Safety message from Retired Police Officers Association

The president of the Middletown Retired Police Officers Association, Irvin Beaver, has a safety message for parents.

Corodemus joins Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla

According to a notice sent out, former 11th District Assemblyman Steven J. Corodemus has joined the Middletown law firm of Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla as a counsel in environmental law and real estate, land use & development practice areas. The firm has offices in Middletown and in Trenton.

Congratulations to Steve Corodemus, a great elected official who did a lot of positive things for this state while serving in the Legislature.

Click on the headline to go to the firm's Web site.

Digital videos, more pix from the Irish Celebration

Tomorrow, be sure to come back to The Inside Clamdigger after noon, when there will be digital videos, photos and interview from Monday's Irish Celebration. Some of those interviewed include Joseph Pezzano, worshipful master of the Caesarea Lodge, No. 64, in Keyport, as he talks about his lodge's Teacher of the Year, Hazlet educator Mary Beth Stansfield; Keansburg Mayor George Hoff talking about the upcoming Keansburg St. Patrick's Day Parade; and Assemblyman Sam Thompson, discussing the Joint Legislative Resolution honoring the Wolf Tones.

Keeping up with the Keelens in Keansburg

CAPTION: Tommy and Maureen Keelen at the Irish Celebration at New Point Comfort Fire Dept., on Monday night.

About a year ago, Keansburg bar owner Tommy Keelen, formerly the owner of TJK Stadium, Beachway, sold his bar and headed into what was thought to be retirement.

Never one to be idle too long, though, Keelen is back working again, this time as a security officer at Naval Weapons Station Earle.

"I like it," Keelen said. "My job enables me to do something to help protect our country and it's something that I enjoy doing."

After operating nightclubs and bars since the 1970s, Keelen said this latest role marks a new journey for him.

Celtic pride is alive at New Point Comfort FD

Caption: Sister of Mercy from St. Ann's Parish with Chief of Police Raymond O'Hare at the Irish Celebration held at New Point Comfort Fire Dept., in Keansburg, on Monday night.

A CLAMDIGGER SPECIAL/KEANSBURG (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ) -- The Irish Celebration took on the appearance of a family celebration as hundreds of borough residents came out to New Point Comfort Fire Dept., on Carr Avenue, to eat, catch up on neighborhood news and watch the Irish singing group The Wolfe Tones.

The event was coordinated by Chief of Police Raymond O'Hare and Deputy Chief of Police Jim Piggott.

Residents and friends of the borough from all walks of life came to take part in the event. Some of the dignitaries in attendance included: Bayshore Senior Health, Education and Recreation Executive Director Sister Elizabeth Garvey; Borough Attorney John O. Bennett III.; Assemblyman Samuel Thompson, R-Monmouth/Middlesex; Mayor George Hoff; former Mayor Patrick Antonacci; former Councilman Thomas "Tommy" Keelen; and former Councilman John "Jack" Early, among others.

"It's great to see everyone coming out," O'Hare said. "This is a great town and the people here are what makes it that way."

The evening was also a chance for residents to get a chance to celebrate St. Patrick's Day a bit early also, as the wearing of green was visible throughout the fire department's main hall.

Borough restaurant entrepreneur Anthony DePompa, who is a candidate in the borough's upcoming election for council in a few months, helped to prepare the corned beef that was well-received during the night. "It wouldn't be St. Pat's without great corned beef," Keelen noted jokingly.

At the event, Thompson brought a Joint Legislative Resolution, on behalf of himself; Senator Joseph Kyrillos, R-Monmouth/Middlesex; and Assemblywoman Amy Handlin, R-Monmouth/Middlesex, memorializing the musical excellence of the Wolfe Tones.

"There's no place like Keansburg when St. Patrick's gets close," Thompson said.

Mason: Would not re-appoint Malcolm Carton

According to new Democratic candidate for Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders Glenn Mason, he would not, if elected, vote to re-appoint controversial county counsel Malcolm Carton.

