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NJ 8th Highest Electric Rates/BPU/Triple the Cost
#61
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Jersey Journal
Editorial
March 10, 2009


BPU chief's hold on job: Pathetic
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
N ew Jersey lawmakers continue to send the same message to their constituents: We care about politics as usual, and not you.

Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a second six-year term for Jeanne Fox as president of the state Board of Public Utilities. She won support from a majority of Democrats in a partisan vote.

There have been complaints of cronyism and poor financial management of the agency during Fox's first term. The center of controversy was a bank account used for part of the $480 million Clean Energy Program that was authorized in 1999 to encourage renewable energy development.

Instead of placing the account with the state Treasury, the BPU placed ratepayer money for the program into the Wachovia bank. Fox's explanation was that she feared the governor or state Treasury would take the funds out of the Treasury account for other uses. She said the Attorney General's Office helped negotiate the Wachovia deal, but state auditors reported that the account was in violation of state procedures.

The Star-Ledger reported that Fox's nomination is wrapped in layers of politics. Her husband, Steve DeMicco, is a top Democratic strategist who managed Corzine's 2005 gubernatorial campaign. His firm is now managing the re-election of Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy.

Her backers point out that Fox has pushed renewable energy development and financial support for low-income residents struggling to pay utility bills. They say many complaints against her are misleading.

In this newspaper's opinion, what is not misleading is that under Fox's leadership the BPU has been a rubber-stamp machine when it comes to utility rate increases.

New Jersey has the eighth-highest electric rates in the country. The average residential price was 15.55 cents per kilowatt hour last November, triple the cost when Fox took office. Retaining her in the influential post on the BPU could mean darker homes in the future.

The Jersey Journal
Editorial
Tuesday,March 10, 2009
www.nj.com/hudsoncountynow

Posted on: 2009/3/11 13:12
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Re: Okay, so who here thinks the Katyn monument needs to go?
#62
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The monument has value but I would prefer to have a memorial commemorating a United States historical event in such a prominent location.Maybe a 9/11 memorial or a memorial to war veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice.It's just such a prime location with so many people passing by that it should make us reflect on United States heroes.

Posted on: 2009/3/10 3:59
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Re: Political Insider: Healy fundraiser was filled with drama, but was there enough cash?
#63
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Does Councilman Fulop have any comment on the recent arrest of the director of Jersey City pensions,a Healy administration member?

I read a local newspaper account about how this Healy administration official was arrested for drunk driving involving an accident soon after a Healy fund raiser was ending.

The article mentioned "a familiar local government theme".This appeared in the Jersey Journal on
March 7,2009 by Agustin C. Torres.If I am not mistaken the theme the article speaks of IMO is the use of alcohol by some local Jersey City officials and problems that arise afterwards.

Thank goodness no one was hurt when the director of Jersey City pensions was involved in this accident.

As appearing in the article the accident was on Sixth street,it involved a Jersey City director and a arrest for drunk driving soon after a Healy fundraiser.To me this would seem to be a public issue.

This is Ward E right?

Councilman Fulop, I know in the past you have been inclined to comment publicly on different events including those involving Healy administration members.

How do you feel about this incident and in your opinion what do you think is meant by " a familiar local government theme"?

Are things like this if proven to be true a tarnish on Jersey City's image or is the tarnish only limited to the person involved?

I have respected your opinion in the past, thank you for any input you may have.

Does anyone else who is also a candidate for councilperson in Ward E have any comment?

Posted on: 2009/3/10 3:35
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Re: Fulop to face new challenge in Ward E
#64
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Does Councilman Fulop have any comment on the recent arrest of the director of Jersey City pensions,a Healy administration member?

I read a local newspaper account about how this Healy administration official was arrested for drunk driving involving an accident soon after a Healy fund raiser was ending.

The article mentioned "a familiar local government theme".This appeared in the Jersey Journal on
March 7,2009 by Agustin C. Torres.If I am not mistaken the theme the article speaks of IMO is the use of alcohol by some local Jersey City officials and problems that arise afterwards.

Thank goodness no one was hurt when the director of Jersey City pensions was involved in this accident.

As appearing in the article the accident was on Sixth street,it involved a Jersey City director and a arrest for drunk driving soon after a Healy fundraiser.To me this would seem to be a public issue.

