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Our new motto is – “Leave” no leaf behind!

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file photo Boyd Loving

Our new motto is – “Leave” no leaf behind!

IMPORTANT NOTICE CONCERNING LEAF REMOVAL – REVISED SCHEDULE

As you may have heard In our continuing efforts to improve services, a new leaf removal program will begin with the upcoming leaf season. The preponderant portion of Area B will be outsourced to a private contractor for the removal of leaves. This change is being implemented so that our resources can be better utilized by providing more manpower and extending collection times in all areas to achieve the services that Ridgewood residents deserve. 

Residents in Area B will remain the same with the exception of the following streets which will now be considered “Area D” for leaf season only.

N. Monroe St. (house #108 to #412)

Valley View Ave.

Elm Court

Wastena Terr.

Beechwood Road

Unadilla Rd.

Palmer Court

Kemah Rd.

Woodland Ave. (house #116 – #223)

Carlton Terr.

Sheridan Terr.

Windsor Terr.

NEW dates for collection are as follows:

Area A: Oct. 20 – 23, Nov. 6 – 13, Dec. 1-5

Area B: Oct. 22 – 28, Nov. 6 – 12, Nov. 24 – 28, Dec. 11 – 17

Area C: Oct. 24 – 29, Nov. 14 – 19, Dec. 8 – 12

Area D: Oct. 30 – Nov. 5, Nov. 20 – 26, Dec. 15 – 19

Leaves must be placed directly in the street no more than 7 days prior to your scheduled pick up date. Please have your leaves in the street on the first day scheduled for collection. No brush will be collected during leaf season. You may continue to bring leaves as well as brush to the Recycling Center. The hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Leaves can also be placed in paper biodegradable bags. Bags are available at the Recycling Center on a first come, first serve basis. When using bags please place them on the curb area and they will be collected separately. As weather is a key component to this operation if changes become necessary it will be posted on the Village of Ridgewood website. In addition you are encouraged to sign up for e-mail notifications via the Village website. As a reminder, please use caution when our leaf removal crews are on your block. When possible please take an alternate route to ensure the safety of all. Should you have any questions, please call the Street Division (201) 670-5585.

Our new motto is – “Leave” no leaf behind!

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

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Rep Scott Garrett crusade against “for-profit policing” gains traction

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Rep Garrett with two vets at the Glen Rock street fair . These two gentlemen were at the fair representing the VFW. Join me in thanking them for their service to our country!

Rep Scott Garrett crusade against “for-profit policing” gains traction 
October 6th 2014 
the staff of the Ridgewood blog 

Ridgewood NJ, In September Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ),  and Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), introduced H.R. 5502, the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration (FAIR) Act, to protect Americans from having their property seized without the due process of law.  The FAIR Act makes a number of changes to civil asset forfeiture laws to restore the constitutional protections guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment.

Recently unconstitutional civil asset forfeiture or Policing for profit has started to gain traction with the media .

Garrett said “I’m glad to see that more people are starting to draw attention to civil asset forfeiture laws. My bill, the FAIR Act, would protect Americans from unconstitutional civil asset forfeitures.”

Learn more here: https://1.usa.gov/1s6Yg99

John Oliver rips into the scandal of for-profit policing
Updated by Timothy B. Lee on October 6, 2014, 9:40 a.m. ET [email protected]
 
In America, people are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty. Yet a crazy loophole in US law has allowed the police to take billions of dollars worth of property from ordinary Americans without even charging them with a crime.

John Oliver explains how this scheme, known as civil asset forfeiture, works:

https://www.vox.com/2014/10/6/6918047/john-oliver-explains-how-the-police-can-take-your-stuff-without

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PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC MEETING TONIGHT

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PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC MEETING TONIGHT

AGENDA

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Village Hall Courtroom – 7:30 P.M.

(all timeframes and the order of agenda items below are approximate and subject to change)

1.            7:30 p.m. – Call to Order, Statement of Compliance, Flag Salute, Roll Call  – In accordance with the provisions of Section 10:4-8d of the Open Public Meetings Act, the date, location, and time of the commencement of this meeting is reflected in a meeting notice, a copy of which schedule has been filed with the Village Manager and the Village Clerk, The Ridgewood News and The Record newspapers, and posted on the bulletin board in the entry lobby of the Village municipal offices at 131 North Maple Avenue, and on the Village website, all  in accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act.

