The Facts About Bail Reform and Middletown

 

Following up on last night's Candidate forum and blog post concerning Affordable Housing here in Middletown, below are the facts that I put together regarding NJ Bail Reform. 

Tony Perry likes to play to his base by disseminating false narratives and fear mongering on many issues affecting Middletown and unfortunately people gobble it up because they don't know any better.

Bottomline is you can't have it two ways, according to US News and World Reports, New Jersey ranks as the 6th safest State in the Country and Perry constantly maintains how the FBI lists Middletown one of, if not, the safest town in the United States!  

Bail Reform is not contributing to raising crime rates in NJ. As a matter of fact, it's contributing to keep our state safe. Experts from all over the country commend NJ's bail reform efforts and consider it a model to follow.

History of Bail Reform in New Jersey

 

New Jersey’s bail reform was a bipartisan effort aimed at addressing the unfairness of the cash bail system, with Republican Governor Chris Christie playing a key role. Before the reform, individuals charged with minor, non-violent offenses were often stuck in jail simply because they couldn’t afford bail. At the same time, those accused of serious crimes, but with deep pockets, could pay their way out and roam free. The system was flawed, allowing wealth to determine freedom, not risk to public safety.

 

Governor Christie pushed for reform, which led to the passage of the *Bail Reform and Speedy Trial Act*, effective in 2017. It was based on a risk assessment rather than the defendant’s ability to pay. The idea was simple: if someone posed no threat to the community and was likely to show up for trial, they shouldn’t be locked up just because they’re poor. On the flip side, dangerous offenders could be detained without bail, regardless of their financial resources.

 

In 2014, New Jersey voters approved a constitutional amendment to change the bail system. Christie, along with lawmakers from both parties, championed this reform as a way to make the justice system more equitable. The reform’s primary goal was to ensure that jail time before trial was reserved for those who truly posed a danger or a flight risk, not those who couldn’t afford bail.

 

Why Bail Reform is Good for New Jersey

 

Bail reform has had numerous positive effects in New Jersey. It has significantly reduced the number of people languishing in jail for minor offenses. This not only saved taxpayer money but also upheld the principle that people are innocent until proven guilty. Before reform, many people, often from low-income and minority backgrounds, were coerced into pleading guilty just to get out of jail faster, even if they were innocent.

 

The reform has also helped to reduce overcrowded jails. By focusing on risk, rather than wealth, New Jersey’s justice system has become more fair. Low-risk offenders can continue with their lives—working, supporting their families, and contributing to their communities—while awaiting trial. Meanwhile, those deemed high-risk remain in custody, regardless of their financial means.

 

Additionally, the reform has addressed racial and economic disparities. Previously, people of color and those with fewer financial resources were disproportionately affected by the old cash bail system. Now, the emphasis is on fairness and public safety, not money.

Middletown Mayor Tony Perry’s Anti-Bail Reform Stunts

 

Despite the proven benefits of bail reform, not everyone is on board. In Middletown, Mayor Tony Perry has been one of its loudest opponents. Last year, he made headlines by launching a series of anti-bail reform stunts, arguing that the reforms make communities less safe. Perry’s criticism echoed fearmongering claims that bail reform was leading to dangerous criminals being released, which have largely been debunked by data.

 

Perry’s stance, fueled by a few high-profile cases, led to dramatic gestures, including press conferences and resolutions calling for the rollback of bail reform. However, these stunts were criticized as a colossal waste of time by both legal experts and local residents. Critics pointed out that Perry’s actions distracted from real issues facing the town and were based more on fear than facts.

 

One of the key arguments against Perry’s position is that, despite his claims, crime rates in New Jersey have not spiked because of bail reform. In fact, most studies show the reform has helped streamline the system and made it fairer without increasing crime. Perry’s opposition, therefore, was seen by many as politically motivated and not grounded in the actual outcomes of the reform.

