October 28, 2002

MONMOUTH COUTY RESIDENT SEAN T. KEAN SWORN IN AS NEW 11^TH DISTRICT ASSEMBLYMAN

Prior to the start of today’s General Assembly voting session Wall Township resident Sean T. Kean was sworn in as an Assemblyman representing the 11^th Legislative District.

Kean was selected Saturday by the Monmouth County Republican Committee to fill the term of the late Assemblyman Thomas Smith who passed away last month. Kean will serve out the remainder of Smith’s two-year term through January 2004.

"I am honored by this opportunity to serve the people of the 11^th District and I look forward to representing the people of these communities in the Legislature," said Kean, R-Monmouth. "I intend to work closely with my colleagues, in a bipartisan fashion, to lower property taxes, improve our schools, protect our beaches and maintain the quality of life that the residents of my district have come to enjoy."

The following is some basic background information on newly sworn-in 11^th District Assemblyman Sean T. Kean:

Assemblyman Kean is 39 years old. He is a graduate of Seton Hall Law School and has a Masters Degree from Columbia University.

Kean lives in Wall Township Monmouth County where he is the president of the Wall Township Republican Club.

He is an attorney with the law firm Carton & Faccone in Avon, Monmouth County. Until recently he was employed by Holt, Ross and Mulroy Government Relations, LLC.

Assemblyman Kean served as the legislative director for current Senate Co-President John Bennett. Kean also serves as the Treasurer of Bennett’s campaign committee.

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October 28, 2002

PENNACCHIO CALLS ON McGREEVEY TO SEARCH FOR NEW STATE POLICE SUPERINTENDENT WITHIN THE RANKS

Assemblyman Joseph Pennacchio Monday said that with plenty of qualified troopers already serving in the State Police force, he does not believe a ‘nationwide’ search is necessary to find the person who will replace Joseph Santiago as State Police Superintendent.

"I don’t understand why Governor McGreevey believes it is necessary to search across the nation for a new leader of our State Police, when clearly there are many qualified candidates already serving within the State Police ranks," said Pennacchio, R-Morris, Passaic. "I would urge Governor McGreevey to select the next superintendent from within the State Police organization."

The previous superintendent, Joseph Santiago, had never served with the State Police. And his predecessor, Carson Dunbar, served with the State Police in the 1970's, but long before his appointment as Superintendent he had left to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"I think we have given outsiders a chance to run the State Police and now it is time that we once again look for someone who has risen through the ranks of the State Police," Pennacchio said. "Having served with the New Jersey State Police will give the next Superintendent a better understanding of the organization’s structure and its challenges, which will be a great help to that person in leading the force."

Pennacchio also said he was disappointed that McGreevey chose not to put any members of the State Police on the 10-member panel he has appointed to search for a new Superintendent.

"I should think that it might be helpful when picking a new Superintendent to have some idea of how this person will be received by the men and women he or she is to lead," Pennacchio said. "In addition to focusing his search within the ranks, I believe Governor McGreevey should consider appointing a member of the State Police to this search panel."

"I have heard it said by numerous individuals and groups that 99 percent of the State Police are good, honest public servants," Pennacchio said. "If this is the case, surely we can find one among those 99 percent to lead this organization."

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October 25, 2002

HOPEFULLY CASTRO WILL USE BETTER JUDGEMENT IN REVIEWING POTENTIAL STATE POLICE LEADERS THAN IN HER SCHEDULING DECISIONS

Hopefully Department of Personnel Commissioner Ida Castro will use better judgement when reviewing candidates to head the New Jersey State Police than she did when attending a political rally earlier this week.

According to the Associated Press, Castro attended a political rally for U.S. Senate candidate Frank Lautenberg this week despite earlier assurances from Governor McGreevey that his cabinet members would be avoiding these types of events.

McGreevey had warned his cabinet members not to participate in political events after Environmental Protection Commissioner Bradley Campbell and Transportation Commissioner Jamie Fox attended political rallies last month.

Despite a great deal of media coverage and editorial criticism of those incidents, and the Governor’s public statement that cabinet officers should be avoiding these events, Castro decided to attend Lautenberg’s campaign rally Wednesday anyway.

Yesterday, McGreevey announced that Castro would be part of a 10-member team selected to review possible replacements for State Police Superintendent Joseph Santiago who resigned last Friday.

Among the controversies leading to Santiago’s resignation: His joining Newark Mayor Sharpe James on stage at a political rally celebrating James’ re-election as mayor in a race monitored for fairness by the State Police.

Well, at least they’re consistent.

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October 25, 2002

GEIST MEASURE TO ESTABLISH LIST OF ANIMAL CRUELTY OFFENDERS WORKING IN ANIMAL CONTROL AWAITS APPROVAL

Animal control officers convicted of animal cruelty would have their certificates revoked under a bill making its way through the legislature and sponsored by Assemblyman George Geist.

The bill, A-2064, would establish a list of animal cruelty violators, provided by the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services. The list would include animal control officers who had their certificates revoked as well as those convicted of a crime or violation of animal cruelty laws.

"Animal control officers are given the task of ensuring the welfare of animals," said Geist (R-Camden, Gloucester). "Those placed with the responsibility of caring for animals and protecting them should not be the ones committing acts of cruelty towards them. This is simply common-sense legislation. We would no sooner place a criminal on a police force. "

Geist noted that the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) strongly supports the bill. In addition, the bill would stipulate that a person found guilty or liable for an animal cruelty offense could not become an animal control officer.

"While this bill is proactive, it is also preventive," Geist continued. "Communities can be assured that in the future, offenders will not be able to acquire a position as an animal control officer. Communities trust the abilities of local animal control units, and this bill will ensure that trust remains intact."

