The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
>Marlboro to take affordable housing issue to N.J. Supreme Court
The township is taking the fight over its affordable housing obligation to the state Supreme Court.
Township officials say the state is saddling the already overdeveloped municipality with a housing burden it cannot handle. (Williams Boyd, Asbury Park Press)
https://www.app.com/article/20101205/NEWS/12050361/Marlboro-to-take-affordable-housing-issue-to-N-J-Supreme-Court
>Associated Press-CNBC Poll : Americans prefer cutting federal services to raising taxes by nearly 2-1
AP-CNBC Poll: Cut services to balance the budget
WASHINGTON (AP) – To ease surging budget deficits, Americans prefer cutting federal services to raising taxes by nearly 2-1 in a new poll. Yet there is little consensus on specific, meaningful steps – and a wariness about touching two gargantuan programs, Social Security and Medicare.
An Associated Press-CNBC Poll showed widespread anxiety about budget shortfalls exceeding $1 trillion a year. Eighty-five percent worry that growing red ink will harm future generations – the strongest expression of concern since AP polls began asking the question in 2008. Fifty-six percent think the shortfalls will spark a major economic crisis in the coming decade.
MORE : https://apnews.myway.com/article/20101130/D9JQCLT80.html
>The Ridgewood blog has decided to whole heartily endorse Stephen Wellinghorst in the upcoming Nov 2nd election for Council.
The staff of the Ridgewood blog after careful and cautious research and analysis of the four candidates, their platforms, statements they have made in the media, their performance at the debate, and certain topics discussed on the Ridgewood blog has come to a unanimous decision in support of Stephen Wellinghorst.
The key issues facing the Village at this time are revitalizing downtown, the current fiscal crisis, village parking, Graydon Pool, the Valley expansion, pedestrian safety, and the candidate’s ability to articulate a clear vision for the Village of Ridgewood.
However no issue has more disenfranchised taxpayers and voters than the “Valley Renewal” better know as the Valley Hospital expansion. This issue is not a matter as it has been so often characterised as those for or against Valley Hospital . The real issue in plane terms is; is an expansion of this magnitude in a residential neighborhood in the Village’s best interest?
By Valley’s own estimate the hospital is tyring to pigeonhole a 30 plus acre site into what amounts to 15 acre site . It is simply to big ,need it or not. Before the expansion Valley was one of the most respected institutions in the Village , but the tactics employed by the hospital in order to pursue this expansion have brought this into question.
The Ridgewood blog feels that Steve Wellinghorst is the only candidate with the maturity ,experience,work ethic,clarity of vision and brains to move the Village forward on this issue. Like the Train station before it ,the Village worked tirelessly to resolve many issues with New Jersey Transit and in the end each side got what it wanted .The Village got a newly renovated ADA compliant historically land marked train station with a minimal amount of down town dislocation .While NJT got to spend away to a tune of $41 million.
This same energy should be used to resolve the Valley Expansion issue and we believe that Stephen Wellinghurst will be the much needed catalyst to move the issue forward to a positive resolution for the Village.
thank you,
PJ Blogger and the Staff of the Ridgewood blog
>DOCTORS KNOW BEST: PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS TO ENDORSE LITTLE
(HIGHLANDS, October 28) – Republican Congressional challenger Anna Little will receive the endorsement of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons this evening, at an event in New Brunswick at 7 PM.
“Anna Little understands that medical decisions are the most personal decisions in our lives, and should be kept between doctors and patients,” said Dr. Alieta Eck, President-elect of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), who will announce the endorsement on behalf of the AAPS. “Anna understands that the government takeover of health care will be damaging to our citizens’ abilities to choose their own doctors, make their own medical decisions, and receive the quality care of their choice.
“Government bureaucrats simply don’t know what’s best for patients,” continued Eck. “They cannot. Only patients and their doctors should make those decisions. Ann Little understands that, and Frank Pallone clearly does not. That’s why endorsing Anna Little was an easy decision.”
“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons,” said Little. “They’re battling on the front lines of health care every day, and they know better than most just how destructive ‘PalloneCare’ is going to be.
“We need to repeal this bill as soon as possible – that’s why I’ve signed the Independent Women’s Voice ObamaCare Repeal Pledge, and that’s why I’m committed to fighting with everything I’ve got to get this law overturned once I get to Washington.
“If you think we’re headed in the right direction, then Frank Pallone is your man,” said Little. “But if you think we’re moving in the wrong direction, then I need your vote – because you cannot change Washington without changing the people we send to Washington!”
The endorsement announcement will take place at the Ginger-N-Olive Restaurant at 120 Albany Street in New Brunswick at 7 PM. New Jersey Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. will be on hand to introduce Little.
>Election Day Fraud Hotline
US Attorney Paul J. Fishman has established an Election Day Hotline to receive and respond to reports of election irregularities, voter intimidation, or other questionable Election Day activities.
The Election Hotline is (609) 656-2558.
>RHS Dance: modified our procedures to keep events drug and alcohol free
Dear Parents,
I am writing to you today to inform you about some issues we dealt with at the dance on Saturday night. After an unacceptable dance 2 years ago we modified our procedures and we conducted a number of incident free events.
