Pride Month in Middletown: Actions Are Louder Than Words

 

Every June, towns across the United States celebrate Pride Month, recognizing the struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. In Middletown, the Township Committee issued a proclamation designating June as Pride Month. The proclamation praises equal rights and celebrates the legacy of LGBTQ+ individuals. However, there is a noticeable disconnect between the proclamation’s words and the actions of Middletown’s leaders. 

The proclamation mentions the Stonewall Riots of June 28, 1969, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history. These riots marked a significant push against discriminatory laws and helped spark the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Pride Month serves as a reminder of these struggles and the ongoing fight for equality.

The proclamation emphasizes Middletown’s commitment to equal rights and the importance of dignity and respect for all citizens. It highlights the township’s aim to build an inclusive, stigma-free society where everyone feels supported. This sentiment aligns with the broader goals of Pride Month, which celebrates diversity and promotes acceptance. 

Despite the supportive language of the proclamation, Mayor Tony Perry and the Township Committee have not shown active support for the LGBTQ+ community. They have refused to fly the Pride flag at Town Hall and avoid commenting on LGBTQ+ issues publicly. This lack of visible support sends a conflicting message to the community.

For many in Middletown, the absence of public support from local leaders feels disheartening. The Pride flag is more than just a symbol; it represents acceptance and visibility. When leaders choose not to display it, it can feel like a dismissal of the community's identity and struggles.

For Middletown to truly honor its proclamation and the principles it stands for, actions speak louder than words. Public support from local leaders, including the simple act of flying the Pride flag, would go a long way in making LGBTQ+ residents feel valued and respected.

While the proclamation for Pride Month in Middletown is a step in the right direction, it is essential for the township’s leaders to back their words with actions. True support for the LGBTQ+ community requires more than just statements; it demands visible, ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive and accepting environment for all.

What's the Deal with Voting on Nov. 3rd?

Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted since July 4th! A lot has been going on since then which I'll fill everyone in on at a later time. But for now, people have been asking me, what's the deal with voting on election day? So let me try and explain as best I can. Keep in mind, this information is Middletown specific but for the most part it is similar throughout Monmouth County and the State.

So here's the deal that everyone must know and understand ... the polling locations will be open on Nov. 3rd and there will be 10 locations available in Middletown where residents can vote. There are 46 voting districts in Middletown, so each of the polling locations will hold multiple districts within. It should be noted however, that if anyone goes to a polling location to vote in-person they will be asked to fill out a paper provincial ballot, which will be counted after all other ballots are counted.

From what I understand there will be 1 voting machine per location (not district), which may or may not be the case. In order for someone to vote by machine, that person must be disabled and unable to psychically fill out a paper ballot. That person must also sign an affidavit claiming that they are in fact disabled. If it is found that they aren't disabled, they can be prosecuted for voter fraud.

Be aware that the mail-in ballots can be taken to the polling locations on Election day to be handed in. However, the person handing in their ballot will need to sign the "book" and show ID at that time. The ballot may then be treated as a provisional ballot and not be counted until all other votes are counted.

Locally, the best bet is to drop off ballots at a dropbox located at either Middletown Town Hall, Middletown's Croydon Hall, the Hazlet DMV location or any other location within Monmouth County.

If people prefer to mail their ballots via USPS the ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3rd and received no later than Nov.10th ... the sooner they are mailed the better.

There is also an option to vote in person anytime at the Monmouth County Board of Elections (and Clerks office, I think).

I hope that answers everyone's question.

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

UPDATE 10/20:

There is still a little confusion regarding mail-in ballots that are delivered to the polls on Election Day. Those ballots will NOT be treated as provisional ballots and counted after all other ballots. They will however be the last mail-in ballots counted before provisional ballots are counted.

Before provisional ballots are counted the local Board of Elections must certify those that filled out provisional ballots on Election Day, did not also mail-in a ballot previously. Provisional ballots will be crosschecked with mail-in ballots to ensure that no one votes twice.... MM

June 3, 2019 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

Last Monday, the Middletown Township Committee, held it's monthly workshop meeting. The video description pretty much sums up what transpired during the meeting. If you have time, please watch. These videos are always very informative and at times educational for those wanting to know what goes on down at Town Hall:

"Freeholder Arnone came to present a shared services program run by the County. A group came to speak to Arnone regarding opioid addiction, but the Freeholder stated he had another meeting with the Howell Town Council to attend.