This is Ward E right?

Councilman Fulop, I know in the past you have been inclined to comment publicly on different events including those involving Healy administration members.

How do you feel about this incident and in your opinion what do you think is meant by " a familiar local government theme"?

Are things like this if proven to be true a tarnish on Jersey City's image or is the tarnish only limited to the person involved?

I have respected your opinion in the past, thank you for any input you may have.

Does anyone else who is also a candidate for councilperson in Ward E have any comment?

Posted on: 2009/3/8 17:19
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Re: Political Insider: Healy fundraiser was filled with drama, but was there enough cash?
#65
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What the heck is going on with local Jersey City government
and all these alcohol involved stories.Just like in private industry, it's the same in government, leadership starts at the top.If local officials see their leaders abuse alcohol then
they will be more apt to think it is acceptable.The problem then perpetuates itself.

Mayor Healy has been known to use alcohol and even to have been involved in an incident in southern New Jersey a couple of years ago where he was arrested and convicted during a altercation with the local police.During his trial I believe he talked about using alcohol before the incident.I don't know how much was used but even if 1 ounce impaired his judgement then that is too much.

The point is that even though public officials are people too and can succumb to the same problems as anyone else they need to be held to a higher standard because they represent all of us.Their actions have a ripple effect on the
people they govern and represent.Their constituents can lose faith in them and so feel they are not represented by a competent government.

Imagine a teacher conducting a social studies class and following current events in the local newspaper.Imagine these students so frequently coming across irresponsible actions by government officials.I can only hope that the teacher would point out that these actions are an anomaly and not to be expected.

It looks like we need a change.

Yes,change we can believe in.

Posted on: 2009/3/8 15:25
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Re: Dog Poop on Magnolia Ave.
#66
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If all else fails buy the $8 croissant and use the bag it comes in if this ever happens to you again and the woman with the stroller is'nt in sight.

Posted on: 2009/3/8 14:14
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Re: Manzo on Crime
#67
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Yvonne,

Yes you are right it will be interesting to read followup articles.

It is also interesting IMO that the Jersey Journal reporter who wrote this article on the rally entitled "Candidates:Politics of crime stats stirs public" dated March 4,2009 is also the same author of the Jersey Journal article dated February 2,2009 "Property tax bills not as bad as you think".

A few days later on February 6,2009 there appeared in the Jersey Journal a editorial titled "Don't expect load will lighten later".The editorial quoted the article of February 2,2009 and asked Really?.The editorial finished with "Yes,the tax bills are as bad as you think.To me this refutes the previous headline.

Yes I agree it will be interesting to read the continuing coverage of what transpired at the rally as well as events to come.

Posted on: 2009/3/6 5:43
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Re: Bergen Lafayette: Couple shot at in car
#68
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Quote:

Yahoo wrote:
Quote:

NewHeights wrote:
doesn't this happen to everyone?






Another bad guy that didn't hear about Mayor Healys successfull gun buy back program.







Uh oh!Better schedule another dozen commercials.

Posted on: 2009/3/4 4:18
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Re: Healy Says Change We Can See-Crime is Down- Pack of teen boys surround man in Jersey City, beat
#69
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Quote:

OottaBahr wrote:
he talks about new construction projects -- but no mention of the one's that have stalled on grand street half done with no chance of being fully realized anytime soon.

he talks of being a greener city when there is trash all over the streets, parks and highways

he talks about crime being down and yet people are getting mugged weekly (and that's just what is reported here - god knows what goes un reported)

Healy is a joker who knows that he cant hold down ANY OTHER job of this type.

he will be a bartender in bradley beach before 2011, mark my words. nothing wrong with that, because it's where he should have been all along. he just should have never tried to be a politician.






I agree with you on all of your points except one.Will Healy really be able to be a bartender in Bradley Beach before 2011? Healy does have those convictions from that same town that had been all over the newspaper.I am not sure if that would stop him from getting a bartending job there.Oh well ,much better suited to be mayor here.

Posted on: 2009/3/1 15:46
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Rebates for most New Jersey residents in danger
#70
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An associated press article in local newspaper today warns that property tax rebate checks for most New Jerseyans are in danger.

