Category: Bergen County

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Garrett Demands that EPA Re-Evaluate Cleanup of Ringwood Superfund Site

House Budget Panel Holds Hearing to Receive Views on Fiscal 2012

Apr 25, 2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) today called upon U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy and EPA Region 2 Administrator Judith Enck to re-evaluate their decision to place a barrier over the 166,000 tons of contaminated materials at the Ringwood Superfund Site instead of pursuing complete removal of the toxic substances.

Recent discoveries of significant levels of 1,4-dioxane, a probable human carcinogen that may result in liver, kidney, and upper respiratory damage, at levels close to 100 times the state maximum standard, raises new concerns about the EPA’s decision to cap the site. Congressman Garrett demands that the EPA identify all potential toxic substances that may be present at the Ringwood Superfund Site and ensure that a new cleanup plan rectifies the presence of all hazardous substances once and for all.

“As you know, the Ringwood Superfund Site is a decades old and continued concern for New Jersey residents,” said Garrett in his request to the EPA. “The discovery of an additional toxic substance has increased public concern about the EPA’s decision to approve the plan to cap the site.  New Jersey residents deserve to know that a plan to mitigate hazardous substances in their communities will be successful and will permanently remove the public health threat posed to them.”

The Congressman is also demanding answers from a February 2016 letter where he requested information about groundwater tests when it came to light that they had knowledge of the presence of 1,4-dioxane. To date, the EPA has not responded to these requests.

Congressman Garrett’s Specific Requests from the EPA:

1. Is the EPA reevaluating the decision to cap the site instead of a full cleanup due to the discovery of a new toxic substance and the possibility that other toxic substances may be present?

2. What were the reasons behind approving the plan to cap the site despite the EPA initially supporting a full cleanup?

3. What are the criteria for pursuing the plan to cap the site and does the presence of a new toxic substance affect these criteria?

To read the entire letter, click here.

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Bergen County Prosecutor Molinelli left with $14,000 payout

bergen-county-prosecutor-john-l-molinellijpg-6994b5ed55b809b7

But did he get paid in quarters ?

Bergen County gave former Prosecutor John Molinelli a day’s pay for every full year he served in the job and he continued on the payroll for two weeks after a new prosecutor came onboard — collecting more than $14,000 as his tenure drew to a close, documents show. Jean Rimbach, The Record Read more

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Prescription Savings as High as the Pollen Count

prescription-drugs
Don’t let your prescription costs get you down this allergy season. Save up to 75% on your prescription medications with New Jersey Drug Card.

April 24,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, As a resident of New Jersey, you and your family have access to a statewide Prescription Assistance Program (PAP). Create and print your FREE discount prescription drug card coupon on www.newjerseydrugcard.com. This pharmacy coupon card will provide you with Rx medication savings of up to 75% at more than 68,000 pharmacies across the country including A&P, Pathmark, SuperFresh, Drug Basics, Kmart, Sav-on, Walgreens, CVS/pharmacy, Genuardis, Stop and Shop, Target, ShopRite, Walmart, Wegmans, Weis, and many more. You can create as many coupons as you need. We encourage you to create and send to friends and family members via one of the many available options. This Coupon/Card is pre-activated and can be used immediately!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Announcing the Inaugural Season of the New Jersey State Children’s Chorus (NJSCC)

music_notes-theridgewoodblog
April 24,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Auditions to take place in May-June for Bergen County’s only community youth chorus
open to boys and girls in grades K-5

Ars Musica Chorale announces the formation of the New Jersey State Children’s Chorus for children in grades Kindergarten through five. Auditions for the NJSCC’s inaugural season will take place in the after school and evening hours on Tuesday, May 17th, Thursday, May 19th, Tuesday, May 24th, Thursday, May 26th, Monday, June 6th and Wednesday, June 8th at First Presbyterian Church, 722 East Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood, NJ. Requests for auditions can be submitted via the chorus website at www.njstatechildrenschorus.org. Weekly rehearsals will begin in September.

