FYI

For Immediate Release:August 24, 2009
Contact: Elisabeth Smith, 609-695-7190

CORZINE ’09 CAMPAIGN, VICTORY 2009, AND “YES WE CAN 2.0” ANNOUNCE CAMPAIGN CHAIRS

TRENTON--The Corzine ’09 campaign today announced its campaign chairs and co-chairs in an event at the Trenton Marriott.

Governor Jon S. Corzine and Leutenant Governor candidate, Senator Loretta Weinberg, announced that the Campaign Chair for Corzine '09 is Congressman Frank Pallone. The Honorary Chairs are Senator Robert Menendez and Senator Frank Lautenberg. The co-chairs for Corzine '09 are Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney and Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman.

“This year's election is not about me and it is not about my opponents, it is about New Jersey,” said Corzine. “I could not be more proud of the leadership we have joining us as we stand for re-election and we try and get Democrats across this great state elected in November," said Corzine. "Our first in the nation economic recovery and assistance program put New Jersey in position to navigate the global economic recession and be able to take advantage when it turns around, and we are starting to see signs of the recovery every day. Most recently, we saw the creation of 13,000 private sector positions last month. We were able to do this while remaining focused on protecting education funding and expanding healthcare access for people across the state. We have a lot more work to do but, with our partners in Washington and all across New Jersey, we are fighting for a better future.”

"I have always been proud of our governor and all that we have accomplished, but I have never been more so than today," said Weinberg. "I am proud to stand with our governor and fight to make sure New Jersey continues to have strong leadership for the next four years. Jon Corzine has been working to keep New Jersey working, and we are seeing the impact with the creation of 13,000 private sector jobs last month. We have a lot more work to do, but we have the governor in place to get it done. Chris Christie has never created a job, and he has no plan to start now."

Campaign Co- Chair Frank Pallone, Honorary Chairs Senator Lautenberg and Senator Menendez highlighted the high stakes of election, emphasizing they would do everything they could to get Governor Corzine re-elected:

“This is more than a campaign for Jon Corzine, this is a campaign for New Jersey. We literally can't afford to revert to the policies and practices of the Bush era that caused so much damage to the economy and inflicted so much harm to working people,” said Pallone. "We need to continue to work together with President Obama, Governor Corzine and Congress to rescue New Jersey from the meltdown of the national economy and to lay the foundation for economic growth for the years ahead. It is the Democrats who possess shared priorities with the people of New Jersey on a wide array of issues beyond the economy, including education, the environment and the needs of children. It is Jon Corzine who possesses the experience, the ability and the record of success to get the job done right in the days and the years ahead.”

“I am honored to serve as a co-chair of Governor Corzine's campaign,” said Lautenberg. “Governor Corzine is my partner and the leader of our state, and I will do all I can to make sure he continues in that role. By acting quickly and decisively, Governor Corzine has positioned our state to rebound quickly when the global economic recession ends. We share the same values of a brighter future for our children and future generations by improving education, protecting our environment, and making sure the most vulnerable in our society have a chance at the American Dream."

“This election is critical for the future of our state," said Menendez. “Governor Corzine has exhibited tremendous leadership in getting New Jersey’s fiscal situation on track so we can best take advantage when the global economic recession turns around. We have already begun to see private sector job growth in the past couple of months as a result of the programs put in place by the Governor, in coordination with President Obama’s economic recovery legislation. Switching course now would have a devastating impact on New Jersey residents. Chris Christie has never created a job, and he has no plan to create any now.”

Corzine and Weinberg went on to announce Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer as the Chair of the Mayor's Council, along with co-chairs Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz, Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, East Orange Robert Bowser, and Assemblyman John Burzichelli. Essex County Executive Joseph DiVencenzo was also named Chair of the County Elected officials.

