Murphy: New Jersey will stop using PARCC tests

If you have school aged children attending a New Jersey public school, you should be happy about this. PARCC testing has been a disaster and has taken valuable time away from classroom studies.

From WHYY.org:

Governor-elect Phil Murphy wants to end the use of the standardized Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers or PARCC test in New Jersey.

New Jersey started using PARCC assessments to measure student skills in the 2014-15 school year. Critics have said the tests force teachers to narrow their teaching to what is on the assessments.

At an elementary school in Asbury Park where he announced that Asbury Park School District Superintendent Lamont Repollet will lead the state education department, Murphy said it’s time to scrap those tests.

“We are asking Dr. Repollet to end the failed experiment that has been PARCC testing and create new, more effective and less class time-intrusive means for measuring student assessment,” Murphy said.

New Jersey Education Association President Marie Blistan said educators, parents, and students have raised concerns about the PARCC test.

"I definitely think that the entire testing system needs to be reviewed, and, absolutely, I question whether the PARCC test is the appropriate test to use in any way, shape, or form here,” she said.

During his campaign, Murphy said shorter tests should be developed with teacher input that would provide real-time feedback to teachers and students.

Letter: A Call To Investigate the Monmouth County Family Court

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:



Dear Editor,

Under the corrupt regime of Governor Chris Christie and with the help of Senator Joe Kyrillos, Monmouth County's Most Infamous Superior Court Judge, Paul X. Escandon, was granted lifetime tenure in June 2016 in a 22 to 9 vote, despite the fact that dozens of women spoke out against him at the hearing, recalling discriminatory and unlawful treatment they experienced during his time as a Family Court Judge. Convicted mobsters (who chose not to go into Witness Protection) were given custody of children, and emancipation orders (to terminate support) were handed out like candy, relieving fathers of support obligations, even when the law clearly said otherwise.

Since Judge Escandon's egregious behavior became common knowledge and resulted in organized groups of protesters, he was reassigned to hear civil cases, with many tenants describing similarly unfair treatment in Landlord Tenant court. Judge Escandon previously worked as a private lawyer defending criminals facing narcotics trafficking charges, so it is not unsurprising to see someone used to representing ruthless drug cartel members, being so unfit to protect the interests of mothers, children, and low-income tenants.

I know these mothers were telling the truth because I am also one of Escandon's victims. Escandon personally cut off the minuscule child support my mother received for me, on a motion filed by Vincent Stripto of Drain & Warshaw P.C., despite my being a full-time college student, with disabilities, and Escandon had me falsely arrested in the hallway of the Monmouth County Courthouse, with the statute that I was charged under having been found unconstitutional by the Appellate Division in 1985, and invalidated ever since. Rule of law was ignored. Judge Escandon’s behavior was something you'd expect to see in an episode of The Sopranos, not a Court of Law.

I have suffered from severe PTSD since age 16, when a mentally-ill man who was on felony probation for False Public Alarm (bomb threat) and Eluding Police named Stephen D. Calhoun made a false police report about me, and I was jailed where I was subjected to physical assault and torture by Monmouth County Youth Detention Center Officers. Mr. Calhoun's defense in his case was that he should have been found not guilty by reason of insanity (you can read about Mr. Calhoun here https://law.justia.com/cases/new-jersey/appellate-division-unpublished/2009/a6027-06-opn.html ) yet Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Mark Apostolou Jr. withheld this very relevant exculpatory evidence from discovery, in violation of Brady v. Maryland. I went from being a Criminal Justice student who started college at 15 with a 4.0 GPA and graduated from the Monmouth County Sheriff's Youth Week two years in a row (held at the county police academy), with a rising political future that began with volunteering on my first Presidential campaign at age 13, continuing with Gubernatorial and Legislative races, to suffering from severe PTSD, and facing ridicule and discrimination as if I had committed a serious offense I was entirely innocent of, as the truth about the "witness" Mr. Calhoun's admitted psychotic criminal behavior was hidden until I found it years later, thanks to his failed appeal in State v. Calhoun (Docket No. A-6027-06T46027-06T4) being published online. The Monmouth County Prosecutor's office had sent defamatory material based on Mr. Calhoun's false allegation regarding me to Brookdale Community College, where now-convicted felon ex-President Peter F. Burnham expelled me from the school, before he was sent to prison for corruption. In my life, the Monmouth County Courts and Prosecutor's Office have long been a major source of injustice, and this system must be stopped from continuing to harm others. These are not courts of justice, but tools of terror.

