Common Sense Change

Trenton – Republican 22nd District Assembly candidate Martin Marks joined today with Republican Assembly members and candidates and promised to end the runaway tax increases, borrowing and spending, which have been heaped onto taxpayers during the last eight years the Democrats have controlled state government.

“The Democrats have controlled Trenton for the last eight years and have made New Jersey’s costs-of-living unbearable for New Jersey families through endless tax increases, borrowing and runaway spending,” Marks said. “Our tax dollars should be budgeted by elected officials as carefully as a family budgets their own finances.”

“The way our tax dollars have been managed by Trenton during the last eight years is insane at best, if not criminal,” Marks continued. “We are at the breaking point and New Jersey families need things to change now before our state’s inexcusably high unemployment and outward migration get any worse.”

New Jerseyans pay the nation’s highest average property tax bill, which has risen from $4,651 to $7,045 since 2001. The state’s debt has increased $28.2 billion or 174 percent since Democrats have taken control of Trenton. Democrats have created 115 new taxes since June 2002.

The Assembly Republicans Common Sense Plan for an Affordable New Jersey would require voter approval for any increase to sales, income, or gas tax, and a super majority vote of the Legislature for any other tax or fee increase; end one-shot fiscal gimmicks to balance the state’s budget and limit the state’s budget growth to inflation, which would have saved taxpayers $6.5 billion if it were implemented in 2002.

“These are comprehensive reforms to return New Jersey government to the people and make sure that the horrendous results of the last eight years are never repeated,” said Marks. “When I take office as part of a Republican majority, the Assembly will approve these common sense reforms for the sake of struggling taxpayers”.

Stender and Green: “Stop Us Before We Tax Again”

I am reminded of fictional movies and unfortunately, in some cases true life accounts of serial killers who leave messages at the crime scene that state, “Stop me before I kill again”. It’s a cry for help from a pathological mind that cannot control its insatiable lust for killing. It is no doubt a crude analogy, but after reviewing the voting records of NJ Assembly members Linda Stender and Jerry Green since 2002 I thought if I traveled down to the State House in Trenton (the crime scene), I would find a note scrawled in the collective handwriting of this dynamic duo that simply states, “Stop us before we tax again”.

It seems that Stender and Green have never met a tax they didn’t like. In fact, there are over 100 separate taxes that they have raised and the staggering totals come to $6.4 and $8.6 BILLION respectively! Is it any wonder that New Jersey continues to have the worst tax climate in the nation as these two serial taxers continue to rubber stamp just about every tax and spend initiative that Governor Jon Corzine puts in front of them?

I refer you to two interesting, (and completely depressing) articles that were printed in the September 23 edition of the Star Ledger. The first one could be found on page 3 and was entitled Jerseyans are Pinched Hardest to Pay Property Taxes. The Tax Foundation, a non-profit group that analyzes census data, reports that New Jerseyans put 7% of their paychecks toward property taxes—highest in the nation. Six of the nations 10 most expensive counties are right here in the Garden State.

Equally troubling was the lead article found in the Business section of the Ledger that proclaimed, Jersey Ranks 50th, Again, for Tax Climate. Once again it was the Tax Foundation presenting the ugly data that stated, “For a second year in a row the Washington D.C. based group has ranked the state—as having the nation’s least business-friendly tax policies.” Is it any wonder that New Jersey’s unemployment rate has reached 9.7%–tops in the region—as businesses continue to flee the hostile tax and regulation climate here? What business in their right mind would even consider relocating to New Jersey when the likes of Corzine, Stender and Green continue to create and then increase tax after tax after tax?

Well, my good friends in the 22nd Legislative District, don’t count on Assemblywoman Linda Stender and Assemblyman Green to lose their insatiable lust for taxing any time soon. And if you re-elect them (again) expect more of the pathological addiction to taxing and spending that has just about ruined our state. It’s in your hands come November 3: Stop them before they tax again!

Recent Polling

The momentum is building here in Legislative District 22 for a change of elected officials to the New Jersey General Assembly. Don’t just take my word for it; listen to what your fellow voters are saying.

