July 18, 2016 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

I haven't had time to watch the video of last week's meeting of the Middletown Township Committee that our friends at Middletown Open Government, posted to their Youtube channel yet but I hope to watch it sometime over the weekend.

Here are some of the highlights:

• A new police officer was sworn in.
• The Belford Chemical Fire Co celebrated 100 years as an organization.
• An ordinance was adopted to set fees for events at parks where alcohol is served at $3,500.
• A resolution was adopted expressing dissatisfaction over the plan for JCP&L to install high voltage lines along the NJ Transit right of way.

At this time the usual link to the Meeting Agenda for this meeting is unavailable for posting. The Township has been dragging it's feet producing documents of the proposed resolutions, ordinances and bill list that is requested each month through OPRA requests.  The documents are then imbedded into the Meeting Agenda by a volunteer and then posted for public view on Archive.org.  Once the documents are sent and the agenda is prepared, I'll post the link.

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UPDATE  8/1/16

The Meeting Agenda with links to the Bill list, ordinances and resolutions from this meeting is now finally available. You can access it ..... HERE

President Obama's Weekly Address 7/30/16: It’s Time to Fill the Vacancy on the Supreme Court

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week's address, retired Federal Judge Timothy Lewis joined Vice President Joe Biden to discuss the nomination of Chief Judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court of the United States. The Vice President talked about his experience as the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, during which every nominee got a hearing and an up or down vote on the Senate floor. Despite having more federal judicial experience than any other Supreme Court nominee in history, Chief Judge Garland’s nomination has now been pending longer than any other Supreme Court nominee who wasn’t withdrawn from consideration. Judge Lewis emphasized that this lack of action is preventing the Supreme Court from fulfilling its duty of interpreting the law and resolving conflicts in the lower courts. The Vice President made clear that for the sake of our Nation, everyone must do their job. That's why the President did his job by nominating Chief Judge Merrick Garland. Now, it's time for the Senate Republicans to do their job.

Middletown Board of Education: Dysfunction And Strife Never Seems to Change

I talk to a lot of people and I hear a whole lot of things. So, when I get asked by several people over the last couple of days for my thoughts on the most recent example of dysfunction from the Middletown Board of Education (BOE ), I have to give my thoughts and opinion on the situation.

Since I've had a busy week, as most weeks have been for me lately, I haven't had time to publicly comment on the recent controversy surrounding the BOE until know. So here it is.

As reported by the Asbury Park Press earlier this week, board member Helene Henkel submitted her resignation from the BOE sighting family reasons and overall BOE dysfunction:

..."I know people are busy and it's difficult to attend," Henkel told the Press, "but as long as people aren’t witnessing what's going on (the board) will continue to operate undercover."

Part of the criticism leveled by Henkel is the war between longtime board member Joan Minnuies and five of the eight other members of the board — board president Jim Cody, Bob Banta, Vinnie Brand, Michael Donlon and Ernest Donnelly" ...

As everyone knows, I've written about the various egos, personal petiteness and demagoguery by different individual BOE members over the years, that has rightfully so, given the school district a bad reputation within the community and surrounding area. Given the fact that Helene Henkel was/is a member of the Bayshore Tea Party and hasn't voted for any spending measures that I'm aware of, her resignation from the BOE is nothing to cry about; she won't be missed. Most anyone who gets appointed to her unexpired term has to be better.

Good people that have spoken to me over the years, that would make great BOE members, have shunned away from the idea of serving on the BOE because of the politics of destruction that seems to dominate board meetings; board members seem to care less about the students and faculty best interests and more about their own. That's a problem that needs to change. You just have to watch or listen to the video from this weeks BOE meeting that took place on Wednesday night (posted below) to see it.

The alleged riff between board members (male vs female), which has been publicly denied by members, is apparent and in full display; bickering between the two sides, in public (or behind closed doors ) is disgraceful and unprofessional. It also seems apparent the women on the board, who are in the minority, aren't consulted or their opinions heeded, on some issues effecting the BOE and school district.

The example that I point to is the dismissal of longtime BOE Attorney, Christopher Parton, which was questioned and opposed by board members Danielle Walsh, Joan Minnuies and Sue Griffin as one of the first points of business opening Wednesday's meeting. They were concerned over the process and didn't believe that his experience, knowledge or expertise concerning the district should be lost, especially when the new law firm being hired to take over as consultants has been together for less than a year.  These sentiments were also express towards the end of the meeting (1:35:00) when two members of the audience questioned the same.

School Superintendent Dr. William George, should put a stop to the bickering. Unfortunately however, I think he thrives in the dysfunction. The more that board members bicker amongst themselves, the less time board members have to examine or scrutinize his performance and the direction he is or isn't taking the district.  

The dysfunction has to stop, it shouldn't be allowed to go on the way it has. The only true way to end the chaos is to elected need board members in November. It's obvious that current members aren't able to put their differences or personal agendas aside for the good of the community.

Here's a list of candidates that have filed petitions to seek election to the Middletown Board of Education this year:

• John Little
• Frank Higgins
• DJ Hager
• Lenora Camonetti (former member, lost reelection previously)
• Vinnie Brand (incumbent, seeking reelection)
• Andy Nichols (2015 candidate, 2nd try)
• Mike Donlan (incumbent, seeking reelection)

The only two on the list that I personally know and have spoken to in the past are John Little, who I think would a good choice and Vinnie Brand.

Vinnie is a funny guy, and I not saying that because he's a comedian. He's personable and ready to engage in conversation, which is often one-sided. It's hard to get a word in with him because he's mouth moves a mile a minute (which isn't necessarily a bad thing), he has strong opinions and beliefs and expresses them vocally which gives him the reputation of not playing nicely. And, Vinnie is the board member who filed several ethics complaints against fellow board member Joan Minnuies, for what's it worth.

