LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – New Jersey is just two days away from reopening indoor dining, but when it comes to the defiant Lakeside Diner, Governor Phil Murphy is insistent upon having the last word.  Today, New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan boasted that the diner received yet another violation and fine for remaining open prior to Murphy’s official launch date of Friday.

“In Lacey Township, the Lakeside Diner owner was cited with another EO violation,” Callahan said at today’s COVID-19 daily briefing.

Since June, the diner has remained open against the Governor’s executive order that effectively shut indoor dining back in March of this year.   Since June, no patrons of the Lakeside Diner have reportedly contracted COVID-19 through the governor’s army of nearly 2,000 contact tracers.

The diner posted a help wanted ad this week looking for servers and back-end staffing ahead of the reopening.

TOMS RIVER, NJ – During COVID-19 digital streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus and HBO Max have seen record growth in the industry that is projected to reach $842 billion annually by 2027.   Now, as movie theaters are reopening, those video streaming platforms probably don’t have much to worry about, according to a new poll.  A poll by Morning Consultant this week found just 18% of consumers said they were likely to go to the movies in September, while 23% said they were likely to go some time this year.

In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy reopened theaters this week, making the state one of the last in the nation to reopen.

30% of the 1,413 U.S. adults who said they were uncomfortable going to a movie in September said being able to rent a theater for personal use would make them more likely to go to a movie theater. About one-quarter said offers for free movie tickets (25%) or free screenings of new movies (24%) would make them more likely to go.

AMC theaters are trying to get customers used to getting back into their seats by offering 15 cent classic movie showings.

“Movie theaters around the country are beginning to reopen after months of lockdown, dangling unconventional promotions to draw in hesitant patrons. New Morning Consult polling finds that most of the offers theaters are promoting won’t bring back crowds of moviegoers, but analysts suggest word of mouth and popular titles will likely help,” Morning Consultant said about their study. “But, as always, content is king. Theaters began screening older films, such as “Inception” or the “Harry Potter” series, until new releases slowly entered the fray.”

Photo by Krists Luhaers on Unsplash

TOMS RIVER, NJ – With the reopening of restaurants and indoor entertainment venues, Toms River’s only go-go bar, Delilah’s Den is reopening this Friday and planning on coming back “Bigger and stronger than ever”.

The business boasts 55 “entertainers”, live DJ’s and will be offering $50 off all 30 minute VIP specials.  When they reopen masks must be worn by all and social distancing will be practiced at all times.

“We will be reopening this Friday at 12 noon! The moment everyone has been waiting for,” the business said on Facebook.

Photo Delilah’s Den.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina’s pattern of crude statements and harassment is catching up to him.  This week, we learned Reina is the center of a wrongful termination lawsuit against a female worker at the Ocean County Bridge Department.  Reina showed up unannounced at the Beaver Dam Bridge one night and starting harassing the woman, even taunting her to tell his boss and the county human resources director.

“I can do anything I want to anyone I want whenever I want,” the stunted former Brooklynite told the bridge worker.  He then started saying how she has problems with other men in the county and questioned her about her choice of open-toed footwear.   Shortly after his 3:45 am rendevous, she checked into a hospital short of breath.  She was later fired after she lodged a complaint about Reina with her superiors.

This week, another one of Reina’s encounters with employees reared its ugly head as readers have been sending dozens of complaints against the mayor as former township employees in Jackson who says that sort of behavior is routine, even in town hall.

In 2010, Reina was in a room with a few Jackson Township cops.  Reina, of course, thinks he’s one of the guys.  After all, he served as an appointed special officer during his days as a house painter.  That job was taken from him by then Mayor Mark Seda, but there’s always room for locker room talk when Reina’s in town.

In the presence of a former office who is gay, Reina said loudly, “At least I ain’t no homo.”

“I am embarrassed and hurt for the words you chose to say in my presence,” the officer wrote the mayor. “Saying ‘At least I am not a homo’ in the work environment is unacceptable.”

