tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222105022011-11-02T08:14:59.164-04:00Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.comBlogger3561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-24480245791978894242007-11-28T15:48:00.000-05:002007-11-28T15:54:46.574-05:00

My blog, "New Jersey: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," has moved to our brand-new app.com Web site. Please visit me there.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-60490864352178526512007-11-19T11:31:00.000-05:002007-11-19T11:58:32.172-05:00

I took the Garden State Parkway north up to Union County twice over the weekend, and was struck by two things: how many troopers there were north of Holmdel - they seem to be a rare sight south of Asbury Park - and how the average rate of speed was well over the posted limit, even in the right lane, despite the troopers' presence. The flow on Saturday, when the roads were dry, was about 68-70 in

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-29921753601472032902007-11-16T10:05:00.000-05:002007-11-16T10:23:33.042-05:00

The need to change the ground rules for eminent domain barely registered a blip on the radar in the recent legislative elections, and efforts at reform have been stalled by the state Democratic leadership. Public Advocate Ronald Chen, one of the leading voices for reform, continues to push for change. Chen was a panelist in a session titled "Recent Development in Eminent Domain Law" at the

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-46368006720994433552007-11-16T09:40:00.001-05:002007-11-16T09:48:40.642-05:00

Here's the quote of the week, from U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie, addressing public officials Wednesday at the state League of Municipalities convention in Atlantic City. By way of context, the convention has been a convenient meeting place for those prone to offering bribes and those prone to taking them, including some of the Monmouth County officials snared in Operation Bid Rig.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-54567402585619551052007-11-15T10:48:00.000-05:002007-11-15T11:19:39.606-05:00

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's newly released annual list of the safest cars is three times longer this year, largely because more car and truck models have added anti-rollover technology. The institute says 10,000 lives could be saved each year if all vehicles had electronic stability control (ESC). Last year, 42,642 people died in traffic accidents. ESC senses when a driver may

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-49642314113584703192007-11-14T16:46:00.000-05:002007-11-14T17:29:13.268-05:00

We've leaned on Gov. Corzine and Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, D-Camden, pretty hard for their failure to convert their words expressing opposition to Regional Contribution Agreements into action. Well, it looks like they may be following through. The Assembly Democrats today unveiled a 12-point affordable housing plan that includes eliminating RCAs, which allow wealthier communities

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-52615646076415984212007-11-14T12:07:00.000-05:002007-11-14T12:43:02.053-05:00

It is no secret that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have cost taxpayers dearly. A new report, "War at any price?" has put it in terms Americans can understand. For a family of four, it has cost $20,900 since 2002, Congressional Democrats say. The report, issued Tuesday by Democrats on Congress' Joint Economic Committee, estimates that the conflicts have cost a staggering $1.6 trillion -

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-17285203472313015742007-11-13T14:43:00.000-05:002007-11-13T15:06:12.028-05:00

So many people have announced they are considering a run for the congressional seat being vacated by Rep. James Saxton that it is actually more newsworthy when a public official from Saxton's 3rd Congressional District says they are not throwing their hat in the ring. Assemblyman and state Sen.-elect Christopher Connors sent out a press release about a half hour ago saying he would not be

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-59024505446365052432007-11-13T13:58:00.000-05:002007-11-13T14:36:01.128-05:00

The state's new attorney general, Anne Milgram, spent about 90 minutes with our editorial board today, discussing a variety of statewide and regional concerns. It was my first opportunity to meet with Milgram, who replaced Stuart Rabner in June. Two thoughts came to mind early in the discussion: How could Corzine ever have chosen Zulima Farber over Milgram, or Rabner, for the job? And state

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-58491549392802000552007-11-12T11:20:00.000-05:002007-11-13T14:38:30.910-05:00

School districts throughout the state were closed Thursday and Friday last week for the annual teachers convention in Atlantic City. According to the NJEA Web site, "nearly 29,000 members" attended. There are more than 175,000 public school teachers in New Jersey. That means 83.5 percent of the teachers who were given two days off for professional and career development were off doing something

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-75597400704827153212007-11-09T10:03:00.000-05:002007-11-09T11:04:43.587-05:00

Geico's latest quarterly magazine has an article based on a report by Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety that graded states on their highway safety laws. It divided states into three groups - green (the best), yellow and red (the worst) - based on how many of 15 laws deemed helpful in reducing auto deaths and injuries have been passed. The report, "The 2007 Road Map to State Highway Safety,

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-89573088500011604872007-11-08T14:06:00.000-05:002007-11-08T14:10:02.110-05:00

The Press editorial board will be meeting Tuesday with state Attorney General Anne Milgram . If you have any questions you would like us to ask her, post them on my blog or e-mail me at rbergmann@app.com.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-86943113413224286022007-11-08T12:10:00.000-05:002007-11-08T13:16:19.140-05:00

It's bad enough being hit with the double whammy of a falling stock market and falling housing prices. Now, we have to deal with skyrocketing gasoline prices again. The cost of a gallon of gas seems to be going up daily. Actually, for the last month, it pretty much has. According to newjerseygasprices.com , the average price for a gallon of gas is $2.83, up 32 cents from a month ago and the

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-66172685707655340332007-11-08T11:08:00.000-05:002007-11-08T11:36:39.950-05:00

