State Dems: Lengthy suspension of Bergen blue laws could become ‘back-door’ for repeal
By Dan Ivers/NJ.com
On November 09, 2012 at 5:50 PM, updated November 09, 2012 at 9:56 PM
BERGEN COUNTY — A group of Democratic legislators are appealing to Gov. Chris Christie to immediately lift the suspension of Bergen County’s Sunday ‘blue laws’ after this weekend.
Sen. Bob Gordon (D-Fair Lawn) and General Assembly members Connie Wagner (D-Paramus) and Tim Eustace (D-Maywood) released a joint statement this afternoon, saying allowing the laws to go unenforced beyond this Sunday could expose municipalities to legal entanglements and create a general distraction from helping residents recover from Hurricane Sandy.
“As we approach the two-week mark post-Sandy, all of the more immediate threats appear to be behind us,” Eustace said. “It would behoove the Governor to rescind his executive order after this weekend or, at the very least, allow towns to determine what’s best for their own recovery at this point.”
They also insinuated that a prolonged suspension could signal the beginning of the end for the laws, which Christie unsuccessfully lobbied to repeal in 2010.
RHS library learning commons: “Funny how people complain when there’s a huge referendum and ask, “why weren’t these things taken care of over the years?”
Novermeber 9th 2012
by Laurie Goodman
When is it going to stop? Um, when there are no more children? The library hasn’t been touched since 1963. It’s time. It’s currently not serving the needs and of today’s students and teachers. And more than half of the cost is is being funded by donations. Seems reasonable to me. There is a website with more info about the design, including links to research regarding learning commons in general and the educational benefits, at rhslearningcommons.com
Funny how people complain when there’s a huge referendum and ask, “why weren’t these things taken care of over the years?” But when they try to do a single upgrade, 50 years is too soon and we should wait even longer?
And zero-based budgeting? The Board has never said they would do that.
Honestly, this is a needed project that’s been designed extremely conservatively and is being funded more than half by donations and not taxes.
Mega-Net 2012 is being hosted by the 15 Chambers of the Inter-Chamber Consortium (ICC) in Bergen and Passaic Counties.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 – 5:30-7:30pm
Lite Fare Food – Cash Bar
$15 for ICC Members
$25 Non-Members
If you are a Ridgewood Chamber member, rsvp
to 201-445-2600/[email protected]/
or sign in at the Ridgewood Chamber table on
November 14th. See you there!
Percentage of fee goes to RHS Scholarship Fund.
For more information call 201-445-2600 [email protected]
Joan Groome
Layoff bomb detonates; Large corporations join small businesses in announcing mass cuts
Posted at 7:14 pm on November 8, 2012 by Twitchy Staff
Earlier today, Twitchy related some heartbreaking stories of small business owners laying off workers to avoid the economic impact of the Obamacare tax that isn’t a tax. Comedian Jon Lovitz, a small business owner himself, was no barrel of laughs either as his timeline filled with stories of impending downsizing. So, what about those big corporations? Boeing’s defense division announced yesterday it would cut 30 percent of management staff, and the company was not alone, we’re learning.
45 companies announce layoff’s in the past 48 hours! This is what the people wanted! The people have spoken!
IN PAST 48 HRS, FOLLOWING COs ANNOUNCED LAYOFFS: Westinghouse, Research in Motion, Boeing, US Cellular, Commerzbank, Iberia, ING, (cont) IN PAST 48 HRS, FOLLOWING COs ANNOUNCED LAYOFFS (cont): Ericsson, Bristol-Myers, corning, Boston Scientific, Abbott Labs, St. Jude, (cont)IN PAST 48 HRS, FOLLOWING COs ANNOUNCED LAYOFFS (cont): Caterpillar, CVPH Medical Center, Lightyear Haqwker Beechcraft, Hawker Beechcraft
Bristol-Myers To Cut Nearly 500 Jobs j.mp/PHK5n8
Research in Motion lays off workers at US HQ in TX bit.ly/WDjrjp
Groupon lays off 80 sales employees chicagotribune.com/business/break…
Announced November 7th ,Flatotel in NYC is closing in February
Hawker Beechcraft closing facilites, laying off more than 400 employees in Arkansas, AZ & TX. bit.ly/T5y1dw
Boeing has announced plans to cut $1.6 billion of costs in its defense divis… bit.ly/TbJLuY
Energizer Holdings to lay off 1,500, close 3 plants bizjournals.com/stlouis
Companies plan massive layoffs as Obamacare becomes reality
Freedom Works has put together a list of companies that will be laying off employees as a result of President Barack Obama’s health care law:
Welch Allyn
Welch Allyn, a company that manufactures medical diagnostic equipment in central New York, announced in September that they would be laying off 275 employees, or roughly 10% of their workforce over the next three years. One of the major reasons discussed for the layoffs was a proactive response to the Medical Device Tax mandated by the new healthcare law.