"Governor Corzine has been a partner with Trenton and a leader for this state," said Palmer. "The Governor has a shared commitment to making our children's future bright, and a vision to accomplish it by keeping our streets safe. This election is about making sure we continue to have a leader with vision in the Governor's office for the next four years, and not someone with the same warmed over George W. Bush ideas practicing the same Republican insider tactics"

Today's announcement also saw the introduction of the Victory ‘09 leadership team. Senate President Richard J. Codey and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts were named Co-Chairs, while Senator Barbara Buono and Newark Mayor Cory Booker were named Honorary Co-Chairs. Co-Chairs announced today are Congressman John Adler, Congressman Rush Holt, Congressman Donald Payne, Congressman William Pascrell, Congressman Albio Sires, Congressman Robert Andrews, Senator Teresa Ruiz, Senator James Whelan, and Freeholder Tahesha Way.

“I'm proud to help lead the Democratic campaign to elect individuals from the local level on up to the state level who are dedicated to strengthening our education and healthcare systems, helping businesses thrive, and making government more efficient and accountable,” said Codey. “No one has been more committed to these values than Governor Corzine. His leadership and vision have helped position our state to rebound from this recession and thrive. Now that we finally have a partner in the White House who is equally committed to helping our state, it's more important than ever that we continue to elect officials who will work together to protect New Jersey values.”

“It is an honor to be named to this position and I look forward to continuing to do everything I can to help the Governor get re-elected,” said Roberts. “Governor Corzine’s first in the nation economic recovery plan is working, and thanks to the strong partnership between Governor Corzine and the Democratic Legislature, New Jersey is primed to lead the pack as the economy rebounds.”

“Yes We Can 2.0,” a Democratic organization aimed at reaching out to new Obama voters, also announced its leadership team, including Dr. Randall Pinkett as Chair. Co-Chairs named today include Congressman Steve Rothman, Senator Dana Redd, Assemblyman Upendra Chivakula and Paterson Mayor Jose Torres.

“I am excited to be a part of this campaign and the ‘Yes We Can 2.0’ program because we need a leader like Jon Corzine who is willing to stand up for New Jersey’s families, even when the choices aren’t always popular or easy,” said Pinkett. “We have a partner in President Obama who gave our country hope for a brighter future and I have no doubt that Jon Corzine and Loretta Weinberg are the right team to work with the White House in leading New Jersey to renewed prosperity.”

###

FYI

August 18, 2009


The Honorable Jerry Green
Assemblyman, District 22
17 Watchung Avenue
Plainfield, New Jersey 07060

Dear Assemblyman Green:

On behalf of Governor Jon S. Corzine and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, I am please to inform you that Plainfield City has been approved to receive a $267,909 award from the ARRA – CSBG – Non-Discretionary program. This award will provide funds for employment services for low-income individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines in Plainfield City.

If you have any question regarding this funding, please do not hesitate to contact Cathy Lipyanka at (609) 292-6420.

Sincerely,


Charles A. Richman
Acting Commissioner




see actual letter below
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Civil Marriages - What Are Your Thoughts?

I would like to get the pros and cons of how the people in my district feel about this bill (see bill below). Unfortunately this is an issue that shouldn't be political, but in the past the vote has been along the party line. Do you feel that a Legislator should vote for what is right or what their party stands for? In the past, Republicans have voted for their party instead of the rights of the people. How do you feel about this?



