>PSEG Warns Energy Tax to Subsidize Power Plants (A3442) Will Cost New Jersey Residents and Businesses
Will lead state down a road of proven failure, result in lost jobs, new customer surcharges and undermine efforts to conserve energy
(January 6, 2011 – Trenton, NJ) – PSEG today announced its strong opposition to legislation (A3442) that will subsidize the construction of new power plants through guaranteed long-term payments.
āThis is essentially an energy tax that will cost New Jersey residential and business customers more than a billion dollars,ā said Anne Hoskins, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Sustainability, PSEG.
āCustomers have been put through this before with disastrous results for customers,ā Hoskins warned. In the 1970ās, government required New Jerseyās utilities to enter into long-term contracts with power generators and set prices and production targets for the energy industry. That resulted in billions of dollars in excess payments by consumers. Over the next six years, PSE&G customers alone will pay more than $1 billion for the remaining costs of these long-term contracts. Atlantic City Electric recently received approval to raise its customersā bills by roughly five percent to recover the costs of its out-of-market contracts. āThe resulting customer surcharges will have long-term impacts,ā Hoskins said. āSubsidies are a slippery slope and will drive away other non-subsidized private investment in New Jersey.
āThis bill is trying to fix a problem that does not exist,ā added Hoskins. Since 2007, New Jerseyās wholesale electric markets have spurred significant investment in new generation, environmental retrofits, upgrades on existing generation, and investments to reduce electric usage through demand response.
āThese investments totaled billions of dollars — all made at the risk of private investors, not customers. PSEG alone has invested approximately $1.5 billion in generating plants in New Jersey since 2007,ā Hoskins said.
āIt is best when investors, not government, determine when new generation is needed, where it is built, what technology to use and what price to pay for it,ā said Hoskins. āSupporters of A3442 hope to create jobs, but real jobs will be lost in the process,ā said Hoskins. āSubsidized generation will replace non-subsidized generation and threaten hundreds of existing jobs.ā
>Congressman Scott Garrett: Constitutional Citation Rule Needs Teeth to be Effective
Garrett: Constitutional Citation Rule Needs Teeth to be Effective Offers amendment to rules package enhance constitutional citation rule
WASHINGTON, January 4, 2011 – The House Republican Conference today held an organizational meeting to consider amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives for the 112th Congress. During consideration, Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) offered an amendment to clarify and enhance the proposed House rule that would require all bills to be accompanied by a statement citing the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the proposed law.
āWhile I appreciate the Republican leadership for following through on the promise we made in the Pledge to America, I believe the proposed House rule requiring that all bills cite the Constitution needs to have real teeth to in order to be effective,ā said Garrett. āIn other words,ā Garrett continued, āwe have to make sure we are fostering an actual debate on the constitutionality of legislation without letting Members of the House off the hook by using the vague, and often times abused, ācommon defense,ā āgeneral welfare,ā and ānecessary and properā clauses of the Constitution. In order to truly cultivate a robust debate on the constitutionality of legislation, I believe all legislation must cite an enumerated power of the constitution in the actual bill text.ā
Garrettās amendments to the constitutional citation rule would have required the text of all bills and amendments to contain a statement appropriately citing a specific power granted to Congress in the Constitution. The ācommon defense,ā āgeneral welfare,ā and ānecessary and properā clauses of Section 8, Article I of the Constitution would not be considered appropriate Constitutional citations. If a bill or amendment failed to comply, it would be subject to a point of order that could not be waived by the Rules Committee. As a result, each side would have 10 minutes of debate followed by a vote on whether or not to table the point of order and move to consideration of the bill or amendment.
>Village trying to clear up confusion over post-snowstorm garbage pickup Tuesday, January 4, 2011 BY MICHAEL SEDON THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS Staff Writer
Following the post-Christmas snowstorm and the end of 2010, normal Village of Ridgewood operations resumed after logistical confusion left some residents holding the garbage bag to start 2011.
The village missed some garbage pickups following the snowstorm last week. Last week’s snowstorm caused the regularly scheduled garbage pickup for Monday, Dec. 27 to be moved to Tuesday, said Frank Moritz, the village’s Director of Operations.
“When the snow came on Monday, we couldn’t pick the garbage up,” he said. “Everything is back on schedule now the way it should be, and it’s all in the (village) calendar” which was mailed to residents this week.
Snow removal took several days to complete, Moritz said, noting that the last remnants of the snowstorm were cleared from village-owned sidewalks on Sunday, Jan. 2, in time for the start of school after Christmas break.
More than two months after the Obama administration lifted its ban on drilling in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico, oil companies are still waiting for approval to drill the first new oil well there. Experts now expect the wait to continue until the second half of 2011, and perhaps into 2012
>the Village of Ridgewood Looking Back on 2010 Part 4
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 01, 2010
Village Council Elections : Readers Press on Candidates Positions on Valley
I asked you earlier for clarification of your position on Valley and you did not answer. I have heard great things about you and am leaning towards voting for you but I can’t vote for anyone who gives a gray answer about Valley.
I used to live by the hospital and, one winter, there were seven accidents near my house. One car went up on to my neighbor’s lawn and the trees caught on fire. If it had been a different time of day there could easily have been children killed.
The construction is not complete and it is already under water and damaged. Thatās what you get when you build in a floodway. The second photo shows the brand new turf with a big wrinkle to trip on. This was just a small storm. The taxpayers of Ridgewood have The BOE to thank as they pay it off for the next 30 years.
If you were ever in any doubt that the Valley Hospital has Ridgewood under siege then it has been confirmed by Valleyās own advertizing for their off-site Columbia venture. Like a medieval army besieging a city, Valley with its campus on Van Dien Ave and nine satellite campuses is now not physically possible to enter Ridgewood without passing by a Valley property. You cannot educate your children in Ridgewood without the hand of Valley fondling them through Valleyās unprecedented influence on the BOE and HSA. Valley hijacked the last Village Council and the Planning Board agenda for 3 years to approve the 100 percent Valley crafted Master Plan Amendment. Megan Fraser, the Valley PR Executive is now wielding Valleyās influence over the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce.