I've grown to like Vinnie, I think he's generally a good guy and I believe his heart is in the right place.

Talking to a few board members both past and present however, it seems that he is just as much a problem on the BOE as anyone else that he may have issues with. And since he's told me on a few occasions in the past personally, that he had no intentions of seeking reelection this year because it wasn't worth it to him, personally or professionally, anymore to deal with the headaches, conflicts or personalities of various board members. I question his motives behind seeking reelection and wonder what changed his mind.

It is something that I'll to speak with him about.  

Giants announce 2016 Training Camp Schedule

From Giants.com

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New York Giants today announced the schedule for their 2016 training camp, which will be presented by Toyota. The camp will feature 11 practice sessions open to the public at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, which is located on the MetLife Sports Complex.

The first practice session will take place on Friday, July 29 at 10:40 a.m.

Admission: There is no admission charge for watching training camp workouts. All practices will be held at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center

Fan Guidelines: Practice sessions will be open to the public throughout training camp (July 29-Aug. 14). Limited seating is provided alongside the practice fields. Restroom facilities, concession stands and a free kids' activity area will be available.

Fan Parking: Parking is free and is located in Lot K on the grounds of the MetLife Sports Complex. The lot will open to the public one hour before the scheduled start time of practice and the gates will open 30 minutes before practice begins. The parking lot will close one hour following the conclusion of practice. All fans attending practice will be subject to security screening before entering the seating area.

Autographs: Select Giants legends will sign autographs during practice each day for all fans. A listing of those Giants legends and the dates they will sign will be released on Giants.com.

Each day after practice, a rotating group of current Giants players will sign autographs for the first 400 fans age 12 and under. The autograph opportunity will take place behind the Kids’ Zone area. All kids who are interested in the opportunity are encouraged to visit the sign-up table with a guardian immediately upon arriving at the practice so that they can receive a wristband. The sign-up table will be located immediately in front of the kids’ autograph area, and all wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Once wristbanded, they can enjoy the rest of practice and are encouraged to return 30 minutes prior to the end of practice to be allowed into the autograph area. Kids must have a wristband to be permitted into the autograph area. There will not be a post-practice autograph session on August 5 or August 6.

Rain Policy: In the event of inclement weather (including rain, wind, thunderstorms or extreme heat), practices will be moved indoors and be closed to the public. Please check Giants.com prior to every practice for up-to-the-minute changes in the daily practice schedule.

Pallone & Army Corps of Engineers Announce Second Phase of the Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project in Port Monmouth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2016


Long Branch, NJ --- Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $13,696,687.00 contract for the Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project in Port Monmouth. The contract will help fulfill the project’s second phase, which includes constructing a system of levees, a floodwall, a tide gate, road closure structures, road raising and pump stations. The funding is part of the $110 million allocated for Port Monmouth in the Sandy relief package that Pallone worked to secure in 2013. The contract was awarded to Kyle Conti Construction of Hillsborough, New Jersey.

“Many in Port Monmouth faced serious flooding during Sandy, unlike anything this community has ever seen,” said Pallone “All along the Bayshore, flooding has become an increasingly common phenomenon as severe storms have become more frequent and residential and commercial development has increased. The work being done here will strengthen our local infrastructure, reduce future damage, and keep our communities safe. I have been working to bring this project to fruition for years, so I’m pleased that the second stage is underway.”

The first phase of the project was successfully completed in June of 2015 and included dune restoration, beach replenishment, groin work, extension of the fishing pier, and construction of protective dunes. The entire $110 million effort will offer significant protection to the area, which has suffered frequent flooding, erosion and damage from rain and coastal storms in recent years. The Army Corps of Engineers hopes to complete the entire project by 2019.

Pallone Champions Bipartisan Legislation to Address Opioid Epidemic at Treatment Center in Marlboro

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2016

Calls for Real Dollars to Combat Epidemic

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) visited New hope Treatment in Marlboro to discuss legislation to combat the opioid epidemic. Pallone, who led democratic efforts to pass the bill, toured the facility and discussed how provisions in the conference report that recently passed the House of Representatives and Senate will assist addiction treatment centers. The legislation includes important and proven programs to address prevention, treatment and recovery.

In New Jersey, more than 184,000 individuals have been admitted to substance abuse treatment facilities for heroin or opioid abuse since 2010 and more than 5,000 have died from heroin-related deaths since 2004.

“We have a responsibility to the individuals, families, and communities that are being shattered by opioid addiction to do everything within our power to combat the current crisis,” said Pallone. “While I would have liked to see more in terms of a real investment in our public health infrastructure to deal with the complexity of addiction, and in addiction treatment centers like New Hope, I believe that this opioid package takes us several steps forward.”

While the legislation is an important first step, the Congressman also called for funding to fight the epidemic and empowering states with the resources to provide adequate treatment. He has introduced legislation that would commit $500 million annually to help individuals at all stages of crisis, specifically those suffering from prescription opioid and heroin dependence.

New Hope is a treatment center that serves those impacted by substance abuse, providing a range of counseling and clinical services across seven residential, transitional and outpatient facilities throughout Central New Jersey.

Among the services available at the facility, New Hope provides medication-assisted treatment. Throughout debate on the legislation, Pallone advocated for an expansion in access to this evidence based strategy to combat addiction and the final legislation allows nurse practitioners and physician assistants to treat individuals with opioid use disorders with buprenorphine and authorizes grant programs to support states’ efforts to expand access to overdose-reversing drugs like naloxone and MAT programs within the criminal justice system. The legislation also takes an important step of reauthorizing the National All-Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Act—known as NASPER—that has allowed states like New Jersey to track opioid prescriptions and prevent abuse and diversion.

