LD37 
|
|
Fri Mar 16, 2007 at 07:08:48 PM EDT
|
(I suspect this write-your-own-caption moment will not be the last to emerge in this race. - promoted by noweeman)
Following up on the Inside Edge post awarding Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes -- and BCDO candidate for Senate in the 37th -- the "Roger Chugh Award for the most extensive online ego wall," I thought I'd post my personal favorite from the gallery. Here's the Mayor presenting the one and only Michael Bolton with the key to the city of Englewood. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
|
|
Discuss
:: (12
Comments)
|
|
|
|
Fri Mar 16, 2007 at 12:21:48 AM EDT
|
 This week's Englewood edition of the Suburbanite has a piece about Michael Wildes' state senate campaign (LD-37) titled "Campaign manager's claim contradicted". It refers back to a press release the campaign put out last week where his Assembly running-mate Ken Zisa praised US Attorney Christie for "treading carefully and deliberately" while trashing the presumption of innocence when he claimed "Where there's subpoenas, there's fire."
The article [pg 1, 2] points out that their press release is factually wrong, but that's not the shocker. The interesting stuff is near the end where it gets pretty funny and yet dizzying. Try to follow along.
First, Wildes plays the ignorance card, saying he knew nothing about it. When asked about the news release, Wildes first denied having seen it [...] I guess that's one way to run a campaign. Deny, deny, deny. But wait, then he got "confused", changed his story, and runs away from the statement.then said he had been "confused," that he had seen it but explained that third-party staff writers had the authority to use his quotes. "I only verify my factual statements." Way to accept responsibility there. And what the heck are "third-party staff writers"? Is that where the buck stops in this campaign? But wait, there's more. Then he completely throws the rest of his campaign team under the bus.Wildes said if there was a question as to validity of the other information contained in the release, it would have to be taken up with the person who wrote the release. Really classy. Anything to get elected...
|
|
Discuss
:: (1
Comments)
|
|
|
|
Thu Mar 15, 2007 at 01:44:06 PM EDT
|
I had to post this as it is a subject near and dear to me. This letter was sent in response to Michael Wildes literature sent to those of us in the 37th district. This time - Wildes actually printed his return address on his lit to us all instead of the usual smear hit pieces not return addressed. I was surprised though - his picture was not on the outer envelope......
Dear Michael,
Thank you for your letter addressed to District 37 leaders. Welcome to the primary election. My hope was that our differences would be confined to the issues, but I am saddened that you have chosen to begin your campaign on a note of personal negativity.
My priorities are well expressed in the kinds of legislation I have sponsored and have been signed into law by various Governors. My priorities have been those of working families, organized labor and progressive organizations - that is why I have earned the support of that broad coalition in this campaign.
My priorities are requiring insurance companies to pay for at least 48 hours of after care for new moms and their babies, signed into law right at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck...$20 million for Autism research, signed into law in our own Jewish Community Center in Tenafly...government grants for the Bergen Family Center located in Englewood... extra state aid Assemblymembers Gordon Johnson and Valerie Huttle and I got for the Academies@Englewood...the long fight to finally get the blood alcohol level lowered to .08 to be considered DWI, a fight espoused by the late Florence Nass of Teaneck... the Clean Indoor Air Act, a 10-year fight that I led...getting coverage for women under 40 who need mammograms is another priority with my name attached to it.
My priorities are embodied in the law I sponsored, Independence and Dignity in Long Term Care Act, espoused by AARP. Perhaps you don't know about my priority to pass legislation protecting victims of domestic violence. Or maybe you are unaware of the several laws I sponsored so that all residents of our state are guaranteed equal access to the law. If you need more information on my many priorities, please consult my web page at www.lorettaweinberg.com
Michael, unlike you, I worked with all three legislators you mentioned in your letter. Matty Feldman was the Mayor of Teaneck who brought people to understanding each other. Ben Mazur, my predecessor in the Assembly and Senator Byron Baer fought for transparency in government; I am a sponsor of the recent law that named the Open Public Meetings Law after him.
