SONIC Issues Statement Apposing Avaya Re-development

The following was issued via email from the Lincroft citizens group " Save Our Neighborhood's Integrity & Character" aka SONIC

Thursday evening April 28th, over 100 concerned Lincroft residents packed the Sunrise Assisted Living Facility to discuss the proposed plans for the Re-development of the site formerly occupied by AVAYA. They are vehemently opposed to the proposed plan, which calls for 342 units in total, which represents a 16 % increase in the total number of homes in Lincroft.

The group was comprised of members of “Save Our Neighborhood’s Integrity & Character”, otherwise known as SONIC, who originally were organized to oppose the WFS Sports Complex, as well as members of the Lincroft Village Green Association (LVGA) and other concerned residents. They agreed to use all their available resources to actively oppose these proposed plans. The group has and will be soliciting funds from the Community, to retain an attorney and other professionals, as deemed necessary, in mounting opposition to this proposed plan.

SONIC will be informing the greater Lincroft Community about this proposed plan and will urge all concerned residents from the Lincroft area and surrounding Communities to attend the upcoming Middletown Township Planning Board meeting on Wed. May 4th, at 6:30 pm at Town Hall.

For further information as to this proposed plan, please visit the following WebSite: LincroftVillageGreen.org

To see site plan of the proposed Avaya re-development click Here

Saturday Morning Cartoons: Archie's Funhouse

It's going to be a great day, let all go to the funhouse!

APP: Middletown deal with police saves jobs; 9 other workers let go

Below is what the Asbury Park Press is reporting about the deal that was struck between Middletown and it's Police Unions, it's pretty much what I had posted last night with a few more detail concerning the PBA agreement and additional information about those who were laid off in Parks & Recreation.

Four police officers won't have to turn in their badges as a result of a last-minute deal struck Friday between the township and the Superior Officers Association.

However, the township's savings from a new four-year contract for the 21 members of the association does not help the nine Parks and Recreation Department employees who were laid off Friday, said Anthony Mercantante, township administrator.

Township officials gave the local Policemen's Benevolent Association until Monday to vote on a separate contract, which could save the jobs of six police officers, Mercantante said.

"This agreement saves jobs," said Mayor Anthony Fiore, referring to the superior officers' pact. "This should serve as a model for the Legislature or for other towns that can't get things done."

As part of the deal, Superior Officers Association members will get a 1.5 percent raise in the fourth quarter of 2011 and 2 percent raises in each of the contract's subsequent years, Mercantante said.

Middletown will realize savings by association members either paying a larger percentage of the costs of an existing health plan or choosing to enroll in a new, more restrictive plan that will be cheaper for the township, Mercantante said. Association members who opt for the township's top health plan will have to pay 25 percent of its cost, as opposed to 1.5 percent of their salaries, Mercantante said. Members can also choose a plan with more restrictions and continue to pay 1.5 percent of their salaries, he said.

The township's layoff plan had included the demotions of one lieutenant and three sergeants to the patrol division, which would have led to the layoffs of four other officers, said Fred Deickmann, Superior Officers Association president. The agreement means the superior officers will not be demoted, he said.

"This is a fair deal for these trying economic times," Deickmann said. "We're glad the collective bargaining system worked."

Of the 16 non-police employees facing termination, nine were laid off, three retired and four were shifted to different positions, Mercantante said....

read more >>> Here

President Obama's Weekly Address 4/30/11: Ending Taxpayer Subsidies for Oil Companies

WASHINGTON – As oil and gas companies make tens of billions in profits and the government scours the budget for savings, President Obama called on Congress to stop handing them $4 billion annually in taxpayer subsidies. America’s oil production last year reached its highest level since 2003, but we need to invest in the energy of the future, instead of subsidizing the energy of the past.

LVGA Issues Statement Concerning Planned Four Ponds Housing Development

On it's website, the Lincroft Village Green Association has published the following statement regarding the planned Four Ponds project that is to be located at the Avaya complex on Middletown-Lincroft Road. The proposed site plan is also located on the website so that resident and those that are interested can see the size and scope of the project that will impact the area and the quality of life for those that live in it's proximity:

Re: Four Ponds Redevelopment Plan

The Lincroft Village Green Association and many of the residents of Lincroft Village are strongly opposed to the Four Ponds Redevelopment plan as is currently proposed. We have serious concerns this large scale housing development will bring negative change to our neighborhoods and adversely affect residents’ safety and quality of life.

Our specific concerns for opposing this development are as follows:

Density and Type of Housing:
The plan proposes to build 270 townhouse and 72 flats, with 68 of the flats being COAH affordable housing rental units. This represents an approximate 16% increase in the number of households in Lincroft Village. This is far too many households for the infrastructure of Lincroft to absorb.

Good planning requires that new construction should be similar in size and character to existing, neighboring homes. The style of homes being built, three story townhouses in clusters of 4, 6 and 8 units, and four 18 unit apartment buildings, is not in keeping with the style of the majority of the homes in Lincroft, which are single family homes on large lots, of 0.5 - 5.0 acres in size. The density and configuration of the proposed Four Ponds Development are more reminiscent of inner city row houses than existing construction in Lincroft. Therefore, this development would have a very negative impact on property values in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Traffic:
The current traffic conditions along CR520 and CR50 make any additional traffic-generating projects in Lincroft completely unacceptable.

• The intersection of CR50 & CR520 is already considered failed because of too much traffic (County Route 520 Corridor Study, 2002).
• Middletown-Lincroft Road is a major route to the following Lincroft establishments: Brookdale Community College (enrollment over 13,000-all commuters), Christian Brothers Academy (enrollment over 900), St. Leo the Great Church and School, Oak Hill Academy, Lincroft Elementary School, Multiple preschools, Lincroft Library, Lincroft business center and professional buildings, Two senior citizen complexes, Four churches, in addition to St. Leo the Great, One county and five township parks, Lincroft Fire and First Aid stations.
• CR50 is a major North-South route for many trash, recycling and construction trucks, and services all of Middletown and towns north.
• Both CR520 and CR50 are major E-W and N-S traffic routes and are used by many to access the GSP (Exit 109) and Red Bank to the east, Holmdel corporate center and residential areas to the west, Monmouth Mall to the south and the remainder of Middletown and other points north.

There is already dangerous cut-through traffic and speeding in surrounding neighborhoods, especially on Turnberry Drive and Leedsville Drive, which will only be worsened by the additional traffic generated by the housing complex, affecting the safety of the residents who walk, bike, and jog and drive on those streets.

Schools:
The Four Ponds development will bring many additional children to our local schools. Two and three bedroom townhouses will be more likely to have families with school-age children.
The Lincroft Elementary School is already filled to capacity. The building is over 50 years old and every classroom and available space inside is being utilized. Families are drawn to Lincroft for the quality of our public school system. By adding children and overburdening our classrooms and teachers, this will have a negative impact on the excellence of our schools.

Safety - Fire, First Aid, Police:

Lincroft and the surrounding neighborhoods are served by our all volunteer Fire Department and First Aid Station. Adding 342 new homes to Lincroft Village, a 16% increase in households, will overburden these services, including the Middletown Police force and Public Works and seriously impact the safety of the entire area.

In closing, as you can undoubtedly see from the above noted points, the Lincroft Village Green Association is extremely concerned, as are the residents who have already contacted us in large numbers, that a development of this size, in this location, would be seriously considered for approval at this time. The impact on the quality of life of current Lincroft residents, the strain on our schools and already diluted resources, and the associated safety concerns, should trump any desire to vote to permit this development.

Consequently, we respectfully request this proposed plan be tabled at the present time, and the current owner be instructed to work with key stakeholders in our community to determine the most appropriate alternative uses of this space. This has simply not taken place to date.
In fact, when this property was rezoned in 2010 to accommodate COAH obligations, the then sitting Township Committee went on record to say they would rezone the site back to either commercial or residential single family homes at the earliest opportunity. We implore you to consider rezoning this property now, and come up with a more thoughtful, rational plan, with more potential for positive impact for Lincroft Village and its residents.