         Roll call: Aronsohn, Bigos, Knudsen, Nalbantian, Joel, Reilly, Dockray, Peters, Thurston, Altano, Abdalla


2.            7:35 – 8:00 p.m. – Executive session


3.            8:00 p.m. – 8:10 p.m. – Public Comments on Topics not Pending Before the Board


4.            8:10p.m. – 8:15 p.m. – Committee/Commission/Professional Updates for Non Agenda Topics


5.            8:15 p.m. – 8:20 p.m. – Correspondence Received by the Board 

6.            8:20 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Public hearing Land Use Plan Element of the Master Plan AH-2, B-3-R, C-R and C Zone Districts


7.            9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Discussion re: Legal overview regarding Open Public Meetings Act requirements and Board obligations as per the Municipal Land Use Law


8.            10:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m. – Housing Element of the Master Plan – Discussion re: Preparation and Schedule for Adoption


9.            Adjournment

 
         In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, all meetings of the Ridgewood Planning Board (i.e., official public meetings, work sessions, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings, which are always open to members of the general public.


         Members: Mayor Paul Aronsohn, Nancy Bigos, Councilwoman Susan Knudsen, Charles Nalbantian, Richard Joel, Kevin Reilly, Wendy Dockray, Michele Peters, David Thurston, Isabella Altano, Khidir Abdalla

         Professional Staff: Blais L. Brancheau, Planner; Gail L. Price, Esq., Board Attorney; Christopher J. Rutishauser, Village Engineer; Michael Cafarelli, Board Secretary

 

Financial Advisory Committee – October 13 Meeting Cancelled

The Financial Advisory Committee (FAC) holds its meetings the second Monday of each month. The October 13th Meeting is cancelled due to the holiday on that date. The November Meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 10th.

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Ridgewood Water – Emergency Repairs

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photo by Boyd Loving

Ridgewood Water – Emergency Repairs

Ridgewood Water made emergency repairs in two locations today – South Van Dien Avenue at Spring Avenue in Ridgewood and Ravine Avenue at Ravine Court in Wyckoff. If your home or business is near these locations you might experience discolored water from your faucets. The discoloration is from minerals that have been stirred up by turbulence in the mains. You may flush the discoloration out of your piping by running faucets until the water is clear. There is no need for health concerns but residents are cautioned to avoid doing laundry until the discoloration has been completely flushed from household piping.

Esurance

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CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OFFERS “SECOND-CHANCE” BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS ON OCTOBER 12

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Father Greg Lisby, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Ridgewood, blesses one of God’s smaller creatures at the 2013 Blessing of the Animals celebration.
CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OFFERS
“SECOND-CHANCE” BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS ON OCTOBER 12

Families and children of all ages are invited to a Blessing of the Animals celebration on Sunday October 12, 2014 at 3 PM, at Christ Episcopal Church, 105 Cottage Place in Ridgewood.

Everyone is invited to bring their favorite pets: dogs, cats, rabbits, goldfish, stuffed animals . . . any beloved “creatures,” great or small. A short service celebrating all animals will be followed by individual blessings of each animal. Refreshments will be served.

Some orphaned dogs and cats who are eligible for adoption from the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge in Oakland will also be present.

The service will be held at the outside altar, which is by the entrance to the Nursery School on Franklin Avenue.  In the event of rain, the service will take place inside the church.

Many churches hold Blessing of the Animals celebrations on the first Sunday in October, honoring St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, whose feast day is October 4. The Christ Church celebration on the 12th provides a second chance for anyone who missed the prior week.

Christ Episcopal Church is located at 105 Cottage Place, at the corner of Franklin Avenue, in Ridgewood, NJ.  For more information, call the church office at 201-652-2350 or visit the website at christchurchridgewood.org.

1-800-PetMeds Free Shipping $49

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Ridgewood considers parking upgrades

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Ridgewood considers parking upgrades

OCTOBER 5, 2014    LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — Village officials unveiled several parking proposals they hope will attract visitors to the downtown business district and also ease parking for residents.

One proposal offered at Wednesday’s council meeting would standardize parking hours, fees and durations throughout the village.

“All downtown meters would run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” according to the proposal, altering the current 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. range.

