News Round-up and Open Thread for Tuesday, March 27, 2007

by: Sharon GR

Tue Mar 27, 2007 at 09:05:47 AM EDT

• Christie's Christmas-tree grant investigation widens: Sen. Nicholas Scutari, Sen. Joseph Coniglio, and Assemblyman Brian Stack were subpoenaed because they had some sort of connection to recipients of state grants. Also, investigators are questioning contributions to Democratic chairman and Assemblyman Joseph Cryan's re-election fund by non-profit groups.
• Several Abbot school district superintendents are claiming they were "coerced" into accepting only a 3% increase in state aid this year by state officials. D. of E. spokesman Jon Zlock confirmed that school districts which accepted the 3% increase were promised a quick budget review process. He said budgets in all the Abbott districts will eventually be "fully audited and scrutinized."
• Fourteen employees of the Patterson Section 8 housing authority were charged with soliciting and accepting bribes yesterday to funnel low-income tenants to certain apartments, get code violations dismissed and expedite housing inspections. A building inspector who had been caught previously helped investigators record meetings.
• Assemblyman and former Atlantic City Mayor Jim Whelan is holding a press conference this afternoon where he's expected to announce a state senate run. Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew is considering a run for senate against Nicholas Asselta.
• Moody's Investors Service has called Our Fair State's immediate financial picture "stable" but has concerns for the future, with our budget deficits, demands for property tax relief and economic growth issues.
• Intimidation and harassment are being charged in Highland Park's Democratic mayoral primary race.
• The Philly Inquirer has a good overview of the changing of the guard and the financial woes of the Camden school district.
• The DoT has begun replacing 11,000 faded street signs. After this, we can no longer blame street signs if we're late, and must continue to blame MapQuest instead.
• Rutgers Women. Final Four. Wow.