Friday, October 22, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Affordable Housing / Local Campaigns / 22nd District
I want to bring the blogging community up to date regarding the campaign and the affordable housing issue, and activities within the 22nd District in general. As Chairman of Housing and Local Government, I am confident in working with the Assembly leadership and Senator Lesniak in finally constructing good policy, moving in a better direction in dealing with affordable housing here in the State of New Jersey.
I have already drafted and introduced a bill that moves the State in a new direction in terms of making sure that everyone is treated fair, and giving everyone the fair opportunity to live where they would like within the State.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked with me on this issue. What this legislation does is eliminate COAH, and brings clarity to new policies regarding the future of housing in the State.
This week was my second visit to the School District of Clark Township. I must say that Linda Stender and I were very pleased with the reception we received, and the fact that the elected officials made it very clear that they were very satisfied with the way we represent the Township of Clark.
The results show that the students in the school system are excelling and the town itself is recognized as one of the places to live in the State of New Jersey.
On the local beat dealing with the campaigns, I have spent a lot of time in Linden campaigning for the local officials. I have also spent time in Rahway and Scotch Plains because it is important that politics have a solid foundation on the local level. It is also very important to have a healthy working relationship with your local officials.
Locally in the City of Plainfield, I have put together the usual team of supporters that work with me regarding campaigns on all levels. I have met with Congressman Pallone, and it is important that we return him to Washington. I have met with the Freeholder candidates, and it is important to return our productive Freeholders with a new person, Linda Carter.
We have started our phone banks, making phone calls, identifying our supporters, and putting up signs throughout the City. So far, the results have been that the vast majority that we have contacted thus far will be supporting our team of Democrats.
We have a year-round headquarters on East 2nd Street, which unfortunately has had severe flooding issues. We have relocated to 19 Watchung Avenue. The three most important concerns that I have and support that I need are people knocking on doors, making phone calls, and helping on Election Day, get the vote out.
I have asked all Democrats to support ALL of the candidates on the Democratic line. So if there is anyone interested in working for or supporting the Regular Democratic Organization for the balance of the campaign, feel free to stop in to our Campaign Headquarters at 19 Watchung Avenue, or call Vera Greaves, who is organizing this year’s campaign, (908) 672-8701.
Ps
If anyone would like to help with any of the campaigns in the 22nd District, please call or stop by the headquarters.
I have already drafted and introduced a bill that moves the State in a new direction in terms of making sure that everyone is treated fair, and giving everyone the fair opportunity to live where they would like within the State.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked with me on this issue. What this legislation does is eliminate COAH, and brings clarity to new policies regarding the future of housing in the State.
This week was my second visit to the School District of Clark Township. I must say that Linda Stender and I were very pleased with the reception we received, and the fact that the elected officials made it very clear that they were very satisfied with the way we represent the Township of Clark.
The results show that the students in the school system are excelling and the town itself is recognized as one of the places to live in the State of New Jersey.
On the local beat dealing with the campaigns, I have spent a lot of time in Linden campaigning for the local officials. I have also spent time in Rahway and Scotch Plains because it is important that politics have a solid foundation on the local level. It is also very important to have a healthy working relationship with your local officials.
Locally in the City of Plainfield, I have put together the usual team of supporters that work with me regarding campaigns on all levels. I have met with Congressman Pallone, and it is important that we return him to Washington. I have met with the Freeholder candidates, and it is important to return our productive Freeholders with a new person, Linda Carter.
We have started our phone banks, making phone calls, identifying our supporters, and putting up signs throughout the City. So far, the results have been that the vast majority that we have contacted thus far will be supporting our team of Democrats.
We have a year-round headquarters on East 2nd Street, which unfortunately has had severe flooding issues. We have relocated to 19 Watchung Avenue. The three most important concerns that I have and support that I need are people knocking on doors, making phone calls, and helping on Election Day, get the vote out.
I have asked all Democrats to support ALL of the candidates on the Democratic line. So if there is anyone interested in working for or supporting the Regular Democratic Organization for the balance of the campaign, feel free to stop in to our Campaign Headquarters at 19 Watchung Avenue, or call Vera Greaves, who is organizing this year’s campaign, (908) 672-8701.
Ps
If anyone would like to help with any of the campaigns in the 22nd District, please call or stop by the headquarters.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Letter from NMDP/Testimony from NJCC
Information regarding Senate Bill 1534 - a bill supporting public umbilical cord blood banking in New Jersey
The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) is pleased to support Assembly Bill 1642, which would provide funding to expand public cord blood banking in New Jersey. This legislation would create the New Jersey Cord Blood Bank Fund to support the expansion of public cord blood banking within your state through an existing public bank, specifically the New Jersey Cord Blood Bank (NJCBB).