Donovan Unveils 4 Point Plan for Bergen County Fiscal Sanity
Bergen County Executive Candidate, Kathleen A. Donovan, announced today her plan to make government “smaller, smarter and fiscally responsible.” Donovan said that her “4 Point Plan for Bergen County Taxpayers” is not just a plan. “It’s a pledge to Bergen County taxpayers, families and seniors that government is going to change for the better.
How does the Village justify a tax assessment that is around 20% inflated?
They are not in any hurry to roll back the valuations they assigned at the peak of the bubble.
The below is public info so I’ll leave it up to the Mod as to whether it posts:
119 Oak is for sale for $850k. Its tax assessment (according to Zillow) is closer to $1M, which is about what that house would have sold for at the height of the bubble. A couple years ago, 2007 I think, the taxes jumped from $11k and change, to over $17k (it’s possible a lot of this was precipitated by a renovation but I don’t own the house so I don’t know)!
Oct 5 – Planning Board Discusses Ordinance change and does not inform the public
The Agenda for last nightās Planning Board meeting was not published before the meeting and is still not on the Village website. Despite the missing agenda, the attorney for Valley Charles Collins and the PR VP for Valley, Megan Fraser arrived at the meeting promptly at 7:25 PM. Were they tipped off by someone on the Board, the attorney of the Chairman?
Connected Math is a nightmare. The kids have moved around a few topice since the beginning of the year. I can’t tell if it is a review or “spiraling”. When there are questions about the homework, the book is no help. It was designed without examples of problems. The webside is just like the book – very vague.
NEWARK ā Gov. Chris Christie indicated Wednesday that he is leaning toward pulling the plug on construction of a new $8.7 billion commuter rail tunnel into Manhattan, unless a revised federal cost estimate provides assurances that New Jersey can afford the project. (Higgs and Jordan, Daily Record) https://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20101007/COMMUNITIES/101006096/1005/NEWS01/Christie-ready-to-pull-plug-on–8.7B-rail-tunnel-
Fueled by tea party activism and hotly contested races, Republican participation in this yearās primary elections was up. But Democratic participation fell to a record low, leaving overall voter turnout at the second lowest level ever for a midterm election, an analysis by American Universityās Center for the Study of the American Electorate concludes. (Radnofsky, The Wall Street Journal)
Ridgewood Schools : Readers ask are we trying to hide student’s ASK results?
I want to know what the District is trying to hide in regards to our student’s ASK results. The principal says that the administrators have asked them not to compare the schools in the district or share that information with the parents. Leads me to believe they are hiding some major score discrepancies that they don’t want to explain.
We all know we should be sensitive to the neighbors wishes. But since we cannot move the fields, which were built in what are now congested, residential neighborhoods (like Valley), what do you propose?
Don’t leave lights on b/c of a tailgate? Seems fair. But where does it end? If some had their way (I cannot speak for Colleen), the fields would be open wild-scape, so that the value of their homes would increase. Sound far-fetched?
Field Lights: The BOE owed everyone the courtesy of appropriate information regarding the lights!
The BOE owed everyone the courtesy of appropriate information regarding the lights! Yes it would have been nice and right to inform the neighbors of the installation. But not just the immediate neighbors, they should have informed each and every taxpayer in the Village!
RHS field lights : It certainly appears that the BOE intended to install the field lights all along
As you may have seen or heard, I spoke at the Village Council last evening about the RHS field lights issues. Attached for your edification are my remarks.The more that I look at this, the stranger it looks. For instance:
Pro Valley Russell Forenza : rolls out the check book
News Flash: Mr. Forenza has run a full page advertisement in the Ridgewood News. A quarter page advertisement costs over $1,100. I can only guess what a full page advertisement would cost.
The RHSNA was formed by a group of neighbors that primarily live on the north side of the high school.
PJ
I would like to clear up a recent post to your Blog concerning the RHS field lights and the Ridgewood High School Neighborhood Association (RHSNA). The RHSNA was formed by a group of neighbors that primarily live on the north side of the high school. The group is open to any neighbors in the area of the high school to foster better communication with the school administration.
RHS Dance: modified our procedures to keep events drug and alcohol free
Dear Parents,
I am writing to you today to inform you about some issues we dealt with at the dance on Saturday night. After an unacceptable dance 2 years ago we modified our procedures and we conducted a number of incident free events.
Congrats to Steve and all who care about Ridgewood!
I think those who voted for Forenza should think again about why the MAJORITY voted for Wellinghorst. Let me help you the majority knows the blight and strain that Valley would cause every taxpayer! Not just the people who live near Valley.
It’s not East vs West either. We can not allow our town fall into ValleyWood. Don’t become aware when it’s too late.
I think the main problem in Ridgewood is the lack of communication. Everyone just does their own thing and to hell with everyone else. This is true of the lights and parking in the CBD, lights at the HS and other sports groounds, graydon and the hospital. It should never be about one thing but everything. Everything needs to be seen as a whole (the sum of its parts) and not the just the parts.
Readers react to Russell Forenza’s wild accusations of Voter fraud in the village.
Try not go blind when you realize that he could have been on our new council person. I think he makes it pretty clear what he thinks…the election was stolen.
Sports Fields : The Plan came ENTIRELY from vested interests in favor of maximum expansion of fields
The statement on the Village website is particularly instructive.
“A series of meetings led by Eric Mattes, Project Manager, included select target groups for their input and assistance in gathering necessary information.
Laurie Goodman : we should not be Racing to the Top because it is a Race to Nowhere.
According to Laurie’s site, we should not be Racing to the Top because it is a Race to Nowhere.
So, after all the push for world-class athletic center, turf fields, lighting, Olympic track at BF, a course guide that dwarfs some colleges, $2500 SAT prep programs, 200 clubs, 3-season sports, AP classes for everything, etc, etc – now she says the schools SHOULDN’T be doing it.
