President Obama's Weekly Address 3/31/12: Passing the Buffett Rule So That Everyone Pays Their Fair Share

WASHINGTON, DC— In this week’s address, President Obama calls on Congress to pass the Buffett Rule, a principle of fairness that ensures that millionaires and billionaires do not pay less in taxes as a share of their income than middle class families pay. The President believes our system must ask the wealthiest to pay their fair share, while protecting 98 percent of Americans from seeing their taxes go up at all. That is why the President proposed the Buffett Rule, which will help make our system reflect our values so that all Americans get a fair shot, play by the same rules, and pay their fair share.

Rush Holt Newsletter: Two Years of Health Reform

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:

Health reform turned two years old last week, and I’ve heard from many in New Jersey who have been personally and positively affected by the new law.

A mother from Kendall Park wrote to say that her 24-year-old son could not afford health insurance – until health reform enabled him to join her insurance plan.  A retiree from Monroe Township says that he was struggling to afford his prescription drugs after falling into the Medicare “donut hole,” but health reform is helping him stay afloat.  A small business owner in Middletown says that she is depending upon health reform’s new tax credits to help her continue to provide insurance coverage to her employees.  And a man from Eatontown says that, because he broke his back several years ago, no insurer will cover him – but beginning in 2014, health reform will guarantee that he is always insurable despite this pre-existing condition.

These New Jerseyans are far from alone.  In the 12th Congressional District alone, more than 2,000 young adults have gained access to health care through their parents’ insurance.  More than 17,000 small businesses are now eligible for tax credits to help them to provide health insurance to their employees.  More than 100,000 seniors have gained access to free wellness visits and preventive services, including mammograms and colonoscopies, helping to maintain their health and detect potentially dangerous diseases.  And more than 8,000 seniors who had fallen into the Medicare “donut hole” have gained relief from crushing prescription drug costs.  Of course, many of the reform’s most significant benefits still lie in the future, as tens of millions of uninsured Americans will gain access to affordable health coverage, and as insurance companies will begin to give more complete, accessible care to those already insured.

Maybe you have been following the Supreme Court’s recent discussion of the constitutionality of health reform.  The fact is that the law’s basic structure has historically been embraced by leaders on both sides of the aisle – including many who for political reasons now claim to question the bill’s legitimacy.

It is a principle of modern, advanced society that people should not be left to suffer from denial of basic health care and that health care can and should be provided population-wide, whether by tax-funded programs like Medicare, private insurance programs with universal participation in the risk pool, or some other combination of programs.  I believe that this will become a lasting and important part of America’s social contract – as widely appreciated as Social Security and Medicare are today.

U.S.Capitol Historical Society Student Essay Contest Now Open

What do citizens need to know about how government works and how can they learn more?  How can an individual become involved in the political process?  What difference can one person make?  These are weighty questions for our country, and the U.S. Capitol Historical Society is seeking thoughtful responses for its first-ever student essay contest. 

The contest is open to students in two groups, grades 6-8 and 9-12, and the winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to D.C. to present their essay at the annual meeting of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society.  Entries must be postmarked or received no later than June 15, 2012.  Further information is available online.

Deadline to Claim Stop-Loss Payments Extended

Under a law passed by Congress in 2009, soldiers and veterans whose military service was involuntarily extended after September 11 may be eligible for a special, retroactive stop-loss payment.

If the military service of you or a loved one was involuntarily extended between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009, please visit thestop-loss special pay page of the Defense Department’s website to learn more.  You may apply to receive $500 for each month served in stop-loss status.  The Pentagon recently extended until October 21 the deadline to apply for this payment.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

Crime Scene MIddletown: Burglary Suspect Arrested, Man Charged With Promoting Prostitution & Other Recent Police Activity 3/27/12 - 3/29/12

Written And Issued by Middletown Township Police Department 
Friday, 30 March 2012 - Arrests do not indicate convictions

Joseph Cooney, age 32, from Center Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on March 27, 2012 by Patrolman John Soltysik on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Ocean Municipal Court. He was released after posting $89.00 bail.

Mary Belunza, age 50 from Park Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on March 26, 2012 by Patrolman Anthony Bumbico for Simple Assault. She was released pending a court date.

Ciro Taormina, age 49, from Main Street in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on March 26, 2012 by Corporal Douglas Wiatrak on a warrant issued by the Keansburg Police Department for Criminal Mischief. He was held awaiting bail.

Nancy Matherly, age 56, from Collinson Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on March 26, 2012 by Patrolman Nicholas Fenezia for Driving While Intoxicated on Cherry Tree Farm Road. She was released pending a court date.

Angelica Schaub, age 24, from Summer Avenue in Newark, NJ, arrested on March 26, 2012 by Corporal Thomas Meckier on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $145.00.

