Thoughts on Today

This has truly been one of the most rewarding years of my political career. Last week I was honored when a group from the Obama team invited my wife and I, along with Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs out to dinner, thanking us for the leadership roles we managed in making the Obama campaign as successful as it was here in the City of Plainfield. It was also an honor to have Councilman Rashid Burney, Charles Ike, and the entire group reflect and deduce the hard work, long nights, stress, sweat, and tears that went into the orchestration of such a successful campaign. It was also very touching to reminisce upon the strong commitment the City of Plainfield and our neighboring cities put forth to ensure the success of our efforts. The mayor and I were presented with beautiful plaques from the group.

Personally, the most rewarding aspect of the evening was when I had people who for the first time, really worked with me on a daily basis dealing with the campaign, say to me that the negative picture some have drawn of me is not at all the real Jerry Green. That touched my heart. After watching a 60 Minutes airing with President Elect Barack Obama, I was able to see that whether on a federal, state, or local level, there will be those out there who will do all they can to stop, side track, or derail a positive person, a person pressing for positive change. In listening to Sen. Obama, I then realized that in the end, when the smoke clears and the dust settles, people will recognize the work you have done, and will then judge you by the results.

This current campaign gave me a glance into the distorted thinking some may have when it comes to my duties and responsibilities as Chairman of the Plainfield Democratic Party. Thus, let me clear the air for those: as chairman, I am to solicit all my energies on behalf of my fellow Democrats in getting them elected. My implementation of such duties does not put categorize me as trying to ‘run the city.’ I would like to feel that the same energies I put into helping Sen. Obama get elected, I invest for the local Democrats as well. It is time now for those critical persons to understand that simple fact.

As campaign season rounds into place for me, I look back over the past election, and feel confident with those past results and eager with excitement of the results to come. By winning the City of Plainfield, 70% of the vote, out of 50,000 voters, just under 600 voted against me. Although on an off year, as it was last Legislative election, the voting turnout is lower, I am still proud of the fact that this year, I was appointed Speaker Pro Tempore by the Speaker of the Assembly Joe Roberts, and the members of the New Jersey State General Assembly. This, coupled with the fact that I took a leadership role with the Obama campaign both on the state and local level, is an example of the sorts of achievements I have dreamed of accomplishing, and I was able to do so with YOUR support!

As we move into the New Year, I am looking forward to working with the mayor and council, the board members, and the community to promote and sustain a healthy community. As part of leadership here in the State of New Jersey, we have our work cut out for us, but no more than the 49 other states of the US. There are still a lot of issues that are affecting New Jersey. I will be well prepared to step up to the plate next year and continue to combat the nationwide sweeping crises: economic distress, failed education systems, and shrinking healthcare. As Chairman of Housing and Local Government in the General Assembly, affordable housing issues are of primary concern. This last year, I was able as Chairman to show how Plainfield was treated unfairly in dealing with the reception of low-income housing, while other municipalities in the state were not living up to their end of their responsibilities.

With Plainfield, I have worked with the mayor and other local and state officials to fight crime in our district. Just this year in the City of Plainfield, there were 5 homicides, 5 too many, and when compared to a few years ago, we had 15 homicides. Our efforts are proving that the steps we are taking are ordered along the path of effective leadership and are in the right direction. Since we have been able to bring Plainfield back as an Abbott District, we have received over $1 billion in funding from the government, funding that would have had to come from the pockets of the taxpayers directly. When I was invited to the opening of Emerson School here in the 1st ward, seeing the children being educated in a new atmosphere made me now understand why I truly am in politics.

The best way to say it is that this is my way of giving back to a country, a state, and a city who has given me so many opportunities of advancement as an elected official.

Ps. The State of New Jersey has committed to the City of Plainfield, $17 million to upgrade Woodland and Cook schools. Also, with the strong help of the mayor and council, teamed with the State and the new administration in place, we will be in the position to start to receive federal funding that we have not received in the last 8 years. This would put us in the position to reopen Muhlenberg Hospital, a hospital that should have never been closed.

Mass Transit Tunnel Project: Advancing a Successful Federal DBE Program

Project Update and Overview


NJ TRANSIT has successfully engaged in over thirty qualified USDOT Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms (DBE) to participate in the preliminary engineering design phase for the Mass Transit Tunnel Project. Together these firms have already completed over $20 million in work to help move the early design forward. The vast majority of the funding associated with the Mass Transit Tunnel Project will be expended during construction. As such, the project is expected to generate over $1 billion in contracting opportunities for DBE firms during the almost decade-long construction project. NJ TRANSIT looks forward to working with the DBE community on goal setting for this and other important projects over the coming decade.

Signing of "Grace's Law"

Today, acting Governor Codey will be publically signing bill S-467 / A-1571 (Grace’s Law), which requires health insures, State Health Benefits Programs, and NJ FamilyCare to provide coverage for hearing aids for covered persons 15 and younger. Assemblyman Jerry Green is one of the co-sponsors of this bill. The signing will take place on Tuesday, December 30 at 11:30am at the State House in the Governor’s Outer Office.

The bill is outlined at follows:

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as “Grace’s Law.”

2. A hospital service corporation contract that provides hospital and medical expense benefits and is delivered, issued, executed or renewed in this State pursuant to P.L. 1938, c.366 (C.17:48-1 et seq.), or approved for issuance or renewal in this State by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, on or after the effective date of this act, shall provide coverage for medically necessary expenses incurred in the purchase of a hearing aid for a covered person 15 years of age or younger, as provided in this section.

A hospital service corporation contract shall provide coverage that includes the purchase of a hearing aid for each ear, when medically necessary and as prescribed or recommended by a licensed physician or audiologist. A hospital service corporation may limit the benefit provided in this section to $1,000 per hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every 24 months. A covered person may choose a hearing aid that is priced higher than the benefit payable under this section and may pay the difference between the price of the hearing aid and the benefit payable under this section, without financial or contractual penalty to the provider of the hearing aid.

The benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other condition under the contract.
This section shall apply to those hospital service corporation contracts in which the hospital service corporation has reserved the right to change the premium.

3. A medical service corporation contract that provides hospital and medical expense benefits and is delivered, issued, executed or renewed in this State pursuant to P.L. 1940, c.17:48A-1 et seq.), or approved for issuance or renewal in this State by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, on or after the effective date of this act, shall provide coverage for medically necessary expenses incurred in the purchase of a hearing aid for a covered person 15 years of age or younger, as provided in this section.

A medical service corporation contract shall provide coverage that includes the purchase of a hearing aid for each ear, when medically necessary and as prescribed or recommended by a licensed physician or audiologist. A medical service corporation may limit the benefit provided in this section to $1,000 per hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every 24 months. A covered person may choose a hearing aid that is priced higher than the benefit payable under this section and may pay the difference between the price of the hearing aid and the benefit payable under this section, without financial or contractual penalty to the provider of the hearing aid.

The benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other condition under the contract.

Letter of Denial from Commissioner Doria

December 23, 2008

Mr. William Dressel
Executive Director
New Jersey League of Municipalities
222 West State Street
Trenton, New Jersey 08608


Dear Mr. Dressel:

I am writing regarding your request that the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) hold an emergency meeting to extend the December 31 deadline for submitting revised third round plans. As you know, the December 31 deadline, which is set forth in regulations adopted by COAH earlier this year, applies only to a portion of the municipalities in the State. The deadline applies only to those towns that previously participated in COAH’s original third round or that voluntarily chose to file plans before the court and thereby continue to maintain protection against “builder’s remedy” lawsuits. Published reports indicate that over 200 of the towns to which the deadline applies have recently taken action to approve revised plans, or are poised to do so over the next couple of days.

We recognize the time and effort that is required for the planning process, and COAH has worked with many towns to provide information and assistance in that process. COAH also has issued guidance that addresses some of the significant concerns that have been raised about the growth share impact of new residential construction.

As to the deadline, COAH’s regulations provide the opportunity for individual municipalities to apply to COAH for a waiver of a particular regulatory requirement provided that criteria set forth in the waiver regulation are satisfied. This waiver option has been available to any town that believes it cannot meet the deadline and whose request meets the criteria.

We have given serious though and consideration to your request but have determined that an across-the-board extension of the deadline would not be consistent with COAH’s statutory obligations under the Fair Housing Act.

As we stated, COAH is committed to continuing to work cooperatively with municipal officials in the planning process, and that cooperation certainly will continue as we move forward.

Sincerely,

Joseph V. Doria, Jr.
Commissioner

Senator Lesniak’s Statement on COAH Reform Legislation

Union – Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, chair of the Senate Economic Growth Committee, released the following statement regarding the current Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) mandates, and his legislation to address the short-comings in the current affordable housing law and regulations:

“I have proposed a bill (S 2485) which would fix the faults in the current COAH guidelines that are stifling job growth and economic development in New Jersey. The bill would suspend the 2.5% development fee strangling our economic recovery as well as direct the State Housing Commission to recommend sound planning and economic principles sorely lacking in the current COAH mandates and regulations.

“I strongly urge Governor Corzine and the Senate and Assembly legislators to support this bill which will provide for affordable housing as well as relieve municipalities from the current over-reaching COAH mandates. Without substantive reform of how New Jersey meets its affordable housing obligations, we stand to do more harm than good for the future prosperity of the Garden State.”

