Integrative Health & Medicine Expands Services to Jersey Shore University Medical Center

by Your News June 12, 2019

By: Your News

Hackensack Meridian Integrative Health & Medicine has expanded services to serve the community in the HOPE Tower at Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center. As of June 10, integrative physician consultations, nurse practitioner consults, acupuncture, massage therapy, nutrition counseling and RN health coaching services are available.

Integrative Health & Medicine focuses on the health and wellness of the whole person – mind, body and spirit. The team of Integrative Health & Medicine practitioners addresses the impact of lifestyle, environment, and genetics on an individual’s health and well-being, and seeks to optimize health over one’s lifespan addressing the unique circumstances of the individual.

“Our focus is to empower patients to regain and promote optimal health by looking at all aspects of health and wellness,” says David Leopold, M.D., DABFM, DABOIM, medical director of Hackensack Meridian Integrative Health & Medicine. “Through personalized care, we work as partners with primary care physicians and specialists to create a lifestyle and culture that complements the treatment of an illness or management of chronic disease.”

“We understand that the provider/patient relationship is a vital component in the healing process,” says Kenneth Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, regional president, southern market, Hackensack Meridian Health. “Integrative Health & Medicine practitioners are inclusive of conventional medicine and therapies, however they go beyond treating symptoms and managing illness, which will be a tremendous benefit for patients receiving care for chronic conditions such as cancer, arthritis, hypertension, chronic pain, depression, obesity and more.”

For more information, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/IntegrativeMedicine, email [email protected] or call 732-263-7999 to make an appointment.

Photo Caption:
Left to right: Pamela Jansky, RN-BC, CDE, NBC-HWC, HN-BC, integrative nurse health coach; Mary Brighton, MS, RDN, integrative nutritionist; Emma Stafford, RN, APN-C, ACHPN,-BC, nurse practitioner; Kelly Briggs, MBA, RN, NE-BC, administrative director; David Leopold, M.D., DABFM, DABOIM, medical director, Integrative Health & Medicine; Vito Buccellato, MPA, LHNA, chief hospital executive, Jersey Shore University Medical Center; Kathy Welshman, RN-BC, BA, NBC-HWC, integrative nurse health coach; and Sara Scheller, BSN, RN, NBC-HWC, HNB-BC, integrative nurse health coach.

-END-

June 12, 2019 0 comments

Correction: Andy Kim Disrespected Dead Veterans, Not the American Flag or National Anthem on Memorial Day

by Phil Stilton June 12, 2019

By: Phil Stilton

TOMS RIVER-We’re not ashamed to admit we’re wrong when shown we’re wrong about a story. In fact, it happens. Sometimes a picture speaks 1,000 words. Sometimes a picture that speaks 10,000 words might not speak the correct words.

That is the case of a photo taken on Memorial Day by Congressman Andy Kim…you remember Kim, that socialist revolutionary who was the founder of “Rise Stronger”, which called for a leftist revolution in America…that is until Kim was called out for it. Hours later, Kim’s Rise Stronger, which promoted books written by domestic terrorists was taken down.

Well, thank you to the failing newspaper, Burlington County Times and some guy called JD Mullane who got to the bottom of it.

Failing Burlington County Times journalist J.D. Mullen.

First, let’s hit Mullane’s fake news piece. Shore News Network did NOT reach out to Andy Kim. There’s a reason for this. Ben Giovine, who is Kim’s political operative working now in a government capacity has never responded to media requests by Shore News Network during his time as a school board member or during his time as a partisan hack for the local Democrats, so if Ben wants to correct a record, Ben has my cell phone number and can call me at any time.

Second, Mullane’s in-depth investigative reporting revealed that it was not the National Anthem that socialist Kim was disrespecting, but wreaths being placed in honor of our nation’s fallen heroes.

“The photo was snapped as about a dozen wreaths from military service organizations were presented, Westhoven said. It was not taken during the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance or taps, where salutes or hands on hearts are the proper show of respect per the U.S. flag code,” Mullane wrote.

As a Marine Corps veteran who served during the Gulf War, I find this even more despicable. These wreaths represent the men and women, my brothers and sisters who died protecting our freedom and Andy Kim and one other woman on his far right are the only two people who are not showing proper respect for our war dead.

So no JD, Andy Kim is not that big of a knucklehead, he’s self-serving, disrespectful socialist who over-inflated his resume to win an election.

“We’ve done some research after this dust up and what we found is that there is no protocol for civilians as to what they should do during the presentation of a wreath,” Mullane wrote.