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STATEMENT

This bill, titled the “Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act,” would authorize same-sex marriage in the State. The bill defines “marriage” as the legally recognized union of two consenting persons in a committed relationship.
In Lewis v. Harris, 188 N.J. 415 (2006), the New Jersey Supreme Court mandated marriage equality to all consenting couples in the State. The court held that denying rights and benefits to same-sex couples that are statutorily given to their heterosexual counterparts violates the equal protection guarantee of Article I, paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution. The court held that to comply with this constitutional mandate, the Legislature must either amend the marriage statutes to include same-sex couples or create a parallel statutory structure which would provide, on equal terms, the rights and benefits enjoyed and burdens and obligations borne by married couples. The Legislature first responded to Lewis v. Harris by enacting P.L.2006, c.103 (C.37:1-28 et al.), which established same-sex civil unions.
The bill’s findings and declarations provide that civil marriage is a legal institution recognized by the State in order to promote stable relationships and to protect individuals who are in those relationships. The institution of marriage also provides important protections for the families of those who are married, including not only children or other dependents, but also members of their extended families.
In addition, the bill’s findings and declarations provide that the Legislature has an interest in encouraging stable relationships, and that it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting the bill to end the pernicious practice of marriage discrimination in New Jersey.
Under the bill, “marriage” would be defined as the legally recognized union of two consenting persons in a committed relationship. The bill provides that whenever the term “marriage” occurs or the term “man,” “woman,” “husband” or “wife” occurs in the context of marriage or any reference is made thereto in any law, statute, rule, regulation or order, the same shall be deemed to mean or refer to the union of two persons pursuant to the bill.
The bill provides that it is the intent of the Legislature that the bill be interpreted consistently with the guarantees of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and of Article I, paragraph 4 of the New Jersey Constitution.
The bill specifically provides that no member of the clergy of any religion authorized to solemnize marriage and no religious society, institution or organization in this State would be required to solemnize any marriage in violation of the free exercise of religion guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or by Article I, paragraph 4 of the New Jersey Constitution.
In addition, the bill updates language in current law concerning the authority to solemnize marriages, set out in R.S.37:1-13. Currently, this section of law authorizes “every minister of every religion” to solemnize marriages. The bill would change this phrase to “every member of the clergy of every religion.”
The bill also provides that on and after its effective date, no civil unions could be established. The bill takes effect on the 60th day following enactment.
In addition, the bill repeals section 94 of P.L.2006, c.103 (C.37:1-36), which had established the New Jersey Civil Union Review Commission. The function of the commission is to evaluate the operation and effectiveness of the enactment establishing civil unions, including the effect on same-sex couples, their children and other family members of being provided civil unions rather than marriage. With the enactment of this bill, the commission’s function would be obviated.
Under the bill, partners who have previously established a civil union may apply for a marriage license and would receive the license immediately, without the usual 72-hour waiting period between application for, and issuance of, the license. Civil union partners would also not be charged any fees for the issuance of a marriage license.
The bill provides that civil union partners would have 60 days following enactment to move to dissolve their civil union pursuant to applicable law (set out in section 64 of P.L.2006, c.103 (C.2A:34-2.1)). If they do not do so within the 60-day period, the bill provides that these civil union partners would be deemed married, and that all civil union licenses and certificates of civil union issued on their behalf would be deemed to be marriage licenses and certificates of marriage.
The bill also provides that civil union partners may apply for a marriage license and solemnize their marriage at any time, without a waiting period for the license and without the payment of any fees. However, civil union partners who choose not to solemnize their marriages would nonetheless be deemed married as of the effective date of the act.

Let's Talk About Linden

While working with the Mayor of Linden on different economic issues (i.e. getting stimulus money from Washington to help the city of Linden), one issue in particular came across my plate that I would like the blog community, as well as, other elected officials to weigh in on. I'd ask that we put all politics aside for a moment, as I'd like to know how my opponents feel about this issue as well. The issue is detailed below in a written letter sent to me from the Mayor of Linden. (I have included the official letter as well).

All comments are welcomed.

************************************************************************************

Dear Assemblyman Green,

The Insurance Commission of the City of Linden periodically is subject to suits of different varieties such as fall down, automobile, and others. The frequency of the different variety of suits that we defend varies from time to time. Recently however, we have seen an increase in a type of suit we consider to be of great danger to our city and cities throughout the state and nation who are no doubt recipients of the same type of claims.

