASHINGTON AND GANDHI
“MARLBORO — Mayor Robert Kleinberg says he's optimistic his recent run-in with radio host Jim Gearhart won't affect results at the polls today.
Gearhart began a morning broadcast Monday blasting Kleinberg, saying he issued campaign fliers that featured Gearhart's statements, his photo and his station's logo without permission.
In a heated on-air debate with Kleinberg, the New Jersey 101.5 FM host said the flier clearly implied Gearhart had endorsed the mayor.
Kleinberg said the flier — which also included quotes from U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Christopher J. Christie — never claimed any of the statements were campaign endorsements.
"The people who know the work I've done and who have seen the negative campaign waged against me understand," Kleinberg said. "I'm sure the people of Marlboro will come out on Election Day to support me."
Gearhart said his quote about Kleinberg's fight against corruption "goes back years" to the early part of Kleinberg's administration, when Kleinberg succeeded former mayor Matthew Scannapieco. Scannapieco in 2005 pleaded guilty to charges he accepted more than $200,000 in bribes from developers and to income-tax evasion.
Gearhart said his comments had nothing to do with the mayor's current run for re-election. The radio host has regularly promoted a movement called GRIP, or Get Rid of Incumbent Politicians, on his show.
"In fact I would wholeheartedly endorse right now (Kleinberg's) opponent because of this scurrilous attempt to use other people's reputations to enhance his own petty political career," Gearhart said.” (Boyd, Asbury Park Press)
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071106/POLITICS/711060419/1004/NEWS01
LET THIS BE A LESSON
“A county Republican Party e-mail circulated among approximately 400 staff members in the Penns Grove-Carneys Point Regional School District last week.
Originating from Salem County Republican Party Chairman Paul Reed, the e-mail caused a controversy among some in the district when it was sent out and begged the question of whether or not political e-mails have any business making way through a school's e-mail accounts.
Ed Mahoney, a teacher at Penns Grove Middle School and president of the teacher's union in the school district, said sending the e-mail isn't any different than if someone placed a political campaign sign on the school lawn which is not permitted.
"This was not an accident," Mahoney said.
He was immediately contacted by upset teachers in his building last week and he then contacted Massare about the situation and was told an investigation would take place.
"I think this has no place in the educational system," he said. "To use this (e-mail address) as a vehicle for political propaganda is unacceptable."
The e-mail included a letter addressed to Today's Sunbeam assailing an item which appeared in the newspaper's Scoop column and questioned the freeholder board's decision to rent a building in Mannington Township for office space, calling it a waste of taxpayer money.
Dr. Joseph Massare, superintendent of the Penns Grove-Carneys Point Regional School District, said the school has a policy that nothing goes out to the staff unless approved by his office.
However, he said the mass forwarding was an honest mistake and the result of a "flaw in security." ” (Moore, Today’s Sunbeam)
http://www.nj.com/news/sunbeam/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1194327689130460.xml&coll=9
IN SALEM COUNTY
“The campaigns are over. Now it's your turn.
Voters in Salem County will head to the polls today to pick candidates in local, county and state races and decide on four statewide ballot questions. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Countywide, residents will fill two seats on the Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Voters will not only be choosing two freeholders, but depending on how the balloting goes, the outcome will decide whether the board is made up of members all from the same party.
The board is currently controlled by Democrats by a 6-1 margin, with the lone Republican member seeking to return in this election.
Vying for the two open three-year terms are incumbent Democrat Lee Ware of Elsinboro who is freeholder director and his running mate Pittsgrove Mayor Pete Voros, Republican Julie Acton of Pennsville who was appointed to the board earlier this year and her running mate Mayor Joe Fedora of Alloway. ” (Gallo, Today’s Sunbeam)
http://www.nj.com/news/sunbeam/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1194327634130460.xml&coll=9
COUGH
“New Jersey's health care system is sick, with too many people lacking medical insurance and prenatal care woefully inadequate, according to a new survey taking a pulse of the nation's health.
The report — which graded the 50 states on such wellness measures as preventable hospitalizations, the number of doctors, infectious diseases and cardiovascular deaths — found New Jersey had one of the country's biggest declines over the past year.
The state ranked 21st in the annual survey, compared with 14th last year.
The report, issued yesterday by the United Health Foundation, the American Public Health Association and the Partnership for Prevention, found the state declining in key wellness indicators including preventable hospitalizations, infectious diseases, cardiovascular deaths and number of doctors.
"Even though specific mortality rates have improved, this report shows there are still many people who, through unhealthy personal behaviors, adverse community environments and difficult access to care, are vulnerable to a future life of poor health — which is essentially preventable," said Reed Tuckson, a member of the board of United Health Foundation, a non-profit health care study organization funded by United Health Group. ” (Sherman, Star-Ledger)
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-8/1194328193147540.xml&coll=1
IN GLOUCESTER COUNTY
“Gloucester County employees might consider themselves lucky. For the first time in decades, New Jersey's state workers will have to report on the day after Thanksgiving, a day long granted as a paid holiday for the more than 65,000 employees.
County employees, however except for a handful required to work on Black Friday will continue to get the day off.
"It's always considered a holiday. We have it in our contract," said Richard Dann, president of the Communications Workers of America Local 1085.” (McCarthy, Gloucester County Times)
http://www.nj.com/news/gloucester/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1194327729130570.xml&coll=8
IN TRENTON
“Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer was awarded the "2007 Investing in Communities Award" by the Mortgage Bankers Association of America during the organization's annual convention last month, according to a release.
Palmer was recognized for his commitment to the economic investment and development in the capital city, said the release.” (Trenton Times)
http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-11/119432569928120.xml&coll=5
IN HILLSIDE
“Hillside Mayor Karen McCoy Oliver yesterday answered critics including Council President Leonard Gilbert, who last week charged she failed to attend all but one budget meeting and missed several community events in October.
The mayor said in fact she attended several finance committee meetings on the proposed 2008 municipal budget, and provided a follow-up memorandum from Gilbert to prove it.
In an Oct. 29 memo to the mayor, Gilbert wrote, "Thank you for attending the finance commit tee budget meetings last week."
Gilbert went on in the note to corroborate details the mayor said were discussed at the meetings, including relocation of the township Urban Enterprise Zone Program office from the ground level to the second floor of the municipal building.
On missing the annual Senior Autumn Dance and events at the library and a school, Oliver said she had attended the senior dance in past years and this time made a financial contribution.
Oliver added she regularly speaks to groups of township children, before stating that she cannot attend every event in town.
"My civic work is not limited to Hillside," she said. "I attend events sponsored by sororities and civil rights organizations. Socially, my representing the township extends beyond Hillside." ” (Jett, Star-Ledger)
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/union/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1194328168147540.xml&coll=1
