A video disseminated by American Traffic Solutions (“ATS”) depicts a series of crashes and near misses at intersections chosen to participate in New Jerseys five-year red-light camera pilot program. The mission of the five-year pilot program is to determine the effectiveness of the installation and utilization of traffic control signal monitoring systems. Under the program, a traffic control signal monitoring system utilizes cameras and vehicle sensors, which work in conjunction with a traffic control signal to produce images of vehicles disregarding a red signal and running a red light”. Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon thinks the ATS video is proof positive of the resounding failure of the program.
“Red-light cameras are intended to deter drivers from running red lights, or so goes the argument from supporters of the cameras,” explained O’Scanlon (R Monmouth/Mercer). This video showed what I have always believed, red-light cameras do not stop people from running red lights because most drivers do not make a conscience decision to run a red light.
“Drivers who run red lights are distracted by a bad day at work, a sick child, or a bad nights sleep,” O’Scanlon continued. “No camera or fine, regardless of the amount, is going to change this. What really stops people from running red lights is the same thing that has stopped them for as long as cars have been on the road -the fear of serious injury or death!
“If one looks at the video objectively it is easy to see that virtually all of the incidents depict the situation I outline above. These people are not likely reckless scofflaws playing Russian roulette with their lives and those of others. These people simply weren’t aware they were going through a red light. Laws and fines won’t stop these momentary lapses in peoples’ awareness if fear of death hasn’t done so already” said O’Scanlon. “We need to increase safety as much as possible through sound engineering of intersections and proper light timing. This will give us a demonstrable increase in safety. Of course it will mean a lot less revenue for the towns currently participating in the demonstration project, but these are ill-gotten gains to begin with.”
New Jersey‘s red-light camera pilot program began in 2008, since then 25 municipalities have signed on to the program.
Web video highlights the failed policies of the Obama, Biden, Corzine alliance
Diane Gooch, Strong New Jersey chairwoman, is pleased to announce the launch of a web video highlighting the alliance between President Obama, Vice-President Biden and disgraced former New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine. Corzine as CEO of MF Global, recently presided over the bankruptcy and loss of $1.2 billion in client funds.
Nobody knows Jon Corzine better than New Jersey. New Jersey rejected Jon Corzine’s failed policies in 2009, while President Obama and Vice-President Biden embraced him. While businesses left the state and families lost their jobs, President Obama and Vice-President Biden campaigned aggressively for Corzine, praising Corzine and calling him for advice on how to improve the economy.
Strong New Jersey Chairwoman Diane Gooch said, “Strong New Jersey released the video to highlight exactly who the Obama administration turns to for advice and guidance on fixing our economy – Jon Corzine.”
New Jersey gets it. Jon Corzine’s “spend now ask later” policy didn’t work in New Jersey, and didn’t work on Wall Street.
About Strong New Jersey Founded by small business owner, philanthropic leader and former Congressional candidate Diane Gooch, Strong New Jersey is a group of concerned citizens ready to raise their voices to preserve and promote responsible government, individual liberty and free enterprise in New Jersey.
Trenton— Outraged at news that Lower Township will pay out nearly $1 million in terminal leave payments to its employees for unused sick and vacation time, Senator Joe Kyrillos (R- Monmouth/Middlesex), sponsor of legislation to end sick leave payments for public employees, called for terminal leave reform to be completed before the end of the current legislative session.
“Lower Township’s taxpayers are being forced to pay for a needless, wasteful, and unjustifiable benefit that is enjoyed in virtually no other work environment,” said Kyrillos. “While we can negotiate and compromise over the details of a final bill to fix this problem, there should be no debate about the fundamental idea that any future sick leave earned by an employee should not carry cash value. Abandoning the idea that sick leave is for when an employee is sick rather than deferred compensation would be a slap in the face to taxpayers.”
