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Tax Foundation Study Confirms that Bob Gordon’s Policies are Destroying New Jersey’s Economy

Kelly Langschultz,

Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Kelly Langschultz for NJ Senate LD38

NEW MILFORD, NJ – New Jersey once again is grabbing headlines as the worst state to do business in. The Tax Foundation, a non-partisan Washington-based think tank, released their 2018 State Business Tax Climate Index earlier this week, ranking New Jersey 50th overall in tax policy.

“While attempting to start a business and raise a family, all while being a constituent of Bob Gordon’s for the last fourteen years, I have personally experienced the unintended consequences of our Senator’s voting record that has led us here.” said Kelly Langschultz regarding the Tax Foundation’s findings.

“Voters in Bergen and Passaic have seen enough of Bob Gordon’s policies, which is why I’m campaigning aggressively to replace Gordon in three weeks and put our state back on the right track.”

The Tax Foundation rated New Jersey dead last in overall business climate, 42nd in Corporate Tax competitiveness, 48th in Individual Taxes, 46th in Sales Taxes and ranked New Jersey’s Property Taxes the highest in the nation.

“Whenever any legislation is on the Senate floor and Bob Gordon gets the opportunity to stand up for his constituents, the Senator fails every time. Every effort to seriously reform our state’s tax code and put New Jersey on the path to affordability and economic sustainability, Bob Gordon balks at every attempt to save those struggling in the 38th District. The sad truth, Bob Gordon has yet to meet a tax increase he didn’t like.”

While serving as councilwoman in New Milford, Kelly Langschultz presented a fiscal stability plan earlier this year that will continue to contribute towards the borough’s taxes remaining flat and will give New Milford a path towards responsibly paying down its debt while protecting taxpayers.

“The stability plan and financial know-how I’ve been providing to New Milford residents is exactly what Trenton needs, and I plan on providing the same kind of relief to the residents of New Jersey when I’m sworn in this January.”

Kelly Langschultz is a mother of four, small business owner, councilwoman in New Milford and a candidate for State Senate in New Jersey’s 38th Legislative District. Learn more about Kelly on her website, KellyLangschultz.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/kelly4njsenate.

District 38 – (Bergen and Passaic)  Bergenfield, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Hasbrouck Heights, Hawthorne, Lodi, Maywood, New Milford, Oradell, Paramus, River Edge, Rochelle Park, Saddle Brook

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Pedestrian Struck by NJ Transit bus at the intersection of Rock Road and South Maple Avenue in Glen Rock

Pedestrian Struck by NJ Transit bus

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook Page

October 10,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock  NJ, An adult female pedestrian sustained a serious but non-life threatening leg injury when she was struck by a NJ Transit bus #164 at the intersection of Rock Road and South Maple Avenue in Glen Rock on Monday evening, 10/09. The victim was transported to The Valley Hospital by a Glen Rock EMS ambulance; she was conscious and alert when police and EMS personnel arrived at the accident site. Glen Rock Police is investigating the incident. Ridgewood Police units provided assistance with traffic control at the scene.

 

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Pastor Running for State Assembly in District 38 

chris wolf dist 38

October 8,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Saddle Brook NJ, its election year and the Ridgewod blog is once again looking at some of the more interesting stories of this election year . We found one in near by District 38 with a  gentlemen named Christopher Wolf. Chris’s home town is Fairlawn ,he is the Pastor at First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook, and he is running State Assemblyman in District 38.For Glen Rock readers that’s you .

Chris is an author of With You Every Step of the Way (2011) and Giving Faith a Second Chance: Restarts, Mulligans and Do-Overs (2007) and he is the host of radio show ,Walk With Me, Wednesday nights, 7pm Est/6pm Cntrl on WYFN 94.9 FM – NY; yfnradio.com .

Chris has been a pastor for 15 years, 7 here in Saddle Brook. The congregation averages about 70 people on Sundays.  Chris said , “As the NJ Legislature is part-time, my main priority is my congregation. There are set days for business in Trenton, Mondays and/or Thursdays so I will adjust my congregation hours around that but will remain at the same they are now. My main issues are making NJ more affordable, helping small businesses , creating a Main Street economy, Social Services reform, and bring the community partnership concept to the other towns in the District.”

