The Paradigms - They are a-Shiftin'

by: deciminyan

Tue Oct 25, 2011 at 06:30:00 PM EDT

When we flip on a light switch in our homes, few of us think about the ramifications. Electricity is relatively cheap, so we don’t think of the cost. Most of the time it’s available on demand, so we don’t think about reliability or distribution, and since we don’t see the pollution that resulted from its production, we don’t usually think about the environment. We just flip on the switch, and there’s light.

But at times, we’re all aware of some of the problems and pitfalls in lighting and heating our homes. We experience power outages, usually attributable to extreme weather. We gripe about our electricity bills, especially during the summer months when our air conditioners run non-stop. We see the environmental cost with dirty air from coal-burning plants and the ever-present threat of a Three Mile Island or Fukushima Daiiachi disaster in our back yard.

The paradigms about the generation and distribution of electrical power in New Jersey are shifting. It’s not just the move from reliance on dirty fossil fuels to clean energy sources. We also must take into account the need for energy storage to account for the time difference between when renewable energy is available (like solar during daylight hours) and when it is consumed (for example, at night or during overcast days.) We need to recognize that the generation of renewable energy is not done at a few large capital-intensive power plants, but is more of a geographically distributed entity, one which our transmission systems and regulations may not be optimized for. And we need to look into the future where electric vehicles will become more prevalent, resulting in more consumer demand for power in the home, and access to power-hungry recharging stations along the state’s thoroughfares.  The cost of solar power is becoming lower than that of nuclear, and with the closing of the Oyster Creek nuclear plant in 2019, a large chunk of the state’s indigenous generation capacity will need to be replaced. And a new player, geothermal energy, is becoming a viable way to heat and cool our homes (for more on geothermal, go to the 4:00 mark in the Chivukula video, below.)

Assembly Democrats Rally Mashup

by: Rosi Efthim

Fri Mar 04, 2011 at 01:30:04 PM EST

Below, in video shot by the Assembly majority office, Democratic legislators look out at a sea of blue:

Assembly Democrats Voice Their Support for Workers' Right to Collectively Bargain from NJ Assembly Democratic Office on Vimeo.

Blue Jersey Radio LIVE Tonight at 8:00 with Assemblyman Dan Benson

by: Jeff Gardner

Wed Jan 12, 2011 at 03:38:08 PM EST

Assemblyman Dan Benson, LD-14

Blue Jersey Radio streams LIVE with New Jersey's latest political buzz, interviews with newsmakers, and your stimulating calls.

Tonight: We're joined by the New Jersey Legislature's newest face: Assemblyman Dan Benson who was sworn in this week to represent the 14th Legislative District, filling the seat left vacant by Senator Linda Greenstein's move up earlier this year.

On the heels of democrats quietly increasing their Senate majority to 24-16 with Greenstein's arrival, it was good to see that Assembly seat stay in progressive hands. And, we'll be talking to those hands tonight.

Have some questions for our newest progressive Assemblyman? Drop 'em in the comments.

Or join us LIVE from 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. tonight, and have your say. We'll be ready for your calls at: (646) 652-2773

And, remember, if you miss the show, you can always go back and listen to the archive, or download them on iTunes.

News Roundup & Open Thread for Tuesday, January 11, 2011

by: Bill Orr

Tue Jan 11, 2011 at 08:26:28 AM EST

Meanwhile FDU poll now shows Christie's favorable-to-unfavorable opinion rating is 47%-39%. 53% of voters approve of the way he is handling his job as governor, while 36% disapprove.

Then later today you can get out your shovel or snow blower as our winter wonderland adventure is expected to resume.

In spite of tough questions from Weinberg, Sarlo, and Girgenti
Reform Jersey Now Treasurer Ron Gravino wins committee approval (7-5) as a Turnpike Commissioner.

Legislature abolishes COAH, 2.5% fee on commercial development,
and reduces some municipalities' obligations to provide housing for low- and moderate-income families.

Progressive Assemblyman Dan Benson (D-Hamilton) takes oath of office,
and assumes position formerly held by now Sen. Linda Greenstein.

'Back to Work' and more, below the fold.

Friends in High Places

by: Jeff Gardner

Mon Jan 10, 2011 at 01:54:46 PM EST

But, one definition of friend never changes. A friend is someone you can rely on to stand with you in good times and tough times alike. It is someone who listens to what you say, and cares. And it's someone you can respect, and who you know will always respect you.

This weekend - which was otherwise marred by such tragic news affecting all of us - the progressive community had a great friend elected to the Assembly. Dan Benson, sworn in today, won a hotly contested county committee vote on Saturday morning to fill the seat vacated by Senator Linda Greenstein's elevation to the upper chamber. (Credit PolitickerNJ for excellent real-time coverage of the voting. In the end, it was a great lesson in grassroots politics and tireless campaigning as 7 candidates were narrowed to 3, then 2, before Dan finally prevailed by a vote of 112 to 102.

