LITTLE: HOUSE GOP ‘PLEDGE TO AMERICA’ PUTS POWER BACK IN THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE – WHERE IT BELONGS
(HIGHLANDS, September 24) – Republican congressional challenger Anna Little – responding to the release yesterday of House Republicans’ “Pledge to America” – today praised the document as a “governing agenda that will take power away from Washington and put it back in the hands of the people, where it belongs.”
“For too long, too many decisions have been made in Washington by political elites who don’t seem to care what the American people think,” said Little. “Every decision that’s made in Washington is a decision that’s not made by individual American citizens – and when you add to that the fact that Washington elites don’t seem to be paying attention to what the country wants, you just make the problem worse. That’s not what our Founders wanted for us, and that’s why the ‘Pledge to America’ is not just a governing agenda that will take power away from Washington and put it back in the hands of the people, where it belongs, it’s a modern-day restatement of the principles on which our nation was established.
“It’s not surprising, when you stop to consider that the ‘Pledge to America’ was created by actually listening to the people,” Little continued, “and therein lies its strength. The agenda laid out in the Pledge is an agenda that will respond to America’s demand for lower taxes, spending cuts, and reforming the way Washington works.
“If Washington elites – like my opponent, Frank Pallone – would spend more time listening to the people than to each other, they’d be a lot better off. And if they actually had faith in the American people, we’d all be a lot better off.
“Our campaign has garnered national attention because of our ability to mobilize grass-roots volunteers. And when the reporters ask what’s our ‘secret’ for getting them to come out and do the hard work, I explain very simply that there’s really no secret at all – people everywhere will help if you just listen to them, and respond to their needs. They’re coming out to help our campaign because they know that in doing so, they’re actually helping build a brighter future for themselves and their families.
“The simple fact is, you cannot change Washington without changing the people in Washington.
“The good news is, there’s an election in 39 days. And then the people will have a chance to make their voice heard!”
Stephen Colbert Testifies At House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law
Posted: September 24th, 2010 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Stephen Colbert | Tags: and International Law, Border Security, Citizenship, House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, Steven Colbert | 4 Comments »Operation Take Back New Jersey
By Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini
This Saturday, September 25th between 10a.m. and 2 p.m. the New Jersey Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is launching Operation Take Back New Jersey. The purpose of this initiative is to provide a safe and legal method for the citizens of New Jersey to dispose of their unwanted, unused, and expired medicines.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2008, 1.9 million youth age 12 to 17 abused prescription drugs. In fact, each day an average of 2,000 teenagers age 12 to 17 used a prescription drug without a doctor’s guidance for the first time. Unfortunately, most teenagers gain access of prescription pain medication from friends and relatives. That is why it is so important to dispose of any unwanted or unused medicines that you may have.
Operation Take Back New Jersey is an anonymous program. Prescription and over the counter solid dosage medications, i.e. tablets and capsules will be accepted.
For more information and to find a local drop-off location please visit www.operationtakebacknj.com.
Posted: September 24th, 2010 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Mary Pat Angenlini, Operation Take Back New Jersey | Tags: Mary Pat Angelini, Operation Take Back New Jersey | 9 Comments »Neptune Township Campaign, A Campaign Of Distinction, Sharp Distinctions…
By Warren Lapp, Candidate for Neptune Township Committee
Here we are, just about one month out from the Election. While I continue to door knock & greet Neptune’s voters, I’m going to try as much as possible to share my views on issues via the press. If you don’t find them here, you can always find them on my website. Most importantly, you will find a sharp contrast between me & the Democrat candidates.
The first sharp distinction I’ll draw is with regards to my civic activity compared to my opponent Eric Hougtaling. Only recently has Eric been on the scene at a couple of township committee meetings, only since he became a candidate. I’ve been to more than 100 committee meetings over the years and I served 2+ years on the planning board. I’ve been an active member of the Shark River Hills Property Owner’s Association for years as well. Though I do recognize Eric’s long ago involvement in Little League, where has he been lately? You deserve better, someone up on current events and issues.
