D'Amico is in for Monmouth Dems

Democrats choose D'Amico, Schueler to run for freeholder majority

WEST LONG BRANCH (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ) -- The Monmouth County Democratic Party selected its candidates to run this fall for two seats on the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Democrats selected retired state Parol Board judge John D'Amico and Bradley Beach Mayor Steve Schueler.

D'Amico has a lengthy career that spans decades of public service. Among other positions he has held, D'Amico is a former state senator and freeholder. "I have every confidence in Judge D'Amico and Mayor Schueler," Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Victor Scudiery said. "This is a very good year for the Monmouth Democrats."

"Judge D'Amico and Steve Schueler are the guys who give the Democratic Party the best chance to win majority in Monmouth County," Middletown Democratic Chairman Joe Caliendo said.

Ciasca authors a great new blog

Nance Ciasca from Atlantic Artisans in Atlantic Highlands is doing something different on a blog. Click on the headline and go check it out.

Bryant indicted by U.S. Attorney's Office

Sen. Wayne Bryant has been indicted by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Seems like a good move. PoliticsNJ has the story.

Yahoo posts on national prosecutor debate

Yahoo posted something about the Attorney General mess going on in DC about a minute ago. It's interesting, albeit about national stuff. What do national-level issues have to do with local? Got me. But it's interesting.

Why all the trouble in the GOP with the "Bayshore Faction"?

OPINION...

There is all this talk that the GOP chairman and some others in the county have about the "Bayshore Faction." Let's clarify some terms here. "The Bayshore" is Middletown, Hazlet, Holmdel, Aberdeen, Keyport, Matawan, Union Beach, Keansburg, Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.

Middletown is commonly set aside from "The Bayshore" in practice if not theory because it is a power unto itself on the county committee since it has 92 committee votes in both parties. So, the monicker "Bayshore" is sort of left to 'the rest of the Bayshore.'

The Bayshore is geographically located in Northern Monmouth County. That part of the county has the largest number of votes in general elections, when Middletown is figured into that tally. Races are fought in the county, but won or lost in the Bayshore (Middletown inclusive)

OK, so why are Republican leaders so joyous about '...putting down the Bayshore faction' in the latest convention? This faction is home to very ardent, independent-minded Republicans, some of whom have been known to try and speak out on the county level to try and get good government principles forwarded on occasion.

In th GOP, Middletown's Republican leadership is treated like some sort of prized calf, while the towns around it are treated like second-class citizens politically. Yet, when it comes voting time, Middletown pre-eminance is really dependent on the ability for Bayshore Republican leaders to either amlify its message on the county stage or not work so hard for that message. Because when the Bayshore votes in contradiction to its 'big brother,' it virtually turns the Middletown vote into a wash. This was clear in the Assembly election four years ago.

What inducement is there for GOP volunteers, the grassroots, helping out their county party come election time if Republicans from that part of the county are looked upon, at the very least, very poorly or, at the worst, adversarially? Where's the part about 'one big happy family' for them. They're getting told to shut up and do as they are told for the privilege of being Republican alone (meaning, supporting certain law firms in their quest for tax money).

So the Monmouth County Republican Organization has 'chalked up a win' against its very own faithful in the Bayshore at its convention. Arguably, it has been proved how little this area's voice does mean to the county party and its loyalists. What's all the celebrating in that party about then? They have left a lot of volunteers and good Republicans wondering why they are jumping through hoops if their communities mean so little to the party they work so hard for every single year.

These are not questions that need to be asked in public to people as much as, I think, they need to be asked among Republicans in the Bayshore.

MENENDEZ, PALLONE TARGET GANGS WITH COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2007

CONTACTS:
Afshin Mohamadi (Menendez) 202-224-4744
Heather Lasher Todd (Pallone) 202-226-5248
Scott Mulhauser (Lautenberg) 202-224-3224


MENENDEZ, PALLONE TARGET GANGS WITH COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION
Legislators aim to crack down on gang activity and recruiting

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and U.S. Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6) today introduced comprehensive legislation that would work to cut off the spread of gangs and reduce gang-related crime. The Menendez/Pallone Fighting Gangs and Empowering Youth Act of 2007 comes as law enforcement says that gang activity in New Jersey is increasing and becoming more sophisticated and aggressive in recruiting and preying on young people in all our communities. According to a survey by the State Police, the number of gang members has nearly doubled to slightly more than 17,000 in 2005, up from about 10,000 in 2000.

"Gangs are recruiting children as young as 8, 9, and 10 years old. We must give these kids an alternative to gang life, give them the tools to focus on getting a good education, and give families the peace of mind of a safe home and neighborhood in which to raise kids," said Menendez. "Our goal is to go after gangs aggressively by hitting them high and hitting them low -- we can tie their hands with tougher penalties and a bigger police presence, and we can cut them off at the roots by preventing gang recruitment."

"Senator Menendez and I are deeply concerned about the increasing presence of gang violence in communities around New Jersey ," Pallone said. "Today, we introduce comprehensive legislation that provides our communities with the resources to prevent the spread of gangs by promoting strong coalitions that can show kids there is a better alternative."

