Rabner’s nomination hits a bump, lawmakers reach agreement with Corzine on budget, Mathesius’s poison pen, Menendez officially endorses Hillary, Susan Bass Levin’s local finance board post pads her pension, Dina Matos McGreevey blames ex-husband for poor book sales, Rice maneuvers against Booker.

 

NO SMOOTH SAILING FOR RABNER

“A state senator with the power to block the confirmation of Attorney General Stuart Rabner as the state's chief justice is refusing to allow the Senate to consider his nomination, according to two legislative sources directly involved in the process.

Sen. Nia Gill (D-Essex), using a traditional courtesy extended to senators representing the home county of nominees, has not signed off on Rabner's nomination to lead the New Jersey Supreme Court and has raised questions about his inexperience in civil law and the rush to confirm him, the sources said yesterday………….

Gill has not been afraid to use senatorial courtesy to further her legislative goals. For much of Codey's 14-month tenure as governor in 2004 and 2005, she refused to sign off on all but a handful of nominations from Essex County because a measure to provide clean needles to drug users had stalled. Among the derailed nominees were reformers whom Codey had selected for the board of the scandal-plagued University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey…………

Republicans on the committee said they had heard rumblings of problems with the nomination but nothing concrete.

"It's very unfortunate the nomination was made so late," Sen. Joseph Kyrillos (R-Monmouth) said. But he added, "Rabner is a good choice. ... To arbitrarily block a nominee, especially one of this magnitude, is wrong." (Howlett and Margolin, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-11/118171001467290.xml&coll=1

MIRACLE IN TRENTON

“Last year, New Jersey's government and casinos closed for nearly a week before Gov. Corzine and lawmakers finally broke an impasse over the state budget.

What a difference an election year makes.

Corzine and legislative leaders announced yesterday they had reached agreement on a state spending plan, beating a July 1 constitutional deadline by nearly three weeks. The budget contains no new taxes for the first time in five years, and provides money for a 20 percent property-tax rebate for most homeowners

"We have reached a consensus around the broad parameters of what this year's budget will look like," state Treasurer Bradley Abelow announced yesterday afternoon. Abelow said some details were still being worked out.……………

So this year, lawmakers face new rules requiring them to attach their names to requests and submit them early.

"There will be a very significant, if not total absence, of projects that are for a specific town, or not regional or statewide," Roberts said.

Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D., Gloucester), a budget panel member, praised the agreement, even though it would likely contain few of the millions for local projects he had pushed for.

"Christmas-tree grants this year are coming in the form of property-tax rebates," Burzichelli said.

Though Democrats patted themselves on the back, Republicans had critical words for the budget process. Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce (R., Morris) questioned how Democrats could reach a budget agreement before even making legislators' funding requests public.” (Ung and Moroz, Philadelphia Inquirer)

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/nj/20070613_N_J__officials_agree_on_budget_plan.html

“Within the next three or four months residents will be feeling this relief in a very tangible way," Codey said, referring to the rebate checks averaging $1,051 that will be mailed out to homeowners this fall.

He added "we've made great strides" in reforming the budget process and creating a "more timely and transparent system." (Donohue, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-11/118171012367290.xml&coll=1

“While the Corzine administration and legislative leaders have gone to greater than usual lengths over the last two weeks to stress their general agreement on budget matters rather than their differences, the timing of Mr. Abelow’s briefing, in advance of the joint statement on Tuesday, ruffled some legislative feathers.

Officials in the governor’s office said they called the briefing after The Star-Ledger of Newark posted a report online heralding a final budget agreement. The online report led to a frenzy of calls to the treasurer’s office, officials said.” (Smothers, New York Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/13/nyregion/13budget.html

DORIA SAYS HE’S NOT GOING ANYWHERE

“If Joseph V. Doria Jr. will be trading in his job as mayor of Bayonne for a Cabinet post or key advisory position in Gov. Jon Corzine's administration, he wasn't saying so yesterday.