The only community youth chorus in Bergen County, NJSCC will consist of two ensembles. The Apprentice Choir is open to boys and girls in grades Kindergarten through two, and the Intermediate Choir is open to boys and girls in grades three through five. Both ensembles will feature approximately 40 singers. A third ensemble designed for middle school students is planned for the future.

The chorus will be led by Artistic Director Dusty Francis, accomplished choral singer, conductor, teacher, and current Music Director of Ars Musica Chorale. “Singing in a children’s chorus is a transformational experience, and it’s an opportunity Ars Musica believes every child should have,” said Francis. “Bergen County is fortunate to have many wonderful activities for children, but there is no community children’s chorus in the area. We saw the need and felt we were able to fill it with the formation of the New Jersey State Children’s Chorus.”

While auditions for the chorus are required, any child with an interest in choral singing is welcome to participate in the audition process. “I truly believe every child can sing, so our auditions are primarily designed to give children an opportunity to let their personalities and unique musical gifts shine through,” Francis explained. “We’re looking for children with an interest in music and the maturity necessary to participate fully in a weekly choral rehearsal.”

Rehearsals for both the Apprentice and Intermediate choirs will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 722 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ on Tuesday afternoons from September through June. The Apprentice Choir rehearses from 4:00–5:00pm. The Intermediate Choir rehearses from 5:30–6:45pm. Two performances are planned for the inaugural season.

Francis appreciates the value that school and religious choirs bring to the community and hopes NJSCC members would continue their involvement in these programs. “There are some truly wonderful existing music programs in Bergen County, and we’re working very hard to position ourselves not as a competing choir but a complementary choir,” said Francis. “Singers in NJSCC will learn valuable skills that can be transferred to their church and school music programs and to the rest of their lives.”

According to Francis, parent organization Ars Musica lends to NJSCC a depth of expertise, experience, and leadership with fifty years of successful artistic and financial operations. “We’re very fortunate to have Ars Musica as a resource as we launch our inaugural season,” he said.

Tuition for the full season (September through June) is $650 for the Apprentice Choir and $750 for the Intermediate Choir. Tuition includes all vocal instruction, rehearsals, music, staff, and applicable facility rental fees. A $50 non-refundable registration fee is due once a spot in the chorus is offered and accepted. Payment plans and financial assistance are available for those who qualify.

About the New Jersey State Children’s Chorus
The New Jersey State Children’s Chorus, an initiative of Ars Musica and based in Ridgewood, New Jersey, is Bergen County’s only community children’s chorus, fostering camaraderie and leadership through choral singing. Its mission is to achieve choral excellence through musicianship training, community building, and performance, empowering young people from every cultural and economic background to become leaders in their classrooms and their communities. The NJSCC consists of two ensembles. The Apprentice Choir is open to boys and girls in grades Kindergarten through two, and the Intermediate Choir is open to boys and girls in grades three through five. The inaugural 10-month season of the NJSCC will kick off in September, 2016 and auditions are scheduled for May and June. Weekly rehearsals for both the Apprentice and Intermediate Choirs will be held in Ridgewood, NJ on Tuesday afternoons/evenings under the leadership of Artistic Director Dusty Francis.

For more information about the New Jersey State Children’s Chorus, including rehearsal and performance schedules, audition details and/or to request an audition, visitwww.njstatechildrenschorus.org.

Posted on by — 1 Comment

How Women Can Recover After Hitting Rock Bottom

How Women Can Recover After Hitting Rock Bottom Movies from the 1980s profiled the prototypical “It Girl” – pretty, blond, wealthy, who drove luxury sports cars to high school, was liked by other girls and chased by all the boys

April 22,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Movies from the 1980s profiled the prototypical “It Girl” – pretty, blond, wealthy, who drove luxury sports cars to high school, was liked by other girls and chased by all the boys.

Jane Zarse was that girl, and the persona continued into the ’90s, when she eventually graduated Boston University on the dean’s list and began acting in New York City and in Hollywood films.

That’s what nearly every young woman wants, right? Unfortunately for Zarse, it was a parallel image of her true self, she says. All the while, she’d been devolving into alcoholism and other self-abuses.