The Press of Atlantic City reports that the Lower Township Council made an emergency appropriation of $900, 000 to fund terminal leave payments for employees this year, including three employees receiving checks in excess of $100, 000. Terminal leave payments are responsible for several cents on the municipal tax rate.
“We cannot allow this to go on any longer,” said Kyrillos. “There is simply no good reason to assign cash value to sick leave that is not used by an employee. Taxpayers are being gouged for no reason other than inaction in Trenton.”
Performance is One of Dozens Organized by the Non-Profit Organization this Holiday Season
Trenton, NJ – Highlighting the importance of volunteerism during the Christie Administration’s statewide “Season of Service,” Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno today visited the Hawkswood School in Eatontown to participate in its annual Christmas program for special needs children and young adults. The event was part of the 19th season of giving organized by Holiday Express, a Monmouth County-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
“Over 1.5 million residents of New Jersey volunteer their time and energy to a range of important causes and charitable organizations annually, and these efforts take on heightened meaning during the holiday season,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno. “The state is fortunate to have so many fine non-profit organizations like Holiday Express that offer opportunities for civic-minded people to make a positive impact in their communities at this hopeful and joyous time of year.”
The Hawkswood School, formerly the School for Children, is a leading provider of high-quality educational services for children and young people, ages 3 to 21, with autism and other complex disabilities. Since its opening in 1976, its services have helped support and enrich the lives of over 3,000 students. As part of its 19th season of charitable programming, it is one of 55 unique events Holiday Express has scheduled across the area between November 15 and December 24.
“Lt. Governor Guadagno has been a long-time volunteer and supporter of Holiday Express,” said founder Tim McLoone. “It’s no surprise that she found time to volunteer today and give back to those in need.”
Founded in 1993, Holiday Express is comprised of more than 1,600 volunteers and professional musicians whose mission it is to offer music, food, gifts, financial support, and friendship to those less fortunate, during the holiday season and throughout the year. Their “interactive, free private parties” come complete with a rock n’ roll band, costumed characters, parodies, and of course a visit from Santa. Holiday Express visits the homeless and elderly, those with life-threatening illnesses, children and adults with mental or physical disabilities, and countless others in need across the tri-state area. For its work, Holiday Express appeared on a segment of the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams titled “Making a Difference.”
“As events of this year clearly demonstrated, the work of our volunteers is more important than ever,” added Lt. Governor Guadagno. “Moreover, these needs are ongoing and require attention 365 days a year across a wide range of areas. Thanks to the continued spirit of our civic-minded residents and organizations like Holiday Express, I’m confident that New Jerseyans will continue to answer the call to service in 2012 and beyond.”
Through the Governor’s Office of Volunteerism, residents can find volunteer opportunities, as well as recognize individuals and groups that enhance New Jersey’s communities through service, by visiting volunteerism.nj.gov.
Father Who Drowned 2Year Old Should Face the Ultimate Punishment
Senator Robert Singer issued the following statement regarding the tragic murder of 2 year old Tierra Morgan-Glover. The Senator has introduced legislation that would reinstate the death penalty in New Jersey for those who murder a child, kill a police officer in the line of duty or commit a terrorist attack that results in fatalities.
“I do not support the death penalty out of a need for revenge or due to malice in my heart. Neither do the many individuals I have met who have suffered from heinous crimes,” Singer stated. “I support the death penalty because sometimes it is the only way to achieve justice for the victims and families affected by horrible crimes.”
Singer noted that his legislation would apply to the man who drowned his 2 year old daughter, still strapped in her weighted down car seat, while conscious and alert.
“I am well aware that the death penalty will not bring back a murdered child, slain police officer or a victim of terrorism,” Singer continued. “For certain crimes, however, life in prison is just not punishment enough.”
As Fort Monmouth begins its rebirth and enters its redevelopment phase, there is good news for veterans in need. Soldier On, a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies to provide veterans shelter and support, has support of its own among staff of the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority, (FMERA).
