Christie silent as Cunningham pushes pension deferral

by: vincent solomeno

Tue Dec 15, 2009 at 02:29:05 PM EST

Cunningham, who was named last month to Governor-elect Christie's transition team, explained that the legislation is a stop gap measure to soften the blow of the recently announced decision to hold back millions of dollars in promised aid to municipalities.

"Some mayors have a need for this," said Senator Cunningham. "They need this, so I hope we can get it done as soon as possible."

Deferring pension payments was a controversial measure enacted several months ago by the Corzine Administration.  At the time, candidate Christie called the idea "deceitful trickery."  As he prepares to take his place in the Front Office, however, one wonders whether the eight billion dollar budget deficit has given him reason to reconsider?

The Governor-elect is not known to be shy about expressing his opinion.  If he opposes Cunningham's bill, he should say so.  If he supports it, he should explain why.  Thus far, his transition team has had no comment and there's no word whether the bill will gain traction with legislative leaders.  However, what Christie has said is that he supports deferring the state's contributions another year.  Couple that decision with Cunningham's bill allowing municipalities to do the same, and with a few pen strokes, Trenton will significantly add to the long term fiscal insolvency of the pension fund.

For the record, Governor Corzine invested more money in the state pension fund than any other governor since Brendan Byrne.

Denver Update: SIX New Co-Sponsors for Marriage Equality in NJ

by: Scott Shields

Thu Aug 28, 2008 at 01:49:39 PM EDT

Though there are still doubters, all indications are now that New Jersey will be the third state after Massachusetts and California to guarantee the right to marry for same-sex couples. This kind of momentum, indicated by this morning's surprising development, is incredibly hard to overcome. While civil unions have been a progressive step forward for the cause, New Jersey residents seem to agree that basic civil rights should no longer be denied to a significant portion of our population.

This has been a great week for New Jersey's Democrats. Despite some weird media fixation on whether or not Senator Menendez would be given a speaking role at the Pepsi Center (and everyone knows he'd have delivered the keynote if it were up to me -- and perhaps should have, all things considered), we've seen our share of groundbreaking scenes at this year's convention. Our state's delegation played a big role yesterday, from the morning move to pledge all of our 127 delegates to Barack Obama, to being the last state to have our delegates counted in the roll call before Hillary Clinton's historic motion to nominate Obama by acclamation. It's fitting that six new backers for the marriage equality bill would announce their support at a convention where so much history is being written.

Women in New Jersey's Legislature (w/Poll)

by: Jeff Gardner

Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 03:36:10 PM EDT

What a difference a day week year can make. Turns out, my predictions last week kinda sorta came true, with the recent unpleasantness producing two brand new Assemblywomen, Elease Evans (LD-35) and Mila Jasey (LD-27), and a very likely winner this fall added to the 38th District ballot, Connie Wagner.

Add them to primary winners earlier this year - likely future Senators Dana Redd (LD-5), Teresa Ruiz (LD-29), and Sandra Cunningham (LD-31); and likely future Assemblywomen Cleopatra Tucker (LD-28), Grace Spencer (LD-29) and Caridad Rodriguez (LD-33), and suddenly, the Legislature is starting to feel a little more estrogenated. Without a single upset in November, we're already looking at a record 10 women in the Senate (8 of them Democrats), and a record 21 women in the Assembly (16 of them Democrats).

That's right - there will be more Democratic women in the legislature next year than there are women total there now. Historic, yes. But, still nowhere near where we ought to be.

Of course, there's still more story to tell, because it wouldn't be election season if there weren't a cool upset or two brewing. With a record number of women challenging Republicans all over the state, how many more women do you think can land in the legislature next year?

*Take the poll* on the flip (and share the reasons for your votes in the comments):

Come 2008, in the new State Senate, Minority Women outnumber Minority Men in Trenton.

by: progressivemuslimnj

Mon Jul 02, 2007 at 07:45:58 PM EDT

In the state senate, the new gender breakdown among the minority membership of the upper chamber will be radically altered, and not just the minimum 4-3 split.  It could likely be an even more significant 5-2.  It would be yet another sign of the turnover this election cycle, and points to one more way the dynamic in the Statehouse will be different come January '08.

