While enjoying the crisp autumn weather and looking for the first colourful autumn leaves an encouraging sign has been spotted across Essex County NJ : campaign signs for Brendan Gill for Essex County Freeholder.
Click on the arrow in the center of the image to view the slideshow of images.
As I discover and photograph more lawn signs they will be added to this slide show.
It has been a tough news weekend for the United States.
I've been blocking out news coverage today and cringing every time I hear a partisan or pundit prognosticate about the decline of America, or our supposed shuffle closer to doomsday.
My heart breaks hard every time I think about the selfless men and women we lost in Afghanistan this weekend. Brothers and sisters alike, it seems almost trivial to sit here tonight and type--a freedom they have won for me--while so many are facing grim realities and long, tense moments of combat half a world away.
It's easy to lose focus of who you are and what you stand for in times like these.
Tonight, I'm reminded of a famous speech given by a wartime American president from Illinois (emphasis added):
"It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
It is easy to cower in the face of disappointment or unspeakable tragedy, to cave to the demands of those playing the temporary game of political opportunism. In these times, we should not forget who we are:
It has been a tough news weekend for the United States.
I've been blocking out news coverage today and cringing every time I hear a partisan or pundit prognosticate about the decline of America, or our supposed shuffle closer to doomsday.
My heart breaks hard every time I think about the selfless men and women we lost in Afghanistan this weekend. Brothers and sisters alike, it seems almost trivial to sit here tonight and type--a freedom they have won for me--while so many are facing grim realities and long, tense moments of combat half a world away.
It's easy to lose focus of who you are and what you stand for in times like these.
Tonight, I'm reminded of a famous speech given by a wartime American president from Illinois (emphasis added):
"It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
It is easy to cower in the face of disappointment or unspeakable tragedy, to cave to the demands of those playing the temporary game of political opportunism. In these times, we should not forget who we are:
John Bencivengo Finally Gives the 2008 Budget Deficit a number - $5 Million
After years of obfuscation about what the amount of debt was when he took office in 2008 John Bencivengo, in a Letter to the Editor of the Trentonian, states,
"Who can forget the $5 million dollar deficit depicted in the Annual Financial Statement of Fiscal Year 2007?"
Throughout his 3 ½ years in office, John Bencivengo and Hamilton Township's all Republican Council have pointed to a variety of differing amounts in defining what the deficit was.
In a Trenton Times article of June 17, 2008 announcing the appointment of John Ricci as the new Hamilton Towsnhip (Mercer) Business Administrator (in place of John Guhl), "
Bencivengo heaped praise on Guhl, saying that the exiting administrator had given the township "a turnaround beyond compare" as he attempted to tackle a $16 million budget deficit during his six months in office."
The Mayor has finally given Hamilton Township residents a true picture of what the "most serious financial crisis in our history" was that confronted his administration upon taking office in 2008. His comments also put a spotlight on the fact that this $5 million deficit accrued under an all Republican Township Council's watch.
It was the intentional murkiness of defining what the actual deficit was that allowed John Bencivengo and his Township Council to reorganize the Police Department, lay-off and eliminate 55 township positions, impose an 8 day furplough on all township employees and to raise municipal taxes to historic rates.
Now, this November, Township residents can make an informed decision about the incumbent Mayor's and all Republican Township Council's decision to address a $5 million deficit with a permanent $13.3 million tax hike.
My name is Dan Keelan, I live in Hamilton Twp (Mercer) and I am running on the Democratic Ticket for Township Council.
ABOUT ME Though I have closely followed international, national and local politics my entire life (not just my adult life), this is my first foray into politics.
I moved to Hamilton Township 7 years ago when I married my wife, a lifelong Hamilton resident.
In fact, when I proposed to my wife she said to me (almost as an after thought) "I am never moving out of Hamilton Twp!". She was adamant.
Now some people may consider that "pre-condition" limiting and I admit that thoughts of never living in Ireland or retiring to Costa Rica flitted across my brain. But I was in love - I am in love. And 7 years later I can say that I did get a good bargain - my wife and Hamilton Twp.