N.J. anti-bullying measures head for Senate, Assembly votes
Monday, November 15, 2010 Last updated: Tuesday November 16, 2010, 10:59 AM BY JOHN REITMEYER State House Bureau STATE HO– USE BUREAU
Matthew Zimmer, 16, of Ridgewood, appeared before the Senate committee, telling a full room of spectators inside the State House that he has resorted to online schooling as a result of being bullied by students ā and teachers ā due to his sexuality. One of his teachers, he said, challenged him in the presence of other students to disclose if he is gay.āThe kids immediately bombarded me, teasing me and calling me names,ā Zimmer said.
Full story: https://www.northjersey.com/topstories/ridgewood/111510_NJ_lawmakers_want_to_toughen_anti-bullying_law.html
N.J. Senate president pushes for shared services before League of Municipalities
Senate President Stephen Sweeneyās war on āhome ruleā got a mixed reception from mayors gathered at the League of Municipalities convention Tuesday in Atlantic City. (Friedman, The Record)
Don’t Blame Valley : We have ourselves to blame, We got what we voted for
Pfund & Co. pushed things in what might charitably be called a pig-head fashion. do you suppose even Valley is pleased by the turn of events — Valley had all the cards stacked in its favor and its supporters couldn’t deliver without the huge uproar that ensued (a backlash that hopefully defeats this moronic amendment.)
Suzanne Kelly steps down as Co-Chair of the Preserve Graydon Coalition
Dear Preserve Graydon Coalition Members,
I am writing to let you know that I am stepping down as Co-Chair of the Preserve Graydon Coalition. As you can well imagine, the time and effort that was required to stop the ever increasing threat of Graydon from being demolished was all encompassing.
Ridgewood Police Department Baffled by Brazen Daytime Burglaries
Ridgewood Police Detectives Have No Suspects In String of Brazen Daytime Burglaries Add another Ridgewood home to the list of the dozen or so recently burglarized in broad daylight by an unknown person or persons. This time, it was a brazen Wednesday afternoon break in on the 300 block of Racetrack Road.
Visitation: Tuesday, Dec. 7, 6ā8 PM Funeral service: Wednesday, Dec. 8, 11 AM Both at: C. C. Van Emburgh Funeral Home 306 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood (corner of Maple Ave.) https://vanemburgh.com/obituary_view/77345
Math Wars : Singapore math doesn’t cost enough for Ridgewood Schools
I remember the parents that voted and took Regina’s survey comparing the four potential math programs PICKED SINGAPORE math! Oh but wait, Nancy Schultz doesn’t “consult” for that publisher. No wonder why Regina didn’t want it!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 BY RICHARD DE SANTA GLEN ROCK GAZETTE Staff Writer
https://www.northjersey.com/news/111531329_Water_rate_increase_on_Ridgewood_council_s_agenda_.html An ordinance to increase water rates by 5 percent next year is on the agenda for the Ridgewood council’s public meeting on Wednesday night.
Taxes are out of control. When my last child graduates I am going to sell my house. Hopefully someone else will want to pay the taxes on it. People think that the high taxes correlate with a good school system.
Sheila Brogan’s recent letter fighting against the Superintendent’s salary cap is a prime example of why taxes will always be excessive in Ridgewood
It’s a shame that Ridgewood doesn’t seem to value singles, empty nesters and seniors who may not want the bulk of their tax dollars paying for education and fields and lights and mistakes.
Village Council Announces Volunteer of the Year Ines Bunza and Joseph Suplicki
The Village Council announced the 2010 Volunteers of the Year at their December 8th Public Meeting. Ines Bunza and Joseph Suplicki were recognized for the volunteer efforts to the Village of Ridgewood.
Lightgate: Dr. Fishbein is proposing that this time limit be extended until 10:30PM
Remember folks, the current Field Use Policy (available for downloading here: https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/recreation/2009SeptFieldPolicy.pdf) prohibits the use of lights at BOE owned facilites past 9PM (see paragraph F on page 14).
Fearing more conservative backlash the New Jersey Republican State Committee abruptly canceled a long scheduled meeting
With State Republicans fearing more conservative backlash the New Jersey Republican State Committee abruptly canceled a long scheduled meeting Hyatt Regency in Princeton last night, less than 24 hours before it was scheduled to convene.
My husband and I grew up in and bought our first home in a in Nassau County and our police were the Nassau County Officers. Believe me you would not be happy with a regional police service. They were great when you needed a helicopter search for a missing child and a SWAT team, but forget it for day to day problems such as parking, loud parties, vandalism or other quality of life issues. It took them 20-30 minutes to respond and half the time you would be told on the phone to go to the local precinct (two towns away) if you needed to file a simple police report.
Home Rule :The fact that the police are local, even neighbors. It keeps them close to the people they protect and accountable.
I don’t know about you, but I really like the fact that the police are local, some even neighbors. It keeps them close to the people they protect. And accountable.
Ridgewood drops starting salaries for police officers
Wednesday, December 22, 2010 BY MICHAEL SEDON THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS Staff Writer
When the village hires police officers next year to fill positions left vacant by retirements, those new officers will receive a significantly lower starting salary.
NJ should have a public “Hall of Shame” for all these unscrupulous characters who take advantage of their positions
Unfortunately, I don’t find this type of news surprising anymore. What a sad world we live in.
Ed Hynes and Democratic Freeholder James Carroll should have to reimburse the County for all those expenses he failed to provide receipts for…and NJ should have a public “Hall of Shame” for all these unscrupulous characters who take advantage of their positions and the taxpayers they are supposed to be serving!
Ridgewood store owners report good holiday business
Friday, December 24, 2010 BY JOYCE VENEZIA SUSS THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS FOR THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Shopkeepers in Ridgewoodās Central Business District are feeling a little more optimistic about holiday season sales this year, compared to bleak profits just a year ago.
