Tag: Ridgewood Real estate

>Why I took a stand

‘If the Senate cannot find $10 billion to pay for a measure we all support, we will never pay for anything.’
By Jim Bunning

I have been serving the citizens of Kentucky for nearly 24 years in Washington. During that time I have been a member of both the House of Representatives and the United States Senate. I have taken thousands of votes in relation to spending the taxpayers’ money. I will be the first one to admit that I have cast some bad votes during my tenure, and I wish I could have some of them back. For too long, both Republicans and Democrats have treated the taxpayers’ money as a slush fund that does not ever end. At some point, the madness has to stop.

Over a month ago, Democrats passed and President Obama signed into law the “Pay-Go” legislation. It calls on Congress to pay for bills by not adding to our debt. It sounds like a common sense tool that would rein in government spending. Unfortunately, Pay-Go is a paper tiger. It has no teeth. I did not vote for the Democrats’ Pay-Go legislation because I knew it was just a political dog-and-pony show to get some good press after some political setbacks. Since the Pay-Go rule was enacted, the national debt has gone up $244,992,297,448.11 (as of Wednesday, that is).

Why now?

Last week, Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., asked to pass a 30-day extensions bill for unemployment insurance and other federal programs. Earlier in February, those extensions were included in a broader bipartisan bill that was paid for but did not meet Sen. Reid’s approval, and he nixed the deal. When I saw the Democrats in Congress were going to vote on the extensions bill without paying for it and not following their own Pay-Go rules, I said enough is enough.

Many people asked me, “Why now?” My answer is, “Why not now?” Why can’t a non-controversial measure in the Senate that would help those in need be paid for? If the Senate cannot find $10 billion to pay for a measure we all support, we will never pay for anything.

America is under a mountain of debt. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said in a hearing last month that the United States’ debt is unsustainable. We are on the verge of a tipping point where America’s debt will bring down our economy, and more people will join the unemployment lines. That is why I used my right as a United States Senator and objected.

Only in Washington

After four legislative days of impasse, I reached a supposed deal with Majority Leader Reid to have an up-or-down vote on a pay-for amendment that would fully fund the legislation and not add to the debt. Only minutes before the vote, Democrats used a parliamentary maneuver to set aside my amendment and not vote on the actual substance of it. Only in Washington could this happen. The Democrats did not want to vote on my amendment because they knew they were in the wrong and ignored their own rules. Hypocrisy again rules the day in Washington.

I have 40 grandchildren, and I want them to grow up in a country where they have all of the same opportunities I had as a child. I fear that they will not have those opportunities if Washington continues on its course of spending without paying for it. We are at over $12 trillion in debt. I know many Americans sit around their kitchen table and make the tough decisions. It is time for the politicians in Washington to do the same.

Jim Bunning is a Republican senator from Kentucky.

>Yudin: McNerney stole GOP idea

Bergen County Republicans say that County Executive Dennis McNerney stole their idea to cut an open space tax because he’s facing a tough reelection battle.

“Our organization and our candidates have argued for years that the open space tax is being misused and that it must be cut to provide tax relief, but the Democrats have ignored our proposals,” said county GOP Chairman Bob Yudin in a written statement. “Now all of a sudden, when McNerney is facing a desperate election, he is trying to co-opt our ideas that he ignored for years.” 

McNerney, a Democrat, mentioned the idea in his “state of the county” address last night.
 (Friedman, PolitickerNJ)

https://www.politickernj.com/matt-friedman/37369/yudin-mcnerney-stole-gop-idea N.J.

>Both sides of this discussion are missing the point.

The NJEA exists to get the highest compensation/benefits and maximum number of days of with pay for its members that it can. That’s it! It doesn’t care about the students or the quality of education.

