Westfield Leader, 8/22/2008
Lance and Stender to
Debate September 16 in Scotch Plains
SCOTCH PLAINS – Two candidates vying for Congressional representation in the 7th District, Republican State Senator Leonard Lance (LD-23, Clinton) and Democratic Assemblywoman Linda Stender (LD-22, Fanwood) will debate for the first time at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16.
The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey will host the debate at their offices, located at 1391 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains.
The event will offer voters insight into critical issues, including key domestic and foreign policy questions. The race, to fill the seat vacated by retiring Republican Mike Ferguson, is likely to be one of the most closely watched in the country.
Organizations co-sponsoring this event include: American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League New Jersey, Community Relations Committee of United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ, JCC of Central New Jersey, Jewish Community Relations Council of Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County, National Jewish Democratic Council, New Jersey State Association of Jewish Federations, Republican Jewish Coalition, Westfield Chapter of Hadassah, and The Workmen’s Circle/Arbeiter Ring.
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Christie - Westfield Leader - Union County pols need to worry
Published in the Westfield Leader, June 26, 2008
[Christie wants to hear about Union County misconduct]
He's Going to Jail July 29, Christie Says of Sharpe James
By HORACE CORBIN
Specially written for the Westfield Leader
WESTFIELD -- U.S. Attorney Chris Christie said, "He's going to jail, July 29" referring to the sentencing of former Newark Mayor, and State Senator, Sharpe James, in an interview last Thursday with publisher, Horace Corbin, of The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times.
"We're asking for ten to 15-year sentencing from Judge [William] Martini who presides over the case," Mr. Christie said. "That sends a message to all other politicians in New Jersey who think they are untouchable." Unlike in state prison, federal prison inmates are not eligible for parole. 72-year-old James would likely be spending most, if not all, of the remainder of his life in jail. When asked about James' two Silver Cloud Rolls Royce's, yacht andshore estate, and if the taxpayers will ever see any of their money back, Mr. Christie said, "Unlikely. What we've convicted him of is relatively small in the context of what you're talking about."
The 40-minute interview with Mr. Christie can be viewed at goleader.com/video.
For seven years, Mr. Christie has served as U.S. Attorney with his office located in Newark and branches in Trenton and Camden. He said even his mother confuses his job with that of state Attorney General (AG). The U.S. Attorney is appointed by the President of the United States, confirmed by the Senate and is responsible for enforcing federal laws.
The AG is appointed by the Governor of New Jersey and is responsible for enforcing state laws. Mr. Christie said he has a close relationship with recently appointed AG Anne Milgram. They confer once a week. He said she is a true professional and clearly understands the basis of prosecution. They often work together, as exemplified by the James conviction. He publicly admitted to not always having a good relationship with the AG's office, so referring to those formerly in the position, Peter Harvey and Zulima Farber. Mr. Christie said his opinion changed when Stuart Rabner was appointed as AG for one year, and now is Supreme Court chief justice. Mr. Rabner had worked for Mr. Christie in the U.S. Attorney's office.
With a 128-0 record of convicting corrupt public officials, Mr. Christie said he is proud of the accomplishments of his office. When asked why he did not press for more convictions, Mr. Christie said his office prepares a case and when they are absolutely sure they can get a conviction, they present the case to a jury. "An indictment damages a person's reputation, so we want to be sure beyond a reasonable doubt," he said.
Mr. Christie said his office pursues cases regardless of political affiliation, a tactic that helps him to avoid the reputation former governor Eliot Spitzer developed as attorney general in New York, with his aggressive style. Mr. Christie said he does not believe the state has turned the corner yet on the culture of corruption; however, the issue is foremost on many minds.
"Invariable," he said. "We're not going to prosecute our way out of corruption. Given 566 municipalities, 611 school districts, 21 counties and a $35-billion state budget, 128 convictions is a small number. "Still, we've shined a very, very bright light on the problem, and now there is enormous discussion of this at every corner. Six to seven years ago, that was not the case."
About the message getting down to all other levels and special interests, he said, "I really do [think so], but that doesn't mean, I'm not claiming we've changed behavior across the board." He added the U.S. Attorney's office has a "zero tolerance" policy. It takes two to three years to investigate a case and obtain a conviction. With his term coming to an end in a few months, he said we have a `very active' pipeline.
"Anyone who's breaking the law in Union County has to be nervous and beyond that, I will not be making any comment about any particular individuals," Mr. Christie said. Aside from political corruption, his office handles several other matters, such as drugs and organized crime.
One area of particular concern to him is human trafficking what he said is a "terrific tragedy." His office has prosecuted more such crimes than any other office in the country. He said due to New Jersey's diverse culture; criminals from Mexico, Central America, Eastern Europe, Russia and Asia could find a community in the state where they would not be conspicuous in contrast, say to Oklahoma. His office put two women in Federal prison for the next 17 years for the sex enslavement in Plainfield, of four teenage girls from Mexico.
However, his stance on immigration is somewhat different. "Being without proper documentation is not a crime," Mr. Christie said, pointing out the legal difference between illegal immigration and improper documentation. "I don't make the law, I just enforce it." He said someone could have an expired visa and that is not something a person can be arrested for in this country although they could be deported. However, entering the United States illegally and/or having false documents are a crime and one would be subject to arrest.
On criticism he received was from The New York Times over the hiring of John Ashcroft to oversee compliance of five companies that had been paying kickbacks to doctors; Mr. Christie responded that although Mr. Ashcroft may be a controversial, national figure, no one claimed he was unqualified for the job.
He said these five companies, which manufacture artificial hips and knees, have 95 percent of the market. Mr. Christie said the companies were illegally paying doctors to use only their products. He said this practice has been halted, and $511 million have been recovered to Medicare. Medicare pays for two-thirds of hip replacements in the country. He said several doctors involved in this situation are in his "pipeline," and are soon to come out, which he would not comment on at this time. Mr. Christie said he can't comment on his plans after the November Presidential election, and must focus on the duties of his office.
Asked if Presidential candidates Barack Obama or John McCain requested him to stay on, he quipped that it is unlikely that Mr. Obama would give him a call. Regarding Mr. McCain, he said it would be very difficult to turn down a request from a President, but he could only imagine the conversation that this would generate with his wife.
He advised the press to be diligent, and urged citizens to attend meetings, protest against faulty government and campaign against elected officials that break their promises. "Throw them out," he said.
Further, he said he knows it is possible for citizens in any town in to have a direct impact. When he lived in Westfield early in his marriage, he said he witnessed door-to-door citizen campaigns.
He asked anyone with a complaint of government or suspecting wrong-doing to call him in Newark at (973) 645-2700; or if they prefer, call the FBI in Newark at (973) 792-3000. He said he has e-mail but prefers to talk to people directly. He said they need not be concerned and he doesn't record his phone calls. "I'm here to serve you, the public."