One day after voters rejected a proposal to borrow $450 million over 10 years for stem cell research, Gov. Corzine, Senate President Richard Codey and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts Jr. all said they would proceed with plans to borrow $270 million to build stem cell research facilities throughout the state. What part of "No" don't they understand. It's outrageous they plan to move forward with

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-995610497475288862007-11-07T17:45:00.000-05:002007-11-07T17:49:16.009-05:00

... Well, be patient. The county has retrieved the missing ballots from the two districts and may report the numbers soon, but says it will take until the end of the week to count about 500 provisional ballots. It's not likely the winning margins will be large enough after the missing ballots are counted to declare a winner tonight.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-45013945149437548992007-11-07T13:12:00.000-05:002007-11-07T13:35:32.049-05:00

With 98 percent of the vote counted in the state, turnout was an abysmal 26 percent - the lowest in New Jersey history. In 2003, the last time state legislative races topped the ticket, the turnout was 34 percent. In addition to the registered voters who didn't show up at the polls Tuesday, another one in four eligible voters didn't bother to register. That means that in races in which the

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-80799842273406257592007-11-07T12:15:00.000-05:002007-11-07T12:21:02.148-05:00

Thanks largely to redistricting, in which lawmakers from both parties try to keep their districts safe, it's virtually impossible for incumbents to lose re-election bids. All 80 seats were up for grabs in the Assembly Tuesday. Only one incumbent lost - Michael Panter in the 12th District. And the margin was close. In the 40-seat Senate three incumbents fell - Democrat Ellen Karcher in the 12th

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-73623209923299487182007-11-07T11:54:00.000-05:002007-11-07T11:57:47.164-05:00

For the first time since 1991, the Republicans picked up seats in the Assembly - two seats to be exact. The Democrats' advantage will be narrowed to 48-32. In the Senate, they picked up a seat, to increase their majority to 23-17.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-65173255075344602642007-11-07T11:21:00.000-05:002007-11-07T11:31:24.110-05:00

...the Monmouth County freeholder race was undecided. Today, at 11:22 a.m., it's still undecided. The county says it is still waiting for the election cartridges to arrive from two districts - one in Long Branch and another in Ocean Township - and are still counting the provisional ballots. With 99.56 percent of the votes counted, Republican incumbent Robert Clifton leads Democrat John D-Amico

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-65002880742825298982007-11-07T00:28:00.000-05:002007-11-07T00:33:47.759-05:00

If you are waiting up to learn the outcome of the Monmouth County freeholder race, don't bother. County election officials said results were missing in two districts - one in Long Branch and the other in Ocean Township - and they wouldn't be available until Wednesday. They also said they had to recount absentee ballots. Clifton had a slim lead over D'Amico, who had a slim lead over Cantor for two

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-86913775230203953462007-11-07T00:05:00.000-05:002007-11-07T00:27:39.465-05:00

In something of a surprise, given pre-election polling data, both the stem cell research and sales tax dedication public questions were defeated. They were the first questions to be rejected by New Jersey voters since 1990, snapping a streak of 32 consecutive approvals. The stem cell question was rejected by a margin of about 53 to 47 percent. It was approved in only five counties - Bergen,

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-82682066284794160572007-11-06T23:22:00.000-05:002007-11-06T23:27:24.223-05:00

The Monmouth County freeholder race couldn't get any tighter. With 99.56 percent of the ballots counted, Clifton has 59,396 votes, D'Amico 59,305 and Cantor 59,070.Schueler has 56,876.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-85542845954937755022007-11-06T21:53:00.000-05:002007-11-06T21:55:57.226-05:00

If the numbers hold up, the Democrats will pick up another seat in the state Senate, widening their majority to 23-17. Republican Jennifer Beck is on her way to victory in the 12th District, but Democrats will be gaining two seats, in the 1st and 2nd Districts in South Jersey.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-61829915992178350532007-11-06T21:39:00.000-05:002007-11-06T21:49:21.782-05:00

The winners in four major mayoral contests in Monmouth and Ocean counties have been decided: Anna Little in Highlands, Stephen Acropolis in Brick, Jonathan Hornik in Marlboro and Thomas Kelaher in Toms River.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-37017178102429793952007-11-06T21:28:00.000-05:002007-11-06T21:38:43.757-05:00

With 89 percent of the ballots counted in Monmouth County, 59 percent of the voters have rejected public question 1 (sales tax dedication to property tax relief) and 56 percent have said no question 2 (stem cell research). The margin was even wider in Ocean County. Statewide early returns show similar trends statewide.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-70754997983912919882007-11-06T21:19:00.000-05:002007-11-06T21:25:53.956-05:00

With 88.6 percent of the votes cast, it looks like a photo finish for the two Monmouth County freeholders seats. Less than 200 votes separate Robert Clifton, Jeff Cantor and John D'Amico.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-45902978995591555002007-11-06T21:08:00.001-05:002007-11-06T21:15:33.223-05:00

With about 30 percent of the precincts reporting, GOP incumbent County Clerk Claire French has opened up a 59-41% lead over Amod Choudary. Kim Guadagno, Republican candidate for sheriff, has a 3 percentage-point lead over Belmar Police Chief Jack Hill Jr. and the two Republican freeholder candidates, Robert Clifton and Jeff Cantor have leads of less than 11/2 percentage points over Democrats