The wide-ranging Soldier On, already successful in Massachusetts and Virginia, was brought to FMERA by Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry, FMERA’s Veteran’s Sub-Committee Chairperson and a voting member of the authority as the representative of the Freeholders. A long-time advocate for veterans’ issues, who has been fighting to keep the Veteran’s Administration Hospital open at the fort, Mrs. Burry researched the program, contacted its President and CEO, Jack Downing, and arranged a meeting between herself, Mr. Downing and FMERA members in October. In November, those who attended the presentation called Soldier On, “awe-inspiring” and, “a tremendously exciting opportunity.” The program must go through the established bid process, but FMERA staff recommended taking the next step to make it a reality at Fort Monmouth.
“The FMERA staff is 100% committed to this,” said Mr. Bruce Steadman, FMERA Executive Director, in expressing his endorsement of the program. “At Mr. Downing’s presentation, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. We want to explore the success he has had with Soldier On. I can’t think of a more important thing to have at Fort Monmouth.” Soldier On has been assisting veterans since 1994. In addition to providing equity-based permanent housing, the program is focused on helping veterans with such things as food, health care, mental health counseling, job assessment, training and placement assistance, as well as treatment and recovery for addiction.
“Soldier On is tailor-made for Fort Monmouth, where there are a large number of veterans who could take advantage of and would benefit from such a program,” Freeholder Burry said. “It is a perfect fit and the facilities are already there and available. Veterans are three times more likely to experience homelessness than the rest of society. There are 275,000 homeless veterans in our country today. Their fight doesn’t end when they get home.” A short, informative and moving film on the program was shown during the November 10 FMERA meeting at the Eatontown municipal building.
Mrs. Burry said that the program’s focus is on single veterans. Soldier On has received 75% federal funding at its other locations. Mr. Downing recently toured Fort Monmouth with FMERA members, identifying existing buildings where the program might be housed, as well as which facilities for it could undergo rehabilitation, said Freeholder Lillian Burry, who is also a member of FMERA’s Real Estate Sub-Committee. The next step, she said, is for FMERA members to make a site visit to the program’s Pittsfield, Massachusetts location.
Freeholder Burry’s aim is to continue to serve the thousands of veterans already associated with the fort, as well as dedicate a portion of the site to the needs of younger and returning veterans. She believes that together with the proposed expanded veteran’s clinic and the Vet2Vet intervention program she is also working to bring to the fort, Soldier On will create a state-of-the-art full service veterans hub at Fort Monmouth; continuing it’s role as a centralized location where all veterans can turn for assistance and support. Mr. Downing has agreed to direct and help set up the program, working closely with the FMERA staff.
“We assist veterans with both picking up the pieces of their lives and filling in the gaps that public agencies do not address,” Mr. Downing said. “At our core, Soldier On is about integrity: The integrity of veteran residents, the integrity of staff, and the integrity of our commitment to work tirelessly to improve the lives of veterans in the community at large.”
The program currently operates a 165-bed shelter in two buildings leased from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Leeds, Massachusetts, and the Berkshire Veterans Residence, a transitional living facility. These facilities are managed by formerly homeless veterans; an approach that ensures that those served are empowered and take a role in creating and maintaining their own living environment. The organization’s website is www.wesoldieron.org.
“Soldier On’s premise is that ownership is most important,” Freeholder Burry said. “Mr. Downing has such a grasp of it all. He really understands. Fellow veterans manage and serve their peers and there will be a property manager on site.”
Freeholder Burry has been involved in working on the future of Fort Monmouth for over six years; first as a member of the of the original Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Planning Authority, (FMERPA) and now on FMERA. She was appointed to both bodies by two sitting governors and unanimously approved by her fellow freeholders, who acknowledged that with her background, knowledge and passion for veteran’s issues, she is the best person for the job.
