LD-13 Senate Candidate O'Scanlon: You May Have to Vote for Someone Else

Candidate claims to be a "truth teller" and stands up for taxpayers with "real" solutions.

By Monmouth Watchdog

Declan O'Scanlon

When a politician has to stress in his online ads that he is a "straight shooter," or makes social media claims on Facebook like, "If your looking for someone to tell you what you want to hear rather than the truth you need to know, your going to have to vote for someone else." You know an embattled politician's campaign is floundering, and in need of a lifeline.

Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, (R-Monmouth), whose office is located outside the district he represents, (Red Bank), wants to replace retiring state Senator Joe Kyrillos. O'Scanlon may have spoken words that prophetically may come true this November.

Lets look at the record:

O'Scanlon did not stand up for his constituents when he voted for the very unpopular 23-cent gallon gas tax. He sided with special interests that have donated thousands of dollars towards his political campaigns.

He was the only legislator in the Assembly---the only legislator--that voted against enhanced penalties against drunk drivers operating motor vehicles with minors as passengers. Is that standing up for taxpayers?? Ok, they're children-- so what? Who is looking out for the childrens' safety?? Certainly not Assemblyman O'Scanlon! Kudos to the 79 legislators that did in fact vote for this measure.

Law enforcement?? There's no standing up for those taxpayers! He was just one of four legislators in the Assembly that voted against a financial package that would protect unarmed, outnumbered correction officers, injured during a riot or other physical altercation with violent prisoners. I guess they're not taxpayers worthy of being "stood up" for.

Ok, perhaps half the population? Our hard working mothers, sisters, friends and daughters?? How can we not be supportive of this group? Well, with O'Scanlon's vote, there is no standing up for them either. Our hard working women--discounted and rendered insignificant with his vote. No support for this hard working group.

You didn't read or hear about that vote did you?? Of course not! That is one vote I am sure Mr. O'Scanlon would love to take back.

So much for standing up for our citizens--The Monmouth Watchdog sees a disturbing trend in O'Scanlon's voting record when it comes to the safety of our women, children, and law enforcement officers. Now Assemblyman O'Scanlon wants a promotion to a four-year term as a state senator representing LD-13, which is comprised of 16 municipalities within Monmouth County.

Lets try the truth: When O'Scanlon first ran for the Assembly in 2009, he became embroiled in an ethics controversy brought about by his Democratic rivals. His Democratic opponents at the time accused him of a conflict of interest regarding his business dealings with the town of Fair Haven. Shortly after his victory in the Assembly, O'Scanlon sponsored Bill A-2585. which would prohibit legislators from conducting business within their own legislative district. Unfortunately, the bill gained no traction; however, Mr. O'Scanlon was quoted in an online publication saying he would voluntarily impose the same standards on his own business activities.

There seems to be a little problem with Mr. O'Scanlon's "voluntary" imposition of the same standards in the bill he sponsored. In January of 2017, Mr. O'Scanlon was named "Cell Tower Consultant" in the Holmdel Township Re-Organization Minutes. And as recently as May 17, 2016, O'Scanlon's company was awarded a contract from Keyport (Resolution #166-16; For Cell Tower Contract Services). That contract called for payment of services not to be less than $500 dollars and not to exceed $3000 dollars. (see above for copy of Keyport Resolution).

A check of Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon's financial disclosures reveal since 2009, he inexplicably has not reported his income as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly. A requirement mandated under state financial disclosure rules.

District 13's women and children need support and an advocate from its representatives in the Assembly. O'Scanlon's votes are in total dichotomy of his running mate, Assemblywoman Amy Handlin. Ms. Handlin voted for women's equality; voted for enhanced penalties against drunken drivers with minors as passengers in their vehicles and has voted against the increase in the gas tax. And her office is located within the confines of the district she represents.

Perhaps its time to drain the swamp in Trenton.

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The above is an opinion of the Monmouth Watchdog

LETTER: O’Scanlon has nothing new to offer voters

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog. This letter appears online at the Asbury Park Press:


Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon’s Sept. 7 op-ed piece “Gopal lacks credibility on property taxes” on community consolidation and property tax relief was transparently self-serving. Apparently all it will take to solve the Gordian knot of New Jersey taxes is electing him, Sen. Jennifer Beck, and other like-minded candidates to office. But the record would suggest otherwise.

After nearly a decade in office, we don’t have tax reform because O’Scanlon has nothing new to offer, has presented no innovative ideas and has no record of significant accomplishments or collaboration to extol. Instead he just rolls out the same old public service villains — police, firefighters, teachers and “special interests” — as the root cause of our tax dilemma.

