Rep. Garrett presents an American flag to student leaders at Newton High School.
Rep. Garrett Recaps the First session of the 113th Congress and Celebrates Anniversary of the Ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the State of New Jersey
Rep. Garrett Recaps the First session of the 113th Congress , discussing the budget process , TSA random searches and regulation of financial markets .
Rep. Garrett’s Statement on the Anniversary of the Ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the State of New Jersey
Dec 18, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ), founder and Chairman of the Congressional Constitution Caucus, issued the following statement today in commemoration of the ratification of the United States Constitution by the state of New Jersey:
“On this date, 226 years ago, New Jersey ratified the Constitution by a unanimous 38–0 vote. At the time, New Jersey was just the third state to ratify the United States Constitution, but in doing so it secured the blessings of liberty for generations to come.
“Today and every day, I challenge all Americans to play an active role in defending our Constitution. It is both our birthright and our greatest legacy. I stand with all New Jerseyans to commemorate our Constitution and the liberties it protects and preserves.
“It is truly an honor to defend our country’s founding document in Congress, and I am proud to celebrate Ratification Day in the State of New Jersey.”
BACKGROUND: In honor of Ratification Day, Rep. Garrett met with students at Merriam Avenue School, Halsted Middle School and Newton High School to discuss the virtues of our Constitution and to present each school with an American flag that was flown over the United States Capitol.
EMBATTLED PORT AUTHORITY STILL FIGHTING TOLL HIKE LAWSUIT
Transportation experts question impact of soaring World Trade Center costs on agency finances, tollpayers
While political attention remains riveted on the Bridge-gate scandal that forced the resignation of Gov. Christie’s top two lieutenants at the Port Authority, the bistate agency remains embroiled in a lawsuit challenging the legality of its massive multiyear toll hike. At the heart of the suit is the allegation that toll revenue is being illegally diverted from transportation projects to pay for billions of dollars in cost overruns on the World Trade Center project.
For two years, the Port Authority has been battling to block the release of documents showing its internal deliberations leading up to its controversial September 2011 decision — jammed through after just one day of hearings — to raise tolls on the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels; George Washington, Bayonne and Goethals bridges; and the Outerbridge Crossing from $8 then to $12 today and $15 by 2015. (Magyar/NJSpotlight)
Reader says We can’t forever be stuck with those blighted remnants of the past
What are the alternatives for the eyesores of the Town Garage, Brogan Cadillac, Ken Smith Chevrolet, and the old auto dealers along North Maple in to Ho Ho Kus ? We can’t forever be stuck with those blighted remnants of the past if we want Ridgewood to remain awesome for future generations. How about a Performing Arts Center (with extra parking), a hockey arena (again with parking, will save time for all of the families who currently drive to Paramus), and more park land (with parking !) ? There have to be some suggestions for the owners of those properties on how best to redevelop them in a way that makes sense for both current and future residents. We can’t just remain forever static and say that’s what’s best for residents – progress isn’t always negative !
Pre-test dates are January 4 and January 11 YWCA Bergen County is offering its next American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course beginning January 14 and running through January 30, 2014. Students must take and pass a swim test, which will be held on January 4 at 10:00 a.m. or January 11 at 10:00 a.m. Participants must be 15 years of age or older and a $10 swim test fee is due at registration. This course prepares students with the CPR, First Aid and lifeguard techniques necessary for employment as a professional lifeguard. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 112 Oak Street in Ridgewood, and the course fee is $350. For more information or to register call the YWCA Aquatics Department at 201-444-5600, x327, or visit www.ywcabergencounty.org.
Mr Mayor its not Civility its Overdevelopment thats a threat to our Village
Civility has its place, yet I am not sure the Mayor’s call for “civility” is a proper response to what is going on the Village. And, it is just a bit difficult to be civil when you have worked hard all your life to buy and live in a nice home in Ridgewood, something you plan to retire in and serve as your nest egg once the mortgage is paid off, and you see that crumbling before you. Overdevelopment will surely destroy the quality of life along with all of our home values. And, I don’t say overdevelopment “threatens” our way of life, I say it will surely destroy our way of life.
