Yesterday, Governor Chris Christie submitted the following direct appointments to the State Planning Commission:
Cabinet Member
Appoint the Honorable Kim Guadagno (Monmouth Beach, Monmouth County)
Cabinet Member
Appoint the Honorable Bob Martin (Princeton, Mercer)
Cabinet Member
Appoint the Honorable James Simpson (Princeton, Mercer)
Executive Branch Rep
Appoint Marc D. Larkins (Irvington, Essex)
Ex-officio Member
Designate the Honorable Lori Grifa (Montclair, Essex)
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Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Is This The End For Tatsykake?
In Philadelphia, NBC 10 is reporting that Philly's beloved Tatykakes may be about to go kaput. This is a shocker for people everywhere who love this classic Philly staple. Here's part of the story:
Pressured by declining sales and the failure to produce projected savings from a new production facility, the maker of Tastykakes said Wednesday it is looking at several options, including a merger or sale.
Tasty Baking Co. president and chief executive Charles Pizzi said in a statement that “unanticipated operational challenges” related to its new bakery in Philadelphia's Navy Yard had lowered projected savings for the fourth quarter of 2010 by $3 million to $10 million.
The company's shares plunged more than any other on the Nasdaq, giving up 36 percent of their value before noon Wednesday. Shares fell $2.43 to $4, but hit a 52-week low of $3.83 earlier in the day.
The company cited a bankruptcy filing by the owner of the A&P, Super Fresh and Pathmark grocery chains and rising commodity costs as contributing factors to the financial squeeze and said it was looking at all options.
The company, whose products include Kandy Kakes and Krimpets, said that some of its lenders agreed to defer some payments related to the construction of its $78 million bakery and warehouse. The company has a second production facility in Oxford, Pa.
Boehner Accepts Gavel Of Behalf Of The People
John Boehner: “The American people have humbled us. They have refreshed our memories as to just how temporary the privilege to serve is. They have reminded us that everything here is on loan from them. That includes this gavel, which I accept cheerfully and gratefully, knowing I am but its caretaker.”"
Yo, Jon: Our Hopes And Prayers Are With You!
Our hope and prayers this morning are with Jon Runyan and his family as Jon takes the oath of office as the new Member of Congress from New Jersey's Third Congressional District.
We wish Congressman Runyan the very best. We know he is determined to do a great job and we are confident he will continue to make us proud.
We also extend best wishes and congratulations to new Pennsylvania Comgressman mike Fitzpatrick and Pat Meehan. They, too are part of the dawning of a new day both in Washington and here in the Phladelphia region.
And we also thank Congressman John Adler for his service to our district as he leaves office. We wish Congressman Adler and his family the very best.
We wish Congressman Runyan the very best. We know he is determined to do a great job and we are confident he will continue to make us proud.
We also extend best wishes and congratulations to new Pennsylvania Comgressman mike Fitzpatrick and Pat Meehan. They, too are part of the dawning of a new day both in Washington and here in the Phladelphia region.
And we also thank Congressman John Adler for his service to our district as he leaves office. We wish Congressman Adler and his family the very best.
Gibbs On The Way Out; Others To Follow
worD out of Washington is that White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is leaving his post.
Gibbs is on the way out.
Others will follow.
In fact, the word inside the beltway is that a major White House shakeup may be underway.
As we noted more than once, President Obama needs to show more than a few staffers the door.
Indeed, the whole Chicago gang needs to be directed back to the windy city -- not just Emanual but ALL of them.
But we hear that the Chicagoans who will be leaving may simply be replaced by other well-connected Chicagoans -- one of them named Daly.
It is imperative that the President begin to rethink his whole approach to governing as he is facing an entirely new set of circumstances; a new reality in Washington.
it,s time for genuinely new faces in then west wing and the whole 18 acres. Let's see if thT really happens. the next few days are likely to tell tnhe tale.
Gibbs is on the way out.
Others will follow.
In fact, the word inside the beltway is that a major White House shakeup may be underway.
As we noted more than once, President Obama needs to show more than a few staffers the door.
Indeed, the whole Chicago gang needs to be directed back to the windy city -- not just Emanual but ALL of them.
But we hear that the Chicagoans who will be leaving may simply be replaced by other well-connected Chicagoans -- one of them named Daly.