It is no less emblematic of their monolithic worldview that both O’Scanlon and Beck voted against equal pay for women. And it is especially interesting to note that O’Scanlon’s ire and focus of the piece were directed at Vin Gopal, who is not the candidate O’Scanlon is running against. Does he really think so little of Beck and other women that he must “mansplain” complex issues to and for them? Beck should be able to speak for herself to the candidate opposing her, but if she believes women don’t deserve the same pay as men, then perhaps she is better off letting O’Scanlon do the speaking for her.

It is time to stop pointing fingers, blaming others and throwing rocks at other candidates. O’Scanlon has had nine years to solve the tax problem and he hasn’t succeeded yet. Why should he another two years to try? He shouldn’t.

Kevin Akey

Little Silver

Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon's 'NO' Vote on Pay Equality: A Backhand to the Face of Women Seeking Pay Equality With Men

Legislator Seeks Promotion to Senate After Incredulous, Incomprehensible Votes Affecting Women's Equality, Children's Safety

By Monmouth Watchdog

Here he goes again.

It’s getting to be a monotonous drone of a drumbeat with Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon’s mind boggling, head scratching, dangerous votes in the Assembly. The vote: a "NO" vote regarding women's pay equality. It may be a "NO" vote-- but a significant "NO" vote that was decided and voted upon without much notice in March of 2016.

Until now, O'Scanlon's vote has gone undetected and unannounced on any of O’Scanlon’s media press announcements, online and Facebook page posts. Matter of fact, this might be the first place where his constituents are aware of his votes. Why? Because Declan O’Scanlon—a self-proclaimed “straight shooter”— with this particular vote, slaps the face of our mothers, sisters and daughters. It places a foot—like a throttle—upon the necks of women, who only desire what their male counterparts have in the workplace: pay equality!

Currently, females earn approximately 20% less than their male counterparts doing exact or similar work. Equality in pay would greatly aid two- income couples seeking to pay bills, and raise a family, without children suffering. It would greatly aid young women—with children--ran by struggling single mother households.

How can any legislator be against this? Well, Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, through his vote, has indicated he is against a bill that concerns equal pay for women and addressing workplace discrimination and retaliation issues.

Thankfully, and despite O’Scanlon’s “NO” vote, the bill, A-2750, passed by a margin of 54 to 14 (with 12 legislators inexplicably not voting). A similar bill (S-992), passed in the Senate by a margin of 28 to 4 (with 8 inexplicably not voting).

The bill—after passing both houses, was vetoed by Governor Chris Christie.

The protections to women—barring Christie’s veto—would have provided women with the following workplace safeguards:

1. Prohibit unequal pay for “substantially similar” work, under the Law Against Discrimination (LAD). The legislation would make it unlawful for an employer to pay a rate of compensation, including benefits, to an employee of one sex less than the rate paid to an employee of the other sex for substantially similar work when viewed as a composite of skill, effort and responsibility, unless specific conditions apply.

2. Require different rates of compensation be justified by factors other than sex. The bill permits an employer to pay a different rate of compensation if the employer demonstrates that the differential is made pursuant to a seniority system, a merit system, or is based on legitimate, bona fide factors other than sex, such as training, education, experience, or the quantity or quality of production. It requires that each factor is applied reasonably, that one or more of the factors account for the entire wage differential, and that the factor or factors do not perpetuate a sex-based differential in compensation, are job-related and based upon legitimate business necessities. Comparison of wage rates would be based on those in all of an employer’s operations or facilities.

3. Restart statute of limitations for each instance of discrimination. Provides that a discriminatory compensation decision or other employment practice that is unlawful under the LAD occurs each time that compensation is paid in furtherance of that discriminatory decision or practice – effectively making each paycheck another instance of discrimination, reflecting the language in the federal Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. In addition, the bill provides that liability shall accrue and an aggrieved person may obtain relief for back pay for the entire period of time in which the violation has been continuous, if the violation continues to occur within the statute of limitations. This provision is stronger than the federal Lilly Ledbetter Act, which has a two-year cap on back pay.

4. Prohibit employer retaliation against employee for disclosing compensation. Employers could not take reprisals against an employee for disclosing information about the job title, occupational category, and rate of compensation of any employees or former employees, as well as other information. It would prohibit an employer from requiring an employee or prospective employee to forgo rights to make or request those disclosures

5. Require transparency in state contracting. Requires contractors to provide information on gender, race, job title, occupational category and compensation, and to report certain changes during the course of the contract; information must be filed with Labor Commissioner and Division of Civil Rights. The bill requires disclosure to employees and their authorized representatives upon request.

Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, a former Little Silver councilman, is seeking the Senate seat from the retiring Joe Kyrillos. He is the CEO of FSD Enterprises in Red Bank. His firm negotiates with wireless communications companies on behalf of government entities. His recent votes in the Assembly have caused controversy, consternation and angst regarding his vote to raise the tax on gasoline; his horrendous voting record on public safety issues affecting law enforcement officers, and being the ONLY Assemblyman in the state legislature--out of 80--that voted AGAINST enhanced penalties for drunk drivers operating with minors as passengers.