Now that we understand the NJEA’s purpose. The question is whether the $731 that a full-time teachers pays to the union each year ($98mm in NJ annually) achieves that goal. By the teachers’ own admission, the answer is “no”. Every teach on this blog has complained about being underpaid in comparison to the private sector. So, clearly the private sector non-union approach allows deserving professionals to earn higher levels of compensation. If I was a good teacher, I would be angry about having my earnings potential artificially capped, in exchange for minimum guarantees. I would be angry that other teachers, who are not as qualified or as effective as me, earn as much or more than I do. I would want the opportunity for my hard work provide a higher standard of living for my family.

From the taxpayer’s perspective, the current cost structure for public education and its source of funding is unsustainable. At the current rate in Ridgewood, we will see more and more service, programs, athletics and curricula cut to accommodate the NJEA’s negotiated terms and meet the budget. Eventually, this leads to uncertainty about the existence of some teachers’ very jobs. This is the opposite of what teachers want. Taxpayers want the best school systems for their children. That means the BEST teachers. In a free market environment, the best teachers will go where they are rewarded for their efforts and receive the best treatment. This would require school systems to compete with each other to attract the best talent. In other words, quality teachers could command the best benefits. There is no reason why the best teachers should not earn well over $100K a year.

There is a common ground here. And, the common ground does not require the abolition of the union. However, it does require that the terms of the discussion change. The nature of the workplace has evolved dramatically in the past 100 years.

Few, if any, employers can afford to cover the cost of their employees’ benefits without a substantial shared financial responsibility from the employee. Yet, it is as if the people, who support the NJEA’s current position, are ignoring the facts that come out of Washington every day on the healthcare debate. Costs have risen exponentially. It is unrealistic to expect the status quo to continue, without something breaking down. And, what is breaking down is the ability to fund our current level of education. So, teachers must begin to assume a greater financial responsibility for the cost of their benefits – across the board, not just with new teachers. I would argue that the majority of teachers’ union dues would be better spent to help cover the cost of their family benefits.

It is time for the NJEA and school boards to agree on merit based pay. Maximum pay scales must rise and guarantees on the other end must be removed. The incentive to earn more money as a result of superior work is a powerful motivation. So is the fear of unemployment or reduced compensation. It is possible to phase this in. But, the devil is in the details and it will be a difficult transformation. This is in the best interest of teacher, students and taxpayers, alike. It must be done to salvage education in NJ.

The reality is that tenure must be abolished to allow for these changed to work. Tenure serves no legitimate purpose toward meaningfully increasing a teacher’s earning potential, improving the quality of education or motivating a teacher. The natural tendency is for a teacher to view tenure as the “goal”. Tenure is not particularly difficult to attain and, once attained, there is no motivation not to “coast” to retirement.

>Dear Supporters,

Last night my husband, , and another parent active in the community, Brian Dowd, announced their intention to run for the two Council seats that we believe will be vacated this year by David Pfund and Pat Mancuso. I will forward their bios as well as their position paper, but our immediate need is to collect 165 signatures from registered voters to enable them to be candidates. Here is the text of the message that was sent last evening, and I apologize of you already received this directly:

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

We are pleased to announce that we are running for the two Village Council seats that are available this year. We feel strongly that Ridgewood is a very special town that is reaching a pivotal point in its history, and it requires responsive government. As parents of school age children who plan to make the Village our home for many years, we are committed to preserving the fabric that makes our town unique, while providing the strong leadership and business acumen needed to manage our current fiscal situation and adequately plan for our future needs.

We look forward to discussing our thoughts with you in more detail in the coming weeks, but our immediate focus is to collect the 165 signatures needed to secure a place on the May 11 ballot.

We ask for your support by having each registered voter in your home sign both petitions by Friday, March 12. The petitions can be printed from:

https://www.mediafire.com/file/nzoozdmuwmm/Petition_Cronk.pdf

https://www.mediafire.com/file/wmlnz3tmn5w/Petition_Dowd.pdf

Please note that each registered voter in your home may sign a maximum of two petitions this year. Additional nominations will be voided by the Village Clerk.

