Mariel DiDato, State Assembly Candidate (LD13) Answers 10 Questions

I came up with these candidate questions several years ago and have been asking those running for the State Assembly, State Senate and County Freeholder ever since, if they would be kind enough to answer them. Today, I'm posting the response from Hazlet's Mariel DiDato, candidate for NJ State Assembly in 13th Legislative District. In the coming days I'll post the responses from her running mates Tom Giaimo and Sean Byrnes. I'm also hoping to have responses from Freeholder candidates Margie Donlon and Brian Wilton. - MM


What is your motivation for seeking a seat in the NJ State Assembly and can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a crisis response advocate for victims of domestic and sexual violence, and also a grassroots organizer who has fought to get state funding restored to family planning healthcare. Since the cuts to family planning healthcare, bacterial STI infection rates in Monmouth County have risen by 50%. My motivation for running is because our current representatives in the 13th District are making legislative decisions based on party politics, and not based on science, best practices, and what is beneficial for their constituents. This is not how government should operate, and it is not how we move our state forward.

As you meet residents throughout your district what seems to be the greatest concerns they are expressing and how do you plan to address them?

Mariel DiDato

The greatest concerns I have seen are economic issues (property taxes & college affordability), the opioid epidemic, and issues concerning our environment. Municipal consolidation and shared services is one of the most viable options for providing property tax relief. We must provide more financial incentives and flexibility for towns looking to consolidate. Additionally, we need to get a hold on the rising cost of tuition, and possibly impose a cap on interest rates for student loans. 7%, 8%, 11% loans are astronomically high for a group of people who are expected to work for free or in low-wage internships after college, especially with tuition becoming increasingly expensive.

In regard to the opioid epidemic, we need better quality rehabilitation centers and recovery programs that middle and working class people can access. Currently, those suffering from addiction have two options – fly down to Florida (if you have health insurance and a bit of cash) or try your luck at a sub-par rehabilitation center in New Jersey. There is no reason why we cannot have quality, highly regulated rehabilitation centers in our state. To pay for it, we can start by holding pharmaceutical companies accountable, and taxing them on the revenue that they receive from their opioid sales. We can then use that revenue to improve the quality of our rehab centers by expanding the available recovery programs, the length of an inpatient stay, and the number of beds that we have.

Lastly, we need to do all we can at the state and local levels to compensate for the cuts to the EPA by the federal administration. We need to make sure our Shore Protection Master Plan is up to date, and that our Shore Protection Fund is fully funded. We need to prohibit oil and gas companies from drilling off of the Jersey Shore, and we need to work to ensure that we lead the way in environmental sustainability.

What do you hope to accomplish once you are elected to the State Assembly?

I have a number of goals I would like to accomplish in the Assembly. First, I want to restore state funding to family planning healthcare. Additionally, we need to do more to address interpersonal violence in our state. I will to introduce legislation to start having conversations in our public schools about consent, interpersonal violence, and the local resources available to survivors. Right now, there is a big push to have these conversations on college campuses, and that is a great start. But we know that if we wait till college to have these conversations, we are waiting until it’s too late.

I would also like to introduce the legislation I referred to above; imposing a tax on pharmaceutical companies for their opioid sales and using that revenue to improve our rehab centers in New Jersey. We can also be doing more to regulate those centers, by requiring recovery programs offer additional resources other than an AA and NA-derived program. Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and our centers should reflect that while put the latest science (which considers addiction a disease) at the forefront of those recovery programs.

Lastly, I hope to make this state more affordable for all generations by encouraging municipal consolidation and creating regulations to prevent banks from taking advantage of students seeking higher education.

What is it that makes your district unique and how does that uniqueness impact your campaign?

The 13th legislative district is composed of towns that range from extremely wealthy like Rumson to those undergoing serious economic stress like Keansburg. The policy preferences and concerns of all of these towns are not always in alignment in some areas, and one of the unique challenges for this district is ensuring that all constituents have their voices heard. Our current representation has failed to balance the needs of every constituent in our district.

If elected, how would your professional background enhance your ability to be an effective State Assembly representative?

Effective legislators are people who listen to constituents in times of personal crisis while helping them navigate the, at times, difficult bureaucracy of our state. My experience as a Crisis Response Advocate has prepared me for this role.

Do you have any thoughts on how to contain the growth of state government?

We can start by consolidating municipal services and incentivizing shared service agreements between towns. I would support regular audits on the state level to see which services provided at the state, county, and municipal level are duplicative and unnecessary.

Is there any aspect of state government that you believe there is a need to be expanded upon?

I believe that our state government is big enough, and that the issue facing us in this regard is ensuring that our state government is nimble enough to respond to the issues facing New Jersey’s residents. I believe that as we cut down on wasteful duplicative spending, we can re-allocate those resources to combatting the opioid epidemic plaguing our state. We need to ensure that those who have become addicted to opioids receive treatment, but we must also ensure that state and local law enforcement have the tools they need to address this concern on the ground level.

Why should residents of your district trust you to represent them in the legislature?

I am not the typical politician. Unlike my opponents, politics has never been my career. I am running because our representatives have failed to listen or represent us. My experience as a crisis response advocate has been to listen to people in their time of need and ensure their voices are heard by those who need to listen. In Trenton, I will do the same for every voice in our district.

What does it mean to be a Democrat today?

Being a Democrat today means to support policies which provide for equal opportunity for every person in New Jersey

Is there anything that is important to you that has not been asked that you would like to address?

Yes. I believe that the Monmouth County Reliability Project is a bad idea for our towns, and a bad idea for NJ Transit. Placing steel towers as high as 210 feet tall under 100 feet from residential properties will hurt the property values of homeowners. I also do not see how the project can be completed without serious impacting the ability of NJ Transit to continue commuter rail services along the line which so many of us rely on. I understand that First Energy and JCP&L find the guaranteed rate of return promised them by our Federal Government to be attractive, but that does not give them the right to harm the quality of life of residents throughout our district.

In Trenton I will fight with every fiber of my being to ensure that this project is not completed, and that residents from our towns are protected from future attempts by companies like First Energy and JCP&L.


You can find out more about Mariel DiDato on her website didato4njassembly.com 

Letter: I Stand with Residents Against Giant Electric

Mariel DiDato, candidate for the General Assembly in Legislative District 13, stands with residents against giant electric (RAGE) in her letter that appeared in the Atlantic Highlands Herald and elsewhere.