Chris got the political bug while working at the state assembly many years ago and now feels that in order to practice what you preach in church you need to go out and engage the community .

We asked Chris has his Christian faith ever been an issue on the campaign trail and he said surprisingly ,”No” .

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Christopher Wolf is running for assembly, with Kelly Langschultz for Senate, and Billy Leonard for assembly against long time Senator Bob Gordon, assemblymen Tim Eustace and Joe Lagana.

Chris has been spreading the message of affordability, leadership, and community , in in towns like Bergenfield, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Hasbrouck Heights, Hawthorne, Lodi, Maywood, New Milford, Oradell, Paramus, River Edge, Rochelle Park, and Saddle Brook  . He love events , but he says ,”going door to door in the D38 towns is the best. I love the purity of it , just meeting and talking neighbor to neighbor. And it’s working. People are responding well to our team. Part of the purpose of New Jersey’s Second Chance is to inspire people to believe in leaders and in government again.”

That’s right Chris calls his platform New Jersey’s Second Chance , and says ” it’s because I believe in redemption for New Jersey (Trenton) and it’s a play on the title of my first book, Giving Faith a Second Chance “.

Chris described his life to us as , “Improbable. So many of my stories could be described as improbable. Where I am now, after growing up in a garden apartment in Fair Lawn. You know, I was the kid who played baseball in sneakers because there were times when we couldn’t afford cleats. Becoming a minister and much more. Now I’m on the brink of the most improbable chapter yet – two months from being elected to represent you in the New Jersey General Assembly. You know me, I’ll bring principled, passionate, honorable, game-changing leadership to District 38 towns and to Trenton. It’s a critical time for the campaign”

Chris summed it all up for us , “I want people to look back on November 2017, and know that they were a part of New Jersey’s Second Chance – the season in which we began to redeem our state from financial and social ruin – and started over with affordability, thriving small businesses, and connected communities.”

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Glen Rock, Wyckoff and Midland Park hit Ridgewood with $17M appeal in water rate dispute

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Nicholas Katzban, Staff Writer, @NicholasKatzban

Three towns are pursuing a $13.4 million refund for customers of Ridgewood Water through the courts.

Wyckoff, Glen Rock and Midland Park have filed a joint appeal seeking new terms of restitution from the village of Ridgewood following a ruling in a water-rate lawsuit involving the village-owned utility. In addition to the refund, the towns are seeking $3.6 million in damages.

The four municipalities have been enmeshed in a lengthy legal dispute over whether Ridgewood Water overcharged customers and improperly used utility funds to supplement Ridgewood’s municipal budget. Ridgewood Water, which is owned by the village, also serves Glen Rock, Wyckoff and Midland Park.

https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/ridgewood/2017/09/29/glen-rock-wyckoff-and-midland-park-hit-ridgewood-17-m-appeal-water-rate-dispute/705517001/

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GYMGUYZ Western Bergen County is # 1 in Home Personal Training!

Manny GYMGUYZ

September 9,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, need some exercise ,but don’t like the gym or just cant get away? Meet the GYMGUYZ. GYMGUYZ is a mobile fitness company. Manny has a van with over 300 pieces of workout equipment and will travel to his clients, rather than meeting them at a gym. This provides comfort for those who might be anxious going to a gym. It also allows for flexibility for the clients. If a parent has young children and don’t want to pay for a babysitter while they got to the gym they can have their trainer come to their house while it is nap time! Or, if it is a nice day outside you can meet in a park for a workout.

Manny, a military vet, who always had a passion for fitness but was never at the right stage in his life to open his own business is finally making his dreams come true and becoming a franchise owner with GYMGUYZ.

GYMGUYZ Western Bergen County is # 1 in Home Personal Training! Our coaches focus on individualized one-on-one fitness, group sessions, and corporate fitness. GYMGUYZ has an amazing team of certified coaches that use a unique philosophy that targets all aspects of health and fitness. GYMGUYZ provides Convenient, Customized, and Creative workouts. The GYMGUYZ vans are stocked with state of the art equipment that our coaches bring to clients to provide excellent one-on-one or group workout sessions. Our services include weight loss, body sculpting, bodybuilding, weight training, therapeutic/athletic stretch, strength training, senior fitness, obstacle course training, kickboxing, group training, corporate fitness, post & pre natal exercise, pool workouts, youth and teen fitness training, cardio fitness, professional sports conditioning, nutrition counseling and birthday parties. GYMGUYZ supplies the tools and techniques to get you in shape in the comfort of your own home, office, or setting of your choice. We welcome all individuals of all levels regardless of experience, age, or ability. We follow each client’s progress by assessing their fitness goals, calorie intake, measurements and progress. GYMGUYZ teaches lifelong habits that will keep one looking and feeling their best.

