Sunday, June 27, 2010
THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FIASCO VI
Da Truth Squad has a post about an appointee in Freehold Borough who turned out to be an illegal alien! Seems that for three years, in spite of the fact that the borough is infested with illegals the council was oblivious to this fact, and the fact that he was actually living in Howell. You just can't make this stuff up, people.
CURLEY SPEAKS OUT
Freeholder John P. Curley expressed concern at the June 10th Freeholders' meeting about the county's bidding process for trucks and equipment in the Department of Public Works and Engineering.
His concern stemmed not from the activities of the County Purchasing Department (cub reporter Bob Jordan or his editors left that part out), but from the actual writing of specifications within Public Works and Engineering itself. This is of severe concern, as we do not want to go back to the years of the past where corruption led to the F. B. I.'s big Operation Bid-Rig investigation.
Since then, we have discovered that the freeholders met with Public Works Director John W. Tobia, and while we are not privy to the actual discussion that went on in the meeting, we understand that he was directed to refine the spec-writing process in his department so as to avoid any taint of favoritism. When the freeholders give a directive to a subordinate it is to be obeyed, and we are told that any misunderstanding in this matter has been resolved.
John Tobia has been a very capable official; time will tell whether that continues or if he becomes the next "curmudgeon".
Anyone wanna guess why else this is relevant? And why are we bringing it up now? Here's why: It puts to bed County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) John D'Amico's whole concept that Monmouth County needs an inspector general or ethics board. Why? Because a freeholder did his job. It's that simple. When an item of concern was brought to John Curley's attention, he researched it and brought it to the entire Board of Freeholders for further action. Some may not like it, but it is what it is. Once presented with the information, the Board, after reviewing the facts and depending upon the severity of the situation, can dismiss it, reiterate and clarify county policy to the official in question, use the county's in-house disciplinary process up to and including termination (firing), or refer the case to law enforcement for prosecution. In this case a clarification was seen as sufficient. We're sure that Curley and the other freeholders will continue to monitor this.
Ironically, for all his talk about ethics, Flippy D'Amico ("This county can not afford to have another Bid Rig"), never expressed any concern about the specs and never brought it up to the Board. Seems he was more interested in theory than in practice.
This should be the final nail in the coffin for D'Amico's inspector general or ethics review board or whatever the hell he wants to call it the next time he brings it up. With an accountable Board of Freeholders, engaged in their responsibilities, there is no need for an additional layer of bureaucracy in county government.
There's also no need for Flippy D'Amico in county government.
His concern stemmed not from the activities of the County Purchasing Department (cub reporter Bob Jordan or his editors left that part out), but from the actual writing of specifications within Public Works and Engineering itself. This is of severe concern, as we do not want to go back to the years of the past where corruption led to the F. B. I.'s big Operation Bid-Rig investigation.
Since then, we have discovered that the freeholders met with Public Works Director John W. Tobia, and while we are not privy to the actual discussion that went on in the meeting, we understand that he was directed to refine the spec-writing process in his department so as to avoid any taint of favoritism. When the freeholders give a directive to a subordinate it is to be obeyed, and we are told that any misunderstanding in this matter has been resolved.
John Tobia has been a very capable official; time will tell whether that continues or if he becomes the next "curmudgeon".
Anyone wanna guess why else this is relevant? And why are we bringing it up now? Here's why: It puts to bed County Commissioner (neé Freeholder) John D'Amico's whole concept that Monmouth County needs an inspector general or ethics board. Why? Because a freeholder did his job. It's that simple. When an item of concern was brought to John Curley's attention, he researched it and brought it to the entire Board of Freeholders for further action. Some may not like it, but it is what it is. Once presented with the information, the Board, after reviewing the facts and depending upon the severity of the situation, can dismiss it, reiterate and clarify county policy to the official in question, use the county's in-house disciplinary process up to and including termination (firing), or refer the case to law enforcement for prosecution. In this case a clarification was seen as sufficient. We're sure that Curley and the other freeholders will continue to monitor this.
Ironically, for all his talk about ethics, Flippy D'Amico ("This county can not afford to have another Bid Rig"), never expressed any concern about the specs and never brought it up to the Board. Seems he was more interested in theory than in practice.
This should be the final nail in the coffin for D'Amico's inspector general or ethics review board or whatever the hell he wants to call it the next time he brings it up. With an accountable Board of Freeholders, engaged in their responsibilities, there is no need for an additional layer of bureaucracy in county government.
There's also no need for Flippy D'Amico in county government.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
JOE AZZOLINA BRIDGE
Senate Bill No. 2073 Designates bridge on Route 36 over Shrewsbury River (a/k/a Highlands Bridge) as "Captain Joseph Azzolina Memorial Bridge."
This bill was recently introduced by Senators Sean Kean and Joe Kyrillos (primary sponsors), and Bob Singer as co-sponsor. A-2938, an identical bill in the Assembly, was sponsored by Mary Pat Angelini and Declan O'Scanlon.