Also, all downtown meters would offer three- or four-hour parking, as opposed to the current limit of two hours.

“All downtown meters will cost 25 cents per half-hour,” the proposal states, adding existing 15-minute parking spaces would remain.

“This will make parking easier and simpler for shoppers and diners, enhancing the overall downtown experience,” according to the plan.

Another proposal seeks to restrict long-term parking passes — currently sold to residents and non-residents on an annual basis — to Ridgewood residents only. At present, about 120 out-of-town commuters pay the same amount as residents for long-term parking passes, Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld said. An alternative proposal would have non-residents pay twice as much for the long-term pass.

“There is a parking scarcity in this town,” Mayor Paul Aronsohn said at the council’s meeting Wednesday, adding it has taken out-of-the-box thinking to determine ways of improving it.

The issue of parking in Ridgewood has been front and center in recent weeks at public forums organized by Deputy Mayor Al Pucciarelli. At these gatherings, residents and business owners have keyed in on parking as the village’s biggest hindrance.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/council-considers-parking-upgrades-1.1102744#sthash.HV1B1AFh.dpuf

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Ridgewood has new building official

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Ridgewood has new building official

OCTOBER 6, 2014    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — The new chief of the village’s Building Department starts today, months after the unit was overhauled.

Thomas Yotka has more than 25 years of experience in code enforcement and administration, according to Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld.

Yotka possesses all of the necessary state licenses and holds a zoning official certificate from Rutgers University.

“Prior to joining Ridgewood, Tom has served as construction official, building and fire subcode official and building and fire inspector in several municipalities where he spearheaded efforts to improve processes, enhance customer service as well as increase efficiencies by implementing performance and software technologies,” Sonenfeld said in an email to the staff.

Since 1999, Yotka has taught building and fire code courses for the state’s Department of Community Affairs at the County College of Morris, and two years ago was retained by the agency to provide continuing education seminars to licensed code officials and design professionals.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/village-has-new-building-official-1.1103172#sthash.tIxwE4qn.dpuf

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Paychecks for 2,900 NJ Transit employees delayed after payroll glitch

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Paychecks for 2,900 NJ Transit employees delayed after payroll glitch

October 3, 2014, 5:09 PM    Last updated: Friday, October 3, 2014, 7:28 PM
By JOHN CICHOWSKI
staff writer
The Record

Some 2,900 NJ Transit rail employees were unpleasantly surprised this week when they tried to access paychecks that usually are posted in their bank accounts at 12:01 a.m. each Thursday.

In the latest of several embarrassing blunders, the nation’s biggest statewide commuter rail system had somehow failed to transmit payroll funds to more than 25 percent of its 11,000 employees. Its executive director, Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim, blamed the glitch on an upgrade to a new electronic payroll system managed by a Canadian vendor, the Highline Corp.

“Unfortunately, we had a processing error with this new system that impacted our rail employees who received their paycheck via direct deposit,” said Hakim.

Adjustments to the system “resolved the issue” quickly, she said in her email, although payments were delayed until Friday in some instances. Only non-union operations employees were affected by the processing error. For example, police and executives, who are paid under a different system, were not inconvenienced, said an agency spokeswoman who attempted to downplay the oversight.

Some employees agreed.

“For some of us it turned out to be a small inconvenience,” said one man who asked not to be identified. “But for those who live hand to mouth, it was just another reason to complain about how the place is run.”

Hakim took the helm of NJ Transit early this year, replacing James Weinstein whose four-year tenure was marred by several management blunders including the loss of millions of dollars in rail cars and equipment during Superstorm Sandy, extra-long rail delays at MetLife Stadium following the Super Bowl, and a failure to renew federal registrations for the agency’s trademark logos.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/paychecks-for-2-900-nj-transit-employees-delayed-after-payroll-glitch-1.1102268#sthash.fQFQFq29.dpuf

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Ridgewood looking at parking proposals

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Ridgewood looking at parking proposals

OCTOBER 5, 2014    LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — Village officials unveiled several parking proposals they hope will attract visitors to the downtown business district and also ease parking for residents.

One proposal offered at Wednesday’s council meeting would standardize parking hours, fees and durations throughout the village.

“All downtown meters would run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” according to the proposal, altering the current 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. range.

Also, all downtown meters would offer three- or four-hour parking, as opposed to the current limit of two hours.