Tuesday, December 23, 2008; Trenton, NJ

Municipalities Told COAH Filing Deadline Extension Denied

We have just received word from Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Joseph Doria that our request for an emergency meeting of the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) to consider an extension of the December 31 filing deadline has been rejected. COAH, therefore, will not have the opportunity to consider the merits of our request for such an extension.

On Friday, November 14, and again on November 24, the League wrote to Governor Corzine, requesting an Executive Order to extend the current December 31 deadline by a period of six-months. Today, that request was denied.

On Monday, November 17, we learned of an analysis conducted by the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services (OLS) of funding available to comply with the COAH regulations. The conclusion of the analysis is that, assuming DCA’s contention that there will be over $800 million available annually for the construction of housing to be accurate, which still leaves a “deficit in annual resources for fair share housing obligations” of up to $2 billion annually.

The League has argued since the introduction of the COAH regulations, that the inflated growth projections and limited funding sources would compel municipalities to rely on the property tax. The OLS analysis demonstrates our argument.

On December 18, in a final effort to gain an extension, we wrote to Commissioner Doria, asking that he convene an emergency meeting of COAH to consider the need for an extension, in the light of these factors.

Our request for an extension had been supported by Senators Lesniak and Bateman, by Assembly Speaker Roberts, by Assemblyman Green, the Chairman of the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee, by groups committed to environmental protection, and by many others interested in sound planning principles.

The Commissioner’s decision means that municipalities will need to file revised third round plans by December 31 or face ‘builders’ remedy’ lawsuits.

FYI: Regarding the Request for COAH Deadline Extension...

John Campbell; Et Al

I was surprised by the content of Bernice’s blog today; one that was obviously spoon-fed into John Campbell’s mouth; comments that did not sound like him. But, if he wants Bernice to use him in the same manner in which President George Bush used him for the past 8 years, then be my guest. If they would like for the campaign to start right now, then by all means, let us begin.

John and I got into politics within the city of Plainfield at around the same time. Yet there is not ONE thing that John Campbell can show for himself in the realm of improving the quality of life here within the City of Plainfield; except for taking advantage of people who trusted and believed in his leadership. I have worked with Republicans in Trenton on different issues that got the ball rolling in moving our State in the right direction when it comes to quality of life issues.

I in fact see the scheme of John Campbell and his cohorts, one that is set on dividing the Black vote here in the City of Plainfield. This type of behavior reminds me of the type of emasculating attitude that those in command of slave ships used to turn their captives against one another (similar to that of the Willie Lynch Syndrome). However, the proud voters of this city were not ignorant of these sorts of devices; for when they saw not ONE New Democrat, NOR John Campbell participating in our local campaign effort for Senator Barack Obama, they KNEW there was a separate agenda. Even then, that did not stop the voters from generating over 15,000 votes in support of Sen. Obama!

It is now obvious that the 1,000 votes Bernice and John Campbell got for the McCain/Palin ticket procured the agenda of soliciting sour grapes. Moreover, if John Campbell and a handful of New Democrats in this city did not get the message on November 4, 2008, then there need to again, look at the numbers. Where as the leader of the Democratic Party here in the City of Plainfield, we gave Senator Obama the numbers that everyone across the State was proud of.

So then, I am not surprised that the Bernice/Campbell team is upset, when they could only deliver less than 10 percent of the votes here in Plainfield, for the McCain/Palin ticket. We have registered over 5,000 new voters in this city alone, and these individuals are not at all interested in John Campbell cooking them fried chicken the night before the elections (which is a ritual of his). No, they are interested in solutions to their problems, like education, job opportunities, health, and quality of life issues.

He and the New Democrats run the school district in Plainfield; but what have they done? The last time I checked in the newspapers regarding the issue of our school system, there was a community group that gave the school district all F’s!

John Campbell had his day, and it is plain to see, politically, that his efforts are flawed. Once he leaves the borders of Plainfield, John Campbell is a question mark in the political arena. My answer to that question mark is that he is just another George Bush: where Bush has brought major harm to this country, John Campbell has brought major harm to Plainfield’s political arena. Your tricks are not going to work this time John.

PS: Moving forward, I have no interest in getting involved in gutter politics in this election. With that said, the voters on Election Day have two choices. If they feel I have not done my job correctly, or enjoyed my work as a Legislator, then make your voice heard. But, if anyone chooses to cross the line with slander or libel, I will have no problem meeting you in court, and letting the judge decide if some of your negative comments have crossed the line.

All Bark and No Bite

This year has been a year that I can reminisce over with deep feelings of pride and accomplishment. On the federal level, we voted in, with astounding numbers, Presidential-Elect Barack Obama, and on a state level, I have brought many solutions to the table and strengthened relationships with my fellow legislators throughout the State.

I do unfortunately; have to live in two political worlds however. The real world, consisting of the residents of New Jersey who recognize that I have stepped up to the plate in dealing with affordable housing issues: where mayors, council members, and other elected officials throughout the State of New Jersey have come out in support. Then there is the second world, the world that those who live in it have misconstrued, distorted views of policy and government. Their, they tend to believe that change happens overnight. However, one does not get elected into the New Jersey State Assembly, and induce change overnight. However, because of my years of experience, and in forming and strengthening relationships with my Democratic and Republican counterparts, I am now able to be effect in getting things done, ushering in solace and achievement.

Fortunately, I do not hold individuals responsible according to their age, albeit young or old. My stance on the issue of age is that of whether they can get the job done. It is obvious that New Jersey feels the same way that I do; for Senator Frank Lautenberg will be 90 years old at the end of his term, and yet we have elected him back into office.

So I then look at the issues of education and health, where just a few months ago, we cut the ribbon to a new elementary school in Plainfield. This was a major feat because this new facility aims to provide our children with the environment that will foster educational growth and achievement with our kids. Everyone in New Jersey recognized the effort we put forth to save Muhlenberg. Where we were unable to keep the acute ward of the hospital open, we were able to garner major concessions from the State and Solaris; concessions that are directed to aid and meet those health needs the City of Plainfield and its surrounding health community solicit.

We are now setting the table so that if the current health crisis that has damaged our community improves, we will be in the position, as a community, to reopen Muhlenberg. Just this past Monday in this year’s final voting session in Trenton, legislation was passed to give the opportunity to hospitals like Muhlenberg, the opportunity to reopen; reopening not only as a nonprofit hospital, but also for profit.

As Speaker Pro tempore of the New Jersey State General Assembly, the 3rd highest ranking office in the General Assembly, I have not only strengthened my relationship with the Speaker of the State Assembly, as well as both sides of the aisle, but also with the Senators of our great State. I also have excellent working relationships with all of the freeholders in Union County, as well as all of the democratic chairs in the three counties wherein I represent.

I say all of that not in a spirit of boasting, but to pacify the spirit of hope for readers of my blog; aiming to prevent from being misled by the misinformation of the usual individuals who readily provide false information to the people here in the City of Plainfield. These select individuals seek to destroy what we as a community have taken years to build; with their negativity, inability to provide solutions, and ignorance in situational resolution, which in the end, serves as a cancerous agent to our Queen City. Yet in the midst of all of this, I am very proud of statewide recognition the City of Plainfield was subjected to in our tireless efforts in the election of Presidential-Elect Barack Obama.

I will CHALLENGE any of those who speak consistent messages of detriment to and of our city, on all of these issues facing this State, as well as this county and city. Taking up this challenge serves to better illuminate THEIR solutions to issues, as opposed to there blow-horn approach to negative criticism. If this is the best that they can do, in terms of being critical of my efforts and accomplishments in this State, by talking about whether they feel it is time for me to more on, I have this minor fact for them: based upon receiving the statistics of last election, 60-70% of the votes within the City of Plainfield voted me into my Legislative seat.

It was humbling to sit with last week, the Governor and Speaker of the Assembly, and talk with them regarding my opinions dealing with the future of New Jersey. I do not think they would have had such a meeting with me if they felt I was doing such a bad job, the opinion of the handful of the usual, no solution, politically inept individuals who make baseless critiques of my accomplishments and efforts.

In closing, it was very disgusting to read recently the DumpSharon blog. This blog shows just how vicious and disrespectful some individuals in this city will go to embarrass anyone who refuses to engage them in their gutter politics. Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs is a wife, and is a passionate woman. That being said, NO woman in this city should be treated with such disrespect. I wonder whether these heartless individuals who have made these comments, have ever made such comments regarding their own mothers. So I hope they have a huge dose of reality, and realize that when you disrespect one woman, you offend and slight the masses. This sort of behavior is one in which this city absolutely, has no room for, and should not tolerate.

Linden Pushes for Environmental Modifications

City of Linden
Linden Landfill Gas Venting Project
Union County, NJ
Project No. S342005-02


To All Interested Government Agencies and Public Groups:

The City of Linden is pursuing financial assistance from the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program for the installation of 18,650 linear feet of gas venting piping, condensate pumping station and appurtenances at the Linden Landfill.

The Department of Environmental Protection (Department) has reviewed the proposed action for potential environmental impacts in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:22-10. Based on planning information submitted in support of the proposed action, the Department has determined that it qualifies for a Level 1 environmental review. The rules provide that this level applies to certain categories of actions that are expected to have little or no adverse environmental impact.

