The Village pulls through a very difficult year on its way to restoring long term financial sustainability
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
(RIDGEWOOD-NJ) In the recent Ridgewood News article by Joseph Cramer ,"Ridgewood officials offer up resolutions for 2012"http://www.northjersey.com/topstories/ridgewood/136819473_Ridgewood_officials_offer_up_resolutions_for_2012.html Village Manager Ken Gabbert mentioned a number of important initiatives that were accomplished in a 2011 which he called a "year of transition,"
Gabbert cited the implementation of the Unlimited Pre-Paid Parking (UP3) and the redeployment of school crossing guards to other village positions in the summer months as part of the revamping of the Villages finances. Gabbert also went on to say that "2011 was the first full year following the financial decisions of 2010. In 2011, we entered the year down 14 percent in total staff from a year earlier and working from a tighter budget than prior years."http://www.northjersey.com/topstories/ridgewood/136819473_Ridgewood_officials_offer_up_resolutions_for_2012.html
The year was marred by severe weather that put significant pressure of Village resources. Other dominant themes were the battle between the Urbanization types vs the Keep it a Village types and Incentive pay vs Union seniority battle at the Village Hall .The Village manager was in the hot seat most of the year creating a lot of controversy working on cleaning up the financial mess created over the last 15 years.
Despite heavy criticism from pro-union factions in town the council continues to push forward with the non-union staff incentive pay program that earned Ridgewood the New Jersey State Innovation in Government Honorable Mention Award . Its nice to be in the forefront of something again.
The renegotiation of police and fire department contracts have also come under heated criticism but in the long run it seems to put the Village back on the coarse of financial sustainability while not forcing further reductions in services or as an unintended consequence ringing up massive amounts of overtime.
The other novel initiate was the Water Pollution Control Facility acceptance program and the development of a sustainable energy program for the Village. Another notable accomplishment was the dam reconstruction at Habernickel though the skeptics still remain on the wisdom of buying the so called ,"money pit" to begin with there is no debate the reconstructed damn added needed viability to the property .
The single largest event and accomplishment of the council was running the well organized and professional hearings on the Valley Hospital expansion . It reminded many residents of the old days when Village interests were always put ahead of personal agendas and the conclusion to deny The Valley Hospital's out sized "Renewal" proposal seemed to most to be an obvious conclusion.
Obviously there is an enormous challenge in front of everyone to preserve the Village and make the needed capital investments . The council must continue to move forward on the path of long term incremental reform to financial sustainability .and avoid and wild eyed schemes or look socialize the risk on any private investments.
http://www.theridgewoodblog.net/2012/01/village-pulls-through-very-difficult.html
Monday, January 9, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Desperate Democrats look to blitz Scott Garrett with Former NY Giants linebacker Harry Carson in the 5th district
Desperate Democrats look to blitz Scott Garrett with Former NY Giants linebacker Harry Carson in the 5th district
the Staff of the Ridgewood blog
(RIDGEWOOD-NJ) Former New York Giants and Hall of Fame linebacker Harry Carson is said to be considering a run for Congress in New Jersey 5th congressional district against Representative Scott Garrett .
Carson recently told The Associated Press he hasn’t made a definitive decision yet but is thinking about it. Carson has never held public office,but has been talking to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee about the idea of running.Carson currently lives in Franklin Lakes.
Carson spent his entire professional football career, from 1976 to 1988, with the NY Giants. Sources say that Carson could afford to finance his own campaign and obviously has name recognition.
http://www.theridgewoodblog.net/2012/01/desperate-democrats-look-to-blitz-scott.html
the Staff of the Ridgewood blog
(RIDGEWOOD-NJ) Former New York Giants and Hall of Fame linebacker Harry Carson is said to be considering a run for Congress in New Jersey 5th congressional district against Representative Scott Garrett .
Carson recently told The Associated Press he hasn’t made a definitive decision yet but is thinking about it. Carson has never held public office,but has been talking to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee about the idea of running.Carson currently lives in Franklin Lakes.
Carson spent his entire professional football career, from 1976 to 1988, with the NY Giants. Sources say that Carson could afford to finance his own campaign and obviously has name recognition.
http://www.theridgewoodblog.net/2012/01/desperate-democrats-look-to-blitz-scott.html
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Washington Policy Wonks need to look no further than recent History of 1990 Japan for answers.
Washington Policy Wonks need to look no further than recent History of 1990 Japan for answers.
one small voice
Policy experts continue to be stymied by their inability to get the economy moving again .A look at recent history would suggest that both the talking heads and Washington policy wonks should know better and be better served if they took a look at the failings of Japan in the 1990's.
