A Chat with Danny Pro

The writer/filmaker Danny Provenzano of "Manhattan, Kansas," on Jimmy Kimmel Live before his sentencing on racketeering charges in 2003. The preproduction TV pilot is featured in this week's Observer in the Entertainment section.

See our Web site for the story at http://www.theobserver.com/. Click on the Entertainment tab on the left hand column.

Open letter from NA Councilman

An Open Letter to Our Nation's Leadership

By North Arlington Councilman Rich Hughes

You may sign the following letter at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/8/an-open-letter-to-our-nations-leadership. There has been such an overwhelming response with people signing the letter, the servers keep crashing so keep trying.
One, illegal immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. P.S., I'm not a racist. This isn't to be confused with legal immigration.
Two, the TARP bill, I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you no, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal.
Three: Czars, I want the circumvention of our checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution and honor it.
Four, cap and trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There is more to say.
Five, universal healthcare. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision. Don't you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night and then go on break. Slow down!
Six, growing government control. I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real obligations. Why don't you start there.
Seven, ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on every real estate deal that closes. Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census over with our taxpayer money. I don't trust them with our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.
Eight, redistribution of wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs. That is the only redistribution of wealth that I will support. I never got a job from a poor person. Why do you want me to hate my employers? Why what do you have against shareholders making a profit?
Nine, charitable contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.
Ten, corporate bailouts. Knock it off. Sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we'll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. Have you ever ripped off a Band Aid? We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.
Eleven, transparency and accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let's have it. Let's say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please try please stop manipulating and trying to appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.
Twelve, unprecedented quick spending. Stop it now.
Take a breath. Listen to the people. Let's just slow down and get some input from some nonpoliticians on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed readingour bills into law. I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant or a violent person. I am a parent and a grandparent. I work. I'm busy. I'm busy. I am busy, and I am tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on the weekends and be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same all while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.
I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble all through a bill that you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not. It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance. Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it but you should expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure that we still cannot. There is such urgency and recklessness in all of the recent spending.
From my perspective, it seems that all of you have gone insane. I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess that you are making. We will have to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on you to bring our concerns to Washington. Our president often knows all the right buzzword is unsustainable. Well, no kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with that word? We don't want your overpriced words. Stop treating us like we're morons.
We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented. You think we're so busy with our lives that we will never come for you? We are the formerly silent majority, all of us who quietly work , pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone and we are now looking up at you. You have awakened us, the patriotic spirit so strong and so powerful that it had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They may surprise you. For every one of us who will be there, there will be hundreds more that could not come. Unlike you, we have their trust. We will represent them honestly, rest assured. They will be at the polls on voting day to usher you out of office. We have cancelled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn't ask for this fight. But the gloves are coming off. We do not come in violence, but we are angry. You will represent us or you will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us when he will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes that you have made of our constitution.
Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian. Understand this. We don't care. Political parties are meaningless to us. Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution and that is all that matters to us now. We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back. We entrusted you with it and you abused it. You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us. If you are not representing the wants and needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear? We no longer care about your political parties. You need to be loyal to us, not to them. Because we will get you fired and they will not save you. If you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up. I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming. We the people are coming.

