WASHINGTON—In this week’s address, President Obama urged both Republicans and Democrats to take action to avoid defaulting for the first time in our nation’s history. While the two parties are not far apart in their goals, they must resolve their differences quickly so that the United States can continue paying its Social Security checks, veterans’ benefits, and contracts with thousands of American businesses. The time has come to stop endangering the Triple A bond rating of the United States, put aside partisan politics, and behave responsibly to ensure a balanced approach to reducing our nation’s deficit.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Crime Scene Middletown: 11 Year Old Fondled In The Candy Isle Of Store and Other Recent Activity 7/25-7/29
WRITTEN BY MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT
ISSUED Monday, JULY 29TH, 2011 - Arrests do not indicate convictions
On July 28, 2011 at approximately 9:00 pm Patrolman Jason Caruso and Patrolman Donald Coates were on patrol in the area of the Henry Hudson Trail when they observed two juveniles holding cans of beer.
The officers approached the two subjects and conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrests of a 16 year old male juvenile from Keyport, NJ, and a 17 year old male juvenile from Keansburg, NJ, being arrested for Underage Possession of Alcohol. Both subjects were transported to police headquarters where they were processed and released to their guardians pending a court date.
On July 29, 2011 at approximately 1:45 am Patrolman Keith Hirschbein responded to the area of the WAWA store located on Highway 36 in reference to a report of a vehicle that was being operated in an erratic manner and struck several curbs.
Upon arrival the officer observed the vehicle almost strike a group of people standing in the parking lot. Officer Hirschbein stopped the vehicle and approached the driver identified as Charles Chapman, age 43, from Monmouth Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, at which point he detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath.
Officer Hirschbein conducted an investigation which resulted in Chapman being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving. He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released pending a court date.
On July 28, 2011 at approximately 10:30 pm Patrolman James Beirne was on patrol in the area of Port Monmouth Road when he observed a vehicle that had been reported stolen. The officer stopped the vehicle and conducted an investigation which resulted in the driver, identified as Michael Durnin, age 42, from Port Monmouth Road in Keansburg, NJ and the passenger, identified as Doreen Durnin, age 44, from Morningside Avenue in Keansburg, NJ being arrested.
Michael Durnin was charged with Receiving Stolen Property and Doreen Durnin was charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle. She was also charged with Contempt of Court after police found an outstanding warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court for her arrest. Both subjects were transported to police headquarters where they were held on bail.
On July 28, 2011 at approximately 4:45 pm Patrolman Jason Carsuo and Patrolman Donald Coates were on patrol in the area of the Outback Steak House when they observed a suspicious vehicle parked in the parking lot. The officers approached the vehicle and began to conduct an investigation at which point a subject, identified as Corey Blascak, age 19, from Ironwood Court in Middletown, NJ, walked towards the officers.
The officers begin speaking with Blascak when he began to run from the area. The officers chased him on foot and were able to apprehend him a short distance away. He was charged with Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Obstructing the Administration of Law and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after police located Marijuana in his backpack.
He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released pending a court date.
On July 27, 2011 at approximately 8:55 pm Patrolman Raymond Sofield and Patrolman James Beirne responded to the Bottle King Liquor Store in reference to two subjects who were attempting to purchase alcohol underage. Upon arrival the store manager advised the officers that Timothy Dugan, age 19, from McCutcheon Court in Middletown, NJ, and Sarah Binstok, age 18, from Bonwit Road in Ryebrook, NY, attempted to purchase beer by providing a fake Ohio driver’s license. The clerk recognized the license as a fake and contacted the police.
Both subjects were transported to police headquarters where they were charged with Attempting to Purchase Alcohol Underage. They were processed and released pending a court date.
On July 27, 2011 at approximately 3:15 pm Patrolman Ryan Riffert responded to the area of East Road and Railroad Avenue in reference to a report of a male subject approaching pedestrians and vehicles asking for money and cigarettes.
Upon arrival the officer located Arthur Tanskiy, age 21, from Alta Vista Court in Holmdel, NJ, approaching a vehicle. The officer stopped Tanskiy and conducted an investigation during which the officer located two Alprazolam pills in his possession.
Tanskiy was placed under arrested and was transported to police headquarters where he was charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was processed and held on $5,000.00 bail.
On July 26, 2011 Detective Kimberly Best arrested Divyeshkumar Rana, age 31, from Charles Street in Jersey City, NJ, for Sexual Assault, Criminal Sexual Contact and False Information to a Police Officer. Police say Rana was an employee of the Bray Avenue Deli on July 18, 2011 when he confronted an eleven year old female customer of the store.
Rana reportedly told the girl that he wanted to show her a new type of candy and is accused of fondling her buttocks once in the candy isle. Rana also provided the police with a false name during the investigation. He was processed and released after posting $50,000.00 bail with no 10% option set by Judge Richard English.
On July 26, 2011 at approximately 7:30 am Corporal James Keenan was dispatched to a “road rage” incident that was taking place in the Navesink section of Middletown. The victim called police headquarters and was reporting being chased by another subject in a vehicle. Officer Keenan was able to locate the vehicles on Monmouth Avenue.
Corporal Keenan began to conduct an investigation when one of the driver’s, identified as Michael Keller, age 45, from Marcellus Avenue in Manasquan, NJ, started to threaten the victim at which point Officer Keenan placed him under arrest.
Corporal Keenan continued his investigation and determined the victim had been travelling on the Garden State Parkway and Keller was travelling behind the victim’s car flashing his headlights in an attempt to have the victim pull over. The victim let Keller pass at which point Keller reportedly pulled out an identification and stated he was from the State Police and signaled the victim to pull over.
The victim continued to drive and called the police. Keller was charged with Terroristic Threats, False Imprisonment, Impersonating a Police Officer and Disorderly Conduct. He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and held on $10,000.00 bail. Police report Keller has no affiliation to the State Police.
On July 25, 2011 at approximately 5:20 pm Corporal Douglas Wiatrak responded to the Stop and Shop Store in reference to a report of an employee theft. Upon arrival store security advised the officer that they determined the employee, identified as Sandra Michaels, age 28, from Vernon Street in Oakhurst, NJ, had stolen $1,197.69 over a two month period.
Security advised Corporal Wiatrak that Michaels would make fraudulent refunds and coupon orders and then keep the cash. Michaels was arrested and was transported to police headquarters for processing. She was charged with Shoplifting and Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drugs after Officer Wiatrak found Hydrocodone pills on her at the time of her arrest.
She was released pending a court date.
On July 25, 2011 at approximately 5:00 pm Patrolman Keith Hirschbein was on patrol when he observed a subject, identified as Vaughn Cosby, age 25, from Oakland Avenue in the Navesink section of Middletown, walking in the street.
Officer Hirschbein was aware that there was an outstanding Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court for Cosby’s arrest. Officer Hirschbein took Cosby into custody and conducted a search incident to the arrest at which point he located 2 bags of Heroin in Cosby’s pocket.
Cosby was transported to police headquarters where he was charged with Contempt of Court and Possession of Heroin. He was processed and released pending a court date.
On July 26, 2011 at approximately 9:15 pm Patrolman Frank Mazza was conducting a foot patrol in the Leonardo Beach when he observed a group of juveniles sitting on a bench. The officer approached the group and observed one of the juveniles attempt to hide a bottle of Bacardi Rum.
The officer conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrest of a 17 year old male juvenile from Washington Avenue in Leonardo being arrested for Underage Possession of Alcohol. He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released to his father pending a court date.
Middletown Police report the arrests of the following subjects for various offenses:
Christopher Kamna, age 21, from Bamm Hollow Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 25, 2011 by Patrolman John Soltysik on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Holmdel Municipal Court. He was held on $164.00 bail.
Dominick Zara, age 50, from Ocean Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 25, 2011 by Corporal Douglas Wiatrak on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Eatontown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $81.00 bail.
Thomas Wlasiuk, age 32, from Seeley Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on July 25, 2011 by Patrolman John Mele for Harassment. He was released after posting $2500.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.
Anthony Spina, age 38, from Bergen Avenue in Jersey City, NJ, arrested on July 26, 2011 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $500.00 bail.
Sandra Keiser, age 59, from Blaine Avenue in Seaside Heights, NJ, arrested on July 26, 2011 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski on two Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Sayreville Municipal Court. She was released after posting $180.00 bail.
David Kelly, age 33, from Valarie Court in Brick, NJ, arrested on July 26, 2011 by Patrolman Richard Fulham for Criminal Mischief and Simple Assault. He was released after posting $2,500.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.
Scott Scheer, age 31, from Burlington Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on July 26, 2011 by Patrolman Anthony Dellatacoma for Simple Assault and Harassment. He was released pending a court date.
Michael Gregorio, age 25, from Bayview Boulevard in Barneget, NJ, arrested on July 27, 2011 by Corporal Murdoch on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, NJ on $750.00 bail.
Deborah Knesel, age 44, from Main Street in Belford, NJ arrested on July 28, 2011 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Highlands Municipal Court. She was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.
Stephen Tanis, age 49, from Jumping Brook Road in Lincroft, NJ, arrested on July 28, 2011 by Patrolman Robert Shannon for Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest and Obstructing the Administration of Law. He was released pending a court date.
ISSUED Monday, JULY 29TH, 2011 - Arrests do not indicate convictions
On July 28, 2011 at approximately 9:00 pm Patrolman Jason Caruso and Patrolman Donald Coates were on patrol in the area of the Henry Hudson Trail when they observed two juveniles holding cans of beer.
The officers approached the two subjects and conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrests of a 16 year old male juvenile from Keyport, NJ, and a 17 year old male juvenile from Keansburg, NJ, being arrested for Underage Possession of Alcohol. Both subjects were transported to police headquarters where they were processed and released to their guardians pending a court date.
On July 29, 2011 at approximately 1:45 am Patrolman Keith Hirschbein responded to the area of the WAWA store located on Highway 36 in reference to a report of a vehicle that was being operated in an erratic manner and struck several curbs.
Upon arrival the officer observed the vehicle almost strike a group of people standing in the parking lot. Officer Hirschbein stopped the vehicle and approached the driver identified as Charles Chapman, age 43, from Monmouth Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, at which point he detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath.
Officer Hirschbein conducted an investigation which resulted in Chapman being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving. He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released pending a court date.
On July 28, 2011 at approximately 10:30 pm Patrolman James Beirne was on patrol in the area of Port Monmouth Road when he observed a vehicle that had been reported stolen. The officer stopped the vehicle and conducted an investigation which resulted in the driver, identified as Michael Durnin, age 42, from Port Monmouth Road in Keansburg, NJ and the passenger, identified as Doreen Durnin, age 44, from Morningside Avenue in Keansburg, NJ being arrested.
Michael Durnin was charged with Receiving Stolen Property and Doreen Durnin was charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle. She was also charged with Contempt of Court after police found an outstanding warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court for her arrest. Both subjects were transported to police headquarters where they were held on bail.
On July 28, 2011 at approximately 4:45 pm Patrolman Jason Carsuo and Patrolman Donald Coates were on patrol in the area of the Outback Steak House when they observed a suspicious vehicle parked in the parking lot. The officers approached the vehicle and began to conduct an investigation at which point a subject, identified as Corey Blascak, age 19, from Ironwood Court in Middletown, NJ, walked towards the officers.
The officers begin speaking with Blascak when he began to run from the area. The officers chased him on foot and were able to apprehend him a short distance away. He was charged with Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Obstructing the Administration of Law and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after police located Marijuana in his backpack.
He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released pending a court date.
On July 27, 2011 at approximately 8:55 pm Patrolman Raymond Sofield and Patrolman James Beirne responded to the Bottle King Liquor Store in reference to two subjects who were attempting to purchase alcohol underage. Upon arrival the store manager advised the officers that Timothy Dugan, age 19, from McCutcheon Court in Middletown, NJ, and Sarah Binstok, age 18, from Bonwit Road in Ryebrook, NY, attempted to purchase beer by providing a fake Ohio driver’s license. The clerk recognized the license as a fake and contacted the police.