His opponent, Democrat Sean Byrnes of Middletown, is a former Middletown committeeman; veteran with the US Coast Guard, and attorney.

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This is the opinion of the Monmouth Watchdog.

Monmouth Watchdog: Assemblyman O'Scanlon Adds Insult to Injury To State's Campus Police Officers

Votes against protecting state's campus police officers against political retribution, yet votes to permit them to carry guns while retired

By Monmouth Watchdog

Assembly bill A-2690, which expands the list of law enforcement personnel eligible to carry a handgun in their retirement years—including campus police-- was signed into law on July 13, 2017, by Governor Chris Christie. The Bill, was co-sponsored by Republican Assemblyman, Declan O’Scanlon, (LD-13).

Former Governor and state Senator Richard Codey (D-Essex), who previously voted down the bill in the Senate, was quoted as saying, “When, during the performance of duty, did they have to use a gun? Rarely, if ever…it just expands the number of people who are out there with guns, and that never ends up to anything good.”

Declan O'Scanlon

O’Scanlon, currently running for state Senator in LD-13 after Senator Joe Kyrillos announced plans to retire, blasted Codey by saying, “I can’t think of a more ignorant statement…what the hell is there to argue with here? It’s a slap in the face of those well-trained retired officers that he belittles their skill, training and dedication.” O’Scanlon’s sponsorship and subsequent “Yes” vote for the bill, adds insult to injury to New Jersey’s campus police officers throughout the state.

On November 21, 2016, O’Scanlon voted “NO” on Bill A-1411. The bill sponsored by Gordon Johnson, a former Bergen County Sheriff, provides employment protections for campus police officers, protecting them from any removal actions for “political reasons,” or for any other cause other than incapacity, misconduct, or disobedience of rules and regulations. Without this safeguard in place, political leaders, and high ranking campus officials, getting stopped for motor vehicle offenses—or even criminal matters, will demand—and unfortunately receive— preferential treatment not afforded the general public.

Why would Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon want it any other way?

O’Scanlon’s vote would condone (had it passed) political retribution against campus police officers by demoting , re-assigning and possibly removing them from active service. Fortunately, the overwhelming majority members in the Assembly had the integrity and fortitude to pass the Bill by 58-11. This sends a resonating loud and clear signal to their own: Intimidation and/or manipulation of law enforcement actions by New Jersey's campus police will not be tolerated!

The bill is currently in the hands of a Senate Committee awaiting further deliberation, before being forwarded to the full Senate for consideration.

Let’s not forget another slap to the face to another group of law enforcement professionals—our state’s correction officers. The state Assembly on February 13, 2017, -- joining its Senate partner in a similar bill-- overwhelmingly approved bill A-3422 by a vote of 62-4, creating a compensation program for correction officers assaulted by prisoners in their care, custody and control.

LD-13 Assemblyman, Declan O'Scanlon, (R-Monmouth), a staunch Christie ally, and member of Christie’s now defunct and dismantled Presidential Leadership Team, was one of just four (4) Assembly members that incredulously voted against the measure protecting state correction officers from financial ruin, hurt on the job, and reliant on a salary that is a fraction of their normal rate of pay.

Assemblyman O’Scanlon blasting Codey as “ignorant” was certainly uncalled for. Perhaps it was done as political payback for Codey’s plan to draft a bill requiring cell towers be located a safe distance of at least 2500 feet from schools? Codey’s plans are a direct result of the controversy currently taking place in O’Scanlon’s hometown of Little Silver, regarding the erection of a Verizon cell tower.

A grass roots effort is currently underway to remove and re-locate a Verizon cell tower that casts a shadow on a nearby elementary school.

Mr. O’Scanlon is the owner and operator of FSD Enterprises, of Red Bank, a consulting firm which contracts with municipalities and other entities negotiating with cell tower giants—such as Verizon— regarding locations, permits, rental agreements, and other details associated with cell towers. FSD is compensated by municipalities with retainer agreements along with specified percentages up to 35% of the first year’s rental income generated by the tenants placing their equipment on those poles.

In Holmdel--one of several towns in Monmouth County that FSD does business with-- FSD billed the Township for its cut on March 15, 2016, for 35% of $35,004.00 rental income derived from the Verizon Crown Castle site. That amount plus the $3000.00 "one-time payment," resulted in a payout of $13,301.40 for FSD Enterprises.

Holmdel in their January 2017 Re-Organization Minutes named Mr. O'Scanlon as their "cell tower consultant."

Verizon in keeping with their full disclosure policy regarding campaign contributions to candidates and/or their committees, reported giving Assemblyman O'Scanlon over $11,000.00 dollars in campaign contributions since 2008. Running mate Assemblywoman Amy Handlin, was not the recipient of Verizon's campaign generosity.

Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon certainly has a tough task in front of him in his quest to become state Senator. He is running against Democrat Sean Byrnes from LD-13's largest municipality: Middletown. Mr Byrnes is a former Democratic committeeman, a veteran with the United States Coast Guard, and an attorney.

O'Scanlon resides in Little Silver, and before becoming an Assemblyman, he was a long-time council member. His record on public safety issues has certainly been controversial--especially child safety concerns. O'Scanlon has voted for the very unpopular, and much criticized 23-cent a gallon gas tax. Issues which will undoubtedly be brought to the forefront during this most watched and crucial campaign.


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The above article is an opinion of the MonmouthWatchdog.

Education Committe Rejects Assemblyman O'Scanlon's Plea Regarding School Bus Cameras

By Monmouth Watchdog
May 25, 2017

Assemblyman Has a Questionable Record Regarding Public Safety Issues

In a stinging rebuke to the aspirations of Republican Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon’s bid for the state Senate seat of Joe Kyrillos in Legislative District 13-- and yet another question mark on his public safety record regarding children--the Assembly Education Committee, by a vote of 9 to 0, voted for Assembly bill A3798, which authorizes the installation of school bus cameras to capture images of those reckless drivers passing school buses while loading and unloading children. This bill now heads to the full Assembly for a vote by all its 80 members—including O’Scanlon.

The bill overwhelmingly passed in the Senate in January.

After impassioned testimony against the bill before the committee, O’Scanlon, utilizing fear and hysteria, feels the input of private contractors serves no legitimate purpose other than to make a profit on the backs of motorists. In furtherance of Mr. O’Scanlons hysteria, he has re-named the bill with the moniker, “Use Our Kids As Pawns To Enrich Corrupt Companies.”

The members of the committee promptly rejected O'Scanlon's pleas, and forwarded the bill to the full Assembly for their vote.


The bill authorizes a municipality or school district operating or providing Type I or Type II school buses that transport students to contract with a private vendor to provide for the installation, operation, and maintenance of a school bus monitoring system for enforcement purposes. The bill provides that a school bus monitoring system must be capable of capturing and producing a record of any occurrence that may be considered illegal passing of a school bus, and include in that recorded image:

1. If the school bus is exhibiting its flashing light;

2. If a motor vehicle passes a school bus;

3. The license plate, make, and model of the violating vehicle;

4. The date, time, and location of the violation.

The bill requires any violation captured in a recorded image produced by a school bus monitoring system to be made available to the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the violation occurred. After careful review; the application of good judgement and common sense, A law enforcement officer is tasked to issue a summons within 90 days of determining that a violation occurred. A summons may not be issued for a violation occurring more than 90 days from date of the violation.

Mr. O’Scanlon, of Little Silver, is the Republican nominee running for state Senator, opposing presumptive Democrat nominee, Mr. Sean F. Byrnes of Middletown. O'Scanlon is a staunch Chris Christie ally; voted for the controversial 23-cent a gallon gas tax, and was a member of Christie’s defunct Presidential Leadership Team while the governor mounted a brief and unsuccessful bid for the presidency.


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You can also find this article over on the Patch

Did Special Interests Influence LD-13 Assembly Member Declan O'Scanlon To Vote 'Yes' On Gas Tax?

The following snippet was posted on the Marlboro Patch. If you haven't read it, it will raise an eyebrow and my provide some insight into the politics behind last year's gas tax hike.

By Monmouth Watchdog
May 15, 2017

Organizations Benefitting From Gas Tax Increase Contributed Heavily Towards Assemblyman's Campaigns; Bumpy Road To Election Seen Ahead

On Decmber 9, 2016, Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon,(R-Monmouth), a staunch Chris Christie ally, and former member of Christie's Presidential Leadership Team, announced a bid for the senate seat being vacated by long-time representative, state Senator Joe Kyrillos.

In O'Scanlon's bid for the senate seat, he said, " I am running for the Senate. I am looking forward to the opportunity to double the value of my vote and volume of my megaphone...I have a history of bringing people together...I have allies in reform communities and labor..."

Well, it may be those very "allies" in labor that may be Mr. O'Scanlon's undoing to represent LD-13. Legislative District 13 is comprised of 16 municipalities--including the largest town in Monmouth County: Middletown.

Middletown is home of Democrat Sean Byrnes, who is the Monmouth Dems choice to run against O'Scanlon. Compounding O'Scanlon's woes is his vote for the very unpopular 23 cent a gallon gas tax, in a state that has the highest cost per mile to construct a roadway: two-million dollars per mile. This expenditure is 12-times the national average on other state controlled and operated roadways, and now brings New Jersey's gas tax ranking to number 7 nationwide--up from the near bottom. Add to that O'Scanlon's mind boggling public safety voting record in the Assembly, and you have a candidate that may have his political career in jeopardy.

