Current Climate, Polling Data, Lack Of Specifics Make Campaign Untenable
September 22, 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Roseland NJ, Paul Fireman and Jeff Gural are today reluctantly announcing the suspension of the paid media component of the statewide OUR Turn NJ campaign. In doing so, they issued the following joint statement:“We believe deeply that gaming expansion to Northern New Jersey is a remarkable opportunity that should not be squandered. We have committed $4 billion in private investment to this state to create world class resort destinations with gaming. The benefits include 43,000 new jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in recaptured revenue — a rare opportunity for New Jersey. In addition, as New York debates allowing gaming in New York City, it is critical that we beat them to market or risk losing this opportunity permanently.
“The data, however, speaks for itself. The current political climate in New Jersey and voters’ concerns about the lack of details relating to the effort have proved overwhelming. Even knowing that an out-of-country gaming company that sends New Jerseyans’ gaming dollars to Malaysia is funding opposition ads does not have an impact. As such, with great reluctance we have decided to suspend the paid media component of the statewide campaign.”
Recent internal and third-party polling data have noted how difficult the current climate is. As noted in the attached internal polling summary, “Voters have a very negative outlook on the direction of the state and have extremely low confidence that the revenue promised in the Casino Expansion Amendment will be delivered as it is promised. Just 19% of New Jersey voters believe that the state is headed in the right direction. And an even lower proportion (10%) have a high level of confidence that the state will deliver upon the promised revenue as stated in the ballot measure.”
The summary also notes that when asked to explain why they have low or no confidence in the revenue being delivered as promised in the amendment, 50% of respondents say it is because politicians will use the funds for their own priorities, while another 30% volunteer that it is a concern for them.
The polling shows that, while there are strong arguments to be made for the benefits of gaming expansion, “Respondents react very strongly to reasons to oppose the Amendment, which play to the lack of specifics and distrust directed at state government in Trenton. For comparison, the highest testing positive message is viewed as a very strong reason to support the measure by 48% of voters. The four negative messages tested in the survey all receive anywhere between 56% to 60% of voters who say that each one is a very strong reason to oppose the measure.”
Polling released earlier this week by Rutgers-Eagleton reinforces this voter dissatisfaction. In that poll, only 25 percent of those surveyed believe New Jersey is headed in the right direction, while 68 percent say the state has gone off on the wrong track. The poll is available at:https://eagletonpoll.rutgers.edu/rutgers-eagleton-Christie-casinos-NJ-Booker-Menendez-Sept2016/
The current campaign to expand gaming is mirroring New Jersey’s first efforts to legalize casino gaming in 1974. In that year, the New Jersey voters rejected a ballot initiative to legalize gaming due to a lack of specifics in the ballot question about where casinos would be located. Two years later, a revised ballot question passed. One of the main reasons the 1976 question passed, unlike the 1974 one, was that it was more specific in nature. The 1974 campaign indicated that casinos would most likely be in Atlantic City, but the resolution itself did not indicate a specific location. Thus, proponents of the 1974 resolution “later admitted that a large number of voters apparently rejected the proposal simply because they did not want to see casinos in their own community.”[1] In 1976, the resolution clearly stated that casinos would only be legal in Atlantic City, making voters far more comfortable with the idea.
Ridgewood NJ, Rep. Scott Garrett, (NJ-05) Chairman of the subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government-Sponsored Enterprises, delivered the following opening remarks at Financial Services Committee hearing entitled, “The Annual Report of the Financial Stability Oversight Council” featuring Treasury Secretary Jack Lew:
Congressman Scott Garrett’s opening remarks as prepared for delivery:
Mr. Secretary, it’s great to see you again. I understand you were a tough man to nail down to testify today – I guess I would be too if my job was defending FSOC
So we’re starting to get to that point in this Administration’s tenure where people inevitably start to talk about the “legacy” it will leave behind
Unfortunately, when it comes to FSOC, the Obama Administration’s legacy will be remembered as one of secrecy, obfuscation, and a continued refusal to answer questions or provide transparency to either Congress or the American public
Thankfully, it’s not just us in the legislative branch that have taken notice
The recent court decision invalidating the designation of MetLife is a reminder to all of us we live in a system governed by the rule of law and not the rule of bureaucrats.
