Author: James

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New Jersey Republican Leadership Stands Together On 2018 Priorities

Phill Murphy -Sara Medina del Castillo

February 11,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood

Trenton NJ,  NJGOP Chairman Doug Steinhardt, Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick and GOP Chair of Chairs Jose Arango released the following statement regarding their shared commitment to protect New Jersey families from the dangerous agendas of Democrats at all levels of government and to promote the Republican ideas that will make our state more affordable and prosperous:

“NJ Republicans stand together ready to offer a responsible alternative to Bob Menendez, Nancy Pelosi and Phil Murphy’s liberal agenda of promised tax hikes, cumbersome government regulations, and misplaced priorities,” said NJGOP Chairman Steinhardt. “We’re ready to fight for all New Jerseyans, with a collective voice, in all 21 counties, and all 565 municipalities. Now is the time for action.”

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean reiterated his sentiment that Republicans are the party of common sense and solutions, “The people of New Jersey are facing a growing affordability crisis and raising taxes for new government spending is a recipe to exacerbate our state’s biggest problem. Republicans stand united behind our solutions and ideas to transform the Garden State into a place where affordability and opportunity abound.”

“Republicans may be in the minority, but we will stand up for the people of this state in a civil and serious manner,” said Bramnick. “We pledge to work collectively as a party to pass reforms that are so desperately needed to reduce New Jersey’s property taxes and make this state more competitive.”

GOP Chair of Chairs, Jose Arango vigorously vowed to create the necessary contrast to give Republicans momentum in their fight to win elections this year, “The four of us all stand together in agreement that the Phil Murphy, Nancy Pelosi, Bob Menendez plan to raise taxes and make New Jersey a sanctuary state is unacceptable and we will be proactively fighting it every step of the way. We’re working together to build a coalition that will reject Bob Menendez and stop the Nancy Pelosi takeover of New Jersey in November.”

Theresa Winegar, Executive Director of the NJGOP added, “All four leaders are entering 2018 unified and energized. The NJGOP has a dedicated team of 42 State Committee members, 21 County Chairs, 15 Senators, 26 Assembly members and countless municipal leaders, community activists and volunteers dedicated to making New Jersey more affordable; and ready for the 2018 election cycle.”

Now lets see if they actually follow through .

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Former Representative Scott Garrett Heading for the Securities and Exchange Commission

House Budget Panel Holds Hearing to Receive Views on Fiscal 2012

February 11,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Former Representative Scott Garrett, the New Jersey Republican whose bid to become chairman of the Export-Import Bank failed last year after the Senate Banking Committee rejected his nomination, to lead the agency that Garrett had criticized for corrupt practices and cronyism.

The former Representative has been tapped to work as a senior adviser to Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton, according to unnamed sources at the SEC. While he was a lawmaker, Garrett was also a critic of the SEC after it dropped the ball in 2008 and served as chairman of the House Financial Services subcommittee on capital markets.

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Local Underdog Puts in Valiant Effort for United States Soccer Federation President Election

Courtesy of Michael Winograd

February 11,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Saturday was a big day for the future of American soccer and the United States Soccer Federation. Yesterday the federation selected its next president at its Annual General Meeting in Orlando, bringing an end to an a very public campaign process that has seen a great deal more attention than in past years.

Status Quo candidate Carlos Cordeiro, was elected as the new president of U.S. Soccer on Saturday after three rounds of voting and a historic and contentious eight-candidate campaign.

An unprecedented eight candidates stood for election and none of them are the incumbent Sunil Gulati, who has held the position unopposed since 2006 and declined to run for office.

Less than an hour before the Cordeiro election, fellow candidate Hope Solo blasted the federation for its faults, and criticized two candidates who, in her opinion, were complicit – two candidates who represented the status quo , Carlos Cordeiro and Kathy Carter.

Solo entered the race for United States Soccer Federation president less than a week before the nomination deadline back in December. Throughout the past two months, she has been outspoken in her criticism of the federation and the two establishment candidates.

Among the eight candidates was Ridgewood Resident Michael Winograd . Winograd was considered a blend of previous soccer experience and organizational talents. He played college soccer at Lafayette College and was a pro in Israel. He was also a coach and founder of a short-lived professional franchise, serves on the board of his local soccer organization and has a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

He was not considered as radical as some of the candidates, but he wanted to reform the structure of youth development on a state-by-state basis. He also has a plan for implementing promotion and relegation in American soccer that would also allow current MLS teams to remain in the top flight in perpetuity.