For drivers of New Jersey, a near quarter increase in a gallon of gas is indeed a steep hike. And with today's announcement from the oil ministers of Saudi Arabia and Russia agreeing to extend production cuts until March of 2018, the pain could even worsen for the state's drivers.

O'Scanlon's "allies" contributed mightily to his campaign--- These organizations consist of unions, political action committees, and companies dealing with state-wide road construction projects. They would benefit greatly from any legislator's "YES" vote and subsequent passage. On October 7, 2016, Declan O'Scanlon did indeed vote for the gas tax.

According to NJ Election Commission reports, The Utility and Transportation Contractors Association PAC, Constructors for Good Government, gave him $7,600 on Nov. 07, and the NJ State Laborers PAC ponied up $8,200 as did Operating Engineers Local 825, which sent $8,200. The road paving company J. Fletcher Creamer, whose khaki trucks are a fixture on Jersey’s TLC-desperate roads, sent $2,600, joined by companies like George Harms Construction, Earle Asphalt Company, Northeast Remsco Construction, and the NJ Asphalt PAC....

Continue reading on Patch

Scharfenberger To Seek 13th Assembly Seat

I'm a little late to the party on this one but I just have to give my thoughts on the matter.

It was reported on the Middletown  Patch (and other places) this past Monday, that Middletown's appointed mayor Gerry Scharfenberger,plans to seek a seat in the NJ State Assembly for District 13 and made his intentions known on his Facebook page.  It was also reported that current Monmouth County Freeholder Serena Dimaso and Fair Haven Councilman Bob Marchese will also be seeking that seat. The three will face off against each other during the June Primary to see who will run against the eventual Democratic nominee.

The Assembly seat that the three are vying for will either be Assemblywoman Amy Handlin's seat or Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon's. Both are seeking the party nomination to succeed retiring Monmouth County Senator Joe Kyrillos, in the NJ State Senate.

I knew that when Joe Kyrillos announced that he wasn't seeking reelection that someone on the Middletown Township Committee would be looking towards Trenton.

 At the time, I personally thought that it would have been Tony Fiore, seeing how he's a co-chair for the Monmouth County Republicans and may have been looking for a venue change. However, I changed that opinion recently when Scharfenberger's buddies on the Township Committee reappointed him mayor during Reorganization day on January 1st.

It's always been the M.O. of the Middletown Republicans to appoint those that are seeking reelection as Mayor or Deputy-Mayor, which would have made either Stephanie Murray or Tony Fiore, the ones to fill those positions. It was in fact Murray this time who was appointed Deputy-Mayor and Scharfenberger who was appointed mayor. I suppose it's more impressive if you give the impression that you are the appointed elected mayor of Middletown, seeking higher office rather than just a sitting Committeeman.

That being said, here is my primary day prediction; Gerry Scharfenberger will bee seeking Amy Handlin's seat in the Assembly. I think both Handlin and Scharfenberger will win their primary campaigns easily. The reason is simple; nearly a third of all registered GOP voters in the 13th District are from Middletown! That's one hell of an advantage for anyone seeking election in the 13th to overcome.

APP EDITORIAL: Don't scrap full-service gas stations

Show of hands, who wants to pump their own gas?? I sure don't and the editors at the Asbury Park Press feel the same:

A bill will be introduced in the state Assembly next month that would lead to the elimination of full-service gasoline within three years. The bill's sponsor, Declan O'Scanlon, R-Monmouth, says the bill would eliminate inconvenient waits at the pump.

Drivers in New Jersey may soon be pumping their own gas if a bill to be introduced next month by Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, R-Monmouth, becomes law. 

Show of hands: How many of you would prefer to have an attendant fill up your tank for you, particularly in lousy weather? If you raised your hand, you're in the majority. A 2012 Fairleigh Dickinson University/PublicMind found that 63 percent of New Jerseyans want to keep full-service pumps. 

Under O'Scanlon's proposed bill, which would be similar to self-service legislation introduced by state Sens. Gerald Cardinale and Paul Sarlo, the act of pumping your own gas would be decriminalized and self-service islands would be authorized. Gas stations would be required to operate at least one full service gas pump island for three years, and gas retailers would be allowed to charge a lower price at the self-service pumps. 

The main reason cited by O'Scanlon for changing the law is that it would eliminate inconvenient waits at the pump. Others supporting a change say it would help reduce gasoline prices — a claim that has not been born out by the 48 states that have self-serve. 

If long waits at the pump are a problem at some service stations, the solution is a simple one: take your business to a service station where you don't have to wait. Gas stations aren't monopolies. Consumers have plenty of choices....

Continue Reading...