Mariel DiDato

Living in Hazlet all my life, the issue with JCP&L’s proposed power line project is, quite literally, very close to home. After attending meetings, public updates, and speaking with members of RAGE (Residents Against Giant Electric), it has become clear that JCP&L’s $111 million project serves to benefit them financially more than it will benefit NJ’s residents practically. From their very installation, to having them tower over schools, homes, and NJ Transit railroads, this project introduces multiple dangers to citizens. Completion of the power lines will also result in a 54% increase to consumer electric bills; another rise in the cost of living is not what NJ residents need. Additionally, an electrical engineer hired by RAGE has proposed an updated solution to upgrade our current system, which does not include installing power lines emitting potentially dangerous radiation near our homes and our children. Given all of this information, it is clear that this project should not move forward.

I stand strongly and proudly with RAGE, and applaud them for their tireless work in stopping JCP&L from taking advantage of their customers. As a community advocate, and now as a candidate for the General Assembly in one of the affected Legislative Districts, I promise to stand with all citizens who will be impacted by these power lines. When elected, I will advocate for legislation that prohibits transmission projects in densely populated neighborhoods so that when RAGE wins this battle, it will be the last of its kind.



Sincerely,

Mariel DiDato
Hazlet, NJ

March 29, 2017 MCRP Hearing at Brookdale Community College

The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) conducted this public hearing to obtain evidence in order to make a recommendation to the BPU on whether JCP&L should be allowed to use the NJ Transit right of way to construct a 230kV power line from Aberdeen to Red Bank.

You can read the Asbury Park Press for a quick take on what transpired during the meeting.

Pallone Calls on New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to Reject Monmouth County Reliability Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2017



Long Branch - Today in a letter to Richard Mroz, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) asked the board to accept a motion by Monmouth County local communities to stay consideration of Jersey Central Power and Light’s (JCP&L) application to construct the Monmouth County Reliability Project (MCRP). The plan for JCP&L’s new transmission line would impact Aberdeen, Hazlet and Middletown in Pallone’s district and run along New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast line.

Earlier this year, the state Rate Counsel raised questions about the necessity of the project to increase reliability in Monmouth County. The Rate Counsel described a number of technological alternatives that could increase reliability without requiring the construction of a transmission line like MCRP. Additionally, many residents have argued that the project is unnecessary and potentially harmful to the public health, environment, and economy of their communities. The plan states that poles will be up to 210 feet tall in some places, and many residents are worried that this will negatively affect their home values. Pallone testified at the January 25th public hearing on MCRP in Middletown and expressed his opposition.

Pallone has long voiced concerns with JCP&L’s proposal. In October, Pallone sent a letter to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) voicing his concerns over JCP&L’s proposal for the MCRP. In August, he shared his concerns with BPU regarding JCP&L’s proposal to transfer all of its transmission assets to Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission. JCP&L withdrew its transfer proposal in September, a week after Pallone’s statement.

The text of the letter is below.



March 23, 2017



The Honorable Richard Mroz
President
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
44 S. Clinton Avenue
Trenton, NJ 08625

Re: Docket No. EO16080750

Dear President Mroz:

I write regarding the upcoming March 24, 2017 meeting of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to consider the motion by Monmouth County local communities to stay consideration of Jersey Central Power and Light’s (JCP&L) application to construct the Monmouth County Reliability Project (MCRP). I strongly encourage you and the other commissioners to grant their motion.

As part of seeking approval for the proposed 10-mile transmission line, which would run through my Congressional district, JCP&L must obtain permission from NJ Transit to use existing rights-of-way along the North Jersey Coast Line. Despite having failed to consider fully other options, JCP&L has made it clear that it believes that this route is the only viable one for this project. NJ Transit has not yet consented to use of its right-of-way.

There is no substantive reason for the BPU to continue consideration of JCP&L’s project application for the MCRP until the company obtains the necessary approval for use of the right-of-way from NJ Transit. Going forward with proceedings is a waste of resources for all parties until JCP&L can produce the required land-use agreement. Recognizing this, in October, communities that would be impacted by the MCRP filed a motion to dismiss or stay the approval process. Unfortunately, Administrative Law Judge Cookson declined to grant that motion. The towns have now appealed to BPU, and the Board should seriously consider their case. Failure to grant this motion ensures that additional time and resources will be devoted to considering this ill-conceived project, despite JCP&L having failed to secure the land and other perquisites necessary for it to build the project.

Additionally, it is important to point out that, when JCP&L proposed a substantially similar transmission project in 1989, Administrative Law Judge Perselay ruled that if the utility had not secured a land-use agreement with NJ Transit prior to the evidentiary hearing’s start date, the approval process could not move forward. BPU should honor that precedent when considering its decision on the towns’ appeal to reconsider their motion.

Thank you for attention to this matter.

Sincerely,


FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Member of Congress

Pallone Voices Opposition to Monmouth County Reliability Project at Public Hearing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2017




Long Branch, NJ – Last night, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) voiced his opposition to the Monmouth County Reliability Project (MCRP) at a public hearing held at Middletown High School North in Middletown, NJ. The hearing was overseen by Office of Administrative Law Judge Gail M. Cookson, as part of the process to determine the recommendation she will be making to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) on whether the BPU should approve the MCRP. Pallone also asked that additional public hearings be held to ensure that all those potentially impacted by the MCRP have an opportunity have their voices heard.

Congressman Pallone is opposed to the project, as he was when the project was proposed over two decades ago. Last week in a letter to James Fakult, President of Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), Congressman Pallone called on JCP&L to withdraw the proposed MCRP. The plan for JCP&;L’s new transmission line would impact Aberdeen, Hazlet and Middletown in Pallone’s district and run along New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast line.

Earlier this month, the state Rate Counsel released a number of technological alternatives that could increase reliability without requiring the construction of a transmission line like MCRP. Towns and community groups share this opposition to the project, including Residents Against Giant Electric (RAGE), who reached out to Congressman Pallone express their concerns. Residents in affected towns are worried that the project is harmful to the public health, environment, and economy of their communities.

Congressman Pallone's statement for the hearing can be found below:

Thank you Judge Cookson for holding this public hearing on the Monmouth County Reliability Project (MCRP). I also want to thank the many citizens of the communities this project would affect for making their voices heard tonight.

When this project was first proposed last summer, I voiced a number of concerns about the need for and effectiveness of this project. After careful study and consultation with my constituents, I come before you today to ask that you recommend that the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJ BPU) reject the MCRP.

My opposition to this project stems from two primary issues; my skepticism that the MCRP is the best and most cost-effective way to ensure reliability in Monmouth County, and the near universal opposition from the communities that would be affected by this project.

As you know, this proposal comes from Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L), which is a subsidiary of the Ohio-based FirstEnergy Corporation. The stated objective of the MCRP is to increase electrical reliability for customers in Monmouth County. The project is very similar to a project proposed some 25 years ago that was strongly opposed by local communities and groups before being withdrawn.

