Quote of the Day: “I was asked to step down by the state Republicans and I did it because I am a team player. But, I did not want to do that, I wanted to fight. I stepped down and I thought it would just be over, but it is not over.” – Anthony Cappola
Anthony Cappola: ‘I Deserve to Be on this Ballot’
The last two weeks have been turbulent for Anthony Cappola. He was one of LD38’s Republican candidates, he was forced to step down from his position on the River Edge Council, made to drop out of the assembly race and told he would be replaced on the ballot with Fernando Alonso. Then, on Wednesday, he learned that the Bergen County Republican Organization dropped their petition to remove him from the ballot due to financial constraints. Now, he is trying to resuscitate his candidacy in a district that had initially been considered one of the most competitive in the state. Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJ Read more
Heavy spending by independent special interest groups is driving up the cost of this year’s Assembly campaigns, according to an Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) analysis of the first wave of reports filed for the fall general election. Max Pizarro, PolitickerNJ Read more
Democratic Assemblymen raised 11 times more than Republican challengers in 38th District
OCTOBER 13, 2015, 9:48 PM LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2015, 11:07 PM
BY JOHN C. ENSSLIN AND DUSTIN RACIOPPI
STAFF WRITERS |
THE RECORD
Campaign finance reports released Tuesday show that two incumbent Democratic Assemblymen have raised 11 times as much as their Republican challengers in the state’s 38th District, traditionally one of the more competitive districts in New Jersey.
Democratic Assemblymen Tim Eustace and Joseph Lagana have raised $699,620 to date compared to $62,088 for Republicans Mark DiPisa and Anthony Cappola, according to reports filed with the state Election Law Enforcement Commission.
Those reports show Cappola had raised $10,466 before dropping out of the race because of controversy over “Outrageous”, a book he self-published in 2003 that DiPisa called “offensive garbage” because of its negative depiction of blacks, Muslims, gays, seniors and other groups.
Republican Freeholder candidate John Mitchell has released a response to allegations made by Bergen County Democrats that he did not comply with former County Executive Kathleen Donovan’s resolution to eliminate stipends for part-time county employees in 2012. Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJ Read more
Top 10 reasons Tracy Zur Tom Sullivan and Steve Tannelli should be voted OUT of office and Bergen County residents should vote for all of column one including John Mitchell ,Daisy Ortiz Berger and Ken Tyburczy for Bergen County Freeholder.
10. The democrats raised your taxes 4.3% this year.
9. The democrats wanted to tax school districts for use of County parks.
8. The democrats are wasting a million dollars on an ice skating rink when other issues are much more pressing.
7. Bergen Regional is understaffed and workers are being attacked the democrats solution is to add more members to committee of cronies to do nothing but talk about problems.
6. The democrats say they are for a minimum wage of 15.00 an hour but don’t even offer that to campaign workers.
5.The democrats refuse to take action on Bergen County prosecutor Mollinelli despite lawsuits mounting and questions about lost evidence.
4. The democrats refused to let a victim of a sexual crime be heard at a public freeholder meeting because the doctor accused of the crime gave a 500000 donation to their former boss.
3.Over 10000 jobs left the state this summer.
2. Sullivan is an appointed yes man. He has never been elected and will vote whatever way Tedesco wants. Tedesco has taxed people as a Freeholder Mayor and County executive and will continue to do so if you allow his politically appointed yes man to stay in office.
1. John Mitchell has a proven track record both balancing your budget without a tax increase as well as working in a two party system as chairman of finance. He also worked on behalf of the disabled community which I am a member of as well as for seniors and veterans. He doesn’t make empty promises he delivers solid solutions. On November 3rd bring John Mitchell back with the rest of Column one. They will restore honor and integrity back while putting the voters interests before the special interests.
“I truly wish that the Bergen Dems came up with an innovative bag of tricks rather than pulling out the same old, tired ones that they use time and again. Here’s the real deal. Zur is in trouble, so they’re attempting to muddy up John. It is imperative that we (all) stand firmly behind John Mitchell and help him return to the Bergen County Freeholder Board. I will be voting for him on November 3rd.” Dierdre Paul
Bergen Dems Claim GOP Freeholder Candidate ‘Turned Back on Taxpayers’
By Alyana Alfaro | 10/09/15 4:34pm
A statement released by Bergen County democratic freeholders Tracy Zur, Steve Tanelli and Tom Sullivan alleges that former freeholder and current Republican candidate John Mitchell “turned his back on taxpayers” when he was serving on the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
The group claims that Mitchell “did not want to get involved” in an April 2012 action by then County Executive Kathleen Donovan to cut benefits and pensions from part-time commissioners of the Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority.