Blizzard of 2010 : Readers comment on snow removal
“Woodside Avenue was plowed yesterday by 1pm. Maybe even sooner. I walked to the train station today and all way fine. I don’t know why people complain. My parents live in Queens and the plow just came by an hour ago”
“My street is a little slippery but otherwise no problems. Drivers need to be a bit more careful though. I’ve seen some icy spots. Kids are loving the snow and aren’t even complaining about the cold.”
Keith Killion was named the new mayor during the Village Council reorganization meeting on Thursday afternoon. Tom Riche, who along with Bernadette Coghlan-Walsh won the municipal election in May, was named deputy mayor. Both terms will expire in 2012.
Valley renewal: major concerns about the future of our great Village
I have posted a lot on Valley Hospitalās proposed renewal plans over the last few weeks and I must say, that it is evident that the vast majority of comments come from those tax-paying residents of Ridgewood that do not want Valley Hospital to expand. Most of the pro-Valley comments appear to be from residents of other towns so as far as I am concerned, their comments do not count.
We’ve been Hacked : Pizza Poll Results under dispute
I am a bit confused though, as last Wednesday after the polls had closed, your website showed the below poll results, showing A Mano had won with 22% of the vote and 74 votes. Did the voting reopen ?
Pedestrian Hit: I get the impression that many of you drivers don’t get out and walk much.
To all you “what until traffic stops” commentators here, would you like to take a shot at a question I posted previously about this. No-one yet has had a go. Here it is:
Traffic runs in both directions. Remember that. If I wait for traffic to stop, this often only means one lane of traffic stops. The other lane is still running. If I keep waiting, the driver of the stopped car, and the cars behind it, start getting pissed as I’m still standing there, waiting for the other side to stop. After a few seconds of horn honking and a look from the first car driver’s face as if I’m some kind of idiot, he then pulls away. I’m still standing there!
Field Lighting : Weāll shake down various village sports groups
PJ Can someone please explain how:
Ā· We had a bond referendum shoved down our throats under the specter of vanishing funds from state grants Ā· We had or state school aid eliminated this year Ā· We had 2 years of multi-million dollar school budget deficits Ā· After the school budget was defeated, the Village Council reduced it by a whopping 1/10 of a percent Ā· We laid off or retired around 30 town workers and more may follow After all the angst and tumult in this past year, now weāre getting LIGHTS for our artificial fields?!?
Village Cuts Number of Recycling and Curbside Rubbish Pickups
Village Slashes Number of Recycling and Curbside Bulk Refuse Pickups
Despite numerous assurances from former Mayor David T. Pfund that worker layoffs would not impact municipal services, cuts to the following services were announced in the past 7-10 days:
I am sad to report that senior, Caitlin Alvaro, passed away today. Our Crisis Intervention counselors will be available to meet with any parents and students who need assistance. Lauren DePinto and Kevin Feeley will be in their offices at the high school from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. If you feel your child needs individual help, please contact me at 201-670-2800, Ext.20501 or email me and I will make arrangements for support. Thank you. Jack
Readers continue to complain over the time it takes for construction approvals
“A neighbor of mine commented to me on how long it took to get permits for an addition almost a year ago. He felt as though he was jerked around, and it was a simple construction job. So as far as the layoffs being an excuse for poor service..forget it. Even last year with much slower construction there was not prompt service according to my neighbor.
Last night the Ridgewood Planning Board voted to memorialize changes in the master plan that allowed The Valley Hospital to double in size
Last night the Ridgewood Planning Board voted to memorialize changes in the master plan that allowed The Valley Hospital to double in size, an issue that has divided the community for sometime. If there is to be an appeal it needs to be filed with 45 days of the memorialization.
Ridgewood homes are being devalued by high property taxes..
Ridgewood homes are being devalued by high property taxes. I agree with you that the Ridgewood voters have approved budgets in the past, however, this year they did not support the budget but had it shoved in their faces just the same.
Habernickle : its been too long with zero progress
How much did Habernickle cost the Village? How many years has it been sitting there.. with one tiny soccer field, which is a mess. Otherwise, whole property is overgrown. And I did read that we just spent a few hundred grand to “clean up” the dam and brook. Was that part of the original purchase, or it was an added cost from my tax-paying wallet?
Bolger Foundation may sever donations to Ridgewood
Bolger Foundation may sever donations to Ridgewood Thursday, August 26, 2010 Last updated: Thursday August 26, 2010, 1:04 PM BY MICHAEL SEDON The Ridgewood News Staff Writer
Graydon Pool : Membership was way up this summer. The pool sold 3,691 season badges in 2010, compared with 2,426 in 2009.
Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool like ‘being at the beach’ Sunday, September 5, 2010 Last updated: Sunday September 5, 2010, 10:51 AM BY MIKE KERWICK The Record STAFF WRITER
According to the The Ridgewood News four Ridgewood residents will be squaring off in November to fill the Village Council seat left vacant by the death of Anne Zusy in June.
Our Deepest Sympathies go out to the family and friends of the victim
the Staff of the Ridgewood blog
Official: NJ sex-tape student in apparent suicide
By BETH DeFALCO and GEOFF MULVIHILL (AP) ā 2 hours ago
RIDGEWOOD, N.J. ā Authorities say a New Jersey college student who was allegedly recorded surreptitiously having sex in his dorm room apparently killed himself.
Oct. 20 LWV Candidates Night: A Different Moderator, One Hopes
We hear that the League of Women Voters will hold a Candidates Night to showcase the opinions of the four candidates for Village Council on Wednesday, October 20. This fine service to the Village is greatly appreciated.
> GOP hopefuls have been thoroughly queried on a laundry list of issues Yet, the man they hope to defeat next November has rarely been asked by news reporters about many of these issues. By Richard Benedetto – December 30, 2011
Over the past five months, the Republican presidential candidates participated in 13 debates where they fielded dozens of penetrating questions on every major issue facing the nation, and some not so major.
The nationally televised and/or Internet-streamed forums each drew an average of 5 million to 6 million viewers, along with breathless wall-to-wall coverage, commentary and criticism from the news media, radio and TV talk shows, Internet blogs and partisan websites.
