Village Manager Ken Gabbert will now play a dual role in Ridgewood’s administration — the Village Council approved his appointment as chief financial officer (CFO) by a 3-1 vote at a special public meeting on Tuesday morning.
Councilman Paul Aronsohn cast the dissenting vote. Councilwoman Anne Zusy was absent from the vote. Gabbert was sworn in as CFO immediately following the vote.
“Everyone in village government is being asked to work harder and longer,” Aronsohn said in an e-mail. “It therefore seems wrong to give a few people extra salary, while everyone else works harder for the same salary. A good example is the fire department. The village manager is proposing the elimination of the deputy chief position, but is not proposing an increase in anyone’s salary to compensate them for doing the extra work.”
By serving in both capacities, Gabbert’s salary will increase by $25,000 annually, but the taxpayers will save about $135,000 the first year and about $150,000 the second year of his four-year appointment, officials said. The savings will be realized by not having to hire an additional person to fill the opening left when former CFO Dorothy Stikna retired in January.
“The big picture is restructuring the finance department,” Gabbert said Tuesday morning at Village Hall.
The resolution, read by Village Clerk Heather Mailander, said that the state requires every municipality to have a CFO appointed, and that Gabbert is qualified to hold such a position because he has the proper state certification.
>Bill Charlap Trio at West Side Presbyterian Church Parlance Chamber Concerts
Sunday, April 18th at 4PM at West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 S. Monroe Street, Ridgewood. “Mr. Charlap is keyborad wizard who continually surprises…his playing left me breathless” Tickets: $35/Adult; $25/Seniors/Students Information: [email protected]
FAVORITE POEM READING Bring your favorite poem in Now!
Ridgewood Favorite Poems Reading Sunday, April 25 at 3:00 PM at the Ridgewood Public Library, 125 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood. In celebration of National Poetry Month in April, Ridgewood community members of ALL AGES are invited to share a favorite poem by a published poet, famous or otherwise. Please drop off or email ([email protected]) your favorite poem to the Ridgewood Public Library NOW to be included in a favorite poems display. Then join us on Sunday, April 25, to enjoy a variety of favorite poems read by Ridgewood folks, young and old — why not you? The event will be hosted by Celeste Diaz-Estrella — Ridgewood resident, language teacher, and poetry enthusiast. For information, contact Gina Mitgang at 201-670-5600, ext. 110 or [email protected] Link to flyer: https://www.ridgewoodlibrary.org/images/Favorite%20Poem%20Project%202010.pdf
>Here are some basic facts on New Jersey’s tax system and how it compares to other states:
Tax Freedom Day Arrives on April 25 in New Jersey Tax Freedom Day is the day when Americans finally have earned enough money to pay off their total tax bill for the year. In 2010, New Jersey taxpayers work until April 25 to pay their total tax bill, ranking them 2nd highest in the nation. This is 16 days later than national Tax Freedom Day (April 9). The Tax Freedom Days of the neighboring states are: New York, April 23 (ranked 3rd nationally), Pennsylvania, April 13 (ranked 11th nationally), and Delaware, April 10 (ranked 18th nationally). Full study of Tax Freedom Day, nationwide and in each state *** New Jersey’s State/Local Tax Burden Highest in Nation Estimated at 11.8% of income, New Jersey’s state/local tax burden percentage is the highest in the country, well above the national average of 9.7%. New Jersey taxpayers pay $6,610 per capita in state and local taxes. New Jersey’s State-Local Tax Burden, 1977-Present Other States’ State/Local Tax Burdens Historical Chart Comparing All States’ State/Local Tax Burdens from 1977 to 2008 *** New Jersey’s 2010 Business Tax Climate Ranks 50th New Jersey ranks 50th in the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index. The Index compares the states in five areas of taxation that impact business: corporate taxes; individual income taxes; sales taxes; unemployment insurance taxes; and taxes on property, including residential and commercial property. Neighboring states ranked as follows: New York (49th), Pennsylvania (27th) and Delaware (8th). 50-State Comparison of Business Tax Climates (data only) 2009 State Business Tax Climate Index, Sixth Edition (full study) *** New Jersey’s Individual Income Tax System New Jersey’s personal income tax system consists of six brackets and a top rate of 8.97% kicking in at an income level of $500,000. Among states levying personal income taxes, New Jersey’s top rate ranks 6th highest nationally. New Jersey’s 2008 state-level individual income tax collections were $1,457 per person, which ranked 6th highest nationally. 