Both subjects were transported to police headquarters where they were charged with Attempting to Purchase Alcohol Underage. They were processed and released pending a court date.
On July 27, 2011 at approximately 3:15 pm Patrolman Ryan Riffert responded to the area of East Road and Railroad Avenue in reference to a report of a male subject approaching pedestrians and vehicles asking for money and cigarettes.
Upon arrival the officer located Arthur Tanskiy, age 21, from Alta Vista Court in Holmdel, NJ, approaching a vehicle. The officer stopped Tanskiy and conducted an investigation during which the officer located two Alprazolam pills in his possession.
Tanskiy was placed under arrested and was transported to police headquarters where he was charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was processed and held on $5,000.00 bail.
On July 26, 2011 Detective Kimberly Best arrested Divyeshkumar Rana, age 31, from Charles Street in Jersey City, NJ, for Sexual Assault, Criminal Sexual Contact and False Information to a Police Officer. Police say Rana was an employee of the Bray Avenue Deli on July 18, 2011 when he confronted an eleven year old female customer of the store.
Rana reportedly told the girl that he wanted to show her a new type of candy and is accused of fondling her buttocks once in the candy isle. Rana also provided the police with a false name during the investigation. He was processed and released after posting $50,000.00 bail with no 10% option set by Judge Richard English.
On July 26, 2011 at approximately 7:30 am Corporal James Keenan was dispatched to a “road rage” incident that was taking place in the Navesink section of Middletown. The victim called police headquarters and was reporting being chased by another subject in a vehicle. Officer Keenan was able to locate the vehicles on Monmouth Avenue.
Corporal Keenan began to conduct an investigation when one of the driver’s, identified as Michael Keller, age 45, from Marcellus Avenue in Manasquan, NJ, started to threaten the victim at which point Officer Keenan placed him under arrest.
Corporal Keenan continued his investigation and determined the victim had been travelling on the Garden State Parkway and Keller was travelling behind the victim’s car flashing his headlights in an attempt to have the victim pull over. The victim let Keller pass at which point Keller reportedly pulled out an identification and stated he was from the State Police and signaled the victim to pull over.
The victim continued to drive and called the police. Keller was charged with Terroristic Threats, False Imprisonment, Impersonating a Police Officer and Disorderly Conduct. He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and held on $10,000.00 bail. Police report Keller has no affiliation to the State Police.
On July 25, 2011 at approximately 5:20 pm Corporal Douglas Wiatrak responded to the Stop and Shop Store in reference to a report of an employee theft. Upon arrival store security advised the officer that they determined the employee, identified as Sandra Michaels, age 28, from Vernon Street in Oakhurst, NJ, had stolen $1,197.69 over a two month period.
Security advised Corporal Wiatrak that Michaels would make fraudulent refunds and coupon orders and then keep the cash. Michaels was arrested and was transported to police headquarters for processing. She was charged with Shoplifting and Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drugs after Officer Wiatrak found Hydrocodone pills on her at the time of her arrest.
She was released pending a court date.
On July 25, 2011 at approximately 5:00 pm Patrolman Keith Hirschbein was on patrol when he observed a subject, identified as Vaughn Cosby, age 25, from Oakland Avenue in the Navesink section of Middletown, walking in the street.
Officer Hirschbein was aware that there was an outstanding Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court for Cosby’s arrest. Officer Hirschbein took Cosby into custody and conducted a search incident to the arrest at which point he located 2 bags of Heroin in Cosby’s pocket.
Cosby was transported to police headquarters where he was charged with Contempt of Court and Possession of Heroin. He was processed and released pending a court date.
On July 26, 2011 at approximately 9:15 pm Patrolman Frank Mazza was conducting a foot patrol in the Leonardo Beach when he observed a group of juveniles sitting on a bench. The officer approached the group and observed one of the juveniles attempt to hide a bottle of Bacardi Rum.
The officer conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrest of a 17 year old male juvenile from Washington Avenue in Leonardo being arrested for Underage Possession of Alcohol. He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released to his father pending a court date.
Middletown Police report the arrests of the following subjects for various offenses:
Christopher Kamna, age 21, from Bamm Hollow Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 25, 2011 by Patrolman John Soltysik on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Holmdel Municipal Court. He was held on $164.00 bail.
Dominick Zara, age 50, from Ocean Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 25, 2011 by Corporal Douglas Wiatrak on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Eatontown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $81.00 bail.
Thomas Wlasiuk, age 32, from Seeley Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on July 25, 2011 by Patrolman John Mele for Harassment. He was released after posting $2500.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.
Anthony Spina, age 38, from Bergen Avenue in Jersey City, NJ, arrested on July 26, 2011 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $500.00 bail.
Sandra Keiser, age 59, from Blaine Avenue in Seaside Heights, NJ, arrested on July 26, 2011 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski on two Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Sayreville Municipal Court. She was released after posting $180.00 bail.
David Kelly, age 33, from Valarie Court in Brick, NJ, arrested on July 26, 2011 by Patrolman Richard Fulham for Criminal Mischief and Simple Assault. He was released after posting $2,500.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.
Scott Scheer, age 31, from Burlington Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on July 26, 2011 by Patrolman Anthony Dellatacoma for Simple Assault and Harassment. He was released pending a court date.
Michael Gregorio, age 25, from Bayview Boulevard in Barneget, NJ, arrested on July 27, 2011 by Corporal Murdoch on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, NJ on $750.00 bail.
Deborah Knesel, age 44, from Main Street in Belford, NJ arrested on July 28, 2011 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Highlands Municipal Court. She was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.
Stephen Tanis, age 49, from Jumping Brook Road in Lincroft, NJ, arrested on July 28, 2011 by Patrolman Robert Shannon for Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest and Obstructing the Administration of Law. He was released pending a court date.
Congressman Rush Holt; "The Latest News On the Debt Ceiling"
Americans are rightly disgusted by the news from Washington. If Congress and the President fail to act within days, or maybe just hours, the United States could be in the unprecedented position of defaulting on our obligations. In essence, the President would be required by law to conduct programs – including Medicare, Social Security, and the national defense – that, by law, he could not pay for.
What would happen next? Interest rates would rise, sending shockwaves through the economy. Home loans, car loans, and student loans would become far more expensive. Businesses, already finding credit unavailable, would have a harder time meeting payroll. The dollar’s status as the world’s most trusted currency would be threatened. And our credibility in the world markets would vanish. Surely, more layoffs, lower pay, and reduced economic activity would result.
This is an unnecessary, artificial crisis. It is not the result of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. It is solely the result of Republicans in Congress holding America hostage. They are threatening a crisis unless Congress enacts their extreme, ideological agenda – an agenda that demands hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts to Medicare and Social Security, all while protecting tax loopholes for oil companies, corporate jet owners, and billionaires.
What is especially troubling is Congress has now wasted weeks in these hostage negotiations instead of doing the real, difficult work required in this economy: putting people back to work. Solving the jobs crisis would do far more to reduce our nation’s deficit than any plan now pending in Congress. In fact, the long-term deficit would improve dramatically if we simply ended the Bush tax cuts for the very wealthy and Big Oil. Removing the Bush tax cuts would do more to reduce the deficit than Speaker Boehner’s bill.
To those who insist that, by refusing to allow America to pay its bills, they can teach the nation a lesson, I ask this question: would you teach yourself a lesson by refusing to pay your credit card bill?
The moment has long since passed to end this self-induced crisis. Let’s raise the debt limit and move on to the real work of rebuilding the American economy.
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Mtown News Flash 7-29-11
Middletown Police Offer Child Safety Seat Checkpoint July 30The Middletown Police Department Traffic Safety Bureau will offer a Child Safety Seat Checkpoint on Saturday, July 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Police Headquarters, 1 Kings Highway. Police officers trained as child passenger safety technicians will be available to assist motorists with proper child safety seat installation as well as proper positioning and harnessing of a child. Free and open to the public. No appointment necessary. In the event of severe weather, rain dates will be announced. The program is funded through a grant from the state Division of Highway Traffic Safety. Call 732-615-2045 for more information.
Middletown Swim Club Half-Season Memberships On Sale Aug 1-15
There's still time to get in on the fun at the Middletown Swim and Tennis Club. Half-season bathhouse memberships will be available for sale August 1-15. Half-season passes are valid from August 1st through September 5. The cost is $150 for adults, $120 for children ages 4-17, $60 for children ages 2-3 and $120 for seniors. Those without a 2011 membership are eligible to purchase a half-season pass. No adjustments will be made to any 2011 memberships.The Middletown Swim and Tennis Club is located at 214 Harmony Road. The club has over 10 acres of picnic and play areas. Amenities include 4 swimming pools, 5 tennis courts, bathhouses, a snack bar, volley ball, horseshoe and shuffleboard. Activities include family and teen fun nights, competitive swim teams, and sports tournaments. Call 732-671-5757. Click here for application
Mahoney Brothers Perform Thurs, Aug 4 at Normandy Park
Don't miss the final installment of the 2011 Summer Concert Series. The Mahoney Brothers will bring their impersonations of modern music greats to Middletown with their Jukebox Heroes Show on August 4 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Normandy Park. Comcast Cable is sponsoring the performance. In the event of inclement weather the concerts are moved to Middletown South High School. Limited on-site parking. For more information, contact Parks & Recreation Office Monday-Friday at 732-615-2260.In addition, the Arts Center is offering a concert series for families every Thursday through August 25th. Cool Kids Concerts with Miss Sherri, Thursdays, 4 - 5 p.m., are open to children ages 1-10 and their parents. The Middletown Arts Center and Miss Sherri, nationally known award winning Kindie Rocker/Singer, songwriter and founder of Honey Child Music Academy invite families to beat the heat and boogie down during the totally interactive shows. Admission is $5. Call 732-706-4100 for more information.
Grace Period Extended to August 24 for 3rd Quarter Tax Bill
Final 2011/Preliminary 2012 tax bills will be mailed Friday, July 29, 2011. The delay was to due by the State in certifying municipal state aid figures. As a result of the delay, the grace period has been extended to August 24, 2011. To avoid interest charges please make all payments by 4:00 PM, August 24, 2011. The last day for payment without interest is also printed on the tax bills.Fall Brush Collection Suspended
The fall brush collection is suspended. Brush can be brought to the Kanes Lane Recycling Center from Thursday through Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is no charge for residents to drop off brush. The fee for landscapers is $10 per yard. Please note residents will be required to remove any piles of brush that are on the roadway adjacent to their property. The next brush collection will be scheduled for Spring 2012.Fall Leaf Collection will be scheduled as usual. The leaf collection schedule will be announced in October.
Police Investigating Hit & Run
The Middletown Township Police Department is investigating a pedestrian hit and run crash that occurred on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at approximately 10 p.m. The crash occurred on State Highway 35 South between Navesink River Road and Coopers Bridge. A preliminary investigation revealed that the victim, a 26 year old male from Red Bank was walking near the intersection of Highway 35 South and Lakeshore Drive when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. After striking the victim the vehicle continued south on Highway 35 into Red Bank. The victim was treated at the scene and transferred to Jersey Shore Trauma Center for treatment where he is currently listed in critical condition. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or can provide any information pertaining to the crash is asked to please contact the Traffic and Safety Bureau at 732-615-2043. The crash is being investigated by Traffic Officers Cpl. Cliff O'Hara and Patrolman Darrin SimonA Community Connected...
to Each Other, to Healing, to Hope Juried Art Exhibition Honoring 9-11All entries must be received on Wednesday, August 17th or Thursday, August, 18th, from 4-9 p.m.