He said he's "incredibly flattered" to be mentioned as a candidate for Governor next year, but said it is presumptuous for him to even consider it at this time.
Mr. Christie was born in Newark and raised in Livingston where he became friends with Senator Tom Kean, Jr., now of Westfield. Mr. Christie lives with his family today in Mendham.
Next year, for the first time in history, New Jersey will also choose a Lieutenant Governor. Mr. Corbin posed, "Could it be 'Christie and Kean, Perfect Together'?"
"LINK" to online story.
(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.)
[Christie wants to hear about Union County misconduct]
He's Going to Jail July 29, Christie Says of Sharpe James
By HORACE CORBIN
Specially written for the Westfield Leader
WESTFIELD -- U.S. Attorney Chris Christie said, "He's going to jail, July 29" referring to the sentencing of former Newark Mayor, and State Senator, Sharpe James, in an interview last Thursday with publisher, Horace Corbin, of The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times.
"We're asking for ten to 15-year sentencing from Judge [William] Martini who presides over the case," Mr. Christie said. "That sends a message to all other politicians in New Jersey who think they are untouchable." Unlike in state prison, federal prison inmates are not eligible for parole. 72-year-old James would likely be spending most, if not all, of the remainder of his life in jail. When asked about James' two Silver Cloud Rolls Royce's, yacht andshore estate, and if the taxpayers will ever see any of their money back, Mr. Christie said, "Unlikely. What we've convicted him of is relatively small in the context of what you're talking about."
The 40-minute interview with Mr. Christie can be viewed at goleader.com/video.
For seven years, Mr. Christie has served as U.S. Attorney with his office located in Newark and branches in Trenton and Camden. He said even his mother confuses his job with that of state Attorney General (AG). The U.S. Attorney is appointed by the President of the United States, confirmed by the Senate and is responsible for enforcing federal laws.
The AG is appointed by the Governor of New Jersey and is responsible for enforcing state laws. Mr. Christie said he has a close relationship with recently appointed AG Anne Milgram. They confer once a week. He said she is a true professional and clearly understands the basis of prosecution. They often work together, as exemplified by the James conviction. He publicly admitted to not always having a good relationship with the AG's office, so referring to those formerly in the position, Peter Harvey and Zulima Farber. Mr. Christie said his opinion changed when Stuart Rabner was appointed as AG for one year, and now is Supreme Court chief justice. Mr. Rabner had worked for Mr. Christie in the U.S. Attorney's office.
With a 128-0 record of convicting corrupt public officials, Mr. Christie said he is proud of the accomplishments of his office. When asked why he did not press for more convictions, Mr. Christie said his office prepares a case and when they are absolutely sure they can get a conviction, they present the case to a jury. "An indictment damages a person's reputation, so we want to be sure beyond a reasonable doubt," he said.
Mr. Christie said his office pursues cases regardless of political affiliation, a tactic that helps him to avoid the reputation former governor Eliot Spitzer developed as attorney general in New York, with his aggressive style. Mr. Christie said he does not believe the state has turned the corner yet on the culture of corruption; however, the issue is foremost on many minds.
"Invariable," he said. "We're not going to prosecute our way out of corruption. Given 566 municipalities, 611 school districts, 21 counties and a $35-billion state budget, 128 convictions is a small number. "Still, we've shined a very, very bright light on the problem, and now there is enormous discussion of this at every corner. Six to seven years ago, that was not the case."
About the message getting down to all other levels and special interests, he said, "I really do [think so], but that doesn't mean, I'm not claiming we've changed behavior across the board." He added the U.S. Attorney's office has a "zero tolerance" policy. It takes two to three years to investigate a case and obtain a conviction. With his term coming to an end in a few months, he said we have a `very active' pipeline.
"Anyone who's breaking the law in Union County has to be nervous and beyond that, I will not be making any comment about any particular individuals," Mr. Christie said. Aside from political corruption, his office handles several other matters, such as drugs and organized crime.
One area of particular concern to him is human trafficking what he said is a "terrific tragedy." His office has prosecuted more such crimes than any other office in the country. He said due to New Jersey's diverse culture; criminals from Mexico, Central America, Eastern Europe, Russia and Asia could find a community in the state where they would not be conspicuous in contrast, say to Oklahoma. His office put two women in Federal prison for the next 17 years for the sex enslavement in Plainfield, of four teenage girls from Mexico.
However, his stance on immigration is somewhat different. "Being without proper documentation is not a crime," Mr. Christie said, pointing out the legal difference between illegal immigration and improper documentation. "I don't make the law, I just enforce it." He said someone could have an expired visa and that is not something a person can be arrested for in this country although they could be deported. However, entering the United States illegally and/or having false documents are a crime and one would be subject to arrest.
On criticism he received was from The New York Times over the hiring of John Ashcroft to oversee compliance of five companies that had been paying kickbacks to doctors; Mr. Christie responded that although Mr. Ashcroft may be a controversial, national figure, no one claimed he was unqualified for the job.
He said these five companies, which manufacture artificial hips and knees, have 95 percent of the market. Mr. Christie said the companies were illegally paying doctors to use only their products. He said this practice has been halted, and $511 million have been recovered to Medicare. Medicare pays for two-thirds of hip replacements in the country. He said several doctors involved in this situation are in his "pipeline," and are soon to come out, which he would not comment on at this time. Mr. Christie said he can't comment on his plans after the November Presidential election, and must focus on the duties of his office.
Asked if Presidential candidates Barack Obama or John McCain requested him to stay on, he quipped that it is unlikely that Mr. Obama would give him a call. Regarding Mr. McCain, he said it would be very difficult to turn down a request from a President, but he could only imagine the conversation that this would generate with his wife.
He advised the press to be diligent, and urged citizens to attend meetings, protest against faulty government and campaign against elected officials that break their promises. "Throw them out," he said.
Further, he said he knows it is possible for citizens in any town in to have a direct impact. When he lived in Westfield early in his marriage, he said he witnessed door-to-door citizen campaigns.
He asked anyone with a complaint of government or suspecting wrong-doing to call him in Newark at (973) 645-2700; or if they prefer, call the FBI in Newark at (973) 792-3000. He said he has e-mail but prefers to talk to people directly. He said they need not be concerned and he doesn't record his phone calls. "I'm here to serve you, the public."
He said he's "incredibly flattered" to be mentioned as a candidate for Governor next year, but said it is presumptuous for him to even consider it at this time.
Mr. Christie was born in Newark and raised in Livingston where he became friends with Senator Tom Kean, Jr., now of Westfield. Mr. Christie lives with his family today in Mendham.
Next year, for the first time in history, New Jersey will also choose a Lieutenant Governor. Mr. Corbin posed, "Could it be 'Christie and Kean, Perfect Together'?"
"LINK" to online story.