Posted on: 2009/2/27 18:04
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Re: Alternatives to PSEG
#71
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Make sure you keep as many of your blinds or shades open as you can during the day to allow sunlight in.This actually helps.You can buy weather stripping to put under or along drafty windows.Also PSE&G has a program that will send you a representative to check your home and see where you are losing heat.From what I know they do charge for that exam but deduct it from price of any repairs needed if you choose to make them.Hope this helps.

Posted on: 2009/2/27 5:13
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Re: Manzo Accused,then Fulop said, then
#72
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Quote:

Ross_Ewage wrote:
Quote:

Yahoo wrote:
I would like to begin this post by saying that I fully believed in Councilman Fulop since he first ran for councilman. While some might believe that I am politically naive, I trusted in councilman Fulops' pledge of "good government" that he touted before and during his term of office and trusted his representation that he would run for mayor and implement his good government pledge.
Over the years Mr Fulop has continually criticized and taken what I thought were principled stands against Mayor Healy's haphazard and incompetent administration of this city. However, recently Mr Fulop has broken his promises to run for mayor he has taken some curious and inexplicable actions with regard to his interaction with both Mr Healy and Mr. Manzo. Since Fulops announcement that he would not be running for mayor, Fulop has sudenly stopped dead in his tracks in his criticism of Mayor Healy and his administration despite its continuing ineptitude. He has actually appeared at a Healy event and has denied that this should be construed as an endorsement of Mayor Healy. Healy has even selected Guy Catrillo (a great individual but a weak candidate) to run against Fulop in ward E. All of these actions to me signal that Mayor Healy and Councilman Fulop if not actually conspiring to cede the Ward E council seat to Fulop, have at least reached a sort of political detente which will result in Fulop's acquisition of that seat. Fulop has even redirected his political venom from Mayor Healy and has now directed it at Mr. Manzo. I am especially surprised by the type and intensity of Mr Fulop's juvenile venomous rhetoric toward Mr. Manzo who he has labeled as "mentally unstable", "a paranoid conspiracy theorist", "Looney Louie", and as wearing a "tin hat". This coming from an individual running for public office in this city is unacceptable, and especially shocking coming from Fulop who was once victimized by the same type of venemous rhetoric by then JCPD Police Chief Robert Troy who labeled Fulop as "Chicken Little" the sky is falling Fulop. Chief Troy has since been relegated to the dustbin of history but now Fulop has adopted his vicious temperment. One would think that after being similarly abused Fulop would exercise better judgement.
Taking into consideration all of the above it seems to methat the facts seem to corroborate Manzos version of events than Fulops whose version seems to conflict with his current political interests. Since Fulop eventually wants to be mayor it is logical to conclude that he would rather run against a candidate with Mayor Healys record and notoriety than against a candidate with Assemblyman Manzos credentials. By adopting this strategy Fulop, for personal gain has decided that the people of Jersey City can put up with four more years of Healys incompetence rather than achieving his proffessed goal of good government through collaboration with individuals of simiar mindset. In Short Fulop has put his personal interest before those of the citizens of Jersey City. There is no room in good government for those who check the political weather vane for which way the wind is blowing and that is why I can no longer believe in or support Mr Fulops candidacy. My father once told me that when someones actions are contrary to his words that I should look to his actions for final definition of his intentions. Your actions and words follow divergent paths and your actions indicate that you are a political opportunist. Mr Fulop you have let your constituents down in your quest for personal advancement and that sir is simply unforgivable.


You gotta be in it to win it. Being the brave reformer who never compromises and loses the election is a load of crap that accomplishes nothing. Fulop is doing what he has to to maintain his political career.

As for his remarks about Manzo, those were stupid and immature (although very likely accurate) and he should have known better. Ah, youth.

I don't remember him "promising" to run for Mayor, but when you compare his $250,000 and a ragtag band of clipboard wielding activists against Healy's $1M and professional operatives, it was a no-brainer not to try for Mayor. He would have lost and been out of the game for at least 4 years. Ask Bret Schundler how easy it is to get back in. Bret who? Exactly.