It is imperative that the President begin to rethink his whole approach to governing as he is facing an entirely new set of circumstances; a new reality in Washington.
it,s time for genuinely new faces in then west wing and the whole 18 acres. Let's see if thT really happens. the next few days are likely to tell tnhe tale.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Sen. Diane Allen Supports Higher Ed Reforms
New Jersey State State Senator Diane Allen issued the following statement regarding the report released by Governor Christie's Higher Education Taskforce regarding the future of post-secondary education in New Jersey:
"Increasing access, quality, and affordability to higher education will result in more jobs and a stronger and more stable economy in New Jersey. Governor Kean was correct when he stated today that Chris Christie is the first Governor in some time to take the needs of our higher education system seriously. I applaud his efforts in assembling the Higher Education Task Force to conduct a thorough examination of how we bring our state colleges and universities into the 21st Century. This is an area where we must make investments and reforms so that we may keep more of our young people in New Jersey, and compete for out of state students by providing a world class post-secondary, graduate, or medical education. I look forward to reviewing the task force's recommendations and working with the Governor as a member of the Education Committee to transform our state colleges and universities."
"Increasing access, quality, and affordability to higher education will result in more jobs and a stronger and more stable economy in New Jersey. Governor Kean was correct when he stated today that Chris Christie is the first Governor in some time to take the needs of our higher education system seriously. I applaud his efforts in assembling the Higher Education Task Force to conduct a thorough examination of how we bring our state colleges and universities into the 21st Century. This is an area where we must make investments and reforms so that we may keep more of our young people in New Jersey, and compete for out of state students by providing a world class post-secondary, graduate, or medical education. I look forward to reviewing the task force's recommendations and working with the Governor as a member of the Education Committee to transform our state colleges and universities."
Christie Acts To Improve NJ Higher Ed
Today, Governor Chris Christie received the recommendations of the Higher Education Task Force chaired by former Governor Tom Kean and signed two new Executive Orders focused on implementing and further pursuing the Task Force's recommendations to strengthen New Jersey higher education. Executive Order 52 will create the Governor’s Higher Education Council and Executive Order 51 forms an advisory committee to develop specific recommendations for graduate medical education. The report, delivered to the Governor in accordance with Executive Order 26 signed in May 2010, provides a critical review and assessment designed to improve infrastructure, increase accessibility and promote excellence in New Jersey’s institutions of higher learning.
Governor Kean was joined on the Task Force by Dr. George Pruitt, President of Thomas Edison State College; John McGoldrick, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Association of State Colleges and Universities; Peggi Howard, Vice President of Administration, Drew University and Robert E. Campbell, former Vice Chairman, Johnson & Johnson.
Governor Chris Christie thanked Governor Kean and the Task Force for their work, while calling for improvements to the current higher education system.
“I want to thank Governor Kean and all the members of the task force for their hard work and insightful recommendations. In many ways, this report confirms what we all know - New Jersey’s higher education system is in need of focused improvement if it is truly going to serve our students and prepare our state for the future. After twenty years of declining State funding and increasing tuition, it is time to put in place a short and long term strategy that recognizes our current fiscal challenges while taking achievable steps to strengthen higher education in New Jersey.
“I am prepared to take these recommendations into consideration as we determine what change to the system can happen now, considering the serious fiscal constraints facing our State, while also looking toward the future.”
Governor Tom Kean said, “There is no doubt that New Jersey must have a competitive system of higher education that is affordable and also equips our students with the tools they need to thrive in today’s workplace. Our findings show that there is a way forward that takes into consideration the fiscal challenges our state is facing and can make New Jersey a leader in higher education.”
The Task Force has outlined ambitious goals for New Jersey’s system of public higher education, which includes exploring private partnerships, updating regulations and improving governance. At the same time the Task Force acknowledges throughout the report and recommendations that New Jersey faces significant fiscal challenges, and that the state does not currently have the resources necessary to fund some of the recommendations.
Governor Christie emphasized that there are critical reform measures which can be implemented right now and called on the Legislature to pass the remaining higher education tool kit bills. “One thing that can be done immediately and without further delay is passing the remaining higher education tool kit bills. This package of reforms was delivered to the Legislature 239 days ago and there is no reason these bills shouldn’t have been acted upon already.”