In the not too distant past Japan was faced with many of the same issues caused by collapsing property and stock markets,leaving Japanese banks upside down on much of the nations collateral. Japan's once invincible economy ran aground with similar policy missteps that our current policy makers are making .
First Japan embarked on printing money and zero interest rates to accelerate demand ,but this is like pushing on a string. It failed in the 1990's for Japan and in reality did nothing to effect the supply and demand curve. This priming the pump or inflating your way to prosperity has historically proven to have dangerous consequences such as run away inflation and in the worst case could lead to a currency collapse.
At the same time both Japan in the 90's and the US government today have engaged in a massive buildup of regulation for both personal and business behavior with the net effect being to suffocate business initiative.
Both countries engaged in wrong headed Government "Stimulus" plans that never work , I repeat NEVER. Most of the stimulus money is wasted or lands in the hands of public unions with little or no job creation. Again Japan in the 1990's embarked on the same foolishness with a huge capital investment plan for infrastructure .Like the fool hearty promotion of alternative energy in the US today where at the end of the day much of the money was wasted ,taxes have to be raised to cover the debt which further suppresses economic growth.
Japanese banks simple hid there loses and in many cases have yet to recognize the depreciated collateral.The US has similar issues with the destruction of the credit markets, the 2000 stealth stock market crash and the inability for the government to offer any reliable economic statistics. There is a consistent theme of not facing the reality of the current economic situation.
Finally for both countries their constant central and state government tweaking or interference with the economy and its unintended consequences have created so much uncertainty that they have virtually stifled business decision making.
The current period of economic decline will not end until more substantive pro-growth policy's are enacted ,such as deregulation, shrinking the size and scope of government ,paying down debt and lowering taxes. It is just that simple.
http://onesmallvoice.blogspot.com/2011/10/washington-policy-wonks-need-to-look-no.html
one small voice
Policy experts continue to be stymied by their inability to get the economy moving again .A look at recent history would suggest that both the talking heads and Washington policy wonks should know better and be better served if they took a look at the failings of Japan in the 1990's.
In the not too distant past Japan was faced with many of the same issues caused by collapsing property and stock markets,leaving Japanese banks upside down on much of the nations collateral. Japan's once invincible economy ran aground with similar policy missteps that our current policy makers are making .
First Japan embarked on printing money and zero interest rates to accelerate demand ,but this is like pushing on a string. It failed in the 1990's for Japan and in reality did nothing to effect the supply and demand curve. This priming the pump or inflating your way to prosperity has historically proven to have dangerous consequences such as run away inflation and in the worst case could lead to a currency collapse.
At the same time both Japan in the 90's and the US government today have engaged in a massive buildup of regulation for both personal and business behavior with the net effect being to suffocate business initiative.
Both countries engaged in wrong headed Government "Stimulus" plans that never work , I repeat NEVER. Most of the stimulus money is wasted or lands in the hands of public unions with little or no job creation. Again Japan in the 1990's embarked on the same foolishness with a huge capital investment plan for infrastructure .Like the fool hearty promotion of alternative energy in the US today where at the end of the day much of the money was wasted ,taxes have to be raised to cover the debt which further suppresses economic growth.
Japanese banks simple hid there loses and in many cases have yet to recognize the depreciated collateral.The US has similar issues with the destruction of the credit markets, the 2000 stealth stock market crash and the inability for the government to offer any reliable economic statistics. There is a consistent theme of not facing the reality of the current economic situation.
Finally for both countries their constant central and state government tweaking or interference with the economy and its unintended consequences have created so much uncertainty that they have virtually stifled business decision making.
The current period of economic decline will not end until more substantive pro-growth policy's are enacted ,such as deregulation, shrinking the size and scope of government ,paying down debt and lowering taxes. It is just that simple.
http://onesmallvoice.blogspot.com/2011/10/washington-policy-wonks-need-to-look-no.html
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Traditional New Jersey Local media is as guilty as the politicians they continue to protect and should be held accountable
Traditional New Jersey Local media is as guilty as the politicians they continue to protect and should be held accountable
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ - Like a person who buys and alcoholic his next drink ,the same media enablers who have allowed New Jersey to be run into the ground by rampant corruption and fiscal irresponsibility since the Whitman days have now picked up the latest cause celeb to attack and blame all our problems , on the Tea Party. It was only a short time ago the former President George Bush was being blamed for everything from parking tickets to the fact that so many residents were fleeing the states corruption and high taxes for greener pastures.
