More Thumb-Twiddling As Christie Delivers Remarks

Some more (less vigorous) thumb-twiddling by Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (left) as New Jersey Governor Chris Christie concludes his budget address to the state legislature yesterday in Trenton. It seems the Speaker was a bit less anxious as Christie brought his remarks to a close.

Christie: Accord Reached With NJEA On Pensions

Today Governor Christie presented his FY2016 Budget to the NJ legislature and laid out additional reform proposals for the pension and health benefits system, including a groundbreaking roadmap for reform with the NJEA to work towards solutions on these issues moving forward.  There is more work to be done, but the Governor has found common ground with a long-time political opponent to bring fundamental change to these systems that, without reform, threaten the state’s fiscal health.

The Roadmap, signed by the NJEA, agrees to continue talks to pursue ideas including:

·         Freeze Of Existing Pension Plans And Replacement With New Retirement Plans.
·         Transfer Of Control Of Pension Funds To The NJEA.
·         A Constitutional Amendment Guaranteeing Consistent State Funding.
·         Work Collaboratively With The State To Pursue Meaningful Savings In Health Care Costs.

The Governor also formally endorsed the full proposals of the nonpartisan New Jersey Pension and Health Benefits Study Commission – a separate set of sweeping recommendations to lowers costs, secure these systems and bring fairness for taxpayers.

Assembly Speaker Twiddles While Christie Speaks

That appears to be Democrat State Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (on the left) twiddling his thumbs while Chris Christie gives his annual budget address to a joint session of the legislature at the statehouse in Trenton yesterday. Do you see any correlation between the frequency and/or speed of twiddling and what Christie is saying at any particular time?
Hey, it's not like he fell asleep à la Justice Ginsburg at the State of the Union. At least Prieto was animated -- sorta.

NJ Commission Unveils Pension Reforms

The New Jersey Pension and Health Benefits Study Commission today released its final report, which proposes a comprehensive reform of the pension and health benefits systems for all public employees in the State of New Jersey. The Commission is also releasing the joint “Roadmap for Reform” between the Commission and the New Jersey Education Association.

“Given the gravity of the situation, no part of the status quo is acceptable,” Commission Coordinator Thomas Healey said.  “The Commission’s comprehensive proposal will solve this problem once and for all.  The accord with the NJEA on many elements of our proposal is a sign the will exists to make hard choices to solve the State’s problems.”

The members of the Study Commission have worked collaboratively for several months as an independent nonpartisan commission tasked by Governor Chris Christie to think long term and outside of the box.

The proposal involves the following steps:

·         Freeze the existing pension plans; benefits earned to date would not be affected, but taxpayers cannot afford additional benefits to be earned under the existing plans

·         Align future public employee retirement benefits with private-sector levels; this is the sensible thing to do on its own merits and the savings will make funding more secure for employees and less painful to taxpayers

·         Also align public employee health benefits with private-sector levels; get ahead of the curve in controlling these staggering costs before they crowd out retirement benefits from State and local budgets

·         Fairly realign State and local responsibility for new and sustainable pension and health benefits; this will produce the best results from the perspective of employees and the State’s taxpayers as a whole

·         Lock in fixed and certain pension funding with a constitutional amendment; this will protect employees and retirees from the vagaries of politics and the annual budget process, improve the State’s financial condition, and make clear to all that the people of New Jersey have taken ownership of the problem and the solution

·         Transfer the assets, liabilities and risks of the existing pension and new retirement plans to employee entities willing and able to assume this obligation; allow those who receive the benefits to have the power and assume the risk of managing the plans to ensure that the available funds are sufficient to pay for the provided benefits.

Details can be found here:

http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pdf/FinalFebruaryCommissionReport.pdf

http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pdf/NJEA-CommissionRoadmap-Final_February2015.pdf

Paper Mill Playhouse Announces 2015-16 Season!

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt-Managing Director) is proud to announce the lineup for its 2015-2016 season, featuring five musicals and two world premieres. Paper Mill Playhouse’s 2015-2016 season is proudly sponsored by Investors Bank. Paper Mill Playhouse will open its 2015-2016 season with the world-premiere musical Bandstand, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler.  This sizzling new big-band musical is the story of a mismatched band of WWII veterans who dream of a better life. They join together to compete in a national radio contest with a prize that will guarantee instant stardom to the winners.

Just in time for Christmas, Paper Mill Playhouse will present A Christmas Story: The Musical, straight from Broadway, based on the legendary 1983 movie. Join Ralphie and friends as this classic Christmas film comes to life on the Paper Mill stage in a dazzling musical that captures holiday wonder with such deliciously wicked wit that it is sure to delight children and grown-ups alike.