Indeed, the GOP hopefuls have been thoroughly queried on a laundry list of issues ranging from immigration problems to the faltering economy, Iranās nuclear program to trade deficits with China, the intricacies of climate change to strategies to combat terrorism, exploding government regulations to skyrocketing public debt, plus some uncomfortable questions about their pasts and their personal lives.
Yet, during all that time, the man they hope to defeat next November has rarely been asked by news reporters about many of these issues. Since August, President Obama has held only one formal White House news conference. That came on Oct. 6, nearly three months ago. It lasted 74 minutes, shorter than any single Republican debate, and the president was asked 17 questions, most of them softballs on the economy and his latest legislative proposals to create jobs.
$89 million dollar budget : Iām Voting NO for the following reasons. Iām Voting NO for the following reasons.
From todayās BOE Newsline, I see that there is 1.4% increase in teacher’s salary. So rather than allow some of the other teachers to stay by forgoing a raise, the teachers who are left are still getting one while other teachers are left go. Thatās for the kids, of course.
Also in todayās BOE Newsline, I see there is a 21.5% raise in employee benefits. The teachers refuse to chip in just 1.5% of their salary for benefits. If the average teacher’s salary is $65,000 a year, we are looking for $975 a year for full medical, dental and vision. (Come on, who gets free vision anymore?) However, those same teachers are very willing to pay an average of $720 a year for union dues. These are their priorities, not our tax dollars, not our kids.
Readers Allege bullying epidemic at B F Middle School while administrators do little or nothing
the Ridgewood blog recieved so many of these coments they could not be ignored:
Hey here’s a little story from last year that will give you a clue about how Mr. Orsini handles a child’s repeated cries for help from him regarding another child who had been relentlessly bullying her at school (not on line).
$89 million school budget : a “NO” vote does not “send a message” to anyone. I don’t disagree with the sentiments expressed here. Unfortunately, some people don’t seem to understand the implications of this vote.
First, a “NO” vote does not “send a message” to anyone. It does not have an impact on teachers benefits or their raises for next year. It simply means that the budget will get turned over to the Village Council (who know NOTHING about the school’s needs or situations) to determine the amount of the tax for next year. They can assign ANY tax rate they want. They can increase the budget and raise taxes more, or they can cut the budget and limit the taxes. They are accountable to NO ONE on this issue. The most likely outcome is that they cut the budget more and reduce taxes, which will result in further teacher cuts…unfortunately, they will be the newer and more enthusiastic teachers, who most of us would prefer to have teaching our children. I, for one, do not want Annie Z or Keith K making any decisions about my children’s education.
Over the past few weeks, Governor Christie and the media have made a big deal about some recently-released data. It showed that statewide, over the past 10 years, enrollment in New Jersey schools has grown 3%, while staffing in NJ schools has grown 14%. The Governor and others used these statistics to back-up the claim that there has been a “hiring spree” in our schools and that today there is “plenty of room to cut.” I would totally agree on a statewide level.
Valley “Renewal” more than doubles the size of the medical center Valley’s revised plan is called workable Tuesday, May 4, 2010 BY MARY JO LAYTON The Record STAFF WRITER
The Valley Hospital’s proposed expansion , but the latest building plan is a good compromise, experts hired by Ridgewood testified Monday.
Village Planner Blais Brancheau said the plan, which adds three beds to the 451-bed hospital “does not intensify operations. The overall policy is to keep the intensity of use as it is roughly today,” he said.
HOLY COW ARE CRONK-DOWD TRYING TO BUY RIDGEWOOD VOTE Papers just posted with the New Jersey Campaign Financing and Lobbying Disclosure – NJ Election Enforcement Commission on candidate spending for the Village of Ridgewood Council election indicate that Committee to Elect Cronk and Dowd have spent over $6,654. and have a total receipts of $9,750.
Ron Emrich, Preservation NJ director, said in Trenton, “The endangered historic sites program spotlights irreplaceable historic, architectural, cultural and archeological resources in New Jersey that are in imminent danger of being lost. The act of listing these resources acknowledges their importance to the heritage of New Jersey and draws attention to the predicaments that endanger their survival and the survival of all historic resources throughout our state.
Councilwoman Anne Zusy Undergoes Rehabilitation at Local Nursing Home
In a statement read by her son Alexander Ortiz during Monday eveningās Village Council meeting, Councilwoman Anne Zusy reported that she is a patient in a local rehabilitation center.
The reason for Ms. Zusyās admission to a rehabilitation center was not disclosed during her remarks.
In addition to her elected position as a member of the Village Council, Ms. Zusy also serves in an appointed position as a full member of the Ridgewood Planning Board.
Ridgewood Sports: LAX Parents claim Coach Pounds punished the team by losing on purpose
Many RHS lax parents angry at coach Pounds. #6 Ridgewood played the #11 team in the states and lost. The coach refused to start his senior goalie (would not give a reason). He passed over all the other goalies in the program and started his inexperienced freshman son – IN THE STATE PLAYOFF!!! We were missing 3 sophomores but in this game it would not have mattered. It was easily winnable.
N.J. taxpayers question school administrators’ pay
Lately, when Cheryl Gismonde logs onto her Facebook account, she often finds messages that veer wildly from the usual array of restaurant recommendations and photos of other people’s children. A recent post from one of her friends reads: “Burlington County has 39 school districts!! So let’s figure the average Super makes $150K, maybe an assistant at $100K, and a Business Administrator at $90K. That’s approx. $13 million and some of these Supers have districts with just 2-3 schools. Entirely too much $$ wasted on positions that arent hands-on with the ki. . .ds.” (Osborne, Inquirer)
State Troopers Look to Ring the Register this Memorial Day Weekend ,Drive Carefully Troopers writing more tickets on NJ toll roads The Associated Press
State troopers are writing more tickets on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.
State Police figures show tickets for all motor-vehicle violations increased 61 percent on the parkway last month, compared to April 2009. It was up 45 percent on the turnpike for the same period.