What those distinguished legislators had in common was a dedication to public service rather than personal political ambition. Sadly Mr. Wildes you fail to meet that same high standard.
As a matter of fact Mr. Wildes, you have abandoned your previous opposition to the heavy handed political intimidations of the BCDO and now you embrace them as the lead candidate on their ticket of back room deals and voter intimidation. You flip flopped simply because they dangled the chance to run for another office in front of you. Voters have a right to know if there is any principle you wouldn't abandon if the price were right.
Matty, Byron, and Ben would never have challenged duly elected County Committee members to keep them from voting in a convention as you did to Teaneck. None of these legislators would have failed to speak out against the illegal forgery which tried to disenfranchise World War II veteran and Bergenfield County Committee member, Timothy J. Driscoll
Michael, you say the real difference between us isn't on the issues, but rather on our priorities. Frankly, I think we disagree on a number of important issues. But more than that, we do disagree on priorities - I believe that your priorities don't change when the political winds shift and the fights you take on don't go away simply because someone on the other side makes you an offer you can't refuse.
So Michael, let's really stick to the issues. Let's honestly measure our priorities against one another and bring them directly to our primary voters. I'm up for that!
Sincerely,
Loretta Weinberg
And so you understand why - as a Bergen County Committee woman - I am boycotting the BCDO sham election and am again wholeheartedly endorsing the Loretta Weinberg, Gordon Johnson and Valerie Huttle team in the Primary here in the 37th. They simply care more about us.
|
|
Discuss
:: (1
Comments)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thu Mar 08, 2007 at 06:10:26 AM EST
|
|
Governor Corzine, it's gut-check time.
Yesterday's story. in the Bergen Record quotes you as saying, "It's a different situation this time," he said. "I have tended to choose not to get into party fights. I think Loretta Weinberg is an outstanding senator."
Your sensible reluctance to involve yourself by endorsing candidates in intra party contests is understandable; but the "situation" here is clearly extraordinary, if not unprecedented, and demands a commensurate response from you.
|
|
There's More...
:: (3
Comments, 449 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Wed Mar 07, 2007 at 10:33:53 PM EST
|
( - promoted by njdem)
Today's Record contained a rather lengthy article concerning the fight between State Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-LD37) and Bergen County Democratic Chairman Joe Ferriero, which is sure to be the nastiest primary battle New Jersey will see this year.
Perhaps the most disappointing news comes at the very end of the article: Governor Corzine said Tuesday he would sit this one out.
"It's a different situation this time," he said. "I have tended to choose not to get into party fights. I think Loretta Weinberg is an outstanding senator."
|
|
There's More...
:: (10
Comments, 129 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Sun Mar 04, 2007 at 04:17:51 PM EST
|
|
I urge anyone here dismayed (or mad as hell) at the current state of the Bergen County Democratic Committee to bookmark this page
http://www.theenglew...
Especially see the story "Who is Joe Ferriero?"
It may have been Howard Dean who inspired me to get involved in Presidential Primary politics. But it was what has been happening in Englewood over the past few years that compelled me to become more involved in local politics.
While I was rounding up volunteers to walk Tenafly for John Kerry, and the BCDO had given us flyers to hand out for the County positions, I ran into a problem I just never saw coming.
Several volunteers I had called who lived in Englewood asked me if the literature we would be handing out contained information on the County Candidates. I said yes and they politely declined to help us. When I asked why, I was informed of how in Englewood, many CC members were gotten rid of by Ferriero by trying that now familiar "put your CC enemies on line 4" trick, that would be used on me not 2 years later.
There were other folks from Leonia that had such a terrible opinion of Ferriero from a Pay-To-Play aspect as well. The more I heard about these tactics, the more I learned about Joe Ferriero.
Being a Howard Dean fan who would ask EVERYONE for their votes, I was extremely disturbed that tactics used by the head of our Bergen County Democratic organization had actually caused upstanding Democrats to leave the Party.
