James - THE RIDGEWOOD BLOG. - Page 2981 of 3737

Posted on February 11, 2015February 11, 2015 by James — 5 Comments

State Assemblyman Robert Auth thinks the Garden State Abolish Its County Government

“I’m watching businesses leave our state. A lot of it is in the district I represent,” said Auth. “I totaled up all the county budgets throughout the state. It’s like $6.5 billion a year in New Jersey. That’s a lot of money.”

State Assemblyman Robert Auth thinks the Garden State Abolish Its County Government
by Michael Grass February 8, 2015

State Assemblyman Robert Auth thinks so and has proposed a first step to do just that. He’s introduced a measure that would direct a state commission to recommend ways to the legislature on how best to eliminate New Jersey’s counties.

“It’s just duplicative services,” Auth told The Star-Ledger. “The budget and the state’s economy are in such a bad way at this point that one of these local forms of government has to go. And in our state it would be county government.”

Auth thinks that the state government and municipal governments can provide the services that New Jersey’s 21 county governments provide.

Usually with the topic of local government consolidation, discussions revolve around municipalities dissolving or consolidating services with a county government—not the other way around.

John Donnadio, executive director of the New Jersey Association of Counties, told The Star-Ledger that “we should be looking at consolidating and dissolving municipalities as opposed to county government.”

New Jersey is a complicated place to say the least. It has 565 municipal governments, many of them concentrated in the northern part of the state, adjacent to New York City.

While Auth, who lives in Bergen County, might be frustrated with county government in North Jersey he may want to take a field trip to South Jersey.

https://www.govexec.com/state-local/2015/02/new-jersey-counties/104835/

Posted on February 11, 2015February 10, 2015 by James — 5 Comments

Ridgewood officials: Probe finds another $377,000 in meter quarters stolen

Ridgewood officials: Probe finds another $377,000 in meter quarters stolen

FEBRUARY 10, 2015, 11:24 AM LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015, 8:33 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

Auditors found that nearly $850,000 was in fact stolen from the now-infamous coin room where collected parking meter quarters were stored. Thomas Rica, the village’s former public works inspector, admitted pilfering fistfuls of quarters from the room last March.

Rica said he stole $460,000 and received no jail time, according to a plea deal he reached with the county prosecutor’s office. A judge upheld the agreement for five years’ probation, which disappointed local officials who were pleased, though, that Rica would be forced to pay back at least half of the money.

Rica’s former attorney scoffed at the notion his client stole more quarters, and even village officials suggested there might be an accomplice.

The audit, released by the village Tuesday and delivered to its insurance fund the day before, uncovered a timeline of theft that started in 2010 — a year earlier than previously reported by authorities.

Using information from interviews with village employees as well as Rica’s own financial records, which were turned over to the village by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, auditors determined Rica deposited $471,815.05 to his various bank accounts between 2010 and his arrest on Jan. 13, 2013.

In the first two weeks of 2013 alone, the findings show Rica stole $10,413.51. In 2012, the audit report indicates he took $375,647.84 in quarters. The audit estimated $297,234.34 went missing in 2011, and that Rica pocketed $166,045.89 in 2010.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-officials-probe-finds-another-377-000-in-meter-quarters-stolen-1.1268169

Posted on February 11, 2015February 10, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

Congress probing White House role in FCC chief’s net-neutrality plan

Congress probing White House role in FCC chief’s net-neutrality plan
By JIM PUZZANGHERAcontact the reporter

Two congressional committees have launched investigations into whether the White House improperly influenced the net-neutrality proposal released last week by the head of the Federal Communications Commission.

On Monday, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) asked FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler in a letter to explain his decision and produce documents related to communications and meetings involving the White House and agency officials concerning the issue.

Johnson, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, told Wheeler he was concerned that there was “apparent pressure exerted on you and your agency by the White House.”

https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-net-neutrality-fcc-chaffetz-probe-20150209-story.html

Posted on February 10, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — 2 Comments

Civility in Public Discourse :This is truly getting ridiculous!

Civility in Public Discourse :This is truly getting ridiculous!

This party has to be broken up!

What’s next? Will the Village Council eventually vote to make it illegal to go so far as to raise one’s eyebrow in response to misbehavior by public officials? Does anyone remember the Alien and Sedition Acts of the late 1790’s which made it illegal to publicly criticize the government? We don’t need a quasi-public civility panel composed in large part of non-residents to impose via subtle (or not-so-subtle) social intimidation tactics what was so clearly unconstitutional for the government to impose via the criminal code.

Do we really want the newly-elected Bergen County Executive telling us how to express ourselves in Ridgewood? This was a mistake for Mr. Tedesco to intrude on Ridgewood’s strictly local concerns. Tedesco should withdraw from the scheduled appearance immediately unless, of course, he plans to break out into a full-throated defense of the God-given free-speech rights held so dear by self-respecting Ridgewood residents (much to the chagrin of Mayor Aronsohn, who by now must be fed up with us “bitter clingers”).