We had an overwhelming turnout for the Oct 30th dance with over 1000 student in attendance. After noting the numbers we asked the Ridgewood Police to send 2 uniformed officers to assist our staff of 16 staff members including my wife and I. It was necessary for us to send 2 students to Valley Hospital as they were intoxicated and needed medical attention. In addition, we sent 3 students home with their parents as they were under the influence. Three students were identified as being under the influence and after being interrogated fled the scene. The parents have been contacted and their students will not return to school until we meet with them and their parents.
There were reports that a student was smoking pot on the dance floor but this incident was not confirmed. We did smell cigarette smoke in the campus center and stopped the dance to address the issue. Some students informed us who the smokers were and we are dealing them.
Despite these issues a considerable number of students behaved in an acceptable way and had an enjoyable evening, though we concluded the dance a 1/2 hour early.
We will continue to conduct these events for our students as they have little to do on the weekend. We are trying to provide school activities that will engage students in a positive way. We ask that you partner with us and urge your children to attend these events drug and alcohol free.
If you have any questions please contact me.
John Lorenz
Principal
>many wonder what are Mr. Trains true motivations.
Some readers of this and other blogs have noticed that Mr. Train has been hyper-critical of Mr. Wellinghorst. In several blog postings, Mr. Train pointed out Mr. Wellinghorst’s absence from a specific council meeting yet Mr. Train went to great lengths to avoid admitting that certain other candidates were also not in attendance. Other examples could be listed here as well. This type of one-sided criticism makes many wonder what are Mr. Trains true motivations.
Is Mr. Train a “Fifth Column” as several Villagers have previously suggested? Is he, not a candidate for Council but rather a candidate to split the Stop Valley and Preserve Graydon Coalition?
The Villagers are watching very carefully.
>
sign ,sign every where a sign candidates make their final push
>Happy Halloween from the Ridgewood blog
>Election results to show if national Republican movement sweeps up in New Jersey
CENTRAL JERSEY — With pundits and polls predicting a national Republican victory, Tuesday’s election results will show whether the expected GOP tide will reach Central Jersey.
Because there are no statewide races on the ballot, the focus of the election will be the Congressional races. (Deak, Home News Tribune)
>NJ Republicans add more new registered voters than Democrats
TRENTON— Republicans have the voter registration momentum heading into Tuesday’s General Election, state records show.
The GOP has added 18,241 voters to the rolls since the June primary, a 1.7 percent increase, according to figures at the state Division of Elections. The number of Democratic voters has increased by 3,199. (Method, Asbury Park Press)
>Whats this?
I just took while driving. I almost had a heart attack but then realized I was in Midland Park, not Ridgewood.
Thanks.
>The Preserve Graydon Coalition: Vote for Wellinghorst on Tuesday
In the special Village Council election within the general election on Tuesday, November 2, the Preserve Graydon Coalition endorses Stephen Wellinghorst.
All four candidates support the preservation of Graydon. We believe that Steve would be the most effective in helping Graydon prosper and endure.
Steve says: “I am a committed supporter of preserving Graydon Park. Graydon Park is a natural treasure. This past summer proved that Graydon Pool is not only recreationally and aesthetically viable, but economically viable as well. The Pool must remain affordable, accessible and natural.” (The Ridgewood Blog, Oct. 30, 2010)
Why is Steve the best candidate?
Experienced in municipal government: will get up to speed quickly for this half-term Council position, which starts much sooner after the election than usual Experienced in the law: would be the only attorney on the current Council, providing a needed source of independent legal expertise
Independent: won’t let private donations dictate public policy
Public minded: has served on several boards and founded an organization that provides free legal advice for families with hospitalized children (through Ronald McDonald House children’s charity) Respectful: as a former judge, adept at maintaining civility in potentially contentious situations.
If you are among the Preserve Graydon Coalition supporters who no longer live in Ridgewood, please consider asking your friends and relatives who still live here to cast their votes for Steve Wellinghorst. If you do live here, see you at the polls.
>Steve Wellinghorst is the only truly electable candidate here.
The old signs we’re crap, so he fixed them? :
Sounds like he’s already making mistakes that this town can’t afford. Valley fixed them and put $4,000 toward that 1/2 page add in the paper. We’re not fools. Conk and Dowd tried this crap at the last election and I wish Mr Forenza nothing but the same fate.
Which relative of his works for the hospital. This fact came up at the debate that both Lembo and Forenza have relatives who work at Valley. They are a no vote.Train has blogged his way out of this seat. He should be ashamed at the comments he used toward Mr Wellinghorst.
Steve Wellinghorst is the only truly electable candidate here. I know, not a another lawyer, but he actually isn’t full of crap. I met him and I am a CRR supporter on more issues than just Valley!
>Stephen Wellinghorst : I started a non-profit organization wherein lawyers from across the Country donate their time to families in need staying at Ronald McDonald Houses
With just a few days left before the election, I wanted to take this time to congratulate my opponents for their efforts and for handling their campaigns like gentlemen. I have just returned from a long ago planned business trip to Chicago. I started a non-profit organization wherein lawyers from across the Country donate their time to families in need staying at Ronald McDonald Houses. I am passionate about this cause and that is why I missed the Council meeting this week. I travel about 4-5 times a year.
I was disturbed to hear that one of my opponents criticized
me for missing the meeting without first determining why. Predictable, but once again lacking insight or judgment.
I have tried to keep the race above board and conduct myself as honorably as I can. That said, I couldn’t let this one
slide.
Good luck to all the Candidates Tuesday.
Stephen Wellinghorst
