Koch Brothers, Karl Rove and Others Pledge Spending $1 Billion To Defeat President Obama

Republican super PACs and other outside groups shaped by a loose network of prominent conservatives – including Karl Rove, the Koch brothers and Tom Donohue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – plan to spend roughly $1 billion on November’s elections for the White House and control of Congress, according to officials familiar with the groups’ internal operations. -  Politico

Congressman Pallone's Statement on Vote for FDA Reform Act of 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 24, 2012

Washington, D.C.—Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), the senior Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, issued the follow statement on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in advance of a vote to pass the FDA Reform Act of 2012. The FDA Reform Act of 2012 passed the House with overwhelmingly bipartisan support by a vote of 387-5. Congressman Pallone was an original co-sponsor of the bill which will help bring new drugs and medical devices to the market faster and at lower costs to consumers.

The following is his statement:

“Thank you, M. Speaker. Today marks a very exceptional day in this body, one that deserves great praise. The bill before us, H.R. 5651, the FDA Reform Act of 2012, is the product of bipartisanship collaboration and compromise that I am proud to be a part of.

“This bill is the result of more than a year of negotiations between industry, FDA and Congress. In the Energy and Commerce Committee, we held a number of hearings on the critical issues within the bill and, earlier this month, it passed unanimously in both the Subcommittee and Full Committee. The bill is slightly modified from the bill reported by committee, as it now includes a bipartisan provision which results in the bill reducing the deficit by $370 million over the next 10 years.

“The FDA Reform Act will ensure that Americans have access to safe and effective new medicines and medical devices by reauthorizing the user fee programs for prescription drugs and medical devices. It will reduce drug costs for consumers by speeding the approval of lower-cost generic drugs with the establishment of new user fee programs for generic drugs and for lower-cost versions of biotech drugs. The bill will also reform and revitalize many FDA programs to improve its regulatory scheme to facilitate a more efficient and predictable review process.

“The bill also makes permanent two complementary programs - the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act and the Pediatric Research Equity Act - which both help to foster the development and safe use of prescription drugs for children.

In addition, a significant improvement was made to the FDA’s ability to police an ever-growing global drug supply chain to improve patient safety. These provisions will give the FDA critical tools it needs to keep our medicine safer.

“It also includes important provisions to help prevent and mitigate drug shortages, by requiring that drug makers notify the FDA in advance of any expected disruptions in the supply of certain critical drugs, and for the FDA to inform health care providers of the potential drug shortage.

“Thank you to Chairmen Upton and Pitts, Ranking Member Waxman, Mr. Dingell and my other colleagues on the Committee for their leadership and dedication to this important piece of legislation. A special thanks to the staffs on both sides of the aisle for their hard work – you all should be very proud of what you’ve accomplished.

“Reauthorizing and revitalizing the FDA user fee system is a critical investment to our nation’s public health. M. Speaker, I urge all Members of the House to vote aye.”

Crime Scene Middletown: Busy Week Leading Into Holiday Weekend For Middletown Police Activity 5/21/12 - 5/28/12

Written and Issued by the Middletown Police Department
Monday, May 28,2012 - Arrests do not indicate convictions



Mark Dorsey, age 25, from Furman Boulevard in Keyport, NJ, arrested on May 21, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte for Shoplifting from the Sears Store. He was released pending a court date.

Richard Heid, age 26, from Maida Terrace in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on May 21, 2012 by Patrolman Stephen Keller on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $500.00 bail.

Charles Smith, age 46, from South Pearl Street in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on May 22, 2012 by Patrolman Anthony Bumbico on a Non- Support warrant. He was held on $20,000.00 bail.

Adrian Diffendale, age 19, from Reta Lane in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on May 22, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.

Amanda MacDowell, age 19, from Navesink Avenue in Highlands, NJ, arrested on May 22, 2012 by Patrolman Ryan Riffert on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $100.00 bail.

Margaret Siegert, age 41, from Terese Street in Keyport, NJ, arrested on May 22, 2012 by Detective Adam Finck for Theft and Forgery. She was released pending a court date.

Michael Geiger, age 25, from Main Street in Keyport, NJ, arrested on May 23, 2012 by Patrolman Charles Higgins on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keyport Municipal Court. He was released after posting $150.00 bail.

John Napoli, age 52, from Linden Street in Locust, NJ, arrested on May 23, 2012 by Patrolman Brian McGrogan on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $500.00 bail.

Nancy Leonard, age 55, from Cayuga Avenue in Oceanport, NJ, arrested on May 23, 2012 by Patrolman Adam Vendetti on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Red Bank Municipal Court. She was released after posting $81.00 bail.

James Evernham, age 52, from Cherry Street in Belford, NJ, arrested on May 24, 2012 by Patrolman Adam Colfer on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Holmdel Municipal Court. He was held on $1,200.00 bail.

Elisha Stiles, age 31, from Forest Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on May 25, 2012 by Patrolman Joseph Ahlemeyer on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown and Ocean Township Municipal Courts. He was held on $1,478.00 bail

Patrick O’Hara, age 27, from Clover Drive in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on May 28, 2012 by Corporal Patricia Colangelo on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.