The signed petitions can be dropped at 404 Shelbourne Terrace
(mail slot located on front door), or, if you contact us, we are happy to pick them up.

Thank you very much for your support.

Sincerely,

Doug Cronk & Brian Dowd

>March 2, 2010, 6:35 pm
Fuel Taxes Must Rise, Harvard Researchers Say
By SINDYA N. BHANOO

To meet the ,Obama administration’s targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions some researchers say, Americans may have to experience a sobering reality: gas at $7 a gallon.

To reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the transportation sector 14 percent from 2005 levels by 2020, the cost of driving must simply increase, according to a forthcoming report by researchers at Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

The 14 percent target was set in the Environmental Protection Agency’s budget for fiscal 2010.

In their study, the researchers devised several combinations of steps that United States policymakers might take in trying to address the heat-trapping emissions by the nation’s transportation sector, which consume 70 percent of the oil used in the United States.

Most of their models assumed an economy-wide carbon dioxide tax starting at $30 a ton in 2010 and escalating to $60 a ton in 2030. In some cases researchers also factored in tax credits for electric and hybrid vehicles, taxes on fuel or both.

https://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/fuel-taxes-must-rise-harvard-researchers-say/

>Greatest Science Extravaganza in Northern New Jersey
Presented at Ridgewood High School, E. Ridgewood Ave. from 9am to 1:30pm – FREE ADMISSION – Previous Presenters Are NASA & Cornell on the Mars rover Findings; Valley Hospital & Youth Fitness; Ridgewood Police & Fire; Whole Foods Nutritional Experts; Goffle Poultry Farm & Turtle Back Zoo – check out the website for updated infor www.SuperScience Saturday.org Join us at Ridgewood Middle and High School Students for a special area for you to present your projects. Meet doxens of professional presenters along with hundreds of other students also excited about science. More information – Michael Aaron Flicker 201/300-2900 or [email protected]

>

Today, March 2nd at the Ridgewood Library at 1:00 PM TODAY Show Janice Leiberman Consumer Reporter – how to shop from groceries, energy efficient appliances and HOW TO SHOP FOR A HUSBAND – her fun book!

SNOW got you down? Here’s a treat right around the corner.

Join the members of the College Club and let’s have some fun AND learn
from TV Consumer Reporter and Journalist Bergen County’s own Janice Lieberman.
….discussing her latest book “How To Shop For A Husband” .
Janice will give insight and practical ways to shop for a husband that may surprise you.
Great information on how to keep that marriage, friendship or relationship going too.
Hear from a variety of TV “friends”

She will also share lots of other “deals and steals” she has learned through the years giving
advice and assistance to all of us who shop for everything from the family dinner to buying
that energy saver appliance.

Bring a friend ($10 fee) …College Club members: this program is free to you!.

Janice will autograph her books for us and as usual Bookends in Ridgewood
will work with us to give us a percentage of the sales. What a great gift for family
and friends and you help the scholarship fund.

Mar 2, 2010 at 1:00 PM
“How to Shop for a Husband”
Ridgewood Public Library, 125 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood
Janice Lieberman, a journalist and consumer reporter for The Today Show and the Reader’s Digest will autograph copies of “How to Shop for a Husband” 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 2 at the Ridgewood Public Library, 125 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood. Bookends will donate a percentage back to the Ridgewood College Club for all books sold. For more information, please call Bea O’Rourke, (201) 445-9423 or e-mail [email protected]. College Club Program Committee

—
O’Rourke Group
Bea O’Rourke CSW, RP, GRS
321 Spring Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07450-4511
[email protected]
201-445-9423

“The trouble with being poor is that it takes up all your time.”
“The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die.”