Board of Directors

Lincroft Village Green Association

Middletown Settles With Police SOA Union; PBA Members Vote Tomorrow To Save 6 From Layoff

I don't have all the facts but according to a friend that attended this afternoon's special Middletown Township Committee meeting a contract settlement was reached with the Middletown Police Senior Officers Association (SOA) and a settlement with the Middletown PBA is pending union vote of approval scheduled for tomorrow morning.

Details of the settlement between Middletown and the SOA are as follows according to what I have been told:

• 4 year contract with salary increase of with 7.5% during length of contract broken down as follows - 1.5% 2% 2% 2%.
• No demotions or reduced pay for current Senior Officers.
• No layoffs of Senior Officers (thanks to 2 retirements instead)
• Members must contribute 25% of the cost of health plan if they stay with Township's current health care plan, otherwise they must switch to a HMO based plan that members must contribute a percentage of salary to participate in (details of this however are a little sketchy and more clarification is needed.

As for the terms of the contract settlement between the Township and the members of the Middletown PBA, terms were not announced officially because the PBA union will be holding a meeting with it's members Saturday morning (tomorrow) for ratification (terms are believed to be similar). Once the contract is ratified details will be released at Monday night's (May 2nd) Township Workshop meeting.

It was stated however, that if this contract between the PBA and the Township is ratified only 4 of the 10 planned police layoffs will take place , saving 6 positions.

More details as they become available over the next few day...

APP: Middletown's layoff plan uncertain until today's deadline

Kevin Penton of the Asbury Park Press has been all over the Middletown layoff story since word of yesterday and today's special Middletown Township Committee meetings were announced. Yesterday there were three articles posted online updating the situation.

According to Penton, no deal had been struck between Middletown and it's Police unions, which was why yestderday's special meeting was cancelled, however further negotiations seem to be ongoing and the Township is hopeful that it will be able to proceede with today's special Committee meeting scheduled for 5 pm.

The spectre of layoffs will hang over the township until today's deadline, as
municipal and police union officials failed to strike a deal on Thursday.

With Middletown's layoff plan scheduled to take effect on Saturday,
officials from the township, the Policemen's Benevolent Association and the
Superior Officers Association have been in talks this week on how to reduce
expenditures, Mayor Anthony Fiore said.

To meet the legal notification requirements in case a deal is struck, the Middletown Township Committee scheduled 5 p.m. meetings for Thursday and today.

As of 4 p.m. Thursday, today's meeting is on, said Cindy Herrschaft, Middletown's public information officer.

Middletown's original layoff plan called for the elimination of 26 positions, including 10 police officers and 13 employees in the township's Parks and Recreation Department.

But with some employees agreeing to retire, the number of positions to be eliminated through layoffs has decreased, Fiore said....

Read more >>> Here

FYI - Special Middletown Township Committee Meeting Scheduled For Today Cancelled

Just an FYI to readers that thought that there may be a special meeting of the Middletown Township Committee this afternoon at 5 pm, the meeting has been cancelled.

No reason was given on the Township's website for the canceling the meeting, but you can be sure that it was cancelled because no agreement was reached with either the SOA or PBA unions on contract givebacks before tomorrow's looming Township lay-off.

As they say, "Tomorrow is another day".

So let's see if tomorrow's meeting goes on as planned.

Crime Scene Middletown: Home Intruder and Other Recent Activity

PREPARED BY DETECTIVE LIEUTENANT STEPHEN DOLLINGER

On April 25, 2011 at 5:58 am police responded to a residence on Bray Avenue in reference to a report of intruder inside a home. Upon arrival Patrolman Nicholas Fenezia and Patrolman Charles Higgins were advised by the homeowners that they had located a subject sleeping in their basement.

The officers located the subject, Jerry Stanzione, age 32, from Briarwood Avenue in Keansburg,NJ, in the basement. The officers determined that Stanzione was extremely intoxicated and had entered the basement through a window and went to sleep on a mattress.

Stanzione was arrested and was transported to police headquarters where he was charged with Criminal Trespass and Criminal Mischief. He was processed and released.


On April 25, 2011 Detective Daniel Sullivan charged Kimberly Macrina, age 46, from Linden Avenue in Middletown and Paul Hughes, age 28, from Cavan Lane in Hazlet, NJ with Shoplifting and Conspiracy to Commit Shoplifting from the Stop and Shop grocery store.

Both subjects were identified by store security after an investigation into a theft from the store on February 24, 2011. Det. Sullivan conducted a follow up investigation which resulted in their arrests.
Macrina was processed and held on $20,000 bail with no 10% option set by Judge Michael Pugliese. Hughes was charged on a summons and was pending a court date.

The Middletown Police arrested the following subjects on warrants:

Jeffrey Johnson, age 54, from Highland Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested by Patrolman Brady Carr on April 21, 2011 on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Keansburg and Sea Bright Municipal Courts. He was released on his own recognizance pending a court date.

Kenneth Brown, age 22, from Atlantic Avenue in Asbury Park, NJ arrested by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein on April 22, 2011 on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Asbury Park Municipal Court. He was held on bail.

Daniel Powell, age 23, from Crescent Drive in Middletown, arrested by Patrolman Lawrence Seymour on April 22, 2011 on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Sayreville Municipal Court. He was released after posting $540.00 bail.

Terrence Herron, age 23, from Brevent Avenue in Leonardo, arrested by Patrolman Raymond Sofield on April 23, 2011 on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Eatontown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $89.00 bail.

Gordon Reiger, age 56, from Florence Avenue in Leonardo, arrested by Patrolman Brady Carr on April 25, 2011 on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Court. He was released after posting $89.00 bail.

Stephen Parco, age 23, from Moak Drive in Hazlet, NJ, arrested by Patrolman Greg Buhowski on April 25, 2011 on two warrants issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court. He was transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, NJ.

Anthony Roberts, age 29, from Cross Road in Matawan, NJ, arrested by Sgt. Paul Bailey on April 26, 2011 on a Contempt of Court warrant. He was released after posting $106.00 bail.

Dawn Santiago, age 30, from Cross Road in Matawan, NJ, arrested by Sgt. Paul Bailey on April 26, 2011 three Contempt of Court warrants. She was held on $1200.00 bail.

Peter Dolan, age 42, from Davey Street in Bloomfield, NJ, arrested by Cpl. Keith Macdonald on April 26, 2011 on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Facility.

Sandra Bartlett, age 29, from Ocean Avenue in Middletown, arrested by Patrolman Lawrence Seymour on April 26, 2011 on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Dunellen Municipal court. She was released on bail.

William Horner, age 29, from Port Monmouth Road in Port Monmouth, arrested by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein on April 26, 2011 on three Contempt of Court warrants. He was transferred to the Hillsborough Police Department and was being held on $985.00 bail.

Unofficial Result Of Middletown BOE Election With 90% Of The Vote Counted

With about 90% of the votes counted, according to the Monmouth County Clerks website, here are the unofficial results from today's Middletown Board of Education election:

Full Term:

- Richard Morrill 1,478 11.92%
- Barry Allan Travis 1,416 11.42%
- Bob Banta 2,609 21.05%
- Robert Superti 1,365 11.01%
- John Macrae 3,181 25.66%
- Gerald Wexelberg 2,275 18.35%
Write-In 71 0.57%
Total 12,395 100.00%

1 year Unexpired Term:

- Allan Burns 1,496 34.02%
- Ernest Donnelly 1,344 30.56%
- Leonora Caminiti 1,539 34.99%
Write-In 19 0.43%
Total 4,398 100.00%


As of this moment the results of the school budget voting are to close to call, it seem that it will be down to the wire on this one, so far there is a 1 vote difference the approval of the budget and it's defeat:

- Yes 2,930 50.01%
- No 2,929 49.99%
Total 5,859 100.00%

________________________________________________

Update 11:17 pm

Unofficial results according to the Monmouth County Clerk after 100% of the vote counted, Middletown's School Budget passed by 125 votes. The candidate results have not changed:


- Yes 3,332 50.96%
- No 3,207 49.04%
Total 6,539 100.00%

Special Meetings Scheduled For Thursday and Friday May Not Be What We think

Kudos to Redbankgreen.com and Dustin Racioppi for tracking down Middletown's acting mayor, Tony Fiore, and asking about the two special Township meetings that have been called for on Thursday and Friday this week.