Al Granell letter

NORTH ARLINGTON – As we enter the summer months before a more specific discussion of the issues come the fall, it's a good time to look back on the accomplishments we've had as a community in the worst of economic times.
After years of controversy and litigation, EnCap is finally behind North Arlington.
The construction of Arlington Valley will not happen and homeowners have beaten down the challenge to urbanize this community into an extension of Hudson County.
It is a battle that has retained our small town character.
More specifically, the Porete Avenue business community was saved and the application of eminent domain averted. Most importantly, the construction of low income housing has been stopped and North Arlington now controls its own economic destiny.
This battle was fought and won on a bipartisan basis with our Republican colleagues joining the Massa Administration in simply doing what was right.
We continue to work hard with state officials to secure funding in lieu of diminishing host fees from solid waste operations.
Earlier this year, this council secured $800,000 in state funding to make-up for the temporary closing of the baler facility we're working hard to re-open. This is a priority for North Arlington and we've worked closely with Commissioner Joseph Doria of the Department of Community Affairs as well as Senator Paul Sarlo to make this a reality.
Planning for a better North Arlington continues to move forward.
Our discussions with the state's Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve Ridge Road as well as our Visioning Committee as to what to do with our Meadowlands parcels is the kind of transparent and responsible long range planning needed to keep North Arlington economic competitive in terms of jobs, commerce and quality-of-life issues necessary to keep this community small, safe and suburban.
As finance chairman, we had to make tough choices in terms of spending to keep property taxes stabilized.
When voters defeated the school budget on April 21st, this council once again was joined by my Republican colleagues to cut spending some $360,000 to produce a "zero" tax increase on the school side of the property tax ledger. Note that 70% of a homeowner's tax bill is derived from school spending. The Massa Administration has once again sided with homeowners to reduce spending without cutting vital school services.
That's the kind of leadership voters expect in rough economic waters!
As of this writing, we applied for $600,000 in Extraordinary Aid to assist us in fixing these inherited budget woes. My goal is to reduce spending as best we can so that we can provide the greatest service value at the lowest possible cost.
While these challenges have been monumental, North Arlington is better off today than it was yesterday. While battling problems both big & small, we continue to make the necessary investment in infrastructure to maintain our property values and the kind of community we all have come to love and enjoy.
We refurbished Allan Park in 2008 and the Little League Field in 2009. We just completed the renovation of Vincent Macaluso Memorial Park. We're in the process of renovating the Fischer Field playground and are in the final stages of modernizing and rehabilitating the North Arlington Library. While other communities are cutting municipal investment, we're maintaining our commitment to parks, playgrounds and the library through responsible management and disciplined leadership on a bipartisan basis!
Not only did we continue this commitment to infrastructure improvement, but the borough is now in the process of developing the proper specifications to purchase a new senior bus on top of the new rescue fire truck purchased and ambulance purchased earlier this year for our dedicated volunteer firefighters and EMT’s.
Strategic planning and the ability to identify our needs is what governing at the local level is all about.
Aside from our continued commitment to street resurfacing and Streetscape, all of this work is being done with no increase in taxes in 2008 and a commitment to stabilize the rate again in 2009!

Learn while you earn

Harrison’s “Learn While You Earn” for students

HARRISON – There’s still time to sign up for this summer’s “Learn While You Earn” enrichment program sponsored by the Harrison Board of Education.
The program, which is designed to offer summer learning and workplace readiness experience, will run from July 6 to Aug. 20, Mondays to Thursdays, at Harrison High School.
These are the options for which students are invited to register:
Grade 12: HSPA Enrichment/Work Site Experience; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
Grade 11: SAT Prep; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.
Grade 10: PSAT Prep; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.
Incoming Grade 9: High School Prep; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.
Grades 7 and 8: NJ ASK Prep; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.
Grades 6 to 12: Instrumental Music; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.
Grades 3 to 12: English as a Second Language; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
High school seniors will be paid $7.15 an hour for three hours of instruction and two hours at a work site each day.
Students in grades 9 through 12 who attend classes three hours a day will receive a $575 stipend upon the successful completion of the program.
Students in grades 7 and 8 will receive a $450 stipend for attending classes three hours a day.
Youngsters in grades 3 to 6 aren’t eligible for stipends at this time.
All participating students will receive free lunches served at Harrison High School during the program.
Since enrollment is limited, students are encouraged to register now.