My background is Sales and Marketing in the IT world. I worked for very small companies to a very large Fortune 1000 company. In the small companies, I worked with great people who were equally determined to succeed as I was and we turned these smaller companies into mid-sized employers of 100 or more people. It was tough, it was nerve wracking and it was satisfying. I got to work with a Fortune 1000 company because one of the small companies that I helped to start was acquired by them. I ran the Account Development division in the Mid-Atlantic for them, which consisted of about 22 employees and 2 managers who reported to me and had $300 million in revenue. If you want to test your mettle with politics go work for a Fortune 1000 company :-)
I became tired of the large corporate world and took an opportunity to leave when they asked me to transfer. Today, I am on my own working to start my own company - Consulting on Energy, Solar and Telecommunications.
WHY I AM RUNNING
Despite my lifelong interest in politics and current events, I never thought that I would actually get engaged in the process as a candidate, but something motivated me. Something triggered and now here I am.
I know what the something is, but it only crystallized shortly after my sister-in-law was asked to run for Mayor as the Democratic Party's nominee.
Location, Location, Location - wasted Hamilton Township is essentially in the middle of NJ with excellent Interstate & Turnpike access. It has quick access to Newark's and Philadelphia's airports, is right on the Northeast train corridor and is convenient to NYC and the shore areas.
Despite this, Hamilton is fairing no better than other towns in NJ and this is because of the "same 'ole same 'ole" approach to governance from the incumbents.
Reckless and Unnecessary Tax Hike Additionally, they are damaging the local economy by driving businesses and residents out of the township due to a reckless and unnecessary 33% tax hike in 2008. They justify this by alluding to a "historical fiscal crisis" which they have never satisfactorially defined.
Waste They promised to do more with less, but their reckless tax hike has allowed them to raise spending by $30 million while at the same time laying off and furloughing Police Officers and other Township employees.
Public Safety
In March 2010 they furloughed the police department 8 days annually and then in June 2010 they gave Department Directors pay raises.
They hide crime from the residents by not reporting it to the local papers, while paying lip serive to the concept of Community Policing. Many Hamiltonians believe that they live in a safe community...they do not know about the Drive-by shooting, the Home Invasiions, the Armed Robberies, the assaults all because the incumbants do not want to hurt the economy or give the Township a bad name. This is disrespectful to the residents and to the Police Officers who competently servie us.
Partisan Politics
The Mayor and all 5 Council members are republicans who reside in a Democratic controlled County and LD. It is the municipal government that allows political affiliation to get in the way of partnering with their County and State leadership for assistance with funding/grants, implementing Complete Streets or Main Street programs, etc.
Redevlopment Now
They have little concept about proven redevelopment strategies that have been successfully deployed around the State and the country. Concepts such as Mixed Use Zoning, Complete Streets and Main Streets. They have made PILOT a dirty word - and it can be when not properly implemented, which means specific conditions applied to specific areas and types of business.
While neighboring municipalities such as Hightstown, Exing, Hopewell and Lawrence are reinventinf themselves, my town is dying and my opponents are making sure that no one is here to bare witness the funneral.
I have stayed educated on redevelopment strategies, Police Technology, the Township Budget and the concerns of the various neighborhoods. I am prepared to serve.
Thanks,
dan k
PS: Full disclosure. Until this spring, I was a registered Republican and supported the existing Republican Mayor and Township Council.
I was content with supporting them until I started educating myself in anticipation of supporting them this election year. In doing so, I could not reconcile what they have been doing with my belief system.
Now is the time to start making some noise and reminding our neighbors of all the insanity and the attacks that the recent GOP / Tea Party wave has wrought on the country.
With Paul Ryan's budget proposal, it should be glaringly obvious who the GOP and the Tea Party are looking out for and it isn't you and me.
President Obama made a sober and rational budget proposal that truly demands a shared sacrifice and recognizes the sacrifices that the poor and middle class have already made. It defends seniors and the weakest among us and discounts the Ayn Rand mentality that permeates the Tea Party faithful.
As we move into the preamble of the 2012 voting season, we know the battle before us and we have to maintain a smart, constant and defined message that speaks truth to our friends and neighbors as well as defend the social compacts we have with our most vulnerable.
Carrying a message in your daily messages to friends and neighbors is as simple as adding a signature line to your emails promoting the GOTV message and the reminders of what democrat apathy has wrought. Here are some examples:
"A Vote From One Is A Vote For All"
"Elections Have Consequences"
"Apathy Is The Cancer That Kills Democracy"
"One Vote - Many Voices"
"Are You A Registered Voter?"