Doria couldn't be reached yesterday to comment on reports that the longtime state lawmaker - whose other job as state senator will expire in January - is being considered as the new education commissioner or as an advisor on educational funding………..

First Ward Councilman Ted Connolly doesn't believe Doria's going anywhere.

"I talked with him just a few days ago about all the rumors going on and he told me that as long as his health remains OK, he planned to serve out the remainder of his term, and he's always been honest with me.” (Leir, Jersey Journal)

http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1181714644231290.xml&coll=3

http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1181714536231290.xml&coll=3

 

WILD BILL’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE

“Asked by the Supreme Court last year during his suspension hearing "to reflect on his position of authority," Mercer County Superior Court Judge Bill Mathesius did just that ... and produced a scathing, sarcastic screed against the state judicial system that we reprint here in full today. Rarely has a sitting judge cut loose on his superiors at all. Mathesius figured if he was going to do it, he might as well do it with all he had in him. "When I was sworn in," he writes, "nobody asked me to check my constitutional rights [of free speech] at the door."

Superior Court Judge Bill Mathesius, suspended last year for a month without pay for his behavior toward a jury and appellate judge, has delivered an extraordinary attack on the New Jersey Supreme Court, accusing it of an "assault on judicial independence" by "the dangerous, repressive and chilling practice of disciplining judges who write opinions with which one or another or all justices disagree." (Seidenstein, New Jersey Lawyer)

http://www.njlnews.com/articles/2007/06/12/today/news/a1-mathesiusfinal.txt_

MENENDEZ FOR HILLARY

“Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton for president yesterday, promising to help her candidacy in New Jersey and among Latino voters nationwide.

Menendez was named a co- chair of Clinton's presidential campaign and will help it raise money. He joins other members of New Jersey's Democratic establishment, including Gov. Jon Corzine, in backing the New York senator and former first lady.

At a news conference near the Capitol, Menendez described Clinton as a leader "ready to chart a new course for America" and "bring real change to our nation."

Although Clinton voted for the Iraq war resolution in 2002, Menen dez said, she is now committed to "ending George Bush's misguided and mismanaged Iraq war."

"As someone who voted against the war, it's my judgment Senator Clinton is the leader best able to move us forward and get us out of this war," said Menendez.” (Cohen, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-11/118171041367290.xml&coll=1

TOM MORAN ON IMMIGRATION

“The collapse of immigration reform is supposed to be a great tragedy, a sign that our political system is hopelessly broken.

But the outcome could have been far worse. This ungainly legislation, distorted by one compromise after another, could have been signed into law. Gridlock saved the day.

No one was closer to the action on this one than U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), himself an immigrant from Cuba, and one of only three Latino senators.” (Moran, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/columns/ledger/moran/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/118171028167290.xml&coll=1

PLEASE SIR, I WANT SOME MORE

“Gov. Jon Corzine's nomination of outgoing state Community Affairs Commissioner Susan Bass Levin to a five-year term on the state Local Finance Board could enable her to retire at age 60 with full state-paid medical benefits and a bigger state pension, according to state pension records.

Levin, who is leaving office to take a $250,000 a-year post as deputy director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, is expected to easily gain approval for the $12,000-a-year seat on the state board, which reviews the debt financing of cities, towns and authorities.

Without the Local Finance Board post, Levin would no longer be earning more credits in the New Jersey pension system. The Port Authority is considered part of the New York State pension system……….

Brendan Gilfillan, Corzine's spokesman, said Levin is well-qualified for the post and "brings an incredible level of expertise to the table."

Jeff Tittel, director of the Sierra Club of New Jersey and a longtime critic of Levin, said the appointment amounts to pension padding. "These are the kind of abuses that were supposed to be eliminated," he said.” (Hester, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/118171032467290.xml&coll=1

SOAP OPERA DIGEST

“The estranged wife of former Gov. James E. McGreevey claimed in new court filings that her husband not only defamed her by declaring she is homophobic but also cut into sales of her tell-all book about their stormy marriage.