Thomas Cosentino, age 21, from Park Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 27, 2012 by Patrolman James Beirne for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

Eddie Sanchez, age 22, from Revere Avenue in Bronx, NY, arrested on May 27, 2012 by May 27, 2012 by Patrolman Jason Caruso on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Clifton Municipal Court. He was released after posting $120.00 bail.

Christopher Newrock, age 23, from Evergreen Terrace in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 26, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest and Being under the Influence of Drugs. He was released pending a court date.

Joseph Hughes, age 19, from Maplewood Drive in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on May 25, 2012 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Alcohol by a Minor. He was released pending a court date.

Robin Bloom, age 52, from Concord Court in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 25, 2012 by Patrolman Michael Reuter for Bodily Fluids on a Police Officer. She was released pending a court date.

Roy Erickson, age 32, from Leonardville Road in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on May 25, 2012 by Patrolman Albert Scott for Simple Assault. He was released pending a court date.

Diane Demarks, age 55, from Highway 35 in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on May 25, 2012 by Patrolman Antonio Ciccone for Shoplifting from the Whole Foods Store and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.

Sarah Ronan, age 23, from Kimberly Court in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on May 25, 2012 by Patrolman Andrew Micalizzi for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Xanax. She was released pending a court date

Ryan Kelty, age 22, from Bray Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on May 25, 2012 by Patrolman Andrew Micalizzi for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

On May 25, 2012 Patrolman Keith Hirschbein arrested a 17 year old female juvenile from Middletown, NJ, for Possession of Alcohol by a Minor. She was released pending a court date.

On May 25, 2012 Patrolman Keith Hirschbein arrested a 16 year old female juvenile from Port Monmouth, NJ, for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Alcohol by a Minor. She was released pending a court date.

On May 28, 2012 Patrolman Adam Colfer arrested a 16 year old male juvenile from Belford, NJ, and a 16 year old male juvenile from Middletown, NJ, for Possession of Alcohol by Minors and Defiant Trespass. Both subjects were released pending a court date.

On May 28, 2012 Patrolman Lawrence Seymour arrested two 16 year old female juveniles from Middletown, NJ, for Possession of Alcohol by Minors and Defiant Trespass. Both subjects were released pending a court date.

Christopher Cerbone, age 26, from Windsor, NJ, arrested on May 27, 2012 by Patrolman James Beirne for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

Mark Sanders, age 22, from Pacific Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 28, 2012 by Patrolman James Beirne on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $1,000.00 bail.

Christopher Emery, age 29, from Hopping Road in Belford, NJ, arrested on May 28, 2012 by Patrolman Jason Caruso for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

Christopher Shannon, age 29, from East 59th Street in New York, NY, arrested on May 28, 2012 by Patrolman Stephen Greenwood for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

Denise Badalamenti, age 41, from Kelsey Court in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 28, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte for Simple Assault. She was released pending a court date.

Donna Wile, age 58, from Haven Street in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on May 26, 2012 by Patrolman James Beirne for Simple Assault. She was released pending a court date.

Free GASLAND Screening in Rumson on Thursday, May 31st

by guest blogger Linda Baum

Have you still not seen the documentary GASLAND?  Do you want to see it again?  Join Food and Water Watch this Thursday evening, May 31st, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Rumson Presbyterian, 4 East River Road, Rumson, NJ 07760 for a FREE community screening of the film.  To register, please visit:  http://bit.ly/GaslandAtRumsonPresbyterian

GASLAND exposes the highly pollutive process known as fracking, short for hydraulic fracturing, whereby natural gas is extracted from shale rock by pumping a large volume of water, sand, and toxic chemicals into the ground.  See the movie trailer here:  http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/trailer.

PBS did an illuminating interview with the film’s creator, Josh Fox.  Here’s the link:   http://video.pbs.org/video/1452296560/. 

Stick around after the movie for a discussion on how you can be involved in the local campaign to ban fracking and fracking waste in New Jersey.  Also, there is a FREE seminar on fracking at the Middletown Library main branch on June 7^th at 7 p.m.

Democratic Mayors Endorse Vin Gopal For Monmouth County Chairman

I received this letter over the weekend and was unable to scan it for posting until today

Faces of the Fallen

(www.davegranlund.com)

118 U.S. service members died during 2012 in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom we should remember them all as well as all of those that went before.

Check out the Washington Post to search for the Faces of the Fallen of those heroes that gave their lives so that we may enjoy our freedom and to remember what the meaning Memorial Day really is. 

What Has Obama Done That Has Made Conservatives So Angry?

Bill Maher used this weeks segment of New Rules  to ask the larger question of why conservatives are so outrage over President Obama.

Residents Leave Their Mark on the Final Pipe of the Middletown Water Construction Project, Signifying its Completion

Press Release:

Residents in the area are thrilled that the construction is finally coming to an end.

Ryan and Jack Calt of Oceanport

Lincroft, NJ (May 23, 2012) – Middletown and Lincroft residents came out in numbers to celebrate the completion of the long-running water main construction which has affected the area. The New Jersey American Water Company hosted a celebratory event which marked the end of the $20 million project which began in 2008. Residents were given an historic opportunity to “leave their mark” on the last water pipe involved in the project (approximately 18 feet long, weighing two tons).