The Township Committee voted to introduce an ordinance to allow the volunteer fire department to elect their officers during the first week of December, in addition to the standard second week.

The group that came to speak to Freeholder Arnone continued their discussion with the Township Committee. The group was under the impression that the township adopted an ordinance banning medical marijuana distribution centers. They also stated that people being paroled from jail are being paroled to Middletown and Monmouth County in general. It was stated that the parolees do not have housing to live in and resort to living on the street, homeless and that the Township needs to take some responsibility and ensure that there is affordable housing for all.

A resident came in to show the Committee that people in her neighborhood are placing large amounts of brush out at the street after the scheduled collection time. She also said that there a re trailers parked on the street for extended periods of time and that there is no enforcement of existing laws."

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.

December 6, 2018 " Special Meeting" Of The Middletown Township Committee: New Town Hall Complex To Cost Upwards Of $100 Million

I was at last night's special meeting of the Middletown Township Committee to hear the introduction of the new Town Hall Municipal Complex. I was interested in hearing how much it will cost us taxpayers.

The township entered into a public /private P3 agreement with a developer called Brandywine Acquisitions & Development . Brandywine will front upwards of $56.7M to build a new 72'000 sqft Municipal Complex. Brandywine will then recoup its investment by leasing the new complex back to the Township for $3.6M a year for 30 years. At the end of the 30 year lease Middletown can buy back the property from Brandywine for $1.

Sounds like a great deal until you try to work out the fuzzy math.

The Township can build a new municipal complex on its own for ~$60M (or less) but appears to prefer to pay Brandywine $108M in lease payments over the life of the 30 year lease just so the town doesn't have to payout any upfront costs. When the documents become available they must be looked at closely to see the structure of the payments. In the meantime, Middletown plans on signing the development deal within the next 10 days.

The Asbury Park Press has an article online this morning concerning the project. It pretty much confirms what I posted last night to my Facebook page.

Special Meeting To Introduce New Town Hall Municipal Complex December 6th

When members of the Middletown Township Committee are afraid of presenting something to the public during the regularly scheduled monthly meeting, they do so via Special Meeting to limit attendance and potential controversy. This meeting should not be missed.

Stay Tuned ...

There is some drama roaming the hallways of Town Hall this week that I don't want to comment on at the moment. I will later, after a little more information is gathered.

New Municipal Complex Coming To Middletown

Rumors have been circulating for many months concerning a new Middletown municipal complex to  replace the township's current place of residence. Township officials in the past had been very coy and guarded when answering questions about the possibility of a new complex, they would neither confirm nor deny such plans.  That has now changed.

During public comments of the April 20th Township Committee meeting, a resident asked about the rewiring of Town Hall after a major power outage the previous week fried much of the wiring in the building. When asked if the building was going to be needing a total rewiring, Township Administrator Tony Mercantante stated that it was unlike. When asked about  plans for redesigning or   refurbishing of the building, Mercantante mentioned that there weren't plans for a refurbishment  but plans for a new building.

The conversation starts at the 1:26:11 mark of the video and continues 1:27:40

At the April 30th special budget adoption meeting, a resident asked if there were funds dedicated in this budget to the construction of the new municipal building. She was told by the CFO that there wasn't, but money was included as part of the capital improvements in the previous year's 2014 budget. That conversation can be viewed starting at the 11:10 - 11:45 marks of the video.

So, at this point it now seems pretty clear that Middletown will be spending a few $ million on a new Town Hall, which I must say is needed. I'm just curious where it's going to be built and at what cost.

Are they planing on knocking down the current Town Hall and rebuilding in its current footprint or relocating and starting fresh? Originally it was going to be part of the Town Center project but that is unlikely considering the bad blood that litigation creates.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Mayor’s Food Basket Needs Donations for Middletown Families

Middletown Alerts:


Visiting Town Hall? Please bring a non-perishable food donation for the Mayor’s Food Basket. Mayor Stephanie Murray has partnered with Middletown’s Social Services Department to help feed local families. Mayor’s Food Basket donations can be brought to Middletown Town Hall, 1 Kings Highway. All donations will be given to the Middletown Food Pantry to feed township residents.