There are some who feel the overdevelopment can be managed and controlled, but all i hear from them are pipe dreams that bear no relation to the development plans under consideration: Won’t it be nice to have housing for empty nesters and seniors who want to downsize? Won’t it be nice to have diversity? Won’t it be nice to attract more people to spend money downtown? Won’t it be nice to have a modern, up to date hospital?
Yet, I have never heard anyone explain how the present over expansion plans will achieve these purported goals. Nor do I believe these are the goals of the developers — I suspect they are in business to make money (and rightfully so.) But, perhaps the larger point is, are we not already where we want to be as a Village? We have nice range of housing stock for different income brackets. We have nice apartment complexes and more than enough, it seems, to accommodate residents who want to downsize or one would not see “for rent” signs on any of the existing complexes. Our schools are good, if overcrowded. Our population will continue to diversify and no one has explained why or how greater diversity is achieved through minimizing housing standards (and, frankly, that suggestion is a bit odious). The notion that we need more people to “save” the downtown is equally obnoxious — a downtown exists to serve the community, and a community should not be expanded in the vain attempt to keep a downtown’s status quo. Finally, face it, Valley Hospital is a gold mine for its doctors and administrators. The reality is Valley is not going anywhere if the expansion plans are denied and it will stay a top notch facility.
We are sticking our heads in the sand about some things that are obvious. The never ending hospital expansion will drag down housing prices on the East side. That in turn will drag down the West side. The downtown apartment projects will lower the value of the Heights, the Prospect street homes and the homes around Graydon. That will again affect the entire Village. And, as schools become more overcrowded, streets become overburdened with traffic and the quality of life lessens, our nest eggs will further dissipate.
So, although I hear a call for “civility” and open debate, not once have I heard our Council really dive into the concerns facing existing Villagers. The debate seems to be framed by Valley and the Developers, what they want to achieve for themselves. Valley speaks in terms of the need to stay modern so it can continue to be “the” hospital serving the Northeast. The Developers put out propaganda about the need to accommodate more people in town. Yet, are these reasons to change our existing Master Plan? Are these goals for which we should sacrifice the hard work of those who have and are paying taxes? Are the profit motives of the Expansionists and Developers more important than the financial security of our current homeowners?
Yes, Mayor, we should all be civil. But we shouldn’t allow what we have achieved to be taken away. If you really want to prove your mettle, stand up now for Ridgewood’s taxpayers. Use your pulpit to put an end to the overdevelopment. Be bold enough to take a stand against the destruction of the Village. Express the frustrations that are boiling over into civil unrest. Here’s an idea: Let’s bring the current meetings to an end with a “no” vote. Make your vote the first, and the others will follow. Then, we can move on to more pressing civil matters.
It’s official: Obamacare debuts with more canceled plans than enrollments
Obamacare may have promised health insurance for the masses. But on its first day, it’s left more Americans without coverage than before the law was passed.
More than 4.7 million Americans had their health insurance canceled as a result of any of the thousand-plus-page law’s new rules, The Associated Press reports, but the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed Tuesday that between federal and state exchanges, just two million Americans have signed up for Obamacare coverage. (RELATED: Obama administration announces net loss of at least 3 million insurance plans)
The Obama administration has yet to announce the final tally of full enrollments, which are only confirmed once customers have made their first payment, but Cato Institute health policy expert Michael Cannon warns that not all those who signed up will complete their purchases, potentially leaving the White House with an even lower bottom line.
Health Law Challenge Opens Up New Front
By ADAM LIPTAK
Published: January 1, 2014
WASHINGTON — In temporarily blocking enforcement of the part of President Obama’s health care law that requires many employers to provide health insurance coverage for birth control or face penalties, Justice Sonia Sotomayor on Tuesday opened a second front in Supreme Court challenges to the provision.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a temporary injunction barring the Obama administration from enforcing the birth control requirement against an order of Colorado nuns.
The initial front opened in November, when the justices agreed to hear a pair of cases from for-profit companies challenging that provision. Now Justice Sotomayor has ordered the Obama administration to file a brief by Friday morning responding to a different kind of challenge, this one from groups affiliated with religious organizations.
Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan has ordered county offices closed to non-essential personnel
In anticipation of the severe winter storm expected to arrive in New Jersey beginning Thursday evening, Governor Chris Christie declared a State of Emergency, authorizing the State Director of Emergency Management to activate and coordinate the preparation, response and recovery efforts for the storm with all county and municipal emergency operations and governmental agencies. Governor Christie also authorized the closing of state offices on Friday, January 3rd for all non-essential employees.
Therefore, Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan has ordered county offices closed to non-essential personnel tomorrow, Friday January 3rd. Those employees who have traditionally provided emergency services to the County are expected to make every effort to appear at their work-site during this weather episode.
Should any employee not know if they are essential, they should speak to their individual management, department or division heads, to gather that information
STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED, NJ STATE OFFICES CLOSED 1/3/14
Governor Chris Christie Declares State of Emergency In Preparation For Winter Storm
Governor Authorizes Friday Closure Of State Offices for All Non-Essential Workers
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Trenton, NJ – In anticipation of the severe winter storm expected to arrive in New Jersey beginning Thursday evening, Governor Chris Christie declared a State of Emergency, authorizing the State Director of Emergency Management to activate and coordinate the preparation, response and recovery efforts for the storm with all county and municipal emergency operations and governmental agencies. Governor Christie also authorized the closing of state offices on Friday, January 3rd for all non-essential employees.
“The impending weather conditions over the next several days will produce a variety of dangerous travel conditions throughout the state,” said Governor Christie. “I’ve authorized state officials to take all necessary action in advance of the storm, and my Administration will continue monitoring conditions throughout the remainder of the storm. I encourage all New Jerseyans to stay off the roads if possible so that our first responders and public safety officials can safely respond to any emergency situations.”
Starting Thursday evening, the storm is expected to bring high winds, heavy snow, mixed precipitation, storm surges and sub-zero temperatures throughout the state. A potential mixture of hazardous travel conditions, fallen trees and power outages and coastal, stream and river flooding are anticipated.
WINTER STORM UPDATE: NJ TRANSIT EXTENDS FULL, SYSTEMWIDE CROSS-HONORING THROUGH FRIDAY
Customers advised to check njtransit.com before traveling
January 2, 2014
NEWARK, NJ — NJ TRANSIT operations, customer service and police personnel continue to take steps toward minimizing delays and ensuring service reliability and safety in light of the impending winter storm. All customers are strongly advised to check njtransit.com before traveling for up-to-the-minute service information before starting their trip
Systemwide Cross-Honoring Extended Through Friday, January 3: To give customers additional travel options during the expected winter weather conditions, NJ TRANSIT will extend full systemwide cross-honoring through Friday, January 3, enabling customers to use their ticket or pass on an alternate travel mode—rail, light rail or bus—including private bus carriers.
For example, customers who normally take the bus from Rutherford to the Port Authority Bus Terminal may use their bus pass or ticket on the train from Rutherford to New York Penn Station. Similarly, customers who normally take the bus between
Atlantic City and Lindenwold may use the Atlantic City Rail Line instead at no additional charge. Customers using their tickets or passes to travel to a destination other than the destination printed on their original ticket will be subject to the appropriate additional fare if applicable.
Waiting Room Hours Extended Through Monday, January 6: Due to the impending heavy snow and subzero wind chills, all NJ TRANSIT rail station buildings and waiting rooms will remain open, including evenings and overnight, through Monday, January 6.
Service Adjustments Possible: NJ TRANSIT will continue to closely monitor the crowds at New York Penn Station, Hoboken Terminal and the Port Authority Bus Terminal and make adjustments to service as necessary. Depending on the impact of the storm, it may be necessary for NJ TRANSIT to modify service as conditions change. Updates will continue to be provided through broadcast news and traffic reports, as well as through NJ TRANSIT’s website and social media channels.
Consider Alternative Travel Plans: NJ TRANSIT reminds customers to afford themselves ample time to get to their final destinations, and to utilize good judgment in their travels. Service delays are possible. Visit njtransit.com for further travel information.
The corporation has made preparations to minimize disruptions and delays to the extent possible. Rail and light rail crews and equipment are on standby to quickly respond to downed trees, power outages or other issues that may arise. In addition, NJ TRANSIT will be positioning locomotives at strategic locations across the rail system to rapidly respond in the event of a disabled train.