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-79220488026859928262007-11-06T20:55:00.000-05:002007-11-06T20:58:16.854-05:00

With about half the ballots counted in the 9th, 10th and 30th District legislative races, Republican candidates have wrapped things up early. All three Senate candidates have at least 61 percent of the vote, and none of the Assembly contests are close.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-12480525390436022002007-11-06T20:41:00.000-05:002007-11-06T20:53:47.949-05:00

It's still early, but it's good news so far for the Monmouth County GOP legislative candidates. The early leaders, and percentage of votes cast in some key races:Kean (R) 67.1%; Villapiano (D) 32.7 (37.6%) Beck (R) 55.7%, Karcher (D) 44.0 (25.3%)Rible, 30.7%, Angelini, (R) 30.4%; Napolitani Sr. 20.0, Pirnat (D) 18.6% (37.6) O'Scanlon 26.5%; Casagrande (R); Panter 23.8, Mallet 23.2 (D) (25.3%)

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-12553844291164823742007-11-06T19:30:00.000-05:002007-11-06T19:58:27.869-05:00

Republicans aren't expecting to regain control of the state Senate or Assembly tonight, but picking up some seats might at least help improve party morale. The GOP has lost seats in the Legislature in every election since 1991. They have held their own in the Senate three times, but they have never gained ground in either the Senate or the Assembly. At their peak in 1994, Republicans had a 53-

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-29114457096886103632007-11-06T16:49:00.001-05:002007-11-06T17:46:00.673-05:00

While control of the Legislature isn't expected to change tonight, there are several races on the state, county and local level worth watching. Not to mention the statewide public questions.Among them:Statewide Beck (R) v. Karcher (D), 12th District Senate Panter-Mallet (D) v. O'Scanlon-Casagrande (R), 12th District Assembly Kean (R) v. Villapiano (D), 11th District Senate Angelini-Rible (R)

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-64818331871592783282007-11-06T13:57:00.000-05:002007-11-06T14:14:35.373-05:00

Thanks to redistricting, in which both political parties were intent on keeping their legislative districts safe, there are only a handful of districts that are roughly evenly split between registered Democrats and Republicans. Three of them are in Monmouth County, which is why competitive races are expected today in the 11th, 12th and 13th districts. Here are the percentages of registered

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-81455160632543248912007-11-06T10:39:00.000-05:002007-11-06T10:55:47.934-05:00

The rain today could put the state's all-time record for lower voter turnout - 31 percent in 1999 - in jeopardy. Turnout in 2003, the last time the ballot was topped with state legislative races, was 34 percent. Only one of those state Senate races was close, however. The rest were decided by at least eight percentage points. This year, there could be four or five Senate races that go down to

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-32504987440080910492007-11-06T08:31:00.000-05:002007-11-06T08:58:47.105-05:00

In less than 12 hours, the polls will close. Shortly thereafter, we will learn the identities of the winners and losers. Other than the public officials themselves, and the voters who will be represented by them, who will the winners and losers be? The Web site politicsnj.com came up with a list of The Biggest Stakeholders in the 2007 Campaign . Number six on the list was my boss, Press

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-42177828549174373342007-11-05T13:38:00.000-05:002007-11-05T13:50:20.754-05:00

The sense of entitlement of state government employees knows no bounds. It’s truly mind-boggling. Last week, they bombarded Gov. Corzine’s Office with thousands of phone calls, demanding he change his mind about not giving them the day after Thanksgiving off – with pay – as well. State workers in New Jersey get 13 paid holidays a year, including three in November – Election Day, Veterans Day

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-17080234536608917182007-11-02T10:39:00.000-04:002007-11-02T11:07:51.831-04:00

If unaffiliated voters in New Jersey joined together and formed a third political party, their candidates would probably win in a landslide. According to voter registration figures released Thursday, unaffiliated voters represent 57.4 percent of the electorate. Of the state’s 4.8 million registered voters, 1,164,504, or 24.2 percent, are declared Democrats, according to the state Division of

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-49711079789843227522007-11-01T12:09:00.000-04:002007-11-01T13:20:27.271-04:00

A new report from the Economic Policy Institute will provide more ammunition for advocates of a universal health insurance program. According to the report, 47 million Americans were uninsured last year, up 8.6 million from 2000. Employer-based health coverage has fallen from 64.2 percent in 2000 – and nearly 70 percent in 1979 - to 59.7 today. In New Jersey, the news is even worse. New

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-36208874884543038502007-10-31T11:33:00.000-04:002007-10-31T11:59:10.483-04:00

I was thrilled that Gov. Corzine signed a bill last week that will provide long-overdue resident representation on the state’s Continuing Care Retirement Community boards. My father, who died two years ago, would have been thrilled as well. My dad was president of the residents’ association at Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge, one of 27 CCCRs in the state, in the late 1990s. CCRCs provide

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-49073721314943266132007-10-30T09:36:00.000-04:002007-10-30T10:37:42.727-04:00

We ran an op-ed piece a couple of weeks back from the president of the Medical Society of New Jersey, Red Bank orthopedic surgeon Richard J. Scott, attacking Web sites that allow consumers to rate their doctors. He specifically singled out RateMDs.com, suggesting that the comments he read on the site about his colleagues were inaccurate and unfairly negative. That’s just the opposite of my