These claims come under the heading of law against discrimination (LAD). These cases seem to have attracted the attention of attorneys and clients who sue a municipality for discriminatory practices on the job. When a city is sued in a normal situation by a person claimed to be injured for example, in an automobile accident or a fall case or a construction accident, etc., the plaintiff if successful, will be entitled to compensatory damages and on occasion, punitive damages depending upon the circumstances. In the cases under the law against discrimination, a prevailing plaintiff will similarly be entitled to compensatory and/or punitive damages. Another ingredient of damages, however, is being included in these suits. This is the requirement that the municipality be responsible for attorney's fees that attorneys who take the opportunity to bring these actions creates a great danger to the defendants for reasons that are unjustified.

In our current economic state, municipalities more and more are feeling the crunch of the downturn. The suits described herein based on our observation, seem to be demanding enormous amounts, and it appears that those pursuing the cases are overstepping the bounds of reasonable discovery in an attempt to increase the legal fees that may eventually be assessed against a community. We are currently defending some of these suits and feel that despite the fact that we have competent counsel and the suits may be unsuccessful, nevertheless, the escalating costs of the legal work are becoming onerous. Of course, in the event a claimant is successful, this would be multiply compounded.

This letter is not written to criticize lawyers or claimants for taking advantage of properly passed legislation. However, it is becoming more clear that now that this opportunity is known, it is either being taken advantage of or being abused, and we suspect the latter. For this reason I am writing to you to eliminate this ill conceived practice from our judicial system before it wreaks even greater economic havoc upon communities than the downturn in our economy.

Another reason the commission believes this legislation should be amended or repealed is that a lawyer who represents a person severely injured in an automobile accident does not have the same opportunity to pursue excess litigation, nor cause excess fees and costs to the public entity involved. Therefore, I request on behalf of Linden's Insurance Commission that you consider remedying this injustice to our taxpayers by modifying the plaintiffs' attorney fees in LAD lawsuits to reflect the same compensation as in any other successful lawsuit.

Very truly yours,

Richard J. Gerbounka
Mayor


(see actual letter below)

August 14, 2009

Reading the blogs today, someone mentioned I was not in attendance at Adrian Mapp’s meeting on yesterday. For one, I was not invited to the Councilman’s event. Secondly, in reading the blogs the last couple of days, the purpose of the meeting was to hear from the public, and not politicians. I have been working with the current administration, without taking a leadership position, on some of the issues that were discussed last night at Councilman Mapp's meeting. Therefore, I am surprised that no one brought to the public’s attention that I was not invited, yet would try to make it seem as though I willfully declined attendance of the meeting.

I had a meeting with the Assembly leadership yesterday regarding State issues. I am confident that the State will overcome the crisis we are facing. The comments I received from the Corzine administration is that President Obama and his administration are continuing to work closely with New Jersey as we face our economic problems.

This morning I had the opportunity to be one of the guest speakers at a statewide Minority Leaders Conference. The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, in conjunction with the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey, the Regional Alliance for Small Contractors, and New York & New Jersey Marriot Hotels hosted the event. Guest speakers included Governor Jon Corzine, US Senators Frank Lautenberg and Bob Menendez, State Senator Ron Rice, and Assemblywoman Nellie Pou.

We discussed job opportunities and the importance of ensuring urban communities have the ability to put people to work. One of the main topics of discussion was the Mass Transit Tunnel that will connect New York and New Jersey, and the job opportunities becoming available for minorities with this project. We also discussed services contracts pertaining to trash pick-up and the maintenance of the train stations. My understanding is that these contract bids are sourced to outside entities; I would like to see local municipalities take advantage of contract biddings, growing our local infrastructures.

Also, I had an opportunity to talk to leadership at New Jersey Transit in terms of exploring ideas and ways that we can use the services of municipalities like the City of Plainfield for example, utilizing the PMUA trucks when digging out the tunnels. This is just an example of the different sort of services the City can offer, facilitating economic growth within the City.

