O’Scanlon: New Jersey Committed to Rebuilding from Sandy and Redeveloping Fort Monmouth

Assembly Republican Budget Officer Declan O’Scanlon, commended the New Jersey  Economic Development Authority for its commitment to Monmouth County’s efforts to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy and  redevelop Fort  Monmouth.

“We were knocked down by Sandy and the State has been there from the  beginning offering a helping hand to get businesses and families back on their  feet,” O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth, said. “From providing temporary housing units for  families to providing grants and loans to businesses that suffered damage, the  authority has been absolutely committed to our region and intends to place staff  in our communities – potentially at Fort Monmouth – to ensure easy access to grants  and assistance for business owners.”

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HBO in talks to bring ‘Boardwalk Empire’ to Asbury Park

Cable network HBO is in talks with to bring their hit series Boardwalk Empire to Asbury Park according to a report on AsburyParkSun.

HBO may shoot its popular drama “Boardwalk Empire” in Asbury Park in the future.

The cable network is in talks with the city and boardwalk redeveloper Madison Marquette to possibly bring the show here, said Madison Marquette’s senior vice president, Anselm Fusco, today.

“We are in conversations with HBO and the city,” Fusco said. “It would be really great. We think it would be fantastic if we could figure it out.”

The show stars Steve Buscemi as Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, an Atlantic City gangster. Martin Scorsese is the executive producer. Filming of its fourth season has reportedly begun.

The show, inspired by the true story of Atlantic City corruption during prohibition written by Superior Court Judge Nelson Johnson seated in Atlantic County, was primary shot in New York City during its first three seasons.

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Handlin & Casagrande to Submit 1,500 Objections to JCP&L’s Proposed Rate Increase

Monmouth County Legislators  to Present Petitions Against JCP&L’s Rate Hike at Tomorrow’s Public Hearing  in Freehold

Assemblywoman Amy Handlin

Assemblywomen Amy Handlin and Caroline Casagrande plan to present  petitions tomorrow signed by 1,500 ratepayers opposed to a proposed electricity  rate hike by Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L).

“We will speak for the hundreds of ratepayers who are tired of paying  more for less service,” Handlin, R-Monmouth, said. “This proposal to take about  $85 more per year from hard-working families lacks credibility because JCP&L  has yet to answer very serious charges of pocketing corporate profit instead of  investing in the improvements that would have made our service more reliable and  our rates more tolerable.”

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Monmouth’s “Rising Stars”

Gopal, Doherty and Nelson make Gannett’s ‘Other” List

Brian Nelson. Asbury Park Press Photo

In addition to the list of twelve ‘rising stars’ that Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande made on Sunday, Gannett published a list of 15 ‘up and comers’ to keep an eye on that includes three Monmouth players.

Democrats Vin Gopal, the 27 year old county chairman and Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty, 39 made the list.  Noticeably absent among Democrats were Marlboro Mayor Jonathon Hornik and Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long.

Gopal, from West Long Branch, ran for Assembly in the 11th District in 2011 before being elected county chairman in 2012.  It remains to be seen if the Monmouth Democratic party will become more competitive under Gopal’s leadership, but there is no question that he is developing a statewide portfolio of influence with his early support of Barbara Buono for the 2013 gubernatorial nomination, his non-stop fundraising schedule for candidates statewide and savvy media presence.  Gopal has ties to both Newark Mayor Cory Booker and Congressman Frank Pallone. How he navigates the anticipated 2014 battle between Booker and Pallone for the U.S. Senate nomination will be fascinating to watch.  MMM predicts that he will be seen as a supporter of the winner and an ally of the loser.

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Casagrande a ‘Rising Star’

Monmouth County Legislator Has A Message That Republicans Badly Need To Win

Gannett’s New Jersey newspapers and websites published a list of New Jersey’s political “Rising Stars” yesterday.  The editorial says those on the list are young (most are under 40, all are under 50) politicos that are likely to emerge as the “next generation” of leaders on the regional or state levels of New Jersey government and politics.

Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande is the only Monmouth County leader who made the top twelve of the list.  As a three term Assemblywoman seeking her fourth term and the Assembly Minority’s Policy Co-Chair, one could argue that Casagrande is in the current generation of leadership.  But at 36, her star is still very much “rising.”

If you are fortunate enough to talk to Casagrande about policy and politics, you will quickly realize that the real power of her ‘light’ is largely ‘hidden under a bushel.’