Governor Christie’s Higher Education Tool Kit Proposals include the following:
· Making Collective Bargaining Reform at State Colleges and Universities Consistent. Under current law, the Governor (through the Office of Employee Relations) conducts negotiations on behalf of the nine state colleges and universities with the state employee’s bargaining units. This legislation designates each state college and university as the employer of record of its employees and would make the collective-bargaining laws for public higher education consistent. (S-2626/A-2963 and S-2337/A-3219)
· Removing Bureaucracies by Exempting State College and University Employees from Civil Service. Between 25% and 45% of the state college and university employees are in Civil Service and each institution’s board of trustees must assign duties, determine salaries and prescribe qualifications for all employees in accordance with New Jersey’s Civil Service law. Having different rules for difference employees creates administrative and managerial concerns and creates a system that is difficult to apply to state college or university environment. Rutgers, NJIT, UMDNJ and the county colleges do not have employees classified under Civil Service titles. This legislation would remove classified employees of the state colleges and universities from Civil Service status. (S-2026/A-2963 and S-2338/A-3220)
· Bringing Tenure Qualifications at State Colleges and Universities in Line with National and Private Standards. The proposal would authorize the boards of trustees of the state colleges and universities to establish a probationary period for tenure that is consistent with the needs of the institution and with national practices. The current probationary period is five years, with tenure achieved in the sixth year, which means review for tenure is only based on four years of work. (S-2172/A-2964/A-3357)
· Requiring Fact-Finding on Impact on Students, Tuition Rates and State/Local Finances During State College Collective Bargaining Process. The Governor’s proposal would require individuals retained by the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) to institute impasse procedures for collective negotiations involving public institutions of higher education to consider several factors when formulating their opinions and recommendations for settlement. This would include the impact of any reductions in State or county funding, likely impact of a recommended settlement on tuition rates and the cost of benefits provided to affected state employees. This proposal mirrors the Governor’s “tool kit” proposal regarding municipal arbitrations. (S-2027/A-2962)
Governor Kean was joined on the Task Force by Dr. George Pruitt, President of Thomas Edison State College; John McGoldrick, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Association of State Colleges and Universities; Peggi Howard, Vice President of Administration, Drew University and Robert E. Campbell, former Vice Chairman, Johnson & Johnson.
Governor Chris Christie thanked Governor Kean and the Task Force for their work, while calling for improvements to the current higher education system.
“I want to thank Governor Kean and all the members of the task force for their hard work and insightful recommendations. In many ways, this report confirms what we all know - New Jersey’s higher education system is in need of focused improvement if it is truly going to serve our students and prepare our state for the future. After twenty years of declining State funding and increasing tuition, it is time to put in place a short and long term strategy that recognizes our current fiscal challenges while taking achievable steps to strengthen higher education in New Jersey.
“I am prepared to take these recommendations into consideration as we determine what change to the system can happen now, considering the serious fiscal constraints facing our State, while also looking toward the future.”
Governor Tom Kean said, “There is no doubt that New Jersey must have a competitive system of higher education that is affordable and also equips our students with the tools they need to thrive in today’s workplace. Our findings show that there is a way forward that takes into consideration the fiscal challenges our state is facing and can make New Jersey a leader in higher education.”
The Task Force has outlined ambitious goals for New Jersey’s system of public higher education, which includes exploring private partnerships, updating regulations and improving governance. At the same time the Task Force acknowledges throughout the report and recommendations that New Jersey faces significant fiscal challenges, and that the state does not currently have the resources necessary to fund some of the recommendations.
Governor Christie emphasized that there are critical reform measures which can be implemented right now and called on the Legislature to pass the remaining higher education tool kit bills. “One thing that can be done immediately and without further delay is passing the remaining higher education tool kit bills. This package of reforms was delivered to the Legislature 239 days ago and there is no reason these bills shouldn’t have been acted upon already.”
Governor Christie’s Higher Education Tool Kit Proposals include the following:
· Making Collective Bargaining Reform at State Colleges and Universities Consistent. Under current law, the Governor (through the Office of Employee Relations) conducts negotiations on behalf of the nine state colleges and universities with the state employee’s bargaining units. This legislation designates each state college and university as the employer of record of its employees and would make the collective-bargaining laws for public higher education consistent. (S-2626/A-2963 and S-2337/A-3219)
· Removing Bureaucracies by Exempting State College and University Employees from Civil Service. Between 25% and 45% of the state college and university employees are in Civil Service and each institution’s board of trustees must assign duties, determine salaries and prescribe qualifications for all employees in accordance with New Jersey’s Civil Service law. Having different rules for difference employees creates administrative and managerial concerns and creates a system that is difficult to apply to state college or university environment. Rutgers, NJIT, UMDNJ and the county colleges do not have employees classified under Civil Service titles. This legislation would remove classified employees of the state colleges and universities from Civil Service status. (S-2026/A-2963 and S-2338/A-3220)
· Bringing Tenure Qualifications at State Colleges and Universities in Line with National and Private Standards. The proposal would authorize the boards of trustees of the state colleges and universities to establish a probationary period for tenure that is consistent with the needs of the institution and with national practices. The current probationary period is five years, with tenure achieved in the sixth year, which means review for tenure is only based on four years of work. (S-2172/A-2964/A-3357)
· Requiring Fact-Finding on Impact on Students, Tuition Rates and State/Local Finances During State College Collective Bargaining Process. The Governor’s proposal would require individuals retained by the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) to institute impasse procedures for collective negotiations involving public institutions of higher education to consider several factors when formulating their opinions and recommendations for settlement. This would include the impact of any reductions in State or county funding, likely impact of a recommended settlement on tuition rates and the cost of benefits provided to affected state employees. This proposal mirrors the Governor’s “tool kit” proposal regarding municipal arbitrations. (S-2027/A-2962)
The Scene On Worth Avenue, Palm Beach
we've just returned from a walk along legendary Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida.