Local leaders, including Middletown Mayor Anthony Fiore, were on hand to discuss the importance of this project and to thank the New Jersey American Water Company for giving residents this opportunity to make history. These names will be a part of the community’s infrastructure for years to come.

A Central Ingredient of a Democratic Society

From the E-Newsletter of Congressman Rush Holt

Earlier this week, my friend and former Congressional colleague Jim Leach, who currently chairs the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), visited New Jersey to see the impact of the NEH in our state.

The NEH is a relatively small agency, but its influence has proven remarkable. In Princeton, for instance, the public library recently received a $500,000 Challenge Grant that supported major community-wide events, including the Princeton Reads year-long community reading program, McCarter Live at the Library, Page to Stage, and other popular programs. Library officials explained that they were required to match each dollar of federal funding with three dollars from other sources, dramatically magnifying the effect of NEH funds. Later, during a visit to Rutgers, we heard from numerous faculty members about how the NEH had supported their community outreach and their important research on Thomas Edison, William Penn, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Chairman Leach also has used his prominent role to become a passionate and articulate promoter of civility in our politics and our day-to-day lives, a message he underscored during our visit together to Lore Elementary in Ewing. As he recently wrote:

“Civility is not simply about manners. It doesn't mean that spirited advocacy is to be avoided. What it does require is a willingness to consider respectfully the views of others, with an understanding that we are all connected and rely on one another. Seldom is there only one proper path determinable by one individual or political party. Public decision-making does not lend itself to certitude. Everybody can learn from somebody else. That is why civility is a central ingredient of a democratic society.”

Does Big Oil Need More Public Land and Tax Dollars?

Last week, the Department of the Interior released a new report showing that nearly two-thirds of the acreage leased by oil and gas companies remain idle, neither producing nor under active exploration or development by companies who hold those leases.

In fact, oil and gas companies are leasing but failing to use an area of public land roughly the size of New Jersey, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Vermont, and Connecticut combined. Yet Big Oil has the temerity to claim that they need more taxpayer land and more taxpayer subsidies to continue drilling.

The Next Age of Space Exploration

Many people recently have raised with me questions about NASA’s future, especially now that the shuttle era has drawn to a close and the private space launch company SpaceX is having success. Even as NASA continues its development of a next-generation spacecraft, the administration is using this pause as an opportunity to consider NASA’s future direction. As long as this pause is only temporary, NASA need not lose significantly expertise or momentum. Meanwhile, it is good to see private investment and ideas coming into the space program.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

President Obama's Weekly Address 5/26/12: Honoring Our Fallen Heroes this Memorial Day

WASHINGTON, DC—In this week’s address, President Obama paid tribute to our men and women in uniform who have died in service to our country. The President also reaffirmed our nation’s dedication to serving our veterans as well as they have served us, and thanked our men and women in uniform for their unwavering commitment to the United States. As we come together on Memorial Day, we remind our military families and veterans that they are not alone, and give our thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and helped make America the most prosperous and powerful nation on earth.

Op-Ed: Keeping up with Chris Christie

The op-ed on Governor Christie below ran yesterday in The Philadelphia Inquirer.


By Joshua Henne

In January 2011, amid much fanfare, Gov. Christie trekked out to Chicago on the heels of a public-relations blitz, promising to lure businesses and jobs from Illinois to New Jersey. His administration spent more than $300,000 in taxpayer money on an advertising campaign starring Christie himself. Newspapers ads ran up and down the state, from the Chicago Tribune to the State Journal-Register of Springfield, encouraging businesses to pick up stakes and relocate to the Garden State.

Even though major employers such as Kraft Foods ignored or refused the governor's request for a meeting, Christie nonetheless immediately deemed the trip a success. He claimed to have met with about 18 Illinois business leaders, one of whom was purportedly "sold" on moving to New Jersey. Yet he refused to identify any of them, saying he would wait until the deals were done.

More than a year later, New Jersey seems to have bubkes to show for Christie's promises. We certainly haven't heard a peep from the administration about any jobs created because of the governor's efforts or a single Illinois company relocating — not even a deep-dish pizzeria. And we know that if Christie had any success on this front, he would crow (and tweet) loudly about it — if not throw a taxpayer-funded town-hall meeting, replete with confetti and a "Mission Accomplished" banner.

And it's not as if Christie hasn't had time to produce results. When he first trumpeted his job migration push, Carmelo Anthony was still a Denver Nugget, Peyton Manning was starting for the Colts, and Rick Perry was seven months away from entering the presidential race. Meanwhile, New Jersey has continued to lag the nation in job creation and employment.

Manufactured moments

Like P.T. Barnum and Kim Kardashian before him, Chris Christie has a remarkable gift for getting attention. His constant announcements, manufactured YouTube moments, and headline-grabbing antics run reporters ragged — leaving them little time to follow up on whether he is actually accomplishing anything, let alone anything of merit. It's brilliant public relations: The more information Christie puts out, and the more gusto he does it with, the less time anyone has to evaluate what he's doing.