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SUMMER COMEDY SERIES KICKS OFF AT WONDER BAR APRIL 25th

Jersey Jokers Thursdays brings top comics and laughs to Asbury

The summer promises to be funny now that the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park has announced a monthly comedy show. The last Thursday of every month will bring great headliners and laughter to the historic venue. The seminal show will be hosted by Jersey Jokers own, Chris Covert and features Asbury Park native, Kevin Israel, with the Howard Stern Show’s Reverend Bob Levy headlining.

“We’re really excited that the Wonder Bar agreed to host this monthly event,” said Kevin Israel, a local comic who has performed all over the country and been featured on XM/Sirius Radio’s RawDog comedy channel. “Asbury has a long history of arts and entertainment, a successful comedy show is a natural extension of that history.”

“We are very pleased to be chosen as the venue for Jersey Jokers Thursdays,” said Debbie DeLisa, Manager of the Wonder Bar. “We feel this will be a welcome addition to The Wonder Bar Schedule! “

Jersey Jokers is New Jersey based comedy production company that has been producing shows throughout the state.

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Today Show Broadcasting From Highlands For Comcast Cares Day, Saturday, April 27

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The State of Tinton Falls

Mayor Michael Skudera’s State of the Borough Address, as prepared for delivery, April 16, 2013

Mayor Michael Skudera

Introduction

Good evening everyone and thank you for being here. Tonight, I will share the many accomplishments that have been collectively achieved and highlight our goals for 2013.

First, I would like to recognize the members of the governing body. Council President Baldwin,

Deputy Council President Pak, Councilwoman Fama, Councilman Larkin, and Councilman Schertz, it is an honor working with each of you as we move Tinton Falls forward.

I would like to thank the borough employees, who are the backbone of this town. I like to thank my team that works with me day-in-and-day-out: Borough Administrator Gerry Turning, Borough Attorney Brian Nelson,  Chief Financial Officer Steven Pfeffer , Director of Public Works Gary Gebele, Chief of Police John Scrivanic, Director of Information Technology Dan Romanov, Borough Engineer Dave Marks, and my assistant Liz Morris.

We live in a great town called Tinton Falls. It is an excellent place to raise a family, to work, and even to retire.

In fact, in 2012 Tinton Falls was named the Best Town to Retire in New Jersey by the Star Ledger.

Tinton Falls is a town – where people care. During the height of Superstorm Sandy, when power was out to large sections of the borough, over 250 volunteers answered our call for help. They went door-to-door to check on those without power, some of whom had no power themselves. These kind-hearted individuals shared food, firewood, and even ran errands for those in need.

Tinton Falls is a town – with a low crime rate. We are protected by a highly educated, professional and dedicated police department. When the horrible tragedy occurred at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, our police chief immediately worked with our schools to improve their security measures and protect our children.

Tinton Falls is a town – where our community comes together. Last year our Community Day event drew its highest attendance on record.

Tinton Falls is a town – that has active and growing recreational facilities. We have activities for all ages at every season.

Tinton Falls is a town – that has seen great progress over the past 4 years. Some of which include:

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Christie Announces His Anti-Violence Program

Keeping New  Jersey SAFE

Building on New Jersey’s already strong guns laws that rank  among the toughest in the country, Governor Chris Christie has a  comprehensive and responsible action plan to help reduce gun violence.   The plan focuses on four distinct areas:

• Responsibly Expanding New Jersey’s  Already Stringent Gun Control Measures
• Making Mental Health Treatment And  Screening Mandatory For Those Who Need It Most, And Making It Easier For  Health Professionals To Order Treatment For Individuals In Crisis
• Addressing The Influence Of Violence  In Video Games On Today’s Youth By Requiring Parental Consent
• Bolstering Criminal Penalties For  Gun-Related Crimes And Reforming Bail Laws To Keep Our Most Violent Offenders  Out Of Our Communities

RESPONSIBLY  EXPANDING NEW JERSEY’S ALREADY STRINGENT GUN CONTROL MEASURES

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Bellew Hires Texas Gov Rick Perry’s Campaign Consultant

townhall.com photo

LD 13 State Senate challenger Leigh-Ann Bellew announced today that Dwayne Horner of Texas will lead her campaign against Senator Joe Kyrillos in the GOP primary.

Horner lead the Dallas area field operations for Texas Governor Rick Perry’s 2010 re-election primary campaign against U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, according to a press release from the Bellew campaign.  He was named “one of the best field directors in Texas” by the Dallas Morning News.

More recently, Horner ran the field operations for Texas Congressman Roger Williams’ victorious 2012 campaign in the new 25th congressional district.

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