Former Mayor David Pfund is the new Ridgewood Municipal judge
September 26,2012
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Its official Phund is the new Ridgewood Municipal judge. In a 3 to 2 vote the Village Council chose former Mayor David Pfund. He will be sworn in on Monday in Hackensack by a Superior Court Judge.
Here are all of those who were considered:
Warren Clark – now serving as judge in Hillsdale and Old Tappan and currently VOR temporary judge
Richard Joel – no experience; sits on our Planning Board or Board of Adjustment
David Pfund – no experience; former councilperson and mayor
Russel Teschon – now serving as judge in Glen Rock and Wyckoff
Stephen Wellinghorst – former councilperson; previous experience as judge in Woodland Park
Postal Service Prepares for Second Default in Two Months
By Amanda Palleschi, Government Executive
Updated: September 26, 2012 | 6:37 p.m.
September 26, 2012 | 6:36 p.m.
The U.S. Postal Service will default this week on a $5.6 billion congressionally mandated obligation to pre-fund retiree health benefits, marking the second time in two months the cash-strapped agency has done this.
The Postal Service last month failed to pay $5.5 billion for its fiscal 2011 prepayment obligation, which originally was due in September 2011 but was deferred by Congress until Aug. 1. That was the first time it ever defaulted on a payment to the Treasury Department. The $5.6 billion due this week, on Sept. 30, represents this fiscal year’s obligation.
Before this year, Congress helped USPS defer pre-funding payments required by a 2006 congressional mandate. Postal reform has challenged this Congress. Lawmakers warn that when they revisit the issue after the November election they likely won’t reach agreement on as major an overhaul as some deem necessary. USPS lost $5.2 billion in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, $2.1 billion more than during the same time period in 2011.
Household Incomes Fall In Aug., Off 8.2% Under Obama
By JOHN MERLINE , INVESTOR’S BUSINESS DAILY
Posted 09/25/2012 03:55 PM ET
In another sign that the economic recovery under President Obama is not producing gains for average Americans, median household incomes fell 1.1% in August to $50,678, according to a report released Tuesday by Sentier Research.
Since the economic recovery started in June 2009, household incomes are down 5.7%, the Sentier data show, and they are down more than 8% since Obama took office.
“Even though we are technically in an economic recovery, real median annual household income is having a difficult time maintaining its present level, much less recovering,” said Sentier co-founder and former Census Bureau official Gordon Green.
Earlier this month, the Census Bureau released its annual report showing that the number of people in poverty was nearly 3 million higher in 2011 than in 2009, an increase of 6%.
Latest internet scam targeting the elderly makes it’s way through Bergen County
September 26.2012
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ ,A new wave of internet scams is making its way through Bergen County with senior citizens as the prime target .
According to sources at Rite Aid a virus is sent in the form of an official looking email claiming it was sent from the “FBI” stating your internet privileged have been revoked and you have to pay a certain sum of money to have your access restored.
The target is encouraged to go to Rite Aid and buy a VISA money pack card load it with cash and give the PIN number to the scam-sters
Please be aware and remain vigilant the elderly are particularly vulnerable.
Rite Aid , 199 E Ridgewood Ave Ridgewood, NJ 07450 (201) 447-3424
Skewed and Unskewed Polls
September 23, 2012 – 7:44 pm
CHARLIE MARTIN
In most all things, I try to follow Hanlon’s (or Heinlein’s) Razor: “Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.”
This is particularly important to remember when looking at polls.Sometimes, however, one must wonder.
As I pointed out yesterday, the result of Romney’s “really bad week” was that Romney had gone from 5 or 6 points behind in Gallup, to essentially tied. Even so, a number of people have noted that there are some odd assumptions in that poll, and others. Pat Caddell and Doug Schoen talked about it recently. Asked if the polls were, in his opinion, a fair representation of the electorate, Schoen said:
“The simple answer is no John. The bottom line is there were seven percent more Democrats in the electorate in 2008 than there were Republicans. That’s from the exit polls and that’s about as accurate as you can get….President Obama won by about seven points. Given 90 percent of Democrats vote for the Democrat and 90 percent of Republicans vote for the Republican, every time you reduce the margin between the parties by one point, roughly it’s about one point off the margin.”
