Middletown Twsp. PD Press Release

MIDDLETOWN TWP. POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE
Prepared by Detective Lieutenant Joseph C. Capriotti

On Monday May 28, 2007 at approximately 1:49AM Middletown Twp. Police Officer Thomas Meckier, Officer Sean Sweeney and Sergeant William Colangelo arrested Dennis Smith, Jr. age 32, of West Keansburg, NJ, and charged him with three counts of aggravated assault on police officers, resisting arrest, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of under 50 grams of marijuana, driving while intoxicated and numerous other motor vehicle violations. His bail was set at $30,000 with no 10 percent option.

A resident of Wilson Avenue in the Port Monmouth section of the township was hosting a party at the home when Smith arrived at the home uninvited. He was driving a blue Chevrolet pick up truck and began driving across the front lawn of the home. The resident of the house called police and provided the responding officers with the vehicle description and the license plate number.

Officer Meckier and Officer Sweeney observed the truck traveling west on State Highway 36 at Main Street in Port Monmouth being operated erratically and at a high rate of speed . They attempted to stop the truck but the driver continued on and finally stopped at Thompson Avenue and Ocean Avenue in Middletown.

Once the vehicle had stopped, Officer Meckier approached the driver and detected an odor of alcoholic beverage and burnt marijuana coming from the driver, Mr. Smith. Officer Meckier requested Smith step out of the truck to determine if he was driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs but he refused. After several requests by Officer Meckier and Officer Sweeney Smith eventually exited the vehicle and Officer Sweeney noticed what appeared to be a knife in Smith’s pocket. The officers asked Smith if he had a knife in his pocket and he replied he did and began to reach in his pocket for it. The officers ordered him to remove his hand from his pocket and they would retrieve the knife.

He resisted the officers attempts retrieve the knife and began flailing his arms striking the officers. The officers were able to bring him to the ground and subdue Smith and retrieved two knives from his pocket and a small clear jar of suspected marijuana. While the officers were walking Smith to the police car he began to struggle violently, kicking at the officers and refusing to get into the police car. They were able to get his body into the car but his feet remained outside the car and he continued to kick the officers and the door of car. Sergeant William Colangelo had arrived to assist and repeatedly tried to get Smith to cooperate with the officers but he continued to refuse and fight and spit at the officers.

Off-duty Middletown Police Officer John Kaiser was driving past and saw the three officers struggling with Smith and stopped to aid the officers. Due to the continuing struggle with Smith and the increasing risk of injury to the officers and Smith, Sgt. Colangelo utilized pepper spray to obtain compliance from Smith and the officers had to restrain Smith’s feet to avoid being kicked any further.

Smith was finally brought to police headquarters where he was treated for exposure to pepper spray and processed on the charges.

McGreevey: No one ever said he was a class act

NJ.com has an article about former Gov. Jim McGreevey running down his former wife, Dina Matos, in court. His claims are really critical, and it's unfortunate.

Ex-Gov. McGreevey is a Garden State nightmare that just keeps on happening. After blaming his personal woes on state residents, embarassing anyone who ever supported the guy, abusing his ability to appoint public officials, dragging this state through the mud to the delight of talk show hosts from sea to sea, I guess he's going to start doing that to his family now. It doesn't stop.

It's really unfortunate. He's like a train wreck that won't stop blowing up. Click on the headline and see the latest crash.

Bush visit led to NJTP problems on Wednesday

Traffic Report...

The president coming to New Jersey was a big thing for some people in the GOP. It's a nice thing the president showed up for them in a fundraiser. But in the meantime, areas of the NJ Turnpike were completely shut down, causing more than a few traffic delays along the turnpike today.

If Mr. Bush needs that much space and privacy (which really isn't readily available in the Greater New York Metropolitan Area in a functional way) then the question of the overall wisdom of the trip has to be asked. The turnpike is already maxed out every day. There really isn't enough room for anyone, president of the U.S. or anyone else, to get their own lane, without creating an even greater traffic hazard for everyone else.

This trip was a fundraiser, not some matter of state. Putting New Jerseyans throughout North and Central Jersey into disarray because of some chicken dinner is ridiculous and dangerous to the driving public (which I was today to and from the city).

The whole city of New York was shut down during the GOP convention in the last presidential contest. I was in the city during the convention then. It was not an overall positive experience for residents, business people, students or most vacationers. Business suffered, the law enforcement issues and general disruption were not welcome to people that regularly travel the city on business. New York is not just another city. It is the busiest city on the planet. If someone needs to shut down whole areas of the city, ruining commerce and fostering a heavy handed police presence, it would be easier to pull something like that off in Nebraska or Oklahoma...or just somewhere else. Not here.

Enough with the drama: New Jersey needs to keep its major thoroughfares open to the public, business and travelers, and not afford star treatment nonsense to celebrities of any caliber, other than perhaps heads of state on the people's business. If someone of such status cannot travel in a reasonable way through the area, maybe they just shouldn't show up. This is true of Mr. Bush, Mr. Romney, Mr. Gore, Mrs. Clinton, or whoever else.