Bill to prevent Encap repeat on its way to Corzine

TRENTON – Legislation Assemblymen Gary S. Schaer (D-Passaic) and Fred Scalera (D-Essex) sponsored to enhance the protections and oversight surrounding public investments in private redevelopment projects today received final legislative approvals and was sent to the Governor’s desk.
The final Assembly vote was 64-11 with one abstention.
Schaer and Scalera crafted the bill (A-2650) following the collapse of the EnCap Mixed-Use Redevelopment Project, which squandered more than $300 million in public money from the state and Bergen County in an attempt to remediate abandoned municipal landfills in the Meadowlands.
“EnCap’s catastrophic failure highlighted the near-total absence of internal oversight in the way the state provides public money for private redevelopment,” Schaer said. “The breakdown of checks and balances that precipitated EnCap’s collapse must never happen again.”
Scalera echoed that Bergen County "learned an expensive lesson that it cannot rely on an honor system of handshakes, winks and nods when it comes to multi-million dollar redevelopment deals. This boondoggle could have been stopped at the very first sign of trouble had these reforms been in place sooner.”
Scalera and Schaer credited Senator Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) for helping to move the measure through the Senate and positioning it for the final Senate vote. The vote is the culmination of more than one year of work and discussions among multiple parties affected by the EnCap disaster to ensure a balanced approach and response.
“Today’s vote is the result of months of hard work behind the scenes to open eyes and minds to the need for this kind of oversight,” Sarlo said. He is also sponsoring legislation based on EnCap’s collapse. “It’s a victory for the tax payers of New Jersey. This shouldn’t be the last word on enacting safeguards to prevent the ghosts of EnCap from manifesting somewhere else in New Jersey.”
As chairman of the Senate Regulatory Oversight Committee, Sarlo co-chaired a March 2008 joint hearing with the Senate Environment Committee that looked into EnCap after the release of a scathing report from the state Office of the Inspector General.
Schaer and Scalera also thanked Senators Bob Gordon and Loretta Weinberg (both D-Bergen) for being the measure’s co-prime sponsors in the Senate.
The Inspector General faulted the company for over-representing its environmental remediation experience and indicating that it had access to millions of dollars in private funding. The report also cited a lack of coordination and communication between public entities even after concerns about the project’s viability surfaced that allowed the company to change its story and apply for various state and county loans and grants, cobbling together more then $300 million.
The Schaer/Scalera bill would require businesses receiving any combination of grants, loans, or other financial assistance in excess of $50 million from single or multiple public entities to help fund a redevelopment or environmental remediation project to file annual, independently audited financial statements with the state Treasurer and each entity from which it has secured financing.
The measure also would stipulate the following for any qualifying contract:
· The private business spend a minimum of $1 for every $5 received in public funds;
· The public entity reserve 10 percent of the total funds approved to be disbursed upon the successful completion of the project;
· The private business submit payment of a performance bond, the amount of which would be tied to the project costs attributable to the publically funded improvements.
Failure to comply with the financial statement reporting deadlines would result in an increase in the amount of public money kept in escrow. Any business that knowingly fails to submit a financial statement or purposefully misrepresents the businesses finances would be required to refund the full amount of the public financial assistance.
A nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services analysis said the measure would “effectively function as an insurance policy for governmental entities.”
“We can never again allow the public’s trust to be undermined in such a way,” said Scalera. “We must make certain that part of the EnCap project’s legacy includes the preventative measure and proactive protections that will secure future public-private redevelopment partnerships.”
“Quite simply, the public cannot afford to finance another EnCap-style debacle,” said Schaer. “Putting these protections in place will help ensure that the mistakes made with EnCap cannot and will not be repeated.”

