The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
John Dinice Republican Candidate for Bergen County Commissioner
In response to the September 14, 2025 Bergen Record article, “Bergen County criticized for not flying flags at half staff for Charlie Kirk,” the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken our nation, and its shock has reached right here in Bergen County. The decision not to lower the American flag to half-staff in honor of Charlie Kirk is deeply disappointing, insensitive, and quite frankly tone-deaf.
photos courtesy of Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, in a powerful ceremony on National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day, Bergen County paid tribute to two local heroes who endured the unimaginable hardships of being World War II Prisoners of War. The event, held in Hackensack, honored Harold Friedeman, a 100-year-old veteran, and posthumously recognized Staff Sgt. Frank S. Demeraski, a Purple Heart recipient.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Montvale NJ, Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali is leading a powerhouse coalition of 35 New Jersey municipalities, now including Englewood, in a bold stand against the state’s overreaching affordable housing mandates. Spanning nine counties and representing over 500,000 residents, this Bergen County-driven movement is fighting for responsible growth as legal battles heat up. With a court deadline of October 10, 2025, to add more towns, here’s why this coalition is shaking up NJ’s housing crisis—and how your town can join the fight!
Bergen County’s Academic All-Stars: See Who Made the National Merit Semi-Finalist List for 2025-2026
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Every year, an elite group of high school students across the country are recognized for their exceptional academic achievements. This year, dozens of talented students from Bergen County, New Jersey, have earned the prestigious title of National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist. This honor is the first step in a competitive journey toward a valuable college scholarship.
Continue reading Bergen County’s Brainiest: See Who Made the National Merit Semi-Finalist List
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, in the wake of the tragic death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a national debate has unfolded, with a local dimension playing out right here in Bergen County. The decision by county officials not to lower flags to half-staff, despite a presidential proclamation, has ignited a firestorm of criticism and brought the rules of flag etiquette into the spotlight.
Continue reading Bergen County Flag Controversy: A Political Snub or Standard Procedure?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Executive James Tedesco is gearing up for a 2026 reelection fight, announcing his bid for a fourth term on September 4, 2025, with a staggering $400,000 already raised. The Democratic heavyweight, who’s held the county’s top job since 2015, is touting his record while critics slam his spending as reckless. With Bergen County’s political landscape heating up, Tedesco’s campaign is a high-stakes battle for New Jersey’s most populous county. Here’s why this race matters and what’s at stake in 2026!
Continue reading Bergen County Exec Eyes Fourth Term with $400K War Chest in 2025!
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HACKENSACK, NJ — September 2025 — Bergen County homeowners are carrying the heaviest school tax burden in New Jersey, paying more than $2.6 billion in local school costs in 2024, while receiving far less state aid than other counties. Republican commissioner candidates Jay Costa, John Dinice, and Andrea Slowikowski are blasting county Democrats for failing to fight for fairness.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Bergen County- Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 37-year-old ROBERT J. MESERVE, III of Plymouth, MA, on charges of distribution of child sexual abuse material, sexual extortion, terroristic threats, and stalking. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ — More than five years after the COVID-19 pandemic emptied offices across New Jersey, vacancy rates remain stubbornly high—particularly in older suburban office buildings that have struggled to adapt to today’s hybrid workforce.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, Bergen County officials are refusing to release important tax information to the Bergen County Republicans, thereby preventing tax information from getting to the public and hindering the fall 2025 GOP commissioners’ campaign, say representatives of the Republican candidates Jay Costa, John Dinice and Andrea Slowikowski.
Continue reading Dems Trying to Suppress County Tax Hike Data
photos courtesy of Glen Rock and Old Tappan Police Departments
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
NORTH JERSEY – Coffee lovers in Bergen County have plenty to celebrate this season, as Dunkin’ continues its rapid expansion with newly opened and remodeled locations — just in time for the return of its beloved fall menu.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, a political earthquake is shaking up voter registration trends across the country — and Democrats are on the losing end.
According to a New York Times report released Wednesday, Democrats have seen a massive decline in voter registrations since the 2020 election, while Republicans have surged ahead.
Continue reading Democratic Voter Registration Numbers Plunge Nationwide as GOP Gains Millions
ONE PARTY RULE MUST GO !
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, Bergen County’s Republican Commissioner candidates are kicking off their fall campaign with a direct voter contact initiative in August by conducting a door-to-door campaign in key municipalities in the county.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ — Are New Jersey towns focused on public safety, or are they writing tickets to fill budget shortfalls? Newly released data from the New Jersey municipal courts offers insight into how many traffic violations were issued across every municipality from July 2024 to June 2025.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) today announced the launch of enhanced enforcement efforts to deter impaired driving in New Jersey. Grant funding from HTS will support law enforcement agencies across the state in conducting patrols and sobriety checkpoints to remove alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers from the roads.
Continue reading The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign runs until Labor Day!