"Not Voting Is A Vote For Them"
"Someone Died So That You Could Vote"
BIG WIN FOR US IN NEW JERSEY POLITICS: In the most hotly contested state legislative election of 2010, pro-marriage equality Democrat Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein WINS her election for state Senate! Linda has been a target over the years of anti-marriage equality organizations like the National Organization for Marriage and the New Jersey Family Policy Council. Congratulations, Linda! We are thrilled for you.
"The problem was not that Americans lived beyond their means but that their means had not kept up with what the larger economy could and should have been able to provide. The American economy had been growing briskly ... but a larger portion of the economy's winnings had gone to people at the top.... The central challenge is to rebalance the American economy so that its benefits are shared more widely." - Robert Reich: AFTERSHOCK (Alfred A. Knopf - 2010)
Brescia:The Cost of Inequality substantiates this lack of balance. Inequality in NJ can be viewed in terms of 1) our poverty rate: 8.7%; 2) differences in our median household income: Whites: $47,036, Black: $29,293 and Latino: $35,744; and 3) the difference between the median income of the three above groups and the State median income of $64,470, suggesting a number of individuals with a disproportionately high income. In comparison with other states NJ fares worse, but not significantly so because these disparities have become widespread throughout the U.S.
(continue reading below)
Congressional wannabe John Runyan made millions of dollars playing a game (protected by a government-sanctioned monopoly) in hundred million dollar taxpayer-financed stadiums. Upon retirement, he promptly took a government subsidy to turn his luxury McMansion into a hobby farm.
Thankfully, Congressman John Adler is taking him to task for it.
For July the BLS reported, NJ unemployment was at 9.7%, a slight increase over both last month and the same month last year, and above the national average of 9.5%. Realty Trac reported home sales in NJ declined precipitously by 55%, from 7,206 in June to 3,196 in July. This is bad news for New Jerseyans, but does Governor Christie care?
On Tuesday the governor signed into law the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority. In a press release Assembly Majority Leader Cryan said, "Quite simply, this is all about jobs for New Jerseyans." In the governor's press release the word "jobs" is not mentioned once. Instead it refers to loftier notions of "investment, continuity and economic growth." Does he care that NJ unemployment is higher than the national average? Does he care about jobs for New Jerseyans?
In order to help people buy homes and reduce current unsold inventory, Assemblyman and Budget Committee Chair Louis Greenwald sponsored a bill to establish a New Jersey Homebuyer Tax Credit Program. Christe vetoed it saying "It would undermine our 2011 budget." Does he care that home sales fell 23% in May, 27% in June, and 55% in July? Does he care how this impacts New Jerseyans?
In the Quinnipiac poll released today Governor Christie is presented as "winning the hearts and minds of NJ voters who approve 51% - 36% of the job he is doing." Christie, however, seems remarkably detached from the lives of real people. He couches so much of what he says in terms of costs, finances and the budget, and he seldom talks about the impact of his actions on individuals. His single-minded focus on budget cutting and reducing the size of government satisfies his limited and short-sighted approach to governing. But does it satisfy those who are un-or-underemployed, concerned they might become un-or-underemployed, unable to sell their house or unable to buy a house. How many others are worried about not receiving a rebate, increased public transportation costs, smaller class sizes, or fewer municipal services? Do you get any sense he sympathizes with these people? When will New Jerseyans from the "Real World" strike back at "Christie's World?"
Democrats have a fourteen point voter registration edge over Republicans in New Jersey, 34%-20%, according to a summary released by the state Division of Elections last Thursday. But nearly half of New Jersey voters (46%) are not affiliated with a political party.
Since October 2008, Democratic voter registration has actually declined, by 15,430 voters, while the number of registered Republicans has increased by 6,794. The total number of registered voters in New Jersey has decreased by 142,328 over the last year.
Promoted by Jason Springer: Another week, with plenty of discussion about who the runningmate for Jon Corzine might be, but still no announcement. Do you agree with Paul's take or do you have another school of thought?
Let's cut to the chase: The Democrat's choice for Lieutenant Governor should be Loretta Weinberg. She has the experience. She has the record. And she has the passion, temperament, and fortitude to rise to this historic occasion.
In other words, Loretta Weinberg has what it takes to be a great running mate and a great second-in-command -- a fact even privately acknowledged by some of her most public critics.