50-State Table of Individual Income Tax Rates 50-State Table of State Individual Income Tax Collections 50-State Table of State and Local Individual Income Tax Collections Per Capita *** New Jersey’s Corporate Income Tax System New Jersey’s corporate tax structure consists of a flat 9% on corporate income. However, corporations with total net income of $100,000 or less pay 7.5% and corporations with total net income of $50,000 or under pay 6.5%. Among states levying corporate income taxes, New Jersey’s top tax rate ranks 5th highest nationally. In 2008, state-level corporate tax collections (excluding local taxes) were $326 per capita, ranking the state 5th highest nationally. 50-State Table of Corporate Income Tax Rates, 2000-2009 50-State Table of State and Local Corporate Income Tax Collections Per Capita and Per Household, 2005 50-State Table of State Corporate Income Tax Collections Per Capita, 2006 *** New Jersey Sales and Excise Taxes New Jersey levies a 7% general sales or use tax on consumers, which is above the national median of 5.85%. In 2007 combined state and local general and selective sales tax collections were $1,424 per person, ranking 22nd highest nationally. New Jersey’s gasoline tax stands at 14.5 cents per gallon and ranks 47th highest nationally. New Jersey’s cigarette tax stands at $2.70 per pack of twenty, which is the 5th highest cigarette tax in the nation. The sales tax was adopted in 1966, the gasoline tax in 1927 and the cigarette tax in 1948. 50-state table of sales, cigarette, gas, beer, wine, and spirits tax rates. 50-State Table of State and Local General and Selective Sales Tax Collections Per Capita *** New Jersey Property Taxes: Highest Per Capita in the Nation New Jersey is one of the 37 states that collect property taxes at both the state and local levels. As in most states, local governments collect far more. New Jersey’s localities collected $2,372.03 per capita in property taxes in fiscal year 2006, which is the latest year the Census Bureau published state-by-state property tax collections. At the state level, New Jersey collected $0.40 in property taxes during FY 2006, making its combined state/local property taxes $2,372.43 per capita, New Jersey’s combined per capita collections were the highest in the nation. State property tax collections per capita by state *** Federal Tax Burdens and Expenditures: New Jersey is a Donor State New Jersey taxpayers receive less federal funding per dollar of federal taxes paid than any other state. Per dollar of federal tax paid in 2005, New Jersey citizens received approximately $0.61 in the way of federal spending. This represents a decline from 1995 when New Jersey received $0.68 per dollar of taxes in federal spending (second lowest). Neighboring states and the amount of federal spending they received per dollar of federal taxation paid were as follows: New York ($0.79), Pennsylvania ($1.07), and Delaware ($0.77). Comparing the amount of federal taxes sent to Washington with the amount of federal spending coming back to the state
>Election update: If you are a Ridgewood resident who loves Graydon, please vote in the Village Council election on Tuesday, May 11, for Tom Riche and Bernadette Walsh—the only candidates running for the two open Council seats who want to preserve Graydon.
The other two candidates: Doug Cronk is the husband of Melinda Cronk, co-chair of the Ridgewood Pool Project, with its concrete agenda. Brian Dowd, Cronk’s friend, has lived here for all of five years. Their theme: “change.”
Tell your friends that just because two candidates run as a team does not mean they must be voted for (or against) together.
If you do not live in Ridgewood but know people who do, please tell them that the pro-Graydon votes are for Riche and Walsh.
Ridgewood Council elections typically draw no more than 20% of registered voters to the polls. The $48 million school bond in December won by 62 votes. Do not doubt that your vote will make a difference.
Sign-up sheet to help Riche or call him: 201-652-1494 (home); 201-394-0951 (cell).
Sign-up sheet to help Walsh. Her web site: Walsh home page.
BOTH NEED MORE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR AND “MEET THE CANDIDATE” COFFEES. PLEASE CONTACT THEM NOW. The election is four weeks from Tuesday.
Absentee ballot: Might you be out of town on May 11, or simply prefer to vote by mail? Pick up an application to obtain a ballot in the Village Clerk’s office at Village Hall or call 201-670-5500 x201 and ask to have one mailed to you. You’ll mail this form to request a ballot. Caveat: your ballot must reach (actually get there, not just postmarked) Hackensack by May 4. May be hand-delivered.
Voter registration: Here is the Bergen County registration form. For further information, visit https://www.njelections.org/ or call toll free 1-877-NJVOTER (1-877-658-6837). Deadline to register to vote in Council election: Tuesday, April 20. Last shot: Village Hall lobby, 4:30-9 PM, April 20 (noted on that date in Village calendar). Anyone who will be 18 years old by the day of the election may register now. Encourage old-enough teens who love Graydon to vote to preserve it.