Departmental Report from the State Department of Health and Senior Services re Muhlenberg Agreement

Below is a report released by the Department of Health and Senior Services pertaining to Solaris’ compliance with a majority of conditions the City of Plainfield has asked. Also, please note annotation at the bottom:

Status of Solaris’ Compliance with Conditions Placed of Closure of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center

Based on documentation and written statements from Solaris, the Department of Health and Senior Services (Department) considers that Solaris has complied with the majority of conditions and is working with the Department and the Plainfield community on the remainder, as follows:

Condition 1: Surrender Muhlenberg’s operating license.

Status: License was surrendered to the Department on August 22, 2008.

Condition 2: Approximately maintain the grounds at Muhlenberg.

Status: Muhlenberg states it is maintaining the grounds and visits by Department staff have not indicated any problems nor have there been any complaints regarding this condition.

Condition 3: State where medical records are kept and how to obtain copy.

Status: On August 5, 2008, Solaris notified the Department of its compliance, how to obtain records and plans to advertise this in local papers and the Muhlenberg website.

Condition 4: implementation of communication plan notifying public of hospital closure and alternate providers.

Status: a sample closure announcement was included as part of the closure certificate of need application. Solaris reports this information was published in English and Spanish in several newspapers on four occasions in August 2008.

Condition 5: Solaris to notify EMS providers and other area hospitals 15 days prior to Muhlenberg’s closure.

Status: Solaris reports written notice was provided to these entities when CN approval granted.

Condition 6: Solaris to develop a Community Advisory Group (CAG).

Status: In September, 2008 it was agreed by all parties to amend this condition to place responsibility for CAG development and implementation on the Office of the Mayor of Plainfield and not Solaris. The first CAG meeting under this arrangement was held on July 21, 2009.

Condition 7: Solaris to fund a physician to provide oversight of midwifery services at the Neighborhood Center – Plainfield (NHC) commencing on hospital closure and for at least two years.

Status: Solaris has reported retaining a physician’s group to perform this function and will continue to do so for two years.

Condition 8: Solaris to reimburse NHS for cost of credentialing each certified nurse mid-wife at Trinitias and waive fees for credentialing NHC physicians at JFK Medical Center.

Status: Solaris reports that all such fees were waived.

Condition 9: Solaris to establish primary care services at Muhlenberg site alone or in cooperation with NHC.

Status: Solaris was granted a deferral of this and they and NHC are, with the Department’s assistance, actively working on an arrangement that best suits the needs of the community.

Condition 10: Under the license of JFK, a SED shall be developed at the Muhlenberg site.

Status: The SED was licensed effective August 14, 2008 and operates 24/7.

Condition 11: Submission of a licensing application and compliance with licensing standards for the services required to be provided on Muhlenberg site.

Status: Completed except for the primary care services still being discussed with NHC.

Condition 12:
A. Requires a continuous loop shuttle service between the SED and JFK, 7 days a week from noon until 8:30 at no cost to passengers.

Status: Solaris reports that services began on August 14, 2008

B. Requires a door-to-door medical taxi service for patients in Muhlenberg primary and secondary service areas to access schedule non-emergent care at JFK and Trinitas at no cost.

Status: Solaris reports this also began on August 14;

C. 24/7 Medical transport from SED to area health care providers for patience who need care not available at SED and at no cost to those whose insurance does not cover this transport.

Status: Solaris reports this also began on August 14, 2008


Condition 13: Develop an ongoing communication program to advise public of the operation of the transportation programs required by Condition 12.

Status: Solaris reports that in August and September 2008 they advertised these programs in English and Spanish via local newspapers, flyers and press releases. This is continued through pamphlets at libraries, community-based programs, in the SED, JFK’s ER and on websites.

**Condition 14: Develop a transportation plan in cooperation with the CAG to determined transport needs to alternative providers.

Status: Not completed due to delay in CAG formation. Department expects this to be a CAG priority.

Condition 15: Provide free round trip taxi vouchers to Trinitas for inpatient OB and behavioral health services for patients and families.

