A Memorial Day Message from Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan
This Memorial Holiday weekend you and I will enjoy many privileges and freedoms.
We will travel freely throughout the state or perhaps to another state. We may go to a concert to hear the band of your choice. Many of us will go to church to worship God as we see fit. Some of us will go to parades in your community; and others will go shopping and have at our disposal variety of goods and services found almost nowhere else in the world. Many of us will freely assemble in a park or a stadium or just enjoy the quiet of our backyards. Some of us will log on to the internet, read a variety of news reports offering differing opinions and some of us will leave our opinions, critical or in favor of a government action or elected leader.
These things we routinely do as Americans, but we seldom think of how fortunate we are to have these privileges. This weekend offers us a poignant reminder that our personal and political freedom was paid for by men and women who gave their lives in defense of liberty and in the face of tyrants. It’s a time of solemn remembrance and a reminder that the price of liberty is often very high.
As the listing below illustrates, since World War Two well in excess of 500,000 American military men and women died in the service of our country.
Their willingness to pay the ultimate price has not only preserved freedom here and abroad, but has sent a signal throughout the world to dictators, terrorists and zealots that Americans will fight and die for a just cause no matter how far from our shores.
I hope you enjoy the Memorial Day weekend to its fullest, but I also hope that you take just a few minutes to remember those who paid the ultimate price and thank their families, so you and I can enjoy our personal freedom and political liberty. U.S. MILITARY CASUALTIES SINCE WORLD WAR II World War II – 407,316
Korean War 1950-1953 – 36,516
Vietnam War 1955-1975 – 58,209
Afghanistan (ongoing) – 3,395
Iraq – 4,804
Persian Gulf War 1990-1991 – 258
These figures do not count the military men and women that have died in numerous other conflicts such as Bosnia, Somalia and Beirut – But they are remembered here.
Bergen Record Finally Realizes that in Fort Lee, traffic is an everyday challenge…gee wiz
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2014, 11:42 PM
THE RECORD
If a manufactured traffic jam at the George Washington Bridge had Fort Lee residents outraged last fall, imagine what feelings might boil up once several thousand residents — and all their cars — clog local streets as a half-dozen planned developments rise up in the borough and nearby towns.
And that’s on top of the other half-dozen apartment buildings that have already been built in Fort Lee and a neighboring community, adding more than 1,000 units in the last decade.
It’s a scenario that consistently frustrates inhabitants of the 2.5-square-mile borough. The mayor says traffic is the complaint he hears about most often from his constituents — besides taxes.
A Super Bowl Message From Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan
The Super Bowl is literally just around the corner and I wanted to take this time to express how exciting it is to have this major event right in our own back yard! The Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks with their fans from around the world will be coming to this region to the biggest event in sports. With this influx of visitors, I strongly encourage residents to keep informed on traffic delays and to plan accordingly.
Traffic and Public Transportation: The Getting to the Game website (www.nj.gov/superbowl) is a collaborative effort involving the New Jersey State Police, the Department of Transportation, the Port Authority of NY/NJ, New Jersey Transit and other state public safety and transportation agencies. The website will serve as a location for state government and public transportation agencies to post important information for state residents and out-of- town visitors as New Jersey gears up for the Super Bowl.
The website will give users access to an interactive map showing real-time traffic delays in the area of MetLife Stadium. The Port Authority has provided links to information on bridges, tunnels, airports, and PATH subway services. New Jersey Transit has provided links to bus and train schedules, rail maps, and fare information. Real-time weather information for the East Rutherford area is posted. The website also allows local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to post public safety information.
Teterboro: Speaking of traffic, it will not only be cars. Be aware that you will hear an increase in airplane traffic at Teterboro Airport. There is a no-fly zone established on February 2 that will shut down air traffic at Teterboro from about 4:00 p.m. until one hour after the game ends. Then there will be a rush of traffic from about midnight until 5:00 a.m. on February 3. With that exception of post-game operations, the voluntary restriction on operations between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. will remain in effect and mandatory departure noise limits will be in effect. Aircraft with an operating weight in excess of 100,000 are not permitted to land or take-off. The increased air traffic at Teterboro will also increase car traffic in the area.