Dana Holding Corp.
As recently as a week ago, a global auto parts manufacturing company in Ohio known as Dana Holding Corp., warned their employees of potential layoffs, citing “$24 million over the next six years in additional U.S. health care expenses”. After laying off several white collar staffers, company insiders have hinted at more to come. The company will have to cover the additional $24 million cost somehow, which will likely equate to numerous cuts in their current workforce of 25,500 worldwide.
Stryker
One of the biggest medical device manufacturers in the world, Stryker will close their facility in Orchard Park, New York, eliminating 96 jobs in December. Worse, they plan on countering the medical device tax in Obamacare by slashing 5% of their global workforce – an estimated 1,170 positions.
Boston Scientific
In October of 2009, Boston Scientific CEO Ray Elliott, warned that proposed taxes in the health care reform bill could “lead to significant job losses” for his company. Nearly two years later, Elliott announced that the company would be cutting anywhere between 1,200 and 1,400 jobs, while simultaneously shifting investments and workers overseas – to China.
Medtronic
In March of 2010, medical device maker Medtronic warned that Obamacare taxes could result in a reduction of precisely 1,000 jobs. That plan became reality when the company cut 500 positions over the summer, with another 500 set for the end of 2013.
Obama Administration proposal would block oil shale development on federal lands in West
By Zack Colman – 11/09/12 02:07 PM ET
The Interior Department on Friday issued a final plan to close 1.6 million acres of federal land in the West originally slated for oil shale development.
The proposed plan would fence off a majority of the initial blueprint laid out in the final days of the George W. Bush administration. It faces a 30-day protest period and a 60-day process to ensure it is consistent with local and state policies. After that, the department would render a decision for implementation.
The move is sure to rankle Republicans, who say President Obama’s grip on fossil fuel drilling in federal lands is too tight.
My name is John Domville and I have been a US History and American Government & Politics teacher at Ridgewood High School for a number of years. As you may know I am helping to coordinate the upcoming “Veterans Appreciation Breakfast and Tribute to Service Assembly” program to be held here at the high school next Friday, November 16, 2012. Bob Paoli of the American Legion has informed me that you all have graciously volunteered to be members of a panel for discussion during the assembly portion of our program for which I am greatly appreciative.
After a delicious breakfast (prepared and served by our culinary students) in our Campus Center (8 – 8:45 AM) we will proceed to our Little Theater for the assembly (9 – 10 AM). Please feel free to invite family and friends – any veterans you may know as well. The assembly program will consist of a performance of our National Anthem by our men’s choral group, a student-produced video -“A Tribute to Service” and another combined choral performance of “In Flanders Fields.” After that, you will be asked to take seats for the panel discussion – “What Service Means to Me and Our Country Today.” This is intended to be a “positive” program to show our appreciation and to impress upon our young people the importance and meaning of service (military or otherwise) to our country and fellow citizens.
In that discussion we ask that as you introduce yourselves, you take 3 – 4 minutes to describe the extent of your military service and then what you feel your service has meant to you and to us… I understand that is not much time to say what is clearly so much more, but I hope that it will serve as an opening for the students to the ask you appropriate questions. To prepare students who will be attending and to keep in the “spirit” of the event, I would like to give them in advance, some background / biographies of each of you to help them formulate their questions. We do not want to diminish the aspect of the pain, suffering and loss that military service can and does bring, but we do not want them to focus on that alone.
So if you would be so kind, and can send to me at your earliest convenience, a paragraph of that background information, I would greatly appreciate it. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Again, all of our many thanks for agreeing to do this for our students, and for us the opportunity to show you how much we appreciate what yours and the service of so many others has done for all of us.