In court papers, Drazin & Warshaw lawyer, Vincent Stripto ridiculed me for using medical cannabis to help treat PTSD (under the order of a California Psychiatrist), which New Jersey has now legalized. The Municipal Judge I faced in a Middletown Township (Monmouth County) court case for possessing my medicine, Judge Richard B. Thompson, has since been suspended without pay due to an on-going corruption investigation. Thompson had also been the Judge who heard a citizen's complaint I filed, and had wrongly refused to find probable cause in my criminal complaint against Bradley Beach Police Officer Terry Browning for Official Misconduct in my juvenile case, and Stephen D. Calhoun for (a repeat) offense of False Public Alarm and Filing a False Police Report in the same matter.

My father, who makes six figures, did not provide any financial support until he was ordered to pay child support when I was 15. Escandon terminated the support at age 21, despite my full-time college enrollment, and successful academic progress. A deadbeat dad could not ask for a more favorable judge.

I urge state Senator Vin Gopal and Governor Phil Murphy to stand up for the rights of women and children by calling for a thorough legislative and criminal probe of Escandon's activities, particularly during his time as a Family Court Judge, as well as how my juvenile case before Judge Eugene Iadanza was mishandled by the court and Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. I am owed a formal state apology for the abuse I have suffered, as well as financial compensation, and those who did wrong must punished. Until justice has been achieved, until the day that I die, I will not and cannot stop fighting for what is right, by any means necessary to achieve justice.

REV. DR. ERIC HAFNER
FORMER CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE
TOMS RIVER, NEW JERSEY

Letter: Marijuana Legalization under Murphy

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:

Dear Editor,

It is great that Democrat Phil Murphy was elected Governor and cannabis is going to be legalized in New Jersey, but let's make it work for everyone. There are some flaws in the current proposal, like the too-high age requirement and unfair home grow ban.

A suggested 21 age requirement is not based on science (in other states 21 was simply a marketing gimmick for ballot initiatives to regulate like alcohol), and unlike alcohol, Federal Highway Funds are NOT tied to a 21 marijuana age. Making pot legal while burdening 18-20 year olds with a serious adult drug conviction for possession, that will screw up things like student aid, housing, and jobs is wrong. The marijuana age should be no higher than 18, ideally 16, as cannabis is a safe substance that one cannot overdose on.

Also, it is crazy to say we will legalize cannabis, but not allow people to grow it at home. We've seen what a scam liquor licenses are in New Jersey, and the people don't want to see a reefer business that is a similar monopoly. Let the people grow their own stone with legal home growing.

Also, does anyone remember Jon Peditto, the Ocean County personal pot grower who is still rotting in prison for 8 years? What about activist Edward Forchion aka NJ Weedman facing trumped up charges? Pardon them ASAP, let them go home, and end the injustice.

Gov. Murphy must empower the poor, youth, women, and minorities to grow the industry using a non-profit collective ownership model, and ask the NAACP, ACLU, Coalition for Medical Marijuana NJ and Garden State Equality for advice on licensing and affirmative action.

Legal pot should mean jobs, business opportunity, and kush smoke for everyone, not just the rich, corporate, white, and male. The current dispensary owners all look like Tony Soprano and have political connections with the Christie Administration. We need a diverse cannabis marketplace for all.

Rev. Dr. Eric Hafner
Former Congressional Candidate (HI-2)
Toms River, New Jersey and Mountain View, Hawai'i

Letter: ELECTION RESULTS - VICTORY!

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:

Dear Editor,

The people of New Jersey won on Election Day. Not only did we get Ambassador Phil Murphy, an all around great guy, elected as Governor, we had many local victories too.

In Toms River, we enjoyed a Democratic victory with 3 of 4 Township Council Seats going to Democrats Daniel Rodrick, Laurie Huryk, and Terrance Turnbach. Congratulations to the local team!

Vin Gopal knocked out Republican incumbent Jen Beck in Monmouth County's District 11, to become the district's next State Senator. I know Vin Gopal will be a strong voice in Trenton for working class families.