This election will be likely to determine Graydon’s future. Please do not miss this opportunity to help.
Need a ride to the polls? We have a list of willing drivers. Contact us—in advance, if possible.
>Higher Taxes – Lower Tax Revenue – The Laffer Curve
In economics, the Laffer curve is a theoretical representation of the relationship between government revenue raised by taxation and all possible rates of taxation. It is used to illustrate the concept of Taxable Income Elasticity (that taxable income will change in response to changes in the rate of taxation). The curve is constructed by thought experiment. First, the amount of tax revenue raised at the extreme tax rates of 0% and 100% is considered. It is clear that a 0% tax rate raises no revenue, but the Laffer curve hypothesis is that a 100% tax rate will also generate no revenue because at such a rate there is no longer any incentive for a rational taxpayer to earn any income, thus the revenue raised will be 100% of nothing. If both a 0% rate and 100% rate of taxation generate no revenue, it follows that there must exist a rate in between where tax revenue would be a maximum . The Laffer curve is typically represented as a stylized graph which starts at 0% tax, zero revenue, rises to a maximum rate of revenue raised at an intermediate rate of taxation and then falls again to zero revenue at a 100% tax rate.
One potential result of the Laffer curve is that increasing tax rates beyond a certain point will become counterproductive for raising further tax revenue because of diminishing returns. A hypothetical Laffer curve for any given economy can only be estimated and such estimates are sometimes controversial. The Laffer curve is associated with supply side economics, where its use in debates over rates of taxation has also been controversial.
>Examining IRS tax return data by state, E.J. McMahon, a fiscal expert at the Manhattan Institute, measured the impact of large income-tax rate increases on the rich ($200,000 income or more) in Connecticut, which raised its tax rate in 2003 to 5% from 4.5%; in New Jersey, which raised its rate in 2004 to 8.97% from 6.35%; and in New York, which raised its tax rate in 2003 to 7.7% from 6.85%. Over the period 2002-2005, in each of these states the “soak the rich” tax hike was followed by a significant reduction in the number of rich people paying taxes in these states relative to the national average. Amazingly, these three states ranked 46th, 49th and 50th among all states in the percentage increase in wealthy tax filers in the years after they tried to soak the rich.
This result was all the more remarkable given that these were years when the stock market boomed and Wall Street gains were in the trillions of dollars. Examining data from a 2008 Princeton study on the New Jersey tax hike on the wealthy, we found that there were 4,000 missing half-millionaires in New Jersey after that tax took effect. New Jersey now has one of the largest budget deficits in the nation.
However, history hasn’t stopped the anti-Christie crowd from demanding the restoration of the “millionaire surcharge” on individuals earning $400,000 or more annually. I’ll be generous and attribute it to short memories. If they got their way, more business owners, investors, and other high-end taxpayers will quit the fight and head for the state line. New Jersey would experience another collapse in its revenue base and, ironically, school aid reductions for the following fiscal year would assuredly prove even more dramatic than what’s currently on the table. An utter and complete disaster of epic proportions! blog.savejersey.com/2010/04/06/remember-how-we-got-here.aspx
>State ‘spends’ over $15 billion on would-be taxes
New Jersey foregoes more than $15 billion a year in tax revenue through various credits, deductions, exemptions and other special provisions in the state’s tax code, a new state report shows. A 35-page report on these so-called “tax expenditures’ was released quietly last month by Gov. Chris Christie’s administration, to comply with a new law passed by the Legislature in January and signed by lame-duck Gov. Jon S. Corzine. (Symons, Gannett)
The history of Easter reveals rich associations between the Christian faith and the seemingly unrelated practices of the early pagan religions. Easter history and traditions that we practice today evolved from pagan symbols, from the ancient goddess Ishtar to Easter eggs and the Easter bunny.
Easter, perhaps the most important of the Christian holidays, celebrates the Christ’s resurrection from the dead following his death on Good Friday. . . a rebirth that is commemorated around the vernal equinox, historically a time of pagan celebration that coincides with the arrival of spring and symbolizes the arrival of light and the awakening of life around us.
Ostara, Goddess of Spring and the Dawn (Oestre / Eastre)
Easter is named for a Saxon goddess who was known by the names of Oestre or Eastre, and in Germany by the name of Ostara. She is a goddess of the dawn and the spring, and her name derives from words for dawn, the shining light arising from the east. Our words for the “female hormone” estrogen derives from her name.