But the results fall far short of the hype. No matter how many times Christie regurgitates his poll-tested line about a "Jersey comeback," it's more rhetoric than reality.

The Illinois incident wasn't Christie's only job creation failure. In canceling the construction of a broadly supported commuter-rail tunnel between North Jersey and Manhattan, for example, Christie also canceled a lot of New Jersey jobs. Putting aside the governor's use of false figures to justify killing the project, as well as the environmental and transportation benefits the project would have brought about, the fact is that the tunnel would have created 6,000 short-term construction jobs and nearly 50,000 jobs over the long term.

'Hold me accountable'

Nor was the Chicago fiasco the only time Christie has led people astray with job creation promises. Last year, when his administration handed the owners of the Revel resort and casino a $261 million check from the taxpayers, the company promised that 5,500 full-time jobs would be created in Atlantic City. While I didn't agree with the governor's decision to give cash to casino moguls even as he pleaded poverty on women's health funding, I am rooting for Revel's success as an economic engine. But contrary to what was promised, Revel later revealed that nearly 40 percent of the positions created could be part-time.

Candidate Chris Christie relentlessly reminded voters of then-Gov. Jon Corzine's inaugural address, in which he urged voters, "Hold me accountable." Fair enough, but now it's time to hold Christie accountable. And he has enjoyed about as much success moving Prairie State jobs to New Jersey as the Chicago Cubs have had winning a World Series in the past century — though, unlike Christie, the Cubbies never made the mistake of guaranteeing success.

I would be happy to be proven wrong if major Illinois employers begin relocating to New Jersey. But long after we should have seen results from Christie's taxpayer-funded campaign, it seems the governor was just a modern version of the snake-oil salesmen who once traveled to Midwestern towns to fleece the locals. In this case, however, the huckster came home empty-handed.

Joshua Henne is a cofounder of White Horse Strategies, a communications and political consulting firm, and the spokesman for One New Jersey. For more information, see www.onenewjersey.org. Twitter: @JoshuaHenne. 

When You Put It This Way, Corporations Actually Sound A LOT Like People...



(By Barry Deutsch, the mastermind behind Ampersand via Upworthy.com)



Library Grant Opportunity Targets Development of Teen Skills

by guest blogger Linda Baum

While I don’t have the time these days to write about everything that goes on at Library Board meetings, one item of business at last week’s meeting (5/16/12) is worth talking about.

Middletown Library Director Susan O’Neal discussed a federal grant opportunity, special because of its magnitude and potential to quickly make concept into reality. The up-to-$100,000 IMLS grant (Institute of Museum and Library Services) is for the purpose of planning a teen zone learning hub. Ms. O’Neal envisions a space equipped with modern technology that stimulates the imagination and encourages young people to collaborate. It would be a place where teens could go to continue their education after the school day ends.

The grant includes salary for a project designer, so the Library would be creating a job, thought it may be a temporary consultant’s position.

Ms. O’Neal noted that Middletown would be competing for the grant against big city libraries and that the chances of winning weren’t high. However, she said that she had obtained a federal grant for a smaller library in the past, so it’s possible.

The Board voted in favor of allowing Ms. O’Neal to move ahead with the grant application, but questioned if she could find time in her busy schedule for the 35-40 hours it would take to complete the application by the June 15th deadline. She replied, “…I want to, and I will find a way to do it.”

Ms. O’Neal is to be commended for her efforts on behalf of our Library and community.

For more information about the grant specifications, you can listen to the Board’s 49-minute discussion below.

Mtown News Flash 5-24-12

Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 28, 10 am
The Leonardo American Legion Memorial Post 338 will host the annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 28th at 10 am.

Parade Route: Leonardville Rd. to Appleton Ave. to Center Ave. to Brevent Ave. Turn right onto Highland Ave; left on Leonard Avenue and right on Viola Ave. to the Post Home on Route 36. Parade scheduled to end about 11:30 a.m. The annual parade is held in cooperation with Middletown Township.


Health Dept Offers TDAP Vaccine for $5 until June 1, 2012
The Middletown Township Health Department is offering the TDap Vaccine which includes Tetanus, Diphtheria, and acellular Pertussis, for a special price of just $5 until June 1, 2012.

WHO NEEDS THE TDaP VACCINE?

You are entering the 6th grade.
You are between the ages of 11-12.
You never received TDaP before and are due for your next Tetanus & Diphtheria (TD) booster. (Needed roughly every 10 years.)
You are in close contact with infants under the age of 12 months. (New mothers, fathers, daycare workers, grandparents, babysitters, healthcare workers etc.)
You got a severe cut or burn, protection after a wound.
Contact the Middletown Health Department at 732-615-2094 to get the vaccine before June 1, 2012.


Online Parking Permit Renewals Begin June 1, 2021
A renewal letter is sent out to the permit holders at the address on file with the Township Clerk’s Office. If you move, you must notify the Clerk’s Office so you will receive the renewal information. You may renew on line using a credit card or ACH check payment, or you may download the application and return it with a check and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for returning the permit to you.