Sponsorships for Kearny Independence Day activities

JULY 4TH SPONSORSHIPS AND ACTIVITIES

KEARNY – The Town of Kearny is planning for the 2009 July 4th Independence Day Celebration. It is estimated that 7,000 to 10,000 spectators enjoyed the festivities last year.
Each year we strive to add more fireworks, and also expand the events and entertainment of the day to provide a celebration that all our residents can be proud of in celebrating our Nation’s Independence.
We will have Jinx, Polly Doodle, and Molly the clowns who will bring along their two friends and provide a magic show for all; of course there will be face painting and balloon art, they will be on hand from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be an Inflatable Moonwalk and the ever-popular Pony Rides for the children to also enjoy. In addition, several cartoon characters will be walking through the crowd handing out free bowling cards and Burger King Coupon Cards. This year once again, the Town of Kearny would like to celebrate the 4th of July in a grand display of patriotism.
Without the support of the community and its businesses this event cannot reach our goal of a bigger and better fireworks display.
Business Sponsorships are at three levels:
Gold Sponsor $1,500
Silver Sponsor $1,000
Bronze Sponsor $500
Business Sponsors will receive certificates of appreciation and be listed on the Town’s “Sponsor Web Pages” and the 4th of July brochure.
Friends and Boosters of the 4th of July Fireworks can contribute any amount and will be listed on the Town’s “Friends and Boosters Web Page” and the July 4th brochure.
Send your contribution payable to:
The Town of Kearny Recreation Department – July 4th
402 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, N.J. 07032
Please join our list of July 4th Sponsors and Friends:
OUR ANNUAL FIREWORKS AND BAND CONCERT BEGINS AT 7:00 PM ON Saturday JULY 4TH, 2009 WITH A RAINDATE OF JULY 5TH. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN LAWN CHAIR OR BLANKET TO THE VETERANS FIELD.
CHILDRENS ACTIVITIES COMMENCE AT 6:30 PM WITH PONY RIDES, INFLATABLE BOUNCERS, FACE PAINTING, SAND ART, STROLLING CLOWNS PERFORMING MIME AND BALLOON ART, AND AN ARRAY OF SOME FAMOUS CARTOON CHARACTORS.
LET’S ALL CELEBRATE OUR NATIONS INDEPENDENCE DAY IN A GRAND OLD FASHION THIS FOURTH OF JULY

Good luck to Kearny Graduates

Photo by Gary DiVincenzo

To all the graduates in our coverage area, The Observer staff wishes you good luck and prosperity in all your endeavors.

Fireworks changed from East River to Hudson

July 4th Fire Works on Hudson River
Street closings, traffic changes for safety

JERSEY CITY — Police, Fire, EMS and Emergency Management personnel from throughout Hudson County are in the midst of preparations to manage the large number of residents and visitors that are expected to flock to Hudson County on July 4th to view the fireworks display on the Hudson River. This is the first time in many years that the display will be staged on the Hudson River rather than the East River and therefore the crowds on our riverfront are anticipated to be significantly larger than in the recent past.
In order to provide for the safety of the viewing public and to ensure the ability of emergency personnel to respond where needed, several major north south roads will be closed in Hudson County to accommodate this event. It is anticipated that Boulevard East in Weehawken, West New York, Guttenberg and North Bergen will be closed to traffic by 6PM on July 4th. Port Imperial Boulevard and River Road in Weehawken, West New York, Guttenberg and North Bergen will be closed to all but emergency vehicles from Baldwin Avenue to the Bergen County border at approximately the same time. Sinatra Drive in Hoboken will also be closed to all traffic other than emergency vehicles. Other roads in Hudson County may be closed or restricted so as to insure the ability of emergency vehicle to move throughout the County. The exact time of closing will depend on conditions as they develop during the day and some of these roads may be closed earlier than 6 PM depending on local conditions.
These road closures will result in extremely heavy traffic conditions on those roads that remain open. Because of this fact, coupled with the fact that the availability of public parking throughout the County is limited under normal conditions Public Safety officials are urging anyone planning on traveling within the County to view the fireworks to refrain from using their cars and to rely instead on public transportation. There are a wide variety of mass transit services available in Hudson County including New Jersey transit buses, the Light Rail System and the PATH system. Anyone planning to travel throughout the County on July 4th is urged to avail themselves of these services.
As plans for this event are finalized additional information concerning road closures and restrictions will be communicated through the media.