“This initiative provides the mentorship, job training and after-school programs needed to prevent our kids from joining gangs,” said Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), an original co-sponsor of the legislation. “It gives law enforcement officials and local governments the resources, tools and information they need to deter gang violence in our communities. As gang activity increases in New Jersey and across the nation, this bill is a necessary step to combat gang violence in our neighborhoods and on our streets.”

The Menendez/Pallone Fighting Gangs and Empowering Youth Act of 2007 is a comprehensive approach to fighting gangs, focusing on 1) prevention and economic empowerment to give young people constructive alternatives to joining gangs; 2) community planning and gang policing resources to help communities fight local gangs; and 3) increased criminal penalties to crack down on those who commit violent crimes as part of gangs.

Web site posts on Operation Bid Rig, et. al.

Great post at OnOurRadarBlogspot.com. It's long reading but very familiar for Bayshore people. Click on the headline to get there.

King Tut and the Franklin Institute in Philly

I just booked a day trip to Philadelphia's Franklin Mint Institute to check out the King Tut exhibit for Sunday. The tickets are a little pricey, in my opinion, for something like this ($32.50 apiece, $3.75 service fee). There was a $7 audio headset option I went with too.

I'm going as a tourist and not using any media credentials to get in so I fully plan on writing whatever the real deal is about the exhibit and the way its run. But it looks like a great event, and that's how I'm going into it.

In my opinion, though, it's pretty hard to screw up a tourist experience when the promoter has a priceless treasure from antiquity. And, the Franklin Institute is known for putting on a class show. So, I am very much looking forward to checking this out.

For more information, click on the headline to go to the Web site.

D'Amico will appear at Brookdale Community College

"Parole Reform: Is NJ Meeting the Challenge?"
Topic of NJ State Parole Board Chair's Lecture

Lincroft, NJ, March 12, 2007 -Judge John D'Amico, Jr., Chairman, New Jersey State Parole Board, will speak on "Parole Reform: Is New Jersey Meeting the Challenge?" at Brookkdale Community College Monday, April 16. The community is invited to the free presentation to be held at 2:00 p.m. in the MAN building, room 105.

The Judge has been credited for bringing strong reform measures to an agency that often had been described as troubled and not meeting the needs of its clients and the communities in which they reside. He has served as Parole Board chairman since 2003, and soon to be stepping down from his present position, has said his goal from the beginning had been to develop an agency as the national standard for the successful return of ex-offenders into society and for keeping communities safe.

Governor Jon S. Corzine has praised the Judge as an advocate for effective crime-fighting strategies and progressive practices.

The Judge has been a proponent of a new evidence-based practices program that modernizes community supervision by recognizing that public safety is supported by successful community reintegration.

A retired Superior Court jurist, former Oceanport councilman, Monmouth County freeholder and New Jersey state senator, the Judge has stated he is proud of the results achieved by the New Jersey State Parole Board under his leadership. Headquartered in Trenton, the Board oversees a dozen district offices throughout the state, employs over 400 law enforcement officers and 300 civilians in a variety of positions. According to an agency spokesman, it is the sole paroling authority within the state, overseeing the release and revocation decision-making process for all New Jersey offenders. It supervises and provides services for over 14,000 parolees annually and provides lifetime supervision to more than 3,500 sex offenders living within New Jersey.

Earlier in his career, the Judge gained a statewide reputation as a rail commuter activist and helped spearhead transportation improvements in New Jersey. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School.

"We are pleased to invite the community to join our students at Judge D'Amico's lecture. There will be an open question and answer opportunity following the presentation," said College President Dr. Peter F. Burnham.

A coffee reception will follow the event.

Parking for the MAN building is most convenient in lots 1, 4, and 3. For more information, call 732-224-2283.
###

APP holds cutest pet contest

The Asbury Park Press has a great feature on pets. Click on the headline and check out some four-legged friends.

RIGHT: My Old English bulldogs, Winston and Baxter.

PoliticsNJ.com covers county convention

Politicsnj.com did a piece about the GOP's March 24 convention.

The GOP is doing the blame game. Once again, terms like "surrender" and all that are involved. It's really disappointing. This politics thing is supposed to be selecting leaders to help families, neighborhoods and communities. It's not an advance on Moscow during World War II.

Enough of this nonsense. Click on the headline to go to PoliticsNJ.com.

King Tut is on display in Philly

The King Tut exhibit in Philadelphia is a great opportunity for families to have an outing or a weekend day trip. Click on the headline and check it out.

Some more pix from the convention

Top: Former Hazlet Chairman Steve Grossman. Middle: 13th District Assemblyman Sam Thompson. Bottom: The GOP Convention was well attended by the County Committee.

Outside the Republican Convention

Top: Richard Kohler thr elder and younger, of Hazlet, accompanied Mrs. Deanna Kohler to the vote. Middle: Former 12th District Assemblyman Mike Arnone, R-Monmouth, and 11th District Assemblyman Sean Kean conferred in the hallway outside of the main room. Below: Former Red Bank Chairman Jim Giannell, reputed as one of the last of the county GOP's reform-minded leaders, with Keansburg Councilman Jimmy Cocuzza.