Democrat socialist operative and architect of the Toms River School District’s complete and utter deterioration, Ben Giovine, Congressman Kim’s “Guy Friday” responds to a report in the failing Burlington County Times.

Sure JD, there’s no protocol on that, you got us, but there is something called “Not being a disrespectful bucket of human waste” a phrase we would sometimes use in the Marine Corps and to show some proper respect when respect is due…especially if you’re a congressman who boasts his vast military background during an election campaign.

Here are three bits of real news for JD Mullane.

You didn’t serve bro. Neither did Andy Kim.

Ben Giovine is a partisan hack who ran the Toms River School District into the ground during his time as a school board member.

This “thing called Shore News Network” outperforms and reaches far more people in New Jersey than you or your failing newspaper, the Burlington County Times.

If you’re an advertiser of the failing Burlington County Times and want to reach a real audience, hit us up, 732-333-3208. We’ll save you money and you can reach a much larger online audience. BTW, we’re coming to Burlington County this year, so hang on for the ride!

June 12, 2019 0 comments

Government News New Jersey News Politics

Jackson Township Attorney Resigns from Law Firm

by Breaking Local News Report June 11, 2019

By: Breaking Local News Report

JACKSON-With two major lawsuits pending against the township from Agudath Israel of America and by a group of residents suing the township over the Adventure Crossings complex, township attorney Jean Cipriani has resigned from the town’s appointed law firm Gilmore & Monahan.

It is unclear as to whether the township will continue to retain Cipriani or replace the lawyer with another member of the firm. That choice now lies with Jackson Mayor Michael Reina and the township council. Her replacement is not listed on Tuesday night’s council agenda meeting minutes.

Cipriani, a partner in the firm, said her decision to leave the firm was not an easy one, but one she felt she had to make.

June 11, 2019 0 comments

Community News New Jersey News Politics

Orthodox Community Calls for Action Against Team Hill Election Opponent

by Your News June 7, 2019

By: Your News

LAKEWOOD-The Lakewood Scoop today criticized Toms River Republican council candidate Heather Richards-Barone after she launched a post-election rant against her opponent’s, including the slate behind current councilman Mo Hill. Barone criticized hill for what she claimed was an apparent deal made with the township’s growing Orthodox Jewish community in order to secure nearly 70% voting margins in North Dover neighborhoods with strong Orthodox Jewish populations.

Additionally, the community helped Hill get the necessary amount of signatures to get on the primary ballot, providing nearly 20% of the signatures on his campaign nominating petition.

“In recent months, a growing number of hateful and derisive comments have been directed at Jews living in Ocean County. The spike is believed to be largely due to a small group of pitchfork-wielding racists intent on driving Jews out of their shared communities riling up residents of townships surrounding Lakewood, including Brick, Jackson, and Toms River,” the Lakewood Scoop reported today. “While instances of anti-Semitism are always concerning, it becomes far more disturbing when local leaders and politicians are the ones inciting the masses against Jews in the community. Following weeks of investigations, it seems clear that such is the case in Toms River.”

While election results available through the Ocean County Clerk suggest Hill’s campaign received the coveted Orthodox bloc vote, it would be difficult to prove. Barone on Tuesday night left Hill with a parting jab.

“Thank you all that actually voted. Not a chance we had against the money Mo Hill had and team had from the Orthodox vote and money. So you got what you voted for. Goodbye Toms River!” she wrote. “You got what you voted for. A bought out, overdevelopment, orthodox bought group. Bye Toms River.” She also remarked in a separate post that Orthodox Jews hate her because she speaks out “against their corruption.”

Now the community is calling for head and her positions both as a member of the Toms River Planning Board, Board President of CASA and as a member of the Ocean County Library Commission.

That call would leave the choice of her termination from the planning board in the hands of her former opponent, Hill and his fellow township council members who appointed her to the position.

The Lakewood Scoop story was full of anonymous sources and unidentified statements of “multiple officials”.

“Multiple officials to whom this reporter spoke to regarding this investigation say that Ms. Barone has a history of lashing out at those she feels are not on her side. In this case, it seems she felt that Jews were in the corner of Mr. Hill,” the Scoop wrote.

Readers of the Lakewood Scoop let their feelings known.

“These comments are not borderline anti-Semitic, they are without a doubt overtly anti-Semitic. It’s an absolute disgrace that a public official can engage in such disgusting and despicable rhetoric,” one anonymous reader posted. “It would be an even bigger disgrace if she would be allowed to maintain her public positions after exposing herself as an outright bigot. I hope the right thing is done and she is immediately removed from said positions.”