Reina said the officer had him all wrong.

“I am extremely sorry that you heard a comment that came out completely wrong and said out of context,” Reina groveled. “I have never felt more embarrassed in my life. My world has been upside down and I know that is not a reason for making that kind of comment. Once again, my sincerest apology and that kind of mistake will never happen again.”

Reina blamed his homophobic dig against the officer personal problems and being “overwhelmed with my current situation physically and emotionally.”

Then there’s that time a Jackson Township cop was doing his job and found an unregistered vehicle in the high school parking lot. That officer issued a citation and had the car impounded.  It turned out the car belong to Reina’s son.  Reina went on a rampage over the next few years against that cop, denying him his promotion and violating his rights as an employee to advance within the department.

Eventually, the cop sued the township and won.  He was eventually promoted, given all his back pay kept from him for just doing his job and the town had to pay nearly $100,000 in legal expenses.

Reina is well known for his in-your-face attitude as has been documented by many, but lately, that attitude has been costing Ocean County taxpayers a lot of money with unnecessary lawsuits filed by employees.  Reina is now also facing two additional wrongful termination charges.  During the COVID-19 pandemic he fired the township’s Director of Public Works, who has been with the town for many years, allegedly over personal differences.  Before that, he fired the township engineer, allegedly because he formed a union to protect management worker’s from Reina’s wrath in the workplace.  Both men are also suing Reina.  Reina is also the focus of  Department of Justice RLIUPPA law.  All of these lawsuits, allegedly borne by Reina’s (which means Queen in Spanish) temper may eventually cost Ocean County and Jackson taxpayers up to $1,000,000.

The lawsuit against Reina has been sealed by the courts to protect the Mayor from embarrassment as part of the settlement agreement.  We do have a copy of the actual settlement (see below).   Reina’s name has been replaced with “John Doe”.  The town also paid the officer $80,000 to disappear.  A sad way to end such a great career for one of America’s local police heroes and armed forces veterans.

Hratko Settlement v. Jackson Township by Phil Stilton on Scribd

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed legislation (S2455), which prohibits lawful presence in the United States as a qualification to obtain a professional or occupational license, provided that the applicant meets all other requirements for licensure. The bill impacts the roughly 500,000 illegal residents in New Jersey, who will now be eligible for professional licenses such as nursing, counseling and cosmetology.

“New Jersey is stronger when everyone is given the opportunity to contribute and everyone is given a chance to live their American Dream,” said Governor Murphy. “This law sends a simple, powerful message that immigration status can no longer be used as an excuse to discriminate among equally educated, trained, and qualified individuals. As we look toward our shared economic future, we must ensure that no one is left behind and everyone who puts forward the effort can succeed.”

Under the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), states may grant an individual who is not lawfully present in the United States eligibility for certain State or local public benefits, including professional and commercial licensure, through the enactment of state law.

“Today New Jersey is removing barriers that prevented talented, hardworking individuals from realizing their full potential as vital members of the state’s workforce,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “By welcoming all qualified individuals into our professional ranks, we not only benefit from their contributions to our economy, we are building and strengthening communities across our state.”

Applicants’ immigration status should have no bearing on their ability to obtain a professional or occupational license provided they meet educational and all other requirements,” said Paul R. Rodríguez, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “Eliminating the current residency requirement will allow prospective licensees who fulfill all other prerequisites to practice in their chosen profession.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear the critical role that New Jersey’s immigrant community plays in our essential frontline workforce,” said Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson. “It is past time for us to give these New Jerseyans the path to occupational and economic success this law will deliver.  New Jersey has always been a welcoming state, and we will now be fortunate to benefit from the wide range of talents and expertise that all of our residents have to offer.  The Department’s Office of New Americans looks forward to supporting community education and outreach efforts to immigrant residents who can benefit from this new law.”

“This legislation is a win-win for New Jersey workers and for employers looking to hire workers with specific training and skills,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “I’m proud to see our state leading the nation in prioritizing the economic stability of all families.”

