Ridgewood's future, because this Native is tired of living in the past, and looking for a rebirth.

I have overheard people saying that it's just the new people in town, the ones that just move here, that are putting up the Cronk/Dowd signs. I've lived here my whole life and I am seeing friends I grew up with moving back to Ridgewood and starting families. I also see Cronk/Dowd signs on their front yards. I wish them luck. It's nice to see some of the Natives move back to the, "WOOD," and want to raise their children in the town they grew up in, but also nice to see that they support some fresh ideas coming to the table too.

Tom Riche, is a been there done that candidate. The Village Hall bares his name, from the last time he was in office, and your wallet bares the cost ($14,000,000). Yup that's six zeros following two numbers. You can also add him to the blame of the central business district's failure. He sits on the Historic Preservation Commission. This committee has stopped and slowed many businesses from opening up in town. Don't believe me, go take a look at the corner of Broad Street and Ridgewood Ave. A new Restaurant called, "Blue Fish," just opened up. The Historic Preservation Commission told the owner that he could only place one sign with the restaurants name on it, because it's located on the corner. Go take a look, and while your there, turn around and look at The Stable Restaurant. You'll notice that The Stable is located on a corner also, but they have two signs. Has this commission been fair? The new restaurants owner had to come back to them with his new design, one that clearly isn't fair. This is just one example of how the Historic Preservation Commission has slowed down an opening. There are tons, don't believe me, go ask any business that has recently opened up in the last five years. The owners will the tell you tales of stories about Red Tape that this Commission creates. I read in the Bergen record today that he also owns EXTEL Communications Inc. in North Haledon. This company, I believe is a vendor or has been a vendor, to the Village at one time or another, and we all know how Jersey politics and bidding seem to play out down the road. I'll admit I voted for Tom once, but as the old saying goes. Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, shame on you. This time I'm sorry to say, but I can't, and will not not support your bid for office.

As for Bernadette Walsh, I really don't know anything about you, besides what little bios I read in the local rags. I understand you seem to have the support of the, "Save Graydon," peeps. Graydon has being dieing. It died with the fish kill. I was born and raised in this town and spent every summer living at the pool. I love it and it has a special place it my heart, but it's only open for two months and it's been losing money hand over fist. This season it's being opened, yet Village employees are facing losing their job. It doesn't seem right, does it? I can't vote for you this time around based on what little knowledge I have of you. Enjoy your Summer at Graydon :) Maybe next time around I'll give you a shot.

Tuesday May 11th, can't come soon enough. I can't wait to vote for Ridgewood's future, because this Native is tired of living in the past, and looking for a rebirth.

As for Doug Cronk and Brian Dowd you have promised that you will resolve some long standing issues. I'm giving you a shot, and holding you to it. If you win, I hope I'm happy with some of the results.

Good Luck to everyone, and make your vote be heard!

I didn't realize that there is nothing as important in this town as some made up projected view of Graydon.

I didn't realize that there is nothing as important in this town as some made up projected view of Graydon. Not education cuts, not other wasteful spending (like that done under Riche's first term as Councilman), not property taxes.

Just Graydon - something that has been losing money despite Riche's boondoggle there, despite Walsh's silence on what should be done to stem the loss of money going forward.

What about all of the other very important issues facing this Village? Is one issue that doesn't even register as a top ten issue for most residents supposed to trump the other very real issues going on and facing this Village?

Get real--

let's look for real comprehensive and responsible leadership. Not "one issue" blinders that ignore most of the Village.

Vote for real leaders with real ideas, not ones endorsed by single issue groups that ignore everything that is important to everyone else in the Village.

Readers Suggest Ridgewood Police take Voluntary Pay cut to Save Village Jobs

The Police in Rochelle Park took a voluntary pay cut to save 2 jobs. Most live in the town and care about the residents. If our officers took the same step it would help solve the financial crisis we are facing. A pay cut is 'window dessing' because the reality is they more than make it up with all the work for these construction companies at a much higher per hour rate than the village pays them.

But It's Not Political : Appeals court rejects Christie's order restricting N.J. donations for unions

Remember the courts are not political , again tell us when to stop laughing !

By Claire Heininger/Statehouse Bureau

May 07, 2010, 12:59PM
 
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/05/court_rejects_christies_order.html
 
TRENTON -- A state appeals court today rejected Gov. Chris Christie's executive order curbing political donations by public worker unions.

The three-judge panel said Christie's action infringed on separation of powers with the Legislature, and such donation limits cannot be imposed by a governor unilaterally.