Based on the Level 1 environmental review, the Department has made a decision to approve the planning information for the proposed action. This decision is a part of the financial assistance application process, but is not a commitment of federal or state funds. An environmental summary of the proposed action, including the basis for determining that it qualifies for a Level 1 environmental review is enclosed. The applicant is responsible for advertising this decision and for making the planning and decision documentation available for public review.

Project Cost: $1,269,000

Proposed Loan: $1,269,000


Comments supporting or disagreeing with this determination should be addressed to: Anthony Puniello, Ph. D., Section Chief, Technical Services Section, Municipal Finance and Construction Element, P.O. Box 425, Trenton, NJ, 08625-0425.

Very truly yours,
Stanley V. Cach, Jr
Assistant Director
Municipal Finance and Construction Element
Division of Water Quality







I. Proposed Action

The City of Linden is a heavily developed urban area that encompasses 11.34 square miles in northern Union County. The City is bordered by the City of Elizabeth to the northeast, The Borough of Roselle to the northwest, the townships of Winfield and Clark to the west, the City of Rahway to the southwest, and Carteret Borough to the south. The city is located within the Arthur Kill Watershed Management Area and has an estimated population of 36,374.

The Linden Landfill is located in the southwest corner of Linden along the Rahway River. The property is also bordered to the north by fuel tank farms and to the west by Kings Creek. The landfill property is designated as Block 581, Lots 11.03 and 17 and encompasses 176.5 acres. The landfill itself encompasses approximately 54 acres. The landfill operated for a period of more than 50 years but ceased to accept waste during 1999. The Linden Sanitary Landfill was closed in the year 2000 and received approval if a Closure and Post-Closure Care Plan on May 24, 2002. In addition to constructing a final cap as part of the environmental improvements, a passive gas control system consisting of 54 passive vent pipes was designed to control landfill gas produced at the site in accordance with the approved closure plan.

An Administrative Court Order (ACO) was issued on April 25, 2007 to convert the existing passive gas control system to an active gas extraction, collection and control system- EA ID# NEA070001-134264 (SW). The active gas collection system will thermatically destroy the methane and the resulting emissions will be greatly reduced. Methane is a green house gas that remains in the atmosphere for approximately 9-15 years, and is over 20 times more effective in trapping heat in the atmosphere that carbon dioxide over a 100-year period.

In order to remain in compliance with the ACO, the City of Linden proposes to convert the existing passive gas control system to an active gas control system. The project involves the following modifications:

-installation of 18,650 linear feet of 4-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch high density polyethylene conveyance header and lateral piping;

-installation of 14 metal manifold chambers and 54 horizontal wellheads to control the gas flow from existing wells;

-installation of an enclosed flare skid (with blower and knock-out pot) gas control system;

Installation of 6 U-traps/Drywells at various locations around the conveyance piping, including liner disruption and repair;

-decommissioning of 3 existing gas wells; and

-installation of a condensate pump station, which is designed to collect the condensate that is generated from vapor within the landfill gas, and pumps the condensate into the existing leachate control system and ultimately to the Linden Roselle Sewerage Authority facilities for treatment. The pump station is comprised of a 2-foot high density polyethylene pipe approximately 12-feet deep (which acts as a wet well), with a submersible pump and associated appurtenances to pump the condensate into the existing leachate control system.

A total of approximately 4 acres of landfill, grassed area will be disturbed for the construction of the gas venting system, condensate pump station and appurtenances. Of those 4 acres, approximately 1,000 square feet (0.023 acres) of Exceptional Resource Value Transition Area will be disturbed for installing the lateral pipes connecting the existing gas wells GW-18 & GW-19 in the southwestern portion of the landfill. A Freshwater Wetlands General Permit GP-5 was obtained for this proposed disturbance. No new rights-of-way are required for the proposed work and no disturbances of open space, wetlands, endangered or threatened species, floodplains, or parks will occur. Environment impacts will be minimized by requiring the use of proper construction techniques and restoring disturbed areas after construction. Anticipated impacts include those associated with noise generation from construction equipment, construction debris and traffic detours.

Based on the information provided, it has been determined that the proposed project will have no significant adverse impact on environmental or cultural resources. The Department has not received any adverse public comment concerning this project.

The project is intended to serve a predominantly developed area. As the Department supports the award of financing to facilitate improvement of inadequate infrastructure in areas of the State that have already been developed, funding of the proposed project is consistent with New Jersey’s smart growth objectives.

The 2008 median annual household income for the residents of the City of Linden is $46,346. The City of Linden issued a bond ordinance in order to raise the necessary funds for the proposed project loan. No increase in sewer user costs is anticipated as a result of the proposed project.

II. Alternatives Considered

A. No Action

Under the no action alternative, no improvements would be made to the City of Linden landfill and methane gas emissions would continue to be released into the environment. In addition, the no action alternative is not viable due to the April, 2007 ACO, which states that an active gas control system must be installed to treat landfill gas. Therefore, this alternative was not selected.

B. Installation of Gas Venting System (Selected Plan)

The improvements, as described in Section I, would involve the installation of approximately 18.650 linear feet of various sized high density polyethylene piping, construction of a condensate pump station, decommissioning of 3 existing gas wells as well as additional improvements. This alternative was determined to be the most cost effective, environmentally sound, and implementable alternative to address the needs of the City of Linden landfill closure process, and was therefore selected.

III. Eligibility for Level 1 Environmental Review

A. The proposed project conforms to a category of actions eligible for a Level 1 environmental review because it proposes rehabilitation of existing conveyance and collection facilities and does not create a new discharge, reduce the level of treatment, or result in an increase in the quantity of an existing discharge.

B. Information regarding the proposed project leads to the conclusion that none of the criteria for disqualifying an eligible category for a Level 1 environmental review are present:

- the project is not expected to have a permanent adverse or a significant temporary adverse effect on the human environment;
- the project is not expected to have a permanent adverse or a significant temporary adverse direct or indirect impact on cultural resources, endangered or threatened species or designated habitats, wetlands, floodplains, important farmlands or other environmentally critical areas;
- the user cost for the project will be below 1.75 percent of the median annual household income; and
- the project is not expected to result in significant adverse public comment.

IV. Conclusion

The environmental review of this project indicates that it conforms to a category of projects that, by their nature, generally will have little or no adverse impact on the environment. Project documentation submitted in support of this project and reviewed by the Department indicates that the potential for environmental impacts will be minor. The potential for impacts will be further minimized by incorporating the standard environmental protection measures contained in the “Environmental Assessment Requirements for State Assisted Environmental Infrastructure Facilities” (N.J.A.C. 7:22-10) into the design and construction of the project. In addition, permits will be required to be in place before project construction can proceed.

New State Farm Agent in the Neighborhood

Plainfield, NJ – State Farm is pleased to announce a new local State Farm agent to provide insurance and financial services to customers in Plainfield and surrounding areas.

Agent Deseral Mishal Neal will have a grand opening of her office on Saturday, December 13, 2008. The office is located at 200 West Second Street, Suite 102, Plainfield, NJ 07060. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. To best serve her customers she also has Sunday hours by appointment.

The office officially opens for business on December 1, 2008. You can walk-in (200 West Second Street, Suite 102), call (908-757-3415) or click-in (www.deseralneal.com) to reach the agent and their professionally trained team members 24x7.

Deseral brings more than 15 years of insurance related job experience to her agency. Throughout her career, she has worked in various departments within State Farm and has a clear grasp of all areas of the business.

“As a local business owner, I think it is important to give back to the community,” said Neal. “I look forward to working with local organizations to show my customers that as your local State Farm Agent, we really are a good neighbor.”

Active in the community, Deseral volunteers her time for a wide variety of civic causes. She is a member of the Executive Alumni Panel at Williams Patterson University and a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She also volunteers her time as a mentor with Operation Link Up, a non-profit organization that provides support and direction, as well as educational and financial assistance to students.

Deseral has earned a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from the Williams Paterson University and an M.B.A. from Kean University. She is the proud mother of two children, Jahhad, age 17 and Brittany, age 15.

To celebrate the opening of this new State Farm office, there will be a grand opening at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 13 at the office location of 200 West Second Street, Suite 102, Plainfield, NJ. This is an opportunity to meet the agent and her team, and to learn more about the many products and services her office provides. Members of the press and local officials are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

State Farm insures more cars than any other insurer in North American and is the leading U.S. home insurer. State Farm’s 17,000 agents and 71,000 employees serve nearly 73 million auto, fire, life, and health policies in the United States and Canada. State Farm also offers financial services products through State Farm Bank. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 18 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com or in Canada statefarm.ca.

"The Rhythm of Plainfield"

A dance celebration in Honor of Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs
For her years of dedication to the youth of Plainfield

December 20, 2008

Plainfield Area YMCA

518 Watchung Ave, Plainfield NJ

8pm-Midnight

All proceeds will benefit the Plainfield Area YMCA

“Strong Kids” Annual Scholarship Program

$75.00 per person – Adults Only

Lots of Music & Dancing

Salsa, R&B, line dancing, 50’s, Hip Hop, Reggaeton, Bachata, Reggae, Merenge, and more…

Light refreshments

Tickets on sale at the YMCA Welcome Center
For information, contact Addy Bonet at 908-756-6060 ext #101

www.Plainfieldy.org

WE BUILD STRONG KIDS

STRONG FAMILIES

STRONG COMMUNITIES

Network Membership Meeting Kicks Off Anniversary Year

Building from the Ground Up: 20 Years of Community Development in NJ


For immediate release
For more information, contact: Joseph Picard 609-393-3752 / 732-598-5796

December 10, 2008

TRENTON – The Housing & Community Development Network of New Jersey’s Semi-Annual Membership Meeting, held Wednesday at the Trenton Marriott in Trenton, titled Building from the Ground Up: 20 Years of Community Development in NJ, kicked off the Network’s 20th anniversary year. The event included a retrospective, workshops on winning community development strategies, an awards ceremony and the election of executive board members.