The Social Services Department reports that the stock at the Middletown Food Pantry is at an all-time low due in part to two reductions in the federal food stamp program this year. Please donate non-perishable foods. Items needed include canned goods such as beans, fruit, prepared meals, tuna and vegetables, sauces, peanut butter and jelly, pasta, and rice. Food gift cards are also welcome. Call Social Services at 732-615-2085 for more information. The Social Services Department also maintains food donation bins at the following locations as part of the Holiday Food Drive:

• Amboy Bank, Foodtown Plaza, Rt. 36, Port Monmouth
• Investors Savings, Shoprite Plaza, Rt. 35
• Colonia Bank, Shoprite Plaza, Rt. 35
• Edward Jones Financial, 1141 Rt. 35
• Johnson Gill Annex at Town Hall, 1 Kings Highway
• Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St
• Middletown Library, 55 New Monmouth Rd
• Middletown Public Works, 52 Kanes Lane
• Middletown Recreation Department, 180 Main St, Port Monmouth
• Middletown Senior Center, Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Rd
• Poricy Park Conservancy, 345 Oak Hill Rd
• Tonya Keller Community Center, 50 Bray Ave
• Two River Bank, 1250 Rt.35
• We Care Adult Care, 552 Rt. 35
• Wells Fargo Bank, 857 Rt. 35

Currie Asks Christie To Reimburse State For Political Spending

(Trenton) -- Today, after Governor Christie's so-called town hall meeting in Fairfield, the New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman asked the governor to reimburse the state taxpayers for the rising costs of his political endeavors.

Specifically, Currie does not believe that any of the costs for the sexist "whitewash" compiled by loyal, hand-picked lawyers should be borne by state taxpayers.

Governor Christie's town halls are more political theater than substantive discussion, as the governor uses the platform to take cheap shots at the Democratic Party-controlled legislature. And, despite increased scrutiny concerning the scandals the Christie administration created, the governor's campaign-related activities for other Republicans have been more frequent and his willingness to speak to the media have become less frequent.

"The governor has turned the town hall meeting into a political farce: one part stump speech, one part comedy routine. Christie's remarks last one third of the allotted time, and he often dismisses the most reasonable critics. He also eagerly disparages Democratic lawmakers. What he will not do is address legitimate questions about how public resources were abused by government officials," said Chairman Currie.

Currie continued, "From the 24 million dollar special election last Fall to the recent taxpayer-funded Bridgegate whitewash, the governor needs to stop using the state treasury like an ATM to pay for his attempted political rehabilitation. At a minimum, the Christie campaign apparatus should reimburse taxpayers for his silly self-exam. Why should we pay for these activities? If the governor were serious about tackling public concerns, he would cooperate with the State Legislature's investigation, and stop blaming others for his mistakes."

Recent news reports and editorials have also highlighted the inappropriate political activities that public employees in the Christie administration have engaged in during the governmental work day.

Christie Holds Town Hall Today In Fort Lee

For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, April 1st, 2014

(Fort Lee, NJ) – Today, Governor Chris Christie will hold his 117th Town Hall meeting in Fort Lee.
“Just like every other town hall we’ve held this year, Fort Lee is a municipality I carried last November,” said Christie. “I look forward to meeting with local residents and answering what’s on their mind. Frankly, folks don't care about unimportant things like closing access lanes to the George Washington Bridge. If for some reason they do care, they can just read the completely comprehensive, impartial, thorough report on the matter released last week.” “……,” said Michael Drewniak, Christie Spokesman. “……..”

“In light of spokesman Mike Drewniak barely speaking to the press for the past 85 days, today I am proud to join Governor Christie’s circle of trust,” said Joshua Henne, Christie’s new spokesman. “The governor and I both love Bruce Springsteen and the Mets. For those reasons, it’s an honor to work the cones alongside Governor Christie today in Fort Lee.”

As always, today’s town hall will have several ground rules. However, based on recent disruptions of attendees attempting to ask difficult questions, a few more regulations have been added. For example, there will be no questions allowed about anything that starts with the letter “S”. This includes – but is not limited to – the following terms: “Subpoenas”, “Samson”, “Stepien”, “Scandal”, “Sokolich” and “Serbian”.

Exceptions will be made to the rule when it comes to “Superstorm Sandy” – however it will only be allowed if the question is about Christie’s fleece or to simply make an obsequious statement of support for the governor. You will be cut off or ignored if you ask about funneling Sandy funds to towns not hit by the hurricane, how the Economic Development Authority has failed to get grants to affected small businesses, or how relief dollars were used for a “Stronger Than The Storm” commercial showcasing Christie and his smiling family in an election year.