I hope the Treasury Secretary understands this as well, and I look forward to his answers before our Committee today.
Rep. Scott Garrett had a lively interaction with Treasury Secretary Jack Lew at yesterday’s Financial Services Committee oversight hearing. Garrett addressed Lew’s scandal ridden record at Citibank directly causing the layoff of over 50,000 employees requiring a taxpayer bailout.
When the dust settled, we learned that as usual there are a different set of rules and standards for high-ranking government officials–like Secretary Lew–when it comes to lavish Wall Street pay packages.
A New Jersey appeals court recently held that public entities may decline to confirm or deny the existence of records responsive to a request under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). While such responses have long been sanctioned under the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the decision in North Jersey Media Group, Inc. v. Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office is the first to hold that the “confirm nor deny” response is also proper under OPRA.
The History of “Glomar Responses”
The term “Glomar response” originates from Phillippi v. CIA, 546 F.2d 1009 (D.C. Cir. 1976). The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) responded to a FOIA request for records pertaining to the Hughes Glomar Explorer, an oceanic vessel publicly listed as a research ship privately owned by billionaire Howard Hughes. Media reports at the time maintained that the federal government was using the ship to salvage a sunken Russian submarine that was carrying nuclear missiles.
In response to a request by journalist Harriet Ann Phillippi regarding the government’s attempts to conceal the existence of the project, the CIA asserted, “in the interest of national security, involvement by the U.S. Government in the activities which are the subject matter of [the plaintiff’s] request can neither be confirmed nor denied.” The CIA further claimed that the “existence or nonexistence of the requested records was itself a classified fact exempt from disclosure under . . . FOIA.”
By Anthony G. Attrino | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on September 21, 2016 at 9:10 AM, updated September 21, 2016 at 10:34 AM
MAHWAH –An American-themed barbecue at Ramapo College last Friday was nearly scrapped after the students’ ‘Uncle Sam’ promotional material wasdeemed “too offensive” and militaristic, according to Campus.org.
“I was told that our advertising was too ‘military and recruitment-oriented,’ because we had the Uncle Sam saying ‘I want you…’,” Ariana Rivera, assistant residence director of Bischoff Hall said in an email to College Republicans and Democrats.
The original proposal nearly a month earlier called for a barbecue encouraging students to register to vote.
Students in the school’s Republican and Democratic organizations agreed to run tables during the Sept. 16 event and get the word out to students that they should vote in the upcoming elections, according to Campus.org.
By Craig McCarthy | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on September 21, 2016 at 9:43 AM, updated September 21, 2016 at 9:47 AM
Two Rutgers law professors say that owning pets is immoral and would be considered torture if humans were forced to endure the same treatment.
Although Gary Francione and Anna Charlton live with six rescued dogs, the couple calls their abused animals refugees, and says they have the right to be free regardless of their quality of life with humans.
“Although we love them very much, we strongly believe that they should not have existed in the first place,” the two wrote in an essay in a digital publication onAeon. “We oppose domestication and pet ownership because these violate the fundamental rights of animals.”
Ridgewood NJ, Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 5859, the Community Counterterrorism Preparedness Act, a bill that Garrett co-sponsored and supported:
“With bombs detonating in New Jersey and New York this week, the first line of defense against terrorism continues to be police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services professionals. To better prepare these men and women on the front lines,tonight the House passed the Community Counterterrorism Preparedness Act, a bill that I co-sponsored and supported, that will provide additional training for emergency responders to prevent or respond to terrorist attacks in high risk areas like New Jersey and New York.” Key points of the Community Counterterrorism Preparedness Act include (courtesy of the Homeland Security Committee):
The bill authorizes $39 million for emergency response providers in major metropolitan areas to conduct training and exercises to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the most likely terrorist attack scenarios, including active shooters.
Eligible recipients include emergency response providers, including law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS, and emergency management in any jurisdiction that currently receives Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funding and any jurisdiction that previously received UASI funding.