The bill was amended and awaits Senate approval before coming back to the Assembly for concurrence.

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October 24, 2002

AZZOLINA REINTRODUCES BILL BANNING USE OF HAND-HELD CELL PHONES WHILE DRIVING

In an effort to maintain safety on New Jersey roads, Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina today reintroduced legislation that would allow using only hands-free cellular phones while driving.

Azzolina’s bill, though similar to Governor McGreevey’s recent measure, was initially introduced two legislative sessions ago.

"My measure is designed to reduce traffic accidents and save lives by providing for a statewide ban on the use of hand-held cellular phones, except for in emergency situations," said Azzolina, R-Monmouth, Middlesex. "Dialing, holding and talking on a hand-held phone all provide far too much distraction for driving on New Jersey’s heavily traveled highways. This measure will force us to put down our phones, and pay attention to the roads."

Azzolina said drivers would be permitted to use hands-free cell phones because in many surveys, having a mobile phone actually proved to increase safety. Studies by the New England Journal of Medicine and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded that cellular phones often reduce emergency response times and can save lives.

"New Jersey has become a leader in promoting driver safety, and only one state, New York, has more measures aimed at protecting drivers from distracting cell phone calls," said Azzolina. "I am proud of my continued efforts to promote safe cell phone use, and I believe this piece of legislation, as well as my "Mobile Telephone Act" of 2000 are bills that will work for New Jersey.

"Since the Governor has sponsored legislation very similar to mine, I anticipate added support in passing this measure," Azzolina said. "New Jersey’s roads are simply too heavily traveled to put this legislation off any longer."

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October 24, 2002

BLEE-D’AMATO BILL DOUBLING PENALTIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO DEAL DRUGS AT TEEN EVENTS CLEARS COMMITTEE

Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Frank Blee and Paul D’Amato that would double the penalties for people who sell drugs during events specifically aimed at attracting a teenage crowd was approved by the Assembly Judiciary Committee Thursday.

The bill, A-1893, would double the fine for the sale of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, at any event advertised as "alcohol free," or for "underage" persons. This specifically seeks to target those who deal "club drugs" such as Ecstasy at "rave" parties.

"Many parents and teens may believe that an event specifically advertised as alcohol free or for underage persons will be a safe environment," said Blee, R-Atlantic. "Those individuals who deal so-called club drugs at these events are specifically targeting a young, vulnerable audience. That cannot be tolerated."

"As we have done with drug-free school zones, we must enact strong penalties for drug dealers who we know are specifically targeting young children," said D’Amato, R-Atlantic. "These rave parties are advertised as alcohol free in order to encourage parents and teens that this will be a safe atmosphere for underage children. Those who deal these drugs seek to take advantage of this trust and prey on these children."

The bill was approved by the Judiciary Committee and now heads to the full Assembly for consideration.

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October 24, 2002

HECK SEEKS TO BLOCK SPORTS AUTHORITY FROM PERMITTING SUNDAY RETAIL SALES AT MEADOWLANDS

Assemblywoman Rose Heck Thursday said that she fears the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority intends to unilaterally usurp Bergen County "Blue Laws" and open its property for Sunday retail sales – a move she says would devastate the economies of surrounding towns.

Heck, R-Bergen, demanded that the Sports Authority make a public commitment that it will not permit Sunday retail sales on its property and said she would seek to introduce legislation clarifying that the Sports Authority property is subject to Bergen County’s laws governing retail sales.

"We have every indication that the Sports Authority is trying to circumvent the county’s existing laws regarding Sunday retail sales," Heck said. "No town or entity located in Bergen County should be permitted to undercut these laws which are such a vital component in maintaining the quality of life enjoyed by our residents."

Heck said that her legislation will be a "wake-up call" for the Sports Authority which has adopted the attitude that as an independent agency it can make its own rules.

"The Sports Authority was created by the Legislature, and we can certainly compel them to abide by the same laws as the rest of the businesses in this state," Heck said. "I will introduce legislation that will make it crystal clear that so long as Bergen County’s "Blue Laws" remain in effect, the Sports Authority cannot permit Sunday retail sales at the Meadowlands."

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October 24, 2002

CHATZIDAKIS CALLS FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON BILL GRANTING EXTENSIVE POWERS TO PINELANDS COMMISSION

Stating that the provisions of legislation granting enforcement powers to the Pinelands Commission will have a major impact on many New Jersey citizens in the Pinelands region, Assemblyman Larry Chatzidakis today called for a public hearing on the measure before it is posted for a vote in the Assembly.

Chatzidakis said the key provisions of Assembly Bill 2275, which is sponsored by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, have been a topic of discussion and debate in the Pinelands region for more than a decade.

The bill was scheduled to be heard in the Assembly Environment and Hazardous Waste Committee but was held by the sponsor.

Although the measure was shelved today, Chatzidakis urged Gusciora to schedule a public hearing on the bill if it moves forward in the future.

""This legislation would have a major impact on many of the municipalities and citizens living in the Pinelands region," said Chatzidakis, R-Burlington, who is opposed to the legislation. "It also has been a measure that has been hotly debated for more than 10 years. If the Assembly decides to move forward with this proposal, I urge Chairman Gusciora to hold a public hearing on this bill in the Pinelands area.

"The citizens who will be directly impacted by this legislation deserve the opportunity to have their voices heard," Chatzidakis added. "We should not rush this bill forward without listening to and studying the concerns of the people who live in the Pinelands region.

"Sometimes legislative initiatives sound great in theory, but when implemented they place unfair burdens on people," Chatzidakis continued. "Before it moves forward on a bill that could cause tremendous hardship on a lot of people, this committee should take a step back and listen to the people before sending it to the full Assembly for a vote."