According to what was written online, the two hastily scheduled meetings are just incase a contract settlement is achieved between the Township of Middletown and it's two unions.

At this point in time, there are no settlements pending or imminent and there is a very good chance that the meetings will not take place. The meetings were call for "just in case".

So as of now, the expected lay-off of 10 Middletown police officers and 16 members of the Township's Department of Parks & Recreation on Friday are still, pending unless there is an 11th hour settlement

You can read more about it >>>Here

Robert Superti, Candidate Middletown Board Of Education

I received the following letter from Robert Superti, who is seeking to be elected to fill 1 of 3 - full three year terms on Middletown Board of Education during tomorrow's April 27th, 2011 school board election:

As a candidate for the Middletown Board of Education I have spoken at all four scheduled forums for the Board candidates, distributed hundreds of copies of my history of experience and knowledge. I have delivered recorded messages of my philosophy for action in the school system. I’ve returned numerous phone calls to my home and answered all questions of concerns involving our school system.

In all of my conversations of our community two main themes emerge as major concerns about our school system. One is cost (taxes) and the other is quality of education. The cost issue involves decreased funding from government agencies, loss of revenue due to individuals loss of income and increased cost of living: which increases the tax burden of those who still pay taxes.

The quality of education involves mandated legislation that was intended to improve productivity: but has failed to do so. The administration and faculty have expended time and energy to carry out those mandates.

Our community pays a staff of experienced professional to implement our goals for education. They should not be micro-managed by outside interests to perform their duties. If good proposals are submitted by outside interests our managers should decide on how those ideas are implemented in the system.

If our managers appear not to be performing well then it is the responsibility of the Board of education to intervene to remedy the situation. The Board of Education represents the entire community: therefore representatives that consist of administration, faculty, parents, community activists, and the Board members should participate in dialog to forge a unified vision and approach to maintain and improve our system.

When I say, “Stop exploitation of our schools” I refer to the imposition imposed by negative rhetoric that emerges from representatives of government who decry that our tax burdens are primarily due to school budgets. Political negative rhetoric or spin doctoring is an effective tool to divert attention or resistance to other desired agendas.

Negative rhetoric demonizing of teachers and unfunded mandates degrade productivity in our school system.

Please vote for me, Robert Superti, line #4 in this year’s Middletown School Board election tomorrow, April 27th, 2011.

Breaking News: Special Middletown Township Committee Meetings Scheduled for Thursday and Friday @ 5 PM

Posted shortly ago on the Middletown Township website, two notices for special Committee meetings to be held on Thursday April 28th & Friday April 29th.

It seems that contract settlements with the Township's unions, the SOA and PBA are imminent.

No further details are given.

The question is however, did the unions give enough in concessions to the Township to avoid the planned April 29th lay-off of 16 Park & Recreation workers and 10 Middletown Police officers?

If so, than it would be a sure bet that the Middletown Arts Center will, more than likely, remain open and other doomsday service cuts will not be implemented.

Below are the notices:

Thurs, April 28 Special Meeting 5pm

Notice is hereby given that the “Open Public Meeting” of the Township Committee of the Township of Middletown is scheduled for:

DATE: Thursday, April 28, 2011
TIME: 5:00 PM SPECIAL MEETING
PLACE: Middletown Town Hall, Main Meeting Room, One Kings Highway, Middletown, NJ 07748

at which time the following matters of business will be conducted:

KNOWN ACTION ITEMS:

Possible Adoption of Resolution Ratifying Collective Bargaining Agreements (SOA and/or PBA)

EXECUTIVE SESSION TO FOLLOW

and any other matters that may come before the Township Committee.

Heidi R. Brunt, RMC, CMC
Township Clerk

April 26, 2011
The Independent
Asbury Park Press
Two River Times
The Star Ledger


Fri, April 29 Special Meeting 5 p.m.

posted: April 26, 2011
Notice is hereby given that the “Open Public Meeting” of the Township Committee of the Township of Middletown is scheduled for:

DATE: Friday, April 29, 2011
TIME: 5:00 PM SPECIAL MEETING
PLACE: Middletown Town Hall, Main Meeting Room, One Kings Highway, Middletown, NJ 07748

at which time the following matters of business will be conducted:

KNOWN ACTION ITEMS:

Possible Adoption of Resolution Ratifying Collective Bargaining Agreements (SOA and/or PBA)

EXECUTIVE SESSION TO FOLLOW

and any other matters that may come before the Township Committee.

Heidi R. Brunt, RMC, CMC
Township Clerk

April 26, 2011
The Independent
Asbury Park Press
Two River Times
The Star Ledger

Allan D. Burns, Candidate Middletown Board of Education

I received the following letter from Allan D. Burns, who is seeking to be elected to fill the 1 year unexpired term on the Middletown Board of Education during tomorrow's April 27th, 2011 school board election:

I would like to take a moment to share with you the reasons for which I have decided to run for the Board of Education.

I am a lifelong resident of this community and like many of you I’m concerned with the budget, the direct impact this has on our tax payers, the lack of accountability and the lack of transparency. I’ve been an observer and listened to others use our children and their futures as bargaining chips for their own personal gain and propaganda. And when the only solution offered is to “increase taxes and cut services” I knew we had to do better and can do better! Our children deserve more and it should not be at additional cost to the tax payers. Positive change begins with hiring the right individuals who are not afraid to challenge the budget and put it to task. That is what I intend to do. For the well being of the whole community, I am running because I believe I can do better for my child, my parents, the students of Middletown and the tax payers alike!

I pledge my unwavering commitment to all the members of this great community. I promise to challenge every dollar and be accountable. These values are critical because we will have to soon hire a new superintendent and negotiate new teacher contracts. These decisions will shape our future. We need a superintendent who will work hand and hand with a unified Board, the tax payers and the community’s best interest and in doing so, our children will receive the benefits they deserve. I cannot possibly have all the answers though I know when to listen and will put the necessary time in for discovery, ensuring that every option is explored, with your best interests at the forefront.

We need people with a sense of community, negotiating skills, business skills, the ability to speak with an open mind and challenge the system, now more than ever. It is these principles that help benefit the community as a whole. If we take the right steps now, we will not be handcuffed in the future.

If I am elected on April 27th, I promise I will fight for what is best for our community, as a whole. I thank you for your time. Allan Burns position #1 for the one year term.

Allan D. Burns,

Candidate Middletown Board of Education

Heard It In The Hallways....

This should come as no surprise to anyone after it was announce that 26 Middletown employees will be laid off due to budget woes on April 29th, I just heard that the Middletown Cultural Arts Center will be shutdown!

The "Jewel of Middletown" located next to the Middletown Train Station, will be closed when nearly all of the Middletown Parks and Recreation Department is laid off at the end of this week.

The only thing that will keep the building open and operational, will be if the Township can find enough qualified volunteers to keep the building opened and programs running. If not the building will be shutdown.

The shame of it all is that even though the building will be shutdown it won't save the township much money in utility charges. The heating and air conditioning will still need to be kept running 24/7 so that the floors in the building don't buckle due to the humidity issues that plague the building. It's been reported over the past few years that the utility bill for the Arts Center run upwards of $350K a year.

What a waste!

It's Your Town - Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 8- 4/18/11

This edition of "It's Your Town" Newsletter covers the Middletown Township NJ monthly meeting of the Middletown Township Committee of April 18th. 2011. The meeting was sparsely attended by the public, there were only two people in attendance.