The Middletown Arts Center (MAC) announces an invitation to artists (over 18) to submit work in all media to A Community Connected...to Each Other, to Healing, to Hope Juried Art Exhibition Honoring 9-11. Artwork content should convey patriotism, hope, connectedness or growth in the wake of the historical World Trade Center tragedy and not include graphic imagery.
All entries must be received on Wednesday, August 17th or Thursday, August, 18th, from 4-9 p.m. to be selected by the Middletown Arts Center 9-11 Exhibit Committee. An entry fee of $5 per submission is required to cover exhibition costs. Multiple submissions are encouraged. Works to be hung must be display ready, suitably framed and wired for hanging. Entries improperly prepared for hanging will not be accepted. Pick-up of unaccepted work will take place on Monday, August 22nd from 4-9 p.m. Artists are invited to submit a brief biography and promotional items along with their work.
All work must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition from Thursday, August 25th through Sunday, September 25th and be picked up on Monday, September 26th or Tuesday, September 27th from 7 a.m-9 p.m. Visit www.middletownarts.org or call 732-706-4100 for an entry form.
Volunteers Needed for Middletown Domestic Violence Response Team
Middletown Township Police Department is currently recruiting volunteers to serve on the Middletown Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT). In affiliation with 180 Turning Lives Around (180), and with the assistance of the response team volunteers, Middletown Township Police Department continues to make available this service to victims of domestic violence. Applications are available now and interviews will begin shortly.The volunteer advocates with 180's DVRT program are civilian members of the community who work in collaboration with the police to provide crisis intervention and safety planning to victims of domestic violence at police headquarters. The specially-trained advocates also discuss with the victim their legal rights in regard to obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order. The volunteer advocates help to empower victims to make decisions about their own lives. The identities of the DVRT volunteers are kept anonymous. The 40-hour intensive, mandatory training course will be provided to successful applicants at no cost. 180 will be conducting the next four-week training October 24th – November 16th, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, 6:00p-9:30p, in the courtroom at Tinton Falls Borough Hall, 556 Tinton Avenue. Prior knowledge of domestic violence is not required. The services of the Middletown Domestic Violence Response Team are available to victims, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week at Middletown Township Police Department headquarters, 1 Kings Highway, Middletown NJ 07748
Basic requirements for volunteers to apply include that applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have access to transportation, possess a valid driver's license, be willing to serve on an on-call shift basis, participate in an interview process, submit to background investigations and fingerprinting, and successfully complete the mandatory training. Middletown Township Police Department and 180 Turning Lives Around are committed to culturally diverse teams to better serve the community. Bi-lingual capability is helpful. Please contact Sgt. Bill Colangelo, Middletown Police DVRT DVLO, at 732 615-2041 or email wcolange@middletownnj.org to obtain an application or for additional information.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or sexual violence, you can call the 180 Turning Lives Around Confidential Hotline at 732 264-4111, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. For more information, visit www.180nj.org In an emergency, dial 911.
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Wednesday, July 27, 2011
13th Legislative District Candidate Kevin Lavan Supports Unions and the Middle Class
I support unions. While the consequences of the recent pension deal between Governor Christie and Trenton lawmakers remains to be seen, now is the time for New Jerseyans to consider how best to protect the middle class in an era of high unemployment and declining pay. Unlike my opponents, Assemblywoman Amy Handlin and Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, I recognize that union membership translates into higher wages and better workplace conditions for Garden State workers. Handlin and O'Scanlon not only want to reform public employee benefits -- an idea that has merits -- they want to restrict the rights of private sector workers to negotiate with management. O'Scanlon is the sponsor of a bill that repeals the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act and the Public Works Contractor Registration Act, a move that essentially ends prevailing wage standards. That's an assault not only on union members, but on non-union construction workers and others in the building trades who rely on fair wage protections as a guarantee that they will be paid at a rate commensurate with their work.
Just this month, O'Scanlon and Handlin introduced a bill that makes New Jersey a “Right to Work” state. Although the legislation was pronounced dead on arrival, I am disappointed that my opponents are pursuing such a radical agenda. Right to work really means right to be fired. Passage of Handlin and O'Scanlon's legislation will result in lower wages and have a negative impact on workers safety and health.
My opponents are not only on the wrong side of working families, but quite literally, they are writing the laws that will set back the clock one hundred years and remove the protections that helped build our middle class.
It is important that New Jerseyans, especially those residing in the Thirteenth Legislative District, understand that the current debate extends far beyond public employee pensions. Elected officials should do everything in their power to protect taxpayers. While in office, I did just that. However, Garden State workers -- both union and non-union -- deserve to know that Handlin and O'Scanlon seek to undermine the very provisions that have allowed countless families to enter the middle class. I want no part in that, and if I am fortunate enough to be elected to the Assembly, I will be a champion of working families.
Kevin M. Lavan
Democratic Candidate
13th Legislative District
Perfect Timing As Latest Robo-Call Counters RedBankGreen Fluff Piece On Bamm Hollow Development
Earlier today I was surfing my favorite website and found a fluff piece on RedBankGreen.com concerning some old news about the redevelopment of the Bamm Hollow Country Club in Lincroft. I was going to post about it but I got dragged away until now, which as circumstances will have it was a good thing, because an hour or so later after reading how Township "OFFICIALS TOUT BAMM HOLLOW OPEN SPACE", the telephone rang.
On the other end of the phone was another robo-call issued by the group calling themselves "Concerned Citizens of Middletown". It stated how the addition of 500 homes in and around Lincroft is will be eroding the quality of life of residents in Middletown.
I copied the message off of my answering machine and have it posted below, along with a transcript for anyone interested in hearing it.
It must have been a slow news day for Dustin Racioppi and the RedBankGreen, as I said the story is old and is reporting on what was said in May when the court case was settled.
(Concerned Citizens Robo-Call #6: Eroding the Quality Of Life)
Have you heard the quality of life in Middletown, according to Money Magazine, has dropped 39% during the past four years?
Poor planning and dense re-zoning by Middletown politicians led to approval for over 500 new homes in Lincroft and Bamm Hollow.
Increased density will further erode our declining quality of life, and compete with homeowner’s unable to sell their homes in this dismal economy.
It’s time to clean house and throw-out incumbent politicians.
(Paid for by Concerned Citizens of Middletown)
On the other end of the phone was another robo-call issued by the group calling themselves "Concerned Citizens of Middletown". It stated how the addition of 500 homes in and around Lincroft is will be eroding the quality of life of residents in Middletown.
I copied the message off of my answering machine and have it posted below, along with a transcript for anyone interested in hearing it.
It must have been a slow news day for Dustin Racioppi and the RedBankGreen, as I said the story is old and is reporting on what was said in May when the court case was settled.
Middletown, as Township Attorney Brian Nelson (how come Township Administrator Tony Mercantante or Assistant Administrator James Van Nest didn't talk to RBG about this?) would like everyone to believe, did not win big.
Bam Hollow was originally zoned for 50 homes. The original proposal was to increase it to 200 homes. The Plannig Board said no and Bamm Hollow sued for 1,200. The Township setteld for 190. So who actually won big time here?
Brian Nelson and friends were not going to win the lawsuit, which is why they settled. They spent hundreds of thousands of dollars fighting it, so it is apparent who won big time. The lawyers hired by the Township to fight a losing battle. the open space would have been there
regardless.
regardless.
(Concerned Citizens Robo-Call #6: Eroding the Quality Of Life)
Have you heard the quality of life in Middletown, according to Money Magazine, has dropped 39% during the past four years?
Poor planning and dense re-zoning by Middletown politicians led to approval for over 500 new homes in Lincroft and Bamm Hollow.
Increased density will further erode our declining quality of life, and compete with homeowner’s unable to sell their homes in this dismal economy.
It’s time to clean house and throw-out incumbent politicians.
(Paid for by Concerned Citizens of Middletown)
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Letters To The Independent Expressing Outrage Over The Demotion Of Dr. Shallop Have BOE Members Defending Reassignment of Principal
According to the this weeks edition of the Independent (already posted online), many residents had sent letters to the publisher this past week, expressing outrage over the action taken by the members of the Middletown Board of Education that lead to the demotion of the very popular Principal of Middletown High School South, Dr. Anthony Shallop.
So many letters in fact that the Independent felt compelled to follow-up on these letters of support by contacting BOE members for a response, all of whom defended their decision to reassign Dr Shallop to his previously tenured position as a teacher at High School South via email.
...Board Member Vincent Brand said in an email that his decision was based on the facts relevant to the issue, which by law cannot be discussed in public because the issue remains personal and confidential.
“It would have been easy to vote the popular vote last night, but that would have been, for me, unethical to do so.”
According to Brand and board Vice President Christopher Aveta, the board gave Shallop a chance to address the issues prior to the vote.
“I fought hard for Dr. Shallop to get into executive session so that he would have every opportunity to impact the vote and so that he could hear directly from the board the specific issues at hand,” Brand said.
“He was given that chance and could not positively affect the outcome.”
Board member Michael Donlon was the only board member to vote against the reassignment.
“I had not been totally convinced the decision was correct, therefore I could not go along with it,” he said in an email.
“Granting tenure to someone is not a decision that is taken lightly,” board President Joan Minnuies said in an email.
Minnuies said that the decision was three months in the making and involved discussions with the district’s central office and Shallop.
“I feel that the information provided to the board by both the central office and Dr. Shallop himself has convinced the board that the decision we ended up making was the correct one,” she said....
This vague reasoning by BOE members is a little hard to swallow based on some of their comments. It seem as if the decision to reassign Shallop was made long in advance and no matter what he would have said to the Board in Executive session, his words would not have been convincing enough to change their minds and will remain a mystery until someone decides to break the silence and explain what really went on between Dr. Shallop and the BOE that lead to his reassignment.
Comments left on my previous post on this subject are full of speculation, name calling and innuendo as to the real reason why Anthony Shallop was stripped of his duties as Principal of High School South and reassigned back to his original teaching position that he had held before becoming principal a couple of years prior.
Some of the comments seem to have merit while others are a little farfetched, you can read them and decided for yourself which ones seem legitimate and which ones are bogus. The bottom line however, is that when the truth comes out someone will have egg on their face and will have some explaining to do.
The Independent posted online two letters that were sent them supporting Dr. Shallop in his fight to retain his position. The letter sent by Patricia Wood,Resident heartbroken over Board of Ed. action, was referred to in the article posted by the Independent, while the other written by Judy Krivitzky, Parent urges Mid’twn BOE to reconsider principal’s removal (An open letter to the Middletown Board of Education and Interim Superintendent Patrick Houston), collaborates and supports much of what is contained in Patricia Wood's letter.
They are both worth reading, as is the article about the BOE defending Shallop's reassignment. Somewhere in between the three, the truth lies.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Crime Scene Middletown: Burglary Suspect Apprehended,Employee Theft, Shoplifters Litter Roadway With Stolen Goods And Other Recent Activity
WRITTEN BY MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT
ISSUED Monday, JULY 25TH, 2011 - Arrests do not indicate convictions
On July 21, 2011 at approximately 1:25 pm Patrolman Raymond Sofield responded to the area of Atlantic Avenue to assist the Keansburg Police Department search for a suspect wanted for committing a burglary in Keansburg during which jewelry and a handgun were stolen. Officer Sofeild and officers from the Keansburg Police Department located the suspect, identified as Joseph Lynch, age 25, from Atlantic Avenue in Middletown, at his residence.
The officers conducted an investigation which resulted in Lynch being arrested for Receiving Stolen Property, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of a Handgun. Police located the stolen handgun and jewelry at his residence at the time of the arrest.
Lynch was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and bail was set at $55,000.00 with a 10% option on the Middletown charges. Lynch also faces charges in Keansburg.