Chatzidakis pointed out that 56 municipalities in seven counties make up the Pinelands area, which totals more than 970,000 acres.

The Assemblyman also pointed out that when a similar bill was considered in 1993, it faced vehement opposition from the citizens living in the area.

"Any additional enforcement powers granted to the Pinelands Commission are bound to have a profound and lasting impact on the region and its citizens," Chatzidakis said. "We need to take a very thoughtful and deliberate approach to this bill."

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October 18, 2002

PENNACCHIO SAYS SANTIAGO SHOULD STEP DOWN TO RESTORE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN ADMINISTRATION’S APPROACH TO SECURTY MATTERS

Assemblyman Joseph Pennacchio Friday said that State Police Superintendent Joseph Santiago should step down from his job immediately because the public is quickly losing confidence in the McGreevey administration’s ability to appoint qualified candidates to posts dealing with the safety of the state’s citizens.

"To date, the administration’s appointments in the area of homeland security and public safety have been at best suspect," said Pennacchio, R-Morris and Passaic. "My greatest fear is that the disarray surrounding the Governor’s homeland security and state police appointments is eroding public confidence in the ability of the state to protect its citizens. This is one of many reasons why the Superintendent should step aside."

"The citizens of New Jersey rely on the State Police to protect our families," Pennacchio said. "And as long as they have doubts about the man in charge of the State Police, they will have doubts about the ability of the State Police to adequately perform these duties."

Pennacchio pointed out that the entire state security team the Governor put in place upon taking office is either no longer in place, or in the case of Superintendent Santiago, has lost the faith of the public.

"The Governor’s first appointee as his Homeland Security Advisor, Golan Cipel, was forced to step down because he lacked the qualifications for the job. That job post has never been filled. The Governor’s first appointee to serve as the head of the Office of Counterterrorism, Kathryn Flicker, left the administration after only six months. And now the man who is in charge of our State Police force is being dogged by serious questions about his ethics and judgment.

"All of these issues raise the question in my mind, who is minding the store when it comes to protecting our citizens," Pennacchio said. "Who in this administration can we trust to look out for the safety of our citizens?"

Pennacchio said that if Santiago steps down, the Governor should use great care when appointing a replacement.

"I believe that the Governor should look within the State Police ranks for an experienced, qualified professional to fill this post," Pennacchio said.

"We need to get qualified, trustworthy people into these posts to assure the public that the state has the best people available working to protect our families. If we do not, I fear we will look back with regret on why we didn’t take this issue more seriously when we had the chance."

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October 17, 2002

O’TOOLE SAYS NEWARK COUNCIL VIOLATED STATE LAW BY SQUASHING PUBLIC COMMENT ON ARENA RESOLUTIONS

Assemblyman Kevin J. O’Toole today charged that the Newark City Council may have violated state law by refusing to allow the general public to comment on resolutions related to the Port Authority lease agreement and the Newark arena.

O’Toole said the council’s decision to deny public participation at the meeting flies in the face of a new law requiring municipal governments to allow public comment at meetings.

According to the Star-Ledger, Newark Councilman and State Assemblyman Donald Tucker tried several times to open the council meeting up to the public but was rebuffed by a majority of his council colleagues.

O’Toole pointed out that he and Assemblyman George Geist sponsored legislation, which was signed into law on September 5 by Governor McGreevey, that requires local governing bodies to set aside a portion of every meeting for public comment. The legislation was approved in the Assembly by a vote of 77-0 in the Assembly and 38-0 in the Senate. Assemblyman Tucker and Senator (Mayor) Sharpe James both voted for the bill.

"Councilman Tucker seemed to understand the enormity of the issues being discussed last night and believed Newark residents had a right to comment on those issues," said O’Toole, R-Bergen, Passaic, Essex. "Unfortunately the general public was excluded from commenting on a proposal that would turn over $165 million of their money to the YankeeNets organization for the construction of a new sports arena.

"It is simply indefensible for the City Council to essentially give away $165 million of the public’s money without allowing them to comment on the proposal," O’Toole said. "To deny members of the public the opportunity to comment, and to even have two people removed from the meeting by police because they attempted to speak, is simply unbelievable."

O’Toole said it was clear the council had no intention of allowing public comment on any of the issues discussed at the meeting.

"It seems pretty clear that a majority of the Newark City Council and the Mayor wanted the public excluded from the process," O’Toole said. "It is my understanding that the Council went into executive session for nearly four hours to discuss the lease agreement proposal. When they emerged from executive session, they voted on the resolutions and concluded the meeting.

"From what I have been told, there was no portion of the meeting set aside for public comment, which is in violation of the new law signed by Governor McGreevey," O’Toole continued. "I think Newark citizens deserve some rational and reasonable explanation from their elected officials as to why they were prohibited from making any public comments at the meeting.

"With Newark still facing many significant challenges in the areas of economic development, education and housing, it seems only reasonable that the citizens of Newark should have some say in how the new funds from the lease agreement with the Port Authority will be spent."

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October 17, 2002

KEAN INTRODUCES ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION CALLING FOR SANTIAGO TO BE REMOVED FROM STATE POLICE POST

Assemblyman Thomas Kean Jr. Thursday introduced a resolution from the New Jersey General Assembly calling for Governor McGreevey to remove Joseph Santiago from his post as the Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.

"As one of New Jersey’s top law enforcement officers, the superintendent of the State Police must be a person whose judgement and integrity are beyond question," said Kean, R-Union, Essex, Somerset and Morris. "Unfortunately, as a result of numerous incidents of inappropriate and questionable behavior, Joseph Santiago has made it impossible to earn the trust of the people of New Jersey."

In the past two weeks Santiago has been accused in a series of newspaper stories of ordering the confiscation of all investigative records pertaining to him and his stop staff, and of making manpower decisions that have cost the state $2.2 million in federal funding.