Dina Matos McGreevey said that "her reputation was harmed in the eyes of the community" to the extent that people refused to associate with her or buy her book, "Silent Partner: A Memoir of My Marriage," released last month.

Matos McGreevey argued that her ability to raise money for her employer, the Columbus Hospital Foundation, might also be hampered because his statements cast her "in a bad light."” (Lucas, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-7/118171053867290.xml&coll=1

 

IT’S A GOOD THING MARTY SMALL WAS AQUITTED

ATLANTIC CITY — City Councilman Marty Small flew to Chicago last weekend to meet a presidential aspirant and learn inside politics from top Democratic organizers.

Small, 33, attended “Obama University,” a weekend seminar designed to position supporters of Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign throughout the country.

This month the Chicago Sun-Times reported Obama was under self-imposed pressure to prove he could produce big-league results. It reported the campaign had booked at least 23 events between May 22 and June 29.

It created the “Obama University” program as part of the drive, it reported. The course gave brief training on fundraising and other techniques…………….

The campaign may even use Small to host an event in the resort.

Small said he was ready. “None of the candidates have the rock star appeal that he (Obama) does.” (Harper, Press of Atlantic City)

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic_city/story/7485048p-7380122c.html

WHO WILL HUDSON COUNTY DEMS PICK?

Tonight, the Hudson County Democratic Organization is expected to nameJersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy its chairman, replacing Senate Majority Leader Bernard Kenny of Hoboken. In Union City, a rival Democratic Party organization, Democrats for Hudson County, will hold its first organizational session. Who will be the chairman? Assemblyman Lou Manzo, who lost in his bid to win the Senate nomination for the 31st District, has been mentioned but some members would prefer someone who has not been at odds with Gov. Jon. Corzine……….. Here is the question: Who will Hudson County Democrats back for president? Healy, the expected new chairman for the HCDO, is - along with Newark Mayor Corey Booker - a state coordinator for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois. HCDO Senate candidate Sandra Bolden Cunningham started out saying she backed a woman, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, and then was on the Urban Times front page with Obama. The problem for the HCDO is that not only has Corzine come out for Clinton for the presidency but this week the former HCDO leader and its defacto boss, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, has also publicly backed Clinton. So guess who the reform Democrats for Hudson County may be supporting? "We are willing to talk to the different camps and decide who to support at a later date," said one of the South Hudson DFHC leaders. "I'm sure our chairman would not dismiss any talks with Mr. Healy, chairman of that other group." (Torres, Jersey Journal) http://www.nj.com/columns/jjournal/insider/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/1181714235231290.xml&coll=3

RICE’S REVENGE

“Less than a week after surviving Newark Mayor Cory Booker's at tempt to oust him from office, state Sen. Ronald L. Rice (D-Essex) is taking direct aim at his adversary.

Rice, who represents a part of Newark, said he planned to introduce legislation that would require a full majority of an elected body to approve any laws or resolutions in the state. In Newark, that means five votes on the nine-member council must approve resolutions or ordinances.

The proposed legislation seeks to clarify an issue that arose two weeks ago when the Booker administration argued a majority of a quorum was enough to pass resolutions. The matter came up when four of six council members present at a meeting approved a resolution doubling a contract to a politically connected law firm to $1.8 million.

"I'm sending a message to New Jersey and local government and others that you need a majority of a vote," Rice said. "It has nothing to do with this particular mayor. Unfortunately, Newark is the one where it's occurring."

Rice said the legislation is not a sign of a political vendetta against Booker, who backed Essex County Freeholder Bilal Beasley to take over Rice's seat in the Senate………..

David Rebovich, a political science professor at Rider University, said the measure can be interpreted as payback to Booker.” (Wang, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/essex/index.ssf?/base/news-3/118171029467290.xml&coll=1

ELECTION STILL NOT RESOLVED IN HOBOKEN

“HOBOKEN - The 4th Ward council race wasn't decided in the May 8 election. Nor was it decided last night when the ballots were tabulated. And it may not even be decided when the provisional ballots are counted this week.