We must all work together to undo the damage Christie did to New Jersey, and make the Garden State Progressive Again! Yes to legal cannabis, women's and LGBT rights! Hands off Assata Shakur! Black Lives Matter! Recognize Lenape Native Rights! Make Housing a Right! Free College! Free NJ Weedman! Expand Public Transportation! Support Unions!

Let's take a left turn in New Jersey Politics.

Rev. Dr. Eric Hafner
Toms River

Things Are Looking Brighter

For those of you that woke up yesterday morning, feeling down and out because Middletown Democratic candidate Tricia Maguire, LD13 candidates Sean F. Byrnes, Tom Giaimo and Mariel DiDato and Monmouth County Freeholder candidates Margie Donjon and Brian Wilton did not come out victorious yesterday, cheer up. The Middletown GOP's margin of victory over the Middletown Democrats this year was shrunk by over 4% due in large part by a tremendous GOTV effort this year by numerous volunteers and candidate Tricia Maguire.

While 4% may not seem like much, it was huge! The Middletown Democrats closed the gap from previous elections and shrunk the margins of Republicans countywide​. The races in LD 13 and for Freeholder were much closer than in previous years, in large part to the Democratic turn out in Middletown. That means we are moving in the right direction and we have momentum moving forward. Next year is looking brighter already.

In Middletown, all of the Democratic candidates received a minimum of a 1000 votes more than our Governor elect Phil Murphy. This is huge! Especially when you take into consideration that Kim Guadagni received 5000 more votes in Middletown than Phil Murphy.

In hindsight, Murphy's statement about making New Jersey a "sanctuary state", which was drove home constantly by the  Guadagno campaign, not only hurt Murphy in Middletown, but also in northern Monmouth County. It lead to the local Democratic candidates having to answer questions about it, which in turn took away from their messages and caused potential supporters not to vote.

Overall I'm encouraged by Tuesday night's results. Phil Murphy, flaws and all, is the governor elect and Democrat Vin Gopal beat Jennifer Beck to become the new LD11 State Senator. When added to the results in Middletown, where the margins were shrunk even though the Democratic candidates lost, it was a good day. The resistance is strong and the future is bright!

NJ.com: Here's what this late election poll says about the Murphy-Guadagno race for governor

Some good news for Phil Murphy heading into tomorrow's election

From NJ.com:

TRENTON -- Democrat Phil Murphy maintains a double-digit lead over Republican Kim Guadagno in the race to succeed Gov. Chris Christie because she failed to win over enough independent voters, a new poll shows.

Both nominees shored up strong support among their base, according to the latest Quinnipiac University Poll on Tuesday's race, which pegs Murphy at a 12-point lead among likely voters.

That's eight points smaller that the 20-point lead Murphy had in the group's last poll, from Oct. 25.

But Guadagno has two glaring problems.

One is that Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly 880,000 people. According to the Division of Elections' latest data, the Democratic Party has also seen its rolls grow by just under 2 percent since January, while the GOP's rolls have stayed flat.

Her second hurdle is that the state's largest voting bloc -- unaffiliated voters -- has shrunk by more than 6 percent since the start of the year, and is split between the two candidates.

All this means that Murphy retains the edge.

Continue Reading ...

NJ Spotlight's Interactive Map: Tracking The Gubernatorial Campaign Contributions

NJ Spotlight once again has put up an interactive map that shows us in which parts of the state this year's gubernatorial candidates received their campaign contributions from. Democrat Phil Murphy, has a clear money advantage over his rival Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno.

Here in Middletown, Guadagno has out fundraised Murphy by slightly more than $10,000 ($26,800 to $16,074).  Interestingly, $1,500 of which has come from the campaign account of Middletown's Stephanie Murray.  What does that tell you?

Either Guadagno is worried about the overall money difference between her and Murphy and shook down Murray's campaign for a $1,500 contribution or Murray's campaign thinks so little of its opponent, that it doesn't think it needs its money to win reelection. Maybe it's both.        

From 10/26/17 Friends of Stephanie Murray campaign ELEC report 

Phil Murphy Town Hall Meeting in Port Monmouth

This Sunday, you're invited to a town hall in Port Monmouth hosted by Democratic candidate for governor Phil Murphy. Join us as we discuss the opioid epidemic, Sandy recovery, sustainable energy, and the creation of a New Jersey that is strong, fair, and works for every New Jersey family.