"Even prior to his confirmation as State Police Superintendent, there were serious ethical questions surrounding Mr. Santiago," Kean said. "Then, within months of assuming the post, the state attorney general was forced to reprimand him on two separate occasions."

During his confirmation questions were raised about Santiago’s failure to pay taxes on an unlicenced security firm and his conviction for a disorderly persons offense in relation to a scuffle with an Essex County jail guard.

After taking over the State Police, Santiago used a clerical maneuver to create a faux state police class so that he could be grant himself a badge, uniform, and the title of Colonel without having to complete the required State Police training. Attorney General David Samson stripped Santiago of his badge and title.

Next, Santiago joined Newark Mayor Sharpe James at a political victory rally celebrating James’ victory in a hotly contested Newark mayoral race. Santiago joined James on stage to celebrate with him despite the fact that the State Police had earlier been called in to monitor the fairness of the election. Santiago was again reprimanded by Samson.

"The repeated allegations, reprimands, and missteps by this Superintendent have shaken the public’s confidence in the leadership of the State Police, and has undoubtedly hurt morale within the State Police organization," Kean said. "This resolution would express the feeling of the General Assembly, that in the best interest of the State Police and the people of New Jersey, Governor McGreevey should remove Joseph Santiago as Superintendent of the State Police."

The resolution formally states that, "This House respectfully petitions the Governor of this State, the Honorable James E. McGreevey, to dismiss Joseph Santiago as Superintendent of the State Police, and replace him with a person suited and worthy of holding that most distinctive and honorable position and of exercising faithfully and dutifully the responsibilities of that office."

Kean said that he hopes the General Assembly will consider this resolution at the earliest possible date.

"The longer we wait to replace Santiago, the more damage his actions will do to the reputation of the State Police," Kean said. "We cannot afford to lose the confidence of the public in the integrity of our State Police. For this reason we, and ultimately the Governor, must act now."

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October 17, 2002

DiGAETANO SAYS GEORGE STEINBRENNER IS BIG WINNER IN NEWARK COUNCIL VOTE WHILE CITY CITIZENS LOSE

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano today criticized the Newark City Council for approving a new Port Authority lease plan that would provide $165 million for the construction of a new professional sports arena in Newark.

The new lease agreement, which was approved last night, would give the city the financial resources to help build a new sports arena for the New Jersey Nets and the New Jersey Devils.

"George Steinbrenner should feel real good today because the Newark City Council hit a home run for him," said DiGaetano, R-Essex, Bergen, Passaic. "With Newark poised to receive a substantial windfall from its new lease agreement with the Port Authority, city officials had a real opportunity to use those funds to help improve the quality of education in the city, provide more affordable housing for residents and possibly reduce taxes for working families.

"Instead, they decided to turn a large portion of the windfall over to wealthy professional franchise owners to build a new sports arena," DiGaetano said. "Newark officials should have allocated these additional funds for the betterment of the entire community and to improve the quality of life for Newark residents."

DiGaetano also said he was shocked by media reports that said the council approved several measures related to the Port Authority lease and the proposed arena without allowing any public comment.

"The money from the Port Authority lease agreement does not belong to Mayor Sharpe James or the members of the City Council, it belongs to the citizens of Newark who were shut out of the process," DiGaetano stated. "This arena is being forced down the throats of Newark residents but I will do everything possible to make certain is not forced down the throats of New Jersey’s taxpayers as well."

DiGaetano said he is not convinced the state will be left off the hook when it comes to financing the $355 million arena.

"I am convinced the YankeeNets organization and the City of Newark will be looking to the state to help finance the infrastructure and transportation improvement projects that will be needed to accommodate the new arena," DiGaetano added. "New Jersey taxpayers have sent billions of dollars in city and education aid to Newark during the past decade alone. I cannot in good conscience allow New Jersey’s hardworking citizens to send more of their tax dollars to Newark to build an arena for George Steinbrenner and Sharpe James."

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October 16, 2002

DiGAETANO URGES NEWARK COUNCIL NOT TO SQUANDER NEW FUNDS ON SPORTS ARENA

In advance of a scheduled vote by the Newark City Council on its new lease agreement with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano urged the council not to squander these funds on a proposed new sports arena for the Yankees-Nets conglomerate.

"I believe the leaders of the city of Newark should think very carefully before they sign off on any agreement to spend $165 million of this lease money on a new sports arena," said DiGaetano, R-Essex, Bergen and Passaic. "The city of Newark has many needs including improved infrastructure, better healthcare services, and new school facilities, for which this money might be better spent."

According to published reports, the city of Newark intends to funnel $165 million of this Newark Airport lease agreement money toward the financing of a new sports arena for the Devils and Nets. That is in addition to another $35 million in city bonds, and $15 million in taxpayer money from the county of Essex.

"The McGreevey administration is already sending record amounts of state aid into Newark, totaling more than $566 million this year," DiGaetano said. "Additionally, over the past decade, the taxpayers of New Jersey have contributed more than $5.6 billion in combined municipal and school aid to the city of Newark.

"If the city of Newark has $200 million to spend on a new sports palace for the multi-billion dollar Yankee-Nets conglomerate, I think the taxpayers of New Jersey have a right to ask why they are being forced to contribute so much money for the rest of the city’s needs. If the city approves using this new funding for a sports arena, maybe we can then ask the city to reimburse New Jersey’s taxpayers for that amount – since obviously they didn’t need it in the first place."

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October 15, 2002

DiGAETANO: McGREEVEY MUST BE HELD TO HIS OWN STANDARD ON PROPERTY TAX ISSUE

Responding to this weekend’s Star Ledger report that the average New Jersey homeowner’s property tax bill is up by seven percent this year – the largest one year increase since 1990 – Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano said that Governor McGreevey should be held to his own standard on the issue.