"We do not reach this conclusion lightly. Nor do we otherwise discount or question the Governor's policy objectives or his considerable and well-established constitutional authority over the Executive Branch and the management of the State workforce," the judges wrote. "We simply hold that what (the executive order) seeks to achieve must be pursued through legislation."

• N.J.'s largest state worker union files challenge to Gov. Christie's ban on political donations
The order, signed by Christie on his first full day in office in January, broadened campaign finance rules to limit donations by labor unions that have public contracts. Christie said he was simply bringing unions in line with other "business entities," such as law and engineering firms that have state contracts worth more than $17,500. Those businesses are barred from donating more than $300 to statewide campaigns, but freer to give in local races.

 Several unions sued, saying the order violates members' First Amendment rights by barring them from supporting candidates and participating in the legislative process. Organized labor, a traditional Democratic constituency, worked feverishly against the Republican Christie during the gubernatorial campaign.

They also said collective bargaining contracts could not be treated like business deals.

The ruling will take effect July 1, "in the interests of accommodating potential review by the Supreme Court."

The Communications Workers of America, the largest state workers' union, said it was "gratified" by the ruling.

"The Court rightly held that the Legislature never intended to restrict the right of labor unions to participate in the political process, and the governor has no power to do so on his own," said Hetty Rosenstein, CWA New Jersey State Director. "Today’s decision is a valuable reminder of the wisdom of our system of three co-equal branches of government.”

Christie said he was not happy to see the order struck down, and would consider whether to appeal the ruling, seek legislation, or pursue another route to accomplish the same goals.

"We're going to look at all of our different options," Christie said at a press conference. "The executive order was about achieving a policy objective, and that is to level the playing field."

"I don't think that there is one class of speech that should be regulated, and another class of speech that should not be," the governor said.

Adding unions to the pay-to-play restrictions had been praised by the Election Law Enforcement Commission, the state's campaign finance watchdog agency.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/05/court_rejects_christies_order.html

Senator Tom Goodwin (R-14) announced that he will be introducing legislation that would remove the decal provision in Kyleigh’s Law.

Assumes Senate Sponsorship of Bill to Remove Decal Provision

Senator Tom Goodwin (R-14) announced that he will be introducing legislation that would remove the decal provision in Kyleigh’s Law. The legislation would remove the requirement that all drivers under age 21 who hold provisional licenses would have to display a reflecting decal on each license plate of any motor vehicle they drive.

“I understand the tragedy that prompted Kyleigh’s law, but I am concerned that a well-intentioned response to that tragedy will put other teens at risk,” stated Goodwin. “I continue to support the common-sense reforms to our graduated driver’s license system that will make teen driving safer, such as the extended nighttime driving curfew and revised passenger restrictions in Kyleigh’s Law.”

Under the current law which went into effect on May 1st, a holder of a special learner’s permit, examination permit or provisional driver’s license would have to display the decal while driving. The legislation is sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblyman Robert Schroeder, Assemblywoman Charlotte Vandervalk, and Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll.

“I worry that the decal requirement will turn our children into targets for criminals and predators,” said Goodwin. “We want to make certain that our children drive safely while ensuring that the entire community is safe.”

Short Link to this Post:http://bit.ly/cGgstn

American Express® Gift Cheques Now Available at The Travel Center / American Express

Unsure what to give Mom for Mother’s Day? Give the gift of choice – an American Express Gift Cheque. Available at The Travel Center / American Express, in denominations of $25, $50 and $100 for a fee of $2.50 per cheque, Gift Cheques can be used to buy virtually anything.

Elegant, yet practical, Gift Cheques offer a unique alternative to cash or single-merchant gift certificates. Gift Cheques’ elegant design creates a special experience for Mom upon both presentation and again during redemption.

Benefits of the American Express Gift Cheque:

*Good virtually everywhere – stores, movie theaters, spas, restaurants, hotels, museums, and more

*Replaceable if lost or stolen, usually within 24 hours

*No expiration date, unlike some store gift certificates

*Upon redemption, Mom will get cash back if she doesn’t use the full face value of the cheque

Upcoming Gift-Giving Occasions:

*Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 9

*Father’s Day – Sunday, June 20

*Graduations

*Weddings / Showers

*Teacher Appreciation

*Birthdays

*Anniversaries

Have additional questions? Contact The Travel Center / American Express and speak with a Financial Services Representative:

The Travel Center / American Express

50 E. Ridgewood Ave.

Ridgewood, NJ 07450

(201) 447-3311

RidgewoodAmexFinancial@gmail.com

Visit our NEW website: http://www.thetravelcenterae.com/

Post a message on our Facebook wall

Follow us on Twitter

Happy 100th birthday, Graydon!

