BY HERB JACKSON
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT |
THE RECORD
After a three-judge panel in a federal appeals court on Friday rejected his attempts to get the bulk of his 2015 corruption indictment thrown out, Sen. Bob Menendez is not giving up.
“Once all the facts are heard, the senator remains confident that he will be vindicated,” Menendez attorney Abbe Lowell said in a statement.
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
RIDGEWOOD – The Rotary Club of Ridgewood, Ho-Ho-Kus and Glen Rock recently announced that former president Jerry Kallman is returning to the top job for 2016-2017.
At his first meeting as president this time around, Kallman outlined his plans for his term, including living by the principal “service above self,” the Rotary’s motto.
July 27,2016
Ridgewood NJ, The Democratic National Convention has been the talk of the week and has dominated the news cycle. Top Democrats from around the nation have assembled to fall in line with their party and unite behind their nominee.
But where is Mr. Gottheimer?
For someone so active on social media, you would think that he would post something about the convention. Why is it such a mystery if he is there or not? He has never shied away from a good photo opportunity with Democrat officials. People deserve to know his reasoning for either being there or not.
The Convention has been the center of a great deal of controversy – from protests to the recent emails that show that the Democrat Party made sure that Hillary Clinton was chosen as their nominee. Perhaps Mr. Gottheimer does not want to be associated with that or maybe he does not want to speak out against his friend Hillary.
Trying to distance himself from his relations to the Clintons could be the driving force in this. Warren and Sussex Counties were the only places in the entire state that Hillary did not win in the New Jersey Primary. He could be using his relationship only when it benefits him, like at fundraisers, and avoid them when it hurts.
Mr. Gottheimer needs to address whether he is in Philadelphia or not. It is important for the people of the 5th District to know where he stands. Is he a part of a convention that has gravitated to the far left in adopting socialist policies, has failed to address the issue of Radical Islamic Terror, or has protested the very existence of Israel?
If Mr. Gottheimer is not currently in Philadelphia, or if he is not planning on attending at all, then he should clarify that point. Is it that he does not want to support his mentors Bill and Hillary? Are there parts of his own party that he is avoiding?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Congressmen Scott Garrett has faced a Democrat led faux protest regarding alleged comments he made a year ago about his refusal to pay dues supporting the House’s fundraising campaign because it supports gay candidates.
Faux protest photo ops have been launched usually led by NJ Assemblyman Tim Eustace who clearly has far to much time on his hands.All the while Garrett challenger carpetbagger Josh Gottheimer has been taking money for disgraced former congressmen Bob “the torch” Torricelli and Saudi Arabian wife beaters.
But now Gottheimer has his own “Gay dilemma” , it seems in an internal DNC memo published by WikiLeaks, one party staffer complained in bigoted derogatory stereotypical fashion to colleagues that one of the party’s gay donors was just too high maintenance for her to handle.
The leaked memo, which is titled “Close out memo” and dated April 22, 2016, was authored by DNC staffer Julia Lahl, who recaps much of the work done with the party’s LGBT Leadership Council. The memo contains information on dozens of donors , much of which is not positive.
Lahl goes on to complain that one donor, named as Darrin Glymph, is “extremely high maintenance.” Glymph was one of three hosts for a May 2015 fundraiser in Washington, D.C. that was “wildly successful” “in terms of identifying “black gay men” that are interested in getting involved. However the [three] hosts that filled the room incredibly for this event were extremely hard to wrangle for the actual gala,” Lahl wrote.
“Darrin would like to become more involved but he is hard to get in touch with and is extremely high maintenance,” Lahl went on to complain. “I found him to be too much work for what he is worth (maybe a 5k check).
“Xanadu ” where NJ tax payers already get a colonoscopy
But not in that order. E-commerce is driving out retailers, and boomers are aging—so here come the doctors.
The Runway at Playa Vista in Los Angeles recently added a Whole Foods, a movie theater, and upscale shops and restaurants—retail center staples intended to attract affluent shoppers, condo-buyers, and tech companies to the mixed-use development. The next big tenant slated to move in, however, is a little different: A 32,000-square-foot doctors’ office, where the Cedars-Sinai Health System plans to house outpatient services, including cardiology and orthopedics.
