January 6, 2019 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

Seeing how there's a meeting of the Middletown Township committee happening tonight, I thought it best to get caught up by posting the video of last week's annual reorganization meeting.

For those that may not be aware, the new kid on the block, Gerry Scharfenberger's son-in-law, Tony Perry was appointed to be this years acting Mayor and Tony Fiore was appointed to act as this year's Deputy Mayor.



For those that like to follow along, you can download a copy of the Meeting Agenda, where you can find a full list of names who have volunteered for various boards and committees along with any resolutions that may have been acted upon during the meeting.



*************************************

Update: 5:20pm

It has been brought to my attention that there is not a meeting of the Middletown Township Committee scheduled for tonight.

Board of Education Regular Meeting 1/2/18: Is The Township Committee Planning To Return BOE Elections To April?

Last night the Middletown Board of Education held it's annual Reorganization meeting, which I watched via the YouTube live stream and heard an interesting bit of information being introduced.

It appears that the Middletown Township Committee will be introducing a resolution within the next few weeks that would reinstate the April elections for the Middletown Board of Education. This would mean that in November, residents would no longer vote for BOE candidates on the ballot.

If the election were to be moved back to April there would be a significant cost to residents for holding such an election, as well as a potential issue with the school budget.

I've taken the liberty to Que the video from last night's meeting to the portion in which the resolution was discussed.

I wasn't a fan of the Christie Administration moving the Board of Education election to November in the first place due to the politics that would naturally be involved as a result of the move. But to move it back to April and have residents tax dollars spent for such and election is senseless. Chris Christie had the elections moved to save taxpayer money  to cost it.

In my opinion, this is just a ploy by the Township Committee to get a say in future Board of Education budgets, by getting the spending approved by voters who will need to approve of it first, just like the old days, if the budget isn't approved, the Township Committee can make cuts to the failed budget. It's also a way for the Township Committee to have a bigger influence over who is elected to the Board of Education. Fewer voters participating in an election means better odds for Township Committee chosen candidates.

January 7, 2018 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

Another case of better late than not at all, just in time for Tuesday night's meeting of the Middletown Township Committee. January 7th was the annual reorganization meeting for Middletown's governing body. At the meeting, Stephanie Murray was appointed the Mayor and Kevin Settembrino as Deputy Mayor for the coming year.

Officers for the Fire Department and EMS were also sworn in as were the many volunteers for the boards and commissions.




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.

To download a copy of the Reorganization Day program you can click .... HERE

BOE Reorganization Meeting 1-3-18

I'm a little late in posting this, since Christmas i've been feeling under the weather and dealing with a lot of weather related issues at work, I am literally and physically exhausted, but it's never too late watch.

Here is the 38 minute video of the Middletown Board of Education Reorganization meeting. I recommend watching, it's very interesting.

It was at this meeting that 3 new board members, Pam Rogers, Robin Stella and Nick DeFranco were sworn in as members of the Middletown Board of Education.

Joan Minnuies was appointed Board President and Pam Rodgers as Vice-President.



You can find the Meeting Agenda and attachments .... HERE

BOE Reorganization Meeting - January 4, 2017

This past Wednesday night the Middletown Board of Education(BOE) held it's annual Reorganization meeting. By BOE standards the meeting was relatively short, just 32 minutes.

The real highlight of the meeting was the swearing in of  Board members Lenora Caminiti, John Little, Jr. and Mike Donlon along with the appointments of a new Board president, Danielle Walsh and Board vice-president John Little, Jr.

The meeting ended with the Board breaking for Executive session to discuss pending litigation. The Asbury Park Press reporter, Russ Zimmer attended the meeting and wrote about the meeting. For a little more information you can read about it ... HERE




You can find the Meeting Agendas ...  HERE

January 1, 2017 Middletown Township Committee Meeting - Reorganization

I haven't watched the entire video from the New Years Day reorganization of Middletown's local government as of yet, I'm about half way through, but here are the highlights:

Kevin Settembrino and Gerry Scharfenberger were sworn in for another 3-year term. The Committee selected Gerry Scharfenberger to be Mayor for the coming year and Stephanie Murray to be the Deputy Mayor.

Two ordinances were introduced. One to set salaries for non-contractual employees. The other will codify and revise ordinances of the township. It will also repeal some ordinances and save others from being repealed.

Officers in the Fire Department and First Aid were sworn in as were the volunteers to various boards and commissions.



