October 29, 2003

O’TOOLE URGES McGREEVEY TO STEP UP REFORMS AND APPOINT BIPARTISAN COMMISSION TO OVERSEE DYFS

Assemblyman Kevin O’Toole has written a letter to Governor McGreevey expressing his frustration with the repeated failures of the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) to adequately protect New Jersey children and asking that McGreevey join him in stepping up efforts to address these ongoing problems.

"I applaud the efforts made by you and your administration to rectify the DYFS situation," O’Toole, R-Essex, Passaic and Bergen, wrote to the Governor. "But more must be done."

O’Toole suggests that a thorough review of DYFS and its handling of sensitive matters be completed as soon as possible and that a high-profile, bipartisan commission be appointed to "serve in an exploratory and advisory capacity in the quest to maximize the protection of our children."

The letter to McGreevey follows the latest reported failure of DYFS in which the division failed to properly handle the case of four children allegedly being starved by their adoptive parents in Collingswood. This comes on the heels of the Faheem Williams tragedy earlier this year.

"I do not mean to suggest that the problems and failures in connection with the services and functioning of DYFS can be solely attributed to your administration," O’Toole writes. "Indeed these failures are the result of many decades of neglect for which we all share some measure of responsibility."

O’Toole will introduce legislation in November that will allow DYFS workers to be charged under the child abuse and neglect statutes and will increase the penalty for falsifying documents or tampering with public records.

"Not only must we hold the parents who commit the abuse accountable, but we must start holding accountable those DYFS employees who allow the abuse to continue," O’Toole said. "Only when there is real accountability for these DYFS workers can we begin to cut down on the type of negligence we have seen in recent cases."

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October 14, 2003

ROONEY TO STATE: KUSHNER PROBES SHOULD DISQUALIFY HIM FROM ARENA DEAL

The ongoing federal and state probes of Charles Kushner should give the state pause in signing a Nets deal with him, Assemblyman John Rooney said today.

"The latest subpoena issued to the Port Authority in connection with Kushner is reason enough for the state to suspend all discussions with him," said Rooney, R-Bergen.

The Star-Ledger reported on Saturday that federal prosecutors issued a subpoena to the Port Authority of NY/NJ as part of their continuing investigation into Kushner’s business dealings and campaign contributions to the Democrat party, particularly to Governor McGreevey. The subpoena seeks all correspondence by Kushner from the time he was a Port Authority board member. Kushner also remains under state investigation for possible illegal campaign contributions.

"Any tentative agreement that Kushner may have with the Sports and Exposition Authority on renovating the Continental Arena for the Nets should be kiboshed until both the state and federal investigations are resolved," Rooney continued. "It is a poor reflection on the state to do business with those involved in even what appears to be scandal, and Charlie Kushner most certainly has had his share of dubious dealings.

"If we put off a deal on the Harrison Stadium because it’s owner was being sued by the state, I see no reason why Kushner should not be held to the same standards," Rooney continued.

Rooney was referring to a state plan that would have subsidized a new stadium for the NJ MetroStars, owned by businessman Phil Anschutz.  Anschutz’s business, Qwest Communications, along with several other corporations, is being sued by New Jersey for causing $150 million in pension fund losses.

"The state should not be negotiating any deal with anyone who is under investigation, even if the individual in question is Governor McGreevey’s biggest benefactor. If the state wants to give away the Continental Airlines Arena, then let’s have an auction instead of another sweetheart deal for a McGreevey friend."

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October 2, 2003

Assemblyman Eric Munoz, M.D., today said that the continued effort by the Assembly Democrats to stall the process of reforming New Jersey’s medical malpractice insurance system runs the risk of driving talented medical specialists out of the state.

"The repeated failure of the Democrat leadership in the Assembly to consider serious malpractice tort reform threatens the health delivery system for our residents, and will cause severe medical shortages," Munoz, R-Union, Essex, Somerset and Morris, said. "For almost a year now the Democrat leadership has allowed this crisis to continue, threatening our residents with diminished access to quality health care as doctors continue to leave our state."

Munoz pointed out that the Assembly has had ample opportunity to act on a solution to the problem, but that the Democrat leadership has failed to do so because of its ties to the trial lawyer community.

