>I didn’t realize that there is nothing as important in this town as some made up projected view of Graydon. Not education cuts, not other wasteful spending (like that done under Riche’s first term as Councilman), not property taxes.
Just Graydon – something that has been losing money despite Riche’s boondoggle there, despite Walsh’s silence on what should be done to stem the loss of money going forward.
What about all of the other very important issues facing this Village? Is one issue that doesn’t even register as a top ten issue for most residents supposed to trump the other very real issues going on and facing this Village?
Get real–
let’s look for real comprehensive and responsible leadership. Not “one issue” blinders that ignore most of the Village.
Vote for real leaders with real ideas, not ones endorsed by single issue groups that ignore everything that is important to everyone else in the Village.
TRENTON — A state appeals court today rejected Gov. Chris Christie’s executive order curbing political donations by public worker unions.
The three-judge panel said Christie’s action infringed on separation of powers with the Legislature, and such donation limits cannot be imposed by a governor unilaterally.
“We do not reach this conclusion lightly. Nor do we otherwise discount or question the Governor’s policy objectives or his considerable and well-established constitutional authority over the Executive Branch and the management of the State workforce,” the judges wrote. “We simply hold that what (the executive order) seeks to achieve must be pursued through legislation.”
• N.J.’s largest state worker union files challenge to Gov. Christie’s ban on political donations The order, signed by Christie on his first full day in office in January, broadened campaign finance rules to limit donations by labor unions that have public contracts. Christie said he was simply bringing unions in line with other “business entities,” such as law and engineering firms that have state contracts worth more than $17,500. Those businesses are barred from donating more than $300 to statewide campaigns, but freer to give in local races.
Several unions sued, saying the order violates members’ First Amendment rights by barring them from supporting candidates and participating in the legislative process. Organized labor, a traditional Democratic constituency, worked feverishly against the Republican Christie during the gubernatorial campaign.
They also said collective bargaining contracts could not be treated like business deals.
The ruling will take effect July 1, “in the interests of accommodating potential review by the Supreme Court.”
The Communications Workers of America, the largest state workers’ union, said it was “gratified” by the ruling.
“The Court rightly held that the Legislature never intended to restrict the right of labor unions to participate in the political process, and the governor has no power to do so on his own,” said Hetty Rosenstein, CWA New Jersey State Director. “Today’s decision is a valuable reminder of the wisdom of our system of three co-equal branches of government.”
Christie said he was not happy to see the order struck down, and would consider whether to appeal the ruling, seek legislation, or pursue another route to accomplish the same goals.
“We’re going to look at all of our different options,” Christie said at a press conference. “The executive order was about achieving a policy objective, and that is to level the playing field.”
“I don’t think that there is one class of speech that should be regulated, and another class of speech that should not be,” the governor said.
Adding unions to the pay-to-play restrictions had been praised by the Election Law Enforcement Commission, the state’s campaign finance watchdog agency.
>Assumes Senate Sponsorship of Bill to Remove Decal Provision
Senator Tom Goodwin (R-14) announced that he will be introducing legislation that would remove the decal provision in Kyleigh’s Law. The legislation would remove the requirement that all drivers under age 21 who hold provisional licenses would have to display a reflecting decal on each license plate of any motor vehicle they drive.
“I understand the tragedy that prompted Kyleigh’s law, but I am concerned that a well-intentioned response to that tragedy will put other teens at risk,” stated Goodwin. “I continue to support the common-sense reforms to our graduated driver’s license system that will make teen driving safer, such as the extended nighttime driving curfew and revised passenger restrictions in Kyleigh’s Law.”
Under the current law which went into effect on May 1st, a holder of a special learner’s permit, examination permit or provisional driver’s license would have to display the decal while driving. The legislation is sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblyman Robert Schroeder, Assemblywoman Charlotte Vandervalk, and Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll.
“I worry that the decal requirement will turn our children into targets for criminals and predators,” said Goodwin. “We want to make certain that our children drive safely while ensuring that the entire community is safe.”
Unsure what to give Mom for Mother’s Day? Give the gift of choice – an American Express Gift Cheque. Available at The Travel Center / American Express, in denominations of $25, $50 and $100 for a fee of $2.50 per cheque, Gift Cheques can be used to buy virtually anything.
Elegant, yet practical, Gift Cheques offer a unique alternative to cash or single-merchant gift certificates. Gift Cheques’ elegant design creates a special experience for Mom upon both presentation and again during redemption.