UPDATE
1/9/17

Here is the Meeting Agenda, ordinances and resolutions from the meeting. They include all of the appointments to various boards and commissions.

January 3, 2016 Middletown Township Committee Reorganization Meeting

Yesterday Middletown held it annual reorganization meeting at Town Hall.  At the meeting  the Committee selected a Gerry Scharfenberger to be its new Mayor and Tony Fiore  Deputy Mayor.

Also taking place was the swearing of numerous volunteer members of various  boards and commissions (although many were not in attendance), as well as, new Fire and EMS officers.

Stephanie Murray's outgoing mayor's addres  @ 19:52 -31:05
Gerry Scharfenberger's selection as Mayor and swearing -in @  32:22 - 34:21
Tony Fiore's selection as Deputy-Mayor and swearing-in @ 35:35 - 37:41

After the swearing in ceremonies both the mayor and deputy-mayor gave there in-coming comments, which was followed by the swearing of numerous volunteer members of various  boards and commissions (although many were not in attendance), as well as, new Fire and EMS officers.

Brief Committee Comments can be seen @ 1:47:21 - 1:50:19

There were no Public Comments

I'll post the agenda when it becomes available

January 4, 2015 Middletown Township Committee Reorganization Meeting

Here is the video from the January 4th, 2015 Middletown Township Reorganization meeting. This video was available for over a week but just didn't have time to get around to posting it, back on the 4th however, I posted the about the meeting.



The Township Committee selected Mayor Stephanie Murray to be Mayor for a second consecutive term this year. Committeeman Steve Massell was selected to be Deputy Mayor. Fire Chiefs and a number of volunteers were sworn in . The agenda and resolutions containing the appointments of professionals and volunteers can be viewed... Here

After being sworn in Stephanie Murray addressed those in attendance for about 5 minutes and spoke about all the great accomplishments that she and the Township Committee oversaw in 2014. It was typical Ra-Ra, pat on the back, type stuff that one would expect to hear. Nothing earth scattering or overly interesting.

After Steve Massell was sworn in as Deputy Mayor, he spoke for a just over 2 minutes and I'd swear it was the most he had to say in over the past 3 years! He thanked his fellow committee members for appointing him Deputy Mayor, mentioned Police Chief Webber and acknowledged the passing of Deputy Police Chief Craig Bahrs before thanking his family.

The rest of the meeting was rather mundane and ended with comments from the members of the Township Committee.

Murray Reappointed Mayor, Massell Deputy Mayor At Sparsely Attended Reorg Meeting.

I didn't attend Middletown's Reorganization day earlier this morning, I felt it was more important to get the outside Christmas decorations put away while there was a break in the weather and the temperature out was rather mild. Furthermore, the only real reason to go to one of these organizational meetings is to find out who would be appointed as Mayor & Deputy Mayor for the new year. Usually there isn't much drama that goes along with that, those that are up for reelection are chosen to fill these rolls.

This year was no different but I was very slightly surprised to hear that Stephanie Murray was reappointed Mayor over Steve Massell, who was appointed Deputy Mayor instead. After all, Massell is the lone candidate up for reelection this year. I suppose the reason behind Massell not being appointed Mayor is that he has very little charisma and seldom has an original thought or word to share from the dais at Township Committee meetings.  I hear Gerry Scharfenberger  made a comment after Massell was appointed deputy mayor to the effect that Massell is the only one on the Township Committee that no one in town seems to dislike.

Well, I would venture to say that's because  you can't dislike someone who's not confrontational and never speaks or voices an opinion - other than to agree with others on the dais.

I was also told that the Reorg meeting was parsley attended this year. In years past, the court room at Town Hall was always jammed packed and overflowing with volunteers (and their families) waiting to be sworn in for positions on various boards and commissions and numerous partisan spectators looking to show their loyalty and support for the status quo. This year for some reason, many did not show up.  I guess I'll have to wait to see the video that was taken of the day to see for myself just how empty the room was.

Maybe like myself, they just had other things that where more important or pressing to do than wasting 2 hours of my life at a meeting that we've all seemed to have been at before.



  

Middletown Reorganization Day Set For Tomorrow at 11am

The annual lovelfest otherwise known as Middletown Reorganization Day, will take place tomorrow at Town Hall starting at 11am.  If I can stand it, I might attend...

