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Too many regulations are overloading New Jersey’s schools: Opinion

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Too many regulations are overloading New Jersey’s schools: Opinion

By Patrick J. Fletcher
and Daniel Fishbein

It’s an unsettling question, but we’re obliged to ask it. Has the rapidly accelerating pace of public education-related government mandates now become utterly unsustainable?

In just the past few years, New Jersey legislators have chosen to burden local school districts with the umbrella of AchieveNJ, which includes the recent TeachNJ tenure reform act that imposes upon us a new teacher and administrator evaluation system, with student achievement data included as part of the process.

And as if that weren’t enough, there’s also the new computer-based student evaluation system known as PARCC, as well as updated curriculum programs and textbooks related to the implementation of the Common Core Standards.

https://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/08/too_many_regulations_are_overloading_new_jerseys_schools_opinion.html#incart_river

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Reader says Maple Park was not “renovated.” It was strip-mined and destroyed

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Reader says Maple Park was not “renovated.” It was strip-mined and destroyed

Maple Park was not “renovated.” It was strip-mined and destroyed. Nobody walking into it for the first time would describe it as a “park” any more. It is no longer available or of interest to most taxpayers. Therefore, we should not have to pay one cent for it. In fact, the turf there was undoubtedly partly responsible for the recent flooding (again) of the community garden, making all that lovely produce, just becoming perfectly ripe, too dangerous to eat.

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Readers Question residential to commercial Zone change for Goffel Road

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Readers Question residential to commercial Zone change for Goffel Road 

Two immediate concerns come to mind –
(1) Boscarino, a realtor is putting this forward and he is indicating neighbors have no compaints, I’d like to be very sure to get input from the neighbors and surrounding neighbors
(2) Boscarino stated in the linked article “Developers would come in and build whatever the community needs, office buildings, mixed-use …” I am concerned about that “mixed-use” development. Boscarino in full article is quoted as “The heavily traveled county road noise, freight train in the rear, [and] no sidewalks, contribute to low values,” Boscarino wrote. “It is not favorable for children. You cannot carry on a conversation in front of your home during peak travel periods. The Goffle Road thoroughfare is a major provider of services traveled by buses, all-sized trucks and vehicles of all kinds, and a massive amount of passenger vehicles at 40 [miles per hour].” Why develop NEW (partial residential) mixed-use properties if it is such a negative place to live, and you are making it even more commercial? I would be more favorably disposed to new commercial use as opposed to mixed-use zoning.

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N.J. town to residents: Replace your sidewalk, or meet us in court

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Ridgewood is not the only municipality cracking down on bad sidewalks

N.J. town to residents: Replace your sidewalk, or meet us in court
By Seth Augenstein | The Star-Ledger 
Email the author | Follow on Twitter 
on August 13, 2014 at 7:43 AM, updated August 13, 2014 at 2:06 PM


HIGHLAND PARK — Two years ago, a local ordinance was passed allowing the borough to compel homeowners to fix the sidewalks in front of their houses.

Hundreds of residents complied with the borough’s request, but dozens more resisted. And it’s taken two years to reach a climax: this month the borough began taking dozens of homeowners to municipal court, following up on summonses.

Some of the homeowners have decided they can fight borough hall. In a lawsuit filed Monday, they charge the venture is a town-wide system of “intimidation” to do needless repairs.

“In the past two years, Highland Park has intimidated many residents into inappropriately spending their own money for inappropriate sidewalk replacements,” said Mark Oshinskie, an attorney leading the legal opposition. “But causing even more people to unnecessarily spend considerable sums for more such dubious, damaging work is unfair and destructive.”

Experts said responsibility and liability for sidewalks is a legal gray area in New Jersey. While the town says it’s acting in the interest of public safety, opponents have steadfastly refused to repair what they see as a needless financial burden.

https://www.nj.com/middlesex/index.ssf/2014/08/nj_town_to_residents_replace_your_sidewalk_or_meet_us_in_court.html#incart_m-rpt-1

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Obama prepares schools for enrollment of migrant children

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Obama prepares schools for enrollment of migrant children

By Mario Trujillo

The Obama administration is preparing the nation’s schools to accept thousands of new students who illegally crossed the Southwest border and are now awaiting trials on their possible deportations.

A fact sheet from the Department of Education tweeted out on Tuesday highlights the children’s right to attend public school.

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/215059-obama-prepares-schools-for-enrollment-of-migrant-children

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STUDY: YOU HAVE ‘NEAR-ZERO’ IMPACT ON U.S. POLICY

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STUDY: YOU HAVE ‘NEAR-ZERO’ IMPACT ON U.S. POLICY

A startling new political science study concludes that corporate interests and mega wealthy individuals control U.S. policy to such a degree that “the preferences of the average American appear to have only a minuscule, near-zero, statistically non-significant impact upon public policy.”