Benefits of the American Express Gift Cheque:
*Good virtually everywhere – stores, movie theaters, spas, restaurants, hotels, museums, and more
*Replaceable if lost or stolen, usually within 24 hours
*No expiration date, unlike some store gift certificates
*Upon redemption, Mom will get cash back if she doesn’t use the full face value of the cheque
Upcoming Gift-Giving Occasions:
*Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 9
*Father’s Day – Sunday, June 20
*Graduations
*Weddings / Showers
*Teacher Appreciation
*Birthdays
*Anniversaries
Have additional questions? Contact The Travel Center / American Express and speak with a Financial Services Representative:
I heard from the Mac Murphy’s owners the Cinco De Mayo promotion you listed on the Ridgewood blog was a great success. The restaurant was packed all night.
Numerous people that check your blog attended. It was so great they ran out of some specials and Corona’s.
Appears you site is getting more viewers and locals that are supporting local businesses.
Ridgewood residents get more info from you that the papers.
>New Jersey Laborers Union Endorses Republican Kathleen Donovan for Bergen County Executive
One of the state’s most powerful unions, the New Jersey Laborers Union, endorsed Bergen County Clerk Kathleen Donovan for Bergen County Executive today, citing her management experience, her ability to reach across party lines and build consensus, and her vision for responsible economic development in Bergen County as well as her commitment to improving infrastructure and creating jobs for local residents.
With more than 20,000 members statewide, including 900 members of Building Laborers Local 592 of Fort Lee, and 8,000 members of General and Heavy Construction Laborers Local 472, which represents Northern New Jersey–the New Jersey Laborers Union is committing its full resources to the Donovan campaign.
It is anticipated that hundreds of laborers will volunteer time to the campaign through phone banking, voter registration drives, get out the vote drives, and member-to-member education.
Laborers Vice-President and Eastern Regional Manager Raymond M. Pocino called the early endorsement a sign of the union’s confidence in Ms. Donovan. “Through the years, no matter which political party was on the rise or what party was down, Bergen residents time and again re-elected Kathe Donovan for public office. There is a reason for that. It is because of her consistency of effort, her commitment to put people first and her ability to solve problems and create opportunities,” said Pocino. “We support her candidacy for county executive, and more importantly, we support her vision for Bergen County.”
Pocino praised Kathe Donovan’s leadership and experience with economic development as a key factor for endorsement. “Kathleen Donovan was the first woman to chair the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and she understands that prosperity won’t happen without smart public investment and job growth,” said Pocino. “Kathe Donovan not only has a vision for Bergen County’s future but she also has a track record that residents can trust.”
The New Jersey Laborers Union is affiliated with the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), and represents more than 20,000 members statewide in various industries, including construction, clean energy, environmental remediation, sanitation and recycling, security, and education. The New Jersey Laborers are widely viewed as having been instrumental in helping to lift living standards and workplace safety for employees in construction, clean energy, and hazardous materials removal, and for developing innovative cooperative relationships with employers.
>Several residents of the area surrounding Ridgewood High School made accusations at Wednesday evening’s Village Council Work Session that the Village Planning Board and Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser have inappropriately approved soil movement permits for several upcoming Ridgewood BOE projects (3 turf fields and a building expansion project).
Specifically, charges are that Mr. Rutishauser waived requirements pertaining to supporting documentation and fees without proper authorization, and in violation of established Village Code pertaining to soil movement. It is also alleged that the Planning Board overlooked these requirements, based solely upon the recommendation of Mr. Rutishauser. Further charges are that the applications were signed by an individual who is not an authorized agent for the BOE.
Deputy Mayor Keith D. Killion directed Village Attorney Matthew S. Rogers to investigate the charges and report back to Council members as to the legality of all documents required by existing Village Code.
Council members are scheduled to take a formal vote on the soil movement permits during their May 12th Public Meeting.
>Ridgewood Water Company subscribers may soon be faced with additional rate increases following a revelation at Wednesday evening’s Village Council Work Session that an electric service hook up to the new Valley View Avenue water storage tank will cost $135K.
Although the $135K estimate for electric service installation was presented to Ridgewood Water Company officials on September 4, 2009, Village Council members were not made aware of the need for additional project funding until April of 2010.
It is believed that the recently installed Valley View Avenue water storage tank will not become operational until the $135K electric service installation is complete. Thus, Village Council members have now been backed into somewhat of a corner. That is, they must approve an unexpected $135K expenditure, or be faced with a new water storage facility that can’t be made operational (and lawn sprinkler peak season is rapidly approaching).
The Fly would like to know how many more Village employees will be laid off in order to make up for the surprise $135K expenditure?
>Ridgewood police sergeant admits to stealing PBA funds Wednesday, May 5, 2010 Last updated: Wednesday May 5, 2010, 5:34 PM BY EVONNE COUTROS NorthJersey.com STAFF WRITER
RIDGEWOOD – A village police sergeant has admitted to theft by deception five months after his arrest for stealing funds from the local Policemen’s Benevolent Association.
