Published in the Star Ledger, Thursday, February 21, 2008
In a hat tip to past, city sells factory
Old Stetson site will become housing
BY KEVIN C. DILWORTH
Star-Ledger Staff
A proposal to transform one of the old Stetson hat factory buildings into artists' residence cleared a major hurdle after the Orange City Council approved the sale of the structure to a consortium of developers.
The council voted 4-3 Tuesday night to sell 540 Mitchell St. for $300,000. Those opposed to the sale argued the price was too low.
"My issue is, and has been, the price," said Councilman Edward Marable. "I'm not convinced that the price is fair and equitable."
But supporters said the sale would lead to a transformation of what is being called the Valley Arts district.
"We will restore this historic landmark building, and make it a destination, with artists living and working in the renovated struc ture," said Patrick Morrissy, direc tor of the nonprofit Housing and Neighborhood Development Services (HANDS) Inc. organization, a partner with a consortium of developers known as Harvard Development Associates, said yesterday.
"We're going to buy the property next door, demolish it, and then build a new building, with 14 artist live-work lofts, and it will be connected to the historic struc ture," Morrissy said.
A century ago, the building partly comprised the Stetson family's "No Name Hat Factory" complex. It is just one of several properties that the city of Orange, as part of a Aug. 2, 2006 contract, is obli gated to sell to the consortium. It is all part of the city's Central Val ley Redevelopment Plan.
That plan calls for breathing new residential and business life into that section of the city, where 33 hat manufacturing firms were part of a renowned hat manufacturing capital, between the late 1800s and early 1920s.
Today, the area today is dubbed the future Valley Arts District, and the consortium, that also includes Alpert Group LLC of Fort Lee, and Ironstate Holdings LLC, a division of the Applied Development Co. of Hoboken, is responsible for transforming a five-block area, along Jef ferson Street, into a community for artists.
The sale of the building was approved by council members Has san Abdul-Rasheed, Tency Eason, Vivian Gaunt and Lisa Perkins. In addition to Marble, council members Donald Page and Coram Rimes voted against the sale.
During the meeting Tuesday, questions were raised about the appraised value of the building, and why the city should not renege on its contractual obligation, risk a lawsuit, and accept a $400,000 bid and sell the building to someone else.
Marable, along with Janice Mor rell, chairwoman of the Orange Zoning Board of Adjustment, chastised city officials for getting just one appraised value on the building, and for using that single figure to seal a deal, without any negotiation.
The Rev. G. Wiggins, who iden tified himself as the pastor of the Memorial West Presbyterian Church in Newark, said the city was making a big mistake by not accepting his counteroffer to buy the building for $100,000 more.
A contract is a contract and such a suggestion is unethical and illegal, Jewel Thompson-Chin, the city's business administrator, told the religious leader, city council and the public.
"Why backstab our partners?" Thompson-Chin asked rhetorically. "That is not how we do business in the city."
Orange, as part of an approved redevelopment agreement with the consortium of developers, is obli gated to "convey parcels out, as part of that redevelopment plan," to the developers associated with Harvard Development Associates, Thompson-Chin said. "We cannot consider his (Higgins) offer."
Marable agreed, and cited how the council has a fiduciary responsibility and "good faith" obligation" to live up to its agreement with the developers.
Higgins disagreed.
"This is a bad decision," said Higgins, who suggested Orange break its contract with the developers and risk the unethical backlash that might result.
"A black eye is better than selling (Orange's) future down the tubes," Higgins reasoned.
Councilwoman Tency Eason said she was baffled by Higgins stance.
Up until last month, "I never heard of him or his church," Eason said. "He came out of nowhere."
Now that the boarded up 540 Mitchell Street is in the hands of the approved developers, the city is better off, Eason said.
"It's a great opportunity for the city," Eason said. "It'll be a great project. It's going to revitalize the Valley (neighborhood). It's been so long, and now, to see some life come back to it. Everybody should be happy."
Higgins could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Kevin C. Dilworth may be reached at kdilworth@starled ger.com or (973) 392-4143.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Condo Conversions - Ledger - Stetson Factory In Orange
Published in the Star Ledger, Friday, January 25, 2008
Hearing set on sale of factory
Residential, work lofts planned in Orange
BY KEVIN C. DILWORTH
Star-Ledger Staff
Orange has scheduled a public hearing on the planned sale of one of the old boarded up factory buildings, where John B. Stetson and his family built a thriving hat manufacturing business in the 1800s and early 1900s.
The hearing and final vote on selling 540 Mitchell St., a three-story brick building that was part of the famed Stetson family's No Name Hat Factory complex, is scheduled for Feb. 19.
The city is planning to sell the building to a partnership proposing to create residential/work lofts.
The final vote on the sale had been originally scheduled for Jan. 15, but was postponed after the last minute discovery of a sales price typographical error.
"It was a mistake within my department and I take full responsibility for it," Marty Mayes, the city's director of planning and development said.
Some 40 supporters of the planned affordable housing community showed up at the meeting to support the proposal offered by Harvard Development Associates LLC, a co-developer along with Housing and Neighborhood Development Services Inc. (HANDS) nonprofit agency in Orange.
The sale's figure was supposed to be $300,000, not $330,000, and that correction must be the subject of a new public hearing, along with a second and final city council vote, Mayes said.
If the measure is approved, the co-developers plan to spend more than $1.4 million to gut the structure and transform it into affordable residences. The developers also plan to construct another building on an adjacent lot. In all the development would have 20-30 artists live-work lofts, according to Patrick Morrissy, the housing agency's executive director.
"We're very excited about it," Morrissy said of the No Name Hat Factory building's plans.
The boarded up hat factory, next to NJ Transit's rail line and its Highland Avenue rail station, has been an unoccupied eyesore for more than 20 years.
The factory complex originally was built by Stephen Stetson, along with his sons, including John B. Stetson. The Stetson family collectively created what became Orange's third largest hat manufacturing business, the No Name Hat Factory.
John B. Stetson trademarked the Stetson name and built his own hat manufacturing empire under his world-renowned name, in Philadelphia. Yet, neither he nor any of his other family members in Orange could ever come up with a name for the factory there, other than, No Name.
Morrissy said he remains cautiously optimistic about the rebirth of the No Name Hat Factory struc ture.
"What you'll have is this old turn-of-the-century factory building, which is three stories, plus a full basement, that will be completely rehabilitated," Morrissy said. "And then we're going to build a new building, south of it, facing Jefferson Street. It will be a two-year-long project."
Kevin C. Dilworth may be reached at kdilworth@starled ger.com or (973) 392-4143.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Hearing set on sale of factory
Residential, work lofts planned in Orange
BY KEVIN C. DILWORTH
Star-Ledger Staff
Orange has scheduled a public hearing on the planned sale of one of the old boarded up factory buildings, where John B. Stetson and his family built a thriving hat manufacturing business in the 1800s and early 1900s.
The hearing and final vote on selling 540 Mitchell St., a three-story brick building that was part of the famed Stetson family's No Name Hat Factory complex, is scheduled for Feb. 19.
The city is planning to sell the building to a partnership proposing to create residential/work lofts.
The final vote on the sale had been originally scheduled for Jan. 15, but was postponed after the last minute discovery of a sales price typographical error.
"It was a mistake within my department and I take full responsibility for it," Marty Mayes, the city's director of planning and development said.
Some 40 supporters of the planned affordable housing community showed up at the meeting to support the proposal offered by Harvard Development Associates LLC, a co-developer along with Housing and Neighborhood Development Services Inc. (HANDS) nonprofit agency in Orange.
The sale's figure was supposed to be $300,000, not $330,000, and that correction must be the subject of a new public hearing, along with a second and final city council vote, Mayes said.
If the measure is approved, the co-developers plan to spend more than $1.4 million to gut the structure and transform it into affordable residences. The developers also plan to construct another building on an adjacent lot. In all the development would have 20-30 artists live-work lofts, according to Patrick Morrissy, the housing agency's executive director.
"We're very excited about it," Morrissy said of the No Name Hat Factory building's plans.
The boarded up hat factory, next to NJ Transit's rail line and its Highland Avenue rail station, has been an unoccupied eyesore for more than 20 years.
The factory complex originally was built by Stephen Stetson, along with his sons, including John B. Stetson. The Stetson family collectively created what became Orange's third largest hat manufacturing business, the No Name Hat Factory.
John B. Stetson trademarked the Stetson name and built his own hat manufacturing empire under his world-renowned name, in Philadelphia. Yet, neither he nor any of his other family members in Orange could ever come up with a name for the factory there, other than, No Name.
Morrissy said he remains cautiously optimistic about the rebirth of the No Name Hat Factory struc ture.
"What you'll have is this old turn-of-the-century factory building, which is three stories, plus a full basement, that will be completely rehabilitated," Morrissy said. "And then we're going to build a new building, south of it, facing Jefferson Street. It will be a two-year-long project."
Kevin C. Dilworth may be reached at kdilworth@starled ger.com or (973) 392-4143.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Muhlenberg - Ledger - Hospital to close
Published in the Star Ledger, Saturday, February 23, 2008
Flood of red ink spells the end of Muhlenberg Medical Center
BY MARIAM JUKAKU AND ANGELA STEWART
Star-Ledger Staff
Faced with mounting deficits caused mainly by insufficient state aid to cover all its uninsured patients, officials at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield said yesterday they plan to close the 130-year-old facility later this year.
The Union County hospital plans to file formal papers with the state Department of Health and Senior Services on March 1 seek ing the closure. If approved, programs and services will be phased out during a "wind down" period before Muhlenberg finally stops admitting patients.
"Do I expect people to be upset? Yes. I am upset," said John P. McGee, president and CEO of Solaris Health System, which owns the hospital.
More than half of New Jersey's 78 community care hospitals are operating in the red, a result of a convergence of economic forces including declining reimbursement from major insurers like Medicare and increased operating costs. In the last six months, three hospitals -- Barnert in Paterson, Pascack Valley in Westwood and Union Hospital in Union Twp. -- have closed.
Others, including Saint James and Columbus in Newark and Greenville in Jersey City, are scheduled to close soon.