Oopsie!

by: Juan Melli

Tue Jun 05, 2007 at 08:17:57 PM EDT

A story in the May 19 edition incorrectly reported the number of petitions that volunteer Russell Wallace collected in an effort to get state Senate candidate Sandra Bolden Cunningham on the ballot. According to court documents, he collected only six signatures, not hundreds as was incorrectly reported. There is also no evidence that Wallace went door to door collecting any petitions either on his own or at the behest of Ms. Cunningham.

Scorched in Hudson

by: Hudson Observer

Mon Jun 04, 2007 at 11:21:43 AM EDT

This weekend's Jersey Journal calls the Hudson primaries for Brian Stack and his team in the 33rd and Nick Sacco and his team in the 32nd.  The only race that is undecided is the 31st where Sandra "I Only Debate When I Want" Cunningham is trying to knock off Lou "At Least I Didn't Hire a Child Molestor" Manzo. 

I don't live in the 31st, so I'm only going to the polls to write myself in.  It's the best protest vote I know of and, if I happen to win because no one else in the county shows up to vote, I'll be happy.  I'll be overjoyed if Cunningham gets totally hammered as well.  If she wins, I'll wish her well and hope she does a good job.  From her campaign, I'd say she has a lot more growing to do before she's ready to fill her husband's shoes.

Debate Debacle

by: Hudson Observer

Mon May 28, 2007 at 09:22:48 PM EDT

Pray tell, Ms. Queen, what will you do in Trenton?

We already have enough spoiled-brat politicians who are bent on pursuing their own interest.  As we manage to shrug off the stain that was "Prince Charlie", the last thing we should do is trade that ill-fitting crown to a Queen Sandra.

Obsessed Much?

by: Juan Melli

Wed May 23, 2007 at 09:10:52 AM EDT

I don't have a dog in the 31st district Senate race between Sandra Bolden Cunningham and Lou Manzo, but the so-called "sex offender scandal" has gotten way out of control. Sandra Cunningham has a convicted sex offender volunteering on her campaign and PoliticsNJ.com apparently finds this incredibly newsworthy.

PoliticsNJ first wrote about it on May 18, the same day as a Jersey Journal article. Three days later, a piece by Max Pizarro included a captioned photo of Cunningham with the campaign volunteer in an otherwise unrelated post. That same day, Pizarro wrote a short piece about someone having no comment on the situation. Today, their editorial cartoonist Rob Tornoe made this the topic of this week's cartoon.

It doesn't need to be said that these crimes are horrific, but our society has judged - rightly or wrongly - that this man has done his time and paid his due to society. He served four years in jail, is now on parole and "as required by the law, has reported to the office every year." The prosecutor's office found that he was not a "compulsive sexual offender" and he's also gone through Jersey City's "Second Chance Program."

Other than the one Jersey Journal article, which itself was not newsworthy, the dead tree media has been surprisingly quiet on this. The overreaction has come largely from PoliticsNJ, which is disappointing. They get deep in the weeds of politics, which is great, but I've never seen them be this gratuitous about what I think should be a non-issue. But it paid off - today they got their scalp. The volunteer quit.

I really am not justifying this man's crimes, but doesn't this set a bad standard about who can and can't participate in civics and politics? Do we expect everyone with a crime in their past to become hermits or do we accept them back into society once they have paid for their crimes? This is purely a hypothetical, but based on the blurry line that's been drawn to separate the acceptable from unacceptable, is it reasonable now to expect that someone will investigate Lou Manzo's campaign to see if any of his volunteers have ever been convicted of a DUI?

Hudson Diversity Announces 31, 32, and 33 Primary Endorsements

by: waltb313

Tue May 22, 2007 at 11:42:38 AM EDT

On Saturday Night, May 19th, Hudson Diversity Action Council hosted our annual Block Party Endorsement Event for the June 5th Primary Election. Hudson Diversity proudly announced our endorsement of the following candidates for the June 5th primary election. We have worked diligently to identify candidates who are pro-marriage equality, not only pro-arts but also pro-artist, pro-education, and pro-diversity.

We are delighted that, for the first time in our recollection, the field of 24 candidates holds over half (14) who are a part of one diversity group or another. Of the 12 candidates we are either endorsing or recommending, our line-up includes 4 Women, 4 Latinos/as, and 2 African Americans (only 4 straight white men).

We hope you will get out and spread the word and most importantly vote for each of our candidates running in your area. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with each one of these great leaders.