Amanda Maxted, age 18, from Highview Circle in Middletown, NJ, arrested on March 26, 2012 by Patrolman Nicholas Fenezia on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $100.00 bail.

Kevin Kelly, age 26, from Third Avenue in Myrtle Beach, SC, arrested on March 26, 2012 by Detective Laurence Schachtel for Failing to Notify Police as Required by Megan’s Law. He was held on $15,000.00 bail with no 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Cherise Schaub, age 27, from East End Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on March 26, 2012 by Corporal Thomas Meckier for Tampering with a Witness and Harassment. She was held on $22,500.00 bail.

Christopher Gallagher, age 39, from Henry Place in Middletown, NJ, arrested on March 26, 2012 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein of the Quality of Life Unit on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Freehold Boro, Pemberton and Keansburg Municipal Courts. He was held on $2,100.00 bail.

Calvin Campbell, age 28, from Highway 71 in Wall, NJ, arrested on March 26, 2012 by Corporal Richard Fusella on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Wall Municipal Court. He was held on $889.00 bail.

Marc Melendez, age 30, from Thousand Oaks Drive in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on March 26, 2012 by Patrolman Andrew Micalizzi for Contempt of Court. He was held on a 10 day jail sentence.

Peter Sabo, age 53, from Weehawkin Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on March 26, 2012 by Patrolman Andrew Micalizzi for Contempt of Court. He was held on a 90 day jail sentence.

On March 26, 2012 Detective Kelly Godley arrested a 17 year old male juvenile from Belford, NJ, for Theft. He was released pending a court date.

JD Rockafellow, age 22, from Willow Street in Belford, NJ, arrested on March 26, 2012 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit for Theft. He was released pending a court date.

Adam George, age 20, from Cherry Tree Farm Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on March 27, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana. He was released pending a court date.

On March 27, 2012 Corporal Ronald Chesek arrested a 13 year old male juvenile from Belford, NJ, for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

Joseph Cooney, age 32, from Center Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on March 27, 2012 by Patrolman John Soltysik on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Ocean Municipal Court. He was released on $89.00 bail.

Calvin Cummings, age 18, from Center Avenue in Cliffwood Beach, NJ, arrested on March 28, 2012 by Patrolman Jason Caruso on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Aberdeen Municipal Court. He was held on $250.00 bail.

Kevin Shanahan, age 22, from Ocean Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on March 28, 2012 by Patrolman Charles Higgins on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Old Bridge Municipal Court. He was released after posting $200.00 bail.

Judith Digregorio, age 51, from Angel Street in Cliffwood, NJ, arrested on March 28, 2012 by Patrolman Adam Vendetti for Shoplifting from the Target Store. She was released pending a court date.

On March 28, 2012 Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit arrested a 17 year old female juvenile and two 15 year old female juveniles from Keansburg, NJ, for Possession of Alcohol by a Minor. The officers also arrested a 16 year old female juvenile from Keansburg, NJ, for Possession of Alcohol by a Minor, Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute with 500 feet of a Public Park. All subjects were released pending a court date.

Ronald Borello, age 49, from Collins Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on March 30, 2012 by Detective Laurence Schachtel for Failing to Notify Police of Change of Address as Required by Megan’ Law. He was released pending a court date.

Bruce Ethridge, age 41, from Moran Place in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on March 29, 2012 by Patrolman Anthony Dellatacoma for Promoting Prostitution. He was released pending a court date.

Mark Smith, age 42, from Church Street in Belford, NJ, arrested on March 29, 2012 by Patrolman Adam Vendetti on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Sayreville Municipal Court. He was released after posting $750.00 bail.

Abdurrahe Akbar, age 52, from South 17^th Street in Newark, NJ, arrested on March 29, 2012 by Detective Laurence Schachtel for four counts of Burglary, three counts of Theft and four counts of Criminal Mischief. He was held on $80,000.00 bail with no 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Justin Taylor, age 18, from Mohawk Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on March 29, 2012 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $1,000.00 bail.

Christopher Allan, age 30, from Buttonwood Road in Lanoka Harbor, NJ, arrested on March 29, 2012 by Patrolman Anthony Dellatacoma on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown, Toms River and Ocean Municipal Courts. He was held on $2,001.00 bail.

Shandel Smith, age 32, from Bridge Avenue in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on March 29, 2012 by Corporal James Keenan for Unlawful Possession of Suboxone, Possession of a Hypodermic syringe, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstructing and Investigation and on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Tinton Falls Municipal Court and The Monmouth County Superior Court. She was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, NJ.

Pierro Coccurellocafolla, age 49, from Laurel Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on March 30, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Fulham for Obstructing an Investigation, and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court. He was released after posting $90.00 bail.

 in Little Silver, NJ, arrested on March 28, 2012 by Patrolman David Crenshaw for Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing an Investigation, Criminal Mischief, Driving While Intoxicated and Refusal to Submit to Breath Samples. She was held on bail.