The startling study, titled “Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens,” is slated to appear in an upcoming issue of Perspectives on Politics and was authored by Princeton University Professor Martin Gilens and Northwestern University Professor Benjamin Page. An early draft can be found here.

Noted American University Historian Allan J. Lichtman, who highlighted the piece in a Tuesday article published in The Hill, calls Gilens and Page’s research “shattering” and says their scholarship “should be a loud wake-up call to the vast majority of Americans who are bypassed by their government.”

The statistical research looked at public attitudes on nearly 1,800 policy issues and determined that government almost always ignores the opinions of average citizens and adopts the policy preferences of monied business interests when shaping the contours of U.S. laws.

The study’s findings align with recent trends, where corporate elites have aggressively pursued pro-amnesty policies despite the fact that, according to the most recent Reuters poll, 70% of Americans believe illegal immigrants “threaten traditional U.S. beliefs and customs,” and 63% believe “immigrants place a burden on the economy.”

The solution, say the scholars, is a reinvigorated and engaged electorate.

https://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/08/12/Study-You-Have-Near-Zero-Impact-on-U-S-Policy

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Governor Christie comes to Parsippany for announcement on pension reform

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Governor Christie comes to Parsippany for announcement on pension reform

AUGUST 13, 2014    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2014, 12:31 AM
PARSIPPANY LIFE

On Friday, Aug. 1, Governor Chris Christie came to Parsippany to sign Executive Order 161, creating a non-partisan “New Jersey Pension and Health Benefit Study Commission” at Town Hall in Parsippany. No explanation was given for his choosing the mainly Republican-run Parsippany as the location for this event.

According to a release from Christie’s office, a panel of experts is tasked with thinking big and being bold when it comes to developing recommendations for how New Jersey can create a sustainable retirement and health benefits system. The Commission’s charge is to think long term and outside of the box when it comes combating these ever-growing entitlement costs.

The Study Commission will review:

The history of the state’s pension and health benefit systems to understand what has led to the current crisis

The soon-to-be-completed Department of the Treasury’s Division of Pensions and Benefits’ exhaustive review of potential public employee entitlement reform proposals

Reforms proposed and enacted by other states or government entities

Pension and health benefits provided in the private sector

Other factors it deems relevant to develop recommendations regarding reform that will lead to the systems being in better financial shape with less cost to the taxpayers while providing public employees and retirees with an appropriate level of benefits

The Commission will report its initial findings and recommendations to the governor within 30 days.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/nj-state-news/nj-governor-s-office/christie-comes-to-parsippany-for-announcement-on-pension-reform-the-governor-1.1066464#sthash.UMzUhkvz.dpuf

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Report: Many Americans’ Paychecks Have Shrunk Since Recession

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Report: Many Americans’ Paychecks Have Shrunk Since Recession

Philip Wegmann / @PhilipWegmann / August 12, 2014

Today many Americans are taking home a smaller paycheck than they used to, according to a study released Monday by the United States Conference of Mayors.

According to the report, people who worked in job sectors particularly hard hit by the recession had an average salary of $61,637 before the recession. But when it comes to jobs gained after the downturn, the average wage was $47,171 dollars.

“The wage gap has nearly doubled from one recession to the next.” – United States Conference of Mayors.

Conditions have become worse since the last recession, when the internet bubble burst. At that time, the Conference of Mayors measured the wage gap at 12 percent, about half of today’s 23 percent.

“While the economy is picking up steam,” said Conference president and Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson, “wage gaps are an alarming trend that must be addressed.”

https://dailysignal.com/2014/08/12/report-many-americans-paychecks-shrunk-since-recession/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

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Heavy rain drenches parts of New Jersey but sun to return according to forecast

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Heavy rain drenches parts of New Jersey but sun to return according to forecast

AUGUST 13, 2014, 7:48 AM    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2014, 7:49 AM
BY STAFF AND WIRE REPORT
NORTHJERSEY.COM

Heavy rain that has soaked parts of New Jersey is starting to move away from the state, leaving behind street flooding and power outages.

Today will be cloudy with a chance of showers and highs near 86. Sunny skies with highs in the eighties can be expected throughout the rest of the week and into the weekend.

There are no reported delays on New Jersey Transit trains and buses or at the local airports.

Unofficial National Weather Service observations show nearly 9 inches of rain fell at Millville Airport in Cumberland County between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. There was more than 7 inches in Stafford, more than 5 inches at Atlantic City airport and in Manasquan, and more than 4 inches in Tabernacle.

There are 7,734 homes and businesses without electricity Wednesday. Most are in Monmouth and Morris counties.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/heavy-rain-drenches-parts-of-new-jersey-but-sun-to-return-according-to-forecast-1.1066592#sthash.CCjh0bm0.dpuf

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First case of West Nile Virus confirmed in New Jersey

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First case of West Nile Virus confirmed in New Jersey

PUBLISHED AUG 11, 2014 AT 4:37 PM (UPDATED AUG 11, 2014)

The Department of Health is reporting its first human case of West Nile Virus to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in an individual who is recovering at home after being hospitalized.