On July 21, 2011 at approximately 12:20 pm Patrolman Donald Coates and Patrolman Jason Caruso were on patrol in the area of Navesink Avenue when they stopped a vehicle for failing to stop at a stop sign.
The officers approached the vehicle to speak with the driver when they observed a baggie containing Marijuana and a cigar used to smoke Marijuana in plain view in the car. The officers continued their investigation which resulted in the arrests of Shannon Bell, age 20, from Palmer Avenue in Belford, NJ; Anthony McDonnell, age 21, from Port Monmouth Road in Middletown and a 15 year old male juvenile also from Port Monmouth Road in Middletown being arrested for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
All three subjects were transported to police headquarters for processing. The juvenile was released to his guardian and McDonnell and Bell were released pending a court date.
On July 22, 2011 at approximately 1:36pm Corporal James Keenan responded to the Target Store in reference to a report of an employee theft. Upon arrival the officer was advised by store security that they had observed an employee, identified as Jennifer Digeso, age 29, from Beachway Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, ring several transactions into the cash register and then void them and pocket the cash.
Officer Keenan conducted an investigation which resulted in Digeso being arrested for theft. She was transported to police headquarters where she was processed and released pending a court date.
On July 24, 2011 at approximately 5:05 pm Officer Lisa Vreeland responded to the Shoprite store in reference to a report of a shoplifting. Upon arrival the officer was advised by the store manager that two men had entered the store and then left with a basket full of merchandise. The men reportedly entered a car and attempted to leave the parking lot when their car struck another vehicle.
The manager attempted to approach the vehicle at this time but the vehicle fled the area. The store manager followed the vehicle in his car and discovered the suspects threw the stolen items out of the vehicle. He was able to obtain a plate number for the car which he then provided to the police.
Officer Vreeland located the suspects and conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrests of Robert Newell, age 40, form Kenwood Drive in Middletown and Thomas Scott, age 40, from Atlantic Avenue in Long Branch, NJ, for Shoplifting and Conspiracy. Both subjects were transported to police headquarters where they were processed and were being held on $10,000.00 bail set by Judge James Berube.
On July 24, 2011 at approximately 3:00 am Patrolman Charles Higgins was on patrol in the area of Highway 36 and Church Street when he stopped a vehicle for speeding. Officer Higgins approached the driver, identified as Albin Wicki, age 21, from Third Street in Union Beach, NJ, at which point he detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath.
Officer Higgins conducted an investigation which resulted in Wicki being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving and Speeding. He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released pending a court date.
The Middletown Police Department reports the arrests of the following subjects for various offenses:
Kyle Clayton, age 19, from Thousand Oaks Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 21, 2011 by Corporal Daniel Murdoch for Simple Assault and Criminal Mischief. He was released pending a court date.
Richard Emme, age 49, from Leonardville Road in Belford, NJ, arrested on July 22, 2011 by Patrolman Christian Clark for Violating a Court Order. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail with a 10% option.
Ryan Mason, age 21, from East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, arrested on July 22, 2011 by Patrolman Adam Vandetti on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.
Randy Wagner, age 33, from Fourth Street in East Pennsylvania, arrested on July 22, 2011 by Patrolman Christopher Dee on a Contempt of Court warrant. He was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, NJ.He w
Michael Lennon, age 35, from Seabreeze Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 22, 2011 by Patrolman Donald Coates on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Newark Municipal Court and a Failure to Appear warrant Issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court. He was being held on bail.
Robert Pagan, age 30, from Kimberly Court in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 24, 2011 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.
ISSUED Monday, JULY 25TH, 2011 - Arrests do not indicate convictions
On July 21, 2011 at approximately 1:25 pm Patrolman Raymond Sofield responded to the area of Atlantic Avenue to assist the Keansburg Police Department search for a suspect wanted for committing a burglary in Keansburg during which jewelry and a handgun were stolen. Officer Sofeild and officers from the Keansburg Police Department located the suspect, identified as Joseph Lynch, age 25, from Atlantic Avenue in Middletown, at his residence.
The officers conducted an investigation which resulted in Lynch being arrested for Receiving Stolen Property, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of a Handgun. Police located the stolen handgun and jewelry at his residence at the time of the arrest.
Lynch was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and bail was set at $55,000.00 with a 10% option on the Middletown charges. Lynch also faces charges in Keansburg.On July 21, 2011 at approximately 12:20 pm Patrolman Donald Coates and Patrolman Jason Caruso were on patrol in the area of Navesink Avenue when they stopped a vehicle for failing to stop at a stop sign.
The officers approached the vehicle to speak with the driver when they observed a baggie containing Marijuana and a cigar used to smoke Marijuana in plain view in the car. The officers continued their investigation which resulted in the arrests of Shannon Bell, age 20, from Palmer Avenue in Belford, NJ; Anthony McDonnell, age 21, from Port Monmouth Road in Middletown and a 15 year old male juvenile also from Port Monmouth Road in Middletown being arrested for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
All three subjects were transported to police headquarters for processing. The juvenile was released to his guardian and McDonnell and Bell were released pending a court date.
On July 22, 2011 at approximately 1:36pm Corporal James Keenan responded to the Target Store in reference to a report of an employee theft. Upon arrival the officer was advised by store security that they had observed an employee, identified as Jennifer Digeso, age 29, from Beachway Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, ring several transactions into the cash register and then void them and pocket the cash.
Officer Keenan conducted an investigation which resulted in Digeso being arrested for theft. She was transported to police headquarters where she was processed and released pending a court date.
On July 24, 2011 at approximately 5:05 pm Officer Lisa Vreeland responded to the Shoprite store in reference to a report of a shoplifting. Upon arrival the officer was advised by the store manager that two men had entered the store and then left with a basket full of merchandise. The men reportedly entered a car and attempted to leave the parking lot when their car struck another vehicle.
The manager attempted to approach the vehicle at this time but the vehicle fled the area. The store manager followed the vehicle in his car and discovered the suspects threw the stolen items out of the vehicle. He was able to obtain a plate number for the car which he then provided to the police.
Officer Vreeland located the suspects and conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrests of Robert Newell, age 40, form Kenwood Drive in Middletown and Thomas Scott, age 40, from Atlantic Avenue in Long Branch, NJ, for Shoplifting and Conspiracy. Both subjects were transported to police headquarters where they were processed and were being held on $10,000.00 bail set by Judge James Berube.
On July 24, 2011 at approximately 3:00 am Patrolman Charles Higgins was on patrol in the area of Highway 36 and Church Street when he stopped a vehicle for speeding. Officer Higgins approached the driver, identified as Albin Wicki, age 21, from Third Street in Union Beach, NJ, at which point he detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath.
Officer Higgins conducted an investigation which resulted in Wicki being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving and Speeding. He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released pending a court date.
The Middletown Police Department reports the arrests of the following subjects for various offenses:
Kyle Clayton, age 19, from Thousand Oaks Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 21, 2011 by Corporal Daniel Murdoch for Simple Assault and Criminal Mischief. He was released pending a court date.
Richard Emme, age 49, from Leonardville Road in Belford, NJ, arrested on July 22, 2011 by Patrolman Christian Clark for Violating a Court Order. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail with a 10% option.
Ryan Mason, age 21, from East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, arrested on July 22, 2011 by Patrolman Adam Vandetti on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.
Randy Wagner, age 33, from Fourth Street in East Pennsylvania, arrested on July 22, 2011 by Patrolman Christopher Dee on a Contempt of Court warrant. He was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, NJ.He w
Michael Lennon, age 35, from Seabreeze Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 22, 2011 by Patrolman Donald Coates on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Newark Municipal Court and a Failure to Appear warrant Issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court. He was being held on bail.
Robert Pagan, age 30, from Kimberly Court in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 24, 2011 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.
It's Your Town - Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 15- 7/18/11
It's hard to believe but another issue of It's Your Town newsletter has just been posted. This edition of the newsletter is the third one for this month and covers the regular business meeting of the Middletown Township Committee meeting of July 18th, 2011. It was very short, only about 20 minutes for the business portion of the meeting so there isn't a lot to this edition of the newsletter. This newsletter however, is the best account of the meeting, unless you get the actual recording.
Make sure you read it so that you too can be informed of what is happening down at Town Hall.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Upcoming Fundraisers In Support Of Amy Mallet, Bill Shea, Christopher Cullen, Kevin Lavan & Patrick Short
The following is a list of upcoming fundraisers for Democratic Candidates Freeholder Amy Mallet, Freeholder Candidate Bill Shea and 13th Legislative District Candidates Christopher Cullen, Kevin Lavan and Patrick Short.
Each event should be a great time for those that would be interested in showing their support of the candidates by attending:
Fundraiser in Support of Freeholder Amy Mallet
6:30-8:30pm
Home of Sean Byrnes, 880 West Front Street, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701
For more information or to RSVP:
Home of Sean Byrnes, 880 West Front Street, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701
For more information or to RSVP:
email info@amymallet.com
Sunday, July 31st, 2011
Sunday, July 31st, 2011
Haskell Invitational Fundraiser in support of Bill Shea for Freeholder
Monmouth Park, Oceanport, New Jersey
$65/supporter, $120/sponsor, $250/gold sponsor
$65/supporter, $120/sponsor, $250/gold sponsor
Please make checks payable to:
Friends of Bill Shea for Freeholder, P.O. Box 155, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730
Please RSVP to:
Maryellen Principe at 732.888.1862
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011
Labor Leaders of the 13th District Reception In support of
Kevin Lavan, Patrick Short and Chris Cullen
Assaggini di Roma
3253 Highway 35 North, Hazlet NJ 07730
RSVP to Joe Caliendo at 732.671.0870
Monday, August 8th, 2011
Monday, August 8th, 2011
Golf outing in Support of Bill Shea for Freeholder
11am
Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club, 20 Shore Oak Drive, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
$250/guest, $500/sponsor, $1,000/silver sponsor and $2,500 gold sponsor
$50 guest dinner with paying golf participant, $75 for dinner only (no golf)
Please RSVP or for more info call:
Ron Principe at 732.888.1862
email ronprincipe@gmail.com or votebillshea@gmail.com
Thursday, August 11th, 2011
Fashion Show in support of Bill Shea for Freeholder
Lakeside Manor, Route 36, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730
$40/supporter, $80/sponsor, $150/gold sponsor
RSVP to Maryellen Principe at 732.888.1862
Friends of Bill Shea for Freeholder, P.O. Box 155, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730
Friday, August 19th, 2011
A Night of Comedy supporting Kevin Lavan, Patrick Short and Christopher Cullen for 13th Legislative District
7-11pm
Bayshore Senior Recreation Center
Bayshore Senior Recreation Center
100 Main Street
Keansburg, New Jersey
$40/supporter, $75/friend and $150/co-host
Buffet included
RSVP to:
John Amberg @ jamberg825@gmail.com or 732-291-4272
Crime Scene Middletown: Recent Activity July 15th-19th
WRITTEN BY MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT
ISSUED TUESDAY, JULY 21TH, 2011 - Arrests do not indicate convictions
On July 15, 2011 at approximately 11:10 pm Patrolman Antonio Ciccone responded to the area of Navesink River Road in reference to a report of a motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival Officer Ciccone was conducting his investigation when he observed a glass pipe used to smoke Marijuana and a prescription bottle containing Marijuana in plain view inside the car.
Officer Ciccone continued his investigation which resulted in the driver, identified as Charles Blasi, age 20, from Autumn Terrace in Holmdel, NJ, being arrested for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was processed and released pending a court date.
On July 19, 2011 at approximately 7:30 pm Patrolman Jason Caruso and Patrolman Donald Coates were on patrol in the area of the Outback Steak House located on Highway 35 when they observed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot. The officers approached the driver, identified as Joseph Thacke, age 48, from Blossom Circle in Middletown, NJ, at which point they detected an odor of burnt Marijuana coming from inside the car.