Challenger Dawn Zimmer leads Councilman Christopher Campos by seven votes, 870-863, which includes absentee ballots. There are 52 provisional ballots to be counted.

In the 5th Ward, Peter Cunningham defeated Peter "Perry" Belfiore, 626-512. Cunningham assumes the council seat held by Michael Cricco.

In the 6th Ward, incumbent Angelo "Nino" Giacchi defeated Thomas Foley, 441-324. These results include absentee ballots but not provisional votes.” (Hack, Jersey Journal)

http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1181714496231290.xml&coll=3

BACK TO REAL LIFE

“After spending nine years in government jobs, Nicholas Chiaravalloti is transitioning to private sector employment - for now at least.

Chiaravalloti was the top vote-getter among the Bayonne electorate in the race for Assembly in last Tuesday's 31st District Democratic Primary, but Jersey City voters in the district put Anthony Chiappone and L. Harvey Smith over him and running mate Sheila Newton Moses………….

"Of course we're disappointed we didn't win," said Chiaravalloti, who was making his first bid for elective office after having served as Bayonne director of policy and planning for two years; executive director of the Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority for two years; and district director for former Rep. and current Sen. Robert Menendez, D-Hoboken, for the past five years.

Asked if he'd consider running for mayor if Bayonne Mayor Joseph V. Doria Jr. accepts a state post, Chiaravalloti said that Doria told him that a published report about his pending appointment "was not accurate, and I take Joe at his word.” (Leir, Jersey Journal)

http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1181714548231290.xml&coll=3

 

MAYBE DANA WEFER SHOULD SWITCH RACES?

“They are not crazy about James Murray or his political message, but two Republican Morris County freeholders said yesterday they would consider running with him on a GOP ticket in the fall.

Freeholders Jack Schrier and Douglas Cabana remain miffed at Murray, a surprise winner in the Republican freeholder primary last week. He knocked off a third incumbent, Freeholder John Inglesino, creating the possibility of a Cabana, Schrier and Murray Republican ticket.

But the incumbents say Murray's campaign demeaned the current freeholder board's work and was critical of county policies, put ting them in a difficult position of possibly running with a political opponent.

"We're all Republicans and this is the hand I've been dealt. I may have to live with it," Cabana said. "But I would tell you I'm proud of my accomplishments. He (Murray) doesn't agree. So I have to figure what Mr. Murray is going to bring to the table if he runs with us.” (Ragonese, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/morris/index.ssf?/base/news-2/118171051367290.xml&coll=1

OPEN SPACE PROGRAM KEPT AFLOAT

“Gov. Jon Corzine and legislative leaders have reached an agreement on a short-term plan to keep New Jersey's open space preservation program from going broke.

Under the deal, voters would be asked this fall to approve a $200 million bond issue that would keep the Garden State Preservation Trust running through July 2010.

That borrowing could be paid off quickly if Corzine secures a big pot of money through a sale or lease of state assets, said Assemblyman John F. McKeon (D-Essex), who would be a prime sponsor of the bill.

"The administration has been working closely with the Legislature on this," said Brendan Gilfillan, a Corzine spokesman. "We're glad to have arrived at a solution that provides short-term funding to continue purchasing open space while we look for a recurring funding source that will allow us to purchase open space without adding to our structural deficit."” (Hester, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/118171009067290.xml&coll=1

“While environmentalists likely will be happy the program gets the money it needs, a stable source of future funding still is not in place, said Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

"They are sending a lifesaver to a drowning man when we need an aircraft carrier," Tittel said.” (Rispolo, Gannett)

http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070613/NEWS01/706130376/1006

STEM CELL RESEARCH

“New Jersey's drive to become a center for stem cell research advanced on two fronts yesterday: The state authorized $9.1 million to launch construction of a stem cell research lab and lawmakers agreed to ask voters to approve $450 million to bankroll research grants.