"When he campaigned for Governor against Christie Whitman in 1997, and again last year, Jim McGreevey said that it is the Governor who ultimately bears responsibility for controlling property taxes," said DiGaetano, R-Essex, Bergen and Passaic. "McGreevey accused Whitman and the Republican Legislature of not properly addressing the property tax issue and pledged to provide greater property tax relief to homeowners."

"Jim McGreevey is now Governor and it is his responsibility to keep his campaign promise and to do something to address rising property tax rates," DiGaetano said. "This is a commitment he made to New Jersey voters."

"Governor McGreevey had five years on the campaign trail to come up with a solution to rising property taxes," DiGaetano said. "Well, if freezing state aid to school districts and cutting back the NJSAVER property tax rebate program, while increasing state spending by $2 billion is his solution, I would respectfully suggest that maybe he should go back to the drawing board."

According to the Star Ledger analysis, the typical New Jersey homeowner will pay an extra $310 in property taxes this year.

"Last year, for the first time since its inception, increases in NJSAVER property tax rebates exceeded average property tax increases, creating a real reduction in property tax payments for most homeowners," DiGaetano said. "Unfortunately, despite making it the central theme of his campaign, it appears Governor McGreevey has taken us a giant step backwards on the issue of property tax relief."

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October 15, 2002

MALONE SAYS McGREEVEY ADMINISTRATION MUST ANSWER FOR LARGEST PROPERTY TAX INCREASES IN A DECADE

Assembly Republican Budget Officer Joseph R. Malone today said the McGreevey Administration must answer for the largest average property tax increases in more than a decade and finally produce a property tax relief plan that was promised to voters during the 1997 campaign.

"I am sure Governor McGreevey, just like he has done from the first day he took office, will blame someone else for the sharp increase in property taxes," said Malone, R-Burlington, Ocean, Monmouth, Mercer. "The fact of the matter is that Governor McGreevey’s budget plan left many growing municipalities and school districts in dire fiscal straits.

"The Governor managed to increase state spending by more than $2 billion, but he couldn’t help these communities deal with increased costs for educating children," Malone added. "When he campaigned for Governor, Jim McGreevey told New Jersey citizens he had a plan to lower their property taxes. He made that promise in 1997 and he made it again last year. Unfortunately, the Governor’s budget did not live up to his rhetoric."

Malone predicted that municipalities and school districts can expect more bad news next year.

"The Governor did nothing to address the state’s revenue shortfall in this budget," Malone said. "He used fiscal gimmicks and one-shot revenue sources to increase state spending. The end result will be another fiscal problem next year and another budget balanced on the backs of hardworking New Jersey families."

Malone also said McGreevey’s lack of concern for suburban communities was evident by the average property tax increases across the state.

According to media reports, the average property tax increase in urban towns was about $112, but the average increase for suburban homeowners was more than double that figure.

"This Governor and Democrat Legislature has shown a total disregard for challenges facing many of our state’s suburban and rural communities," Malone said. "While the Governor has focused his attention on providing a financial bailout of Camden, and building a new professional sports arena for Newark, residents in suburban and rural communities are seeing their property taxes skyrocket."

Malone also chided McGreevey and the Democrats for finally admitting they have no solution to the state’s property tax problem.

He said Senator John Adler’s latest proposal, which "would allow the convention to make the tough choices" when it comes to addressing property taxes, was evidence the Democrats were clueless on the issue of property tax relief.

"At least the decade- long hoax Democrats have been playing on New Jersey citizens is finally over," Malone said. "For 10 years, they promised New Jersey voters that if they regained control of the majority they would offer a plan to reduce property taxes. They promised it would not be a plan that merely shifted taxes. They said it would be a plan to reduce property taxes.

"Now we know they never had a plan to offer, which is something I suspected all along" Malone said. "The only plan the Democrats’ seem to be offering now is to drop back and punt the issue to someone else. That is not a plan. It’s a cop-out."

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October 10, 2002

DiGAETANO EXPRESSES OUTRAGE THAT LOBBYIST CIPEL IS STILL WORKING FOR THE GOVERNOR

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano today called for the Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) and the Executive Commission on Ethical Standards to investigate the news that Golan Cipel, who now works for a State Street lobbying firm, is still working in an unpaid, but official, capacity for the Governor’s office.

"This is an outrageous display of arrogance on the part of the administration," said DiGaetano, R-Essex, Bergen, and Passaic. "It clearly is an ethical violation for someone to serve as an official liaison to the Governor’s office at the same time he is working for a lobbying firm with business before the state."

The Star Ledger today reports that Cipel is serving as Governor McGreevey’s liaison to the Jewish community, and has organized events for the Governor with Jewish leaders. He is doing this at the same time that he works for State Street Partners, a Trenton lobbying firm. Cipel recently left a job with another lobbying firm, The MWW Group.

"Governor McGreevey must realize that this is an improper relationship and that someone employed by a lobbying firm should not be working on behalf of the Governor’s office," DiGaetano said. "And if he is aware of this, then we can be sure that he does not believe that as Governor he must comply with any ethical standards. This administration has made it clear that they believe they are above the law."

DiGaetano said that this is an issue that should be looked into by ELEC – the body that regulates the lobbying industry – and the Executive Commission on Ethical Standards, which monitors potential ethics violations in the executive branch of government.

"This matter needs to be investigated, and corrective action needs to be taken immediately," DiGaetano said. "I don’t understand why the administration is obsessed with keeping close ties to Mr. Cipel, but whatever their reason, it does not justify flouting the ethical standards to which we hold public officials in this state."