Graydon Park, originally named Linwood Park, was dedicated on May 6, 1910—
Arbor Day that year. Read more in a Ridgewood News article and a letter to the editor by Lucy Rieger.
Link for Rwd News article:


http://www.northjersey.com/recreation/news/92961134_Graydon_Park_passes_the_century_mark_.html
 
Link for letter to the editor:


http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/92481279_Letter__Graydon_celebrates_its_100th_birthday.html

Our endorsements for Tuesday’s Council election


We strongly endorse Bernadette Coghlan-Walsh and Thomas M. Riche for the two open Village Council positions. The next Council will determine the future of Graydon. See the May 7 Ridgewood News for our first political ad.

Graydon’s prospects are excellent this year: better water quality and amenities, positive buzz, and, we predict, increased membership and financial strength. The next Council will either foster such improvements or actively cause it to fail through negative propaganda, neglect, and a determination to pave it over. Give Bernie and Tom, who are Graydon badge holders, the power to maintain Graydon’s attributes while providing continued enhancements that are fiscally and environmentally responsible.

Vote for Graydon on Tuesday, May 11

The polls will be open from 6 AM to 8 PM. On the ballot, Bernie’s name is first (row 1) and Tom’s is last (row 4).

What you can do now: Call and e-mail Ridgewood friends and acquaintances, chat with your neighbors this weekend, and explain the direct connection between Tuesday’s Council election and Graydon’s likely fate. Let’s elect two independent thinkers, not a “team” in lockstep who would join with current Council member Paul Aronsohn, who has made his anti-Graydon views clear, to create a three-vote majority and do whatever they want for years.

Many Ridgewood elections are won and lost by surprisingly small numbers. Please make sure that every registered voter in your household votes on Tuesday.

Free ride to vote: Contact us for a ride or call 201-632-1436—in advance, if possible.

Please contribute toward the cost of our ad

Placing an ad jointly with Concerned Residents of Ridgewood was, we felt, essential to a full endorsement of our chosen candidates. Please donate $25, $50, $100, or what you can afford today. (Note: donations are NOT tax deductible.)

Link (Please donate):

http://www.preservegraydon.org/donate

Another important way to boost Graydon

Buy your badge while the early bird price remains in effect (through May 22). Each purchase will demonstrate to Village officials and residents that Graydon is an enduring, delightful, irreplaceable asset. This applies to all who care about Graydon whether you have ever gone there or not.

YOUR VOTE IS VITAL TO GRAYDON’S FUTURE. Make your voice heard on Tuesday, May 11.

Graydon was here before any of us arrived and must remain after we have gone.
Swimmingly,
Marcia Ringel and Suzanne Kelly, Co-Chairs
The Preserve Graydon Coalition, Inc., a nonprofit corporation
“It’s clear—we love Graydon!”

info@PreserveGraydon.org

http://www.preservegraydon.org/

MacMurphy's Thanks Everyone for the Huge Success for Cinco De Mayo Promotion!

PJ,


I heard from the Mac Murphy's owners the Cinco De Mayo promotion you listed on the Ridgewood blog was a great success. The restaurant was packed all night.


Numerous people that check your blog attended.
It was so great they ran out of some specials and Corona's.


Appears you site is getting more viewers and locals that are supporting local businesses.


Ridgewood residents get more info from you that the papers.


G

for rates email: onlyonesmallvoice@gmail.com

HOLY COW ARE CRONK-DOWD TRYING TO BUY RIDGEWOOD VOTE

Papers just posted with the New Jersey Campaign Financing and Lobbying Disclosure - NJ Election Enforcement Commission on candidate spending for the Village of Ridgewood Council election indicate that Committee to Elect Cronk and Dowd have spent over $6,654. and have a total receipts of $9,750.