The MCRP includes constructing a 10-mile, 230-kilovolt transmission line, running from Aberdeen along the New Jersey Transit corridor right-of-way through several Monmouth County communities before terminating in Red Bank. In order for the MCRP to move forward, JCP&L must receive approval from NJ Transit to construct along its right-of-way in addition to securing the approval of the NJ BPU. . NJ Transit has not yet issued a decision on the MCRP.

Ever since this project was initially proposed, I have articulated concerns about whether constructing MCRP is necessary to accomplish JCP&L’s stated reliability goals. I do not question that JCP&L has had issues with reliability in this area over the years, and ensuring the reliability of electric utility services is indeed important. In the past, building a new transmission line may have been the only way to increase reliability. However, now there are other options available to meet reliability standards. Other options, including distributed generation and various new grid technologies, can not only increase reliability, but also modernize the grid, providing more flexibility and efficiency.

Unfortunately, it is clear that instead of exploring these alternatives, JCP&L determined that it wanted to build a transmission line, and that was that.

If JCP&L was serious about improving reliability with minimal disruption to the lives of those who live in the communities along the proposed route, it would have fully explored all alternative solutions which would satisfy the standards set forth by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). A more complete assessment of all alternatives would enable NJ BPU and the affected communities to determine the most cost-effective and least disruptive option to accomplish reliability goals.

I am not alone in expressing misgivings about the MCRP. Earlier this month, the state Rate Counsel submitted a number of comments on the MCRP to the NJ BPU. The Rate Counsel questioned the necessity of the project for meeting its proposed goal of increasing reliability of the portion of the grid serving Monmouth County. In addition to describing the use of alternative technologies such as static compensators, distributed generation, and other new grid technologies, the Rate Counsel expressed concerns about how the proposed route was chosen and potential problems associated with co-locating the lines with NJ Transit railway service.

It is not just elected and government officials expressing concerns about this project. There has been continued opposition from communities along the proposed route. Ever since this project was proposed last year, my constituents have communicated their concerns about this project. One of the issues raised by community members is the impact the MCRP could have on the value of their homes. Specifically this relates to the height of the line and the poles that this plan states are necessary, which will be up to 210 feet tall in places. In November, I joined Congressman Chris Smith, NJ Transit Board Members, state and local representatives, and concerned citizens on a tour of the proposed power line route. I was able to see firsthand the proposed height and width of these poles, and I heard directly from the people who would be most affected by the completion of this project.

As I expressed in the letter I sent to JCP&L’s President, Mr. James V. Fakult last week, when all of these concerns and issues are put together, it is clear that MCRP is not the best or most cost effective way to increase reliability in Monmouth County. I believe, the company should explore other alternatives to constructing this disruptive project.

Judge Cookson, I respectfully ask that you advise NJ BPU to deny approval of the MCRP.

Thank you again for holding this hearing and for your consideration of my views and those of my constituents in this important matter.

JCP&L Public Hearing January 25th

On January 25 there will be a public hearing with JCP&L regarding the 230kV power lines they have proposed installing along the NJ Transit right of way from Red Bank to Aberdeen. The meeting will be held in the Auditorium of High School North at 7pm.

If you are unsure of what this project involves, or the impact it could have on all property owners in Middletown, you should attend. If you are opposed to this project, for any reason, you should attend to show your support in opposing it.

This will be the only public hearing where you can get up and go on the record to tell JCP&L how you feel about this. Opposition to the project is mounting and there will be hearings by the BPU to determine if it is warranted. NJ Transit has not provided JCP&L access to the right of way along the train tracks. They have not denied them access either. if there is enough public support, NJ Transit could deny access to JCP&L and the project will be terminated.

Pallone Sends Letter Requesting Hearing on JCP&L’s Proposal to Increase Transmission Rates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2016


Long Branch, NJ - Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voicing his concerns over Jersey Central Power and Light’s (JCP&L) proposal to increase electric transmission rates in 2017. Pallone requested a public hearing on the proposal which would increase rates by 150% and argues that “any increase of this magnitude should be carefully scrutinized.”

Pallone has voiced concerns with other JCP&L proposals which could have negative impacts on New Jersey communities. In October, Pallone sent a letter to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) voicing his concerns over Jersey Central Power and Light’s (JCP& L) proposal for the Monmouth County Reliability Project (MCRP). The plan for JCP&L’s new transmission line would impact Aberdeen, Hazlet and Middletown in Pallone’s district and run along New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast line. Many residents have argued that the project is unnecessary and potentially harmful to the public health, environment, and economy of their communities. In August, he shared his concerns with BPU regarding JCP&L’s proposal to transfer all of its transmission assets to Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission. JCP&L withdrew its transfer proposal in September, a week after Pallone’s statement.

The text of the letter can be found below:

December 5, 2016

The Honorable Norman Bay
Chairman
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20426

Dear Chairman Bay:

I write regarding Jersey Central Power & Light’s (JCP&L) proposal to increase electric transmission rates in 2017. I respectfully request that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) hold a hearing on this proposal to determine whether it is necessary, just and reasonable, particularly in regard to the impact the increase would have on ratepayers. The public should also be allowed an opportunity to comment on this proposal.

As you know, FERC’s approval is necessary for any rate increase by JCP&L to take effect. In making its decision, FERC should take into account concerns raised by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, the state Division of Rate Counsel, and other stakeholder groups. This rate increase could be a significant burden on ratepayers; according to the Rate Counsel, JCP&L’s proposal would increase rates by 150%. FERC should hold a hearing to investigate a rate increase of this magnitude.

This is not the only JCP&L proposal my constituents have concerns about. Over the past year, JCP&L, and its parent company FirstEnergy, attempted to transfer all of JCP&L’s transmission assets to a separate company, Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission, and to build a new 10-mile transmission line in my district, known as the Monmouth County Reliability Project. While the benefits of these proposals for ratepayers are dubious, JCP&L would certainly reap financial benefits if either of these proposals were approved.

That is why I am respectfully urging FERC to provide a serious and sincere opportunity for the public to comment on JCP&L’s proposed rate increase. New Jersey ratepayers should not be subjected to onerous energy costs, and any increase of this magnitude should be carefully scrutinized.

Thank you in advance for your most serious consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

FRANK PALLONE, JR
Member of Congress

October 2016 BOE Workshop Meetings

I spent this past Saturday and Sunday I spent 4 hours watching the videos of the October 19th & October 24th Middletown Board of Education meetings.  The time spent sitting there watching 4 hours of video was mind numbing but there were a few things that stood out and should be discussed.