NJ SpotlightBy NJ Spotlight
on September 20, 2016 at 6:30 AM, updated September 20, 2016 at 5:03 PM
….In Bergen County, Sheriff Michael Saudino is opposed by Republican Manuel Alfonso, a chief investigator for the state Department of Corrections. Saudino was elected as a Republican, but switched his allegiance to the Democratic Party this year.
Saudino rakes in more than any other double-dipping sheriff – $138,000 in salary plus $130,000 from pension. Alfonso is eligible for an $80,000 a year pension, but has promised not to collect retirement pay while he serves as sheriff….
Ridgewood NJ, Josh Gottheimer has been telling voters in the Fifth District that he’s an unwavering friend of Israel, and yet actions speak louder than words. This weekend, he campaigned with J Street darling Rep. Ben Luján, yet another prominent supporter of the Iran nuclear deal.
Josh Gottheimer has refused to condemn the Iran ransom payment, and he’s received campaign support from frequent critics of Israel. Gottheimer can spin the truth all he wants, but these actions clearly demonstrate that he will be yet another voice in favor of the failed Obama-Clinton foreign policy agenda.
Gottheimer Campaigner Rep. Ben Luján: head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, supports Iran Deal (Rep. Ben Ray Luján backs Iran deal,AlbuquerqueJournal, 09/04/2015)
Gottheimer Campaigner Rep. James Clyburn:protested Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress, supports Iran Deal (58 members of Congress skipped Netanyahu’s speech, CNN, 03/03/2015)
Gottheimer Campaigner Rep. Donald Payne:protested Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress, supports Iran Deal (58 members of Congress skipped Netanyahu’s speech, CNN, 03/03/2015)
Gottheimer Campaign Contributor Rep. Nancy Pelosi: President Obama’s chief whip in the House of Representatives for the Iran Deal (Behind Pelosi’s Iran deal campaign, Politico, 9/11/2015)
Gottheimer’s Price Tag on his Principles: $462,520.00
September 20,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Congressman Scott Garrett was an early and vocal opponent of President Obama’s nuclear arms deal, repeatedly announcing his concerns about the President’s framework in April 2015, voting against the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 in May, and denouncing the deal itself as soon as it was announced in July.
Meanwhile, Josh Gottheimer was waiting to see which way the political winds would blow before he took a stance. He was silent on President Obama’s framework for the deal in April and again in May, on the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 – legislation that paved the way for the deal. He waited a full month before announcing his opposition to the deal itself – and even then, made sure to praise President Obama’s approach. Is it possible that the reason for Gottheimer’s delay in taking a stance on this crucial issue was the series of major Washington, DC fundraisers with Democratic insiders he had scheduled?
From April 2, 2015 when President Obama announced the framework for a deal on Iran’s nuclear program to August 17, 2015, Josh Gottheimer was silent on President Obama’s nuclear deal. Instead, he spent time leveraging his political insider connections to raise $462,520.00, thanks to his Washington, DC lobbyist friends.
Since announcing his “opposition” to the deal, he’s gone on to campaign and fundraise with Members of Congress who embrace the deal and are frequent critics of the State of Israel. He’s also refused to condemn the “ransom” payment to Iran.
Looks like Josh Gottheimer will say anything he needs to in order to get elected, but his loyalties are firmly with those trying to send him to Congress: Washington, DC Democratic lobbyists.
citation: Josh Gottheimer for Congress two year summary of itemized individual contributions attached, as downloaded from FEC.gov on Mon Sep 19 15:55:03 GMT 2016.
“Do you know how HUD (US Dept of Housings and Urban Development) entices towns to take money and then …………..HUD takes over your rights with the Mayor and Council – you nor your Council have say in the decisions of the town in which you live and pay taxes.”
Teaneck NJ, Dr. Al Frech has been following HUD for the last eight years and is making a difference in Ringwood and Wayne by alerting citizens and town councils on the dangers of HUD grants.
Perhaps your town has taken CDBG grants in the past. Everything changed in July 2015 with the affirmative fair housing. They added 377 new pages. In one section they say they won’t change your zoning, but if your zoning happens to conflict with the Fair Housing Act, then that is of concern. They never really spell out for you what the Fair Housing Act now happens to control. Once you sign on the line, you sign a contract that you will do whatever the plan turns out to be for that Fair Housing Assessment.