GYMGUYZ service Ramsey, Fair Lawn, Montvale, Mahwah, Allendale, Oakland, Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, Haledon, Maywood, Rochelle Park, Saddle Brook, Elmwood Park, Hawthorne, Township of Washington, Ho Ho Kus, Waldwick, Saddle River, Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge, Midland Park, Ridgewood, Glen Rock and the surrounding areas.

https://www.gymguyz.com/western-bergen-county/

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Christie Vetoes “Airbnb” Tax Bill

Airbnb

July 23,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Gov. Chris Christie vetoed legislation on Friday that would have imposed taxes on the state’s burgeoning “home-sharing” industry.

The bill was an effort to target and regulate an industry dominated by San Francisco-based Airbnb, even as some municipalities in the state move toward banning the practice within their borders.

According to committee testimony Airbnb had 260,000 rentals in New Jersey last year alone and some municipalities such as Jersey City and Newark already have reached agreements with Airbnb to collect 6 percent fees. Other towns primarily those in Atlantic and Cape May counties, and near the New Jersey Meadowlands are permitted to charge additional taxes and fees.

Currently about 17 towns In New Jersey, mostly in Northern New Jersey closer to New York City, have chosen to bar such rentals, including Palisades Park, Englewood Cliffs, Fort Lee, Lyndhurt and Glen Rock.

Not surprisingly the bill two major proponents are the New Jersey Hotel and Lodging Association and the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association.

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Ridgewood Water Customers Stage II restrictions (2 days per week irrigation) are Still in Effect

ridgewood water

June 13,2017

Attention: Ridgewood Water Customers

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Stage II restrictions (2 days per week irrigation) were imposed in June 2016 and are still in effect in Glen Rock, Midland Park, Ridgewood and Wyckoff.  Without these restrictions, the use of drinking water for irrigation will continue increasing toward levels that are unsustainable regardless of drought conditions.   To reverse this trend, an ordinance was approved by the Village Council on April 12, 2017 to amend the provisions governing Watering and Water Emergencies in the Village of Ridgewood Code.  Changes include:

Making 2 days per week irrigation permanent year round,
Restricting irrigation hours to limit losses to evaporation,
Restricting irrigation using private wells to 2 days a week,
Adding new exemptions, including drip irrigation and smart controllers.

This ordinance became effective on May 2, 2017 and applies only to Ridgewood, but it is expected that the Boroughs of Glen Rock and Midland Park, and the Township of Wyckoff will enact similar rules as they have in the past.  Below is the approved ordinance.  Questions can be directed to Ridgewood Water at 201-670-5521 or [email protected].

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Ridgewood Water Suit Goes On and On and On

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May 24,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, since 2010 ,the class action, brought by the three municipalities on behalf of ratepayers, alleges that Ridgewood Water owes $14 million in past overcharges and claims the Village of Ridgewood improperly applied water company revenues to other areas in its municipal budget.

The three municipalities Glen Rock, Midland Park and Wyckoff have alleged that the utility company, operated by the village of Ridgewood, overcharged customers from 2010 to 2016 and improperly used company funds to supplement Ridgewood’s municipal budget.

The towns want $17.4 million returned to ratepayers, including $13.8 million in alleged overcharges and $3.6 million in transfers from the utility’s fund balance from 2010 to 2016.