BOE Workshop Meeting - October 19, 2016


During the Workshop meeting the BOE discussed:

• The proposed new Civility Policy (59:08-1:02:38).
• An update on the ongoing security upgrades in the Middletown schools was discussed along with which groups (Tier I, Tier II, Tier III) using the schools need to provide security and how it would be paid for (1:09:03-1:33:38).
• And proposing a joint resolution with area towns affected by the JCP&L proposal for the Monmouth County Reliability Project (MCRP). (1:33:43-2:04:26 ). During the discussion, it was suggested that school funds be used to join the legal action against JCP&L, which may or may not be legal.

During Public Comments Jamie Curcio (2:31:30-2:40:24) and Dorothy Ginda (2:40:26-2:57:12) spoke about their ongoing concerns about school security, whether or not Tier III groups can be banned from school buildings and questioned the BOE whether or not they are taking seriously the risks to students, a charge that Dr, George took extreme exception to.

Here are the links to the Meeting Agenda and Meeting Minutes

BOE Voting Meeting - October 24, 2016


At this meeting it was officially announced that the BOE will be spending school dollars joining the legal challenge against the JCP&L's Monmouth County Reliability Project (15:45-16:30). Two members of the public them spoke on the issue.

When the time came for the adoption of the resolution to join the fight against JCP&L (26:25-29:26), it was adopted unanimously, which is troubling to me. Two board members are directly impacted by the power lines that JCP&L are proposing to erect and they chose to vote in favor of using an unspecified about of money from the education funds to fight the proposal. These two board members should have abstained. Especially since the legality of using school funds for such an endeavor, is murky at best.

During a discussion of old business pertaining the Facilities Committee (42:57-46:30), a discussion about field upgrades/improvements at Thorne Middle School was reintroduced and decided to place it on the agenda for December.

The meeting ended once again with resident  Dorothy Ginda, discussing school safety and where the issue stands after the last meeting.

Here is the link to the Meeting Agenda

Congressman Pallone Sends Letter Raising Serious Concerns over JCP&L’s Monmouth County Reliability Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2016


Long Branch, NJ - Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) sent a letter to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities voicing his concerns over Jersey Central Power and Light’s (JCP&L) proposal for the Monmouth County Reliability Project (MCRP). The plan for JCP&L’s new transmission line would impact Aberdeen, Hazlet and Middletown in Pallone’s district and run along New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast line. Many residents have argued that the project is unnecessary and potentially harmful to the public health, environment, and economy of their communities.

The text of the letter can be found below:


New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
44 South Clinton Avenue
Trenton, NJ 08625


Dear Commissioners:

I write regarding serious concerns I have with the Jersey Central Power and Light’s (JCP&L) recently submitted application to construct the Monmouth County Reliability Project (MCRP). As the Congressman representing 3 of the towns the project impacts, and thousands of the residents, it is incumbent on me to raise a number of issues.

The MCRP is reminiscent of a similar project proposed some 25 years ago that residents of Hazlet Township strongly opposed before it was withdrawn. Since JCP&L announced this project, I have been contacted by residents of Hazlet and other affected communities in my district who believe the project to be unnecessary, as well as potentially harmful to the public health, environment, and economy of their communities.

JCP&L has stated that the reason for the MCRP is “to enhance service and modernize the electric system.” However, project skeptics rightly question whether blowing the dust off these old plans is the best way to accomplish these goals. While the regulatory standards for what constitutes reliability may not have changed since 1898, the technology by which we can achieve reliability has transformed dramatically. In the 1980’s, redundant transmission lines may have been the only way to guarantee reliability, but that is hardly the case in the 21st century.

It is time to start looking at reliability and resiliency in different ways than we did in the last century. We must modernize our electricity system to make it more resilient. We can now do that by incorporating technologies to manage demand and by generating and storing power closer to where it is consumed, through use of batteries and distributed generation resources including renewables like rooftop solar. These can be connected by microgrids and isolated-lower voltage lines that move electricity locally to neighborhoods and homes – that is the most vulnerable part of the grid, and not the larger transmission system. If the distribution lines are down, it doesn’t matter how many transmission lines we have because the power cannot get to the consumer. Hurricane Sandy showed us that centralized power carried by lines over great distances does not guarantee reliability or a resilient grid.

In addition, we must also reexamine the way we calculate rates and how utilities make money. Utilities should be able to make money, but the old rate-making model rewards utilities for building too many of yesterday’s capital facilities that do not maximize reliability and resiliency when better options are available today. Those new lines could also have the effect of locking in a market for older fossil fuel generation while crowding out cleaner and less expensive options for generating power and ensuring reliability.

My constituents are requesting more details regarding the potential dangers posed to their families by electric and magnetic fields. They also question the planned route for the MCRP, along New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line, using existing NJ Transit rights-of-way. This route would go from Aberdeen to Red Bank, cutting through the towns of Hazlet, Holmdel, and Middletown. In order for JCP&L to construct on this planned route, it must obtain permission from NJ Transit which has not yet been granted. JCP&L claims to have considered several alternative routes in favor of the preferred route, but it is not clear why the alternatives were rejected, or why these lines cannot be buried on all or part of the route. In fact, according to statements by JCP&L Transmission Planning Manager Lawrence A. Hozempa as part of the company’s August 9, 2016 filing with the BPU, it appears that the company rejected a number of other alternatives mainly because they involved routing the new line through existing transmission rights-of-way. This seems to fly in the face of economic prudence and efficiency and JCP&L fails to provide sufficient justification for the significant added costs and marginal benefits involved with the proposed route as opposed to some of the other alternatives considered. Further, the company explicitly admits that it failed to consider any non-transmission alternatives to the proposed project; this strikes me as particularly imprudent given the continued significant decline in electricity demand that has occurred since 2011 when the issues that gave rise to this proposal were first identified.

The preceding points are all the more disconcerting given that JCP&L recently proposed transferring all of JCP&L’s transmission assets, potentially to include the MCRP if constructed, to another company - Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission (MAIT) - which is a subsidiary of FirstEnergy. I offered a statement at the August 20, 2016 hearing about this proposal. I stated that I shared the concerns raised by the Board and the Rate Counsel about this proposed transfer, including whether MAIT would even be subject to New Jersey authority, the impact of the transfer on ratepayers and how the transfer could change the company’s priorities going forward. While I was heartened by JCP&L’s withdrawal of the transfer application in September, there is no guarantee that the company will not refile in the future.

When making its decision on the MCRP, I respectfully request that the Board seriously consider whether the project would actually increase reliability in Monmouth County, the impact the project would have on the communities along the route, and how this proposal would be impacted by system wide efforts of FirstEnergy.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Member of Congress

Candidates for Township Committee, Mary Jo Fabiano & Ralph Borgess Pledge to Do What It Takes to Stop MCRP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 15, 2016

Middletown Township Committee Candidates Mary Jo Fabiano and Ralph Borgess announced that, when elected, they will do everything it takes to oppose the Monmouth County Reliability Project (MCRP). They expressed disappointment with how the Township Committee has handled JCP&L’s proposal. They stated that the Committee is not acting aggressively enough to challenge JCP&L’s conclusions that allegedly support the project.