Events: There will be many events and celebration leading up to the game. In an effort to keep you up to date with the most current information, I have compiled the following links that will help residents to stay informed about the game, traffic, events and anything else you will need! These sites and more can also be found at the county’s website at www.co.bergen.nj.us.
FAQs – This Frequently Asked Question site is provided by the Super Bowl of NY & NJ Host Committee. Here you will find answers to your questions ranging from information about the stadium, NJ Transit, parking, events and the game itself. If you have a question, here you will find the answer.
A Guide to Staying Healthy for the Big Game – The New Jersey Department of Health has created this “Guide to a Safe Super Bowl” for both residents and visitors alike. It will provide you information on health-related issues that are specific to this Super Bowl – such as how to deal with extreme cold weather – as well as information on food safety for those having parties and how to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Here you will find videos, posters, facts sheets and other information that will help you stay healthy and enjoy this exciting game and the activities surrounding it.
NJTransit Super Bowl Information – NJTransit’s Super Bowl Page has all the information you will need to get around the “First Mass Transit Super Bowl”. Information on NJTransit’s SUPER PASS as well as a complete regional transit diagram can be found on this site.
Super Bowl Host Committee of NY & NJ – The site provides information such as a calendar of events, a NY/NJ visitor guide, game information and much more.
NorthJersey.com’s Fan Guide – North Jersey.com has compiled an evolving list of Super Bowl events in and around Bergen for you. New Jersey has all sorts of activities planned for Super Bowl week, including concerts, parties, family fun, ice skating, tastings, celebrity appearances and more. Check back frequently for new additions and updates.
Bergen County is honored to be home to the Super Bowl. To those visiting Bergen County for the first time – Welcome! Most importantly to residents and visitors alike, please be safe and enjoy the game!
Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan has ordered county offices closed to non-essential personnel
In anticipation of the severe winter storm expected to arrive in New Jersey beginning Thursday evening, Governor Chris Christie declared a State of Emergency, authorizing the State Director of Emergency Management to activate and coordinate the preparation, response and recovery efforts for the storm with all county and municipal emergency operations and governmental agencies. Governor Christie also authorized the closing of state offices on Friday, January 3rd for all non-essential employees.
Therefore, Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan has ordered county offices closed to non-essential personnel tomorrow, Friday January 3rd. Those employees who have traditionally provided emergency services to the County are expected to make every effort to appear at their work-site during this weather episode.
Should any employee not know if they are essential, they should speak to their individual management, department or division heads, to gather that information
The Valley Hospital’s Sleep Medicine Program Granted Re-Accreditation
Sleep Center also Accredited for In-Home Sleep Testing
October 31, 2013 — The Valley Hospital is pleased to announce that the Center for Sleep Medicine recently earned re-accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). In addition to serving adults with sleep disorders, the Center also encompasses the Pediatric Sleep Disorders and Apnea Center, which provides sleep studies for infants, children and teens.
Accreditation by the AASM is the gold standard by which the public and the medical community can evaluate sleep medicine services and demonstrates that Valley’s sleep medicine programs continue to meet the highest standards of quality patient care. Recognizing that accreditation is a hallmark of quality care, many insurance providers now cover sleep services only if they are performed in an AASM-accredited facility.
The Center for Sleep Medicine has also been granted Out of Center Sleep testing accreditation, which enables the Center to offer sleep studies to adults in the comfort of their homes if appropriate.
Millions of adults and children do not get adequate or restorative sleep, and their ranks are growing, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). In fact 75 percent of American adults report having had at least one symptom of a sleep problem a few nights a week or more within the past year, continuing an upward trend in the prevalence of sleep problems since 1999, according to the NSF.
“Poor sleep leads to impaired daytime functioning and is associated with serious health risks,” says sleep specialist and pulmonologist Jeffrey Barasch, M.D., Medical Director of the Center for Sleep Medicine. “In patients with sleep apnea, the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes are significantly increased.” In addition, automobile accidents and on-the-job problems increase significantly for those with inadequate or abnormal sleep, Dr. Barasch says.
Children’s poor sleep habits can also have a direct effect on their daytime behavior. “Left unaddressed, poor sleep habits can lead to behavior problems and learning difficulties in the classroom,” says Tracy Carbone, M.D., Director of the Pediatric Sleep Disorders and Apnea Center. “I encourage parents to make sleep a priority for their children because optimal sleep is critical for children’s health and well-being.”