Please arrive very, very, very, very early - as traffic has been known to build up at the nearby George Washington Bridge during rush hour. Because this is the first Town Hall not held in a municipality with a mayor or other elected officials friendly with the governor, those attendees endorsing Christie will be given preferential seating, as well as the potential to have access to Sandy rebuilding funds.

Special to today’s town hall will be a specific lane dedicated for the “children of Buono voters.” And if anyone has questions about why that is, and why it takes so long to drive through the town, police officers have been told to direct questions to Mayor Mark Sokolich. If you are a reporter, don’t even try to ask a question during or after the event. Members of the media will have to wait another 80 days for the next opportunity to be berated by Governor Christie when he holds his next Friday 3 pm press conference.

Attendees are encouraged to ask what David Letterman and Jimmy Fallon are like in person. Sports are a good topic, too. For example, feel free to ask Christie who he thinks the Dallas Cowboys should draft next month. However, please do not ask questions about how quiet Christie was during the Super Bowl following the release of David Wildstein’s letter alluding to evidence existing on bridgegate. Along those same lines, please refrain from asking about how the Christie Administration bungled the NJTransit system going to-and-from the SuperBowl even though they had years to plan for the event.

Participants are encouraged to snap a “selfie” with the Governor. Especially if they have adorable children in tow and tell Christie how great he is. However, any signs calling on Christie to resign, asking how an investigation on bridgegate can be considered “thorough” without interviewing the five key members of his administration - or expressing any First Amendment rights at all for that matter – will be immediately confiscated.

For commentary following today’s town hall, you can catch both Assemblyman John Wisniewski and Senator Loretta Weinberg on MSNBC this evening at 5 pm, 5:20 pm, 5:45 pm, 6 pm, 6:25 pm, 6:50 pm, 7:15 pm, 7:30 pm, 8 pm, 8:20 pm, 8:45 pm, 9 pm, 9:15 pm, 9:30 pm, 9:45 pm, 10:10 pm, 10:30 pm and 10:50 pm.

CHAIRMAN CURRIE STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR CHRISTIE'S OCEAN COUNTY TOWN HALL

(Trenton) -- Today, John Currie, Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, reacted to Governor Christie's town hall meeting in Toms River, New Jersey. The troubled governor again used the event as a platform to divert attention from his administration's unfolding scandals, to talk himself up and to blame the federal government for the state's many problems.

Three months after the so-called Bridgegate scandal flared, Governor Christie still does not show a hint of concern that senior members of his administration put politics ahead of public safety -- an issue that he brushes off as 'a distraction.'

"I was hoping the governor would hit pause on the phony rhetoric and provide a credible explanation about why his administration botched the Superstorm Sandy recovery effort and how the Port Authority could be so badly abused for political purposes. Unfortunately, that did not happen," Chairman Currie said. "When eight out of ten grant applications from Superstorm Sandy survivors are inappropriately denied, it should trigger alarm and administrative action, not one-liners and finger-pointing. The people of New Jersey have a right to be angry that the Christie administration has made their lives more difficult. We deserve more substantive reform and less spin. Addressing the problems the governor helped create remains a top priority, even if Chris Christie considers them inconvenient or irrelevant."

When not covertly fundraising elsewhere, Governor Christie's limited public appearances have been held in friendly surroundings around New Jersey. The events have a heavily produced, show business quality, and have left unanswered the many serious questions about the George Washington Bridge lane closure scandal, crony Sandy recovery contracts, and the shady activities of his top political appointees, including Port Authority Chairman David Samson.

APP Letter: Christie Blames Others For Sandy Recovery Delays

For some of those that attended Governor Christie's recent town hall meeting or watched it live on T.V., the governor's attempt to blame President Obama and other federal agencies for his administration's failures to properly oversee  Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts rang hollow. It appeared as nothing more than a weak attempt at pandering to an audience that was full of angry and desperate storm victims unhappy with the slow, snail like pace that it has taken thus far to get their lives back to normal and into their homes.

As Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, states in his excellent letter to the Asbury Park Press, "Harry Truman said “the buck stops here.” Under Gov. Christie, the only thing that stops is the traffic on the George Washington Bridge." You can read the letter below:

Almost 16 months after superstorm Sandy, there have been delays in rebuilding and half the federal relief funding from the first round still has not been spent, yet Gov. Christie seems to be blaming everyone else.

