Welcome to the latest installment of the NJDSC's week in review. Here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and toward the end, some of the upcoming events around the state next week:
Weekend Watching
- Chairman Wisniewski will appear on News 12's Power and Politics this weekend talking about Chris Christie's continued assault on New Jersey's independent judiciary. Check your local listings for viewing times in your area.
Vote by Mail
- In New Jersey, any voter can now vote by mail in any election. You do not need a reason to Vote by Mail. Don't feel like going to the polls? Simply vote by mail. Now there is "no excuse" not to vote! The deadline to Vote by Mail is November 1. You can get a vote by mail application here.
- Star Ledger: N.J. residents can still vote by mail-in ballot in upcoming election.
Christie Continues Assault on Independent Judiciary
- Chairman Wisniewski Op-Ed: "You don’t need to disagree with the governor’s position on the law in question to believe that his comments amount to character assassination and unjustly impugn the integrity of a judge simply because he disagrees with her ruling. It is the latest in a series of attacks by Christie on the judicial branch of government, unprecedented since New Jersey’s current state constitution was ratified more than 60 years ago."
- Speaker Oliver: "Taxpayers are sick and tired of awful political theater like this, especially while they continue to suffer from Gov. Christie’s property tax hikes and his continued failure to improve the economy..."
- Star Ledger Editorial: The governor should calm down, apologize and put the hammer away.
- Guest Opinion: NJ Gov. Chris Christie shows troubling willingness to undercut court's integrity.
- The Record Editorial: The governor’s rhetoric on this issue is unhelpful. He has called the state’s judiciary "elitists" and has suggested that judges are seeking to stand apart from mere mortals. We do not agree with Feinberg’s opinion. But are all judges in New Jersey "elitists" just because the governor disagrees with an opinion rendered by one judge? That’s a tough argument to make.
Get Updates On The 2012 Democratic National Convention
- The 2012 Democratic National Convention is a historic occasion in the life of our nation - and you can be a part of making history by signing up to stay connected with opportunities for involvement, announcements and regular updates. By signing up, you're automatically entered for a chance to win one round-trip ticket within the continental U.S. to Charlotte, North Carolina and hotel accommodations for one during the week of the convention. You can sign up here.
Christie's Cuts - Higher property taxes, fewer cops in NJ
- Asbury Park Press: Christie's Cuts - Higher property taxes, fewer cops in NJ -"...the bad news is, many residents have seen municipal services cut as their taxes have continued to climb. Cities and suburbs all over New Jersey have laid off police officers and other public employees in the last 12 months as a drop in state aid and lingering economic doldrums have put the squeeze on municipal finances."
- Gannett: South Jersey legal services cut as needs rise.
After Christie's Budget Cuts, NJ After 3 To Cease Operations
- Associated Press: Budget cuts force closure of N.J. non-proft that funded after school programs.
- NJ Spotlight: New Jersey After 3, the statewide program that funded afterschool for thousands of New Jersey students, has told sponsors and supporters that it will cease operations next week. In an email yesterday, New Jersey After 3 president and chief executive Mark Valli said the final blow was the elimination of the last $3 million in state funding under Gov. Chris Christie's 2012 budget.
- New Jersey Newsroom: N.J. After 3 student supervision programs to end next week with loss of funding.
- Think Progress: Gov. Chris Christie’s Budget Cuts Eliminate After-School Education For 15,000 Poor Children.
- Assemblywoman Watson Coleman discussed the ramifications of the announced insolvency of NJ After 3, following the elimination of its state funding by Governor Christie in his most recent budget. (Video)
- Speaker Oliver: "Governor Christie has some explaining to do to the working families who are losing this valuable program and now facing unnecessary uncertainty as to the safety and educational future of their children..."
- Assemblyman Diegnan: "The program is one of the most effective examples we have of putting taxpayer dollars to good use. According to an independent three-year study, with each dollar invested in an at-risk child, there is a return of approximately $9 to $12. In addition, the program has leveraged more than $31 million in matching cash contributions and in-kind support since 2004. I simply can’t understand how the governor can sit back and ignore these facts. Our children are our future. Eliminating funding for this program is both shortsighted and hurtful."