Detective Sgt. William Hemmer, of Sussex, pleaded guilty and made more than $115,000 in restitution to Ridgewood PBA Local 20 through his attorneys on Wednesday in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack. Hemmer, 40, diverted the money from the Local 20 bank accounts into his personal account. The 17-year veteran of the Department has been banned from public service for life with formal sentencing for the crime in June. If Hemmer violates his terms of probation, he faces five years in prison.
Hemmer was treasurer of Local 20 for more than seven years. The PBA was conducting an audit of its accounts when the discrepancy was found and the case referred to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. RIDGEWOOD – A village police sergeant has admitted to theft by deception five months after his arrest for stealing funds from the local Policemen’s Benevolent Association.
Detective Sgt. William Hemmer, of Sussex, pleaded guilty and made more than $115,000 in restitution to Ridgewood PBA Local 20 through his attorneys on Wednesday in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack. Hemmer, 40, diverted the money from the Local 20 bank accounts into his personal account. The 17-year veteran of the Department has been banned from public service for life with formal sentencing for the crime in June. If Hemmer violates his terms of probation, he faces five years in prison. Hemmer was treasurer of Local 20 for more than seven years. The PBA was conducting an audit of its accounts when the discrepancy was found and the case referred to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
>Union protest outside Valley today. They were asked to remove the coffin that they were using as a prop because it might upset the students walking past.
The hospital administration contacted us to let us know they have asked the protesters to get rid of the coffin when children are going to/coming out of school. The hospital is waiting to hear back from the protesters about that. In the mean time, the hospital has said they will have a security person (possibly an off-duty Ridgewood Police officer if one is available) cross students to other side of the road and they will try to put up some sort of barrier up to shield the coffin from view on that other side of the street.”
According to Valley Hospital administration a union is protesting about some asbestos removal work that hospital had done over the weekend. The hospital assured us that they used a properly licensed contractor and all the work was done with proper precautions and without incident; but union is unhappy that the contractor used union workers who were paid off the union scale because the contractor didn’t go through the union hall to get the workers.
The union has set up a display on Van Dien Ave. There are two people on the sidewalk handling out leaflets. On the grass between the sidewalk and the street they do a coffin set up on saw horses. Part of the coffin is open and a dummy is in there with a helmet and gas mask on. There is also a large sign in front of the coffin that says “Asbestos Kills”. The image may be disturbing to some children.
The hospital administration contacted us to let us know they have asked the protesters to get rid of the coffin when children are going to/coming out of school. The hospital is waiting to hear back from the protesters about that. In the mean time, the hospital has said they will have a security person (possibly an off-duty Ridgewood Police officer if one is available) cross students to other side of the road and they will try to put up some sort of barrier up to shield the coffin from view on that other side of the street.
There doesn’t appear to be any cause for alarm over this. We just want to make sure parents are aware of it if/when your children come home with an unusual story about their trip to or from school.
>Read Soul Alinsky and then talk to me about disjointed and disruptive manners. I don’t care to be friendly and cordial to people on the left who will lie to get their way.
All across tis nation from local to national levels of government there is a battle for the direction which this nation will take for years to come. Ours in Ridgewood is only a microcosm of the larger struggle. Either you decide to win by pushing back the forces of statism or you are an accomplice by your unwillingness to fight fire with fire.
The fact remains that liberals control our BOE and believe that spending money on new fangled education programs, which are unproven and carry with them an ideology of the left in the quest to indoctinate our children into their way of thinking.
If you question this, just open a math book, if you can find one in our elementary schools, and read the PC crap in it.
Ask yourself why the Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum just bought a new subject curriculum for our middle schools when we are trying to save money. Maybe to justify her $140k salary?
>Board of Education and Village Council Meeting – May 10th at 5:30PM
Monday, May 10th at 5:30pm in the Village Hall Court Room, the Village Council and the Board of Education will meet to further review the recent defeat of the 2010 – 2011 School Budget.
>Jack Elwood, a Ridgewood High School physical education teacher battling Lou Gehrig’s disease for years , died on Sunday. at the age of 59.
Students at Ridgewood High School observed a moment of silence on Monday morning after the announcement of Elwood’s death .
In May 2003, Elwood was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal neuromuscular disease that causes progressive muscle weakness, eventually leading to paralysis. RHS students, coworkers, friends and family held numerous fund-raisers in recent years to help the teacher and his family, including the annual Jack Elwood 5K Walk/Run. Elwood often expressed gratitude at the support he and his family got from the community.
Elwood,was assistant manager at Graydon Pool during the summer months, remained teaching at RHS during the early stages of the disease.
Elwood is survived by his wife, Laura, and daughter Tricia.
Visitation will be held at Feeney Funeral Home in Ridgewood on Tuesday, May 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday, May 5 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 6 at St. Luke’s R.C. Church in Ho-Ho-Kus.
.jpg "American Express® Gift Cheques Now Available at The Travel Center / American Express")