Open Letter to Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon : Pump Your own Gas

Dear Assemblyman O’Scanlon:

I recently read an article in the APP by Larry Higgs about your proposed bill to end self-serve ban. It quoted you as saying, "it is the right thing to do". Why is it the right thing to do?

I was under the impression that one of NJ's main goals was to create jobs and keep its residents employed. Once you take these jobs away they will not be recovered.

Below are just a few questions that I have for you. I would like to get your answers to these questions so that I can understand why “it is the right thing to do”.

What jobs have you created for the tax payers?
Wouldn’t it be a more efficient use of your time to work on creating jobs?
What will happen to these employees once you toss them on the unemployment line?
Will they go to State paid job training because you took their jobs away?
What will happen to our seniors and disabled who may be forced to pay the higher price?
How have you conducted research to determine that the citizens want to see this happen?
Why are you taking away a business owners right to conduct business the way he or she see’s fit?

I believe this is wrong for New Jersey and am looking forward to your answers to the above questions and your rationale as to not leave well enough alone.

Respectfully,

Inathe M. Saliani
Middletown, NJ

“Ollie the Oily Ostrich” to Deliver Hundreds of Fracking Waste Ban Petitions to Assemblymembers O’Scanlon and Casagrande

Delivery Comes Amid Statewide Campaign to Overturn Governor’s Veto of Bill Protecting State from Toxic Fracking Waste This Legislative Session 

Red Bank and Freehold, NJ – Local residents and community groups will join with “Ollie the Oily Ostrich” on tomorrow June 12th, to deliver thousands of constituent petitions supporting an override of Governor Christie’s veto of the Fracking Waste Ban Bill. The legislation would protect residents by banning the disposal, treatment and discharge of toxic waste created through the process of fracking, a highly controversial natural gas drilling method. The legislation was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support last year but was vetoed by the governor.

Activists will dress up in an ostrich costume to deliver thousands of petitions, urging Assemblymembers O’Scanlon and Casagrande not to “bury their heads in the sand” to the dangers of fracking waste dumping and the impacts it can have on New Jersey.

Both legislators have yet to take a stance on critical legislation, the Fracking Waste Ban (A575/S253) despite the fact that they voted in favor of the ban a year ago, when it originally passed the NJ legislature with overwhelming support.

Republican legislators who voted to ban fracking waste dumping are continuing to avoid taking a stance on this issue due to fear of retribution from Governor Christie and powerful lobbyists from the gas and oil industry.

11:30am District Office Assemblyman O’Scanlon 32 Monmouth St., Red Bank 07701

2pm District Office Assemblywoman Casagrande 35 West Main St., Freehold 07728

APP: Lack Of Compelling Candidates Leads To Incumbent Endorsements In The 13th LD ??

The Asbury Park Press Editorial Board came up with some really scary reasoning as to why it decided to once again back incumbent Republicans as opposed to endorsing any of their opponents in the 13th Legislative District race this year.

In doing so they have attempted to dispel readership criticism of their obvious bias toward incumbent Republicans and the lack to follow through on their own rhetoric towards incumbency.

"...We often bemoan the power of incumbency and the lack of competitive legislative races in this state. A big part of the reason so many races are uncompetitive is that those who run against the incumbents are not compelling candidates...."

Not compelling candidates? Really? That one is a bit hard to believe.

How much more compelling candidates do you need than 2 former mayors of Hazlet and the first Democrat elected to the Middletown Township Committee in over 25 years, who have stressed the importance of maintaining the line on property taxes and getting hard hit middle-class families struck by the recession back on their feet and back to work?

Mayor Christopher Cullen who is running for the Senate against Joe Kyrillos was elected in 2000 to the Hazlet Township Committee. His focused was on preserving open space,preserving a record amount of open space and improved Hazlet’s quality of life. while stabilizing property taxes, and improving youth recreation. He served on the Planning and Zoning Boards and was liason to the Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, Recreation Commission. He is also a committed environmentalist.

Mayor Kevin M. Lavan who along with Patrick Short is running against incumbents Amy Handlin and Declan O'Scalon, served as committeeman, deputy mayor, and then mayor, during which time he increased transparency in local government, improved youth recreation, and delivered the lowest property tax increases in a generation. Prior to beginning his tenure on the Township Committee, Kevin served on the Planning and Zoning Boards as well as the Bayshore Regional Sewerage Authority.

Committeeman Patrick Short became the first Democrat elected to the Township Committee in nearly two decades. During his tenure, he voted to increase transparency, fought for fair and ethical bidding practices and against municipal tax hikes.

How much more compelling do these guys need to be? They all have a list of accomplishments which have shown that they have the voter's best interests in mind first over their own or Party's.

In the dismissal of Cullen and Short's candidacy, the APP admits that they are credible but dismisses Cullen because they perceived his stance to protect district workers and families and speaks of the frustration faced by local officials who must deal with unfunded mandates and shrinking state aid as being in "lockstep with standard Democratic positions".