Referred to the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee.
This bill was recently introduced by Senators Sean Kean and Joe Kyrillos (primary sponsors), and Bob Singer as co-sponsor. A-2938, an identical bill in the Assembly, was sponsored by Mary Pat Angelini and Declan O'Scanlon.
Referred to the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee.
NORCROSS SUPPORTED LONEGAN!
Norcross supported Lonegan??? Gadzooks! No way! A few weeks back Fred Driscoll at The State wrote, "We also want to shout out South Jersey Democrat boss David Norcross, who, it was rumored, funneled cash to the Lonegan backed group New Jersey Americans for Prosperity during the 2009 primary. Ha, and AFP has just been characterized as Chris Christie’s right wing attack dog by State Senator and NJ Democrat Chairman John Wisniewski (lawl!)."
South Jersey Democrat boss David Norcross. Now, we've heard of South Jersey Democrat boss George Norcross and his brother labor boss/State Senator Donald Norcross, but David? Who is David Norcross?
It didn't take the Honest Abe Research Foundation long to find out. David A. Norcross of Moorestown is the Republican Norcross. We don't know whether he's related to George and Don, but, as the Norcrosses were an early family in the Camden area and are reasonably numerous in the area today, we would suppose that they may be a very distant relatives.
In the mid 1970's David Norcross was the first executive director of the State Election Law Enforcement Commission. In 1976 he was our candidate for U. S. Senate against Democrat and future Abscam felon Harrison A. Williams. From 1977 to 1981 he served as Republican State Chairman. He also was Republican National Committeeman from New Jersey and has served in other positions at the RNC up to the present. Recently he was state co-chair of the Mitt Romney for President campaign, and was considered in 2008 as a possible replacement for Rep. Jim Saxton in the 3rd Congressional District.
With a pedigree like that, it's not news that Dave Norcross would contribute to Steve Lonegan's group, or any other Republican. Looks like Fred Driscoll got his Norcrosses crossed.
South Jersey Democrat boss David Norcross. Now, we've heard of South Jersey Democrat boss George Norcross and his brother labor boss/State Senator Donald Norcross, but David? Who is David Norcross?
It didn't take the Honest Abe Research Foundation long to find out. David A. Norcross of Moorestown is the Republican Norcross. We don't know whether he's related to George and Don, but, as the Norcrosses were an early family in the Camden area and are reasonably numerous in the area today, we would suppose that they may be a very distant relatives.
In the mid 1970's David Norcross was the first executive director of the State Election Law Enforcement Commission. In 1976 he was our candidate for U. S. Senate against Democrat and future Abscam felon Harrison A. Williams. From 1977 to 1981 he served as Republican State Chairman. He also was Republican National Committeeman from New Jersey and has served in other positions at the RNC up to the present. Recently he was state co-chair of the Mitt Romney for President campaign, and was considered in 2008 as a possible replacement for Rep. Jim Saxton in the 3rd Congressional District.
With a pedigree like that, it's not news that Dave Norcross would contribute to Steve Lonegan's group, or any other Republican. Looks like Fred Driscoll got his Norcrosses crossed.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
OXLEY: TWO MORE YEARS
This coming Tuesday, the Republican County Committee will meet at Colts Neck High School to elect a County Chairperson for the next two years. The Monmouth County Republican Blog wholeheartedly supports the reelection of Chairman Joseph W. Oxley.
Why?
Joe may not be the perfect Chairman but he is the best Chairman for our Party at this time. A Chairman must lead, not follow, and Joe has done just that. Contrast with his predecessors and see what I mean.
Prior to six years ago we had a situation where our great Party was on autopilot. Bill Dowd, the Chairman at the time was a near absentee leader who seemingly couldn't be bothered with the minutiae of running a party-in-power. This detachment allowed factions and interests to develop, diluting our Party's strength, and creating fertile ground for the fungus of political corruption. When he finally did exercise authority, he did so in a ham-fisted manner which resulted in a contested primary for Freeholder, and ultimately the replacement of the Chairman.
The new Chairman, Fred Niemann, started with much promise. Conventions were held for the first time, and participation was high. Still, the factions that had developed under the previous chairman were still there and pursued their ends. Additionally and more importantly, fundraising took a dark turn with the establishment of multiple PACs and the acceptance of contributions from the likes of Solomon Dwek and others. After two years, Fred didn't seek reelection and was out.
Enter Adam Puharic. Adam spoke of ending factionalism, but instead chose up sides and participated in it with cheer. He devoted much of his Chairmanship to the divisive pursuit of Freeholder Anna Little and her removal from the Board even if it meant electing a Democrat. During this time we saw the emergence of Alan Moretti, the Monmouth Rastaman, a pro-Adam blogger who's sole purpose was to get Little, including the use of libel. It was also during this time that we began losing seats on the Board of Freeholders, culminating in the Democrats taking control of the Board for a year. Adam didn't run again, and the train wreck that was his Chairmanship was over.