Ostara was, of course, a fertility goddess. Bringing in the end of winter, with the days brighter and growing longer after the vernal equinox, Ostara had a passion for new life. Her presence was felt in the flowering of plants and the birth of babies, both animal and human. The rabbit (well known for its propensity for rapid reproduction) was her sacred animal.
Easter eggs and the Easter Bunny both featured in the spring festivals of Ostara, which were initially held during the feasts of the goddess Ishtar | Inanna. Eggs are an obvious symbol of fertility, and the newborn chicks an adorable representation of new growth. Brightly colored eggs, chicks, and bunnies were all used at festival time to express appreciation for Ostara’s gift of abundance.
History of Easter Eggs and Easter Candy
The history of Easter Eggs as a symbol of new life should come as no surprise. The notion that the Earth itself was hatched from an egg was once widespread and appears in creation stories ranging from Asian to Ireland.
Eggs, in ancient times in Northern Europe, were a potent symbol of fertility and often used in rituals to guarantee a woman’s ability to bear children. To this day rural “grannywomen” (lay midwives/healers in the Appalachian mountains) still use eggs to predict, with uncanny accuracy, the sex of an unborn child by watching the rotation of an egg as it is suspended by a string over the abdomen of a pregnant woman.
Dyed eggs are given as gifts in many cultures. Decorated eggs bring with them a wish for the prosperity of the abundance during the coming year.
Folklore suggests that Easter egg hunts arose in Europe during “the Burning Times”, when the rise of Christianity led to the shunning (and persecution) of the followers of the “Old Religion”. Instead of giving the eggs as gifts the adults made a game of hiding them, gathering the children together and encouraging them to find the eggs. Some believe that the authorities seeking to find the “heathens” would follow or bribe the children to reveal where they found the eggs so that the property owner could be brought to justice.
Green Eggs . . . . . . and Ham???
The meat that is traditionally associated with Easter is ham. Though some might argue that ham is served at Easter since it is a “Christian” meat, (prohibited for others by the religious laws of Judaism and Islam) the origin probably lies in the early practices of the pagans of Northern Europe.
Having slaughtered and preserved the meat of their agricultural animals during the Blood Moon celebrations the previous autumn so they would have food throughout the winter months, they would celebrate the occasion by using up the last of the remaining cured meats.
In anticipation that the arrival of spring with its emerging plants and wildlife would provide them with fresh food in abundance, it was customary for many pagans to begin fasting at the time of the vernal equinox, clearing the “poisons” (and excess weight) produced by the heavier winter meals that had been stored in their bodies over the winter. Some have suggested that the purpose of this fasting may have been to create a sought-after state of “altered consciousness” in time for the spring festivals. One cannot but wonder if this practice of fasting might have been a forerunner of “giving up” foods during the Lenten season.
Chocolate Easter bunnies and eggs, marshmallow chicks in pastel colors, and candy of all sorts . . . these have pagan origins as well! To understand their association with religion we need to examine the meaning of food as a symbol.
The ancient belief that, by eating something we take on its characteristics formed the basis for the earliest “blessings” before meals (a way to honor the life that had been sacrificed so that we as humans could enjoy life) and, presumably, for the more recent Christian sacrament of communion as well.
Shaping candy Easter eggs and bunnies out of candy to celebrate the spring festival was, simply put, a way to celebrate the symbols of the goddess and the season, while laying claim to their strengths (vitality, growth, and fertility) for ourselves.
The Goddess Ostara and the Easter Bunny
Feeling guilty about arriving late one spring, the Goddess Ostara saved the life of a poor bird whose wings had been frozen by the snow. She made him her pet or, as some versions have it, her lover. Filled with compassion for him since he could no longer fly (in some versions, it was because she wished to amuse a group of young children), Ostara turned him into a snow hare and gave him the gift of being able to run with incredible speed so he could protect himself from hunters.
In remembrance of his earlier form as a bird, she also gave him the ability to lay eggs (in all the colors of the rainbow, no less), but only on one day out of each year.
Eventually the hare managed to anger the goddess Ostara, and she cast him into the skies where he would remain as the constellation Lepus (The Hare) forever positioned under the feet of the constellation Orion (the Hunter). He was allowed to return to earth once each year, but only to give away his eggs to the children attending the Ostara festivals that were held each spring. The tradition of the Easter Bunny had begun.
Easter Bunny had begun.