• Parking Permit General Information
• On-line Parking Permit Renewals
• Download Parking Permit Application

Mtown-Lincroft Rd Construction: Overnight Road Closure
Middletown-Lincroft Road will be closed between Dwight Road and West Front Street from 7 pm until 4 am. Drivers should follow the posted detours or plan alternate routes. There will be no further daytime closure related to this project.

The final phase of water main construction on the roadway is underway and can be expected to last through May 2012. The project is progressing according to anticipated schedule. The patience of motorists using the roadway and detour is appreciated. Any questions regarding the closure should be addressed to the Police Department Traffic Bureau at 732-615-2045.



The Oceanic Bridge is Open!
Weight Restriction Lifted
The Oceanic Bridge (S-31) spanning the Navesink River between Rumson and Middletown has reopened ahead of schedule and prior to Memorial Day Weekend. Read more.



Brush Collection Complete
Curbside Brush Collection is complete. Do not put brush curbside after a zone has been collected. Violators will be charged up to $750 for a separate, individual collection. Brush is accepted year round at the Kanes Lane Recycling Center, 52 Kanes Lane. Residents or their landscapers can bring leaves to the Recycling Center at 52 Kanes Lane until June 1st. Hours are Thursday – Monday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Memorial Day.

Help Wanted: Weekend Beach Lifeguards
The Middletown Recreation Department is seeking certified lifeguards to work weekends (Saturday and Sunday) at Ideal Beach and Leonardo Beach. Interested candidates should call the Recreation Department 732-615-2260. Download application.



Tonya Keller Community Center Welcomes New Director
The Middletown Recreation Department is proud to announce that Tiffany Kenney, a Middletown resident, has been selected to head the Tonya Keller Community Center. Kenney, who lives in the Leonardo section of town, is a certified health and physical education teacher and a sports coach. She replaces Janet Dellett who was recently named Middletown Recreation Department Director. The Tonya Keller Community Center, located at 50 Bray Avenue, offers free open recreation hours for juniors and teens, affordable ceramics classes, a community garden and many family fun activities. The center is also home to the Just for Toddlers Pre-School Program. Call 732-615-3250 for more information or stop by for a facility tour.


Summer Concert Series Returns July 12
The Middletown Summer Concert Series returns this year with a new sponsor and an all-new line up of talented performers.

The Middletown Township Education Association (MTEA) has pledged $10,000 to sponsor the annual concert series. “We would like to thank the Middletown Township Education Association for their generosity in helping to bring this summer favorite to the community,” said Mayor Anthony P. Fiore.

The Summer Concert Series, hosted by the Middletown Recreation Department and the Middletown Cultural and Arts Council, includes four outdoor shows at Normandy Park . Concerts will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. every other Thursday beginning July 12 with Jennifer Mylod. The musical journey continues with The Del Angels on July 26; Funktion 11 on August 9th and RB Express on August 23rd.

Normandy Park is located at 600 Normandy Road. In the event of inclement weather, concerts are moved to Middletown South High School. Call the Recreation Department at 732-615-2260 or the Middletown Arts Center at 732-706-4100 for more information.


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Middletown Day 2012 – Saturday, September 29, 11 am to 6 pm
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Christie's Rosy Revenue Projections Are A Fraud

For Immediate Release:
Thursday,May 24, 2012

Still Pushing Tax Cuts to Multi-Millionaires While Lying About Revenue Projections Will Only Delay A Genuine Jersey Comeback

(NEW JERSEY) - The non-partisan Office of Legislative Services is warning that New Jersey is facing a whopping $1.3 billion tax revenue shortfall. These bleak numbers show the rosy revenue numbers Governor Chris Christie has been touting for the past several months have been self-serving, delusional and completely wrong.

Christie's administration now claims the revenue shortfall will "only" be a mere $676 million - which is akin to saying Snooki is just a little bit tan. Even with this newly-crafted, best-case scenario, Christie continues pushing income tax cuts for the wealthy in spite of the bad news. In fact, yesterday, the OLS's budget chief said an additional $900 million shortage could be tacked onto the already-stark numbers if revenue growth rate continues at its current clip.

Just as his "Jersey Comeback" has been undercut by reality and cold hard facts, Christie's revenue projections are inflated and unrealistic. Since the non-partisan OLS numbers don't match his stubborn attempts to cut taxes for the super-wealthy, Christie has once again resorted to name-calling and mean-spirited attacks. He's referred to OLS staff as "Dr. Kevorkian" and "hand maidens." Hopefully, his salty language won't fool anyone into ignoring the real issue. Namely, that Christie's rosy rhetoric fails to match reality.

Just as there is one set of rules for Chris Christie and one set of rules for everyone else, it seems there is also one set of revenue projections for Chris Christie and another for everyone else. Christie's delusional fairy tale flies in the face of facts that consistently prove tax cuts to the super-wealthy fail to create jobs, but instead merely create more wealth for the One Percent - many of whom are his campaign donors - to sit on.

Christie likes to say the debate now isn't whether to cut taxes or not, but which taxes to cut. Well... the question now isn't whether Christie's rosy revenue projections are off, but whether they are only insanely off by hundreds of millions like he now admits, or obscenely off by $1.3 billion, as OLS projects.