In the past, when a baby was born, the umbilical cord was thrown away. But today, blood from the umbilical cord can be collected after a baby’s birth and donated to a public cord blood bank to help someone with a life-threatening disease. Like bone marrow, cord blood is rich in the blood-forming cells that can be used in transplants for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and many other life-threatening diseases. These patients rely on the NMDP to assist with locating a matching marrow donor or cord blood unit for transplant.
To date, more than 160,000 cord blood units have been collected and stored on the Registry via the NMDP’s partnerships with public cord blood banks. Unfortunately, the national inventory is well short of the federal goal and has far fewer units than believed necessary by the medical community, especially from racial and ethnic minorities.
In support of growing the national registry and increasing the number of publicly available cord blood units, the NMDP has adopted policy recommendations for state wishing to support the expansion of cord blood collections. This policy outlines a good framework for states to partner with the NMDP to expand the inventory of publicly available units by allocating resources to support storage and collect efforts in the state.
As per testimony heard by the Health and Senior Services Committee yesterday, the New Jersey Catholic Conference stated that stem cells derived from umbilical cord and placental blood already save lives and current research initiatives are very promising.
The use of adult stem cells derived from placenta and umbilical cord blood has been proven to help treat patients with multiple sclerosis, lupus, juvenile diabetes, arthritis, and spinal cord injuries as well as many other autoimmune diseases. With the Catholic HealthCare Partnership; the New Jersey Catholic Conference is working with Catholic hospitals to encourage donations by expectant mothers at the time of childbirth.
The work of the New Jersey Cord Blood Bank (NJCBB) brings hope to those who suffer from Parkinson’s, anemia and blood and liver diseases, pediatric AIDS, juvenile diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries.
The Assembly Bill 1642 is consistent with our (NMDP) policy recommendations with the goal to increase the number of publicly available cord blood units through a state-focused framework, complimenting the federal program.
The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) is pleased to support Assembly Bill 1642, which would provide funding to expand public cord blood banking in New Jersey. This legislation would create the New Jersey Cord Blood Bank Fund to support the expansion of public cord blood banking within your state through an existing public bank, specifically the New Jersey Cord Blood Bank (NJCBB).
In the past, when a baby was born, the umbilical cord was thrown away. But today, blood from the umbilical cord can be collected after a baby’s birth and donated to a public cord blood bank to help someone with a life-threatening disease. Like bone marrow, cord blood is rich in the blood-forming cells that can be used in transplants for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and many other life-threatening diseases. These patients rely on the NMDP to assist with locating a matching marrow donor or cord blood unit for transplant.
To date, more than 160,000 cord blood units have been collected and stored on the Registry via the NMDP’s partnerships with public cord blood banks. Unfortunately, the national inventory is well short of the federal goal and has far fewer units than believed necessary by the medical community, especially from racial and ethnic minorities.
In support of growing the national registry and increasing the number of publicly available cord blood units, the NMDP has adopted policy recommendations for state wishing to support the expansion of cord blood collections. This policy outlines a good framework for states to partner with the NMDP to expand the inventory of publicly available units by allocating resources to support storage and collect efforts in the state.
As per testimony heard by the Health and Senior Services Committee yesterday, the New Jersey Catholic Conference stated that stem cells derived from umbilical cord and placental blood already save lives and current research initiatives are very promising.
The use of adult stem cells derived from placenta and umbilical cord blood has been proven to help treat patients with multiple sclerosis, lupus, juvenile diabetes, arthritis, and spinal cord injuries as well as many other autoimmune diseases. With the Catholic HealthCare Partnership; the New Jersey Catholic Conference is working with Catholic hospitals to encourage donations by expectant mothers at the time of childbirth.
The work of the New Jersey Cord Blood Bank (NJCBB) brings hope to those who suffer from Parkinson’s, anemia and blood and liver diseases, pediatric AIDS, juvenile diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries.
The Assembly Bill 1642 is consistent with our (NMDP) policy recommendations with the goal to increase the number of publicly available cord blood units through a state-focused framework, complimenting the federal program.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Clark Realtor's Day
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Superintendent Ken Knops in inviting Linda Stender and myself to Clark’s Realtor’s Day. As Chairman of Housing and Local Government, the majority of the realtors through the State have been in my committee on numerous occasions.
I have been very blessed in visiting Clark within these past few months. I believe the Realtor’s Day was a very important day for Clark because when people are looking to purchase a home, the first thing they want to know about is the school system, among other stats. With a program like today, Clark realtors were able to supply an abundance of information regarding Clark’s real estate market and town growth.
Now I see why Clark is regarded as ‘the place to live’ in the State of New Jersey. I have to specifically acknowledge the Superintendent, BOE and Mayor who worked together in terms of shared services. A prime example of such services is the athletic fields within the Township. They share the usage and ensure that everyone is fairly treated.