Ritche has posted $500

Coghlan-Walsh has posted $500

The prior Village Council election posts are as follows:

Aronsohn - $13,115.70
Killion - $1,198.53
Zusy - $4,324

It might also be noted that Cronk-Dowd are using the same White House Strategies that Aronsohn used for his campaign back in 2008.


http://www.elec.state.nj.us/

Secretary of State Kim Guadagno looking for more ways to cut spending

Guadagno, state budget committee look for more ways to cut spending

Call it government in action: Moments after Secretary of State Kim Guadagno said yesterday she was "completely overstaffed," the chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee helped her find some $400,000 in departmental salary savings. Guadagno, also the state’s lieutenant governor, said she will go through her $43.7 million budget for more savings and supply those figures to the budget committee by the end of the week, signaling she could lay workers off next year, since "whatever programs we are eliminating, then we should eliminate the staff." (Ackermann, The Record)

http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/politics/050510_Guadagno_state_budget_committee_look_for_more_ways_to_cut_spending.html

Bergen County Executive Race: Kathleen Donovan scores major union endorsement ?

New Jersey Laborers Union Endorses Republican Kathleen Donovan for Bergen County Executive

One of the state's most powerful unions, the New Jersey Laborers Union, endorsed Bergen County Clerk Kathleen Donovan for Bergen County Executive today, citing her management experience, her ability to reach across party lines and build consensus, and her vision for responsible economic development in Bergen County as well as her commitment to improving infrastructure and creating jobs for local residents.

With more than 20,000 members statewide, including 900 members of Building Laborers Local 592 of Fort Lee, and 8,000 members of General and Heavy Construction Laborers Local 472, which represents Northern New Jersey--the New Jersey Laborers Union is committing its full resources to the Donovan campaign.

It is anticipated that hundreds of laborers will volunteer time to the campaign through phone banking, voter registration drives, get out the vote drives, and member-to-member education.

Laborers Vice-President and Eastern Regional Manager Raymond M. Pocino called the early endorsement a sign of the union's confidence in Ms. Donovan. "Through the years, no matter which political party was on the rise or what party was down, Bergen residents time and again re-elected Kathe Donovan for public office. There is a reason for that. It is because of her consistency of effort, her commitment to put people first and her ability to solve problems and create opportunities," said Pocino. "We support her candidacy for county executive, and more importantly, we support her vision for Bergen County."

Pocino praised Kathe Donovan's leadership and experience with economic development as a key factor for endorsement. "Kathleen Donovan was the first woman to chair the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and she understands that prosperity won't happen without smart public investment and job growth," said Pocino. "Kathe Donovan not only has a vision for Bergen County's future but she also has a track record that residents can trust."

The New Jersey Laborers Union is affiliated with the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), and represents more than 20,000 members statewide in various industries, including construction, clean energy, environmental remediation, sanitation and recycling, security, and education. The New Jersey Laborers are widely viewed as having been instrumental in helping to lift living standards and workplace safety for employees in construction, clean energy, and hazardous materials removal, and for developing innovative cooperative relationships with employers.

######

Contact: Rob Lewandowski: 609-731-5396

Charges Fly At Village Council Meeting : Soil Movement Permits for BOE Projects

Several residents of the area surrounding Ridgewood High School made accusations at Wednesday evening's Village Council Work Session that the Village Planning Board and Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser have inappropriately approved soil movement permits for several upcoming Ridgewood BOE projects (3 turf fields and a building expansion project).

Specifically, charges are that Mr. Rutishauser waived requirements pertaining to supporting documentation and fees without proper authorization, and in violation of established Village Code pertaining to soil movement. It is also alleged that the Planning Board overlooked these requirements, based solely upon the recommendation of Mr. Rutishauser. Further charges are that the applications were signed by an individual who is not an authorized agent for the BOE.

Deputy Mayor Keith D. Killion directed Village Attorney Matthew S. Rogers to investigate the charges and report back to Council members as to the legality of all documents required by existing Village Code.

Council members are scheduled to take a formal vote on the soil movement permits during their May 12th Public Meeting.

Public Service Electric & Gas Requests $135K to Provide Electric Service at New Water Tank

Ridgewood Water Company subscribers may soon be faced with additional rate increases following a revelation at Wednesday evening's Village Council Work Session that an electric service hook up to the new Valley View Avenue water storage tank will cost $135K.

Although the $135K estimate for electric service installation was presented to Ridgewood Water Company officials on September 4, 2009, Village Council members were not made aware of the need for additional project funding until April of 2010.

It is believed that the recently installed Valley View Avenue water storage tank will not become operational until the $135K electric service installation is complete. Thus, Village Council members have now been backed into somewhat of a corner. That is, they must approve an unexpected $135K expenditure, or be faced with a new water storage facility that can't be made operational (and lawn sprinkler peak season is rapidly approaching).

The Fly would like to know how many more Village employees will be laid off in order to make up for the surprise $135K expenditure?