(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, March 05, 2008
Asm Jerry Green - Legislature - Bill to make police chiefs contractual - Ledger
Published in the Star Ledger, Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Lawmaker wants way to remove top cops
Plainfield's Santiago appears to be target
BY JULIA M. SCOTT
Star-Ledger Staff
A month after his political ally put Plainfield Police Chief Edward Santiago on administrative leave, Assemblyman Jerry Green introduced a bill that would make it easier to remove a sitting police commander.
The bill would make top cops employees with a three- to five-year contract instead of tenured workers. It creates a 12-member state commission to determine if a chief was "satisfactorily performing his duties" near the end of the contract. Those who don't meet the cut could be demoted to a lower rank but would not lose their job, Green said.
The state needs to weed out tenured employees who are performing "unsatisfactorily," starting with police chiefs, Green said. He introduced the six-page bill Monday.
"You can't just go after Santiago, you have to say this system in place is not working," said Green, whose district includes Plainfield. "There is no check and balance when it comes down to the police departments in New Jersey."
The bill comes on the heels of a court fight to reinstate Santiago, whom Mayor Sharon Robinson- Briggs put on paid administrative leave four weeks ago because she does not want her criticism of the department to land her a role in a lawsuit Santiago filed in 2005.
Santiago sued the city in August, claiming his reputation was tarnished after former safety director Michael Lattimore suspended him for a day.
In court Friday, a judge refused to immediately allow Santiago to return, instead putting off a decision until the end of the month.
Santiago's lawyer, Todd Shea of Westfield, declined to comment because he has not seen the bill. Shea added, "I can say Plainfield violated the law in place at the time they put him on leave."
The bill takes "all the politics" out of the process, because an outside commission decides the fate of chiefs, said Green, an adviser to Robinson-Briggs who helped her win the mayoral seat.
Not so, according to Mitchell Sklar, executive director of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. The bill would oppose a law from the early 1980s that made the chief's position tenured, insulating them from capricious politicians.
"If the police chief was doing something the politicians didn't like, they couldn't simply be removed because they annoyed elected officials," Sklar said. "It happened often enough to enact a law to put a stop to that."
Sklar pointed out the current system of checks and balances. Municipal police chiefs answer to the county prosecutor, who answers to the attorney general.
The 12-member evaluation commission would fall under the department of law and public safety and include union leaders, police association leaders, two people appointed by the governor, and others.
As chair of the housing and local government committee, Green said, he hears many municipalities complain about incompetent police commanders.
"The majority of them feel at a disadvantage because once these chiefs are appointed, they can basically not be removed unless they almost commit murder," Green said.
Julia M. Scott covers Plainfield. She may be reached at jscott@star ledger.com or (908) 302-1505.
(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.)
Lawmaker wants way to remove top cops
Plainfield's Santiago appears to be target
BY JULIA M. SCOTT
Star-Ledger Staff
A month after his political ally put Plainfield Police Chief Edward Santiago on administrative leave, Assemblyman Jerry Green introduced a bill that would make it easier to remove a sitting police commander.
The bill would make top cops employees with a three- to five-year contract instead of tenured workers. It creates a 12-member state commission to determine if a chief was "satisfactorily performing his duties" near the end of the contract. Those who don't meet the cut could be demoted to a lower rank but would not lose their job, Green said.
The state needs to weed out tenured employees who are performing "unsatisfactorily," starting with police chiefs, Green said. He introduced the six-page bill Monday.
"You can't just go after Santiago, you have to say this system in place is not working," said Green, whose district includes Plainfield. "There is no check and balance when it comes down to the police departments in New Jersey."
The bill comes on the heels of a court fight to reinstate Santiago, whom Mayor Sharon Robinson- Briggs put on paid administrative leave four weeks ago because she does not want her criticism of the department to land her a role in a lawsuit Santiago filed in 2005.
Santiago sued the city in August, claiming his reputation was tarnished after former safety director Michael Lattimore suspended him for a day.
In court Friday, a judge refused to immediately allow Santiago to return, instead putting off a decision until the end of the month.
Santiago's lawyer, Todd Shea of Westfield, declined to comment because he has not seen the bill. Shea added, "I can say Plainfield violated the law in place at the time they put him on leave."
The bill takes "all the politics" out of the process, because an outside commission decides the fate of chiefs, said Green, an adviser to Robinson-Briggs who helped her win the mayoral seat.
Not so, according to Mitchell Sklar, executive director of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. The bill would oppose a law from the early 1980s that made the chief's position tenured, insulating them from capricious politicians.
"If the police chief was doing something the politicians didn't like, they couldn't simply be removed because they annoyed elected officials," Sklar said. "It happened often enough to enact a law to put a stop to that."
Sklar pointed out the current system of checks and balances. Municipal police chiefs answer to the county prosecutor, who answers to the attorney general.
The 12-member evaluation commission would fall under the department of law and public safety and include union leaders, police association leaders, two people appointed by the governor, and others.
As chair of the housing and local government committee, Green said, he hears many municipalities complain about incompetent police commanders.
"The majority of them feel at a disadvantage because once these chiefs are appointed, they can basically not be removed unless they almost commit murder," Green said.
Julia M. Scott covers Plainfield. She may be reached at jscott@star ledger.com or (908) 302-1505.
(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, January 27, 2008
Obama - NY Times - Caroline Kennedy Endorsement
Published in the NY Times, Sunday, January 27, 2008
Op-Ed Contributor
A President Like My Father
By CAROLINE KENNEDY
OVER the years, I’ve been deeply moved by the people who’ve told me they wished they could feel inspired and hopeful about America the way people did when my father was president. This sense is even more profound today. That is why I am supporting a presidential candidate in the Democratic primaries, Barack Obama.
My reasons are patriotic, political and personal, and the three are intertwined. All my life, people have told me that my father changed their lives, that they got involved in public service or politics because he asked them to. And the generation he inspired has passed that spirit on to its children. I meet young people who were born long after John F. Kennedy was president, yet who ask me how to live out his ideals.
Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that someone has a special ability to get us to believe in ourselves, to tie that belief to our highest ideals and imagine that together we can do great things. In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible.
We have that kind of opportunity with Senator Obama. It isn’t that the other candidates are not experienced or knowledgeable. But this year, that may not be enough. We need a change in the leadership of this country — just as we did in 1960.
Most of us would prefer to base our voting decision on policy differences. However, the candidates’ goals are similar. They have all laid out detailed plans on everything from strengthening our middle class to investing in early childhood education. So qualities of leadership, character and judgment play a larger role than usual.
Senator Obama has demonstrated these qualities throughout his more than two decades of public service, not just in the United States Senate but in Illinois, where he helped turn around struggling communities, taught constitutional law and was an elected state official for eight years. And Senator Obama is showing the same qualities today. He has built a movement that is changing the face of politics in this country, and he has demonstrated a special gift for inspiring young people — known for a willingness to volunteer, but an aversion to politics — to become engaged in the political process.