Kathleen A. Donovan : “Time to close NJ Sports Authority and save taxpayers millions” “Time to close NJ Sports Authority and save taxpayers millions” Says Donovan.
May 28, 2010
Kathleen A. Donovan, Republican candidate for Bergen County Executive, today called on Governor Christie to cancel the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority’s purchase of Personal Seat Licenses (PSL’s) and season tickets for the New York Giants and New York Jets. According to Ms. Donovan, “This latest slap at New Jersey taxpayers is proof positive that the Authority has clearly outlived its usefulness and should be put out of its misery.
Graydon Pool : “it was the biggest opening day crowd in 5 or 6 years”
The staff stopped counting at 1200 people on Saturday, June 5. Pool manager Steve Diamond said it was the biggest opening day crowd in 5 or 6 years.
Open for business: Last weekend Graydon had its biggest opening day in 5 or 6 years, said pool manager Steve Diamond. What a great community gathering place!
Readers Sound off Chairman Nicholson disrespect and condescension towards Ridgewood residents CHRIS RUTISHA– USER ā Village Engineer rips down posters at Planning Board public meeting on June 14
A lecture in civility was offered by Chairman Nicholson as he called the June 14th Planning Board H-Zone meeting to order. Yet, just moments before the meeting was called to order informational posters, neatly placed on the walls of the Benjamin Franklin Middle School, were violently ripped down by a Village Employee. The posters were crumbled and stuffed into garbage pails.
Valley Renewal: Readers Question Motivations Two questions arise, (1) what has Ridgewood to lose if the Planning Board does not approve Valleyās Expansionist plans, (2) what have the individual members of the planning board to loose if the plan is not approved?
Village Council: And The Band Played On . . . And The Band Played On . . .
Despite Worker Layoffs, Village Council Will Hold Elaborate After Reorganization Meeting Event
The Fly has just learned that Village Council members and their invited guests will convene at Gen Sushi, 15 East Ridgewood Avenue, for an “after reorganization meeting” luncheon on Thursday, July 1st.
Valley Renewal: Sleazy Tactic Mar H-Zone Vote As if the last-minute change of venue wasn’t bad enough to jerk residents around…now the village says parking will be unavailable. This from the Record:
“Parking will be extremely limited tonight at the middle school where the Ridgewood Planning Board is voting on Valley Hospitalās expansion plans.
The Planning Board secretary announced this afternoon that the village just discovered that parking will not be available at the large church lot across from George Washington Middle School.
>the Village of Ridgewood Looking Back on 2010 Part 1
MONDAY, JANUARY 04, 2010
$48 million dollar Referendum :Cautiously Optimistic?
It seems that Ms. Goodman is right to be cautious about whether Ridgewood will ever see the $10 million dollars in matching funds from the state of NJ for our turf fields. We have it from a good source that Governor Corzine has refused to sign off on any school referendums. Which means that Ridgewood’s recently passed $48 million dollar bond referendum is in limbo awaiting the approval of incoming Governor Christie. Who, by the way, has made it abundantly clear that he is going to cut state spending.
Controversial Rector Announces Plan to āPart Waysā with Christ Episcopal Church
The Reverend S. Elizabeth Searle of Christ Episcopal Church Ridgewood, whose management style reportedly caused the mass resignation of nine Vestry members this past October, publicly announced her plan to āpart waysā with Christ Church shortly.
The Ridgewood Blogās coverage of the turmoil at Christ Church was criticized by several current and former parishioners, and an official from the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, as being an āinappropriate public intrusion on a very private matter.ā
Ridgewood police sergeant charged with stealing PBA money
Thursday, January 14, 2010 BY EVONNE COUTROS AND MARLENE NAANES The Record Staff Writers
RIDGEWOOD ā A village police sergeant is accused of stealing $65,000 from the local Police Benevolent Association, police said Thursday.
Sgt. William Hemmer, 40, of Sussex, was arrested Thursday morning after he turned himself in at police headquarters and was charged with theft by deception and official misconduct, Ridgewood police said in a statement. He was released on his own recognizance, Detective Capt. John Ward said.
The Plot Thickens : Ridgewood’s downtown voted Bergen’s best
The question is: Are these papers being truly objective or are the articles an attempt to placate the Village Council and bring an end to the antagonism between it and the President of the Chamber of Commerce, who happens to be the son in law of the owner of the North Jersey Media Group? If the answer is the latter, then we can only look to the Blogs for any kind of truth about what goes on in the Village!
Doubling parking meter rates in Ridgewood did not double revenues, but other factors may have played a role in how the parking utility netted $34,000 in additional income over a five-month period, compared to the same time frame in 2008.
The Ridgewood News, through an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request, obtained parking utility revenue figures for the months from August to December 2008, when rates were 25 cents an hour to park at all meters in the village, and August to December 2009, when the Village Council changed the rates to 50 cents an hour.
Parking in Graydon South Lot Will Now Cost $425 Per School Year
The time honored tradition of Ridgewood High School students being able to park for free in the Graydon South lot will soon come to an unceremonious end.
Students may thank Village Council members for this bit of bad news. Council members are still seeking to plug major gaps in the municipal budget by squeezing revenue from every possible source; an increase in permit parking fees is one of those sources.
The Ridgewood Board of Education (BOE) announces layoffs necessary Ridgewood announces school layoffs Tuesday, March 9, 2010 BY DOLORES ALFIERI The Ridgewood News STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood Board of Education (BOE) announced that layoffs in the villageās schools will be necessary to manage the 2010/2011 budget. At its meeting last night, the BOE outlined the reduction in school administration and salaries. A district-wide meeting was called Monday afternoon to inform teachers and administrators of cuts that seem all but inevitable.
Village Council Election: Readers Still Question the Use of RPP email List
…using an email list from the Village of Ridgewood(rpp) to further one’s personal gain (getting petition signatures for public office) should be more than likely to be considered as an unethical matter.
