Oceanport Officials Hail Monmouth Park Deal, Reiterate Call For Gaming In Meadowlands

The Monmouth Park Task Force is pleased the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has reached an agreement with developer and entrepreneur Morris Bailey for a five-year private lease to operate Monmouth Park Racetrack in the Borough of Oceanport. The NJSEA expects to turn over track operations to the private operator by June 1, 2011.

“Governor Christie’s announcement of the agreement comes with the approach of Opening Day on May 14^th.  Monmouth Park Racetrack is poised to return to its place as the premier location for thoroughbred horse racing. We look forward to Mr. Bailey’s plans for revitalizing the facility and capitalizing on the OTW’s. I look forward to seeing Monmouth Park under his management.” ‘ Said Mayor Michael J. Mahon, Task Force ChairmanThe Oceanport Task Force on Monmouth Park has been hoping a lessee would step forward who would be committed to maintain Monmouth Park as a racetrack and would be willing to forge a partnership with the Thoroughbred Horsemen to bring the industry to sustainability. This is critical for the Borough as we look to preserve jobs, protect the environment, maintain open space and preserve this historic centerpiece of horse racing in Monmouth County and the Jersey Shore.” Said Mayor Michael J. Mahon

“The Oceanport Task Force on Monmouth Park has continued to maintain the position that VLT’s, slot machines, or an all out gaming casino in the Meadowlands is the only way to protect horse racing in New Jersey. All the surrounding states of New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland now have some form of gaming at their race tracks.

“This uneven Playing field enables our competitors to lure New Jersey horseman out of State with larger purses and better quality horse racing.” said Task Force member and Councilman Joe Irace. “This will continue to challenge the industry as Mr. Gural takes the reins at the Meadowlands and Mr. Bailey begins operations here at Monmouth Park Racetrack. The Borough of Oceanport  will continue its long standing relationship with Monmouth Park and welcomes Morris Bailey to our community.”         

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Putting Taxpayers First, Governor Christie Announces Agreements to Continue Live Racing at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park Without Purse Subsidies

Trenton, NJ – Making good on his commitment to put the horse racing industry on a self-sustaining path, Governor Chris Christie announced tonight that live racing at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park will continue throughout 2011 and beyond.   Beginning on June 1, both tracks will be in the hands of private-sector operators who, according to an agreement in principle, will assume the costs associated with running live racing at those venues.  The private operators will also be responsible for all simulcast wagering at the tracks, the operation and future development of off-track wagering facilities and the continued operation of the State’s account wagering system.

“I was determined to bring this deal home,” Governor Christie said.  “There are many beneficiaries: We’re saving a New Jersey tradition with the continuation of live horse racing at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park; we are saving and creating jobs; and we are helping to preserve New Jersey farmland and a way of life for many people, from horse farm owners and employees, to jockeys to racing enthusiasts.  I want to thank all involved, from staff in the Governor’s Counsel’s Office, to the executive staff of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, to Mr. Gural and Mr. Bailey, as well as representatives of the thoroughbred and standardbred horsemen.”

“First, I want to thank Governor Christie and his staff for all their hard work on something I initially thought was impossible,” said Jeff Gural, the New York investor and developer who will assume control of and redevelop the Meadowland Racetrack.  “The deal that we’ve reached together will be good for the taxpayers, good for horse racing and great for the Meadowlands. I look forward to returning the Meadowlands to its former glory and pre-eminent position in horse racing in the United States.”

“I’m excited by the fact that we are completing a transaction that will bring about a new era for horse racing in New Jersey and Monmouth Park,” said Mr. Bailey.  “I want to thank all of the parties involved, especially Governor Christie and his staff and the thoroughbred horsemen, for working so diligently to meet the challenges we confronted.  With what we are accomplishing, we are creating one of the premiere race tracks in the country that will provide an attractive and exciting atmosphere to appeal to established horse racing fans and, I believe, the broader public.”

Since December of last year, the NJSEA has been negotiating with Mr. Gural over the lease of the Meadowlands Racetrack. Mr. Gural will assume all operations at the track beginning on June 1.  He has successfully re-negotiated labor contracts with track employees and has taken steps toward the development of an off-track wagering facility in Bayonne.  He has also worked with the harness racing industry on a reduced slate of racing days for 2011.  In addition, Mr. Gural plans to invest more than $90 million through the construction of a new grandstand at the Meadowlands and the development of an Off Track Wagering facility in Bayonne.  These investments will create construction jobs for the State as well as permanent employment opportunities for New Jerseyans.