BOE Response to Village Council Request for Additional Budget Cuts

On Monday, May 3rd, Ridgewood Board of Education members discussed the Ridgewood Village Council's request to make a recommendation regarding the voter defeated 2010-2011 school budget.

Following discussion, Board of Education members approved a formal motion to keep the budget as is, in that "the impact of additional reductions would be further damaging to the instructional program."

In short, Board members have refused to make additional budget cuts despite voter disapproval of the current budget.

The Board of Education's press release regarding this matter reads: "State mandates have left the Board with little flexibility."

The press release further states that Board of Education members will elaborate on its reasons for "no change" in a letter to Village Council members later this week.

The Fly sticks with his prediction that Village Council members will mandate a budget cut of significantly less than 1% of total.

Get ready to dig deeper into those wallets fellow Ridgewoodites!

Reader Says "extras need to be axed in tough times"

Unfortunately, the Senior Center is probably one of the "amenities" that will be cut from the budget. Has nothing to do with popularity or cost effectiveness. It's just an extra and and in tough times, extras get axed.

Eventually, this will happen to Graydon. There are ways to make it more attractive to residents who would pay toward a break-even operation, but, as we know, the preservationists (and Ms. Walsh)have spoken their piece on the topic.

Indeed, the library might be next. And while it probably will never be closed entirely, elimination of services, hours/days of operation and offerings will surely be on the chopping block at some point.

Ridgewood Police Sgt. William Hemmer was charged Thursday with stealing money from a police union account.

Ridgewood police sergeant admits to stealing PBA funds
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Last updated: Wednesday May 5, 2010, 5:34 PM
BY EVONNE COUTROS
NorthJersey.com
STAFF WRITER

RIDGEWOOD – A village police sergeant has admitted to theft by deception five months after his arrest for stealing funds from the local Policemen’s Benevolent Association.

Detective Sgt. William Hemmer, of Sussex, pleaded guilty and made more than $115,000 in restitution to Ridgewood PBA Local 20 through his attorneys on Wednesday in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack. Hemmer, 40, diverted the money from the Local 20 bank accounts into his personal account. The 17-year veteran of the Department has been banned from public service for life with formal sentencing for the crime in June. If Hemmer violates his terms of probation, he faces five years in prison.

Hemmer was treasurer of Local 20 for more than seven years. The PBA was conducting an audit of its accounts when the discrepancy was found and the case referred to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
RIDGEWOOD – A village police sergeant has admitted to theft by deception five months after his arrest for stealing funds from the local Policemen’s Benevolent Association.

Detective Sgt. William Hemmer, of Sussex, pleaded guilty and made more than $115,000 in restitution to Ridgewood PBA Local 20 through his attorneys on Wednesday in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack. Hemmer, 40, diverted the money from the Local 20 bank accounts into his personal account. The 17-year veteran of the Department has been banned from public service for life with formal sentencing for the crime in June. If Hemmer violates his terms of probation, he faces five years in prison.
Hemmer was treasurer of Local 20 for more than seven years. The PBA was conducting an audit of its accounts when the discrepancy was found and the case referred to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

Valley Renewal : Valley's plan for expansion called 'absurd'

Valley's plan for expansion called 'absurd'

Calling the proposed changes to the village master plan "incongruous and absurd," a leader of a citizens group said the scope of The Valley Hospital expansion should be scaled way back.

Paul Gould, spokesman for the Concerned Residents of Ridgewood, said previous village councils and other town officials determined long ago that the hospital had already expanded to capacity on its 15.4-acre lot in the middle of a residential neighborhood.

"The tipping point has been reached," Gould said at the Planning Board meeting Tuesday night during a public hearing over changes to the master plan that would allow the expansion.

If Valley is allowed to double in size, there will be many more patients coming to the hospital, Gould warned. "The hospital has no intention of keeping the current intensity of use."

Representatives from the hospital testified that Valley has made several compromises from its original "renewal" plan and that the project should — and needs to — move forward.

"These concessions have made the proposal better," said Charles Collins, a lawyer for Valley. "Valley is not a burden to the village. It is a benefit."

The proposed changes to the master plan allow the 451-bed hospital to double in size to 1.17 million square feet of floor area. They permit taller hospital buildings — up to 94 feet if the rooftop mechanicals are included.

Gould contended that Valley Hospital can reduce the size of its proposed expansion and still meet the need for more private rooms and enhanced care by reopening Pascack Valley Hospital in Westwood.
Gould said the board could limit the size of the medical center to 650,000 square feet, reducing the number of beds to 250 or so on the Ridgewood campus and adding 120 or so at Pascack.

