The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
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Trenton NJ, New Jersey’s race for governor is heating up, and Republican Jack Ciattarelli is closing the gap on Democrat Mikie Sherrill — thanks to a strong showing among independents when voters focus on local issues.
Continue reading Ciattarelli Surges on Local Issues in Tight NJ Governor’s Race
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TRENTON, NJ — Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40) has strongly criticized Trenton Democrats for fast-tracking major changes to New Jersey’s Mansion Tax with little notice or time for the real estate industry to adjust. The new law (S-4666/A-5804) was introduced on June 23, signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on June 30, and took effect immediately on July 1, leaving just nine days for compliance.
Continue reading Senator Kristin Corrado Slams Trenton Democrats Over Sudden Mansion Tax Overhaul
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NEW JERSEY — A new Rutgers-Eagleton Poll reveals that New Jersey residents are largely dissatisfied with how the state government is handling critical issues, particularly taxes, cost of living, and public transportation. The report, conducted between June 13 and 16, 2025, paints a picture of a public increasingly frustrated with both state and national leadership — a sentiment expected to shape the upcoming 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election.
Continue reading New Eagleton Poll: New Jerseyans Frustrated Over Taxes, Affordability, and Transit
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TRENTON, NJ — in a significant leadership change on the Gateway Development Commission, Governor Phil Murphy has replaced Janine Bauer, a long-serving member and transportation attorney, with Victor Herlinsky Jr., an attorney and political insider with experience in regional governance.
Continue reading Governor Phil Murphy Removes Gateway Commissioner Who Asked Too Many Questions
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PALISADES PARK, NJ — A costly and controversial police trailer project continues to generate headlines, as Palisades Park hires a third attorney to investigate why a $1 million temporary police structure—leased in 2023—remains unused and unconnected more than a year later.
The trailer, intended as a temporary facility for the Police Department due to black mold in Borough Hall, has never been operational. Now parked unused on Depot Place near ShopRite, the trailer has become a flashpoint of political tension, legal battles, and taxpayer frustration.
Continue reading Palisades Park Hires Third Attorney in Ongoing $1M Police Trailer Investigation
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TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey’s high-stakes race for governor is officially underway. Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli have won their respective primaries, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched gubernatorial contests of 2025. NBC News projects both victories, confirming a clash that will test national political sentiments during President Donald Trump’s second term.
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Trenton NJ, Gil Medina, Executive Vice President at CBRE, has been elected Chair of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The election took place during the Chamber’s June 4 meeting in Florham Park, marking the beginning of a two-year term for the well-respected business and policy leader.
Dover’s Mayor Cites Safety Concerns After Burqa-Clad Activist Halts Meeting
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Dover NJ, in a controversial move, Dover Mayor James Dodd announced on May 27 that all future town council meetings will be held virtually following a string of disruptions, culminating in a bizarre confrontation at the latest session.
Continue reading Dover Goes Virtual: Mayor Bans In-Person Council Meetings After Disruptions
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Hackensack NJ, in a historic political shift, the Hackensack Unites slate won a decisive victory in the May 13 City Council election, unseating incumbent Mayor John Labrosse and his entire ticket. All five council seats up for grabs were claimed by the challengers, signaling a dramatic change in the city’s leadership and development priorities.
file photo courtesy of Boyd Loving
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Teaneck NJ, after months of debate, the Teaneck Township Council passed a controversial “special event” ordinance last week by a 5-2 vote, aiming to increase regulation of protests while attempting to safeguard First Amendment rights. The decision comes amid heightened tensions in the township following ongoing demonstrations linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Continue reading Teaneck Approves Controversial “Special Event” Ordinance to Regulate Protests
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New York New York , Nadine Arslanian Menendez, the wife of former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, has been found guilty on 15 federal charges related to a sprawling bribery and corruption scheme that also involved foreign governments and New Jersey businessmen. The verdict was handed down in federal court in Manhattan following a four-week trial.
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Prospect Park NJ, Borough Council President Anand Shah, 42, remains in custody following his arrest in connection with a sweeping illegal gambling and money laundering operation allegedly tied to the Lucchese crime family. Shah, a Democrat in his third term, continues to deny the allegations as his legal team prepares to fight the charges.
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Ridgewood NJ, former Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli is under fire from the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association (NJ PBA) after taking on the role of spokesperson for the Public Safety Information Protection Coalition, a group seeking to revise Daniel’s Law to its original 2020 version.
Continue reading Former Bergen Prosecutor Faces Backlash from NJ PBA Over Daniel’s Law Advocacy
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TRENTON NJ, for the second consecutive year, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is seeking approval from state lawmakers of a massive $1 billion in new taxes and fees as part of his latest budget proposal. The sweeping tax increases come as the state’s annual budget inches closer to a record-setting $60 billion.