The local media in New Jersey has been partners in the massive misuse of public funds for far to long and shares much of the blame . The recent spat of "pro union" front page editorials in the Bergen Record under the pretense of news headed under the tag "we need this and your gonna pay for it" has become laughable. Whether its a enormous toll increase,a $110 million county park, a new stadium, that stupid Xanadu or the further adventures of Saint McGreevey, the Record and many other media outlets will bend over gladly for any politician or State worker Union with his or her hand out.
Meanwhile the Record and their media brothers were totally remiss in reporting the lack of state contributions to state worker pension funds and the "borrowing" ie theft of money from those funds. The current pension crisis and a Republican Governor seem to have suddenly created a need to talk about the $50plus billion dollar short fall. While the prior two Governors exacerbation of the situation went totally unnoticed and unreported. An even bigger lapse is the states continued "gambling" with high risk investments in the state worker pension funds and the complete lack of over site in choosing the fund managers ,especially during the McGreevey administration.
It is time for the "NJ state media" to stop fronting for Trenton and all their special interest friends and start doing the job of reporting the news. For far to long the constant misrepresentations and press releases have driven local news making the traditional local media part of the problem and not the solutions. Traditional New Jersey Local media is as guilty as the politicians they continue to protect and should be held accountable.
Aronsohn looks to challenge party bosses for Union Support
Aronsohn looks to challenge party bosses for Union Support
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ- Councilmen Paul Aronsohn continues to purse a pro union strategy looking to pick up Union support for his political ambitions It is becoming readily obvious that Aronsohhn a former McGreevey aid and Ridgewood Councilmen is looking to fill the vacuum and take advantage of the current breakdown in Union ,Democrat relations at every possible opportunity .
Recent statements from Aronsohn have amounted to nothing more than an attempt placate union bosses . Rumors continue to swirl that Aronsohn is looking to run for Freeholder challenging party incumbent David Ganz.
Aronsohn continues to be very vocal on a host policies like the ADA which have to many become nothing more than Union ,make work" projects . One look at the Ridgewood Train stations and its "elevators to no where " or the fact that the copper gutters cost over $800,000.00 leaves one wonders how many people with disabilities will visit the train station roof.
Whether its fighting incentive pay for Non-union workers , voting against pay raises for Village managers , lambasting the Governor or writing farewell pieces to Clarence Clemons or Richard Holbrooke ,Aronsohn continues to campaign hard for Union dollars without which he stands little or no chance of winning public office.
Meanwhile Aronsohn continues to be dogged by questions on his own sincerity and within "liberal" circles is often viewed as nothing more than an opportunist. Some would even question his strategy taking on the powerful Sen, Donald Norcross ,Senate President Steve Sweeney and other party power brokers in an attempt to create a power base with Union money rivaling theirs.
http://www.theridgewoodblog.net/2011/08/aronsohn-looks-to-challenge-party.html
Toll Increase: Does the Port Authority run the risk of pricing jobs out of New York ?
Toll Increase: Does the Port Authority run the risk of pricing jobs out of New York ?
PJ Blogger and the staff of the Ridgewood blog
As all Ridgewood commuters know by now the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is looking to raise tolls on the George Washington Bridge and the Lincoln and Holland tunnels this year. Drivers with E-ZPass would pay $4 more per crossing — $12 during peak times and $10 in off-peak hours. Cash tolls would jump from $8 to $15.
The dirty little secret is that many people who are making less than $250,000 will not be able to afford the new tolls and many jobs in the "City" will no longer be economically viable do to the toll increase.
The city which has gone from ,"the city that never sleeps" to the city where there is a rule against doing almost everything has become less and less the focal point for the tri-state area . Technology has made the commute to NYC everyday almost obsolete . At one time New York offered a truly unique experience , but now there is little or nothing you can do in NYC that you cant do right here at home .
I wonder if the tax revenue lost from jobs leaving the city will equal the payoff to the Port Authority and its unions ? Time will only tell tell ,but New York as a center for world commerce and finance will continue to decline leaving the city as nothing more than an afterthought tourist destination.
http://www.theridgewoodblog.net/2011/08/toll-increase-does-port-authority-run.html
PJ Blogger and the staff of the Ridgewood blog
As all Ridgewood commuters know by now the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is looking to raise tolls on the George Washington Bridge and the Lincoln and Holland tunnels this year. Drivers with E-ZPass would pay $4 more per crossing — $12 during peak times and $10 in off-peak hours. Cash tolls would jump from $8 to $15.
The dirty little secret is that many people who are making less than $250,000 will not be able to afford the new tolls and many jobs in the "City" will no longer be economically viable do to the toll increase.
The city which has gone from ,"the city that never sleeps" to the city where there is a rule against doing almost everything has become less and less the focal point for the tri-state area . Technology has made the commute to NYC everyday almost obsolete . At one time New York offered a truly unique experience , but now there is little or nothing you can do in NYC that you cant do right here at home .