 

Conclusion

 

New Jersey’s bail reform, enacted under Governor Chris Christie, has been a positive force for fairness and public safety. It prevents low-risk, non-violent offenders from being jailed simply because they can’t afford bail, while ensuring that dangerous individuals are detained without regard to their wealth. The benefits are clear: fewer people stuck in jail unnecessarily, less taxpayer money wasted, and a more equitable justice system.

 

In Middletown, Mayor Perry’s objections to bail reform have been criticized as fearmongering and a distraction from more pressing local issues. His dramatic stunts have not changed the fact that bail reform is working and making New Jersey a fairer place for all its residents.

The Facts About Affordable Housing And Middletown

This evening I participated in a virtual Candidate Forum against Middletown's sitting mayor, Tony Perry, that was sponsored by the League of Women Voters. I did an extremely amount of prep for the event that I'm happy to say paid off because most of what Tony Perry had to say I was ready for. One of the topics of the forum that came up concerned the issue of Affordably Housing in Middletown and how that affects residents. 

Tony Perry and the Middletown Republicans have long been opposed to providing affordable housing options in Middletown, often exaggerating the amount of mandated housing that is needed and crying about "unfunded" Trenton mandates. Perry pretty much reiterated that opposition this evening. 

Below is a research paper, with the facts, that I put together to prepare myself to tonight's forum. I think you'll find it informative and I hope it answers questions that residents may have as opposed to taking Perry's over exaggerated, misrepresentative and often inflammatory objections. 

I'll be sharing a couple more research papers that I prepared tomorrow a long with a link to where you can watch a recording of tonight's LWV Middletown Committee Candidate Forum.

Enjoy!

Middletown, NJ’s Opposition to Affordable Housing

 

Middletown, NJ has long opposed state mandates to build affordable housing, a sentiment that has been amplified by local leadership, especially Mayor Tony Perry. In recent years, Perry has made exaggerated claims to fuel public opposition, most notably asserting that Governor Murphy’s mandate for 1,500 affordable units will lead to 6,000 new homes and apartments in Middletown. Perry claims that for every affordable housing unit built, developers are allowed to construct four market-rate units, causing alarm among residents about potential overdevelopment. However, a closer look reveals that Perry’s statements are both exaggerated and misleading.

 

History of Affordable Housing in New Jersey

 

New Jersey’s affordable housing debate dates back to the *Mount Laurel* decisions in the 1970s and 1980s, where the state’s Supreme Court ruled that municipalities must provide their “fair share” of affordable housing. These landmark cases sought to prevent exclusionary zoning practices, which allowed wealthier towns to use zoning laws to avoid building affordable housing. 

 

To enforce the court rulings, New Jersey established the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) in 1985. COAH was tasked with setting quotas for affordable housing and ensuring that municipalities complied with the court’s decisions. From the start, COAH faced pushback from suburban towns resistant to state mandates, particularly from wealthier communities concerned about changing their local character and increasing density.

 

Republican leadership in the state, particularly during Governor Chris Christie’s administration, was often at odds with these mandates. Christie went as far as refusing to appoint new commissioners to COAH, leaving the agency defunct and throwing affordable housing planning into disarray. When Governor Phil Murphy took office in 2018, he dissolved COAH entirely, recognizing that it had been rendered ineffective. Murphy sought to re-energize the state’s commitment to affordable housing, but he encountered fierce resistance from municipalities like Middletown.

 

Middletown’s Recent Opposition and Tony Perry’s Claims

 

Middletown has consistently pushed back against affordable housing requirements, with Mayor Tony Perry leading the charge. His claim that the town will need to build 1,500 affordable units has been used to stoke fears of overdevelopment. However, it is unclear where Perry came up with this number. The claim appears to misrepresent the long-term housing projections for Middletown.

 

A 2016 consultant report, which is not official but provides a planning framework, offers a more nuanced picture. On page 96 of the report, it estimates that Middletown would need to build 1,461 affordable units between 1999 and 2025—a multi-decade projection, not an immediate requirement. Perry’s suggestion that the town faces an imminent mandate to build 1,500 affordable units is an exaggeration. This number spans decades, meaning it is a long-term goal, not a sudden demand that would overwhelm the community.