As the Cordeiro victory seemed imminent , Winograd withdrew after the second round as did several others.

Mike’s wife Siobhan Crann Winograd, said in a Facebook post, “Mike did a great job. Ran a honest, sincere, impressive campaign that we are all so proud of. His platform was bold, focused and raised a lot of the key issues ( especially the inequality for women). Without a doubt he was a major influencer.”

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“Jaws of Life” deployed for 2-vehicle crash at the intersection of Carl Place and Paramus Road

Carl Place and Paramus Road

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

February 11,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, Paramus Police, EMS, Fire Department, and Rescue Squad personnel responded to aid the entrapped adult female driver of a 4-door passenger sedan involved in a 2-vehicle crash at the intersection of Carl Place and Paramus Road, Paramus on Saturday afternoon, 02/10. Members of Paramus Rescue 7 used the “Jaws of Life” to remove the driver’s side door of the victim’s vehicle in order to free her. She was transported by ambulance to Hackensack University Medical Center’s main campus. A paramedic team from The Valley Hospital assisted Paramus EMS. Both vehicles involved in the crash were removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck.

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Reader calls Murphy’s plan to make voluntary contributions to pay for local services a tax avoidance scheme

irs

In other words, Gov. Murphy wants you to participate in a transparent tax avoidance scheme that will certainly result in you getting fined out of your wazoo by the IRS. How can people justify their vote for this obvious disaster-in-advance? Christie was a complete jerk, but electing someone who will outdo Corzine, McGreevey and him and as a joke is no solution.

 

see https://theridgewoodblog.net/governor-murphy-mobilizes-mayors-to-implement-policies-providing-tax-relief-in-their-municipalities/

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Reader Says Ridgewood Water Needs to Get real leadership to make tough decisions

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Can we please address the numerous Ridgewood Water issues? How could we have approved new housing and then find out the water infrastructure is wholly inadequate. This was not a surprise and completely ignored by the council. Why are we allowing money to be spent on a new building for the water department and new software that will do nothing to,address the underlying capacity issues? The issue is not a drought or supply, rather storage and delivery. When will we get leaders that idenify and resolve real problems? The solution is not restrictions or penalities This requires real leadership to stop spending on useless projects and get a real plan and solution for now and the future.
Get real leadership to make tough decision

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FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING

Ridgewood_Flash_Flooding_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

February 10,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the National Weather Service in Upton has issued a

* Flood Watch for a portion of northeast New Jersey, including
the following areas, Eastern Bergen, Eastern Essex, Eastern
Passaic, Eastern Union, Hudson, Western Bergen, Western Essex,
and Western Union.

* A prolonged period of rain is forecast tonight through Sunday
evening as a frontal boundary stalls near the area with multiple
waves of low pressure tracking along it. Rainfall amounts will
average around 2 inches by the time the event ends, with
localized higher amounts possible.

* Minor flooding of smaller streams and rivers is possible along
with urban and poor drainage flooding.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on
current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be
alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to
flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding
develop.

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Art of Motion Studio Theatre presents love letters starring Sally Ann Tumas and Stephen Innocenzi

art of motion

Art of Motion Studio Theatre presents love letters starring Sally Ann Tumas and Stephen Innocenzi
Sun, February 11, 2018
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Art of Motion Studio, 17 Chestnut St., 2nd floor, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

February 19,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Art of Motion Studio Theatre invites you to their presentation of Love Letters starring Sally Ann Tumas and Stephan Innocenzi

Join us for a touching evening of theatre, music and dance….

Live Piano, Vocals and Dance
-Wendy Lane Bailey-Vocalist
-Janette Dishuk &M.A. Taylor, AOMDT
-Gabriel Plotkin, Jazz Pianist

Reserved Tickets:
$14 (before 2/4)
$20 (between 2/4-2/10)
$25 (day of/at the door)
To purchase tickets online please go to Evenbrite.com, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/love-letters-play-by-ar-gurney-tickets-42591261610?aff=efbeventtix

Complimentary refreshments post-performance talk-back with the actors.
Dinner seating reserved at Piccolo Bistro with special prix fix menu for Love Letters guest.