“All downtown meters will cost 25 cents per half-hour,” the proposal states, adding existing 15-minute parking spaces would remain.

“This will make parking easier and simpler for shoppers and diners, enhancing the overall downtown experience,” according to the plan.

Another proposal seeks to restrict long-term parking passes — currently sold to residents and non-residents on an annual basis — to Ridgewood residents only. At present, about 120 out-of-town commuters pay the same amount as residents for long-term parking passes, Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld said. An alternative proposal would have non-residents pay twice as much for the long-term pass.

“There is a parking scarcity in this town,” Mayor Paul Aronsohn said at the council’s meeting Wednesday, adding it has taken out-of-the-box thinking to determine ways of improving it.

The issue of parking in Ridgewood has been front and center in recent weeks at public forums organized by Deputy Mayor Al Pucciarelli. At these gatherings, residents and business owners have keyed in on parking as the village’s biggest hindrance.

The Village Council recently reached a deal to provide off-site parking for downtown business employees on Franklin Avenue, at the former Ken Smith site.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/council-considers-parking-upgrades-1.1102744#sthash.oGxHLntR.dpuf

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Hackers’ Attack Cracked 10 Financial Firms in Major Assault

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Hackers’ Attack Cracked 10 Financial Firms in Major Assault

By MATTHEW GOLDSTEIN, NICOLE PERLROTH and DAVID E. SANGER OCTOBER 3, 2014 9:39 PMOctober 3, 2014 9:39 pm 2 Comments

The huge cyberattack on JPMorgan Chase that touched more than 83 million households and businesses was one of the most serious computer intrusions into an American corporation. But it could have been much worse.

Questions over who the hackers are and the approach of their attack concern government and industry officials. Also troubling is that about nine other financial institutions — a number that has not been previously reported — were also infiltrated by the same group of overseas hackers, according to people briefed on the matter. The hackers are thought to be operating from Russia and appear to have at least loose connections with officials of the Russian government, the people briefed on the matter said.

It is unclear whether the other intrusions, at banks and brokerage firms, were as deep as the one that JPMorgan disclosed on Thursday. The identities of the other institutions could not be immediately learned.

https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/10/03/hackers-attack-cracked-10-banks-in-major-assault/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

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Davidoff Opens New Cigar Lounge in Ridgewood

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Davidoff Opens New Cigar Lounge in Ridgewood 
Barry  October 02, 2014

Davidoff Announces Opening of Cigar Lounge in Ridgewood, NJ
Premier Swiss cigar brand opens its newest lounge in the United States

Basel, September 29, 2014 – Davidoff, a Swiss company known for its excellence in luxury goods, announces the opening of its Davidoff Lounge at The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood in downtown Ridgewood, NJ. Being the 4th addition to the Davidoff lounge portfolio in the US, Ridgewood marks the roll-out of additional locations under the global lounge concept.

The Davidoff Lounge at The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood offers an oasis of sophistication and comfort. The 2,400 square foot space takes the concept of traditional lounges to the next level featuring a modern design with industrial inspired touches and natural materials.

Situated in a 1931 historical building, the lounge features exposed brick walls, striking antique skylights and 21 industrial windows welcoming natural light. A statement-making peninsula fireplace sits in the center of the lounge, custom designed to add warmth and interest to the open floor plan. With custom furniture and décor, the overall design creates a balance between the modern but traditional allure of Ridgewood. Amenities include an elegant boardroom offering members a private space to conduct meetings and hold private dinner events. 100 custom-built humidified lockers welcome private members to store their personal cigars.

Davidoff commissioned NYC urban artists UR New York to create a 3-dimensional metal wall sculpture depicting the fusion of Davidoff luxury and Ridgewood’s downtown urban flavor. URNY artists Fernando “Ski” Romero and Mike “2ESAE” Baca drew inspiration from the historical and present elements of Ridgewood, constructing a 3D assemblage of recycled and found materials from their time in Ridgewood.

The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood
The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood has just completed its fourth and largest expansion in its 35-year history. The shop is nestled in the historic area of the Village of Ridgewood, a Victorian town established in 1894. A family business, developed in 1979, has brought much camaraderie between many of the men and women that have patronized the shop over the years. This expansion into the Davidoff Lounge will expand the networking of many of the members in a 2,400 square foot upscale setting.