Christie wants to claim more money on the books, so he can bankroll unfair and unsustainable tax cuts benefiting the One Percent, while leaving the middle-class out in the cold. Yet, it is painfully clear that the state does not have the money needed to fund this scheme. And it is New Jersey's middle-class and municipalities who will be harmed if it comes to pass. By continuing to foolishly and blindly charge ahead and push tax cuts to multi-millionaires while lying about the numbers, Christie is simply delaying a genuine Jersey Comeback.

* * * *

One New Jersey is shining a light on politicians who act against the best interests of New Jersey’s residents and who seek to divide our state for their own political gain. It is giving voice to the important issues that affect our daily lives. One New Jersey will closely monitor policy positions and actions of elected officials and expose their records on the issues that matter. You can follow One New Jersey on Twitter (@OneNJ) or search for “One New Jersey” on Facebook.

Congressman Pallone Kicks off Summer on the Jersey Shore by Encouraging Smart Sun Protection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 24, 2012

Calls attention to risks posed by indoor tanning and provides tips for staying sun safe

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) visited Pier Village at the Jersey shore today to launch the summer season with an educational event to encourage smart sun protection. He was joined by Dr. Fred Jacobs, of the American Cancer Society/former New Jersey Health Commissioner and Dermatologist Dr. Robert Paull, MD to raise awareness of skin cancer, the most common of all cancer types, and provide tips for avoiding sun damage.

There are over 2 million new cases of skin cancer every year, but when caught early, skin cancer has a 98% cure rate. In addition to protecting skin in the sun with a broad-spectrum water-resistant SPF of at least 30 and wearing protective clothing, beach-goers can also protect themselves with frequent skin cancer screenings.

“We love the sun at the Jersey shore, but that doesn’t mean we can’t stay safe from its harmful effects too,” said Pallone. “Simple steps, like generously applying a SPF of at least 30 every two hours, will go a long way towards protecting skin from dangerous sun damage.”

Congressman Pallone also called attention to the dangers of indoor tanning beds, particularly the risks posed to teenagers. Seventy-six percent of melanomas are attributable to the use of a tanning device.

With colleagues on the Energy & Commerce Committee, Congressman Pallone released a report in February that found evidence of false and misleading health information provided to teenagers by many in the indoor tanning industry minimizing the dangerous effects of indoor tanning. For example, 90 percent of the salons contacted for this report stated that indoor tanning did not pose a health risk.

“The findings of this report on indoor tanning are startling, particularly when we know that tanning beds to pose a health risk. I encourage everyone to prevent skin cancer by being sun-safe outside and avoiding harmful tanning beds inside,” Pallone added.

Highlands Bridge Dedicated In Honor of Joseph Azzolina

photo by Matt Morehead via Facebook

Yesterday the new Highlands Bridge was officially renamed in honor of  long time Middletown resident, former NJ State Senator, NJ Assemblyman and respected local businessman Joseph Azzolina. The bridge is now know as the "Captain Joseph Azzolina Memorial Bridge".

Among those present for the dedication ceremony were Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, Congressman Frank Pallone, State Senator Jennifer Beck and Senator Joseph Kyrillos. Conspicuously missing from the proceedings were representative from Middletown; No Mayor Fiore, No Deputy Mayor Massell, No Township Administrator. Nope, nobody.

How disrespectful was that?

Azzolina who passed away on April 15, 2010, was  a true patriot, he served in the United States Naval Reserve from 1944-1986, Captain (Retired).  As a reservist, he returned to active duty in 1983 for a tour of seven months – four of them off the coast of Lebanon – aboard the battleship USS New Jersey. He received three Meritorious Service Medals and two Navy Secretary Commendation Medals in addition to other combat awards and honors. As an Assemblyman, Azzolina led the effort to acquire the retired ship and have it docked in New Jersey waters where it has been transformed to a floating museum.

By all accounts yesterday's ceremony was a respectful and fitting tribute to Azzolina, Senators Beck and Kyrillos and Congressman Pallone delivered heartfelt words honoring him. 

I was told however last night by a someone who attended the ceremony, that the lack of any officials from Middletown did not go unnoticed. Evidently the battle scars over the proposed Town Center project still run deep within Middletown's GOP. 


You would think that for just one day, the local Republicans would put aside their differences with the Azzolina family, to honor a man who had done so much for the state and bayshore region and who was so greatly respected by both Democrats and Republicans alike. Instead, they snubbed the Azzolina family and disrespected the memory of "Big" Joe Azzolina himself. 

Prey For Reign: Gay marriage & the Bible? What th?!

Dogboy and Mr. Dan are discussing gay marriage and Obama's recent "evolution" on the matter. Where does the bible stand on the issue? Ask Dogboy and Mr. Dan! A Mark Fiore political animation.

Letter: It's Time To Reform Property Taxes And Lessen The Burden On Homeowners

Today, 60% of our property tax goes to funding schools. A system that relies on the property owner’s income to keep pace with a school tax that increases as one’s property value increases is a flawed system. Property owner’s income does not increase over time; it decreases and will not keep up as a school tax and property value increase.