The decision to close the 396-bed Plainfield hospital was a "last resort" after an attempt to find a buyer failed, McGee said. Muhlenberg, which also has 1,100 employees and 350 affiliated physicians, was put up for sale last November. Officials say they reached out to more than 60 potential buy ers.
McGee said one reason for the lack of interest is economics: Muh lenberg will likely show a loss of $18 million for 2007.
The hospital -- whose emer gency room treats 35,000 patients a year -- doled out some $15.4 million in uncompensated care last year, but received only $6.2 million from the state in charity care funding, spokesman Steven Weiss said.
McGee said the hospital absorbs whatever the state does not provide in charity care funding.
Muhlenberg has also been treating a growing number of uninsured patients as well as undocumented patients, most of whom are not insured and do not qualify for charity care, he said.
"The cost of providing this care is more of a burden than anything else," he said. "But don't think that closing Muhlenberg solves this underlying public policy issue. It doesn't."
The hospital's financial problems have also been affected by declining numbers of patients and competition from free-standing outpatient surgery centers in Central Jersey, officials said.
Once it closes, the hospital plans to maintain, at least temporarily, a satellite emergency room with limited services. Plans also call for the nursing school to re main open, although some change in accreditation will be required.
A home care service the hospital jointly operates with its sister facility, JFK Medical Center in Edison, will continue to function. Muhlenberg merged with JFK in 1997 to form the Solaris Health System.
JFK, with 380 beds, is located about five miles away, in Middlesex County, and will be the closest acute-care hospital to Plainfield.
Local elected officials concerned about issues like transportation are hoping to create a task force to ensure Plainfield residents get the essential medical services they need after the closing.
Leading the effort is Assemblyman Jerry Green (D-Union), who wants officials from Overlook Hospital in Summit, Somerset Medical Center and Saint Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick to either offer services in Plainfield or take in patients from Muhlenberg.
"We're hoping we can sit down in Central Jersey and come up with a plan that will be efficient for everyone," Green said.
Katrina Pagan, of North Plainfield, who's been coming to Muh lenberg for her routine pregnancy checkups since September, spends about $7 for a taxi to the facility. She estimated it will cost her about $25 to get to JFK.
"It's going to make it difficult," said Pagan, the mother of a 21-month-old son who feels patients should have been notified sooner.
McGee said only about one- third of the hospital's employees may be retained initially and conceded that the other two-thirds are "at risk." Green is hoping the task force can play a role in finding jobs for some of them.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Flood of red ink spells the end of Muhlenberg Medical Center
BY MARIAM JUKAKU AND ANGELA STEWART
Star-Ledger Staff
Faced with mounting deficits caused mainly by insufficient state aid to cover all its uninsured patients, officials at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield said yesterday they plan to close the 130-year-old facility later this year.
The Union County hospital plans to file formal papers with the state Department of Health and Senior Services on March 1 seek ing the closure. If approved, programs and services will be phased out during a "wind down" period before Muhlenberg finally stops admitting patients.
"Do I expect people to be upset? Yes. I am upset," said John P. McGee, president and CEO of Solaris Health System, which owns the hospital.
More than half of New Jersey's 78 community care hospitals are operating in the red, a result of a convergence of economic forces including declining reimbursement from major insurers like Medicare and increased operating costs. In the last six months, three hospitals -- Barnert in Paterson, Pascack Valley in Westwood and Union Hospital in Union Twp. -- have closed.
Others, including Saint James and Columbus in Newark and Greenville in Jersey City, are scheduled to close soon.
The decision to close the 396-bed Plainfield hospital was a "last resort" after an attempt to find a buyer failed, McGee said. Muhlenberg, which also has 1,100 employees and 350 affiliated physicians, was put up for sale last November. Officials say they reached out to more than 60 potential buy ers.
McGee said one reason for the lack of interest is economics: Muh lenberg will likely show a loss of $18 million for 2007.
The hospital -- whose emer gency room treats 35,000 patients a year -- doled out some $15.4 million in uncompensated care last year, but received only $6.2 million from the state in charity care funding, spokesman Steven Weiss said.
McGee said the hospital absorbs whatever the state does not provide in charity care funding.
Muhlenberg has also been treating a growing number of uninsured patients as well as undocumented patients, most of whom are not insured and do not qualify for charity care, he said.
"The cost of providing this care is more of a burden than anything else," he said. "But don't think that closing Muhlenberg solves this underlying public policy issue. It doesn't."
The hospital's financial problems have also been affected by declining numbers of patients and competition from free-standing outpatient surgery centers in Central Jersey, officials said.
Once it closes, the hospital plans to maintain, at least temporarily, a satellite emergency room with limited services. Plans also call for the nursing school to re main open, although some change in accreditation will be required.
A home care service the hospital jointly operates with its sister facility, JFK Medical Center in Edison, will continue to function. Muhlenberg merged with JFK in 1997 to form the Solaris Health System.
JFK, with 380 beds, is located about five miles away, in Middlesex County, and will be the closest acute-care hospital to Plainfield.
Local elected officials concerned about issues like transportation are hoping to create a task force to ensure Plainfield residents get the essential medical services they need after the closing.
Leading the effort is Assemblyman Jerry Green (D-Union), who wants officials from Overlook Hospital in Summit, Somerset Medical Center and Saint Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick to either offer services in Plainfield or take in patients from Muhlenberg.
"We're hoping we can sit down in Central Jersey and come up with a plan that will be efficient for everyone," Green said.
Katrina Pagan, of North Plainfield, who's been coming to Muh lenberg for her routine pregnancy checkups since September, spends about $7 for a taxi to the facility. She estimated it will cost her about $25 to get to JFK.
"It's going to make it difficult," said Pagan, the mother of a 21-month-old son who feels patients should have been notified sooner.
McGee said only about one- third of the hospital's employees may be retained initially and conceded that the other two-thirds are "at risk." Green is hoping the task force can play a role in finding jobs for some of them.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Muhlenberg - Courier - Hospital to close
Published in the Courier News, Saturday, February 23, 2008
Muhlenberg to close most hospital units
ER, nursing school remain open
By CLEM FIORENTINO
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD -- Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center will close its acute-care hospital facility, most likely by the end of the summer.
Solaris Health Systems, the nonprofit parent company of Muhlenberg and JFK Medical Center in Edison, will file a certificate of need with the state Department of Health and Senior Services next week, citing "overwhelming financial losses" at the Plainfield location.
Some services will remain.
"While there will no longer be acute-care hospital services provided at the Plainfield campus, we are committed to operating a satellite emergency room and home care, as well as keeping the Muhlenberg School of Nursing open," said John McGee, president and CEO of Solaris. "We have an opportunity to work with local and state health officials to identify and reduce barriers to accessing health-care services for residents of Plainfield and the region, following the closure of acute-care services."
Acute-care services include operating rooms, medical-surgical units, intensive care, coronary-care units, obstetrics and about 180 beds in use.
The cutbacks will affect about 1,000 of Muhlenberg's 1,100 employees.
If a patient receives emergency-room care at the satellite facility and then requires either additional treatment or a hospital admission, he or she would then have to be transported to nearby facility with acute-care capabilities.
"Muhlenberg has been a part of the Plainfield community for more than 130 years, faithfully serving a diverse population with clinical excellence and compassion. This was the very last option we wanted to consider," said Thomas Sharp, chairman of Solaris' board of directors.
Assemblyman Jerry Green, D-Plainfield, predicted the worst in a statement released earlier this week after a private meeting he attended with officials from Solaris, municipal officials and a representative from the state Department of Health and Senior Services.
Based on that meeting, he has asked for a regional task force to deal with the impending health-care crisis.
"I will do everything in my power to keep some services there," Green said. "There is a need for Muhlenberg to be in the community. It's not only Plainfield. It services Fanwood, Scotch Plains and other areas. Plus, we have 1,100 people who work there."
As for the task force, Green said he has reached out to officials at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville and St. Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick. Green said the surrounding medical facilities (including JFK Medical Center, another Solaris site) realize that the burden might fall on them.
"I'm trying to get people who understand the process," Green said. "I'm not out to undermine Solaris. There is no money available. Why should I lay back? Why waste time? We want to prepare for the worst. We're running out of money. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what's going to happen."
Green already has two recruits.
"I have accepted Assemblyman Green's invitation to serve on a task force to explore viable options to meet the health-care needs of the communities currently served by Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center," said Kenneth Bateman, president and CEO of Somerset Medical Center in Somerville. "Given the complexities facing health care in our state today, working toward a solution is going to take a collaborative effort. For this reason, I have suggested to Assemblyman Green that he consider a broad spectrum of community and health-care leaders for his task force."
Later Friday, St. Peter's issued this statement:
"We are pleased to explore opportunities that enhance our mission of providing health-care services to those in need, particularly the underserved," said Ronald C. Rak, president and CEO of St. Peter's Healthcare System. "We will work with Assemblyman Green and the task force to help identify those areas where Saint Peter's may collaborate in providing essential services to the affected communities."
Perhaps the one culprit issue is the amount of charity-care funds the state is able to give to hospitals across the state. Muhlenberg alone lost $10 million in charity-care deficits last year.
"Whatever charity-care dollars are left on the table, those dollars should go to programs that survive (at Muhlenberg)," Green said.
That, however, might not be as simple as it sounds because the funding sources -- charity care, Medicaid and Medicare -- reimburse at less than hospital cost, and none of those funds figure to increase anytime soon.
All eyes will be on Gov. Jon S. Corzine's state budget proposal next week. Much will depend on the formula under which the governor and his advisers delineate the formula for charity care.
At issue is whether special funds should be earmarked for distressed or "safety-net" hospitals -- those that provide the lion's share of care to the poor and underserved -- and whether hospitals neighboring those facilities that close should receive more aid.
"We are prepared for a very difficult state budget," said Kerry McKean Kelly, vice president of communications for the New Jersey Hospital Association in Princeton. "It's no secret that the governor is looking to freeze programs. It's a very real concern. Borderline hospitals might be pushed over the edge because of charity-care cuts."
Kelly also points to deep cuts at the federal level as well, including $246 million in Medicare cuts in the president's budget proposal.
Tom Slater, a spokesman for the state Department of Health and Senior Services, said there will be public hearings and that the process should take about six months before the department rules on the application.