The Hare was sacred in many ancient traditions and was associated with the moon goddesses and the various deities of the hunt. In ancient times eating the Hare was prohibited except at Beltane (Celts) and the festival of Ostara (Anglo-Saxons), when a ritual hare-hunt would take place.
In many cultures rabbits, like eggs, were considered to be potent remedies for fertility problems. The ancient philosopher-physician Pliny the Elder prescribed rabbit meat as a cure for female sterility, and in some cultures the genitals of a hare were carried to avert barrenness.
Medieval Christians considered the hare to bring bad fortune, saying witches changed into rabbits in order to suck the cows dry. It was claimed that a witch could only be killed by a silver crucifix or a bullet when she appeared as a hare.
Given their “mad” leaping and boxing displays during mating season as well as their ability to produce up to 42 offspring each spring, it is understandable that they came to represent lust, sexuality, and excess in general. Medieval Christians considered the hare to be an evil omen, believing that witches changed into rabbits in order to suck the cows dry. It was claimed that a witch could only be killed by a silver crucifix or a bullet when she appeared as a hare.
In later Christian tradition the white Hare, when depicted at the Virgin Mary’s feet, represents triumph over lust or the flesh. The rabbit’s vigilance and speed came to represent the need to flee from sin and temptation and a reminder of the swift passage of life.
And, finally, there is a sweet Christian legend about a young rabbit who, for three days, waited anxiously for his friend, Jesus, to return to the Garden of Gethsemane, not knowing what had become of him. Early on Easter morning, Jesus returned to His favorite garden and was welcomed the little rabbit. That evening when the disciples came into the garden to pray, still unaware of the resurrection, they found a clump of beautiful larkspurs, each blossom bearing the image of a rabbit in its center as a remembrance of the little creature’s hope and faith.
Ishtar, Goddess of Love, and the First Resurrection (also known as Inanna)
Ishtar, goddess of romance, procreation, and war in ancient Babylon, was also worshipped as the Sumerian goddess Inanna. One of the great goddesses, or “mother goddesses”, stories of her descent to the Underworld and the resurrection that follows are contained in the oldest writings that have ever been discovered. . . the Babylonian creation myth Enuma Elish and the story of Gilgamesh. Scholars believed that they were based on the oral mythology of the region and were recorded about 2,100 B.C.E.
The most famous of the myths of Ishtar tell of her descent into the realm of the dead to rescue her young lover, Tammuz, a Vegetation god forced to live half the year in the Underworld. Ishtar approached the gates of the Underworld, which was ruled by her twin sister Eresh-kigel, the goddess of death and infertility. She was refused admission.
Similar to the Greek myths of Demeter and Persephone that came later, during Ishtar’s absence the earth grew barren since all acts of procreation ceased while she was away. Ishtar screamed and ranted that she would break down the gates and release all of the dead to overwhelm the world and compete with the living for the remaining food unless she was allowed to enter and plead her case with her twin.
Needless to say, she won admission. But the guard, following standard protocol, refused to let her pass through the first gate unless she removed her crown. At the next gate, she had to remove her earrings, then her necklace at the next, removing her garments and proud finery until she stood humbled and naked after passing through the seventh (and last) gate.
In one version, she was held captive and died but was brought back to life when her servant sprinkled her with the “water of life”. In the more widely known version of the myth, Ishtar’s request was granted and she regained all of her attire and possessions as she slowly re-emerged through the gates of darkness.
Upon her return, Tammuz and the earth returned to life. Annual celebrations of this “Day of Joy”, were held each year around the time of the vernal equinox. These celebrations became the forerunners of the Ostara festivals that welcomed Oestre and the arrival of spring.
A section on the Goddess Inanna (the Sumerian version of the Goddess Ishtar), her myths and symbols, is included with the myths of the goddesses at this website.
Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives today recognizing the efforts of state legislatures, Attorneys General and citizens to resist the implementation of the health care bill, HR 3590.
“While Congress is given power under the Constitution to regulate interstate commerce, never before have we considered legislation that would require individuals to purchase a private—government approved—product, as the price of citizenship,” Garrett said. “This moves far beyond regulating economic activity, and into the realm of regulating inactivity. If we allow that Congress has this authority under the Constitution, then there is virtually no limit to Washington’s power to micromanage the lives of our citizens.