I am not saying money is not important to a campaign but it is not the be all and end all for a successful campaign.
I hear major anti-Healy administration drums beating on the Downtown streets that could very well pose a serious problem for him.People judge on the job performed and not on the amount of money in your campaign chest.One old story seems kind of similar to the current situation.This is probably a easy one for those who are posting here but does anyone remember a mayoral race from a long time ago when one particular candidate had all the politicians supporting him and a great monetary advantage but he still lost the race. Dejavu.

Can you see the sign post ahead,you are entering the twilight zone.

Posted on: 2009/2/27 4:30
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Re: Pack of teen boys surround man in Jersey City, beat him with brick and shoot him in neck
#73
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Quote:

wibbit wrote:
fellas give them a break, they are only teenagers!!





VERY funny wibbit.Good one.

Posted on: 2009/2/26 5:40
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Re: Gaughan's Legacy!
#74
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Quote:

donaldj wrote:
Quote:

JRL wrote:
Must be nice to have your father provide you a job since her florist business did not work out. We should all be so lucky to have the city payroll to fall back on.


Regardless of what you say about Bill, he is operating within the parameters of the law. He has a right to pick anyone he chooses to to be his council aide. As to patronage, this is long time honored tradition in this country, and was not invented by Mayor Healy or his administration. Even President Obama has patronage jobs to pass out, wow imagine that. Furthermore I don't think personal attacks on ones family is a proper way to use this board. Just my thoughts




"Bill"'s daughter becoming head of the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority,a major City agency responsible for millions of dollars and our city's health without a detailed and involved competitive process to choose the most qualified candidate is reprehensible.Furthermore your dismissive attitude toward patronage as if it is somehow acceptable is very disturbing.It may be a tradition but it is far from honorable.There is operating within the parameters of the law and then there is also operating within the parameters of ethics----you remember that word----or maybe not judging from your post.If you are representative of the attitude of the Healy administration, and I think you are, then we as a community need to exercise our right to make a change in that government.
Just my thoughts.

Posted on: 2009/2/26 5:24
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Rumors fly, none of them flattering
#75
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Rumors fly, none of them flattering
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
A n early Feb. 15 morning incident at a Jersey City bar, a hangout for city administration officials and workers, has been the subject of many rumors, enough to make The Jersey Journal question police about it.

It was then that Police Chief Thomas Comey ordered the city's Major Case Unit to investigate the occurrence at the Astor Bar and Grill.

What is known is that John Reilly, a friend of Mayor Jerramiah Healy, is identified as the person who at 1:04 a.m. was transported to the Jersey City Medical Center. Reilly, a liaison between the administration and the city's autonomous agencies, is listed in "serious condition."

Late Friday, Comey explained what his investigators discovered.

"We have identified the patrons in the location and interviewed the majority of them regarding their observations prior to Mr. Reilly's taking ill," said Comey.

The police said Reilly got into a heated verbal altercation - no physical exchange - with another patron several minutes before he collapsed. Comey said medical personnel found no physical trauma in treating Reilly. It is not known if he meant EMTs or physicians at the Jersey City Medical Center.

The chief said he talked to Hudson County Prosecutor Ed DeFazio about the altercation and they were unable to confirm that any criminal activity took place.

Comey would not reveal the name of the other bar patron because no crime was involved. Perhaps, but then there are several questions left to ask. One is whether the other person is also a city employee or a member of the administration?

Some in law enforcement officials have dismissed the rumors as "political." This newspaper has already accused the administration of making alcohol part of City Hall culture. The public has a right to know what is the depth of the problem.

The last question: What was the subject of the argument? Anything that eventually jeopardizes a man's life is open to scrutiny and it should be much more transparent to the public if it involves those on the city payroll.

The one thing all can agree upon is hopes for the speedy recovery of Mr. Reilly.

Jersey Journal Editorial
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
www.nj.com/hudsoncountynow

Posted on: 2009/2/25 18:05
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Re: Fire department promotion sparks political charge
#76
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Quote:

mrrogers wrote:
Just remember,the first seventeen people who were promoted all went to a 500.00 a head party hosted by Armondo Roman just before they were promoted.
The money was supposed to be for healys reelection but after Earl Morgan at the JJ did a story on it all the money was returned.



This is exactly the type of behavior that causes the public to lose confidence in it's government.I do not believe in coincidences.I can't find the article you are talking about but I do remember seeing a article on the subject some time ago.