If ethics play any part in submitting the required number of petitions in order to run for a seat on the council, those that were acquired by unethical means and submitted, justly should be thrown out (considered as null and void).
WHAT BOIL WATER ADVISORY? “Funny thing, tonite after dinner I got a call from Bergen county stating the ‘boil water order’ had been lifted. The joke is on me since I never got the call to boil water in the first place and I drank 4 glasses today. Per the Village website, it did not affect us. Who do I beleive? Hopefuly I wont get the ‘tourista’.”
Kenneth A. Gabbert :March 22nd the Village gave notices to employees holding positions that in the 2010 budget will be eliminated Informational Statement Village of Ridgewood, March 23, 2010 Contact: Kenneth A. Gabbert, Village Manager
The Unions representing Village employees have been most cooperative under a rather difficult financial process, as the Village faced nearly a one million dollar shortfall in the proposed 2010 Budget.
In January 2010, the Village Finance Committee met with Union representatives and detailed the need to extend contracts one year with no pay increase this year.
Ridgewood Teachers: I’m sorry but your crocodile tears no longer move me
I raised money for you. I wrote letters for you. I voted for every budget for the first 13 years I lived here. I listened to you complain and how you were ready to walk out until you got double what I made that year – but still supported you. I went to games, music performances, plays, exhibits (and still do). I donated to the REF. How do you repay me and my family? By ignoring that we were tired of your complaining and wanting all the assurances that us commoners are not afforded in our careers.
>Weinberg calls on company taking over Xanadu project to provide details on deal
The company that agreed to take over the Meadowlands Xanadu complex last week should release more information about the deal brokered by the Christie administration to resuscitate the beleaguered shopping and entertainment project, state Sen. Loretta Weinberg, D-Teaneck, said this week. (Fallon, The Record)
Holiday revelers attending New Year’s Eve festivities to ring in 2011 will benefit from extra service and savings on NJ TRANSIT this holiday weekend.
NJ TRANSIT will operate late-night trains after midnight on New Year’s Day, as well as special late-night bus service from Port Authority Bus Terminal to accommodate travelers returning home from midnight celebrations.
In addition, customers can continue to take advantage of NJ TRANSIT’s special extension of the Family Super Saver Fare, which allows up to two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying adult. Usually limited to weekends, the Family Super Saver Fare is in effect continuously now through 6 a.m. Monday, January 3, on all trains, buses and light rail lines.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Trains will operate on a modified weekday schedule on all rail lines with additional New York-bound trains between 10 a.m. and noon on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast and Morris & Essex lines. Customers are encouraged to travel early, if possible, when ridership is lighter. Some early-morning trains will not operate on Friday, due to expected light ridership. Plan trip Newark Light Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule. Plan trip Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekday schedule. Plan trip River Line will operate on a weekday schedule. Plan trip Bus schedules vary by route. Selected routes will operate on special holiday schedules to matchservice with ridership demand, including early getaway service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal starting around 1 p.m. to accommodate the heaviest travel, with less frequent service during the peak periods and later in the evening due to lower ridership. Also, selected Essex County bus lines (Nos. 13, 21 and 25) will operate later evening service which will extend past midnight into New Year’s Day. View schedules by route. Midnight to 5 a.m., New Year’s Day, January 1, 2011
Special late-night trains will operate from New York and Hoboken on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Morris & Essex, Raritan Valley, Pascack Valley, Main/Bergen County lines. Get details Expanded bus service will be provided from the Port Authority Bus Terminal between midnight and 5:30 a.m. on selected routes. Get details River Line will add late-night service. Get details Hudson Bergen Light Rail will add late-night service. Plan trip (use 12/31/10 as travel date) After 5 a.m., New Year’s Day, January 1, 2011
Trains will operate on a weekend schedule (Saturday schedule on Raritan Valley Line). Plan trip Newark Light Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule. Plan trip River Line will operate on a Saturday schedule. Plan trip Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Plan trip Bus schedules vary by route. View schedules by route.
Travel tips
Check Schedules in Advance: Plan your trip online to take advantage of extra trains and buses. Travel Early: On December 31, NJ TRANSIT rail lines will operate on a modified weekday schedule. Avoid the crowds by traveling during the traditional peak-period (6-9 a.m.) when ridership is lighter. Allow Extra Travel Time: Traffic congestion during the holidays may affect bus travel times to and from New York City. Customers should plan accordingly. Ticketing: Purchase round-trip tickets at the start of your trip to speed your return. Use ticket vending machines or see a ticket agent, if available, to avoid possible surcharges. Bus customers departing Port Authority Bus Terminal are reminded that tickets must be purchased before boarding the bus. Luggage: Travel as light as possible. Passengers with luggage or packages should use the overhead racks or designated luggage spaces. On multilevel trains, customers with large bags should use the mezzanine levels at the ends of each car.
>UPDATE: What is the point of having a Lt Governor if they are both out of state at the same time?
NJ Declares State Of Emergency
TRENTON, N.J. — The forecast for significant snow has prompted New Jersey’s acting governor to declare a state of emergency.
Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, who is acting as governor while Gov. Chris Christie and Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno travel out of state this week, released the following statement:
“The first action I took as Acting Governor was to receive a complete briefing on the state’s storm preparations from the State Police, the Commissioner of Transportation and the Governor’s Chief of Staff. We have been monitoring the situation throughout the afternoon. Based on current conditions and the forecast I am declaring a state of emergency throughout New Jersey.
>The Tax Foundation ranked New Jersey No. 1 among the 50 states for having the highest combined average state and local tax burden on residents
Are Jerseyans overtaxed for everything?
Pretty much, rankings show
By WILFORD SHAMLIN STAFF WRITER
Is it fair to size up New Jersey based on property taxes alone?
When looking at all the taxes residents and businesses must pay, does the Garden State tax too much?
How does it compare to other states, small and large?
While there are a few individual taxes in New Jersey that are relatively low or average, there’s no arguing that the total tax burden New Jerseyans face is as steep as it comes.