When we LOSE people from the party due to ethics - that is NOT a good sign. I took that sign in consideration when I was asked to support Loretta Weinberg and Valerie Huttle for the Senate and Assembly in 2005. Based on how Ferriero's tactics had damaged the Democratic Party in Englewood, I wholeheartedly supported Weinberg and Huttle in their special elections.
Now in the middle of the room during two actual BCDO special elections, when I saw how Senator Weinberg and Assemblywoman Huttle were treated by the BCDO, and how I was treated for simply voting for them, I knew I had picked the right course and had backed the right team. When I then saw Senator Weinberg and team go on to garner 75% of the votes in the general election, I knew I had backed the choice of the voters in the 37th district - including Republicans and Independents.
When I then saw how UNHAPPY Ferriero was that we had done the will of the voters in the 37th district, I knew then that Joe just had to go. If he was not there to elect popular Democrats to office in a general election, what was he there for?
There were only several answers to that question and none of them good.
There are some folks here that will back up Ferriero right or wrong because he is the head of the Democratic Party here in Bergen County. However, I believe THAT view is shortsighted when it disregards the future effects of the attrition ALREADY BEGUN on the Democratic party in Bergen County.
It is my party, my responsibility to the voters of my district to make sure the Democratic party here is not run like a Sopranos episode. As an Italian American myself, (I love a good cannoli probably more than he does) I am still very sensitive to that stereotype and offended by the way Ferriero runs the BCDO.
Just because the Mob is ORGANIZED and good at keeping their boys in-line doesn't make them choir boys. The same can be said for the BCDO.
It is precisely Ferriero's antics in Englewood that display vividly exactly what is wrong with Bergen County politics. I urge you all to read and bookmark the Englewood Report. It couldn't be more timely.
|
|
Discuss
:: (12
Comments)
|
|
|
|
Fri Mar 02, 2007 at 08:56:15 PM EST
|
|
Sources say Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-37) had a poll in the field with Benenson Strategy Group of Manhattan that puts her with a greater than 3-1 lead over Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes in the June Democratic Primary.
We have no independent corroboration, but if anyone from Loretta's camp wants to confirm or deny this we are happy to alter the story in any way to get it right.
Update: These numbers are accurate (64% - 20%), and the Assembly candidates on Weinberg's slate also have a healthy lead. Also, EMILY's list is now involved in the campaign. They have sent a campaign coordinator to help organize.
|
|
Discuss
:: (14
Comments)
|
|
|
|
Mon Feb 05, 2007 at 05:09:11 AM EST
|
|
Man oh man, talk about the proverbial morning after. It turns out that words are indeed like arrows. They cannot be recalled and boy do they go astray. I woke up the morning of my last post knowing that I was going to hear about it sooner rather than later. Didn't know from whom or when, but I knew it was coming. But like all good students I am open to constructive criticism. I sat tensely at my desk as I watched a colleague read my diary. Lesson numero uno: you can't curse to all of NJ. The rest of the work day went by with nary a comment. That evening I attended Englewood's Planning Board Meeting. The Planning Board that Michael Wildes, as Mayor of our fine city, appoints to his liking. That is another diary in of itself. Before walking past me, Michael stopped by and said my post was "cute." So I don't know what that means. Wikipedia defines 'cuteness' as "a delicate and attractive kind of beauty commonly associated with youth, innocence, and helplessness." So that is my defense! Thanks Michael. I am young, innocent and helpless. Inevitably, people were offended. Lesson numero dos: Don't take anything personally. Reckless anger will do you no good. I swore off blogging from bluejersey time and time again. But now I'm back. I can't help it and I won't rephrase.
This week will shake Bergen County to the very core. We are at war.