Slater also said state officials will act as a resource for any community effort to ensure quality of care and access to services.
"We were aware Muhlenberg was struggling," Slater said. "We acted as a resource. We will continue to work with the community."
The financial situation at Muhlenberg has been impacted by declining patient volumes and competition from free-standing outpatient surgery centers in Central Jersey, Solaris said in its statement.
In November, Solaris engaged Cain Brothers, a New York-based investment banking firm, to attempt to sell the facility. After outreach to more than 60 potential buyers and despite preliminary interest by several out-of-state and local health-care organizations, Solaris said that no formal offers were submitted.
"In 2007, with further reductions in state funding, annual operating losses at Muhlenberg reached more than $18 million. We have done everything in our power to keep Muhlenberg open," McGee said. "The escalating losses at Muhlenberg, coupled with the lack of offers to purchase the facility, have left us no other alternative but to file a certificate of need for closure."
Solaris officials said they will remain committed to assuring that high-quality health-care services are provided during the closure process at Muhlenberg.
Once the state approves the application, Muhlenberg will begin a "wind down" period, where services will be phased out and discontinued at the hospital. The wind down will ensure that patients continue to receive care while programs are relocated or transferred to other providers in the region.
"We are concerned in general by the rash of hospital closures ... that there will become an access-to-care crisis in our state," Kelly said. "In the last 18 months, four acute-care hospitals have closed and five have filed for bankruptcy protection. This in not unique to any one community."
When facilities close, Kelly points out, folks have to find health care at the next hospital over.
"Not all closures are bad," Kelly said. "Sometimes the system has to take a look at the needs of the community and make a sound decision. We worry about the wrong hospitals closing for the wrong reasons."
In 1997, Muhlenberg merged with JFK Medical Center in Edison to form Solaris Health System, which also includes the JFK Hartwyck long-term care centers and the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.
Also a part of the Solaris system is the Dorothy A. & Harold B. Snyder Schools of Nursing, Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences located on the Muhlenberg campus.
"Solaris will continue to serve the health-care needs of Plainfield and surrounding communities through the services available at our other entities (including JFK Medical Center in Edison) as well as by working with area health-care providers to provide expanded primary and urgent-care services," McGee said.
Solaris officials said they are working on initiatives to address transportation services for area residents, to and from JFK Medical Center, including advanced life support and primary/urgent-care transportation services, not typically available through area rescue squads.
"Unfortunately, Muhlenberg now finds itself on a growing list of New Jersey hospitals who have been forced to close services in light of these insurmountable financial challenges," said Ronald West, chairman of the board of directors of Muhlenberg. "For decades, our physicians and employees have remained committed to serving this community. This is a heart-breaking outcome for one of the finest institutions in the area."
Green agrees.
"Just plain 'sad' is not the word," Green said. "This is the biggest defeat in my career. I have taken it personally. It's all about life and death. If patients are forced to go someplace else, that half-hour could make the difference between living and dying."
Solaris officials met throughout the day with hundreds of employees.
"Every hour on the hour, standing-room only," McGee said. "The sense from the employees was heart-breaking."
Officials also met with the medical staff, community leaders, clergy and representatives from the Plainfield Health Center and the Red Cross.
McGee said Solaris would do everything they could for the employees. He said Solaris has been holding back on filling permanent positions at its other locations. Out of the 1,000 affected employees at Muhlenberg, he estimated that Solaris might be able to retain one-third of them.
"It's very early in the process," McGee said. "We will be talking with employees about what their severance packages will be."
McGee said Solaris will look to the state for help with the logistics and for guidance through the transitional period.
After the state approves the closures, Solaris will have to file public notices to makes sure everyone knows which services will no longer be available.
"We have had a commitment to this community for 11 years," McGee said. "This has been a very emotional day."
Clem Fiorentino can be reached at (908) 707-3150 or cfiorent@gannett.com.
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Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Muhlenberg to close most hospital units
ER, nursing school remain open
By CLEM FIORENTINO
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD -- Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center will close its acute-care hospital facility, most likely by the end of the summer.
Solaris Health Systems, the nonprofit parent company of Muhlenberg and JFK Medical Center in Edison, will file a certificate of need with the state Department of Health and Senior Services next week, citing "overwhelming financial losses" at the Plainfield location.
Some services will remain.
"While there will no longer be acute-care hospital services provided at the Plainfield campus, we are committed to operating a satellite emergency room and home care, as well as keeping the Muhlenberg School of Nursing open," said John McGee, president and CEO of Solaris. "We have an opportunity to work with local and state health officials to identify and reduce barriers to accessing health-care services for residents of Plainfield and the region, following the closure of acute-care services."
Acute-care services include operating rooms, medical-surgical units, intensive care, coronary-care units, obstetrics and about 180 beds in use.
The cutbacks will affect about 1,000 of Muhlenberg's 1,100 employees.
If a patient receives emergency-room care at the satellite facility and then requires either additional treatment or a hospital admission, he or she would then have to be transported to nearby facility with acute-care capabilities.
"Muhlenberg has been a part of the Plainfield community for more than 130 years, faithfully serving a diverse population with clinical excellence and compassion. This was the very last option we wanted to consider," said Thomas Sharp, chairman of Solaris' board of directors.
Assemblyman Jerry Green, D-Plainfield, predicted the worst in a statement released earlier this week after a private meeting he attended with officials from Solaris, municipal officials and a representative from the state Department of Health and Senior Services.
Based on that meeting, he has asked for a regional task force to deal with the impending health-care crisis.
"I will do everything in my power to keep some services there," Green said. "There is a need for Muhlenberg to be in the community. It's not only Plainfield. It services Fanwood, Scotch Plains and other areas. Plus, we have 1,100 people who work there."
As for the task force, Green said he has reached out to officials at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville and St. Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick. Green said the surrounding medical facilities (including JFK Medical Center, another Solaris site) realize that the burden might fall on them.
"I'm trying to get people who understand the process," Green said. "I'm not out to undermine Solaris. There is no money available. Why should I lay back? Why waste time? We want to prepare for the worst. We're running out of money. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what's going to happen."
Green already has two recruits.
"I have accepted Assemblyman Green's invitation to serve on a task force to explore viable options to meet the health-care needs of the communities currently served by Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center," said Kenneth Bateman, president and CEO of Somerset Medical Center in Somerville. "Given the complexities facing health care in our state today, working toward a solution is going to take a collaborative effort. For this reason, I have suggested to Assemblyman Green that he consider a broad spectrum of community and health-care leaders for his task force."
Later Friday, St. Peter's issued this statement:
"We are pleased to explore opportunities that enhance our mission of providing health-care services to those in need, particularly the underserved," said Ronald C. Rak, president and CEO of St. Peter's Healthcare System. "We will work with Assemblyman Green and the task force to help identify those areas where Saint Peter's may collaborate in providing essential services to the affected communities."
Perhaps the one culprit issue is the amount of charity-care funds the state is able to give to hospitals across the state. Muhlenberg alone lost $10 million in charity-care deficits last year.
"Whatever charity-care dollars are left on the table, those dollars should go to programs that survive (at Muhlenberg)," Green said.
That, however, might not be as simple as it sounds because the funding sources -- charity care, Medicaid and Medicare -- reimburse at less than hospital cost, and none of those funds figure to increase anytime soon.
All eyes will be on Gov. Jon S. Corzine's state budget proposal next week. Much will depend on the formula under which the governor and his advisers delineate the formula for charity care.
At issue is whether special funds should be earmarked for distressed or "safety-net" hospitals -- those that provide the lion's share of care to the poor and underserved -- and whether hospitals neighboring those facilities that close should receive more aid.
"We are prepared for a very difficult state budget," said Kerry McKean Kelly, vice president of communications for the New Jersey Hospital Association in Princeton. "It's no secret that the governor is looking to freeze programs. It's a very real concern. Borderline hospitals might be pushed over the edge because of charity-care cuts."
Kelly also points to deep cuts at the federal level as well, including $246 million in Medicare cuts in the president's budget proposal.
Tom Slater, a spokesman for the state Department of Health and Senior Services, said there will be public hearings and that the process should take about six months before the department rules on the application.
Slater also said state officials will act as a resource for any community effort to ensure quality of care and access to services.
"We were aware Muhlenberg was struggling," Slater said. "We acted as a resource. We will continue to work with the community."
The financial situation at Muhlenberg has been impacted by declining patient volumes and competition from free-standing outpatient surgery centers in Central Jersey, Solaris said in its statement.
In November, Solaris engaged Cain Brothers, a New York-based investment banking firm, to attempt to sell the facility. After outreach to more than 60 potential buyers and despite preliminary interest by several out-of-state and local health-care organizations, Solaris said that no formal offers were submitted.
"In 2007, with further reductions in state funding, annual operating losses at Muhlenberg reached more than $18 million. We have done everything in our power to keep Muhlenberg open," McGee said. "The escalating losses at Muhlenberg, coupled with the lack of offers to purchase the facility, have left us no other alternative but to file a certificate of need for closure."
Solaris officials said they will remain committed to assuring that high-quality health-care services are provided during the closure process at Muhlenberg.
Once the state approves the application, Muhlenberg will begin a "wind down" period, where services will be phased out and discontinued at the hospital. The wind down will ensure that patients continue to receive care while programs are relocated or transferred to other providers in the region.
"We are concerned in general by the rash of hospital closures ... that there will become an access-to-care crisis in our state," Kelly said. "In the last 18 months, four acute-care hospitals have closed and five have filed for bankruptcy protection. This in not unique to any one community."
When facilities close, Kelly points out, folks have to find health care at the next hospital over.
"Not all closures are bad," Kelly said. "Sometimes the system has to take a look at the needs of the community and make a sound decision. We worry about the wrong hospitals closing for the wrong reasons."
In 1997, Muhlenberg merged with JFK Medical Center in Edison to form Solaris Health System, which also includes the JFK Hartwyck long-term care centers and the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.
Also a part of the Solaris system is the Dorothy A. & Harold B. Snyder Schools of Nursing, Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences located on the Muhlenberg campus.