The legislation clarifies that a doctor or patient may request that prescriptions for opioid painkillers be partially filled. This will reduce the number of unused pills in circulation, which will reduce the risk of misuse, diversion and overdose. Pallone discussed the importance of the partial pill legislation at Boyt Drugs in Metuchen in April.

Pallone Calls for Protection of Retirement Savings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2016

Pallone Calls for Protection of Retirement Savings in Edison

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) held a retirement security forum with representatives of AARP New Jersey at the Edison Senior Center. Pallone discussed the importance of ensuring a Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Seniors and protecting retirement savings through the Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule. Representatives from AARP New Jersey, Edison Mayor Thomas Lankey and Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin were among the attendees.

As the American retirement system has moved away from defined benefit pensions and toward defined contribution plans, seniors’ private investments have become all the more critical to ensuring their financial security in retirement. However, financial advisers’ conflicts of interest currently cost American families an estimated $17 billion a year. Among other challenges seniors face, they will discuss the Department of Labor’s so called “fiduciary rule” which seeks to close this loophole and ensure that financial advisers act in their clients’ best interest when they provide investment advice.

“We simply want to hold all financial advisors to the same, commonsense standard – if you provide investment advice to people, they need to be able to trust that that advice will serve their best interests,” said Pallone. “We expect the advice we get from doctors and lawyers to serve our interests, and they are both held to professional standards that make sure this is true. Why wouldn’t we expect the same from those we hire to help ensure that we are financially secure in retirement?”

Congressman Pallone also expressed his continued disappointment that there was no Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in 2016. He has called on the Social Security Administration to reevaluate the formula it uses to determine yearly cost of living. By adopting a formula referred to as the “CPI-E’, the program could better respond to how inflation impacts seniors’ actual expenses, so that in retirement, they can continue to live in dignity and receive the benefits they have earned.

Central Jersey Blood Center and Air Trampoline Sports Hold Blood Drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Air Trampoline Sports Aberdeen and Central Jersey Blood Center to Host Blood Drive
Owners of Air Trampoline Sports Unite with Central Jersey Blood Center to Show Support for the Community

Aberdeen, NJ— Air Trampoline Sports in Aberdeen will be hosting a blood drive on Monday, August 15, 2016 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The blood drive will be sponsored by Central Jersey Blood Center, a non-profit blood collection and distribution organization. Air Trampoline Sports has locations in Aberdeen, NJ and Ronkonkoma, NY and is run by father-son team, Ken and Justin Stone.

Ken is the owner of Air Trampoline Sports and Justin is General Manager of Air Trampoline Sports Ronkonkoma and Operator of Air Trampoline Sports Aberdeen. The father-son duo takes an altruistic approach to their business and have spearheaded a variety of philanthropic endeavors and fundraisers. The Aberdeen location has held fundraisers benefitting local charities and have contributed supplies to local schools, monetary donations to Breast Intentions during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Aberdeen Local PBA 163 for Police Week and have donated hundreds of pounds of food to the Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry during the holidays for people in need.

The blood that will be donated to the upcoming Air Trampoline blood drive can be used in a variety of medical procedures and can even be used to help treat a patient who has been diagnosed with cancer. It only takes one person's donation to save three lives. There has never been a bigger need for blood donations than there is right now with the current blood crisis that New Jersey is experiencing. Director of Donor Relations for CJBC, Michael Leviton, commented, "At this point, the need for blood donations is an emergency. We are appealing to everyone to make donating blood a priority. For those who are donating blood, thank you. It is appreciated and needed."

As a token of appreciation, all donors who participate in the drive will be presented with a free 30-minute jump pass as a thank you. When questioned about Air Trampoline's choice to host a blood drive, owner Ken Stone replied, "Giving back to the community is something we try to do every day. I'm just happy to do whatever I can to make our town a happier and healthier place."

As a reminder, all blood donors must be at least 16 years old, healthy and weigh at least 120 pounds. Please remember to bring a valid signature ID, drink water, and eat a full meal before you donate blood. To make an appointment, please contact Mark Horowitz by phone (732) 583-3000 or via email, mark@airtrampolinesports.com.

About Air Trampoline Sports:
Air Trampoline Sports has two locations in Ronkonkoma, NY and Aberdeen, NJ. Their space in Ronkonkoma has 26,000 square feet and features over 16,000 square foot of trampolines including courts for freestyle, dodgeball, foam pit, basketball slam dunk and a designated kids area. The space has specially designed dodgeball courts for pick-up and tournament play. Jumpers can jump into a spacious pit filled with foam cubes or play hard on two slam dunk goals. This modern facility has ample parking and is a hot spot for birthday parties and fun.

Their 38,000 square-foot facility in Aberdeen (one of the largest indoor trampoline parks in New Jersey) features 18,000 square feet of trampolines, including four foam pit lanes, three slam dunk basketball lanes, three unique 3D dodgeball courts, a high jump platform, a gymnastics performance track, and a ninja obstacle course. There are no specific age restrictions for jumpers and all sessions have a designated kids’ area. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the park, along with a food concession, ample seating areas, and an arcade.

It is obvious how passionate Air Trampoline Sports is about giving back to the community. During the grand opening for their Ronkonkoma location, proceeds were donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Long Island. In addition, the Aberdeen location has held fundraisers benefitting local charities and have contributed supplies to local schools, monetary donations to Breast Intentions during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Aberdeen Local PBA 163 for Police Week, and have donated hundreds of pounds of food to the Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry during the holidays for people in need. Air Trampoline Sports is available for children’s birthday parties with a variety of packages offered, adult parties, team events and fundraisers.