Dan will be representing the 14th Legislative District that includes Cranbury, Hamilton, Jamesburg, Monroe, Plainsboro, South Brunswick and West Windsor. But, he'll also be a progressive voice for everyone in New Jersey. A real friend to many issues we hold near and dear.

Congratulations Assemblyman Dan Benson - the progressive community has good reason to celebrate having one more friend in Trenton.

2009 Candidates endorsed by DFA-NJ

by: Rosi Efthim

Thu Oct 29, 2009 at 07:02:12 PM EDT

Jon Corzine & Loretta Weinberg
It's enough that Jon Corzine's running against a candidate as unacceptable Chris Christie. But above that, we find Corzine an admirable governor struggling uphill against a national economic downturn (read: George Bush). Expanding health coverage for NJ kids. Paid family leave. First-in-the-nation economic recovery program, ditto return-to-work. Ready to sign Marriage Equality. Expanded early childhood education. Choice. Ends the death penalty. Corzine stands with Obama, and that's the future. Christie's a product of Bush, and we don't want to go back. But for us, when Corzine chose that corruption-busting, pro-transparency, no-nonsense progressive hot chick Loretta Weinberg, this race took off. She's our ally. There's nothing tempered, or guarded about the way we admire her. Website.

Doug Singleterry & Cecilia X. Birge for Somerset Freeholders Cecilia was born in China and spent part of her childhood in Chinese labor camps where her Western-educated parents were sent. As a student, she was in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, then came to America for college. She put her Wall Street background to work on Montgomery Twp council. And in 2007, she became the only Asian-American woman mayor in NJ history. Cecilia & North Plainfield Councilman Doug Singleterry focus on DFA core issues: transparency, accountability, fiscal responsibility, pay-to-play. Website.

Marianne Rampulla & Chan K. Leung for Raritan Twp Committee Raritan Twp's the center of one of the toughest GOP strongholds in the state. Every race is uphill. But this year, the Dems already have one of their own on committee, so if Marianne & Chan both win, the population center of red Hunterdon swings to Dem majority. Running for the 2nd time, they started early, came on strong. They're both very well-known in the community, both professionally and in high-level municipal and volunteer capacities. Website.

Naomi B. Collier for Hawthorne Mayor First woman ever to run in the general election for that position. An attorney, Naomi is sensitive to issues that face families, both young and old. Serves on the Executive Board of Woman Lawyers in Bergen County, & Trustee/Treasurer for the Jean Robertson Foundation. Volunteers for Alternatives to Domestic Violence. Instrumental in bringing the hugely successful farmers market to the borough. Priorities include developing a sustainable economic plan, revitalizing downtown & improving services to seniors and families. Website.

Dan Benson for Mercer Freeholder
Dan Benson was appointed March 2008 as a Mercer Freeholder to an unexpired term and won a special election later that year for a 1-yr term.  Dan's priorities are to expand on his progressive record of fiscal responsibility, open space preservation and job creation through infrastructure investment, and ensure Mercer County has a progressive voice in government.  He is running for a full 3 year term. Website.

Tammeisha Smith for NJ-23 Assembly First time Hunterdon DFA members heard Tammy speak, it was on the need for health care reform, with a strong personal story and concern for her elders. It was a surprise that she works in the insurance industry. But there, she manages outreach programs to bring access to affordable medical/prescription coverage to the community. Health care reform is her passion. Website

Randy Bishop for NJ-11 Assembly
Randy is a Neptune Township Committeeman and the 3rd openly gay Mayor in NJ history. Randy believes that service to your community is one of the highest callings.  His community background includes time serving on boards. He's been the local  Chamber of Commerce President.  In his professional background, Randy has both corporate experience, and is a small business owner. His priorities: job creation, meeting resident's health care needs and stemming the flight of families and businesses spurred on by our tax and regulatory structure. Website.

Jeff Grayzel for Morris Twp Committee Elected in 2007 with the help of many DFA members, he was the first Dem elected to  Morris Twp. Committee in 34 years. Since Watergate. Jeff works hard for open & participatory government and citizen involvement, against pay to play & for improved land use.  His grassroots efforts have won him the support of many Independents.  Seeking a second three-year term. Website.