 

Additionally, Perry’s assertion that developers are automatically allowed to build four market-rate units for every affordable one is misleading. In reality, the affordable housing process in New Jersey is much more complex. The state operates on a credit system, which provides flexibility for municipalities. For example, towns receive extra credits for senior housing, assisted living, and rental units, which can reduce the overall number of market-rate units required in an affordable housing development. The notion that each affordable unit automatically translates to four additional market-rate units oversimplifies the process and inflates the numbers, fueling unnecessary fears among residents.

 

Builder’s Remedy Lawsuits: The Cost of Opposition

 

Middletown’s refusal to comply with affordable housing mandates has led to a number of *Builder’s Remedy* lawsuits. A *Builder’s Remedy* occurs when a municipality fails to meet its affordable housing obligations, allowing developers to sue the town and gain approval to build larger projects than the town might otherwise allow. These lawsuits have become costly for Middletown, leading to settlements that often favor developers and include more housing units than if the town had been proactive in planning for affordable housing. 

 

The financial burden of these lawsuits falls on local taxpayers. If Middletown had complied with affordable housing requirements early on, it could have avoided these legal battles and maintained greater control over the size and scope of new developments. Instead, the town’s resistance has led to expensive settlements and larger developments, the very outcomes Perry claims to oppose.

 

Conclusion

 

Middletown’s opposition to affordable housing, driven by exaggerated claims from mayor Tony Perry, reflects a broader resistance from suburban towns across New Jersey, particularly those with Republican leadership. Perry’s alarmist claim that Middletown faces a mandate for 1,500 affordable units, which could lead to 6,000 new homes, misrepresents both the timeline and the mechanisms of affordable housing. His statements stoke fear about overdevelopment, but the reality is far less dramatic. The 1,500 units are projected over multiple decades, and the credit system provides flexibility that Perry’s narrative ignores.

 

Middletown’s refusal to engage constructively with the state’s affordable housing mandates has led to costly *Builder’s Remedy* lawsuits, placing a financial burden on taxpayers and resulting in larger developments than would have been necessary had the town been proactive. By complying with affordable housing requirements, Middletown could regain control over its future development while ensuring that it meets its legal obligations to provide affordable housing. Perry’s exaggerated claims do more to stir opposition than to address the real issues facing the town, and ultimately, they leave Middletown in a worse position both financially and developmentally.

Two River Times: Middletown Incumbent Faces Democratic Challenger in Committee Race

 I wanted to post this earlier but time got away from me. In the October 10th edition of the Two River Times appears a Middletown candidate Q&A profile between myself and Tony Perry.

When you read the answers its pretty evident that Perry preferred to supply fluff over substance and resorted to the same old tired scare tactic answers that he and his predecessors have been spewing out for the past 20 years but you can decide for yourself.

The Two River Times reached out to each candidate for their thoughts about the issues facing Middletown residents.

The Two River Times: What motivated you to run for the township committee?

Michael Morris: I am running for a seat on the Middletown Township Committee because I believe Middletown’s government lacks a clear vision for our town’s future. Based on the decisions our elected officials have made on land use and zoning, it is clear the Township Committee is more interested in maintaining the status quo than actually leading. Instead of looking forward to the future and embracing the changing world around us, its members are stuck in the past. They are reactionary as opposed to visionary.

Tony Perry: What motivates me to run is my dedication. Seeing my parents work so hard to put me in a position to succeed, now it’s my turn to put my kids in a position to succeed. As mayor, it’s my job to put every single kid and every single family in a position to succeed, whether you are a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent, whether you care about politics or not. Middletown is my priority. It’s my job and my responsibility to create a great place to live, work and raise a family. That’s what I’m going to do every single day. I am never going to stop fighting for Middletown, whether I’m in this job or not.