“My folks did very well and thought they were doing all the right things for their kids, but we never – never – spoke about our problems,” says Zarse, author of “Love and Compassion Is My Religion,” (https://tinyurl.com/z5u236t).

“It was more important to keep up appearances, especially how we appeared to ourselves. After punishing myself with substance abuse, doomed relationships and more, I’d finally hit rock bottom.”

It’s the life story for countless Americans. For Zarse, a non-romantic relationship opened her eyes, aiding her to a robust recovery and a new way of experiencing spirituality. She offers insights for those who need help recovering after hitting rock bottom.

• You can’t change or improve what you don’t acknowledge.Spirituality includes more than mental abstractions; it’s about applyingtranscendent insights into everyday life. Admitting problems, for instance, means transcending the powerful forces of pride, habit, complacency, etc. Hitting rock bottom forces you to see what you’ve been hiding for so long – that ugly, desperately addicted side of your self.
• Don’t fall for a false sense of control. When alcohol, serial dating and unsuccessful job prospects gave Zarse the sense that her life was spinning out of control, she developed an eating disorder. It gave her a false sense of security via an unhealthy expression of discipline. While recovering from rock bottom, such temptations may occur. If so, be honest that you may be grasping, once again, at something unsustainable.
• Successful relationships require kindness and respect. As the “It Girl,” Zarse received plenty of attention from men. If she wanted a relationship, she was able to find herself in one quickly. But an entitled mentality, coupled with substance abuse, fostered toxicity in her first marriage. You get back what you put into relationships.

“I remember thinking: What’s the point of quitting drinking? – I’ll still be thinking about it constantly,” Zarse says. “If you find yourself with similar thoughts, it may be time seek help. Remember, that help may come in unexpected people.”

About Jane Zarse

Jane Zarse grew up in the private school world of privilege and excess as she spiraled into alcoholism before joining Alcoholics Anonymous and finding her way back. In “Love and Compassion Is My Religion,” (https://tinyurl.com/z5u236t) she writes about learning to love herself again and how finding spirituality helped her do so.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Garret Responds to Clinton Protege Josh Gottheimer Claims He is Weak on Terror

Scott Garrett

Garrett on the campaign trail 

April 24,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood Nj, On Wednesday, Democrat Josh Gottheimer, challenger in the race for New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District questioned incumbent Republican Scott Garrett’s stance on terror at a campaign event in Bergenfield, New Jersey.

Challenger Gottheimer appeared with United Airline pilots and members of the Air Line Pilots Association who said that Garrett opposes a proposed safety measure for “secondary cockpit barriers” that would prevent terrorists from entering the cockpit.

While Gottheimer’s charges elicited a giggle , especially coming from a protege of Hillary Clinton who has come under heavy scrutiny for her tenure as Secretary of State and a Democratic administration that will not even use the words ,”Islamic Terrorism” who also criticized former president Bush claiming the “war of terror” was nothing more than a made up .

The Garrett campaign responded to Gottheimer’s clueless remarks and characterization that the Congressman is weak on terror.with a litany on anti terror legislation the Congressmen Garrett has worked on .

“Congressman Garrett’s record on the fight against terrorism and protecting the American people is strong and the repeated false attacks from his opponent are nothing but a sloppy attempt to tell a story that simply isn’t true,” said Sarah Neibart, Campaign Manager for Scott Garrett.

In fact, Congressman Garrett was a leading voice against the nuclear deal with Iran–one of the most devious state sponsors of terrorism on the planet–despite support from Gottheimer’s friends in the Democrat establishment like Hillary Clinton and her cronies,” Neibart added.

Garrett , “Iran Nuke deal” saying “As I’ve said since the beginning of these negotiations, any agreement that allows Iran to acquire, build, or proliferate nuclear weapons—now or in the future—is a threat to the United States and its allies. The Iranian regime has done nothing to prove that it has earned the trust or respect of the international community, and therefore should not be rewarded with good faith gestures or sanctions relief.