I have spent the past five years working in the New York City public schools and have three teenage children of my own. There is a generation coming of age that is hopeful, hard-working, innovative and imaginative. But too many of them are also hopeless, defeated and disengaged. As parents, we have a responsibility to help our children to believe in themselves and in their power to shape their future. Senator Obama is inspiring my children, my parents’ grandchildren, with that sense of possibility.
Senator Obama is running a dignified and honest campaign. He has spoken eloquently about the role of faith in his life, and opened a window into his character in two compelling books. And when it comes to judgment, Barack Obama made the right call on the most important issue of our time by opposing the war in Iraq from the beginning.
I want a president who understands that his responsibility is to articulate a vision and encourage others to achieve it; who holds himself, and those around him, to the highest ethical standards; who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved.
I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.
Caroline Kennedy is the author of “A Patriot’s Handbook: Songs, Poems, Stories and Speeches Celebrating the Land We Love.
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.)
Op-Ed Contributor
A President Like My Father
By CAROLINE KENNEDY
OVER the years, I’ve been deeply moved by the people who’ve told me they wished they could feel inspired and hopeful about America the way people did when my father was president. This sense is even more profound today. That is why I am supporting a presidential candidate in the Democratic primaries, Barack Obama.
My reasons are patriotic, political and personal, and the three are intertwined. All my life, people have told me that my father changed their lives, that they got involved in public service or politics because he asked them to. And the generation he inspired has passed that spirit on to its children. I meet young people who were born long after John F. Kennedy was president, yet who ask me how to live out his ideals.
Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that someone has a special ability to get us to believe in ourselves, to tie that belief to our highest ideals and imagine that together we can do great things. In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible.
We have that kind of opportunity with Senator Obama. It isn’t that the other candidates are not experienced or knowledgeable. But this year, that may not be enough. We need a change in the leadership of this country — just as we did in 1960.
Most of us would prefer to base our voting decision on policy differences. However, the candidates’ goals are similar. They have all laid out detailed plans on everything from strengthening our middle class to investing in early childhood education. So qualities of leadership, character and judgment play a larger role than usual.
Senator Obama has demonstrated these qualities throughout his more than two decades of public service, not just in the United States Senate but in Illinois, where he helped turn around struggling communities, taught constitutional law and was an elected state official for eight years. And Senator Obama is showing the same qualities today. He has built a movement that is changing the face of politics in this country, and he has demonstrated a special gift for inspiring young people — known for a willingness to volunteer, but an aversion to politics — to become engaged in the political process.
I have spent the past five years working in the New York City public schools and have three teenage children of my own. There is a generation coming of age that is hopeful, hard-working, innovative and imaginative. But too many of them are also hopeless, defeated and disengaged. As parents, we have a responsibility to help our children to believe in themselves and in their power to shape their future. Senator Obama is inspiring my children, my parents’ grandchildren, with that sense of possibility.
Senator Obama is running a dignified and honest campaign. He has spoken eloquently about the role of faith in his life, and opened a window into his character in two compelling books. And when it comes to judgment, Barack Obama made the right call on the most important issue of our time by opposing the war in Iraq from the beginning.
I want a president who understands that his responsibility is to articulate a vision and encourage others to achieve it; who holds himself, and those around him, to the highest ethical standards; who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved.
I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.
Caroline Kennedy is the author of “A Patriot’s Handbook: Songs, Poems, Stories and Speeches Celebrating the Land We Love.
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.)
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Roselle - Ledger - Council committee assigments to victor
Published in the Star-Ledger, Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Roselle mayor extends influence
Committees reflect bigger role for allies
BY CARLY ROTHMAN
Star-Ledger Staff
At Roselle's borough reorganization meeting Friday, Mayor Garrett Smith further increased his influence on the borough agenda when Council President Sally Samuel, a Smith ally, announced committee assignments.
Samuel assigned Smith's two political opponents seats on just two of the five council committees. While the four council members allied with Smith will each serve on multiple committees in 2008, Councilwoman Cecilia Ricks and Councilman Jamel Holley were each assigned to just one committee.
Last year, Smith's three opponents were also assigned to just one committee apiece, but because there were more of them, they were represented on more committees. This year, Smith opponent Clarence Cunningham stepped down and was replaced by Smith supporter Samantha Dow.
Samuel, who is responsible for making committee assignments, said she drew up the lists based on input from the council members, who told her the committees on which they wanted to work on and suggested other committee members with whom they would like to serve.
But Holley and Ricks said the committee assignments are a way of marginalizing their political voice.
"I've sat on various committees in the past, but due to the fact that I'm in the minority sitting on the council, I get less committees," Holley said.
This year, the members of the revenue and finance, human resource and recreation committees will all be Smith allies.
Ricks will serve on the public works committee, along with Sylvia Turnage and Christine Dansereau, while Holley will serve on the public safety committee with Samuel and Dansereau, who also expressed concern over the distribution of committee seats.
"In all fairness to everybody else, not only to the other council members but to me as well, I would prefer to have it equitably distributed," said Dansereau, who will serve on at least three committees.
Carly Rothman may be reached at crothman@starledger.com or (908) 302-1504.
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.)
Roselle mayor extends influence
Committees reflect bigger role for allies
BY CARLY ROTHMAN
Star-Ledger Staff
At Roselle's borough reorganization meeting Friday, Mayor Garrett Smith further increased his influence on the borough agenda when Council President Sally Samuel, a Smith ally, announced committee assignments.
Samuel assigned Smith's two political opponents seats on just two of the five council committees. While the four council members allied with Smith will each serve on multiple committees in 2008, Councilwoman Cecilia Ricks and Councilman Jamel Holley were each assigned to just one committee.
Last year, Smith's three opponents were also assigned to just one committee apiece, but because there were more of them, they were represented on more committees. This year, Smith opponent Clarence Cunningham stepped down and was replaced by Smith supporter Samantha Dow.
Samuel, who is responsible for making committee assignments, said she drew up the lists based on input from the council members, who told her the committees on which they wanted to work on and suggested other committee members with whom they would like to serve.
But Holley and Ricks said the committee assignments are a way of marginalizing their political voice.
"I've sat on various committees in the past, but due to the fact that I'm in the minority sitting on the council, I get less committees," Holley said.
This year, the members of the revenue and finance, human resource and recreation committees will all be Smith allies.
Ricks will serve on the public works committee, along with Sylvia Turnage and Christine Dansereau, while Holley will serve on the public safety committee with Samuel and Dansereau, who also expressed concern over the distribution of committee seats.
"In all fairness to everybody else, not only to the other council members but to me as well, I would prefer to have it equitably distributed," said Dansereau, who will serve on at least three committees.
Carly Rothman may be reached at crothman@starledger.com or (908) 302-1504.
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.)