Ridgewood Library
131 North Maple Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07450-3256
(201) 670-5600

>SARASOTA, FL.- Philanthropist David F. Bolger, President of the Bolger Foundation of Ridgewood, NJ and Longboat Key, FL has donated $1.105 million to fund Phase I of a waterfront landscaping plan at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The gift will be used to make improvements to the Estate’s 66-acre property along the waterfront area by connecting the Ca’d’Zan mansion to the south property line with path ways, seating, lighting and landscaping.

“The waterfront is an important component of the Museum experience,” Mr. Bolger said. “My gift will create a place of tranquility where Museum visitors will be able to sit, enjoy the beauty of the landscaping and the bay, and contemplate life and their place in it.”

The gift will be used to complete the first phase of a larger landscaping improvement plan that will create a usable space providing facilities for outdoor experiences for Museum visitors. Upon completion of the first phase of the plan, visitors will stroll along the bay on a palm lined promenade leading toward Ca’d’Zan. Seating will line the pathway facing west toward Longboat Key. A paved square adjacent to the south end of Ca’d’Zan will be available for rental to the public for social events, dancing, etc. The first phase of the landscape improvement plan is scheduled for completion in late June, 2010.

“The Ringling Museum is deeply grateful to Mr. Bolger for his commitment to the visitor experience of the Ringling grounds,” said Interim Director T. Marshall Rousseau. “Thanks to his ongoing generosity, our visitors will have a place to reflect on the beauty of this unique property and the important role that John and Mable Ringling played in creating a thriving Sarasota cultural community.”

David F. Bolger is the Founder and Chairman of Bolger & Co., Inc. a real estate and investment firm in Ridgewood, NJ. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and received an Honorary Doctorate of Law Degree from Upper Iowa University in Fayette, IA. He is the President of The Bolger Foundation which has made more than $70 million dollars of philanthropic donations since 2000, including $535,000 to InStride Equine Assisted Therapy, a therapeutic-riding facility in Nokomis, FL, Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Historic Spanish Point in Sarasota, FL. His generosity is widespread with numerous leadership gifts to organizations in New Jersey including The Valley Hospital of Ridgewood, The Village of Ridgewood, West Bergen Mental Health Care, Ridgewood, Glen Rock and Midland Park Libraries, Christian Health Care Center, Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric Center, Holland Christian Home, The Children’s Therapy Center of Fair Lawn, William Paterson University (School of Nursing), Bethany Christian Services, The Bergen County Chapter of Community Blood Center Services, The YMCA of Ridgewood, Northfield Mount Hermon School in Mount Hermon, Massachusetts, The Rainbow Land Preschool/Day Care of Fayette, IA where a bridge is also dedicated to Mr. Bolger known as The Bolger Bridge, Bartels Lutheran Retirement Home, Self-Help International and his most recent donation, “The Lois Coonradt/Bolger Helipad” to Waverly Health Center, in Waverly, IA.

Bolger’s philanthropic interests began at the young age of 15 when he chose to donate money he earned delivering newspapers, shoveling coal, doing landscape work and snow removal, etc. He worked his way through college in the steel mills of Pittsburgh, PA, helping others less fortunate in a variety of ways and supporting organizations working on behalf of the handicapped, disadvantaged youths, churches, senior citizens, mental health programs, conservation activities and education; without regard to race, creed or financial status.

Bolger’s gift to the Museum ensures a continued effort for completion of the Estate Master Plan which includes a historical study presented in 2002 that verifies a 1940’s plan to connect the esplanade to the waterfront.