Mtown News 3-30-12

Eggstravaganza

Saturday, March 31, 10 am to 1:00 pm
Middletown Arts Center

Come join us for an Easter fun filled day sponsored by the Middletown Township Education Association! There will be fun activities for children ages including arts and crafts, a petting zoo, Family Easter Egg Decorating Contest and an outdoor Egg Hunt. Buy your egg at the MAC and decorate it any way you would like. Return it to the Arts Center before Friday, March 30th for judging. Prizes will be awarded and the eggs will be on display at the Eggstravaganza.

Middletown Revamps Summer Recreation Program

The Recreation Department is gearing up to offer a new and expanded Summer Recreation Program June 25th through August 3rd that includes themed activity weeks. Summer Recreation will be offered at four locations - Croydon Hall, Thompson Middle School, Thorne Middle School, and the Tonya Keller Community Center. Parents will be able register children for one or more weeks and take advantage of an extended aftercare option. Beginning this year, registration will be based on the grade the student will be entering this fall. Registration will begin in late April. Registration will be accepted online and in-person at Croydon Hall Administrative Office, 900 Leonardville Road, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration will also be accepted at the Summer Recreation Open House on Saturday, May 5th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 am at Croydon Hall. Watch the website for registration start dates or call 732-615-2260 for more information.

Brush Collection Update

Zones	Approximate Start Date	Status
A & B	March 19	In Progress
C & D	March 26	In Progress
E & G	April 2	Not Started
J & L	April 16	Not Started
I & K	April 23	Not Started
F & H	April 30	Not Started

Please don’t place material at the curb earlier than seven days before a zone’s start date as doing so creates a hazard for pedestrians and drivers.  Leaves, tree stumps, lumber, plywood, fence posts, railroad ties, or garbage will not be collected, said Public Works Director Ted E. Maloney.

Leaves will not be collected until Fall 2012. Residents or their landscapers can bring leaves to the Recycling Center at 52 Kanes Lane until June 1^st.  Brush is accepted year-round, he said.  

Also, do not put brush curbside after a zone has been collected. Violators will be charged up to $750 for a separate, individual collection.  Visit www.middletownnj.org/collection for collection updates. Call 732-615-2008 for more information.

Moody’s Affirms Middletown’s Excellent Bond Rating

Middletown Township is bucking the downward trend when it comes to retaining an excellent credit rating. Moody’s Investor Service has affirmed Middletown Township’s excellent bond rating of Aa2.

The good news comes at a time when other towns and cities across New Jersey are leading the nation in bond-rating downgrades.

“Moody’s affirmation of our excellent bond rating confirms that Middletown is making the right decisions in these challenging economic times,” said Mayor Anthony Fiore. “However, we know the job is far from done. We will continue to seek ways to mitigate the unprecedented fiscal challenges that Middletown and every municipality are facing.”

Affirmation of the Middletown’s excellent rating is credited to new management approaches and numerous financial improvements including reassessment of assessed valuation, budget reductions, staff reductions, and increased surplus.  Additional strengths that factor into the rating include a low debt burden with rapid amortization, sufficient liquidity and reserve levels, and a sizable tax base, said Township Administrator Anthony Mercantante.

Recent economic challenges that continue to be successfully mitigated through the township’s prudent management practices include adherence to the governor’s tax cap, decreased state aid, an influx of negative tax appeals judgments following the 2009 revaluation, increased health care costs, and emergency expenditures related to the 2010 Blizzard and Hurricane Irene, said Mercantante.

Moody's Investors Service is a leading provider of credit ratings, research, and risk analysis. Organizations with Aa2 Ratings are considered to be of high quality and very low credit risk. In investment, a bond credit rating assesses the credit worthiness of a corporation's or government debt issues. It is analogous to credit ratings for individuals.

Public Information Center Meeting
Monmouth County Bridge S-17 (Hubbards Bridge), West Front Street (CR10) over the Swimming River

Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Red Bank Borough Council Room, 90 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

Monday, April 23, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
River Plaza Elementary School, 155 Hubbard Avenue, Middletown

Monmouth County, in cooperation with North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, New Jersey Department of Transportation, and Federal Highway Administration, will be hosting two Public Information Center meetings regarding the replacement of Monmouth County Bridge  S-17, Hubbards Bridge.  The purpose of the Public Information Center meetings is to inform the public of the project status of the replacement of the Monmouth County Bridge S-17, Hubbards Bridge, as well as to respond to any questions you may have regarding the project.  There will be a brief presentation of the project at approximately 7:30 p.m. at both meetings.  These meetings are being conducted in conformance with Federal and State regulations.  The public is invited and encouraged to comment on the project.  The public may attend either or both meetings. These meetings are open to all members of the public.