Among the challenges to Gould's plan is the fact that Hackensack University Medical Center owns the property and has been trying to get state approval to re-open it. Valley, which has enjoyed a increase in patients since Pascack's closing, once offered to pay $1 million for Pascack's license in bankruptcy court with the intention of letting it lapse so that hospital would never reopen.

Valley spokeswoman Megan Fraser said the hospital had indeed once considered reopening Pascack but deemed it too impractical because it would have required significant construction and duplication of services.

Residents fear that the size and scope of the project, which would include more than six years of construction for the first phase and permit a building that could reach 94 feet within 40 feet of the property of Benjamin Franklin Middle School.

If approved by the Planning Board, the new master plan will go before the Village Council.
An architect for the hospital provided more details Tuesday on how construction would be phased in over many years.

Stephen Evers said the first phase would begin with the construction of the North building by the middle school. The new building would become the heart of the hospital with 189 medical surgical beds now located in the Phillips building. The Phillips building would then be torn down and replaced with a six-floor parking garage, which would include two-underground floors and a parapet on the top floor.
Phase two would include the removal of the Bergen building, which would be replaced by the five-story West building set back 100 feet from North Van Dien Street. The five-story South building would also be constructed.

The next meeting will be held on May 17 at Benjamin Franklin Middle School. Residents are encouraged to sign up in advance to speak, the board said.
E-mail: layton@northjersey.com

http://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen/92840919_Valley_s_plan_for_expansion_called__absurd_.html

http://www.stopvalley.com/CRR%20Examination%20Ammended%20H_Zone%20Master%20Plan%20May%204%202010.pdf

http://www.stopvalley.com/

free business listing the Bergen County Business Directory

PJ,
A friend of mine is creating a new website to promote businesses in Bergen County called the Bergen County Business Directory. The directory is intended to help Bergen County businesses reach more clients and connect with other business owners in the area. They provide business owners with a free business listing on the website which will include the name of the business, contact information and a short description.I will definitely be listing my business there and using the website to find local services and network. Awesome to see more promotion and web presence for local businesses! Check it out.. For more information click here:

http://www.bergencountydirectory.com/

Critics don't want politics involved in Nomination Process of State Supreme Court ,tell us when to stop laughing

Folks its always about Politics !

Christie will name Anne Patterson to Supreme Court; drops Wallace

Anne M. Patterson, a partner at one of New Jersey’s largest law firms and a former deputy state Attorney General, will be nominated today as an Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court. Gov. Christopher Christie will announce that he will not renominate Justice John Wallace and that Patterson will be his choice.
For the first time, a majority of the New Jersey Supreme Court Justices will be women. Wallace is the only African American on the New Jersey Supreme Court. (Editor, PolitickerNJ)
http://www.politickernj.com/editor/38783/christie-will-name-anne-patterson-supreme-court
 

NJ Dems refuse to consider replacement justice Anne Patterson

New Jersey Democrats say they will not even consider the Republican governor's nominee for the state Supreme Court. Gov. Chris Christie created a political firestorm Monday by failing to reappoint the 
court's only African American justice and nominating a white private practice lawyer as a replacement. (AP)

http://www.app.com/article/20100504/NEWS03/100504066/1007/NJ-Dems-refuse-to-consider-replacement-justice-Anne-Patterson


State Senate will not hold confirmation hearings for Anne Patterson, Senate presidents says


It's Justice John Wallace or nobody, Senate President Stephen Sweeney said today.
 
The state's top Democrat said he will not allow anyone to fill Wallace's seat on the New Jersey Supreme Court for almost two years. That's when Wallace turns 70 years old, the mandatory retirement age for justices. (Megerian, The Record)

http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/politics/050410_State_Senate_will_not_hold_confirmation_hearings_for_Anne_Patterson_Senate_presidents_says.html

Municipal Elections May 11th

Union protest outside Valley today

Union protest outside Valley today. They were asked to remove the coffin that they were using as a prop because it might upset the students walking past.

The hospital administration contacted us to let us know they have asked the protesters to get rid of the coffin when children are going to/coming out of school. The hospital is waiting to hear back from the protesters about that. In the mean time, the hospital has said they will have a security person (possibly an off-duty Ridgewood Police officer if one is available) cross students to other side of the road and they will try to put up some sort of barrier up to shield the coffin from view on that other side of the street."