Another difference is how I want to deal with YOUR money. You see, the Neptune Democrats continue to act as if it’s THEIR money. We’ve seen that with recent tax and fee increases. We’ve seen that with the interest in parking meters and now a hotel tax, which hurts Ocean Grove the most. Yes, I am all for finding new sources of revenues, but not on the backs of residents and businesses who know better how to spend their own money, especially in difficult economic times.
That’s why I propose putting the brakes on a hotel tax while we look at a substantial revenue producing ideas such as red light cameras, which have proven very successful in other towns. Make the bad guys pay, not the good guys. As one voter commented to me recently, “just for the agita they gave us, the Democrats deserve ousting. They think of Ocean Grove as a cash cow.”
Our township employees have given a lot in cutbacks, yet feel that the Neptune Democrats aren’t listening to them. After all, they are a 5 & 0 Majority. Why bother listening? Instead of just taking away compensatory time for certain administrators, the Committee gave them a pay increase. Rank and file township employees have experienced the belt-tightening. Perhaps it’s time for more from our administrators.
I’ll listen. Why?
This campaign is about YOU, the voter, not what some politician is going to do for you. We’ve seen from Washington on down, that our elected officials are not listening to the voters. I have a survey up on my campaign website soliciting ideas, and already; we’ve gotten some pretty good ones. Have the Neptune Democrats ever really asked for your opinion? Rather, they would serve to press their ideas on you.
Neptune Residents, visit the website, take the survey & look at my positions on the issues. I’m sure you’ll find a pleasant surprise when compared to my opponents. On November 2nd, make just one vote for township committee. Vote for Warren Lapp to send a message that others in Neptune deserve a voice. I will be that voice.
Posted: September 24th, 2010 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Neptune Township | Tags: Neptune Township, Warren Lapp | 6 Comments »Get on the “Little” Train
By Bill Thorne, Ocean Township
People get ready,
There’s a train a coming.
Picking up passengers,
You just get on board.
All you need is some vision,
To hear that engine hum,
So jump right on board,
There’s room for everyone.
Throw some coal in the engine,
It’s time to stoke the fire.
She’s in it to win it,
Little’s train just won’t tire.
She’s got feet on the streets,
Spreading news as they should.
In all the towns of District 6,
About this Little engine who could.
She knows things need fixing,
To take our country back.
From the people who don’t know,
How to get on the right track.
So listen my friends,
Come join up today.
Anna’s the Little engine,
Who could show us the way.
Posted: September 24th, 2010 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Anna Little | Tags: Anna Little | Comments Off on Get on the “Little” Train
Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg to Advance a National Model for Improving Public Schools
Zuckerberg to Establish $100 Million Foundation-Startup: Education – to Improve Student Success and Champion Great Teachers, Starting with Newark, New Jersey
Newark, N.J. September 24, 2010 – On today’s Oprah Winfrey Show, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker launched the Partnership for Education in Newark, an unprecedented commitment to improve public education, with the support of Facebook Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Governor Christie and Mayor Booker have committed to a bipartisan initiative to ensure every school-aged child in Newark has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for a successful future and a better quality of life. To begin this new Partnership, the Governor has authorized Mayor Booker to work with the local community to develop and implement a comprehensive education plan for the future of the Newark Public School District, based on clear standards and metrics that reward excellence in teaching, school leadership and student achievement. The plan will be carried out under the Mayor’s leadership over the next few years.
To support these efforts, Zuckerberg announced the creation of a new foundation – Startup: Education — with an initial gift of $100 million to improve educational opportunities for young people in America. The foundation’s first project will be to measurably improve academic achievement for Newark students and create a national model for rewarding excellence in education. Mayor Booker has also announced the creation of the Newark Education and Youth Development Fund, a separate non-profit organization whose goal is to secure an additional $100 million to match the challenge grant available through Zuckerberg’s foundation, as well as an additional $50 million to serve disaffected youth.