The wording in the AFFH ruling is accurate, but somewhat deceptive. Actually, HUD wants nothing to do with a community’s zoning laws. However, to affirmatively further fair housing, grantees may be required to ignore or change them themselves. In other words, HUD will CONTROL.
The rule does not impose any land use decisions or zoning laws on any local government. However a paragraph later says, but we will assist recipients to adjust their land use and zoning laws to meet their legal obligation to Affirmative Fair Housing.
You can’t afford to be in the dark – your town, your property value and your community could be in the hands of others – not you nor your town council!
American Legion Hall, 650 American Legion Drive, Teaneck, NJ
photo Rep. Garrett with Jon Stewart discussing the Zadroga Act
September 18,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, In response to misrepresentations of Congressman Garrett’s record, specifically on the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, Garrett for Congress released the following fact check to clarify these falsehoods. Congressman Garrett voted for the legislation that first established the program and was a cosponsor of its reauthorization. He clearly supports the program, and clearly opposes its politicization – like when the legislation has been attached to unrelated tax increases or bloated spending bills. Additionally, many leaders in the Fifth District community are standing strong with Congressman Garrett, as seen by their statements below.
Robert Knapp, former Oakland Volunteer Fire Department Chief: “The community of Oakland is only a short car ride from New York City, and our residents remember both the heroism and the losses of September 11, 2001. In the days following the 9/11 attacks, I went to Ground Zero to lend my support. I saw the devastation and destruction first hand. Our residents also remember the advocates for our community in the aftermath – one of whom is Congressman Scott Garrett. Scott has fought for our First Responders and he has opposed efforts to politicize their struggles. Just as they stand strong in the face of adversity, we know we can rely on Scott to stand strong for them in the face of political pressure.”
Assemblyman Parker Space, former Wantage Fire Department Chief: “Scott Garrett is a champion for the brave men and women in uniform that serve the Fifth District. Any suggestion otherwise is a shameful smear manufactured to score cheap political points. I’ve known Scott for years and have personally witnessed his public service and dedication to our community’s First Responders. As a third generation firefighter, I’m deeply offended by the lies cooked up by some Washington, DC political operatives in a ploy to obscure the truth here in New Jersey.”
Freeholder Carl Lazarro: “After the horrible attacks of 9/11, thousands of firefighters, police officers and others have been out of work because of the illnesses they suffer as a result of their heroic sacrifices. Congressman Scott Garrett has been a vocal supporter of the Victims Compensation Fund established by the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, and actively fought to have the program reauthorized. He has continually demonstrated his commitment to our First Responders and I am proud to stand beside him.”
Zadroga Fact Check
FACT: Rep. Carolyn Maloney introduced the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act bill in 2007 to provide compensation and treatment to workers who had been affected by the cleanup. This was a bipartisan piece of legislation, and solely addressed the needs of those affected by the 9/11 cleanup. Congressman Garrett was a cosponsor of this legislation.
FACT: Congressman Garrett again cosponsored the bill when it was reintroduced in 2009. Up through this, it was still a bipartisan effort and many were working together to find ways to pay for this program.
FACT: Democrats politicize the Zadroga Act by attaching it to a tax increase. Congressman Garrett voted against this legislation, outraged at this manipulation of the legislation.
FACT: Congressman Garrett voted for final passage of the Zadroga Act after the tax increases were removed by a Senate amendment. This legislation was then signed into law.
FACT: Reauthorization of the Zadroga Act was introduced in mid-April 2015. Congressman Garrett was again a cosponsor of this legislation.
FACT: Congressman Garrett wrote a letter to Congressional leadership asking for the Zadroga Act to be voted on by itself as stand-alone legislation, rather than being used as a political bargaining tool.
FACT: Congressional leadership attached the Zadroga Act to an unrelated year-end $1.1 trillion spending bill, using the legislation as an incentive to get votes for the passage of the underlying spending bill that was thousands of pages long and had a litany of other programs. Congressman Garrett could not support a $1.1 trillion government spending bill, despite strongly voicing his support for the permanent reauthorization of the Zadroga programs.