2-alarm fire in Kearny

Kearny man gets father-in-law out of smoke-filled house, dog follows

In the early morning hours of June 18, a two-alarm fire in a one-story residence severely damaged the back end of the house at 21 John Hay Ave. (east of Schuyler Avenue near King Street) but no one was hurt during the blaze.
The daughter and son-in-law of the owner, an 87-year-old man, would take turns sleeping over at his home. The owner resides there with his dog but his ability to hear has declined over the years. The couple lives next door at 23 John Hay Ave.
The sleeping arrangement turned out to be a smart move since during the son-in-law’s stay at 21 John Hay on that Thursday, he heard the smoke alarm go off at approximately 2 a.m.
Kearny Chief Inspector Chuck Kerr said that when the son-in-law walked toward the back of the house, it was entirely engulfed with thick black smoke.
“He got the elderly gentleman out of the house and wherever he goes the dog just follows so all occupants of the house left and were unharmed,” Kerr said. “There were no injuries to neighbors or firefighters.”
The son-in-law told his family to evacuate 23 John Hay Ave. since both homes are about two feet apart. He then called 9-1-1.
Kearny Fire Department was at the scene in minutes with Fire Engine 2, Engine 1, and Ladder Tower 2. Once the incident was determined to be a working fire, Engine 2 was brought down to the scene. The fire was extinguished and under control without any mutual aid from other towns.
Kerr said the fire started in the basement ceiling at the rear of the house, moved to the first floor where it spread inside the wall of the last room of the house, which was the laundry room, rapidly moving toward the front of the house through the bathroom.
“Both the bathroom and the laundry room were gutted and there is a lot of smoke damage within the house,” Kerr said.
The incident is still under investigation.

No. 39 bus route splits

NJ TRANSIT MAKES MAJOR SERVICE CHANGE TO NO. 39 BUS ROUTE
Route will be split into two effective June 27 to improve reliability

NEWARK — As part of a broader effort to put seats where they are needed most, NJ TRANSIT’s No. 39 bus route will be split into two routes starting June 27, 2009, to provide more service for customers traveling to and from Newark Penn Station and to improve reliability. A new bus route—the No. 30—is being introduced to serve customers in North Arlington, Kearny, Harrison and Newark.
As a result of these changes, customers along the new No. 39 route will benefit from more direct service to Newark Penn Station, making it easier to make connections to other modes. In addition, by shortening the length of the route, buses will operate more reliably for all customers.
All customers will continue to have bus service from their regular bus stop to downtown Newark. However, customers who travel through downtown Newark (e.g. from Irvington through to North Arlington) will now have to transfer between the No. 30 and No. 39 routes on Broad Street or at Newark Penn Station.
Beginning June 27, the new No. 39 will operate between Irvington and Newark Penn Station, serving all of the same stops between these locations. However, No. 39 buses will no longer serve points north of Raymond Boulevard in Newark, Harrison, Kearny or North Arlington. Most No. 39 buses will begin and end their trips at Newark Penn Station. Certain trips, known as “39X” (EXPRESS), will continue to operate to and from Washington Park in Newark.
The new No. 30 bus route will serve bus stops previously served by No. 39 buses in North Arlington, Kearny, and Harrison, as well as selected stops along Broad Street in Newark. On weekdays until 6 p.m., buses will operate from North Arlington to/from Lincoln Park in Newark. Starting with the 6:20 p.m. departure from North Arlington on weekdays and all day on weekends, No. 30 buses will begin/end their trips at Newark Penn Station. (On weekdays, the first trip from Newark Penn Station to North Arlington departs at 7:05 p.m.)

Fares
The one-zone fare will continue to be $1.35, and the zone boundary for the new No. 39 will continue to be the border of Newark and Irvington, so most customers will not have to pay more than they do today. Customers who transfer between the new No. 39 and the No. 30 will need a 65¢ transfer (just like any other bus transfer). However, customers who travel one zone on the new No. 39 to connect to the No. 30 can pay less than they do today by purchasing a one-zone bus card.

Boarding locations at Newark Penn Station
No. 39 buses to Irvington will continue to board from Bus Lane 1A at Newark Penn Station. No. 30 buses to North Arlington will board from Bus Lane 3B until 10:00 p.m. After 10:01 p.m., No. 30 buses will board at Bus Lane 1B. (On weekdays, the first departure from Newark Penn Station is 7:05 p.m.)