In a recent poll done by Susquehanna Polling and Research it is readily apparent that the voters of District 22 are ready to bid good bye to long serving incumbents Linda Stender and Jerry Green. There are some interesting tidbits that came out of this poll and it should first be pointed out that Susquehanna recognizes that this district is considered a heavily Democrat district demographically. Accordingly, of those surveyed, 50% were registered Democrats, 32% were Independent, and only 18% were registered Republicans,  

YET……………

• Voters were queried, “Do you think Jerry Green has done his job as state assemblyman well enough to deserve reelection, or do you think it time to give a new person a chance?”

Only 12% of respondents said Green deserved reelection while 40% said it is time for someone new. The remainder was still undecided.

• Voters were then asked, “Do you think Linda Stender has done her job as state assemblywoman well enough to deserve reelection, or do you think it time to give a new person a chance?”

Only 22% of respondents said Stender deserved reelection while 46% said it is time for someone new. The remainder was still undecided.

This is indeed bad news for Green and Stender. When long serving incumbents receive this type of dismal approval so close to Election Day, it is time to panic.

• The threshold questions of “Who are your first and second choices for the two Assembly seats available in the 22nd District?” were asked.

Yours truly Martin Marks was the first choice winner. My running mate William “Bo” Vastine was the clear second choice winner. When first and second choices were statistically combined all candidates fell within the margin of error of the poll.

How could this possibly be happening in a legislative district that was always thought of as “SAFE” for Democrats because of the demographics?

The answer to this question can easily be gleaned from the poll. Participants were also asked,

• “What is the single most important problem facing New Jersey today?”

The overwhelming response (there wasn’t even a close 2nd) was property taxes. This is understandable as NJ continues to have the highest property taxes in the nation and the current Governor and legislators have done very little to solve the problem. Corzine, Stender and Green were even responsible for cutting the property tax rebate for many of our residents that were counting on it this year.

Also mentioned by respondents was “Corruption”. There is no question that this is directly related to Stender’s poor polling as she has refused to return the dirty money campaign contributions from recently arrested Hudson County politicians caught in an FBI sting.

Respondents also cited “Economy, jobs and unemployment”. And they should. While Stender and Green desperately attempt to paint Bo Vastine and me as out of touch with the values of 22nd district residents, unemployment in NJ has hit a 32 year high of 9.3%. Stender and Green have voted to raise our taxes by $6.4 and 8.5 Billion respectively since 2002. Families are hurting because of their actions and in some case their lack of action. While gay marriage and abortion are important issues to some, they did not make the list in this poll and it is obvious that the voters of this district will not allow these long time incumbents to use them as a smoke screen for their failures on the issues that matter most to our residents.

It has been said many times before that the only poll that matters is the one taken on Election Day. This is undoubtedly true, yet this recent poll shows great promise for the Marks/Vastine campaign and our team has redoubled our efforts to complete the deal and bring a change to Trenton that we all so richly need and deserve.

Stender’s Dirty Money

     I suppose I am fortunate. In the twelve years I spent serving on the Scotch Plains Township Council, nine of which as mayor, no one ever approached me with even a hint of an improper offer to provide me or my family a benefit in exchange for preferential treatment from the town. It is sad to say that in a state that has a well deserved reputation for corrupt public officials I am surprised that I never encountered what I imagine would be a troubling if not terrifying circumstance. While I would like to attribute my good fortune to what my mother asserts is my “honest face”, I think the more likely reason is the reputation Scotch Plains has earned over the years for good, honest government.

     By now, most have read of the repugnant details that led to the recent arrests of 44 individuals for their alleged roles in money laundering, body organ sales, and bribery. Included in this mess were members of the General Assembly, mayors, council members, political appointees and operatives, and even men of the clergy. Most of the elected officials were products of what is known as the Hudson County Democratic Machine which has a longstanding and infamous reputation as a hotbed for improper and illegal dealings. I believe that as time goes on and the webs of deceit are untangled by the F.B.I. and U.S. Attorney’s office, that more subpoenas and search warrants will be issued and further arrests will ensue—in all likelihood outside of the sphere of Hudson County ignominy.