The Center for Sleep Medicine is located at 579 Franklin Turnpike in Ridgewood. To reach the Center for Sleep Medicine, please call 201-251-3487. To schedule a consultation with the Pediatric Sleep Disorders and Apnea Center, please call 201-447-8152.
The Valley Hospital Center for Sleep Medicine recently earned re-accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Shown here (at center) are Jeffrey Barasch, M.D., Medical Director of the Center for Sleep Medicine and (center, right) Tracy Carbone, M.D., Director of the Pediatric Sleep Disorders and Apnea Center, with staff from the Sleep Center and the hospital.
As resident become more focused on the Ridgewood Planning Board and Valley Hospital some businessmen have taken this opportunity to ” Fly under the Radar” with their project in the CBD.
Lets take the recent sale of the Bank of America building on Ridgewood Ave, you know the one our Governor had his rally in last week. My understanding is that the building was bought by Onyx Equities. The co-founder and managing principal of Onyx equities is John Saracno Jr. Yes folks the same Saraceno who is a member of the Chamber of Commerce Parking Garage Committee.
It would be nice for Mr Saraceno if the Village of Ridgewood taxpayers would foot the bill on a new parking garage on Hudson St. which by the way abuts his newly acquired property?
Ah, just a coincidence. Yes, the same Saraceno who wants to build a large multiple unit apartment building at the old Selfons site, who co-sponsored our Governor rally, Who gave a large contribution to Mayor Paul Aronsohn re-election.
To be fair Mr. Saraceno has contributed his time and effort for some worth while project but one starts to wounder. To what end.
I want to wish all the mothers and grandmothers in Bergen County a Happy Mother’s Day and let you know how special I think you are.
There is no job more difficult, more demanding or more important than that of being a mother.
Mothers give love unconditionally and everlastingly. Mothers comfort us when we are down, forgive our mistakes, and offer us a haven from the world’s troubles. Mothers love us for who we are.
Mothers are taxi drivers, cooks, doctors, teachers and psychologists all rolled into one. Mothers inspire greatness as well as kindness.
For those of us whose Mothers have passed, we remember her with great affection and love on this day and everyday.
To the Moms everywhere, I hope you spend the day surrounded by the children you love and the families you created.
And to all you sons and daughters, take a moment to show your mother that you appreciate all the things she has done for you — all the sacrifices she made, without complaint, year after year. It is her unconditional love that has taken you this far.
Happy Mother’s Day! Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan
Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan holds line on Freeholder Pay-to-Play Ordinance
May 11,2013
Hackensack NJ, As she stated she would, Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan has vetoed Freeholder Ordinance 13-06 voted upon by the Freeholder Board on May 1, 2013, which is an ill-conceived attempt to weaken what has been described as one of the strongest ordinances banning pay-to-play in the State of New Jersey.
The pretext given by the freeholders for passing this ordinance, that the prior ordinance they enacted approximately a year ago is somehow unconstitutional, fails to pass the “smell test.” As the County Executive promised during her campaign, she will continue to use her power to block a return to the corrupt practice of pay-to-play that was all too rampant under the prior Democratic Machine.
In her veto letter, Donovan states, “It is my belief that candidates for office need to have the freedom to raise funds consistent with their First Amendment right to deliver their message to the voters. And, unfortunately, as anyone who runs for office knows, we cannot depend on so-called “free media” provided by newspapers and others. But there is also a need for candidates to be transparent so that voters know exactly who is paying for the distribution of those messages.”
Donovan emphasized her position that there should be one statewide law covering pay-to-play disclosure to limit the influence of both vendors and political leaders whose power lies in the political purse. “We in Bergen County, are all too aware of the impact of late, undisclosed money “wheeled” in from all over the state and probably elsewhere, to unfairly tip the balance in an election,” stated Donovan.
Donovan cited numerous reasons for the veto including language that does not sufficiently prevent “wheeling”, a practice that needs to be stopped. Also cited as unacceptable is the increase in contribution limits as well as weakening the penalties to those entities found in violation of the ordinance.
“We need to guarantee transparency, thereby instilling a level of confidence in voters,” said Donovan. County Executive Donovan’s veto was delivered to the Clerk to the Freeholder Board on Thursday, May 9, 2013.
Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan announces K9 Veterans Day on Wednesday, March 13
Bergen County hosted New Jersey’s inaugural K9 Veterans Day on Wednesday, March 13 at the Bergen County Administration Building in Hackensack.
Thousands of dogs have served with honor, dignity and valor throughout the history of our country’s birth and growth. These dogs have served in many jobs in all of our wars, having been employed by the United States Military from World War II to present conflicts.
The official K9 Corps was created on March 13, 1942. Joseph J. White, a retired military working dog handler, pioneered a nation-wide effort to get the entire country to recognize March 13 as K9 Veterans Day.
Thus far 11 states have proclaimed March 13 K9 Veterans Day.
Labor Day Message from Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan September 3,2012 Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan
As we celebrate Labor Day this Monday we are given the opportunity to honor the American worker. It is their efforts that provide us the goods and services we use to make our own lives better.
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. Five years later New Jersey along with five other states became the first in the nation to recognize a Labor Day holiday.
America was built by people who embraced the virtue of hard work. Through the past two centuries men and women toiled in factories, built roads, bridges and dams. They built homes and skyscrapers; cars and trucks, bulldozers and airplanes. They made America an industrial giant and their labor created the great American middle class.
Other men and women have chosen work in public service. Whether it is the police officer, firefighter or EMT, protecting our lives with theirs, a laborer cleaning a park or an office worker helping residents find the services they need: they perform the functions that keep our communities safe, clean and orderly.
America is indeed a nation of workers and all work, however humble contributes to our community and should be honored.
John D Rockefeller once said: “I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living.”
In these tough economic times, many of our friends and neighbors are without work or are working for less. Hopefully, by this time next year, America’s economic recovery will gain momentum and all those who are able to work will be rewarded with the dignity of a job.
I promise to re-double my administration’s efforts to reduce the burden on Bergen County taxpayers. We will continue to stretch every dollar so that you may keep more of what you have earned and better enjoy the rewards of your labor.
I wish everyone a happy and restful Labor Day Weekend.
SPEECH: CONDOLEEZZA RICE STAKES STAGE AT CONVENTION
Wed Aug 29 2012 19:05:34 ET
**Prepared Remarks at Republican Convention
Good evening. Distinguished delegates, fellow Republicans, fellow Americans.
We gather here at a time of significance and challenge. This young century has been a difficult one. I will never forget the bright September day, standing at my desk in the White House, when my young assistant said that a plane had hit the World Trade Center – and then a second one – and a third, the Pentagon. And then the news of a fourth, driven into the ground by brave citizens that died so that many others would live. From that day on our sense of vulnerability and our understanding of security would be altered forever. Then in 2008 the global financial and economic crisis stunned us and still reverberates as unemployment, economic uncertainty and failed policies cast a pall over the American recovery so desperately needed at home and abroad.
And we have seen once again that the desire for freedom is universal – as men and women in the Middle East demand it. Yet, the promise of the Arab Spring is engulfed in uncertainty; internal strife and hostile neighbors are challenging the fragile democracy in Iraq; dictators in Iran and Syria butcher their own people and threaten the security of the region; China and Russia prevent a response; and all wonder, “Where does America stand?”
Indeed that is the question of the moment- “Where does America stand?” When our friends and our foes, alike, do not know the answer to that question – clearly and unambiguously — the world is a chaotic and dangerous place. The U.S. has since the end of World War II had an answer – we stand for free peoples and free markets, we are willing to support and defend them – we will sustain a balance of power that favors freedom.
To be sure, the burdens of leadership have been heavy. I, like you, know the sacrifices that Americans have made – yes including the ultimate sacrifice of many of our bravest. Yet our armed forces remain the sure foundation of liberty. We are fortunate to have men and women who volunteer – they volunteer to defend us on the front lines of freedom. And we owe them our eternal gratitude.
I know too that it has not always been easy – though it has been rewarding – to speak up for those who would otherwise be without a voice – the religious dissident in China; the democracy advocate in Venezuela; the political prisoner in Iran.
It has been hard to muster the resources to support fledgling democracies– or to help the world’s most desperate – the AIDs orphan in Uganda, the refugee fleeing Zimbabwe, the young woman who has been trafficked into the sex trade in Southeast Asia; the world’s poorest in Haiti. Yet this assistance – together with the compassionate works of private charities – people of conscience and people of faith – has shown the soul of our country.