“In the midst of the pandemic our state extended emergency licenses to qualified men and women that call New Jersey home but have not been able to work due to their immigration status,” said Senator Nellie Pou. “These frontline workers stepped up when our state needed them the most, and they should be able to take their exam and be licensed professionals, regardless of their immigration status, even after we defeat the virus.”

“This will help remove barriers that limit the ability of trained professionals to perform jobs they are qualified for,” said Senator Joe Cryan. “They can make important professional and economic contributions to the communities they live and work in. For example, there are an estimated 6,000 immigrants with nursing degrees who are ready and willing to help provide critically-needed medical care during the public health crisis. We should welcome their service.”

“New Jersey’s 53,000 DACA-eligible residents, including nearly 17,000 active DACA status holders, pay more than $100 million in state and local taxes annually,” said Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, Chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee. “They are risking their and their families’ lives everyday as frontline healthcare workers and in other essential jobs during the pandemic. By eliminating barriers to occupational licenses, we will enable qualified, trained, highly skilled, and hardworking Dreamers to fill critical worker shortages in our state while contributing to the economy and being treated with dignity. New Jersey, whose waters are home to Ellis Island, is celebrated for its diversity and thriving immigrant population. If a DACA student – like several who testified before our committee – aspires to be a teacher, nurse, or physician and takes the MCATs, is admitted to and graduates from medical school, and completes a residency, we would be fools to deprive our communities of their hard-earned skills and talents while facing an unprecedented public health crisis.”

“Removing immigration status as a prerequisite for licensure is incredibly important for New Jersey today and to create a path for the generations to follow,” said Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez. “Countless individuals have put in the hours, receiving the necessary education and training for their chosen profession, but despite standing ready to work they still aren’t allowed to. As a state we have the power to change that.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has placed incredible demands on our essential employees and healthcare workers,” said Assemblyman Gary Schaer. “This new law will allow us to address labor shortages in these vital areas by removing barriers for our highly qualified undocumented students and graduates to become licensed. Our immigrant community has been indispensable throughout this crisis, by lifting this obstacle we can utilize the abilities of every single resident. We are one State, sharing one struggle and one future, together we will ensure that New Jersey always meets the needs of our residents.”

“As an aspiring doctor, I faced barriers to pursuing a career in medicine due to my immigration status at a moment when our state needs us most,” said Estrella Rivas, Youth Leader at Make the Road New Jersey and Third-Year Premed Student at Rutgers University. “Today, I no longer have to watch from the sidelines, I can pursue my degree and be there to provide aid to our most vulnerable New Jerseyans. This law takes away unconstitutional and unnecessary barriers to occupational licensure and ensures that all New Jerseyans, regardless of their immigration status, are able to contribute to our state and pursue our dreams whether it be as a doctor, a manicurist, CPA, nurse or one of the hundreds of licensed professions in New Jersey. Thank you to Gov Murphy, Senator Nellie Pou and Assemblyman Raj Mukherji for your leadership and unwavering support.”

“Today is the culmination of a two-year campaign for access to occupational licenses led by immigrants from all walks of life,” said Erika Martinez, Organizer at Make the Road New Jersey. “Today, as the Trump administration threatens DACA and continues to separate our families, we win the freedom to thrive. With this law, New Jersey becomes the first state on the East Coast to extend occupational licenses to undocumented immigrants. Thank you to our sponsors Nellie Pou and Assemblyman Raj Mukherji for their leadership and to Governor Murphy for his support.”

“This is another step forward for New Jersey and the humane and progressive agenda championed by Governor Murphy,” said Frank Argote-Freyre, Chair of the Latino Action Network Foundation. “This legislation will economically empower  thousands of hard-working immigrants across the state. It will also allow New Jersey to tap into a vast and diverse pool of talent unavailable to it before. The other advantage is it will fill critical shortages in many professions. Everyone wins.”