From Middletown Alerts:

The Township Committee will hold Middletown’s annual Organization Day meeting at 11:00am on Sunday, January 4, 2015 at Town Hall, 1 Kings Highway. On the agenda will be the swearing in of the 2015 Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Under the township’s form of government, the Township Committee designates two members to serve as mayor and deputy mayor for a one-year term. Committeeman Anthony P. Fiore will accept the oath of office to serve his third consecutive term. Committeewoman Stephanie C. Murray will accept the oath of office to serve her second consecutive. The term for each Committee member is three years.

Scores of volunteers traditionally attend to accept oaths of office to serve on more than a dozen township boards, committees and commissions. Each group focuses on different aspects of the community and works to enhance Middletown’s quality of life. Residents are appointed to these positions by the Township Committee. For more information call the Township Clerk at (732) 615-2014.

Middletown Gears Up for New Year

From Middletown Alerts:

As part of township’s annual Organization Day, Committeewoman Stephanie C. Murray was selected to serve as Mayor and Committeeman Kevin M Settembrino as Deputy Mayor for 2014.

Murray noted Middletown’s goals and priorities for the year include our continued recovery from Superstorm Sandy, and a renewed call to action against rising flood insurance premiums in unaffected areas such as Ideal Beach. There will also be a focus on technology that advances the relationship residents have the township. Plans to unveil a mobile app and develop an online records archive are in the works. Middletown will also take a step back in time to mark the 350th anniversary of its settlement in 1664. A series of Middletown 350 events are planned this year to mark the milestone.

The selection of the 2014 Mayor and Deputy Mayor came after Committeeman Kevin M Settembrino accepted the oath of office to serve his second consecutive 3-year term on the Township Committee and Committeeman Gerard P. Scharfenberger, Ph.D. his 3rd consecutive term. Oaths of office were issued to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and the newly elected Committeemen by Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno.

The members of the 2014 Township Committee are: Mayor Stephanie C. Murray, Deputy Mayor Kevin M. Settembrino, Committeeman Anthony P. Fiore, Committeeman Stephen G. Massell and Committeeman Gerard P. Scharfenberger, Ph.D.

One police officer, Jason Mcallister Andrews, accepted the oath of office during the annual meeting from Mayor Murray making him the newest member of the Middletown Police Department. Andrews was a life-long resident of Atlantic Highlands before recently moving to Middletown with his wife Meagan. He was previously employed by the Stockton Police Department.

Read More

January 5, 2013 Middletown Township Committee Reorganization Meeting

The Township Committee selected Committeewoman Murray to be Mayor this year. Committeeman Settembrino was selected to be Deputy Mayor. A new police officer was sworn in, as were a new Middletown Police Officer, Fire Chief and the Assistance Chiefs. The agenda and resolutions containing the appointments of professionals and volunteers can be viewed... Here

Organization Day Set for Jan 5, 11 am

From Middletown Alerts:

The Township Committee will hold Middletown’s annual Organization Day meeting at 11:00 am on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at Town Hall, 1 Kings Highway.

On the agenda will be the swearing in of the 2014 Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Under the township’s form of government, the Township Committee designates two members to serve as mayor and deputy mayor for a one-year term.

Committeeman Gerard P. Scharfenberger, PhD, is serving as Mayor this year, and will accept the oath of office to serve his fourth consecutive term on the Township Committee.

Committeeman Kevin M Settembrino, who was elected to the Township Committee in 2010, will accept the oath of office to serve his second consecutive term on the governing body. The term of office for each Committee member is three years.

Scores of volunteers traditionally attend to accept oaths of office to serve on more than a dozen township boards, committees and commissions. Each group focuses on different aspects of the community and works to enhance Middletown’s quality of life. Residents are appointed to these positions by the Township Committee. For more information call the Township Clerk at (732) 615-2014.

1-6-13 Township Committee Meeting - Township Reorganization

If you're like most uniformed Middletown residents you have no idea that the Township Committee held it's annual Township Reorganization meeting on Sunday, January 6th. I had intentions of posting earlier about this but waited until the video of the meeting was ready for posting (there were a few technical issues with the video that needed to be ironed out).

As usually the case for these meetings, Town Hall was filled to over capacity with standing room only available for many inside the court house and many more individuals overflowing outside, standing in the lobby.

I got there late and only stayed for a half hour or so because I had other things on my to do list that needed to get done before the weekend was over. I was there long enough however to hear Gerry Scharfenberger and Stephanie Murray be appointed and sworn in as this year's acting mayor and deputy mayor.