In April, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority selected Morris Bailey as the winning bidder of an Request for Proposals for the lease of Monmouth Park.  Mr. Bailey will assume track operations at Monmouth Park on June 1 as well.  The thoroughbreds will also run a reduced slate of racing days for 2011, similar to the 2010 racing schedule.  Mr. Bailey will also take over the operation of the OTW site in Woodbridge and will work with Mr. Gural on the development of future OTW’s.

Mr. Gural and Mr. Bailey are successful real estate executives with proven track records in the gaming industry.  Both are also horse racing aficionados who are committed to reversing the decline of the industry.

Taken together, these deals will put the New Jersey horse racing industry on the path of self-sufficiency and, as a result, save New Jersey taxpayers millions of dollars annually and end the racing industry’s reliance on purse subsidies.  Both private operators will pay property taxes and Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT payments) as required by law.

With today’s action, the Governor has demonstrated his continued commitment to ensuring the preservation of live horse racing in New Jersey.  The agreements reached today are subject to the execution of formal contracts, formal board approvals and other regulatory approvals.  In addition to today’s developments, Governor Christie has taken many other steps this year to provide the racing industry with the tools it needs to become a vibrant, self-sustaining industry. 

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Kyrillos Pushes Bill Empowering Parents to Force Education Reform

Hosts Discussion on ‘Parent Trigger’ Legislation Embraced in Chicago, California

Trenton— Senator Joe Kyrillos (R- Monmouth/Middlesex) today joined with the Heartland Institute to host a discussion with legislators and business, civic, and education leaders regarding proposed legislation that would give parents in failing school districts the authority to affect immediate change. The Parent Empowerment and Choice Act (S-2569), dubbed ‘the parent trigger’, would force certain organizational and administrative reforms in a school through community petition.

“Today in New Jersey, parents and students in failing school districts have two choices: move or to pay for a private education,” said Senator Kyrillos. “That is unacceptable to me, and it should be unacceptable to every taxpayer that foots the bill for a system that is too often unresponsive and slow to change. If enacted into law, my bill would give parents in these districts- some of the poorest and most dangerous in New Jersey- the ability to build a better tomorrow for their children by forcing immediate improvements to a school that is failing to educate its students.”

Kyrillos’s bill allows parents in a failing school, as determined by student test scores, to force the following changes through majority petition:

Reorganization as a charter school

Replacement of administrators and/or staff

Establishment of a tuition voucher system for any public or private school in New Jersey

The requested change would be required to take effect 180 days following certification of the petition.

Kyrillos noted that troubled districts in Illinois and California are embracing similar proposals. “Parents in one of California’s worst school districts, Compton, are already using the parent trigger to affect change, and Mayor-elect Rahm Emmanuel has voiced initial support for this reform in Chicago,” he said. “This is not an ideological issue. This is about rejecting the notion that children in failing schools should be denied a quality education because of administrative hurdles, legal obstacles, and an educational establishment that is resistant to change.”

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County seeks nominations for 2011 planning awards

Plans, projects, individuals and municipalities are included

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Planning Board is accepting nominations for its 2011 Planning Awards.

Through its annual Planning Award program, the Monmouth County Planning Board honors outstanding plans, projects, individuals and municipalities that have significantly influenced planning in Monmouth County.

“The annual planning awards are an important way to recognize the people and organizations that demonstrate excellent planning on projects constructed within the county,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, a Planning Board member. “Our hope is that these projects inspire others to plan and to work for a great Monmouth County.”

Any individual or organization is eligible to submit a nomination application. Projects or plans must be located in Monmouth County and have been completed between May 31, 2010 and June 17, 2011.

Nominations must be received by June 17, 2011 and must include a completed nomination form and supporting data. The nomination forms can be found on the Planning Board section of the county Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com, or can be requested by calling the Planning Board at 732-431-7460.

“Projects may be nominated from a wide range of planning-related categories,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone, also a member of the Planning Board. “They can include but are not limited to areas involving environmental conservation, historic preservation, development, redevelopment, plans and ordinances, and publications and planning media.”

Winners will be honored at the Planning Board’s annual awards dinner in the fall.

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Bayshore Tea Party Group, 38 Registered Voters, File Suit To Overturn New Legislative Map

Red Bank, NJ – The Bayshore Tea Party group along with 38 Plaintiffs, representing all 21 counties in New Jersey, filed a civil action today against the Democrat members of the New Jersey Apportionment Commission, the 11^th Member, Alan Rosenthal, Kim Guadagno, in her official capacity as Secretary of State of New Jersey, Paula Dow, Attorney General and Robert F. Giles, Director of the Division of Elections of the State of New Jersey, in Superior Court, Chancery Division, Ocean County.

The action claims the Legislative district map approved by the commission on April 3, 2011, is in violation of the Federal and New Jersey Constitutions. It is further stated that other federal and state laws were violated against the interests of the registered voters of New Jersey.