The MCRP has been proposed by JCP&L and includes installing a 230kV power line along the NJ Transit right of way from Red Bank to Aberdeen. The power lines will be installed on monopoles that could reach as high as 200 feet.

Ralph Borgess said that the Township needs to be more aggressive in approaching this issue. “Maser Consulting, the engineering firm contracted by the township as a utility expert needs to analyze the project from two perspectives:

1. Is the project necessary?
2. If necessary can the project be constructed in a way that minimizes the negative impact on Middletown residents?

There are better ways to advance the project, if it deemed to be necessary, while protecting the health of the residents in the path of the electric lines and preserve property values.”

Mary Jo Fabiano cited health concerns that may be caused by exposure to high voltage electrical lines. “This project runs along the NJ Transit train line, which is in close proximity to a number of schools as well as over 400 residences. Can we take the chance of continually exposing residents and children without conclusive data telling us this is safe?”

Both candidates agree that, if the need is there, this project should be moved underground where there are no unsightly monopoles and it is shielded by the earth it is buried in so that any negative health consequences are minimized.

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Mary Jo Fabiano and Ralph Borgess are Democratic candidates for the Middletown Township Committee website: www.ABetterMiddletown.com

Congressman Pallone’s Statement on Withdrawal of Petition to Transfer JCP&L’s Transmission Assets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2016



Long Branch, NJ- Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement on Jersey Central Power and Light’s (JCP&L) withdrawal of a proposal to transfer its high-voltage transmission lines to a sister company, Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission (MAIT). Both companies are owned by FirstEnergy.

“I am encouraged by the decision to withdraw the transfer application between JCP&L and MAIT,” said Pallone. “There were numerous unresolved questions about the consequences of this transfer, including how ratepayers would be affected, and whether BPU would have authority over MAIT. Given that FirstEnergy has filed an application to construct a 10-mile transmission line in my district known as the Monmouth County Reliability Project (MCRP), approving this transfer could have had unforeseen impacts on my constituents in Monmouth County. I appreciate the work of so many of my constituents and the state Rate Counsel who stood against this transfer and its potential to hurt the quality of life in our communities.”

Congressman Pallone has consistently raised concerns over the proposal, including at a meeting before the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) in Freehold, NJ last week.
Pallone’s statement can be found below:

Statement of Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr.

Before the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

Freehold Township Municipal Building

August 30, 2016

Thank you, Chairman Mroz and Members of the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for holding this second public hearing on Ohio-based FirstEnergy Corporation’s proposal to transfer all the transmission assets of its Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) subsidiary to a multi-state transmission-only company called Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission (MAIT). While, as you know, at the previous meeting in Morristown, I was able to submit and have read into the record a letter expressing some of my thoughts, I am pleased to be here in person to more fully present my views on this proposal.

To be clear, I share the concerns that the Board voiced in its objections to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding FERC’s approval of this proposal earlier this year. The BPU’s stated concerns over this effort in part center on whether the newly formed entity would even be subject to New Jersey’s authority. As I have stated previously, this is particularly prescient in the face of a recent U.S. Supreme court ruling – Federal Energy Regulatory Commission v. Electric Power Supply Association — which called into question many previous assumptions about what aspects of our electricity grid were under the jurisdiction of the federal versus state government.

More importantly, perhaps, for the purpose of this hearing, I also strongly agree with the concerns raised by the state’s rate counsel regarding the potential impact to customers and the impact this restructuring would have on the company's priorities and performance. I commend the compelling argument that Director Brand and her office have put forward in opposition to this transaction generally, as well as in specific regard to the effort to have MAIT recognized as a public utility under New Jersey’s laws. Conferring upon MAIT the legal status of public utility would allow it to use eminent domain and circumvent local zoning laws and boards in building new assets.

In New Jersey, public utilities must have local customers that receive electricity over a distribution network and submit to the BPU. A transmission-only company could not meet this test, so FirstEnergy appears to be trying to gain for MAIT all the benefits of a utility by transferring five distribution customers from JCP&L to MAIT in a convoluted effort to meet the most minimal definition required for a public utility. The Division of Rate Counsel has correctly raised bright red flags around this effort. One of the Division’s expert witnesses, Gregory Booth, went so far as to label the effort a “sham transaction” because it serves no business purpose and doesn’t provide any economic benefit, stating further that “reliability and safety can only worsen, while it will cost more to provide the distribution service.” Another of the Division’s expert witnesses, Scott Hempling, noted that the customers would be transferred without their consent in service of the asset transfer signaling “that public utilities can be shells, customers can be commodities, and the…government-granted privilege of providing life-enabling service to loyal customers, free from competition— can be obtained for reasons other than merit.”

There are numerous other significant issues raised by allowing JCP&L to transfer all its transmission and some of its distribution assets and customers to MAIT. Rate Counsel expert witness David Peterson succinctly sums up one of the concerns I previously raised regarding a potential future sale by MAIT of these JCP&L asset. Mr. Peterson notes that in such a sale, the benefits would accrue to FirstEnergy stockholders, “JCP&L’s customers, who have been paying for those assets all along, would not share in the profits” despite the fact that it’s the JCP&L customers who have been paying for those assets. Similarly, another Rate Counsel witness, Matthew Kahal, is troubled by the potential that

The asset transfer to MAIT and its planned capital expansion may be a prelude to a future MAIT transaction – a sale of MAIT to a third party, a spinoff to shareholders or even the sale of hard assets. It is unclear how such a transaction (if it were to occur) would affect JCP&L customers.
Mr. Hempling echoes these concerns in his submission and goes further to raise questions about BPU’s ability in this scenario to protect New Jersey customers from unjust and unreasonable transmission costs and even BPU’s jurisdiction over the quality of transmission planning, construction and operation.

These are all matters with which I’m particularly concerned given that FirstEnergy has filed an application to construct a new 10-mile transmission line in my district known as the Monmouth County Reliability Project (MCRP) as part of the company’s multi-state “Energizing Our Future” effort. JCP&L has stated that the reason for the MCRP is “to enhance service and modernize the electric system.” The fact that FirstEnergy is using “Energizing Our Future” in comments as part of its justification for the MAIT transaction raises warnings in my mind about its true purpose. Certainly, JCP&L has had major issues with reliability and service for more than a decade. However, the addition of a new transmission line isn’t the only way to achieve resilience: technological advances have spurred new ways to guarantee reliability in the electric system including using cleaner, less expensive distributed technologies. Yet, a transmission-only company would have no real incentive to look at such an option since building a new line would make money for MAIT, while substituting alternatives would not appear to provide such benefit to MAIT shareholders.