First it was the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, then the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

It’s the Christie administration’s action plan that they proposed, and their Department of Community Affairs that is administering it. It was Christie’s consultants that handled the funding, yet it’s everyone else’s fault?

Delays have been caused by the consultants they hired and fired; environmental standards have been waived and proper permitting has not been done; there has been a failure to do proper monitoring and oversight; and the Christie administration has shown overall incompetence on Sandy rebuilding.

It is typical for the governor to blame someone else when his administration is at fault. He keeps looking for excuses when so many people are still suffering.

New Jersey has failed to have proper oversight and monitoring of recovery efforts. The governor vetoed the Sandy Transparency Act, which would have required more oversight of Sandy funding.

He had no problem running around cutting ribbons on boardwalks, going on David Letterman’s show, or doing ads on the Shore, but what about making sure people got their grant money?

Harry Truman said “the buck stops here.” Under Gov. Christie, the only thing that stops is the traffic on the George Washington Bridge.

Jeff Tittel

Director, New Jersey Sierra Club

ICYMI: What They Are Saying About Christie's Town Hall Meeting In Middletown

As most everyone knows by now Governor Christie spent his morning this past Thursday conducting one of his signature Town Hall meetings at the Port Monmouth NJ VFW Post 2179. It got  a lot of press from both local and national media outlets seeing that it was Christie's first public appearance since the George Washington Bridge lane closure scandal broke and news that Hurricane Sandy relief funds has allegedly  been used by the governor as a sort of slush fund to gain campaign endorsements from Democratic mayors from around the state surfaced last month.

I gave you my take on the Christie's Town Hall Meeting on Thursday below are some other reports from around the web:


The Wall Street Journal: Christie Hosts First Town Hall Since Scandal
The N.J. Governor Holds 110th Town Hall, Focusing on superstorm Sandy

New York Daily News: Chris Christie avoids Bridgegate scandal at Town Hall, talks Sandy relief and weight loss

The Washington Post: At N.J. town hall, Christie’s focus is on Sandy, not scandal

The Two River Times: Christie Talks About Sandy Recovery at Middletown Town Hall

The Miami Herald: Christie hears from storm victims at town hall

Talking Points Memo:
Christie's Office Says It Didn't Weed Out Scandal Questions At Town Hall

A Report from the Townhall

Going Deep On New Jersey

WYNC: Christie Heckled at Shore Town Hall and Still Wins Over Crowd

NJ.Com:
At Chris Christie town hall, woman says officials confiscated her 'Resign Christie' signs

At town hall, Chris Christie pins blame for slow Sandy recovery on feds

The Nation: At a Town Hall Meeting, Christie Blames Obama, FEMA, Feds for Sandy Aid Problems

Blue Jersey: A touchy Gov. Christie leaves first "town hall" since Bridgegate scandal exposed

The Daily Beast: Christie Finally Finds a Crowd That Doesn’t Care About Bridgegate

The New York Times: For Christie, Awkward Return to a Setting He Once Ruled

And finally here is a link for even more stories on the Governor's Town Hall

Christie Town Hall Meeting

I was in attendance today for Governor Chris Christie's town hall meeting in Port Monmouth and as I stated earlier the event would make more news for what wasn't discussed as opposed to what was.

The hall of VFW Post 2179 was packed with members of the media from all over tri-state region;  camera crews and reporters from NY, NJ and Philadelphia along with various national news outlets and blogs where there along with a few hundred Hurricane Sandy survivors looking for answers.

Sandy victims wanted to know when they could expect some real help getting back into their homes 16 months after the storm, while the media was curious if someone would ask the governor about the George Washington Bridge scandal that has engulfed his administration for the past month.

The media left the hall scratching its head, wondering why no one asked about Bridgegate ( I did have my hand raised to ask but wasn't called upon) and many of the Sandy survivors left scratching their heads still wondering what they needed to do to get back into their homes.

The governor took the opportunity to bash President Obama, Congress, FEMA and Democrats in the State Legislature for the slow response and lack of help for needy Sandy survivors. When a gentleman tried to ask a question about why the governor wasted over $50 million on private companies to oversee sandy relief efforts instead of getting the money directly to those that needed it the most, the governor made his best post-bridgegate attempt to not talk down to the person who asked the question but made it pretty clear  he thought it was a stupid question.

And that was pretty much it, nothing news worthy as it would pertain to the various scandals circling the governor's administration came to light.