“Mayor Booker and I are thrilled to accept Mark Zuckerberg’s challenge – to work with the Newark community to dramatically elevate the potential of public education in the City of Newark, throughout New Jersey and across the nation,” said New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. “Collectively, we believe the best way to secure and improve our nation’s future is to create the highest quality public education system in the world. There is no better place to begin this journey than in Newark, a city of both great progress and potential.”
“We’re grateful that this young, innovative entrepreneur is so dedicated to helping create the next generation of successful entrepreneurs and leaders. Improving the quality of public education and increasing student achievement in Newark is a top priority of my Administration, and I am so grateful that Mark Zuckerberg shares our commitment and belief in the genius and limitless potential of Newark’s students,” said Cory A. Booker, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey. “We know that investing in educational excellence today will create the foundation for Newark’s prosperity and competitiveness in the decades ahead. With this incredible investment and the steadfast commitment of our school leaders and teachers to improve youth outcomes, it is my belief that the pathway to nationwide public education excellence starts in Newark.”
The National Opportunity for Change
The Newark Public School District, with a student population of more than 40,000, is the largest school system in New Jersey. In 2008-2009, only 40 percent of students could read and write at grade level by the end of third grade, only 54 percent of high school students graduated and just 38 percent enrolled in college.*
The size of the school district, the determination of the community and the scope of the grant create an unprecedented opportunity to drastically improve the educational environment for all the city’s students.
Shared Commitments
Governor Christie, Mayor Booker and Mark Zuckerberg will work collaboratively to support the transformation of Newark’s education system and ultimately make the city a national model for educational excellence.
Governor Christie has committed to work with Mayor Booker to ensure that every child in Newark receives a quality education. Through this Partnership, Mayor Booker will provide local strategic and operational leadership to help Newark improve its public schools, with strong accountability and clear standards and metrics designed to improve teacher excellence and student achievement.
Mayor Booker has committed to make education a top priority for his current term in office, engage with the Newark community to develop new educational principles and performance metrics, and implement a comprehensive program to reward excellence. As key milestones in the project are reached, the Startup: Education foundation intends to provide $100 million over five years to ensure every school-aged child in Newark has access to a high-quality education.
“Mayor Booker and Governor Christie refuse to accept the status quo in public education,” said Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Facebook. “They insist on demanding more for young people now so that they will be fully prepared for success in college, careers and in life. Each of these leaders is prepared to make bold commitments that will make Newark a symbol of education reform. Their personal commitments – and their willingness to cut through the politics and red tape to collaborate – persuaded me to support them and make a commitment of my own.” Zuckerberg’s blog post announcing Startup: Education can be found at http://www.facebook.com/startupeducation <http://www.facebook.com/startupeducation> .
Praise from third parties
Today’s announcement has already generated praise from educational experts, philanthropists and others around the country:
Jon Schnur, CEO, New Leaders for New Schools
“There is nothing more important in American education in the next five years than showing how entire cities and states can have the dramatic successes that to date we have only seen at the school level. Under Mayor Cory Booker’s leadership – with support from Governor Christie and Mark Zuckerberg – the children of Newark can succeed and make their city one of those “proof points” for our nation.”
Norman Atkins, CEO, Teacher U; Founder/Board Chair, Uncommon Schools; Co-Founder, North Star Academy Charter School in Newark
“Both Governor Chris Christie and Mayor Cory Booker are maverick public servants long been committed to closing the achievement gap. Now, teaming up with one of our nation’s leading entrepreneurs, they are making the Newark Public Schools the central address in American education reform, setting out to ensure that all Newark students are prepared for success in college and life.”
Kathleen Nugent, New Jersey State Director, Democrats for Education Reform
“This is our chance to launch a real debate in Newark focused on what’s best for kids and what we must do to provide excellent education to every student. The gift offers the opportunity to invest in what works.”
Richard Barth, CEO and President, KIPP Foundation
“It has taken a decade for KIPP to grow from two to 99 schools, with four of our schools in Newark. We are looking to double the number of children we serve in the next five years, and today’s bold announcement sets up Newark as one of the cities in which we can dramatically increase the number of children we serve. This is a game changer.”