“With this deal, a timetable is set where Iran can organize, increase military capabilities, raise funds, and prepare for deadlines where they will be able to acquire ballistic weapons and continue their nuclear proliferation. This could create a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and further destabilize an increasingly volatile region. Congress must ensure the terrorist state of Iran never has a chance to threaten the world with nuclear weapons.”

“Additionally, please see the attached list of bills that Congressman Garrett has supported in the 114th Congress that have passed the House. They are related to the issues you wrote about in the published article.”

H.R. 4408 — National Strategy to Combat Terrorist Travel Act of 2016, as amended (Rep. Katko, R-NY) This legislation requires the creation of an implementation plan from the President in order to ensure that our defenses against terrorist travel are streamlined and that existing security gaps are closed.

H.R. 720 – Gerardo Hernandez Airport Security Act of 2015, Rep. John Katko (R-NY) This legislation makes important advancements in enhancing our ability to prepare and mitigate threats in our nation’s airports. It addresses gaps in security at domestic airports by requiring enhanced security and communication at airports nationwide. Specifically, it requires TSA to verify that all airports and high-risk surface transportation hubs have an appropriate security response plan in place to effectively train for and respond to security incidents when they occur. Further, it will ensure that emergency communications equipment is regularly tested and that emergency first-responders are able to communicate with each other and the public during a major security incident.

H.R. 2770 – Keeping our Travelers Safe and Secure Act, Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY) This legislation eliminates the risks and threats posed to our aviation sector by ensuring airport screening equipment is properly maintained and kept fully operational. It requires the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop and implement a comprehensive preventive maintenance process for airport screening equipment. The process must include specific maintenance schedules, guidance for TSA personnel and contractors on how to conduct and document maintenance actions, mechanisms to insure compliance, and penalties for noncompliance.

H.R. 3144 – Partners for Aviation Security Act, Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ) This legislation would ensure robust and continual collaboration between the TSA and aviation stakeholders to identify and understand security concerns. In addition to requiring TSA consultation with key stakeholders, this legislation requires a TSA report on the Transportation Security Oversight Board and makes a technical correction to existing law to ensure that there are no lapses in activity for the Aviation Security Advisory Committee.

H.R. 3586 – Border and Maritime Coordination Improvement Act, Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI) This legislation addresses the deficiencies that plague our border security efforts, which drive up costs and limit effectiveness according to DHS officials. To address these deficiencies, this legislation requires increased collaboration and communication between DHS’ diverse operational components and gives them the flexibility to utilize public-private partnerships to better secure our borders.

H.R. 4509 — State and High-Risk Urban Area Working Group Act (Rep. Payne, D-NJ) This legislation fixes the lack of coordination between all those involved in community response to a terror attack. This legislation would address this issue by ensuring that decision-makers, including school officials and public health officials, work together to gain a complete understanding of a community’s vulnerabilities so that investments can be prioritized appropriately.

H.R. 4403 — Enhancing Overseas Traveler Vetting Act (Rep. Hurd, R-TX) This legislation helps prevent terrorists from traveling undetected to and from western countries. Specifically, this legislation rapidly increases the United States’ ability to share proven technologies with our allies. It authorizes the United States to develop and share open-source software that will help our European allies vet travelers and identify known or suspected jihadists.

H.R. 2750—Improved Security Vetting for Aviation Workers Act, as amended (Rep. Katko, R-NY) This legislation strengthens the vetting of employees who have sensitive access within our nation’s airports. The Department of Homeland Security Inspector General issued a report in June which found that a stunning 73 aviation workers have ties to terrorism. This legislation would ensure that airport employees are properly vetted to keep travelers safe and secure.

H.R. 1300—First Responder Anthrax Preparedness Act, (Rep. King, R-NY) This legislation would enhance the nation’s capability to fight a wide-area anthrax attack by providing pre-vaccinated responders with the ability to immediately and confidently deploy countermeasures with the protections needed for such activities.