According to the preliminary statement filed today in court, the Commission Map in its current construction dilutes or nullifies the voice of the voters in the southern half of the state and in the state’s two largest municipalities, Newark and Jersey City. The lawsuit claims the Commission Map over-packed the southern half of the state causing an unconstitutional 18% deviation, which is 8% higher than the 10% deviation permitted by US Supreme Court precedent. Also, alleged in this suit are illegal splits of Newark and Jersey City from three districts each to two. These splits dilute the representation of these urban municipalities by reducing the number of elected legislators from 9 representatives to 6 in violation of New Jersey Supreme Court precedent.

Barbara Gonzalez, founder of Bayshore Tea Party Group and a Plaintiff in the suit said “After reviewing the commission map, I noticed several violations affecting the voter’s integrity. This lawsuit is crucial to protect the longstanding ‘one person, one vote’ principle. I hope our diligence will raise voter awareness of the voters of New Jersey to recognize the value of their vote.”

The 42 page complaint can be viewed and downloaded here.

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Bayshore Tea Party Group Launches “Two Tons For Our Troops”

Middletown, NJ – The Bayshore Tea Party Group is sponsoring “Two Tons for our Troops,” a supply drive for the 13^th Marine Expeditionary Unit, “America’s 911 Force” now in international deployment.

A Marine Expeditionary Unit has about 2,200 personnel and consists of command, infantry, aviation and combat logistics. The 13th MEU is based out of Camp Pendleton, CA.

The Bayshore Tea Party Group has set a deadline of May 15 to collect two tons of supplies. Communities, individuals and other organizations are encouraged to help reach that ambitious goal. The collection point is 275 Route 35 North, Red Bank NJ 07701 (just north of the Pine Street jug handle.) The following items would be gratefully accepted and appreciated:

ENTERTAINMENT

X-box games, DVDs, games, books, magazines

FOOD – Non Perishable Only

Non-melting candy, powdered drink mixes, Gatorade mix, chips, protein powder/bars, beef jerky, Airborne, Vitamin tablets, Emergen-C

TOILETRIES

hand sanitizer, body wash, toilet paper, body lotion, mouth wash, foot powder, chap stick, Clorox wipes, toothpaste, tooth brush, nail clippers, bath towels, Lysol, Q tips, face wash, dental floss shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, shower curtain, small bath rugs, febreeze, hook toilet fresheners

CLOTHING

Black/brown socks, white ankle socks for PT

MISCELLANEOUS

Stamps, envelopes/stationery, notebooks, phone cards, paper towels, hair clippers, batteries (AA/AAA 3 VOLT), duct tape, small fans,  large trash bags, cable ties, combo locks

Please visit our website at www.bayshoreteaparty.org for information on how you can become involved with the effort to restore American exceptionalism and fix our broken state and federal governments. 

The Bayshore Tea Party Group Headquarters is located at 275 Rt. 35N in Fairview, NJ. Please contact [email protected] or call 732-842-6652 for more information.

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One Meadowlands Racetrack Union Imperils Deal to Save Standardbred Racing

Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie today called Thursday’s inaction by the union representing the mutuel clerks at Meadowlands Racetrack on a proposal from prospective track operator Jeff Gural a potentially fatal obstacle to continuing racing operations at the East Rutherford facility.

In the face of unsustainable racetrack losses, and the recognition that jobs and livelihoods could nonetheless be saved, substantial progress had been made to save standardbred racing in negotiations with Mr. Gural. That progress included the overwhelming acceptance by another racetrack union of new contract provisions.  

Said Governor Christie: “Apparently, one group has decided on its own to put at risk the livelihoods of many others. We were patient and accommodating, but these deadlines for achieving self-sustaining horse racing are very real.  This is an unfortunate outcome to say the least.” 

The failure of Local 137 to vote will trigger the following consequences, which Local 137 was keenly aware would occur: Live racing at the Meadowlands Racetrack will not resume on May 7 as previously scheduled. Meadowlands simulcasting will cease as of May 12. Racetrack employees were issued notices March 8 of potential layoffs as required by law, and absent a vote by Local 137, those layoffs will commence on May 12, the first date for which the legal cessation of all operations at the racetrack can now occur.

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CASAGRANDE: DEPUTIZE PRIVATE ACCOUNTANTS TO HELP DELIVER EVEN MORE SAVINGS FOR TAXPAYERS

CASAGRANDE BILL WOULD PROVIDE WORK FOR PRIVATE ACCOUNTANTS,

CURB GOVERNMENT WASTE AND GENERATE SAVINGS FOR TAXPAYERS

            The State Comptroller’s recent report that state government wastes millions of dollars on uniforms for state workers who don’t wear them, is another outrage that proves the capacity for waste in New Jersey government is endless, said Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, the sponsor of a measure that would pay private accountants to audit wasteful government spending – at no cost to taxpayers.