By way of background, the Ridgewood Water Utility supplies water to Ridgewood residents and to the residents of the neighboring communities of Wyckoff, Midland Park and Glen Rock. Importantly, the Water Utility is not regulated by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) or any other neutral and impartial governmental agency. This case concerns a scheme devised by the Village of Ridgewood to unlawfully off-load a portion of the Village operating budget to the extraterritorial ratepayers of the Water Utility. The scheme was simple: through the accounting devise of “indirect costs,” the Village used its Water Utility to transfer substantial Village operating costs that are wholly unrelated to the operations of the Water Utility to the ratepayers of the Water Utility. In effect, the residents of Wyckoff, Glen Rock and Midland Park have been subsidizing the Village of Ridgewood Operating Budget so that, during periods of economic difficulty, Ridgewood does not have to make the tough choices that all other communities make by reducing expenditures or raising taxes on their own residents.

In the past seven years, the Water Utility has raised its rates by some 37 percent. The Plaintiffs in this litigation assert that these massive rate increases are unlawful and excessive. Plaintiffs demand, among other things, a full refund of the seven years of unlawful rate increases.

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Ridgewood Waters New Strategy Blame “Climate Change ” for Poor Management Decisions

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March 18,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood

Ridgewood NJ, After at lest 10 years of water restrictions Ridgewood Water is now pushing “environmental changes” as an excuse for poor service.

A series of missteps has led Ridgewood Water from one disaster to another characterized by massive excuse making and under investment.

The fact is that poor management decisions have even resulted in a lawsuit that could have a significant impact on Village finances. A long-pending class action lawsuit of $14M against Ridgewood Water was brought by Midland Park, Wyckoff and Glen Rock and is now in state Superior Court in Hackensack.

Council meeting March 1, 2017 live stream https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mX4O8ZhNcY

at the 39:00 mark, 39:14 “several wells down due to contamination issues, historic data back in 1978, there were 61 wells in operation, today 34 wells. Good majority of those that are out, are due to contaminates, not caused by us, but over the years, may be caused by adjacent properties or over pumping the acquifier over the years.”

According the the Village of Ridgewood website there will be a non stop series of events promoting and attempting to establish “climate change”  as the reason behind Ridgewood Waters failure to deliver proper service to Ridgewood residents.

2017 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR RIDGEWOOD WATER

March 29th – The Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC), in conjunction with Ridgewood Water, will be hosting a presentation on issues relating to local water resources.  The Ridgewood Water service area is under a State drought warning and continued Stage 2 watering restrictions.  Changes in local municipal water restrictions are proposed which will make these conservation efforts permanent. Mike Furrey, Chair of the New Jersey Section of the American Water Works Association and president of AGRA Environmental & Laboratory Services will address the audience on the state of the water industry and Ridgewood Water’s “Journey from Rain to Drain”.  Information on what customers can do to conserve water will also be presented and made available.  The event will take place from 7:30 – 9 pm in the Senior Center at Village Hall, 131 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ, on the first floor.

 April 6th – The Ridgewood Public Library, Ridgewood League of Women Voters and the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) will present a documentary screening and discussion on the movie, “Tapped”.  This film explores the role of the bottled water industry and its effects on health, climate change, pollution and the environment.  Dave Scheibner, Ridgewood Water Business Manager, will also speak at the event which will take place from 7 – 9 pm in the Ridgewood Library Auditorium, 135 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ.

 April 6th – The Wyckoff Environmental Commission’s FLOW Green Film Festival will feature The Highlands Rediscovered.  Following the movie will be a discussion with Sean Gilson of the NJ Highlands Coalition and updates on conservation and contaminants from Ridgewood Water’s Director of Operations, Richard Calbi Jr.  The film starts at 7 pm in the Wyckoff Public Library, 200 Woodland Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ.

 April 23rd  The Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands and the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) in partnership with Ridgewood Water welcomes your participation at this year’s Earth Day event focusing on water conservation and featuring Ridgewood Water’s “Journey from Rain to Drain” as well as educational exhibits, food, musical entertainment, petting zoo, crafts, dog parade, giveaways and more.  The event will be held from 11 am – 2 pm at Van Neste Memorial Park, E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ.

 Sept. 14th – The Ridgewood League of Women Voters, in conjunction with Ridgewood Water, will host a water forum.  Discussion topics to be announced this summer.  The event will take place from 7:30 – 9 pm in the Senior Center at Village Hall, 131 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ, on the first floor.