In February, Paper Mill Playhouse presents the world premiere of a new musical A Bronx Tale. With music by Tony and Oscar winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater and written by Chazz Palminteri, based on his acclaimed one-man show, it is a complex love story set against the backdrop of racial strife and organized crime in the 1960s. A Bronx Tale will be directed by two-time Oscar winner Robert De Niro and four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks, with choreography by Sergio Trujillo.

Next spring, Paper Mill Playhouse heats up the northeast with Pump Boys and Dinettes, a musical full of joy, a little bit of heartbreak and lots of hilarity. A little rest stop on Highway 57 in North Carolina is where all the action is—once the boys get that guitar and bass fiddle revved up, you won’t want to be anywhere else. Pump Boys and Dinettes is a countrified musical packed with highly entertaining toe-tappers.

Finally, Paper Mill Playhouse will close its 77th season with the stunning, trailblazing and legendary musical that set the bar for all musical theater, West Side Story. The score is a musical masterpiece by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.  The songs of West Side Story have become part of American culture.  You must not miss this passionate and magnificent new production, only at Paper Mill Playhouse.

“What a thrill to produce two world-premiere musicals in one season,” commented Mark S. Hoebee, Producing Artistic Director for the Millburn theater.  “Paper Mill Playhouse is honored to bring so many incredible artists to work in New Jersey next season.  The list is remarkable and includes Oscar winner Robert De Niro, Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks, Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler, Academy and Tony Award winner Alan Menken and Tony nominee Sergio Trujillo, to name a few.  We are proud to have created an irresistible lineup of stories you will love, glorious music that will warm your heart and many memorable moments of theater magic.”

“Paper Mill Playhouse is truly Broadway in your backyard,” remarked Managing Director Todd Schmidt. “Paper Mill Playhouse has once again established itself as a leader in American musical theater, the place where the stars of today and tomorrow come together to practice their craft. Of course, none of what we do would be possible without the generous support of our donors, subscribers, patrons, foundations and corporate partners, including season sponsorship from our friends at Investors Bank.”

“Investors Bank is proud to continue our support of Paper Mill Playhouse for their 2015-2016 season,” said Kevin Cummings, President and CEO. “Paper Mill Playhouse continues to be one of the country’s premier not-for-profit theaters, and provides a fantastic venue for the showcasing of American musical theatre. We wish Paper Mill the best of luck in their upcoming season and I urge everyone to come out and see a show.”

Paper Mill Playhouse will produce eight performances a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Three, four and five-show subscription packages are available now starting at just $104. Each subscription package includes a different level of special benefits (see www.papermill.org for details).  Single tickets will go on sale in August starting at just $32. Student rush tickets are $20 and available the day of the performance in person or by phone and will only be distributed with current student ID.  Tickets and subscriptions may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, or at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.papermill.org.  Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted.  Groups of ten or more can receive up to a 40% discount on tickets and should call 973.315.1680. Titles, casting and dates subject to change.
Paper Mill Playhouse’s 2015-2016 Season

Bandstand  (World Premiere)
October 8 through November 8, 2015
Music by Richard Oberacker
Book and Lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker
Direction and Choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler

Paper Mill Playhouse produces this sizzling new big-band musical with an amazing original score and a plot that is full of surprising twists and turns.  Emotionally charged and beautifully crafted, this is the story of a mismatched band of WWII veterans.  Battle-scarred and broke, dreaming of a better life, they join together to compete in a national radio contest with a prize that will guarantee instant stardom to the winners. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler.  See it first here at Paper Mill Playhouse.

A Christmas Story: The Musical
November 25, 2015, through January 3, 2016
Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Book by Joseph Robinette

Straight from Broadway, this holiday musical is based on the classic 1983 movie. Ralphie wants only one thing for Christmas: An Official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. A Christmas Story: The Musical is the hilarious account of Ralphie’s desperate quest to ensure that this most perfect of gifts ends up under his tree this Christmas.    It’s funny, heartfelt, and captures holiday wonder with such deliciously wicked wit that it is sure to delight children and grown-ups alike.  Bring the whole family, again and again.

A Bronx Tale  (World Premiere)
February 4 through March 6, 2016
Book by Chazz Palminteri
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Glenn Slater
Direction by Robert De Niro and Jerry Zaks
Choreography by Sergio Trujillo

Paper Mill produces the world premiere of this explosive new musical. Written by Chazz Palminteri and based on his acclaimed one-man show, A Bronx Tale is a complex love story set against the backdrop of racial strife and organized crime in the 1960s. It is the story of an Italian-American teenager finding his path in life as he must choose between the father who raised him and a mob-boss father figure who fascinates him. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!  Contains strong language and adult themes.