Why can't we all just get along? That is a good question. Why can't Boss Joe get along with Loretta, Gordon and Valerie? Why has he embarked on this crusade? A one man ego suicide trip. Weinberg, Johnson and Huttle have said NO to Joe Ferriero. In this diary I will somehow try to understand why Joey Joe is driven to self destruction against the LD37 team of Loretta Weinberg, Gordon Johnson and Valerie Vainieri Huttle.
|
|
There's More...
:: (7
Comments, 197 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Thu Feb 01, 2007 at 02:29:08 AM EST
|
|
I don't even know where to begin. I think I've erased about ten different sentences before getting started. The Democratic Committee of Bergen County overwhelmingly voted NO to Dear Leader Joey Joe's effort to amend the By-Laws of the County Organization. In the end Joe Ferriero walked through the doors of Hackensack Middle School smiling dejectedly. Why was he smiling? I don't know, he's a megalomaniac. I think even Boss Joe could not possibly believe that this had actually happened. I could not believe this had happened. Boss Ferriero summoned his legions in full force and failed to have his way. The "small man with small feet" (he was described as such; he is small, I don't know about his feet, but she seemed to trust her sources)was clearly not at the top of his game tonight. Remember, this is the first time in my life that I have ever attended a County Committee Reunion. I still don't know if it was a Convention or a Meeting. Someone with more knowledge on the subject should comment on the signficance of that. Anyways, all the characters were there. Charles "Ken" Zisa, Michael Wildes and Cid Wilson were there. Petitions were being signed. Wildes threw everyone a curveball by having TWO petitions. One for Senate candidacy and the other for Assembly. Michael even approached me and commented on my posts on bluejersey, so now I'm really full of myself and the Maker isn't even flowing. What follows is some of the literature that Committee members were treated to before they voted and a play by play account of my impressions as I learn more and more about what it is that we call democracy in Bergen County.
|
|
There's More...
:: (7
Comments, 2611 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Mon Jan 29, 2007 at 05:03:48 PM EST
|
|
Dear Fellow Democrat,
The new year has barely begun yet the political season- for better or worse- is already in full swing.
As a Bergen County Democratic County Committeeperson you've already been bombarded by numerous letters regarding changes in our bylaws, followed by letters stating those are now being changed along with even more confusing and contradictory assertions.
We'd like to get the campaign focus back to basics, back to what unites us as Democrats, back to our core values. Issues such as making health care more affordable and accessible, fighting for social justice, demanding tax fairness and fiscal responsibility, protecting our environment, educating our children and reforming government to put people ahead of special interests matter far more to us than the inside baseball of manipulating a convention.
We were honored and humbled by the recent outpouring of support for our candidacies. The people and organizations that have come together to be there for our team are - like you - the heart, soul and backbone of the Democratic Party and progressive politics. Organized labor, environmentalists, pro-consumer groups, health care reformers, GLBT advocates and advocates for seniors, women and people of color, netroots and grassroots Democrats are all part of our broad and deep coalition. Together they add up to an unprecedented show of support at this early date.
While we love a vigorous debate as much as anyone-maybe more, the current back and forth coming from the Chairman does little to advance a progressive agenda and only distracts attention from solving the real problems that face our state. Rather than pressuring and dividing grass roots Democrats on votes regarding arcane by-laws, we believe the Chairman should be working to unify Bergen County Democrats.
Frankly, the conduct of our party must mirror the values of our party. We have worked to make our party more open, inclusive and fair. Yet the sad facts of the last few contested conventions and the special election for Senate last year, betray the very core of our Democratic ideals and traditions. The Chairman's last minute flip-flop on changing the nominating rules does nothing to restore the credibility and legitimacy of our county convention.
We look forward to a continued and respectful conversation with you about how to make our party better so that we can make our lives and our state better.
Loretta Weinberg
Gordon M. Johnson
Valerie Vainieri Huttle
|
|
There's More...
:: (5
Comments, 1201 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Sat Jan 27, 2007 at 03:15:39 PM EST
|
|
Assembly bill A1 on property taxes has been introduced. Republicans complain that the scheduled Monday vote does not leave them enough time to review it. After all, our legislators are only paid to work part time! You can review the bill yourself in HTML or PDF.