7:15pm Dinner Seating
Prix Fix $25.18 (with Love Letters validated ticket)
Piccolo Bistro is located at 29 Chestnut St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450

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Lora Celli Salon Exciting Valentine’s Day Special Event

Lora Celli Salon

Lora Celli Salon Exciting Valentine’s Day Special Event
Thu, February 01, 2018 – Wed, February 14, 2018
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Lora Celli Salon, 39 Godwin Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

February 10,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Lora Celli Salon will be hosting our annual Valentine’s Day Special Event this month!!

Come celebrate Valentine’s Day all month long at Lora Celli Salon. Everyone who stops in or books an appointment leading up to Valentine’s Day will be automatically entered to win a FREE BLOW DRYER, and receive complimentary Champagne and Chocolate Covered Strawberries.
-Services include Haircut, Color, Blow Out and Style.

Please call Lora at (201)882-1100 or visit their website at facebook.com/loracellisalon.

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John Taylor Creator of Taylor Ham Died on this Day in 1909

Taylor-Ham-Pork-Rolls11[1]

February 10,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

John Taylor (Born: Oct 06, 1836,Died: Feb 10, 1909 )was an American businessman and politician who served in the New Jersey Senate. He formed Taylor Provisions Company and created John Taylor’s Pork Roll. He also founded the Taylor Opera House in Trenton, New Jersey. Taylor Street in Trenton is also named for him.

But his legacy was created in 1856 Mr. John Taylor of Hamilton Square, NJ began producing a meat product that he called Taylor’s Prepared Ham. He used chopped pork and spices, sugar curing and then hickory smoked. Taylor was a state senator as well as a businessman and there are still streets and buildings in Trenton that bear his name to this day.

Taylor kept the recipe for the product he created in 1856 secret. Taylor originally called his product “Taylor’s Prepared Ham”, but was forced to change the name after the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 was passed, since the product did not meet the new legal definition of “ham”. The new name was “Pork Roll” and it was marketed as both “Taylor’s Pork Roll” and “Trenton Pork Roll”. Competitors marketed products with similar names like “Rolled Pork” and “Trenton style Pork Roll” and were sued by Taylor. A 1910 legal case ruled that the words “Pork Roll” could not be trademarked.

Since then several manufacturers make the generic named product “Pork Roll,” John Taylor’s Original Pork Roll is what most New Jerseyans ask for by name. Made since 1856 it ia a main staple of diners, kitchens, Holiday tables, and boardwalks of the Garden State.

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Ridgewood Water : Spikes in Your Water Bill

ridgewood water

February 10,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The average American uses about 88 gallons of water at home each day. An easy to way to understand individual water use is to look at your water bill—not just the amount due, but how much water you used. Using the data at your fingertips can save you water and money!

If you notice a spike in water use from one month to another, check for leaks. Or maybe summertime irrigation is driving up your water costs, then maybe it’s time to consider getting yourself a WaterSense labeled weather based irrigation controller that uses smart technology to water the lawn only when needed.
Get more tips at www.epa.gov/watersense/understanding-your-water-bill

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Village of Ridgewood Will Honor Refund Requests for Prepaid third and fourth quarters of 2018 Property Taxes

Ridgewood_-Village_Hall_theridgewoodblog

February 10,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, In Ridgewood, there was a mad dash to pre pay property taxes due to the new federal tax law changes . The Village collected $21 million in last minute prepayments at the end of 2017. At last weeks Village council meeting a resolution was drafted to honor refund requests for payments toward the third and fourth quarters of 2018.

According to chief financial officer Bob Rooney, he had received “10 or 15” requests for refunds, but that “when I get around April, I might have a lot more.” He said 27 percent of the $21 million in prepayments were for the second half of the year.

At issue is a Dec. 27 IRS advisory saying payments for the second half of 2018 may not qualify for a deduction, because only “assessed” taxes could be prepaid. Since municipal tax years run through June, the third and fourth quarters could be considered not-yet-assessed.

Near by Glen Rock took in $9.6 million in 2018 property tax prepayments, but Mayor Bruce Packer, has said his council decided not to offer refunds, and had warned the public of this stance last year.

IRS Advisory: Prepaid Real Property Taxes May Be Deductible in 2017 if Assessed and Paid in 2017

IR-2017-210, Dec. 27, 2017

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service advised tax professionals and taxpayers today that pre-paying 2018 state and local real property taxes in 2017 may be tax deductible under certain circumstances.