Make no mistake, the North Jersey Media Group would like nothing more than to turn back the clock to a time when letters to the editor (never anonymous) and speaking at the public microphone (never anonymous) at public meetings were the only timely and reliable ways to get one’s point across to the wider public when attempting to register discontent as a resident or taxpayer with the activities (or unaccountable lack of activity) of local government. Anonymous commenting on local blogs, demonstrably on the increase both in terms of frequency and political effectiveness, is so clearly anathema to traditional news outlets (such as print newspapers) straining to prop up the remnants of the political power structure built up so carefully over time by the progressive elite. Accordingly, we in Ridgewood should not put up with people who live outside the Village seeking to impose their free-speech restriction ideas on us, whether they were invited to do so by our mayor, or not.

The steady march of technology, and the irrepressible desire of Americans to speak their minds freely and without fear of disproportionate political or personal retribution, is making things more and more difficult for progressive House Organs like the Record of Bergen County and The Ridgewood News to control the terms of political debate. And that, as Martha Stewart would say, “is a good thing!”

Posted on February 10, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — 5 Comments

Reader says Time for Beneficiaries of Squandered NJ Transportation Funds to Return Them

file photo by Boyd Loving

Reader says Time for Beneficiaries of Squandered NJ Transportation Funds to Return Them

When a Ponzi scheme goes broke prosecutors appoint a trustee and use a “clawback” cause to force those who received beneficial $$$ to return it, and it’s distributed to investors/victims.

The same needs to be applied to the municipalities/homeowners who received the “benefit” of the sounds walls from money that was dedicated to road repairs, NOT to improve privat property of those who chose a poor location to live.

Until those funds that were pissed away on sound barriers are returned from the beneficiary homeowners and municipalities, no increase in taxes.

Posted on February 10, 2015February 10, 2015 by James — 2 Comments

States rise up against Washington

States rise up against Washington

State legislators around the country have introduced more than 200 bills aiming to nullify regulations and laws coming out of Washington, D.C., as they look to rein in the federal government.

The legislative onslaught, which includes bills targeting federal restrictions on firearms, experimental treatments and hemp, reflects growing discord between the states and Washington, state officials say.

“You have a choice,” said Kentucky state Rep. Diane St. Onge (R). “To sit back and not do anything or say anything and let overregulation continue — or you have the alternative choice to speak up about it and say, ‘We know what you are doing or intend to do and we do not think that it is constitutional and we as a state are not going to stand for it.’ ”

Last month, St. Onge introduced H.B. 13 to nullify federal gun control laws within Kentucky state lines. Similar legislation has been introduced in seven other states.

“This law is saying the sheriff and those under him do not have to follow federal regulations,” she said.

https://thehill.com/regulation/legislation/232255-states-rising-up-against-washington

Posted on February 10, 2015February 10, 2015 by James — 2 Comments

Hoboken blogger trial continues, highlighting Hudson city’s political rifts

Hoboken blogger trial continues, highlighting Hudson city’s political rifts

JERSEY CITY – A defamation case involving Hoboken political bloggers continued before jurors in Hudson County Superior Court on Monday, underscoring freedom of speech issues and the general nastiness of political discourse in Hoboken, Hudson’s real estate boom town.

The trial, which began last week, is rooted in a lawsuit filed by Hoboken resident Lane Bajardi and wife Kimberly Cardinal Bajardi in July 2012 in Hudson County Superior Court seeking $2 million in damages. The Hoboken-based bloggers Roman Brice and Nancy Pincus are named as defendants, as well as 10 other unnamed individuals – listed in the court documents by their on-line screen names – for allegedly posting remarks in 2011 and 2012 that allegedly injured the careers and future employment of the Bajardis. Lane Bajardi is a WINS 1010 radio reporter. (Bonamo/PolitickerNJ)

Hoboken blogger trial continues, highlighting Hudson city’s political rifts | New Jersey News, Politics, Opinion, and Analysis

Posted on February 10, 2015February 10, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

Feds won’t release IRS targeting documents

Feds won’t release IRS targeting documents
By Bob Cusack – 02/10/15 06:00 AM EST

The Obama administration is refusing to publicly release more than 500 documents on the IRS’s targeting of Tea Party groups.

Twenty months after the IRS scandal broke, there are still many unanswered questions about who was spearheading the agency’s scrutiny of conservative-leaning organizations.

The Hill sought access to government documents that might provide a glimpse of the decision-making through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

The Hill asked for 2013 emails and other correspondence between the IRS and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). The request specifically sought emails from former IRS official Lois Lerner and Treasury officials, including Secretary Jack Lew, while the inspector general was working on its explosive May 2013 report that the IRS used “inappropriate criteria” to review the political activities of tax-exempt groups.