The officers conducted an investigation which resulted in Thacke being arrested for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The officers also discovered an outstanding Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court for Thacke’s arrest.
He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released after posting $239.00 bail.
On July 20, 2011 at approximately 9:40 pm Patrolman Michael Reuter responded to the Bottle King Liquor store in reference to a report of an underage subject trying to purchase alcohol with a fake identification. Upon arrival the officer was advised by the store manager that a female, identified as Claudia Morozova, age 18, from Chaser Court in Holmdel, NJ, presented a fake driver’s license in an attempt to purchase alcohol. The manager recognized the license as being a fake and contacted police.
Morozova was placed under arrest and was transported to police headquarters where she was charged with Attempting to Purchase Alcohol Underage. She was processed and released pending a court date.
The Middletown Police Department reports the arrests of the following subjects for various offenses:
Marcos Varela Serrano, age 26, from East Sunset Avenue in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on July 19, 2011 by Lt. John Kaiser on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.
Danielle Boyce, age 35, from Port Monmouth Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 19, 2011 by Patrolman Jason Caruso and Patrolman Donald Coates on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was held on $250.00 bail.
Lisa Torrez, age 30, from Luppatatong Avenue in Keyport, NJ, arrested on July 19, 2011 by Patrolman Charles Higgins on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was held on $883.00 bail.
Amanda Aversa, age 23, from Berman Way in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 20, 2011 by Patrolman Nicholas Fenezia on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Tinton Falls Municipal Court. She was released after posting $190.00 bail.
Danielle Williams, age 24, from Hudson Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 20, 2011 by Patrolman Brian Dilworth on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court. She was released after posting $350.00 bail.
Stevens Guilmeus, age 20, from First Avenue in Asbury Park, NJ, arrested on July 21, 2011 by Patrolman Albert Scott on a Contempt of Court warrant. He was released after posting bail.
On July 19, 2011 Patrolman James Beirne arrested a 16 year old female from Middletown, NJ, for Disorderly Conduct, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful purpose and Obstructing the Administration of Law. She was being held at the Middlesex County Youth Detention Center in New Brunswick.
Daniel Gibbons, age 36, from 13th Avenue in Belmar, NJ, arrested on July 19, 2011 by Patrolman Michael Pintilie on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.
ISSUED TUESDAY, JULY 21TH, 2011 - Arrests do not indicate convictions
On July 15, 2011 at approximately 11:10 pm Patrolman Antonio Ciccone responded to the area of Navesink River Road in reference to a report of a motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival Officer Ciccone was conducting his investigation when he observed a glass pipe used to smoke Marijuana and a prescription bottle containing Marijuana in plain view inside the car.
Officer Ciccone continued his investigation which resulted in the driver, identified as Charles Blasi, age 20, from Autumn Terrace in Holmdel, NJ, being arrested for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was processed and released pending a court date.
On July 19, 2011 at approximately 7:30 pm Patrolman Jason Caruso and Patrolman Donald Coates were on patrol in the area of the Outback Steak House located on Highway 35 when they observed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot. The officers approached the driver, identified as Joseph Thacke, age 48, from Blossom Circle in Middletown, NJ, at which point they detected an odor of burnt Marijuana coming from inside the car.The officers conducted an investigation which resulted in Thacke being arrested for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The officers also discovered an outstanding Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court for Thacke’s arrest.
He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released after posting $239.00 bail.
On July 20, 2011 at approximately 9:40 pm Patrolman Michael Reuter responded to the Bottle King Liquor store in reference to a report of an underage subject trying to purchase alcohol with a fake identification. Upon arrival the officer was advised by the store manager that a female, identified as Claudia Morozova, age 18, from Chaser Court in Holmdel, NJ, presented a fake driver’s license in an attempt to purchase alcohol. The manager recognized the license as being a fake and contacted police.
Morozova was placed under arrest and was transported to police headquarters where she was charged with Attempting to Purchase Alcohol Underage. She was processed and released pending a court date.
The Middletown Police Department reports the arrests of the following subjects for various offenses:
Marcos Varela Serrano, age 26, from East Sunset Avenue in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on July 19, 2011 by Lt. John Kaiser on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.
Danielle Boyce, age 35, from Port Monmouth Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 19, 2011 by Patrolman Jason Caruso and Patrolman Donald Coates on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was held on $250.00 bail.
Lisa Torrez, age 30, from Luppatatong Avenue in Keyport, NJ, arrested on July 19, 2011 by Patrolman Charles Higgins on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was held on $883.00 bail.
Amanda Aversa, age 23, from Berman Way in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 20, 2011 by Patrolman Nicholas Fenezia on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Tinton Falls Municipal Court. She was released after posting $190.00 bail.
Danielle Williams, age 24, from Hudson Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 20, 2011 by Patrolman Brian Dilworth on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court. She was released after posting $350.00 bail.
Stevens Guilmeus, age 20, from First Avenue in Asbury Park, NJ, arrested on July 21, 2011 by Patrolman Albert Scott on a Contempt of Court warrant. He was released after posting bail.
On July 19, 2011 Patrolman James Beirne arrested a 16 year old female from Middletown, NJ, for Disorderly Conduct, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful purpose and Obstructing the Administration of Law. She was being held at the Middlesex County Youth Detention Center in New Brunswick.
Daniel Gibbons, age 36, from 13th Avenue in Belmar, NJ, arrested on July 19, 2011 by Patrolman Michael Pintilie on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
President Obama's Weekly Address 7/23/11: A Bipartisan Approach to Strengthening the Economy
WASHINGTON-- In this week’s address, President Obama discussed the urgency of Democrats and Republicans coming together to take a balanced approach to cutting the deficit to strengthen our economy and leave for our children a more secure future.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Middletown News Flash 7-22-11
Heat Wave Driving High Water Demands in Monmouth County
NJ American Water requests that customers curtail water use
As a stretch of hot, dry weather makes its way to the East Coast, New Jersey American Water is reminding its Monmouth County customers to use water wisely, curtail water use, and limit lawn watering to an "odd/even" schedule at most as the company deals with significantly high water demands.
New Jersey American Water has – since the beginning of the summer season – requested that customers use a schedule of an odd/even outdoor watering and not water lawns daily.
"In the next several days, the temperatures and heat index are expected to reach extremely high levels and there appears to be little chance of sustained rainfall," said Steve Tambini, New Jersey American Water's vice president of operations. "During extended periods of hot and dry weather such as this, water use increases significantly, especially outdoors. In order to ensure that New Jersey American Water is able to continue to deliver reliable water service, we are requesting that customers use water wisely both inside and outside the home."
The suggested odd/even outdoor water use schedule works as follows:
- Watering your lawn or garden should occur on odd days of the month if your street address is an odd number (i.e., 23 Oak St., 7 Maple Ave.)
- Watering your lawn or garden should occur on even days of the month if your street address is an even number (i.e., 6 Oak St., 354 Maple Ave.)
- It is also suggested that watering of lawns be done early or late to minimize evaporation, typically between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The above suggestions would NOT apply to:
- Watering of sod or newly seeded lawns if daily watering is required (note: it is recommended that any planting of new sod or seed that has not already taken place be delayed until the fall)
- Use of private wells for lawn irrigation
- Commercial uses of outdoor water, such as for nurseries, farm stands, power washing, plumbing, and commercial car washes
- Watering of athletic fields
While New Jersey American Water is encouraging efficient outdoor water use at this time, if water demands continue to significantly increase or supplies continue to significantly decrease, formal and more strict water restrictions may be needed to ensure continued water service.
For more information and more tips on how to conserve water, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com. Follow New Jersey American Water on Twitter at www.twitter.com/njamwater.
Grace Period To Be Extended for 3rd Quarter Tax Bills
Final 2011/Preliminary 2012 tax bills have not yet been mailed due to the delay by the State in certifying municipal state aid figures. We anticipate tax bills being mailed by the end of July with a due date of August 1, however, the ten (10) day grace period will be extended. The last day for payment without interest will be printed on the tax bills. You may also access this information on the website once a date has been set.
Middletown Police Offer Child Safety Seat Checkpoint July 30
The Middletown Police Department Traffic Safety Bureau will offer a Child Safety Seat Checkpoint on Saturday, July 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Police Headquarters, 1 Kings Highway. Police officers trained as child passenger safety technicians will be available to assist motorists with proper child safety seat installation as well as proper positioning and harnessing of a child. Free and open to the public. No appointment necessary. In the event of severe weather, rain dates will be announced. The program is funded through a grant from the state Division of Highway Traffic Safety. Call 732-615-2045 for more information.
Township Welcomes Newest Auxiliary Officers
The Middletown Township Committee welcomed the newest members of the Police Auxiliary to the ranks at the July meeting. The officers are are Philip Paone, John Mania, Matthew Rabinowitz, Kaitlyn Robertson, John Svenda, Catherine Simplot, Gregory Tiven, and Kevin Toomey.
The Auxiliary Officers are recent graduates of the 45th Middlesex County Basic Auxiliary Police Academy. They will also undergo local training in the Middletown Police Auxiliary Field Training Program.
"On behalf of all the residents of Middletown, we appreciate the effort and hard work you put in to help us. We couldn't do what we do without great volunteers such as you," said Mayor Anthony P. Fiore. He noted the Police Auxiliary Unit donated more than 8,000 hours to assist the community in 2010.
The Middletown Auxiliary Police is a 100% volunteer organization that falls under the direction of the Middletown Office of Emergency Management. An Auxiliary Police Officer performs general law enforcement functions, which includes street patrol, conducting preliminary police investigations, report writing, traffic control, issuance of citations, and other basic law enforcement functions. They are utilized at special events such as parades, and street fairs, and during weather and other emergencies.
Middletown Soccer Club U17G Team Wins State Cup
The Middletown Soccer Club U17 Girls Soccer Team was recognized by the Township Committee at the July meeting for winning the NJ Youth Soccer U17G State Cup. They also won the prestigious JAGS Invitational, and were semi-finalists in the equally prestigious Needham College Showcase in Boston, Mass. The team has been together since 2003. They've competed in tournaments/leagues throughout the years in New Jersey New York, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC. The team has been ranked in the NJ top 20 for 3 consecutive years 2009, 2010, and 2011. They won the NJ State Cup Semi-finalist in 2010. Go Team!
4th Annual Fun Scouting Skills Day at Poricy Park
Saturday, September 10, 2011.
Space Limited – Register Today!
Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts are invited to explore Poricy Park and learn some scouting skills while having fun. Exciting activities include Tied Up in Knots, Compass Frisbee, Tracks of the Trade, Bandage A Buddy and more!
This is a popular program and registration closes at 120 scouts, so it's recommended to reserve early. No registrations will be accepted the day of the event. Staggered start times are 1:30pm-3:45pm and will be assigned in late August. All activities will conclude by 5:00pm.
Paid registration prior to August 1 is $8 per scout, includes special patch and delivery of patch is guaranteed at the event. Paid registration between August 1 to September 1 is $12 per scout, includes special patch, but delivery of patch is not guaranteed at the event. Paid registration between September 1 to September 9 is $15 per scout, $2 additional charge per patch and no guarantee of delivery of patch at the event.
The Nature Center is open Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm. To make a reservation or for more information please call the Nature Center at 732-842-5966. For additional information about the program visit www.poricypark.org. Programs are held rain or shine, so please dress accordingly.
All summer camp and community programs are run by Poricy Park Conservancy, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, located at 345 Oak Hill Road in Middletown Township. With exceptional ecological resources, the 250 acre historical and nature site makes it one of the largest parks in Monmouth County. The Park offers recreational activities such as magnificent wooded hiking trails, bird watching, pristine pond settings, fishing, and a one-of-a-kind 70 million year-old Cretaceous fossil bed. For more information please visit us at www.PoricyPark.org, or call us at 732-842-5966.