This isn't a partisan thing as much as it is a common sense idea. The safety of the public and commerce first; political fundraisers somewhere lower on the list.

Click on the headline to go to the NJ.com article.

APP reports on Southern Monmouth coyote attack

The Asbury Park Press has a story about a new coyote sighting in Manasquan. As everyone knows by now in the area, a coyote recently claimed the life of a small dog in Middletown. In this week's edition of The Courier, staffer Scott Shanley has a detailed story about the attack and some safety tips dealing with this recent coyote scare.

For the new APP coyote story, click on the headline and go there.

Caption: This is yet another shameless way for me to show off my two Old English bulldogs, Winston and Baxter. They have nothing to do with coyotes, but they are dogs.

APP pens piece about Board of Freeholders

Well, the APP nailed this one, I have to give it to them. When they're right, they're right.

Government is being run in a reckless manner, and not like a business. When worst practices are used, is it a wonder when the worst results come out? Leadership is not easy, but if someone cannot do it then people more able should be elected.

Politics cannot keep being business as usual. Politics is not seen as esteemed service anymore -- it's viewed as a paycheck for life by the least qualified.

I do not agree with all editorials from the APP, but I agree with this one.

Government needs to stop getting in the way of the private sector

Commentary...

Some economic news about the U.S. trade deficit from the U.S. Census Bureau. Click on the headline and go there.

I think the whole idea of sending jobs and companies out of the United States hasn't really worked all that well so far. Maybe something should be done about that at some point. Economic news impacts every area of society.

Manufacturing and industrial concerns helped to build this country. Today, in many parts of the country and even in this state and county, manufacturing plants and the like have been given a hard road by government. Every economy needs to grow things, refine things, make things and serve people to work. Right now, it's not doing that.

The end result is that everyone loses when government wants economies to stop functioning properly. Government should be about getting out of business' way as much as it can, while ensuring that safety and human issues are attended to. That isn't going on at any level anymore. Government has become a leach on business, bleeding it out to heap more and more taxation upon it. With the loss of business comes the loss of jobs...and then the losses just keep piling up.

Government has no respect for the private sector anymore, quiote possibly because politicians have become a career class, more bureaucrat and show people than serious minded business people in service.

Offer to candidates...

In the interest of trying to get as many thoughts and ideas out there this campaign season as possible, I am asking candidates to Email me at jimpurcell0309@yahoo.com if they are interested in me linking them on the blog.

I will link all state, county and local candidates who send in, regardless of party. I will only be dealing with legislative districts involved with Northern Monmouth (the Bayshore). All county candidates are certainly welcome, and certainly all local candidates.

AP pens story about May in Iraq

Our troops serving overseas are making many sacrifices today. May has been especially challenging for U.S. forces, according to an AP story presented by Yahoo. I know Americans everywhere appreciate the gallantry of our members of the armed forces.

Click on the headline to go to the AP story. Not all news is good. But certainly the trials our service people face should be known and appreciated.

CAPTION: Weapons training at Ft. Bragg, NC during 2004, as Reservists geared up for overseas deployment.

Atlantic Highlands pays tribute to armed forces

This year's Atlantic Highlands Memorial Day Parade began in the harbor at about noon. The streets were lined with people as this small town event went over in a very big way. Courier staffer Alyssa Passeggio covered the annual parade. Be sure to look for her story and more photos in this week's issue.

Middletown holds Memorial Day Parade

Middletown began its parade this morning at Bayshore Middle School. Here are some sights from the event. Courier staffer Scott Shanley will have the story this week.

Monday Memorial parades

Tomorrow...photos from Memorial Day parades in Atlantic Highlands and Middletown!

Menendez makes Memorial Day statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2007

CONTACTS: Afshin Mohamadi (Menendez) 202-224-4744

ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, SEN. MENENDEZ HONORS THE SERVICE OF THE U.S. MILITARY
WASHINGTON – As Memorial Day weekend begins, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today released the following statement honoring those who have served our country.

“On Memorial Day our country takes the time to remember and honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country. Throughout our nation’s history, our servicemen and women have courageously fought to protect our freedoms, and Memorial Day serves as a yearly reminder of their heroism and a way for us to show our appreciation. I salute their service and sacrifice.

“While our tributes and honors are important, a grateful nation must match words with actions. We must take care of those who have served our country, and ensure that their needs are taken care of when they return from war. These issues are always critical, but they carry particular import with hundreds of thousands of our troops oversees, and tens of thousands returning with serious injuries. Yet from healthcare to housing needs, we have seen our veterans sorely neglected. This year, Congress has taken important steps to address these problems, and I will continue to work in the Senate on behalf of our veterans.

“This Memorial Day, I hope that we all take the time to reflect on bravery of the men and women who have served our country, as well as how we can serve them in return.”

# # #

Middletown welcomes home one of its own!