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-14269835160981493672007-10-29T11:53:00.000-04:002007-10-29T13:11:05.419-04:00

New Jersey is the 9th most corrupt state in the nation, according to a newly released ranking from Corporate Crime Reporter. That's up from 14th in 2004. It would be higher still if it was based on more recent data. The Corporate Crime Reporter uses 2006 federal prosecution data from the U.S. Department of Justice to come up with its rankings. It divides a state's population by the number of

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-38137342533422127142007-10-26T09:33:00.000-04:002007-10-26T10:53:42.149-04:00

I took my family to the beach in Point Pleasant last weekend, once again enjoying what has been an extraordinary year for weather. It got me to thinking. Not only couldn't I recall any summer weekends that were a washout, I couldn't remember any weekend days in which the weather kept me from going to the beach or mowing the lawn. To confirm my recollections, I called state climatologist David

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-43640714801438728382007-10-25T10:38:00.000-04:002007-10-25T19:35:07.151-04:00

A State Police survey on gangs released today indicates that gang activity continues to increase throughout the state, not only in cities but in suburbs and rural areas as well - including towns in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Gang presence was reported in 43 percent of the state's municipalities, up from 33 percent in 2004. Gang activity, as reported by police chiefs, was present in 22 of

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-30693873397732823032007-10-24T12:02:00.000-04:002007-10-24T14:42:01.058-04:00

A new pamphlet from A Century Foundation, "The Middle Class at Risk," paints a gloomy picture of economic life for most Americans. Its 50 pages are chocked with statistics, culled from a variety of sources, that provide interesting comparisons with the two previous generations. The report's conclusion: "The oft-cited middle-class squeeze is real, and the economic realities are unmistakable.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-73717125119198866142007-10-23T13:06:00.000-04:002007-10-23T13:47:22.985-04:00

The latest serious accident involving an underage driver - a three-car crash on the Garden State Parkway in Holmdel Saturday morning that left an Ocean County man in critical condition - prompted me to research whether the number of fatal accidents involving young people has been on the rise. With all the deaths involving teens on the roads in Ocean and Monmouth counties during the past year, it

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-90196446884732302062007-10-19T13:36:00.001-04:002007-10-19T13:50:30.128-04:00

If the site of heavily treed properties that have been clearcut to make way for development makes your stomach churn, steer clear of Essex Road in Tinton Falls. Chelsea Properties Group, developers of a new 120-store outlet mall off Route 66, adjacent to the Press building, held a "ground breaking" last week. The bulldozers have not only broken ground, they have removed every last trace of

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-4045976195220173292007-10-17T17:12:00.000-04:002007-10-17T18:59:06.291-04:00

Recent news stories about the farmland assessment tax breaks state Sen. Ellen Karcher and Commerce Bank founder Vernon Hill have received by virtue of having sold more than $500 in produce - Christmas trees and cords of wood - have renewed calls for reform of the farmland assessment program. Trouble is, the discussion already took place in the Legislature last year. One of the four special

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-67388658890656172322007-10-16T18:36:00.000-04:002007-10-16T19:08:08.851-04:00

More good news, by and large, on the crime front in New Jersey, according to 2006 statistics released today by State Police. The crime rate statewide fell 2 percent, continuing a downward trend that has left the state with the lowest levels of crime in more than 35 years. The crime rate in Monmouth rose 1 percent - the second time in three years it has registered modest increases. Violent crime

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-59223122608198510432007-10-12T13:12:00.000-04:002007-10-12T13:54:47.692-04:00

In case you are keeping score, state Sen. Ellen Karcher, D-Monmouth, has raised more money for her election campaign than any legislative candidate but Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex. According to Karcher's 29-day pre-election report, released today, she has raised $985,185. Her opponent in the 12th District, GOP Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck, has raised $148,011 - nearly seven times

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-25426735422043453602007-10-11T10:14:00.000-04:002007-10-11T10:33:59.753-04:00

So, who do you like best among the presidential contenders? If you aren't sure, check out USA Today's Candidate Match Game . You are asked to answer multiple choice questions on the Iraq war, tax reform, immigration, same-sex marriage, global warming, health care and candidate experience. Once all the questions have been answered, it tells you which three of the 17 candidates you would be

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-32441805520376698702007-10-10T10:03:00.000-04:002007-10-10T10:32:34.309-04:00

By any measure, it has been a disastrous year for motor vehicle fatalities in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Last weekend's carnage set a new standard. There were seven accidents on area roads, four of them fatal. In all, five people died - four of them age 21 or under. Another 12 were injured. In Ocean County, 55 people have died on the roads this year - a record-setting pace. (The all-time

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-83238495498089591852007-10-08T11:20:00.000-04:002007-10-08T12:10:39.380-04:00

I brought the whole family to Brooklyn yesterday, one of my favorite places. I've taken my 4-year-old son to Manhattan many times, but this was his first glimpse of Brooklyn. We went to the New York Aquarium in Coney Island, walked along the boardwalk and played on the beach. Then we had a late lunch in Sheepshead Bay (at Randazzo's Clam Bar) and later enjoyed the boats and the docks. Brooklyn

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-17777752456836018012007-10-05T11:34:00.000-04:002007-10-05T13:27:14.334-04:00