On this day in 1787, the United States Constitution was signed by 39 delegates in Philadelphia as it was sent on its way to the thirteen states for ratification. After rigorous debate in the states, this incredible document was ratified, officially creating a government that was based on the rule of law, not the rule of man. Today we celebrate this important moment in American history as a day when the revolutionary ideas of liberty and freedom, and a government by the people, overcame tyranny and oppression. Today we celebrate the Constitution.
Happy Constitution Day!
Rep. Scott Garrett
7 Things You May Not Know About the Constitutional Convention
SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 By Christopher Klein
For four months during the summer of 1787, the Constitutional Convention met “in order to form a more perfect union.” With the country’s legal framework finally drafted, the framers of the Constitution signed the document on September 17, 1787, before sending it to the states for ratification. Explore seven surprising facts about the delegates to the Constitutional Convention and their work in Philadelphia.
Paramus NJ, Tuesday September 20, 2016 7:00 PM Barnes and Noble will be welcoming bestselling author Ridgewood’s own Harlan Coben for a discussion and book signing. His newest thriller is entitled Home, book #11 in the ‘Myron Bolitar Series.’
With over 70 million books in print worldwide, Harlan Coben’s last nine consecutive novels, FOOL ME ONCE, THE STRANGER, MISSING YOU, SIX YEARS, STAY CLOSE, LIVE WIRE, CAUGHT, LONG LOST and HOLD TIGHT all debuted at #1 on the New York Timesbestseller list and lists around the world. His books are published in 43 languages around the globe and have been number one bestsellers in over a dozen countries.
Winner of the Edgar Award, Shamus Award and Anthony Award – the first author to win all three – international bestselling author Harlan Coben’s critically-acclaimed novels have been called “ingenious” (New York Times), “poignant and insightful” (Los Angeles Times), “consistently entertaining” (Houston Chronicle), “superb” (Chicago Tribune) and “must reading” (Philadelphia Inquirer).
Harlan’s novel TELL NO ONE was turned into the commercial and critical smash hit French film of the same name, starring Francois Cluzet and Kristin Scott Thomas. The movie was the top box office foreign-language film of the year in USA, won the Lumiere (French Golden Globe) for best picture and was nominated for nine Cesars (French Oscar) and won four, including best actor, best director and best music. The movie with subtitles is now available on Netflix, Amazon Prime and DVD/Blu-Ray.
Harlan is the creator and executive producer for both Harlan Coben’s THE FIVE, an original 10 episode, British crime drama, made for TV by Sky1, and NO SECOND CHANCE, based on his novel, a six-part French series, which scored the highest ratings for any French TV show in nearly a decade.
In his first books, Coben immersed himself in the exploits of sports agent Myron Bolitar. Critics loved the series, saying, “You race to turn pages…both suspenseful and often surprisingly funny” (People). After seven books Coben wanted to try something different. “I came up with a great idea that simply would not work for Myron,” says Coben. The result was the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller TELL NO ONE, which became the most decorated thriller of the year. Two books later, Bookspan, recognizing Coben’s broad international appeal, named NO SECOND CHANCE its first ever International Book of the Month in 2003 – the Main Selection in 15 different countries.
Harlan was the first writer in more than a decade to be invited to write fiction for the NEW YORK TIMES op-ed page. His Father’s Day short story, THE KEY TO MY FATHER, appeared June 15, 2003. His essays and columns have appeared in many top publications including the New York Times, Parade Magazine and Bloomberg Views.
Harlan has received an eclectic variety of honors from all over the world. In Paris, he was awarded the prestigious Vermeil Medal of Honor for contributions to culture and society by the Mayor of Paris. He was won the El Premio del Novela Negra RBA in Spain, the Grand Prix de Lectrices in France, and the CWA/ITV3 Bestseller Dagger for favorite crime novelist in England. On the other end of the spectrum, Little League Baseball inducted Harlan into their Hall of Excellence in 2013, and Harlan is also a member of the New England Basketball Hall of Fame from his playing days at Amherst College.
Harlan was born in Newark, New Jersey. He still lives in Ridgewood , New Jersey with his wife, Anne Armstrong-Coben MD, a pediatrician, and their four children.