Much of the talk in New Jersey regarding contested Congressional seats this Fall has centered around District 7, where Democratic Assemblywoman Linda Stender is running against Republican State Senator Leonard Lance to fill the House seat vacated by retiring Republican Congressman Michael Ferguson (R-7). The most likely Democratic pick-up, however, is actually in District 3, where Democratic State Senator John Adler is battling Republican Christopher Myers to fill the seat of retiring Congressman James Saxton (R-3). Adler has raised approximately two million dollars for his run and as a popular State Senator from Cherry Hill who is well-respected for his policy-making abilities and breadth of knowledge regarding State and Federal issues, he is a formidable opponent of Mr. Myers, the Mayor of Medford, New Jersey and Lockheed-Martin Vice-President.
Promoted from the diaries - with a week to go til Netroots Nation it's looking like New Jersey won't have any candidates in attendance, which makes me sad - a real missed opportunity. But, it's good to see John Adler reaching out to the netroots and recognizing the importance of net neutrality. That makes me happy. - JG
Senator John Adler is running for Congress in NJ-3
I want to ensure the free exchange of information and ideas via the Open Internet. That's why I will work to preserve Network Neutrality if I'm elected to Congress.
Since this link just went live, it seemed appropriate to give New Jersey's Netroots community the first peek.
Currently, most residents in New Jersey's 3rd Congressional district have access to only one or two Internet Broadband Providers. This relative lack of choice raises the possibility that Broadband Providers can slap a toll on content (what gets sent on the Net) and service (how fast.) This would lead to a multi-tiered Network where some Websites enjoy premium access speeds to their customers. Websites that are unwilling or unable to pay the toll would be relegated to the proverbial "slow lane."
John Adler believes that this inequitable arrangement would threaten the dynamism on the Internet. John strongly supports Network Neutrality and the innovation and openness that stem from it. In fact, a primary reason the Internet and the World Wide Web have proven so dynamic is the inherent openness and egalitarianism of the Network.
John Adler believes that only by preserving Network Neutrality; ensuring a diversity of media ownership; and bridging the Digital Divide will the Internet thrive as a hub of innovation and free speech in NJ-3 and beyond.
No kidding. A Fools Errand, you will say. No doubt.
But as of yesterday, I am officially on the ballot as a Democratic candidate for the 11th Congressional District (Morris County and environs) of the House of Representatives of United States of America.
I personally collected 242 signatures of God fearing American Patriots -- registered Democrats one an all -- to get me there.
I'm a retired banker and economist. I'm a Vietnam veteran.
I can see the future - follow the money - and it ain't good.
We Americans are in a "world of hurt" -- as we used to say in the 'Nam - and the economic pain has just begun. GWB and his worhsip of the unfetterd free market "Ownership Society" have put us there.
Here's my official press release. Larry Ragonese of the Star Ledger and Phil Garber of the Observer Tribune have it.
This is PatMat who promised to relate his experience with Camille Abate. Our relationship began in 2002 when I hired her to file for a federal writ of habeas on behalf. I had filed the state actions on my own and the Appellate Division agreed with me that the judge committed an error of law but claimed the error was harmless in spite of the fact that without the error there would have been no trial, thus no coniction.
Camille however, insisted that I should first hire her to file another State action which she was convinced would overturn the conviction. Time being a limited commodity in these circumstances, I agreed for her to file a post conviction action.
Stay tuned and learn the outcome of that court action.
Something interesting is going on at the Courier News' blog section.
Joan Greiner, the wife of defeated Flemington Borough Councilman Phil Greiner, has got herself a blog. And, boy is she using it to paint an interesting picture of Flemington.
Her husband lost the election to me. Close-I won by about 4 votes. And now the Council has a Democratic majority. Mrs. Greiner feels that, somehow, I have ruined the whole temperament of Council, since 2007 was a productive and fairly cooperative year. She labors under the delusion that the three Republicans who were up for re-election were somehow entitled to their seats, and that I got in the way of that lovely peace by seeking to disturb the beauty of a 3-3 even split.
Many of our elected officials on the State, County and local level are using their public office to financially reward themselves at taxpayer expense. One example of this profiteering is elected officials, who are also attorneys, obtaining public business for themselves and their law firms by directly or indirectly using their position to do so. This business is often obtained without competitive bidding. As a result, these elected officials and their firms are getting rich and we taxpayers are paying for it.
A recent Quinnipiac poll revealed that nine out of ten New Jersey voters believe that corruption is a "very serious" or "somewhat serious" problem. However, a sizeable majority of voters polled said that the issue would not sway their vote to the Republican column despite the announcement of several recent high profile corruption cases against prominent Democrats. What does this mean for New Jersey residents?