TIGTA opted not to release any of the 512 documents covered by the request, citing various exemptions in the law. The Hill recently appealed the FOIA decision, but TIGTA denied the appeal. TIGTA also declined to comment for this article.

https://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/232249-feds-wont-release-irs-targeting-documents

Posted on February 10, 2015February 10, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

Report: Automakers fail to fully protect against hacking

Report: Automakers fail to fully protect against hacking

FEBRUARY 10, 2015 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015, 1:21 AM
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS |
WIRE SERVICE
Print

* Industry hasn’t protected buyers against theft, senator says

WASHINGTON — Automakers are cramming cars with wireless technology, but they have failed to adequately protect those features against the real possibility that hackers could take control of vehicles or steal personal data, a member of the U.S. Senate is asserting.

Basing his argument on information provided by manufacturers, Sen. Edward Markey has concluded that “many in the automotive industry really don’t understand what the implications are of moving to this new computer-based era” of the automobile.

The Massachusetts Democrat has asked automakers a series of questions about the technologies — and any safeguards against hackers — that may or may not have been built into the latest models of their vehicles. He also asked what protections have been provided to ensure that information computers gather and often transmit wirelessly isn’t used in a harmful or invasive manner.

Appearing Monday on “CBS This Morning,” Markey said motorists should be asking questions because “there really aren’t any clear guidelines on the books.”

Markey said the movement of the automobile from the combustion engine era to the computer era carries wide implications. “No longer do you need a crowbar to break into an automobile,” he said in the interview. “You can do it with an iPad.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/wireless-packed-cars-are-at-risk-from-hackers-1.1267919

Posted on February 10, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — 13 Comments

Civility in Public Discourse – Tuesday, February 24th

Civility in Public Discourse – Tuesday, February 24th

The Village of Ridgewood will host a panel discussion on “Civility in Public Discourse” on Tuesday, February 24 at 7:30pm at the Ridgewood Public Library.

Panelists will include Lynne Algrant, Councilwoman, Englewood; Stephen Borg, Publisher / President, North Jersey Media Group; Jacqueline Luthcke, Captain, Ridgewood Police Department; Robert Sommer, Public Affairs Executive / Jersey City Official; James Tedesco, Bergen County Executive.

The facilitator for the discussion will be David Fine, Rabbi, Temple Israel. “This panel discussion will provide a good opportunity to take our conversation about civility to the next level,” explained Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn. “These community leaders each offer an important perspective, and we are fortunate to have this chance to engage them in such a meaningful way.” The event will be open to the public. WHAT: Panel Discussion on Civility in Public Discourse WHEN: Tuesday, February 24 7:30p to 9:00p WHERE: Ridgewood Public Library 125 North Maple Avenue, WHO: Panelists Lynne Algrant, Councilwoman, Englewood Stephen Borg, Publisher / President, North Jersey Media Group Jacqueline Luthcke, Captain, Ridgewood Police Department Robert Sommer, Public Affairs Executive / Jersey City Official James Tedesco, Bergen County Executive Facilitator David Fine, Rabbi, Temple Israel HOW: Remarks by panelists, followed by questions / answers.

Posted on February 10, 2015April 9, 2020 by James — Leave a comment

More parents fuel opt-out drive for state test

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More parents fuel opt-out drive for state test

FEBRUARY 9, 2015, 9:59 PM LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015, 10:02 PM
BY HANNAN ADELY
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

A movement to get parents to keep their children from taking new state exams next month — fueled by protests on social media and encouragement from the teachers union — is gaining steam.

New Jersey requires all students to take the tests, but they do not need to sit for the exams to go on to the next grade or graduate.

State Education Commissioner David Hespe has urged school leaders to respond to the growing opt-out movement by explaining to parents the merits of the tests. In meetings, letters and online communications, school leaders say the tests will provide detailed information about what each student knows, better prepare teens for college entrance exams and build critical thinking skills.

But they are also trying to address parents’ complaints that the tests cut into instruction time, hamper creativity and fail to adequately measure learning. Some parents have delivered heartfelt pleas to school officials about the stress their children feel.

“We try to provide a balanced approach and let parents know there are benefits to taking the test. All they hear about is negative,” said Mark Toback, superintendent of Wayne schools.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/more-parents-fuel-opt-out-drive-for-state-test-1.1267895

Posted on February 10, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — 3 Comments

Ridgewood Sanitation Services During Snow and Icy Weather

Ridgewood Sanitation Services During Snow and Icy Weather

Dear E-Notice Residents,

Due to the recent snow and ice conditions we are requiring that for the foreseeable future your sanitation containers have to be placed on the curb, by the driveway, for pick up. Last week we tried a hybrid approach in telling residents that we would continue rear yard pick-up if the driveways were free and clear of snow and ice. Unfortunately this caused some confusion. We also had four accidents last week of our staff falling and two needing to go to the hospital.