“In addition to our work in strengthening local community development organizations, the Network has been responsible for several pieces of landmark legislation in housing and community development over the years,” said Diane Sterner, the Network’s executive director. “We’ve come a long way, achieved much, and we still have a lot of work to do.”

From a handful of community developers meeting at a diner in Middlesex County in 1987, to the current alliance of over 200 organizations statewide, the Network has left its mark on community development in New Jersey. The Network’s technical assistance and training programs, its local advocacy teams, its lobbying efforts on the local; state and federal levels, its groundbreaking studies and informative newsletters, its fundraising and creative partnerships, its policy goals and successful campaigns, the progressive laws it has helped to craft, shepherd and pass, from rehabilitation reform to the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program, from the State Rental Assistance Program to foreclosure prevention legislation to the housing reforms of A500, for which we are still fighting — the Network has been a beacon and a model for a useful, successful statewide advocacy organization, serving its member groups, the lower income populations of the state and the state as a whole.

Representatives of four Network member organizations led a panel discussion on winning strategies for community development organizations, and each held a subsequent workshop on a particular aspect: neighborhood partnerships, school-centered approaches, leadership development and green development strategies.

The Network’s Legislator of the Year Award went to nine recipients — the state Assembly Members who cosponsored A500, the comprehensive housing reform bill that Governor Corzine signed into law this summer: Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts; Assembly Majority leader Bonnie Watson Coleman; and Assembly Members Albert J. Coutinho, Mila M. Jasey, Nilsa Cruz-Perez, Elease Evans, Jerry Green, Thomas Giblin and Grace Spencer.

“I am well aware that that we have a fight ahead of us to protect the gains we made,” said Assemblywoman Jasey, who accepted the award on behalf of her colleagues. “And I am committed to meeting that challenge.”

Network Managing Director Paige Carlson Heim reminded all attendees to sign a statement calling upon Governor Corzine, state lawmakers and local officials to stand by and preserve the gains of A500.

The Network’s Excellence in Media Award went to Jim Hooker, longtime state correspondent and recently named news anchor for NJN News.

Carlson Heim promised attendees that the Network’s anniversary year would be an exciting one with numerous planned events, including local bus tours of member groups’ successful projects and an anniversary party in October.

The Network also held an executive board meeting, selecting Ray Ocasio of La Casa de Don Pedro in Newark to succeed Susan Holman James as board president, and honoring retiring board member Frank Piazza.

NJLM Response to Speaker Roberts and Chairman Green's Call for a COAH Extension

The League of Municipalities expresses its appreciation to Assembly Speaker Roberts and Assemblyman Jerry Green, who today wrote to the Executive Director of the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) and asked for the agency to allow towns to seek at least a 90-day extension from the current December 31 deadline.

We view a 90-day extension as a good beginning. But the League has called on the Governor to issue an Executive Order allowing for a 6-month (or 180-day) extension.

There are many good reasons to extend the deadline beyond 90-days. For instance, the League’s request is supported by environmental advocates, who express concerns that the deadline does not allow time for adequate planning and the conflict with the Water Quality Management Plans due by April 7, 2009.

Additionally, the League is one the appellants challenging the validity of the regulations adopted by the Council of Affordable Housing (COAH.) The League, supported by financial pledges of approximately 250 municipalities, is preparing to file its brief in early January.

It is our opinion that the COAH methodology will continue to have a negative impact on the State’s economy and will ultimately not serve the interest of affordable housing. Our goal is a methodology that offers a framework in which towns can work to achieve COAH compliance and provide for affordable housing.

We appreciate the Assembly Leaders, who have heard the requests of hundreds of municipalities, and have joined the growing consensus that the current December 31 deadline must be extended, and we look forward to working with the Leadership in the Assembly and Senate, and the Administration. Contact Bill Dressel, Executive Director at (609) 695-3481 ext. 122 or cell number (609) 915-9072 or bdressel@njslom.com

Top Assembly Leaders: Give Towns More Time To Submit Housing Plans

Cite changing regulations, slumping economy, environmental concerns

(Trenton) – Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. and Assembly Housing and Local Government Chairman Jerry Green today sent a letter to the state Council on Affordable Housing asking it to give municipalities more time to submit housing plans.

COAH has given municipalities until Dec. 31 to submit their plans.

Roberts and Green, who are also Speaker and Speaker Pro Tempore, asked it to extend that deadline by at least 90 days.

The Assembly leaders cited changing COAH regulations, the slumping economy and new wastewater management rules expected to be adopted early next year as top reasons for their request.

“We continue to share the commitment to maximize affordable housing in New Jersey, but with many communities struggling to adapt to COAH’s third-round housing rules, the state must provide more flexibility to help towns adjust,” they wrote.

They added, “Municipalities should be given the chance to apply for additional time so they can submit thoughtful and realistic housing plans that reflect the latest changes and the economic and wastewater management concerns.”

A copy of the letter is below.


Dec. 8, 2008
RE: COAH’s DEC.31 Deadline


Lucy Vandenberg
Executive Director
New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing
101 S. Broad St.
PO Box 813
Trenton, N.J. 08625-0813

Dear Ms. Vandenberg,

As sponsors of A-500, which brought historic changes to the State’s housing laws, we continue to share the commitment to maximize affordable housing in New Jersey, but with many communities struggling to adapt to COAH’s third-round housing rules, the state must provide more flexibility to help towns adjust.

Extending the Dec. 31 deadline under which municipalities must submit housing plans is a top priority, especially considering how COAH proposed amendments to its rules as recently as September. Municipalities should be given the chance to apply for additional time so they can submit thoughtful and realistic housing plans that reflect the latest changes.

Also of concern is the ongoing global economic crisis that has hit municipalities and the housing markets hard. We want to give communities the best opportunity to build and provide housing in this tough economic environment.

We also want to give COAH and the state Department of Environmental Protection time to work together as new wastewater management rules are developed for municipalities. We do not want to see these two efforts collide.

Thus, municipalities should be given the chance to apply for additional time so they can submit thoughtful and realistic plans that reflect the latest changes and the economic and wastewater management concerns.

Therefore, we are asking that COAH allow towns to apply for at least a 90-day extension of COAH’s Dec. 31 deadline.

I look forward to hearing back from you on this reasonable request that would allow everyone to work cooperatively toward making housing affordable to all New Jersey families.

Respectfully,



Joseph J. Roberts, Jr.
Speaker
New Jersey General Assembly

Jerry Green
Speaker Pro Tempore/Housing Chair
New Jersey Assembly

Abbott and the 22nd District

I recently had the opportunity to attend the League of Women Voters forum dealing with the Abbott District issue. As a legislator, I was hoping to leave from the meeting with some solutions dealing with the fact that the New Jersey State Supreme Court has rejected Governor Jon Corzine’s Abbott District Plan.

The forum was somewhat saddening to me because nothing new was brought to the table in regards to solutions. The only new piece of information that was brought to my attention from the forum was that the public school district of Plainfield and the charter schools of Plainfield are now competing for the students who live here in the city. Since neither side has invited me to a meeting to discuss this issue, I am hoping that they can share their concerns with the commissioner of education, so that this issue does not become a problem for the education system of Plainfield.

It is my understanding that the public school system here in Plainfield has closed the gap in terms of educating our children. The big issue with the public schools versus charter schools is that of safety. I am hoping that in the future, as a community, we can discuss these issues together. This is of vital importance because our children are the ones who will be directly affected. Therefore, we do not want to hurt or punish their ability to gain access to a quality education.

I would like to share with you that Plainfield did not get hurt by the recent court decision regarding the matter of Abbott District funding. The position that I took on this issue was one in which Plainfield benefitted tremendously. The formula that I supported was one that not only helped the 31 Abbott Districts, but also other districts in New Jersey who now face the same educational problems that the city of Plainfield faces. The intent of Gov. Corzine’s Abbott District Plan was to give other districts the ability to gain sound educations.

Let us take Hillside and Roselle for example. In the Sunday Star Ledger, Roselle was identified as having the highest tax increase in the county of Union, while their educational services to the kids of the community ranked as one of the lowest in the state.

Before I supported the governor’s new plan, I was reassured by the State that Plainfield would NOT be hurt, because if we can prove we need funding in specific areas, we will be allowed to receive those funds. When I held a meeting with the educational community leaders in my district, they all agreed that the governor’s formula would not hurt their districts. The choice was to support the formula for Abbott Funding, or not support it because some people in the community did not understand the issue and we would have lost $17 million dollars. I had to make a choice, and the choice I made benefitted Plainfield tremendously. The $17 million in funding is going toward the improvement of Woodland and Cook schools here in the city of Plainfield.

So I am hoping in moving into the first of the year, that the mayor, council, and Board of Education would spend even more time listening to the taxpayers here in the city of Plainfield. With the voice of the Bush Republicans on its way out the door, its replacement seems to be that of Dan Damon and his followers. No matter what we as a community do to foster that of community in our city, it is never enough for them because the effort is not being done by Republicans. If it were up to Dan and his Republican friends here in Plainfield, they would abolish Abbott Districts all together. That is exactly the type of thinking that will cloud the integrity and progressive movement of positive change within our city.