Your post before this one about desertion is a shocker,never heard that one.I don't know how factual it is but it is certainly a long time ago.

What I am concerned about is how this all relates to property taxes and hitting us in the wallet.We need to get
spending under control.

Posted on: 2009/2/21 14:54
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Re: Gaughan's Legacy!
#77
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quote]
regulator wrote:
most of the positions on the boards are appointed by the mayor. any councilperson can also nominate you, and the mayor will ultimately decide on who sits or not. based on what ive heard, almost anyone who is nominated by a councilperson gets appointed.

you say she is not qualified - what qualifications exactly is she lacking? is she not college educated? (although one could argue that even that may not necessarily be a requirement). does she lack an MBA? or is it just automatically suspicious since she's the daughter of a councilperson?[/quote]


I can only comment on your first paragraph as I am not aware of the answers to your second paragraph.

Thank you for the information.There has to be a better way to do this if your information is accurate.If accurate then that would mean that Mayor healy appointed the daughter
of a councilman.It may also mean that either Mayor Healy straight out appointed her without a nomination or that she was nominated by a councilperson and then appointed by the mayor.If she was nominated by a councilperson then the question comes to mind ,which council person nominated her and why?What was the decision process
if there was a nomination by a council person or even if just an appointment by the mayor?Who were the other candidates for this position who were considered and what were their qualifications as compared to the councilman's daughter?Did the councilman's daughter's qualification's exceed those of the other candidates if any?Is the chairperson the top spot on the Board of Commissioners and if so did she assume this position immediately upon joining the Board or did she work her way up to the top?

No,it is not automatically suspicious because she is the daughter of a councilperson.It only becomes suspicious depending on the answers to these questions.

How about some type of testing or application process for such a critical job.There has got to be a better way to fill such a important position.

Please anyone feel free to respond as I hope for a honest and open dialogue on this subject. Suggestions on how to improve the selection process are welcome.

If we are to face a quarter property tax increase of 28 Percent I would like some answers!

Posted on: 2009/2/21 4:26
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Re: Fire department promotion sparks political charge
#78
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Do not take this any way as a criticism of the fire department members who I have personally witnessed in the neighborhood risking their lives to serve the downtown area.I have the utmost respect for them and what they do.

With this said I feel it necessary to comment on the recent promotion of one fireman to fire captain and the analysis of the reasoning for this promotion by downtown Councilman Steve Fulop.

First a few facts.A visit to the Jeresy City fire department website shows( if this is still current) that the fire department has 550 uniform members and 50 civilian employees.

If there are 156 fire captains,without even considering those ranks above captain you have a ratio of 3.5 to 1.If 6 fire captains retired tomorrow the ratio would be 3.67 to 1 considering the uniform members.Again this is without even factoring in the ranks above fire captain.How many in private industry have this luxury.So how "necessary" was this one promotion.

Downtown Councilman Fulop is quoted in the Jersey Journal article of February 16,2009 by Earl Morgan as "He (McGee) is close to the mayor and that is the reason he (Roman) is promoting one additional captain after doing 17 last year."
Fulop noted that a number of the 17 captains promoted last year bought ticket to the "Fire Fighters for (Mayor) Healy fundraiser hosted by Roman.

I found that the increase from fire fighter to fire captain is about $ 25,000 dollars.This is no small sum.

Again for anyone reading this I do not begrudge the captain this promotion and I am glad for him and his family.

What I do have a problem with is not him but the circumstances as brought to light by councilman Fulop.It seems odd that 1 firefighter is promoted by himself without additional promotions and would seem to back Fulop's assertion.

I and downtown residents I socialize with would like further information as to what relationship the promoted fire captain has with the mayor and if the promotion is proper because of this association(Councilman Fulop asserts according to Jersey Journal that promotion is because the fire captain is close to the mayor) if this is the case.

If personal associations can be the basis for advancement in Jersey City government,and not need,especially in these hard economic times then no wonder we are in such dire straits.

To tell you the truth this story would not capture my attention so much if it was not for the recent 28 percent quarter property tax increase.

Roman the Fire director also speaks about the promoted fire captain as being first on the civil service list which could cause one to believe he had the top score in all the fire department.However I would like to know if he is really number 18 after the first 17 fire captains were promoted from the list and is now being billed as being "first on the civil service list" or was he really number one on the fireman's list.Lets have clarity.Why not wait for the new fire captain list which is supposed to become effective soon and hire the first top scoring fire fighter from there?