While urgent-care centers have been strip-mall staples for decades, the chance to catch dinner, a movie, and a surgical procedure under the same roof is new—and coming soon to a mall near you. The reason is commerce: Mall operators are looking for tenants that trade in entertainment and services to replace the brick-and-mortar retailers slowly being strangled by Amazon.com and its online competitors. Rents, particularly at older malls, are a bargain.
The health-care industry, meanwhile, is moving away from centralized campuses to bring services closer to patients at a time when two key demographics are entering prime years for consumption. Boomers are hitting an age when they can expect to use more health-care services; millennials are starting families and beginning to make doctors appointments for their kids.
Stay Safe During the Heat
The Red Cross recommends taking these steps to stay safe during the heat:
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service
Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles
Eat small meals and eat more often
Avoid extreme temperature changes
Limit intake of alcoholic beverages
Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid drinks with caffeine.
Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing
Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day
Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat
Take frequent breaks if working outdoors
Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat
Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat, and ensure they have water and a shady place to rest
July 25,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, at $147 million, the new Bergen County Justice Center is the most expensive capital project in Bergen County history , some would say the largest County boondoggle in history . Sure the idiotic unwanted meadowlands mall project ” Xanadu ” dwarfs it but even in Bergen County at $147 million we are talking real money . Surprise ,surprise the county now says it needs even more money, that is right county officials acknowledge, they could need $20 million more to get it all done.
Yes again that is right for a mere $147 million or should I say $167 million county residents get a new public works garage in Paramus and a new justice center in Hackensack.
While country officials ramble off a myriad of the usual excuses the fact is the DPW building in Paramus was originally planned to cost $16 million but the final price tag was $20.4 million about a 22% miss on the estimate.
No one denies the county court house is dilapidated and falling apart and yes County Officials openly acknowledge that to complete the project at least $20 million more will be needed.
But this brings us once again back to the same old issues and why New Jersey and particularly Bergen County has become the nations most fled jurisdiction.
Back in 2013 the Bergen County freeholders received a detailed briefing on the construction of the new Justice Center complex in Hackensack, County officials expected to break ground in August on the nearly $115 million project. Hummm $115 million ah $147 million oh no $167 million dollar project that nearing a 50% increase over the original estimate ?
Like many things in this state ,its time for a audit of all county ,state and local projects including the Transportation Slush Fund , we mean the Transportation Trust Fund . Some how I cant seem to believe a private developer would except a 50% cost overrun . Both County Republicans and Democrats point fingers at each other while the tax payer as usual gets stuck with the bill.
…VERY HOT AND HUMID MONDAY… …HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM EDT MONDAY… THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A HEAT ADVISORY…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM EDTMONDAY. THE EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.
* HEAT INDEX VALUES…UP TO 103 DUE TO TEMPERATURES AROUND 90… AND DEWPOINTS IN THE LOWER 70S.
* TIMING…HIGHEST HEAT INDICESMONDAY AFTERNOON.
* IMPACTS…THE COMBINATION OF THE HEAT AND HUMIDITY WILL INCREASE THE RISK FOR HEAT RELATED HEALTH ISSUES…ESPECIALLY FOR THE ELDERLY…THOSE WITH CHRONIC HEALTH PROBLEMS SUCH AS LUNG AND HEART DISEASE…THOSE WORKING OUTDOORS…AND OTHER HEAT SENSITIVE GROUPS OF PEOPLE.
* AFFECTED AREAS: EASTERN BERGEN … EASTERN ESSEX … EASTERN PASSAIC … EASTERN UNION … HUDSON … WESTERN BERGEN … WESTERN ESSEX … WESTERN UNION
Instructions:
A HEAT ADVISORY IS ISSUED WHEN THE COMBINATION OF HEAT AND HUMIDITY IS EXPECTED TO MAKE IT FEEL LIKE IT IS 100 TO 104 DEGREES FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE HOURS. TO REDUCE RISK DURING OUTDOOR WORK THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT REST BREAKS IN SHADED OR AIR CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS. ANYONE OVERCOME BY HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION. HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY…CALL 9 1 1.