"Solaris will continue to serve the health-care needs of Plainfield and surrounding communities through the services available at our other entities (including JFK Medical Center in Edison) as well as by working with area health-care providers to provide expanded primary and urgent-care services," McGee said.
Solaris officials said they are working on initiatives to address transportation services for area residents, to and from JFK Medical Center, including advanced life support and primary/urgent-care transportation services, not typically available through area rescue squads.
"Unfortunately, Muhlenberg now finds itself on a growing list of New Jersey hospitals who have been forced to close services in light of these insurmountable financial challenges," said Ronald West, chairman of the board of directors of Muhlenberg. "For decades, our physicians and employees have remained committed to serving this community. This is a heart-breaking outcome for one of the finest institutions in the area."
Green agrees.
"Just plain 'sad' is not the word," Green said. "This is the biggest defeat in my career. I have taken it personally. It's all about life and death. If patients are forced to go someplace else, that half-hour could make the difference between living and dying."
Solaris officials met throughout the day with hundreds of employees.
"Every hour on the hour, standing-room only," McGee said. "The sense from the employees was heart-breaking."
Officials also met with the medical staff, community leaders, clergy and representatives from the Plainfield Health Center and the Red Cross.
McGee said Solaris would do everything they could for the employees. He said Solaris has been holding back on filling permanent positions at its other locations. Out of the 1,000 affected employees at Muhlenberg, he estimated that Solaris might be able to retain one-third of them.
"It's very early in the process," McGee said. "We will be talking with employees about what their severance packages will be."
McGee said Solaris will look to the state for help with the logistics and for guidance through the transitional period.
After the state approves the closures, Solaris will have to file public notices to makes sure everyone knows which services will no longer be available.
"We have had a commitment to this community for 11 years," McGee said. "This has been a very emotional day."
Clem Fiorentino can be reached at (908) 707-3150 or cfiorent@gannett.com.
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Friday, February 22, 2008
Police Chief - Courier - State OK's plan to ax Santiago
Published in the Courier News, Thursday, February 21, 2008
State OKs city's plan to eliminate top cop post
By BRANDON LAUSCH
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD -- The state Department of Personnel has approved the city's proposal to abolish the position of police chief, effectively allowing City Council members to move forward with a plan that would force Chief Edward Santiago to continue working as a captain or retire, officials said Wednesday.
The state Department of Personnel on Friday determined the proposal -- unanimously passed Jan. 24 by four members of the City Council -- meets civil service laws and intends to improve "economy and efficiency" within the Police Division, agency spokeswoman Maryann Jemison said. It is effective April 11, she said, because targeted employees must receive a 45-day notice.
Before a layoff plan is implemented, state Department of Personnel representatives typically review affected employees' records, explain their civil-service rights and outline any options for further employment, such as the chance to accept another position, Jemison said.
City Council members have said they will pass an ordinance to formally eliminate the post and clear the way for the appointment of a civilian police director -- also described as an executive officer -- who would oversee day-to-day operations of the Police Division. The person would report to the mayor, city administrator and Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig, local officials have said.
Jemison said a person affected by a layoff plan who wants to challenge the good faith of a proposal has 20 days to file an appeal to the state Department of Personnel, which would forward the grievance to the state Office of Administrative Law for a preliminary ruling. The verdict would then go to the five-member Merit System Board, which can approve, deny or modify a judge's decision.
When informed of the Department of Personnel's approval, Patricia Breuninger, of the Scotch Plains firm of Breuninger & Fellman, which has represented Santiago in other issues involving the city, said she is "very aware that they want him to leave not because of his performance but because he evidently is not sympathetic to some of the political people in power."
"They want him out," she said. "Period."
During his nearly nine years as chief, Santiago has clashed with the city over police operations and a string of disciplinary actions lodged against him. Santiago was first suspended by former Public Safety Director Michael Lattimore in 2003 about a private management issue. In 2005, Santiago sued Plainfield officials, claiming negative publicity about the 2003 suspension and that a separate lawsuit Lattimore filed against the city damaged his reputation.
In 2006, Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, shortly after taking office, placed Santiago on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of his lawsuit against the city. A judge then reversed the city's action and reinstated the chief.
In March 2007, Hellwig lodged a five-day suspension against Santiago, but the action was postponed pending a hearing. Private meetings before a hearing officer to determine whether Santiago deserved the suspension are ongoing.
Brandon Lausch can be reached at (908) 707-3175 or blausch@c-n.com.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
State OKs city's plan to eliminate top cop post
By BRANDON LAUSCH
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD -- The state Department of Personnel has approved the city's proposal to abolish the position of police chief, effectively allowing City Council members to move forward with a plan that would force Chief Edward Santiago to continue working as a captain or retire, officials said Wednesday.
The state Department of Personnel on Friday determined the proposal -- unanimously passed Jan. 24 by four members of the City Council -- meets civil service laws and intends to improve "economy and efficiency" within the Police Division, agency spokeswoman Maryann Jemison said. It is effective April 11, she said, because targeted employees must receive a 45-day notice.
Before a layoff plan is implemented, state Department of Personnel representatives typically review affected employees' records, explain their civil-service rights and outline any options for further employment, such as the chance to accept another position, Jemison said.
City Council members have said they will pass an ordinance to formally eliminate the post and clear the way for the appointment of a civilian police director -- also described as an executive officer -- who would oversee day-to-day operations of the Police Division. The person would report to the mayor, city administrator and Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig, local officials have said.
Jemison said a person affected by a layoff plan who wants to challenge the good faith of a proposal has 20 days to file an appeal to the state Department of Personnel, which would forward the grievance to the state Office of Administrative Law for a preliminary ruling. The verdict would then go to the five-member Merit System Board, which can approve, deny or modify a judge's decision.
When informed of the Department of Personnel's approval, Patricia Breuninger, of the Scotch Plains firm of Breuninger & Fellman, which has represented Santiago in other issues involving the city, said she is "very aware that they want him to leave not because of his performance but because he evidently is not sympathetic to some of the political people in power."
"They want him out," she said. "Period."
During his nearly nine years as chief, Santiago has clashed with the city over police operations and a string of disciplinary actions lodged against him. Santiago was first suspended by former Public Safety Director Michael Lattimore in 2003 about a private management issue. In 2005, Santiago sued Plainfield officials, claiming negative publicity about the 2003 suspension and that a separate lawsuit Lattimore filed against the city damaged his reputation.
In 2006, Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, shortly after taking office, placed Santiago on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of his lawsuit against the city. A judge then reversed the city's action and reinstated the chief.
In March 2007, Hellwig lodged a five-day suspension against Santiago, but the action was postponed pending a hearing. Private meetings before a hearing officer to determine whether Santiago deserved the suspension are ongoing.
Brandon Lausch can be reached at (908) 707-3175 or blausch@c-n.com.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Police Chief - Ledger - State OK's plan to ax Santiago
Published in the Star-Ledger, Friday, February 22, 2008
Plan to ax police chief post OK'd
Plainfield's force will have a civilian director
By ALEXI FRIEDMAN
STAR-LEDGER STAFF
The state has approved Plainfield's plan to eliminate the position of police chief and replace it with a civilian police director, clearing the way for the city council to create an ordinance adopting the measure.
The layoff date for Police Chief Edward Santiago is April 11, said Maryann Jemison, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Personnel. The council voted for the layoff plan last month, sending it to the state, which approved the measure Feb. 15.
Santiago will challenge the state's decision, according to his attorney, Patricia Breuninger, although that appeal to the Office of Administrative Law will not push back the April 11 date, Jemison said. Should Santiago win his appeal after the position is eliminated, action would be taken to return his job, she said.
Under the layoff plan -- part of a larger police department reorganization -- Santiago has the option of reverting to captain or retiring. He has not given thought as to whether he would accept the lower rank should his appeal fail, Breuninger said.
Eliminating the police chief and creating a civilian director will give the administration of Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs more authority over the department, officials said.
Public safety director Martin Hellwig, who created the reorganization plan, said no decision has been made about filling the police director slot.
The state doesn't need to approve a police director, Jemison said, because it is considered an unclassified position; the mayor can make the appointment.
Hellwig's reorganization plan also calls for creation of a sixth police captain, regardless of whether Santiago accepts the position. The new structure will create a more efficient and accountable police force, city officials say.
Santiago, who has had a contentious relationship with Robinson-Briggs and Hellwig, says the move is personal, aimed at getting rid of him. He is still fighting a five-day suspension issued last spring and has a previous case pending against Plainfield, now in Superior Court, alleging violations of his civil rights, Breuninger said.
Before the Plainfield council introduces an ordinance to create a police director -- which may happen at its March 5 meeting -- Trenton Police Director Joseph Santiago (no relation to Edward Santiago) will give a presentation at a March 3 council agenda session, to explain his responsibilities. He gave a similar address to the New Jersey League of Municipalities conference in Atlantic City in November.
Joseph Santiago, who is a past Newark police director and has spent five years at the helm of the Trenton police, has a complicated past. In January, the Trenton City Council approved a resolution asking the mayor to require the police director reside in the city -- Joseph Santiago lives 40 miles away in Stirling -- or face termination. In February 2003, when the council approved Joseph Santiago as police director, it did so despite protests from police unions. He had recently left office as New Jersey State Police superintendent after seven months, resigning under pressure during an investigation into his possible abuse of office.
Alexi Friedman may be reached at (908) 302-1505 or afriedman@starledger.com.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Plan to ax police chief post OK'd
Plainfield's force will have a civilian director
By ALEXI FRIEDMAN
STAR-LEDGER STAFF
The state has approved Plainfield's plan to eliminate the position of police chief and replace it with a civilian police director, clearing the way for the city council to create an ordinance adopting the measure.
The layoff date for Police Chief Edward Santiago is April 11, said Maryann Jemison, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Personnel. The council voted for the layoff plan last month, sending it to the state, which approved the measure Feb. 15.
Santiago will challenge the state's decision, according to his attorney, Patricia Breuninger, although that appeal to the Office of Administrative Law will not push back the April 11 date, Jemison said. Should Santiago win his appeal after the position is eliminated, action would be taken to return his job, she said.
Under the layoff plan -- part of a larger police department reorganization -- Santiago has the option of reverting to captain or retiring. He has not given thought as to whether he would accept the lower rank should his appeal fail, Breuninger said.