>
A closer look at Christie’s unemployment plan

Gov. Christie laid out his plan to decrease New Jersey unemployment benefits and soften a $1 billion tax hike on businesses last week. Here’s a closer look at some of the details of his proposal, and the politicking to come. The plan, which would impact newly unemployed people only: – Cut maximum unemployment benefits from $600 per week to $550 (saves $295 million) With the reduction, New Jersey’s top benefit would go from being second-highest in the nation to third. Right now Massachusetts pays the most, up to $628 per week, according to the New Jersey labor department. Pennsylvania is third, at $558, and would move up to second. Hawaii ($545) is fourth, followed by Washington ($541) and Rhode Island ($528). Christie said that until the start of 2010, New Jersey’s maximum benefit was $584, so the cut would be only $34 less than the unemployed received in 2009. (Tamari, The Inquirer)

https://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/nj_politics/A_closer_look_at_Christies_unemployment_plan.html

>I was horrified by the arrogance of Vincent Giordano’s comments in this article. He clearly seems to think that education in NJ exists to serve his union’s members. Could he be more out of touch?

The stereotypical union mentality is certainly alive and well in the NJEA. The NJEA obviously doesn’t appreciated that the populist anger has turned on them.

By the way, let’s stop using the recession as an excuse. It may have turned the light on the NJEA and its abuses of the taxpayer in NJ, but the recession is not why teachers should be paid for performance or tenure should be abolished or why bloated benefits packages and 4% annual raises (regardless of inflation or deflation) must end. If not for the recession, would these things be acceptable? Of course not. So, let’s keep focused on the source of the problems with education and not blame the economy.

>Senators Tom Kean (R-21), Steven Oroho (R-24) and Joe Kyrillos (R-13) are hopping mad over one of the less-publicized outrages in President Barack Obama’s health care reform proposal.

If the legislation successfully makes its way reconciliation, Washington would impose a new tax on investment income. The N.J. Republican senate leadership is concerned that that tax “would be borne disproportionately by New Jersey residents.” Their concern is justified. With so many New Jerseyans either working in the investment industry or owning diversified investments individually, a new tax on their income could further hinder economic recovery efforts in our cash-strapped state. If passed, New Jersey’s unemployment rate could be expected to climb well above the current 10.1% mark.

Some key facts and figures from the Senate GOP office:

To help fund his multi-trillion dollar healthcare proposal, the President’s new plan, released on February 22, calls for the addition of a 2.9% Medicare tax on certain income, including that derived from interest, dividends, annuities, royalties and rent. This new tax would apply to individuals earning more than $200,000 and $250,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Data from the Tax Foundation show that New Jersey receives back just 61 cents in federal spending for every tax dollar sent by state residents to the federal government, the lowest rate of return of any state. With a rank of 42 out of 50, New York doesn’t fare much better.

Following the release of the President’s plan, an analysis by the Manhattan Institute shows that the residents of New York and New Jersey would pay a whopping 25% of the total revenue generated by the new income tax. When Connecticut is factored in, the residents of the tri-state region would pay almost 1/3 of the total tax. New Jersey’s share is estimated to be up to 9% of the total.

I think Lautenberg, Menendez, and the rest of the Democrat congressional delegation should make their vote for ObamaCare’s final passage contingent on the removal of this tax. Their first duty should always be to fight for the prosperity of the Garden State’s overtaxed citizens. Our voters did NOT send them to Washington to blindly follow Nancy Pelosi over the cliff! Adler, Menendez, Holt, and other potentially vulnerable Dems should be extra careful before they act on this bill, Save Jerseyans.

After all… these clowns fail to get the taxpayers a fair return on their federal tax dollars year after year. Just 61 cents on the dollar! The least they can do is prevent that statistic from getting any worse and vote against this huge new tax levy!

Permalink: blog.savejersey.com/2010/03/01/study-new-york-metro-area-will-pay-25-of-new-obamacare-tax.aspx

>Ridgewood Police Assist at Major Glen Rock Crime Scene

Several Ridgewood Police Department officers were dispatched to assist the Glen Rock PD at a major crime scene late Sunday evening.

Reportedly, a man was deliberately pushed in front of a train near the Glen Rock Main Line Train Station at approximately 10:15 PM.

Although the suspect was quickly apprehended by officers from Glen Rock, Ridgewood officers were need to secure the crime scene and to assist with providing first aid to the victim.