Written comments will be accepted through Thursday, May 24, 2012.  Comments may be mailed or faxed to: Inkyung Englehart, Project Coordinator, Monmouth County Div. of Engineering & Traffic Safety, Hall of Records Annex, 1 East Main Street, 3rd Floor , Freehold, NJ  07728, Fax 732-431-7765; e-mail: engineer@co.monmouth.nj.us.

Home Rehab Grant Info Session April 19th
Fix Your Home! Interested Middletown Homeowners Wanted!

Do you need a new roof? Worried about an old heating system? Plumbing or electrical problems? Accessibility issues? If you are a Middletown homeowner, you may be eligible for home rehabilitation grant assistance from Middletown’s Community Development Program funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Community Development Department will be holding a meeting for interested homeowners to find out more about the Program. The meeting will be held on Thursday April 19, at the Middletown Library-Main Branch, located at 55 New Monmouth Road, at 2:00 PM. Applications will be available at the meeting.  For more information, please call (732) 615-2281. For more information on HUD visit www.hud.gov. Grants of up to $25,000 are available to households that meet income limits:

Household Size Max	Gross Income
1 person	$44,950
2 people	$51,400
3 people	$57,800
4 people	$64,200
5 people	$69,350
6 people	$74,500
7 people	$79,650
8 people	$84,7

Save the Date!
Prescription Medication Collection – April 28

Got Drugs? Turn in unwanted or expired medication for safe disposal to the Middletown Police Department. The collection is part of the National Take Back Initiative. Location and time to be determined. Call 732-615-2039 for more information.

Reaching Out To Prevent Substance Abuse – May 24

Middletown Day 2012 is Saturday, September 29

Middletown Day 2012 will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Road. The Fall festival is slated to include live entertainment, a petting zoo, craft show, food court and a business and community organization showcase. Sponsors are needed.  Call the Parks Department at 732-615-2260 for more information or click here for details on sponsorship opportunities.

Like Us on Facebook
Visit us at www.facebook.com/middletowntwp

Do you Tweet?
Follow us on Twitter @middletownnj

Buy Middletown
Business Directory

Calendar
http://www.middletownnj.org/calendar

Middletown Arts Center Classes and Programs
www.middletownarts.org

Middletown Library
Event Schedule

Middletown Police
Activity Reports

Middletown Recreation facilities
Download the 2012 Permit Application

Middletown Senior Center
Special Events

Poricy Park Camps and Programs
www.poricypark.org

Pallone Announces $1.3 Million Grant for Sea Bright Flood Mitigation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MARCH 30, 2012

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that the town of Sea Bright in New Jersey’s sixth district was awarded a grant of $1.37 million to fund a bulkhead repair project. It was awarded thanks to a request submitted by Congressman Pallone to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

 Sea Bright is extremely flood-prone because it is narrow and bordered on the west side by the Shrewsbury River and on the east by the Atlantic Ocean. These neighborhoods experience frequent flooding due to high tide events, storm events, or a combination of both.

 “I am pleased that Sea Bright will be receiving a grant to build and repair critical bulkheads,” said Pallone. “Chronic flooding has sadly become a regular occurrence in the lives of the residents and business-owners of these neighborhoods, and the bulkheads will go a long way to minimize flooding and protect the community.” 

The funding will go towards the installation of a new bulkhead at the foot of Beach Way, and to repair five bulkheads at the foot of River Street, South Street, Beach Street,Center Street and Osborne Place. The grant will also fund a submersible storm water pump at Osborne Place. 

Sea Bright was also recently awarded $12.3 million from the Army Corps of Engineers for a beach replenishment project, which will also benefit the neighboring borough of Monmouth Beach.

It's Your Town - Video Newsletter for 3/19/12

The It's Your Town - Video Newsletter which documents the Monday night March 19, 20112, meeting of the Middletown Township Committee has been posted online for your viewing pleasure.

This month's meeting was unusual in the sense that it took nearly 2 hours from start to finish, the norm for the past several months have been an hour or less.

At this months meeting there were two public presentations given, one by Monmouth County Deputy Freeholder Director Tom Arnone who spoke about the "Grow Monmouth" program and the other by Middletown's CFO Nick Transente, who rolled out the FY 2012 Municipal budget in his.

There were also a few public hearings on the agenda for various ordinances, one of which was for the sale of the Swim Club and another that pertained to the subdivison of the property owned by Max Weinberg, drummer for Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band.

During Public Comments Mr. Don Watson, the person responsible for video recording Committee meetings since February, once again presented the Committee with a DVD for broadcasting on the Township cable access channels. Mayor Fiore however made it clear that there were no intentions on the Township's part to broadcast this or any meeting when asked.




As a companion to the video, you can download a copy of the meeting agenda that contains the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars.

And Your Winning Numbers Are...