Moreover, a number of the Division of Rate Counsel’s experts who filed testimony in opposition to the transfer of the transmission assets to MAIT assert that JCP&L’s reliability issues have more to do with management issues that won’t be solved by building more infrastructure. Mr. Booth, who I cited earlier, is very pointed in his criticism regarding the poor reliability of the JCP&L system and notes that “[t]echnology alone will not solve the reliability deficiencies.” He specifically points to the role that non-infrastructure issues play in the excessive duration of outages on JCP&L’s system, stating that the company is “deficient” in areas such as the quantity of personnel available to respond to an outage and the adequacy of the personnel dispatched for outage restoration, travel time to the affected location, and the communication processes to establish the location of the outage. He notes further that “JCP&L has downsized staff and closed and consolidated operating centers in hopes that technology can overcome some of these deficiencies.”

In closing, I hope BPU will give serious attention to the concerns that I, the Division of Rate Counsel, and many others have raised about FirstEnergy’s efforts to transfer JCP&L’s transmission assets to MAIT and to have MAIT recognized as a public utility. Furthermore, I believe that the final disposition of this matter is a critical factor for consideration in any decision regarding the approval or disapproval of FirstEnergy’s proposed Monmouth County Reliability Project. At a minimum, I urge the Board to refrain from taking any further action to consider the MCRP until all the issues surrounding MAIT and JCP&L’s assets have been completely resolved. Setting aside the numerous concerns I cited in my statement, the questions over jurisdiction alone raised, not only by the Rate Counsel, but also the BPU itself in its FERC filings, should be reason enough to justify that linkage.

Thank you again for holding this hearing and for your attention to this matter.

August 15, 2016 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

At last Monday's Middletown Township Committee meeting, the court room was packed with residents which lead to the meeting lasting over 2 hours.

During the meeting:

• The township swore in 4 new police officers.
• Ordinances were adopted to amend the sidewalk construction account, to set fees for micro-chipping pets and to borrow $5.3M for capital improvements.
• An ordinance was introduced authorizing a lease agreement between the township and the Middletown Emergency Medical Services. The vote to approve this ordinance will take place at the September 6 workshop meeting.
• Another ordinance was introduced to change the zoning on property along Rt. 35 from commercial to residential.The vote to approve this ordinance will take place at the September 19 workshop meeting.
• The Township Committee also authorized the sale of $3M in bonds to redeem bonds that were issued in 2009.

During Public Comments (54:56),  many residents who filled the courtroom, spoke out against the installation of high voltage power lines along the NJ Transit right of way by JCP&L.



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.

July 18, 2016 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

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

Here are some of the highlights:

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

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

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UPDATE  8/1/16

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

Middletown Storm Advisory 12/8/14

from Middletown Alerts:

This is a message from Middletown Emergency Management.

Weather forecasters are predicting a Nor’easter will affect this area Monday night (12/8/14) through Wednesday (12/10/14). Minor coastal flooding especially at times of high tide, high winds and periods of heavy rain are expected. Please note that tides are also being impacted by the recent full moon.

Upcoming high tides as follows (times approximate):

• Monday night 9:15pm
• Tuesday: 9:30am and 10pm
• Wednesday 10:15am and 10:45pm

Please take all necessary precautions. Do not leave your vehicle at a location that is prone to tidal flooding. Move vehicles to higher ground.

The township may close some roads due to flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flood waters. Water maybe deeper than you think. You will be putting yourself in danger and your vehicle may be damaged, leading to costly repairs.

Please do not move barricades from roadways or drive on flooded streets. This will be enforced by Police.

Please remember 9-1-1 is for emergencies only.

Power Outages & Downed Wires – Do not approach downed wires. Call JCP&L at 1-888-LIGHTSS for power outages and downed wires, that’s 1-888-544-4877. You can also visit the My Town section of the utility company’s website at www.firstenergycorp.com/mytown for outage information.

Emergency Preparedness – Visit www.state.nj.us/njoem winter weather and family preparedness information.

Middletown Police Warn Citizens About Scams

From Middletown Alerts:

The Middletown Police Department has issued a warning to its citizens about recent phone scams that have been occurring. Police have been receiving complaints about the following scams:

JCP&L scam: Residents and business owners have been receiving calls from persons fraudulently representing themselves as employees of the Jersey Central Power and Light Company. The caller informs the victim that they owe money on their electric bill and if they don’t pay their electric will be turned off.

The caller then advises the victim to purchase Green Dot Money Packs and to call back and provide the caller with the serial numbers of the Green Dot Cards which enables the caller to obtain the money from the cards. When the victim calls back the caller does answer the phone JCP&L. However, they are not employees of the company.

Residents are advised that they do not purchase the Green Dots Cards or provide information to anyone who calls over the phone without confirming their identity. Residents should contact JCP&L directly if they have any questions regarding their bill or if they believe they owe money.

Microsoft scam: This scam involves a caller contacting victims and advising them that they are receiving error reports from the victim’s computer at the Microsoft help center. They then ask residents to allow them to remotely access their computer. This enables them to gain access to all the personal and financial information contained in the computer.

Residents are advised not to provide any personal information over the phone or to allow anyone to access their computer. Microsoft has no way to know you are having computer problems unless you personally contact them.

IRS scam: This scam involves a caller contacting a victim and advising them that they owe money from their tax returns. The caller then advises the victim to purchase money orders and provides an address to mail the alleged owed funds.

The IRS does not contact persons delinquent on their taxes over the phone. Please do not provide any information to anyone claiming to be from the IRS over the phone and do not mail them money orders. Contact the IRS directly if you have any concerns about your tax returns.

Grandparents scam: This scam involves a caller contacting an elderly resident and pretending to be their grandchild. They advise the caller that they have been arrested (normally in a foreign country or out of state) and request that the victim wire them bail money.

Please do not wire anyone money who calls over the phone. If you have a concern that a grandchild has been legitimately arrested contact them direct and verify.

Police advise residents to take extra caution in speaking with callers over the phone. Residents should contact companies directly if they have any concerns and should be suspicious of anyone asking for money over the phone. Residents who believe they are victims of any scam should report it to their local police department who can provide further guidance.

12-3-12 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

Monday night's Middletown Township Committee Workshop meeting was short and sweet, which will make the video below a quick watch. The meeting lasted just 30 minutes but even though it was a short meeting there were a few interesting discussions worth mentioning.

The first discussion of interest takes place at about the 6:45 minute make of the video and the discussion centers around the replacement of the roofs at the Croydon Hall Senior Center and the Public Works. That discussion was followed by a discussion about the need to implement road projects in the year that the funding ordinance was adopted. Often times the township puts the cart before the horse as it pertains to road projects that are then not done in a timely manner.