Customers are advised of the following:
Systemwide: NJ TRANSIT plans to operate a regular weekday schedule on Friday, January 3. Depending on the impact of the storm, it may be necessary for NJ TRANSIT to modify service as conditions change.
Bus Service: While every effort will be made to continue operating bus service throughout the state, customers may experience delays or detours on their routes in the event of extreme winter weather conditions. Customers are advised to plan accordingly and anticipate disruptions to bus service.
Access Link Paratransit Service: On Thursday, January 2, Access Link will discontinue pick-ups after 8 p.m. On Friday, January 3, Access Link service will be suspended in Region 4 (Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, and north Ocean counties), Region 5 (Essex, Union, Somerset and Morris counties) andRegion 6 (Bergen, Hudson, Passaic and parts of Essex counties), and will begin in Region 2 (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties) andRegion 3 (Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and south Ocean counties) starting at 12 noon.
Travel Advice:
For the latest travel information, visit njtransit.com or access our Twitter feed at @NJTRANSIT prior to starting your trip. In the event of delays or service adjustments, NJ TRANSIT will provide the most current service information via the My Transit alert system, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone, PDA or pager. (If you are not yet a My Transit subscriber, we encourage you to sign up at www.njtransit.com/mytransit) Service information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information. Build additional travel time into your trip to a station, terminal or bus stop.
Stairs, flooring and platforms can be slippery, so please use caution when walking along wet surfaces or any outdoor surface exposed to the weather. Use extra care when boarding or exiting buses and trains.
Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or NJ TRANSIT staff.
If you park, ensure your car is stocked with a snow brush and ice scraper so you can clear your car upon returning to the lot.
NJ TRANSIT is prepared to handle the impending winter weather:
Snow plows and salt spreaders are ready for service and snow-removal contracts are in place with outside vendors.
NJ TRANSIT is well-stocked with 16,000 bags of snow-melting supplies, and hundreds of shovels and snow blowers.
NJ TRANSIT has performed maintenance and testing on its two rail-mounted jet snow blowers in the event they are needed to help clear train tracks of snow and ice, particularly in rail yards.
More than 750 rail switches, switch heaters and overhead wires have already been inspected as part of NJ TRANSIT’s preventative maintenance program.
Onboard heating systems, thermostats, weather stripping and electronic components have been inspected on NJ TRANSIT railcars, light rail cars and locomotives.
Bus maintenance personnel have inspected and performed necessary maintenance on a fleet of nearly 2,200 buses – from the heating and airbrake systems, to the engine fluids, tires, windshield wipers and doors.
More New Taxes and Fees: How You’ll Pay for Obamacare in 2014
Alyene Senger
January 2, 2014 at 6:30 am
Obamacare contains 18 specific tax hikes, mandates, or penalties that cost Americans money, and three new ones take effect in 2014. This is only the beginning—watch how two of these taxes get worse in the years to come.
1. Individual Mandate Tax. The individual mandate is designed to strong-arm individuals into purchasing government-approved health insurance or facing a tax penalty. In 2014, the penalty for not purchasing insurance will be either $95 or 1 percent of annual income (whichever is greater). Very few, if any, people will end up paying just $95, because individuals with an annual income of only $9,500 or less would likely qualify for Medicaid or a hardship exemption from the mandate. The mandate increases drastically in coming years, rising to $325 or 2 percent of income in 2015, and $695 or 2.5 percent of income in 2016—whichever is greater.
2. Health Insurer Tax. One of the largest tax increases in the law is an annual fee imposed on health insurers based on their share of the market. It is estimated to raise $8 billion in 2014 alone. The tax will more than likely be passed on to consumers through premium increases. An actuarial analysis by the consulting firm Oliver Wyman projects that in 2014, this tax will increase premiums by 1.9 percent to 2.3 percent. And the impact will be greater in later years as the tax increases.
3. Reinsurance Fee. This fee isn’t included in the list of 18 tax hikes, but it’s another one that will impact the cost of insurance. Health insurers will have to pay the temporary fee on group health plans to help spread the cost of the covering those in the individual market, inside and outside Obamacare’s exchanges. The fee begins in 2014, costing $63 per covered person and decreasing in 2015 and 2016. Like most taxes and fees, the result will likely be higher insurance premiums.