I am very angry with the property tax increase and if there are games being played which result in property tax increases or eventual rent increases I want everyone to know about them and I want them to stop!

I use the above example as illustrative of what I hope is not going on in our city government.

Posted on: 2009/2/19 6:43
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Fire department promotion sparks political charge
#79
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The Jersey Journal


Fire department promotion sparks political charge
Monday, February 16, 2009

T he promotion of a Jersey City firefighter to the rank of captain has prompted at least one member of the City Council to accuse Fire Director Armando Roman of playing politics with promotions.

Roman denied the accusation and insisted the promotion of the firefighter in question, Terrance McGee, was necessary because the pending retirements of five or six captains will result in a shortage in that rank.

"I have the greatest respect for Councilman Fulop," Roman said, referring to Councilman Steve Fulop, who leveled the allegation of political promotion. "I don't know what would prompt him to say that."

"McGee, who is first on the Civil Service list, was supposed to be made a captain in the last year but he was passed over," Roman added.

Fulop didn't back away from the charge yesterday.

"He (McGee) is close to the mayor and that is the reason he (Roman) is promoting one additional captain after doing 17 last year."

McGee couldn't be reached to comment.

Both Ward F Councilwoman Viola Richardson and Fulop said they had been caught unaware by the promotion.

This was not a first for the JCFD. In January, George Johns was promoted from battalion chief to deputy chief at a City Hall ceremony so impromptu that former Fire Chief Bill Sennett said he only had one day's notice. Instead of being immediately assigned to fire rigs, the lion's share of the 17 firefighters promoted to captain last year were assigned to fire headquarters.

Six of them reported to the Fire Prevention bureau. One of them donned a "Sparky the Fire Dog" suit to teach grade school youngsters what to do in a fire emergency. Several other captains were assigned to the program to hold props like "Buzz E. Smoke alarm."

At the time, Roman said the assignment was only temporary and funds to pay for the school program were from a federal grant, not the city's coffers. According to Roman, the program is now over and the captains are working in firehouses.

Fulop noted that a number of the 17 captains promoted last year bought tickets to the "Fire Fighters for (Mayor) Healy" fundraiser hosted by Roman.

"Would I promote people who paid $150 for a ticket?" Roman said, when asked about the connection. "I've been in the fire department for more than 30 years. I would never do something like that, which is illegal. No way."

Jersey City Fire Chief Michael O'Reilly also defended McGee's promotion on the basis that more captains are needed in the department.

McGee is at the very top of the current civil service list, O'Reilly said. With last year's promotions, the number of captains in the department has risen from 139 to 156.

EARL MORGAN can be reached at emorgan@jjournal.com

The Jersey Journal
Earl Morgan
Monday February 16,2009
www.nj.com/hudsoncountynow

Posted on: 2009/2/17 5:08
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Re: JC council introduces $460.2M budget - seven months late - but $15.7 million less than last year's
#80
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Quote:

Charon wrote:
The Jersey Journal is biased in favor of Manzo. Healy is not perfect, but he is far better than Smith or Manzo. And Levin, though well meaning, simply has no experience in government.


The Jersey Journal is simply pointing out the obvious.What motivation would the local newspaper have to criticize the
well funded incumbent without good cause?

I respect your right to favor one candidate over another but
Healy would certainly not be my preference or the preference of many of my fellow friends/property owners especially with the huge last quarter property tax increases
levied by his administration.

As far as Healy being far better than Manzo or Smith,both accomplished state legislators,that is your opinion and not proven by his record.

Posted on: 2009/2/16 6:53
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Re: JC council introduces $460.2M budget - seven months late - but $15.7 million less than last year's
#81
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What is wrong with viewing a Mayor's tax position with a healthy dose of skepticism especially when Jersey City property owners have experienced what most people would characterize as a huge quarterly tax increase?This 28 percent or so tax increase is just the latest tax increase since Healy took office.I am not a mathematician but adding this 28 percent tax increase onto previous
increases during Healy's time in office would seem to be a inordinate increase in property taxes owed by homeowners.A valued principle of our country is the ability of the citizenry to hold elected officials accountable for their performance and I see no sour grapes as you comment.The only thing sour here is this ridiculous 28 percent plus tax increase.