About Central Jersey Blood Center:
Central Jersey Blood Center is a community-based, non-profit blood collection and distribution organization that has been proudly serving New Jersey for almost 50 years. CJBC boasts three convenient locations across the state in Shrewsbury, Howell and Toms River. By providing safe, high-quality products and services, CJBC continues to maintain their original mission of putting the community first. When you donate blood at one of the CJBC locations, you are helping to treat burn victims, cancer patients, premature babies, heart disease, trauma victims and more. While CJBC is proud of its numerous locations, 65% of the blood supply comes from its mobile blood drive locations which are often sponsored by schools, businesses and other local organizations. To host a blood drive, please contact Michael Leviton at (732) 677-9701.

New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation Renovating Museum and Educational Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Museum and Educational Center will be closed now through August for upgrades

Holmdel, NJ (July 14, 2016) — The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation (NJVVMF) is updating the sepia mural, a chronological history of popular culture and the conflict in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Era, within the Vietnam Era Museum and Educational Center with the newest museum technology to help better tell the stories of the Vietnam Era. The museum and the gift shop will be closed through August, and the outside Memorial will remain free and open to the public 24 hours a day.

“Restoring the Museum’s centerpiece, our sepia mural, will give the space a much needed update and set us on the road to incorporating new technology into our existing exhibit as a way to remain relevant to the thousands of school children and teachers we work with each year,” said Sarah Taggart, NJVVMF Curator.

Average annual attendance to the Museum and Educational Center is 23,000, with school students and groups attending guided tours and informational sessions yearly.

The Vietnam Era Museum and Educational Center was the first museum of its kind in the United States. Dedicated in September 1998, the Museum provides political, cultural and historical context for the Memorial. It helps visitors gain an understanding of the conflict in Southeast Asia and the surrounding political strife in America and its lasting impact on American culture, with an emphasis on experiences in New Jersey.

The Museum enables visitors to learn about the different forces that produced the conflict abroad and the dissension at home. It provides an atmosphere where appropriate materials and exhibits help visitors understand the significance of the Memorial, the reality of the conflict, and the social, political and cultural complexities of the Vietnam Era.

“The renovations to the Museum and Educational Center are made possible due to the generous contributions of NJVVMF supporters,” said Bill Linderman, NJVVMF Executive Director. “Special thanks also goes to Governor Christie Whitman and the late John Whitman, as well as the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for making this project possible.”

The public can follow along with the progress on the Foundation’s Facebook page and website with updates on renovations as well as the pieces of history that shaped the Vietnam Era.

2016 Democratic Dream Team

"...The team at “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” unleashed the sultry Calvin Klein-style photoshopped advert, which appears to feature the open-shirted Virginia senator apparently giving Clinton a piggyback on a beach Friday...." - Huffington Post

Orginal image Samantha Bee Full Frontal

President Obama's Weekly Address 7/23/16: Protecting the Progress We’ve Made with Wall Street Reform

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week's address, Senator Elizabeth Warren joined President Obama to discuss how far we've come since the financial crisis, when the recklessness of Wall Street caused millions of Americans to lose their jobs, homes, and savings. Senator Warren underscored the importance of the Wall Street reforms the President signed into law, which included the strongest consumer protections in generations. In addition to making the financial system safer and more resilient, these reforms also established the first-ever Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which holds banks, credit card companies, mortgage lenders, and others accountable, and protects consumers from abuses and deceptive practices. This past Thursday, July 21, marked six years since the President signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act into law and the five year anniversary of the creation of the CFPB. Thanks to these reforms, the President reiterated the economy is stronger and more durable today than it was before the crisis. That's why President Obama is going to keep fighting to protect the progress we've made reforming Wall Street from attacks, because hard-working Americans who play by the rules should expect Wall Street to play by the rules, too.

Solomeno Endorsed by VoteVets in Run for Surrogate

For Immediate Release
7/13/16

Army Veteran Selected for PAC’s Prestigious Emerging Leaders Program

HAZLET -- Despite Vincent Solomeno being away for annual active duty training with the Army National Guard, his campaign for Monmouth County Surrogate today received a big boost: VoteVets.org, a political action committee, endorsed the U.S. Army veteran and selected him for its prestigious Emerging Leaders Program.

“Having veterans represented at all levels of government could not be more critical than it is now,” said Jon Soltz, an Iraq War veteran and chairman of VoteVets.org. “We believe that veterans have a special voice and experience that is badly needed at every level of government.”

A Captain in the New Jersey Army National Guard, Fulbright Scholar, and member of the Hazlet Township Land Use Board, Solomeno, 31, is currently conducting his annual active duty training. A platoon trainer, he is tasked this month with mentoring future officers at phase one of the Army National Guard’s Officer Candidate School.

While Solomeno is away, Monmouth County Democrats have launched the #OnDutyForVinny campaign, which encourages supporters to volunteer extra time and post to social media.

“As Vincent hangs up his candidate’s suit and steps into a captain’s uniform, he needs our help,” said Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal. “During this time, he will not be able to raise money, knock on doors, walk in parades or do other political activities. In his absence, we are ramping up operations by doubling the number of phone banks and door knocking.”

Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik accepted the VoteVets.org endorsement on Solomeno’s behalf. He said, “As an Army officer, Vincent deployed overseas to protect our country and he did the same thing here at home during and after Superstorm Sandy. I know I speak for him when I say ‘thank you’ to VoteVets. He will make an excellent Monmouth County Surrogate who protects not only veterans but all residents.”