“I shudder, thinking what would have been had this lunatic won the election. She’s a danger to society,” another posted.

“Will the Toms River Council and Mayor remove her from the Planning Board?” another asked.

“Heather has a tough night and hopefully regrets her post on social media,” Hill said through his campaign staffer Art Gallagher. “Her comments do not reflect the views of the Toms River community.”

While Barone’s statements could be taken as offensive to the Orthodox community in these hyper-sensitive times as towns like Toms River and Jackson see a rapidly growing population within that community, election results do favor Barone’s assessment that the Orthodox Jewish community put their election effort and community bloc vote behind Hill.

The township council will convene Tuesday night.

June 7, 2019 0 comments

Government News Ocean County News

Freeholder Ginny Haines Praises Vicari’s Leadership, Free Lunch

by Phil Stilton June 7, 2019

By: Phil Stilton

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP – With large ceremonial scissors in hand, Ocean County officials and senior advocates got to work cutting the red ribbon marking the official opening of the newly renovated Ocean County Southern Service Center Senior Nutrition Site and Home Delivered Meals Production Kitchen during a May 14 ceremony.

NEWS AHEAD: DID FEDS INVESTIGATE FREEHOLDER LOANS

“This is a great day for our seniors and for our outreach efforts,” said Ocean County Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, who is Chairman of the Office of Senior Services. “We are so proud of this program. Much more than a meal, this site houses a lifeline to many of our seniors who are frail and homebound.

“It helps them maintain their independence and their integrity,” Vicari said. “And those are key elements for a good quality of life.”

The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders awarded a contract to Ranco Construction, Inc., of Southampton for $950,500 to renovate the building, which once housed a gymnasium. The center is located at 179 South Main Street at Routes 72 and 9 in Manahawkin.

The work included reconfiguring the inside of the building to provide 2,000 square feet of additional service area for the county’s senior nutrition program allowing for expanded meal preparation.

“Our senior nutrition program provides more than 1,100 meals daily for our senior population,” Vicari said. “We do not have a waiting list and our provider delivers meals every day. Being the second largest County in the state land wise, this is a big job and not only does it get done every day, but it gets done well.”

Vicari noted that with the meal, the staff at Community Services along with their dedicated drivers help provide a daily wellness check for many seniors that can no longer get around on their own.

“Nutrition support is a key ingredient to good health for older adults,” he said.

Seniors in the county’s congregate nutrition program from Lacey Township south to Little Egg Harbor use the nutrition site at the Southern Service Center. The renovated nutrition site can hold over 200 people.

“The leadership of Freeholder Vicari are second to none,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Virginia E. Haines. “The socialization, recreation, educational programs and health screenings that are offered at this nutrition site and others around the County provide many benefits for our seniors and help to keep them active.”

“We offer programs for the newly arrived senior to those residents approaching 100,” she said. “Each segment of our senior population can tap into programs that address their specific needs.”

The newly renovated kitchen now provides the home delivered meals for the entire county consolidating with the kitchen at the Ocean County Northern Resource Center in Lakewood.

“While construction was under way, I am happy to say there was no interruption in the service for either the nutrition site component or home delivered meals,” Vicari said. “Community Services Inc., under the direction of Jim Sigurdson, didn’t miss a beat with getting meals out to our seniors and providing meals here.

“We have learned that our programs provide great benefits for our seniors, especially those who are frail and in need,” Vicari said. “It is less expensive to provide food for one-year for a senior then it is to cover the cost of a day in an emergency room.”

COMING SOON: Investigation into Jackson Township Development Deals, Affordable Housing, Edgewood Properties.

According to the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, every day, 10,000 baby boomers turn age 65, or nearly 10 million over the next three years. By 2030, 73 million – or one in five – people in America will be age 65 or older. By 2035, all communities must be prepared to address these realities when, for the first time in our nation’s history, the population of adults age 60 and older will outnumber people younger than 20.

The project also included creating storage facilities, expanding administrative space for client services, and more refrigeration. It also included lowering the ceiling of the facility and the installation of sprinklers – a major safety upgrade.

Also, when needed, this expanded facility will act as an emergency operations center. The building will be powered by two generators during power outages.

The County originally opened the Ocean County Southern Service Center in 2011 to provide residents of the southern portion of the county with the opportunity to access some local senior services programs including Long Beach Island Senior Services Outreach and the services of the Ocean County Clerk.