Tony Mercantante, the Township  Administrator, reminded the Committee that the projects were divided so the engineering work was done in one year and the actual work was done the following year. The Administrator said the schedule is being refined so the engineering work is done in the cold months so the project will commence when the weather warms up.

Township Committee Comments start at the 12:20 mark and other than Tony Fiore, who spoke and droned on several minutes (sometimes I think he just likes to hear himself speak) about Governor Christie's visit to Port Monmouth last week, the FEMA information session at Middletown North High School on the November 28th and the Mayor's meeting that took place in Tinton Falls between 23 regional mayors and JCP&L to discuss what JCP&L could have been done better in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
My favorite portion of the meeting, the Public Comments, starts at 21 minutes into the video.

Linda Baum asked about the cost of storm related expenses and how much money would be needed for clean-up and repairs. She also wanted to know if the earlier mentioned roof replacements where among those that were included in the solar analysis from earlier this year.

Also of note and a point of interest to those affected by flooding after Hurricane Sandy,resident Andrew Bane asked about the new FEMA flood regulations that specify how,when and why flood victims would need to elevate their homes before they could rebuild after excessive storm flooding. Tony Fiore and Tony Mercantante gave him a pretty good explanation but it was a bit confusing. For more information about FEMA's new flood regulations you can find it .... Here



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

Next Steps After Hurricane Sandy

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:

As we continue to recover from the disastrous weather of recent weeks, I want to share further information that may help in your recovery. 

• As of last week, only residents of a handful of New Jersey counties were eligible to apply for disaster relief.  Since then, the president has expanded the original disaster declaration, as I had urged him to do.  All New Jersey residents who suffered losses in the storm are eligible to apply for disaster relief.
  
  Full details on how to apply are available on my website.  The first and most important step is to register for assistance by visitingDisasterAssistance.gov or calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
   
• Many thousands of New Jerseyans are still suffering power outages from Hurricane Sandy – and many others had their power restored only to see it knocked out again by this week’s nor’easter.  I share your deep concern and frustration at how long it has taken for power to be restored.  Please know that I have spoken personally to the presidents of JCP&L and PSEG to express your frustration at the slow pace of progress, and I remain in touch with both companies at all levels.
  
  If your electricity remains out even though power has been restored to most of your neighbors, I encourage you to re-report your outage to your electric company.  If you are served by PSEG, call 1-800-350-PSEG (7734); if you are served by JCP&L, please call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877).  It is possible that your electric company believes that they have restored power to your entire area and is not aware of your ongoing struggles.
   
• Natural disasters bring out the very best in most of us – but they also bring out the worst in a few unscrupulous scammers.  The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs offers a helpful guide to help you avoid disaster-related scams.

Establishing New Jersey’s Health Care Marketplace

Now that the election is over, we know with certainty that the health reform law will stand.  One of its most important but least understood provisions is the establishment of state-based health care "marketplaces" where individuals who do not receive insurance from their employers can shop for affordable, high-quality health coverage.

These marketplaces play a key role in health reform's implementation.  For instance, each marketplace establishes the minimum set of benefits that must be offered by participating insurance plans.

By law, each state must choose whether to establish its own insurance marketplace, to adopt a federal marketplace, or to embark on a state-federal partnership.  Gov. Christie must decide in the weeks ahead which path New Jersey will take.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

Rush Holt Newsletter: Dollar by Dollar

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:

In most cases, federal agencies do a good job of ensuring that people receive the money that they are owed. But sometimes, people find that they have fallen through the cracks or simply haven’t received fair treatment from their government. Many come to me for help, thousands this year.

Congressman Rush Holt

I help people from many backgrounds – from people who are living below the poverty line to those of comfortable means, including many seniors, veterans, soldiers, and new citizens.

They have a wide range of problems, from Social Security or veterans’ benefits that have been wrongly denied, to IRS penalties that have been inaccurately assessed, and more.

I do my best to help. Not every result is a positive one, but I am pleased to report that, as of this week, I have helped secure more than $1,000,000 for Central New Jersey residents this year.

Among the constituents I’ve helped:

• A South River resident, a victim of identity theft, could not receive his tax refund because a hold had been placed on his IRS account. After my inquiry, he received a check for $3,627.
• A West Windsor resident’s deceased husband, a 100% disabled veteran who died from service-related injuries, had applied for disability benefits that were never awarded. With my help, she received a total of $116,105 in retroactive benefits, burial benefits, and other payments.
• A Manalapan resident was denied an insurance payment for the costs of ambulance travel to an emergency room. After I reached out to his insurer, he was reimbursed $924.

In addition to assistance that produces direct financial benefits, I also work to help constituents who have encountered non-financial problems with federal agencies, such as delays in passport or visa applications, difficulty in recovering lost discharge papers or military medals, and much more.

If you have encountered problems in your dealings with any federal agency, please contact me by visiting http://holt.house.gov/contact or calling 1-87-RUSH-HOLT (1-877-874-4658). I will do my best to help you get answers.

Preparing for Hurricane Sandy

The National Weather Service is reporting that a confluence of weather systems, including Hurricane Sandy, is now approaching the mid-Atlantic coast. The forecast remains uncertain, but the system could bring very high winds, significant rain, and even snow to New Jersey. This has the potential to be a serious, even historic, storm, and the time to prepare is now.

The Red Cross has prepared a helpful checklist of steps that you can take before and after a hurricane to protect yourself, your family, and your belongings. In particular, please be sure that you have a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food on hand (including for any pets), as well as a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kid, and any necessary medications.

Should you lose power, please report the outage to 1-800-436-PSEG (1-800-436-7734) if you are served by PSE&G or to 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) if you are served by JCP&L.

Please continue to pay close attention to weather forecasts in the days ahead. Stay safe!

Stop Defending the Indefensible

Last week, the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. I had joined 144 of my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in a brief urging the court to reject DOMA, which prevents the federal government from recognizing lawfully performed same-sex marriages.

The 2nd Circuit Court’s decision is the latest in a string of victories in the legal battle against marriage discrimination. Indeed, DOMA appears to be on the verge of being overturned entirely: the Obama administration has determined the law to be unconstitutional, and federal courts have agreed in six consecutive decisions.

The only reason that DOMA is being defended in court at all is that Speaker Boehner and House Republicans have insisted upon supporting the wrong-headed law. So far, Speaker Boehner has spent more than $1.5 million taxpayer dollars on this losing legal battle.