An Army Engineer officer, Vincent returned last September from an overseas deployment as a future operations officer with U.S. Army Central Command. As a part time, traditional drilling Guardsman, he serves as a Platoon Trainer with the New Jersey Army National Guard Officer Candidate School, where he instructs, trains, and mentors future officers. Vincent previously served full time as the Command Historian of the New Jersey National Guard. A recipient of the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, he served on state active duty in Monmouth County during and after Superstorm Sandy.

Started in 2006 and backed by over 400,000 veterans, military family members and their supporters, the mission of VoteVets.org is to use public issue campaigns to give a voice to veterans on matters of national security, veterans' care, and every day issues that affect the lives of those who served, and their families.

For more information on the endorsement and #OnDutyForVinny, please visit www.vincentsolomeno.com/OnDutyForVinny.

What Are The Odds? European Bookmaker Handicaps VP Picks

The Republican National Convention is set to kick off Monday night in Cleveland and Donald Trump has stated that he will be announce his running mate tomorrow morning at 11am. So I would suggest getting your bets in before then.

So who do you think he'll choose? If you're a betting man the odds on favorite picks to be Trump's VP, at 3/1 odds,  is either Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) or former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, according to the Irish bookmaker Paddy Power.

The odds on Chris Christie being "The Donald's" choice? 5/1

Over on the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton still has a good ten days to decide who her running mate will be. The odds on favorite for her VP pick is Senator Tim Kaine and former Governor of Virginia, who currently stands 8/5, followed  closely by Massachutsettes Senator Elizabeth Warren and Current Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Julian Castro with 7/2 odds.

Clinton's former opponents for the Democratic nomination,  Bernie Sanders (7/2) and former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley (16/1)  are also potential running mates, as is New Jersey Senator Corey Booker (16/1).

Who's your choice? Let me know.


(h/t Sean Dunne)

***** UPDATE******
7/14/16 @ 13:00


It is being reported that Indiana Governor Mike Pence will be Donald Trump's VP pick and running mate the campaign. The odds for Pence being the Republican Vice-Presidential candidate is currently 10/1. We'll all know more later.

7-11 Day - Get Your Free Free Slurpees!

NEW YORK – 7-Elevens across the country are giving out their freebie Slurpees again, this time with an added twist for the cool drink’s 50th anniversary on July 11. 

From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., customers can enjoy a free small-sized Slurpee on a hot summer day at participating locations. In addition, the convenience store chain is offering buyers the chance to get 11 Slurpees for free when they buy seven during “Slurpee Week” or anytime between Tuesday and next Monday. This reward is available through their 7Rewards app. 

Other delicious deals for Slurpee Week include a birthday cake-flavored Slurpee, Slurpee donut and a pineapple mango Slurpee. 

For the entire list of Slurpee Week specials, visit 7-Eleven’s website. 

(PIX11.com)

Candlelight Vigil For Dallas Officers

Joke of the day: How many Republicans...

... does it take to change a light bulb?

Answer: "They wouldn’t try. They prefer to just sit in the dark and complain that someone else isn’t changing it." - (Ironically, the joke was found in TownHall.com - a staunch Republican media rag.)

h/t Daily Kos

Pallone Statement on Dallas Shootings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2016



WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) made the following statement on the shooting that killed five police officers and wounded several others and a civilian in Dallas.

“I am shocked and appalled at the violence that took place in Dallas last night. Police officers in Dallas and throughout the country put their lives on line for us every day and as President Obama said, they too deserve to be able to go home to their families.

“I know that we as a country are feeling a great deal of pain about incidents that have taken place in recent days. But we cannot allow these tragic deaths to drive us further apart. We must work to come together to prevent the killing of innocent people – regardless of their skin color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or job. In the words of the Reverend Martin Luther King, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.’

"I hope that we will now take the example of both the protesters in Dallas and around the country who expressed their frustrations peacefully, and the law enforcement in Dallas, who showed extraordinary bravery and courage, to move our country forward towards justice."

Weekly Address 7/9/16: Standing Together to Stop the Violence

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week's address, Vice President Joe Biden commemorated the lives of the five police officers who were killed and the seven people who were wounded in Dallas. The police officers were providing safety to those who were peacefully marching against racial injustices in the criminal justice system – and the shocking images of the lives lost in St. Paul and Baton Rouge. Echoing the remarks of Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Police Chief David Brown, the Vice President called on the American people to act with unity and to stop the violence. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of everyone to speak out against disparities within the criminal justice system, just as much as it is the responsibility of everyone to stand up for the police who protect us every day. Because together, we as a nation will persevere and overcome.

Pallone, Waters and 21 Colleagues Demand FEMA Provide Oversight of National Flood Insurance Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2016



WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), and 21 of their colleagues sent a bipartisan letter asking that FEMA fulfill its legal obligation to provide oversight of the private insurance companies that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy and other recent disasters, FEMA and NFIP have faced accusations of incompetence and fraud. A recent PBS Frontline documentary entitled, “The Business of Disaster” examined failures with flood insurance in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. Investigators concluded that private insurers made more than $400 million in profits from FEMA in the year that Hurricane Sandy devastated the Atlantic coast – its highest profit in the 4-year period from 2011 to 2014. At the same time, many of those insurers were underpaying or outright denying legitimate flood insurance claims. FEMA did not know how much these companies were making in profits. The journalists had to do their own research to find out.

In 2012, Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Act, which, among other things, directed FEMA to monitor the expenses and profits of insurance companies participating in the NFIP. Four years later, FEMA has not promulgated the necessary rules to enforce this provision.

“It is shameful that private insurance companies have profited from Sandy while failing to meet their basic obligations under the NFIP. It is inexcusable that FEMA has failed to provide proper oversight of those entities - especially when Congress has already empowered and required the agency to do so,” said Pallone. “FEMA has a responsibility to ensure that policy holders are treated fairly and charged a fair market price for the service they purchase, and it better get to work.”