After 94 years of service, Fort Monmouth officially closed on September 15 with an inactivation and color casing ceremony. In 2005, Fort Monmouth was selected for closure by the Base Realignment and Closure, (BRAC), Commission and moved its operations to the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. The BRAC decision called for the transfer of 4,950 civilian and 450 military positions.
Signed into law by Governor Chris Christie on August 17, 2010, FMERA was created to provide investment, continuity and economic growth to the communities impacted by the federal government’s decision to close Fort Monmouth. The FMERA replaces the previous Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Planning Authority and advances that entity’s Reuse and Redevelopment Plan for economic development, growth and planning, with a focus on technology-based industries for the 1,126-acre fort property, which straddles Eatontown, Oceanport and Tinton Falls.
At its height, Fort Monmouth employed 15,000 people, 5,000 of those civilians. It’s estimated that the fort supported another 22,000 jobs and added $3.2 billion into the state’s annual economy. It is the mission of FMERA to attract a mix of industry, business, recreation and residential stakeholders to create a new future for the former base.
Joined by Former Romney Counsel Charlie Spies for February 2012 Special Convention
PRINCETON, NJ (November 30, 2011) — Princeton Township resident Bill Spadea has officially declared his candidacy for the vacant New Jersey Assembly seat in the newly redrawn 16th Legislative District by filing the necessary documents on Friday, November 25. The vacant Assembly seat was held by longtime public servant, Assemblyman Pete Biondi, who sadly passed away two days following his re-election this month.
Mr. Spadea will vie for the party’s nomination at the special four-county convention, which will happen within 35 days of the swearing in of the new Assembly on January 10, 2012. The vote at the convention will determine who will fulfill a one-year term for the vacant Assembly seat. Mr. Spadea will also participate in the June 5, 2012 primary to become the 16th Legislative District’s Republican candidate for the NJ legislative special election on November 6, 2012.
“Pete Biondi was a great legislator, public servant, community leader and patriot. So many business and political leaders asked and encouraged me to consider this run to do right by Pete’s legacy of public service. I was so honored by their request that I felt compelled to step up,” said Spadea.
Mr. Spadea’s campaign is off to a strong start, enlisting the support of prominent GOP attorney Charlie Spies. Mr. Spies, head of Clark Hill PLC’s national Political Law practice, served as CFO and Counsel for Governor Mitt Romney’s 2008 Presidential campaign, as well as counsel for the Republican Governors Association in 2006 and the Republican National Committee in 2004. Spies stated, “Bill is a dynamic and enthusiastic candidate. His conservative principles, business background and organizational success make him the right man at the right time for New Jersey.”
Princeton Township is one of the eight new municipalities that will be a part of the new 16th Legislative District in January 2012. It was also one of the first municipalities to vote to consolidate with another municipality this month. The consolidation of Princeton Township and Princeton Borough will be historic for the state of New Jersey.
# # #
Bill Spadea has worked in New Jersey as a senior executive in the real estate industry for the past 15 years. Additionally, he is an on-air political analyst and Republican strategist for several New York Region television stations. Mr. Spadea served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1991 to 1999. He ran for U.S. Congress in New Jersey’s 12th district and earned more than 115,000 votes (40%) in 2004 running against the heavily-funded incumbent Rush Holt. He is the co-founder and past-president of Building the New Majority, a grassroots political organization focused on helping NJ citizen-legislators win local campaigns. Mr. Spadea lives in Princeton with his wife Jodi and their two children, who attend Princeton public schools – where he serves on the Zoning Board, is a coach for little league, chairs the annual Veteran’s Day event, and serves as master of ceremony for the annual Memorial Day Parade/Service.
State Senator Joe Kyrillos (R- Monmouth/Middlesex) responded to reports that Jersey City will borrow to pay for more than $9 million in accumulated personal time and sick time this year by calling again for an immediate vote to end unused sick leave payouts for public employees:”Today, we saw the clearest example yet of how the Democratic Majority’s refusal to enact meaningful sick leave reform is costing the taxpayers of New Jersey. Jersey City is being forced to pay $9 million in unused leave benefits, rather than controlling taxes and improving services is bad enough. Sick leave is not deferred compensation. It is not a retirement plan or a bonus- it is intended to be used as time off when an employee is sick. The Majority needs to recognize that we must end, not just cap, these payments and post the Governor’s conditional veto immediately.”