As for State Senator Sandra Cunningham and the comments you say she has made being sour grapes---well
maybe she was on to something and had a valid reason for her comments!

Posted on: 2009/2/16 6:18
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Re: Gaughan's Legacy!
#82
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Quote:

brewster wrote:
All I need to know about Gaughan is he had his daughter appointed Chairwoman of the Board of the JCMUA, with no qualifications whatsoever to do the task, which is critical to this city. How can he possibly care about JC?



I have to apologize for doubting you!When I read your post at first I found that hard to believe.Then I went to the JCMUA website and found that the Chairperson was the councilman's daughter.Does anyone have information on what the hiring process entails for such a leadership position?Are there certain educational requirements for the position?Is the position decided on by a vote or is it a appointment? Thanks.

Posted on: 2009/2/13 18:24
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Re: Property tax bills not as bad as you think
#83
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Jersey Journal Editorial
IN OUR OPINION

What can Healy say about city?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
L ater this month, it is expected that Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy will deliver a State of the City speech. There has been no announcement that he will, but he did one last year late in February and, after all, this is an election year.

It will be his most important speech of his political career. The only question is whether he sees the same city that his constituents view every day.

Yesterday, Mayor Cory Booker of Newark gave his report on his municipality. Any positive movement was a big step for a city that once seemed desolate and unmanageable.

Jersey City's neighbor has improved its economic condition, even though it still has one of the highest urban employment rates in the state during a national recession. Crime is down but still exists. Yet, in that city, local residents are developing pride in the administration's achievements.

But is it all true? Obviously, they have a long way to go, but Newark residents say they see life getting better in their city.

In his last State of the City address, Healy called public safety his "number one issue" in Jersey City. The mayor also cited the December 2007 unemployment rate of 5.1 percent - compared to 8.2 percent in January 2004 - as proof of job creation in the city. He wants more open spaces.

While the mayor said the municipal tax rate remained stable, Downtown Councilman Fulop charged at the time that property taxes have increased 35 percent in the last three years under Healy.

Like residents in Newark, Jersey City's people know how well this administration is serving them.

The latest quarterly tax bill is high.The public does not trust city crime statistics. The recession and accompanying collapse of investment firms have not helped the city's unemployment picture. The Powerhouse Arts district vision is blurred,there is not a great deal of affordable housing being constructed, and the Journal Square development is stalled.

It would seem that Mayor Healy has a difficult speech writing task ahead of him. All the people want to know is whether there is any light at the end of the tunnel.

Posted on: 2009/2/13 17:45
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Re: Man held at gunpoint in Paulus Hook yesterday?
#84
Just can't stay away
Just can't stay away


I and many people I have spoken to could'nt agree more.It is hard to imagine this guy continuing.

Posted on: 2009/2/13 4:48
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Re: JC council introduces $460.2M budget - seven months late - but $15.7 million less than last year's
#85
Just can't stay away
Just can't stay away


Jersey Journal Editorial
IN OUR OPINION

What can Healy say about city?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
L ater this month, it is expected that Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy will deliver a State of the City speech. There has been no announcement that he will, but he did one last year late in February and, after all, this is an election year.

It will be his most important speech of his political career. The only question is whether he sees the same city that his constituents view every day.

Yesterday, Mayor Cory Booker of Newark gave his report on his municipality. Any positive movement was a big step for a city that once seemed desolate and unmanageable.

Jersey City's neighbor has improved its economic condition, even though it still has one of the highest urban employment rates in the state during a national recession. Crime is down but still exists. Yet, in that city, local residents are developing pride in the administration's achievements.

But is it all true? Obviously, they have a long way to go, but Newark residents say they see life getting better in their city.

In his last State of the City address, Healy called public safety his "number one issue" in Jersey City. The mayor also cited the December 2007 unemployment rate of 5.1 percent - compared to 8.2 percent in January 2004 - as proof of job creation in the city. He wants more open spaces.

While the mayor said the municipal tax rate remained stable, Downtown Councilman Fulop charged at the time that property taxes have increased 35 percent in the last three years under Healy.

Like residents in Newark, Jersey City's people know how well this administration is serving them.