If you're planning to get in on the big $500M Mega Millions lottery drawing Friday night and want an edge while picking your numbers, it may interest you to know that there are certain numbers that seem to come up more often than others.

According to an article posted on Yahoo Finance the lucky numbers that have come up most often (10%)  for balls #1-5  during the 705 Mega Millions drawing thus far are, 48, 36, 53, 12, 27, 31, 51 and 52. The numbers that have come up the least are 41, 49, 47, 37, and 34.

For the Mega Ball, your best bet is to go with one of these numbers 36, 9, 7, 35, and 2. While the numbers you want to steer clear from would be  28, 32, 46, 14 and 1.

It was noted that even with this information your chances of winning the Mega Millions jackpot is just 1 in 176 million, so I don't think you want to give up you day job just yet but as they say, "you have to be in it to win it !".

My wife picked up our tickets yesterday.

The Saudis Will Act to Lower High Oil Prices:No rational reason why oil prices remain high

Do you think we're paying to much for a barrel of oil? Ali Naimi the Saudi Arbian Minister of Petroleum and Minerals does

In  a column post yesterday on the Financial Times website Naimi states that there is no oil shortage and that the Saudis are upset about the high prices that are a danger to the gobal economic recovery. He said that Saudis will further increase oil output to off set high prices to ensure that the worldwide ecomonic recovery continues.

Naimi states:

...We want to correct the myth that there is, or could be, a shortage. It is an irrational fear, a fear without asis. Saudi Arabia’s current capacity is 12.5m barrels per day, way beyond current levels demanded, and a reliable buffer against any temporary loss of production. Saudi Arabia has invested a great deal to sustain its capacity, and it will use spare production capacity to supply the oil market with any additional required volumes.

This is not empty rhetoric. We have proved to be a reliable supplier many times in the past. We increased production following the invasion of Iraq. We increased production following a workers’ strike in Venezuela in 2002. We stepped in following a surge in demand from emerging economies, specifically China, in 2004. We increased supplies to the US in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. And when a popular uprising swept through Libya in early 2011, we stepped up production to offset any losses.

We have done it many times before, we will do it again.

The other, sometimes overlooked, fact is that Saudi Arabia’s crude oil is suitable, and acceptable, for most global refineries. We are also uniquely capable of supplying volume when and where it is needed thanks to multiple delivery points, our strong marketing capabilities and ample storage – inside the Kingdom and in other parts of the world, especially the Mediterranean, northern Europe and Asia.

For the record, as things stand today, our inventories in Saudi Arabia and around the world are full. Our Rotterdam inventory is full, our Sidi Kerir facility is full, our Okinawa facility is full – 100 per cent full...

It's time to put an end to the oil speculators that are driving up oil prices on fear rather than on reality.

Read the full article .... Here

Congressman Frank Pallone Decries Decision by Administration to Move Forward with Seismic Testing off the Atlantic Coast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 28, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement today, disagreeing with the Obama Administration’s decision to allow new seismic testing for oil exploration off the Atlantic coast:

Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06)

  

“I am deeply disappointed by the Administration’s announcement today that the U.S. Department of Interior will move forward with plans to conduct seismic testing off the coast of the Atlantic.  This activity is in no uncertain terms, a first step toward deep water exploration and a plan to drill for oil off the East coast.

“While we need to take advantage of available options to meet our nation’s growing energy needs, and I support drilling in currently leased areas, we cannot move in a direction that would lead to Atlantic oil drilling.  Drilling off the Atlantic coast could have dire consequences for the health of the Atlantic Ocean and so many coastal communities.

“Our nation watched with horror nearly two years ago as the BP oil spill off the Gulf of Mexico devastated the region’s waterways and aquaculture.  We must not take steps toward exposing the nation’s East coast to the potential for similar disasters.  All along the nation’s East coast, Americans rely on the health of the ocean for a variety of industries from fishing to tourism.  In New Jersey alone, tourism brought in $38 billion last year, a significant portion of which was generated from our pristine coastline.  We must not forgo the health of the Atlantic coast for a kick-back to Big Oil down the line.” 

Crime Scene Middletown: 10 Pounds of Marijuana Destined For Middletown Streets Seized, Man Arrested

Written And Issued by Middletown Township Police Department 
Tuesday,27 March 2012 - Arrests do not indicate convictions

On March 15, 2012 the Middletown Police arrested Jason Randell, age 25, from Patterson Lane on drug charges after the execution of a search warrant at his residence. The warrant was the result of a month long investigation by the Detective Bureau and Quality of Life Unit.

Police say Randell was receiving shipments of large quantities of Marijuana from California through a package delivery service. Police recovered approximately ten pounds of Marijuana and seized $15,500.00 in cash as a result of the search warrant.