Mason said his reluctance to re-appoint Carton comes not only from the counsel's "arrogance to the board," but also from the fact that taxpayers would realize a cost savings from not using Carton anymore (as a result of Carton's high hourly rates).

Instead, Mason said that he favors opening up the selection process for county counsel (as well as other positions) up to a broad pool of qualified candidates, with an eye toward saving taxpayers money.

Mason said there are times when the best candidate for a position can be the lowest bidder. A complete interview with Mason will be in this week's Courier. In the meantime, be sure to check The Courier Online's YouTube feature for a brief talk with the new candidate.

Op-Ed from Freeholder Director Lillian Burry

BY LILLIAN G. BURRY

There is no single power of government that directly touches the lives of more people than the power to tax. It is with this fact in mind that I approach each new budget.

The process this year was made particularly more difficult by the combination of a slowing national economy, which was reflected in a lower growth rate in Monmouth County as well, and the continuing fiscal turmoil at the state capitol in Trenton.

The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has adopted its 2008 budget that holds the line on taxes without sacrificing county programs.

Due to years of mismanagement and waste in state government, New Jersey residents will see their cost of living in New Jersey rise once again when Gov. Corzine and the Legislature shift more of the tax burden to local government in the name of fiscal accountability.

Noting that the governor’s plan to tighten the state’s belt will mean less in property tax rebates, municipal aid and school funding, the Board of Chosen Freeholders decided now is not the time to impose an additional tax burden on Monmouth County residents.

Therefore, there will be no increase in county taxes this year.

Taking the budget “on the road” so that residents could have an opportunity to examine the county’s spending plan and offer their input was invaluable. For those who took time away from their families to offer their comments, we heard you loud and clear.

As introduced in January, the budget contained an $8 million increase in the tax levy, or 2.8 percent, a figure that is below the rate of inflation for the third year in a row. We calculated that increase to equal about 9 cents a day for the average-priced Monmouth County home.

Following citizen input and especially after learning what the governor’s budget has in store for us, we could not in good faith ask our residents for another penny, let alone 9 cents.
The Board whittled the $8 million down to zero without tapping into our fund balance, as had been suggested. Applying more of the fund balance this year would have put us in a hole going into next year’s budget cycle. Instead, we achieved a zero tax increase this way:

• the county realized additional savings from a refinanced bond sale;

• recalculated its anticipated Social Security and disability insurance costs based on the experience in the first two months of this year;

• scaled back on capital improvements and will utilize unexpended balances in existing capital appropriations;
I feel it is a responsible plan because it creates no new debt and no additional tax burden. Despite our rising costs, the Board has found a way to fix the amount to be raised by taxation exactly as it was in 2007.

Pension increases and utility costs are largely responsible for the increase in the overall budget. The state’s mismanagement of the pension fund – by allowing a payment “holiday” several years ago – has resulted in mandatory annual pension payments to rise by 50 to 100 percent a year to cover the shortfall. Not only are all of New Jersey’s municipalities and counties paying dearly for Trenton’s mistakes, but they are required to pay the money back at 8.25 percent interest annually.
For each of the last three years, the Board of Chosen Freeholders has examined the county’s spending practices with the sole purpose of identifying areas where savings can be found.

We have employed new technologies in renewable energy to turn our landfill operation into a money-maker. Within the next two years, the gas-to-energy program will result in a savings of more than $1 million in electricity costs alone.

We have reduced overtime significantly – by $2 million since 2005.
Our consulting contracts are reviewed openly and transparently as they come up. We have reduced the costs associated with these contracts.

Meanwhile, the Board has been implementing recommendations in the Budget Review Committee’s report. The county is preparing a strategic plan and we are conducting an IT audit to identify areas ripe for savings. The IT audit is being conducted for free by Monmouth University.

