From Blue Jersey Obama at Meadowlands Monday February 4th by: Juan Melli | Fri Feb 01, 2008 at 06:44:41 PM EST

Barack Obama will be in North Jersey on Monday for a major rally at the Izod Center in the Meadowlands (formerly known as the Continental Arena). Seating capacity is about 20,000. The rally begins at noon and is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is strongly recommended. Doors open at 10:00am, and if today's 15,000 person turnout in Boise or 20,000 in Minneapolis is any indication, you may want to show up early. Admission is on a first come, first served basis.

As polls indicate, the campaign clearly thinks it has the momentum going into Super Tuesday, and they're going into Clinton's back yard to compete for votes.

I know someone who would be perfect -- should I tell her to reply to your post? Or do you have an email address I can pass along to her??

Her site is: http://www.kneehigh.net

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1. My point in my original post was about the importance of this topic versus the "influence peddling" and outright political corruption that takes place regularly in this City and is overlooked. There must be 100 better examples of this otherwise we would be living in a much more efficient City. This particular case seems like an easy target, without any proven direct consequences only a vague paranoia that Ms. Pignatario may have some personal interest in the Silverman's projects.

2. I assure you I do not work for a developer. I am however concerned about global warming and was relieved to see that there was a conference for Jersey City that would focus on solutions to this issue. This really should be of interest to anyone who is well read and understands the issues... Or is all of this City too caught up in mud throwing and finger pointing to work together and find solutions to this??

3. Who said developers were responsible for green space? This is exactly the opposite of what I was saying. My point is that there are very few developers that DO seem to care about anything other than building cheap, cookie-cutter condo's (ie: Newport). I am happy that the Silverman's were willing to help support this event and that they are progressive enough to take the lead on this issue, they didn't have to and because of all of this bad press they may not again.

Again, I say who cares if they are trying to sell condos, that is what they do. No secret there. And at least they are trying to make an effort - marketing angle or not I am glad that they are thinking along the lines of being more environmentally friendly. We have a serious number of buildings going up in a 10 year period and these building will be around for 50+ years. I am happy that at least a few of them are with it enough to think about energy efficiency and recycled/eco friendly materials. The comment that there is no green space around the property is silly - I mean, isn't Scroeder Lofts just a block away from Hamilton Park??

From the short time that I have been in JC I can see how easily city officials make it for developers to define our neighborhoods as well as how lazy and inefficent our city offices are. I do support Civic JC & Mr. Fulop for attempting to help turn this around by introducing the Pay to Play Reform.

But this not what we are talking about - and I guess I am still not sure why it matters that the press secretary to the mayor (who makes no decisions on legislation, ordinances, etc.) is working with a developer? Especially if there is no law or secrets about it. If anyone would like to explain a point of view that is a little bit more in depth and less vague than "it stinks" or "it's too cozy" I would be happy to hear it.

Why is this town so quick to look for the negative??? It drives me mad. I mean, who really cares if the Silverman's paid for the Sustainable Jersey City event? Hey, at least the funds didn't come from the city. And why can't there be an ECO FRIENDLY DEVELOPER sponsor for an event about GREEN BUILDINGS?? Sheesh. I just moved here from Brooklyn and I can't believe how backwards it is just 1 small river away from Manhattan. I agree with JCList on issues (like too many baseball/football fields and active/passive greenspace needs) but I am shocked to see no one is putting The Jersey Journal in their place. Let's be happy that all parties are taking time and money to support more progressive building development instead of pretending that climate change is not an issue. Further, The Silverman's are the only condo delevelopers to build eco friendly in JC. Why in the world are we chastizing them for encourgaing this? Why not support this and chastize other developers for NOT contributing to community events that are intended to build a better future for us all??

Regarding Ms. Pignataro's work for them in general does not entirely seem a conflict either - at least she is still promoting Jersey City. Would we rather her help a New York developer?? I think the more important point is that there is corruption in Jersey City and there are many who turn a blind eye to much larger scandals. My comment to The Jersey Journal: Get a real story. Using Ms. Pignataro and the Silverman's as the target seems naive and pre-mature. If this is truly the worst of our corruption we should sing praise that these alliances are intended and working toward the good for all of Jersey City.