County Executive Thomas A. DeGise
County Clerk Barbara Netchert
Sheriff Juan Perez
Hudson Diversity Action Council has such an abiding respect and admiration for the integrity and leadership of the County Executive, Tom DeGise, that our decision to endorse him was very easy. As we have gotten to know Barbara Netchert and Juan Perez, that decision became an easy one as well. Having a full team of people so committed to the best for Hudsons residents with the talent and experience to deliver is refreshing and we look forward to Hudson Countys progress under this great group of individuals.

31
Senate Sandra Bolden-Cunningham
Assembly Nicholas Chiavralloti
Assembly L. Harvey Smith
The deciding factor in our 31st district endorsements was community connection. We believe the candidates here have both a strong sense of what is important to our community and a close connection to the people within our community. We are endorsing two people with a world of experience as Jersey City leaders and the former State Director to Senator Menendez. Each a leader in their own right, we believe that these individuals will come together to best serve the residents of the 31st.

32
Assembly Joan Quigley
Our key component to our 32nd district endorsement is experience and growth. Joan Quigley has proven herself a strong leader who is willing to allow her stances to evolve with the ever-changing face of her constituency. Nicholas Sacco and Vincent Prieto are recommended choices here as well; however, were unavailable to meet with us.

33
Senate Brian Stack
Assembly Ruben Ramos
Assembly Caridad Rodriguez
In the 33rd district, we looked to candidates with foresight and plans for Hudsons future. Brian Stack and his team are forward-thinking progressives with a strong plan to improve the lives of New Jerseys residents. Each has shown, in their previous experience, that they are willing to put it on the line for what they believe. We appreciate this teams steadfast support of the ideals espoused by Hudson Diversity and look forward to seeing their tenacity continued in their tenure in Trenton.

Garden State Equality's 2007 primary endorsements

by: Steven Goldstein, Garden State Equality chair

Mon May 21, 2007 at 01:37:20 AM EDT

Some explanation is in order on this odd political year in Essex and Hudson.  Several legislative candidates long allied with one another -- candidates who previously ran together on the same column on the ballot -- are running against each other in different columns.  The new alliances emanate from behind-the-scenes political wars that have little to do with issues, and much to do with turf and perceived slights.  The alliances are asking organizations like Garden State Equality to endorse their entire columns or not at all.

We at Garden State Equality reject that approach, and so should you.  We endorse the candidates best on our issues, regardless of column.  Imagine that.

Garden State Equality's endorsements are based on the records of, and interviews with, the candidates. 

Some of our endorsed candidates are running on the local party-endorsed column.  Some of our endorsed candidates are not running on the local party-endorsed column.  If you are a Democratic voter in Essex or Hudson, or anywhere else in New Jersey for that matter, you are always free to vote for candidates across columns. 

All of Garden State Equality's endorsed candidates meet the following criteria:  (a)  They would vote for marriage equality.  (b)  They would vote for strengthening the state's hate crimes law, including adding hate crimes based on a victim's gender identity or expression.  (c)  They would vote for a comprehensive syringe exchange program that will save the lives of many people with HIV/AIDS.  (d)  If the candidate currently serves in the legislature, he or she must have voted "yes" on the civil unions law -- candidates who abstained or voted no would certainly not vote for marriage equality.  (e)  If the candidate currently serves in the legislature, he or she must have voted "yes" on the transgender equality law.

We remind you that in New Jersey, each legislative district is represented by one state Senator and two Assembly members.  Thus you can vote for one Senate candidate and one or two candidates for Assembly.

Note that if you live in District 27 in Essex, encompassing part of Newark and all of Caldwell, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Livingston, Maplewood, North Caldwell, Orange, Roseland, South Orange, West Caldwell and West Orange, the incumbents face no primary on June 5th.  They are Senator Dick Codey, Assemblyman John McKeon and Assemblyman Mims Hackett, all splendid champions of equality whom we strongly support for reelection in November.

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ENDORSEMENTS

District 28, Essex (Part of Newark, all of Belleville, Bloomfield and Irvington):  Cleopatra Tucker for Assembly.

For the Assembly, Garden State Equality endorses Cleopatra Tucker.  She runs the Donald K. Tucker Centre in Newark, a comprehensive community center for both children and senior citizens that has done so much to lift up so many throughout the city.  The Centre is named after Cleo's husband, the late Assemblyman Donald K. Tucker.  Cleo is an impressive grassroots activist in her own right who has the support of our allies, Mayor Cory Booker and city councilwoman Dana Rone.