Here is a brief summary of Democrat action – or inaction – on medical malpractice:

"For three months now, doctors – including specialists like obstetricians and neurosurgeons – have been buried under mounting malpractice insurance premiums while the Legislature vacationed," Munoz said. "The panel that met today, while it may yield some useful information regarding the insurance industry, is simply another way for the Democrats to put off acting on a real solution to this problem."

"The Democrats should understand that the lack of serious malpractice tort reform threatens the health delivery system for minorities," Munoz said. "If this crisis continues, the people who will be hurt first will be those living in the urban areas of our state as their access to health care diminishes – areas largely represented by Democrat legislators."

Munoz said that he does not understand why three months after the Senate reached a bipartisan compromise on legislation to resolve the crisis, the Assembly is just now holding still more hearings to "gather information," on the matter.

"If this hearing was truly necessary to come up with a solution, it should have been held months ago," Munoz said.

"I am well aware that election day is approaching," Munoz said. "I’m sure that the Democrats are aware of that as well and hope that these hearings will make it appear as though they are doing something to address the issue. At best their approach is too little too late, at worst another empty stalling tactic."

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October 1, 2003

DeCROCE CONCERNED TURNPIKE MERGER PROPOSAL IS BEING USED AS YET ANOTHER AVENUE FOR ADMINISTRATION PATRONAGE

Assembly Republican Conference Leader Alex DeCroce, the former chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee, said today that just as he feared when the proposal was first announced, it appears the McGreevey administration is using the Turnpike-Parkway merger as yet another way to reward political allies and friends.

"Merging the administration of these two roads should have been an excellent opportunity for the state to save money and streamline management," said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic. "Instead of saving money, it appears the administrations goal here was to find a new avenue for political patronage."

A story in today’s edition of The Record of Hackensack indicates that the New Jersey Turnpike Authority handed out, "raises to nearly a dozen top-level employees Tuesday and hired some new ones – including the former finance chairwoman of New Jersey’s Democratic State Committee . . ."

The pay increases reportedly averaged about 5 percent, and included raises for some officials already making in excess of $100,000 per year. The agency then hired Stephanie A. Babek – the former Democrat Party finance chair – and Jillian L. Scott a former director of personnel in the McGreevey administration.

DeCroce also noted that $14 million in savings have already been wasted to provide contracts to politically connected law firms that will serve as bond counsel for the merger.

"These are exactly the types of decisions that have made it impossible for the McGreevey administration to get a handle on the state’s budget shortfalls," DeCroce said. "When the opportunity for the state to save money comes along, the administration uses those savings to line the pockets of its political allies rather than to benefit the taxpayers."

DeCroce said that he doubts the Turnpike merger will result in any significant savings for the state if this is the management approach the Turnpike Authority and the McGreevey administration intend to take.

"This story will only make a cynical public more skeptical about the Governor’s budget claims and about the integrity of their state government," DeCroce said. "And with good reason."

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October 1, 2003

HECK INVITED TO SERVE ON ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN

Assemblywoman Rose M. Heck has been requested to join an advisory committee for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

At the request of Ernie Allen, President and CEO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Assemblywoman Heck has agreed to serve on NCMEC’s Advisory Committee of State Legislators. This committee, which will be formed in the coming months, will advise the National Center on child protection issues within the states. The bipartisan committee will be comprised of twelve state legislators from around the nation, and will begin in December.

"Assemblywoman Heck and the other Advisory Committee members will be providing an invaluable service to the National Center by helping us better understand the concerns unique to states as they combat child victimization," said Allen.

"I am humbled by this invitation," said Heck, R-Bergen, the former mayor of Hasbrouck Heights. "The National Center is an outstanding organization that has helped countless families and children, and to be asked to serve is truly an honor."

The invitation by NCMEC was brought about by Assemblywoman Heck’s history of legislative accomplishments for children, particularly a bill which was introduced by Heck that would authorize a digitized student identification program.

The bill, A-2703, would establish a voluntary digitized identification program for New Jersey’s school children through the cooperation of county sheriffs, local law enforcement agencies and boards of education. The records would include, along with emergency contact information, a digitized color photo of the student as well as the student’s address, birth date and physical description. The bill has been introduced and referred to the Assembly Education Committee.