Many ordinances were approved without public comments, namely ordinance 2011-3027 which amended management and non-union employee salaries. This is the ordinance that provided $20,000 worth of bonuses to the Township Tax Assessor Charles Heck and his assistant.

There was also further discussions about the 2009 Township audit that contained many non-compliance irregularities and whether or not an action plan was written to address them as recommend by the State (It should be noted that this flawed audit was the basis for the Township's reasoning to take $500,000 from the Middletown Library).

Also discussed was the status of the solar projected and the issuance of bonding notes to finance road construction and balances left on old debt.

You can read the current issue of the newsletter >>> Here

And if you are interested in receiving the "It's Your Town" Newsletter via email, send a request to itsourtown@yahoo.com

MiddletownPatch: Six Candidates Vie For Three Open Full-Term Dais Seats

MiddletownPatch this morning has followed up yesterday's article "Three BOE Candidates Seek One-Year Term" which profiled the three people who are seeking the 1 year unexpired term to the Middletown Board of Education, with a profile of the six who are seeking three - 3 year terms to the board.

Today's article "Six Candidates Vie For Three Open Full-Term Dais Seats" is very well written and informative. If you haven't seen or heard the candidates speak for yourself at the various Candidate Forums held over the past two weeks, the column on the MiddletownPatch website gives good impressions of the individual candidates.

Below is a portion of what was written, go to MiddletownPatch to finish reading:

"The three incumbent Middletown Township Board of Education members whose seats are up on the nine-member board are not running in this year's election. Vying to fill their three-year seats are six newcomers to the race.

Each has pointed to a vast number of issues they'd like to address in the district if elected.

In interviews with the candidates, everything from better budget balancing, to improvement of school facilities, to exploration of more shared services, to greater focus on academics were listed as motivations for running.

Others cited imminent district needs such as transparency, tackling pension reform and review and reassessment of administrators' salaries. One candidate said that the simple addressing of "negative rhetoric" on and around the board is critical.

All felt they had the expertise, qualifications and background necessary to make them most qualified for the job.

Voters will decide at the polls tomorrow, April 27, which of the three candidates running for the three-year terms will serve as their new Board of Education members.

In the meantime, Patch has the background and comments of each for your review ...

Bob Superti, 36 Oakwood Road

Superti has been retired from AT&T, where he worked for 35 years, since 1989, as an auditor and technological consultant. In his line of work, he said, reducing costs for customers, improving productivity and expanding AT&T’s client "enterprise" were his areas of expertise.

Outside of the corporate structure, in the political arena, for approximately three years Superti has been a county Democratic committeeman. He also volunteers his time promoting the Middletown Fire Department and working with the non-profit 180 Turning Lives Around. He is a life member of both the Red Bank Elks and the McKee Technical High School Alumni.

While he has never served on the Middletown Board of Education, Superti is a former board member of the Paramus board. He also served on the ad hoc committee for Middletown’s Building and Maintenance Committee, which was charged with studying the school facilities.

"I would bring expertise in maintenance and deteriorating facilities, and finance," he said. "I know what needs to operate a school system," pointing out that in his career he has analyzed insurance policies and understands contracts. With that sort of experience, he feels he can better help clarify and address areas of concern in the school district.

Calling himself a troubleshooter by nature, Superti also said his understanding of how spending works and past experience examining proficiencies in a company would be beneficial contributions to the board.

"I would attack all the negative rhetoric that is hurting our schools, clarify the false statements, such as demonizing our teachers," he said. "Many things that are said that are inaccurate about our schools, I would be the voice to verify some of those things," he said...."

Middletown officials must block Avaya development

The following letter was published online last night over at the Asbury Park Press. The letter was written by Lincroft resident Walter L. Horan and implores the Middletown Township Committee to stop the planned development, which would contain 342 housing units, at the former Avaya site in Lincroft:

In Middletown’s race to meet a deadline set forth by the state Council on Affordable Housing to accommodate an irrational number of required housing units, the Middletown Township Committee has done a grave disservice to the residents of Lincroft by allowing a 342-unit townhouse and apartment complex development to be built at the Avaya property on Middletown-Lincroft Road.

Township Committee members are singularly responsible for this fiasco, since they alone changed the zoning to accommodate such a massive development. They reassured the residents this would not come to fruition.

To further allay our concerns, they promised they would rezone as soon as they were able. They said it would never be built due to the down economy. They said there are no developers on the horizon interested in such a large project.

They were wrong. And now here we are with the owner of the property proposing a development with 342 townhouses and rental apartment buildings, three stories high, which will forever change the landscape and character of Lincroft Village.

The Township Committee must right this inexcusable wrong and do whatever is necessary to block this development.

Walter L. Horan

MIDDLETOWN

Banta and Wexelberg, Candidates Middletown Board of Education

I was forwarded the following email from a friend who had received it from another. The email is from Middletown Board of Education Candidate Bob Banta, who along with his ticket mate Jerry Wexelberg, are each seeking to be elected to 1 of 3 - full three year terms to the Middletown Board of Education in Wednesday's Board of Education election.

The email was introductory in nature and tells the readers a little about both Banta and Wexelberg and what they would like to accomplish if elected to the Board of Education:

Parents,

I would like to take a moment to ask for your support and appeal to your sense of community. I have been the Director of Soccer for the St. Mary's Athletic Association for about 5 years now and with the program for a few more than that. I have had the privilege and honor of working with some of the best volunteers in our community dedicated to youth sports here from our SMAA Board of Directors to all of our Coaches and Assistant Coaches, as well as hundreds of the best kids anywhere! In this time, I have seen our program grow from about 35 teams of approximately 350 kids to our present 78 teams of OVER 1100 kids.

One of the great things about this program is that it is made up of kids from all over Middletown, from many of the elementary and middle schools as well as St. Mary's and some of the other Catholic schools. There have been drastic budget cuts to the Board of Education's budget last year and this years budget is well under the 2% cap set by the Governor. If afforded an opportunity, I would like to make sure all the kids in our town are receiving the best education possible as well as be part of the process to ensure that these budget cuts don't translate to necessary programs being cut. I am sure that as a fellow taxpayer you may agree that all of our tax dollars for education should be carefully spent on the children's education and not wasted in areas that the kids do not receive a direct benefit from. I would also like to see that all of the youth programs in town have a better and more realistic opportunity to use the existing facilities at our public schools which all of our taxes support. I am looking forward to helping the existing board work together in one direction and use my unique team building skills to unite the other board members. These are some of the reasons I have filed the paperwork to be on the ballot for the Middletown Board of Education election this April.

Finally, I would like to let all the parents know that I am going to be running with Jerry Wexelberg in this election. Jerry is a longtime Middletown resident and has supported the education system as well as the athletic programs of our public schools for many years now. He is currently the President of the Booster Club for High School North. Jerry and I share many of the same views on many issues related to the Board of Education.

Thank you for your time and consideration and I hope we can count on your support on Election Day! Please ask as many families, friends and neighbors as possible to come out this coming Wednesday, April 27th and vote.

Sincerely,

Bob Banta
SMAA Director of Soccer

MiddletownPatch: Three BOE Candidates Seek One-Year Term to Address Pressing Issues

Currently up over at MiddletownPatch is an article which profiles the three individuals, Leonora Caminiti, Allen Burns and Ernest Donnelly, that seeking to be elected to the Middletown Board of Education to fill the 1 year unexpired term left by Dan Skelton, who stepped down from the board earlier this year.

The profiles are pretty straight forward and standard, nothing controversial but gives each's position on a couple of topics. So, If you weren't able to attend one of the four BOE Candidate Forums that were held over the past two weeks, these profiles may be able to help your decision making process for whom to vote for.