            “This bogus clothing stipend is one of many outrageous examples of waste hidden deep within New Jersey’s many layers of government,” Casagrande, R-Monmouth and Mercer, said. “Matt Boxer and his office consistently do an excellent job unearthing these abuses, but New Jersey governments’ capacity for waste is bottomless and we could always use more diggers.”

            Casagrande sponsors, A-1828, which would allow the State Comptroller to hire private certified accountants on a contingency basis. Their pay would be a percentage of the savings they uncover and deliver for taxpayers.

            “We often talk about running government like a private business, so let’s see what happens when we deputize private accountants,” Casagrande said. “This will help the State Comptroller conduct more investigations with greater impact. It will also create jobs for enterprising accountants in a way that saves money, unlike some recent proposals that would cost taxpayers hundreds of millions without guarantee of one new job.

            “Governor Christie will make sure Governor Corzine’s clothing allowance is hung out to dry in the next public employee contract, but this example proves that special interests and a complicit government will sink to any depth, so let’s even the score with vigilante accountants working for taxpayers against waste,” Casagrande added.

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OCEANPORT TASK FORCE COMMENTS ON DECISION BY THE NJSEA TO NEGOTIATE WITH DEVELOPER AND ENTREPRENEUR MORRIS BAILEY ON THE LEASE OF MONMOUTH PARK RACETRACK

The Monmouth Park Task Force is pleased with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority‟s choice to begin negotiations with developer and entrepreneur Morris Bailey for a five-year private lease to run Monmouth Park Racetrack. The NJSEA expects to turn over track operations by June 1, 2011 to the successful lease operator.

“Oceanport is pleased the Authority is taking the next step toward for a self-sustaining industry in New Jersey and returning Monmouth Park Racetrack to its place as the premier location for thoroughbred horse racing. We look forward to his plans for revitalizing the facility and capitalizing on the OTW‟s. I look forward to seeing Monmouth Park under his management.” „ Said Mayor Michael J. Mahon, Task Force Chairman “We‟re hopeful Mr. Bailey will bring a fresh excitement to the 2011 season and quickly build on the success of the Elite Summer Meet held last year. Monmouth will be an exciting place again for horse racing. Oceanport and Monmouth Park Racetrack will continue our long standing partnership and we look forward to working with Mr. Bailey as he takes the reins.” Stated Councilman and Task Force member Joseph Irace

“The Oceanport Task Force on Monmouth Park has been hoping a lessee would step forward who would be committed to maintain Monmouth Park as a racetrack. This is critical for the Borough as we look to preserve jobs, protect the environment, maintain open space and preserve this historic centerpiece of horse racing in Monmouth County and the Jersey Shore.” Said Mayor Michael J. Mahon

The Oceanport Task Force on Monmouth Park has continued to maintain the position that

VLT‟s, slot machines, or an all out gaming casino in the Meadowlands is the only way to protect horse racing in New Jersey. All the surrounding states of New York, Pennsylvania,

Delaware and Maryland now have some form of gaming at their race tracks. This uneven

Playing field enables our competitors to lure New Jersey horseman out of State with larger purses and better quality horse racing. This will continue to challenge the industry as new operators take the reins at both the Meadowlands and here at Monmouth Park Racetrack.

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Kyrillos: “Is The Cost of Unused Sick Leave Payments Sinking in Yet?”

“In total, these municipalities (Newark, Atlantic City, Camden, Jersey City, Trenton, South Brunswick, East Orange, Hackensack) paid more than $39 million last year to more than 700 employees who cashed in their unused sick and vacation time.”

–The Star-Ledger, 4/11/2011

Trenton—  In light of new information showing eight municipalities in New Jersey paid out $39 million in terminal leave payments to departing public employees, Senator Joe Kyrillos (R- Monmouth/Middlesex) called for Senate Democrats to explain their continued defense of the practice:

“I have to wonder if the cost to the taxpayers of this outrageous public employee perk is sinking in with my Democrat colleagues.”

“Even more frustrating is that some of the municipalities with the largest terminal leave debts are also recipients of huge amounts of state aid, paid for by the rest of the state’s beleaguered taxpayers.”

“Contrary to the claims of Trenton special interests defending the practice, sick leave is not a form of deferred compensation.  These payments are wrong in any amount and must be ended, not just capped, by the Legislature.  This is a vote the Senate needs to hold this month.”

“If the Majority party continues its crusade to preserve these payments, the taxpayers deserve an explanation as to why they should pay for a public employee perk that the majority of New Jersey workers do not receive themselves.”

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