Under state law, someone who works in an unpaid capacity for the Governor, but who is doing official work, is considered a "Special State officer." This subjects them to all the rules and regulations pertaining to conflict of interest.

"While it is really nice that the Governor’s spokesman says McGreevey would ‘never allow himself to be placed in a position of conflict,’ – can the public honestly believe that a lobbying firm employing someone who works directly for the Governor will not have special access to the Governor’s Office?" DiGaetano asked. "How could anyone actually believe that?"

"When Governor McGreevey said he was going to change the way business was done in Trenton, I don’t think most voters thought he was going to make matters worse. But apparently that is what he meant."

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October 10, 2002

DiGAETANO STATEMENT ON PASSING OF ASSEMBLYMAN MEL COTTRELL

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano today issued the following statement upon learning of the passing of Assemblyman Mel Cottrell, R-Ocean, Burlington, Monmouth, Mercer.

"I was deeply saddened by the news that Assemblyman Cottrell passed away. Mel was not only a colleague to all of us on the Republican side of the aisle, he was a dear friend. Mel Cottrell will be remembered as a good husband, a dedicated family man, a hard-working public servant who was proud to serve his constituents and all New Jersey citizens. "We will remember Mel Cottrell, who overcame some personal adversity in his life, as a fighter and tireless advocate for the less fortunate in our society, especially citizens with disabilities and seniors living on fixed incomes. And the people in his hometown of Jackson Township, those who knew him best, will remember his outstanding civic contributions – especially his work with the Jackson Little League and the Boy Scouts of America.

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October 9, 2002

ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE MAINTAINS FIGHT FOR MIDDLE-INCOME SCHOOL FUNDING

In a continued effort to ease the financial plight of middle-income school districts throughout New Jersey, the Assembly Republican Policy Committee held its third public hearing to discuss with concerned parents, teachers and school officials the existing problems within the current school funding formula.

"Currently per pupil spending in the state’s low-income districts is the same as in the highest spending suburban districts, and the money is being taken directly from middle-income schools," said Assemblyman Thomas H. Kean, Jr., Chairman of the Policy Committee, R-Union, Essex, Morris, Somerset. "That means hard working families in hundreds of school districts are being forced to pay increased property taxes to educate their own children because their state aid is being directed to other districts.

"Pressing concerns over adequate funding are eclipsing most schools’ ability to address issues of accessibility, opportunity, efficiency, accountability and most of all, quality," Kean said.

Kean was joined at the hearing by Assembly members Charlotte Vandervalk, David Russo and Michael Doherty.

"The current school funding mechanisms are grossly unfair to middle-income school districts," said Vandervalk, R-Bergen. "Regardless of geography or wealth, every child deserves a world-class education, and this should be the overriding principle in funding our schools. Unfortunately the Court prefers to pit communities against each other and has slanted the playing field by supporting only a select group of schools."

Assemblyman David C. Russo, R-Bergen, Essex, Passaic, said parents with children in middle-income school districts should not have to pay extra for their children to receive the same education other students get every day.

"Every child in New Jersey deserves a top-notch education, but the current system takes from one student to give to another, and in the end, that only hurts the children caught in the middle," Russo added.

Assemblyman Michael J. Doherty, R-Warren, Hunterdon, said the current problems surrounding funding for middle-income schools are being exacerbated by the Governor’s decision to flat fund state school aid.

"When Governor McGreevey chose to flat fund state school aid, he chose to disregard growing enrollment in hundreds of suburban districts across the state," Doherty said. "The more students a school enrolls, the more money it needs for adequate per pupil funding, but that is nearly impossible when funding is frozen. For these schools, funding is essentially cut."

Kean said the Policy Committee will hold hearings throughout the state to hear from parents and educators, then draft legislation based on information collected from parents and educators in middle-income school districts.

This was the third hearing regarding the plight of middle-income schools. Thus far, the Republican Policy Committee has met in Hazlet, in Monmouth County, and Roxbury in Morris County.

For information on upcoming hearings, please call the Assembly Republican Office at 609-292-5339 and ask for Matt McAndrew.

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October 9, 2002

JOSEPH SANTIAGO’S GREATEST HITS

With new questions being raised almost daily about State Police Superintendent Joseph Santiago’s job performance, we thought it might be helpful to produce a ‘Greatest Hits’ list to help the public and the press can keep track of his miscues:

"THE TAXMAN" - The Beatles

Late 1980's

Santiago fails to pay taxes on an unlicenced security firm. Later he catches up on the payments as part of a "Tax Amnesty" program.

"THE BOXER" - Simon and Garfunkel

1993

Santiago found guilty of a "disorderly persons offense" for striking an Essex County jail guard.

"SCHOOL’S OUT" - Alice Cooper

March 2002

Santiago pulls a clerical maneuver in order to garner a badge number, uniform, and the title of "Colonel." A special class, "130-A" is created with one student – Santiago – allowing him to be assigned badge No. 6179, despite the fact that Santiago never graduated from the State Police training program. Attorney General Samson strips him of the badge and title.

"I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND" - The Beatles

May 2002

Santiago joins Newark Mayor Sharpe James on stage at a political rally for James’ mayoral campaign. Santiago joins hands with James in celebrating his victory over Cory Booker just hours after Santiago’s troopers were charged with monitoring the election for fairness. Santiago is scolded by Attorney General Samson.

"A MATTER OF TRUST" - Billy Joel

Summer 2002

Santiago downsizes the official corruption unit within the State Police. This is the unit charged with investigating internal wrongdoing inside the State Police and government agencies.

"PARANOID" - Ozzy Osbourne

October 2002

Gannett Newspapers report that Santiago issues a memo ordering that all State Police investigative files pertaining to him and his top staff be turned over to him. Originals and copies. This includes files on his chief of staff, a newly created post now held by the daughter of one of Santiago’s former Newark police commanders. Attorney General Samson investigates.