The event will take place on Sunday, October 29th at 6:00 PM in VFW Post 2179, located at 1 Veterans Lane in Port Monmouth. Doors open at 5:00 PM.

RSVP at https://go.murphy4nj.com/page/event/detail/grassrootsevent/wrvz

New Murphy for Governor Ad: Bridges

Newark - Murphy for Governor this morning began running a new television ad, “Bridges,” a 30-second spot which further delineates the choices facing voters in three weeks. The ad is running statewide and also is being backed by an aggressive online advertising and social media

WNYC: NJ's $253 Billion Time Bomb

From Mark Lagerkvist
Oct 10, 2017

HOW WILL NEXT NJ GOVERNOR HANDLE A FISCAL TIME BOMB?

New Jersey's public pension system faces a $253 billion crisis that could result in higher taxes for residents, fewer services or even bankruptcy for state government.

WNYC analyzed data the state reported under national accounting standards. Those numbers show New Jersey's public pension system is actually underfunded by $168 billion. And that does not include an additional $85 billion shortfall for the medical benefits of retirees.

Gov. Chris Christie will hand that fiscal time bomb to a new chief executive that voters elect in November – either Democrat Phil Murphy or Republican Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno. Neither candidate has offered a plan on how they'll find enough money to avoid a financial meltdown.

While Guadagno promises pension reform, she was at the center of a controversy that led to a pension fraud investigation. The findings of that state criminal probe have never been released. The WNYC report examines the details of that case.

The full report by investigative journalist Mark Lagerkvist – complete with links to key documents – is now online at http://www.wnyc.org/story/ticking-time-bomb-faced-next-nj-governor/.

Letter: The Legalization of Cannabis Must Empower Communities

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog.


Dear Editor,

Cannabis has no more of a social stigma today than a glass of wine, but it appears the State of New Jersey has smoked the marijuana memo.

While many other states have legalized, New Jersey is still arresting adults for small amounts of pot, and has a failed medical program that is the most expensive in the nation.

Legalization of cannabis is expected if Democrat Phil Murphy is elected as Governor, but we still most work to create a system that will empower communities victimized by the racist war on drugs, and build an industry that favors union labor. Groups like the ACLU, NAACP, Labor Unions and Garden State Equality must be part of the legislative process.

I urge candidate Phil Murphy to pledge to build a cannabis industry that puts social justice, union labor, and our diverse communities before big business.

Rev. Dr. Eric Hafner
Toms River

Byrnes, Giaimo & DiDato LD13 Rock N' Rally

Please join Phil Murphy, Congressman Pallone, and singer Phoebe Ryan for a Rock N' Rally!

Click here to RSVP: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/rocknrally

Shameless Plug: Update: MONMOUTH COUNTY MAY GET SPOTLIGHT IN GOVERNOR’S RACE

The article from last week's Two River Times, that I was asked to contribute to is now online for those that no longer get their news the old fashion way. By that I mean purchasing a copy of the newspaper from the news stands.

Here's a snippet of what I had to say:

"MONMOUTH COUNTY MAY GET SPOTLIGHT IN GOVERNOR’S RACE"

... Michael Morris, who publishes the “Middletown Mike” liberal/Democratic leaning political blog, not surprisingly, sees it differently. As a reaction to Trump and two terms of Christie, “I think the base is really fired up,” Morris said. “I’m talking extremely fired up.”

Activity among grassroots progressive organizations has been strong and that may lead to some upsets, Morris expected. That includes the 13th Legislative District, a traditionally Republican stronghold, which includes Republican-dominated Middletown, the county’s largest municipality, Morris said. “This is the first time in a long time I can actually say that,” he noted. And he’s saying it in part, because Murphy “is telling people around the state that he’s ‘all in for Monmouth County,’” and “do what it takes to win the county,” said Morris, who is a Middletown Democratic committee member.

That takes money, time and resources on the ground, Morris said.... 

Hit the hyperlink above and read the full article if you're curious to see what others had to say

Shameless Plug

Available on newstands now is the latest edition of the Two Rivers Times. I was interviewed by reporter John Burton and asked my opinion on this year's upcoming election. Specially, what I thought the roll of Monmouth County would play in this year's Governor's race between Phil Murphy (Middletown) and Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno (Monmouth Beach), both Monmouth County residents. And whether or not this years' governor's race, only 1 of 2 in the nation this year - the other being Virginia, would garner any national attention and/or be seen as a referendum on Chris Christie or Donald Trump.