     For those of you who think that this ugliness has not already played a role in our little piece of the world, guess again. It has recently been disclosed that none other than our own Democrat Assemblywoman Linda Stender of Fanwood was the recipient of several thousand dollars in contributions to her recent congressional campaign from three of the recently arrested Hudson County politicians. Stender received money from Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano, former Assemblyman Lou Manzo, and Manzo’s brother, Ronald, all of whom were charged in federal court last week with taking cash bribes for their own campaign accounts. I called on Mrs. Stender to return the funds or perhaps even donate them to charity. You can read some of the press coverage here:

http://www.politickernj.com/max/31856/dist-22-candidates-call-stender-return-contributions-made-cammaranomanzo-bros

 

http://www.politickernj.com/max/31860/marks-blasts-stenders-explanation

 

http://scotchplains.patch.com/articles/marks-calls-on-stender-to-return-contributions-from-those-charged-in-nj-corruption-scandal

 

     To date Linda Stender has refused to return this tainted money citing that her congressional campaign account is now closed and it would be illegal to return the money from her state Assembly campaign account. This is such an outrageous and pitiful copout that it defies the imagination. Granted, Mrs. Stender did not know at the time of accepting the contributions that the donors would eventually be arrested in an F.B.I. sting. However, any NJ politician understands that there is an inherent statistical risk when campaign contributions are solicited and then accepted from the Hudson County Democrat machine. Yet, this dirty money was spent here on behalf of Linda Stender and all our Assemblywoman can say is technicalities preclude her from doing the right thing.

 
     Had it been my campaign account that received the dirty money I would have immediately and yes, perhaps symbolically, made an immediate donation to charity (absolutely legal) from my state campaign account in the amount of $3,930 and been done with it. I would have been so incensed that I was the indirect beneficiary of a political bribe, that I would have even considered immediately liquidating my savings account, retirement funds, or my children’s college savings just to return the filthy money and disassociate myself from the Hudson County corruption.

     The clock is now ticking for Linda Stender to step to the plate and do the right thing. On this episode she may not have broken the law, but she has certainly broken our trust in her good judgement.

Constitutional Convention for Property Tax Reform

     In my last posting, I wrote of the ongoing property tax crisis in New Jersey that places our state #1 out of 50 on a list that certainly ought not to be a source of pride and bragging. I went on to discuss some of the potential solutions that have, and continue to be debated in Trenton and throughout the Garden State. I also made it clear that this problem can really only be solved by action of New Jersey State government, but because heretofore our state representation has not displayed the political will to take the property tax crisis head on, we have continued to be mired in the ever upward escalation of our property tax burden.

     Yes, the winds of political change are indeed blowing in New Jersey, and I believe that as a result of this November’s election we will have a new Governor and a new Republican majority in the Assembly. Nonetheless, if history is any indication, it still may be difficult to find consensus among the governor and state legislature to dramatically change the system that relies so heavily on property taxes to pay for public education, municipal and county services. That is why, should the 2010 state government not find the will to once and for all reform (much different than relief) the property tax system, then I will continue to advocate for a Citizen’s Constitutional Convention for Property Tax Reform.

     The Constitutional Convention option to address the property tax crisis is something that has been debated in the halls of Trenton before so it is not a novel concept. Essentially, the responsibility of reforming government would be all but taken out of the hands of the politicians in Trenton and placed with citizens elected to a special convention. To my knowledge, here is how the process would work.

1.  The New Jersey Senate and Assembly must pass, and the governor must sign legislation that would place a referendum question on the ballot that asks New Jersey voters if a Constitutional Convention should be convened.
2.  If the voters of New Jersey approve such a referendum, then citizens from each state legislative district would be elected to serve at the convention. Other delegates could also be appointed depending upon how the original legislation and subsequent referendum were worded.
3.  The convention would be convened and the delegates would debate and vote to approve changes to our state constitution.
4.  These recommendations would then be place on a subsequent referendum for the citizens of New Jersey to approve or not approve, as the case may be.

 

Sounds pretty simple, right? Well, not really.

• First, the initial major obstacle is getting the legislature and the governor to place that original referendum question on the ballot. We came close a few years back when the Assembly approved that legislation, but Senate President Dick Codey (D-Essex County) would not allow his colleagues in the senate to even vote on the measure!