Garden State Equality stops just short of an endorsement of, but confers "preferred candidate" status on, Bilal Beasley for state Senate and Ralph Caputo for Assembly.  They said they personally support marriage equality but have not made up their minds on legislation yet.  This makes them preferable to the incumbents, particularly Senator Ron Rice, who abstained on civil unions and is the state legislature's leading opponent of syringe exchange. 

District 29, Essex/Union (Part of Newark, all of Hillside):  Teresa Ruiz for state Senate.  Wilfredo Caraballo for Assembly.  L. Grace Spencer for Assembly.

Garden State Equality's focus in this district is the reelection of Assemblyman Wilfredo Caraballo.  As Speaker Pro Tem and as a professor of constitutional law at Seton Hall, Fred is an intellectual powerhouse who ranks among the most effective civil rights champions anywhere in America.  With passion, soaring oratory and a grasp of public policy second to very few, Fred has been a quarterback on a wide range of pro-LGBTI legislation.  He guided the civil unions law to passage while making clear that the law is not equality -- and that the fight for real marriage equality must be won soon.  He and his staff work in close partnership with Garden State Equality.  No matter where in New Jersey you may live, if you have to donate your time or money to just one candidate this primary season, please consider Fred.  Checks are payable to "Election Fund of Wilfredo Caraballo" and should be mailed to Caraballo for Assembly, 562 Broadway, Newark, NJ 07104.  Fred's campaign office number is (973) 485-8701.  New Jersey election law requires that for donations of $300.01 and above, you provide your occupation, employer and employer's address.

Garden State Equality debated whether to endorse Fred alone, or to also endorse one other Assembly candidate for the two Assembly seats.  In a close call, we endorse L. Grace Spencer for the other Assembly seat, an attorney who has worked with members of the LGBTI community and has an impressive grasp of the issues.  The third candidate running for the two Assembly seats is Albert Coutinho.  Though he would make a fine Assembly member, Coutinho described himself as close, but not there yet, on marriage equality.  We believe he is persuadable, but Caraballo and Spencer are there already.

Garden State Equality endorses Teresa Ruiz for state Senate, running unopposed in the primary.  Ruiz, a top aide to County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, wowed us when interviewed her.  She is formidably direct, progressive and off-the-charts charismatic.  She spoke movingly of the harm inflicted on her LGBTI friends who cannot marry.  Her experience working for the County Executive, himself a staunch ally of the LGBTI community and an absolute pleasure to work with, has been invaluable.  Ruiz will be a superstar in Trenton.

District 31, Hudson (Part of Jersey City, all of Bayonne):  Sandra Cunningham for state Senate.  Nicholas Chiaravalloti for Assembly.  L. Harvey Smith for Assembly.

Garden State Equality's focus in this district is the election of Nicholas Chiaravalloti to the Assembly.  We leaders of the LGBTI community and other progressive communities know Nicholas well through his years of service as U.S. Senator Bob Menendez's state director.  Beyond being a smart, hardworking ally of the LGBTI community and a supporter of every LGBTI issue, Nicholas is everything Hudson County needs.  He is an accessible, progressive reformer who articulates a compelling vision of a more accountable, open government.  He would be a breath of fresh air in Trenton.

For the other Assembly seat, Garden State Equality endorses L. Harvey Smith.  As a state Senator in 2003, Smith declined to vote on the narrow domestic partnership bill whose achievement was to gave same-sex partners the right to visit one another in the hospital.  Today, Smith says he was wrong.  "I've come a long way," he says, "and I believe same-sex couples should be allowed to marry like everyone else."  Voters should reward that kind of honesty and growth.

Garden State Equality endorses Sandra Bolden Cunningham for the state Senate.  Well-known to voters as the widow of former state Senator and Jersey City Mayor Glenn Cunningham, Sandy has a rich history of her own progressive activism and has worked closely with the LGBTI community.  She is an extremely articulate voice for justice.  We support her over Lou Manzo, currently an Assembly member, in a race where both candidates support marriage equality but where she is more passionate about the issue.  Manzo said he would not be a leader on the issue.  In a district with one of the largest LGBTI communities in the state, that's not good enough.