“During the pandemic, we witnessed the extreme shortage of healthcare and medical workers,” said Maneesha Kelkar, Interim Director of New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice. “With the signing of bill S2455 into law, not only is New Jersey opening the doors to opportunities for thousands of young immigrants to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, HVAC technicians, and teachers, but also easing worker shortages in critical areas. Allowing young professionals to pursue their careers in the Garden State will make our economy and communities stronger.”

“Expanding access to professional licenses will strengthen New Jersey’s workforce and provide economic opportunity to thousands of families across the state,” said Vineeta Kapahi, Policy Analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP). “By removing barriers to occupational licenses, more immigrants will be able to pursue the careers for which they have trained, increase their earnings and tax contributions, and help fill critical worker shortages. NJPP applauds Governor Murphy and the Legislature for taking this important step to make New Jersey’s economy both stronger and fairer.”

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today advised individuals traveling to New Jersey from states or territories with significant community spread of COVID-19 to quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of last contact within the identified state or territory. The updated advisory includes two additional states Alaska and Montana, bringing the total to 33 states and territories. The travel advisory applies to any person arriving from a state or territory with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a state with a 10 percent or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average.

As of Tuesday, September  1, there are currently 33 states and territories that meet the criteria stated above: Alabama; Alaska; Arkansas; California; Florida; Georgia; Guam; Hawaii; Iowa; Idaho; Indiana; Illinois; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Minnesota; Missouri; Mississippi; Montana; North Carolina; North Dakota; Nebraska; Nevada; Oklahoma; Puerto Rico; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; Virginia; Virgin Islands; and Wisconsin.

“We continue to ask everyone to practice self-responsibility and good citizenship by complying with our travel advisories,” said Governor Murphy. “It is critically important for anyone arriving to New Jersey from these 33 states and territories to get tested for COVID-19 and self-quarantine for 14 days.”

Travelers and those residents who are returning from impacted states should self-quarantine at their home, hotel, or other temporary lodging. Individuals should leave the place of self-quarantine only to seek medical care/treatment or to obtain food and other essential items.

It is expected that individuals will follow the public health advisory to self-quarantine.

TOMS RIVER – Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari and Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, today issued a statement remembering Army Staff Sgt. Vincent P. Marketta:

“On behalf of the entire Ocean County Board of Freeholders, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Staff Sgt. Vincent P. Marketta, who was killed in a Black Hawk helicopter accident at San Clemente Island in California on August 27.

A 2005 graduate of Brick Township High School, Staff Sgt. Marketta served our nation, defending our freedom and our liberty. He was assigned to the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, better known as the ‘Night Stalkers.’

Marketta was a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and had served multiple deployments in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He was also decorated multiple times and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Ocean County is proud of our veterans and we honor Staff Sgt. Marketta and his family for their sacrifices.

We ask all Ocean County Citizens to remember Staff Sgt. Marketta and his family in their thoughts and prayers. May God bless the United States of America.”

Ocean County Freeholder Virginia Haines did not provide comment on the incident.

TOMS RIVER, NJ – Ocean County GOP Chairman Frank B. Holman was reportedly ecstatic down at the Ocean County Board of Elections Tuesday morning, according to insiders after learning that two Jackson men missed the filing deadline by two minutes and their petitions were rejected by the Jackson Township clerk.  Jackson Residents Michael Porter and Kevin Williams submitted petitions to the township clerk, Janice Kisty, but fell short because of a rule Kisty told them, that may not have actually been a rule at all.

Holman also serves as head of the Ocean County Board of Elections and his private firm is paid by the township of Jackson for accounting services.  It is in Holman’s personal financial and political interest as head of the board of elections to block the pair of men from running for office.

Now, the pair is seeking to get themselves on the November ballot because they claim the Jackson clerk told them their digitally signed and emailed nomination petitions were not sufficient and would not be counted, but the clerk may be wrong, according to Governor Phil Murphy’s Executive Order No. 132.  This is the first time a nominating petition has been valid in the State of New Jersey via electronic delivery.