TRT: What do you think are the most pressing issues in the township? Where would you like to see a change?

Morris: Middletown has an affordability problem. There are few attainable housing options for young people that have grown up here and wish to stay in our community. Young professionals, working-class families and seniors are being priced out of our community.

Since backing out of its COAH (Council on Affordable Housing) responsibilities, the township has been in the pockets of the developers, continuing to approve massive townhouse and condominium complexes that maximize builder profits over community needs under the threat of builders’ remedy lawsuits. These townhouses and condos often cost upward of $800,000 per unit. This leaves many young families nowhere in our community to establish roots of their own.

Perry: It is impossible for every municipality to be able to afford these (builders’ remedy) lawsuits. But Middletown has been very loud on this issue. I have taken a very tough stance that I am not opposed to creating affordable housing. We have our 100% veteran housing project built as we speak. We’ve partnered with Habitat for Humanity, where we have taken properties that Middletown has been able to foreclose on and donate them to Habitat for Humanity… to help residents because government doesn’t have to be the answer to every problem, but it can be the spark. It can be the catalyst to make a better community and a greater, stronger community.Trenton’s constant threat of overdevelopment has got to change eventually....

You can read the rest of the article over at the Two River Times

Patch: Meet Mike Morris, Running For Middletown Township Committee

 The Middletown Patch has posted my Candidate profile, a simple Q&A that consists of several inquiring questions that Middletown residents should find interesting. I'm going to post a snippet of the online publication here and encourage you all to follow the link to finish the article. 

My only gripe (and it's minor) with this article is that regardless of how many times its pointed out that Tony Perry, like myself, is running for a seat on the Township Committee, where if reelected, he can be appointed once again as Mayor. It always seem to come across as if we're both running for Mayor. Middletown does not elect it's own Mayor. The person assuming the mayorship is  appointed to the position by the other four sitting members of the Township Committee... Rant over 😊 

Here is a little bit of what i had to say: 

Give a brief bio on yourself. Age, education, occupation. 

 I’ve lived and raised my family in Middletown for 34 years. I’ve stood up for working-class taxpayers, special-needs families, affordability and transparency in government. Since 2008 my watchdog blog “MiddletownMike” has kept residents informed about township policies, issues and events. I am a proud graduate of Brookdale Community College and have worked in the chemical industry for 30 years. 

Why are you running? 

 Middletown's government lacks a clear vision for our town's future. They rely on outdated strip malls and large developments without a strategy for organic growth. We need better commuting options, including walkability, bike lanes and transit connectivity. But, instead of addressing traffic congestion, the Township Committee keeps building car-dependent communities.

Growth is inevitable, but how we manage it defines our future. We can't grow sustainably without attracting new residents and businesses. Unfortunately, Middletown has an affordability problem: Young professionals, working-class families and seniors are being priced out. There are no more affordable housing options for those that wish to stay in our community. 

The annual reassessment of Township property values has driven massive tax increases for the average homeowner. According to Middletown's CFO, the average property assessment has risen 47 percent over the past five years. That’s great if you're about to sell your home. If not, the tax increases associated with it will put you into the poorhouse! 

Despite higher taxes, we're getting less value. Brush and leaf collection has been reduced, storm clean-up is lacking, our roads and sidewalks are in terrible condition. We can do better! We must commit to fixing our broken streets and sidewalks to promote and restore our walkable neighborhoods. 

Can you pinpoint any failures on the Middletown Township Committee in the past few years — specifically point to things you would have done differently? What do you see are mistakes they've made in running the Township? 

Over the years its been the perception that the Township Committee is more interested in maintaining the status quo than actually leading. Instead of looking forward to the future and embracing the changing world around us, its members look to the antiquated past of days gone by. Instead of living in the 21st century, they look back to the last century and yearn for the days of the 1950s. They are reactionary as opposed to visionary....