• Second, there are those that feel that since we have a representative government, that it should be the purview of our elected officials to ultimately address and substantively solve the property tax problem…..This is pretty much how Senator Codey feels (he told me so seven or eight years ago). Hello??……… Well?? …….Is there anybody out there?? (Crickets chirping)…..tick, tick, tick, tick……We’re waiting!……Calling Senator Codey, Calling Senator Codey! ……..You get the picture: Not likely to happen.

• Third, there is much debate as to what should be allowed to be discussed and voted upon by the Constitutional Convention. There are those that want to limit the scope of the convention to a discussion on how we raise revenue and that how we spend as a government should be off limits. As you might imagine, it is the special interests groups that fear that if a discussion is held on how to limit spending from a constitutional perspective, then their piece of the government spending pie might be curtailed or even eliminated. There are those that feel that spending is the problem and if we are going to constitutionally alter the way we are raising revenue (taxation), then we should also be compelled to address the spending side of the equation.

 

     The “simple” solution here would be to have two conventions within one. First, the delegates would debate the revenue side of the equation and make recommendations on how we can best shift away from the unfair and despised regressive property tax. Then, the delegates would focus on government spending and put forth constitutional remedies to curtail same. Ultimately two separate questions would emerge from the convention to be placed on a state-wide referendum. The voters of the state could adopt both, one, or neither.

 

• Fourth, many feel that the delegates to a constitutional convention would fall victim to the pressures of lobbyists from special interest groups and the process would be tainted. Can’t say that I agree here. It is our state legislators, always with their eye on the next re-election campaign that are more likely to be swayed by lobbyists and their promise of campaign contributions. Citizens elected to a constitutional convention, serve their time, make their recommendations, and then go home, never to run for the position again.

 

     Keep in mind that ultimately, it is the citizens of New Jersey that have the final say-so on what might result in changes to our state constitution by casting their votes on a referendum. It is hard to take a public position that we shouldn’t trust the citizens of New Jersey to make such a decision, yet there are those who privately do so.

All in all, it is a very interesting and timely topic. Making it more compelling, it is one that has its supporters and detractors hailing from both sides of the political spectrum. As our property tax crisis continues to grow without any real prospect for reform on the table, look for the Constitutional Convention option to come to the fore once again.

What are your thoughts? I’d like to hear them.

MM

NJ Property Taxes

     New Jersey continues to own the dubious distinction of having the highest property taxes in the nation. One can look at the numbers from any number of perspectives (median tax, median tax as percentage of household income, etc.) and still return to this abysmal fact. Here are a couple of articles that present the hard cold numbers rather concisely:

http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/23/taxes-homes-property-forbeslife-cx_mw_0123realestate.html

 

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/ Taxes/Advice/PropertyTaxesWhereDoesYourStateRank.aspx

 

 

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/biztech/articles/061228/28top20taxpaid.htm?s_cid=msnm:28top20taxpaid

 

     Most of us realize that the main reasons property taxes are so high in our state are, first and foremost, that the property tax is the main source of revenue used to pay for public education in non-urban areas. Second, the property tax is also the main source of revenue for county and municipal services. The path that led us to an oppressive level of property taxation in New Jersey has not happened overnight. Correspondingly, there have been many potential solutions promulgated over these many years, some of which will be mentioned forthwith. Invariably, any potential remedy to the property tax crisis in New Jersey rests with state government in Trenton. After all, it was state government that created the system that causes us to rely so heavily on property taxes and in most any substantial reform process, it is state government that must take action. Heretofore, our representatives in Trenton have not displayed the political will to make the tough decisions, and accordingly we have only seen various relief measures put into place that simply nibble around the edges of the problem and in many cases (including this year’s recently completed state budget process) evaporate into thin air as state government attempts to balance their books on the backs of property taxpayers.

     Here are some ideas that have been put forth that certainly would ameliorate some of our property tax issues and should be worthy of further discussion:

• Eliminate County Government: There is no question that county government is rife with patronage positions and other practices that waste taxpayers’ dollars. Additionally, there is duplication in the services provided via state, county and municipal government. State and Municipal governments could assume the responsibilities of county government and eliminate these redundancies. Precedents for eliminating County Government exist. Connecticut did it in the 60’s and Massachusetts did in the 90’s.