Schoen pointed out that the Pew poll was based on Democrats sampled for having an 11 percent voters registration edge over Republicans. He further added, “saying that America has gotten more Democratic than 2008, which is a questionable assumption.”
In fact, Rasmussen keeps a running monthly poll of party identification. In the latest poll, released September 1, they found:
During August, 37.6% of Americans considered themselves Republicans. That’s up from 34.9% in July and 35.4% in June. It’s also the largest number of Republicans ever recorded by Rasmussen Report since monthly tracking began in November 2002.
President Obama’s U.N. speech offered little confidence for those living in the direct firing line of an Iran, which may soon be armed with a nuclear weapon.
For the people of Israel—and millions living in the Gulf states that lie in the shadow of Tehran—Obama’s address to the U.N. must have looked positively Carter-eqsue in tone and spirit. This was a milquetoast statement on Iran by the U.S. President, who projected a dangerous leading-from-behind mentality at a time when the free world needs bold U.S. leadership.
The Iranian nuclear crisis took up just two paragraphs toward the end of Obama’s speech—clearly not a priority issue for the President. In essence, Obama delivered the same message he’s delivered now for four years: that “America wants to resolve this issue through diplomacy, and we believe that there is still time and space to do so. But that time is not unlimited.”
It’s also the same message that the European Union has been consistently delivering for more than a decade of futile negotiations with Iran. Efforts to appease the mullahs have been an unmitigated failure that has served only to embolden one of the most brutal and barbaric regimes of modern times.
Significantly, President Obama did not outline tougher measures to halt Iran’s nuclear program. It was a speech that could easily have been given by the leader of France, Germany, or any European country rather than the leader of the most powerful nation on earth. There was no mention of further U.N. sanctions, any strengthening of America’s military might in the region, or support for Iranian dissidents fighting for their freedom. No impression was given that the use of force may be an option on the table.
In addition, Obama did not mention Iran’s president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, by name, and he failed to directly reference the Iranian leader’s recent statements calling for the “elimination” of Israel. Israel itself, America’s leading ally in the Middle East, was barely a footnote in the President’s speech.
Yet again, Obama drew moral equivalence between the Israelis and the Palestinians, a theme he has frequently expounded upon since taking office. He did not condemn Palestinian terrorism, simply declaring that “among Israelis and Palestinians, the future must not belong to those who turn their backs on the prospect of peace.”
The President’s speech today followed the White House’s astonishing refusal to meet with the Israeli prime minister this week, another reckless snub to a close friend and U.S. ally. As Iran marches toward becoming a nuclear-armed power in the Middle East, the U.S. should stand with the people of Israel, who are literally fighting for their survival in the face of an Islamist tyranny that openly talks of annihilating its near neighbor.
The Iranian regime’s nuclear and genocidal ambitions are a threat to the free world. However, President Obama’s weak-kneed approach serves only to encourage America’s enemies while undermining confidence in U.S. leadership on the world stage.
Assembly panel approves ban on credit card direct marketing on college campuses
Assembly does nothing about warning students about similar risks with student loans
Credit card companies are “preying” on college students, according to some members of the state Assembly.
Under a bill advanced unanimously by the Assembly higher education committee today, state colleges and universities would be barred from allowing credit card companies to promote their products directly to students on campus.
“This bill would protect many unsuspecting college students from the predatory practices often employed by credit card companies,” Assemblywoman Celeste Riley, D-Cumberland, one of the bill’s sponsors, said in a statement. “College students are often unaware of the consequences of bad credit and many more don’t realize the exorbitant interest rates they’re charged.” (Linhorst, The Record)
“This bill will permit local officials to make sure taxpayers don’t get ‘Snook’-ered”
Bill would let towns regulate reality TV shows
As if “Jim” McGreevey didn’t make New Jersey dumb enough ?
A bill introduced Monday would give towns where are filmed more control over the Situation. (Not to mention Snooki and JWoww, too.)