And I know too that there is weariness – a sense that we have carried these burdens long enough. But if we are not inspired to lead again, one of two things will happen – no one will lead and that will foster chaos — or others who do not share our values will fill the vacuum. My fellow Americans, we do not have a choice. We cannot be reluctant to lead – and one cannot lead from behind.
Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan understand this reality — that our leadership abroad and our well being at home are inextricably linked. They know what needs to be done. Our friends and allies must be able to trust us. From Israel to Poland to the Philippines to Colombia and across the world — they must know that we are reliable and consistent and determined. And our adversaries must have no reason to doubt our resolve — because peace really does come through strength. Our military capability and technological advantage will be safe in Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan’s hands.
We must work for an open global economy and pursue free and fair trade – to grow our exports and our influence abroad. In the last years, the United States has ratified three trade agreements, all negotiated in the Bush Administration. If you are concerned about China’s rise – consider this fact – China has signed 15 Free Trade Agreements and is negotiating 20 more. Sadly we are abandoning the playing field of free trade – and it will come back to haunt us.
We must not allow the chance to attain energy independence to slip from our grasp. We have a great gift of oil and gas reserves here in North America that must be and can be developed while protecting our environment. And we have the ingenuity in the private sector to tap alternative sources of energy.
And most importantly, Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan will rebuild the foundation of American strength – our economy – stimulating private sector led growth and small business entrepreneurship. When the world looks at us today they see an American government that cannot live within its means. They see a government that continues to borrow money, mortgaging the future of generations to come. The world knows that when a nation loses control of its finances, it eventually loses control of its destiny. That is not the America that has inspired others to follow our lead.
After all, when the world looks to America, they look to us because we are the most successful political and economic experiment in human history. That is the true basis of “American Exceptionalism.” The essence of America – that which really unites us — is not ethnicity, or nationality or religion – it is an idea — and what an idea it is: That you can come from humble circumstances and do great things. That it doesn’t matter where you came from but where you are going.
Ours has never been a narrative of grievance and entitlement. We have not believed that I am doing poorly because you are doing well. We have not been envious of one another and jealous of each other’s success. Ours has been a belief in opportunity and a constant battle – long and hard — to extend the benefits of the American dream to all – without regard to circumstances of birth.
But the American ideal is indeed endangered today. There is no country, no not even a rising China, that can do more harm to us than we can do to ourselves if we fail to accomplish the tasks before us here at home.
More than at any other time in history –the ability to mobilize the creativity and ambition of human beings forms the foundation of greatness. We have always done that better than any country in the world. People have come here from all over because they believed in our creed – of opportunity and limitless horizons. They have come from the world’s most impoverished nations to make five dollars not fifty cents– and they have come from the world’s advanced societies – as engineers and scientists — to help fuel the knowledge based revolution in the Silicon Valley of California; the research triangle of North Carolina; in Austin, Texas; along Route 128 in Massachusetts – and across our country.
We must continue to welcome the world’s most ambitious people to be a part of us. In that way we stay perpetually young and optimistic and determined. We need immigration laws that protect our borders; meet our economic needs; and yet show that we are a compassionate people.
We have been successful too because Americans have known that one’s status at birth was not a permanent station in life. You might not be able to control your circumstances but you could control your response to your circumstances. And your greatest ally in doing so was a quality education.
Let me ask you, though, today, when I can look at your zip code and can tell whether you are going to get a good education – can I really say that it doesn’t matter where you came from – it matters where you are going. The crisis in K-12 education is a grave threat to who we are.
My mom was a teacher – I have the greatest respect for the profession – we need great teachers – not poor or mediocre ones. We need to have high standards for our students – self-esteem comes from achievement not from lax standards and false praise. And we need to give parents greater choice – particularly poor parents whose kids – most often minorities — are trapped in failing neighborhood schools. This is the civil rights struggle of our day.
If we do anything less, we will condemn generations to joblessness, hopelessness and dependence on the government dole. To do anything less is to endanger our global economic competitiveness. To do anything less is to tear apart the fabric of who we are and cement a turn toward grievance and entitlement.
Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan will rebuild us at home and inspire us to lead abroad. They will provide an answer to the question, “Where does America stand?” The challenge is real and these are tough times. But America has met and overcome difficult circumstances before. Whenever you find yourself doubting us – just think of all the times that we have made the impossible seem inevitable in retrospect.
America’s victorious revolutionary founding – against the greatest military power of the time; a Civil War – hundreds of thousands dead in a brutal conflict – but emerging a stronger union; a second founding – as impatient patriots fought to overcome the birth defect of slavery and the scourge of segregation; a long struggle against communism – that ended with the death of the Soviet Union and the emergence of Europe, whole free and at peace; the will to make difficult decisions, heart-wrenching choices in the aftermath of 9/11 that secured us and prevented the follow-on attacks that seemed preordained at the time.
And on a personal note– a little girl grows up in Jim Crow Birmingham – the most segregated big city in America – her parents can’t take her to a movie theater or a restaurant – but they make her believe that even though she can’t have a hamburger at the Woolworth’s lunch counter – she can be President of the United States and she becomes the Secretary of State. Yes, America has a way of making the impossible seem inevitable in retrospect. But of course it has never been inevitable – it has taken leadership, courage and an unwavering faith in our values.
Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan have the experience and the integrity and the vision to lead us – they know who we are, what we want to be and what we offer the world.
That is why this is a moment – an election – of consequence. Because it just has to be – that the most compassionate and freest country on the face of the earth – will continue to be the most powerful!
May God Bless You – and May God continue to bless this extraordinary, exceptional country – the United States of America.
Fort Lee cracks down on jaywalking after 3 deaths
May 11,2011
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ The Fort Lee Police are cracking down on jaywalking, steering pedestrians into the crosswalks or pay a significant fines.
Tickets for jaywalking in Fort Lee are $85 . According to police the idea is to save live lives . Police Chief Thomas Ripoli told the Bergen Record newspaper more than 20 pedestrians have been struck in the town this year. Three people have been killed. I am not sure of the numbers but I am sure the numbers in Ridgewood are significantly higher .
The Fort Lee Police have stopped 575 jaywalkers since the beginning of the year and issued 117 tickets since mid-March. Capt. Keith Bendul tells the Record that the police are also targeting motorists who do not stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, as required by law.
>Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan Fires NBCUA Commissioners
County Executive Kathleen Donovan has notified seven (7) Commissioners of the Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority (NBCUA) that they have been dismissed. Ms. Donovan cited the similarity of the state statute used by Governor Christie when he dismissed commissioners of the Passaic Valley Sewage Commission (PVSC) and Bergen County Administrative Code N.J.S.A. 40:41A-37 (c) under Article 3.5 (c) in her notice of dismissal.
The fired, part-time commissioners have defied the County Executive’s order to cease taking stipends and full-time health benefits and ignored Ms. Donovan’s vetoes of Authority minutes which have been upheld by the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services (DLGS). The fired commissioners include Chairman William F. Dator, Vice Chairman Michael Kasparian, Commissioner Brian Chewcaskie, Commissioner Peter Dachnowicz, Commissioner Frank Kelaher, Commissioner Marion Plumley and Commissioner Jason T. Shafron. Newly appointed Commissioners Elizabeth Salazer and Kenneth Gabbert, have not taken stipends or received health benefits and were not included in the mass dismissal.
In letters to the Commissioners dated April 16, 2012 Ms. Donovan said, “I have previously given you an opportunity to rescind your stipend and benefits or resign and you have refused to do either. “Based upon your continued refusal to comply with my vetoes of your stipend and benefits, you are hereby dismissed immediately.”
Ms. Donovan concluded by admonishing the fired commissioners, “Your actions fail to honor your oath of office and are contrary to my administration’s efforts to promote sound fiscal policy which I have pledged to the taxpayers of the County of Bergen.”
Ms. Donovan said that she is forwarding the nomination of replacement commissioners to the Board of Freeholders and will be asking the Board to confirm the nominees immediately.
>Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan Vetoes NBCUA for Forcing County Taxpayers to Pay Twice the staff of the ridgewood blog March 29,2012
(RIDGEWOOD-NJ ) Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan is announcing a veto of the minutes of the Board of the Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority (NBCUA). During an emergency meeting on March 28, the NBCUA voted to approve the hiring of a lawyer to file an appeal to the Local Finance Board. Twice the Division of Local Government Service (DLGS) upheld the County Executive’s vetoes demanding that the agency end the practice of receiving stipends and benefits paid for by the taxpayers. The Authority was given a deadline, by the DLGS, of March 23, 2012 to end the practice.