“As homeowners struggle to rebuild their lives in the wake of Superstorm Sandy and other catastrophic storms, it’s imperative that the National Flood Insurance Program conduct proper oversight of private insurance companies that participate in the program,” said Waters, Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee. “We are calling on FEMA to act swiftly and ensure it is not inappropriately compensating companies at the expense of policyholders.”

In May, Pallone led a bipartisan letter from members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation to Administrator Fugate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting that it take swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from documented, widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The lawmakers asked for an explanation of why it is taking FEMA so long to process the insurance claims of these victims and to detail the steps FEMA is taking to swiftly rectify the situation.

After that letter was sent, Pallone and Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) met with Roy Wright, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to demand that FEMA take swift action to process claims for victims of Hurricane Sandy. At the meeting, Wright stated that FEMA would have the unprocessed claims finished by the end of the summer.


Text of the letter can be found...  HERE

Monmouth County Dem Candidates Report Over 255K Raised at Primary Campaign Deadline

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2016


Monmouth County Dem Team also reports over $205k Cash On Hand with almost 82% of total contributions from supporters for $300 or less


HAZLET – The Monmouth County Democratic campaigns for Sheriff, Surrogate and Freeholder today announced that they raised over $255,000 ($255,210.18) in their Primary campaign fundraising report. The team continues to boast overwhelming grassroots support throughout the county with almost 82% of the over 800 total contributions from supporters reported coming in at $300 or less, almost 63% of total contributions reported at $200 or less and almost 47% of the total contributions reported coming in for $100 or less.

The overwhelming financial support being offered from people throughout Monmouth County represents just some of the feedback for candidate for Sheriff Jeff Cantor, candidate for Surrogate Vincent Solomeno, and candidates for Freeholder Matt Doherty and Sue Fulton have received as they travel throughout the county highlighting the team’s record of service in our communities. They have also heard the frustrations of middle class taxpayers on the receiving end of skyrocketing taxes as a result of Republican County Chairman and incumbent Sheriff Shaun Golden’s control over every office in county government.

Most recently, people across the county have expressed their frustration with Chairman Golden and the Monmouth County Republican Committee’s refusal to condemn presumptive Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump for his claim weeks ago that women seeking abortions should be “punished”, his continued defense of Trump University amidst allegations of fraud and “elder abuse”, his repeated calls for a wall to be built to discriminate against people and his efforts to advance the conspiracy theory that President Obama supports ISIS.

While Sheriff Golden and his running mates have remained silent when asked by reporters to endorse or denounce Trump’s candidacy for fear of alienating those they were elected to represent, their support for his candidacy was made clear when they began advertising Trump signs on the Monmouth County Republican Committee website ((http://monmouthrepublican.org/lawnsign/).

Monmouth County Sheriff candidate Jeff Cantor currently holds the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. Cantor has been in the U.S. Army, both active and in the reserves, since 1985. He has served our country around the world, including deployments to Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. After starting as a Private First Class, Cantor rose through the ranks and has earned the rank of Colonel in the Army Reserves. He has also been a Councilman in Marlboro since 2004 where he has served as the Council liaison to the Police Department and as a member of the Local Emergency Planning Council. Cantor is a licensed Emergency Medical Technician for the Township of Marlboro and has been a member of the Marlboro First Aid Squad since 1996, volunteering countless hours to protect and serve the population of Marlboro as well as the surrounding towns.

(Solomeno, Doherty, Cantor and Fulton)

Jeff Cantor has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3rd award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal (2nd award); He has also been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Combat Action Badge and the Basic Parachutist Badge.

Raised in Union Beach, Monmouth County Surrogate candidate Vincent Solomeno graduated from the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (M.A.S.T.) at Sandy Hook before earning his Bachelor of Science from the University of Scranton. He is the recipient of the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship and J. William Fulbright Scholarship. As a Fulbright Scholar, he received a Master of Arts from the University of Amsterdam for his study of the roots of radicalization in Muslim and non-Muslim communities in the Netherlands.

Solomeno is a Captain in the New Jersey Army National Guard. He has served as an Engineer platoon leader, logistics manager, rear detachment commander, and public affairs officer. From 2010 - 2014, Solomeno was the full time Command Historian of the New Jersey National Guard. He returned in September 2015 from an overseas deployment to Central and Southwest Asia. A recipient of the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, he was called to active duty during and after Superstorm Sandy, working in devastated communities across Monmouth County.

Freeholder candidate Matt Doherty has been Mayor of Belmar since January, 2011 and previously served as a Councilman in town starting in 2007. Since becoming Mayor, Belmar residents have yet to see a tax increase on the municipal level under Mayor Doherty’s leadership.

Doherty also led Belmar through the devastating impacts of Superstorm Sandy, working to provide food, shelter and clothing to affected residents in the aftermath of the storm. He then began immediately working with local, county, state and federal officials to rebuild and improve Belmar. Doherty worked tirelessly to successfully fulfill his pledge to get every family in town impacted by Superstorm Sandy back in their homes. A Financial Advisor, Mayor Doherty graduated Georgetown University with a BA in government in 1995 and went on to earn his Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University in 1997. He and his wife, Maggie, are raising their three children, Hannah, Claire and Séamus, in Belmar.

Freeholder candidate Sue Fulton is a 1980 West Point graduate, part of the first class to admit women. She served as a platoon leader and company commander in Germany, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Army Captain. She helped found several military organizations, including Knights Out and OutServe, working on the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell.” Since leaving the military, she has managed businesses at companies like Procter & Gamble and Merck for over 20 years. In 2011, President Obama appointed Fulton to the West Point Board of Visitors, and she currently serves as Chair.