"Digitized ID records would be an invaluable tool for law enforcement when the need arises to find a missing child," Heck asserted. "With today’s technology and this bill, student information could be easily obtained and the proper avenues quickly taken to locate any lost child."

NCMEC is a nonprofit organization that works in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Since its establishment in 1984, NCMEC has assisted law enforcement with more than 89,000 missing child cases, resulting in the recovery of more than 73,000 children.

"It is my hope that with this position, I can do even greater good for the children of New Jersey," Heck said. "Working with NCMEC will offer yet another resource on the issues surrounding the protection of our children here in New Jersey, and I look forward to this wonderful opportunity."

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September 30, 2003

HECK RETURNS TO THE CLASSROOM TO TEACH ABOUT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PUBLIC SERVICE

In an effort to combat cynicism about government and encourage participation by ordinary citizens in the democratic process, Assemblywoman Rose Heck spoke to 70 students at School #3 in Fort Lee yesterday. As part of the nationally sponsored "Legislators Go Back To School" program, Assemblywoman Heck spoke about her role as a legislator in the New Jersey General Assembly and the fundamentals of a representative government.

"Going to schools and speaking with young people about my job as legislator is a wonderful way to encourage civic responsibility and the ideals of democracy," said Heck, R-Bergen. "I believe that I can help foster a trust in the legislative process and promote the values of a representative government by sharing my experiences as an involved community leader and legislator."

The "Legislators Go Back To School" program is sponsored by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and aims to personalize the political process through interaction with local legislators. In an effort to promote the program in Bergen County, Heck will speak with several hundred children at five different schools over the next three weeks.

"My work with young people inspires me," Heck said. "I am continually amazed by their ability to reason and see how their lives are impacted by the decisions made in Trenton. The children I spoke with at School #3 in Fort Lee made suggestions about everything from classroom size to installing air conditioning units in their classrooms. I commend their teachers on the knowledge their students displayed. As a result they are considering starting a school newspaper."

Heck went on to say, "I learn as much from the students as I hope to teach them. Having a positive encounter with a legislator is something I hope the children carry with them as they develop their ideas about the value of public service and their individual role in the political process."

"The ‘Legislators Go Back To School’ program is a tremendous opportunity for me to learn about the issues concerning students throughout District 38," continued Heck. "I have always made fighting to protect the rights of children a priority. Ensuring their voices are heard is of utmost importance to me, going back to school is just another way of doing that."

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September 30, 2003

O’TOOLE TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION FOR SWEEPING GOVERNMENT REFORMS

Assemblyman Kevin O’Toole will introduce a sweeping government reform bill that will eliminate Pay to Play campaign financing, tighten financial disclosure requirements, clarify legislative conflict of interest rules, and expand lobbyist disclosure.

The legislative package, which O’Toole requested in August to have drafted by the Office of Legislative Services (OLS), is modeled after what Governor McGreevey has said he would require before supporting a "Pay to Play" campaign finance reform bill that has been bottled up in the General Assembly for more than 18 months by the Democrat leadership.

O’Toole will formally introduce the reform package when the Legislature returns to session in November.

"With public confidence in their elected officials seeming to be at an all-time low, now is the time when we must act to ensure that state officials are held to the highest ethical standard," said O’Toole, R-Essex, Passaic and Bergen. "This legislative package will truly reform the way Trenton does business, and hopefully will restore public confidence in their state government."

O’Toole is the Assembly sponsor of Pay to Play campaign finance reform, and has been fighting to get that legislation approved by the Assembly. The Assembly Democrat leadership has joined Governor McGreevey in opposing that measure.

The O’Toole reform package will include the following elements:

"This reform package will include virtually all of the elements that Governor McGreevey has said he would support," O’Toole said. "Once this bill is introduced the Democrats will have no excuse for not moving forward with this legislation and Pay to Play campaign finance reform."

"I look forward to the Democrats joining me in pushing for these reforms," O’Toole said.

The General Assembly is scheduled to return to business in mid-November at which time O’Toole intends to introduce this reform package.