As we are gearing up for the new year, I have yet to see those mentioned individuals who have been critical of the mayor and Rashid Burney, bring ANY solutions to the table with the issues that the city, our city, of Plainfield is facing. Therefore, I challenge not only you, but also myself in ushering in this New Year with the determination and vigor to continue to transform this city from Good, to Better, to BEST!!

Our Mayor To Serve On The Executive Board of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities

On Thursday November 20th, I had the opportunity to speak to the New Jersey State League of Municipalities dealing with issues the municipal governments are facing here within the state of New Jersey. As Chairman of Housing and Local Government, the majority of these issues were heard throughout the year within my committee chambers.

It was very interesting absorbing the dialogue amongst the elected officials around the state voicing their opinions, concerns, and municipal challenges that are being experience within just about every town and county in New Jersey. What touched me particularly was the fact that the conversations regarding these issues revolved around the truth that we ALL have to work TOGETHER to progressively conquer and overcome the crises that was birthed on the federal level, and has poured down to the state and local governments. These blunders, as we all can see, are negatively affecting our ability on the state and local level, to deliver services to our communities. In spite of all this, I am still looking forward to the continual effort of tackling these issues, both now and in the years to come, as Chairperson of Housing and Local Government of the State of New Jersey.

It was with much pleasure as a resident of the city of Plainfield to hear that our own Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs from the county of Union was asked to serve on the Executive Board of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. It was awesome to hear the mayors throughout the state recognize the fine job she has done, in dealing with crime in her community, and the closing of Muhlenberg; wherein the city of Plainfield has received more commitments from the State and Solaris for continuous medical services for the people of the Plainfield medical community.

I look forward to working with all of the executive directors, as well as William G. Dressel, Executive Director, in moving the state in the right direction. I would like to take this time out now to share with you a portion of the press release announcing Mayor Robinson-Briggs’ nomination:

On Friday, November 21, 2008, New Jersey’s mayors elected Sharon Robinson-Briggs, Mayor of Plainfield in Union County to serve on the Executive Board of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.

As a member of the League’s Executive Board, Mayor Robinson-Briggs will help lead the Association of New Jersey’s 566 municipal governments. Mayor Robinson-Briggs will represent the interests and needs of New Jersey’s local elected officials to county, state, and federal governments.

The New Jersey State League of Municipalities is a voluntary association created to help communities do a better job of self-governing. All 566 mayors and 13,000 elected and appointed officials of member municipalities are entitled to all the services and privileges of the League.


Press release courtesy of Suzanne DeLany, Seminars & Job Line Ads

Day of Sadness Falls on Middlesex County

At approximately 12 noon, on December 1, 2008, Middlesex County Freeholder Director David B. Crabiel passed away at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.

At the request of his family, no further information is being made available at this time. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family.

Freeholder Director David B. Crabiel has served on the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1978 through 1991 and from 1994 through the present. He has served as Freeholder Director in 1994 and 1995 and has currently served as Director since 1998.

Deputy Director Stephen J. Dalina issued the following statement: “We are all shocked and saddened by the news of Dave’s passing. He was a great public servant whose first and foremost passion was the interest of the citizens of Middlesex County. His guidance and leadership as Freeholder Director will be greatly missed, and I personally have lost a great and dear friend.”

Sincerely,

JOHN A. PULOMENA
County Administrator


Statement issued by County of Middlesex 1:15 p.m. on December 1, 2008

My prayers are with both his family and the County of Middlesex.

Governor Pens Into Law Assembly Bill To Create $12.5M Foreclosure Mediation Program

Measure Will Also Allocate $51M in Federal Funding for Housing Assistance Services

(Trenton) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly members Bonnie Watson-Coleman, Jerry Green, Ralph R. Caputo, John J. Burzichelli and Joseph Vas to help residents facing foreclosure save their home was signed into law today by Gov. Jon S. Corzine.

The bill (A-3459) was crafted amid the recent global economic crisis that has left many New Jersey homeowners facing the nightmare of home foreclosure. It is among numerous bills passed by the Assembly to combat the global economic meltdown.

“Nothing in the current crisis is as frightening as the specter of thousands of New Jerseyans losing their homes to foreclosures in the midst of winter,” said Watson-Coleman (D-Mercer). “We need to provide this lifeline to the countless families who might otherwise find themselves homeless at the worst possible time.”

“New Jersey families who are in jeopardy of losing their home now will have resources at their fingertips to legally stop foreclosure proceedings,” said Green (D-Union). “The mediation program will provide counseling services to struggling families to help them renegotiate the terms of their mortgage and keep their home.”

The bill would appropriate from the Long-Term Obligation and Capital Expenditure Fund for:

-$500,000 to the Administrative Office of the Courts and $9.5 million to the New Jersey
Housing Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) for a foreclosure mediation program.

-$2.5 million to the HMFA for an increase in mortgage counseling services.

“This mortgage mediation program is vital for New Jersey families’ in-need because it will ensure they can continue to have a place to call home,” said Caputo (D-Essex). “Unfortunately, too many New Jerseyans have been financially devastated by the troubling economy. This plan will help them pick-up the pieces and being to move forward.”

“We must do everything we can to help keep families in their homes during this tumultuous turn of the global economy,” said Burzichelli (D-Salem/Gloucester/Cumberland). “Working families have been hit hardest by this crisis. We must ensure that services and programs are working for New Jerseyans who are struggling to keep a roof over their head.”

“The downturn of our economy has impacted our everyday lives but we cannot allow it to destroy the fabric of our communities – every family deserves to have a place to call home,” said Vas (D-Middlesex). “This new law will bring counseling, legal and financial expertise to many New Jersey families who need a helping hand, not a hand out.”

The bill would also appropriate about $51.4 million in federal funds that the state will be receiving under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.
The new law takes effect immediately.

-- On the Net: www.assemblydems.com –

Courtesy of Alescia Marie Teel, Press Secretary, NJ General Assembly, Majority Office

Summary of the Draft Smart Housing Incentive Act

Promoting economic growth in New Jersey by creating homes that are affordable to the workforce and friendly to the environment


The Smart Housing Incentive Act is intended to provide people who live and work in New Jersey with greater opportunities for homeownership and rental housing they can afford, especially near jobs and with access to transportation alternatives. This housing will be located and designed to use our natural resources wisely and respect the environment. By meeting the needs of our workforce, it will facilitate economic growth.

The act creates a voluntary state pilot program designed to overcome a key obstacles: local opposition to residential zoning. The program rewards municipalities that adopt as-of-right zoning for housing that is:

1) Well-located – in places where state and regional plans support significant growth, where wastewater can be provided and in an area either near transit, concentrated development, identified by a municipal plan as appropriate for higher density or containing a brownfield or greyfield site.

2) Walkable – compact development with minimum densities ranging from eight units/acre in suburban neighborhoods to 20 units/acre near transit to 50 units/acre in urban downtowns. Public sidewalks and roads must connect the development with surrounding neighborhoods.

3) Water- and energy- efficient – meeting standards for Energy Star and water conservation.

4) Mixed-income – including a mix of opportunities for low, moderate, middle, and upper-income households, thereby helping towns meet COAH requirements and address local housing needs.

The program fosters well-designed projects, by encouraging a mix of uses, authorizing municipalities to adopt design standards and reduced/shared parking requirements, and calling for tailored Residential Site Improvement Standards.

The program offers municipalities three types of incentives:

1) Planning and visioning grants,

2) Incentive payments for every net new unit in an approved Smart Housing Zone of $1,000 when zoning is adopted and $4,000 when construction is complete. Payments are limited to 500 units per municipality for five years.

3) Priority for other state programs that help local officials address the impacts of growth.

Municipalities can spend up to one-half of the incentive payments for any capital or operating expenditure reasonably related to providing services to additional residents. The remainder must be spent on “green investments” such as land preservation, park/public space improvements and energy efficiency measures.

The program would be administered by the Department of Community Affairs. The Department could require a municipality to return incentive funds under certain conditions.

The program can be launched as a revenue-neutral pilot program. Planning grants would be provided using funds from existing programs. A new state revolving fund would be created to pay incentives to municipalities. It would be replenished by developer fees of $4,000 for each net new middle and market-rate unit, and grants from the New Jersey Affordable Housing trust fund for net new low and moderate income units. It was inspired by successful programs operating in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

For more information or sign on as a supporter, call my office district office at (908) 561-5757, or send me an email at asmgreen@njleg.org.

YES WE DID!!

As Chairman of the Plainfield Democratic Committee, and as a leader in the State of New Jersey, I was asked by the staff of Presidential Elect Barack Obama to speak on his behalf throughout the state, targeting issues and platforms of importance. The entire experience of being in the trenches for OUR new President, as a leader in this great state, put all of my political sacrifices into proper perspective and birthed a new sense of pride to have been a part of this historical Presidential campaign.

The city of Plainfield then added to my speechlessness by having EVERY district vote for Obama in RECORD numbers! The 5,029 newly registered votes, coupled with the record number of people flooding the polls, produced 16,000 voters in Plainfield! Of the 16,000 that voted, 14,498 voted for Obama, while 1,035 voted for McCain. Plainfield gave Barack Obama over 90% of support in terms of percentages.

