The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
Donovan formally kicks off fall portion of campaign by burnishing labor support
CARLSTADT – At the head of a local sheet metal workroom, incumbent GOP Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan today kicked off her re-election campaign with the backing of three New Jersey building trades unions and the promise to continue building on the more than $200 million in savings and efficiencies to county residents over the past four years.
Bergen executive assails Democrats’ budget plan
JUNE 23, 2014 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY JOHN C. ENSSLIN
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD
Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan delivered a blistering critique of the freeholders’ proposed 2014 budget, contending it will leave the county up to $3 million in the red starting early next year.
But Freeholder Chairman David Ganz disputed Donovan’s numbers and contended the board’s $507.6 million budget will deliver real relief in the form of a slightly less than zero tax increase.
The debate signals the extent to which the normally humdrum budget — scheduled for a final vote on July 9 — has become a hot topic during this year’s election, in which control of both the Freeholder Board and the County Executive’s Office is at stake.
Donovan, a Republican running for a second term, contends that in order to slice $6.8 million from the budget she proposed in March, the freeholders are tapping into funds that can’t be replenished next year.
“They’re raiding all the funds and taking the money out, which is very imprudent because next year, even if you’ve got the money in, you can’t spend it,” Donovan said during a Record Talk Radio interview on Friday.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/donovan-assails-proposed-budget-1.1039779
Bergen County executive’s suit against police merger dealt blow in court
APRIL 25, 2014, 2:28 PM LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014, 9:36 PM
BY PETER J. SAMPSON
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD
A state judge Friday dealt Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan a setback in her bid to bolster a lawsuit challenging the merger of the County Police into the Sheriff’s Office with claims that two Democratic freeholders violated ethics laws.
In a bench ruling in Hackensack, Superior Court Judge Menelaos W. Toskos denied Donovan permission to amend her suit to add a fifth count contending that the merger votes cast by the two freeholders were tainted by a conflict of interest because their children are Sheriff’s Office employees.
To press such a claim, the judge said, the county executive would have to provide more specifics in her pleadings about the alleged conflict, such as how the freeholders or their children might benefit from the proposed merger.
James J. DiGiulio, an attorney for Donovan, told the judge after his ruling that such information would be included in a further bid to amend the complaint.
In a suit filed last year, Donovan is seeking to overturn the freeholder board’s approval of the merger.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen-county-executive-s-suit-against-police-merger-dealt-blow-in-court-1.1003357#sthash.QVy7ggDE.dpuf
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!