Sneak Peek at 2015: Employer Mandate. By law, the employer mandate was supposed to begin in 2014, but the Obama Administration delayed enforcing it until 2015. The employer mandate forces employers with 50 or more full-time employees (defined as those working 30 hours per week) to offer government-approved health coverage or pay a penalty. The penalty varies—either $2,000 per employee after the first 30 workers, or $3,000 per employee receiving subsidized coverage in the exchange, whichever is less.
Regardless of the delay, many businesses have already adapted by reducing hours for their employees—falling under the threshold to avoid both the cost of coverage and the penalty.
PSE&G Readies for New Year’s First Snowstorm
January 1,2014
Additional crews and equipment on hand to restore service
(NEWARK, NJ – Jan. 1, 2014) Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest electric and gas utility, is closely monitoring the track of the first snowstorm of the new year and is making emergency preparations should the storm bring heavy snow and gusty winds to our service territory. At this time, the storm is expected to begin impacting New Jersey late Thursday and continue into Friday before clearing.
In anticipation of the storm, PSE&G is taking the following steps to ensure that the utility is ready to respond to resulting power outages:
Ensuring that all available personnel are ready to respond beginning Thursday.
Arranging for contractors, including tree crews, to assist the utility’s own skilled workforce.
Ensuring that additional supplies, such as poles, transformers and other pole-top equipment, are on hand.
Ensuring that all vehicles are fueled and ready to go.
Testing generators at utility locations.
Coordinating with county and municipal emergency management personnel to inform them of outages and expedite restoration efforts.
Snow, by itself, does not pose a serious problem for utilities, but heavy snow, icing and strong winds can increase the possibility of downed wires and associated power outages. Cars striking utility poles can also cause wires to come down. The expected frigid temperatures can affect the number of calls we receive from customers with insufficient or no heat.
Depending on the severity of the storm, response times for both electric and gas emergency services may be longer than usual. PSE&G asks for our customers’ patience and cooperation as we work to safely restore service as quickly as possible. As the storm gets closer, the utility will provide information about estimated restoration times.
To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. PSE&G uses an automated system to handle customer calls as efficiently as possible. Customers who get an automated response when calling PSE&G are encouraged to use it, as it is designed to route their calls to the right destination quickly. The system also provides the option to speak directly to a customer service representative. If you have specific information regarding damage to wires, transformers or poles, we ask that you speak with a representative to provide that information.
Customers with a handheld device, or who are at an alternate location with power, can also report power outages and view the status of their outage by logging in to MyAccount at www.pseg.com.
General outage activity throughout our service territory is available online at www.pseg.com/outagecenter and updates are posted on pseg.com during severe weather.
The utility’s Twitter page also keeps the public informed about our restoration progress. Sign up as a follower at https://twitter.com/psegdelivers to monitor restoration progress. Customers also can register for text and email alerts at www.pseg.com/myaccount
PSE&G offers the following tips should the storm result in outages:
DOWNED POWER LINES
Accumulation of ice and heavy snow may weigh down power lines and as a result cause power lines to come down. Downed wires may appear dead but should always be considered “live.” STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES. Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with. Parents are urged to check for downed wires in areas where their children might play and to remind the children to stay far away from any wires. If a wire falls on a vehicle, passengers should stay in the vehicle until help arrives. To report a downed wire, call 1-800-436-PSEG and tell PSE&G the nearest cross street.
CUSTOMERS WITH LIFE-SUSTAINING EQUIPMENT
Individuals who rely on electricity to operate life-sustaining electronic equipment, such as a respirator or dialysis machine, should pre-register with PSE&G to receive priority attention in the event of an outage. To request the service, call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG. They should also inform their rescue squads and fire departments of their needs, in case of emergency. Even though customers with life-sustaining equipment who have registered with PSE&G will receive priority attention during outages, they should also have emergency back-up equipment on hand, since immediate restoration cannot be guaranteed.
IF YOU LOSE POWER
First check your neighborhood. If you are the only one without power, check your fuse box for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. If that’s not the problem, look outside at the wire between your house and the utility pole. If it is down, report it immediately to PSE&G.