- Assemblywoman Stender: "NJ After 3 was the best example of a joint partnership the state could hope for. Not only did it protect children by providing a safe environment for kids after school, but it leveraged taxpayer dollars to secure corporate support. It is beyond unfortunate that the children of working-class families have to be the latest casualty in the Governor's budget all so he can stand with millionaires to preserve their tax breaks. The deeper we get into this fiscal year, the more we see the real-life ramifications of this budget playing out."
- Assemblyman Moriarty: "This is a prime example of the Governor's callous indifference to the plight of working class families in New Jersey."
- The Record Editorial: The message out of Trenton to low-income families is, "You get no help here." The message to taxpayers is, "To save a lousy $3 million, we’re willing to put families and society at risk."
Senator Menendez Launches New Website And Campaign Video
- Associated Press: Senator Robert Menendez launches website, video ahead of 2012 campaign.
- PolitickerNJ: Menendez launches campaign website, new video.
- Video: Alicia & Rob dish about their dad, Senator Menendez.
Christie's Broken Promises To Cities
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Courier Post: As a conservative candidate for governor, Chris Christie visited New Jersey's deeply liberal and severely impoverished urban areas. He filmed a campaign ad at Camden's infamous Tent City homeless encampment.And he released a list of 11 policy promises for "bringing back New Jersey's cities." But nearly two years into his term, the Republican governor has fulfilled only one of those promises and has not publicly prioritized the others. As many as four tent cities exist in Camden, hungry children are increasingly visiting the city's main soup kitchen, and the depleted police force struggles to fight rising crime. Christie's budgetary priorities tell a different story. After-school programming for about 3,500 mostly poor New Jersey children was cut, taking with it five programs in Camden, nine in Newark, and one in Gloucester City, according to the nonprofit NJ After 3. Christie has slashed funding for legal aid for low-income residents and reduced the earned-income tax credit for the working poor. And state-funded nonprofit groups that handle social services, foreclosure counseling, and urban redevelopment say dealing with the administration has grown harder.
It Gets better
- Members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation launched an "It Gets Better" message to provide encouragement for young people who are bullied. (Video)
- Patch: NJ Politicians to teens - It gets better.
- NJ Today: NJ Congress Members launch anti-bullying video.
- Blue Jersey: NJ Congressional delegation makes 'It gets better' video.
- Jersey Journal: National Anti-Bullying Month: Sens. Lautenberg, Menendez, Rep. Sires featured in bipartisan N.J. delegation 'It Gets Better Project' video release.
- NorthJersey.com: NJ Congress members come out against bullying.
On the Trail
- Press of Atlantic City: 1st District Senate race / Re-elect Van Drew.
- Assemblywoman Linda Stender talked about why women's healthcare funding is important, and how legislators like Vince Polistina and John Amodeo are hurting Atlantic County's women by opposing vital legislation to keep health clinics open. (Video)
- PolitickerNJ: Participating in the live tele-forum with over 1,200 AARP members, Whelan identified Gov. Chris Christie’s cuts to senior programs and his override of a bill that would have provided $7.5 million to women’s healthcare.
- Press of Atlantic City endorses Tyner for Assembly.
- Senator Menendez campaigned with Whelan, Cooper and Tyner in Pleasantville.
- Gloucester County Times: Democrat incumbents in Fifth say they're working for change.
- NJ Spotlight: Legislative District 7.
- NJ Spotlight: Legislative District 9.
- Asbury Park Press: Veteran politicians in the 10th Legislative District are being challenged in the Nov. 8 election by a slate of Democrats who say constituents need a new voice in Trenton.
- NJ Spotlight: District 11 Senate.
- Asbury Park Press endorses Gopal for Assembly.
- NJ Spotlight: Legislative District 12.
- News 12: Two weeks from Election Day, a new candidate is on the scene in the 16th Legislative District. Marie Corfield, a teacher from Flemington, became famous after she went toe to toe with Gov. Chris Christie (R- N.J.) at one of his town halls. Now at the suggestion of county Democrats, she's on the ticket in the 16th District.
- Express Times: The state Senate candidates for New Jersey's 23rd Legislative District faced off in a debate Monday night, tackling issues from property taxes to gay marriage.
- NJ Spotlight: Legislative District 27.
- Senator Codey Ad: Coach.
- Gannett: 30th District foes focus on taxes.
- NJ Spotlight: Legislative District 32.