I'm sure that if you look around the internet or watch the evening news tonight you'll read or watch pretty much the same (maybe with a little more detail) as what I've posted here.

 For those who were looking for answers, there were few to be had. For those that had questions that weren't asked there will be other opportunities to do so.

Here are a few pictures that I took of today's town hall:

 

CHAIRMAN CURRIE STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR CHRISTIE'S MONMOUTH TOWN HALL

(Trenton) -- John Currie, Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, responded to Governor Christie's twice-rescheduled town hall meeting in Monmouth County, where he appeared to deny responsibility for all of his administration's shortcomings.

"Listening to Governor Chris Christie make excuses is astonishing. Despite being accused of using federal monies to create a political slush fund, the governor continues to blame others, to make procedural excuses, and to play the victim," Chairman Currie said. "Where was this administration’s roll-up-the-sleeves, can-do attitude when the work (which remains undone) most needed to be done? Where is their commitment to work on behalf of the people of New Jersey?"

Currie continued, "Certainly, it is a difficult thing to look in the mirror and accept responsibility for one’s glaring failures. However, Governor Christie’s problems will only get worse until he removes his ego from a political calculus that should be apolitical, and recognizes that it was the incompetence and negligence of his administration that left survivors of the storm waiting, wanting, and grasping for answers that the governors’ team apparently has no plans to provide."

The situation for Superstorm Sandy survivors remains both dire and disconcerting: the Christie administration embraced crony contracts, and showed callous indifference toward people encountering red tape — many of whom were forced to carry mortgages on homes they had to abandon. They also dodged legislative hearings, skirted monitoring laws, ignored public records requests, and concealed the fact that a multimillion dollar contractor had been fired and that there was no plan for finding a replacement.

Will 3rd Time Be A Charm? Christie Town Hall Set For Thursday

If at first they don't succeed, try, try again...

After twice canceling his Town Hall meeting in Middletown due to inclement weather, Governor Christie is giving it one more try on Thursday to get in the 110th town hall event of his administration. And lucky for me, I'm off and will be able to attend.

For those interested in attending, the town hall takes place at the Middletown VFW Post 2179 in Port Monmouth and doors will open at 10 a.m., with the event starting at 12:30 p.m. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis and open to the public.

According to weather reports Thursday will be a mostly sunny day with a high temperature of 47 degrees. If the weather forecast holds as planned I'd say its a safe bet that the governor get the town hall in as scheduled this time.


As I stated in my earlier posts announcing Christie's arrival in Middletown, this Town Hall will be the first Town Hall meeting since the Bridgegate lane closure scandal and accusations of using Hurricane Sandy aid money to extract political endorsements from Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer and others, engulfed his administration last month. And while we know what Governor Christie intends to talk about (Superstorm Sandy relief and recovery efforts) it's what he won't be talking about that will be on a lot of people's mind.

CHRISTIE'S PRIORITIES ARE SERIOUSLY OUT OF WHACK SAYS TOP NJ DEM

DEM CHAIR CURRIE: GOV.'S PRIORITIES ARE SERIOUSLY OUT OF WHACK

Christie Cancels Town Hall But Confirms New York City Fundraiser For National GOP

(Trenton) – Today, New Jersey Democrats are questioning Governor Chris Christie's priorities after he postponed – for the second time – his first town hall meeting with New Jersey residents in months and confirmed plans to leave the state (after a long weekend in Puerto Rico) to attend a big money fundraiser for national Republicans in New York City.

"Although top aides in his inner circle abused power and put politics above public safety, and despite the administration's botched effort to assist countless survivors of Superstorm Sandy, Governor Christie believes skipping off to New York City to solicit funds takes precedence over accountability. His priorities are seriously out of whack," said New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman John Currie. "It’s clear what’s most important to Chris Christie is Chris Christie, not the welfare of New Jersey's middle class families families."

Both the Star-Ledger and the Asbury Park Press have called on Governor Christie to resign from his chairmanship at the Republican Governors Association to spend more time doing the job the taxpayers of New Jersey are paying him to do. And, as the Bergen Record highlighted, even "Republican strategists are advising Christie to return to governing."