“I would like to commend those fighting against this massive expansion of government into the private sector. President Obama and others have called this legislation “historic,” and they’re correct. It is “historic” that the federal government would violate the liberties of its citizens. It is “historic” that a political party would use their majority in Congress to override the will of the American people. It is “historic” that the president and Members of Congress, all of whom have taken oaths to uphold the Constitution, would express such disdain and disregard for our country’s founding document. Yes, my friends, this legislation is truly historic.”
The text of Garrett’s resolution is below:
111th CONGRESS
2nd Session
H. RES.
Commending the efforts of state legislatures, Attorneys General and citizens to resist the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
IN THE HO– USE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 25, 2010
Mr. SCOTT GARRETT of New Jersey
Commending the efforts of State legislatures, Attorneys General, and citizens to resist the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Whereas the expanding Federal Government is encroaching on the rights constitutionally reserved for the States and individuals;
Whereas the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act attempts to regulate inactivity rather than an activity of United States’ citizens and the Constitution does not grant the Federal Government the power to regulate inactivity;
Whereas Congress has never before considered, prior to the individual mandate, legislation that would require citizens to purchase a private good;
Whereas if Congress has this authority under the Constitution, there is virtually no limit to its power to micromanage the lives of our citizens;
Whereas the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act creates an entirely new Federal entitlement program, while the growing cost of existing Federal entitlement programs are already crippling future generations with mountains of debt;
Whereas the legislatures of more than three-fourths of all the States, including those of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, have proposed legislation reaffirming their 10th Amendment right to rule and govern in areas not specifically delegated to the Federal Government by the Constitution;
Whereas many of the bills proposed by the State legislatures recognize that numerous actions by Congress are weakening States’ rights through legislation like the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;
Whereas more than a dozen state Attorneys General, including those from Alabama, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina,Utah, Virginia, and Washington, have filed or announced their intention to file lawsuits challenging Congress’s authority to force citizens to buy health insurance;
Whereas numerous doctors’ groups, such as New Jersey Physicians Inc., and individuals around the country have or are preparing to file suit against this unconstitutional law; and
Whereas 54 percent of Americans oppose the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and 56 percent of Americans think the Federal Government has become so large and powerful that it poses an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) commends the efforts of State legislatures, Attorneys General, and citizens to resist the unconstitutional implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; and
(2) applauds these groups’ endeavors to protect the rights and the interests of American citizens.
Dateline: Atlantic City -Morgan Stanley Bank filed Wednesday with the SEC indicating the impending sale/auction of their failing Revel casino. Morgan’s board recognized the failure of the casino before New Jersey state legislators, poised to pour $300 million into the project, recognized the danger of the risky investment.
In a shocking demonstration of the New Jersey State Legislature’s willingness to gamble on highly risky bailouts, under the guise of “economic development”, the Board of Morgan Stanley has indicated it would rather take the loss before pouring more money into the project. State legislators who voted for the project demonstrated they have no idea how bad the investment of $300 million of taxpayers is, or simply do not care. New Jersey needs legislators who understand the danger of these risky bailouts, not political hacks bowing to special interests. Once again, the lesson learned is that government should stay out of the private sector.
For the Revel bailout to continue forward would be reckless and irresponsible on a massive scale. Throwing money at Revel would be reminiscent of the $180 million lost on Lehman Brothers by the state pension system as they were on the way out of business.
CALL GOVERNOR CHRIS CHRISTIE TODAY AT 609-292-6000. Tell him not to gamble our taxpayer dollars on another risky and reckless bailout!
1. Demonstrate that Graydon remains a community gathering place, eliminating once and for all the argument that “no one goes there.” 2. Restock the Village’s coffers, refuting the complaint that “Graydon always loses money.” 3. Graydon is fun!
Our March 23 meeting PowerPoint slides provide the high points. In the section “Environmental Regulations and the Mystery of the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook,” a professional geologist presents his new research on the likely hydraulic connection between Graydon, the aquifer, and the brook. He lists the permits that would probably be difficult for the Village to obtain if they tried to build there—including one required for construction in a flood hazard zone.
Ping-pong and storytime New this summer: ping-pong at Graydon. Lucy Rieger has donated a table; Marcia provided a net and paddles. Parks & Rec would welcome a second table and wants to bring storytime and related activities back to Graydon. If you have a spare ping-pong table or if you are a current or retired teacher interested in leading storytime (modest stipend available), please call Deputy Director Nancy Bigos at (201) 670-5560 to discuss details. Say that Preserve sent you.