I attended the Candidate Forum that was held on April 14th at Harmony School and out of these three individuals, I was most impress Ernest Donnelly (Caminiti was a no show). He seemed to has a clear notion of what was needed to ensure that the schools ran properly and efficiently and as a former educator and superintendent himself, he knows what to look for when hiring a new superintendent in Middletown.

Allan Burns did not impress me at all, his stances on some of the issues seemed naive and his outright refusal to approve any budget in the future that included a tax increase was unrealistic in my eyes and came across as pandering.

But go over to the MiddletownPatch website and read the profiles anyway and read for yourself, you may walk away with a different opinion.

Also, remember that I have posted audio from the April 19th Candidate Forum that was hosted by the Middletown Republican Party at the Lincroft Inn.

While the forum was not a great venue for the candidates to express their views (questions where directed at individual candidates only, others could not comment) and it seemed somewhat biased, you can hear Burns and Donnelly speak.

Former NJ Gov Jim McGreevey denied priesthood

The Trentonian is reporting that Former NJ Governor Jim (I am a Gay American) McGreevey was recently denied the priesthood by the Episcopal Church, and his denial has nothing to do with his being gay. Evidently his sticky and often contentious divorce from his wife Dina Matos McGreevey was given as the reason for him being turned away.

That's too bad, say what you will about McGreevey and how his governorship ended, his term as governor wasn't bad, he was moving the state in the right direction and dealt rather successfully with the two largest issues at that time in the voters mind, namely car insurance and parkway tolls.

He reformed car insurance so that NJ residents have more and better choices of coverage plans and while still high, are no longer the highest in the country. He also abolished many of the toll booths along the NJ Parkway, which made the morning and afternoon rush hours much less stressful and definitely more convenient by putting an end to the constant stop and go, pay a toll, traffic jams that plagued commuters.

It's unfortunate that McGreevey's time in office is still so controversial, hopefully in the future when both McGreevey's have their problems behind them, stop writing books and bickering back and forth, Jim McGreevey can attain the priesthood that he so covets for his moral well being and personal transformation.

Happy Easter - 5 Little Easter Eggs

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE !

I hope your day is filled with happiness and joy

His Sacred Name - An Easter Declaration

This Easter, remember the sacred name, life, and sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ.



From Mormon Messages

Republican Plan To End Medicare And "Privatize" Health Care For American Seniors Is Not A Solution

By Congressman Steve Rothman(D-NJ9)

We must not end Medicare: Too many American seniors would suffer or die prematurely if we did.

WHAT WOULD you say to someone who told you that in order to save something, you’d have to kill it?

On April 15, the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted, 235-193, to end Medicare for Americans who are currently under the age of 55. No Democrat voted in favor of the plan.

For those tens of millions affected, and for all future generations, the Republican plan ends Medicare and "privatizes" health care for American seniors. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the plan, if acted upon, would create a voucher system in place of Medicare. The U.S. government would assign approximately $8,000 to purchase private health insurance for each senior once he or she turned 67 years of age. If they were ill or older, the voucher amount would be slightly higher. But under the Republican plan, the average senior would see their out-of-pocket health care costs double to $12,150 per year, $6,400 more than today — not including co-pays.

Under the Republican plan, there would be no more government lifetime coverage, as we currently have it under Medicare. If you could not afford a private health care premium because you had a preexisting condition (for example, high blood pressure, diabetes, breast cancer, asthma, lupus, heart condition, hip, back or knee surgery) you’d have to find the money to pay whatever premium the private marketplace would charge. The government, under the Republican plan, would not even limit the amount the private market could charge. And so, if you could not afford to purchase a private health insurance plan at the age of 67 or older, for any reason, you’d be uninsured. An American senior citizen, without any health insurance.

Imagine the suffering, pain and terror for those tens of millions of seniors under those circumstances. Where would they turn? Charity? Family members? Early death? And why?

Yes, the United States has a $1.4 trillion annual deficit and a $14 trillion national debt. But what are the best and fairest ways to deal with those extremely serious problems? Should we rely on shared sacrifice in the American tradition, or put the burden disproportionately on the backs of seniors and the middle class?

To me, the Republican plan is at best a misguided approach to solving our nation’s common problems. At worst, the Republican plan reflects their undiminished zeal to "shrink" government by eliminating programs most Americans rely on, including Medicare. As a result, however, this would hurt the middle class and most Americans, leaving only the rich and super-rich to be assured of a good education for their children and affordable health care for them and their children, when they retire.

Remember that the median income for seniors in America in 2009 was $19,167; with most seniors having at least one chronic condition and many having multiple chronic conditions. Can you imagine the premiums they’d have to pay to get health insurance at age 67 and older?

Medicare was created in 1965 precisely because the private market failed to provide seniors with affordable and quality health care. Before Medicare, nearly half of American seniors had no health insurance, and nearly 35 percent lived in poverty. Thus, for me, leaving U.S. seniors again at the mercy of private health insurance companies is an absolute non-starter. We must not end Medicare. Too many American seniors would suffer or die prematurely if we did.

As for our extremely important deficit and debt problems, I believe that all options should be on the table, with sacrifices shared by all, according to assets owned and annual income. That means that the following items must be considered: making additional cuts in spending, including defense; reducing income and capital gains tax deductions for earnings over $350,000 per year; reforming our tax code to prevent individuals and companies from avoiding all tax liabilities; partially, and in some cases completely, eliminating subsidies to America’s richest families; reducing or eliminating subsidies to agribusiness, big oil and gas; ending or proportionately scaling back the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans; and, additional cost control measures to the health care reform law, including a public option.

House Republicans argue that it is necessary to end Medicare in order to balance the federal budget, albeit with continued tax breaks for individuals and companies making millions and billions of dollars in income per year. Forcing seniors and the middle class to bear a disproportionate burden in solving our nation’s fiscal crisis is, in my opinion, unfair and unnecessary. The better, more typically American way to address our common problems is with shared sacrifice and fairness.

Medicare is an essential and successful American program that has worked extremely well for the past 46 years. It makes possible a longer and healthier life for millions of our seniors. It is, also, often the difference between life and death. We must not end Medicare.

Saturday Morning Cartoons: Easter Yeggs

Seeing how my birthday happens to fall on Easter this year ( the first time I can ever remember it doing so), there is nothing more that I want than a easta egg. I wanna easta egg I tell ya, I wanna easta egg!

President Obama's Weekly Address 4/23/11: Stopping Oil Market Fraud, Beginning a Clean Energy Future

WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Obama laid out his plans to address rising gas prices over the short and the long term. While there is no silver bullet to bring down prices right away, there are a few things we can do. This week, the Attorney General launched a task force dedicated to rooting out fraud or manipulations in the oil markets. The President called for finally ending the $4 billion in taxpayer money that the oil and gas companies receive annually. And, we need to continue safe, responsible production of oil at home. But in the long term, we need to invest in clean, renewable energy. That is why the President strongly disagrees with a proposal in Congress that cuts our investments in clean energy by 70percent.

Demand For Social Services in Monouth County have Increased 51% Over The Past Year Due To Economic Woes

By Freeholder Amy Mallet

Over the last four years, Monmouth County has seen a very significant increase in the demand for Social Services, most notably Food Stamps (now called NJ SNAP) and Family Care Medicaid. Recently, the numbers of people applying for basic welfare programs have also begun to rise.

The steady growth in need is not a surprise given the economic climate and the rate of unemployment. Many of these individuals are our neighbors, families and friends who want nothing more than to be able to return to work and support their families.

Specifically, we have seen a 64 percent increase in the total number of Food Stamp applications from 2007 through 2010. This year, in the month of March alone, we registered 1,245 new Food Stamp applications – up 51 percent from the same time last year. Currently, there are 14,436 families and individuals in Monmouth County receiving a monthly Food Stamp allotment.

The economic woes that have affected the whole nation have taken a toll here in Monmouth County. Despite the fact that the demand for services has increased significantly, the 2011 budget for the Department of Human Services was decreased by 6 percent.