Monday, December 17, 2007
County Party Organizations - Ledger - Bill would set rules
Published in the Star-Ledger, Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Bill targets power of county bosses
Legislation sets internal rules for parties,
which chairmen say is unconstitutional
BY JOE DONOHUE
Star-Ledger Staff
Several legislators launched a bipartisan drive yesterday to end one of New Jersey's oldest traditions -- the power of county political bosses.
But two state party chairmen said doing so would violate the state constitution.
Led by two women senators who have both recently tangled with their respective county leaders, the legislative contingent wants to curb the influence of county bosses by adopting minimum standards for how county parties operate.
"All it does is make sure our parties run officially in an open manner," said Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), who has had several high-profile clashes with Bergen County Democratic Chairman Joseph Ferriero.
Under the Party Democracy Act, all county parties would have to adopt party constitutions and bylaws, use voting machines for filling committee vacancies and abide by other rules of operation that would make it harder to manipulate the nominating process. Weinberg and others said some leaders exploit the weakness of their parties to create their own fiefdoms and tend to exclude minorities and women.
"We need to get rid of the county bosses. We need to give power back to the people and do things in a democratic way," said Sen. Diane Allen (R-Burlington), another bill supporter. When Allen recently decided not to run for Congress, she said her decision was influenced in part by a falling out with longtime friend Glenn Paulsen, former Burlington County GOP chairman and still a major force in local politics.
Tom Wilson, chairman of the Republican State Committee, said while there may be good ideas in the legislation, it would be as unconstitutional as telling Chambers of Commerce or the Little League how to run their private affairs.
"The Supreme Court already has made it clear that government cannot intervene in the workings of private organizations," he said. "For purposes of the constitution, political parties are considered private organizations."
Democratic State Chairman Joe Cryan agreed there are constitutional questions about such a proposal. "If the goals are to increase representation of women and minorities and to give grassroots party activists a voice, we are already succeeding," Cryan said.
Harry Pozycki, chairman of the Citizens' Campaign, a nonpartisan group promoting citizen involvement in government, said the bill was drafted with an eye toward respecting the constitution. Lawmakers cannot micromanage parties but can set broad operating guidelines, he said.
"Party constitutions and voting machines are critical to ensure that county party committee people know the rules of the game and are able to vote their conscience, free from the threat or perception of intimidation from party leaders who in many cases control their livelihood," he said.
Ferriero could not be reached for comment. Paulsen, Burlington County chairman from 1990 to 2004, said no Republican county party in the state nominated more women and minorities during that period.
Brigid Harrison, political science professor at Montclair State University, said the influence of bosses, a New Jersey tradition that dates back at least a century, is too strong to eliminate overnight.
"You have to chip away at their base of power and how they go about conducting their business. This is one step in that direction," she said. "Party chairs need to be responsive to a set of rules that may not necessarily be of their making."
Joe Donohue may be reached at jdonohue@starledger.com or (609) 989-0208.
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.)
Bill targets power of county bosses
Legislation sets internal rules for parties,
which chairmen say is unconstitutional
BY JOE DONOHUE
Star-Ledger Staff
Several legislators launched a bipartisan drive yesterday to end one of New Jersey's oldest traditions -- the power of county political bosses.
But two state party chairmen said doing so would violate the state constitution.
Led by two women senators who have both recently tangled with their respective county leaders, the legislative contingent wants to curb the influence of county bosses by adopting minimum standards for how county parties operate.
"All it does is make sure our parties run officially in an open manner," said Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), who has had several high-profile clashes with Bergen County Democratic Chairman Joseph Ferriero.
Under the Party Democracy Act, all county parties would have to adopt party constitutions and bylaws, use voting machines for filling committee vacancies and abide by other rules of operation that would make it harder to manipulate the nominating process. Weinberg and others said some leaders exploit the weakness of their parties to create their own fiefdoms and tend to exclude minorities and women.
"We need to get rid of the county bosses. We need to give power back to the people and do things in a democratic way," said Sen. Diane Allen (R-Burlington), another bill supporter. When Allen recently decided not to run for Congress, she said her decision was influenced in part by a falling out with longtime friend Glenn Paulsen, former Burlington County GOP chairman and still a major force in local politics.
Tom Wilson, chairman of the Republican State Committee, said while there may be good ideas in the legislation, it would be as unconstitutional as telling Chambers of Commerce or the Little League how to run their private affairs.
"The Supreme Court already has made it clear that government cannot intervene in the workings of private organizations," he said. "For purposes of the constitution, political parties are considered private organizations."
Democratic State Chairman Joe Cryan agreed there are constitutional questions about such a proposal. "If the goals are to increase representation of women and minorities and to give grassroots party activists a voice, we are already succeeding," Cryan said.
Harry Pozycki, chairman of the Citizens' Campaign, a nonpartisan group promoting citizen involvement in government, said the bill was drafted with an eye toward respecting the constitution. Lawmakers cannot micromanage parties but can set broad operating guidelines, he said.
"Party constitutions and voting machines are critical to ensure that county party committee people know the rules of the game and are able to vote their conscience, free from the threat or perception of intimidation from party leaders who in many cases control their livelihood," he said.
Ferriero could not be reached for comment. Paulsen, Burlington County chairman from 1990 to 2004, said no Republican county party in the state nominated more women and minorities during that period.
Brigid Harrison, political science professor at Montclair State University, said the influence of bosses, a New Jersey tradition that dates back at least a century, is too strong to eliminate overnight.
"You have to chip away at their base of power and how they go about conducting their business. This is one step in that direction," she said. "Party chairs need to be responsive to a set of rules that may not necessarily be of their making."
Joe Donohue may be reached at jdonohue@starledger.com or (609) 989-0208.
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.)
Friday, August 31, 2007
Pay-to-Play - Bergen Record - Ferreiro attacks regulation
Published in the Bergen Record, Thursday, August 30, 2007
Ferriero support of pay-to-play stuns Democrats
By CHARLES STILE
RECORD COLUMNIST
Joe Ferriero has never disguised his disgust for New Jersey's pay-to-play bans on campaign contributions.
Bergen County's top Democratic power broker would love nothing better than to watch a judge cut those restrictions to ribbons -- much like the way he swiftly diced a pair of poached eggs at a Hackensack diner on Wednesday.
"I have made it known to party leaders of my intention to challenge the constitutionality of pay-to-play [restrictions]," he said, referring to his plans to file a lawsuit in federal court, possibly in two weeks. "No one in any way has tried to dissuade me from doing this."
That's probably going to change. And quickly.
Nervous Democratic Party officials are furious, puzzled and privately ambivalent about Ferriero's attack on pay-to- play limitations, the crown jewel of the Democratic Party's ethics reform platform.
Ferriero's legal jihad defies every fundamental law of campaign politics, they say. Why would the wily political strategist and his legal counsel, Dennis Oury, openly talk about such an idea -- let alone draft a lawsuit -- just as the scandal-battered Democrats hit the campaign trail to try to maintain their tenuous control of the Legislature?