The state Economic Development Authority approved the $9.1 million for design and pre-development costs of the proposed Stem Cell Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick, a $150 million research institute expected to take about three years to build………

"We're moving forward rapidly," said Assemblyman Neil Cohen (D- Union), sponsor of the proposed legislation. Senate President Richard Codey (D-Essex) said the grants "will enable New Jersey to attract some of the world's best scientists, and their research could ultimately lead to new treatments and cures for life-threatening illnesses like cancer, Parkinson's disease, diabetes and spinal cord injuries………..

Critics say the state's stem cell research plans are immoral be cause the cells often are harvested from human embryos.

"Our position has been that we're all in favor of stem cell research as long as it doesn't allow embryonic (stem cell research) and the cloning and killing of human beings, which New Jersey's law allows," said Marie Tasy, executive director of New Jersey Right to Life.” (McNichol, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/118171013467290.xml&coll=1

AVERAGE

“New Jersey gets high marks for the quality of its hospitals, but spends too much money delivering health care and fails to do enough to prevent people from falling ill, a national health scorecard released today shows.

New Jersey's health care system ranked 26th overall based on a variety of standard benchmarks, according to the report issued by the Commonwealth Fund, a New York-based nonprofit that focuses on health care matters.

Joel Cantor, director of the Center for State Health Policy at Rutgers University, which co-authored the report, said the findings show New Jersey has a lot of "unmet potential."

"For a state that has the highest per-capita income in the nation with such a highly educated population, clearly we can do better," he said.” (Stewart, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-7/118170993467290.xml&coll=1

NEEDLE EXCHANGE

“Some intravenous drug abusers who live in New Jersey could begin getting clean needles before summer's end as the state's first needle exchange programs get under way.

The state Health Department is reviewing criteria from five cities that applied to be part of a pilot needle exchange. A decision on all five - Atlantic City, Camden, Newark, Paterson and Trenton - is expected soon, Health Department spokesman Tom Slater said yesterday.” (Delli Santi, AP)

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/nj/20070613_5_N_J__cities_ready_for_needle-exchange_pilot.html

TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT? WHY?

“State officials devising a new formula for distributing almost $8 billion in state aid to schools each year can tell you how much your town would gain or lose under three proposals.

But they won't.

In a court battle that briefly reached the state Supreme Court last week and may ultimately be decided there, officials with the Department of Education argue they need to keep secret the impact of three "alternative funding formula simulations" they experimented with in the fall of 2003………

State officials claim that letting the public see how "novel" aid formulas play out would generate controversy, stifle creativity and leave state officials "subject to criticism for actions that have not yet been taken."” (McNichol, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/118171046367290.xml&coll=1

NEW JERSEYANS GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL; MOVE OUT OF STATE

“With high school graduation season approaching, the good news is New Jersey's public schools remain at the top nationally in the number of students earning their diplomas each year, according to a new report.

As good as the numbers look, however, the report comes at a time when questions are being raised nationwide about the value of diplomas and what schools require of their graduates………….

In New Jersey, more than half of jobs require some post-secondary education or training, according to the report, and on average those jobs demand at least four years of such schooling.

"At both national and state levels, our research shows that a high school diploma alone is not sufficient for students to access the jobs that will provide a real future and to thrive in our economy," said Christopher Swanson, the researcher conducting the analysis.” (Mooney, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-7/118171023767290.xml&coll=1

 

GAMBLING AND EDUCATION – PERFECT TOGETHER

“Assemblyman Joseph Pennacchio, R-Montville, is betting that slot machine wagering could pay the bill for special education.

The assemblyman, who is seeking the state Senate seat in the 26th District, introduced this week Assembly Concurrent Resolution 263. It would amend the state constitution to allow slot machine wagering at horse and/or motor vehicle racetracks and direct the state's revenues to pay for special-education needs.” (Daigle, Daily Record)

http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070613/COMMUNITIES/706130344/1203/NEWS01

UMDNJ

“A top administrator at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey was relieved of his duties last week amid a new investigation, into possible financial improprieties at UMDNJ's Camden campus.