So, state Sen. Ellen Karcher, D-Monmouth, is a farmer in her spare time. According to a story in today's Press, she and family grow and sell Christmas trees on their property in Marlboro, generating an estimated $500 and $1,000 a year in income - income that until recently Karcher hadn't reported on her legislative disclosure form. Coincidentally, in order to qualify for a farmland assessment -

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-55908345833651567992007-10-03T18:05:00.001-04:002007-10-03T18:35:38.166-04:00

Senate President Richard Codey is one of the three most powerful men in Trenton, along with Gov. Corzine and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts Jr. Most consider Codey a good guy. But as much as anyone, he is responsible for the state's failure to enact meaningful ethics reform. In our "Profiting from Public Service, Four Years Later" series this week, Codey showed his colors in two of the

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-36430441086147012962007-10-02T18:39:00.000-04:002007-10-02T19:06:23.773-04:00

The state League of Municipalities announced today it has formed a committee to recommend changes to the school funding formula, which is grossly unfair to suburban taxpayers. The timing seems odd. Gov. Corzine said last week he will soon be releasing his proposal for revamping it. He is already running about a year behind. Changing the formula was one of his many unkept campaign promises. The

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-51353152520464177002007-10-01T17:33:00.000-04:002007-10-01T18:10:25.876-04:00

The N.J. Sports and Exposition Authority board may decide Thursday whether to accept any of the three bids for naming rights to the Continental Airlines Arena. Continental decided against renewing its naming rights contract. The three bidders are all apparel companies - Izod, Rocawear and Southpole . None of those names roll easily off the tongue. The latter two companies feature hip-hop

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-11989999690856916302007-09-27T13:42:00.000-04:002007-09-27T14:01:39.013-04:00

After a wonderful summer in which most of my vacation time and much of my free time on weekends was spent sampling beaches in Ocean and Monmouth Counties - from Beach Haven to Barnegat Light to Bay Head to Spring Lake to Ocean Grove to Asbury Park - it's back to reality. The November elections are fast approaching. For myself and the other members of the Press editorial board, that means

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-29339293377255390292007-08-22T17:50:00.001-04:002007-08-22T18:14:30.811-04:00

What with three young kids and a time-consuming job, I don't have much time to read books these days. But on my recent two-week vacation, much of it spent on the beaches of New Jersey and Delaware, I managed to consume four of them. Two were written by colleagues at the Press, Paul D'Ambrosio and Mike Riley. The others were authored by former Gov. Jim McGreevey and his estranged wife, Dina.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-44377213782869514332007-08-03T14:35:00.000-04:002007-08-03T15:04:48.644-04:00

State transportation officials say our state-owned bridges are in good shape. Only 12 percent are deemed structurally deficient and only two are deemed deficient enough to have "load posted" weight restrictions - the Pulaski Skyway and the Route 52 causeway in Ocean City. Damien Newton, New Jersey coordinator of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, said in today's Press ("Gov seeks complete

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-73026086642048756432007-08-02T11:53:00.000-04:002007-08-02T14:27:27.499-04:00

Will singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins do for Neptune City what Bruce Springsteen did for Asbury Park? It's doubtful. But Atkins, whose debut CD "Neptune City" is due out soon, will certainly help put it on the map. Actually, she already has. Atkins, who Rolling Stone magazine named one of its 10 Artists to Watch last year, is featured in the music section of Time Out New York magazine this week

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-61270172041362951722007-08-01T14:29:00.001-04:002007-08-01T15:49:16.157-04:00

Judging from some of our news stories and recent posts in our Forums section, alcohol abuse at PNC Banks Arts Center concerts hasn't eased up much, if at all, despite stepped-up enforcement by State Police. The next week should provide a good measure of whether the steps taken to curb underage and excessive drinking are working, or whether additional steps need to be taken. On Saturday, Bryan

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-14325615576954036302007-07-30T17:58:00.000-04:002007-07-30T18:38:14.697-04:00

I was pleased to learn there will be an investigation into the National Park Service's lease agreement with Sandy Hook Partners. It is long overdue. It would be preferable if the investigation were handled by someone other than the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior, such as the Government Accountability Office, Congress' investigative agency. The odds of an impartial review

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-13711663548999280132007-07-27T10:00:00.000-04:002007-07-30T18:39:42.412-04:00

The Press-inspired campaign to overturn the BRAC decision to close Fort Monmouth and transfer most of its operations to Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland clearly has the powers that be down there biting their nails. Today, the Baltimore Sun ran the following editorial, completing ignoring the facts behind the BRAC debacle, headlined, "Sore losers": "New Jersey's representatives in Washington

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-9378899857267576582007-07-26T09:27:00.000-04:002007-07-28T10:53:39.164-04:00

The state Senate Republican minority leader, Leonard Lance, will be meeting with the Press editorial board Tuesday morning. The main topic on his agenda will be Gov. Corzine's "asset monetization" plans. But we will be grilling him on a wide variety of topics. Any questions you would like us to pose to him? You can respond here or e-mail me privately at rbergmann@app.com.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-47405265511744794772007-07-24T11:13:00.000-04:002007-07-24T12:29:13.412-04:00

It was good to see the quick response our Sunday editorial on Garden State Parkway fatalities in Monmouth and Ocean counties got from state Transportation Commissioner Kris Kolluri. In a story in today's paper, "Are guardrail gaps killing motorists," , Kolluri said the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which operates the Parkway, will do a quick analysis of accident statistics to determine whether