Elizabeth NJ, As a handful of craigslist hired or craigslist inspired people stood outside a PSE&G office Thursday, holding signs saying “Don’t donate to hate” and “Stop funding bigots,” company representatives watched from only a few feet away.
The faux protest of under 10 people of coarse grabbed the attention of New Jersey Media who answered the call for the photo op in what has become a well coordinated attack on Congressmen Scott Garrett .
The faux protest outside the PSE&G’s Elizabeth office was over PSE&G’s financial support of U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ 5th District), who last year allegedly said he had refused to pay dues to the House Republicans’ fundraising arm because it had supported gay candidates for office. While no video or sound recordings or even a transcript have been produced as they say never let the facts get in the way of a good story.
Assemblyman Tim Eustace (D-Bergen, Passaic), has been on the band wagon since the beginning while Garrett’s alleged comments seem to bother Eustace far more the Democrat candidate Josh Gottheimer excepting money from disgraced former congressmen Bob Torcelli or Saudi Businessman known for beating his wives. After all un like New Jersey women are property in Saudi Arabia so it cant really be a big deal.
Eustace and a about a dozen other people have made it their mission to visit every New Jersey company that financially supports Garrett and convince them to withdraw their funding. And of coarse they ccan always count on their friends in the New Jersey media to cover their one sided ambitions.
While they have had some success ,some businesses, including First Energy, which owns Jersey Central Power and Light, have pledged to halt their donations.
Eustace was joined by Rahway city councilman Bob Bresenhan, Jr., one of the photo ops organizers, acknowledged that PSE&G advocates for its LGBT employees, but said it undercuts those efforts by supporting Garrett.
A spokesman for PSE&G said the company’s federal political action committee (PAC) donates to candidates both Democrats and Republicans — who support PSE&G’s business interests.
In March, Garrett told The Record political opponents had distorted his stance on gay congressional candidates. He said it is “everyone’s right” to run for office, but he would only back people who oppose same-sex marriage.
His reelection campaign manager, Sarah Neibart, on Thursday said the protesters were “political opportunists” seeking only to raise their own profiles.
“As Congressman Scott Garrett has stated many times, he believes in the right of all Americans to run for public office,” Neibart said. “This has been published on the record repeatedly, and yet apparently, that’s not good enough.”
More taxes in NJ to fund more corruption. What a deal! Why doesn’t anyone come up with a plan to cut waste and expenses………..
Sweeney & Prieto Announce Agreement on a gas tax increase 23 cents a gallon for Renewed Transportation Trust Fund
July 22,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
TRENTON NJ, Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto today announced that they have reached agreement on a new plan to fund the Transportation Trust Fund and enact a series of tax cuts designed to make New Jersey more competitive.
“We have an agreement on a plan that is needed to address the state’s critical transportation needs at the same time it provides targeted tax savings for retirees, the working poor and middle class families,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester). “This is a bipartisan plan that supports a $2 billion a year Transportation Trust Fund and provides affordable tax cuts that will allow us to meet the state’s pension obligations without creating a fiscal crisis. This is an investment plan that will create jobs and support immediate and long-term economic growth.”
“The Assembly acted to fund transportation, but this stalemate cannot continue,” said Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen). “As I’ve been saying for more than two years, New Jersey needs a viable Transportation Trust Fund or we risk economic disaster. With efforts to negotiate a compromise with the governor stalled, I’m pleased to reach this new compromise that will provide much-needed investment in our state’s infrastructure and tax relief. I will now look for a firm commitment of strong support from Assembly Republicans to keep our roads and bridges safe and workers on the job. This is too important for our economy. We must get this done for the benefit of our state’s future.”
Senator Sweeney said that he is calling in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee to convene next week to amend the bill passed by the Assembly at the end of June to reflect the new plan.
The agreement includes a 12.5 percent increase in the Petroleum Products Gross Receipts Tax, a four-cent diesel surcharge and a seven percent tax on non-motor-fuel petroleum products to fund the TTF, which has essentially run out of money for new transportation projects after years of over borrowing. The new gas tax revenue would cover old debt payments, freeing up $347 million from the general fund for other needs.