Assemblyman Ronald Dancer (R., Ocean) introduced the legislation for the “Snookiville Law,” which would let towns license and regulate the filming of reality shows and impose conditions, including requiring crews to pay for additional police officers.
Dancer said in a statement that New Jersey has a tradition of being a desirable setting for reality shows such as Jersey Shore, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and Cake Boss.
“These shows can attract crowds, which can benefit local businesses and challenge a community’s resources,” said Dancer, whose district includes parts of Ocean, Burlington, Middlesex and Monmouth Counties. “This bill will permit local officials to make sure taxpayers don’t get ‘Snook’-ered or public safety is compromised when reality stars such as Snooki or JWoww come to town.” (Parry, Associated Press)
Ridgewood Firefighters Quickly Knock Down Stubborn Kitchen Fire
September 26,2012
Boyd A. Loving
12:28 PM
Ridgewood NJ, A stubborn 3-alarm kitchen fire at a single family Cape Cod style home in the 600 block of Grove Street was quickly knocked down by Ridgewood firefighters shortly after 10:30 AM on Wednesday. Although the home was occupied at the time, all residents escaped safely and no injuries to emergency responders were reported. However, a Ridgewood ambulance responding to the scene was involved in a minor motor vehicle accident that caused damage to its rear bumper. Paramus PD assisted Ridgewood PD with traffic control; Glen Rock EMS also responded to the scene.
Photo credit: Boyd A. Loving
Ridgewood Police Department Lieutenant William Amoruso (white shirt) comforts an occupant of the home (woman with no shoes) who had safely escaped the fire.
With surging NJ unemployment and lagging personnel income growth NJ State Senate President Stephen Sweeney wants to ban NFL games with replacement refs
Monday morning quarterback?
EDITORS NOTE: Delays in the state senate and assembly have stalled tax-reform for 79 days, ethics reform for 742 days , ending sick leave payouts 650 days and action on property tax cap loopholes 128 days .
Sick of the replacement referees in the NFL this season? So is one powerful New Jersey legislator, who wants to put an end to indecisiveness, missed calls, and other cringe-worthy officiating – at least at Giants and Jets games.
State Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D., Gloucester) said Tuesday that he planned to introduce a bill banning professional sports events in New Jersey if they are officiated by fill-ins.
Replacement officials have been working games since the beginning of the season when the league locked out its referees because they resisted pension changes.
Sweeney said his motivation isn’t that he is a fan of the Green Bay Packers, who lost in the last seconds Monday when the Seattle Seahawks scored a touchdown that appeared to be an interception. (Katz, Tamari and Farrell, The Philadelphia Inquirer)
Giants spokesman balks at Sen. Sweeney’s move to block replacement refs in N.J.
A Giants spokesman said the organization welcomes Senate President Stephen Sweeney’s interest in football, but suggested that his idea of banning replacement referees from working in New Jersey may be a step too far.
“We appreciate Senator Sweeney’s interest in our game, but officiating controversies have always been part of sports,” Giants spokesman Pat Hanlon said. “Our league office staff, including Commissioner Goodell, has been in negotiations with the referees union for the past week. We hope to reach an agreement as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the league and the clubs are committed to do all we can to help the current officials improve and we are confident they will do so. Our position against expanded legalized gambling has not changed.” (Renshaw, The Star-Ledger)
Income growth in N.J. lagging behind most of country
EDITORS NOTE: Delays in the state senate and assembly have stalled tax-reform for 79 days, ethics reform for 742 days , ending sick leave payouts 650 days and action on property tax cap loopholes 128 days .
New Jerseyans made more money in the second quarter of the year than in the first, but the 0.8 percent jump in personal income was one of the smallest in the country, according to federal estimates released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis today.
Income growth clocked in at 45th of the 50 states, a sign that the nascent economic recovery in the Garden State is losing some steam while other states are gaining ground. In the first quarter, New Jersey’s 1.8 percent income spike was the 18th largest of all the states.