Sue and her partner of 20 years, Penny Gnesin, currently live in Asbury Park and were the first same-sex couple to marry at the Cadet Chapel at West Point.

Middletown Candidates Launch Website

Democratic Candidates for Middletown township Committee, Mary Jo Fabiano and Ralph Borgess have launched their campaign website ABetterMiddletown.com.

The launch of the website was timed to correlate with the beginning of the candidates door to door efforts, which began last night in the Bayshore. For those interested, I suggest you check out the website and learn a little about both Mary Jo and Ralph and what their plan is to make Middletown a better place to live.

Below you will find their bio's from the website to get you started.

Mary Jo Fabiano spent a summer in Middletown in 1967 as her family planned their move from Newark to the suburbs. Mary Jo’s parents, Candy and Ed “Doc” Frable, selected a home in neighboring Keansburg. As her mother delved into community and church service in the Bayshore area, Mary Jo’s father continued to work for the Newark Police Department to provide for his family. Mary Jo first sowed her seeds in Middletown in 1973 when she enrolled at Mater Dei High School. Lifelong friendships and ties to the community blossomed. In a home where education was valued and charitable work was modeled, Mary Jo chose a career in Education. She received her BA in Education from Seton Hall University and an MA in Elementary Education from Kean University. In 1994, Mary Jo and her husband Nick, decided to make his home in Middletown, their family home. They have raised two daughters. The oldest attends college and the youngest is enrolled in the Middletown public school system.

Mary Jo has been a teacher in the Keansburg school system since 1984. Mary Jo is the President of the Keansburg Education Association and is the Corresponding Secretary for the Monmouth County Education Association. The local union raises funds for Cancer, Heart and Autism Awareness and participates in holiday gift drives, community food drives and Jeans for Troops. Mary Jo personally serves on the Keansburg School District Health and Safety Committee, which was formed to reduce injury in the workplace. Her role at the county level brings a unique perspective as she works with educators across the county supporting community involvement.

In addition to her time in the classroom, Mary Jo has organized and participated in community based committees designed to improve quality of life inside and outside of school. Among the committees are the KEA PRIDE in Education Committee, which provides educational information and motivational free giveaways to attendees at school community events, and the KEA Philanthropic Committee, which coordinates scholarships to graduating seniors and has increased donations eight fold over the past 5 years.

Mary Jo’s professional and personal relationships and affiliations have enabled her to gain an understanding of the issues and concerns that are present throughout the Township. As an active member of the Middletown community, she sees firsthand the challenges confronted by residents and has formulated strategies to address these challenges. Transparency, objectivity, collaboration, diplomacy, compassion and knowledge are talents that Mary Jo has used in her advocacy and are easily adaptable to governmental service. Mary Jo anticipates that these talents will guide her in representing all of the residents in Middletown.


Ralph Borgess and his family moved to the Middletown Bayshore community of Port Monmouth several years ago. Like many other Bayshore residents, the Borgess family suffered significant damage to their home as a result of Superstorm Sandy. Ralph is intimately familiar with the struggle residents are enduring as they try to rebuild and restore their lives from the upheaval brought about by Sandy. Ralph feels strongly that the needs of flood victims have not been adequately addressed by the Township Committee and that a much more responsive, organized effort is needed to adopt flood protection measures and to ensure the restoration of shore communities and the rebuilding of lives.
​
Ralph cites the ongoing neglect of the Bayshore and the lack of support the residents received from the Town during and after Superstorm Sandy for prompting him to run for office.
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Ralph is an Occupational Health & Safety Manager and does part-time home inspections as the owner of Borgess Home Inspections. As the owner of a small business, Ralph is acutely aware of the need for sound financial planning and execution of the plan to make his business successful. Indeed if sound financial planning is absent from the operation of Ralph’s business, the business suffers. Ralph will bring his business skill and experience to the Township Committee. Ralph established and is the administrator of the Facebook page, “Port Monmouth NJ Flood Relief”, is a member of “Stop FEMA Now” and volunteers his time coaching Monmouth County Youth Flag Football. His wife Stephanie is a stay at home mom, who takes care of their 3 young sons.

June 20, 2016 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

I haven't had time to view last month's Middletown Township Committee meeting in it's entirety as of yet but plan on doing so before the July Workshop meeting, on July 11th.

Here are a few highlights from the meeting:

• Proclamations were made to the Elks for their work with youth and to the Lions for their 70th Anniversary.
• A public hearing was held by the Monmouth Conservation Foundation regarding the Richard Saker property.
• A presentation was made by Concord Energy Services on how electric is purchased by the homeowner.

Ordinances were passed to regulate dealers in precious metals and to refinance $3M in debt. New ordinances were introduced to regulate traffic in the Heritage subdivision and on Woodside Street.

Ordinances not on the agenda were introduced to set fees for special events in town and regulating drinking in public parks.




As always, you can download a copy of the Meeting Agenda that contains the discussion items and 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.

Middletown's Bison Busted

Besides Calico " The Evil Clown of Middletown", the red buffalo that sat in front of a home on Cherry Tree Farm road was arguably the weirdest thing in Middletown. Some vandals tipped it over Sunday night and it is now in need of repair.

You can read about it in a little more detail HERE

A "GO FUND ME" webpage has been set up to seeking $5,000 for repairs to the buffalo.

What a Liberal Does On The 4th of July

A blast from the past that I think sums it up pretty well.

By Dan Bimrose,Founder, LiberalFix.com
Post @ Huffingtonpost.com
6/30/11

For certain elements of society the word liberal has become interchangeable with such words as communist, socialist and fascist.