District 32, Hudson (Part of Jersey City, all of Harrison, Secaucus, Kearny and North Bergen):  Joan Quigley for Assembly.  Vince Prieto for Assembly.

Garden State Equality endorses Joan Quigley for reelection to the Assembly, where she is Majority Conference Leader, the third highest ranking member of the chamber.  Quigley has been a leader on every LGBTI issue over the years.  She has soared even further in our eyes as she has taken on the rabidly anti-LGBTI author Ann Coulter in the media. 

Garden State Equality also endorses Assemblyman Vince Prieto, Deputy Majority Whip and another progressive who supports marriage equality.

Senator Nicholas Sacco, running for reelection, did not return calls. 

District 33, Hudson (Part of Jersey City, all of Hoboken, Union City, West New York and Weehawken):  Brian Stack for state Senate.  Ruben Ramos for Assembly.  Carrie Rodriguez for Assembly.

Garden State Equality's focus in this district is the election of Brian Stack to the state Senate.  Were there a list of the 10 most interesting people in New Jersey politics, Stack would surely be on it.  As reviled as he is by the local party machine for being independent, Stack, now an Assembly member and mayor of Union City, is beloved by his constituents.  It's understandable:  Stack picks up garbage from the streets, works around the clock and is accessible to all.  He's also one of the most pro-active leaders we've ever worked with.  Just before last fall's New Jersey Supreme Court decision came down, he called us to say he would introduce a marriage equality bill were the decision to fall short.  We didn't even have to ask, and he's been like that on every LGBTI issue over the years.  Brian Stack in the state Senate could make all the difference in that chamber for marriage equality.

Garden State Equality also endorses Ruben Ramos and Carrie Rodriguez for Assembly, two proteges of Stack who share his passion and his views.  This is one team Garden State Equality is proud to endorse in its entirety.

On A Woman's Role in Hudson County

by: HCDO

Tue Apr 24, 2007 at 09:36:21 PM EDT

Oftentimes, the women who gain access to New Jersey's behind-the-scenes political gatherings aren't wearing much in the way of clothes.

If the HCDO ticket is successful this June 5, four out of the nine Hudson County legislators will be women -- or a little more than 44%. That's nearly twice the 2007 national average for women serving in their state capitals.

The women on Hudson County's new Democratic team are strong, independent and professional. They all have a seat at the table and their voices are heard. It's the way it should be, and it's a shame that it hasn't been that way in the past.

HCDO Ticket All But Announced

by: Juan Melli

Mon Mar 19, 2007 at 12:51:55 PM EDT

Jersey Journal: Cunningham Will Challenge Doria

by: JRB

Tue Jan 30, 2007 at 03:59:34 AM EST

Jackson said Bolden-Cunningham will be running with former Assemblyman Anthony Chiappone, a Bayonne city councilman.

The candidate for the ticket's other Assembly spot hasn't been chosen, he said.

If I had a million and a half dollars

by: rachael'sdad

Fri Dec 22, 2006 at 04:38:04 PM EST

From Forty Districts and Twenty-One Counties:

If we could help raise $100,000 in each of the fourteen districts, that would be enough to have a real campaign:  headquarters, literature, signs, some TV and mailings.  Many of these legislators haven't seen a real campaign in years and may well be vulnerable to a vigorous challenge.  However, this would mean raising $1,500,000 between now and November.  However, if we could get 14,000 people across the state to simply give $10 a month, we could do it.  On the other side, if 1,500 people gave $100.  It might be an interesting project for New Jersey for Democracy or Blue Jersey or someone to explore.
The same is true for county politics.  There are eight counties that have no Democratic freeholders (Burlington, Cape May, Hunterdon, Morris, Ocean, Somerste, Sussex and Warren).  Most of these counties have very weak or fragmented Democratic organizations where they even exist.  Again, putting $100,000 into a county campaign means that there is a real campaign.  Hopefully, this is considered a productive endeavor that stands a chance of actually advancing liberal objectives.

If progressives were able to raise $1.5 million (not probable, but not impossible), why spread it equally amongst 14 legislative districts or 8 counties without taking into consideration how progressive the candidates that we would be supporting would be or whether the candidates in question had a chance in hell of winning?

Why not identify those Democratic candidates who were both the most progressive and had the best chance to win and focus whatever resources we have on their races?  Why not also support primary challenges against those Democrats who have ceased to be or have never been advocates for progressive values?