H.R. 1634— Border Security Technology Accountability Act of 2015, as amended (Rep. McSally, R-AZ) This legislation addresses the numerous reports to Congress that DHS acquisition programs are a “high risk” for waste, fraud, and abuse. This legislation requires cost control mechanisms for new border technology projects, safeguarding taxpayer dollars and improving the oversight of major DHS acquisition programs.

H.R. 3102—Airport Access Control Security Improvement Act of 2015, (Rep. Katko, R-NY) This legislation is in response to several recent incidents in which airport and airline employees used their security credentials to bypass security screening and transport prohibited items, including illegal drugs and guns, into secure areas of airports and onto commercial flights. The legislation will streamline and strengthen the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) screening procedures for airport and airline employees by requiring the TSA Administrator to establish a risk-based, intelligence-driven screening model that subjects employees to more frequent, more randomized security screenings and minimizes the number of employee entry and exit points.

H.R. 3510—Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Strategy Act of 2015, 2015 (Rep. Richmond, D-LA) This legislation directs the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to develop a departmental strategy to carry out cybersecurity responsibilities as set forth in law. Improving our nation’s cybersecurity is paramount, and this legislation ensures that DHS is able to defend our nation and its people from cyber-attacks.

H.R. 4314 — Counterterrorism Screening and Assistance Act of 2016 (Rep. Zeldin, R-NY) This legislation establishes international border security standards to close security gaps that currently exist that allow terrorists and foreign fighters to travel internationally. The plan would establish international border security standards that would be developed in coordination with all relevant U.S. Government departments and agencies in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, Director of National Intelligence, and Director of the FBI.

H.R. 4401 — Amplifying Local Efforts to Root out Terror Act of 2016, (Rep. Loudermilk, R-GA) This legislation authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to train State and major urban area fusion centers (local and state law enforcement personnel) in the most effective tactics and methods used to counter terrorism. It also provides increased community awareness of ongoing terrorist threats, and directs DHS to notify Congress on the number of security clearances they issue to state and local law enforcement communities.

H.R. 3584 — Transportation Security Administration Reform and Improvement Act of 2015 (Rep. Katko, R-NY) This legislation ensures several Congressional oversight priorities for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are addressed, including the authorization of the PreCheck program, the advancement of risk-based security initiatives, the enhancement of aviation worker vetting, and the improvement of airport screening technologies.

H.R. 4402 — Foreign Fighter Review Act of 2016, as amended (Rep. Hurd, R-TX) This legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security to do an end to end review of all known foreign fighter travel to identify the specific challenges that law enforcement faces in its attempts to stop individuals from joining terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria. DHS will then submit their findings to Congress so that appropriate action can be taken to improve the security of our nation

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Tuesday Brush Fires Shutdown NJT Commuter trains into New York Penn Station

Ridgewood_Train_station_train-_is_coming_theridgewoodblog
April 20,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, If was a very difficult commute for Ridgewood Passengers on Wednesday .Strong winds fed brush fires in the Meadowlands shuting down  NJ Transit and Amtrak service between Newark and New York Penn Station. The Shutdown resulted in massive delays .

Bergen Line trains to Ridgewood were also briefly suspended then operated on a delayed schedule in both directions, while MidTown Direct rail service will be diverted to Hoboken.

The PATH service cross honored tickets and passes at Newark Penn, Hoboken and 33rd Street in NY. stations.

Rail service between Newark Penn Station and New York was resumed following earlier brush fires. NJT told customers to expect delays of up to 60 minutes.

NOAA cites “CONDITIONS REMAIN FAVORABLE FOR RAPID BRUSH FIRE SPREAD
DURING THIS AFTERNOON INTO EARLY EVENING” in the area .