Eliminating the police chief and creating a civilian director will give the administration of Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs more authority over the department, officials said.
Public safety director Martin Hellwig, who created the reorganization plan, said no decision has been made about filling the police director slot.
The state doesn't need to approve a police director, Jemison said, because it is considered an unclassified position; the mayor can make the appointment.
Hellwig's reorganization plan also calls for creation of a sixth police captain, regardless of whether Santiago accepts the position. The new structure will create a more efficient and accountable police force, city officials say.
Santiago, who has had a contentious relationship with Robinson-Briggs and Hellwig, says the move is personal, aimed at getting rid of him. He is still fighting a five-day suspension issued last spring and has a previous case pending against Plainfield, now in Superior Court, alleging violations of his civil rights, Breuninger said.
Before the Plainfield council introduces an ordinance to create a police director -- which may happen at its March 5 meeting -- Trenton Police Director Joseph Santiago (no relation to Edward Santiago) will give a presentation at a March 3 council agenda session, to explain his responsibilities. He gave a similar address to the New Jersey League of Municipalities conference in Atlantic City in November.
Joseph Santiago, who is a past Newark police director and has spent five years at the helm of the Trenton police, has a complicated past. In January, the Trenton City Council approved a resolution asking the mayor to require the police director reside in the city -- Joseph Santiago lives 40 miles away in Stirling -- or face termination. In February 2003, when the council approved Joseph Santiago as police director, it did so despite protests from police unions. He had recently left office as New Jersey State Police superintendent after seven months, resigning under pressure during an investigation into his possible abuse of office.
Alexi Friedman may be reached at (908) 302-1505 or afriedman@starledger.com.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
OPRA - Ledger - Supreme Court takes up issue of deadlines
Published in the Star-Ledger, Thursday, February 21, 2008
Top Jersey court to decide how open public records are
Hoboken councilwoman at center of the suit
By TOM HESTER
STAR-LEDGER STAFF
The state Supreme Court is considering whether to extend the deadline to sue for failure to turn over documents under the state Open Public Records Act and if a government should pay legal fees for forcing a lawsuit.
The high court heard arguments yesterday in an appeal by Hoboken Councilwoman Elizabeth "Beth" Mason, who wants to see the 45-day deadline extended to two years and the Hoboken government ordered to cover her attorney costs. Mason contends the open records law has no specific deadline -- lower courts have held it is 45 days -- and claims she was forced to sue when the city failed to respond in a reasonable amount of time.
"This case will determine whether government must be transparent and open or not," said Jeffrey Kantowitz, Mason's lawyer, "whether citizens have access to government records or not, whether there will be an incentive to pursue records when governments are not responsive."
The city insists it was meeting Mason's requests as quickly as possible and the court action was unnecessary.
Steven W. Kleinman, Hoboken counsel, said Mason filed numerous lawsuits against the city and one against the school board.
"The city's position is this is an incredible waste of time and money for all involved and no reason for it," Kleinman said.
Mason, an independent, was elected to the four-year city council term in May, but has been seeking city records since 1999. She was a member of the city planning board in 2001 and 2002 and is also founder of the New Jersey Foundation for Open Government.
According to Mason and Kleinman, she has requested a copy of every city financial transaction for 2003 and 2004, a copy of every permit application over a four-year period, pension and salary background on some employees, a copy of the city's health coverage contract, a copy of the budget and information on government escrow funds. She also asked to review every OPRA request filed over a four-year period.
Mason said at a time when Hoboken is undergoing booming redevelopment, she is suspicious of a city government which has a checkered history of corruption going back at least 40 years.
"Either our government has to tell us the truth about what it is doing and how it is spending our money, or it will be allowed to keep secrets that in the end, cost us money and give us lousy leadership," she said. "OPRA is a tool created by the Legislature to allow us to watch over our government. But many communities disregard OPRA and are violating the public's right to get important government information."
Kleinman told the justices in one case, the government responded to Mason in eight days that it was attempting to compile the information within two weeks. He said the request came at a time the then-business administrator was absent due to a death in the family. "The city of Hoboken was acting in good faith and attempting to respond to an extraordinary OPRA request," he said.
Justice Barry Albin speculated if a government did not have to cover legal fees when it was sued for not providing public records, it could delay until a citizen dropped the request because the individual could not afford a lawyer to go to court.
Government could "play with every request, force a person to file a lawsuit, give up the documents and go home," Albin said. "Do that long enough and no one would ever make a request."
Mason's case has the support of the New Jersey Press Association, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Libertarian Party. Hoboken has the support of the state Attorney General's office.
Tom Hester can be reached at thester@starledger.com or (609) 292-0557.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Top Jersey court to decide how open public records are
Hoboken councilwoman at center of the suit
By TOM HESTER
STAR-LEDGER STAFF
The state Supreme Court is considering whether to extend the deadline to sue for failure to turn over documents under the state Open Public Records Act and if a government should pay legal fees for forcing a lawsuit.
The high court heard arguments yesterday in an appeal by Hoboken Councilwoman Elizabeth "Beth" Mason, who wants to see the 45-day deadline extended to two years and the Hoboken government ordered to cover her attorney costs. Mason contends the open records law has no specific deadline -- lower courts have held it is 45 days -- and claims she was forced to sue when the city failed to respond in a reasonable amount of time.
"This case will determine whether government must be transparent and open or not," said Jeffrey Kantowitz, Mason's lawyer, "whether citizens have access to government records or not, whether there will be an incentive to pursue records when governments are not responsive."
The city insists it was meeting Mason's requests as quickly as possible and the court action was unnecessary.
Steven W. Kleinman, Hoboken counsel, said Mason filed numerous lawsuits against the city and one against the school board.
"The city's position is this is an incredible waste of time and money for all involved and no reason for it," Kleinman said.
Mason, an independent, was elected to the four-year city council term in May, but has been seeking city records since 1999. She was a member of the city planning board in 2001 and 2002 and is also founder of the New Jersey Foundation for Open Government.
According to Mason and Kleinman, she has requested a copy of every city financial transaction for 2003 and 2004, a copy of every permit application over a four-year period, pension and salary background on some employees, a copy of the city's health coverage contract, a copy of the budget and information on government escrow funds. She also asked to review every OPRA request filed over a four-year period.
Mason said at a time when Hoboken is undergoing booming redevelopment, she is suspicious of a city government which has a checkered history of corruption going back at least 40 years.
"Either our government has to tell us the truth about what it is doing and how it is spending our money, or it will be allowed to keep secrets that in the end, cost us money and give us lousy leadership," she said. "OPRA is a tool created by the Legislature to allow us to watch over our government. But many communities disregard OPRA and are violating the public's right to get important government information."
Kleinman told the justices in one case, the government responded to Mason in eight days that it was attempting to compile the information within two weeks. He said the request came at a time the then-business administrator was absent due to a death in the family. "The city of Hoboken was acting in good faith and attempting to respond to an extraordinary OPRA request," he said.
Justice Barry Albin speculated if a government did not have to cover legal fees when it was sued for not providing public records, it could delay until a citizen dropped the request because the individual could not afford a lawyer to go to court.
Government could "play with every request, force a person to file a lawsuit, give up the documents and go home," Albin said. "Do that long enough and no one would ever make a request."
Mason's case has the support of the New Jersey Press Association, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Libertarian Party. Hoboken has the support of the state Attorney General's office.
Tom Hester can be reached at thester@starledger.com or (609) 292-0557.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Muhlenberg - Courier - Jerry Green says may be downsized
Published in the Courier News, Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center may be downsized
State Attorney General's Office issues opinion in case
By CLEM FIORENTINO
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD — The saga surrounding Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center took an unusual turn Tuesday when Assemblyman Jerry Green, D-Union, announced that the financially strapped facility would downsize, starting with its acute-care facility.
But officials of Solaris Health Systems, the nonprofit parent company of Muhlenberg and JFK Medical Center in Edison, denied that saying that nothing will be decided until a meeting of its Board of Directors Thursday night.
"We have been trying to keep employees and physicians up to date," said John McGee, president and CEO of Solaris. "The board is meeting Thursday. At that point in time, we will make a decision."
In Green's announcement, he said Solaris, which has been trying to sell Muhlenberg since November, received no serious offers and would, therefore, take this alternative action.
He said his announcement came after a private meeting with officials from both Muhlenberg and Solaris.
"The process has been very intense," McGee said. "There is going to be a lot of discussion. We are exploring every reasonable option. It's the board's decision. Our mission is to deliver health care."
Referring to the meeting with Green and other elected officials, McGee said: care."
Referring to the meeting with Green and other elected officials, McGee said: "We discussed several options. We are working with local officials and with the state, trying to present every viable option."
As for Green's assertion that there were no serious offers, McGee said: "We decided to survey the marketplace. There was interest. Offers and letters of intent will be presented to the board. We will look to see that a buyer is qualified." In his announcement, Green called for the creation of a health-care task force, saying: "In the wake of Muhlenberg's downsizing announcement, measures must be taken to ensure that the hospital continues to provide minimum level of basic health-care services to patients. It's important to seek solutions and not waste time trying to point fingers or lay blame. Regardless of the financial hardships facing hospitals across the state, we have an obligation to provide quality basic health care to our most vulnerable residents."
Asked if Green had perhaps misinterpreted what was said at the private meeting, McGee said: "Jerry can speak for himself. He is very passionate about Muhlenberg."
Also among the passionate is Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs.
"The city of Plainfield is extremely supportive," Robinson-Briggs said. "We do not want to see them leave. We understand that there are fiscal situations that will preclude them from continuing. We're hoping the state will come through for us."
Robinson-Briggs said she understands the nature of the problem.
"The staff is trying to keep Muhlenberg here," she said. "A lot of people without medical insurance have medical needs and they utilize the emergency room. The state is unable to fund charity care." The mayor said she realizes what would happen if the hospital closed, including the hardship and reduction in services it would present to Plainfield residents and its senior citizens.
Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center is a 398-bed acute-care facility that provides inpatient and outpatient services in all major medical specialties. It is Plainfield's largest employer with a staff of 1,100 employees, 350 affiliated physicians and more than 600 auxiliary staffers and volunteers.
going to be a lot of discussion. We are exploring every reasonable option. It's the board's decision. Our mission is to deliver health care."