GENERAL TIPS
Mother Nature can be unpredictable. It’s wise to have an emergency kit on hand year round. Here are some things to include:
A battery powered radio.
A corded telephone. (Cordless phones will not work if the power is out.)
Flashlights and extra fresh batteries.
A first-aid kit.
Bottled water and an adequate supply of non-perishable food.
A non-electric can opener.
Matches and candles with holders.
Extra blankets and sleeping bags.
A list of emergency phone numbers, including PSE&G’s Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG. Call this number to report power outages or downed wires
NJ TRANSIT ANNOUNCES FULL, SYSTEMWIDE CROSS-HONORING IN ADVANCE OF WINTER STORM
Customers advised to check njtransit.com before traveling
January 1, 2014
NEWARK, NJ — NJ TRANSIT operations, customer service and police personnel are taking steps to minimize delays, and ensure service reliability and safety due to the approaching winter storm. All customers are strongly advised to check njtransit.com before traveling for up-to-the-minute service information before starting their trip.
Systemwide Cross-Honoring in Effect on January 2: To give customers additional travel options during the expected winter weather conditions, NJ TRANSIT will offer full systemwide cross-honoring on Thursday, January 2, enabling customers to use their ticket or pass on an alternate travel mode—rail, light rail or bus—including private bus carriers.
For example, customers who normally take the bus from Rutherford to the Port Authority Bus Terminal may use their bus pass or ticket on the train from Rutherford to New York Penn Station. Similarly, customers who normally take the bus between Atlantic City and Lindenwold may use the Atlantic City Rail Line instead at no additional charge. Customers using their tickets or passes to travel to a destination other than the destination printed on their original ticket will be subject to the appropriate additional fare if applicable.
NJ TRANSIT will also continue to closely monitor the crowds at New York Penn Station, Hoboken Terminal and the Port Authority Bus Terminal and make adjustments to service as necessary.
The corporation is preparing to minimize disruptions and delays to the extent possible. Rail and light rail crews and equipment are on standby to quickly respond to downed trees, power outages or other issues that may arise. In addition, NJ TRANSIT will be positioning locomotives at strategic locations across the rail system to rapidly respond in the event of a disabled train.
Customers are advised of the following:
Systemwide: NJ TRANSIT plans to operate a regular weekday schedule on Thursday, January 2. Depending on the impact of the storm, it may be necessary for NJ TRANSIT to modify service as conditions change.
Bus Service: While every effort will be made to continue operating bus service throughout the state, customers may experience delays or detours on their routes in the event of extreme winter weather conditions. Customers are advised to plan accordingly and anticipate disruptions to bus service.
Travel Advice:
For the latest travel information, visit njtransit.com or access our Twitter feed at @NJTRANSIT prior to starting your trip. In the event of delays or service adjustments, NJ TRANSIT will provide the most current service information via the My Transit alert system, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone, PDA or pager. (If you are not yet a My Transit subscriber, we encourage you to sign up at www.njtransit.com/mytransit) Service information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.
Build additional travel time into your trip to a station, terminal or bus stop.
Stairs, flooring and platforms can be slippery, so please use caution when walking along wet surfaces or any outdoor surface exposed to the weather. Use extra care when boarding or exiting buses and trains.
Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or
NJ TRANSIT staff.
If you park, ensure your car is stocked with a snow brush and ice scraper so you can clear your car upon returning to the lot.
NJ TRANSIT is prepared to handle the impending winter weather
Snow plows and salt spreaders are ready for service and snow-removal contracts are in place with outside vendors.
NJ TRANSIT is well-stocked with 16,000 bags of snow-melting supplies, and hundreds of shovels and snow blowers.
NJ TRANSIT has performed maintenance and testing on its two rail-mounted jet snow blowers in the event they are needed to help clear train tracks of snow and ice, particularly in rail yards.
More than 750 rail switches, switch heaters and overhead wires have already been inspected as part of NJ TRANSIT’s preventative maintenance program.
Onboard heating systems, thermostats, weather stripping and electronic components have been inspected on NJ TRANSIT railcars, light rail cars and locomotives.