Destination signs
Bus destination signs will read as follows for customers traveling from the points below:
Traveling from Irvington to Newark Penn Station: 39 NEWARK PENN STATION
Traveling from Irvington to Washington Park (express): 39X EXPRESS / WASH PARK
Traveling from Newark Penn Station to Irvington: 39 IRVINGTON
Traveling from Washington Park to Irvington (express): 39X EXPRESS / IRVINGTON
Traveling from Newark to North Arlington: 30 KEARNY / N ARLINGTON
Traveling from North Arlington to Newark: 30 NEWARK / (LINCOLN PARK or PENN STATION)
NJ TRANSIT is advising customers to carefully check bus schedules dated June 27, 2009, as many departure times have changed.
For schedules and fares, customers may visit njtransit.com or call 973-275-5555.

Lyndhurst lawyer gambles away $4 mil

Lyndhurst Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Stealing $4 Million in Funds for Real Estate Closings

TRENTON – Attorney General Anne Milgram and Criminal Justice Director Deborah L. Gramiccioni announced on Friday that a Lyndhurst lawyer pleaded guilty to stealing approximately $4 million entrusted to him for real estate closings, which he used to gamble in Atlantic City.
According to Director Gramiccioni, Michael P. Rumore, 50, who ran his law practice from the basement of his Lyndhurst home, pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Harry G. Carroll in Bergen County to first-degree money laundering and second-degree theft by failure to make required disposition of property received. Those charges were contained in an accusation filed by the Division of Criminal Justice Major Crimes Bureau.
Under the plea agreement, the state will recommend that Rumore be sentenced to 15 years in state prison. He must sign a consent judgment to pay full restitution to the victims, which are various title insurance companies. Judge Carroll scheduled Rumore’s sentencing for April 17.
“This defendant betrayed the oath he took as an attorney, exploiting his position as a fiduciary by stealing approximately $4 million entrusted to him for various real estate closings,” Attorney General Milgram said.
Rumore was hired as an attorney and settlement agent for real estate purchasers. Between April 16, 2007 and August 13, 2008, he received approximately $4 million into his attorney trust account from various mortgage companies. He had a duty to disburse the funds for closings and use them to pay balances on existing mortgages and other associated costs and fees. In pleading guilty, Rumore admitted that he instead transferred the funds into his personal and business accounts and used them to gamble at casinos in Atlantic City, primarily on slot machines.
Based on his conduct, Rumore surrendered his license to practice law in the state on Sept. 4 and was disbarred by the Office of Attorney Ethics on Sept. 11. Attorney General Milgram thanked the Office of Attorney Ethics within the New Jersey Judiciary for its assistance in the case.
Detective John Neggia conducted the investigation for the Division of Criminal Justice Major Crimes Bureau. Deputy Attorney General Francine Ehrenberg prosecuted the case and took today’s guilty plea in the case.

Harrison Board of Ed meeting change

HARRISON – For anyone interested the HBOE regular meeting it has been changed from 5 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. by School Business Admin./Board Secretary Chris Griffin.

Kearny Cold Case re-opened

KEARNY – The New Jersey State Police is seeking the assistance of the public in the investigation of an unidentified black female that was tragically struck and killed by a motor vehicle in the early morning hours of Jan. 21, 1997. Despite exhaustive efforts made by investigators in this cold case, using the most cutting edge technology available, the victim's identity has yet to be discovered.
While walking on Interstate 280 East in Kearny, NJ at 6:30 in the morning, the victim was accidentally struck by a car, and sustained mortal injuries that took her life. The woman had no identification with her.
Described as a Black woman, possibly of mixed descent, the woman was estimated to be between the ages of twenty and forty. She weighed approximately 140 pounds, had straight, dark brown or black hair, and brown eyes. Both of her ears were pierced with three holes each and she had two separate, prominent scars. One was on the back of her right hand, and the other was on the right side of her torso shaped in a Z.
The victim was wearing a green, long sleeve sweatshirt with green sweat pants, a black leather jacket, white sneakers, and a white t-shirt with a distinctive multicolor Puerto Rico logo on the front.
Anyone knowing a missing person matching this description, or has any information that may help to solve this case is urged to contact Trooper Gerard Tibbs of the New Jersey State Police Troop B - Totowa at 250
Minnisink Road in Totowa , NJ 07512 or 973-785-9419.
All information is considered important and will be kept confidential.