Mercer County for Obama kicks off canvassing effort

by: Scott Weingart

Sun Jul 27, 2008 at 10:45:23 AM EDT

My canvass partner and I hit the road some time after 10 AM and drove a mile to our canvass turf, a heavily black neighborhood near the Hamilton-Trenton border. The residents greeted us with warmth and enthusiasm, and we ran out of Obama buttons in little more than a block or two. At one door, we helped register a man who was convicted of a felony decades ago and has long been out of the system, but had never registered to vote because he thought he was not allowed to. (In New Jersey, convicted felons may register to vote after they have completed any sentence, parole or probation.) We registered several people in their thirties and forties who had never voted before. In just a few hours, we collected nine completed voter registration forms and left about a half-dozen others with residents who asked for them.

I posted some pictures from yesterday's event below the fold, and more on Flickr. You can read more about Saturday's canvass at the Mercer for Obama website.

The Jersey Comeback

by: Jeff Gardner

Wed May 14, 2008 at 11:43:48 AM EDT

We've seen it happen in statewide races - from Governor Whitman in 1993 after her 1990 Senate loss, to Governor McGreevey in 2001 after his 1997 general election loss. But, we've also seen the opposite - the repeat statewide loser - think Forrester for Senate in 2002 and for Governor in 2005, or Schundler for Governor in the 2001 general and the 2005 primary.

But, what kind of year is 2008 for the Jersey Comeback? So far, it has been a good one - for local comebacks anyway. We saw it happen earlier this year - when Dan Benson took office as a Mercer County Freeholder after an unsuccessful bid for Assembly in 2005. And, yesterday - it happened locally again.

First up - Ridgewood, where former 5th District Congressional Candidate Paul Aronsohn, who came up short in his bid for Congress in 2006, won his race for council along with 2 other challengers, ousting 2 incumbents, including the former frontrunner for mayor. The new 5-member council will choose the next mayor at its July 1 reorganization meeting. Don't be surprised if Paul emerges as the new frontrunner for mayor in this important 5th District town.

Next up - Bradley Beach, speaking of new mayors, you might remember Julie Schreck, who hitched her wagon to Dennis Kucinich's campaign and ably stumped for him at last year's NJ Presidential Caucus. Well, the Kucinich campaign didn't get very far, but Schreck dusted off, ran for mayor, and won.

The Jersey Comeback, a proud tradition - if at first you don't succeed, try try again. It's alive and well locally in 2008, but will it translate statewide?

Can Rob Andrews make the ultimate Jersey Comeback - over ten years out from his 1997 primary loss to McGreevey?

We'll know in just 3 weeks. But, you can vote in the poll right now.

Benson Wins Mercer Freeholder Seat

by: Juan Melli

Sat Mar 15, 2008 at 12:19:42 PM EDT

He will be sworn in on Tuesday.

Also challenging for the seat were "former Hamilton council candidate John Cimino, Princeton Borough Councilman Andrew Koontz, Mercer County Central Labor Council President and Hamilton resident Mike Maloney and Trenton civic activist Alysia Welch-Chester."

Update: John Cimino and Lucy Walter also won the Democratic line to run for freeholder in Mercer.

Disloyal D'Angelo

by: Bertin Lefkovic

Tue Oct 16, 2007 at 08:03:39 AM EDT

Real Division or Real Distraction?

by: Juan Melli

Fri Apr 06, 2007 at 11:50:44 AM EDT

I don't have time today to write a real response, but I want to make a few quick points. In both this specific instance and in the abstract, the suggestion that progressive values do not include strong support of worker's rights is wrong. I've seen this idea repeated elsewhere, but it doesn't make it true.

Wally is right that Benson is a progressive, but those familiar with his voting record while on the Hamilton council know that he's had a consistent pro-labor record. This doesn't come as a surprise to any progressives.

There are plenty of real divisions within the Democratic party and among progressives. Let's not create them where they don't exist.

Candidates for the 14th

by: Juan Melli

Tue Mar 27, 2007 at 01:32:57 PM EDT

Am I missing any?

Update: Hmmm, I'm not so sure about Maloney being a candidate. He was in DC this morning introducing Baroni at the Building Trades meeting. Maloney urged them to endorse Baroni's senate campaign.

Update 2: I got that wrong. Maloney is indeed one of the possible candidates being considered.

Big doings in NJ's 14th Legislative District?

by: Jason Springer

Thu Apr 06, 2006 at 08:14:32 PM EDT

According to Bill Albers at Politics NJ,

Democratic Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein (D-Plainsboro) says she is considering a challenge to five-term Republican State Sen. Peter Inverso (R-Hamilton) in 2007.

Greenstein said that the 14th district Senate seat is "something that I would be interested in," but noted that the decision to run will require careful consideration.

Democratic insiders are saying that John Cimino, the son of former Assemblyman and state Personnel Commissioner Anthony "Skip" Cimino, is showing serious interest in challenging two-term Republican Assemblyman William Baroni in 2007. An executive with UBS Securities, LLC, Cimino is a member of the Hamilton Township Redevelopment Agency and the Economic Development Advisory Commission.