“With its convenient location, we quickly included the Ocean County Surrogate, Veterans Services and other senior assistance programs,” Vicari said. “This facility plays an integral role in the delivery of our services and programs to residents in the southern area of the County and now across the County.”

June 7, 2019 0 comments

Business News

Deborah Hospital Foundation Earns Coveted 4-star Rating from Charity Navigator

by Your News June 6, 2019

By: Your News

Deborah Hospital Foundation’s sound fiscal management practices and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned a 4 out of 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This distinction makes Deborah the only hospital Foundation in New Jersey with a 4-star Charity Navigator rating.

This is the fourth year in a row the Deborah Hospital Foundation has earned this distinction.

Since 2002, using objective, data-driven analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added 17 metrics, focused on governance and ethical practices as well as measures of openness, to its ratings methodology. These “Accountability and Transparency” metrics, which account for 50 percent of a charity’s overall rating, reveal which charities have “best practices” that minimize the chance of unethical activities and whether they freely share basic information about their organization with their donors and other stakeholders.

“We are proud to announce Deborah Hospital Foundation has earned our fourth consecutive 4-star rating,” said Michael Thatcher, Charity Navigator President and CEO. “This is our highest possible rating and indicates that your organization adheres to sector best practice and executes its mission in a financially efficient way. Attaining a 4-star rating verifies that Deborah Hospital Foundation exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in your area of work.”

Thatcher added: “Only 19% of the charities we evaluate have received at least 4 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Deborah Hospital Foundation outperforms most other charities in America. This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets Deborah Hospital Foundation apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness.”

“It’s important that our donors trust we are using our funding wisely in accordance with their wishes in support of Deborah Heart and Lung Center,” said Steve Toal, Chief Development Officer, Deborah Hospital Foundation. “Our 4-star Charity Navigator rating demonstrates to our supporters that we take our fiduciary and governance responsibilities very seriously. We have an obligation to be good stewards with the gifts entrusted to us by our donors and this 4-star rating acknowledges that.”

Deborah Foundation’s rating, and other information are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org as well as at www.deborahfoundation.org

June 6, 2019 0 comments

Community News New Jersey News

Jackson Liberty’s Danny Serreino Drafted by Cincinnati Reds

by Your News June 6, 2019

By: Your News

JACKSON-Former Jackson Liberty High School pitcher Danny Serreino was drafted in the 2019 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft on Wednesday by the Cincinnati Reds. Serreino was picked in the 32nd round (954 overall) Reds. Serreino and Rowan University teammate Matt Woods were both drafted this week.

“I am very excited for these two to be drafted to play professional baseball,” head coach Mike Dickson said. “They have worked so hard to reach this point and I couldn’t be happier for them.”

Serreino is one of the best pitchers to come through the Rowan baseball program. He played with the Profs from 2017-19. In three seasons, he amassed 235 strikeouts in 172.2 innings with a .149 opposing batting average and a 14-6 record. Serreino holds the Rowan record for career ERA of 1.98. He also has the top marks in most strikeouts in a contest (16), strikeouts per nine innings (14.81) and fewest hits allowed per nine innings (3.87).

This year, Serreino finished with a 5-4 record and a 2.23 ERA. In 68.1 innings, he totaled 113 strikeouts. He tossed one complete game and had a .176 opposing batting average. Serreino had seven contests where he recorded 10 or more strikeouts. In the NJAC, Serreino was first in opposing batting average, strikeouts and strikeouts looking (36). He ranks fifth in Division III for most strikeouts.

“Serreino was one of best arms we had,” Dickson stated. “He has put in so much effort to get drafted and it paid off. I look forward to watching him pitch in the pros.”

“This is definitely a surreal feeling that I was drafted,” Serreino said. “This is something that I worked for and now that it is here, I’m ready to get back to work.”

The senior was named to the ABCA/Rawlings Mid-Atlantic All-Region first team and D3baseball.com All-Region second team. He was the NJAC Pitcher of the Week four times and on the All-Conference first team. In 2018, Serreino earned D3baseball.com All-America second team and American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)/Rawlings All-America third team honors. He was chosen the ABCA/Rawlings Mid-Atlantic Region Pitcher of the Year and garnered All-Region and D3baseball.com All-Region first team.