A Century of Davidoff
Henri Davidoff, who emigrated from Kiev to Switzerland at a time of political unrest, opened his first store in Geneva in 1911, laying the foundations for today’s worldwide network of 65 Davidoff Flagship Stores. Henri’s son, Zino Davidoff, learned the trade from the ground up. He resided for several years in Central and South America to deepen his knowledge. In 1930, he returned to Switzerland and thereafter successfully managed the business over four decades. Zino Davidoff transferred the family business to the Oettinger Group in 1970.
Davidoff appeals to connoisseurs all over the world who seek to embrace the art of living and pleasure. The premium brand Davidoff stands for a culture of conscious enjoyment and reflection in today’s hectic world. Davidoff learned over the years that time is the ultimate luxury. Zino’s pleasure in this was the starting point for the global brand of Davidoff, a brand that connects people all around the world. A brand that fills the unforgettable moments in life with the joy and pleasure of elegance and beauty – “Time Beautifully Filled.”

Oettinger Davidoff Group – a Swiss family business steeped in tradition
With almost 4,000 employees around the world, the CHF 1.3 billion Oettinger Davidoff Group traces its roots back to 1875 and remains family owned to this day. The Group operates two distinctly different businesses: one focused on consumer goods distribution in the Swiss market, and one dedicated to its core business, the producing, marketing, and retailing of premium branded cigars, tobacco products, and accessories. The premium-branded cigar business includes Davidoff, Camacho, Zino Platinum, AVO, Cusano, Griffin’s, Private Stock, Zino, and Winston Churchill Cigars. Oettinger Davidoff Group is anchored in a strong “crop-to-shop” philosophy, having pursued a vertical integration from its tobacco fields in the Dominican Republic and Honduras to its worldwide network of 65 Davidoff Flagship Stores.

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Ridgewood High School honors record-setting swimmer Charlotte Samuels

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Ridgewood High School honors record-setting swimmer Charlotte Samuels

OCTOBER 2, 2014, 9:03 PM    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014, 9:09 PM
BY ALLISON PRIES
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD – Football fans weren’t the only people seated in the stands at Ridgewood High School on Thursday night.

Some of the crowd turned out to see hometown hero Charlotte Samuels be recognized by school leaders for the physical and mental feat of being the youngest person to complete the Triple Crown of open water swimming.

Charlotte, a junior at Ridgewood High School, was brought to the 50-yard line before the start of the Maroons football game against the Kennedy High School Knights. Joined by her parents, the boys and girls swim teams, her swimming coach and the principal and vice principal, the 16-year-old was lauded for her accomplishment.

“We’ve all faced hardships and challenges,” Principal Thomas Gorman said. But swimming for more than 20 hours, some of the time in the dark, feeling cold, lonely and afraid makes Charlotte “a champion and inspiration to all of us.”

Charlotte swam around Manhattan Island in June, across the Catalina Channel in California in August and through the English Channel last month.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-high-school-honors-record-setting-swimmer-charlotte-samuels-1.1101388#sthash.fnwhL1Gg.dpuf

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Jeff Bell : Takes on the Myth that the GOP is the Party of the Rich

Jeff Bell

Jeff Bell : Takes on the Myth that the GOP is the Party of the Rich 
NJ Senate Candidate Jeff Bell 
Leonia, NJ

The Democrats are out-fundraising the Republicans dramatically, yet the GOP is seen as the party of the rich. It’s the worst of both worlds.

Why? The answer to the first part is simple. The Democratic Party has become the party of Big Money. It dominates in fundraising on Wall Street, from the legal profession, in Hollywood, and just about every other major sector of wealth in this country. This year it’s raised more money at every level, including for Democratic candidates for the House of Representatives even though the party acknowledges it has no chance of taking back Congress in 2014.

So why have Republicans gotten the reputation as the party of the rich? I believe it’s because the GOP’s policies coming out of Washington haven’t done enough to address the economic concerns of middle and lower income voters. I admire Mitt Romney for many reasons, but I can point to his 2012 convention speech that emphasized helping business owners rather than workers as a widely-watched Republican message that turned people off. Too frequently, the proposals offered by Republican candidates target help toward businesses (and they do need help under President Obama) and neglect to directly address the concerns of working Americans such as rising prices and falling pay.