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Friday Funnies: Goodbye Mom
A young man shopping in a supermarket noticed a little old lady following him around. If he stopped, she stopped. Furthermore she kept staring at him.
She finally overtook him at the checkout, and she turned to him and said, "I hope I haven't made you feel ill at ease; it's just that you look so much like my late son."
He answered, "That's okay."
"I know it's silly, but if you'd call out 'Good bye, Mom' as I leave the store, it would make me feel so happy."
She then went through the checkout, and as she was on her way out of the store, the man called out, "Goodbye, Mom."
The little old lady waved and smiled back at him..
Pleased that he had brought a little sunshine into someone's day, he went to pay for his groceries.
"That comes to $121.85," said the clerk..
"How come so much? I only bought 5 items."
The clerk replied, "Yeah, but your Mother said
you'd be paying for her things, too."
Bet you thought this was going to be a tear jerker.
Don't trust Little Old Ladies!!!
She finally overtook him at the checkout, and she turned to him and said, "I hope I haven't made you feel ill at ease; it's just that you look so much like my late son."
He answered, "That's okay."
"I know it's silly, but if you'd call out 'Good bye, Mom' as I leave the store, it would make me feel so happy."
She then went through the checkout, and as she was on her way out of the store, the man called out, "Goodbye, Mom."
The little old lady waved and smiled back at him..
Pleased that he had brought a little sunshine into someone's day, he went to pay for his groceries.
"That comes to $121.85," said the clerk..
"How come so much? I only bought 5 items."
The clerk replied, "Yeah, but your Mother said
you'd be paying for her things, too."
Bet you thought this was going to be a tear jerker.
Don't trust Little Old Ladies!!!
No More Tax Payer Bailouts: WHAT WALL STREET REFORM IS DOING FOR YOU
This morning, a group of public servants showed up to work at a brand-new agency created to protect everyday Americans from the abuses of Wall Street.
They're the folks of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and they'll be the cops on the beat protecting consumers from predatory credit card and mortgage lenders, bait-and-switch creditors, and anyone trying to make a quick buck by deceiving or manipulating Americans who are just trying to secure their financial future.
Many Americans don't know it, but this bureau is just one part of a sweeping Wall Street reform law -- the most pro-consumer and pro-taxpayer reform of our financial system since the Great Depression -- that President Obama signed a year ago today.
Watch this video to get a quick overview of the law, and a briefing on the special interests trying to undermine it:
They're the folks of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and they'll be the cops on the beat protecting consumers from predatory credit card and mortgage lenders, bait-and-switch creditors, and anyone trying to make a quick buck by deceiving or manipulating Americans who are just trying to secure their financial future.
Many Americans don't know it, but this bureau is just one part of a sweeping Wall Street reform law -- the most pro-consumer and pro-taxpayer reform of our financial system since the Great Depression -- that President Obama signed a year ago today.
Watch this video to get a quick overview of the law, and a briefing on the special interests trying to undermine it:
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Middletown Board Of Education Does Nothing To Dispel Perception Of Dysfunction At Last Nights Meeting
According to an online post at Middletown-Patch, last nights Middletown Board of Education meeting turned out to be a nearly 6 hour carnival show, ending sometime after 1 A.M. It seems that all of the hullaballoo was over the demotion of Middletown High School South Principle Dr. Anthony Shallop.
According to Patch, hundreds of Shallop supporter packed the BOE meeting and overflowed into the corridors of Middletown High School North to protest the demotion and lend their support of the very popular Doctor Shallop.
According to Patch, hundreds of Shallop supporter packed the BOE meeting and overflowed into the corridors of Middletown High School North to protest the demotion and lend their support of the very popular Doctor Shallop.
In the end it didn't matter, the BOE demoted Principle Shallop over the concerns of everyone who were there to show support.
I have been hearing from many residents and a few former school employees who feel that this current BOE is dysfunctional and a joke, they feel that the quality of education in Middletown is suffering for it.
It seems that all this BOE is worried about is pulling the rug out from the many administrators that work for the school system. Since September of last year the school system has gone through 2 superintendents, a few assistant superintendents, a business administrator and any number of professional Principles and Vice-Principles, Para-Professionals, Guidance Counselors and many teachers through out the district.
No wonder why people feel that the current crop of "volunteers" that make up the BOE are dysfunctional and don't know what they are doing.
Hypocrite Handlin's "Right to Work" Article Is Biased And Fails To Tell The Whole Story.
Readers may find Amy Handlin's article about the "Right to Work" and unions rather interesting even though it is somewhat biased and fails to tell the whole story.
Since I am a life member of the Communications Workers of America" union ( a member since 1953 when I went to work for the telephone company...it was New Jersey Bell then and was Bell Atlantic when I retired in 1989 and is Verizon today) ,and CWA was a union that represented only telephone workers and was an "agency shop" not a "closed shop", my view of the situation differs from Ms. Handlin's point of view.
Unions are businesses also and they are in the business of representation..........thus CWA represents public workers today because technology has diminished the number of telephone workers. Since it requires many members to accomplish goals on behalf of membership,CWA expanded it's membership into the public sector where the growth of potential membership existed. The old adage is "there is strength in numbers " .
Everyone benefits from the unions accomplishments,even management who are not usually unionized ( police are one exception). CWA was always considered one of the most democratic ( not in the political sense) of the major unions in this country.
Distortion of the facts for political purposes serves no one . The republicans do a good job at the blame game but they have no compunction in failing to tell the whole truth for political purposes. Union membership is comprised of both Republicans and Democrats........lots of people from each party. It is not all about politics, it's about "fair representation" of workers rights.
Barbara Thorpe
Lincroft NJ
Unions are businesses also and they are in the business of representation..........thus CWA represents public workers today because technology has diminished the number of telephone workers. Since it requires many members to accomplish goals on behalf of membership,CWA expanded it's membership into the public sector where the growth of potential membership existed. The old adage is "there is strength in numbers " .
Everyone benefits from the unions accomplishments,even management who are not usually unionized ( police are one exception). CWA was always considered one of the most democratic ( not in the political sense) of the major unions in this country.
Distortion of the facts for political purposes serves no one . The republicans do a good job at the blame game but they have no compunction in failing to tell the whole truth for political purposes. Union membership is comprised of both Republicans and Democrats........lots of people from each party. It is not all about politics, it's about "fair representation" of workers rights.
Barbara Thorpe
Lincroft NJ
Hypocrite Handlin Is Wrong On "Right-To-Work"
Republican Assemblywoman Amy "the Hypocrite" Handlin (LD13), has a guest column appearing in print and online in this weeks edition of the Independent, in which she states that she will be introducing a bill that will essentially strip all workers of their right to collective bargaining.
This guest column of her's first appeared online at newjerseynewsroom.com back on May 31st and does not seem to have been updated since.
Since the first publication of Handlin's column appeared over at the newsroom, I would be remised if I didn't point out that her proposed legislation, which just so happened to be co-sponsored by her running mate in this years election Declan O'Scanlon, was dead on arrival. Good reporting and follow-up to Handlin's commentary piece was done by Newjerseynewsroom reporter Tom Hester Jr.
In his follow-up which appeared July 8th, Hester spoke to NJ Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and is quoted as stating:
“This legislation is dead on arrival. It’s that simple. Dead on arrival.
Radical conservative ideology such as this has no place in New Jersey. This type of move may play elsewhere, but, quite simply, this anti-worker bill will never see the light of day.
Not only is this legislation an atrocious assault on worker rights, but it’s terrible economic policy, it would set back any chance we have under Gov. Christie of a strong recovery."...“Democrats and Republicans can work together for the common good and when appropriate to improve our economy and protect worker benefits, but this wage-cutting, anti-business bill is a line in the sand that cannot be crossed,”
Hester also quoted New Jersey AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech who stated, “The deceptively named “right to work” policy is currently law in 22 states and is considered one of the most anti-union policies in the nation,” about Handlin and O'Scanlan's proposed bill (A-4223).
So what is the purpose of having this old and out of date commentary printed in the Independent other than to mislead and misinform readers of her district, many of whom are hard working members of unions in both public and private unions? It is obviously a play at gaining support from the more conservative residents in the district and members of the TEA Party, who feel that she is out of touch and a "do-nothing".
If this legislation ever where to be signed into law here in New Jersey it would undermined the livelihoods of not only union members, but all workers, white collared as well as blue collared.
Wages would remain stagnant and pension and health benefits would slowly dwindle away anytime a employer was concerned that his bottom-line was no longer big enough to support his mansion or yacht club membership.
Below are a few reader responses to Handlin's commentary posted on the NewJerseyNewsroom, it seems that they also have a problem with her proposed and non existent, dead on arrival typically hypocritical legislation that is meant to pander instead of providing serious answers to her district's problems:
"Right to Work"is a misnomer. It's really the opportunity for any company to pay any employee any amount the company wants. Just what we need: more people earning less than a living wage and without any access to health care other than visits to the emergency rooms. So good for NJ! The assemblywoman cannot be so naive that she believes employers would care about safe working conditions. After all, money spent on safe working conditions would be better off lining the pockets of the wealthy. And, by law, union dues cannot be used for political purposes. Members must choose to donate into a separate fund. Now, if members are too scared to tell the union bosses they won't donate, shame on the members. (Sarah H)
"Unions need a balance" - For the most part I agree with Ms. Handlin. I don't think it's an all or nothing deal though, unions are good things to have in otherwise unsustainably-low paying situations, but for professionals it makes less sense. Let the legislation you craft not try to swing the pendulum so far that it undermines the good side of unions, or it will surely fail.
( Ashley_)
" Handlin comments" - According to Handlin:“Right to Work would also quicken New Jersey’s economic revival. Right-to-Work states had 497,000 new businesses from 1993 to 2009, compared with 340,000 in forced union states, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently cited by the Wall Street Journal. That’s remarkable because just 40 percent of American workers live in Right-to-Work states."
It's hard to believe so many people fall for statements like this of Handlin's, and support radical legislation like this. The truth is, what's really remarkable is that ALL of the businesses she cites to being created from 1993 to 2009 weren't created in Right-to-Work states...after all, in their pursuit of profits, businesses will do anything to keep the costs of labor down. Why is all the greatest economic growth now going on in China, India, etc? Because people will work 16 hour days for $12. Handlin sees that success spreading to the south, and now wants to bring it here to NJ. If it's been so great for those 22 states, why is our per-capita income and standard of living so much higher here?
Thanks but no thanks, Amy Handlin, you're just a rich legislator who wants to be even richer like all the others in your party. Some of us can still see right through all your party's BS. (Richard W)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Amazing Spiderman
My inner geek is starting to show - Here is the just released trailer for next years anticipated summer blockbuster "The Amazing Spiderman".
It was released by Sony Pictures earlier tonight at the San Diego Comic-Con. and it looks pretty awesome. I hope the movie turns out to be just as good as this first look trailer.
It seems by the trailer that Peter Parker's mother and father will appear in this new origin story line, for those that haven't followed Peter Parker's story line over the years, Parker's parents were US secret agents that left him in the custody of his Uncle Ben and Aunt Mae before leaving for an assignment that they never returned from. It will be of interest to see how this new plot line will play out in the movie.
It was released by Sony Pictures earlier tonight at the San Diego Comic-Con. and it looks pretty awesome. I hope the movie turns out to be just as good as this first look trailer.
It seems by the trailer that Peter Parker's mother and father will appear in this new origin story line, for those that haven't followed Peter Parker's story line over the years, Parker's parents were US secret agents that left him in the custody of his Uncle Ben and Aunt Mae before leaving for an assignment that they never returned from. It will be of interest to see how this new plot line will play out in the movie.