The Monmouth County Department of Human Services is to be commended for continued commitment to providing assistance while facing growing need and shrinking resources. As the direct liaison to this department, I would like to publicly thank our dedicated employees for their perseverance. We are hopeful that everyone impacted by hard times will see their situations improve as the economy recovers. In the meantime, it is reassuring to witness the work being done by our committed county staff.

Amy A. Mallet

Freeholder, Monmouth County

Happy Earth Day; You better love it, it is the only one we have!

Happy Earth Day !

We need to take care of the Earth on which we live on, it is the only planet that we have.

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." ~Native American Proverb

Crime Scene Middletown: Belford Drug Bust and other Recent Activity

PREPARED BY DETECTIVE LIEUTENANT STEPHEN DOLLINGER

On April 20, 2011 at approximately 2:00 pm the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force Bayshore Unit and the Middletown Township Police Department executed a search warrant at the basement apartment of # 813 Main Street in Belford. The warrant execution was a result of an ongoing investigation into the sale of illegal narcotics from the apartment.

Police arrested Derek Donato, age 21, and Allison Petrilli, age 19, in connection to the investigation. Donato was charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Prescription Medications), Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Prescription Medications), Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Petrilli was charged with Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana. Police also recovered a scale, Oxycodone pills, Marijuana, packaging baggies and $2000.00 in US currency.

Petrilli was released on a summons pending a court appearance and Donato was held on $15,000.00 set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Detective Daniel Sullivan and Patrolman Richard Fulham of the Middletown Police Department and Patrolman Joseph VanPelt and his K-9 partner DOG of the Holmdel Police Department assisted the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office with the investigation.

Other Recent Activity:

On April 21, 2011 at approximately 2:17 am Patrolman Kevin Gardiner responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 35 and Cherry Tree Farm Road. The caller reported a vehicle had struck a utility pole.

Patrolman Gardiner conducted an investigation which resulted in the driver, Andrea Perry, age 31, from Tice Avenue in South River, NJ being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. She was also issued summonses for Reckless Driving and Operating an Unregistered Vehicle. She was transported to Riverview Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained in the accident and was released pending a court date.

The Middletown Police Department reports the arrests of the following people on warrants:

Kimberly Kitzhoffer, age 23, from Coral Place in New Monmouth, arrested by Patrolman Frank Mazza on April 19, 2011, on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Township Municipal Court. She was released after posting $195.00 bail.

Joseph Colasacco, age 32, from Creek Road in Port Monmouth arrested by Patrolman Jason Caruso on April 19, 2011, on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by Keansburg Municipal Court and a Non-Support warrant issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court. He was held on $5,467.00 bail.

Christopher Gallagher, age 38, from East End Avenue in Belford, arrested by Corporal James Keenan on April 20, 2011 on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown, Holmdel, Lakewood and Keansburg Municipal Courts. He was held on $5,100.00 bail.

Michelle Caputo, age 25, from Morris Street in Staten Island, NY, arrested by Patrolman Christopher Dee on April 20, 2011 on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Township Municipal Court. She was processed and released after posting $200.00 bail.

Nicholas Sipsis, age 20, from Bray Ave in Middletown arrested by Patrolman Thomas Meckier on April 20, 2011 on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Township Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

Santiago convinced he has a shot in newly configured LD 11

By Max Pizzaro @ PolitickerNJ

Still reeling from Gov. Chris Christie's 2009 cannonball that undid their meticulously constructed designs for county control, Monmouth County Democrats are trying to re-inflate enthusiasm around the candidacies of Freeholder Amy Mallet and an 11th District legislative slate that benefits from redistricting.

At the the top of the ticket for the Democrats as they try to unseat state Sen. Jennifer Beck, (R-12), of Red Bank stands Ray Santiago of Freehold Township, a Puerto Rican born success story who grew up in Brooklyn and hung up the law shingle in lush Monmouth County about ten years.

Coming off back to back losses at the local level and deprived of the two years of fundraising he says he, of course, would have preferred, he took the short runway shot at a Senate candidacy based on redistricting and his belief that the district is winnable. Registration in a district composed in part of old 11th District towns, including Asbury Park and Long Branch, favors Democrats: 36,643 to 26,405 Republicans with an additional 68,899 undecided voters, but again, the overall trend lines in Monmouth have been steadily Republican in the Christie era.

Santiago plans to run against Beck in part on a platform of wanting to improve the schools funding formula in order to exert fairness for Monmouth County towns. Part of his argument for election includes the pitch that he will be more independent than Republicans forced into line by the animated Christie.

"I'm not a fan of Governor Christie's," Santiago told PolitickerNJ.com. "I don't like the mannerism in which he makes his case. It's my way or the highway. Moreover, all of his talk of cuts simply forces the towns to raise taxes at the local level."

As for Beck, "What positive things has she done?" Santiago wanted to know.

Challenged to explain how he thinks another lawyer in Trenton can make the case to regular voters that he would effectively answer their constituent needs, Santiago said, "As an attorney, I have first-hand knowledge of how these laws impact people. Who better to draft and create legislation? I would say this, too, importantly, my sense of the law - my sense of my profession - is that it is the service of human need. The way I approach the law, it is in service of the disadvantaged."

Friday Morning Funnies: Trump Routs Out Obama's Birth Certificate

From FunnyOrDie.com

Donald Trump sits down to talk about Obama's birth certificate again and what he's going to do to find out the truth.

Trump Routs Out Obama's Birth Certificate from Donald Trump

Audio From April 19th Middletown Board of Education Candidate Forum At Lincroft Inn

On April 19th 2011, the Middletown Republican Party held a BOE Candidate Forum at the Lincroft Inn.

The first 11 minutes of the meeting consisted of Republican Club business followed by the Candidate Forum. After each candidate was give 2 minutes to introduce themselves the floor was open to questions and answers.

Candidates Leonora Caminitti, Barry Allen Travis and Richard Morrill did not attend but had statements read.

The meeting ran approx. 1.5 hours and can be heard in its entirety below, but I have to admit I haven't listened to all of it as of yet. I have only gotten through the first hour, I will listen to more as time allows between now and the Board of Education election which will be held next week on April 27th.

My one thought on this meeting is that it wasn't much different that the one I attended in person over at Harmony School on April 14th which was written about in this weeks edition of the Independent

342 Unit Avaya Development Moving Forward In Lincroft; 68 COAH Units Planned

If you didn't have a keen eye, you would have missed the public notice in yesterday's Asbury Park Press that announces the upcoming Middletown Planning Board's public hearing for the Four Ponds (a.k.a Avaya) housing project in Lincroft.

This is the development that everyone on the Township Committee approved of in 2009 and was suppose to not happen.

Gerry Scharfenberger, Tony Fiore, Pam Brightbill and Steve Massell (who wasn't on the Township Committee in 2009, but as a member of the Planning Board approved of and presented the plans to the Township Committee) have repeatedly vowed that they are against the project but have done nothing to try and prevent it.

I'm sure that they will be blaming Democrats in Trenton for not heeding Governor Christie's wish to reform the affordable housing law, COAH, even though the governor vetoed a reform of it earlier this year:

TOWNSHIP OF MIDDLETOWN
PLANNING BOARD
NOTICE OF HEARING
Case #2010-202

To: All Property Owners Within 200 Feet

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT Four Ponds Center Associates has applied to the Planning Board of the Township of Middletown for preliminary and final site plan approval, with no variances, so as to permit the applicant to develop and construct 342 residential dwelling units, and one community clubhouse, with associated roadways, parking, walkways, stormwater management, utilities, lighting and landscaping improvements. The proposed dwelling units shall consist of 270 townhouses and 72 flats, with 68 of the flats being restricted as affordable housing. This project is part of the Township Housing Element and Fair Share Plan for affordable housing.