“Most human cases of West Nile virus typically appear from August through October. To prevent mosquito bites, residents should use insect repellant with DEET and, weather permitting, wear clothing with long sleeves and long pants,” said Health Commissioner Mary O’Dowd.

The confirmed case involves a 49-year-old Gloucester County resident who developed symptoms including fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, rash and meningitis. The individual was hospitalized and is recovering at home. The resident was likely exposed to the virus while doing yard work and other outdoor activities at home.

West Nile Virus has been identified among mosquitos in the following 16 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Union and Warren.

Additional protection measures include:

Maintaining screen doors and windows

Using insect netting on infant carriers and strollers

Removing and/or draining outdoor containers with standing water

In 2013, there were 12 cases of WNV in New Jersey, including two fatalities. In 2012 there were 48 cases and six fatalities, and in 2011 there were seven cases and no fatalities.

– See more at: https://spartaindependent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140811/NEWS01/140819991/First-case-of-West-Nile-Virus-confirmed-in-New-Jersey#sthash.YSYXRUt9.dpuf

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With Turf, Women See Unequal Footing

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With Turf, Women See Unequal Footing
AUG. 12, 2014

NYT article on Women’s soccer. They are suing FIFA and demanding that they DO NOT use artificial turf for the games.

Within minutes of the goal, the image was seen around the world: Robin van Persie, playing in the Netherlands’ World Cup opener in June, flying what seemed like dozens of feet above the ground, headfirst, to score a goal against Spain. The Internet went berserk. Van Persie, the Flying Dutchman. Van Persie as Superman. Van Persie, the newest Peter Pan.

Who will provide the van Persie moment of the Women’s World Cup next year in Canada? United States forward Abby Wambach can tell you who it won’t be.

“I’m not going in for a diving header like van Persie did, no way,” she told me last week, which sounded weird coming from a player known for such plays.

Her reasoning was simple. Performing a diving header on a grass field is one thing; doing it on artificial turf — which, for the first time, will be used for every field at next year’s women’s championship — is something else altogether.

https://nyti.ms/1q7lJjA

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Central Business District Discussion August 20

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file photo Village Hall Boyd Loving

Central Business District Discussion – August 20 at Ridgecrest Senior Apartments – All Are Welcome

The second open forum on the CBD will take place Wednesday, August 20, at the Ridgecrest Senior Apartments at 7 Ridge Road, Ridgewood, starting at 7:30 PM. From 7:30 to 8:00 PM, the microphone will be open to speakers who did not speak at the July forum. From 8:00 until 9:00 PM there will be a panel discussion among residents of ideas advanced to date. All are welcome, naturally subject to the meeting room’s capacity.

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Ridgewood resident proposes zone change from residential to commercial

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Ridgewood resident proposes zone change from residential to commercial

AUGUST 12, 2014    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014, 9:36 AM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER
Print

At a time when the Planning Board is faced with a controversial request to add a high-density residential use to the Central Business District, residents of Goffle Road have approached the Planning Board with an opposite request: a blanket rezone that would turn the remaining residential lots on their road to commercial lots.

The proposal would allow homeowners to sell their lots to developers, possibly The Valley Hospital, and increase their home values, according to Goffle Road resident Ed Boscarino, who made the request.

“We on Goffle Road believe it would be to our benefit,” Boscarino told The Ridgewood News. “Developers would come in and build whatever the community needs, office buildings, mixed-use … Any office type of things would be very good for the village.”

Boscarino, a realtor, spoke to the board on Tuesday night about his idea, noting that he has spoken to other neighbors who were in favor of the proposal. Board Chairman Charles Nalbantian noted that he would look over Boscarino’s request and put it on a future agenda.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-resident-proposes-zone-change-from-residential-to-commercial-1.1066129#sthash.RQcHqlcU.dpuf

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Apple Wants To Be ‘A Hub Of Health Data’ And Is In Talks With Top Hospitals

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Apple Wants To Be ‘A Hub Of Health Data’ And Is In Talks With Top Hospitals

CHRISTINA FARR, REUTERS

AUG. 12, 2014, 5:53 AM

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Apple Inc has been discussing how its “HealthKit” service will work with health providers at Mount Sinai, the Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins as well as with Allscripts, a competitor to electronic health records provider Epic Systems, people familiar with the discussions said.

While the talks may not amount to anything concrete, they underscore how Apple is intent on making health data, such as blood pressure, pulse and weight, available for consumers and health providers to view in one place.

Currently, this data is being collected by thousands of third-party health care software applications and medical devices, but it isn’t centrally stored. Apple also hopes physicians will use this data to better monitor patients between visits – with the patient’s consent — so the doctors can make better diagnostic and treatment decisions.

Read more: https://www.businessinsider.com/r-exclusive-apple-prepares-healthkit-rollout-amid-tangled-regulatory-web-2014-12#ixzz3AGJaI2Bt