You can finish reading on the Middletown Patch

Team Pallone: It's Frank 30s

 Friends, 

We all know Frank Pallone as one of the most effective Members of Congress. That’s why it's important to  spread the word about the Congressman’s accomplishments and making sure that  nothing is left  on the field this upcoming election. 

Frank Pallone are working for accessible health care, taking on price gouging, fighting to make housing more affordable, and advocating for the environment.

 

Young Democrats Support Mike Morris

 

I am happy to accept the support and endorsement of the New Jersey Young Democrats! And before anyone says anything, yes, 59 is still young in today's day and age 😄

NJ Spotlight: A conversation with Matthew Jenkins, NJ District 4 Democratic candidate

 

NJ Spotlight News Senior Digital Projects Editor Colleen O’Dea sits down with New Jersey’s District 4 Democratic candidate Matthew Jenkins. 

 NJ Decides 2024 Election Exchange is a political podcast series that gives New Jersey voters insight into the candidates running for Congress this November. NJ Spotlight News Anchor Briana Vannozzi, Senior Political Correspondent David Cruz, and Senior Digital Projects Editor Colleen O’Dea sit down with candidates for one-on-one candid conversations about the issues impacting the Garden State. 

 

Hate Group Endorses Middletown BOE Member for Re-election

 Before casting your ballot this year for the Middletown Board of Education(BOE), you should be aware that a long time member of the BOE who is seeking reelection, Joan Minnuies, has been endorsed by the New Jersey Project.  This should raise a few red flags and give pause to anyone looking to cast a vote for Minnuies.

Why?

 The Southern Poverty Law Center(SPLC) has labeled the antigovernment organization New Jersey Project as a hate group, defining the New Jersey Project as, "Antigovernment groups are part of the antidemocratic hard-right movement. They believe the federal government is tyrannical, and they traffic in conspiracy theories about an illegitimate government of leftist elites seeking a “New World Order.” In addition to groups that generally espouse these ideas, the movement is composed of sovereign citizens, militias, overt conspiracy propagandists and constitutional sheriff groups. In the past, this movement was referred to as the “Patriot” movement by adherents and critics."

Can you imagine being endorsed for office by a hate group and supporting that person? I guess you could if you're a Republican that supports Donald Trump.

Another reason why people should have second thoughts about supporting Joan Minnuies for re-election is the troubling accusations brought against her by a Township resident, accusing Minnuies of bullying and berating the resident's intellectually disabled son.  According to an online petition that has been signed by over 1500 people, seeking Minnuiess' removal from the BOE and General Election ballot, "Minnuies' intolerable behavior towards vulnerable individuals raises serious concerns about her suitability to sit on the Middletown Board of Education. Those entrusted with such influential positions have the responsibility to advocate for the wellbeing of all students, including those with intellectual and developmental differences. Individuals like Minnuies who display blatant disregard for the feelings and welfare of others, arguably are not fit for these positions. This matter has been brought to all members of the Board of Education with no responses..." 

It should be noted as it pertains her the accusations of bullying, Joan Minnuies is on record, both recently and in the past, of voting against or abstaining from various bullying measure that the BOE has tried to enact. It's really disgraceful.

Joan Minnuies has been a member of the Middletown Board of Education for longer than I can remember. During her tenure she has been nothing but controversial. There is not one former BOE member that I know (and I know over a dozen) that has anything constructive to say about her. She has been described as hard to work with, untrustworthy and only out for herself. She has also had a number of ethical complaints filed against her by fellow BOE members in the past.  

Joan's time has come and gone, she doesn't deserve another term as a member of the Middletown Board of Education, we don't need more hate! It's time to move on.

I for one will not be supporting her and I hope others feel the same.