So what would I do differently? I propose that we level the playing field of money. We can do this by making our dollar as good as gold. Under this monetary system, no one will have to worry about the value of their wages declining over time the way they have under the pure paper dollar; 85 percent since we went off the gold standard in 1971! A gold-backed dollar will let the American people rather than central bankers control the supply of money in the economy, so there will be no financial crashes caused by the Federal Reserve like we had in 2008.


In 1992 I published a book called Populist vs. Elitism. You can guess which path I recommended the Republican Party follow. I’ve been pushing since then for ideas besides the gold standard that put people first: immigration reform, a culture of life rather than abortion, and a tax system with one low flat rate. These are all part of my Senate campaign in 2014.

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New Jersey making passing new tests a graduation requirement

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New Jersey making passing new tests a graduation requirement

OCTOBER 1, 2014, 4:59 PM    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2014, 11:59 PM
BY HANNAN ADELY
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

New Jersey is making all students pass new tests in English and math or hit a minimum grade on a college admissions exam to get a high school diploma beginning in 2016.

The decision appears to be a reversal for the administration, which had promised the new tests wouldn’t count right away.

Acting Education Commissioner David Hespe denied that the administration was backing off its promise, because the tests will not be the only option. Students can also graduate if they reach certain minimum scores on tests such as the SAT or ACT or can show a portfolio, he said.

Two years ago, Governor Christie publicly endorsed the new tests based on standards adopted by New Jersey and other states. But as the standards, which are known as the Common Core, have grown controversial among parents and conservative voters, the governor has said little publicly about them. In July, he said he would form a commission to examine the new tests and standards, but no members have been announced yet.

Asked whether the governor agreed to the changes, Hespe said, “that’s between you and the governor’s press office.” Christie’s office declined to comment when reached late Wednesday, and the governor was in California for a Republican Governors Association fundraiser.

The change drew rebukes from parents, teachers and education activists who say it’s unfair to rely on tests that are unfamiliar.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/new-jersey-making-passing-new-tests-a-graduation-requirement-1.1100217#sthash.qVibM0yy.dpuf

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Steve Wynn: I’m ‘more scared’ about US than China

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Steve Wynn: I’m ‘more scared’ about US than China
Jane Wells | @janewells

To rephrase a purported Chinese proverb: Steve Wynn lives in interesting times.

The casino magnate behind Wynn Resorts makes most of his money in Macau, China, and he’s worked closely with the Chinese government for a dozen years. However, gambling revenue across Macau has softened as the government has cracked down on what it calls illegal lending practices there, and as potential new anti-smoking rules threaten to turn off gamblers. Now, new tensions are rising on the heels of massive protestsin Hong Kong by residents who oppose Beijing’s efforts to dictate the candidates they’re allowed to vote for.

‘Everyone in China is pragmatic’

Is Steve Wynn bothered?

“I’m more scared about the United States than I am about China,” Wynn told CNBC this week at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. The protests in Hong Kong have “become sort of a party out there.”

Wynn said he believes the situation will be resolved: “Everyone in China is pragmatic and practical.”

Wynn said Chinese officials may be willing to bend in favor of protesters who want everyone to be able to vote on Hong Kong’s chief executive, though he seemed to think it’s less likely that Beijing will stop deciding who can run and who doesn’t.

“I think the central government is willing to let everybody vote for the CEO, but they want to have some positive input on the nominations, so that whoever it is, the group of candidates, have some kind of mature, rational attitude towards the fact that it belongs to China,” Wynn said. “I don’t think (Chinese President) Xi Jinping and the central government are going to give up some level of control of their own country. It’s not part of that culture there.”

Wynn continues to praise the business climate in China compared to the United States: “The regulatory burden in China is infinitesimal compared to the crap we get in America.”

Wynn’s comments come as Western companies have come up against growing scrutiny from the Chinese government, including surprise raids, long investigations and growing fines in the name of “anti-trust” enforcement.

Wynn refused to comment on a slander lawsuit his company has filed against Jim Chanos—the suit alleges that the famous short seller intimated that Wynn has violated anti-bribing laws in order to succeed in Macau. Instead, he praised what he called “the most laissez-faire place on the planet at the moment” in China, and said Americans don’t realize how positive and aspirational the Chinese are about their own lives and their own government.

https://www.cnbc.com/id/102049852