This is the shopping thoroughfare that rivals Rodeo Drive. The street is lined with every major designer name -- all of the names and brands that are synonymous with chic.
Well, anyway here's what we found on the appropriately named Worth Avenue -- lots and lots of Europeans smoking, chattering away and spending whatever money was being spent.
Now, this is what they call "The Season" in Palm Beach and the trappings of wealth are everywhere. And there's little doubt that there's probably enough "protected" money here to last more than a few lifetimes.
But right now it's Europeans who seem to be spending the dough, not Americans.
OK, at least they are dropping their money on our shore.
But If this is what passes for "conspicuous consumption" in Obama's America, all we can see is we got a problem, folks. A big problem!
This is the shopping thoroughfare that rivals Rodeo Drive. The street is lined with every major designer name -- all of the names and brands that are synonymous with chic.
Well, anyway here's what we found on the appropriately named Worth Avenue -- lots and lots of Europeans smoking, chattering away and spending whatever money was being spent.
Now, this is what they call "The Season" in Palm Beach and the trappings of wealth are everywhere. And there's little doubt that there's probably enough "protected" money here to last more than a few lifetimes.
But right now it's Europeans who seem to be spending the dough, not Americans.
OK, at least they are dropping their money on our shore.
But If this is what passes for "conspicuous consumption" in Obama's America, all we can see is we got a problem, folks. A big problem!
The Wonders Of Florida's Untamed Everglades
If you come to South Florida and you don't visit The Everglades you're missing one of the greatest natural attractions in the world.
You can easily spend an entire day or more on The Everglades and the best way to visit is through the Everglades National Park administered by the National Park Service.
Entry to the park is quick and convenient and there are many fine trails that you can wander at will. We entered near Florida City not far from Miami. Since you can walk over The Everglades on planked passages you will get a wonderful up-close and natural view of much of the wildlife including many alligators.
The National Park Service also sponsors organized programs and guided walks throughout the day if you're so inclined. One of the newest programs is a tour of a former Nike missile site that played a key role in the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. Yes, that's part of The Everglades as well.
The Everglades is one of the largest wetlands in the world.
Hundreds of years ago, this wetlands was a major part of a 5,184,000 acre watershed that covered almost a third of the entire state of Florida. The Everglades consist of a shallow sheet of fresh water that rolls slowly over the lowlands and through billions of blades of sawgrass. As water moves through the Everglades, it causes the sawgrass to ripple like green waves; this is why the Everglades received the nickname "River of Grass."
Our visit to The Everglades has been one of the highlights of our trip to South Florida -- but we barely scratched the surface in terms of visiting this sprawling natural wonder.
Here's an important tip: Try to visit in the "cool" weather months (November through February)as this time of the year will allow you to see more without being bothered by mosquitoes and other insects.
You can easily spend an entire day or more on The Everglades and the best way to visit is through the Everglades National Park administered by the National Park Service.
Entry to the park is quick and convenient and there are many fine trails that you can wander at will. We entered near Florida City not far from Miami. Since you can walk over The Everglades on planked passages you will get a wonderful up-close and natural view of much of the wildlife including many alligators.
The National Park Service also sponsors organized programs and guided walks throughout the day if you're so inclined. One of the newest programs is a tour of a former Nike missile site that played a key role in the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. Yes, that's part of The Everglades as well.
The Everglades is one of the largest wetlands in the world.
Hundreds of years ago, this wetlands was a major part of a 5,184,000 acre watershed that covered almost a third of the entire state of Florida. The Everglades consist of a shallow sheet of fresh water that rolls slowly over the lowlands and through billions of blades of sawgrass. As water moves through the Everglades, it causes the sawgrass to ripple like green waves; this is why the Everglades received the nickname "River of Grass."
Our visit to The Everglades has been one of the highlights of our trip to South Florida -- but we barely scratched the surface in terms of visiting this sprawling natural wonder.
Here's an important tip: Try to visit in the "cool" weather months (November through February)as this time of the year will allow you to see more without being bothered by mosquitoes and other insects.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Those Awful Death Panels Are Back
Despite the fact that their original death panel provision within the ObamaCare system was "repealed," President Obama and his administration have quietly reinstated the very same provision in the form of regulations. How? Under a Medicare regulation, doctors will advise patients on options for end-of-life care, which may include advanced directives to forgo life-sustaining treatment. These consultations are supposedly voluntary, which is why the Obama administration has been able to justify them. However, they're actually not completely voluntary. While patients are given the option to say, "no," they will still be approached by doctors with these options, whether or not they asked for them in the first place. Thus, the government will try to recruit doctors to sell living wills and hospice care to unsuspecting elderly patients. Unless ObamaCare is repealed, these "voluntary" consultations will start to look more and more like death panels in the near future.
Read more at The New American.
Read more at The New American.
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