Sure, he has a point, some say. Many remain furious at Jim McGreevey for imposing an executive order on pay-to-play one month before the ethics-challenged governor left office in disgrace. McGreevey's last-ditch attempt to restore his name deprived his party of thousands of dollars
in contributions from professionals -- from lawyers to engineers to architects -- who do business with state and local governments.
Some even believe it's time to have a full debate over whether those contractors' First Amendment rights are being violated by pay-to-play bans.
But now?
Democrats know they are about to be painted as comrades of a corrupt party machine that produced Sens. Sharpe James of Newark and Wayne Bryant of Camden, both indicted on federal corruption charges. They are also the party of Ferriero protege Joe Coniglio of Paramus, who is in the crosshairs of a federal probe. And that's just for starters -- expect some opponents to roll out a McGreevey-era roster of rogue fund-raisers and friends.
So about the last thing Democrats want or need is to have Ferriero and the Bergen County Democratic Organization, which derived its power from an aggressive pursuit of contractor cash, trying to dismantle the new laws.
Tom Wilson, the Republican State Committee chairman, is already hatching a strategy: If Ferriero sues, he says, the GOP will challenge every Democratic candidate to take a position on the lawsuit. If they oppose it, he will call on them to return all BCDO contributions. (And the organization has been very generous in the past.)
Then there are the headlines such a lawsuit would generate. Think of how easily GOP strategists can cut and paste those screamers into campaign ads.
"All of us know that those statutes have turned good people from government,'' said Joe Cryan, chairman of the Democratic State Committee, striking a diplomatic tone. "However, our party is best served by our record of accomplishment, including ethics reform and the culture-changing Clean Elections campaign."
News of the suit, first reported in this column Tuesday, also reopened the public rift between Ferriero and his Bergen County nemesis, Sen. Loretta Weinberg of Teaneck, who has beaten back two challenges by his handpicked candidates. She and her running mates fired off a letter to Ferriero and the BCDO, criticizing him for pursuing the suit without input from county committee members. In other words, this was yet another example of Ferriero The Boss, a label he vehemently rejects.
Weinberg, who sponsored a key pay-to-play law in 2005, called opposition to it "bad government, bad politics and bad timing just before an election."
Governor Corzine is also less than enamored with the prospect of a fight.
"The governor is not going to support the lawsuit,'' said Lilo Stainton, his spokeswoman, adding: "He's more concerned with the potential corrosive effect of campaign cash than the possibility of debate within the Democratic Party."
Apparently stung by Weinberg's criticism, Ferriero said Wednesday that he will survey BCDO leaders, either through an executive committee meeting or by phone, before deciding whether to move ahead. But he remained unapologetic about his disdain for the laws, which he described as "unconstitutional and totally unnecessary."
He rejects suggestions that the bans are needed to halt the practice of rewarding donors with lucrative government spoils. Reformers argue that the practice inflates the cost of government, drives up property taxes and drains public confidence in government.
"It's an absolute absurd assertion to say that because people contribute to an election that it increases the costs,'' Ferriero said. "And I would defy anyone to prove that."
He added, "Contracts are not awarded in a vacuum. They are awarded in a public meeting subject to the scrutiny of the public and the press ... to determine whether the professional is qualified -- and what those rates are."
Ironically, Ferriero might find a sympathetic federal judiciary. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a strict Vermont campaign finance law last year, and justices recently expressed disdain for the McCain-Feingold reforms on campaign advertising during oral arguments in a Wisconsin case.
Maybe that buoys confidence for Ferriero's prospects in a courtroom. It provides little comfort for Democrats defending themselves on the campaign trail.
E-mail: stile@northjersey.com
Link to online story here. Archived here.
(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.)
Ferriero support of pay-to-play stuns Democrats
By CHARLES STILE
RECORD COLUMNIST
Joe Ferriero has never disguised his disgust for New Jersey's pay-to-play bans on campaign contributions.
Bergen County's top Democratic power broker would love nothing better than to watch a judge cut those restrictions to ribbons -- much like the way he swiftly diced a pair of poached eggs at a Hackensack diner on Wednesday.
"I have made it known to party leaders of my intention to challenge the constitutionality of pay-to-play [restrictions]," he said, referring to his plans to file a lawsuit in federal court, possibly in two weeks. "No one in any way has tried to dissuade me from doing this."
That's probably going to change. And quickly.
Nervous Democratic Party officials are furious, puzzled and privately ambivalent about Ferriero's attack on pay-to- play limitations, the crown jewel of the Democratic Party's ethics reform platform.
Ferriero's legal jihad defies every fundamental law of campaign politics, they say. Why would the wily political strategist and his legal counsel, Dennis Oury, openly talk about such an idea -- let alone draft a lawsuit -- just as the scandal-battered Democrats hit the campaign trail to try to maintain their tenuous control of the Legislature?
Sure, he has a point, some say. Many remain furious at Jim McGreevey for imposing an executive order on pay-to-play one month before the ethics-challenged governor left office in disgrace. McGreevey's last-ditch attempt to restore his name deprived his party of thousands of dollars
in contributions from professionals -- from lawyers to engineers to architects -- who do business with state and local governments.
Some even believe it's time to have a full debate over whether those contractors' First Amendment rights are being violated by pay-to-play bans.
But now?
Democrats know they are about to be painted as comrades of a corrupt party machine that produced Sens. Sharpe James of Newark and Wayne Bryant of Camden, both indicted on federal corruption charges. They are also the party of Ferriero protege Joe Coniglio of Paramus, who is in the crosshairs of a federal probe. And that's just for starters -- expect some opponents to roll out a McGreevey-era roster of rogue fund-raisers and friends.
So about the last thing Democrats want or need is to have Ferriero and the Bergen County Democratic Organization, which derived its power from an aggressive pursuit of contractor cash, trying to dismantle the new laws.
Tom Wilson, the Republican State Committee chairman, is already hatching a strategy: If Ferriero sues, he says, the GOP will challenge every Democratic candidate to take a position on the lawsuit. If they oppose it, he will call on them to return all BCDO contributions. (And the organization has been very generous in the past.)
Then there are the headlines such a lawsuit would generate. Think of how easily GOP strategists can cut and paste those screamers into campaign ads.
"All of us know that those statutes have turned good people from government,'' said Joe Cryan, chairman of the Democratic State Committee, striking a diplomatic tone. "However, our party is best served by our record of accomplishment, including ethics reform and the culture-changing Clean Elections campaign."
News of the suit, first reported in this column Tuesday, also reopened the public rift between Ferriero and his Bergen County nemesis, Sen. Loretta Weinberg of Teaneck, who has beaten back two challenges by his handpicked candidates. She and her running mates fired off a letter to Ferriero and the BCDO, criticizing him for pursuing the suit without input from county committee members. In other words, this was yet another example of Ferriero The Boss, a label he vehemently rejects.