Word has it that Middletown is welcoming back one of its own this Memorial Day Weekend. U.S. Navy Reserve non-commissioned officer Steven Borlebly has returned from overseas service on active duty. I know this is a great time for Steve and his wife, Kelly, and their two boys.

I'll bother him with telephone calls after he's had a chance to enjoy being back for awhile. Welcome home, Steve!

Grill a healthier hamburger for Memorial Day

Found a great hamburger recipe. Try it out for grilling if you want to do something different, and maybe a little healthier, this Memorial Day Weekend.

Click on the headline and go there.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

I'll be posting during the weekend about various events taking place throughout the Bayshore. Hopefully, this will be a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend for people.

During the welcome to summer, let's not forget about the great guys and gals in uniform, serving at home and abroad, not to mention the scores of fine servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation.

AP reports on gas woes for U.S. drivers

The AP has a report about gas guzzlers and gas prices...click on the headline to go to Yahoo News for the article.

Check the weather for the holidays

Check the weather for the Memorial Day Weekend holiday with Weather.com. This is a great time for Americans to consider the great sacrifices our men and women in uniform have made over the years, and to show respect for those sacrifices.

Click on the headline and go there for weather advisories.

Hill will be profiled in the next edition of The Courier

I just concluded an interview with Belmar Police Chief Jack Hill for next week's edition of The Courier. I think it's going to make for a good profile, so I encourage people to pick up next week's edition. For those of you who do not know it already, Chief Hill is running as the Democratic candidate for Monmouth County sheriff.

In the meantime, I want to restate that any candidate, from either party, seeking a profile should call the newspaper at (732) 957-0070, and ask for anyone from the Editorial Department. We do not run around looking for candidates to do profiles, but if they take the initiaitve then so will we.

As for Chief Hill, he outlined some ideas he had for improving existing programs at the Sheriff's Department, while innovating some new concepts in the county war on gang activity.

Nationally, the home market isn't so good

Yahoo News posted a piece about the national housing market by the AP's economics writer. It could be a lot better.

Government in Middletown: Opening taxpayers up to liability?

Commentary...

An interesting case is happening in Middletown. The Middletown Committee is seeking to serve alcohol at the Banfield Cultural Arts Center, adjacent the railroad tracks, during a fundraiser.

Here are my concerns.

No. 1: Is it the role of government to compete with private business? A cultural arts center (a business government is not intended to be in by any standard) is looking to serve liquor (like a bar) to patrons to attract their business. Neither the entertainment or bar businesses are supposed to be supported by tax dollars. It's not American.

No. 2: What happens if an event patron drives away from Banfield drunk? God forbid property is harmed or, far more grave, someone is injured by a patron who had too much to drink at this town event. No government of this country should put itself in a position of vulnerability because of alcohol.

No. 3: Who is financially liable if someone from a municipal event involving liquor drives away from such an event in a way that makes them unfit to drive? If it is a municipal event, then how can it be argued that the town had nothing to do with it? If there is liability then how does the town escape it? More importantly, why should the town escape liability if harm occurred due to a town event, which included drinking?

No. 4: Is including drinking at town events a good idea when, at the same period of time, Middletown's assemblyperson, Amy Handlin, is lobbying for the PNC Bank Arts Center, in Holmdel, to have their liquor license lifted? Regardless of the detached nature of the surrounding events at PNC Bank Arts Center, in Holmdel, and the Banfield Cultural Arts Center, in Middletown, the equation comes down to this: Government is seeking to lift the liquor license of a private concern for safety reasons as a result of excess and harm to a recent center patron; Government is trying to grant a liquor license to itself at a smaller, government-owned venue to make money on a fundraiser (that is in competition with private concerns in the area, e.g. the Basie, Two River Theatre, etc.).

So, government is making the assumption it should have a liquor license, based on its need, while government is seeking to remove a liquor license from private industry because of safety reasons. I agree with Mrs. Handlin, that the level of potential harm in liquor could make lifting the arts center's liquor license necessary. Of course, this could also cause great economic harm to the center. Nevertheless, safety first. With that said, what is the defense for allowing liquor served on government property, especially when it is in competition with private concerns? People are not even allowed to smoke indoors on government property...but they are allowed to drink?

In America, capitalism was the way this nation decided to go a long time ago. It is not a capitalist notion for government to compete with private industry. Similarly, it is not prudent to open the taxpayer up to liability by serving liquor on government property, understanding the risk the town opens the taxpayers up to as a consequence of that decision.

Any government that opens the taxpayers up to irresponsible risk is heading in the wrong direction, in my opinion. Governments that are moving in the wrong direction need new leaders to put them in the right direction (or at least a direction that does not move toward risk and away from core principles of this republic).

If the risk at the PNC Bank Arts Center is too great to serve liquor in the future, and I agree it may be, then the risk of a town potentially losing millions to raise thousands is similarly too high. The bottom line is this: It is OK for the area to lose many millions at the PNC Bank Arts Center, because people come first. Just the same: Government should not give different rules to itself than it does to the private sector.