The article won't be available online until next week so make sure you pick up a copy at a store near you.

Phil Murphy To Hold A Telephone Town Hall

Middletown resident and most likely New Jersey's next Governor, Phil Murphy, will be conducting a Telephone Town Hall meeting this Sunday, February 12th, at 5:30 pm to talk about how we can fight to ensure the rights of New Jersey women and make sure families are protected.

Those that are interested in joining in on the call should RSVP at the link below. On Sunday you will receive a phone call a few minutes before the meeting begins so that you can join in.

I've sat in on a few of these calls in the past and they tend to be very informative.

To join in on the Town Hall, RSVP ... HERE

MURPHY WINS MONMOUTH DEMOCRATS CONVENTION WITH 87% OF THE VOTE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/22/17

233 Delegates participated at the IBEW 400 Union Hall in Wall Township

WALL TOWNSHIP - The Monmouth County Democrats were excited to be the first county in the state to hold a gubernatorial endorsement convention. 233 delegates participated and Middletown resident and former Ambassador Phil Murphy was the overwhelming winner.

Third place finisher Bill Brennan in his remarks was gracious in defeat publicly praising the Monmouth county convention as being one of the most open and Democratic in the entire state.

The results were the following:
Phil Murphy - 203 votes (87%)
John Wisniewski - 22 votes (9%)
Bill Brennan - 8 votes (4%)

Phil Murphy will now be the endorsed candidate on the Monmouth County Line in the June Primary.

Monmouth County Democrats Endorse Middletown's Phil Murphy For Governor

For Immediate Release:
October 7, 2016

HAZLET - Today, Over 120 Monmouth County Democratic Party Leaders, Mayors & Councilmembers have formally endorsed Former Ambassador and Middletown Resident Phil Murphy for Governor in 2017

Phil Murphy

"Upon consultation with State Democratic Committee Chairman John Currie and our mayors and municipal leaders, we are proud to endorse and give our full support to Monmouth County's own, Phil Murphy, for the 2017 Democratic Nomination for Governor. Since starting his campaign a few months ago, he won over person after person through his progressive ideals and affable personality. He will make an outstanding Democratic Nominee and I look forward to working very hard to see that he is elected Governor of the State of New Jersey in November of 2017," stated Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal

"This is a great day for Monmouth County. Phil Murphy is progressive visionary and he will make a great governor for New Jersey. So many volunteers and supporters helped to get us to this position today," stated Monmouth County Murphy for Governor Coordinator Mike Beson

“Phil is more than just a constituent of mine, but a true leader in our community and a good friend, and I am happy to give him my endorsement,” said Pallone. “I know he shares my commitment to growing clean energy alternatives and protecting our environment, ensuring access to quality health care for all residents, and focusing on rebuilding our infrastructure and economy. He doesn’t shy away from challenges or accept the easy way out, and our next governor must be someone who will serve honestly and with an eye to what is best for the next generation. That’s why Phil has my support," stated U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.

“After much discussion with Phil, I’m confident that his vision for New Jersey will provide even more opportunity for us to further the cost saving and job creating measures we have undertaken locally over the past years. Taxpayers in Marlboro, and across the state, will benefit from the fresh new perspective and strong, inclusive, leadership Phil Murphy will bring to the Governor’s Office and I look forward to working with him as our next governor," stated Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik

"We are proud to support Monmouth County's own Phil Murphy for Governor in 2017. It is clear that new leadership is needed after eight years of Chris Christie mismanagement of the state's finances and budget and we are excited to work hard to elect Ambassador Murphy as the next Governor. He has the skillsets we need to move New Jersey forward," stated Assemblymembers Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey

Below is a full list of the 120 leaders who are endorsing today...

Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal
Monmouth County Democratic Vice-Chairwoman Mary Foster
Monmouth County Democrats Treasurer David Brown

United States Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-Long Branch)
State Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (D-Neptune)
State Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D-Freehold Township)
Former Monmouth County Freeholder John D'Amico
Former Monmouth County Freeholder Amy Mallet
Former Monmouth County Surrogate Patricia Bennett

Unanimous Endorsement from the Middletown Democrats - Ambassador Murphy's Hometown
Don Watson - Middletown Democratic Chairman
Roxanne Judice - Secretary
Mary Foster - Corresponding Secretary
Mary Jo Fabiano - Candidate & Executive Committee member
Ralph Borgess - Candidate & Executive Committee member
Mike Morris - Executive Committee member
Marilyn Maguire - Executive Committee member
Paul Jansen - Executive Committee member
Mike DiCicco - Campaign Treasurer

2016 County-Wide Candidates
Jeff Cantor, Vincent Solomeno, Matt Doherty & Sue Fulton

MAYORS
Aberdeen Mayor Fred Tagliarini
Asbury Park Mayor John Moor
Atlantic Highlands Mayor Randi LeGrice
Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty
Lake Como Mayor Brian Wilton
Loch Arbour Mayor Paul Fernicola
Manasquan Mayor Ed Donovan
Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik
Matawan Mayor Joe Altomonte
Neptune Mayor Kevin McMillan
Ocean Twp. Mayor Chris Siciliano
Oceanport Mayor Jay Coffey
Red Bank Mayor Pat Menna
Roosevelt Mayor Jeff Ellentuck
Spring Lake Heights Mayor Tom O'Brien

MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS
Aberdeen Councilman Robert Swindle
Aberdeen Councilman Arthur Hirsch
Aberdeen Councilman Joseph Martucci
Aberdeen Councilwoman Margaret Montone
Aberdeen Councilman Greg Cannon
Aberdeen Councilwoman Connie Kelly
Allentown Council President William Borkowski
Allentown Councilman Rob Schmidt
Asbury Park Councilwoman Yvonne Clayton
Atlantic Highlands Council President Roy Dellosso
Atlantic Highlands Councilman Chuck Lero
Belmar Councilwoman Janis Blackburn
Belmar Council President Brian McGovern
Belmar Councilwoman Jennifer Nicolay
Belmar Councilman Tom Brennan
Fair Haven Councilman Aimee Humphries
Freehold Borough Councilman Kevin Kane
Freehold Borough Councilman George Schnurr
Hazlet Township Committeeman James DiNardo
Hazlet Township Committeewoman Barbara Ronchetti
Keyport Councilman Matt Goode
Keyport Council President Joe Sheridan
Keyport Councilwoman Sophia Lamberson
Keyport Councilman Isaiah Cooper
Lake Como Councilman Michael Noonan
Lake Como Councilwoman Hawley Scull
Lake Como Councilman Doug Witte
Manalapan Township Committeeman David Kane
Manasquan Councilman Michael Mangan
Matawan Councilman Mike Vergaretti
Matawan Councilman Nick Reeve
Marlboro Councilman Jeff Cantor
Marlboro Councilwoman Carol Mazola
Marlboro Councilman Scott Metzger
Marlboro Councilwoman Randi Marder
Marlboro Councilman Mike Scalea
Neptune Deputy Mayor Dr. Michael Brantley
Neptune Township Committeeman Nick Williams
Neptune Township Committeewoman Carol Rizzo
Neptune Township Committeeman Robert Lane
Ocean Township Deputy Mayor William Garofalo
Red Bank Councilwoman Kathy Horgan
Red Bank Councilman Ed Zipprich
Roosevelt Councilwoman Peggy Malkin
Sea Bright Councilman Marc Leckstein
Sea Bright Councilman Charles Rooney
Shrewsbury Township Committeeman Ed Nolan
Spring Lake Heights Councilman Art Herner
Spring Lake Heights Councilman Tom Vorbach
Union Beach Councilman Tim Perrella
Union Beach Councilman Jeff Williams