Weinberg, who sponsored a key pay-to-play law in 2005, called opposition to it "bad government, bad politics and bad timing just before an election."
Governor Corzine is also less than enamored with the prospect of a fight.
"The governor is not going to support the lawsuit,'' said Lilo Stainton, his spokeswoman, adding: "He's more concerned with the potential corrosive effect of campaign cash than the possibility of debate within the Democratic Party."
Apparently stung by Weinberg's criticism, Ferriero said Wednesday that he will survey BCDO leaders, either through an executive committee meeting or by phone, before deciding whether to move ahead. But he remained unapologetic about his disdain for the laws, which he described as "unconstitutional and totally unnecessary."
He rejects suggestions that the bans are needed to halt the practice of rewarding donors with lucrative government spoils. Reformers argue that the practice inflates the cost of government, drives up property taxes and drains public confidence in government.
"It's an absolute absurd assertion to say that because people contribute to an election that it increases the costs,'' Ferriero said. "And I would defy anyone to prove that."
He added, "Contracts are not awarded in a vacuum. They are awarded in a public meeting subject to the scrutiny of the public and the press ... to determine whether the professional is qualified -- and what those rates are."
Ironically, Ferriero might find a sympathetic federal judiciary. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a strict Vermont campaign finance law last year, and justices recently expressed disdain for the McCain-Feingold reforms on campaign advertising during oral arguments in a Wisconsin case.
Maybe that buoys confidence for Ferriero's prospects in a courtroom. It provides little comfort for Democrats defending themselves on the campaign trail.
E-mail: stile@northjersey.com
Link to online story here. Archived here.
(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, August 15, 2007
Pay-to-Play - APP - Editorial: Limited at last
Published in the Asbury Park Press, Saturday, August 11, 2007
[Editorial]
Pay-to-play limited at last
Monmouth County's Board of Freeholders on Thursday effectively said to the state Legislature: OK, your turn. The freeholders unanimously passed pay-to-play restrictions and a curb on wheeling, outdoing the state's weaker reforms.
The freeholders did the right thing in backing the proposals from a committee that toiled for months to come up with measures that block the ability of contractors and other professionals to win lucrative public jobs by wooing politicians with hefty campaign donations.
Kate Mellina, a county chairwoman for the good-government group Citizens' Campaign, said the rules approved Thursday "set a standard for the state." We're glad to see Monmouth County join the many municipalities and one other county that are showing up the Legislature by passing stricter, more comprehensive, campaign finance reform measures. Political contributions from anyone seeking county work will now be capped at $300. To limit wheeling, candidates can't accept a contribution from another county's political party in excess of $2,600 per election.
The Democratic-controlled Legislature has failed to take the lead on pay-to-play, often saying they want to see what the counties and towns do first. That's a flimsy excuse. But one by one, towns and now counties are taking them up on it. We hope Monmouth County's actions will help shame Trenton's Democratic legislative leaders into doing the right thing, moving the strictest of the pay-to-play bills through the Statehouse and onto Gov. Corzine's desk.
Monmouth County's effort wasn't smooth — and should have been finished long ago. Some political shenanigans put a few forks in the road, including an effort in June to scuttle the work of the bipartisan committee in favor of weaker measures promoted by Republican leaders. But as one resident told the board Thursday, "at the end, you did the right thing. You showed some outstanding leadership."
Pay-to-play is a form of legal bribery where donations result in government contract prices that are inflated to cover the cost of those donations. That political game ultimately costs the taxpayers — a lot. Wheeling plays games with disclosure efforts as political contributions are made to out-of-county campaign funds, then wheeled back in to hide the identity of the original donor.
Monmouth County has tossed the ball back to Trenton. We'd like to see Ocean County get in the game, too, as well as the remaining municipalities that are still waiting for Trenton to act. There's no reason why that has to be an exercise in futility.
Link to online story. Archived here.
(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.)
[Editorial]
Pay-to-play limited at last
Monmouth County's Board of Freeholders on Thursday effectively said to the state Legislature: OK, your turn. The freeholders unanimously passed pay-to-play restrictions and a curb on wheeling, outdoing the state's weaker reforms.
The freeholders did the right thing in backing the proposals from a committee that toiled for months to come up with measures that block the ability of contractors and other professionals to win lucrative public jobs by wooing politicians with hefty campaign donations.
Kate Mellina, a county chairwoman for the good-government group Citizens' Campaign, said the rules approved Thursday "set a standard for the state." We're glad to see Monmouth County join the many municipalities and one other county that are showing up the Legislature by passing stricter, more comprehensive, campaign finance reform measures. Political contributions from anyone seeking county work will now be capped at $300. To limit wheeling, candidates can't accept a contribution from another county's political party in excess of $2,600 per election.
The Democratic-controlled Legislature has failed to take the lead on pay-to-play, often saying they want to see what the counties and towns do first. That's a flimsy excuse. But one by one, towns and now counties are taking them up on it. We hope Monmouth County's actions will help shame Trenton's Democratic legislative leaders into doing the right thing, moving the strictest of the pay-to-play bills through the Statehouse and onto Gov. Corzine's desk.
Monmouth County's effort wasn't smooth — and should have been finished long ago. Some political shenanigans put a few forks in the road, including an effort in June to scuttle the work of the bipartisan committee in favor of weaker measures promoted by Republican leaders. But as one resident told the board Thursday, "at the end, you did the right thing. You showed some outstanding leadership."
Pay-to-play is a form of legal bribery where donations result in government contract prices that are inflated to cover the cost of those donations. That political game ultimately costs the taxpayers — a lot. Wheeling plays games with disclosure efforts as political contributions are made to out-of-county campaign funds, then wheeled back in to hide the identity of the original donor.
Monmouth County has tossed the ball back to Trenton. We'd like to see Ocean County get in the game, too, as well as the remaining municipalities that are still waiting for Trenton to act. There's no reason why that has to be an exercise in futility.
Link to online story. Archived here.
(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.)
Pay-to-Play - APP - Monmouth County OKs restrictions
Published in the Asbury Park Press, Friday, August 10, 2007
County OKs pay-to-play restrictions
Sweeping reform hailed as a model for state
BY BOB JORDAN
FREEHOLD BUREAU
FREEHOLD — Sweeping pay-to-play and campaign-fund wheeling reforms were enacted by the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders on Thursday night, drawing bipartisan praise and the endorsement of the Citizens' Campaign good government group.
The group's members had attended county meetings for months and pushed for the changes, which will take effect Sept. 1. Other residents — about 50 people attended the board meeting at the Hall of Records — also said they welcomed the resolution, which was unanimously passed by the freeholders.
Howell resident John Lebrio told the board he has "been a staunch advocate for these types of changes in Howell, to no avail" and also noted that in recent years requests to county officials to take action "fell on deaf ears."
"I'm glad to see we've done a complete turnaround," Lebrio said.