>The article at the link below, titled “A Brief History of Tenure”, appeared in Time Magazine in November of 2008. Please go to the link and read the article. It provides an interesting evolution of tenure and illustrates how it was intended for “distinguished and published professors” and is not appropriate for K-12 teachers. The model adopted by Oregon in 1997 sounds like a GREAT approach. In that year, Oregon abolished tenure and replaced it with 2-year renewable contracts and a rehabilitation program for underachieving instructors.
I (and I believe most Ridgewood residents) want high caliber teachers, who are well paid. Perhaps if teachers began working WITH the community and were receptive to being held accountable, they would realize that the community stands behind our most effective and inspirational teachers and administrators. This article could very well have been written last night after “tone deaf” teachers cast a cowardly and disgraceful vote AGAINST the community and threw their non-tenured bretheren to the street.
The conclusion of the article says it all…”Whatever the problem, most teachers and administrators agree the status quo isn’t working and that change can’t come too soon. Announcing her plan last month, Rhee said, ‘Students cannot wait for accountable teachers while adults argue’.”
When will ALL Ridgewood teachers hold themselves accountable?
>Honorable Chris Christie Governor, State of New Jersey State House 125 West State Street P.O. Box 001 Trenton, NJ 08625
Dear Governor Christie:
As you know, I strongly oppose repeal of Bergen County’s Blue Laws. Last week you challenged Bergen legislators to find an alternative to the $65 million in sales tax revenue the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association projects would be collected if Blue Laws are repealed in Bergen County. As of yet no one has responded with new and or innovative ideas. Let me attempt to fill that void and offer a number of suggestions.
First, please note my letter of November 13, 2008 (see attached) to then Governor Corzine with copies to north Jersey legislators (including those representing Bergen County) in which I first I suggested and now again propose that the state collect the seven percent sales tax from the New York Giants and New York Jets that should be owed on the initial sale of Personal Seat Licenses by the teams. The Jets and Giants projected revenue of no less than $800 million from these sales. That will generate one-time revenue of approximately $56 million. New Jersey taxpayers and not billionaire team owners from New York should be the beneficiaries of this windfall.
You have suggested that all contracts involving the state and its agencies should be reexamined in order to find additional benefits to both close the budget gap and thereby assist New Jersey’s overburdened taxpayers. You have asked all taxpayers, homeowners, teachers, public employees, boards of education, municipalities and others to sacrifice. Shouldn’t the Jets and Giants be included?
I feel strongly that all Sports Authority related contracts (including the lucrative contracts with the Jets and Giants) be re-examined for review and possible changes to insure that the maximum benefit possible is accruing to taxpayers.
Second, I recommend that you authorize and immediately establish an Office of Asset and Revenue Recovery in the Attorney General’s Office. The sole purpose of this office will be to use the civil process to recover the hundreds of millions of dollars already identified as having been wasted, misapplied or fraudulently spent by public agencies including the School Construction Corp., UMDNJ, etc. In addition, this office should immediately pursue action against entities such as “EnCap” whose activities have already been reviewed by the Inspector General.
Third, I would urge you to establish a Statewide Taxpayer Hotline both via telephone and on-line so that waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement can be identified and appropriate action initiated. My first act as County Executive will be to establish such a Hotline in Bergen County.
I look forward to working cooperatively with you and your administration to resolve issues through creative and innovative problem solving. Unfortunately, we have seen in the past week or so that too many elected officials prefer political pandering and stooping to the lowest common denominator rather than working on behalf of their constituents. Elected officials have many tasks. Grandstanding and political expediency are not among them.
Bart Stupak has cut a deal w/Obama in which the President will create an executive order eliminating the funding of abortion that exists in the Senate Bill. This in turn for Stupak’s “yes” vote on HC.
But, Executive Orders are nearly worthless as long term guarantees, since the incoming President can easily change them.
Deal Watch Blog https://www.nrcc.org/codered/dealwatch/?p=52
Obama Administration Awarded Hundreds of Thousands in Airport Grants to Stupak’s District Two Days Before Vote Was this Yet Another Backroom Deal to Force Obama’s Bill Down the American People’s Throats?
Three airports in the district of infamous fence-sitting and ultimately kowtowing Democrat Bart Stupak were awarded $726,409 in grants by the Obama Administration just two days before a vote on Obama and Pelosi’s government takeover of healthcare.
Did Stupak compromise his supposed principled stand against taxpayer funding of abortion in exchange for taxpayer dollars for pet projects?
Alpena County Regional Airport received a $85,500 grant, but had only 7,519 passenger boardings in 2008 (the most recent year for which there is information) according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data. Alpena County Regional Airport serves fewer passengers than even the late Rep. John Murtha’s famous “Airport for Nobody.”