While liberals such as myself choose to associate themselves with such historic figures as Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, those same elements of society would suggest that each of us tree hugging "ne-er do wells" have a secret room with a secret wall painted red and devoted to displaying pictures of Hitler, Mussolini and Lenin.

On a day when we should all celebrate our nation and some of us recount historically accurate stories of our nation's birth, there are members of society who find it difficult to imagine that it would be possible for self-styled liberals, progressives and Democrats to find cause for celebration on the Fourth of July.

This all too common charge that those like us are unpatriotic and un-American is an allegation that I take great umbrage with.

By definition conservatives and liberals do not think alike and that is just fine. The idea, however, that liberals are unpatriotic is absurd. Those who say such things are guilty of one of two things, they are either ignorant or they are lying with the intent of influencing your opinion so that it more closely represents their opinion.

Liberals do find it difficult to stomach the assertion that our founding fathers believed that there is an inherit bias toward discrimination in the documents and actions produced by those very same founding fathers.

I will allow that the 3/5 compromise which allowed for slaves to be counted as 3/5 of a white man for the purpose of determining a states representation in Congress, and the lack of a provision guaranteeing women the right to vote were monumental fails in regards to discrimination. The need to compromise to achieve a bigger goal allowed for these fails to exist.

Time, acquired wisdom, and progress would eventually fix these wrongs. Liberals respect, honor and cherish the Constitution as an evolving document capable of being changed when we as a nation are ready for change.

We believe that the founders had it right when they said in the Declaration of Independence, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." We believe this to be the very worthy intent of our founding fathers.

We acknowledge conservatives love the Constitution as well. Well, they love certain parts of the Constitution. Different conservative groups would love to repeal a variety of amendments including the 8th, the 14th, the 16th, the 17th, the 19th and possibly the 26th amendment.

Liberals do believe that children born in the inner city or poverty stricken rural areas deserve the same access to health care as blue bloods spending the holiday on Martha's Vineyard. We are not unpatriotic because we believe this. Perhaps you could call us compassionate, but not unpatriotic.

We understand that we pass on more to our children than just budgets and balance sheets. We also pass on the environment and the planet to our children and grandchildren. Regardless of whether or not we feel that global warming is real or a myth we still value clean water and clean air.

We may not appreciate the wars we are currently fighting in the Middle East, but we love and respect our soldiers. After all they are our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, wives and husbands.

We believe that teachers, policeman and firefighters should be paid and paid well due to their value and service to our community.

We believe that all of our children deserve libraries, gym class, and the opportunity to star in their school play.

We believe our country is great because we are a melting pot, not in spite of it. We value diversity. This is the American Way. This was the American dream.

We pay our taxes, but think that the wealthiest amongst us and the most profitable industries can share in bearing a little extra burden to fix our government's mistakes.

We believe that our senior citizens are people who have served our countries and their families well. They deserve not just our respect, but the ability to retire with the reasonable assurance that their health needs and financial needs will be met.

No, we do not agree with everything and most of the time we do not agree with anything, but it is not necessary to call each other unpatriotic or un-American. Liberals do not think conservatives are evil, we just think they are wrong. Perhaps some of the name calling conservatives out there will learn that liberals are Americans too.

What will I be doing this 4th of July?

More than likely my children will wake me up early so that we can go to the local parade, but before we leave for the parade I will hang our flag outside.

I am assuming and hoping the day will be filled with at least two Italian sausages smothered in onions, one elephant ear, and multiple lemon shake-ups. At the parade I will shake hands with a few elected officials, but reserve my support and encouragement for those politicians that are Democrats. In my part of Indiana, they need all the help they can get.

I will conclude the day by watching the local fireworks display right before rushing home to put the kids in the tub so I can clean off the cotton candy that has become caked on their faces. With any luck I will not have to get out the tweezers to remove a roasted peanut from my youngest daughter's ear.

We will go straight from the tub to the bedroom where we will sing songs and the kids will say their prayers before being tucked in and given strict orders to "sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite".

So what do liberals do on the 4th of July?

Pretty much the same thing everyone else does.

Happy 4th of July and God Bless America.

Trump's VP Choices

The American Conservative on Chris Christie:

Christie is staggeringly unpopular in his own state, he is widely disliked by most Republicans, and ever since he endorsed the nominee he has become little more than a punchline for jokes about being held hostage by Trump. He adds nothing to the ticket electorally, he brings with him his shoddy record as governor, and on top of it he knows only slightly more about foreign policy than Trump while holding the most predictably hawkish views. Adding Christie to the ticket might keep a few foreign policy hard-liners from voting for Clinton, but it would probably come at the expense of alienating a nontrivial portion of Trump’s core supporters. By Christie’s own admission from a few years ago, he isn’t qualified to be president because of his lack of preparation on foreign policy, and that remains true today. Christie would be a comprehensively terrible choice, and so it is entirely possible that he will be Trump’s selection.

President Obama's Weekly Address 7/2/16: Serving our Military Families This Fourth of July

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s address, President Obama wished everyone a happy Fourth of July, and recognized our service members, veterans and their families for their service to our country. The President commended First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden on the most recent milestone of their Joining Forces initiative. This week, the First Lady and Dr. Biden announced that all fifty states have acted to streamline professional licensing for military spouses, who often move across state lines and need to re-certify for a job they are already qualified for. Although more work needs to be done, today, many military spouses no longer have to worry about putting their career on hold just because their loved ones have chosen to serve this country. That’s what this initiative is all about – serving our troops as well as they have served us. This holiday weekend, visit JoiningForces.gov to find out how you can serve service members, veterans and military families in your community.