MUNICIPAL CHAIRS
Aberdeen Democratic Chairman Greg Cannon
Allentown Democratic Co-Chairs Alice Lloyd and Rob Schmidt
Asbury Park Democratic Chair Joe Grillo
Atlantic Highlands Democratic Chairman Chair Regina Hawley-Keelen
Avon-By-The-Seat Democratic Chairwoman Patricia Sheehan
Belmar Democratic Chairwoman Claire Deicke
Brielle Democratic Chairman John Pirnat
Bradley Beach Democratic Chair Steve Lozowick
Eatontown Democratic Chairman Bill Robinson
Farmingdale Democratic Chair Beau Byrtus
Freehold Borough Democratic Chair Kevin Kane
Freehold Township Democratic Chair Haven Franklin
Hazlet Democratic Chair Audrey Tyler
Highlands Democratic Chair Chris Francy
Holmdel Democratic Chair Larry Luttrell
Howell Democratic Chairman John McCabe
Interlaken Democratic Chairman Bob Napoli
Keyport Democratic Chairwoman Joy Johnson
Loch Arbour Democratic Chairman Paul Fernicola
Manalapan Democratic Chairman David Kane
Manasquan Democratic Chairman Michael Mangan
Marlboro Democratic Chair Lynn Franco
Matawan Democratic Chair Joe Altomonte
Middletown Democratic Chairman Don Watson
Neptune Township Democratic Chairman Jim Mowczan
Ocean Township Democratic Chairman Don Yacavone
Oceanport Democratic Chairman Mike Sikand
Red Bank Democratic Chairman Ed Zipprich
Roosevelt Democratic Chairwoman Peggy Malkin
Rumson Democratic Chairman Michael Steinhorn
Sea Girt Democratic Chair Altha Morton
Sea Bright Democratic Chairman Marc Leckstein
Shrewsbury Borough Democratic Chairwoman Norma Rosenbloom
Shrewsbury Township Democratic Chairman Ed Nolan
Spring Lake Heights Democratic Chairwoman Eileen Eilenberger
Tinton Falls Democratic Chairman Sam Loffredo
Union Beach Democratic Chairmann Ken Connors
Wall Township Democratic Chairman Eric Brophy

Middletown's Phil Murphy Announces Candidacy for NJ Governor

I'm taking the unusual step of announcing my candidacy for Governor a year ahead of the election because New Jersey's challenges can't wait.

And this campaign is not going to be politics as usual. It starts with New Jerseyans -- not me.



As parents of four great kids, Tammy and I understand what really matters is the kind of New Jersey we have today -- and tomorrow.

Frankly, we are concerned about the state of our state.

So concerned, in fact, that last year we started an effort to get New Jersey moving again. Tens of thousands of you responded by participating in town halls, signing petitions, sharing ideas on how to get our economy moving again, speaking out on gun safety, lead remediation, and an economy that works for all of us.

We want to keep building on the energy, the ideas, and the optimism we've tapped into.

It's time to make New Jersey better for all of us.

That means growing the middle class by building a newer, smarter economy with good jobs that support a family; equal pay for equal work; a higher minimum wage; putting a college education back within the reach of anyone willing to work hard; protecting women's health care; and making every community safe from gun violence and lead poisoning.

And here's what this campaign is not about - serving the political insiders, because I don't owe them anything.

I've spent my life trying to fix problems and making people's lives better.

Growing up, our family lived paycheck to paycheck. I put myself through college and grad school. Then I built a successful career learning how economies grow and create jobs.

I worked hard, got lucky and was able to turn my full-time attention to giving back. I've helped lead charities for troubled teens and domestic abuse survivors.

I worked with Howard Dean to build a stronger national Democratic Party from the grassroots.

President Obama appointed me as our nation's ambassador to Germany where I served our country on issues from fighting terrorism to advocating for American businesses.

But this is your campaign.

It's time for a Governor who will have your back.

I will.

Thank you,

Phil Murphy







You can read more about Mr. Murphy's announcement HERE

PolitickerNJ: Considering 2017 Guv Run, Murphy Engages Influential NJ Dems

There is a nice little introduction piece on Middletown's Phil Murphy over on PolitickerNJ. Murphy is a Middletown resident and is considering a run for governor next year.

"While 2017 Democratic gubernatorial contender Phil Murphy might not have as much name recognition as some vying for the spot due to the fact he has never held office in New Jersey, the former ambassador from Germany seems to be making inroads with influential state Democrats.

The former Goldman Sachs executive spent Wednesday courting Democrats at various events throughout the state, notably some influential county chairs....

...While Murphy still has a ways to go before he can lock up a nomination—especially because notable adversaries like Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, state Senator Ray Lesniak and Senate President Steve Sweeney are also in the mix—a solidification of support from a county chair could provide a launchpad for his campaign.

As of now, with the gubernatorial race still over a year away, Murphy and other Democratic candidates have yet to declare whether or not they will be officially running for governor during the November 2017 election...."

Read the full article HERE

Mr. Murphy is also the founder and Chair of New Way For New Jersey. If you want to learn more about him starting there is a good start.