I would just like to share with you some of the information that I researched before I went to the meeting. So not only can I discuss education issues dealing with Trenton, but also be knowledgeable of exactly how the Clark school district operates. Their modes of operation, because of the student achievement, are results that parents are proud of.
Again, I thank the Mayor, Superintendent and BOE (and staff) for the warm welcome and reception, and in letting the public know how close we are working together as a team in moving Clark forward in the right direction. As clearly as I made it that I represent Clark in Trenton, they made their feelings of thanks and appreciation clear to me.
I have been very blessed in visiting Clark within these past few months. I believe the Realtor’s Day was a very important day for Clark because when people are looking to purchase a home, the first thing they want to know about is the school system, among other stats. With a program like today, Clark realtors were able to supply an abundance of information regarding Clark’s real estate market and town growth.
Now I see why Clark is regarded as ‘the place to live’ in the State of New Jersey. I have to specifically acknowledge the Superintendent, BOE and Mayor who worked together in terms of shared services. A prime example of such services is the athletic fields within the Township. They share the usage and ensure that everyone is fairly treated.
I would just like to share with you some of the information that I researched before I went to the meeting. So not only can I discuss education issues dealing with Trenton, but also be knowledgeable of exactly how the Clark school district operates. Their modes of operation, because of the student achievement, are results that parents are proud of.
Again, I thank the Mayor, Superintendent and BOE (and staff) for the warm welcome and reception, and in letting the public know how close we are working together as a team in moving Clark forward in the right direction. As clearly as I made it that I represent Clark in Trenton, they made their feelings of thanks and appreciation clear to me.
Clark Facts:
Education Rating (Arthur Johnson High School)-
Rated 8 out of 10 by the distinguished GreatSchools Rating System
-98% of the students pass the HSPA
-17 Advanced Placement courses administered at the High School
-Drop-Out Rate: 0%
Post Graduation Plans, Class of 2009
-4yr college/ University: 63.8%
-2yr college: 23.1%
-Other college: 5.5%
-Military: 0.7%
-Employment: 1.7%
-Uncdecided: 5.2%
Cost per pupil: $12,919
Foreclosures: Presently, there are 49 foreclosed homes in Clark Twp.
Real Estate Market: 92 properties for sale
Crime: Both violent and property crime rates are 4 on a scale from 1 (low) to 10 (high)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Affordable Housing / Thoughts on the Day
First I would like to thank everyone for their support in helping me put together affordable housing legislation that I feel would go a long way in the future of housing in the State of New Jersey. I am now meeting with the Governor’s office as well as talking to the Senate, as well as the leadership within the Assembly, gathering their input on this issue. We will be having a hearing on this issue in the Assembly very soon.
If you have any questions, feel free to call my District Office at (908) 561-5757.
Yesterday, I happened to spend a lot of time within the Linden area dealing with political issues pertaining to the 22nd District. I was out of the office all day yesterday, so in reading today’s blog referencing a City employee meeting with me to discuss City business that was not true.
Today, I had an opportunity to meet with the State and leadership over at the BOE to discuss school construction. Therefore, I am hoping in the future that people take very serious what I am trying to accomplish. I have not been involved with the budget process. I have not been involved with the day-to-day operation of the City, which has become a circus and an embarrassment to the City of Plainfield.
So for someone to try to draw me into this circus, I feel very offended because one, as I previously stated, I was not in the office yesterday and two, I met with NO City employees. So today, I am going to keep my comments very simple.
You have a Council that has done nothing for the last nine months, and now, you want to accuse me of taking part in the decision-making process. I have been accused over the past eight years of being involved in local politics. The only thing I do locally help those running, get the vote out, which is my duty as local Chairman.
If you have any questions, feel free to call my District Office at (908) 561-5757.
Yesterday, I happened to spend a lot of time within the Linden area dealing with political issues pertaining to the 22nd District. I was out of the office all day yesterday, so in reading today’s blog referencing a City employee meeting with me to discuss City business that was not true.
Today, I had an opportunity to meet with the State and leadership over at the BOE to discuss school construction. Therefore, I am hoping in the future that people take very serious what I am trying to accomplish. I have not been involved with the budget process. I have not been involved with the day-to-day operation of the City, which has become a circus and an embarrassment to the City of Plainfield.
So for someone to try to draw me into this circus, I feel very offended because one, as I previously stated, I was not in the office yesterday and two, I met with NO City employees. So today, I am going to keep my comments very simple.
You have a Council that has done nothing for the last nine months, and now, you want to accuse me of taking part in the decision-making process. I have been accused over the past eight years of being involved in local politics. The only thing I do locally help those running, get the vote out, which is my duty as local Chairman.
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