The latest quarterly tax bill is high.The public does not trust city crime statistics. The recession and accompanying collapse of investment firms have not helped the city's unemployment picture. The Powerhouse Arts district vision is blurred,there is not a great deal of affordable housing being constructed, and the Journal Square development is stalled.

It would seem that Mayor Healy has a difficult speech writing task ahead of him. All the people want to know is whether there is any light at the end of the tunnel.

Posted on: 2009/2/12 18:25
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Re: JC council introduces $460.2M budget - seven months late - but $15.7 million less than last year's
#86
Just can't stay away
Just can't stay away


Don't expect load will lighten later
Why the mystery about tax bite?
Friday, February 06, 2009
T he headline on an article in this newspaper on Monday advised: "Property tax bills not as bad as you think."

Really?

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Jersey City property owners recently received quarterly tax bills that are about 28 percent higher than the fall bills.

City officials said they expect to see lower bills go out later this year that should provide an annual rate that's not significantly higher than 2008. The January tax bills are 3.5 percent higher than a year ago. The estimated municipal tax levy for 2009 is $151 million, the same levy as last year, they say.

The officials explained that the January and April quarterly bills are usually higher and then the July and October bills lower the tax rate once the City Council passes the annual budget in the spring.

The question here is that if city officials truly know that the tax increases are bigger at first and will be lowered later, then why not spread it out equally for all quarters? Why put such a burden on taxpayers who have to deal with bills, mortgages and other expenses? They want to know what fixed costs they have.

Comparing a tax bill to a previous year to justify a tax increase is a facetious explanation. Each budget is different. And by the way, the city is acting as if its budget is on a calendar year. Jersey City operates on a state fiscal year, July 1 to June 30.

Although yet to be approved, this budget is already in its eighth month. What is coming that they do not already know?

Most local governments do a draft budget, a temporary spending plan, and send out bills based on this estimate. What Jersey City officials are trying to determine is how much state aid the city will receive. State municipal aid has been reduced every year and considering the state's economic problems, there will probably be no increase.

Last year's budget benefited from a multimillion-dollar lawsuit settlement with Honeywell International. Jersey City received $15 million to plug a 2007-2008 fiscal gap. The city is expected to get $10 million this year from Honeywell, but it is not enough to make a significant impact.

Even if it were, using one-shot deals to balance the budget is a fiscally irresponsible way to run a city.

Yes, the tax bills are as bad as you think.

Posted on: 2009/2/11 5:47
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Re: Editorial from today's JJ 2.6.2009
#87
Just can't stay away
Just can't stay away


"Don't expect load will lighten later"

The Jersey Journal editorial from February 6,2009 offers an excellent insight into the fiscal irresponsibility shown by some members of our current municipal government.I can guess only two reasons for a mellow response so far on this topic.Either most posters here are very wealthy and it makes little impact on your finances or you are renting and the 28% increase has not trickled down YET to your monthly rent paid.So either congratulations or start putting aside a little more money each month to compensate for the eventual increases.I for one am outraged by a 28 % increase.How many people actually get a 28% pay raise from their employer at the begining of a new year,none but the most fortunate.It is also inconceivable to imagine a city having a budget eight monthes old that is not yet approved.This is ridiculous!Let's spell it out in case anyone has'nt gotten it yet-

TWENTY EIGHT PERCENT

Posted on: 2009/2/9 0:32
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Re: The Great Jersey City SOUP SWAP
#88
Just can't stay away
Just can't stay away


I loved the Thai soup,delicious.Thank you so much.Will be trying others next couple days.

Posted on: 2009/2/8 4:34
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Re: What Jersey City Restaurant Do You Miss the Most?
#89
Just can't stay away
Just can't stay away


Tio Tony's

Posted on: 2009/2/8 4:22
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Re: Healy unveils mayoral slate ("In Ward E...Guy Catrillo, a Republican ")
#90
Just can't stay away
Just can't stay away


I have a question.Does everyone on the Healy slate have a
a job with Hudson County government or a Jersey City agency or married to someone who does?Is there one person on that slate who is simply employed somewhere in the private sector or are they all dual /aspiring dual government job holders?

Any right answer is appreciated.

Posted on: 2009/2/7 2:42
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