It is time to stop spending taxpayer money defending DOMA. The law is indefensible.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt

Mtown News Flash 8-10-12

8/14-8/20 JCP&L Vegetation Management Aerial Patrol
The following information is provided by JCP&L

Please be advised that the Haverfield Co. will be conducting JCP&L's Annual Supervisory Vegetation Management Aerial Patrol. Haverfield Co. will be conducting the inspections on all JCP&L Transmission Lines, expecting a beginning date of 8/14/2012 through 8/20/2012, weather permitting.

Patrols consist of Transmission Forestry Supervision personnel that accompanies the pilot in order to identify effectiveness of prior year's herbicide application and identification of any conditions warranting further inspection from the ground and/or corrective action.

The pilot will be in communication with any local Airports when in their airspace. The helicopter will be flying at a speed of about 35-40 mph above or alongside the lines, and may circle around for a closer inspection. The helicopter is Tail # N555JC-Grey with a black bottom and stripe.
These inspections are scheduled during the April through September time frame on an annual basis and cover all transmission facilities system-wide.


Rabies Alert
The Middletown Township Health Department has received laboratory confirmation of a bat testing positive for Rabies. This new reports bring the total number of wild animals testing positive for Rabies this year to 5 (1 bat, 4 raccoons ).

A bat was tested after it was found to be in altercations with a dog. This incident happened in the area of Bryna Drive, located in the Lincroft section of Middletown. Luckily, the dog was up to date on its rabies vaccination and only needed to receive a rabies booster and a 45-day quarantine, according to Health Department Director Rich DeBenedetto.

In light of finding a rabid bat, we would like to remind residents about the possibility of wildlife being infected with Rabies. Please make sure all domestic animals (dogs, cats, and livestock) are currently vaccinated with a Rabies shot. If this dog was not currently vaccinated, the owner would have been ordered to confine the animal for six months in an approved pen or facility, or humanely euthanized to protect the family members from possible exposure to the Rabies Virus, DeBenedetto added.

Residents should not be interacting with wildlife. Any homeowners that have bats nesting anywhere in their house should contact a licensed professional pest control service. If you come across a sick or injured animal, keep your distance and please contact Animal Control at 732-615-2094 / 2097 immediately or contact the Police Department after hours and on weekends. Remember, Rabies is a fatal disease. The best course of defense is the vaccination of your pets and not handling or interacting with wildlife.

Middletown Day Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed for Middletown Day 2012. The fall festival will be held rain or shine on Saturday, September 29 at Croydon Hall from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Help is needed with carnival games, and other family fun activities. A commitment of four hours is needed in the morning or afternoon. Civic, fraternal, community, and school groups as well as businesses are always welcome and encouraged to participate. Certificates documenting community service hours are issued. Please e-mail Pam Brightbill at pbrightb@middletownnj.org if you or your group can lend a hand.

Brush Left at Curb Must Be Removed
The 2012 Curbside Brush Collection is complete. Brush that remains at the curb must be removed. Residents can bring brush to Recycling Center, 52 Kanes Lane, free of charge. Operating hours are Thursday through Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The center is closed Tuesdays and Wednesday. Violators are subject to fines of up to $2,000, up to 90 days imprisonment and/or community service for improper disposal of these materials. Public Works is also authorized to remove improperly disposed materials and assess the cost of removal and disposal against the responsible resident. Call 732-615-2008 for information.

August Tax Payment
The last day for payment without penalty of interest for the August tax quarter is AUGUST 20, 2012.

Pay Taxes Online

2011 Senior Freeze Checks (PTR):
The state Division of Taxation has begun mailing 2011 Property Tax Reimbursement (PTR) checks to eligible applicants who filed by the original deadline of June 1, 2012. Members of the public who need assistance can call the Property Tax Reimbursement Hotline at 800-882-6597.

Mayor’s Office Hours – Mon, Aug 20, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Fiore holds generally holds open office hours at Town Hall on the first and third Monday of each month from 5pm to 7pm, excluding national holidays. No appointments are necessary. Residents are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis to discuss any concerns or issues they may have related to township government. Residents are invited contact the Mayor's office any time at 732-615-2024.

Summer Concert Thurs, Aug 23, 7-9 pm, Croydon Hall
The 2012 Summer Concert Series wraps up on August 23 with a little Doo Wop. RB Express will entertain with Doo Wop from the 40s, 50s and 60s on August 23 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo. Concert will be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather. The Summer Concert Series is sponsored by The Middletown Township Education Association (MTEA) and hosted by the Middletown Recreation Department and the Middletown Cultural and Arts Council. Call the Recreation Department at 732-615-2260 or the Middletown Arts Center at 732-706-4100 for more information.

Child Seat Safety Checkpoint – Fri, Aug 24, 2:00–7:00 p.m.
Police officers trained as child passenger safety technicians will assist motorists with proper child safety seat installation as well as proper positioning and harnessing of a child. Checkpoints are at Police Headquarters, 1 Kings Highway. No appointment is necessary. In the event of severe weather, rain dates will be announced. The checkpoints, which are fund with state grant monies, are free and open to the public. Contact the Traffic Safety Bureau at 732-615-2045 for details.

Middletown Day – Be A Part of the Fun!

www.middletownday.org
www.facebook.com/MiddletownDay

Middletown Day will be rain or shine held on Saturday, September 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration is underway for the Business Showcase, Car Show and Craft Fair.

Business Showcase – Businesses are invited to offer free games and prizes, literature and giveaways to the thousands of people that visit Middletown Day. Businesses will be given a 10’ x10’ space for a fee of $250. Space is limited. Spots will be filled on a first-come first served basis. (Middletown Community Groups and Schools can request a free 10x10 space.) Register by September 14, 2012.

Car Show – The Lions Club will present this year’s Car Show. Restored and modified cars welcome. Free dash plaques and welcome bags will be provided first 100 entries. Advance registration is $20. Registration day of show is $25. More than 25 trophies and plaques will be presented. Car show is located in paved Parking Lot adjacent to Senior Center.

Craft Show – Don’t miss the chance to sell your wares to thousands of visitors. Single 10’ x 10’ spaces are $75 and double spaces are $130. Space is limited. Register by September 14.

Visit www.middletownday.org to download registration forms. Online registrations also accepted. Call 732-615-2260 for 732-706-4100 for details.


Save the Date!

• Sun, Aug 19, 3:00 p.m. – Community Fossil Hunt, Poricy Park
• Thurs, Aug 23, 7p.m. – Summer Concert: RB Express, Croydon Hall
• Fri, Aug 24, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Child Safety Seat Checkpoint, Town Hall
• Fri, Aug 31, 8:00 pm – Summer Movie, TKCC
• Sun, Sept 23, 4:00-7:00 p.m. – Colonial Tavern Party, Poricy Park
• Sat, Sept 29, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m – Middletown Day 2012, Croydon Hall
• 1st & 3rd Monday of each month – Mayor’s Office Hours, Town Hall

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