If passed along to motorists, the gas tax would increase by 23 cents a gallon. An estimated 35 percent would be paid by out-of-state motorists. The dedicated revenue would generate $1.2 billion annually, which would support $2 billion in infrastructure investments each year.
A sustained investment of $2 billion annually would produce an estimated $4.7 billion a year in economic activity and create more than 34,000 jobs directly and indirectly, with annual payrolls of $1.4 billion. Each dollar spent from the TTF generates $2.35 in economic activity.
The plan also includes five tax cuts worked out over the past several months during ongoing negotiations involving Democratic and Republican lawmakers from both the Senate and the Assembly. The plan does not include any changes in jet fuel taxation.
The tax cuts would provide:
Tax Savings for the Working Poor: Increase the Earned Income Tax Credit for the working poor to 40 percent of the federal benefit amount beginning in Tax Year 2016. Total tax savings of $137 million annually.
Tax Savings for Retirees: Increase the New Jersey gross income tax exclusion on pension and retirement income over four years to $100,000 for joint filers, $75,000 for individuals and $50,000 for married/filing separately. In the fifth year, seniors earning up to $125,000 can take a 50 percent credit on up to $100,000 in retirement income and those making up to $150,000 can take a 25 percent credit. Total tax savings of $75 million the first year and $164 million annually when fully phased in.
Eliminate the Estate Tax To Make NJ More Competitive: Phase out the estate tax over 3 1/2 years, replacing the current $675,000 threshold with a $2 million exclusion after January 1, 2017, going to the federal $5.4 million level from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019, and eliminating the estate tax altogether as of January 1, 2020. Total tax savings of $109 million the first year and $552 million annually when fully phased in.
Tax Deductions for NJ Motorists: Provide an annual income tax deduction on up to $500 in state gas taxes paid for all New Jersey motorists with incomes up to $100,000. Total tax savings of $20 million annually.
Tax Savings for Veterans: Provide a $3,000 personal exemption on state income taxes for all New Jersey veterans honorably discharged from active service in the military or the National Guard. Total tax savings of $23 million annually.
by Linda Doering
I have been filled with too much pain and emotion to share my concerns and outrage in any coherent manner over the past few weeks. But here it goes.
Where was MoveOn.org, NAACP, and Black Lives Matter when Alton Sterling, the criminal shot while fighting against arrest in Baton Rouge, joined the Crips? Why didn’t they help this callous and dead-beat dad with the irresponsible $25,000 he owed in back child-support for his 5 children? Why did these “leaders” refuse to mentor this soulless predator who had robbed and assaulted black folks in his community non-stop for the past 20 years?
Here is the answer: They were too busy blaming the Police who are the Front-Line Defenders of freedom, liberty and justice in the very communities who have now risen up against them. One thing these riot-promoters have gotten right is their request for civilians’ cooperation, to be compliant, when stopped by Law Enforcement. Even Dallas Chief, David
Brown, recently told the media that the problem is not racism, but rather people who are refusing to be compliant when stopped by Law Enforcement. After looking at many reports here in Bergen & Passaic County, I found that to be true here as well.
Chief Brown further expounded that fact: “To protesters in the streets, he suggested channeling frustration into public service: ‘We’re hiring. Get off that protest line and put an application in. And we’ll put you in your neighborhood, and we will help you resolve some of the problems you’re protesting about.’” (NYT 07/12/2016)
When we look at the paid rioters (yes that is what they are), can you find one among them who is a part of the solution? The NAACP came out today saying the US government must defund police departments accused of racism. Really? One Chicago activist publically demanded the expulsion of ALL police from the city of Chicago. Really? Now, that would be
The Leftist agitators are not interested in facts. They are stuck in their mindset of resentment and maintaining power. They offer no real solutions, only baseless blame and criminal retribution. Cops, just like our teachers, spend countless hours participating in Cultural
Diversity, Active Diffusion Strategies, and countless other courses to become more sensitive and “culturally competent”. We are hog-tying and strangling them with all these rules and polices when the answer lies within each of us to control our behavior, words and attitudes-Not
I ask everyone to PLEASE show your support to our Law Enforcement today and every day. Thank them, wear a blue ribbon, write an article, or help people understand the proper protocol when approached by police like my Daddy did when I was only 8 years old. Please do NOT allow our Cops to leave their families each day thinking, as Baton Rouge Officer Montrell
Jackson wrote days before he was gunned down by a coward: “I swear to God I love this city but I wonder if this city loves me.”