Randell was charged with Possession of Ten Pounds of Marijuana, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana within 500 Feet of a Public Park, Possession of Hash, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of THC Wax, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe and Possession of Fireworks. He was held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, NJ, on $200,000.00 bail with no 10% option set by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Richard English.

Detective Lieutenant Stephen Dollinger credits Patrolman Frank Mazza and Patrolman John Mele of the Quality of Life Unit and Detectives Kevin Gardiner and Laurence Schachtel with conducting the investigation which led to the arrest and seizure of a significant quantity of Marijuana that was destined to be distributed on the streets of Middletown.

Crime Scene Middletown: Police Activity Report 3/20/12 - 3/26/12

Written And Issued by Middletown Township Police Department 
Monday, 26 March 2012 - Arrests do not indicate convictions

Theresa Brown, age 28, from Parsonage Road in Edison, NJ, arrested on March 20, 2012 by Patrolman Charles Higgins on a Fugitive Warrant issued by the Broward County Court in Florida. She was held on $100,000.00 bail with no 10% option.

Antonio Cianflore, age 24, from Fourth Street in Middlesex, NJ, arrested on March 20, 2012 by Patrolman Robert Shannon on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $1,000.00 bail.

Diane Parker, age 47, from 5^th Avenue in Neptune City, NJ, arrested on March 20, 2012 by Patrolman Brian McGrogan on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Eatontown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $89.00 bail.

Tatiana Ostergaard, age 25, from Highland Avenue in Highlands, NJ, arrested on March 21, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte for Shoplifting from the Shop Rite Store. She was released pending a court date.

Zoilo Gonzalez, age 22, from Patterson Avenue in Shrewsbury, NJ, arrested on March 21, 2012 by Corporal Keith MacDonald for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Wall Municipal Court. He was held on $104.00 bail.

Violetta Borovaya, age 21, from Congress Lane in South River, NJ, arrested on March 21, 2012 by Patrolman Anthony Gigante on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $250.00 bail.

Ryan Mason, age 22, from North Fox Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on March 22, 2012 by Patrolman Christopher Dee for Defiant Trespass and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $1,000.00 bail.

Lauren Ortiz, age 30, from North Fox Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on March 22, 2012 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keyport Municipal  Court. She was released after posting $750.00 bail.

Joseph Lepkoski, age 21, from Gillville Lane in Middletown, NJ, arrested on March 22, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Holmdel Municipal Court. She was released after posting $2,500.00 bail.

On March 22, 2012 Patrolman Andrew Micalizzi arrested a 17 year old male juvenile from Rumson, NJ, for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana. He was released pending a court date.

Kelly Lynch, age 19, from Weehawken Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on March 22, 2012 by Patrolman Ryan Riffert on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Old Bridge Municipal Court. She was released after posting $500.00 bail.

Sandra Klovert, age 23, from Navesink River Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on March 22, 2012 by Patrolman Ryan Riffert on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown and Wall Municipal Courts. She was released after posting $1,230.00 bail.

John Marciniak, age 28, from Highland Boulevard in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on March 23, 2012 by Patrolman James Beirne for Burglary and Possession of Burglar Tools. He was held on bail.

Michael Gavin, age 40, from Apple Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on March 23, 2012 by Patrolman Jason Caruso on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court. He was released after posting $100.00 bail.

Linda Coffey, age 51, from Leonardville Road in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on March 24, 2012 by Corporal James Keenan for Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Driving While Intoxicated, Resisting Arrest and Refusal to Submit to Breath Samples. She was released after posting $15,000.00 bail with no 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Frankie Terracciano, age 19, from Moran Place in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on March 24, 2012 by Patrolman Carl Roth on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $1,000.00 bail.

Dia Anselmi, age 38, from Oakdale Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on March 24, 2012 by Corporal Patricia Colangelo on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Milltown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $6460.00 bail.

Vincent Conzo, age 64, from Ashford Court in Middletown, NJ, arrested on March 23, 2012 by Corporal Bernie Chenoweth for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

Samatha Pace, age 20, from Highland Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on March 23, 2012 by Corporal James Keenan on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was held on $500.00 bail.

Darren Mensch, age 35, from Schelly Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on March 23, 2012 by Patrolman Robert Shannon for Driving While Intoxicated and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $500.00 bail.

Kevin Kelly, age 32, from Port Monmouth Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on March 23, 2012 by Corporal Joseph Glynn for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender, Violation of Community Supervision for Life and on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Atlantic Highlands, Keansburg and Middletown Municipal Courts. He was held on $8,800.00 bail with no 10% option.

On March 23, 2012 Police Officer Janine Kennedy and Patrolman Anthony Dellatacoma arrested a 16 year old male juvenile from Red Bank, NJ and two 13 year old male juveniles from Leonardo, NJ, for Defiant Trespass at the Middletown Skate Park. All three subjects were released pending a court date.