The change was made by Governor Phil Murphy to avoid the person-to-person contact needed to gather signatures because of COVID-19.

“Now is not the time for anyone to be going door-to-door to campaign or collect signatures for any purpose,” said Governor Murphy. “By allowing this process to move forward electronically, we can ensure that initiative and referendum campaigns proceed in a manner that protects public health.”

Kisty allegedly told the two men, both African Americans, their electronic signatures would not be counted, contrary to the intent of Murphy’s executive order and only printed and signed ballots would be accepted.  The men garnered most of their signatures for the ballot through email and others in person. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and not being affiliated with any political parties to assist them in their effort, the two men have been disenfranchised and are now relying on the wording of Murphy’s executive order and voter intent to get themselves on the 2020 ballot.

“WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 120 (2020) extended the required electronic collection and submission of petitions through an online form to Independent candidates seeking direct nomination for the general election,” the executive order reads. “New Jersey citizens are presently faced with the reality that exercising their statutory right to engage in direct democracy through collecting or filling out petitions may endanger their health and safety.”

We reached out to Kisty and Ocean County Clerk Scott Collabella today and neither returned our call. The two men are now moving to challenge the decision to allow all of their petitions to be counted, including those received by email that the clerk told them would not count.

In other Jackson election news, the Jackson Republican Party is fuming over an election faux-pas committed by their club that is allowing an Orthodox Jewish man, Tzvi Herman to run unopposed for a position on the Jackson School Board.  Now the club, not wanting Mr. Herman to succeed, has announced a candidate for a write-in campaign to challenge Herman’s unopposed candidacy.

So the count now is the Jackson GOP are trying to keep two African American men and a Jewish man from being able to run for office in November.

JACKSON, NJ – Sources within Jackson Township today confirmed that Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina, who has for years been at odds with Jackson Police Chief Matthew Kunz has written up the chief after he failed to alert the mayor that young black adults were partying at a house in town.    On July 27th, 700 partiers, mostly African Americans were caught renting a Jackson Township home for a large house party.   Police calmly broke up the party and there were no incidents, property damage reported or arrests made.  Officers at the time said the crowd was dispersed peacefully.   That wasn’t good enough for the Mayor of Jackson, who according to township workers chastized Kunz, including giving the police chief a formal mark against his record.

The crime was that the chief, at 12:30 A.M. in the morning, didn’t call the mayor about the party.  Township employees said Reina was furious after he received calls about “inner city” and “black” young adults partying in the home.  That party featured free jungle juice and a prize-winning twerking contest.

“He said his phone was ringing off the hook and he was furious at the chief,” the employee who wished to remain anonymous in fear of retaliation said.  One police officer in the township said the department routinely is called out for parties involving young adults and calling the mayor is not the standard operating procedure.

Reina said he was upset after learning that he wasn’t notified about the large house party, which became an international viral news story.

Reina has had run-ins with many of his employees and is now facing at least five lawsuits and employee grievances against his bullying and harassing style of management both as the mayor of Jackson Township and as the head of the Ocean County Bridge Department.

Prior to becoming Mayor, Reina was appointed as an auxiliary police officer but was fired by then-Mayor Mark Seda.   Reina often credits his firing by Seda as the driving factor that led him to run for town committee and eventually mayor.

Reina refused to comment on this story.

ASBURY PARK, NJ – Hold on to your 2020 beach passes, because the City of Asbury Park has some great news. Beaches in the city will be manned with lifeguards until September 30th, but badges will still be required.  This is great news for beachgoers and even local restaurants as the city tries to squeeze one more month of great beach weather out of the 2020 season plagued by COVID-19 and business shutdowns.   If you haven’t visited Asbury Park this summer, consider a September visit, because it’s more beautiful than ever with warm days, warm ocean water and cool evenings enjoying one of the many great eateries in town.

Photo by Benjamin Basch on Unsplash