Ocean Township resident Kate Mellina, who has addressed the topic at various board meetings during the last 22 months, told the freeholders that they've "set a standard for the state. I hope the municipalities follow."
The rules cover pay-to-play restrictions for professional service contracts and "extraordinary unspecifiable" service contracts, capping political contributions for those seeking such work at $300.
Also, wheeling money into Monmouth County elections is curbed: No candidate for county office shall accept a contribution from another county's political party in excess of $2,600 per election, according to the resolution.
Other highlights of the measure: contributions to a political party committee or municipal party committee count against the limit; there are restrictions against business entities seeking government contracts; and public disclosure
statements must be filed at least 10 days before the awarding of a contract or an agreement to procure services.
Not an easy journey
Republican Robert D. Clifton, Democrat Barbara J. McMorrow, county administrators and representatives of Citizens' Campaign — for which Mellina serves as a volunteer county co-chairwoman — had worked on different drafts of the
legislation since an action committee was formed at the start of the year.
McMorrow took office in January, becoming the first Democrat to serve on the board since 1989. Mellina said, "I do believe the rivalry thing, having the kid from the other side, helped this."
McMorrow said: "The journey has not been an easy one. There have been detours and bumps. But we got there. The pay-to-play portion of this resolution is tried and tested."
McMorrow said new rules on who the county purchases services and items from are so strong that Citizens' Campaign "is considering adding them to their model ordinance."
Clifton said Mercer County was the first county to pass a pay-to-play resolution and Atlantic County introduced a measure last week.
Clifton said, "We believe ours will go far beyond what the state has. We hope all the counties follow suit."
State law bans contracts over $17,500 from being given to a business that made a donation to the elected officials awarding the contract, or their political party committee, unless they are awarded through a "fair and open process."
Freeholder Lillian G. Burry said, "We are making history with the passing of this pay-to-play legislation. It would never occur without the tenacity and concern of the citizens."
Ball in state's court
William C. Barham, the freeholder director, said state legislators "should take notice."
"I call on all the legislators to stop the nonsense and stop wheeling all the money around, because we all know what's going on," he said.
Another Howell resident, John Costigan, agreed pressure should be put on the state government to move to tougher reforms.
"We should all go to Trenton. We should start at the top. I'm glad to see we're doing a great job in Monmouth County," Costigan said.
Jeannette Mistretta, a Freehold Township resident, said there had been much political interference while the legislation was being drafted. On one occasion, the work committee's draft scheduled for introduction on June 28 was scuttled and replaced by a version favored by GOP leaders.
"There were lots of shenanigans that went on at the last minute," Mistretta said. "But at the end you did the right thing. You showed some outstanding leadership. I want to thank you."
The resolution states that "substantial political contributions from those seeking to or performing business with the county of Monmouth raise reasonable concerns on the part of taxpayers and residents as to their trust in government contracts." The document goes on to note that "counties are authorized to adopt by resolution measures limiting the awarding of public contracts to business entities that have made political contributions."
Bob Jordan: (732) 308-7755 or bjordan@app.com
Link to online story. Archived here.
(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.)
County OKs pay-to-play restrictions
Sweeping reform hailed as a model for state
BY BOB JORDAN
FREEHOLD BUREAU
FREEHOLD — Sweeping pay-to-play and campaign-fund wheeling reforms were enacted by the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders on Thursday night, drawing bipartisan praise and the endorsement of the Citizens' Campaign good government group.
The group's members had attended county meetings for months and pushed for the changes, which will take effect Sept. 1. Other residents — about 50 people attended the board meeting at the Hall of Records — also said they welcomed the resolution, which was unanimously passed by the freeholders.
Howell resident John Lebrio told the board he has "been a staunch advocate for these types of changes in Howell, to no avail" and also noted that in recent years requests to county officials to take action "fell on deaf ears."
"I'm glad to see we've done a complete turnaround," Lebrio said.
Ocean Township resident Kate Mellina, who has addressed the topic at various board meetings during the last 22 months, told the freeholders that they've "set a standard for the state. I hope the municipalities follow."
The rules cover pay-to-play restrictions for professional service contracts and "extraordinary unspecifiable" service contracts, capping political contributions for those seeking such work at $300.
Also, wheeling money into Monmouth County elections is curbed: No candidate for county office shall accept a contribution from another county's political party in excess of $2,600 per election, according to the resolution.
Other highlights of the measure: contributions to a political party committee or municipal party committee count against the limit; there are restrictions against business entities seeking government contracts; and public disclosure
statements must be filed at least 10 days before the awarding of a contract or an agreement to procure services.
Not an easy journey
Republican Robert D. Clifton, Democrat Barbara J. McMorrow, county administrators and representatives of Citizens' Campaign — for which Mellina serves as a volunteer county co-chairwoman — had worked on different drafts of the
legislation since an action committee was formed at the start of the year.
McMorrow took office in January, becoming the first Democrat to serve on the board since 1989. Mellina said, "I do believe the rivalry thing, having the kid from the other side, helped this."
McMorrow said: "The journey has not been an easy one. There have been detours and bumps. But we got there. The pay-to-play portion of this resolution is tried and tested."
McMorrow said new rules on who the county purchases services and items from are so strong that Citizens' Campaign "is considering adding them to their model ordinance."
Clifton said Mercer County was the first county to pass a pay-to-play resolution and Atlantic County introduced a measure last week.
Clifton said, "We believe ours will go far beyond what the state has. We hope all the counties follow suit."
State law bans contracts over $17,500 from being given to a business that made a donation to the elected officials awarding the contract, or their political party committee, unless they are awarded through a "fair and open process."
Freeholder Lillian G. Burry said, "We are making history with the passing of this pay-to-play legislation. It would never occur without the tenacity and concern of the citizens."
Ball in state's court
William C. Barham, the freeholder director, said state legislators "should take notice."
"I call on all the legislators to stop the nonsense and stop wheeling all the money around, because we all know what's going on," he said.
Another Howell resident, John Costigan, agreed pressure should be put on the state government to move to tougher reforms.
"We should all go to Trenton. We should start at the top. I'm glad to see we're doing a great job in Monmouth County," Costigan said.
Jeannette Mistretta, a Freehold Township resident, said there had been much political interference while the legislation was being drafted. On one occasion, the work committee's draft scheduled for introduction on June 28 was scuttled and replaced by a version favored by GOP leaders.
"There were lots of shenanigans that went on at the last minute," Mistretta said. "But at the end you did the right thing. You showed some outstanding leadership. I want to thank you."
The resolution states that "substantial political contributions from those seeking to or performing business with the county of Monmouth raise reasonable concerns on the part of taxpayers and residents as to their trust in government contracts." The document goes on to note that "counties are authorized to adopt by resolution measures limiting the awarding of public contracts to business entities that have made political contributions."
Bob Jordan: (732) 308-7755 or bjordan@app.com
Link to online story. Archived here.
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