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-87539202977839946732007-07-23T11:35:00.000-04:002007-07-23T12:57:20.230-04:00

There was an interesting article in the Sunday Press about the impact the installation of cameras and noise sensors has had on reducing crime in East Orange. Asbury Park officials should take note. The technology isn't cheap. Despite getting price breaks from the manufacturer, it cost East Orange about $150,000 to install nearly 100 sensors, which can detect the sound of gunfire, and 18

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-13012042905956931112007-07-20T09:53:00.001-04:002007-07-20T10:13:12.876-04:00

Travel & Leisure magazine came out with its annual "World's Best Awards" this week. The magazine's readers are polled on their favorite hotels, islands, cities, airlines and cruise lines, etc. Florence was selected the top city for the third time in a dozen years. New York finished sixth. The rest of the Top 10: 2. Buenos Aires 3. Bangkok4. Rome5. Sydney7. Udaipur, India8. Istanbul9. San

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-9608348623323144592007-07-20T09:36:00.000-04:002007-07-20T09:51:25.429-04:00

Something didn't smell right to me about Thursday's wire service story on the jogging accident of state Senate Majority Leader Bernard Kenny, D-Hudson. Kenny, 60, was hospitalized with several broken bones after he told police he stepped in a pothole while jogging near his home at 6:50 a.m. Wednesday. Among his injuries: a broken right fibula, four pelvic fractures, a broken nose and a

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-64803460171706545162007-07-19T18:08:00.000-04:002007-07-19T18:34:11.916-04:00

The Asbury Park Police Department says it hopes to have a mounted police patrol in place by October. It plans to send officers to an eight-week training course with the Newark Police Department to learn the ropes. Police Chief Mark Kinmon noted in a story in today's Press that there are no other departments in Monmouth County with a mounted unit. There's probably a good reason for that: they

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-3168906974134950702007-07-18T14:29:00.000-04:002007-07-18T15:16:19.093-04:00

The string of tragic auto accidents involving young people in Monmouth and Ocean counties continued with the deaths of Melissa Farber, 23, and Erica Lopez-Mulligan, 22. Farmer's car veered off the Garden State Parkway in Wall early Sunday morning, striking a tree and bursting into flames. The fatalities were the 14th and 15 on the Monmouth and Ocean County stretches of the Parkway since the

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-41954522991781793992007-07-17T13:43:00.000-04:002007-07-18T15:18:46.708-04:00

Marlboro was one of eight towns from New Jersey to be cited as one of the "100 Best Places to Live" by Money magazine. The 2007 list focused on towns with populations between 7,500 and 50,000. Criteria included "economic opportunities, good schools, safe streets, things to do and a real sense of community." Marlboro ranked 33rd nationally and fourth in New Jersey, behind Montville (13),

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-91155219074105908842007-07-16T13:50:00.000-04:002007-07-19T19:17:57.367-04:00

I've been to lots of county fairs in my day - some good, some bad. On Saturday, I took my 4-year-old son to the Ocean County Fair - the first time for both of us. I was pleasantly surprised. It was very well organized, parking was convenient, prices were generally reasonable and almost all the attractions were geared toward families. My boy loved the rides - he hit all of the age-appropriate

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-17405861597389957462007-07-11T10:50:00.000-04:002007-07-11T11:14:18.178-04:00

PoliticsNJ.com has released its 2007 Power List 100 of the state's most influential people. At the top of the list is Attorney General and Chief Justice-designate Stuart Rabner. Runner-up is political boss George Norcross III, CEO of Commerce National Insurance. Of Norcross, it says, "His ability to raise money - quickly and in large denominations - can stop a team of oxen dead in their tracks.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-29015872694573461152007-07-10T17:43:00.000-04:002007-07-10T17:54:17.806-04:00

I had the misfortune of heading home from Point Pleasant Beach Saturday night around 9:30, soon after the Route 35 drawbridge between Point Pleasant and Brielle got stuck. It resulted, of course, in a massive traffic backup. As is too often the case when roads are blocked off, particularly local roads, no effort was made to point motorists in the right direction - no detour signs, no information

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-12092564281196264152007-06-28T11:49:00.000-04:002007-06-28T11:59:22.678-04:00

New Jersey, a state with a rich musical history, is the only state in the union without an official state song. A group of Pinelands Regional Junior High School students want to change that. They have been working with Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, R-Ocean, to make "Who Says You Can't Go Home" by New Jersey’s Bon Jovi the state song. "Prepare for a long haul," advises Red Mascara, who has been

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-5904720690353690162007-06-27T11:30:00.000-04:002007-06-27T11:52:41.088-04:00

Apparently the word hasn't gotten out yet that the State Police are cracking down on underage drinking at the PNC Bank Arts Center. At Monday night's Fray concert, at least 55 arrests were made, most of them for consumption of alcohol under the legal age of 21. Most of those charged were college kids; a dozen were 17 or younger, including a 14-year-old. The State Police and venue operator Live

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-27146968925152567032007-06-25T12:58:00.000-04:002007-06-25T13:20:37.997-04:00