Two years ago, former Sheriff Joe Oxley was unanimously elected as County Chairman and walked into a mess. Our Party was as if a reality show had been taped and left the set behind. Since then, we have regained control of the County, fundraising is up and events are fun again, no longer filled with tension and hate. Joe avoids participation in factions, preferring to let them wither on the vine. And Governor Christie racked up solid majorities here in Monmouth County. Our Party is in a position of strength again.
There is more to be done. While we have made great gains in the towns, we need to do more work on strengthening the locals. The municipalities are the foundation of our strength on the county and state level; they are also the bench for the recruitment of future County and Legislative candidates. The stronger our foundation, the weaker the Democrats'; the deeper our bench, the shallower theirs is. Joe is our best prospect for this and he deserves another term as chairman.
We don't want to dwell on the opposition but something should be said. Howell Chairman John Costigan is seeking Joe's job. John is not a bad guy, but he's just not right for the County Chairmanship. Howell is an important town, second only to Middletown in size. That in itself does not automatically qualify the Howell Chairperson to be County Chair. If so, Norine Kelly would have been County Chair already!
There was a small snafu in Howell this spring. In obtaining signatures for County Committee petitions, John used outdated signature requirement numbers. This resulted in the rejection of the overwhelming majority of petitions by the Township Clerk. While this was an honest error and I'm sure John resolved it by getting most of the seats filled by write-ins in the primary, our County Chairman needs to be ahead of the curve and on top of these things. The Democrats could have wreaked all sorts of havoc in a case like that.
So, Joe Oxley is the one !
Why?
Joe may not be the perfect Chairman but he is the best Chairman for our Party at this time. A Chairman must lead, not follow, and Joe has done just that. Contrast with his predecessors and see what I mean.
Prior to six years ago we had a situation where our great Party was on autopilot. Bill Dowd, the Chairman at the time was a near absentee leader who seemingly couldn't be bothered with the minutiae of running a party-in-power. This detachment allowed factions and interests to develop, diluting our Party's strength, and creating fertile ground for the fungus of political corruption. When he finally did exercise authority, he did so in a ham-fisted manner which resulted in a contested primary for Freeholder, and ultimately the replacement of the Chairman.
The new Chairman, Fred Niemann, started with much promise. Conventions were held for the first time, and participation was high. Still, the factions that had developed under the previous chairman were still there and pursued their ends. Additionally and more importantly, fundraising took a dark turn with the establishment of multiple PACs and the acceptance of contributions from the likes of Solomon Dwek and others. After two years, Fred didn't seek reelection and was out.
Enter Adam Puharic. Adam spoke of ending factionalism, but instead chose up sides and participated in it with cheer. He devoted much of his Chairmanship to the divisive pursuit of Freeholder Anna Little and her removal from the Board even if it meant electing a Democrat. During this time we saw the emergence of Alan Moretti, the Monmouth Rastaman, a pro-Adam blogger who's sole purpose was to get Little, including the use of libel. It was also during this time that we began losing seats on the Board of Freeholders, culminating in the Democrats taking control of the Board for a year. Adam didn't run again, and the train wreck that was his Chairmanship was over.
Two years ago, former Sheriff Joe Oxley was unanimously elected as County Chairman and walked into a mess. Our Party was as if a reality show had been taped and left the set behind. Since then, we have regained control of the County, fundraising is up and events are fun again, no longer filled with tension and hate. Joe avoids participation in factions, preferring to let them wither on the vine. And Governor Christie racked up solid majorities here in Monmouth County. Our Party is in a position of strength again.
There is more to be done. While we have made great gains in the towns, we need to do more work on strengthening the locals. The municipalities are the foundation of our strength on the county and state level; they are also the bench for the recruitment of future County and Legislative candidates. The stronger our foundation, the weaker the Democrats'; the deeper our bench, the shallower theirs is. Joe is our best prospect for this and he deserves another term as chairman.
We don't want to dwell on the opposition but something should be said. Howell Chairman John Costigan is seeking Joe's job. John is not a bad guy, but he's just not right for the County Chairmanship. Howell is an important town, second only to Middletown in size. That in itself does not automatically qualify the Howell Chairperson to be County Chair. If so, Norine Kelly would have been County Chair already!
There was a small snafu in Howell this spring. In obtaining signatures for County Committee petitions, John used outdated signature requirement numbers. This resulted in the rejection of the overwhelming majority of petitions by the Township Clerk. While this was an honest error and I'm sure John resolved it by getting most of the seats filled by write-ins in the primary, our County Chairman needs to be ahead of the curve and on top of these things. The Democrats could have wreaked all sorts of havoc in a case like that.
So, Joe Oxley is the one !
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