I wonder if the tax revenue lost from jobs leaving the city will equal the payoff to the Port Authority and its unions ? Time will only tell tell ,but New York as a center for world commerce and finance will continue to decline leaving the city as nothing more than an afterthought tourist destination.
http://www.theridgewoodblog.net/2011/08/toll-increase-does-port-authority-run.html
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Yankee Batboy tell all
Yankee Batboy tell all
(New York ,New York)At age 15, Luis Castillo lived the dream, Castillo was a batboy for the New York Yankees from 1998 until 2005 .Castillo ran errands for A-Rod, caught warm-up pitches with Andy Pettitte and David Cone, and partied with Ruben Sierra. In those days batboys did not have to sign confidentiality agreement. Which leads us to his new memoir, "Clubhouse Confidential." were Castillo divulges Yankee player secrets.
Opening Day 1998 was his first day on the job , Castillo says he didn't know what to expect. he quickly learned that the tradition is that every bat boy gets a nickname from Derek Jeter himself . Castillo says that Jeter was easygoing ,joked a lot ,and teased everyone as a way to bond with his fellow team mates.
Castillo claims that Jeter and some of the players were terrific tippers. Roger Clemens would tip $3,000 at the end of the year. Posada gave him $7,000. A-Rod kicked in $1,400. A sizable amount, but when A-Rod found out that other players were tipping more, he bumped his tips up. Making sure he was the best tipper in the league. Castillo says A-Rod tipped $100 a week to make sure there was a creatine shake waiting for him after each home game.
One day, President Clinton walked into the clubhouse with four Secret Service agents. Players were being polite as hell with him until Jeter in full uniform, on the way out to the field paused just long enough to say: "Hey, Mr. President, you staying out of trouble?"
Castillo says that stadium operations, used a "Red Alert." system when owner George Steinbrenner arrived.Manager of Stadium Operations would punch in a special code into the walkie -talkie system and the word would spread like wild fire. Casitillo describes the lave hate relationship the team had with Steinbrenner and players like David Cone would often rib the over protective owner.
Despite Steinbrenners penchant to micro manage the team Joe Torre never let it interfere with his game .Torre would say , "This is what the Boss wants, but this is what we're going to do." Torre was usually focused no matter what the situation and kept his nose to the grindstone. The only one thing that ever distracted him from work, was the pony's and Torre would often have the OTB channel on his TV in his office.
http://brewagrownupsguidetovice.blogspot.com/2011/08/yankee-batboy-new-tell-all.html
(New York ,New York)At age 15, Luis Castillo lived the dream, Castillo was a batboy for the New York Yankees from 1998 until 2005 .Castillo ran errands for A-Rod, caught warm-up pitches with Andy Pettitte and David Cone, and partied with Ruben Sierra. In those days batboys did not have to sign confidentiality agreement. Which leads us to his new memoir, "Clubhouse Confidential." were Castillo divulges Yankee player secrets.
Opening Day 1998 was his first day on the job , Castillo says he didn't know what to expect. he quickly learned that the tradition is that every bat boy gets a nickname from Derek Jeter himself . Castillo says that Jeter was easygoing ,joked a lot ,and teased everyone as a way to bond with his fellow team mates.
Castillo claims that Jeter and some of the players were terrific tippers. Roger Clemens would tip $3,000 at the end of the year. Posada gave him $7,000. A-Rod kicked in $1,400. A sizable amount, but when A-Rod found out that other players were tipping more, he bumped his tips up. Making sure he was the best tipper in the league. Castillo says A-Rod tipped $100 a week to make sure there was a creatine shake waiting for him after each home game.
One day, President Clinton walked into the clubhouse with four Secret Service agents. Players were being polite as hell with him until Jeter in full uniform, on the way out to the field paused just long enough to say: "Hey, Mr. President, you staying out of trouble?"
Castillo says that stadium operations, used a "Red Alert." system when owner George Steinbrenner arrived.Manager of Stadium Operations would punch in a special code into the walkie -talkie system and the word would spread like wild fire. Casitillo describes the lave hate relationship the team had with Steinbrenner and players like David Cone would often rib the over protective owner.
Despite Steinbrenners penchant to micro manage the team Joe Torre never let it interfere with his game .Torre would say , "This is what the Boss wants, but this is what we're going to do." Torre was usually focused no matter what the situation and kept his nose to the grindstone. The only one thing that ever distracted him from work, was the pony's and Torre would often have the OTB channel on his TV in his office.
http://brewagrownupsguidetovice.blogspot.com/2011/08/yankee-batboy-new-tell-all.html
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