My LD3 Assemblymen Burzichelli and Fisher, along with LD1 Jeff Van Drew and LD37 Valerie Vainieri Huttle, have sponsored a bill to help fund county Offices of Disabilities. Huttle of course is being threatened in the LD37 conflict with boss Joe Ferriero.
A good article details the reactions to the affordable housing ruling in Mercer County. Town officials are worried by the uncertainty, yet more delays in the process, and possible higher obligations. Housing advocates are pleased since they say the previous plan was unconstitutional and:
"It's really about trying to not allow kids in the town because then they have to pay for schools," Gordon said. "The courts said they can't do that. That's the foundational part of the doctrine that's been around for 30 years.
"We're really hoping that Gov. Corzine sets up a process where we can meet together and work things out," Gordon said. "We don't want another round of litigation. We're hoping that in that six-month period we can come up with something we can all agree with."
Rep. Frank Pallone and Rutgers Provost Steven Diner testified in favor of merging Rutgers, NJIT, and UMDNJ into a single super research university. It's known that there would substantial upfront costs to the state.
Due to another tragic traffic accident, New Jersey schools are thinking of stopping seniors from driving to school. There's no question that young drivers face a lot of risk, but as a stereotypical Gen-Xer, I see this is yet another example of how baby boomers are trying to take away the rights they fought for in their youth.
The state is considering requiring flu and pneumonia vaccines for more kids. Naturally, groups that think vaccinations are responsible for autism, hyperactivity, and other ills are opposed.
Since misery loves company, I recommend this New York Times article on how New York Governor Spitzer and Assembly Speaker Silver are already feuding. They're both Democrats, of course.
Today is the last day to purchase discounted tickets to Garden State Equality's Legends 2007 dinner.
Ringwood residents have been warned not to eat too much squirrel. Thanks to a toxic waste dump, the squirrels are containated with lead.
This is an open thread, so discuss whatever you like.
|
|
Discuss
:: (9
Comments)
|
|
|
|
Thu Jan 25, 2007 at 06:32:37 PM EST
|
|
(My good friend Steven posted this for me earlier, but I decided it was time that I join the Blue Jersey community myself. I appreciate all of the kind words and support the netroots have always shown me.)
I hope Chairman Ferriero's endorsement is a sincere acceptance of all that my running mates and I have worked so hard for - open, ethical politics; a progressive political agenda; and reforming government to put people ahead of special interests and insiders.
If genuine unity is the goal that Chairman Ferriero seeks, all the Chairman has to do is endorse Gordon and Valerie as well. After all, we share the same priorities and vision. If Joe is endorsing me for all I have fought for and achieved, then it is only logical that he also endorse Gordon and Valerie.
I honestly wish that his endorsement is an acknowledgement of the reality of the strength and depth of the support my running mates and I have earned from grassroots Democrats, organized labor and progressive groups that include environmental, consumer, human rights, women's rights and other advocates.
I'm proud to have played a major role in attempting to open the party. The sad facts of the last few contested conventions and the special election for Senate last year, betray the very core of our Democratic ideals and traditions.
Chairman Ferriero is changing the rules daily. He is going to have to do far more than flip-flop on changing the rules at the last minute to restore the credibility and legitimacy of our county convention.
|
|
Discuss
:: (3
Comments)
|
|
|
|
Wed Jan 24, 2007 at 11:14:50 PM EST
|
|
Can someone please comment on the following lines from the Dear Leader:
I am no history expert on the County of Bergen, but I would wager this particular paragraph begins with an outright lie.
Bergen County is the only County in the State that selects party candidates in district caucuses. This process goes back to the time when Bergen County had five Legislative Districts within its borders. Redistricting has created a situation where this is no longer the case, with several districts having little representation within Bergen County. .
One more note.