Paul Mehne, 59, the associate dean for academic and student af fairs who headed the Camden campus, was placed on paid administrative leave just weeks be fore he was to retire.” (Margolin and Sherman, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-11/118171042067290.xml&coll=1

 

THE IVORY TOWER

“Philip Furmanski, a vice president and the second-in-charge at Rutgers University, is one of four finalists for the president's job at the University of Iowa.

Furmanski, who helped lead an overhaul of undergraduate education in his role as executive vice president for academic affairs at Rutgers, spent the past two days interviewing with faculty, administrators and students in Iowa.” (Alaya, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-7/118171000767291.xml&coll=1

 

IN TRENTON

“TRENTON -- The former city schools superintendent accused by the state of failing to act in the grades-tampering scandal defended his leadership yesterday, saying he did all he could.

James Lytle, speaking at length with The Times, said he is not concerned about losing his teaching job at the University of Pennsylvania as a result of the scandal.” (Colon, Trenton Times)

http://www.nj.com/news/times/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1181707587285110.xml&coll=5

IN MONMOUTH COUNTY

“When the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders appointed Wall Mayor John W. Tobia to a $138,000-a-year job to head the Department of Public Works and Engineering, they did so without giving the public a fair chance to comment beforehand, according to complaints the board has heard from residents. However, there's virtually no recourse for those upset with the procedure, a Sunshine Law expert said Tuesday.” (Jordan, Asbury Park Press)

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070613/NEWS01/706130388/1004

 

IN MORRIS COUNTY

“Superior Court Judge Joseph A. Falcone will leave the Morris County bench in September to preside over criminal cases in his home county of Passaic. He once served as top judge for nearly three years there. Falcone's transfer from the Morris-Sussex county court vicinage was the most significant change announced Tuesday in the state Supreme Court's assignment of Superior Court judges for the court year that begins Sept. 1.” (Wright, Daily Record)

http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070613/COMMUNITIES32/706130348/1203/NEWS01

 

IN OLD BRIDGE

“The Old Bridge Ethics Board last night dismissed a conflict of interest charge filed against Councilman Dennis Maher that alleged he should not have voted to reappoint a municipal utilities commissioner while a development project Maher owned was awaiting approval from the utilities board.” (Steele, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/middlesex/index.ssf?/base/news-2/118171050467290.xml&coll=1

 

IN TOMS RIVER

“By the end of office hours Tuesday, the independents who filed paperwork to run for mayor and Township Council had not rectified their petitions, Ocean County Clerk Carl W. Block said. The slate has until 4:30 p.m. Friday to "cure" defects in their petitions, in order to continue their pursuit of Toms River office, Block said.” (Kidd, Asbury Park Press)

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070613/NEWS02/706130428/1070/NEWS02

 

IN VINELAND

“Over the objection of one member, City Council tonight appointed a former Vineland police captain to fill the unexpired term of a councilman who resigned last month. The council voted 3-1 to appoint Anthony J. Gioielli, 54, to the seat vacated by Bob Smith.” (Zatzariny Jr., Daily Journal)

http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070612/NEWS01/70612021

 

IN EAST WINDSOR

“With the majority of primary election votes counted and the slate of candi dates largely set, Republicans here are gearing up to claim one or more seats on the township council for the first time in 10 years.” (Tracy, Trenton Times)

http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-9/1181707736285110.xml&coll=5

 

IN ATLANTIC CITY

“A city attorney may sue the school district for $1.5 million after board members allegedly conspired to keep him out of the board's solicitor job for political reasons. Dan Gallagher, a former board member and longtime resort attorney, filed a tort claim alleging the school board ignored rulings by an administrative law judge and the commissioner of education against sending-district members voting on the appointment of a new board solicitor.” (Clark, Press of Atlantic City)

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic/story/7485006p-7380077c.html

 

IN BERNARDSVILLE

“A runoff school board election for two Bernardsville candidates in the Somerset Hills School District delivered a narrow victory yesterday for John "Jerry" Dorr, who will begin his second three-year term on the 10-member regional panel.” (Abdou, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/somerset/index.ssf?/base/news-2/118171021867290.xml&coll=1