Status: Solaris reports it uses the same taxi service for this as for Condition 12.

Condition 16: Outreach to ensure all residents of the area have access to available services at Muhlenberg site.

Status: Solaris reports that is started such outreach at hospital closure and continues through newspapers, mailings to community organizations, press release and on Muhlenberg website.

Condition 17: Maintain a job placement program for employees displaced by hospital closure.

Status: Solaris reports that about 60% of former employees of Muhlenberg were offered and acquired positions in other Solaris facilities. Solaris maintains a list of former employees and contacts those on list monthly regarding vacancies within Solaris. At time of closure, Muhlenberg employees were offered job placement assistance and continues these services upon request.

Condition 18: Solaris not to terminate lease of DaVita, a chronic hemodialysis provider, unless DaVita has obtained an alternative site in the service area.

Status: DaVita’s lease remains in effect and the facility in operation.

The Department will assist the CAG in the ongoing monitoring of the above conditions.

**Upon our formation of a Community Advisory Group as of July 13, 2009, we have been able to move forward in meeting this condition. Solaris has agreed in principle to providing an additional ambulance service.

As Co-Chair to the Community Advisory Group, I would like your feedback on this issue as well as our collective movements in satisfying each condition.

Accuracy re Fanwood Rescue Squad

Below is a letter to the editor from Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr regarding the false information circulating in her borough regarding the Fanwood Volunteer Rescue Squad. She accurately highlights the truths in the efficiency and dedication of the Fanwood Rescue Squad. The misinformation being spread is baseless, and is not welcomed in such a sensitive issue. Her letter reads as follows:

Dear Editor:

As Mayor of the Borough of Fanwood I want to respond to recent reports that have indicated the Fanwood Rescue Squad will not respond to mutual aid calls in Plainfield, west of Park Avenue. This is a completely false statement and the record must be corrected.

Fanwood’s Rescue Squad, a non-profit entirely volunteer organization comprised of nearly 40 members, has always answered every call at anytime of the day or night. These dedicated professionals take their jobs extremely serious. They would never pick and choose where to respond. A life in crisis is a life worth saving regardless of geographic boundaries. I am tremendously proud of our Rescue Squad members for their efforts put forth on behalf of Fanwood and the surrounding communities, including Plainfield, whenever duty calls. It does these proud men and women a grave disservice to create falsehoods of their ignoring emergency mutual aid requests. The Fanwood Rescue Squad will continue to assist Plainfield and our surrounding municipalities, as it has always done.

It is important to note that all area rescue squads have experienced challenges due to the closing of Muhlenberg Hospital a year ago. This specific issue has not gone unnoticed by local leaders. As a member of the Muhlenberg Community Advisory group our goal is to discuss and find solutions to all health services issues in Plainfield and the surrounding communities because of this closing. I stand with Mayor Robinson-Briggs of Plainfield, Assemblyman Green and Assemblywoman Stender in their commitment to find the alternative means to ensure all of our communities emergency medical needs are met and all calls for ambulance coverage are responded to in the most safe and expedient manner possible.

Colleen Mahr
Mayor of Fanwood

Update from the State Comptroller's Office re PMUA Audit

State of New Jersey
Office of the Comptroller

August 10, 2009
Dear Assemblyman Green,

Thank you for your referral of information concerning the operations of the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority (“PMUA”). This office relies on referrals such as this to effectively fulfill our financial oversight responsibilities.

Prior to engaging an audit, our enabling legislation requires our office to undertake a risk assessment based upon a number of objective factors set forth in our statue. As a result of other ongoing audits, our office does not currently have an audit team available to undertake an audit of the PMUA. However, when a team becomes available we will complete our risk assessment to determine whether an audit of the PMUA would be appropriate relative to other audit priorities in the state.

Thank you again for the information you have provided.

Very truly yours,

Melissa Liebermann
Chief of Staff