County Executive Donovan said this is proof of this Board’s “abject failure to comply with the County of Bergen’s fiscal policies.” She further stated that Bergen County taxpayers will not be paying the legal fees for this appeal.
Donovan has warned the part-time commissioners of the NBCUA that she will not allow them to stick local residents with legal fees associated with their campaign to retain taxpayer funded cash stipends and health benefits.
According to Donovan, “This would be the worst ‘double dip’ imaginable. Part-time commissioner’s rip-off full time benefits and cash stipends and then charge the taxpayers again for their legal fees. We are not going to allow the commissioners to force taxpayers to fund a legal challenge which is not in the taxpayers’ best interests.”
“If the commissioners insist on pursuing a legal challenge to my efforts to halt the practice of them lining their pockets, they will do so on their own dime,” said Donovan. “What hubris! We are not going to allow them to have Bergen County residents pay twice!”
>The Company Store :Buy One, Give One Comforter Program will deliver a truckload of comforters to the children of Family Promise Thursday, January 19th
This Thursday, January 19th, The Company Store will deliver a truckload of comforters to the children of Family Promise as part of their Buy One, Give One Comforter Program. Now through the end of March, The Company Store will donate a comforter to a child in need for every comforter purchased through their website or catalogue. This is among the first deliveries, with many more scheduled for the coming weeks.
The event will take place at 4:00pm at Family Promise of Bergen County, located at 100 Dayton Street in Ridgewood, NJ. Karen Olsen, President of Family Promise, will be available for interviews, as will Keith Hagood, General Manager at The Company Store.
LaCrosse, WI (January 3, 2012): The Company Store today announced the launch of their Buy One, Give One Comforter Program, an important project benefitting thousands of homeless children throughout the United States. Now through January 31, 2012, The Company Store will donate a comforter to a child with every comforter purchased from their web site or catalog. By placing their order, the customer is automatically donating a comforter to a child in need.
“The Company Store’s loyal customers can participate with us in an act of kindness and generosity every time they purchase a comforter,” says Karen Feldman, Director at The Company Store. “There are a significant number of homeless children in this country who are living without a warm bed, and The Company Store is committed to bringing some comfort and warmth to children in need throughout the year, not just during the holiday season. We are pleased to deliver these comforters through Family Promise and their affiliates in the United States. Last year, The Company Store donated tens of thousands of comforters, and this year the hope is to fulfill an even greater amount.”
“The Buy One, Give One initiative was so beneficial for our Affiliates last year, and we’re thrilled The Company Store is expanding it even further this winter,” says Karen Olson, President of Family Promise. “A comforter is something many of us may take for granted, but it makes a big impact on the lives of the children we work with daily—not only by keeping them warm at night, but by providing them in some small way with the comfort of home at a very difficult time. The Company Store’s generosity will help us truly make a difference to thousands of families in need.”
For more information on this worthy undertaking, please contact either Lance Buckley via phone at (212) 243-1431, or via e-mail: lance@piercemattie.com
About The Company Store The Company Store, known for its comfort, design and value since 1911, offers top quality, down comforters and pillows, sheets, towels, and home accessories. The best-selling, American-made LaCrosse Comforter offers unique craftsmanship ensuring the ultimate in sleeping comfort, a lifetime guarantee and is available in a full palette of fashion colors. Other top collections include wrinkle-free bedding, fashion quilts, and a bamboo collection that features sheets, towels, blankets and loungewear. The Company Store offers extensive monogramming, and other custom services in their LaCrosse, Wisconsin factory. The Company Store sells its merchandise through catalogs and the internet at www.thecompanystore.com.
About Family Promise Family Promise is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to helping homeless and low-income families achieve lasting independence. Founded in 1986 in Summit, NJ, Family Promise today comprises 171 Affiliates across 41 states and engages 140,000 volunteers from coast to coast. The organization has served more than 400,000 people since its inception, including 50,000 last year alone. For more information about Family Promise and its programs, visit www.familypromise.org.