Vote 411 Candidate Profile

 If you want to know a little about myself and the issues that I feel are import for Middletown voters to be concerned over then I suggest checking out my Candidate Profile available at VOTE411.ORG

For those curious, I answered the following 4 questions concerning Middletown below are partial answers to these questions. Hit the Candidate Profile link above to read my complete answers:  

1. What are the major challenges facing the community, and how would you propose to face these challenges if elected? 

 Middletown's government lacks a clear vision for our town's future. There is no strategy for organic growth; We need better commuting options, including walkability, bike lanes, and transit connectivity. Growth is inevitable, but how we manage it defines our future. We can't grow sustainably without attracting new residents and businesses. Unfortunately, Middletown has an affordability problem: young professionals, working-class families, and seniors are being priced out. There is no more affordable housing options for those that wish to stay in our community....

 2. How has your personal and professional expirience prepared you to serve in the municipal government? 

I’ve lived and raised my family in Middletown for 34 years. I’ve stood up for working class taxpayers, special needs families, affordability and transparency in government. Since 2008 my watchdog blog “MiddletownMike” has kept residents informed about township policies, issues and events. Working in the Chemical industry has prepared me to expect the unexpected and prepare for the 'what if'.  

 3. What polices, if any, would you pursue to help mitigate the effects of climate change and promote and preserve environmental quality in the community? 

Unlike many naysayers, I believe that climate change is real. I believe that we have to rely on science and commonsense to help alleviate its impact on our environment. We need to embrace Green technologies like solar & wind power, alternative fuels and green building practices. The Township's Planning and Zoning boards need to place an emphasis on sustainability when approving projects or development...

4.  If elected, how would you address the issue of affordable housing in the community? 

 As stated already, I believe Middletown has an affordability problem. There are no more affordable housing options for those that wish to stay in our community; young professionals, working-class families, and seniors are being priced out of our community. The annual reassessment of township property values has driven massive tax increases for the average homeowner. According to Middletown's CFO, the average property assessment has risen 47% over the past five years....   

Endorsed by Garden State Equality

 

Yesterday, I'm proud to announce I've received the endorsement of Garden State Equality! I am proud of my support for the LGBTQ+ community and will alway advocate for and fight for its acceptance.

They're Eating The Dogs....

 

Even though National Read A Book Day was on September 6th, I'm not going to pass up a chance to read this new Dr. Seuss classic! 

Hat tip to JoJoFromJerz 

Trump’s Trainwreck

 

National Review: “If you’re obsessing over how bad, how in the tank for Kamala Harris, the two ABC 

news moderators were, it’s because you don’t want to come to grips with the brute fact that Donald Trump was a disaster last night. He was unhinged, often incoherent, incapable of completing thoughts and sentences when he had points to make, and led into self-absorbed rabbit-holes — claims that he won the 2020 election, the size of his rallies, whether ‘migrants’ are eating stolen pets — that diverted him from opportunity after opportunity to expose Harris as a radical leftist now pretending to be a pragmatic centrist who suddenly loves her some guns. 

” “Trump had one job: stay on message about Harris’s dizzying renunciations of her positions — so inexplicable that Harris has dribbled them out through nameless campaign sources rather than addressed them in her own voice…”

 “Trump couldn’t do it. And yes, that’s largely because he is an undisciplined solipsist so effortlessly drawn into railing about rally attendance when the subject at hand is Harris’s indefensible border record — and if you think last night’s target audience cares whether the interlocutor steering Trump off course was Harris or the moderators, then you’re missing the point.”

 “But there’s more to it than that. Trump also couldn’t stick to deconstructing Harris’s ‘values’ bunk because his own values are always negotiable.”  - Politicalwire.com

Lincoln Project: State Line

 Project 2025 and its evil architects envision an America where women will be monitored, prosecuted, and jailed for exercising their own bodily autonomy. We are not going back!

Happy Labor Day

 

“It was working men and women who made the 20th century the American century. It was the labor movement that helped secure so much of what we take for granted today.” — Barack Obama

 “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” — Dale Carnegie 

 “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” — Gail Devers

The Lincoln Project: One Old Man

There's only one person in this race now with mental problems,one person with memory problems, one person feeling the icy hand of death from old age creeping closer one person who knows the clock is running out, and that's old Donald Trump