Jersey Guys are controversial for some

There is a lot being said right now about the Jersey Guys, Carton and Rossi. They have a show on FM 101.5 and it's a good show, in my opinion. My experience is that these are good guys, who I listen to whenever I get a chance.

They throw humor into politics. OK, maybe some of it is a little immature...so what? Neither Carton or Rossi ever claimed they were going to cure cancer via their program. Frankly, their style is a relief given the fact that weirdos like Rush Limbaugh and Michael Savage have been given license to do whatever they want on air, and they are about hating people in the most politically correct fashion possible. I like figuring out for myself what I believe and the Jersey Guys don't try to shove their ideas down anyone's throat. OK, they joke around.

I'm not a big shot, and these guys basically go after big shots, but if they ever lampooned me I'd think it was an honor. I'd probably be embarrassed, but it wouldn't rock my world. If someone is big deal enough to be on their radar it should be a flippin' honor in the first place.

And the Jersey Guys don't venture into libel and defamation, like some bloggers do. They parody public figures, not unlike late night talk show hosts. A lot of what they are doing is what the First Amendment is supposed to be all about.

I want to underline the part about libel and defamation. These guys are professionals who know what they are doing — no matter how much or little anyone likes what they say.

I'm a fan. I'm going to stay one.

I don't like 100 percent of the things they say, so I might turn a show off. I'm still going to be back. They're funny. Most people in politics mistake humor for party line garbage that goes after peoples' families. These guys are irreverent but at least the true spirit of what they are doing is rooted in harmless fun, at least that is what I think.

Some of the bloggers in Monmouth think laughing about the house someone lives in is funny, or talking about the children of public figures, making up the most vile garbage possible. These guys don't even go in the neighborhood of that...and hey, good for them. Don't like them? Don't listen.

Long Branch NAACP to host Monmouth University event

The Greater Long Branch NAACP is presenting "Diversity in the New Millenium," at Monmouth University's Pollak Theater, in West Long Branch, on Tuesday, May 1 between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Coordinating the event is Chapter President Lorenzo W. Dangler. Sponsors include: Monmouth University, Jersey Central Power and Light, NJ Natural Gas Company, Long Branch Public Schools, Scudiery Enterprises, Shore Regional and Hazlet School Districts, and the Monmouth County Superintendent of Schools.

For more information, call (732) 571-9444.

Matawan welcomes new borough businesses

In Matawan, the Downtown area is being revitalized through the hard work of many dedicated business owners, borough officials and citizens trying to make a brighter day for that town. Two improvements to the business district are C-Town, a food store, which will be open in a few months, and La Riviera, a great new reaturant.

La Riviera is still making improvements, though they are open and serving lunch and dinner.

MENENDEZ REINTRODUCES HOLOCAUST AWARENESS BILL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2007

CONTACT:
Allyn Brooks-LaSure (Menendez) 202-224-4744
Joseph Soldevere (Maloney) 212-860-0606


MENENDEZ REINTRODUCES HOLOCAUST AWARENESS BILL

Legislation, sponsored in the House by Rep. Maloney, would increase federal support for Holocaust education programs

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today reintroduced bi-partisan legislation that would help increase awareness of the Holocaust. The Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Act, which has also been introduced in the House by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), would give a boost to programs and institutions that teach about the Holocaust and its lessons.

Under the legislation, educational institutions would be able to receive federal grants to educate about the Holocaust. The bill is named in honor of Simon Wiesenthal, the Holocaust survivor who devoted his life to seeking justice for the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis.

“The Holocaust occurred a few short decades ago, yet there are some who deny it’s very existence,” said Menendez. “Teaching our children about this blight on human history will both honor the memory of those who perished and inspire future generations to fight against similar tragedies. I appreciate Representative Maloney’s leadership on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to join us in making this legislation a reality.”

“The best way to promote tolerance and unity is to learn the important lessons of one of history’s darkest hours,” said Maloney. “Simon Wiesenthal’s work was an inspiration, and we are working to carry on his mission. I applaud Senator Menendez for reintroducing this bill, and I look forward to continuing our work to make this bill law.”

The Wiesenthal Act authorizes $10 million in federal funds over 5 years to help educational organizations bolster their Holocaust education programs, many of which suffer from a lack of resources. Co-sponsors include Senators Arlen Spector (R-PA) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ).

# # #

APP pens story about potential school cuts

APP staffer Nick Petruncio from the Freehold Bureau wrote a great story, posted on 3/21/07.

The issue of school funding is something that every community in this styate faces. Cutting art and music programs are quick ways to do something horrible to the learning paths of countless young people.

This is a solid piece of journalism. Click on the headline and take a look for yourself.

Atlantic Artisans open new blog

I was down in Atlantic Highlands today and had the privilege of helping Nance Ciasca from Atlantic Artisans open a new blog. She has a great shop and is really a strong supporter of the community and the Chamber of Commerce. Click on the headline to go there.

It's only the beginning, but I am sure it is going to become a great stop on the blogosphere.