Referring to the meeting with Green and other elected officials, McGee said, "We discussed several options. We are working with local officials and with the state, trying to present every viable option."
As for Green's assertion that there were no serious offers, McGee said, "We decided to survey the marketplace. There was interest. Offers and letters of intent will be presented to the board. We will look to see that a buyer is qualified." In his announcement, Green called for the creation of a health-care task force, saying: "In the wake of Muhlenberg's downsizing announcement, measures must be taken to ensure that the hospital continues to provide minimum level of basic health-care services to patients. It's important to seek solutions and not waste time trying to point fingers or lay blame. Regardless of the financial hardships facing hospitals across the state, we have an obligation to provide quality basic health care to our most vulnerable residents."
Asked if Green had perhaps misinterpreted what was said at the private meeting, McGee said, "Jerry can speak for himself. He is very passionate about Muhlenberg."
Also among the passionate is Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs.
"The city of Plainfield is extremely supportive," Robinson-Briggs said. "We do not want to see them leave. We understand that there are fiscal situations that will preclude them from continuing. We're hoping the state will come through for us."
Robinson-Briggs said she understands the nature of the problem.
"The staff is trying to keep Muhlenberg here," she said. "A lot of people without medical insurance have medical needs and they utilize the emergency room. The state is unable to fund charity care." The mayor said she realizes what would happen if the hospital closed, including the hardship and reduction in services it would present to Plainfield residents and its senior citizens.
"JFK (Medical Center in Edison) would be flooded," she said. "Our senior citizens have specific needs. Maybe the best thing to do is to help Muhlenberg become involved with shared services."
Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center is a 398-bed acute-care facility that provides inpatient and outpatient services in all major medical specialties. It is Plainfield's largest employer with a staff of 1,100 employees, 350 affiliated physicians and more than 600 auxiliary staffers and volunteers.
StoryChat
I STILL don't understand why a HOSPITAL is responsible for bearing the cost of healthcare for uninsured patients.
While we should be taking care of indigent people, there's GOT to be a threshold for these hospitals to meet in order to 'pay their share' to a society (and speaking of 'fair-share', I don't think Prudential is giving away free life insurance, Sansone or Ciasulli giving away free cars, NJTurnpike giving away free tolls, Fortunoff giving away free furniture or NY Giants giving free tickets to indigents). But jeeze-o-man...it's obscene how much a hospital pays per year on patients who possibly didn't even provide their real name at the front door.
Let some more Democrats in office and see what happens to your healthcare system (AND see what happens to all the NJ Pharmaceutical jobs which will be eliminated--remember AT&T, Lucent and Ma Bell? A similar debacle is about to happen in the Pharma sector. When it does, stop hating soldiers for a moment and thank a Democrat.
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 6:24 pm
Welcome Miramar! Always nice to see a new poster who just happens to pop-up with a personal ax to grind on an issue. I'm no Sherlock Holmes but are you--just a wild guess!--an employee or other "beneficiary" of Muhlenberg?
The fact is Muhlenberg's been a disaster for decades. You can't attract an insured, full-pay clientele to a hospital in a depressed, crime-ridden city. And that's the 800 pound gorilla in the room noboby wants to talk about. We live in an area where people with transportation and medical insurance will take the extra few minutes to drive to Overlook or Somerset Medical or New Brunswick, or even Edison, for a safer, more amenable environment. That leaves, for the most part, the uninsured--usually young people who opt not to pay for health insurance-- or Medicaid/Medicare recipients at Muhlenberg's door. In any case, that's a population which receives care the cost of which isn't close to being reimbursed. Only a magician could make Muhlenberg work. If it weren't for the acquisition by Solaris the hospital would have collapsed years ago. It's long past time for its problems to be addressed. And the best way to do that is to start diverting all that "indigent care" (before the PC days it was, you may remember, called "charity care") to a broader array of region facilities. Bad news for those other facilities. Bad news for the patients who will have to make their way to a slightly less convenient hospital. And entirely inevitable and expected.
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 2:49 pm
Why am I not surprised that this political hack is proposing a "Day Labor" center? In the State of California, the land of open arms to the overwhelming population of illegal aliens in this country, the home improvement stores (i.e. Home Depot, Lowes) were forced by the politicians to build shelters, provide water, and install porta-johns in their parking lots for the poor unfortunate day laborers that were passing out from the heat while waiting for the contractors. Beware! Coming to a NJ store near you! Wink Rolling Eyes
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 12:19 pm
Is Solaris completely w/o fault in this matter? Unlikely, since financial mismanagement and less than ethical behavior can occur in any large institution. HOWEVER, let us not be fools. Muhlenberg, along with every other hospital in America is suffering under the weight of this country's desire to treat every one who walks through the door, regardless of legal status. It's almost laughable for the politicians to want to point a finger solely at hospital administrators. Health care costs will continue to skyrocket and more hospitals will be faced with similar circumstances until illegal immigration is dealt with! Jerry Green, has recently proposed a day-laborer center be established in Plainfield. Let's see... attract more illegals to Plainfield, yet appear to be baffled and disturbed by a Plainfield hospital's inability to remain profitable... No rocket science needed here, you think!?!?!
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 11:50 am
The plight of hospitals located in cities facing challenges similar to those of Plainfield -- or worse -- is not a new story. However, it's time that we look at the performance and behavior of Solaris and its’ key senior executives. I say this, because they continue to cause great detriment to the community and this once fine institution. They must be held accountable for the choices they've made regarding Muhlenberg for the past ten years, including those that were very deliberate and others that may be characterized as nothing short of grave mismanagement. We might even add self-serving to that menu.
It's no secret that from the beginning, Solaris intentionally diverted Muhlenberg's most precious resources towards JFK. This included medical staff and other essential personnel. At the same time, many patients with both manageable health care and the ability to pay suddenly found themselves at JFK's doorstep rather than at MHRC (their original destination). And, this trend continues today with absolute determination. Along the way, the subservient Muhlenberg has continually been obligated to pay exorbitant fees to Solaris (aka, "JFK") for services such as administration, clerical, data processing, etc.
Downsizing is not a solution. Given the course Solaris has charted and pursued for Muhlenberg, that will likely only forestall the inevitable breakdown of what remains worthy, viable and productive.
I applaud Assemblyman Green for his passion and consideration and urge him to devote his greater talents, vigor and determination in seeking a solution to this matter. At the same time, an official inquiry might be quite revealing, indeed.
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:09 am
woopsydayz wrote..."Once Muhlenburg closes, it will only be a matter of time beforethe same plight reaches JFK in Edison, and Somerset Medical in Somerville. "
Muhlenberg is sinking under the weight of unreimbursed "indigent care". Certainly when it closes that care will migrate to other area hospitals, most likely JFK and Overlook, possibly also Somerset. At the end of the day, though, there are simply to many hospitals in New Jersey and some of them are going to have to be closed. Anyone who is surprised by this turn of events hasn't been paying attention. This has been inevitable for years.
By the way, perhaps the real lesson to be learned here is not to engage in confidential courtesy discussions with a politician. The haven't got even the minor dab of integrity to not run to the press and preempt Board action, all for a little headline. What a jerk this Jerry Green is!"
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 9:34 am
THIS HOSPITAL IS A MILESTONE IN THE PLAINFIELD COMMUNITY. NOT ONLY FOR BEING THE LARGEST EMPLOYER TO THE CITY OF PLAINFIELD, BUT A MILESTONE FOR MANY GENERATION'S WHO ARE STILL CURRENTLY LIVING IN THE QUEEN CITY. THE HOSPITAL HAS BEEN SUFFERING FOR A WHILE, I JUST DON'T KNOW WHY IT HAS GOTTEN TO THIS POINT! I BELIEVE OUR COMMUNITY, OUR TOWN, OUR GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE A STAND AND FIGHT FOR THE HOSPITAL THAT HAS TOUCHED SO MANY TOWN'S, AND HEART'S. I AM NOT ONLY AN EMPLOYEE HERE, BUT I COME FROM 3 GENERATION'S THAT WERE BORN HERE. SO, YES! I DO BELIEVE IT IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR!
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 8:47 am
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center may be downsized
State Attorney General's Office issues opinion in case
By CLEM FIORENTINO
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD — The saga surrounding Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center took an unusual turn Tuesday when Assemblyman Jerry Green, D-Union, announced that the financially strapped facility would downsize, starting with its acute-care facility.
But officials of Solaris Health Systems, the nonprofit parent company of Muhlenberg and JFK Medical Center in Edison, denied that saying that nothing will be decided until a meeting of its Board of Directors Thursday night.
"We have been trying to keep employees and physicians up to date," said John McGee, president and CEO of Solaris. "The board is meeting Thursday. At that point in time, we will make a decision."
In Green's announcement, he said Solaris, which has been trying to sell Muhlenberg since November, received no serious offers and would, therefore, take this alternative action.
He said his announcement came after a private meeting with officials from both Muhlenberg and Solaris.
"The process has been very intense," McGee said. "There is going to be a lot of discussion. We are exploring every reasonable option. It's the board's decision. Our mission is to deliver health care."
Referring to the meeting with Green and other elected officials, McGee said: care."
Referring to the meeting with Green and other elected officials, McGee said: "We discussed several options. We are working with local officials and with the state, trying to present every viable option."
As for Green's assertion that there were no serious offers, McGee said: "We decided to survey the marketplace. There was interest. Offers and letters of intent will be presented to the board. We will look to see that a buyer is qualified." In his announcement, Green called for the creation of a health-care task force, saying: "In the wake of Muhlenberg's downsizing announcement, measures must be taken to ensure that the hospital continues to provide minimum level of basic health-care services to patients. It's important to seek solutions and not waste time trying to point fingers or lay blame. Regardless of the financial hardships facing hospitals across the state, we have an obligation to provide quality basic health care to our most vulnerable residents."
Asked if Green had perhaps misinterpreted what was said at the private meeting, McGee said: "Jerry can speak for himself. He is very passionate about Muhlenberg."
Also among the passionate is Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs.