Bus maintenance personnel have inspected and performed necessary maintenance on a fleet of nearly 2,200 buses – from the heating and airbrake systems, to the engine fluids, tires, windshield wipers and doors.
This article appeared on The Washington Examiner on December 31, 2013.
Picking the year’s worst op-eds — an annual tradition in this space — wasn’t easy in 2013. There’s the Slate writer who announced you’re “a bad person if you send your children to private school”; the New York Times piece arguing that conservative Dallas “willed the death” of JFK (by getting a communist to shoot him?); and the fellow who worried that allowing more high-skilled immigration would exacerbate “America’s Genius Glut.”
If you’ve been losing sleep over the genius glut in American punditry, rest easy. That threat’s a long way off.
To narrow the choices and give this pudding a theme, I’ve decided that 2013’s malicious listicle will focus on the perverse affinity for executive power of our alleged “Thought Leaders.” In a year when presidential incompetence and power lust ruled the headlines — when record numbers of Americans feared big government — the leading lights of the American commentariat clamored for more presidential power. Go figure.
5. Amitai Etzioni, “Why It Should Be Harder to Impeach a President,” The Atlantic (May 16)
Early on in President Obama’s summer of scandal eruptions, communitarian honcho Amitai Etzioni was incensed that anyone dared invoke the I-word. After all, the president likely “did not know diddly squat” about IRS harassment of the Tea Party.
Only a constitutional amendment making it harder for Congress to impeach the president could save us, Etzioni insisted. But since we manage fewer than one presidential impeachment per century, how much harder could it be?
4. Maureen Dowd, “Barry’s War Within,” the New York Times (Sept. 7)
MoDo routinely uses her space at the Times to work through her daddy issues: Why can’t President Obama be “the strong father who protects the home” instead of an aloof “professorial president”?
In this column, Dowd’s father figure disappoints her once again. Instead of “hurl[ing] a few missiles, Zeus like,” at Syria, Obama had been contemptibly weak: “When it came time to act as commander in chief, he choked,” reverting to “Barry, president of the Harvard Law Review.” Apparently, only a legalistic sissy would ask Congress to authorize a war.
3. Norman Podhoretz, “Obama’s Successful Foreign Failure,” Wall Street Journal (Sept. 8)
But Obama only looks weak, according to neoconservative godfather Norman Podhoretz. Going to Congress was part of his sinister Kenyalinskyite plan to destroy US hegemony. Even when he golfs, he’s hellbent on the “erosion of American power.”
2. Richard Cohen, “The NSA Is Doing What Google Does,” Washington Post (June 10)
The Post’s Cohen greeted the revelation that the administration had been secretly collecting data on millions of innocent Americans with a spurt of bile against leaker Edward Snowden, that “cross-dressing Little Red Riding Hood.”
“No one lied about the various programs disclosed last week,” Cohen declared. Instead of Snowden being remembered as an heroic whistleblower, “[h]istory is more likely to forget him. Soon, you can Google that.”
In his very next column, Cohen had to issue a correction. He “was not aware” that director of national intelligence James Clapper had blatantly lied to Congress about NSA spying. That column, urging the president to bomb Syria, contained yet another glaring error, praising the “NATO bombing campaign in 1999 that ended the bloodshed in Bosnia.” It was Kosovo, actually. Cohen could’ve Googled that.
1. David Brooks, “Strengthen the Presidency,” New York Times (Dec. 12)
“It’s a good idea to be tolerant of executive branch power grabs,” said David Brooks (a conservative writer for the Times) in this year’s winner. What’s more, Brooks writes, “[t]his is a good moment to advocate greater executive branch power because we’ve just seen a monumental example of executive branch incompetence: the botched Obamacare rollout.”
If that sentence confuses you, it’s OK. Not all of us have what it takes to be thought leaders.
Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital New Years Day emergency doctor on call from 8am-11pm
Happy New Year!
Just a reminder that we are closing at 5pm today, and will remained closed tomorrow. While the hospital is closed for New Year’s Day, we will have an emergency doctor on call from 8am-11pm. If you have an emergency, please call the office at 201-447-6000, and a veterinarian will contact you. Enjoy the celebrations and be safe!
Also, for your convenience, we are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8am-5pm.
320 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
(201) 447-6000