In Short's case before dismissing his candidacy, they actually say that he is "...a credible, well-spoken candidate who favors reducing property taxes by increasing income taxes and expanding the sales tax to other items."

And for no apparent reason at all Kevin Lavan wasn't even considered.

Here is what a few readers of the APP had to say about the endorsements of Kyrillos, Handlin and O'Scalon:

watchdoggg
5:42 AM on October 31, 2011

Kyrillos, Handlin and O'Scanlon.

These three stand out alright, as doing the LEAST as representatives.
All three are in lockstep with the Christie administration which has done absolutely NOTHING to curtail property tax increases which continue unabated, contrary to the claims of this self serving Gov.

Kyrillos has been with the Monmouth County "boys" for how many YEARS, and what noteable legislation has HE ever passed ?? Interesting how many officials were arrested by federal officials, and more importantly, HOW MANY WERE NOT (from the republican side). I wonder if Christie made a deal with the then GOP party chairman (Kyrillos).

Handlin. How many years did she sit in with the boys from Club Monmouth, and claim she never knew what was going on.

O'Scanlon. The right hand boy to then state senator John Bennett, whom Christie (then federal prosecutor) vilified as the biggest double dipper in NJ.

These three standout alright, for all the wrong reasons to be reelected.
GRIP,,,.Get Rid Incumbent Politicians.

NOPOLITICALPARTY
6:26 AM on October 31, 2011

Three more incumbents endorsed by the Press. And come the new year the Press will be writing editorials telling us the problems we have are because voters always re-elect incumbents. They will call for new blood later, but for now they are satisfied with the same old-same old. Go figure!

gaborbacchi
10:36 AM on October 31, 2011

Totally irresponsible journalism. Declaring some candidates as "no shot at winning", "does not warrant serious consideration", and "a wasted vote" WITHOUT ANY REASONS WHY is hack at its best. Why not list the stance of each and let voters decide. Sure the APP can endorse, but to DENOUNCE without any reason is journalistic treason that is insulting to readers who are not robots that need to be told who to vote for. We are looking for where candidates stand, idiots! Tell us!

bchbum
3:31 PM on October 31, 2011

the LAST thing this district needs is MORE of the same! UNELECT kyrillos, handlin and o'scanlon!

Profiles Of The 13th District Race Online At The APP and NJ Spotlight

The both the Asbury Park Press and NJ Spotlight have race profiles online for the NJ 13th Legislative District races featuring the issues and candidates in those races.

In the 13th race for State Assembly Democrats Kevin Lavan of Hazlet and Patrick Short of Middletown are running against Republicans and current members of the State Assembly Amy Handlin 0f Middletown and Declan O'Scanlon.

This race also features two other candidates running together for the State Assembly William Lawton and Frank Cottone, as members of the Constitution Party.

In the 13th race for State Senate Democrat Christopher Cullen of Hazlet is running against current State Senator Joe Kyrillos of Middletown.

The candidates for Monmouth County Surrogate race have also been posted online at the APP website. In this race Democrat Michael Steinhorn from Rumson is looking to unseat Middletowner Rosemary Peters. The APP headline "Monmouth County surrogate race not drawing attention" is an understatement, which is a shame because Steinhorn is an extremely capable and affable guy, who deserves more attention.

13th Legislative District Candidate Kevin Lavan Supports Unions and the Middle Class

I support unions. While the consequences of the recent pension deal between Governor Christie and Trenton lawmakers remains to be seen, now is the time for New Jerseyans to consider how best to protect the middle class in an era of high unemployment and declining pay. Unlike my opponents, Assemblywoman Amy Handlin and Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, I recognize that union membership translates into higher wages and better workplace conditions for Garden State workers. Handlin and O'Scanlon not only want to reform public employee benefits -- an idea that has merits -- they want to restrict the rights of private sector workers to negotiate with management.

O'Scanlon is the sponsor of a bill that repeals the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act and the Public Works Contractor Registration Act, a move that essentially ends prevailing wage standards. That's an assault not only on union members, but on non-union construction workers and others in the building trades who rely on fair wage protections as a guarantee that they will be paid at a rate commensurate with their work.

Just this month, O'Scanlon and Handlin introduced a bill that makes New Jersey a “Right to Work” state. Although the legislation was pronounced dead on arrival, I am disappointed that my opponents are pursuing such a radical agenda. Right to work really means right to be fired. Passage of Handlin and O'Scanlon's legislation will result in lower wages and have a negative impact on workers safety and health.

My opponents are not only on the wrong side of working families, but quite literally, they are writing the laws that will set back the clock one hundred years and remove the protections that helped build our middle class.