Gary Grieser Jr, age 18, from Beach Boulevard in Highlands, NJ, arrested on March 25, 2012 by Patrolman Frank Mazza for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstructing the Administration of Law, Driving While Intoxicated and Unlawful Possession of Xanax. He was released pending a court date.

Philip Scoles, age 30, from Buckingham Circle in Middletown, NJ, arrested on March 26, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Fulham for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

Jeffrey Summey, age 48, from River Street in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on March 26, 2012 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

Middletown residents: Oppose excessive taxation

Also published online today over at the Asbury Park Press is the following letter by Gerry Deceglia, a resident of Middletown. I don't know Mr. Deceglia but he makes a valid point pertaining to tax revenues and spending cuts as they pertain to the Township budget. While I don't think he wrote is 100% accurate, it does show a level of frustration that residents have towards those that have been running Middletown for the past 30 years:

Words cannot describe how deeply upset I am that not even a full year has passed since Middletown officials last raised property taxes, and now they are at it again.

Politicians do not seem to care one bit how impossible it is becoming for citizens to even breathe under all this excessive taxation.

 People are struggling to find and/or hold on to their jobs, keep their homes, keep food on the table, deal with $4-a-gallon gasoline, and Middletown officials want to raise our taxes again? All in order to pay for higher health care costs for township employees that they themselves should be paying for?

 We residents simply do not have any more money. Along with having township employees pay more into their own health care plans, just as private-sector workers are being forced to do, what about township officials making some real spending cuts across the board to fall in line with current tax revenues?

 This excessive taxation is no longer just simply unfair. It is downright diabolical. It is also unsustainable.

The definition of tyranny is oppressive government. How many other Middletown residents feel that government has become oppressive? If you feel as I do, please come to the meeting on April 30 at the town hall in Middletown and speak up.

Do not allow these politicians to force us out of our homes, our town, and our state. Enough is enough!

 Gerry Deceglia 

 Middletown

Move to Amend Citizens United

Mary Mahoney, former candidate for Middletown Township Committee, sent my this letter today for posting. It's message is timely and should be considered if the U.S. Supreme Court does not, in the future, reconsider its position on Citizens United. It is also the online featured letter today at the Asbury Park Press website.

Two years ago the Supreme court voted 5 to 4 in favor of Citizens United and allow what are now called Super Pacs to raise unlimited amounts of money to support candidates without full disclosure.

The Court also decided that in as much corporations are people too and therefore given the same rights as individuals including the right to freedom of speech.

Today we are seeing the ramifications and consequences of this unwise decision with the obscene amount of money financing political campaigns. This decision does not benefit the people but benefits only the wealthy and corporations by allowing them to control and influence the political process to further their own self serving agendas.

This decision has jeopardized the very core of our Democracy and makes a mockery of what our founding fathers wrote in the preamble to our constitution which states: “We the People of the United States”. It does not state We the Wealthy or We the Corporations.

Justice Stevens wrote in his dissent “ A democracy cannot function effectively when the constituent members believe laws are being bought and sold”. He also warned that the influences of money will corrupt the institution, and that is exactly what is happening now.

Our democracy has already been jeopardized by special interest groups and lobbyists and this decision further compounds that problem by destroying the rights of individual human beings. This should not be a partisan issue as it's detrimental to both political parties further corrupting the political process.

The group Move to Amend states:

We, the People of the United States of America, reject the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling, and move to amend our Constitution to firmly establish that money is not speech, and that human beings, not corporations, are persons entitled to constitutional rights.

I urge You the People to fight for your rights and support Move to Amend. For further information go to: movetoamend.org

Mary Mahoney

Lincroft/Middletown 

Here's The Story As To Why The Middletown Police Needed To Respond To An OPRA Inquiry At The Middletown Sewerage Authority

I stated Friday that Linda Baum would follow-up with the details about what happened to her earlier in the day when she visited the Township of Middletown Sewerage Authority (TOMSA), to pick up a package that contained information that she had requested through an open public records (OPRA) request. Her version of the event is more informative but  just as amusing, more so even, than what I posted. It is also a little disturbing to know that Middletown's governing body sanctions this type of behavior from an authority that it created and which is run by one of their own, former mayor Patrick Parkinson.  Parkinson and TOMSA are in clear violation of the law here and should be reprimanded by the township (MM).

  

by guest blogger Linda Baum

In a post last Friday night, Mike couldn’t resist telling everyone about my interesting experience earlier that day at TOMSA.  Here’s the story:

I got a call this week from TOMSA telling me that my OPRA request was ready for pick-up and would be $21.35.  That sounded way too high for what I asked for, and I told them I suspected the reports were run incorrectly since, at 5 or 7 cents a page, there were hundreds more pages than there should be.  I was told that the reports were the same format as the one I requested previously that was 92 pages.  I said the previous report I received was only 8 pages.  (As an aside, I received a mysterious check of about $5 in the mail from TOMSA a couple of months ago that I now realize may have been a refund for the extra 84 pages I wasn’t provided.)