A Happy Veterans Day to all this Sunday/Monday and I hope to have a chance to see you at Monday’s service if you are there and then again next Friday.
With Warmest Regards,
John K. Domville
John K. Domville
Social Studies Department
Ridgewood High School
627 E Ridgewood Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201-670-2800 X 20683
Cell – 201-666-1883
COFFEE, ANYONE? COME FOR CASUAL CONVERSATION WITH THE BOE AND SUPERINTENDENT ON NOVEMBER 14
The Board of Education and Superintendent Dan Fishbein will host Coffee and Conversation for residents on Wednesday, November 14. Residents are invited to drop in at the Education Center at 49 Cottage Place, floor 3, any time between 7 and 8:30 p.m. to ask questions, make suggestions and share concerns in a casual setting.
VETERANS DAY SERVICE – November 12 at 11AM AT VETS FIELD FLAG POLE
American Legion Post 53 will conduct a Veterans’ Day Service on Monday, November 12th at VETS FIELD (new location). Everyone attending should gather at the newly restored Flag pole located at the corner of Linwood and North Maple Avenues.
PSE&G Update: As of this morning, PSE&G is reporting that only 230 Ridgewood, or 2.2%, are still without power. If PSE&G’s estimates are accurate, nearly all will be restored today. We continue to learn about individual residences that do not have power, and which were not previously reported to the village or to PSE&G. Do not assume that PSE&G is aware of your individual situation, especially if it has not been reported previously. While village officials remain in daily contact with PSE&G representatives, residents are still urged to contact PSE&G directly at 1-800-436-7734 to report individual problems. Calling repeatedly may help.
Hurricane Relief Effort to Benefit Monmouth/Ocean County: Local Ridgewood businesses are teaming up with Ridgewood High School students in a collection effort to benefit the Monmouth/Ocean County Food Bank. The collection point will be at Ken Smith Motors on Franklin Ave, Ridgewood, this Saturday from 9 MA – 4 PM. Please bring the basics: ready to eat food (chili, soup, etc.), diapers, toiletries, and cleaning supplies such as heavy duty garbage bags, gloves, mops and brooms, bleach, Pinesol/Lysol, sponges, scrub brushes, dust pans, rags, shovels.
24-Hour Shelter at Mt. Carmel Closed at 12 Noon Today: Mt. Carmel Church shut down its shelter at 12 noon today. The good news is that the number of guests using the shelter diminished tremendously over the last few days, which is a sign that nearly all residents have power. Ridgewood OEM is grateful to Mt. Carmel, its parishioners, and especially Glen McCall, Director of Youth Ministry, who worked tirelessly to provide a warm, safe and welcoming place for our residents during a time of need.
Day Time Warming Center: The following locations will be open Monday-Friday as daytime warming centers: St. Elizabeth’s Church (169 Fairmount Rd.) 8:30AM-6PM, Emmanuel Baptist Church (14 Hope St.) 9AM–3PM (please enter by the Hope Street entrance and use the bell on the left hand side of the door), Temple Israel (475 Grove St.) 9AM-early evening and Community Church at Upper Ridgewood (intersection of Fairmount Road and Hillcrest Road) 7AM-7PM. In addition, the Ridgewood Library has power, heat, books, periodicals, and computers, so there is something for people to do as they stay warm. Their hours are 9AM–9PM Monday-Thursday; 9AM-6PM on Friday; 9AM-5PM on Saturday; and 1PM-5PM on Sunday.
Blankets: A limited number of blankets, provided by FEMA, are still available on a first come, first served basis at Village Hall. Any resident needing an extra blanket may obtain one, while supplies last, at the Ridgewood Police Department located on the second floor of Village Hall.
Recycling Center Open: The Recycling Center will be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 7AM-3PM. In addition to accepting recycling, they will be accepting household garbage and branches.
FEMA Disaster Assistance Information: If you sustained losses or damage from Hurricane Sandy you may be eligible for disaster aid. Call 1•800•621•FEMA (3362) or go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov for additional information.
Tree Branches: Tree branches ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE STREET. If you have placed branches in the street, they MUST be removed. Please bring branches to the recycling center.
For more information, continue to visit oem.ridgewoodnj.net and the Village of Ridgewood and Ridgewood Police Department Facebook pages for updates.