Personal income is a leading economic barometer that tallies wages and any earnings from rental properties, stocks and interest. Another key indicator, the state’s unemployment rate, has been rising this year and hit 9.9 percent in August. (Rizzo, The Star-Ledger)
NJ Schools Cutting Back On Homework
By: Stacy Proebstle
Are kids getting too much homework these days? A new study by NJ Monthly magazine finds that some New Jersey towns are cutting back and trying new ideas to reduce stress.
Schools across the state are looking to change their approach to homework.
According to NJ Monthly, Galloway Township has banned written assignments on weekends, Ridgewood High introduced a homework free holiday break and Sleep In Wednesday, where kids can come to school an hour later than normal and teachers in Red Oaks in Morristown have the freedom to choose what assignments their students get based on the kids’ capabilities.
Rutgers psychology professor Maurice Elias talked to parents in a number of schools that are navigating away from traditional homework.
“Parents in many cases are working two jobs, both full-time, kids are involved in activities like sports, dance, and there is just not enough hours in the day for students to be doing 5 or 6 hours of homework after being at school all day.”
Ridgewood council selects a Graydon ramp design option
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2012, 1:36 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Presented with three different options for the first time in 18 months, the Village Council has penciled in its choice for a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant concrete ramp at Graydon Pool.
The village professional staff expects to present formal details, including cross-section drawings and renderings, at the Oct. 3 work session. If all goes according to schedule, officials believe they can have the ramp installed and ready for use by pool patrons in time for the 2013 swimming season.
Months of criticism and debate – mostly among the governing body, members of the public and longtime pool users – over the ramp’s initial design that was presented in 2011 finally slowed after last week’s site visit by ADA expert Jennifer Perry.
A compliance specialist with the United Spinal Association, Perry was retained by the village at an hourly rate of $150 on the advisement of Preserve Graydon Coalition Co-Chair Marcia Ringel. Speaking at previous council meetings, Ringel had said the original ramp plan was never “evaluated in the way that the ADA requires.”
Perry’s evaluation of Ridgewood’s historic swimming facility, which was conducted last week with members of the village recreation and engineering departments, spawned three new ramp proposals by village staff.
According to Village Engineer Chris Rutishauser, Perry was “very helpful and educational,” and her advice was considered when he drew up the new plans. He added that the engineering staff submitted their three designs to Perry, who offered favorable comments on each.
At Wednesday’s council work session, Rutishauser presented the new ramp proposals to the governing body. Though council members identified positives and negatives for each, they ultimately selected one that they believe will benefit Graydon patrons.
Romney Urges More Reliance on Free Enterprise to Aid Nations
By John McCormick – Sep 25, 2012 9:43 AM ET
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney today urged more accountability for U.S. aid to other nations and greater reliance on free enterprise to lift the world’s poor toward prosperity.
“The aim of a much larger share of our aid must be the promotion of work and the fostering of free enterprise,” he said in a speech at the annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative in New York. “Nothing we can do as a nation will change lives and nations more effectively and permanently than sharing the insight that lies at the foundation of America’s own economy– and that is that free people pursuing happiness in their own ways build a strong and prosperous nation.”
The appearance marked a moment of bipartisanship, considering that the event is hosted by former President Bill Clinton, one of the top prosecutors against Romney at the Democratic National Convention and someone aggressively campaigning for President Barack Obama’s re-election.
Port Authority rating cut one level by Moody’s on debt load
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s credit rating was cut one level by Moody’s Investors Service, which said the agency needs $2 billion in additional funds through 2016, primarily for the World Trade Center, and faces “significant growth” in capital needs.
Moody’s lowered the ratings for the agency that runs the New York City region’s three major airports, two Hudson River tunnels, four bridges and six marine-cargo terminals to Aa3, its fourth-highest rating, from Aa2. The action, which affected $18.2 billion in bonds, comes as the authority prepares to issue $2 billion in taxable debt this week.
“The increasingly back-loaded amortization of debt with this issue, while providing more debt capacity and stable financial metrics in the near and medium term, increases longer- term risks,” Moody’s said in a news release. The company gives the authority’s credit a stable outlook. (Braun, Bloomberg)