• Provide a more equitable method of state educational aid to school districts: The infamous Abbott v. Burke case decided by the NJ Supreme Court resulted in providing 31 “Special Needs” school districts with half of the billions of dollars in school aid coming from State government in Trenton. The remaining 580 school districts must share the remaining half. Additionally, in this decision the court mandated that these “Special Needs” school districts should receive a dollar amount in aid so they could spend on a per pupil basis what mirrors the highest (not average) spending districts in the state. By the way, the recent changes to the school funding formula championed by Jon Corzine and the Democrats in Trenton will do absolutely nothing to alleviate property tax burdens because the lion’s share of state aid will still find its way predominantly into those very same “Special Needs” Abbott school districts. If state school aid was disbursed on a per student basis we would see a dramatic reduction in property taxes for most taxpayers in New Jersey.

• Consolidate Municipalities and School Districts: Last time I checked there were 566 municipalities and 611 school districts in New Jersey! Intuitively we understand that each carries there own elected governing bodies, administrations, personnel, buildings, equipment, etc. Some of these towns and school districts share services quite admirably, but there can be no doubt that additional savings could be accomplished if some of these entities were merged. Home Rule is a concept that has deep roots here in New Jersey, but we must understand that with it comes greater cost in most instances. State Government is already using the stick as it is cutting aid to some of the smaller municipalities and districts in a not so subtle attempt to get them to merge. Perhaps if there was a greater incentive ($$) coming from Trenton; the carrot, if you will, maybe there would be a greater rush to the consolidation threshold and ultimately a corresponding abatement of our property tax crisis.
• Provide an Alternative Revenue Source for Schools, Counties, and Municipalities: Yikes, here’s a real tough one! One can make a legitimate argument that the property tax is the most hated tax of all.

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/Advice/AmericasMostHatedTax.aspx

 

Maybe it is hated because it is also so unfair. The property tax is a regressive tax because it does not take into account one’s ability to pay it. The income tax (the more you earn, the more you pay) and the sales tax (the more you buy, the more you pay) although certainly no fun are perhaps “fairer”. Should there be a shift away from reliance on the property tax to a “more fair” method of taxation to pay for the function of our schools, counties and municipalities? Perhaps. However, this would require a group of politicians in Trenton to raise your taxes. Even if it meant a corresponding reduction in property taxes, I’m not sure there is the political will for such a proposal. Keep in mind that Governor Brendan Byrne pushed through a new state income tax in the 70’s with the promise that it would stem the tide of escalating property taxes. That worked out real well, didn’t it?

     Well, the aforementioned are four general categories that could lead to desperately needed property tax reform for New Jerseyans. Any or all would take some bold initiatives from our state leaders, and history would dictate that no one in Trenton has been ready to step to the plate. That leads me to the topic of my next entry: Citizens’ Constitutional Convention for Property Tax Reform.  Stay tuned.

Have any thoughts on property tax reform for New Jersey? I’d like to hear them.

Greetings From Plainfield!

     Greetings from Plainfield!  I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a sunny afternoon in downtown Plainfield with my running mate Bo Vastine today.  We had the honor of escorting our gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie through the business district as he met with merchants to discuss his plan for “Bringing Back our Cities”.  

 

     To say we received a warm reception would be an understatement.  In fact, most of the shop owners and patrons we spoke with seemed to show relief more than anything as candidates for governor and the General Assembly were finally showing an interest in their efforts to thrive.   Many related a struggle to survive because of the adverse business climate here in New Jersey that has overtaxed and over regulated them for far too long.  Public safety was also a recurring theme as the merchants explained that if they themselves were not victims of crime, the threat of crime certainly keeps potential patrons and clients away.

 

     Conventional wisdom might dictate that the urban centers of New Jersey might not be the most hospitable place for Republican candidates for office.  Mr. Christie, when queried by reporters in attendance, said that he honestly did not think he would win a plurality of votes in cities like Plainfield; however he was quite clear that one of the keys to the resurgence of our state is the vitalization of these cities.  He issued his initial comments on his urban plan and the four main components are:

 

• Improve the quality of urban schools and expand educational opportunities
• Provide affordable, quality housing for those who need it most
• Make our cities attractive to business and job growth
• Improve public safety and cut violent crime

 

More specific information can be found at:

 

http://christiefornj.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32&Itemid=41

 

 

      What would otherwise have been a pleasant and informative afternoon finished on a low note as incumbent Assemblyman Jerry Green (D-Plainfield) arrived on the scene to inspect this Republican intrusion on his turf.  Jerry Green has been representing the area in the General Assembly for almost twenty years and also is the supreme political boss in Plainfield where nothing happens without his say so.  Mr. Green was absolutely incredulous that Chris Christie, Bo Vastine, and I were in his territory and was desperate to get his time to shine in front of the cameras and microphones. 