The candidates selected to represent our Party receive the endorsement of our Party and the privilege of appearing in our column. It is our responsibility as a party to ensure that all candidates best represent the ideals of our organization. .
Why don't we substitute "our" with "my" and see if there are any changes?
A theme in all my posts will be Latinos and Englewoodians in positions of power. In the aforementioned BCDO letter, I must note Corresponding Secretary Laureana Organ, State Commitee-men Daniel Ortega and Omar Rodriguez as well as our former Councilman-at-Large (and new Planning Board member) Rev. Vernon Walton.
|
|
There's More...
:: (1
Comments, 491 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Wed Jan 24, 2007 at 03:34:39 AM EST
|
(Shaping up to be an important primary. - promoted by Xpatriated Texan)
I will assume that for most readers of bluejersey very little need (needs to) be said about Ken Zisa. What follows is a basic introduction to Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes and Cid D. Wilson of Leonia.
To speak of Wildes I must talk about Englewood's historical mayoral election this past November. I keep using the word historical a lot. But this is just the nature of the monumentally epic District 37. To his credit, I can say that Michael Wildes is not shy about his ambitions. He has his eyes on the New Jersey Legislature. These are all merely stepping stones to his march (I guess) to Washington. Just take a look at the following website:
Michael Wildes for Congress
I guess one must respect Michael for fantasizing to be more than just the Mayor of Englewood. After all, he is no longer 'boy wonder' and must be painfully conscious of the looming and dreaded 'has been' status. He has goals and a vision for his future. We must all have goals and a vision for our future. For further reading I will include some memorable bits that Englewoodians enjoyed during the Wildes v. Stern matchup.
To be fair, I must include a link to Dr. Stern's website.
Bob Stern for Mayor
For those of you looking for a multimedia experience, try the following links:
Meet the Real Michael Wildes
Inside the Mind of Michael Wildes
and one more...
Vote Against Scare Tactics
As far as Mr. Wilson is concerned, I will have to confess that as a Latin American Democrat, I do not know what to make of Mr. Wilson and his decision to add his name to that of Kenny and Michael. I will provide some links with basic biographical information on Mr. Wilson. I do not know anything about his politics. But I will say that he has a most impressive resume. And were his name not attached to that of Zisa and Wildes, I would have to be very impressed by a Dominican-American Latin American success story. But the fact that he has lent his name to complete the Ferriero-crat Triumvirate tears me to pieces.
|
|
There's More...
:: (4
Comments, 1497 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Wed Jan 24, 2007 at 02:19:13 AM EST
|
I've not been around bluejersey for a few days. Blogging, it seems, is a full time job. District 37 may very well be the single most important primary in the history of primaries. I will not argue about this. I find Star Wars boring and overrated, but I am a Lord of the Rings fan and you get the idea...this is what we have here in our own little corner of N-E-W Jerz. I'm just waiting for the evil empire to make a move...this will be a quick little post on what seems to be team Ferriero-crat's ticket: Kenny Zisa, Michael Wildes, Cid Wilson. What, in the name of all that is good and pure, are they thinking?
I've included a short clip from Politifax's take on District 37. And I promise in a later post to break down the Englewood Democratic Club's first meeting of 2007. I'm working backwards here. And then I will work my way to my impressions of what will forever be known as 'The Rally.' Just bear with me.
Politifax
A Weekly Electronic Newsletter on Politics in NEW JERSEY
Volume X, # 30 January 24, 2007 DISTRICT 37. It's all but certain that Joe Ferriero
will put up a ticket to challenge Loretta Weinberg, Gordon
Johnson, and Valerie Huttle. (The Record reports
that the challengers will be Ken Zisa, Englewood Mayor
Michael Wildes, and Bergen Community College
trustee Cid Wilson.) The Ferriero forces are pushing
amendment to the party by laws that would require
legislative candidates to get the approval of the entire
County Committee rather than just those members in
the relevant district. The Weinberg team held a large
preemptive rally that attracted labor leaders (including
Charlie Wowkanech, environmental organizations, and
women's rights groups). But the Senator's forces are
smiling even more over the fact that an investigator
from the Attorney General's office is on the verge of
identifying the forger who submitted letters of resignation
for County Committee members who supported
Weinberg back in 2005 when she and Zisa were battling
to succeed Byron Baer.