County government provides services that the state does not provide and towns cannot afford on their own:

• All volunteer firefighters in Monmouth County can get their training at the county’s Fire Academy for free. Basic training at the county’s Police Academy costs $750.

• The county provides 911 and emergency services to 44 towns.

• The county has 38 award winning parks. The county recently passed a milestone by celebrating its 100 millionth visitor to the county park system.

• Brookdale Community College is one of the largest and best-ranked community colleges in
the state. The county also maintains and operates five vocational schools that are national award winners.

• The Monmouth County Library system is the largest circulating library in the state.
The county budget shouldn’t be about bailing out Trenton’s failure to adequately address the long-term problems associated with pensions and school funding, which we have no control over.
While tax troubles for the people of New Jersey may be far from over, one thing is certain – Monmouth County won’t be part of the problem.

* Lillian G. Burry is the director of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Spitzer apologizes for connections to prostitution ring

Apparently, NY Gov. Eliot Spitzer has acknowledged and apologized for involvement with a prostitution ring. Are apologies enough for breaking laws that he, as governor, was appointed to protect? Not in my opinion. Someone has a right to privacy right up until it breaks the law -- then the issue becomes a public one.

For a governor to be linked to this sort of thing is a scandal, which I am sure will fuel tabloids for a while. But more importantly any public official, in any state, that breaks the law with this nonsense does not deserve a free pass. Serving as an elected public official is not an easy thing, but then again no one broke his arm to do it.

Spitzer should do the right thing here, which probably means him not being governor anymore. Click on the headline to go to YahooNews!

Spitzer 'involved' with prostitution ring?

A news piece just came up on YahooNews. I don't even know what it means: The report says that the office of NY Governor Eliot Spitzer says he has an involvment with a prostitution ring. Hopefully, that means he was prosectuing them, or sanctioning them, or trying to get rid of them.

In the upcoming Courier...Glenn Mason on the Campaign Trail

In this upcoming edition of The Courier, I will be writing a feature about Democratic candidate for Freeholder Glenn Mason. The interview will discuss the road the retired detective took to take part in the upcoming 2008 General Election. In addition, Courier will be posting excerpts of the interview on YouTube. There will also be a "Clamdigger Special," where Mr. Mason will discuss the party and its direction in 2008. Be sure to read The Courier (Thursday), check out The Courier Online YouTube section (by tomorrow afternoon) and come back to The Inside Clamdigger (by 6 p.m. tonight) for more news and information.

'Thrill Killer' Richard Biegenwald is dead

According to the APP, Monmouth "Thrill Killer" Richard Biegenwald, put in prison by former Monmouth County Prosecutor Alexander Lerher, has died in prison. So ends the saga of the Monmouth Thrill Killer. Click on the headline to go to the APP story.

McGreevey emails were destroyed

I think something that hasn't become a big deal yet, but probably will, is public access to governmental e-mails. What public officials write on computers bought and paid for with tax dollars should be accessible to the public after a time, and not just some of it -- all of it.

If a computer has been paid for with money from the public, and used in the public's business, then it stands to reason the public should have compete access to the work that computer did, on some kind of regulated basis or through procedure.

At no point should a public official have an expectation of ownership over merchandise paid for with tax money -- but many do because of a distorted sense of public service that has been institutionalized in New Jersey politics and government.

Click on the headline to go to a good story about former Gov. Jim McGreevey (worst governor of all time) and how he regularly deleted e-mails.

Caption: On the lighter side, I got a chance to go to Turkey Swamp Park, in Freehold, a few weeks ago. It's really a great stop in the summer for hiking and the like. But during the winter, it has some magnificent views.

No. Jersey Chapter from 82d Assn. marches in St. Pat's parade

The North Jersey Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association's Color Guard took part in the Woodbridge St. Patrick's Day Parade. Above: (l-r) Blair Rush, Cranford, the color guard's captain; Jim Purcell, Freehold; and Steve Powell, Plainsboro. Not in the photo but there was long-time association member David Perry. The chapter Color Guard will also be taking part in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Seaside Heights, next week on Saturday.