 

 

     Well, Jerry got his “face time”, but wasted it (yet again) on a diatribe against George Bush as Chris Christie moved on.  Bo and I were not going to let him get away with that nonsense (yet again) and pointed out that after being in office for almost twenty years he needed to accept at least some of the responsibility for the failures in Plainfield and other urban centers of New Jersey.  He and the Democrats who have controlled this state for the entire decade have created the worst business climate in New Jersey’s history which has caused a mass exodus of residents and businesses to other states.  Jerry Green and the Democrat Party have taken advantage of, and certainly have taken for granted, the support of the residents and merchants of Plainfield and other New Jersey cities for far too long.  The realization that this support is in jeopardy was quite evident in Assemblyman’s Green face today.

Mirror, mirror

Mirror, mirror, on the wall…….Ah yes.  We all remember the children’s fairytale Sleeping Beauty where the vain, evil queen needed constant reassurance from her magic mirror, that she in fact was the “fairest in the land.”  I suppose we all know of someone who cannot resist a peak in the mirror wherever one is available to sustain their narcissism.  However, there are also those out there who probably ought to take a look in the mirror every once in while to acknowledge some personal responsibility for their actions as opposed to constantly blaming the other guy.  There is no question that politicians lead the pack in this description and no one fits this bill better than Assemblyman Jerry Green of Plainfield.

 

Jerry Green of Plainfield has been a state legislator for almost 20 years and since 2001 he has represented the eleven communities of the 22^nd district.  To hear Jerry Green speak and to read what he writes it is readily apparent that his main focus is the city of Plainfield where he is the supreme political boss.  Assemblyman Green has all but ignored the remaining ten communities of his district.  I can speak directly to his lack of involvement in these ten municipalities, because for nine years I served as mayor of one of them (Scotch Plains).  My community borders Plainfield and during my tenure as mayor of Scotch Plains, I believe Assemblyman Jerry Green (or if I remember correctly someone on his staff) called me exactly once to see if we had any needs or concerns.  But, for the sake of argument, let’s focus on life in Plainfield and how Jerry Green’s actions (or lack thereof) have taken their toll.

 

• Nearly 60% of Plainfield students cannot meet minimal graduation standards and must instead use the controversial SRA exam to receive a diploma.

 

               See:  http://www.njpsa.org/agr/sbu_041509.cfm

 

Yet, Assembly Green only can prey on the fears of parents by claiming that the annual flow of $100,000,000 (yes, $100 million!!) from the Trenton money spigot into the Plainfield school district will be shut off if the evil Republicans get their way.   Mr. Green, our young people in Plainfield are forced into a failing school district and all you care about is, (excuse the expression) THE GREEN?

 

• A vital lifeline to Plainfield and surrounding District 22 communities has been closed after more than 100 years of service to the area.  Muhlenberg Hospital has been shuttered and it occurred literally right in Assemblyman Green’s backyard and on his watch.  Millions of dollars of state aid has gone to other New Jersey hospitals as your community’s health care facility struggled to survive.  Mr. Green, you were asleep at the wheel on this one and the men, women, and children that count on your advocacy on their behalf are suffering for your lack of attention.

 

• While there can be reasonable debate as to how crime rates in Plainfield have fluctuated over the years, there is no question that Plainfield continues to have a higher crime rate than the state and national averages in many categories.  

 

 

See:      http://www.cityrating.com/citycrime.asp?city=Plainfield&state=NJ

http://www.idcide.com/citydata/nj/plainfield.htm

http://plainfieldnj.areaconnect.com/crime1.htm

                       

Citizens of Plainfield need to ask themselves if they feel safer in their community because of the actions (or lack thereof) of the Plainfield political boss (Mr. Green), where nothing happens without his say so.