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Christie marks Narcan law anniversary, saying antidote has saved several thousand lives

sanitation truck ridgewood

file photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page :Glen Rock Police Department uniformed patrol officer administered Narcan to the adult male driver of a Toyota Corolla

Governor Christie on Monday marked the second anniversary of a law that put a heroin overdose antidote in the hands of first-responders, observing that while no program is perfect, this one has saved several thousand lives. John C. Ensslin, The Record Read more

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Paramus Police Department : A crew of pickpockets that target women’s handbags

Paramus Pick Pockets

April 19,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ,  The Paramus Police Department is looking to identify a crew of pickpockets that target women’s handbags while the victim is shopping. A majority of these thefts have taken place in supermarkets . We would like to remind people of some simple tips to avoid being a victim of these crimes:

Don’t leave your purse in your grocery cart as you shop. The first photo shows the actors hand in the victims purse

Don’t hang your purse on the back of your chair at restaurants. Keep it between your feet.

Use handbags that have a zipper or a flap that latches. Carry it with the flap side towards you.

Carry your purse in front of you.

Don’t hang your purse on the hook on the bathroom stall door and don’t sit it on the floor within arm’s reach. Set your purse at your feet or on a shelf that is midway up the stall wall.

Anyone with information on these crimes may call the Paramus Police Dept. at 201-262-3400 or use our confidential TIPS App located on our FB Page and/or website www.paramuspolice.org

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Rep. Scott Garrett : Our tax system needs comprehensive reform

Taxes-1

April, 17, 2016
By Rep. Scott Garrett (New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District)

Ridgewood NJ, For too long, tax and spend politicians have used the tax code to confiscate more money from working families in New Jersey because they believe the government can spend the funds better than those that earned it. And each tax season, New Jerseyans are painfully reminded of their high tax burden.

At over 70,000 pages containing 4 million words, chances are you didn’t read the entire U.S. tax code before filing your taxes this year. In fact, the tax code is so long and complicated that you probably ended up having to pay a person or a service for their expertise — all the while hoping that they read and understood all 70,000 pages.

This is a tax code in desperate need for reform. Reform that keeps more money in New Jersey, ends the special interest loopholes, and lowers the overall tax margins for everyone.

Keep the money at home

Some politicians view tax reform and the ever-growing government as yet another opportunity to empower themselves at the expense of hardworking New Jersey taxpayers. By advocating for more programs and more benefits, big government spenders are really placing their faith in bureaucrats. So rather than send taxpayer dollars to Washington and hope bureaucrats send it back, I am fighting to keep more of your money in your own pocket.

Our overly complex tax code is the lifeblood of the biggest scam perpetuated by Washington politicians. They take your hard-earned money through a broken tax system that no one understands, and then cut backroom deals to give this money to their favored programs. And if some tiny amount actually comes home, the taxpayers are supposed to thank Washington for giving some of it back.

Think of it this way. If someone stole a $50 bill out of your pocket, would you thank that person after they brought you a happy meal from a fast food restaurant? f course not! It’s your money and you know better how it should be spent.

Even the playing field

Next, we must end the tax benefit system bestowed to Washington’s favored industries. The current tax code is a grab bag of loopholes, deductions, and escape routes for those fortunate enough to be able to hire an army of tax attorneys and lobbyists.

Every year, pinstriped lobbyists descend upon Washington to receive their tax carve outs — known as tax credits — for their industry. Not only does this arrangement let the federal government pick winners and losers, it misallocates the capital investment that so many struggling industries need. And the individual taxpayer, who has no lobbyist in Washington, is left picking up the tab.

This is not the type of economic liberty and freedom of opportunity the Founders envisioned.

New Jerseyans should no longer be expected to pay for government favors enjoyed by mega-corporations and Washington’s preferred industries. Every industry should play on the same, even playing field, not the rigged system of carve outs we have now. Additionally, the number of deductions — which allow businesses to lower their tax burden –should be significantly reduced.

If it’s broke, fix it

And on the individual level, we need a simpler, fairer, and flatter tax code free of loopholes. The average American spent 13 hours preparing their taxes last year — totaling more than 6 billion hours for all Americans. Navigating the tax code has become too complicated and time consuming. Instead, the tax code needs to be simplified so that high-powered corporate executives, who can hire expensive tax attorneys to lower their rates and find loopholes, don’t end up paying a lower percentage than a single mom working two jobs.

Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.”