They both gave flowery and grandiose acceptance speeches after being sworn in (which you can watch starting at the 23 minute mark of the video). In the case of Scharfenberger, as usual, his tendency to over state matters borders on hypocrisy and dishonesty. It was almost laughable when he ended his nearly 9 minute address when stated that he would like to reaffirm his promise to be "honest" with the resident of Middletown - something that he has never truly been when confronted, but i'll have more on that as the days and weeks go by.

The rest of the meeting dealt with township business, the promotions of members of the Middletown Police Department and the swearing in of new appoints to various boards and commissions and public comments.

Pretty boring stuff.  




Here is the meeting agenda for the business portion of the meeting only, where a number of  ordinances and resolutions were introduced and voted upon.

Mtown News Flash 12-28-12

State Reports Shows Middletown Crime Rate Decreased

Middletown’s overall crime rate has decreased about six percent, according to the latest New Jersey State Police Uniform Crime Report.

“The Middletown Police Department, its Quality of Life Unit and a very supportive community deserve a large measure of credit for the decreased crime rate,” said Mayor Anthony P. Fiore.

The township’s overall crime rate for 2011 is 13.2 incidents per 1,000 inhabitants compared to a rate of 14.0 incidents in 2010. The township’s total crime index dropped to 881 in 2011, from 930 in 2010. Violent crimes decreased to 36 in 2011, from 46 the year before. Non-violent crimes also went down to 845 in 2011, from 884 in 2010, according to the report.

The Police Department’s Quality of Life Unit is utilized to aggressively identify and arrest those for community offenses that affect the community’s quality of life. The unit was responsible for the arrest of over 200 subjects through the end of 2011 for offenses such as narcotics, burglaries, receiving stolen property, warrants and other criminal activity, Police Chief Robert Oches said.

The Police Department also works closely with the township’s two Neighborhood Watch groups – one in Ideal Beach and another in the Fairview section of town. “We are beginning to see the positive impact that such groups, working in conjunction with the Police Department, can have on our community,” the Mayor said. “I encourage other neighborhoods to follow in their footsteps in the coming year.”

The overall crime rate in Monmouth County dropped about 2 percent to 23.7 incidents per 1,000 inhabitants from 24.2 incidents. Statewide the crime rate increased about 3 percent to 24.7 incidents per 1,000 inhabitants, according to the report.

The 45th annual New Jersey State Police Crime Report is based on statistics submitted to the New Jersey Uniform Crime Reporting System by every New Jersey law enforcement agency for the year 2011. Information about 2012 will be released in December 2013. Visit www.njsp.org/info/ucr2011 to view the full report.



Oceanic Bridge Closed Due to Nor'Easter Damage
As a result of the nor’easter on Wednesday, Dec. 26,, the approach to the Oceanic Bridge from Navesink River Road is closed. All vehicle and pedestrian access to the Oceanic Bridge is prohibited. Marine access continues, according to the Monmouth County Public Information Office.

The embankment, or slope, on the approach to the Oceanic Bridge gave way and deposited soil and brush in the roadway. An assessment of the damage has been completed and the short-term repair work to stabilize the existing material on the slope is being worked on now. Upon completion, vehicular access to the bridge can resume. Long-term plans and work will further secure the slope and be completed at a future date.

As a result of the storm, there were also temporary local road and bridge closures due to flooding and high water levels on both county and local roads.



New Year’s Day – January 1, 2013
Municipal Offices are closed in observance of New Year’s Day



Organization Day Meeting Scheduled for January 6th
The Township Committee will hold Middletown’s annual Organization Day meeting at noon on Sunday, January 6, 2013 at Town Hall, 1 Kings Highway.

On the agenda will be the swearing in of the 2013 Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Under the township’s form of government, the Township Committee designates two members to serve as mayor and deputy mayor for a one-year term. Committeeman Stephen G. Massell will accept the oath of office to serve his second consecutive term. The term for each Committee members is three years.

Two police officers will also accept their oaths of office during Organization Day. Both officers are being promoted.

Scores of volunteers traditionally attend to accept oaths of office to serve on more than a dozen township boards, committees and commissions. Each group focuses on different aspects of the community and works to enhance Middletown’s quality of life. Residents are appointed to these positions by the Township Committee. For more information call the Township Clerk at (732) 615-2014.