The Democrats’ statement alleges that “Mitchell’s unwillingness to take action set off a costly legal process that began with Donovan’s firing of commissioners two weeks later.” It also claims that “it is difficult to imagine that John Mitchell would have experienced such reluctance had he not been trying to protect some of his political buddies.
OCTOBER 11, 2015 LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015, 9:56 AM
BY ELISA UNG
RESTAURANT CRITIC |
THE RECORD
Janice Tinari, a longtime stay-at-home mom who turned her devotion to the Betty Crocker cookbook into a culinary career, has spent the last 14 years building a Ho-Ho-Kus neighborhood spot known for its breakfast tacos, moist short ribs, creamy risotto and striking flourless chocolate cake.
Just Janice defied many of the odds of the notoriously risky restaurant business: It managed to remain popular and in business for many years as a small, non-chain, family-run bistro with no liquor license.
Then in the early-morning hours of Sunday, Aug. 2, a driver careened through the front of the restaurant, breaking the front windows, causing structural damage and destroying outdoor furniture and some indoor tables. The 55-seat restaurant was closed at the time and no one was seriously injured.
More than two months later, the once-lively dining room still sits empty and dusty as Tinari struggles with insurance companies that, she says, paid her less than she needs to reopen. The 60-something owner had been counting on one day selling the restaurant to fund her retirement. Now she’s just hoping she can keep it in business.
“At my age, I’m scared to death. If this doesn’t work out, after this, what do I do?” she said.
Tinari’s situation illustrates the risks of running a small business in an industry with thin profit margins: She and her son and manager, David, say they made less than 10 percent profit (the National Restaurant Association says the national average is 3 to 6 percent). Tinari adds that she had been living paycheck to paycheck since getting divorced in 2013 and buying out her ex-husband and partner, John.
Police Deploy Drone in Search for former Police Officer
October 10,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Midland Park NJ, A Bergen County Rapid Deployment Force responded to Midland Park on Saturday afternoon, 10/10 to aid in the search for a former police officer wanted in connection with the issuance of several warrants who went missing at approximately 1 AM the same day. Police officers from more than a dozen departments throughout the County were a part of the search team.
The search was focused along the New York Susquehanna and Western railroad line, which parallels Greenwood Avenue in the borough. A drone was launched to assist in search efforts. The search was called off at approximately 3 PM with negative results.
Ridgewood NJ , According Rep Scott Garrett , “This week in Bergen County we saw a train derailment. While thankfully there were no injuries or environmental damage, it’s obvious that we need to know that the train lines carrying hazardous materials through our towns are safe and reliable. Today I requested that the Federal Railroad Administration share information about the safety condition of train tracks and infrastructure carrying crude oil through New Jersey’s Fifth District.”
Furthermore Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) today called upon Sarah Feinberg, Acting Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), to share information about the safety condition of train tracks and infrastructure carrying crude oil through New Jersey’s Fifth District. The letter asks FRA to acquire the most recent inspection reports from CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway and establish a time for the Congressman and local officials to review the reports.
“Just this week in Bergen County we saw a train derailment,” said Garrett. “While thankfully there were no injuries or environmental damage, it’s obvious that we need to know that the train lines carrying hazardous materials through our towns are safe and reliable.”
Specifically, Garrett requested the following information for the time period covering January 1, 2013 to the present as it relates to rail infrastructure within the Fifth District of New Jersey:
All safety inspection reports currently in the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) possession Any recommendations made to the rail industry to improve the condition of the rail infrastructure Any findings of structurally deficient rail infrastructure The schedule of future FRA safety inspections Notices from the rail industry on scheduled maintenance and infrastructure upgrades
“We have a right to know if the rail infrastructure in our communities meets or exceeds safety standards and, if it does not, what action is being taken to address any deficiencies,” wrote Garrett in the letter. “This is information that my constituents should not have to wait long to receive.”