For 2009, the nonprofit Washington-based Tax Foundation ranked New Jersey No. 1 among the 50 states for having the highest combined average state and local tax burden on residents.
New Jerseyans contribute 11.8 percent of their income toward just state and local taxes each year ā about $6,610 per person. Pennsylvanians pay 10.2 percent ā 11th highest in the nation. Alaskans face the lowest state and local tax burden ā just 6.4 percent of their income.
So is it too much to pay? It depends who you ask. But these days, it seems likely that a majority of New Jerseyans would say yes.
According to the Tax Foundation, New Jersey consistently ranks highest in the nation for property-tax burdens (now averaging $7,544 per household).
Robert E. Pritchard, professor of finance at Rowan University’s Rohrer College of Business, said in addition to “sin taxes” on items like cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, it has a tax that kicks in when you die.
“If you want cheap gasoline, come to New Jersey. But if you want to live here, expect to pay very high property, income and sales taxes,” Pritchard said. “And New Jersey has both estate and inheritance taxes . . . If you plan to die here, expect to pay even more taxes when you check out.”
Compared to five surrounding states, New Jersey’s sales tax (7 percent) and cigarette tax ($2.70 per pack) both fall at the high end of the scale.
Delaware has no sales tax, while Maryland, Pennsylvania and Connecticut charge 6 percent on goods and services. New York has a 4 percent state sales tax but, unlike New Jersey, local governments are allowed to increase the sales tax, up to 8.875 percent.
When it comes to the gasoline tax, New Jersey is a relative bargain at 14.5 cents per gallon. The tax is lower in just two other states ā Alaska (8 cents) and Georgia (12.4 cents).
New Jersey’s tax rates on alcohol are in the middle of the pack compared to other Northeast states such as Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland.
The issue of property taxes still creates a national buzz. New Jersey’s first Republican governor since 2001 has pledged to fix the problem. A 2 percent cap on arbitration awards is a key piece of Christie’s reform plan. It applies to salaries across the board, cost-of-living increases and longevity pay, but excludes health care and pension costs.
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY 355 PM EST SAT DEC 25 2010
...A MAJOR WINTER STORM WILL IMPACT THE REGION FROM SUNDAY THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON...
NORTHERN MIDDLESEX-NORTHERN NEW LONDON-SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD- SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN-SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX-SOUTHERN NEW LONDON- WESTERN PASSAIC-EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-WESTERN BERGEN- EASTERN BERGEN-WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-WESTERN UNION- EASTERN UNION-SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER-NEW YORK (MANHATTAN)-BRONX- RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)-KINGS (BROOKLYN)-NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK- NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK- NORTHERN QUEENS-NORTHERN NASSAU-SOUTHERN QUEENS-SOUTHERN NASSAU- 355 PM EST SAT DEC 25 2010
...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM SUNDAY TO 6 PM EST MONDAY…
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A BLIZZARD WARNING…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM SUNDAY TO 6 PM EST MONDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.
* LOCATIONS…NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY…NEW YORK CITY AND ITS IMMEDIATE SUBURBS…LONG ISLAND…AND COASTAL AND INTERIOR SOUTHEAST CONNECTICUT.
* HAZARDS…HEAVY SNOW AND STRONG WINDS…WITH CONSIDERABLE BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF SNOW AND NEAR ZERO VISIBILITY AT TIMES.
* ACCUMULATIONS…11 TO 16 INCHES…WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE IN HEAVIER SNOW BANDS WHOSE EXACT LOCATION IS STILL TOO EARLY TO DETERMINE. SNOW MAY MIX WITH OR CHANGE TO RAIN AND SLEET AT THE HEIGHT OF THE STORM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT ACROSS EASTERN LONG ISLAND…AND POSSIBLY ACROSS COASTAL SOUTHEAST CONNECTICUT…WHICH COULD HOLD DOWN AMOUNTS THERE…BUT ONLY AFTER SIGNIFICANT ACCUMULATIONS HAVE ALREADY TAKEN PLACE.
* IMPACTS…EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS DEVELOPING DUE TO SIGNIFICANT SNOW ACCUMULATIONS…AND STRONG WINDS CAUSING CONSIDERABLE BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF SNOW. VISIBILITIES WILL BE NEAR ZERO AT TIMES…WITH WHITEOUT CONDITIONS EXPECTED. STRONG WINDS MAY ALSO DOWN SOME POWER LINES…TREE LIMBS…AND CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS.
* TIMING…LIGHT SNOW WILL LIKELY BEGIN DURING SUNDAY MORNING…THEN BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES FROM LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON INTO MUCH OF SUNDAY NIGHT. LIGHT SNOWS WILL LIKELY LINGER INTO MONDAY MORNING AND POSSIBLY INTO MONDAY AFTERNOON.
* WINDS….DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE STORM SUNDAY NIGHT…NORTH WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 20 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS 40 TO 55 MPH…HIGHEST ACROSS CENTRAL AND EASTERN LONG ISLAND.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A BLIZZARD WARNING MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. FALLING AND BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND POOR VISIBILITIES ARE LIKELY. THIS WILL LEAD TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS…MAKING TRAVEL EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. DO NOT TRAVEL. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL…HAVE A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT WITH YOU. IF YOU GET STRANDED…STAY WITH YOUR VEHICL
SACRAMENTO area pilot punished for youtube videa George Warren
The 50-year-old pilot, who lives outside Sacramento, asked that neither he nor his airline be identified. He has worked for the airline for more than a decade and was deputized by the TSA to carry a gun in the cockpit.
He is also a helicopter test pilot in the Army Reserve and flew missions for the United Nations in Macedonia.
Three days after he posted a series of six video clips recorded with a cell phone camera at San Francisco International Airport, four federal air marshals and two sheriff’s deputies arrived at his house to confiscate his federally-issued firearm. The pilot recorded that event as well and provided all the video to News10.
At the same time as the federal marshals took the pilot’s gun, a deputy sheriff asked him to surrender his state-issued permit to carry a concealed weapon.