"ON THE ROAD AGAIN" - Willie Nelson

October 2002

At a time when Governor McGreevey has stated that New Jersey is dealing with a severe budget shortfall, the federal government warns that Santiago’s manpower decisions may jeopardize $2.2 million in federal money for New Jersey’s truck safety program. State transportation officials appear unaware that Santiago’s actions have put the federal money at risk.

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October 8, 2002

DiGAETANO STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF NATIONAL MAMMOGRAPHY DAY AND BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

In an effort to promote breast cancer health awareness, Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano and the New Jersey General Assembly dedicated October 2002 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

DiGaetano is encouraging women throughout New Jersey to participate in National Mammography Day on October 18, 2002.

"Early detection is key to beating breast cancer, and mammographies are by far the best method available to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages," said DiGaetano, R-Bergen, Essex, Passaic. "Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among American women, which is why education and early detection are so important.

DiGaetano added that in 2001, approximately 192,000 women in the United States alone were diagnosed with breast cancer. About 6,700 of these women lived in New Jersey.

"We in the Legislature are dedicated to increasing awareness of breast cancer issues, and in an effort to help get the word out, we designated October 2002 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month," DiGaetano said. "It is my hope that more women will take the advise of the United State Department of Health, and go for a regular screening to detect and prevent the spread of breast cancer."

The U.S. Department of Health recommends that all women over 40 have a mammography every one or two years.

"In 2000, I was proud to co-sponsor a law with my Republican colleagues that requires health benefits coverage for annual mammographies for women over 40. National Mammography Day will give millions of women the opportunity to combat the spread of breast cancer, and I encourage all eligible women to participate," DiGaetano said.

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October 8, 2002

AZZOLINA DEMANDS RESPECT FOR SENIOR AND MILITARY PERSONNEL VOTING RIGHTS

In response to recent events that clouded the importance of voting by absentee ballot, Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina today demanded more respect for the voting rights of seniors and active military personnel.

Azzolina said the blatant disregard for voters rights shown by the state Supreme Court in its decision regarding the United State Senate election prompted him to demand increased rights for absentee ballot voters.

"Because of both necessity and convenience, seniors and military personnel are the two biggest users of absentee ballots," said Azzolina, R-Monmouth, Middlesex. "Unfortunately, as we saw just this week, the rights of these voters often are overlooked."

Azzolina said he was angered by the way absentee ballot rules were completely disregarded in order too allow the Democrats to change Senate candidates at the last minute.

"Anyone who has already voted via absentee ballot is being short changed by the Court’s decision," Azzolina said. "Ballots are being changed throughout the state, but seniors and military personnel are at a blatant disadvantage because many already voted. These votes are now inconsequential.

"As a retired U.S. Navy Captain, I know that our military is defending our right to vote every day," Azzolina added. "The least we can do is give our military personnel and seniors, many of whom are veterans, the opportunity to vote fairly."

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October 3, 2002

GREGG SAYS NEW JERSEY SUPREME COURT CONTINUES MAKING A MOCKERY OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

Assemblyman Guy R. Gregg today said the New Jersey Supreme Court’s latest ruling in the United States Senate campaign case once again blatantly ignores the role of the Legislature in the lawmaking process and makes a mockery of the democratic system.

"At some point in time this activist Court decided to make the role of the State Legislature null and void ," said Gregg, R-Sussex, Hunterdon, Morris. "The Court’s complete disregard for the democratic process and its lack of respect for the three- branch system of government is appalling and disgraceful.

"These justices no longer interpret the laws the Legislature has passed and governors have signed. They make up the laws on the bench as they go along," Gregg added. "They continue to usurp the authority and powers of the Legislature by handing down laws from the bench. If they want legislative authority, I urge them to step down off the bench, disregard the black robe and run for public office."

Gregg said the Supreme Court’s decision to ignore a clearly written state statute in deciding to allow Senator Bob Torricelli’s name to be removed from the November ballot and replaced Frank Lautenberg’s was indefensible.

The law clearly stated that the deadline for replacing a candidate was 51 days prior to the election. The Court decided to throw out the timeline established by the Legislature in order to let Bob Torricelli, Jim McGreevey and Frank Lautenberg manipulate the democratic process in New Jersey.

"This case was not about giving voters a choice. It was about political manipulation and chicanery," Gregg said. "The Democrats knew full well about Senator Torricelli’s ethical problems yet they overwhelmingly handed him the nomination to run for a second term.

"Now that Senator Torricelli is losing this campaign, the Democrats want to change the rules and replace him with a more electable candidate so they have a better chance to hold on to the seat," Gregg said. "Voters had a choice in this election all along. It is only after polls showed them rejecting Bob Torricelli’s candidacy did the Democrats seek to replace him on the ballot. It is a shameful chapter in New Jersey government and politics."

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October 3, 2002

DeCROCE BACKS GOVERNOR’S DECISION TO ASK POET LAUREATE FOR RESIGNATION

Assembly Republican Conference Leader Alex DeCroce today joined Governor Jim McGreevey and the Anti-Defamation League in demanding that the Amirir Baraka, the state’s poet laureate, step down from his post after penning a poem that implies Israel knew in advance of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

"Mr. Baraka’s work is insulting to the State of Israel and the Jewish people," said DeCroce, R-Morris, Passaic. "It is a poem which in my opnion, and that of many others, is inflammatory and divisive. Mr. Baraka should heed Governor McGreevey’s call and step down from his post immediately."

DeCroce said Baraka’s poem makes an unsubstantiated indictment of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s knowledge of the attacks against the United States.