"The city of Plainfield is extremely supportive," Robinson-Briggs said. "We do not want to see them leave. We understand that there are fiscal situations that will preclude them from continuing. We're hoping the state will come through for us."
Robinson-Briggs said she understands the nature of the problem.
"The staff is trying to keep Muhlenberg here," she said. "A lot of people without medical insurance have medical needs and they utilize the emergency room. The state is unable to fund charity care." The mayor said she realizes what would happen if the hospital closed, including the hardship and reduction in services it would present to Plainfield residents and its senior citizens.
Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center is a 398-bed acute-care facility that provides inpatient and outpatient services in all major medical specialties. It is Plainfield's largest employer with a staff of 1,100 employees, 350 affiliated physicians and more than 600 auxiliary staffers and volunteers.
going to be a lot of discussion. We are exploring every reasonable option. It's the board's decision. Our mission is to deliver health care."
Referring to the meeting with Green and other elected officials, McGee said, "We discussed several options. We are working with local officials and with the state, trying to present every viable option."
As for Green's assertion that there were no serious offers, McGee said, "We decided to survey the marketplace. There was interest. Offers and letters of intent will be presented to the board. We will look to see that a buyer is qualified." In his announcement, Green called for the creation of a health-care task force, saying: "In the wake of Muhlenberg's downsizing announcement, measures must be taken to ensure that the hospital continues to provide minimum level of basic health-care services to patients. It's important to seek solutions and not waste time trying to point fingers or lay blame. Regardless of the financial hardships facing hospitals across the state, we have an obligation to provide quality basic health care to our most vulnerable residents."
Asked if Green had perhaps misinterpreted what was said at the private meeting, McGee said, "Jerry can speak for himself. He is very passionate about Muhlenberg."
Also among the passionate is Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs.
"The city of Plainfield is extremely supportive," Robinson-Briggs said. "We do not want to see them leave. We understand that there are fiscal situations that will preclude them from continuing. We're hoping the state will come through for us."
Robinson-Briggs said she understands the nature of the problem.
"The staff is trying to keep Muhlenberg here," she said. "A lot of people without medical insurance have medical needs and they utilize the emergency room. The state is unable to fund charity care." The mayor said she realizes what would happen if the hospital closed, including the hardship and reduction in services it would present to Plainfield residents and its senior citizens.
"JFK (Medical Center in Edison) would be flooded," she said. "Our senior citizens have specific needs. Maybe the best thing to do is to help Muhlenberg become involved with shared services."
Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center is a 398-bed acute-care facility that provides inpatient and outpatient services in all major medical specialties. It is Plainfield's largest employer with a staff of 1,100 employees, 350 affiliated physicians and more than 600 auxiliary staffers and volunteers.
StoryChat
I STILL don't understand why a HOSPITAL is responsible for bearing the cost of healthcare for uninsured patients.
While we should be taking care of indigent people, there's GOT to be a threshold for these hospitals to meet in order to 'pay their share' to a society (and speaking of 'fair-share', I don't think Prudential is giving away free life insurance, Sansone or Ciasulli giving away free cars, NJTurnpike giving away free tolls, Fortunoff giving away free furniture or NY Giants giving free tickets to indigents). But jeeze-o-man...it's obscene how much a hospital pays per year on patients who possibly didn't even provide their real name at the front door.
Let some more Democrats in office and see what happens to your healthcare system (AND see what happens to all the NJ Pharmaceutical jobs which will be eliminated--remember AT&T, Lucent and Ma Bell? A similar debacle is about to happen in the Pharma sector. When it does, stop hating soldiers for a moment and thank a Democrat.
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 6:24 pm
Welcome Miramar! Always nice to see a new poster who just happens to pop-up with a personal ax to grind on an issue. I'm no Sherlock Holmes but are you--just a wild guess!--an employee or other "beneficiary" of Muhlenberg?
The fact is Muhlenberg's been a disaster for decades. You can't attract an insured, full-pay clientele to a hospital in a depressed, crime-ridden city. And that's the 800 pound gorilla in the room noboby wants to talk about. We live in an area where people with transportation and medical insurance will take the extra few minutes to drive to Overlook or Somerset Medical or New Brunswick, or even Edison, for a safer, more amenable environment. That leaves, for the most part, the uninsured--usually young people who opt not to pay for health insurance-- or Medicaid/Medicare recipients at Muhlenberg's door. In any case, that's a population which receives care the cost of which isn't close to being reimbursed. Only a magician could make Muhlenberg work. If it weren't for the acquisition by Solaris the hospital would have collapsed years ago. It's long past time for its problems to be addressed. And the best way to do that is to start diverting all that "indigent care" (before the PC days it was, you may remember, called "charity care") to a broader array of region facilities. Bad news for those other facilities. Bad news for the patients who will have to make their way to a slightly less convenient hospital. And entirely inevitable and expected.
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 2:49 pm
Why am I not surprised that this political hack is proposing a "Day Labor" center? In the State of California, the land of open arms to the overwhelming population of illegal aliens in this country, the home improvement stores (i.e. Home Depot, Lowes) were forced by the politicians to build shelters, provide water, and install porta-johns in their parking lots for the poor unfortunate day laborers that were passing out from the heat while waiting for the contractors. Beware! Coming to a NJ store near you! Wink Rolling Eyes
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 12:19 pm
Is Solaris completely w/o fault in this matter? Unlikely, since financial mismanagement and less than ethical behavior can occur in any large institution. HOWEVER, let us not be fools. Muhlenberg, along with every other hospital in America is suffering under the weight of this country's desire to treat every one who walks through the door, regardless of legal status. It's almost laughable for the politicians to want to point a finger solely at hospital administrators. Health care costs will continue to skyrocket and more hospitals will be faced with similar circumstances until illegal immigration is dealt with! Jerry Green, has recently proposed a day-laborer center be established in Plainfield. Let's see... attract more illegals to Plainfield, yet appear to be baffled and disturbed by a Plainfield hospital's inability to remain profitable... No rocket science needed here, you think!?!?!
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 11:50 am
The plight of hospitals located in cities facing challenges similar to those of Plainfield -- or worse -- is not a new story. However, it's time that we look at the performance and behavior of Solaris and its’ key senior executives. I say this, because they continue to cause great detriment to the community and this once fine institution. They must be held accountable for the choices they've made regarding Muhlenberg for the past ten years, including those that were very deliberate and others that may be characterized as nothing short of grave mismanagement. We might even add self-serving to that menu.
It's no secret that from the beginning, Solaris intentionally diverted Muhlenberg's most precious resources towards JFK. This included medical staff and other essential personnel. At the same time, many patients with both manageable health care and the ability to pay suddenly found themselves at JFK's doorstep rather than at MHRC (their original destination). And, this trend continues today with absolute determination. Along the way, the subservient Muhlenberg has continually been obligated to pay exorbitant fees to Solaris (aka, "JFK") for services such as administration, clerical, data processing, etc.
Downsizing is not a solution. Given the course Solaris has charted and pursued for Muhlenberg, that will likely only forestall the inevitable breakdown of what remains worthy, viable and productive.
I applaud Assemblyman Green for his passion and consideration and urge him to devote his greater talents, vigor and determination in seeking a solution to this matter. At the same time, an official inquiry might be quite revealing, indeed.
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:09 am
woopsydayz wrote..."Once Muhlenburg closes, it will only be a matter of time beforethe same plight reaches JFK in Edison, and Somerset Medical in Somerville. "
Muhlenberg is sinking under the weight of unreimbursed "indigent care". Certainly when it closes that care will migrate to other area hospitals, most likely JFK and Overlook, possibly also Somerset. At the end of the day, though, there are simply to many hospitals in New Jersey and some of them are going to have to be closed. Anyone who is surprised by this turn of events hasn't been paying attention. This has been inevitable for years.
By the way, perhaps the real lesson to be learned here is not to engage in confidential courtesy discussions with a politician. The haven't got even the minor dab of integrity to not run to the press and preempt Board action, all for a little headline. What a jerk this Jerry Green is!"
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 9:34 am
THIS HOSPITAL IS A MILESTONE IN THE PLAINFIELD COMMUNITY. NOT ONLY FOR BEING THE LARGEST EMPLOYER TO THE CITY OF PLAINFIELD, BUT A MILESTONE FOR MANY GENERATION'S WHO ARE STILL CURRENTLY LIVING IN THE QUEEN CITY. THE HOSPITAL HAS BEEN SUFFERING FOR A WHILE, I JUST DON'T KNOW WHY IT HAS GOTTEN TO THIS POINT! I BELIEVE OUR COMMUNITY, OUR TOWN, OUR GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE A STAND AND FIGHT FOR THE HOSPITAL THAT HAS TOUCHED SO MANY TOWN'S, AND HEART'S. I AM NOT ONLY AN EMPLOYEE HERE, BUT I COME FROM 3 GENERATION'S THAT WERE BORN HERE. SO, YES! I DO BELIEVE IT IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR!
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 8:47 am
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Police Director - Ledger - Attorney General urges compromise
Published in the Star-Ledger, Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Compromise urged in Newark police feud
State Attorney General's Office issues opinion in case
By JONATHAN SCHUPPE
STAR-LEDGER STAFF
The state Attorney General's Office yesterday waded cautiously into the legal battle over Newark Police Director Garry McCarthy's powers, saying he should get access to key operational and crime-reporting data.
But the opinion, written by Division of Criminal Justice Director Gregory Paw, did not say whether McCarthy could remain involved in day-to-day decisions of the Newark Police Department. Instead, Paw encouraged the warring sides to work things out.
McCarthy, a retired New York Police Department deputy commissioner, said the opinion "shoots down as irrelevant" claims by the Superior Officers Association that he had usurped powers granted by state law to the city's sworn police chief.
But SOA President John Chrystal, who represents 259 sergeants, lieutenants and captains, said Paw "didn't address the issues" directly. He vowed to press on with a lawsuit seeking to strip McCarthy of his ability to run most aspects of the force.
Chrystal said he found Paw's timing curious. Written in response to a May 2007 complaint by the SOA, the opinion came down just six days after the SOA filed its lawsuit in state Superior Court alleging McCarthy had overstepped his legal bounds by making deployment decisions, disciplining officers and running weekly crime-strategy meetings.