Jonnie Marbles: Why I Foam-Pied Rupert Murdoch
Published on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 by The Guardian/UK
By Jonnie Marbles
First things first: I don't hate octogenarians. I don't have a vendetta against anyone over 80 who likes to begrudgingly give evidence to parliamentary committees. Nor am I in the habit of attacking media moguls on international television. Yesterday was, hopefully, a one off.
The moment Jonnie Marbles attempted to hit Rupert Murdoch in the face with a foam pie.
If you're of sound mind, you might quite reasonably ask what possessed me to smuggle a shaving-foam pie into Portcullis House and throw it at (though, alas, not into) the face of one of the world's richest and most powerful men. I didn't do it because I wanted more Twitter followers. Simply put, I did it for all the people who couldn't.
It's not difficult to find reasons to dislike Rupert Murdoch. His reach is one of the most insidious and toxic forces in global politics today. The phone-hacking scandal, despicable though it is, barely scratches the surface of the damage done by News International. It is a media empire built on deceit and bile, that trades vitriol for debate and thinks nothing of greasing the wheels of power until they turn in its favour. What's more, no matter what the grievances he wreaks on those he has never met, his power and money keep him forever safely out of their reach.
Yes it's true that Murdoch's power is waning. But it's also true that he will never face real justice. Yesterday's select committee hearing was a farce before the foam ever left my fingers: a toothless panel confronting men too slippery to be caught between their gums.
I was filled with hope as Tom Watson questioned Murdoch Sr relentlessly with the passion and vigour we might expect to be the norm when our elected representatives face down the perpetrators of a modern Watergate. For a few bright moments I thought I might see justice done, keep the pie in my bag and spare myself a night in jail. Those moments were short lived: as committee member after committee member feebly prodded around the issues and Murdoch Jr began to dominate, I knew I was going to have to make a massive tit of myself.
To be honest, I had not expected to get so far, but parliamentary security, with its machine-gun toting cops and scatter X-rays, is apparently no match for a man with some shaving-foam covered plates in his bag. Then, once inside the committee room, I was helped along by some unwelcome luck. I had always intended to wait until the end of the hearings anyway before I launched my circus crusade, and as the penultimate speaker finished several people made their way out, leaving me a clear path to Murdoch. It was a horrible feeling: I had a plan, a pie and no excuses left.
I had intended to unleash a wave of polemic as I made my move. As it turned out, the whole thing was far too weird for me to string two thoughts together, particularly as Murdoch's wife rose from the chair to prevent and avenge her husband's humiliation. As it went, I'm glad I was even able to make the accurate understatement that he was a "naughty billionaire".
As I languished predictably in a prison cell later that evening, I contemplated whether people would understand why I'd done it. I knew it was a tall order: a surreal act aimed at exposing a surreal process was never going to be an easy sell. I worried, too, that my clowning would detract from the scandal, or provide sympathy for Murdoch.
Believe it or not, I even worried about Rupert Murdoch's feelings. You see, I really don't hate 80-year-olds and, at the end of the day, Rupert Murdoch is just an old man. Maybe what I was trying to do was remind everyone of that – that he is not all powerful, he's not Sauron or Beelzebub, just a human being, like the rest of us, but one who has got far too big for his boots.
Some people might think my action played into Murdoch's hands, but I did it for all the people who couldn't
By Jonnie Marbles
First things first: I don't hate octogenarians. I don't have a vendetta against anyone over 80 who likes to begrudgingly give evidence to parliamentary committees. Nor am I in the habit of attacking media moguls on international television. Yesterday was, hopefully, a one off.
The moment Jonnie Marbles attempted to hit Rupert Murdoch in the face with a foam pie.
If you're of sound mind, you might quite reasonably ask what possessed me to smuggle a shaving-foam pie into Portcullis House and throw it at (though, alas, not into) the face of one of the world's richest and most powerful men. I didn't do it because I wanted more Twitter followers. Simply put, I did it for all the people who couldn't.
It's not difficult to find reasons to dislike Rupert Murdoch. His reach is one of the most insidious and toxic forces in global politics today. The phone-hacking scandal, despicable though it is, barely scratches the surface of the damage done by News International. It is a media empire built on deceit and bile, that trades vitriol for debate and thinks nothing of greasing the wheels of power until they turn in its favour. What's more, no matter what the grievances he wreaks on those he has never met, his power and money keep him forever safely out of their reach.
Yes it's true that Murdoch's power is waning. But it's also true that he will never face real justice. Yesterday's select committee hearing was a farce before the foam ever left my fingers: a toothless panel confronting men too slippery to be caught between their gums.
I was filled with hope as Tom Watson questioned Murdoch Sr relentlessly with the passion and vigour we might expect to be the norm when our elected representatives face down the perpetrators of a modern Watergate. For a few bright moments I thought I might see justice done, keep the pie in my bag and spare myself a night in jail. Those moments were short lived: as committee member after committee member feebly prodded around the issues and Murdoch Jr began to dominate, I knew I was going to have to make a massive tit of myself.
To be honest, I had not expected to get so far, but parliamentary security, with its machine-gun toting cops and scatter X-rays, is apparently no match for a man with some shaving-foam covered plates in his bag. Then, once inside the committee room, I was helped along by some unwelcome luck. I had always intended to wait until the end of the hearings anyway before I launched my circus crusade, and as the penultimate speaker finished several people made their way out, leaving me a clear path to Murdoch. It was a horrible feeling: I had a plan, a pie and no excuses left.
I had intended to unleash a wave of polemic as I made my move. As it turned out, the whole thing was far too weird for me to string two thoughts together, particularly as Murdoch's wife rose from the chair to prevent and avenge her husband's humiliation. As it went, I'm glad I was even able to make the accurate understatement that he was a "naughty billionaire".
As I languished predictably in a prison cell later that evening, I contemplated whether people would understand why I'd done it. I knew it was a tall order: a surreal act aimed at exposing a surreal process was never going to be an easy sell. I worried, too, that my clowning would detract from the scandal, or provide sympathy for Murdoch.
Believe it or not, I even worried about Rupert Murdoch's feelings. You see, I really don't hate 80-year-olds and, at the end of the day, Rupert Murdoch is just an old man. Maybe what I was trying to do was remind everyone of that – that he is not all powerful, he's not Sauron or Beelzebub, just a human being, like the rest of us, but one who has got far too big for his boots.
Lautenberg Highlights Additional News Corp. Hacking Allegation in the U.S. as DOJ Review Begins
Lautenberg Flagged News Corp. Hacking Allegations with Federal Authorities in 2005
WASHINGTON—As the Justice Department reviews claims that News Corp. hacked into the phone records or voicemails of American 9/11 victims, U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) today wrote to Attorney General Eric Holder and FBI Director Robert Mueller to highlight a 2005 hacking allegation in the United States that was made against a News Corp. marketing company called News America Marketing.
Lautenberg originally wrote a letter in 2005 bringing this case to the attention of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales after a small New Jersey marketing company called FLOORgraphics alleged that News America Marketing engaged in illegal computer espionage by breaking into password protected computer systems and obtaining confidential information.
“As the Department of Justice and FBI examine the recent hacking allegations involving News Corp. and its subsidiaries more closely, I wanted to make sure that you were fully aware of the case of FLOORgraphics and News America, as it may be relevant to your current investigation,” Lautenberg wrote.
A copy of today’s letter can be found here
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Crime Scene Middletown: Recent Activity July 13th-18th
WRITTEN BY MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT
ISSUED TUESDAY, JULY 19TH, 2011 - Arrests do not indicate convictions
On July 13, 2011 at approximately 5:55 pm Patrolman Jason Caruso and Patrolman Donald Coates were on patrol in the area of Kunkel Park when they observed a suspicious vehicle parked in the parking lot. The officers approached the vehicle at which point they observed Marijuana and Cocaine in plain view inside the car.
The officers conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrests of Kimberly Campo, age 26, from Fairfield Avenue in Belford, NJ; Adam Stranges, age 19, from Seabreeze Avenue in Middletown, NJ, and a 17 year old male juvenile from Belford, NJ, for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession of Ecstasy, and Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Cocaine within 500 feet of a Public Park.
The officers located the Ecstasy after conducting a search of the vehicle. The officers also discovered two outstanding Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown and Highlands Municipal Courts for Stranges arrest.
The officers seized the vehicle for possible forfeiture and all three subjects were transported to police headquarters for processing. The 17 year old juvenile was released to his parents pending a court date. Campo was held on $15,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson and Stranges was being held on $18,500.00 bail also set by Judge Richard Thompson.
On July 13, 2011 at approximately 10:00 pm Patrolman Robert McNair was on patrol in the area of Ideal Beach when he observed a suspicious vehicle parked in the parking lot. Officer McNair approached the vehicle at which point he observed a hypodermic syringe and a bag of Heroin in plain view inside the car.
Officer McNair conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrests of Larry Welch, age 52, from Highland Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, and Theresa Causey, age 50, from Church Street in Keansburg, NJ, for Possession of Heroin and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe. Both subjects were transported to police headquarters where they were processed and released pending a court date.
On July 15, 2011 at approximately 11:50 am Patrolman Albert Scott was dispatched to a residence on Center Avenue to assist the Monmouth County Probation Department. The Probation Department was at the residence to investigate probation violations when they located a Marijuana pipe sitting on a table.
Officer Scott conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrest of Lisa Mirabile, age 44, from Center Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The officer also located an outstanding Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court for Mirabile’s arrest.
Mirabile was transported to police headquarters where she was processed and held on $130.00 bail.
On July 15, 2011 at approximately 12:50 pm Patrolman Richard Raike was off duty in the area of the “Mike’s Bike’s” bike shop located in the Leonardo section of Middletown when he observed a 14 year old juvenile attempt to steal a bicycle that was on display in front of the store. Patrolman Raike observed the juvenile try to remove the bike from a pole where it had been chained.
The juvenile, from Center Avenue in Middletown, fled the area when he was approached. Officer Raike was able to locate the juvenile at the Leonardo McDonalds’s a short distance from the bike shop. The suspect was wearing a face mask when located. Officer Raike detained the juvenile until Patrolman Keith Hirschbein arrived on scene.
The suspect was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released pending a court date.
On July 18, 2011 at approximately 6:55 pm Patrolman Jason Caruso and Patrolman Donald Coates were on patrol in the area of Heights Terrace when they observed a suspicious vehicle parked on the side of the road. The officers approached the vehicle to speak with the occupants at which point they detected a strong odor of raw Marijuana coming from inside the car. The officers also observed Marijuana in plain view inside the car.
Officers Coates and Caruso conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrests of Corey Blascak, age 19, from Ironwood Court in Middletown, NJ; Jeffrey Chapman, age 19, from Birchwood Lane in Middletown, NJ, and a 17 year old Manahawkin, NJ, juvenile female for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
All subjects were transported to police headquarters where they were processed and released pending a court date.
Middletown Police report the arrests of the following subjects for various offenses:
Brittany Carr, age 20, from Brainard Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on July 17, 2011 by Patrolman Lawrence Seymour for Criminal Mischief. She was processed and released pending a court date.
David Beard, age 39, from North Munn Avenue in Newark, NJ, arrested on July 16, 2011 by Patrolman Frank Mazza on three Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Newark Municipal Court. He was held on $1025.00 bail.
Mary Henderson, age 60, from Oregon Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 17, 2011 by Patrolman Charles Higgins on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Hazlet Municipal Court. She was released on her own recognizance pending a court date.
Michael Seaman, age 28, from Kerry Street in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on July 17, 2011 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Union Beach Municipal Court. He was released on his own recognizance pending a court date.
Tiffanilee Czaplicki, age 29, from Krueger Place in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 15, 2011 by Patrolman Jason Caruso and Patrolman Donald Coates on two Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown and Newark Municipal Courts. She was released after posting $1,206.00 bail.