.
I think most readers are familiar with the Zisas, or at least just about every resident in the City of Hackensack. So I'm going to have to break this down, mostly for myself, but hopefully some of you may find this informative, one candidate at a time.
To repeat, I am a relatively new to local politics in New Jersey. If you would have asked me two years ago to name my legislators, let alone my representatives to the Englewood Council, I would have been absolutely clueless. What a difference a couple years makes. What a difference a year makes. I confess that I know nothing about Ken Zisa. I know a little bit about Michael Wildes considering he is my mayor after all. I think I may have voted for him the first time he ran for mayor UNOPPOSED and then supported the wonderfully Independent Dr. Bob Stern during the last mayoral election against Wildes. And I definitely knew absolutely nothing about Cid Wilson. So I did a quick superficial bit of googling and came up with some basic biographical information.
|
|
Discuss
:: (0
Comments)
|
|
|
|
Wed Jan 17, 2007 at 12:35:37 PM EST
|
|
RALLY FOR PROGRESS IN PARAMUS TODAY AT 5 P.M.!!!
Last week, Sen. Loretta Weinberg introduced legislation as a part of a two-state legislative reform effort to "end a culture of secrecy at the Port Authority." S2475 holds the Port Authority -- an interstate agency between New Jersey and New York -- accountable for the billions of taxpayers' dollars they dole out. New York Assemblyman Richard L. Brodsky introduced a complementing bill in his state's legislature.
The legislation notes that while the governors of both states have "recently implemented a significant set of reforms for other public authorities ... these reforms do not extend to the Port Authority because it is an interstate authority." This bill would change that by placing oversight on the Port Authority's expenditures and the conduct of lobbyists seeking contracts. Furthermore, it would have the Port Authority adopt a code of ethics on matters like conflicts of interest -- commonsense reform that lets the sun shine on shady deals.
Said Weinberg, For too long, the Port Authority has functioned as a bi-state secret bureaucracy of insiders where billions of dollars worth of mass transportation projects get awarded with virtually no public input. We need a transparent Port Authority that's in shape to fight terrorist threats, maintain our bridges and tunnels and improve our airports. For continued progress in New Jersey, please show Loretta your support and rally for her this evening in Paramus.
|
|
Discuss
:: (0
Comments)
|
|
|
|
Tue Jan 16, 2007 at 03:30:11 AM EST
|
|
While I would love to adopt the honorable 37th District, I am afraid I am just beginning to get a sense of New Jersey politics. What I will try to do from time to time is give a brief synopsis of events that I attend or comment on Englewood, District 37 and/or Bergen County. Through my work/job in Englewood I am slowly learning, painfully at times. But at the very least it is a worthwhile education. A life experience.
Tonight I attended the 78th Birthday Celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The program was hosted by The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Birthday Observance Committee of Bergen County. The event was held at SMA Fathers (Society of African Missions) in Tenafly. The theme of the program was "Coming Together to Make the Dream a Reality" and the Keynote Speaker was the Reverend Lucius Walker.
|
|
There's More...
:: (5
Comments, 965 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Tue Jan 16, 2007 at 12:53:24 AM EST
|
|
Having posted the invitation for LASO-NJ's inaugural meeting on January 24, I received a most unexpected email with questions regarding the organization. Our history, purpose and goals. I wrote frantically to cover as much as I possibly could. To this brief introduction I will be adding more detailed bits and pieces of my experience as a Latin American immigrant from Colombia and a citizen of the City of Englewood.
|
|
There's More...
:: (0
Comments, 837 words in story)
|
|
|
|
|
| Featured Stories |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