One of the first phone calls I received on Wednesday morning was from the Obama staff. They called not only to congratulate me in chairing our community’s efforts, but also to applaud and praise our community itself in its POWERFUL message of unity and dedication. They also were astonished by how my efforts rang true and successful throughout the ENTIRE 22nd district. We had volunteers from Plainfield headquarters going into neighboring towns, Scotch Plains, Linden, Rahway, and North Plainfield on behalf of the Obama campaign, inducing record-breaking numbers in support and voting turnout. The numbers clearly speak for themselves.

As I stated Tuesday night at the victory party down at headquarters, the victory in electing Barack Obama President of the United States, is the HIGHLIGHT of my career. There is NOTHING that anyone can say or do to take away from the goals that I set years ago when I first got into politics; a primary one being to make a difference in the political arenas in which I represent. Such a goal was ACCOMPLISHED in working closely with the Obama staff in getting him elected.

One of the things I learned in this election though, is that one can do EVERYTHING the right way and yet still garner negative criticism, even when instances occur that are out my control. For example, the county and state asked members of leadership to send out personal letters, fund them, as well as support ALL Democrats within our respected counties. Unfortunately, some people would like to slant this request in the negative. These sorts of petty issues no longer bother me, nor does the fact that certain parties within our community are PERSISTENT in carrying on with such petty politics. These activities no longer bother me because of the CHANGE that the city of Plainfield, the State of New Jersey, and the entire nation of America has ushered in by electing Barack Obama as President.

During the past two months, I organized, on behalf of the Plainfield Democratic Committee, two very successful rallies for the winning Democratic ticket. I also organized a rally this past Sunday here in Plainfield at the Black United Fund, where at least 400 people came together in means of securing our ‘Get the Vote Out’ Operation. As the numbers do not lie, our operation was a HUGE success.

I am filled with joy and appreciation in witnessing first hand, the team work and unity within our community, as well as the neighboring communities, and would like to personally thank everyone for the determination and poise they showed in getting Barack Obama elected President.

As earlier stated, the results from Tuesday are more important than trying to pick apart the efforts and find something negative, a move attempting to take away from the joy and victory of our effort. Even today when I read the Star Ledger, I was surprised to see a HUGE error in the reporting statistics. Plainfield was the ONLY town in Union County presented in a chart on page 35 in today’s Star Ledger, where the votes for Obama, the 14,498, were put in the McCain column, and the McCain votes, 1,035 were in the Obama column. This misrepresentation can be damaging to our image to readers because it is absolutely false. Therefore, I am curious to see if those negativity-seeking parties will accuse the paper of fraud, or are they going to conduct themselves with the ‘business as usual’ mindset, letting misinformation persist.

One final thought regarding Tuesday’s election results… YES WE CAN! AND YES WE DID! Electing Barack Obama is a huge step in repairing our nation, and the work is only going to begin in January. Let us not become wearing in laboring diligently in positive work, and continue to transcend our nation to the greatness is so honestly deserves!

Time to Stand AND Deliver

I had the privilege of meeting with a large group of concerned clergymen of the Plainfield area. In the past, the working relationship between the clergymen and me has been positive and effective; which is why I felt it of dire importance to share with them the urgency of taking our working relationships to higher heights.

The current financial crisis is engulfing our great nation and the State of New Jersey mercilessly. Because of this phenomena, it is key that we do not merely duplicate relief efforts, but UNITE as a community to properly and effectively deal with these problems that we are facing even as a country. We need to come together and press forward to combat these detrimental societal issues such as education. We as a community need to partner up with the Board of Education, to maintain lines of communication. These lines of communication will most certainly induce resolve. In maintaining these sorts of relationships, those same energies can be poured into securing job opportunities, outreach programs, and better clergy-community relations. I do stress the promotion of job opportunities because our community has countless numbers of capable, unemployed citizens; and with the efforts that I would like us to partake in, we will be able to provide a vehicle with such a purpose.

No longer should our local communities be dependant upon federal and state funding. Do not get me wrong, such funding is helpful beyond explanation, but we as a community should wean ourselves from its dependence; for such funding should serve as supplemental or emergency-oriented funding/spending. We should begin to deliver services through our communal assets; church and volunteer organizations and others because these sorts of services are centrally rooted within the community. As our current national, statewide, and local crises ensue, it is evident that emergency lending from the federal and state levels is necessary. Having a solid, attentive community would allow for the incoming relief funding to touch, saturate, those who are in direct need of it. This sort of unity will deny such funding to be left up to chance.

A significant issue the clergy and me discussed the other night was the institution of a progressive re-entry program within our community. This program would provide the necessary aid to help those in need, reestablish their ties to the community. In order for this type of program to be successful, we need to first accept the reality that ex-convicts, once released, have paid their debts to society, and should not be put through societal double jeopardy. If we do not embrace this reality, then we will sadly see the rate of recidivism increase.

Therefore, in turning the corner in facilitating healthy communication within our community, it is time for us to forge together and cease in the damaging criticisms of ourselves. In short, let us move out of a sort of crab-mentality, and propel members of our community to lengths of greatness. Criticism, let me say, is positive and needed, so long as it is constructive. However, the constant battering and shooting-down of positive movements by peoples in our community will continue to divide us and weaken bonds of kinship. It is time now for us to come together and bring solutions, as a whole, to the table.

Due to the crisis on Wall Street, we can no longer judge and debase individuals who have been rendered homeless, for, there are FAMILIES who were generating incomes of $100,000 a year who are sadly ONE paycheck away from homelessness. Credit cards are maxed out, equity is shot, and there monies have been lost in a failing market. Our aid needs to reach even those families, thus garnering an all-inclusive grasp of our community. Reverend DeForest ‘Buster’ Soaries and his organization and I have agreed to collaborate and assemble a group of knowledgeable citizens, in the field of foreclosures and financial crises, who will be able to assist and met needs within our community. This group will provide a means to reaching projected goals and meet needs of those in need.

His program, along with others across the state, is ready NOW to address these issues and solicit help for those in need. Until we get OUR service program in place, I recommend Plainfield and neighboring communities, reach out to my office so that we can better assist you with your needs. The feedback I received from the forum the other night was tremendous; which is why I know and believe that we as a community can continue to move in this sound direction of solution and result in dealing with these dire issues. I will take any suggestions from the community that may help to resolve the problems and issues afflicting our community. This is a time wherein the community needs to feast on positivity, and have negativity laid to rest. I hope and pray that the city will take a supporting stance in the suggestions I am voicing, because no one knows when the threat of hard economic or social times may befall them. So again, if you have ANY recommendations or suggestions to the current crises in our community, do not hesitate to call my district office at (908) 561-5757.

On a crisis that everyone within the State of New Jersey is facing, it is important to keep in perspective that this crisis affects democrats, republicans, and independents. This explains why I am receiving STRONG bi-partisan support from Trenton. Unfortunately, there is a consistent handful of people in Plainfield that cannot discern between good government and personal vendettas. To them, I say directly, I am receiving hefty support from ALL avenues of people; from people of different races, creeds, and political stances, democratic, republican, and independent. Now is the time to set aside PETTY politics and assume COMPLETE concern in the collective effort of achieving solutions, and overcoming this current crisis.

Last Night's Foreclosure and Financial Crisis Forum

I would like to thank the people of Plainfield and the surrounding communities for coming out last night to our foreclosure and financial crisis forum when the weather was rather unpleasant. The forum provided the opportunity for people who are in need of assistance, to listen to those who can supply the needed help from the state, county, and local levels of government. The overall reception of this information was pleasing to me in seeing the audience take in and absorb this helpful information, as well as the much-needed solutions to some of the current foreclosure and financial crises that are rampant throughout the State of New Jersey. As Chairman of the Housing and Local Government Committee in the New Jersey State Assembly, I explained to those in attendance that this is one of a series of meetings that I plan to have throughout the state to inform the people of the services that are available to them when they fall on hard times.

At the meeting, I was happy to see realtors, clergy, the Block Association, and city officials in attendance. Their presence told me that they were adamant about the security and preservation of their respected communities. Rev. DeForest ‘Buster’ Soaries, Chairman and CEO of First Baptist Community Development Corporation, unveiled plans to deal with some of the foreclosure issues that pertain to the residents of the city of Plainfield. Reverend Soaries is hoping to work with the current mayor and council to deal with some of the foreclosure issues that are plaguing our community.

We also had a representative from Union County who explained the county’s reception of a $2.6 million dollar grant that focuses on helping to circumvent some of these issues. He went on to praise Plainfield for being one of the first communities in the state that had submitted the application to receive some of this funding. We also had an attorney from the Assembly Majority Office from the State House in Trenton come in and further assist us in legal matters pertaining to the foreclosure and financial crisis. She explained to us that the state is trying to identify $50 million dollars in relief so that further funding can be used to aid small businesses when they fall on hard times. This would allow them to meet payroll as well as any other expenses that might force them out of business.

I am hoping to meet with social organizations, as well as the clergy, community, and the administration to orchestrate a plan that will channel the flow of this funding to those who are in specific need of the funding. In other words, we want to ensure that this funding saturates those who need it. It is important to secure a tight-knit structure to predicate these funds to the appropriate parties; those who really need the help and support.

