Cory Booker Announces 2020 Presidential Run

Late last night / early this morning, New Jersey's junior U.S. Senator, Cory Booker announced that he will be running for President in 2020.

I've met Cory Booker on a few occasions. He's charming, affable and has the ability to give a great speech. But if I'm honest, he doesn't have the "street cred" yet to run for president. What record does he have to point to in the Senate or before that, as the superhero Mayor of Newark? Running into burning buildings in Newark or saving freezing puppies doesn't do it.

At least the last NJ Senator to run for president, Bill Bradley, was a tax policy guru and was responsible for rewriting much of the tax code back in the 80's.

At this point, I don't know who I will be supporting in 2020 but if it is Booker, he really needs to convince me that he's more than a photo op candidate. He has the potential to be the next "Rock Star" politician but so far he hasn't done anything to distinguish himself on the national stage. He's known more so as a flip-flopper on issues rather than a progressive elite.  If he can't shake the image of a flip-flopper,  he won't be getting out of Iowa next February.

Here is the campaign video announcing his presidential bid.

Middletown Gears Up for New Year

From Middletown Alerts:

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

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

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

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

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

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So What Did Our New Mayor Have To Say After Being Appointed To Head The Committee?

So what did our new mayor, Tony Fiore, have to say about himself after being appointed to lead the Township Committee during his reelection year? Pretty much what you would expect.

He praised Gerry Scharfenberger and his fellow republican committee members for their efforts last year and let everyone know what how difficult this year will be trying to implement Governor Christie's budget 2% cap.

During his comments, I think Fiore took a page out of Gerry Scharfenberger's notebook because he followed Gerry's lead and praised Governor Christie up and down. He he sang his praises anymore, I would have thought that he was angling for a State job just as Gerry did.

If you are really interested in what Fiore had to say listen to the 10 minutes of audio below or you can read what the Asbury Park Press wrote about it his words >>> Here

While your at it, if you are interested the website RedBankGreen.com also has a posting about Fiore begin appointed mayor with a video of most of his remarks.

Yesterday Was Reorg Day in Middletown; Fiore Appointed Mayor, Brightbill Deputy Mayor

Yesterday, January 2nd, was the annual reorganizational meeting of the Middletown Township Committee. I couldn't be there myself because of my work schedule, but thanks to people that were there who provided me with audio from the proceedings, a column posted at the Asbury Park Press and a couple of blog postings from other sources, I have been able to catch up on what happened.

I was told that the Court Room where the proceedings took place was hot and stuff, which in years past would not have been a surprise to anyone seeing how the room is usually jam-packed and overflowing.

This year however, it seemed like a quiet reorg day, the room wasn't packed as usual. Only about 25% of the volunteer appointees to various committees and boards bothered to show up to be sworn in and the proceedings were over relatively quickly as compared to years past.

The speeches were not that long; I have audio clips that I will post later of the comments made by Scharfenberger and his running mate Kevin Settembrino, Tony Fiore and Pam Brightbill, so that those that may be interested can hear for themselves what was said.

The only real news that came out of the Reorganization Meeting was who were appointed Mayor and Deputy Mayor for 2011. Tony Fiore was appointed Mayor and Pam Brightbill was re-appointed Deputy Mayor for the second time during her tenure on the committee.

These appointments were long expected, based on past practices of the Middletown GOP. The Middletown Republicans have a habit of appointing those who are up for reelection in the coming year to perceived leadership roles on the Township Committee. Next year you can look towards Steve Massell being appointed either Mayor or Deputy Mayor.

Stuff Your Stocking With a Palin 2009 Calendar

For all loyal GOP members on your holiday list, I present to you the official 2009 Sarah Palin wall calendar. It will make a great stocking stuffer.

 The Sarah Palin 2009 Wall Calendar includes photos from Campaign trail, governorship, and family, with over 50 pictures of Gov Palin and her family, including many "never before seen"  pictures on and off the campaigne trail.

So hurry, be one of the first purchase this one of a kind calendar of the "2012  front runner for Republican Presidential nomination" !

Mention this blog and you will get 15% off the cost of the calendar today, so hurry, there going fast.

(Now, I've seen everything)