"This poem serves no constructive purpose other than to incite dissension among citizens of different ethnic and religious backgrounds," DeCroce stated. "Someone representing the state of New Jersey should not be attacking one of our country’s strongest allies in the Middle East region. It was an unwarranted attack that should not be tolerated."

DeCroce also questioned why Baraka was appointed to the post in the first place considering his somewhat controversial background.

"From what I have heard, Mr. Bakara has been known to be controversial," DeCroce said. "In the future, I wish the Governor would scrutinize his appointments a little more closely and save our state from embarrassing situations like this one."

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October 3, 2002

O’TOOLE SAYS HIGH COURT’S RULING ON DEMOCRAT BALLOT SWITCH IS A SUPREME DISGRACE

Assemblyman Kevin O’Toole said Thursday that the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of allowing the Democrats to replace Robert Torricelli on this November’s ballot with Frank Lautenberg, tramples on the right of the Legislature to make laws and has disgraced the court in the eyes of national observers.

"Election law has always been set by the Legislature, in advance of an election, to ensure that those who are accountable to the people – legislators – will set the ground rules for making the election a fair, democratic process," said O’Toole, R-Essex, Bergen, and Passaic. "What the court did yesterday was to set a precedent whereby all election laws passed by the Legislature are now moot.

"Any candidate, for any reason, at any time, can decide that they don’t like the rules governing their election, and can go to the court and get those rules changed. No candidate can be sure that the deadlines and rules of an election that exist at its outset will be the same as those that exist come election day.

"The law in this case was very clear, and other than the fact that Senator Torricelli suddenly realized he was going to lose, something that will strike many candidates in the final weeks of a campaign, there was no unexpected, extenuating circumstance to justify the court’s decision to bypass existing statute.

"As a legislator I am outraged that this court repeatedly believes it has the right to nullify the laws we as an elected Legislature have passed on behalf of our constituents. This court does not review the constitutionality of laws, it instead grasps for rationales to justify imposing its own beliefs on the people of this state.

"Whether it be the court ruling that public education is mandatory at three years of age, when the Constitution says five, or that the deadline for changing election ballots is 35 days, when the law says 51 days, this court has now developed a reputation for running roughshod over the Constitution, citizens and lawmakers of this state. And in doing so, they have become a national disgrace."

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September 30, 2002

ASSELTA MEASURES PROTECTING PUBLIC FROM DANGEROUS ANIMALS RELEASED INTO ENVIRONMENT PASS COMMITTEE

Two measures sponsored by Assemblyman Nicholas Asselta that would protect both New Jersey residents and wildlife were released today by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

The bills, A-2754 and A-2755, were merged under A-2674, which would revise current laws concerning possession and release of certain animals into the environment.

The first measure would ban the sale, possession and release of live snakehead fish into New Jersey waters. The second would increase penalties for possessing and releasing invasive animals into the environment.

"These bills are designed to protect the public from dangerous animals -- it’s that simple," said Asselta, R-Cape May, Atlantic, Cumberland. "Snakehead fish are a threat to New Jersey’s indigenous animals and plants, and therefore a threat to New Jersey residents. Our state must have more stringent penalties for owning, selling and releasing these dangerous fish.

"Keeping harmful animals and fish out of our natural environments is crucial to maintaining good public health and a safe agricultural landscape throughout the state," added Asselta.

Snakehead fish are a species native to China, and are extremely aggressive and an adaptable predator.

The measures were released by 5-0 vote and now head to the full Assembly for consideration.

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September 26, 2002

DiGAETANO STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF ASSEMBLYMAN TOM SMITH

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano today issued the following statement on the passing of Assemblyman Tom Smith, R-Monmouth.

"I was deeply saddened to learn that one of the finest gentleman in the New Jersey General Assembly passed away this morning. Assemblyman Tom Smith was without a doubt one of the most well-liked and respected members of the Assembly. Some would say Tom Smith was a man of a few words, but when he spoke, his colleagues on both sides of the aisle listened.

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September 23, 2002

FARRAGHER SAYS BURZICHELLI/FISHER SLAM ENERGY CONSUMERS

SAYS BILL OBLITERATES CONSUMER PROTECTIONS FROM ENERGY DEREGULATION LAW

Assemblywoman Clare Farragher expressed her outrage at a Democrat sponsored bill that would allow municipalities to force residents into purchasing electric service from an energy company of the municipality’s choosing and permit companies to disclose customer information with the customer’s consent.

Under the original energy deregulation act, municipalities were permitted to contract with a single energy provider, but residents had to choose to "opt-in" to that plan. If residents didn’t specifically choose to be part of that plan, they were free to choose whatever provider they wanted.

The legislation passed by the Assembly today, sponsored by Assemblymen John Burzichelli and Doug Fisher, would eliminate the requirement that the governing body obtain the written consent of consumers to include them in an energy aggregation plan.

This means that residents can be automatically switched to the energy company chosen by their municipality or county, and only if the customer specifically takes the initiative to "opt-out" of such a plan would they be able to choose their own provider.

"This legislation endorses the practice known as ‘slamming,’ in which a customer is switched from one company to another without their knowledge," said Farragher, R-Monmouth and Mercer. "It is not right when private industry engages in this practice and it also is not right when government does so."

The bill also provides that an energy customer's name, address and the current energy company from which the customer purchases electricity, gas or both may be disclosed, without the customer's consent. The information can be sent to electric power or gas suppliers, energy agents, or municipal governments acting as energy purchasing aggregators. This disclosure of personal information is prohibited under current law.

"This legislation eliminates two of the most important consumer protections that were placed in the original energy deregulation bill," said Farragher. "This bill obliterates the privacy rights of energy consumers, and defeats the goal of energy choice by placing the burden on consumers to pro-actively express their desire to choose their own energy company, rather than assuming they have that right."

"It is unacce