It is important that New Jerseyans, especially those residing in the Thirteenth Legislative District, understand that the current debate extends far beyond public employee pensions. Elected officials should do everything in their power to protect taxpayers. While in office, I did just that. However, Garden State workers -- both union and non-union -- deserve to know that Handlin and O'Scanlon seek to undermine the very provisions that have allowed countless families to enter the middle class. I want no part in that, and if I am fortunate enough to be elected to the Assembly, I will be a champion of working families.

Kevin M. Lavan

Democratic Candidate

13th Legislative District

Hypocrite Handlin Is Wrong On "Right-To-Work"

Republican Assemblywoman Amy "the Hypocrite" Handlin (LD13), has a guest column appearing in print and online in this weeks edition of the Independent, in which she states that she will be introducing a bill that will essentially strip all workers of their right to collective bargaining.

This guest column of her's first appeared online at newjerseynewsroom.com back on May 31st and does not seem to have been updated since.

Since the first publication of Handlin's column appeared over at the newsroom, I would be remised if I didn't point out that her proposed legislation, which just so happened to be co-sponsored by her running mate in this years election Declan O'Scanlon, was dead on arrival. Good reporting and follow-up to Handlin's commentary piece was done by Newjerseynewsroom reporter Tom Hester Jr.

In his follow-up which appeared July 8th, Hester spoke to NJ Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and is quoted as stating:

“This legislation is dead on arrival. It’s that simple. Dead on arrival.

Radical conservative ideology such as this has no place in New Jersey. This type of move may play elsewhere, but, quite simply, this anti-worker bill will never see the light of day.

Not only is this legislation an atrocious assault on worker rights, but it’s terrible economic policy, it would set back any chance we have under Gov. Christie of a strong recovery."...

“Democrats and Republicans can work together for the common good and when appropriate to improve our economy and protect worker benefits, but this wage-cutting, anti-business bill is a line in the sand that cannot be crossed,”

Hester also quoted New Jersey AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech who stated, “The deceptively named “right to work” policy is currently law in 22 states and is considered one of the most anti-union policies in the nation,” about Handlin and O'Scanlan's proposed bill (A-4223).

So what is the purpose of having this old and out of date commentary printed in the Independent other than to mislead and misinform readers of her district, many of whom are hard working members of unions in both public and private unions? It is obviously a play at gaining support from the more conservative residents in the district and members of the TEA Party, who feel that she is out of touch and a "do-nothing".

If this legislation ever where to be signed into law here in New Jersey it would undermined the livelihoods of not only union members, but all workers, white collared as well as blue collared.

Wages would remain stagnant and pension and health benefits would slowly dwindle away anytime a employer was concerned that his bottom-line was no longer big enough to support his mansion or yacht club membership.

Below are a few reader responses to Handlin's commentary posted on the NewJerseyNewsroom, it seems that they also have a problem with her proposed and non existent, dead on arrival typically hypocritical legislation that is meant to pander instead of providing serious answers to her district's problems:

"Right to Work"is a misnomer. It's really the opportunity for any company to pay any employee any amount the company wants. Just what we need: more people earning less than a living wage and without any access to health care other than visits to the emergency rooms. So good for NJ! The assemblywoman cannot be so naive that she believes employers would care about safe working conditions. After all, money spent on safe working conditions would be better off lining the pockets of the wealthy. And, by law, union dues cannot be used for political purposes. Members must choose to donate into a separate fund. Now, if members are too scared to tell the union bosses they won't donate, shame on the members. (Sarah H)

"Unions need a balance" - For the most part I agree with Ms. Handlin. I don't think it's an all or nothing deal though, unions are good things to have in otherwise unsustainably-low paying situations, but for professionals it makes less sense. Let the legislation you craft not try to swing the pendulum so far that it undermines the good side of unions, or it will surely fail.
( Ashley_)

" Handlin comments" - According to Handlin:“Right to Work would also quicken New Jersey’s economic revival. Right-to-Work states had 497,000 new businesses from 1993 to 2009, compared with 340,000 in forced union states, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently cited by the Wall Street Journal. That’s remarkable because just 40 percent of American workers live in Right-to-Work states."

It's hard to believe so many people fall for statements like this of Handlin's, and support radical legislation like this. The truth is, what's really remarkable is that ALL of the businesses she cites to being created from 1993 to 2009 weren't created in Right-to-Work states...after all, in their pursuit of profits, businesses will do anything to keep the costs of labor down. Why is all the greatest economic growth now going on in China, India, etc? Because people will work 16 hour days for $12. Handlin sees that success spreading to the south, and now wants to bring it here to NJ. If it's been so great for those 22 states, why is our per-capita income and standard of living so much higher here?

Thanks but no thanks, Amy Handlin, you're just a rich legislator who wants to be even richer like all the others in your party. Some of us can still see right through all your party's BS. (Richard W)