For information about the association, click on the headline to go to its Web site.

Grand Canyon is 17 million years old

Here's a brain teaser for the 'intelligent design' folks out there. According to scientists, the Grand Canyon is 17 million years old. This estimate actually makes the canyon older than previously thought.

Click on the headline and go to the AP article.

Zogby poll: Disenchanted with print media, kids get news Online

According to a Zogby poll, many young people do not prefer traditional print media, which sends them Online for more of their news. Click on the headline to go to the Zogby poll.

Poll: Most New Jerseyans don't approve of plan, governor

A Monmouth University/Gannett poll show that most New Jerseyans disapprove of the governor's overall performance and the toll hike plan. Click on the headline to go to the AP story.





Caption: Of absolutely no significance to this post, but an interesting thing to come across, is The Civil War monument to Bayshore soldiers from the Civil War at Fair View Cemetery, in Middletown.

I would like to say Bean is wrong, but can't

In his Coda column this week, GM News Executive Editor Greg Bean says that since the governor's toll hike plan was not accepted by the public (in any way at all), near-term cutbacks are likely to target programs that are most needed by the public (rather than cutting the waste that could actually help streamline government).

The way he put, I go the idea that Mr. Bean thought some of these cutbacks may even be mean-spirited as a result of the non-acceptance of the toll hike plan (which was a travesty that many New Jerseyans could agree upon). His column is cynical, in my opinion. That interpretation may just be me reading into the piece.

Nevertheless, I would really like to disagree with Mr. Bean, and say something optimistic about the intentions of our state lawmakers. But I can't. I think he is right. I would say that it was not one party alone that sunk this state, nor will it be one party alone that revives it. What needs to change is the way government is approached in this state, and how much rope New Jersey's residents give to entrenched politicians.

Often the public argues the merits of various parties, and yet there are vivid examples on both sides of the aisle where party politics has failed the electorate. Only be limiting the scope of arbitrary power institutionally in government, or in some cases spending discretion, can this state begin to heal economically, in my opinion.

The toll hike plan was a bust. Yet, much energy was put into selling it by the administration, and opposing it by detractors (meaning most people that live in Jersey). Suppose the only way that plan could have been implemented was through the passage of a referendum by a 2/3rds majority of voters. Much of the meance behind this plan would have been removed, since it was ridiculous to start. The plan would not have been discussed, because it could never have been expected to be adopted.

What if departments in state government could only be created through referendum, and state budgets that are not adopted by a 2/rds majority in the Legislature decided at the polls -- by the folks that foot the bill. Suddenly, powerful politicians (a dangerous thing) are not so powerful. The public becomes more influential, not to mention more aware of what is being done with its money. And if a spending plan failed, then it would be a failure the entire public thought was reasonable enough to try at the outset.

Politics have failed New Jersey, so no answer that will work is going to be a political one, to my view. I will bet that public oversight and accountability will do the trick where show-stopping, explosive political battles have failed, though. Most of the bad things that happen in governemnt occur in secret. "Executive privilege" is an oft-cited convention for elected people not wanting the public to know what is happening with that public's money; and often there are 'shenanigans' where secrecy becomes an overriding element of governmental decision-making.

Democracy is not the most efficient form of government, but it does tend to author some bright ideas when notions of power are checked where it involves elected personalities (especially in the executive branch). Government that governs least governs best.

Click on the headline to go to Coda at GM News.

Letter from Mike Morris about fiscal crisis

The Inside Clamdigger has received another letter for the blog, and here it is:

Budgetary Crisis Looming for Middletown

"A budgetary crisis is looming in Middletown. There is a $3 million shortfall in revenues and the republican leaders of the committee, Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger and Deputy–Mayor Pam Brightbill, are unwilling to make the hard choices necessary to ensure that there is no municipal tax increase this year. Budget cuts and other cost saving ideas have been routinely dismissed and ridiculed when presented by democratic committeemen Patrick Short and Sean Brynes.