Christmas Tree Collection Begins January 7th

Within Township Garbage District (Township Contractor)
The township contractor will start picking up Christmas tree for those that have Township Garbage Collection the week of January 7, 2013 on the second collection day (Thursday, Friday or Saturday).

Outside the Garbage District (Private Collection)
Christmas Trees will be collected according a schedule for those who have private garbage collection. Collection begins January 7, 2013. Click here for schedule

Recycling Center Drop-off
Christmas Trees can be dropped off the Kanes Lane Recycling Center, 52 Kanes Lane, by Middletown residents only free of charge. Call 732-615-2008 for more information.



County Closes Oceanic Bridge On January 7-28 for Safety Upgrades
On Jan. 7, Monmouth County will begin a project to upgrade the safety systems on the Oceanic Bridge that connects Rumson and Middletown. The work requires the closure of the bridge to vehicles and pedestrian traffic during the estimated three week work period that is expected to conclude on Jan. 28. The Oceanic Bridge will be open to marine traffic during the upgrades.

To perform these upgrades, the County will close the bridge’s roadway so the contractor, IEW Construction Group can replace safety gates and perform other upgrades and maintenance work.

“This work is required because the existing equipment is outdated and replacement parts are becoming more difficult to find,” County Engineer Joseph M. Ettore, P.E. said. “We are maximizing this scheduled closure to have county crews perform repair work to damage caused by Superstorm Sandy and to provide NJ Natural Gas with access for their necessary repair and installation work.

Detours
All motor vehicle traffic on Bingham Avenue between Rumson and Middletown (CR-8) will be detoured west, through Fair Haven and Red Bank to Middletown, or east, through Sea Bright and Highlands to Middletown.

Northbound traffic from Rumson on Bingham Avenue (CR-8) should detour east through Fair Haven and Red Bank on East River Road (CR-10) to East Front Street to Route 35 North to Navesink River Road (CR-12A) in Middletown. Or, northbound traffic can detour from Bingham Avenue south, turn left onto Rumson Road (CR-520) to Sea Bright and turn left onto Ocean Avenue (Route 36 North) to Highlands and take the jug handle for Navesink Avenue in Middletown. Follow Navesink Avenue and turn left onto Locust Avenue and left again onto Locust Point Road (CR-8B).

Southbound traffic from Middletown should detour west on Navesink River Road (CR-12A) to Route 35 South in Red Bank. And then will follow detour signs to travel west on East Front Street (CR10)/ East River Road through Fair Haven and into Rumson. Or, southbound traffic can detour from Navesink River Road (CR-12A)/ Locust Point Road (CR-8B) and turn right onto Locust Avenue, turning right onto Navesink Avenue and then bear right onto Route 36 South through Highlands and into Sea Bright. Turn right onto the Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge and follow Rumson Road (CR-520) west to Bingham Avenue. Turn right onto Bingham Avenue (CR-8).



Storm Recovery Information Tips and FAQs

FEMA Advisory Base Flood Elevations

Superstorm Sandy Information

www.disasterassistance.gov/
Find assistance, request assistance and track applications
Survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey have until January 30, 2013 to register for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Association.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)
Non-Holiday Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on Sundays
Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center
945 Highway 36
Leonardo, NJ 07737
Holiday Hours: The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. They will be closed New Year’s Day. Normal hours will resume Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013.

The Unofficial (Official) Numbers From Tuesday Night's Democratic Reorg

As everyone knows by now, this past Tuesday night the Monmouth County Democrats held their reorganization meeting at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highland and Vin Gopal was elected to serve as the party's Chairman for the next two year.

It was a hard fought contest between Gopal and Frank LaRocca in which each party spent their money like drunken sailors on shore leave (rumored to be well over $35K each) to succeed the retiring Chairman, Victor Scudiery.

The one question that people keep asking me however is whether or not all that money was well spent or could it have been put to better use helping to fund this year's County races? Unfortunately that's a question that can't be answered right now but what can be answered now is, how did county committee people vote? I know because I have the unofficial /official breakdown of Tuesday night's vote count.

I received the vote count Tuesday night right after the results were announced  but didn't outright publish them because I thought what was the point? It really didn't matter, Vin Gopal received 73% of the 599 votes cast, there was no need.

But seeing how people are curious and there has been all kinds of inaccurate numbers being thrown out there by supports of each Gopal and LaRocca, exaggerating both the margins of victory and defeat, I thought that I should set the record straight so that supporters of each camp can come together and unite towards the common goal of winning in November.