DETAILS ON GOVERNOR CHRISTIE’S DAY

Christie Will Attend A Fundraiser In New York City Benefiting The NRSC Despite Postponing His First Town Hall Since Bridgegate. “New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s first town hall since the Bridgegate story exploded last month was postponed due to snow, but he will be fundraising this evening in New York City for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, another example of the possible 2016 presidential candidate trying to broaden his national message while he deals with the fallout from the scandal at home. ‘Governor Christie is speaking at the welcome reception for the Winter NRSC Majority Makers Policy Retreat,’ a Christie aide told ABC.” [ABC News, 2/18/14]

Christie's Town Hall Meeting Cancelled, Rescheduled For Tuesday

Yesterday Govenor Christie was to hold one of his famous Town Hall meetings  at the Port Monmouth VFW Post 2179 but due to the big snow storm that was baring down on us the meeting was cancelled and rescheduled for next week. The Town Hall will now be held on Tuesday February 18th.

If you're interested in going to see what the governor has to say you still have time to RSVP. Here is a link from Middletown Township announcing the rescheduled event and instructions on how to RSVP.

As I stated in my earlier post announcing Christie's  arrival in Middletown, this Town Hall will be his 110th such meeting that Christie will have held since taking office in 2010. More importantly, it will be the first Town Hall meeting since the Bridgegate lane closure scandal and accusations of using Hurricane Sandy aid money to extract political endorsements from Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer and others engulfed his administration last month.

 While we know what Governor Christie intends will be talking about Tuesday morning (Superstorm Sandy relief and recovery efforts) it's what he won't be talking about that will be on a lot of people's mind.

Unfortunately for me, I once again am scheduled to work on Tuesday and will have to miss it. I'm sure however it will be widely covered by the media so I'll hear all about it shortly afterwards.

Video: Town Hall on Economic Development

A Town Hall on Economic Development was held Monday night at the Middletown Arts Center. One year after being organized, the Middletown Economic Development Committee opened their doors to the public to seek input from the business community. It was sparsely attended, about 30 people were in attendance. A few in attendance were business owners in town. Many of the other attendees came to express concerns on how to make the areas they live in better.

A presentation was given by Township Administrator Tony Mercantante showing various  lots around town that could be better utilized to attract businesses to Middletown but the Town Hall, while geared towards the theme of economic development, seemed to be more of a campaign event designed to highlight Gerry Sharfenberger's business savvy.  Many of the attendees who came out for this event however, came to express concerns on how to make the areas they live in better and what  more could be done to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

The best that Township officials could do though was to explained that they were not in the real estate business and could not force property owners to develop land they owned. They did say though, they could help in keeping properties maintained and safe through code enforcement.and added that they could use the help of the residents to report unsightly properties to the township code enforcement officers so that those properties could be maintained.

Watch the video, it's interesting to say the least.

Is A New Municipal Complex For Middletown In The Works?

It seems that after years of urging by local Democrats, a new municipal complex will finally be coming to Middletown. An architect has already started on the plans I've come to find out.

I was passed the following note tipped me off on the proposed new complex from an insider down at Town Hall who wished to remain anonymous for obvious reason. What do you think?

"It’s about time! Rumor has it that after several years of urging by local Democrats, Middletown will finally be getting a new police station within a new municipal complex. An architect has already started on the plans. There have been numerous issues raised by Democrats over the years about our existing police station. Issues regarding safety, flooding, mold, bugs, overloaded electrical circuits, overcrowding, and accommodations for female officers and the handicapped, to name just a few problems.

These are not the only reasons the new complex is long overdue. We are enjoying historically low interest rates and with the economy in its current state, we can expect low bid prices for construction. There are myriad funding opportunities available, as well. We hope the township looks into a Community Development Block Grant, the Municipalities Infrastructure Program, and numerous Federal grants provided by the EPA, DOT, Homeland Security and Smart Growth Program, to name just a few. Also a Section 319 Grant Award from the EPA would help mitigate the toxic ground contamination resulting from leaking underground storage tanks, which have been removed.

Besides outside funding, the township could sell its excess property around town to raise money. They could waive all permit and inspection fees on the new complex for added savings. The township could also sponsor a “Buy a Brick” program to entice residents to make private donations with the promise of their name on a prominently placed brick.

Don’t let the Republicans in control fool you by saying that this is their great idea. The police station has been in need of major repair or replacement for decades. Years they have been in control. Years they have ignored the safety, flooding, mold, etc. Let’s see when they reveal the fact that an architect has plans ready. Just before the election is a good guess.

The most important thing here is that the police will finally be getting the much needed and much deserved home base to protect Middletown’s residents. It’s about"