I know that for me personally this morning there was snow and ice on my driveway which was not there last evening. We placed our garbage out by the curb. The sanitation workers come around early during the coldest portion of the day. There are municipalities that suspend rear yard pick-up for the entire season for this reason. We would prefer to keep the services at a normal level whenever possible.Once we resume normal pick-up we will send E-Notices as well as post to our website.

Thanks for your continued cooperation.

Best, Roberta

Posted on February 10, 2015February 10, 2015 by James — 1 Comment

Worried about Ridgewood’s future

Worried about Ridgewood’s future

Regarding “Villagers’ plea: Don’t overbuild” (Page L-1, Feb. 4):

Why do the developers want to build high-density housing in Ridgewood? The answer is that they can make a lot of money, because property values are high.

But why are property values high? It is because people want to live there. Ridgewood has an appealing small-town ambience. And why does it have that ambience?

It is because there is no high-density housing … yet.

The poet Oscar Wilde famously said, “Each man kills the thing he loves.” Except these developers love only the money they hope to make.

As long as theirs is the only such housing, they can still use “Ridgewood exclusivity” as a selling point. But how will the Planning and zoning boards justify saying no to the next high-rise? And the next? Before you know it, Ridgewood would be Fort Lee without the bridge.

By then, why should the initial developers care? Capital has no commitment to anything but itself; it vacuums the value and moves on. Developers get short-term profits and we live with long-term consequences.

Affordable apartments within easy walking distance of downtown and train and bus stations would be a good idea, although I doubt anything built in Ridgewood would be affordable. The Planning Board should leave the master plan as it is, since it already provides for apartments. And the developers should go back to the drawing board, perhaps to produce blueprints that would require only rezoning or minor variances.

A.C. Willment

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/the-record-letters-monday-feb-9-1.1267329

Posted on February 10, 2015February 9, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

A false friend :Why governments should stay out of the mortgage business

A false friend :Why governments should stay out of the mortgage business

Feb 1st 2015 | Business and finance

IN THIS week’s print edition, we explore how mortgage subsidies have encouraged banks to lend more to homeowners and less to firms, with pernicious economic consequences. The Economist has long been a critic of such handouts. Back in 2000, we pointed out that implicit state guarantees for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, mortgage insurance giants, may do serious damage to the American economy if they take on too much risk. The federal takeover of the two firms in September 2008 as a result of the subprime mortgage crisis suggests we were right to be worried.

Fannie, Freddie

America’s government should get out of the mortgage business

Apr 15th 2000

FANNIE and Freddie sound like a sweet couple living down the street. But in America they are more likely to own the mortgage on your and your neighbours’ house. For Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are two of America’s biggest financial institutions—and also two of its most indebted, with around $1 trillion of debt between them. Fannie Mae is the Federal National Mortgage Association, Freddie Mac the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. They dominate America’s mortgage market, a pre-eminence that is becoming controversial because these “federal agencies” are assumed (despite official denials) to be guaranteed by the government (see article).

Fannie and Freddie stand accused of using their “government guarantees” to steal business from unambiguously private lenders. One think-tank, the American Enterprise Institute, says they are on course to “nationalise” the mortgage market. Some congressmen now wish to change the law to tame these monsters before they stick the taxpayer with a bill reminiscent of the savings-and-loan bust in the 1980s.

The original idea behind Fannie and Freddie was innocuous enough. It was to provide liquidity to mortgage lenders, and so help people to buy homes, at a time when private markets could not stump up enough money. But today the financial markets are more than able to deliver. What the federal mortgage agencies do now is to distort the private market. This is a perfect example of what people mean when they talk of moral hazard caused by government intervention.

https://www.economist.com/news/business-and-finance/21641660-why-governments-should-stay-out-mortgage-business-false-friend?fsrc=scn/tw/te/bl/afalsefriend

Posted on February 10, 2015February 9, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

Climategate: Temperature Data Manipulated

Flashback: Meteorologist Anthony Watts on ‘adjusted’ U.S. temperature data: ‘In the business and trading world, people go to jail for such manipulations of data’

Watts: ‘Is history malleable? Can temperature data of the past be molded to fit a purpose? It certainly seems to be the case here, where the temperature for July 1936 reported … changes with the moment’

Updated Feb. 8, 2015: ‘BREATHTAKING’ ADJUSTMENTS TO ARCTIC TEMPERATURE RECORD. IS THERE ANY ‘GLOBAL WARMING’ WE CAN TRUST?

Satellites: Warming pause continues & 2014 not the hottest

UK Telegraph on new climategate: ‘Fiddling with temperature data is the biggest science scandal ever’

By: Marc Morano – Climate DepotJanuary 10, 2013 1:40 PM with 912 comments

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