I tried to get someone to discuss the reports over the phone so I could get a better handle on the matter, but the office employees aren’t allowed to open the sealed envelope, let alone discuss the contents.  Only executive director Pat Parkinson can do that, and he doesn’t take my calls or reply to my emails.

If it’s just a matter of paying for and picking up materials, usually I would ask a friend who is home during the day to help me out.  But this was different.  I didn’t want to put someone else in the awkward position of having to review the documents or discuss the matter on my behalf.  It wasn’t just about the money – I wanted to make sure I was getting the information I had requested.  Also, remember that Parkinson doesn’t take my calls, so if someone else had picked up the package for me and I had questions, I would have had to ask in person, anyway.  Parkinson is always saying at Board meetings, after refusing to answer any questions there, that he is happy to respond during regular business hours.  So I took the afternoon off from work, which stung a little because like most people I prefer to use my vacation time in better ways.

Since I discussed my concerns over the phone, and since I was not told otherwise, I was under the impression that I would be allowed to review the material before paying for it.  But that was not the case.   I was told I had to pay first.   I asked if I would get a refund if I handed back 300 pages after opening the envelope.  Per the employee I was speaking to, the reply from Parkinson was basically, “It’s yours.”  I said that it was unfair to charge me for something I didn’t ask for and that using that logic, Parkinson could copy anything in the office and stick it in an envelope with a price on it, whether it responded to my request or not.

Throughout my conversation with the office staffer, she went back and forth to Parkinson’s office multiple times to relay my questions and his replies.  Parkinson never stepped out.

Left with few options, I paid the money, then promptly opened the envelope and spent about 5 or 10 minutes reviewing the reports right there at the counter.  While not what I had originally wanted, the reports would suit my purposes and contained some extra information that I felt was useful, so I decided to keep them, but had one question about what had been provided.  I had asked for a summary-level report by year for each of several years, which would reasonably mean one report per year.  However, there were two report runs for each year, which means I will have to manually add figures from both reports.  I felt I could live with that for now, but wanted to know why there were two reports so that I could properly word OPRA requests in the future to get the correct single report run.

Once again, the girl behind the counter had to go into Parkinson’s office to ask.  She didn’t have an answer when she came back.  I asked if I could speak directly to Mr. Parkinson, but she said that he was busy, or on the phone, or both.  I said, “I’ll wait.”  In truth, I knew it wouldn’t do much good, but I figured there was no harm in wasting more time there since I’d already wasted time having to go there in the first place.  It was about 3:30 and TOMSA was closing in an hour.  I figured Parkinson would be finished for the day at some point soon, and I could catch him then.  Remember, I had no other way to get my questions answered.

While I was waiting, I asked the office employee if she would make a copy of the report I brought with me – from the previous OPRA request – so that Mr. Parkinson could see the report I was looking for and would have it for future reference.  I said she didn’t need to copy all 8 pages, just the first page so he could see the report format.  Again, she went into Parkinson’s office and told me when she came out that she couldn’t make any copies.  I said, a little incredulous, “It’s one page, and it’s not for me, it’s for him.”  She still couldn’t.

Shortly thereafter, Parkinson emerged from his office and headed past me to the front entrance.  As he was passing, I asked him if I could ask a question about the reports.  He ignored me and walked out.  I watched him go and only then noticed the police outside through the glass entryway.  It took me a second to realize he’d called them, and then I said out loud what I was thinking, “Are they here for me??”

Parkinson came back in with the two police officers and told me he wanted me to leave, saying I had been there for a half hour and was interfering with work productivity.  I said, “Do you realize that if you’d just answered my question, I would have been gone a long time ago?  Is there anyone else I can ask?  You ran the reports, didn’t you?”   He didn’t respond, except to say this wasn’t the proper time, or something like that.  I asked, “When is the right time?  If I email my question, will you respond?”  He didn’t answer, just repeated, “I want you to leave, now.”  “Aren’t you the person who handles OPRA requests?,” I asked, my point being that he is the records custodian and it is part of his job to respond to questions about document requests.

The two policemen had been quiet during that exchange, but finally said that I would have to leave.  Exasperated, I walked out with them.  It was a lovely spring day, and since Mr. Parkinson was kind enough to send me two nice-looking credible witnesses, I chatted with them in the parking lot.  I vented a little, providing them some of the above details.  Officers Chris Clark and Carl Roth were very polite, even understanding.  Officer Clark suggested I seek assistance from the Township.  I smiled and said, “That’s been tried. They will say this is an independent authority and they don’t get involved.”  Someone later pointed out to me the irony of his comment – that is, the police represent the Township.