- NJ Spotlight: Legislative District 33.
- The Record: Races in 36th focus on jobs, taxes, flooding.
- NJ Spotlight: Legislative District 36.
- NJ Spotlight: Legislative District 37.
- Referendum reverberates with Brick residents, candidates as Democrats challenge GOP incumbents.
Congressional Corner
Senator Lautenberg and Congressmen Pascrell reintroduced the “Christopher Bryski Student Loan Protection Act,” legislation that would bring greater transparency to the student loan process for students, their parents, and other loan co-signers.
- Senator Menendez praised the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) for changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) that will reduce fees for millions of additional homeowners and allow them to take advantage of today’s historically low interest rates to refinance their homes.
- Senator Lautenberg statement after the House Judiciary Committee passed legislation that would make it easier for people to carry concealed weapons: “This bill would put families, cops, and communities across the country in danger. Instead of putting the interests of the gun lobby first, the House should be working to protect the safety of our citizens. We need common sense gun laws that prevent violence, not laws that make it easier to carry concealed weapons anywhere and everywhere throughout the country. This bill is an egregious threat to our communities and just another attempt by the gun lobby to put its radical agenda ahead of our safety and security.”
- Senator Menendez extended Diwali greetings.
- Senator Lautenberg was joined by colleagues in sending a letter of support to President Obama regarding the U.S Department of Transportation’s (DOT) efforts to finalize improved commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver hours of service (HOS) rules.
- Senator Menendez joined Gloucester Township Mayor Mayer and local leaders to announce the official dedication of the Township’s Solar Project, which includes installation of solar panels on the Municipal Building, saving money, conserving energy and creating jobs. The Township’s sustainability efforts were funding by the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) initiative which was created by Menendez and has brought over $75 million in federal funding to New Jersey, including the $564,900 grant to Gloucester Township.
- Congressman Rothman was a keynote speaker at a Solidarity Gathering hosted at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades by the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey in honor of the freed Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit. After 1,940 days in captivity by Hamas, Gilad Shalit was freed and has returned home safely.
- Congressman Andrews at the Huffington Post: The GOP's Ongoing Lack of Respect.
- Congressman Sires’ office has requested the USPS hold another public hearing on the proposed closing of two post offices in Jersey City.
- Congressman Holt has petitioned the U.S. Attorney General to begin forcing states to use paper backup with mandatory audits: "Reliable elections with integrity are priceless. The right to vote is the right through which we secure all our other rights. How can we use the argument having auditable successful elections is a luxury?"
- If passed, the American Jobs Act could put 216,000 long-term unemployed New Jerseyans back to work, explained Congressman Payne, to members of the Millburn Old Guard during its Oct. 20 meeting.
- Congressman Pallone delivered the opening remarks at an event marking the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.
Under the Dome
Chairman Wisniewski hosted representatives of New Jersey’s education community and constituencies for a roundtable discussion of the state of public education in New Jersey and education initiatives and issues expected to be part of the upcoming legislative debate. The roundtable participants invited to join the discussion were chosen as representatives of varied constituencies involved in and/or affected by the state’s education policies. Prior to the discussion, participants heard from Dr. David Driscoll, Chairman of the President’s National Assessment Governing Board, past president of the Council of Chief State School Officers and former Commissioner of Education in Massachusetts, who discussed his experience in Massachusetts when that state implemented its landmark education reform law.
- Senator Whelan announced he will introduce a package of bills to encourage and assist New Jersey boat builders who have been hard-hit by the economic recession in making the transition to manufacture parts for windmills. The package of bills came from ideas submitted during a roundtable discussion held last month with members from the boat building community at the Egg Harbor City Hall.
- Senator Norcross Discussed Veterans' Issues on "Joy In Our Town."
- Assemblyman Gilbert "Whip" Wilson Discussed Veterans' Issues on Comcast Newsmakers. (Video)
- Assemblyman McKeon on Highlands preservation: "If that (development) had continued, we would have had to spend billions cleaning up the water supply..."
- Assemblywoman Mila Jasey led a panel discussion on the ethical dilemmas of politics for parents, students and members of the Kent Place School community in Summit, NJ.
- Assemblywoman Wagner is pushing legislation that would augment criminal background checks for school bus personnel to include all adults given responsibility for the safety of school children, closing a loophole that has left bus aides free from scrutiny.