New Jerseyans have been frustrated by bureaucrats in Washington who continuously waste tax dollars. Comprehensive tax reform will force the government to be more efficient, effective, and accountable to the people. Americans deserve a tax system that provides equal opportunity and economic freedom for everyone, not just those who have power and influence in Washington

Posted on by — 5 Comments

Cory Booker lacks executive ability

cory_booker_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

From the Publisher – Spring 2016

Cory Booker is one of the most enigmatic people I have ever known. Rarely do you encounter someone with such overwhelming strengths combined with such unfortunate weaknesses. Cory was a breath of fresh air for Newark. He brought new respect to the city. He ended the succession of mayors who took office only to eventually find themselves behind bars. He elevated the urban issues of Newark and all cities like it across the country to a new level in the national consciousness. He is a truly inspiring and electric speaker. This is probably his greatest asset. He has the ability to electrify and galvanize an audience like Dr. Martin Luther King did. When you hear him speak it is truly moving. He is special. He is energizing to be around.

However, it is rare I have met someone who is that bright, that energetic, packs that kind of horsepower and, yet, allows himself to be “marginalized” by significant weaknesses. Cory Booker lacks executive ability. In my opinion, he should never be a Governor. He has demonstrated a limited ability and desire to administrate or supervise. And that is why I pen this editorial. I was hoping that Cory Booker would be an exceptional Mayor, one who would take Newark to the next level. In my opinion, that did not happen.

https://www.radius-magazine.info/from-the-publisher-spring-2016/

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Cirque du Solei Cancels North Carolina Shows Over Public Facilities Act — Plans Shows In Dubai, Where Gays Are Put to Death

Cirque du Soleil

by JEROME HUDSON15 Apr 20169,200

Canada-based circus and theater entertainment company Cirque du Soleil has canceled its upcoming shows in Greensboro, Charlotte, and Raleigh in North Carolina to protest the state’s Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act.

“Cirque du Soleil strongly believes in diversity and equality for every individual and is opposed to discrimination in any form,” the group announced Friday in a press release. “The new HB2 legislation passed in North Carolina is an important regression to ensuring human rights for all.”

Cirque du Soleil’s North Carolina cancelation comes as a growing number of artists and entertainers abandon their respective performances in the state to protest of the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act.

The world-famous circus, however, has not canceled its upcoming performances in the United Arab Emirates of Dubai.

Indeed, Cirque du Solei has a planned production, Varekai, scheduled to run from September 16 to 24 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The United Arab Emirates of Dubai has outlawed same-sex marriage, sex or gender reassignment surgery, adoption by same-sex couples, openly gay and lesbian military service, with the aforementioned being punishable by death, fines, or imprisonment.

In fact, Cirque du Solei has performed for years in the anti-LBGT United Arab Emirates, including Michael Jackson: The Immortal Tour in 2014, Dralion in 2013, Alegria in 2009, and Quidam in 2006.

https://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2016/04/15/cirque-du-solei-cancels-north-carolina-shows-over-public-facilities-act-plans-shows-in-dubai-where-gays-are-put-to-death/

Posted on by — 5 Comments

Village of Ridgewood sanitation truck struck on Lincoln Avenue, Hawthorne

Village of Ridgewood Sanitation truck struck

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

April 17,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A Glen Rock Police Department uniformed patrol officer administered Narcan to the adult male driver of a Toyota Corolla following a head on collision between the Toyota and a Village of Ridgewood sanitation truck in front of 522 Lincoln Avenue, Hawthorne late Friday morning, 04/15. The Toyota driver, who was headed northbound on Lincoln Avenue, reportedly overdosed on an unknown substance just prior to the crash. An adult female driver of a BMW sedan stopped at the scene to assist the victim prior to the arrival of police officers. The occupant(s) of the sanitation truck, which was headed southbound on Lincoln to dump a load in Paterson, were not injured in the crash. The Toyota was removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. Damage to the sanitation truck was minimal. The overdose victim, otherwise uninjured, was transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital. Hawthorne PD is investigating the incident.