By Michael Laffey
The recent redistricting fight made me think about why we have an Assembly and a Senate.
I believe historically it was because Senators represented a particular County rather then a legislative district. The system mirrored the Federal System where States with small populations still get two Senators. The idea was to give rural counties representation on par with more populous counties.
A United States Supreme Court decision in 1964 (Reynolds v. Sims) and a New Jersey Supreme Court decision in 1972 (Jackman v. Bodine) that arrangement was found unconstitutional under the one person one vote rule.
As a result the current legislative arrangement was instituted.
Since the rational for two legislative houses no longer exists why don’t we move to a unicameral or one house legislature? Nebraska only has one legislative house.
This would save a lot of money and make our government more efficient.
I hope my friends in the legislature don’t take this suggestion personally but I think it is something that deserves consideration.
Posted: April 11th, 2011 | Author: admin | Filed under: Legislature | Tags: Legislature, Michael Laffery | 6 Comments »
By Art Gallagher
Jim Gray of Manalapan, the former clerk of the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders, has been telling party leaders and other potential freeholder candidates that he will not be seeking the GOP nomination for freeholder this year. According to multiple sources, Gray will continue his service on the Monmouth County Library Board, and enjoy his retirement with his family. Gray did not return MMM’s phone call for confirmation.
Word that Gray was considering a bid, as reported here on January 10th, had a virtual field clearing effect. Now that Gray has chosen not to run, the race for the nomination to challenge Democratic Freeholder Amy Mallet is expected to heat up. Incumbent Republican Lillian Burry has indicated that she will seek a third term. No challenger is expected to Burry’s nomination.
Manalapan Mayor Andrew Lucas stopped short of declaring his candidacy when asked by MMM if he was running. He said that with Gray out of the race he would re-start his efforts to gauge the level of support he has among municipal chairs and other party leaders.
Wall Township Committee Member George Newbury and Spring Lake Councilman Gary Rich, Sr. are expected to seek the nomination.
Holmdel Mayor Serena DiMaso and former Middletown Township Committee Member Tom Wilkens, both veterans for the nominating process are considering bids, as is former Tinton Falls municipal chairman Michael Laffery.
Posted: January 20th, 2011 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Monmouth County, Monmouth County Republican Committee | Tags: Andrew Lucas, Gary Rich, George Newbury, Jim Gray, Lillian Burry, Michael Laffery, Monmouth GOP Freeholder Nomination, Serena DiMaso, Tom Wilkens | 2 Comments »