The Board of Education has committed $400,000 to the renovation of the Ridgewood High School library
Ridgewood’s Learning Commons gets another boost
Thursday November 8, 2012, 4:18 PM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
The Board of Education (BOE) has committed $400,000 to the renovation of the Ridgewood High School (RHS) library. This contribution will come from the board’s capital reserve account, according to Superintendent Dan Fishbein.
In combination with the roughly $200,000 the RHS Home and School Association (HSA) has already raised, this capital injection should enable the project’s core leaders to get the construction process rolling.
Based on preliminary floor plans drafted last summer by the architecture firm LAN Associates, the new library, to be known as a “learning commons,” will offer students new conference rooms, printers, TV monitors, a café and moveable bookshelves to allow for double-seating capacity.
The new project would replace a library that has not been renovated since 1963. It is projected to cost $850,000 in total, including about $250,000 not yet raised for new lounge furnishings.
The RHS HSA hopes the remaining funds will be raised by other donors and through subsequent fundraisers.
NEXT WEEK AT NIGHT: Jamboree auditions on Sunday at RHS Campus Center; Coffee and Conversation with the BOE on Wednesday. Visit the RPS website for more information at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2012, 7:27 AM
BY LESLIE BRODY”AND PATRICIA ALEX
STAFF WRITERS
THE RECORD
As many North Jersey schools reopened Wednesday for the first time since superstorm Sandy, educators and parents sought to use the moment to teach students a lesson in resilience, flexibility and compassion.
A special greeting welcomed students back to Teaneck High School on Wednesday.
In the front hall of the Catherine E. Doyle Elementary School in Wood-Ridge, sprawling piles of donated textbooks, pens and glue sticks greeted 50 children who transferred in from Moonachie because their K-8 school flooded during the storm. Their teachers helped the first- and second-graders move into a library and a classroom, and expressed awe at the generosity of strangers from Ridgewood, Wyckoff and other towns who sent supplies their way.
One Wood-Ridge mother, Elizabeth Diaz, told her 7-year-old daughter, Sophia, to make the newcomers welcome during their temporary stay. “You have to make them comfortable and happy,” she said. Opening doors to them “shows we’re strong. We move on.”
A Guide to the Fiscal Cliff and the Options for Congress
Analysis Details What Is Expiring and Who Is Going to Be Most Impacted
Washington, D.C., November 8, 2012—Uncertainty over the expiring sections of the federal tax code known collectively as the “fiscal cliff” represents not only a threat to a prosperous and growing economy, but an abdication of leadership in Washington. The existence of an increasingly temporary tax code highlights the accumulated questions that Congress has refused to answer, according to a new guide to fiscal cliff provisions from the Tax Foundation.
In confronting the cliff, elected officials will need to start by asking big questions about how they want the tax code to work, including what the least economically destructive ways to raise revenue are, how high total spending should rise, and to what extent the code should be used to redistribute income. The present list of fiscal cliff elements will also require them to ask some more specific questions about the future of Obamacare, the estate tax, and the payroll tax.
“The huge potential impact of the fiscal cliff in scope, importance, and dollars is reflected in the anxiety felt by American taxpayers,” said Tax Foundation Chief Economist William McBride. “With so much of the tax and budget system on a short-term lease, and with the proposed permanent fixes so widely varying, economic growth suffers. While past practice suggests Washington will once again duct tape together another short-term extension and put off the hard choices, anything can happen.”
Among the expiring provisions are the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts enacted under President Bush, a compromise on the estate tax, a “patch” in the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), the temporary 2 percent payroll tax holiday, increased business expensing, and the “extenders” package of miscellaneous tax deductions.
In addition, on January 1, 2013, five taxes enacted as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)—popularly referred to as Obamacare—also take effect, along with sequester spending reductions of $109 billion. In late February, the U.S. government will also hit the current debt ceiling, exhausting its ability to borrow without an increase by Congress. Finally, the federal government’s continuing resolution appropriating spending expires on March 27, 2013.
Tax Foundation Special Report No. 204, “The Fiscal Cliff: A Primer” is available here.
The Tax Foundation is a nonpartisan research organization that has monitored fiscal policy at the federal, state and local levels since 1937. To schedule an interview, please contact Richard Morrison, the Tax Foundation’s Manager of Communications, at 202-464-5102 or [email protected].