The existing commercial building located on the subject property shall be demolished. The property is zoned RMF-2 (Residential Multi-Family Overlay Zone), The application conforms to the standards of the RMF-2 Zone; however, the Applicant will seek any and all variances and/or waivers necessary to accommodate the application as filed or as revised by the Planning Board on premises located at 307 Middletown-Lincroft Road, also known as Block 1063, Lot 10 on the Tax Map.

A copy of the application has been filed in the Office of the Planning Board and may be inspected during regular business hours.

A public hearing will be held on Wednesday evening, the 4th day of May, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall, 1 Kings Highway, Middletown, New Jersey at which time you may appear either in person or by agent or attorney and present any objections which you may have to granting this application.

ANSELL GRIMM & AARON
Attorneys for Applicant
By:/s/ RICK BRODSKY, ESQ,
Dated: April 18, 2011

Letting The "Sunshine" In Monmouth

By Monmouth County Freeholder Amy Mallet

Common sense tells us that government is more responsive and ethical when its actions are open to public scrutiny. As Supreme Court Justice Brandeis famously said, “Sunlight is the best of disinfectants.” Woodrow Wilson, who appointed Brandeis to the Supreme Court, wrote about the need to shed light on the government. He said, “Light is the only thing that can sweeten our political atmosphere.”

As far back as the 1890s several states were already experimenting with disclosure rules to combat corruption in campaign finance. This is not a new conversation. Modern times change the delivery, but history provides us with perspective, and sometimes even inspiration.

The digital age allows more opportunities to let the sun in than ever before. We are living in unique times where technology creates new, exciting opportunities to widen access between the public and government. New tools such as imaging, scanning, the Internet, mass storage capacity and millions of hand-held devices have the potential to give people better insight into governmental decision-making, budgeting and spending.

This progress allows for two-way communication. For example, through the county Web site, individuals can send an e-mail with concerns or comments on a particular issue. The success of our political system requires that citizens be involved.

Human nature is such that elected officials who see no public interest in their activities are more likely to stray from the core interests of their constituents. At its worst, circumstances where elected officials face an apathetic public provide a breeding ground for corruption and abuse. Citizens need to care about how we govern, understand how government works and be aware of the issues we are addressing. They also need the tools to hold elected officials accountable for their actions.

Since taking office, I have advocated for certain changes geared toward a more transparent, accessible government:

In 2009, the Board of Chosen Freeholders supplemented online meeting agendas with the resolutions that were up for consideration by the board. This allowed the public to see more than just titles of these items.

Also in 2009, Monmouth County embraced social media and developed Facebook and Twitter sites.

In 2010, Monmouth County also began posting its proposed budget online. In the past it was posted only after it had been adopted.

Also in 2010, at my request and at little expense to the taxpayers, our Clerk of the Board moved from an antiquated tape system of recording minutes to digital recording technology. I would like to say this brought us into the 21st century, but it is more accurate to say it brought us out of the 1980s. This simple improvement has now allowed staff to more accurately transcribe the minutes, freed up space that had previously been used to store cassette tapes and gave the freeholders and staff immediate access to the important discussions that take place.
I am proud that as a result of moving to digital recordings of freeholder meetings, full audio of regular and workshop meetings are now available on the county Web site,http://www.visitmonmouth.comThis allows residents who are unable to attend meetings to hear the discussions that took place and stay more engaged in issues that are relevant to their lives.

The benefits of this technology go beyond convenience. We find ourselves in troubled times where citizens and the governments that serve them confront dire financial challenges. Municipal, county and state governments must be held to the highest standards of efficiency and productivity. The best means of reaching that goal is to pull back the curtain. In addition to posting meeting minutes and the budget we should post expenditures and employment and other contracts.

Despite these technological advances, I recommend that residents attend the meetings. They are generally held at the Hall of Records, 1 East Main St. in Freehold, with workshops at 2 p.m. and regular meetings at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. There are exceptions when the board takes the meetings on the road. A full and detailed schedule of meetings, as well as a wealth of other information, can be found on the county Web site.

Moving forward in this fashion would be a marked departure from the way many of our local public bodies have approached accessibility. But as technology advances excuses for failing to make this type of information available will evaporate.

Public officials need to be imaginative and efficient in organizing and making these documents available to the public. They should be encouraged in the knowledge that their efforts to promote government transparency fulfill the intent of those who founded our great country and ensures that the power entrusted to elected officials will not be abused.

Cullen, Lavan & Short Begin Fight for New Jersey's Thirteenth Legislative District

MONMOUTH COUNTY - On Monday, Democrats Christopher Cullen, Kevin M. Lavan and Patrick Short announced their intention to seek seats in the newly configured Thirteenth Legislative District. The three former elected officials will focus on protecting the environment, creating jobs, and reforming state government.

Mr. Cullen, who served previously as Mayor of Hazlet Township, will run as a write-in candidate in the June 7 Democratic primary for the chance to challenge State Senator Joseph Kyrillos (R-Middletown). He cited the Christie Administration's inaction on key environmental issues -- and the voters need for a choice -- as his reason for challenging the longtime lawmaker.

"The people of the Thirteenth Legislative District deserve a conversation about the future of our communities," said Mr. Cullen. "I hope my fellow Democrats will consider writing me in so I can have that conversation with Senator Kyrillos."
Mayor Cullen is a committed environmentalist. He said, "As Mayor, I worked with Democrats and Republicans alike to preserve thousands of acres of open space. As Senator, I'll go to Trenton to make sure that what remains of our woodlands and beaches don't give way to shopping centers and traffic jams."

Mr. Lavan and Mr. Short are seeking the two State Assembly seats currently held by Amy Handlin (R-Middletown) and Declan O'Scanlon (R-Little Silver). They believe the Thirteenth District deserves representatives who will fight for middle class families.

"It's time someone stood up for middle class families," said Mr. Lavan, also a former Mayor of Hazlet Township. "There are too many people out of work. Too many homes are in foreclosure. We need action to spur the economy and put people back to work."

Mr. Short, who during his tenure on the Middletown Township Committee fought for responsible budgeting and greater transparency, believes Mayor Lavan and he have the unique experience and skills to reform the way Trenton does business.

"Kevin and I were elected as a result of Operation Bid Rig," said Mr. Short. "Our involvement in public service was borne out of a desire to clean up our towns and restore the people's faith in local government. Ethics reform and greater transparency in state government will be among our top priorities when we head to the Assembly."

Mayor Cullen served on the Hazlet Township Committee from 2001-2004.
During that time, he preserved record amounts of open space. He currently works as facilities maintenance manager for the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Sandy Hook.

Mayor Lavan was elected to fill the seat of disgraced Republican Mayor Paul Coughlin in 2005. A Hiring Agent for New York Shipping, during his time in office he delivered the lowest municipal tax increases in a decade.

Committeeman Short graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and retired from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. On the Middletown Township Committee he opposed runaway borrowing and offered a series of reforms that resulted in increased transparency and greater responsibility to taxpayers.

The new Thirteenth Legislative District comprises Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Little Silver, Marlboro, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Rumson, Sea Bright, and Union Beach.

As A Matter Of Fact...State pleads poverty to reduce tax credits for working families, but has enough to provide tax credits for corporations

April 18th, 2011

For working families struggling to make ends meet, the state Earned Income Tax Credit is a necessity, and the Christie Administration’s 25 percent reduction in the credit this year for about a half million New Jersey families is a devastating increase in the taxes they owe.

Today, on tax day, it’s important to note that a parent with two children working full time at the minimum wage of $7.25 an hour (about $15,000 a year) will owe $300 more in taxes – or more than a week’s wages.

These are the same families who are also being targeted for other cuts in services that are essential to their independence. Last year about 48,000 uninsured parents who received the state EITC were denied health coverage through NJFamilyCare. That number is expected to rise to 92,000 parents this year.

It is getting to the point in New Jersey where, for many marginal families, it simply doesn’t pay to work. Aside from stripping those working families of their independence, it creates an even greater cost to the state.