So here are the numbers:


Gopal 439
Foster 419
Pulido 429
Tarantolo 423
Brown 428
Caliendo 428

LaRocca 160
Aaronson 175
Mangan 161
Tarantolo 159
Lee 159
Solomeno 161

Now, let's get back to business, it's time to unite as a party and unruffle the feathers. It's time to support the Democratic County Candidate slate of Shea, Lavan and Steinhorn as their campaigns gear up and we need to get behind and support Vin Gopal and the rest of his leadership team to ensure victory over their Republican rivals.

Democrats Choose Gopal As Monmouth County Chairman

Democrats meet last night at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands to pick a successor to longtime Monmouth County Chairman Victor Scudiery.


I walked through the doors just after 6pm and was surprised by how many people were in the building, to say that it was a packed house would be an understatement, there were easily 700 people or more in the room by the time the polls were opened at 7:30pm.

Crowd shuffling in at Shore Casino

registration line

waiting for speeches and to vote

The atmosphere in the room was electrified by those in attendance and the enthusiasm was contagious, County Committee members were pumped up and ready to choose Chairman Scudiery’s  successor.  When the voting came to an end at 9pm the tension in the room could be cut with a knife, Gopal supporters and LaRocca supporters were anxiously mulling around waiting for the votes to be tabulated.

votes being tabulated

The two men themselves were nervous but remained courteous and was seen speaking to each other moments before being taken to a back hallway to be informed of the outcome of the voting

Gopal and LaRocca before results were announced

In the end it was Vin Gopal who came out of the voting victorious, garnering over 430 votes which represented 73% of the vote against his opponent Frank LaRocca.

Vin Gopal and Frank LaRocca as results were announced to the crowd

In his concession speech Frank LaRocca was gracious and thanked all those that supported him and he vowed to work with and support Gopal in order to get Democrats elected all throughout the County.

LaRocca's concession speech

Vin Gopal thanked everyone who came out to vote and stated that he looked forward to working with Frank LaRocca and all those in the room and stated that he would work tirelessly as the Party’s Chairman.

Chairman Vin Gopal

And just in case there was any doubt about who I supported  here’s a picture of my vote (sorry Frank).

BUONO BILL PROTECTS WOMEN’S SERVICES DURING REORGANIZATION

For Immediate Release:
April 26, 2012

EDISON – Senator Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex) expressed serious concern regarding the Governor’s decision to downsize the Division on Women. She also announced legislation to ensure that at a minimum the Division’s programs and funding are maintained and preserved in the proposed reorganization.

Senator Barbra Buono

“The Division on Women has been a pioneering state agency for nearly four decades under the leadership of both parties,” Buono said. “While I understand and appreciate the need for better coordination of state agencies, I cannot allow these programs and the women they serve to disappear in the governor’s budget.”

The Governor’s plan would move the Division on Women from the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and would reduce the status of the Division. Under the new Office on Women, several programmatic lines in the budget have been combined in Governor Christie’s budget proposal.

“In 2010, when Governor Christie cut funding for family planning centers, I called on him to preserve this Division as a clearinghouse of information and services for women. Now he is downsizing it and playing keep-away with the details.”

DCF Commissioner Dr. Allison Blake came before the Assembly Budget Committee earlier this month and admitted that the Division’s was in fact being downgraded.

Senator Buono is currently drafting legislation that would ensure that the existing programs and services are maintained by the Office on Women in the DCF. Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) will sponsor an Assembly version of the bill.

“Commissioner Blake testified that ‘there would be no reduction in funding, services, personnel, or scope,’ but no proof of that exists in the Governor’s budget,” Buono said. “This bill ensures that the mission, programs, and funding of the Division on Women are maintained.”

“There’s no clear reorganization plan. Budget line-items for several programs have been removed,” Buono said. “The absence of facts is causing alarm at the ground floor–among the women the Division serves and the men and women providing these services.”

“Last budget cycle, Gov. Christie shocked a lot of people by cutting funds at the last minute for abused children at The Wynona Lipman House,” Buono said. “No one saw that cut coming and the Governor allowed the families and employees to endure uncertainty for two weeks while he was on vacation.”

“How do we know the Office for Prevention of Violence Against Women isn’t this year’s ambush on women and those most vulnerable in our state? This bill makes sure women’s services are not targeted politically,” Buono said. “There is a political war on women going on and these services cannot be imperiled. I know the Governor’s track record and I’m being proactive.”