Air Quality Alert until 11:00PM Friday
…AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 11 PM EDT FRIDAY… THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION HAS ISSUED AN AIR QUALITY ACTION DAY FOR THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES… BERGEN…ESSEX…PASSAIC…UNION…HUDSON. IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 11 PM EDT FRIDAY.
AN AIR QUALITY ACTION DAY MEANS THAT OZONE IS FORECAST TO REACH THE UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS CATEGORY ACROSS NEW JERSEY DUE TO SOUTHWEST WINDS, MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES, AND HOT TEMPERATURES. SENSITIVE INDIVIDUALS INCLUDING THE VERY YOUNG, THE ELDERLY, AND PERSONS WITH RESPIRATORY DISEASES SUCH AS ASTHMA, SHOULD AVOID STRENUOUS OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES DURING THE AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING HOURS. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION…PLEASE VISIT THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WEB SITE AT… HTTP://WWW.NJAQINOW.NET
* AFFECTED AREAS: EASTERN BERGEN … EASTERN ESSEX … EASTERN PASSAIC … EASTERN UNION … HUDSON … WESTERN BERGEN … WESTERN ESSEX … WESTERN UNION
file photo by Boyd Loving
Now nearly three full weeks old, the political impasse in Trenton over transportation funding is no closer to being resolved, and there are some signs key leaders may actually be moving further apart John Reitmeyer, NJSpotlight Read more
July 20,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Teaneck NJ, Was TWA Flight 800’s fiery crash part of a massive cover-up?, on the 20th anniversary of the crash . According to Arthur Jack Cashill ( TWA 800: The Crash, The Cover Up, The Conspiracy) the answer is a definitive yes .
TWA Flight 800 crashed into the Atlantic shortly after takeoff from JFK airport on July 17, 1996, killing all 230 passengers on board. Although initial reports suggested a terrorist attack, FBI and NTSB investigators blamed a fuel tank explosion. But skeptics have long questioned the official story, and new evidence has surfaced that suggests a widespread conspiracy.
In TWA 800, historian Jack Cashill introduces new documents and testimonies that reveal the shocking true chain of events: from the disastrous crash to the high-level decision to create a cover story and the attempts to silence anyone who dared speak the truth.
Cashill maintains that the plane was brought down by external forces and that the government has engaged in a decades-long cover-up.
According to Michele Talamo who hosted a book signing for Jack Cashill at the Teaneck American Legion for the NJ Tea Party Coalition, “Jack Cashill is by all accounts a JERSEY guy. Jack was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, graduated from Regis High School in New York City and Siena College in Loudonville, New York. He received his Ph.D. in American Studies from Purdue University.
Jack has written for Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Weekly Standard, AmericanThinker.com, and regularly for WorldNetDaily. He is Executive Editor for Ingram’s Magazine.
Jack has written eleven books of non-fiction — First Strike, Ron Brown’s Body, Hoodwinked, Sucker Punch, What’s the Matter with California, and Deconstructing Obama. His books have cracked Amazon’s top ten list. Jack has produced a score of documentaries for regional PBS and national cable channels, including the Emmy Award-winning, The Royal Years.
Jack has taught media and literature at Purdue and at Kansas City area universities, and served as a Fulbright professor in France.
One could say Jack is a detective by the way with hard work and true perseverance he gathers the facts and details them for us, “We the People”, and for this we are fortunate.
Jack’s most recent book is TWA 800: The Crash, The Cover Up, The Conspiracy”
https://www.amazon.com/TWA-800-Crash-Cover-Up-Conspiracy/dp/1621574717