The governor’s favorite rock star, Bruce Springsteen, recently cited a Legal Services of New Jersey report in a letter to the Asbury Park Press, writing, “the cuts are eating away at the lower edges of the middle class, not just those already classified as in poverty, and are likely to continue to get worse over the next few years.” The census data backs up his assertion. From 2005 to 2009 lower income groups increased, the middle class shrank and the number of wealthier people increased in New Jersey. Economics plays a role in this, but so does state policy.

This cutback in tax credits for working families comes even as the Christie administration and the Legislature are expanding tax credits for corporations in New Jersey.

For example, last month the state awarded Campbell Soup a $41 million tax credit to renovate its corporate headquarters, move 49 jobs from Cherry Hill to Camden and hire 50 new employees at the Camden site over the next 10 years. The credit includes $6.3 million for new furniture. Campbell qualifies for the subsidy, officially called the Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit, which is aimed at redeveloping urban centers, because its offices are within a mile of the Walter Rand Transportation Center.

The total cost to the state to fund that tax credit to Campbell Soup is nearly as much as the $45 million in savings gained by reducing the state EITC.

So who needs this help the most, one of the largest corporation in America or working New Jerseyans who can barely make ends meet to support their children? It’s unfortunate example of why the state needs a more balanced approach — one that doesn’t focus only on cuts in services, but also balances the demand for shared sacrifice fairly between working families and giant corporations.

Interested in learning more about the Earned Income Tax Credit? Check out this piece by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities:

A Hand Up: How State Earned Income Tax Credits Help Working Families Escape Poverty in 2011

Many Possible Reasons Behind Brightbill's Decision Not To Seek Re-Election in Middletown

It's been nearly a week now since Middletown Deputy Mayor Pam Brightbill announced that she wouldn't seek another term on the Middletown Township Committee.

The news came as a shock to many, including Board of Education member Joan Minnues, who has worked closely with Brightbill over the years putting together events such as the Great Race and Project Prom. According to Minnues, who I spoke to briefly at the April 14th Board of Education Candidates Forum at Harmony School, Brightbill's decision to step down from the Township Committee was a complete shock. She had told me that she speaks to Pam Brightbill often and had just spoken to her the day before the announcement and Pam gave her no indication of her desire to step down, It was a little out of left field.

So was this a last minute personal decision by our two-time Deputy Mayor in order for her to spend more time with her family and other endeavors or something more?

Those of us that have been keeping an eye on Town Hall have speculated privately for some time that Pam Brightbill was on the way out.

Her frequent meltdowns on the dais are legendary and her arrogant, self-serving display in front of the audience for the February 16th Library Board of Trustees meeting, where she squealed her dismay at board members for not sending her emails or keeping her "in the loop", when it was her that had appointed many of them to their positions, made many mouths drop wide open in disbelief through out the audience that night, didn't help matters.

But what really started the speculation flying about Brightbill was her near total meltdown during Committee Comments back at the September 20th, 2010 Township Committee meeting (audio below). At that meeting, she vented angrily at Township Administrator Tony Mercantante, for his lack of follow-up on many issues along with a total lack of communication between Mercantante, the Townships Committee and other various boards and commissions that she was serving on.

That type of public outburst between an elected Middletown GOP Township Committee member and a fellow Middletown GOP appointed official, must have caused just as much disbelief in the rank and file Republicans as it did to those us on the other side. After all, it's a cardinal sin to air dirty laundry out to dry in front of the public, in such a manner.

I think it was becoming evident to the leaders of the Middletown Republican Party that Pam Brightbill was becoming a problem to them and they wanted her off the ticket before she caused any real damage to their chances of winning this year's election.

The audio clip from the September meeting (above), runs 17 minutes long. It is fascinating to hear the desperate tone in Brightbill's voice when she is reprimanding/pleading with Administrator Tony Mercantante for better communication while discussing many other issues haphazardly thrown in.

Middletown Library’s $500,000 Forfeiture Is Not a Done Deal

by guest blogger Linda Baum

By now you’ve probably heard that, under heavy pressure from the Town Committee, the Library Board agreed to give nearly $500,000 of Library funds to the Township. I attended the Board meeting on 4/13/11 and learned that there are still issues to be resolved before the money can be transferred. My meeting notes were included in Mike’s 4/15/11 post. Those notes tell you the “what and when”, but there was much more to what transpired.

As Mike mentioned, the $500K transfer cannot be finalized until the State Library approves the deal, and there are a number of specific requirements that must first be met. Among these is the formation of a strategic plan that includes focus group feedback. My understanding is that ordinarily a strategic plan doesn’t have to involve focus groups. However, they are required in this case.

The Library Board last did a strategic plan in 2004 for the 3-5 year period going forward. That plan is now outdated. Per Library Director Susan O’Neal, work toward a new strategic plan began in 2009 but was not completed for lack of time and resources to devote to it. She feels strongly that a meaningful strategic plan is necessary and she expressed that opinion to the Board.

Committeeman Settembrino, who was clearly planted on the Board to see to the Town’s interests and not the Library’s, pressed for a quick finish. He insisted on a hurried approach that uses outdated data and places the burden of running focus groups on Library staff. With a quick switch of hats, he outright rejected a suggestion that the Town pay for an outside consultant to run the focus groups. (And why shouldn’t the Town pay? After all, the Town benefits because the work is for the sole purpose of finalizing the transfer.) I was stunned that Settembrino was allowed to unilaterally dismiss such a reasonable idea. I feel the Board should have required that the suggestion be presented to the Town Committee before any decision was made.

Ms. O’Neal stated that it would be inappropriate for Library staff to be involved in the focus group surveys because the standards established by the State Library specifically direct Library staff to offer guidance, but not to formulate the plan. Staffers’ involvement would also affect the quality of results, compromising the Board’s own standards. Add to the list that Susan’s time and that of other Library staff is stretched too thin already. She made a strong point that the failure to complete work started in 2009 is evidence that the help of an outside professional is needed.

Just as soon as Susan finished speaking, Settembrino made a motion for her to oversee all work.

Unfortunately, he got his way. A resolution was passed to handle the work internally, and a completion date of May 30th was set.

As part of that whole discussion, there was heated back and forth about the timing of the transfer. Kevin grilled Susan about what she was told by CFO Nick Trasente and Administrator Tony Mercantante about when they wanted the money. She told him that it was out of her hands, that the Board was required to meet the terms of the State Librarian, not the time table of the Town Committee. (The Town Committee should be well aware of that because the transfer requirements are clearly spelled out in official documents.)

In a comment to Mike’s 4/15/11 post, it was mentioned that the money doesn‘t have to be transferred right away to be included in the Town’s 2011 budget(Anon 4/16/11@8:51 pm). That makes sense. So if the delay won’t affect budget finalization, why the push to get the cash now versus at the end of the summer? That’s a question we should be asking.

Mr. Settembrino again appeared to be acting on the Town’s behalf when he pushed for early preparation of the Library’s 2012 draft budget, which already is done many months ahead of the Town’s. (In fact, if history is any indicator, the Town’s 2012 draft budget won’t be done ‘till well into 2012.) Ms. O’Neal and the other Board members pointed out that the usual October preparation of the Library’s budget has never presented a problem before – there has always been plenty of time for review. But Settembrino wanted it done sooner. He appeared to be setting the stage for the next raid. As I listened, my mouth fell open.

In the days following the meeting, I came by some additional information. Did you know that Town Committee members Pam Brightbill and Gerry Scharfenberger attended Library Board meetings in 2010 to lay the groundwork for the current grab? On the sideline, the Town’s attorney, Brian Nelson, lobbied for the law change that would allow them to move forward with their attack.

In response to those early overtures, last year the Library Board formally requested information from the Township. They received no reply.

You may have heard recently that the State Department of Community Affairs has required the Township to complete a corrective action plan for disparities found in its 2009 audit. I feel this is something we should be looking at much more closely.

There are a lot of questions that still need to be answered.