The IRS has received a number of questions from the tax community concerning the deductibility of prepaid real property taxes. In general, whether a taxpayer is allowed a deduction for the prepayment of state or local real property taxes in 2017 depends on whether the taxpayer makes the payment in 2017 and the real property taxes are assessed prior to 2018. A prepayment of anticipated real property taxes that have not been assessed prior to 2018 are not deductible in 2017. State or local law determines whether and when a property tax is assessed, which is generally when the taxpayer becomes liable for the property tax imposed.

The following examples illustrate these points.

Example 1: Assume County A assesses property tax on July 1, 2017 for the period July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018. On July 31, 2017, County A sends notices to residents notifying them of the assessment and billing the property tax in two installments with the first installment due Sept. 30, 2017 and the second installment due Jan. 31, 2018. Assuming taxpayer has paid the first installment in 2017, the taxpayer may choose to pay the second installment on Dec. 31, 2017, and may claim a deduction for this prepayment on the taxpayer’s 2017 return.

Example 2: County B also assesses and bills its residents for property taxes on July 1, 2017, for the period July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018. County B intends to make the usual assessment in July 2018 for the period July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019. However, because county residents wish to prepay their 2018-2019 property taxes in 2017, County B has revised its computer systems to accept prepayment of property taxes for the 2018-2019 property tax year. Taxpayers who prepay their 2018-2019 property taxes in 2017 will not be allowed to deduct the prepayment on their federal tax returns because the county will not assess the property tax for the 2018-2019 tax year until July 1, 2018.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that a number of provisions remain available this week that could affect 2017 tax bills. Time remains to make charitable donations. See IR-17-191 for more information. The deadline to make contributions for individual retirement accounts – which can be used by some taxpayers on 2017 tax returns – is the April 2018 tax deadline.

IRS.gov has more information on these and other provisions to help taxpayers prepare for the upcoming filing season.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-advisory-prepaid-real-property-taxes-may-be-deductible-in-2017-if-assessed-and-paid-in-2017

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Ho-Ho-Kus Police, Fire, and EMS units respond to Crash on North Franklin Turnpike

ho ho kus police ,crash on franklin tpk

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

February 10,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ho Ho Kus NJ, A portion of busy North Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus was closed for an extended period on Friday morning, 02/09, after a passenger vehicle crashed into a utility pole near Hollywood Avenue. Ho-Ho-Kus Police, Fire, and EMS units responded to aid the vehicle’s driver, who sustained minor crash related injuries. The wrecked vehicle was removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. PSE&G was called to assess damages to the pole and electric infrastructure. The victim was transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital.

HO-HO-KUS OEM: Motor vehicle accident at Franklin Tpk & Hollywood Ave with a pole struck. Expect power outages & delays/ closures seek alternate routes.

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Governor Murphy Mobilizes Mayors to Implement Policies Providing Tax Relief in Their Municipalities

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Renews Pledge to Preserve Tax Deductions for New Jersey

February 10,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Marlboro NJ,  in what some critics call a last act of a desperate man ,Governor Phil Murphy today called upon mayors to take steps to counteract the effects of the federal tax legislation that gutted New Jersey’s State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction and limited the amount of money state homeowners can deduct from their property taxes.

“When the disastrous federal tax legislation passed, I committed to pushing back and taking steps to ensure that the people of New Jersey are not subjected to unfair double taxation,” Governor Murphy said. “We have begun working with legislative leadership to protect our residents and prevent this plan from further hurting our taxpayers. We must eliminate any and all barriers to creating a system that will provide tax relief to property taxpayers who make charitable contributions to their municipality.”

If the system is implemented, taxpayers can make voluntary contributions to funds that pay for local services like schools, law enforcement, and infrastructure. They will then receive an offsetting tax credit on their property tax bill and contributions will be deductible for federal tax purposes under existing law.

Governor Murphy today was joined by a bipartisan group of mayors who have pledged to allow taxpayers in their towns to make payments to local governments as charitable donations and offset property tax liability. Marlboro Mayor John Hornik, Ocean Township Mayor Christopher Sciciliano, Manasquan Mayor Edward Donovan, Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty, and Aberdeen Mayor Fred Tagliarini pledged to introduce the this plan in their municipalities. They join the mayors of Fair Lawn, Paramus, and Park Ridge who made that pledge in January.

On Thursday, Governor Murphy promised to sign any legislation that reduces existing state roadblocks to municipalities reforming their property tax system to allow for charitable contributions, a system that will preserve local revenues while also providing residents with significant deductibility of their payments from their federal income taxes.