To lessen this tax burden, remove school tax from property tax. Make this tax a responsibility that is shared among all residents; not just those who own property. Instead, use earned income as the basis for a school tax and a dedicated sales tax on goods and services that are purchased.

Earned income is the best indicator of what one is able to pay.More importantly, every resident would be made eligible. Everyone who earns an income would contribute regardless if they own property or not. A dedicated sales tax would capture income that is not documented or reported and is only recognized when items are purchased; generally the case for those who use our schools and town services, but don’t pay for them. Homeowners would pay less of a school tax under this shared approach as compared to what they are paying under the current system. Owners no longer could hide behind Farmland assessment on land that is used more to view the Navesink than it is used for true farming. Additional revenue would be gained from those who travel in and out of our State.

Lastly, time has come to level the playing field and to do away with Abbott Districts. Take the revenue that is set aside, at the State level, for school funding and establish a foundation requiring all school districts to apply for. Establish general guidelines and a funding criteria based on need. Most importantly, hold the school district accountable for how the funding was utilized before evaluating the funding needs for the upcoming year.


Patrick Short
Former - Middletown Township Committeeman

Crime Scene Middletown: Recent Police Activity Report 5/14/12 - 5/20/12

Written and Issued by the Middletown Police Department
Tuesday, May 22,2012 - Arrests do not indicate convictions

Arthur Bossert, age 30, from Woodsend Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 14, 2012 by Corporal James Keenan on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown and Old Bridge Municipal Courts. He was released after posting $1701.00 bail.

Milo Kane, age 29, from Beacon Boulevard in Keansburg, NJ, arrested May 14, 2012 by Patrolman Adam Vendetti on a Contempt of Court warrant issued Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

Steven Reilly, age 20, from Field Avenue in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on May 14, 2012 by Corporal Patricia Colangelo for Simple Assault. He was held on $2,500.00 bail with a 10% option by Judge Richard Thompson.

Christopher Reilly, age 23, from Field Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested May 14, 2012 by Corporal Patricia Colangelo for Simple Assault. He was held on $2,500.00 bail with no 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Steven Nalbach, age 51, from Hamilton Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on May 14, 2012 by Corporal Joseph Glynn on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $500.00 bail.

Virginia Finley, age 28, from Concord Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on May 14, 2012 by Patrolman Robert McNair on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $250.00 bail. 

Ram Garapaty, age 35, from Ironwood Court in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 14, 2012 by Patrolman Christian Clark on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail. 

On May 14, 2012 Patrolman Adam Vendetti arrested a 17 year old female juvenile from Locust, NJ, for Simple Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest, Escape and Obstructing the Administration of Law. She was released pending a court date.

On May 14, 2012 Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit arrested a 17 year old female juvenile from Belford, NJ, a 15 year old male juvenile from Atlantic Highlands, NJ, a 17 year old male juvenile from Atlantic Highlands, NJ, and a 17 year old male juvenile from Belford, NJ, for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. All subjects were released pending a court date.

On May 14, 2012 Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit arrested a 17 year old male juvenile from Highlands, NJ, for Unlawful Possession of Xanax, Unlawful Possession of Ambien, Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

Michael Basich, age 23, from South Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on May 15, 2012 by Detective Laurence Schachtel for Uttering a Forgery. He was released pending a court date.

Brittany Maul, age 24, from West Washington Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on May 15, 2012 by Detective Laurence Schachtel for Uttering a Forgery. She was released pending a court date.

Emilio Fernandez, age 23, from Grant Place in Little Silver, NJ, arrested on May 15, 2012 by Patrolman Adam Vendetti on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

Eric Greer, age 48, from Harbor Road in Morganville, NJ, arrested on May 15, 2012 by Detective Kevin Gardiner for Performing Contracting Work without a License. He was released pending a court date.

Olivia Desousa, age 46, from Minuteman Road in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on May 15, 2012 by Corporal Patricia Colangelo on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released pending a court date.

Jessica Stone, age 20, from Seadrift in Highlands, NJ, arrested on May 15, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Fulham on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Highlands Municipal Court. She was held on $916.00 bail.

Robert Bayly, age 24, from Oakes Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on May 15, 2012 by Patrolman Stephen Keller on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Highlands Municipal Court. He was held on $994.00 bail.

Adam Stranges, age 20, from Evergreen Terrace in Belford, NJ, arrested on May 15, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Fulham on a Contempt of Court issued by the Keyport Municipal Court. He was held on $750.00 bail. 

Louis Richmond, age 26, from Hillside Avenue in Sayreville, NJ, arrested on May 16, 2012 by Corporal George Freibott on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Keansburg and Keyport Municipal Court and on a Non-Support warrant issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court. He was held on $27,811.00 bail.

Sean Dickey, age 39, from Daniel Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 17, 2012 by Patrolman James Beirne for Unlawful Possession of Roxicodone and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

Anthony Pinto, age 23, from Leonardville Road in Belford, NJ, arrested on May 18, 2012 by Patrolman Darrin Simon on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Court. 

Joseph Encarnacion, age 21, from High Ridge Road in Howell, NJ, arrested on May 18, 2012 by Patrolman Christian Clark on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $500.00 bail. 