Candidate for Bergen County Freeholder, Peter Rohrman released the following statement in response to recent a call to the Board of Chosen Freeholders to execute its authority under New Jersey law (NJSA 52:17B-106) to have the state’s Attorney General supersede Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli.
BERGEN COUNTY, NJ – Oct 6, 2015: In recent years, there have been numerous allegations reported by several news agencies that have cast a dark shadow over the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. The list of allegations include bribery, illegal wiretapping, judicial intimidation, abuse of office, destruction of evidence, fraud, waste, no bid contract, and MURDER!
Beyond those allegations, our state’s Appellate Division and Supreme Court have repeatedly admonished the Bergen County Prosecutor’s behavior and actions.
I have previously raised these concerns in a recent interview with Alyana Alfaro of PolitickerNJ.com in an Aug 31 published interview. This issue needs to be at the forefront of this November’s election.
Bergen County GOP goes to court in bid to replace Assembly candidate
The Bergen County Republican Organization went to court Monday in an effort to replace an Assembly candidate who suspended his campaign last week over a controversial self-published book that contains racial slurs and stereotypes. John C. Ensslin, The Record Read more
Yudin: Cappola Incident Nobody’s Fault
Last week, a book written by former LD38 assembly candidate Anthony Cappola that featured offensive and bigoted writings led him to drop out of the race. Bergen County Republican Chairman Bob Yudin said the situation is a “contrary reflection” on the GOP and on the chairman himself. Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJRead more
Court Hearing Possible Today Over LD38 Ballot
The GOP effort to replace Anthony Cappola’s name on the LD38 assembly ballot may be heading to court as early as today according to Bergen County Republican Chairman Bob Yudin. Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJ Read more
LD38 Case File ‘Pending’ In Judge’s Chambers
According to an source, the LD38 case file is currently pending and is being held in the chambers of Judge Ernest Caposela. Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJ Read more
OCTOBER 6, 2015, 11:10 PM LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015, 6:54 AM
BY JOHN CICHOWSKI
RECORD COLUMNIST |
THE RECORD
After 45 pedestrian deaths in two years, the Bergen County sheriff, prosecutor and dozens of other public officials gathered in Hackensack on Tuesday to put walkers as well as drivers on notice:
Starting this month, whether on foot or behind the wheel, obey pedestrian laws or expect a ticket.
“I’m asking all police departments to issue summonses even for jaywalking,” Sheriff Michael Saudino announced to a crowd at a news conference on the steps of the county Justice Complex.
The reason: “A week doesn’t go by that I don’t get a phone call about a citizen being struck and killed in our county,” added Prosecutor John Molinelli.
Death counts explain much of this rationale:
A total of 21 lives were lost while crossing county thoroughfares in 2013 (more than double the 2012 count of 9) and 24 more deaths were added in 2014 — the most in at least 16 years, according to state police records. The percentage increases accounted for a higher rate of carnage than the statewide pedestrian death toll, which reached 170 last year, the most since the 2002 count of 176.
“We have to do better,” Saudino said in an interview. “Drivers and pedestrians both need to be better educated, and our engineers have to look closely at some of our roadways to make them safer.”
For two weeks starting now, motorists will begin seeing “Focus here” billboards that picture a family at a crosswalk alongside a photo of a phone that accompanies this slogan — “Not here.”
Ridgewood NJ, Unlike past years this years Freeholder contest is all about meeting and getting to know Bergen county. Candidate John Mitchell has been making the rounds non stop from months listen to what people in the county are concerned about .
It was a “Win-Win” at the Ridgewood train station this morning…
…It was a “win” that I was able to help a commuter understand the intricacies of the unfair school funding formula and how it impacts his ever rising property taxes. And it was also a “win” that I had a chance to meet hundreds of residents in this beautiful town.
“I’m always nervous when speaking to a large group of women and particularly beautiful women”…
…was my quote at the Republican Women’s Annual Candidates Showcase. In all seriousness though, the Bergen County Republican Women are the BCRO’s heart and soul and I very much appreciate their tireless hard work and support!
What is a Freeholder?…
…That was the operative question of the morning at the Oradell train station. When I explained that the The Board of Chosen Freeholders acts as the legislature for Bergen County and controls what county government can spend, things became a bit clearer…and certainly the commuters were happy to hear that my running mates and I have specific plans on how to reel in the ever burdensome property taxes hoisted on the backs of our hard working citizens.