According to Valley Hospital administration a union is protesting about some asbestos removal work that hospital had done over the weekend. The hospital assured us that they used a properly licensed contractor and all the work was done with proper precautions and without incident; but union is unhappy that the contractor used union workers who were paid off the union scale because the contractor didn’t go through the union hall to get the workers.

The union has set up a display on Van Dien Ave. There are two people on the sidewalk handling out leaflets. On the grass between the sidewalk and the street they do a coffin set up on saw horses. Part of the coffin is open and a dummy is in there with a helmet and gas mask on. There is also a large sign in front of the coffin that says “Asbestos Kills”. The image may be disturbing to some children.

The hospital administration contacted us to let us know they have asked the protesters to get rid of the coffin when children are going to/coming out of school. The hospital is waiting to hear back from the protesters about that. In the mean time, the hospital has said they will have a security person (possibly an off-duty Ridgewood Police officer if one is available) cross students to other side of the road and they will try to put up some sort of barrier up to shield the coffin from view on that other side of the street.

There doesn’t appear to be any cause for alarm over this. We just want to make sure parents are aware of it if/when your children come home with an unusual story about their trip to or from school.

Please do not respond to this email. Thank you.

Ridgewood is only a microcosm of the larger struggle

Read Soul Alinsky and then talk to me about disjointed and disruptive manners. I don't care to be friendly and cordial to people on the left who will lie to get their way.

All across tis nation from local to national levels of government there is a battle for the direction which this nation will take for years to come. Ours in Ridgewood is only a microcosm of the larger struggle. Either you decide to win by pushing back the forces of statism or you are an accomplice by your unwillingness to fight fire with fire.

The fact remains that liberals control our BOE and believe that spending money on new fangled education programs, which are unproven and carry with them an ideology of the left in the quest to indoctinate our children into their way of thinking.

If you question this, just open a math book, if you can find one in our elementary schools, and read the PC crap in it.

Ask yourself why the Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum just bought a new subject curriculum for our middle schools when we are trying to save money. Maybe to justify her $140k salary?

Christie Rejects tenure for left Leaning Supreme Court Justice John Wallace

Looming fight over justice could impact N.J. Supreme Court for decades

On a court known nationally for its judicial activism, state Supreme Court Justice John Wallace’s legacy may be bound to the one ruling that wasn’t his to make: Governor Christie’s decision to deny him tenure. Christie’s action, unprecedented since the state revamped its constitution in 1947, fulfilled a campaign promise to reshape the court and drew cheers from the right. (Ackermann, The Record)

http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/politics/050310_Looming_fight_over_justice_could_impact_NJ_Supreme_Court_for_decades.html

Chris Christie said he will expand the number of public charter schools and supports a bipartisan bill to provide thousands of public scholarships so children in failing districts may attend private or parochial schools

N.J. Gov. Chris Christie: Vouchers offer a 'final solution' for school system

A voucher system that lets any child in New Jersey go to any school, public or private, is the "final solution" to an overly expensive system that continues to fail too many children, Governor Christie said Monday. Christie told an enthusiastic school choice advocacy group in Washington that he will expand the number of public charter schools and supports a bipartisan bill to provide thousands of public scholarships so children in failing districts may attend private or parochial schools. (Jackson, The Record)

http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/politics/050310_NJ_Gov_Chris_Christie_Vouchers_offer_a_final_solution_for_school_system.html

the Village of Ridgewood : Man about Town

Board of Education and Village Council Meeting - May 10th at 5:30PM

Monday, May 10th at 5:30pm in the Village Hall Court Room, the Village Council and the Board of Education will meet to further review the recent defeat of the 2010 - 2011 School Budget.

Municipal Elections - May 11th

Polls are open from 6:00AM to 8:00PM

Tom Riche, Bernie Walsh, Doug Cronk, Brian Dowd

Jack Elwood dead at 59

Jack Elwood, a Ridgewood High School physical education teacher battling Lou Gehrig’s disease for years , died on Sunday. at the age of 59.

Students at Ridgewood High School observed a moment of silence on Monday morning after the announcement of Elwood’s death .

In May 2003, Elwood was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal neuromuscular disease that causes progressive muscle weakness, eventually leading to paralysis. RHS students, coworkers, friends and family held numerous fund-raisers in recent years to help the teacher and his family, including the annual Jack Elwood 5K Walk/Run. Elwood often expressed gratitude at the support he and his family got from the community.