 

 

            In the interest of time and space, I will cut the list at the aforementioned three quality of life issues.  However, of particular interest is the fact that when Assemblyman Jerry Green is confronted with these and other problems, he shrugs off any responsibility and instead blames George Bush!  Puhleeeeeeeze, Mr. Green!  George Bush?  My running mate Bo Vastine has accurately reminded you that in this decade your party (Democrat) has controlled the NJ Governor’s office and the state legislature.  Additionally, it is your party (Democrat) that has controlled the United States Congress for more than two years.  Moreover, the Congressman (Pallone) representing Plainfield in the House of Representatives is from your party (Democrat).  Further, New Jersey has not had a Republican U.S. Senator since the early 1970’s!

 

            Mr. Green, I will agree that you should not be made to assume the full responsibility for all of Plainfield’s (and the 22^nd district’s) woes. However, you must acknowledge that by virtue of your long tenure as an Assemblyman in Trenton, and the fact that you enjoy a powerful leadership position there, that you are in fact part of the problem and in many ways have failed those who have placed their trust in you.  It is time Mr. Green, to take a look in that magic mirror mentioned above and finally assume some responsibility.  And while on the subject of mirrors, perhaps it is time for the voters of the 22^nd district to take a quick peek and acknowledge who has ultimately been responsible for sending Jerry Green back to Trenton election after election.  Are we really better off for having done so?

July 5, 2009

I thought about how mentally and physically tired I am this morning, one day after our inaugural “Community Reading of the Declaration of Independence” A lot of planning went into the event in the weeks leading up to Independence Day. Some physical labor occurred as well the day of the event in order to set up the park properly. Man, those picnic tables are heavy!

While I am certainly a bit tired, I caught myself and wondered just how tired (physically and mentally) our Founding Fathers were on July 5, 1776. Most had made a grueling journey to get to Philadelphia to participate in the Continental Congress that led up to the signing of the Declaration. The process that took place in Philadelphia in what is now known as Independence Hall did not happen overnight. Arduous discussion, debate, and disagreement transpired over many days before The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America was finalized. All the while, the colonies were essentially at war, as armed conflict with the British was well underway. Those 56 signers knew full well that by pledging their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor, that they had placed themselves and their families in grave peril; and had in fact crossed the line from which their would be no safe return without total victory.

All things considered I find myself a bit embarrassed by claiming to be tired. So instead let me proclaim my gratitude to all those who made our “Community Reading” a meaningful success. First and foremost, I would like to thank my running mate for the Assembly Bo Vastine for co-hosting the event. Three Cheers to the Scotch Plains Parks and Recreation Department for maintaining a beautiful venue for such a gathering. All the volunteers that helped out before, during, and after our festivities have my thanks as well. John Russitano, a former Union County Freeholder candidate provided the music and sound system for the day and he set a wonderful tone with his selection of patriotic songs. Our keynote speakers were outstanding! I am so pleased that Assemblyman Jay Webber, who is our new Chairman of the NJ GOP made the journey with his family to celebrate with us. I have every confidence that he will lead our party to successes at all levels of government not only in 2009, but for many years to come. I am so glad that former gubernatorial candidate Rick Merkt also addressed our crowd yesterday. I am disappointed that Rick will be leaving the NJ Assembly this year. While I really did not know Assemblyman Merkt personally until this year, I have followed his career in the legislature for the last ten years. He has always been a powerful and eloquent conservative voice in Trenton which has been desperately needed during the McGreevey and Corzine Administrations. Speaking of eloquence, how about Mayor Steve Lonegan? His oration yesterday was inspiring indeed and put into perspective the meaning of the Declaration not only to the leaders and patriots of 1776, but also for the need of patriots and leaders here in the 21st century as we find so many of our unalienable rights usurped and threatened. Steve will continue to be a leading voice for those that still care about those rights as he leads Americans for Prosperity’s New Jersey chapter.

Thank you most of all to the 47 individual readers who recited a sentence from the Declaration. We had people of all ages and from all over New Jersey participate, and I found it particularly inspiring as each proudly marched with head held high to the microphone to display their patriotism. Let us resolve to meet again next year for the “second annual” reading of our Declaration and celebrate the birthday of the greatest nation that civilization has ever known! I will gladly help organize again and won’t think twice if I’m a bit tired on July 5, 2010!