Delta County Airport has even less customers than that, but still received a $179,209 grant.
Chippewa County International Airport received a $461,700 grant, but had only 13,733 passenger boardings in 2008.
Will Stupak come clean about this apparent backroom deal for his vote?
Call Stupak’s district office at (989) 356-0690 and ask. https://www.nrcc.org/codered/dealwatch/?p=52
Neapolitan Recipes from Visiting Chefs and Grandmothers; Fresh, Impeccable Ingredients the Cornerstone in Simple Preparations that Celebrate Natural Flavors and Textures
(Ridgewood, NJ: March 19, 2010) A Mano, the Ridgewood Neapolitan trattoria and one of only three U.S. restaurants to receive prestigious certifications from both the Verace Pizza Napoletana and Associazone Pizzaiuoli Napoletani, the recognized authorities of Naples, Italy on traditional Neapolitan Pizza, has added Shrimp, Tilapia, Veal and Chicken entrees to their menu, along with several new appetizer, pasta, pizza and Panini options. “We are a Neapolitan restaurant and with that comes hundreds of years of traditions and classic preparations, which we bring to our patrons,” said Fred Mortati, co-owner of A Mano. “A Mano functions as both a learning center with celebrated Neapolitan chefs visiting year-round bringing with them new specialties and age old traditions. We are a culinary mecca for people who care about the craft of authentic Neapolitan pizza making and authentic Italian food preparation. Our new entrees showcase the high regard Neapolitans have for the best ingredients, bringing them together in simple preparations that allow flavors to shine through. This is simple, delicious food that brings together comfort and delight.”
Shrimp Scampi ($17.99), jumbo shrimp sautéed in extra virgin olive oil, white wine, lemon and garlic, is served over linguine. Tilapia Cartoccio ($19.99) with potatoes, onions, tomato and olives, baked in a foil poach in A Mano’s wood-burning ovens, is finished with extra virgin olive oil. Osso Buco ($24.99), braised in A Mano’s wood burning ovens in a rich onion and mushroom sauce, is served over homemade pappardelle with sautéed squash, carrot and peppers as an accompaniment. Chicken Pizzaiola ($17.99) is boneless chicken breast breaded and oven baked with tomatoes, basil, oregano, sautéed onions and finished with extra virgin olive oil.
The restaurant’s selection of 25 different pizzas, all of which are available with traditional, whole wheat and gluten-free doughs, speak to classic combinations of hand-squeezed San Marzano tomatoes, homemade Mozzarella, flavorful cured meats, delicately sautéed vegetables and a host of flavorful cow and sheep’s milk cheeses. “During his March 6th visit, master pizza chef Antonino Esposito sautéed fresh chopped spinach in butter and incorporated this into pizza dough. The result is a beautifully colored and delicately flavored Spinacci pie ($15.99), complemented when topped with our house made Mozzarella, fresh cherry tomatoes, sea salt and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This will be offered as a special and available on occasion,” explained Mr. Mortati.
“There’s a beauty to our pizza, which is not always understood by the American palate: classic Neapolitan pizza is considered a slow food. It is eaten with a knife and fork. It’s not food on the go, folded in half and eaten while walking down the street. Our Caputo flour, the world’s best pizza flour which we import in bulk from Italy to make our dough with, has a special flavor all its own and we don’t want to lose that by overcooking it. So our pies (starting at $8.99), like true Neapolitan pizzas, are cooked for under 2 minutes in 1,000 degree ovens, emerging slightly charred around the edges and soft in the middle, so the flour and yeast in them can be savored.”
A Mano also imports a special Caputo pasta flour for use in the preparation of its homemade lasagna sheets, and now papparedelle (wide ribbon) and taggliatelle (thin ribbon) pastas ($12.99). “These pastas are made exactly the way they are in Naples, so the true flavors of flour and eggs are enjoyed when paired with any of our homemade sauces: tomato basil, Bolognese, pesto, alfredo and truffle cream,” added Mr. Mortati.
New appetizer, salad and Panini offerings marry traditional, how-your-grandmother-made-it preparations with new twists, such as elegant grilled artichoke hearts or tender, flash-fried calamari over salad greens ($10.99-$11.99)along with homemade meatball, sausage or Bresaola (cured beef)-filled Panini ($8.99).
A Mano is located at 24 Franklin Avenue (at the corner of Chestnut Street), Ridgewood, NJ 07450. For more information, please call 201-493-2000