John Danner, Co-Founder and CEO, Rocketship Education
“I applaud Mark Zuckerberg for building the momentum around eliminating the achievement gap across America in our lifetimes. Mayor Booker is an ideal recipient of this matching grant; he will work tirelessly to give the children of Newark a better chance. As Rocketship expands nationally, this moves Newark up our list of potential cities significantly.”
Evan Rudall, CEO, Uncommon Schools
“Uncommon Schools is thrilled that Governor Christie, Mayor Booker, Mark Zuckerberg, and others are joining forces to improve Newark’s public schools. Until the achievement gap is closed and every child in Newark is prepared to graduate from college, it is essential for elected officials, entrepreneurs, and educators to work together to do what is in the best interest of children. Uncommon Schools and North Star Academy welcome this opportunity to help ensure that all Newark children have the opportunity to attend an outstanding school.”
Robert Clark, Founding Director, YouthBuild Newark
“This is a real opportunity for Newark to become a model in education reform. Improving outcomes for our youth must focus on the results that each leader, teacher and school achieves for its students. With the collective energy of the City’s education, nonprofit and philanthropic community, working in partnership with kids and families, I know that Newark is destined for greatness.”
Bill Gates, Co-chair and Trustee, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
“Thank you, Mark, for this incredible gift to improve education. Your involvement in the years ahead — your thinking, your energy — will be even more important than your resources. Improving education in this country is the key to its future, making it a just place, achieving the full potential of all students. There’s a lot to learn. Technology has a role to play, more resources, backing leaders like you have here. I’m excited to be on this journey together and thank you so much.”
Geoffrey Canada, President and CEO, Harlem Children’s Zone
“This is the most exciting education reform initiative in the country. It is a historic opportunity for Newark to demonstrate how educational innovation and increased accountability can save the lives of thousands of poor children.”
John Legend, Recording Artist and education advocate
“Newark is doing what every school district should do – focusing on proven education reform strategies like putting students first and investing heavily in teacher and principal quality. The Partnership for Education in Newark offers an unprecedented opportunity to support Newark’s students, schools and teachers – and serves as a model for funding public education excellence. I have heard Mayor Booker say that ‘Newark will shock the world.’ My hope is that this initiative will not only shock people everywhere into more deeply supporting schools, but that Newark’s efforts will rock the world through generations of students who benefit from an outstanding public education.”
Mashea Ashton, Newark Charter School Fund
“This historic donation is a real opportunity for Newark to become a national model for leveraging private dollars to improve an urban school system. While there are no silver bullets to reform education, we know what works: it takes great teachers, inspirational leaders, a dedicated community and the political will to keep students and families first. With this financial support, Newark has the resources to take bold action. We need to be innovative in our efforts to improve educational outcomes for every child in Newark. We must incorporate best practices of high-quality charter schools and great traditional schools, bringing it to scale in a way that benefits all schools in the city.”
Ted Mitchell, CEO, NewSchools Venture Fund; President, California State Board of Education
“Our failure, as a country, to offer a world-class education to every child shames us all. This partnership will create a team that knows that with will, hard work, and innovative ideas, we can do better.”
Additional Information
To contribute to the Partnership for Education in Newark, visit http://www.startupeducation.org or http://www.squareup.com/newark
For more information on the Partnership or Startup:Education, like the Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/startupeducation; join the cause at http://www.causes.com/newark or visit http://www.mynewarkeducation.com
Follow updates from Mayor Booker on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/corybooker <, or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/corybooker
Follow updates from Governor Christie on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GovChrisChristie <http://www.facebook.com/GovChrisChristie> , on Twitter at http://twitter.com/GovChristie YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/GovChristie or his website at http://www.state.nj.us/governor/
Follow Mark Zuckerberg on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/markzuckerberg <http://www.facebook.com/markzuckerberg>
* Newark Public Schools 2009-13 Strategic Plan
http://www.nps.k12.nj.us/pdf/StrategicPlan-FINALASOF11-09.pdf
About the City of Newark, New Jersey
Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major rail connections, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast. With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival. In population, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the northeast. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The production of affordable housing has doubled, businesses are returning and crime is going down. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission: to set a national standard for urban transformation.