The Division on Women was established in 1974 and has worked to fulfill its mission of creating promoting and expanding the rights and opportunities for all women the State of New Jersey. It is currently comprised of the Office on the Prevention of Violence Against Women and the Office on Women’s Policy and Research, Support, Employment and Training. Below is a list of programs currently managed by the Division on Women.

·                                 Advisory Council on Domestic Violence

·                                 Displaced Homemaker Programs 

·                                 Governor's Advisory Council Against Sexual Violence

·                                 New Jersey Advisory Commission on the Status of Women

·                                 New Jersey Women's Micro-Business Credit Program

·                                 NJ Domestic Violence Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board

·                                 Rape Care & Prevention Program

·                                 Sexual Violence Primary Prevention Program

·                                 The Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline

·                                 Women’s Referral Central Hotline

·                                 Women’s Shelter Grants

TOMSA Board’s 2012 re-organization meeting rumpled by nasty battle for the Chairmanship. Just kidding. It was all butterfly kisses.

by guest blogger Linda Baum

On February 9th, the Middletown Sewerage Authority Board held its 2012 reorganization meeting and introduced its newest member, Board alternate and first time appointee Anthony DeMarco.

The Board elected its officers at this meeting, heaping praise on each other as they went through the motions. In a sugary process that took under two minutes, last year’s officers slid smoothly into their same spots for the coming year.

Then, in quick installments, the Board re-appointed the existing auditor, engineer, and attorney. I guess it would have been awkward not to since two of them were sitting right there at the table and the third was on the way.

Showing uncommon humility for a newcomer these days, Mr. DeMarco didn’t seek the Chairmanship. No one bothered to nominate him for anything. (And believe me, I was tempted.) He seemed content to sit and watch. “It’s a learning experience,” veteran Board member and former mayor Joan Smith said to him earlier. Executive Director Pat Parkinson called it “a learning phase” and said, “There’s no such thing as a dumb question.” So basically everyone, including Mr. DeMarco, agreed he wasn’t ready to steer the ship.

Since this was the annual reorganization meeting, all the Board members were present – the 5 regular members plus the 2 alternates. All were there in person except Thomas Stokes, who participated via conference call for the third month in a row and appeared to be sleeping in between votes and sometimes during them. At least he called in on time – in December he dialed in 15 minutes after the meeting started and asked to be marked as a “yes” for a vote he missed. That was pooh-poohed, of course.

Actually, to be fair to Mr. Stokes, he’s not the only Board member who had nothing to say. Votes were taken, one right after the next, without any discussion. Any Board member comments were tantamount to cheerleading. Lots of praises were sung, and maybe that was for my benefit.

Now I have to set the record straight about something. I’ve said in the past that there are no name plates at TOMSA Board meetings, but in fact there are. There is a name plate for each Board member, but none for the professionals who regularly sit at the table. The name plates are the old style dark wooden blocks with tiny lettering that is hard to see from a distance. The blocks blend in with the table, so are easily missed.

As it so happens, I have a name plate just like that. I’ll be sure to mention it on my Citizen Leadership application.

Recommended Reading; APP: Exiting freeholder Amy Mallet pledges to stay involved, seeks seat on Brookdale board

If you haven't read today's edition of the Asbury Park Press jut yet, allow me to recommend the feature on the outgoing Monmouth County Freeholder Amy Mallet. After reading I think you'll agree, Monmouth County is about to lose a wonderful public servant.

It's a well written piece that highlights not only Amy Mallet's accomplishments as a Freeholder, but shows also how respected she was by others on the board, there are a couple of very nice comments attributed to John Curly and Thomas Arnone towards her.

Freeholder Mallet stated in the article that she doesn't have any plans to seek office again this November but expressed her desire to be appointed to the Brookdale Community College Board of Trustees, where there are 3 open seats waiting to be filled.

I think she would be terrific in that capacity and I hope that politics doesn't come into play with 3 seats on the board needing to be filled, remeber how she was out in front last year calling for the resignations of those responsible for the scandal that rocked Brookdale and forced College President Peter Burnham to resign and other to step down from the board of trustees.

Whatever the future holds for Freeholder Mallet, I wish her nothing but the best of luck pursuing her endeavors. I feel privileged to have gotten to know her over the past 4 years and know that she will be successful in which ever path she chooses to stroll down.