Dawn Villano, age 51, from California Avenue in Brick, NJ, arrested on May 17, 2012 by Patrolman Anthony Gigante on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Neptune and the Eatontown Municipal Courts. She was released after posting $284.00 bail. 

Thomas Gingerelli, age 26, from Seabreeze Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on May 17, 2012 by Detective William Strohkirch for Theft. He was released pending a court date.

On May 17, 2012 Patrolman Antonio Ciccone arrested a 17 year old female juvenile from Belford, NJ, for Shoplifting from the Whole Foods Store and Possession of Alcohol by a Minor. She was released pending a court date.

On May 17, 2012 Patrolman Albert Scott arrested a 17 year old male juvenile from Harvard Street in Middletown, NJ, for Possession of Alcohol by a Minor. He was released pending a court date.

Edward Eddleston, age 37, from April Way in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 20, 2012 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

Douglas Anderson, age 25, from Highway 35 in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 19, 2012 by Patrolman Charles Higgins on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $500.00 bail. 

James Materano, age 20, from Melrose Terrace in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 20, 2012 by Patrolman Richard Fulham for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

Christopher Anderson, age 28, from Bay Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on May 20, 2012 by Patrolman Frank Mazza on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Jersey City Municipal Court. He was released after posting $100.00 bail.

William Lynch, age 42, from Jersey Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 19, 2012 by Patrolman Robert McNair for Possession of Heroin and on Contempt of Court warrant issued by the East Brunswick and Woodbridge Municipal Court. He was held on bail.

Mark Saunders Conley, age 21, from Marymount Drive in Huntsville, AL, arrested on May 19, 2012 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

Richard Farricker, age 22, from Bray Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on May 19, 2012 by Patrolman Brady Carr for Simple Assault. He was released pending a court date. 

Completion of Water Main Project : SIGN THE LAST PIPE!

Middletown’s water main work is finally coming to a close! Join us at the Lincroft Firehouse this Wednesday evening (May 23) for a special event commemorating the completion of the project, and promoting water conservation in the community!

• Put your signature on the last section of pipe of the project. It will be part of our infrastructure for generations to come.
• Join the campaign to “Save Splash” by conserving water this summer!
• Listen to comments from Mayor Fiore and Fire Chief Spears and Suzanne Chiavari, a vice president of engineering for New Jersey American Water.
• Find out how to use less water in cooking, landscaping and more!
• See what’s new at the firehouse and learn why water conservation is so important to fire fighting.
• Enjoy some hamburgers and hot dogs.

JOIN US!

Where:  Lincroft Firehouse

605 Newman Springs Road  Lincroft, NJ 07738

When: Wednesday, May 23, 7PM

Congressman Pallone to Visit a Center for Victims of Domestic Violence in W. Keansburg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Will discuss failure of the House Republican’s Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization to protect all women from domestic violence

W. KEANSBURG, NJ– On Wednesday, May 23 at 11:30 a.m. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) will visit an art therapy program for battered women run by 180, Turning Lives Around to call for a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization that protects all women from domestic violence.

Since 1994 VAWA has been an essential tool in protecting victims of domestic violence, but the partisan VAWA reauthorization bill recently passed by House Republicans fails to include critical protections for LGBT, Immigrant and Native American women.  The Senate passed an inclusive, bipartisan VAWA Reauthorization that was not brought to the floor by House GOP leadership.

180 Turning Lives Around is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence in Monmouth County. Congressman Pallone will be joined at the event by advocates for victims of domestic violence and elected officials.

Congratulations To Ed Zipprich, 1 of 11 LGBT Leaders Picked For Harvard Fellowship

I wish to congratulate my friend, Red Bank Councilman Ed Zipprich, for being chosen this year to attend the Gay and Lesbian Victory Institute, located at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School, this summer in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Zipprich is 1 of 11 openly gay leaders in government and non-profit organizations that received a  scholarship to attend the Victory Institute as a 2012 David Bohnett LGBT Leadership Fellow.

According to the announcement posted on gaypolitics.com, more than 100 Bohnett Fellows have been chosen for the program since its inception a decade ago. “Graduates of this program include some of the country’s most visible and successful openly LGBT public leaders....". Houston Mayor Annise Parker; Arizona congressional candidate and former state legislator Kyrsten Sinema; Dallas Sheriff Lupe Valdez and San Francisco City Treasurer Jose Cisneros are just a few.

Joining the Honorable Ed Zipprich as a 2012 David Bohnett LGBT Leadership Fellows are:

Hon. James Cappleman – Alderman, Chicago City Council

Hon. Sally Clark – President, Seattle City Council

Dennis Coleman -  Executive Director, Equality Texas

Masen Davis - Executive Director, Transgender Law Center

Hon. Adam Ebbin - State Senator, Virginia

Helmi Hisserich - Assistant General Manager, Los Angeles Housing Department

Mark Kelleher – Human Rights Commissioner, San Francisco

Hon. Steven Kirkland – Judge of the 215th Civil District Court,  Harris County, Texas

Hon. Donna Nesselbush – State Senator, Rhode Island

Hon. Mary Washington – Delegate, Maryland House of Delegates