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ROONEY CALLS ON McGREEVEY’S ADMINISTRATION TO USE BETTER JUDGEMENT

Assemblyman John Rooney called on Governor James McGreevey’s administration to cease attending political events in which there is an obvious conflict of interest.

"This administration has consistently lacked good judgement about their appearances at political events," said Rooney, R-Bergen. "It is not acceptable for Cabinet members or high-raking state officials to attend events where it seems as though they are using their influence to garner support for a partisan agenda or campaign."

Citing the September 26 story reported in the Star Ledger, Rooney expressed disappointment in Vivian Altman, the chair of New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, and other panel member’s decision to host a fund-raiser for the Democratic State Committee. Despite the administration’s claim that people were not invited as vendors soliciting business from the EFA, the article states "that at least one invitation went to the head of a firm that was awarded a two-year consulting contract by the EFA in May."

"Due to the impropriety of government officials such Environmental Protection Commissioner Bradley Campbell, former Superintendent of the state police Joe Santiago, and former Transportation Commissioner Jamie Fox, Governor McGreevey has already warned Cabinet members not to participate in political rallies," stated Rooney. "The Governor should extend his policy to state officials that have the authority to give out state contracts."

"Not only does an event such as this speak to the necessity to clearly separate the activities of the executive branch from a politically motivated agenda but it also clearly defines the need to enact Pay-to-Play legislation."

"The Governor’s administration should focus on their obligation to serve the people of New Jersey rather than their own self-interests," Rooney said. "They should worry more about the effectiveness of their agencies than the ability of the Democratic candidates to raise money."

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September 05, 2003

Taking part in a program sponsored by Verizon Wireless, Assemblywoman Rose M. Heck will be collecting used cell phones at her district office through the month of September.

"The HopeLine program is one that provides an outstanding resource to victims of domestic violence," said Heck, R-Bergen. "By collecting recycled cell phones, the program can give victims the opportunity of receiving timely assistance from experienced counselors or law enforcement."

Verizon Wireless is the sponsor of the HopeLine program, which collects no longer used phones to be refurbished, recycled or sold. Proceeds are donated to domestic violence advocacy groups or used to purchase new phones for victims. In conjunction with Assemblywoman Heck’s efforts, Verizon will donate 25 pre-programmed phones to Alternatives to Domestic Violence, a Bergen County non-profit agency serving domestic violence victims.

"Alternatives to Domestic Violence is a wonderful agency, and I am proud to assist them as they reach out to domestic violence victims in our community," continued Heck. "Domestic violence requires immediate help, and the distribution of cell phones will give victims the tool to directly dial 911 or the hotline for Alternatives to Domestic Violence.

"I urge anyone with a cell phone they no longer utilize to bring it to my office and contribute to a worthy cause. Domestic violence can strike at any time, and for victims of this misfortune, the availability of help just a phone call away can make all the difference in the world."

Phones can be dropped off at the Assemblywoman’s office, 2 Mercer Street, Suite 5A in Lodi, or at a local Verizon Wireless Store.

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September 03, 2003

GREGG SAYS MVC SHOULD STREAMLINE ID SYSTEM

Assemblyman Guy Gregg said today that he is disappointed in the state Motor Vehicle Commission’s inability to efficiently implement the new six-point ID verification system.

"It appears the public was not properly informed of the new regulations and were ill-prepared when asked to provide multiple forms of identification," said Gregg, R-Sussex, Hunterdon, and Morris. "We all recognize the need to employ a new identification system that better safeguards against counterfeiting and fraud, but more should have been done to alert drivers of the changes."

In 1999 Assemblyman Gregg sponsored the law that authorized the use of digitized licenses. The measure, A-2623, called for New Jersey licenses to have digitized pictures and signatures as means to combat counterfeiting and fraud.

The new identification standards require that a person renewing or newly applying for a driver’s license present proof of identity, age, and address. The various types of identification are assigned a point value which must total six points before a license is issued.

The six-point system was used for the first time yesterday. The changeover resulted in statewide delays and confused motorists unaware of the new documentation needed to obtain a license.

"The MVC has known about the new standards for months which afforded them plenty of time to devise a better way of informing motorists and implementing the program ," Gregg said. "They need to streamline the process to prevent any further frustration."

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