Holland Tunnel Warning

HOLLAND TUNNEL TO HOST CHARITY MOTORCYCLE RUN

New York-bound Holland Tunnel motorists are advised to expect delays and use the Lincoln Tunnel or other alternate routes on Wednesday, June 17, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. due to a charity motorcycle event.
The 22nd Annual Gooch’s Garlic Run from Rockaway Town Square Mall in Morris County, N.J., anticipates 1,500 motorcyclists will pass through the Holland Tunnel on their way to Little Italy in Lower Manhattan.
Two left lanes of 12th Street in Jersey City will be closed from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. to accommodate participants entering the tunnel. The far left lane of the toll plaza and the left lane of the exit rotary in New York will be dedicated for benefit use.
The run, held by the New Jersey Chapter of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, raises money for children with catastrophic illnesses in New York and New Jersey. Since its inception, the Port Authority has worked closely with the organizers to make the event a success.
For additional information, customers can call the Port Authority at 800 221-9903.
Customers also are encouraged to visit www.panynj.info to sign up for Bridge and Tunnel Alerts. This free subscription service notifies customers of incidents or events at Port Authority bridges and tunnels that may delay their trip. Travelers receive alerts on their cellular phone, PDA, pager, or e-mail account and can customize the information they would like to receive.

CONTACT:
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
212 435-7777

Fire on Kearny Avenue

Photos by Vance Green

KEARNY – The fire on Sunday June 7 at Marvel Decorators at 405 Kearny Ave. on the corner of Grove Street though damaged in the front, the bulk of the fire was confined to the back of the building on the first floor. A Kearny firefighter, Bill Solano, passing by on his bicycle saw the smoke. By the time the fire department arrived on the scene the entire street was filled with smoke at zero visibility. More information to follow.

Stimulus dollars at work - the PR

EDITOR's NOTE: Notice that the end date of construction is not given. As far as I'm concerned a bird in the hand in worth more than two in the Bush, I mean bush. Aren't you happy all these politicians are working so hard to make your cattle car existence better? And what sorts of jobs will be generated? Construction, transit workers, service industry or whatever new forms of low-end labor Jay Oh Bees.

NEW JERSEY BREAKS GROUND ON NATION’S LARGEST TRANSIT PROJECT
Federal Funding Agreement Announced for Tunnel Construction