Pump Boys and Dinettes
April 6 through May 1, 2016
Book, Lyrics and Music by John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel and Jim Wann

A raucous good time! A musical full of joy, a little bit of heartbreak and lots of hilarity. This tribute to life by the roadside, takes place on North Carolina’s Highway 57. Somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna stands a rest stop. The four hard-working fellas at the gas station have been known to do some auto repairs, but only when aided by some great tunes and a few beers. Next door there's the Double Cupp Diner, where the Cupp sisters offer up their famous home cooking and gift for song. A celebration of life, love, Dolly Parton, and catfish!

West Side Story
June 1 through June 26, 2016
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Arthur Laurents
Direction by Mark S. Hoebee
Original Direction and Choreography by Jerome Robbins

The stunning, groundbreaking and legendary musical that set the bar for all musical theater!  Amazing dancing with music and a story that will stir your soul and set your pulse racing!  Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, it’s The Sharks and The Jets like you’ve never seen them before.  The score is a musical masterpiece by Leonard Bernstein and the lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim, songs that have become part of our very culture.  You must not miss this passionate and magnificent new production, only at Paper Mill Playhouse.


Paper Mill Playhouse offers its audience an opportunity to enhance their theater experience with behind-the-scenes views of mainstage productions.  Have you ever wanted to sneak a peek behind the curtain? Or wondered what the director was thinking, or how the cast prepares for a show? Join us for one of many revealing insider’s experiences.  Visit the Paper Mill Playhouse website at www.papermill.org for dates for our Director's Viewpoint Series, Conversation Club Series, Q&A’s With the Cast and more.

Paper Mill Playhouse offers people with disabilities the opportunity to see live theater with dignity and independence through a myriad of award-winning access programs and services, including audio description and sensory seminars for the blind, Braille and large-print programs, American Sign Language interpretation for the deaf, open-captioning for those with hearing loss, and assistive listening devices.

PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE, a not-for-profit arts organization, is one of the country's leading regional theaters.  Paper Mill Playhouse programs are made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, A Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.  Paper Mill Playhouse is a member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the Council of Stock Theatres, and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.  

Watch Governor Christie's Budget Address Here, Live

Watch live streaming video from governorchrischristie at livestream.com

Watch Governor Chris Christie's budget address (above) live from the statehouse in Trenton beginning at 2 PM today!

Lynne Abraham: A Personal Perspective

A very important message about the upcoming Philadelphia mayoral election by David Castro:

As Dante wrote sometime in the 13th century, the darkest places in hell are reserved for those who try to preserve their neutrality in a time of great moral crisis. Time to take a stand.
I’ll make this simple. Lynne Abraham should be the next mayor of Philadelphia.

First, a little about my perspective. I have been in public service since 1991, first for the City of Philadelphia in the District Attorney’s Office, second, for the Commonwealth as the architect of the Pennsylvania Weed and Seed Program, and third, through a nonprofit organization that I founded with Lynne back in 1995 called I-LEAD (the Institute for Leadership Education, Advancement & Development).

During my career I have worked closely with numerous public officials, business leaders and community leaders. I have participated in prominent national and international leadership programs, including Eisenhower Fellowships, the Kellogg National Fellowship Program and, most recently, Ashoka’s Fellowship Program (an international association of leading social entrepreneurs). I have studied a broad spectrum of leaders and public officials close up, including those in the governor’s office. In addition to running successful businesses (with multiple employees, grants, viable business models and multiple locations), I have taught and practiced leadership development for more than 15 years.

I have worked for both Republicans and Democrats. During my life I have been registered to the both parties at different times. From 1991 through 1995, I worked closely with Lynne in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, and also in conjunction with our philanthropic work since that time. I have also worked for prominent Republicans in the Ridge Administration.

I am not commenting from the perspective of reading about Lynne Abraham in the newspaper, but rather from personal, direct, daily experience over many years, along with the ability to draw comparisons. No one can fake or put a costume on her character over such a long time frame in so many different situations.

Lynne demonstrates three critical qualities that no other candidate in the field possesses in sufficient measure.

First, and most importantly, she has absolute unwavering integrity, a powerful moral compass unequaled in public life. She does not cut corners and cannot be bought or influenced by the root of all evil in politics—the private economic interests of the corrupt and powerful. Lynne does not have a slippery or slick bone in her body. To anyone who suggests that her long tenure in politics means that she practices cronyism or is part of the corrupt system, I say, frankly, you are misinformed. In fact, the number-one problem that she presents as a candidate to the entrenched powerful forces surrounding Philadelphia politics is this: her steel spine and independence. Remember her legendary refusal to accept Rizzo’s hacks within the Redevelopment Authority? Fire me, she said. That is character. During her career she has stood up to the political machine again and again. Lynne Abraham is not for sale and never will be.