For those who were not able to attend last night’s foreclosure and financial crisis forum, feel free to call my office so that I can exhaust my resources in means of putting you in direct contact with the necessary parties; those being either on the state, county, or local levels of government. I will also put you in touch with Rev. Soaries’ office, so that they may further assist you. These groups will further guide you in the direction of solution and satisfaction of your grievance. As I explained to the public last night, it is my duty on the state level, as well as in the city, to bring solutions to problems, rather than criticize situations and then do nothing about it. I herein take pride in this duty.

Bill A-3451

This new bill is one whose focus is to improve the quality of service within an urban enterprise zone (“UEZ”), within the State of New Jersey. I am currently working with the administration of the city of Plainfield and other programs across the state in order to successfully implement this bill. Our goal is for this bill to engage these zones in the perpetuation of excelling as a vendor, as well as increasing wealth, revenue, and worth.

This bill makes several changes to the law governing the urban enterprise zone (“UEZ”) program to do the following: 1) eliminate, for new firms in an existing UEZ or UEZ-impacted district employing under five full-time employees that seek eligibility as a “qualified business,” requirements that the firm’s employees meet certain residency or low-income criteria, or recently have been unemployed or received public assistance benefits; 2) require, on a quarterly basis, the distribution of interest income from the UEZ Assistance Fund to be applied to UEZs in municipalities receiving financial assistance under the “Special Municipal Aid Act,” P.L.1987, c.75 (C.52:27D-118.24 et seq.) for use by those UEZs for project financing or administrative purposes; 3) during any fiscal year immediately following a fiscal year of reduced rate UEZ revenues, require the State Treasurer to dedicate all revenues from reduced rate sales and use tax collections in the fund account of any UEZ that generates less than $5 million in annual sales and use tax revenue; 4) reduce the frequency with which firms must certify eligibility, as a “qualified business,” for UEZ benefits from annually to every three years after initial certification, and provide that if a qualified business is determined to be out of compliance, the business shall have six months to take necessary action to be in compliance before any reduced rate sales and use tax or other UEZ benefits are discontinued; 5) require the UEZ authority to undertake a program performance study which compares the UEZ program’s performance prior to and after the implementation of P.L.2006, c.34 and the impact of the changes to the program upon the implementation of the provisions of this bill, and to update the latter portion of the study within 30 days after the end of the third State fiscal year following the effective date of the bill; and 6) remove a requirement that a municipality exclude the cost of “eligible municipal services,” as defined under the act, from the 35 percent municipal service cap in order for such costs to be deemed an eligible municipal service.

Out with the “New”, In with the TRUE

Over this past weekend, I had the privilege and opportunity to serve as a surrogate speaker for the next President of the United States, Senator Barack Obama. I was proud not only to speak on his behalf, but also in being recognized as a leader in our great state, and as a resident of the city of Plainfield.

Throughout our state, everyone is recognizing how important it is to vote and elect Senator Obama as President of our country. It is no coincidence that Senator Obama has widened the gap between himself and Sen. McCain in New Jersey to 19%, according to the latest Monmouth University/Gannett New Jersey Poll.

The campaign stance of the McCain/Palin ticket reminds me of when I was campaigning in Plainfield; wherein the opposing side ardently chose to speak heavily on the negative issues, and failed to discuss SOLUTIONS to the problems. It is easy to point a finger, but it takes adept character to offer and work towards the solution.

What really caught my attention was the fact that just like here in our city, people want to distance themselves from the past. If you decide to practice that approach, one must realize that you cannot correct the future unless you address where, why, how, and when these problems formed and took shape. The topics of discussion on both party lines should be those things that critically pertain to the citizen of the community. Issues such as healthcare and foreclosures should be on the tips of CONCERNED politician’s tongues. These problems are not only consuming and destroying our national chords of society, but also our LOCAL chords of community.

My point then is this, that sort of behavior is emulated within our own city. Those who do not support the Democratic ticket are not heard criticizing the incompetence and ineptness of President Bush and his policies. These policies are the very sources that crippled us as a local community and nation. This is why these next two weeks are vitally important in our push for CHANGE on a national level. A change we can believe in. We as a city should stand UNITED, sending a STRONG message to the handful of McCain/Palin supporters that we are TIRED of the policies the crippled us for the past 8 years, and that we are READY FOR POSITIVE CHANGE!! We will not expect any more ‘business as usual’ means of conducting political strategy because the business as usual premise is what has us in these dire economic, healthcare, and national crises.

The turnout and participation at the volunteer Democratic Headquarters has been absolutely fabulous! Concerned and driven citizens have been coming from ALL over New Jersey to work with us to get Sen. Obama elected. Hence my irrepressible pride of the TRUE Democrats who have truly shown their commitment to Sen. Obama by coming and canvassing, making phone calls, and registering voters; as a matter of fact we have registered, to this day, over 5,000 new voters!

Just like Sen. Obama is going into Red states, WE are going into EVERY ward to ensure that signs for Sen. Obama are visible, as well as knocking on doors seeking support. An awesome fact is that we have gone through over 2000 Obama signs, without having to go out and put them up. Our community, in hungering for change and support, has been coming in to the headquarters, and asking for them. In fact, I personally ordered over 500 signs for Sen. Obama’s ticket, and in TWO days, they were gone. Thus, I ordered an additional 500 lawn signs that came in to headquarters today!

The majority of the newly registered voters in the city are new residents and are excited for the bright future they see in our city, and wanted to be apart of it. Senator Obama’s campaign leadership in our state recently called my office to congratulate me and the volunteering citizens' efforts as being one of the best field operations site in the state. I personally, want to thank the citizens of the city because without them, our success would not have been able to come full circle. In our transition from good to Better to BEST, we need a POSITIVE, TANGIBLE CHANGE on the federal level; a change that will transform our national economy, and national policies that will then, transform and remedy our statewide and local problems. My dear neighbors, the only way that change will come is if we vote into the office of the President of the United States, Senator Barack Obama.

ASSEMBLY PANELS ADVANCE SWEEPING PACKAGE TO HELP NEW JERSEYANS AND SMALL BUSINESSES WEATHER NATIONAL ECONOMIC CRISIS

Bills Aimed at Growing Jobs, Helping Homeowners, Protecting Middle-Class New Jerseyans Approved in Unique Committee Sessions Aimed at Financial Meltdown. 19 Bills Advance.

(Trenton) – Assembly panels meeting today in unprecedented committee sessions approved a wide-ranging bill package to help hard-working New Jerseyans and the small businesses that employ them emerge strong from the national economic crisis.

The 19 bills advanced today would:
· Promote new jobs and retain existing ones by revamping small business taxes and enhancing grants and incentives for small businesses.
· Prevent home foreclosures and protect homeowners from unscrupulous lenders.
· Help pay winter fuel bills.
· Bring new consumer protections against securities fraud.
· Bring savings and new jobs through alternative energy.

“The extraordinary economic circumstances facing the nation require extraordinary actions by lawmakers here in New Jersey,” said Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. (D-Camden), who directed committees to focus solely on the financial meltdown and what can be done to help New Jersey workers and businesses.

The sweeping package was approved amid rare joint committee hearings and specially focused meetings of the Assembly Budget Committee and the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

Legislation (A-3124) Assemblyman Louis Greenwald (D-Camden) and John McKeon (D-Essex) are sponsoring to enable businesses to write-down net operating losses for up to 20 tax years, as opposed to the currently allowed seven years, was released by the Assembly Budget Committee.

The bill would put New Jersey in line with neighboring states and help businesses recoup losses. The sponsors say the reform is especially needed by small businesses that might not otherwise be able to weather the current economic storm.

The budget panel also advanced legislation (A-2517) Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson-Coleman is sponsoring to create a fund to provide foreclosure prevention counseling and make loans and grants available to nonprofits who help homeowners. It also requires creditors seeking to foreclose on a subprime loan to offer a six-month hold to let borrowers negotiate refinancing.

Another bill (A-688) advanced by the Budget Committee would provide an annual cost-of-living increase in a program that helps low-income seniors and disabled persons pay gas and utility bills. The increase – proposed by Assembly members L. Grace Spencer (D-Essex), Anthony Chiappone (D-Hudson), and Elease Evans (D-Passaic) – would be proportional to the increase in the Social Security benefit for the year or 5 percent, whichever is less. The current assistance is only $225.

Measures to promote job creation through alternative energy initiatives advanced after a joint meeting of the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities and Environment and Solid Waste committees.

One bill (A-843) would provide equal opportunity for businesses to receive energy-related incentives and funding and another (A-2550) would permit wind and solar facilities within industrial zones.

The first measure is being sponsored by Assembly members Upendra Chivukula (D-Somerset) and Marcia Karrow (R-Hunterdon/Warren); the second by Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt (D-Camden), Chivukula, and Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (D-Bergen).

A joint meeting of the Assembly’s Financial Institutions and Insurance and Housing and Local Government committees advanced a bill (A-281) Assemblymen Gary Schaer (D-Passaic) and John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester) are sponsoring to impose tough new requirements on foreclosure consultants and others who contract with homeowners facing foreclosures.

The banking and housing panels also released legislation (A-2496) sponsored by Assemblyman James Holzapfel (D-Ocean) that would require debtors to receive two weeks notice prior to a sheriff’s sale of foreclosed property. The bill also would require a sheriff’s office to give a debtor notice when there has been a surplus in the sale of foreclosed property.