The amended version of, S-2220, which would change the retirees unused sick leave statute is now pending before the State Senate.
GOP lays out a comprehensive plan for economic revival and long-term growth
Old Bridge, NJ: Recognizing that the residents of Old Bridge are tired of the Democrats one-shot revenue raising schemes, Township land-sales and raiding OBMUA surpluses to plug self-inflicted budget gaps, the 2011 Republican team of Owen Henry, Brian Cahill, Eleanor “Debbie” Walker and Dr. Jim Anderson have assembled the following comprehensive 6-point plan to revitalize Old Bridge’s stagnant economy and restore integrity to the Township Council. Members of the public and press can find and download a copy of this plan at http://www.oldbridgerepublicans.com/framework-for-change/.
A Framework for Change – Putting Old Bridge Back on the Right Track
Old Bridge is Open for Business
Demonstrate to the Business community that Old Bridge is a Business Friendly town
Create sustainable additional Revenue – Create jobs
Partner with State of New Jersey’s Economic Development Team
Complete Review of all Vendor Contract
Review and re-bidding of all contracts to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Additional review process to ensure fairness and least-cost
Township Administrative Efficiency
Complete review of Township Departments to eliminate redundancy and improve costs
Top to bottom analysis of Expenses
Complete Review of HR Policies and procedures
Fiscal Responsibility
Produce structurally balanced budgets
No more one shot Revenue Schemes
No more land sales to balance budgets
No more raiding the OBMUA’s reserve
Due Diligence
Immediately Repeal the newly enacted Lifetime Healthcare ordinance
Ensure Township employees have the tools they need to meet the needs of the Residents
Explore and invest in technology
Energy Audit to improve costs
Shared Service agreements with neighboring towns
Resident/Employee Outreach
Quarterly Resident Forums
Improved communication via Website, Social Media & in Emergencies
Mayor will be completely accessible to residents
Town Hall & employee forums with the Mayor
Open government – Restructure of Town Council meetings – Two Meetings per month
PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVE’S BRIEF VALIDATES KEEPING SUBSTATION OPEN; SAYS POST
OFFICE’S DECISION TO CLOSE IS “SERIOUSLY FLAWED”
A recent brief by the federal Public Representative called the U.S.
Post Office’s decision to close the Lafayette substation in Freehold Borough
“seriously flawed,” validating local residents who rely on the facility and want
it to remain open, Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande said today.
“The Post Office’s reasons to close Lafayette are unfounded and do
not stand up to any objective scrutiny,” Casagrande, R-Monmouth and Mercer,
said. “Freehold Borough is a pedestrian community and the county seat of
Monmouth County. This facility is vital to many businesses and people who cannot
easily reach the Freehold Township Post Office, which is inaccessible to
pedestrians.
“Congressman Chris Smith has led to effort to keep this office open
and the Public Representative has validated his work,” Casagrande added. “Keep
the substation open.”
The Public Representative also said the Post Office’s “economic
justification is seriously flawed and requires further consideration and
explanation [.] revenues are over 4 times the magnitude of the alleged cost
savings relied upon by the Postal Service. This is not a facility that was
losing money. But for the fact that the trailer was in substandard condition,
this was a viable postal facility.”
“The substation generates revenue four times the amount that the
Postal Service estimates it will save by shutting it down,” Casagrande said.
“It’s clear why the Post Office is failing because they choose to shut down
offices that are actually making money.
“There are plenty of great spaces available for lease in downtown
Freehold Borough would make perfect postal facilities,” Casagrande added. “I
invite Postal officials down to take a look at them.”