I knew it would eventually come to this. I knew that the days when I could always find a parking space on Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park - free parking, no less - would eventually come to end when the beachfront started to revive. This summer, it has become increasingly difficult to find a convenient space. On Saturday, when the town was packed for the School of Rock Music Festival, it was next to

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-45176261268134195262007-06-21T14:40:00.000-04:002007-06-21T15:17:44.636-04:00

Two New Jersey congressmen, Democrats Frank Pallone Jr. and Rush Holt, have finally responded to the rigged BRAC process that led to the decision to shut down Fort Monmouth by calling for an investigation by the federal Government Accountability Office. It's absolutely essential that the GAO investigation proceed. If it does, it could blow the lid off Washington. There is no guarantee the

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-589270570885174692007-06-15T10:05:00.000-04:002007-06-15T10:30:33.705-04:00

I was stunned to read U.S. Attorney General Christopher Christie's comments criticizing the state's political leadership in response to attempts by two state senators to block the nomination of Attorney General Stuart Rabner as chief justice of the state Supreme Court. Speaking before a group of law enforcement officers Wednesday, Christie said Rabner was a victim "of the latest example of the

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-48730020463047834512007-06-14T11:57:00.000-04:002007-06-14T13:22:59.711-04:00

In this business, you would think it would be easy to grow immune to man's inhumanity to man. It isn't. Mothers killing their own children. Teens mindlessly getting behind the wheel drunk, killing others. The seemingly endless bullying of the weak by the strong. But the story, and photos, in today's paper about the bomb scare at a Lakewood nursing home/assisted living facility, which led to

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-83137689099092408612007-06-13T11:31:00.000-04:002007-06-13T12:37:16.404-04:00

The Asbury Park Press editorial board had a two-hour meeting Monday with the redevelopment partners of the Asbury Park oceanfront - Gary Mottola of Madison Marquette, Hugh Lamle of M.D. Sass and Larry Fishman of Asbury Partners. The news story about the meeting, written by staff writer Nancy Shields, appeared in Tuesday's paper. The editorial board's overall impression of their future plans

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-67049340858814148012007-06-12T11:42:00.000-04:002007-06-13T11:31:05.409-04:00

The Asbury Park Press editorial board had a two-hour meeting Monday with the redevelopment partners of the Asbury Park oceanfront - Gary Mottola of Madison Marquette, Hugh Lamle of M.D. Sass and Larry Fishman of Asbury Partners. The news story about the meeting, written by staff writer Nancy Shields, appeared in today's paper. The editorial board's overall impression of their future plans will

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-55242620708498672402007-06-06T13:19:00.000-04:002007-06-06T13:54:19.720-04:00

Not surprisingly, the Washington-based Institute for Justice has given New Jersey an "F" in its 2007 report card on the use of eminent domain. "New Jersey is one of the nation’s worst eminent domain abusers and is one of the states with the most work to do in the legislature," the report concluded. It noted that in the two years since the U.S. Supreme Court's Kelo decision, which allowed the

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-55153352077691879182007-06-04T11:52:00.000-04:002007-06-04T12:03:42.260-04:00

Gary Mottola, managing director for Madison Marquette, the company that is handling Asbury Park's beachfront retail redevelopment, will be meeting with the Asbury Park Press editorial board next Monday, June 11. We are hoping he will provide us with a more specific blueprint for what is planned for the Casino, the retail area adjacent to it, the pavilions and the retail on the west side of Ocean

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-29958924196657919752007-05-31T10:46:00.001-04:002007-05-31T11:04:33.542-04:00

One of the best places to find information about candidates for political office is the Project Vote Smart Web site. Unfortunately, it's only as good as the information the candidates provide. In New Jersey, only 20.7 percent of the 255 candidates for the 80 Assembly seats and 40 Senate seats this fall responded to Vote Smart's request to provide their views on a variety of issues. The return

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-83183153190607118442007-05-30T13:44:00.001-04:002007-05-30T14:14:35.045-04:00

It had been at least 10 years since I last had a flat tire while on the road. But that streak ended Monday night, on my way back from a dinner with some Swiss cousins and friends in New York City. I had just passed through the toll plaza leading to the N.J. Turnpike when the steering wheel began pulling. Seconds later, it was clear I had a flat. Fortunately, I was able to limp into the

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-59337368486803409252007-05-24T13:47:00.000-04:002007-05-24T14:28:31.700-04:00

In case you missed it, we had a story in today's paper about Assemblywoman Amy Handlin, R-Monmouth, asking the state Alcoholic Beverage Commission to revoke the PNC Bank Arts Center's liquor license. Handlin was responding to a series of incidents at Friday's Gwen Stefani concert that resulted in the hospitalization of several underage drinkers. Underage drinking and excessive drinking by

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-11492705294262866062007-05-23T14:03:00.000-04:002007-05-23T15:01:29.716-04:00

John Rowe, CEO of Exelon Corp. - owner of the Oyster Creek nuclear plant in Lacey - and newly installed chairman of the nuclear industry's chief lobbying arm, the Nuclear Energy Institute, addressed the NEI today at its annual conference. A few of the highlights: On relicensing: "License renewal has become a routine undertaking. Three-quarters of our operating plants have renewed their

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-80064355629127845292007-05-22T14:20:00.000-04:002007-05-22T14:48:10.349-04:00