…The Oradell train station also accommodates surrounding towns including the great town of New Milford. I was joined by New Milford Council Candidate Matt Seymour along with Oradell Council President Donna Alonso. Our tag teaming of commuters from the various towns was very productive indeed
“The Junior Statesmen of America”…
…were NJ Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi’s and my audience at Dwight Morrow High School. The subject today was how state and county government works followed by a rapid fire Q&A covering everything from the presidential election, Planned Parenthood, to how we entered politics. They kept us on our toes but is was very enjoyable for all.
“I love Bergen County but I know when I retire I will no longer be able to afford to live here.”…
…This has been a common sentiment as I campaign across the county, and River Edge was no exception. For that very reason my running mates and I have made it our top priority to tackle this problem, with property tax reduction at the top of the list.
“Paramus is a great place to live but please help us keep it that way!’…
…That was what I heard from the hard working commuters/voters at the Paramus Park & Ride this morning. Business attraction, business retention and the elimination of unnecessary business regulations summarizes the conversations I had. Will do!
OCTOBER 5, 2015 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2015, 9:42 PM
BY HUGH R. MORLEY
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
A federal lawsuit filed against David Kushner, the prominent Cresskill businessman charged with stalking and harassing his son’s basketball coach, accuses him and others of racketeering and conspiring to defraud investors in a mortgage business.
An attorney representing Kushner and others named in the suit dismissed the allegations Monday as “utterly without merit.”
The suit, filed by a Suffolk County, N.Y., investor, claims that Kushner, several businesses of which he is part-owner, and two other owners engaged in “a widespread criminal enterprise” and a “pattern of racketeering activity” in a business that solicited investments to be lent as mortgages.
The investor, Arnold Rosenshein, says in the suit filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan that he invested just over $4 million with the Kushner companies after he was assured that the deals would be “conservative” and short term, and that his money would be just a small part of the mortgage granted. Rosenshein also said he was told that in the event of a default, the properties would be foreclosed upon and sold at a profit.
But several of the mortgages soon went into default, and the properties remained unforeclosed upon for years, because company executives wanted to wait until the property gained in value, Rosenshein alleges. Meanwhile, Kushner and two other company principals, Jeffrey Meshel and Wayne Sturdman, both of New York, made millions from the loans by taking “origination” and “servicing” fees, the suit alleges.
The District 40 State Assembly Candidates forum will be held on October 26th 7:30pm -9:30 pm in the Village Hall Courtroom.
The ILO of Bergen County ( LWV’s of Glen Rock, Ridgewood, Fairlawn, Teaneck and Northern Valley) is holding a District 40 Candidates Night for The State Assembly at The Ridgewood Court Room in the Municipal Complex.
We have Paul Vagianos a Democrat and an Incumbent David Russo Republican who both live in Ridgewood who are running. The State Assembly is currently dealing with property taxes, funding for The Transportation Trust Fund, Pension reform and Economic climate of Atlantic City.
OCTOBER 4, 2015 LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015, 9:55 AM
BY MARINA VILLENEUVE
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
SADDLE RIVER – No one’s sure how many deer live in the borough, but the more than 50 residents, officials, out-of-towners and state wildlife staffers at Borough Hall on Thursday night largely agreed there are too many, posing problems that need solving.
Where they differed was on what to do – and whether a hunt is feasible in a 5-square-mile borough of about 3,000 people, whose homes sit on at least two-acre lots.
To shed light on an issue the borough has explored for more than a year, the local wildlife management committee invited representatives of the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife to speak to the public.
Some attendees called for more attention to non-lethal methods, such as sterilization. But the state biologists said experience shows only lethal methods will affordably and effectively reduce deer populations.
Councilman Paul Schulstad has been drafting an ordinance that would allow limited bow hunting of deer on private lands and also “allow the municipality in the future to hunt on its land,” he said.
That could mean private landowners would be allowed to give written permission to hunters, who would then alert police.
Schulstad said the committee may hold a public forum in late October on non-lethal methods.
To the surprise of some attendees, the state biologists said the overseeing Fish and Game Council would allow a municipality to try a contraceptive approach only if it first allows hunting.
Several residents questioned the practicality of allowing hunting in a suburban neighborhood.