Elwood,was assistant manager at Graydon Pool during the summer months, remained teaching at RHS during the early stages of the disease.

Elwood is survived by his wife, Laura, and daughter Tricia.

Visitation will be held at Feeney Funeral Home in Ridgewood on Tuesday, May 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday, May 5 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 6 at St. Luke’s R.C. Church in Ho-Ho-Kus.

Valley "Renewal" more than doubles the size of the medical center

Valley's revised plan is called workable
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
BY MARY JO LAYTON
The Record
STAFF WRITER

http://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen/92741259_Valley_s_revised_plan_is_called_workable.html

The Valley Hospital's proposed expansion , but the latest building plan is a good compromise, experts hired by Ridgewood testified Monday.

Village Planner Blais Brancheau said the plan, which adds three beds to the 451-bed hospital "does not intensify operations. The overall policy is to keep the intensity of use as it is roughly today," he said.

The proposed changes allow Valley to reach 1.17 million square feet of floor area. They permit taller hospital buildings — up to 94 feet if the rooftop mechanicals are included — but require setbacks from the streets that are two to three times what the hospital originally proposed. The amended master plan also calls for more underground parking.

The experts who testified Monday all seemed to agree that the project as laid out is doable. They included Raymond Skorupa, an expert in health care facilities design, who crafted a compromise that increases the height of the buildings and requires much greater setbacks than the hospital originally proposed.

Valley officials say they need private rooms and larger treatment areas to handle state-of-the-art technology to preserve the hospital's ability to provide the level of care it's known for.

Residents, meanwhile, say such a large expansion will dwarf their residential neighborhood. They worry about years of construction and the effect it will have on Benjamin Franklin Middle School, which is adjacent to the property and has the smallest setbacks at 40 feet from hospital property.

A geological expert, Laurence Keller, testified that building more parking underground would require more excavation and lengthen the time of construction. For instance, 22,700 truck trips would be required in the excavation and construction time would increase from up to seven months to up to 10 months. But for residents who were concerned about a large parking deck across from their homes, it means that 60 percent of the parking would be put underground.

See the whole article :
http://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen/92741259_Valley_s_revised_plan_is_called_workable.html

CINCO DE MAYO at Mac Murphy's

Mac Murphy's Restaurant in Wilsey Square invites all
to our first ever CINCO DE MAYO festival

Excellent Mexican cook will be whipping up some great
Mexican dishes for lunch & dinner on Wednesday May 5th.
Check out these favorites;

Soups - * Tortilla Soup

Appetizers - * Jalapeño Poppers
* Nachos w/ Chili
* Taquitos
* Quesadillas

Salads - *Taco Salad

Dinners - Served w/ Rice & Refried Beans
* Burritos
* Fajitas
* Enchiladas
* Flounder Vera Cruz
* Mole Poblano
* Camarones Rancheros

Special priced Coronas, way too low to mention.

Bring the family and dine either in our outdoor cafe
or inside. Suppose to be a beautiful day and evening.

Eileen & Scott Smith
Mac Murphy's
8 Godwin Ave.
201-444-0500

Tom Riche : a new era of fiscal responsibility

May 1, 2010


To: All Ridgewood residents,

As we approach the municipal election for Village Council on May 11th I would like to thank many of you for your support. I have been truly humbled by the outpouring of encouragement before and during my campaign.

As many of you are aware, I was a Ridgewood Councilman from 1998 through 2002. During my tenure, Ridgewood residents benefited from the Library expansion, Graydon Pool and waste management facility upgrades as well as a stabilized tax rate and low debt service. Since then, Ridgewood has failed to recognize the need to control expenses so the residents who have lived here for decades, may continue to enjoy our beloved Village.

As a candidate for Council, I have continued to emphasize that we must transition to a new era of fiscal responsibility. Some might say easier said than done in government, however with a Council who will take that leadership role seriously, that message must clearly be sent to Village management who will initiate a top down approach to restraint. The days of spend and tax is behind us! We must, together, look forward to new behavior.

During the past eight years since I was on the Council, I have continued to be closely involved with Village affairs. I currently serve as a member of the Planning Board, OEM (office of emergency management), Historic Preservation Commission and the Site Plan Committee. Almost daily, I interface with various departments in the Village so I am keenly aware of areas in need of a redefined focus. As your Councilman I will commit to making the changes required to safeguard your personal investment in Ridgewood.

Your vote on May 11th (VOTE LINE # 4) is crucial to the journey into the future for Ridgewood. I humbly ask for your vote.

Tom Riche