- Jersey Journal: Hudson County members of Legislature say Dems' focus during coming session will be on job creation.
- NJ Spotlight: Assemblyman Chivukula seeks to bring stability to NJ solar energy market...
- As a follow-up to her July visit to the White House to address the challenges facing older suburbs, Assemblywoman Jasey chaired a meeting in Fair Lawn with over a dozen elected officials from throughout the state to move forward in addressing the intricacies of these challenges at the local level.
- Assemblyman Burzichelli: "As I’ve said, the NJSIAA should have known this was not the time to be increasing ticket prices, and this decision hopefully makes that point clear..."
- Assemblywoman Voss addressed her young audience of middle school students in Clark, spending her 45 minutes giving the middle schoolers an overview of her career, discussing legislation she had sponsored, and answering countless questions from her audience.
- Assemblyman Fuentes received the 2011 Child Advocate of the Year Award by the New Jersey Alliance for Children, Youth and Families.
- AP: NJ lawmakers seeking to control insurance costs.
Upcoming Events
October 30
Somerset County Democrats Host An Afternoon Rally with Newark Mayor Cory Booker
12:00-3:00 PM
VIP Reception: 12:30-1:00 PM with Mayor Booker: $500
2hr Open Bar, Bowling, Shoe rental and Pizza: $35
Only 2hr Open Bar: $25
Manville Lanes, 1 Rustic Mall. Manville
RSVP: joseph.kostecki@gmail.com
Challenger Training for Morris County Democrats
5:00-6:00 PM
MCDC Headquarters, 11 Washington St., Morristown
- October 31
Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver Breakfast Reception
8:30-10:00 AM
Mastoris, 144 US Highway 130, Bordentown
$500/pp
RSVP: Cassandra Alessio at 201-457-9034
Bergen Family Center After 3 Support Rally
Featured speaker Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle
11:00 AM
Bergen Family Center, 44 Armory Street, Englewood
Passaic County Freeholder Candidate TJ Best Vote & Treat
6:00-11:00 PM
D’Classico’s, 58-60 Ellison St., Paterson
$20/pp
- November 1
Essex County Democratic Committee Chairman’s Annual Dinner
6:00-9:00 PM
Mayfair Farms, 481 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange
$200/pp
RSVP: Terry Tucker at (973) 622-8300
- November 2
Labor Union Cocktail Reception for MCDO
6:00-8:00 PM
Casa Giuseppe, 487 Route 27, Edison
$500/pp
- November 5
Passaic County Democratic Committee Breakfast
8:30 AM
Brownstone, Paterson
- November 6
Event in Support of Senator Sarlo, Assemblyman Schaer, Assembly Candidate Ms. Caride, Esq., Freeholder Bruce James, Freeholder Candidate TJ Best, Surrogate Candidate Bernice Toledo
3:30 PM
416 Brook Ave, Passaic, Home of Lisa & Ken Lucianin
Row A Rally
5:00-8:00 PM
Hosted by: The Latino Democratic Leadership Alliance (LDLA)
Noches de Colombia, Botany Village, Clifton
- November 8
2011 Middlesex County Democratic Organization Election Night Watch Party
8:00 PM
The Pines Manor, 2085 Route 27, Edison
Hot dogs & light refreshments
RSVP: Everett Falt at (732) 906-3680 or efalt@mcdonj.org
Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee
We will continue to have updates about news from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week. Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee
On Saturday, October 15 Chairman John Wisniewski and the “Chairman’s Team" traveled to the 7th Legislative district providing volunteer support for Senate Candidate Mayor Gail Cook, Assemblyman Herb Conaway and Assembly Candidate Troy Singleton. The volunteers spent Saturday calling and knocking on the doors of 7th district voters to discuss the importance of supporting the Democratic legislative candidates. 
Democratic State Committee, I call on Governor Christie and all New Jersey Republicans to repudiate this rhetoric and call for Phil Mitsch’s immediate withdrawal from this race.”
In this video, Assemblyman Dan Benson talks about hometown values.
jobs – and that’s why Americans are supporting the bipartisan, reasonable ideas in the American Jobs Act.
Upcoming Voting Deadlines
Atlantic County Democrats Rally