Personnel from NJ Transit PD, the Bergen County Sheriff’s office Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s office were also called to assist.

The condition of the victim is not known at this time.

>
A Ridgewood ambulance was involved in a head-on collision at the intersection of Ackerman Avenue and South Maple Avenue in Glen Rock at 10:39 PM on Sunday evening. The ambulance was responding with lights and sirens to an emergency call in Glen Rock. At least one person was seriously injured in the accident.

>Rockland County, NY — The Rockland Farm Alliance, an organization committed to facilitating local sustainable agriculture in Rockland County, is offering two gourmet organic Pancake Breakfasts as a fundraiser for its ongoing activities. The breakfasts will take place on March 13th and March 28th, 2010, from 9 am to 12 noon.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the end of winter and the coming of spring than a delicious shared meal featuring locally produced ingredients, in support of an important community cause,” says John McDowell, organic farmer and President of the Rockland Farm Alliance.

The Rockland Farm Alliance’s inaugural “maple syrup festival” pancake breakfasts will take place on 2 separate dates in March, 2010. Locally produced maple syrup from Camp Hill Farm and local eggs will be featured at these yummy, family-friendly, eating extravaganzas. The predominantly organic menu will include pancakes (both regular and gluten free), free-range eggs, potatoes, sausage, coffee and juice. Maple Sap for the syrup will be collected from Rockland County by Camp Venture, a not-for-profit provider of family-like care and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities

DETAILS:

Saturday March 13th, 9am – 12 Noon
Rockland Country Day School, Chef Ula Robertson, At Your Service NY Catering
34 Kings Highway, Congers, NY

Sunday March 28th, 9am – 12 Noon
Threefold Cafe, Chef Anthony LoPinto
285 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Because of limited seating and the need to pre-order ingredients, tickets must be purchased in advance by visiting rocklandfarm.eventbrite.com. Prices are $15 per adult and $10 per child. A family package – 4 people costs $45 and a table of 10 costs $125. All proceeds will benefit the Rockland Farm Alliance. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 845-362-0207.

Event Sponsors: At Your Service NY Catering, Camp Hill Farm, Camp Venture, Hungry Hollow Co-op, and Threefold Educational Foundation.

About the Rockland Farm Alliance: The Rockland Farm Alliance (RFA) is a broad based community coalition of farmers, community groups, community activists, local and county officials and active citizens. The RFA was formed in early 2007, with the mission to facilitate local sustainable agriculture in Rockland County, NY. This grassroots effort, which started with the passionate vision of a single farmer, has grown into a powerful community force of over 300. With nearly every facet of our community represented, we draw on the expertise of individual members from every walk of life and experience. www.rocklandfarm.org

>
N.J. pension fund is underfunded by $46B, as gap continues to grow

By Lisa Fleisher/Statehouse Bureau
February 25, 2010, 2:25PM

TRENTON — New Jersey’s pension system is underfunded by nearly $46 billion, a more than 30 percent increase in a year, and as a result the state’s annual bill has grown to $3 billion, according to a new analysis released today by the state Treasury department.

The state’s decision to skip or reduce annual payments, investment losses and benefit increases granted nearly a decade ago have contributed to putting the state on an unsustainable path, Janet Cranna, an actuary with Secaucus-based Buck Consultants, said at a presentation to state pension boards today.

“We heard this last year. We knew that something needed to be done,” said Ron Winthers, a gubernatorial appointee to the Public Employees Retirement System board. “We’re coming back this year, and we’re in the same position. The bottom line is you’ve got to pay into this pension system, and it has to start now.”

The unfunded liability, assessed at $45.8 billion as of June 30, 2009, is the gap between the state’s investments and what it has promised to workers. The gap had been $34.4 billion a year earlier. The numbers do not address the state’s health care benefits liability.

full story :

https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/02/nj_pension_chris_christie_stat.html