Assemblywoman Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-Camden) is sponsoring a bill (A-2272) that would include securities under the Consumer Fraud Act to protect consumers from deceptive sales and advertising in the marketing of securities. That measure advanced amid a joint meeting of the Assembly Law and Public Safety and Regulated Professions committees.

The Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee advanced several bills, including:
· A measure (A-2626) Assemblyman Joseph Vas (D-Middlesex) is sponsoring to modify how a manufacturer’s worldwide income is subjected to New Jersey taxes, which would benefit corporations that have a higher percentage of property and payroll in the state.
· A measure (A-2722) Vas, Greenwald, and Assemblyman Albert Coutinho (D-Essex) is sponsoring to reshape how certain corporate sales made in other states are taxed, and eliminate a provision that increases a corporation’s entire net income that is taxable by New Jersey, creating a more accurate tax payment to the state.
· A bill (A-2997) Vas and Coutinho are sponsoring to modify the Business Employment Incentive Program to allow co-ops to participate, give high-performing urban businesses better incentives and allow grant extensions.
· Legislation (A3294) Vas, Greenwald, and Assemblyman Nelson Albano and Matthew Milam (both D-Cape May/Cumberland/Atlantic) are sponsoring to modify the Business Retention and Relocation Assistance Grant program to make it easier for small and mid-size businesses to take advantage of program benefits.

The commerce committee also advanced legislation to provide a corporation business tax and gross income tax credit to employers who allow their employees to telecommute. The bill is sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll (R-Morris).

The Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee and Assembly Human Services Committee convened a joint hearing on the impact of the crisis on health care and social services such as food stamps, Medicaid, and NJ FamilyCare.

“The Assembly is looking at this crisis from every angle,” Roberts said. “We have to be both pro-business and pro-consumer as we look to boost every segment of New Jersey’s economy.”

The hearings come after the Assembly Labor Committee on September 22nd took testimony on the economy and the Assembly on September 25th approved several corporate reform bills to make New Jersey more competitive with other states.

The hearings also come after the Assembly backed cutting business taxes by $275 million last fiscal year, avoided a $350 million business tax increase this year by strengthening the unemployment trust fund and helped businesses by extending building permit approvals through July 1, 2010.

Mass Transit Tunnel Project

The NJ TRANSIT Board approved funding today for the final design of the Mass Transit Tunnel project. This was a GREAT move for our State of New Jersey because it will CREATE tens of thousands of jobs, ensure LONG-TERM workforce mobility, and serve as an economic ENGINE for New Jersey and the region for our posterity and us. I had the opportunity to attend this meeting and express my thoughts, cares and concerns pertaining to this Tunnel project. In testifying to the vital importance of this project, which is clearly expressed by other members of the State, I voiced the concern that EVERYONE, regardless of social class, would be afforded the opportunity to work in this project. I also attested to the fact that whatever measures I could take to promote and ensure statewide impartiality, I would do so. Plainly, I want to be sure that both sides be heard so that we can sustain healthy relations. I also applaud the stance of the Board in not allowing New York to dictate the business of our great state, and am striving to maintain healthy, working relations.

Governor Jon Corzine lauded today’s approval and stated, “the importance of this project cannot be overstated in terms of its ability to connect workers to jobs, to strengthen the region’s ability to retain and attract new businesses and, given these very difficult economic times, to immediately create high-paying jobs during years of construction activity.”

Kris Kolluri, NJ TRANSIT Chairman and Transportation Commissioner, stated, “The governor’s steady leadership has kept the Mass Transit Tunnel project advancing during turbulent times, and its one-seat ride and congestion benefits will be felt by commuters and motorists alike for generations. We [NJ TRANSIT] are continuing to work with our congressional delegation to secure federal funding.”

“Today’s action by the Board sets the stage for NJ TRANSIT to move swiftly into final design as soon as the federal government grants approval of the Environmental Impact Statement, which we expect this fall,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles. “We’re on schedule to have shovels in the ground next year.”

Final design is an important milestone because it advances the engineering needed to begin the bidding process for construction of numerous project components starting in 2009. Final design work will follow federal approval of the project. The State of New Jersey, in partnership with The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, has committed all but $3 billion, which is being sought from the federal government. The substantial local commitment has helped the project rise toward the top of the nationwide list of projects competing for federal funding.

“Today’s action by the NJ TRANSIT Board moves construction of the mass transit tunnel project one stop closer to reality,” said Port Authority Chairman Anthony Coscia. “Together with our project partner, the Port Authority looks forward to putting shovels in the ground on one of the region’s most important mass transit projects.”

The contract provides funding to The Partnership, a joint venture between Parsons Brinckerhoff Inc., STV Inc., and DMJM Harris Inc. of Newark, to complete preliminary engineering this year and develop a final design for the multi-faceted project in 2009 and 2010. Project elements include two single-track side-by-side commuter rail tunnels across the Hudson River, an expanded New York Penn Station under 34th Street, an equipment maintenance and storage yard in Kearny, and a rail loop at Secaucus Junction that will facilitate transfer-free service between New Jersey and New York for tens of thousands of commuters every day.

Construction is expected to start in the coming year, with rail service starting in 2017. The need for additional commuter rail capacity is obvious, with no room in the pair of existing 100-year-old, single-track trans-Hudson tunnels for any additional trains to accommodate rising peak-period ridership demand. The contract authorizes engineering and design work for up to $124 million, brining the total contract to $214 million.

-Courtesy of Carol Grant

The Plan to Overcome Our Statewide Economic and Foreclosure Crisis

I would like to bring to the attention of the residents of my district that Monday’s hearing in Trenton on the foreclosure crisis was highly productive. As Chairman of the State Housing and Local Government Committee, our committee heard an initiative that would move to combat the economic and foreclosure crisis that is sweeping through our state. This initiative is born from the efforts of Reverend DeForest B. Soaries Jr., Chairman and CEO of First Baptist Community Development Corporation. The testimony to the initiative that he and his corporation manufactured was one that gained high bi-partisan support from the committee panel. This industrious approach not only battles foreclosure, but also helps to educate families in order to get them back on track in dealing with their financial issues.

The strategy created by Rev. Soaries’ corporation is called the Housing Assistance and Recovery Program (HARP). The HARP initiative is a family focused, holistic, market based approach strategy to prevent residential foreclosure. The HARP strategy is to purchase an owner occupied home that is in foreclosure or that is bank owned. After the HARP purchase, our staff works with the family that previously owned the home to recover the ownership of their home or to identify another affordable home for them to purchase. HARP works with the family to improve their credit scores, access employment opportunities, participate in family counseling for stress management and other family needs and works aggressively toward re-establishing home ownership within 12 – 24 months. Any homeowner who had equity in their home before they lost the home will recover the equity after re-purchasing through HARP!! In the case of a foreclosed rental property HARP staff works with the tenants to prevent their eviction and stabilize their permanent housing.

HARP is also working with elected officials to stabilize neighborhoods by purchasing vacant homes that have been abandoned after foreclosure. The foreclosure problem is not only a family problem but it is also a neighborhood and municipal problem. HARP is offering mayors and city councils throughout New Jersey our assistance in negotiating bulk purchase of unoccupied bank owned properties to convert into affordable housing for persons already displaced by foreclosure. We are currently working with elected municipal leaders in Orange, Irvington, Willingboro, Trenton, Franklin Township and Burlington City.

Click here to read the entire testimony regarding the HARP model and outline.

Once the federal and state governments decide on how the appropriate funding will be dispersed within our communities, we want to make SURE those needing the funding RECEIVE the funding. This initiative then, can most certainly be the vehicle to ensure those needing the help will get it. Rev. Soaries and I agree that it is of dire importance that organizations whose efforts mirror that of Rev. Soaries’ corporation and our government’s, partner up to be able to help people who need help in these sorts of capacities. With this issue at the forefront of my agenda, the Reverend and I have agreed that one of the first areas up for consideration is my district, District 22. This will enable us to sit down with the communities and figure out how we can collaborate to ensure that those needing help, DO get it. Thus, working with the mayors and councils, the church communities, and the realtors, my district will be the first in New Jersey to move in the direction of helping our communities to resolve financial crisis issues, which are issues that we unfortunately, face today. The issues of trying to make mortgage payments, provide food for one’s family, and in short, the bare necessities, are constricting the ‘home-y’ atmosphere of our communities.

In addition, one of the groups that testified before the committee brought it to our attention that there were many groups in our state that took advantage of innocent people in terms of putting them into deals that the groups KNEW the individuals could not afford. This is why I am asking anyone in my district that feels they were taken advantage of, to please, call my office. I will then, put you in contact with the appropriate authorities, and do everything within my power to bring about the necessary reprimands against those who have taken advantage of innocent people within my district. The number to my district office is (908) 561-5757. My email is Asmgreen@njleg.org.

Already, it has been brought to my attention, that there have been mortgage companies and realtors who have been practicing these sorts of unethical devices. Sadly, the majority of the time, the public is not aware of their rights or are not aware that there are people with the ability to follow through to ensure they are treated fairly. A prime example of this practice was relayed to me by phone. An individual in my district purchased a facility for $700,000 dollars. When the individual moved in, they later found out that there were NO city inspections were made for that property. Needless to say, the new owner faced immediate, COSTLY, problems with their newly acquired facility. I wonder how many other people in our communities have been taken advantage of in this way.