Building upon the region’s rich legacy of major public transportation assets, Governor Jon S. Corzine, Senators Frank R. Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff and a group of other federal, state and local officials broke ground yesterday on the Mass Transit Tunnel project, the largest transit public works project in America.
“Today’s groundbreaking represents an historic $8.7 billion dollar transit infrastructure project, the largest in the nation,” Governor Corzine said. “It will create thousands of jobs for hardworking families across the region, promote better mobility and provide enormous environmental benefits. Thanks to Senators Frank Lautenberg and Bob Menendez, New Jersey’s champions of mass-transit and infrastructure, for securing this funding that is a transportation imperative for the state, the region and the nation.”
The $8.7 billion Mass Transit Tunnel (MTT) project, being built in partnership with the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, is expected to generate and sustain 6,000 jobs through the construction phase of two new rail tunnels under the Hudson River, an expanded New York Penn Station and other key elements, reinvigorating the link between New Jersey and New York and benefiting the regional economy with improved mobility. It is expected to create 44,000 permanent jobs.
U.S. Senators Lautenberg, Menendez and Governor Corzine also announced a major funding agreement with the Obama Administration that enables the initial phases of the project to advance with federal funding support. The Early Systems Work Agreement (ESWA) provides $1.35 billion in funding for the early phases of the project, about half of which is from federal sources including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
“The Obama Administration is thrilled to partner with New Jersey to build this truly transformational investment,” Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff said. “It will improve the lives of thousands by shortening their commute. And best of all, it will create jobs now! The Obama Administration is committed to seeing this project through to its completion.”
“With today’s ground breaking, it’s not just show time – it's go time,” Senator Frank R. Lautenberg said. “People are fed up with traffic and congestion and this new tunnel will bring relief. President Obama has agreed to be our partner in this critical effort because he understands that this tunnel is not just important to our region, but to the whole nation. I’m proud we secured the federal funding to make this project a reality and I will keep fighting for the resources we need to get the job done.”
The $1.35 billion agreement includes a down payment of $400 million of funding from the Federal Transit Administration (towards a $3 billion FTA commitment), $130 million in federal stimulus funds, and $125 million in Federal Highway congestion mitigation funds. Senator Robert Menendez said, “As we start digging this tunnel, we’re helping to dig out of our economic crisis. As we’re getting underway, we’re seeing the Recovery Act pay dividends right now—and we’re literally laying the groundwork for recovery. The tunnel is a prime example of a mass transit project that we can get going immediately, bringing money back to our state, making our commutes faster and our air cleaner—and most importantly, creating tens of thousands of jobs.”
“The awarding of $130 million in stimulus dollars highlights how important the ARC Mass Transit Tunnel project is not just to New Jersey, but to our nation’s leaders in Washington,” Congressman Albio Sires, District 13 said. “Construction of the project could not come at a better time; the project will put thousands of people back to work and will jump start the region’s economy.”
The Mass Transit Tunnel project will double trans-Hudson River rail capacity by adding two new single-track tunnels – supplementing the existing two tracks that opened for service in 1910 and now are pushed to their functional limits each commuting day – as well as expand New York Penn Station with a new facility specifically designed to meet the high-ridership needs of a modern commuter rail system.
New York Governor David Paterson said, “This tunnel is great news for New York commuters and equally good news for the state's and the region's economy. At a time when we're struggling through an economic slowdown, this project will provide a timely boost by creating thousands of good-paying construction jobs, while ensuring that workers will have convenient access to our substantial job and entertainment markets for years to come.”
Doubling the number of tracks for trains operating between New Jersey and New York will increase service capacity to 48 trains per hour during peak periods from the current 23 trains. Twice as many passengers will be able to be accommodated, from 46,000 each morning peak period now to 90,000 in the future.
“The start of work on the Mass Transit Tunnel is a testament to cooperation among New Jersey, New York, and federal officials working together, we are putting shovels into the ground to create jobs now and support the bi-state region’s economic growth in the future,” Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia said.
“Today this project finally moves from the drawing board to construction,” Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward said. “The Port Authority is proud to be part of a project that will allow tens of thousands of people to move more easily around the region.”
“Transit is a crucial part of our transportation network and this project will reduce roadway congestion, taking 22,000 cars off our roadways and prevent 67,000 tons of greenhouse gases from polluting our environment,” Transportation Commissioner Stephen Dilts said.
“The Mass Transit Tunnel will give more access across the state to our rail system with better capacity, enhanced reliability and fewer transfers to major destinations in New Jersey and New York,” NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard R. Sarles said. “It delivers better rail service for more and improves the quality of life for our travelers.
Fifteen years of study starting with 137 project alternatives, numerous public meetings and input in conformance with federal regulations, produced the finished plan. The project has been designed to allow for expansion in Manhattan to the east in the future as conditions and funding permit.

SACC kids atNorth Arlington Schools

NORTH ARLINGTON– Above are a few photos from the School Age Child Care (SACC) program featured on Page 4 of this week's addition of the Observer. SACC Director Anne Dell'Olio is a certified teacher and is also the district's Pre-K Care teacher. "Administrative" Director Barbara Kaiser is Administrative Director has been involved in the program since the inception over 20 years ago and has always served on its board.

Protecting children on WWW

PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB
Presented by NORTH ARLINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT and Parents as Partners in Education

You Can’t Afford to Miss this Presentation!

Protecting our families is our number one priority. Summer vacation is around the corner and students will soon have more leisure time to spend on computers. Do you know how to protect them? Join Martha Rosolen, NAHS Supervisor and NA Technology Team Integration Director as she takes you on a very informative journey into the dangers of the internet and gives you insights to your most burning technology safety questions.


Where: NAHS Cafeteria
When: June 9, 2009
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Who: NA Public School Parents/Guardians in grades PreK-12

You need to fill a form out and return it with your child to his/her teacher before June 3, 2009. Call Washington School at 201-991-6800 extension 2800.