"Why is it not possible to trim 5% from the proposed $60 Million township municipal budget? Freezing all non-essential township overtime is a good start yet more needs to be done. Services rendered to the Middletown Arts Center and the Middletown Swim Club should be charged back to these entities. The township funds the Middletown Library, but yet has no control over its operation. And why is it necessary to give Heidi Abs, the Township Clerk, a 35% salary increase during this time? These are points that need to be addressed.

"In my opinion, the Mayor needs to instruct all department heads (except Chief of Police), to submit budgets that reflect a 5% decrease in spending from last year, in addition to a wage freeze wherever union contracts are not in question. I would also suggest a hiring freeze to keep staff at current levels, ensuring that there are no further increases to current salary, pension and healthcare costs to the township. Simply freezing theses budgets at last year’s levels is not enough.

"Programs or services that are the same or similar to those that are offered by the county or state should be eliminated. If services are temporarily affected then so be it, the township residents will understand if it means that their taxes will not be increased.

"Middletown republicans have been entrenched throughout the township government for over twenty years, feelings of entitlement run deep and no one wants to give up their piece of the pie. Is there any wonder then, why it is so hard for the Mayor and Deputy–Mayor to make the hard choices that are needed to balance this year’s municipal budget?

"It is time for Mayor Scharfenberger to end the rhetoric, stop blaming Trenton for Middletown’s problems. After all, if Monmouth county can pass a budget with no increase, so too can Middletown."

-- Michael Morris, Geary Drive, Middletown NJ, 07748

Thanks for sending the letter Mike, and keep them coming.

Clamdigger's Note -- A few notes on letters for readers: Looks like The Inside Clamdigger is going to do letters also. Please bear this in mind, sign anything that is sent in and remember that everything has to be confirmed before publication. No profanities, and no personal assaults on anyone. I will reserve the right to pull any letter I believe are unsuitable, but I certainly do not mind if anyone disagrees with any opinion I offer.

No. Jersey Chapter of the 82nd Assn. takes part in Woodbridge parade

The North Jersey Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association will be participating in a parade in Woodbridge Twsp., on Sunday, beginning at 1:30 p.m., under the command of Color Guard Capt. Blair Rush. For information about the association, click on the headline and go to the association's main site.

The association is a great institution, which is a touchstone for former members of airborne units who served on active duty. Members are always being sought. Basically, to join one needs to have been a paratrooper in an airborne unit serving on active duty. The North Jersey Chapter is very competitive with membership numbers, and is a very active chapter for those interested.

Caption: The famous "Iron Mike" is a monument at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, representing the spirit of the Airborne.

Letter to the Clamdigger from John Huber

I received a letter for the blog specifically. So here it is:

"Your coverage and F. Pallone's attention to beach replenishment at Sea Bright and points south, over the years, has been interesting. Also interesting were the TV newscasts of New Orleans' people leaving their homes in boats. As a life-long resident of Keansburg, all the above reminded me of the local hurricanes of the past. We had to exit our home in a boat more than once. I was reminded of the time when I watched our rear room float down the street in pieces.

"Attached is F. Pallone's re-election letter --

"Report on beach replinishment October 1998.

"Mr. Pallone states sand replacement would start in Oct. 1999 and the Keansburg project would provide for five cycles of beach renourishment, once every five years. Keansburg's people are looking for the pumping of the first grain of sand on the project (1998) in 2008! Interesting is -- how politicians can find you at election time."

-- John Huber, Shore Blvd., Keansburg

(Mr. Huber, thanks for writing in. If anyone is interested in having letters printed, send them to me at my e-mail: jimpurcell0309@yahoo.com, or Fax them into my job (732) 957-0143, be sure to mark them "Clamdigger.")