 Oct. 18 th – The Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC), in conjunction with Ridgewood Water, will be hosting a presentation on issues relating to weather and drought.  Dr. David Robinson, New Jersey State Climatologist, will address the audience on the changing climate in the state and the effects on utilities like Ridgewood Water.  The event will take place from 7:30 – 9 pm in the Senior Center at Village Hall, 131 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ, on the first floor.

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Closing arguments postponed in Ridgewood Water lawsuit

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Matthew Birchenough , Staff Writer, @MattBirchenough5:01 p.m. ET March 1, 2017

A judge has postponed closing arguments scheduled for Friday in a lawsuit filed by Glen Rock, Midland Park and Wyckoff against Ridgewood Water.

Superior Court Judge Lisa Perez Friscia informed attorneys that the arguments would be delayed and a new date would be selected next week, said Gregory Reid, a lawyer representing Glen Rock, Midland Park and Wyckoff in the case.

https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/2017/03/01/closing-arguments-postponed-ridgewood-water-lawsuit/98578512/

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House Fire in Glen Rock Leaves One Firefighter Injured

House Fire in Glen Rock Leaves One Firefighter Injured

Photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

February 21,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock NJ, A house fire at 506 Prospect Street in Glen Rock on Monday evening, 02/20, was battled by firefighters from Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Hawthorne, Midland Park, and Ridgewood. At least one (1) firefighter was injured while fighting the smokey blaze. Ridgewood EMS assisted Glen Rock EMS at the scene, and Ridgewood PD units assisted Glen Rock PD with traffic control.

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Two Youths walking home from school were struck by separate motor vehicles within five minutes of one another just blocks apart in Glen Rock

Two Youths walking home from school

photos courtesy of Boyd Lovings Facebook page

December 16,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock NJ, two (2) youths walking home from school were struck by separate motor vehicles within five (5) minutes of one another just blocks apart in Glen Rock on Thursday afternoon, 12/15. The first incident (accompanying photos) occurred on Hamilton Avenue near Rock Road – the victim here reportedly sustained non life threatening injuries to both knees and was transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital. The second incident occurred at the intersection of Harristown Road and Thurston Terrace – the victim of that incident also transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital with a non life threatening foot injury. Glen Rock PD and EMS responded to both locations. Ridgewood PD provided assistance at the intersection of Harristown Road and Thurston Terrace.

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Be A STAR This Holiday Season

Christ Church
November 20th 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Shine generously for the benefit of our homebound
clients. Your holiday donation helps our “meals on
wheels” program bring meals to those who need them most.

A Gift that Shines. Need a gift this holiday season for the person who has everything? Give a donation to Community Meals, Inc. and we will send a card to
acknowledge your holiday gift in his or her honor.
No gift-wrapping required!

Our volunteers are truly “stars” who bring a warm
meal and a bright smile to our clients in Allendale,
Glen Rock, Ho-Ho-Kus, Midland Park, Ridgewood,
Waldwick and part of Saddle River.

Community Meals, Inc.
c/o Christ Church
105 Cottage Pl
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201-447-8295
www.communitymealsonwheels.org

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“Jaws of Life” Used to free Driver in Glen Rock

"Jaws of Life" Used to free Driver in Glen Rock

photo courtesy of Boyd loving’s Facebook Page

November 16,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Glen Rock FD personnel used the “Jaws of Life” to free the adult male driver of a Jeep from his vehicle after it collided with a 4-door sedan at the intersection of Harristown Road and Elm Avenue in Glen Rock on Tuesday evening, 11/15. The victim was transported by a Glen Rock EMS ambulance to The Valley Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A flatbed tow truck removed the Jeep (minus its driver’s side door) from the scene. Glen Rock PD is investigating the crash.

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Glen Rock PD is investigating the cause of the “roll away.” crash

Glen Rock PD is investigating the cause of the "roll away

photos courtesy of Boyd Lovings Facebook

October 23,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood  blog

Glen Rock NJ, An driver-less SUV rolled down a steep hill and crashed into an occupied home at 163 Boulevard, Glen Rock late in the afternoon of Saturday, 10/22. Glen Rock PD and FD responded to the scene. No injuries were reported associated with the incident and the home did not appear to have sustained any significant structural damage. The heavily damaged vehicle was removed by a flatbed tow truck. Glen Rock PD is investigating the cause of the “roll away.”

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