Debra Sherman-Laguna, age 40, from Hudson Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 13, 2011 by Patrolman Christopher Dee on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Clifton Municipal Court. She was released on her own recognizance pending a court date.
Ana Dasilva, age 37, from Oliver Street in Newark, NJ, arrested on July 13, 2011 by Patrolman Joseph Ahlemeyer on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was held on $1,000.00 bail.
Robert Newell, age 40, from Kenwood Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 13, 2011 by Patrolman Robert McNair on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Wall Municipal Court. He was released after posting bail.
Joan Cappadona, age 29, from Grove Street in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on July 18, 2011 by Patrolman Brian Dilworth on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was held on $1,189.00 bail.
Joseph Meehan, age 18, from Lohsen Place in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 18, 2011 by Patrolman Jason Caruso and Patrolman Donald Coates on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $500.00 bail.
Robert Romanski, age 24, from Davis Lane in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 14, 2011 by Corporal Daniel Murdoch and Patrolman Albert Scott for Criminal Mischief, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Terroristic Threats. He was held on $5,000.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.
Diana Breza, age 30, from 100th Avenue in Kirkland, WA, arrested on July 15, 2011 by Patrolman John Mele for Simple Assault. She was processed and released pending a court date.
ISSUED TUESDAY, JULY 19TH, 2011 - Arrests do not indicate convictions
The officers conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrests of Kimberly Campo, age 26, from Fairfield Avenue in Belford, NJ; Adam Stranges, age 19, from Seabreeze Avenue in Middletown, NJ, and a 17 year old male juvenile from Belford, NJ, for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession of Ecstasy, and Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Cocaine within 500 feet of a Public Park.
The officers located the Ecstasy after conducting a search of the vehicle. The officers also discovered two outstanding Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown and Highlands Municipal Courts for Stranges arrest.The officers seized the vehicle for possible forfeiture and all three subjects were transported to police headquarters for processing. The 17 year old juvenile was released to his parents pending a court date. Campo was held on $15,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson and Stranges was being held on $18,500.00 bail also set by Judge Richard Thompson.
On July 13, 2011 at approximately 10:00 pm Patrolman Robert McNair was on patrol in the area of Ideal Beach when he observed a suspicious vehicle parked in the parking lot. Officer McNair approached the vehicle at which point he observed a hypodermic syringe and a bag of Heroin in plain view inside the car.
Officer McNair conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrests of Larry Welch, age 52, from Highland Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, and Theresa Causey, age 50, from Church Street in Keansburg, NJ, for Possession of Heroin and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe. Both subjects were transported to police headquarters where they were processed and released pending a court date.
On July 15, 2011 at approximately 11:50 am Patrolman Albert Scott was dispatched to a residence on Center Avenue to assist the Monmouth County Probation Department. The Probation Department was at the residence to investigate probation violations when they located a Marijuana pipe sitting on a table.
Officer Scott conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrest of Lisa Mirabile, age 44, from Center Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The officer also located an outstanding Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court for Mirabile’s arrest.
Mirabile was transported to police headquarters where she was processed and held on $130.00 bail.
On July 15, 2011 at approximately 12:50 pm Patrolman Richard Raike was off duty in the area of the “Mike’s Bike’s” bike shop located in the Leonardo section of Middletown when he observed a 14 year old juvenile attempt to steal a bicycle that was on display in front of the store. Patrolman Raike observed the juvenile try to remove the bike from a pole where it had been chained.
The juvenile, from Center Avenue in Middletown, fled the area when he was approached. Officer Raike was able to locate the juvenile at the Leonardo McDonalds’s a short distance from the bike shop. The suspect was wearing a face mask when located. Officer Raike detained the juvenile until Patrolman Keith Hirschbein arrived on scene.
The suspect was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released pending a court date.
On July 18, 2011 at approximately 6:55 pm Patrolman Jason Caruso and Patrolman Donald Coates were on patrol in the area of Heights Terrace when they observed a suspicious vehicle parked on the side of the road. The officers approached the vehicle to speak with the occupants at which point they detected a strong odor of raw Marijuana coming from inside the car. The officers also observed Marijuana in plain view inside the car.
Officers Coates and Caruso conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrests of Corey Blascak, age 19, from Ironwood Court in Middletown, NJ; Jeffrey Chapman, age 19, from Birchwood Lane in Middletown, NJ, and a 17 year old Manahawkin, NJ, juvenile female for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
All subjects were transported to police headquarters where they were processed and released pending a court date.
Middletown Police report the arrests of the following subjects for various offenses:
Brittany Carr, age 20, from Brainard Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on July 17, 2011 by Patrolman Lawrence Seymour for Criminal Mischief. She was processed and released pending a court date.
David Beard, age 39, from North Munn Avenue in Newark, NJ, arrested on July 16, 2011 by Patrolman Frank Mazza on three Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Newark Municipal Court. He was held on $1025.00 bail.
Mary Henderson, age 60, from Oregon Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 17, 2011 by Patrolman Charles Higgins on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Hazlet Municipal Court. She was released on her own recognizance pending a court date.
Michael Seaman, age 28, from Kerry Street in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on July 17, 2011 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Union Beach Municipal Court. He was released on his own recognizance pending a court date.
Tiffanilee Czaplicki, age 29, from Krueger Place in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 15, 2011 by Patrolman Jason Caruso and Patrolman Donald Coates on two Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown and Newark Municipal Courts. She was released after posting $1,206.00 bail.
Debra Sherman-Laguna, age 40, from Hudson Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 13, 2011 by Patrolman Christopher Dee on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Clifton Municipal Court. She was released on her own recognizance pending a court date.
Ana Dasilva, age 37, from Oliver Street in Newark, NJ, arrested on July 13, 2011 by Patrolman Joseph Ahlemeyer on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was held on $1,000.00 bail.
Robert Newell, age 40, from Kenwood Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 13, 2011 by Patrolman Robert McNair on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Wall Municipal Court. He was released after posting bail.
Joan Cappadona, age 29, from Grove Street in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on July 18, 2011 by Patrolman Brian Dilworth on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was held on $1,189.00 bail.
Joseph Meehan, age 18, from Lohsen Place in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 18, 2011 by Patrolman Jason Caruso and Patrolman Donald Coates on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $500.00 bail.
Robert Romanski, age 24, from Davis Lane in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 14, 2011 by Corporal Daniel Murdoch and Patrolman Albert Scott for Criminal Mischief, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Terroristic Threats. He was held on $5,000.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.
Diana Breza, age 30, from 100th Avenue in Kirkland, WA, arrested on July 15, 2011 by Patrolman John Mele for Simple Assault. She was processed and released pending a court date.
Armadebtdon 2011 - National Bulls**t Ceiling
From last night's Daily Show Jason Jones warns that if America reaches the point where the amount of bulls**t exceeds the amount of actual things, it will effectively default on reality.
If the bulls**t continues to rise we have to remember, none of us have poop gills! Soon we will have to replace the bulls**t with Factual Assessments of Reality based Truths (FARTs) that needs to come from Bold Uncompromising Truth Telling (BUTTs).
If the bulls**t continues to rise we have to remember, none of us have poop gills! Soon we will have to replace the bulls**t with Factual Assessments of Reality based Truths (FARTs) that needs to come from Bold Uncompromising Truth Telling (BUTTs).
It's time that we all grow-up.
Cut, Cap and Balance: The Wrong Approach to Deficit Reduction
The following was posted this morning at the White House blog by Jason Furman, Principal Deputy Director of the National Economic Council.
The blog post in response to all the rhetoric being thrown around by the ultra conservative right-wingers and TEA praters, who have taken control of the Republican Party and are risking our country's economic future and well being over the debate about raising the national debt limit.
These people are pushing for a proposal called "Cut, Cap and Balance" which is legislation that would cut $111 billion out of the budget immediately, cap spending to a percent of the Gross Domestic Product, and send a Balanced Budget Amendment to the states in return for increasing the $14.294 trillion debt ceiling.
On so many levels this proposal is wrong and could lead to a worsening of the economy and handicap future Congresses and Presidents ability to deal with a fiscal and economic crisis.
"Cut, Cap and Balance" is not the answer to our current troubles in this country, fixing the economy and putting people back to work is with sound fiscal policy that has proven in the past to work.
Democrats and Republicans agree that getting our fiscal house in order is one of the critical challenges facing America. To address it we are going to have to make tough choices, bringing to the table a commitment to examine every area of the budget and every loophole in the tax code without presumptively taking any of the options off the table. But it is critical that we not bring down our deficits and debt at the expense of economic growth, innovation and job creation, or place the greatest burden on older Americans and the most vulnerable. That is precisely what the House’s Cut, Cap and Balance plan would do – a proposal that White House Press Secretary Jay Carney described as “duck, dodge and dismantle.”The House plan fails to achieve a balanced plan to reduce the deficit, which is precisely the approach that has worked successfully in America in the past and has recently been recommended by a number of different fiscal commissions.
Let’s start with the “cut” and “cap” portions of the bill. These sections require spending cuts in 2012 and caps over the next decade identical to those in the House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s plan., By House Republicans’ own design, achieving those spending levels would require cuts that would be harmful to the economic recovery in the short-term while also damaging our long-term competitiveness and placing a higher burden on seniors and the most vulnerable. To give a few examples:
- The bill would abruptly cut more than $100 billion in spending in the first year alone, a step that Congressional Budget Office Director Doug Elmendorf stated would “affect our projections for GDP growth over the next two years.”
- The House Budget Resolution plan would cut clean energy investments by 70 percent, infrastructure investments by a third, and education and training by 25 percent – cutting 320,000 children from Head Start and reducing aid for families trying to put their kids through college by hundreds, or even thousands of dollars.
- It would cut Medicaid by one-third over the decade, and by nearly 50% by 2030. This could, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, result in 36 million people losing Medicaid coverage, including people with disabilities and seniors in nursing homes. And that comes on top of the 17 million who would lose coverage due to repealing subsidies in the Affordable Care Act.
- And it would cut programs for the most vulnerable – for example, by food stamp benefits for a family of four by $1,760 per year or cut 8 million households from the program.
- Finally, the House Budget Resolution proposed to convert Medicare to a voucher program, increasing costs for Medicare beneficiaries by $6,400 a year beginning in 2021 – with those higher costs increasing over time.
To start with, consider that at the end of the next decade, the House plan would still be $400 billion a year short of achieving a balanced budget. Unless Republicans are willing to entertain $3 to $4 trillion in additional revenues over the next decade, that means $400 billion a year would need to be cut beyond the House Budget Resolution.
And when you’ve already made such deep cuts to discretionary spending, Medicaid and other programs, it becomes difficult to imagine any credible ways to achieve those spending levels without including Social Security in the reductions and making substantially deeper reductions in Medicare.
So if the required spending cut were across the board, it would mean all programs, including Social Security and Medicare, would be cut by 10 percent by the end of the decade on top of the House Budget Resolution.If defense spending alone were exempted, it would mean that all other programs (again including Social Security and Medicare) would be cut by about 12 percent by the end of the decade on top of the House Budget Resolution. It would be possible to avoid cuts of this magnitude, but that would require dramatically deeper reductions than the one-third cut in Medicaid and infrastructure currently proposed in the House Budget Resolution.
We obviously don’t agree with this approach. The President has proposed a comprehensive approach that ensures we live within our means and reduces the deficit by $4 trillion, while supporting economic growth and long-term job creation, protecting critical investments, and meeting the commitments made to provide economic security to Americans no matter their circumstances. We want to make significant cuts to government spending, including additional savings that come from further strengthening critical programs like Medicare, while protecting the recovery, strengthening the middle class and making the investments that will promote economic growth so folks feel confident in their futures and their children’s futures.
Representatives from both parties will continue to talk about reaching the largest deal possible. The President is pushing everyone to come to the table, put politics aside, work through our differences and prove to the American people that we can still do big and difficult, but necessary things.
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