Second, Lynne thinks big and is willing to take smart risks. Lynne is the best-informed politician whom I have ever encountered, and I have interacted with many. She reads broadly and voraciously; she is in constant dialogue with many diverse policy experts; and she is willing to think outside the box to tackle the difficult, entrenched problems facing the Philadelphia community. She is the rare brilliant, highly educated and learned person who also keeps her feet squarely on the ground. Lynne can talk current science and classical music while eating a hotdog and discussing the Flyers in the same conversation. She is both book smart and street smart, while also retaining real humility and a deep connection to the streets. She is and will always be a native Philadelphian who really cares about the daily quality of life of each person.

Third, Lynne is an inspiring and experienced leader and manager; the list of her awards and actual accomplishments as a leader dwarf those of all the other candidates combined. Perhaps her best quality is the willingness to engage smart, hard-working, creative and ethical people in the mission of government. Many of the problems we face in Philadelphia result from shoddy ethics combined with day-to-day lack of diligence and competence. Lynne knows how to build a public culture with high ethics, excellence, accountability, strong work ethic and professionalism. Name a single competitor with such a long and ethically unblemished career in public life today. At the Redevelopment Authority and later as District Attorney, Lynne led a highly diverse staff (in terms of race, ethnicity and gender) that demonstrated day in and day out for more than two decades the highest commitment to ethics, professionalism and competence.

In these three categories, Lynne Abraham is unmatched as candidate, and they are the most critical qualities that the next mayor of Philadelphia must possess.

Finally, let me address those who say that she is too old for the job. Look again. Lynne has terrific health along with enormous energy and passion for this work, more than most people half her age, and she will combine that with something no other person in the field has in the same plentiful measure: real wisdom born of long experience. Her age also entails a powerful asset. She is not looking to line her pockets or build her résumé for the next big thing. She will be 100 percent focused on serving the people of Philadelphia, and on doing the right things for the right reasons.

The only question remaining is whether Philadelphians have the wisdom to select the best candidate from the field or whether they will they settle for second best. Unfortunately, in this field, second best presents the significant risk of settling for politics as usual with its disheartening suitcase of cronyism, pay-to-play, substandard ethics and selling communities down the river in the interest of personal financial or political gain. You know I am telling the truth. Philadelphia, just say no to all that, and vote for Lynne Abraham.

See, I told you it would be simple.

You have full permission to republish this article with attribution.

Take Our Poll: Who's Your Choice For GOP In '16?

Take our poll and tell us your choice for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.
We've got lots of potential candidates to pick from. In fact, they're quite an appealing crop.
There are many to choose from.
But we want you to vote. Tell us who you like right now.
Answer our poll at the top right hand corner of this page.
Do it!

Cherry Hill Gov't Shakeup In The Works?

We hear that big changes are in the works for Cherry Hill's local government.
Yes, this year both the mayor and certain members of Township Council are up for re-election. And our spies tell us that it appears as if Mayor Chuck Cahn will be stepping down and effectively retiring from government service. Cahn is a hugely successful businessman who does not take any salary as mayor. His service to the town is a labor of love -- not something he needs.
Mayor Cahn has served since 2012 so his term of office expires at the end of this year.
Cherry Hill remains under solid Democrat control just as it has for more than two decades. The mayor and the members of Township Council are all Democrat and this in part reflects the continuing power of the entrenched Camden County Democrat machine. The party has the money, the influence and the army to get out the vote.
The Cherry Hill Democrat organization has been meeting to put together its slate of mayor and council candidates for the spring primary and November general elections. They will have to make a decision soon and choosing a candidate for mayor will be key. The mayoral candidate will lead the team and has to be able to drive the vote.
The future direction of the town is at stake. We'll keep you posted. Stay tuned!

Dan Cirucci Blog Correctly Predicted All Major Oscar Winners!

We predicted EVERY major Oscar winner, right here!

Supporting Actor: J.K. Simmons CORRECT
Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette CORRECT
Director: Alejandro Gonzalez, Birdman CORRECT
Actor: Eddie Redmayne CORRECT
Actress: Julianne Moore CORRECT
Picture: Birdman CORRECT
Adapted Screenplay: The Imitation Game CORRECT
Costumes: The Grand Budapest Hotel CORRECT
Production Design: The Grand Budapest Hotel CORRECT
Song: Glory (Selma) CORRECT
Foreign Film: Ida CORRECT
Original Screenplay: The Grand Budapest Hotel (winner, Birdman)