Attorney General Stuart Rabner today released the results of his investigation into the actions at a press conference of David Jones, president of the state troopers union. His conclusion: "Jones behaved in a manner that brought discredit to himself and the Division of State Police, contrary to New Jersey State Police Rules and Regulations." What did Rabner suggest be done about it? Nothing.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-64483576596299406692007-05-18T09:32:00.000-04:002007-05-18T10:19:03.456-04:00

During my morning commute, I typically bounce around from one talk radio station to another - NPR, WFAN, WABC (Curtis and Kuby) and ESPN. Lately, I've been spending far less time with WFAN, which has been auditioning several replacements for Don Imus, who was fired three weeks ago. One of Imus' frequent guests, NBC News Washington correspondent David Gregory, has been subbing the last few days,

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-64573138639651267782007-05-17T11:55:00.000-04:002007-05-17T12:12:18.842-04:00

New York City and its environs have the second rudest drivers in the nation, according to an annual road rage survey of 25 metropolitan areas. I demand a recount. There's no way this region isn't No. 1. Miami claimed the top spot for the second straight year, according to the survey. Portland, Ore., and Pittsburgh, Pa., had the most courteous drivers. How to explain New York City's mere

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-81855164399446616512007-05-16T13:16:00.000-04:002007-05-16T13:36:09.241-04:00

Gov. Corzine learned the hard way how foolish it was for him not to wear a seat belt. Now he plans to get the message across to the public via a two-week seat belt enforcement campaign billed as the largest in the state's history. According to a press release from the state Attorney General's Office, State Police and local law enforcement agencies will conduct a statewide "Click it or ticket"

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-72781034470615470882007-05-11T16:52:00.000-04:002007-05-11T17:46:50.877-04:00

The Social Security Administration today came out with its annual list of the most popular baby names. For boys, Jacob came out No. 1 again - the eighth straight year. That makes me feel proud. My dog's name is Jacob - Jake, actually - and my maternal grandfather also was named Jacob. Apparently the name was popular in Switzerland, where he was born, in the 1890s, too. Interestingly, New

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-78883885467946187742007-05-10T11:57:00.000-04:002007-05-10T12:09:14.625-04:00

Alex DeCroce, R-Morris, the Assembly Minority Leader since 2003, will be meeting with the Asbury Park Press editorial board on Tuesday. If you have any questions for DeCroce about the GOP agenda, the state of the Republican Party in New Jersey or anything else, post them on this blog or forward them to me at rbergmann@app.com.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-12677627837274425842007-05-09T12:05:00.000-04:002007-05-09T14:14:45.829-04:00

As U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie was being quizzed by the Asbury Park Press editorial board Monday, FBI agents were starting to fan out in South Jersey and Philadelphia to arrest six men who allegedly plotted a terrorist attack at Fort Dix. Although Christie in his introductory remarks listed combating terrorism as one of his office's top priorities, there was no further discussion of the

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-55888775323101057912007-05-08T15:39:00.000-04:002007-05-08T16:25:23.909-04:00

The state Ethics Advisory Board released its report today on a possible conflict of interest on the part of Gov. Corzine stemming from his relationship with Carla Katz, president of the state's largest state employees' union, and contract negotiations with her union. The finding: Corzine violated no ethics laws. But the two-person panel mildly chastized him for not cutting off direct

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-88176059230136198202007-05-04T11:47:00.000-04:002007-05-04T12:05:48.798-04:00

State trooper union president David Jones proved yesterday he is unfit to be a trooper, let alone lead a law enforcement union. While it's understandable he might have been unhappy about radio talk show host Craig Carton publicizing troopers' Web site comments calling for a ticket-writing blitz, Jones' response - holding a press conference and holding up a paper with Carton's home address and

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-34239313092722876132007-05-03T11:20:00.000-04:002007-05-03T11:54:54.476-04:00

We had an interesting front-page story today about a program called "Rude Awakening" that is designed to impress upon teenagers, through presentations and interactive demonstrations, the dangers of drunken driving and the lasting consequences of auto accidents. The response to the program was mostly positive in our Forums section. One poster suggested this country emulate the U.K. and Australia

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-26916598113265615172007-05-02T10:54:00.000-04:002007-05-02T11:24:16.591-04:00

Crime-busting U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie - the bane of corrupt politicians in New Jersey - will be meeting with the Asbury Park Editorial Board Monday. Have anything you want us to ask him? Post it as a blog response, or e-mail me at rbergmann@app.com.

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-79980146003520205342007-05-01T14:45:00.000-04:002007-05-01T15:08:24.786-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I read about how gasoline prices, which had climbed sharply in the past six weeks, had finally stabilized. They did - for about a week. Now they are back on their sharp upward trajectory, and the $3 a gallon of gasoline again beckons. Actually, it's already here in 11 states. Nationally, the average is up to $2.97 - 20 cents lower than the average in New Jersey, which as

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22210502.post-76318280353145493322007-05-01T13:50:00.000-04:002007-05-01T14:10:57.626-04:00

Moments after being released from the hospital where he spent 18 days recuperating from a car crash, Gov. Corzine apologized to New Jersey residents for "setting a bad example" by not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. "I hope the state will forgive me. I will work very hard to set the right kind of example." Then, his new State Police driver proceeded to whisk him off to

Randy Bergmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10572855228775133453noreply@blogger.com1