"Why did it take so long?" Chrystal said.
David Wald, a spokesman for Paw, declined to comment.
On another front, Chrystal has also tried to block McCarthy's ability to issue promotions by citing a long-forgotten 1982 city ordinance that caps the number of people at each rank. McCarthy must now ask the city council to change the ordinance, or demote three captains to fall in line with the law.
Whether Paw's decision will influence the SOA's lawsuit remains uncertain. But Paw clearly favored McCarthy. And he was dismissive of the SOA's argument involving similar cases in other New Jersey municipalities where judges have ruled against a civilian director's ability to directly run their departments.
Paw said the rulings don't necessarily apply in Newark, which is bigger and faces much more complex crime problems than the other municipalities. To do his job well, Paw said, McCarthy needs access to information about the department's daily operations and the city's crime problems.
But Paw said the director and the chief need to get along for the department to run well. McCarthy and Police Chief Anthony Campos have a strained relationship. Paw encouraged all sides to resolve the issues as "partners."
Chrystal said he has asked for a meeting with Paw and McCarthy. If that fails, he said, "we'll see what the courts have to say."
Jonathan Schuppe may be reached at jschuppe@starledger.com or (973) 392-7960.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Compromise urged in Newark police feud
State Attorney General's Office issues opinion in case
By JONATHAN SCHUPPE
STAR-LEDGER STAFF
The state Attorney General's Office yesterday waded cautiously into the legal battle over Newark Police Director Garry McCarthy's powers, saying he should get access to key operational and crime-reporting data.
But the opinion, written by Division of Criminal Justice Director Gregory Paw, did not say whether McCarthy could remain involved in day-to-day decisions of the Newark Police Department. Instead, Paw encouraged the warring sides to work things out.
McCarthy, a retired New York Police Department deputy commissioner, said the opinion "shoots down as irrelevant" claims by the Superior Officers Association that he had usurped powers granted by state law to the city's sworn police chief.
But SOA President John Chrystal, who represents 259 sergeants, lieutenants and captains, said Paw "didn't address the issues" directly. He vowed to press on with a lawsuit seeking to strip McCarthy of his ability to run most aspects of the force.
Chrystal said he found Paw's timing curious. Written in response to a May 2007 complaint by the SOA, the opinion came down just six days after the SOA filed its lawsuit in state Superior Court alleging McCarthy had overstepped his legal bounds by making deployment decisions, disciplining officers and running weekly crime-strategy meetings.
"Why did it take so long?" Chrystal said.
David Wald, a spokesman for Paw, declined to comment.
On another front, Chrystal has also tried to block McCarthy's ability to issue promotions by citing a long-forgotten 1982 city ordinance that caps the number of people at each rank. McCarthy must now ask the city council to change the ordinance, or demote three captains to fall in line with the law.
Whether Paw's decision will influence the SOA's lawsuit remains uncertain. But Paw clearly favored McCarthy. And he was dismissive of the SOA's argument involving similar cases in other New Jersey municipalities where judges have ruled against a civilian director's ability to directly run their departments.
Paw said the rulings don't necessarily apply in Newark, which is bigger and faces much more complex crime problems than the other municipalities. To do his job well, Paw said, McCarthy needs access to information about the department's daily operations and the city's crime problems.
But Paw said the director and the chief need to get along for the department to run well. McCarthy and Police Chief Anthony Campos have a strained relationship. Paw encouraged all sides to resolve the issues as "partners."
Chrystal said he has asked for a meeting with Paw and McCarthy. If that fails, he said, "we'll see what the courts have to say."
Jonathan Schuppe may be reached at jschuppe@starledger.com or (973) 392-7960.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Police Director - Ledger - Newark officers sue to reduce powers
Published in the Star-Ledger, Friday , February 01, 2008
Superior Officers' move could bring demotions
Union has filed a lawsuit to reduce police director's powers in Newark
By JONATHAN SCHUPPE
STAR-LEDGER STAFF
The Newark police union trying to curtail Police Director Garry McCarthy's powers is also blocking his ability to issue promotions -- and may force him to demote three trusted captains.
The moves have frustrated McCarthy, who predicted that the consequences could be "enor mous" because he may not be able to continue reforming the troubled Newark Police Department.
"This is keeping us from moving the agency forward," McCarthy said yesterday. "If they have a plan, it's hard to see what it is."
The Superior Officers Association on Wednesday filed a lawsuit accusing McCarthy, a retired New York Police Department deputy commissioner, of going beyond the scope of his legal authority to oversee the force.
Citing a state law that gives the power over most day-to-day operations to the sworn police chief, the union asked a state Superior Court judge to bar McCarthy from run ning most aspects of the department. That would leave it to Chief Anthony Campos, with whom McCarthy has a strained relation ship.
On a separate front, the SOA unearthed a long-forgotten 1982 city ordinance that caps the number of people who can hold certain ranks. When McCarthy revealed his intention this month to promote more than two dozen officers to sergeant, the union pointed out the ordinance, forcing him to limit the sergeant promotions to five.
McCarthy also noticed that the ordinance limited the number of captains to 30 -- even though the force has 33. So now he is contem plating demoting three captains to the rank of lieutenant while he tries to persuade the city council to change the ordinance.
The SOA's two-pronged attack on McCarthy surprised many police brass because the union represents sergeants, lieutenants and captains -- and therefore doesn't appear to gain any obvious benefit.
The ranking officers also noted that the Newark Police Department has been running the same way for decades -- including several instances in recent years when the roster violated the 1982 ordi nance -- without any complaints from the SOA.
That has prompted speculation about the union's motives.
Daniel Zieser, president of the deputy chiefs association, accused the SOA of "throwing a stumbling block in our efforts to increase supervision" within the department by promoting more sergeants.
SOA President John Chrystal said he simply wants the department to be run according to law.
"There's no ulterior motive other than to right a wrong," Chrystal said. "I have nothing personal to gain from this. I just want the department to be run properly. We want our members to get promoted the right way."
Chrystal said the union found the ordinance about a year ago after seeing similar issues arise in other New Jersey towns. He filed a grievance this week with the state Public Employment Relations Commission, claiming McCarthy transferred a union member who brought up the ordinance in a discussion about the promotions.
The head of the union representing patrol officers declined to comment.
The three captains facing demo tion -- the last three to get promoted to that rank -- are Niles Wilson, currently serving as deputy director in charge of recruiting, discipline and community relations; Antonio Perez, commander of the second precinct; and Inez Gonza lez, commander of the communica tions bureau.
If demoted, Perez and possibly Gonzalez will have to be transferred, McCarthy said.
"We are examining with our legal counsel whether we will be forced to demote them," McCarthy said.
Councilman Ronald C. Rice said he and McCarthy have discussed the old ordinance and he agreed to review it and consider changes.
"If it's a concern for him it's a concern for me as well," Rice said. "I want him to be able to do his job for the citizens of Newark."
Jonathan Schuppe may be reached at jschuppe@starledger.com or (973) 392-7960.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
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Superior Officers' move could bring demotions
Union has filed a lawsuit to reduce police director's powers in Newark
By JONATHAN SCHUPPE
STAR-LEDGER STAFF
The Newark police union trying to curtail Police Director Garry McCarthy's powers is also blocking his ability to issue promotions -- and may force him to demote three trusted captains.
The moves have frustrated McCarthy, who predicted that the consequences could be "enor mous" because he may not be able to continue reforming the troubled Newark Police Department.
"This is keeping us from moving the agency forward," McCarthy said yesterday. "If they have a plan, it's hard to see what it is."
The Superior Officers Association on Wednesday filed a lawsuit accusing McCarthy, a retired New York Police Department deputy commissioner, of going beyond the scope of his legal authority to oversee the force.
Citing a state law that gives the power over most day-to-day operations to the sworn police chief, the union asked a state Superior Court judge to bar McCarthy from run ning most aspects of the department. That would leave it to Chief Anthony Campos, with whom McCarthy has a strained relation ship.
On a separate front, the SOA unearthed a long-forgotten 1982 city ordinance that caps the number of people who can hold certain ranks. When McCarthy revealed his intention this month to promote more than two dozen officers to sergeant, the union pointed out the ordinance, forcing him to limit the sergeant promotions to five.
McCarthy also noticed that the ordinance limited the number of captains to 30 -- even though the force has 33. So now he is contem plating demoting three captains to the rank of lieutenant while he tries to persuade the city council to change the ordinance.
The SOA's two-pronged attack on McCarthy surprised many police brass because the union represents sergeants, lieutenants and captains -- and therefore doesn't appear to gain any obvious benefit.
The ranking officers also noted that the Newark Police Department has been running the same way for decades -- including several instances in recent years when the roster violated the 1982 ordi nance -- without any complaints from the SOA.
That has prompted speculation about the union's motives.
Daniel Zieser, president of the deputy chiefs association, accused the SOA of "throwing a stumbling block in our efforts to increase supervision" within the department by promoting more sergeants.
SOA President John Chrystal said he simply wants the department to be run according to law.
"There's no ulterior motive other than to right a wrong," Chrystal said. "I have nothing personal to gain from this. I just want the department to be run properly. We want our members to get promoted the right way."
Chrystal said the union found the ordinance about a year ago after seeing similar issues arise in other New Jersey towns. He filed a grievance this week with the state Public Employment Relations Commission, claiming McCarthy transferred a union member who brought up the ordinance in a discussion about the promotions.
The head of the union representing patrol officers declined to comment.
The three captains facing demo tion -- the last three to get promoted to that rank -- are Niles Wilson, currently serving as deputy director in charge of recruiting, discipline and community relations; Antonio Perez, commander of the second precinct; and Inez Gonza lez, commander of the communica tions bureau.
If demoted, Perez and possibly Gonzalez will have to be transferred, McCarthy said.
"We are examining with our legal counsel whether we will be forced to demote them," McCarthy said.
Councilman Ronald C. Rice said he and McCarthy have discussed the old ordinance and he agreed to review it and consider changes.
"If it's a concern for him it's a concern for me as well," Rice said. "I want him to be able to do his job for the citizens of Newark."
Jonathan Schuppe may be reached at jschuppe@starledger.com or (973) 392-7960.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
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