Weekend @ Monmouth
Greg Kelly @ Monmouth County Life has a great list of things to do if you’re not out campaigning for your favorite candidate.
Adding to Greg’s list, the Ocean Grove Homeowners Association has their annual Candidates Forum on Saturday, 10am at the Community Room on Pilgram Parkway. 6th district congressional candidates and county sheriff and freeholder candidates are expected.
Democrats with the correct racial profile are invited to call and canvass for Rush Holt. Check the locations and show up to the place with people who look most like you.
Posted: September 24th, 2010 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Weekend @ Monmouth | Tags: Racial Profile, Rush Holt, Weekend @ Monmouth | Comments Off on Weekend @ MonmouthPallone Holding Up Legislation For Kids With Head Injuries
By Art Gallagher
Frank Pallone is preventing H. Con Res. 198, a resolution recognizing Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury as the leading cause of death and disability in the United States for children and young adults from birth until 25 years of age and endorsing the National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan to develop a seamless, standardized, evidence-based system of care universally accessible for all of these children, young adults, and their families, regardless of where they live in the country from being referred from the committee he chairs and getting an up or down vote from Congress, according to Patrick Donohue, father of Sarah Jane Donohue and founder of The Sarah Jane Brain Foundation.
110 members of congress from both parties have co-sponsored the resolution.
Donohue’s organization has developed a comprehensive plan for the prevention of and treatment for brain injuries among children and young adults up to the age of 25. The program would cost approximately $930 million and would be funded through several federal departments under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the $787 billion dollar “stimulus” package passed last year.
Pallone refused to discuss the resolution or his reasoning for preventing a congressional vote on it, according to Donohue. Maybe Pallone doesn’t like it because ACORN is not involved or because labor unions will not be putting members to work with “prevailing wage” compensation. Or maybe it is because Donohue is a New York Republican fundraiser with close ties to former NY Governor George Pataki.
It can’t be because Pallone is suddenly a fiscal conservative. After all he wants to spend $400 million to count fish.
UPDATE: Yesterday on his facebook page Pallone had an announcement that his committee had moved a bill for veterinary care. Imagine that, pet care before pediatric brain care!
Posted: September 23rd, 2010 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Pallone, Patrick Donohue, Pediatric Brain Injury | Tags: Frank Pallone, Patrick Donohue, Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury | 7 Comments »Bank Bailouts Continue
By Art Gallagher
The Chrisite Administration announced today that New Jersey will receive $112 million in federal funds for anti-foreclosure assistance to help struggling homeowners.
Zero percent interest deferred payment loans of up to $48,000 will be made to unemployed and underemployed homeowners for up to 24 monthly payments on their homes while they seek re-employment or complete job training programs.
While I don’t want to discount the difference this program will make for some maybe even many honest homeowners, I believe the program is more of a bank bailout that it is a homeowner assistance program.
As of last month, banks had almost 9 years of foreclosed real estate inventory on their books, according to Jeff Harding, a real estate investor and former lawyer in Santa Barbara, California.
Under the guise of helping homeowners with “loans,” the Obama administration is bailing out banks by keeping loans that would naturally default “performing” unnaturally.
What is going to happen in two years when the program runs out and some homeowners still can’t pay the mortgage, or the loan that carried the mortgage for the previous 24 months? The press release didn’t say.
The problem inherent in the parade of bailouts is that the federal government is removing the incentives for both banks and homeowners to to solve their own problems. It is becoming “smart business” to take advantage of government programs, for both institutions and individuals.
The more paternalistic the government becomes, the more dependent the citizenry becomes on the government, the less free and less responsible we become.
Posted: September 23rd, 2010 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Bailouts | Tags: Bailouts | 1 Comment »