Watch: President Donald J. Trump Honors D-Day Veterans, 75th Anniversary from the Beaches of Normandy

by Phil Stilton June 6, 2019

By: Phil Stilton

NORMANDY, FRANCE-President Donald J. Trump honored the fallen soldiers of D-Day, June 6, 1944 from the spot where many had fallen and even more were laid to rest.

June 6, 2019 0 comments

Community News New Jersey News

Mayor Amato Lobbying for Better Healthcare Services for Ocean County Veterans

by Phil Stilton June 6, 2019

By: Phil Stilton

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP-Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato is pushing hard for a new Veterans Administration health clinic in Toms River. The James J. Howard Outpatient Clinic currently serves Ocean County’s growing veteran population but is located deep in the heart of Brick Township, a rough drive for many disabled veterans in the southern portion of Ocean County.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking to build a new building for veterans services and Amato feels the county seat of Toms River would be a more appropriate location.

“Berkeley Township is home to one of the largest veterans populations in the State of New New Jersey,” Amato said. “It has become burdensome for these veterans to have to travel distances for the care these clinics provide.”

Ocean County’s aging veteran community consists mostly of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans.

“Toms River is a contiguous municipality to Berkeley Township which would provide easy travel access to our aging veteran population for the services they need and deserve,” Amato added.

Amato said he feels a Toms River VA Clinic would be more centrally accessible to all veterans in Ocean County.

June 6, 2019 0 comments

New Jersey News Ocean County News Politics

Jack Kelly Edges Out Virginia Haines in Freeholder Election

by Phil Stilton June 6, 2019

By: Phil Stilton

TOMS RIVER-It could be because Ocean County Freeholder Virginia Haines led the tip of the spear for new Ocean County Chairman Frank B. Holman, III, or it could just be because more Republicans in Ocean County like Freeholder Jack Kelly, what’s not to like about the guy? He’s honest, fair and he wasn’t threatening people’s public jobs during the heated race between Holman and Frank Sadeghi last month.

Kelly edged out Haines 50.21% to 49.46% in voting, which means about 300 Republicans countywide abstained from voting for Kelly’s running mate.

This means nothing to anyone except to the ego of Haines, one can only imagine. Politicians, even when running together are sometimes crushed by the reality that people like their running mates better, even after campaign wins.

The top candidate on the ticket takes home the prize of “They like me the best” when they finish at the top of their own ticket, leaving their running mates wondering, “Why don’t they like me?”.

Along the northern border of Ocean County, Kelly and Haines were in a dead heat tie, but Kelly won most of the districts in the heart of Ocean County. Haines prevailed in small southern districts in Stafford Township, Little Egg Harbor and Barnegat.

When it comes to the county slate, Sheriff Mastronardy beat both Kelly and Haines, receiving 1,000 more votes than both, showing a total of 1,300 Republicans who passed on Haines on Tuesday.

June 6, 2019 0 comments

New Jersey News Politics

Former Lt. Governor Guadagno Upset Over Inclusion in Mo Hill’s Fake Newspaper

by Phil Stilton June 6, 2019

By: Phil Stilton

TOMS RIVER-Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno was not a woman to be messed with on the campaign trail and the same can be said of her long after her political career has ended. Guadagno lashed out this week at Toms River Republican Councilman Maurice “Mo” Hill over her inclusion in a campaign newspaper that was delivered to voters ahead of Tuesday’s primary election.

Hill published the “Toms River Record”. He’s pictured above proudly reading the publication created Monmouth County GOP political blogger Art Gallagher. Guadagno was offended because she now works for the non-profit entity which is essentially the former Monmouth & Ocean County Food Bank, now called Fulfill. Additionally, she did not endorse or support Hill for mayor.

“I’m personally offended that something like Fulfill would used in connection with a political campaign for somebody’s own political purpose,” Guadagno said.

Guadagno said Fulfill feeds people in Toms River and should have never been used for political gain of any kind.

https://www.facebook.com/OCPoliceBlotter/videos/850709105311798/

June 6, 2019 0 comments

New Jersey News Schools

5k Race Inspires Young Girls in Toms River

by Your News June 6, 2019

By: Your News

TOMS RIVER- Girls on the Run was an event that took place June 2 and which included students from Walnut Street, Citta, Washington Street, and South Toms River elementary schools.

The mission of the 5k race was to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Many girls and families participated in the amazing program which benefited from a beautiful day. Coaches such as Mrs. Beeh, Mrs. Goble, and Ms. Gray from Walnut Street helped lead the event, volunteering their time to work with students.

June 6, 2019 0 comments

Government News New Jersey News

Toms River North Gets New Football Field in First Round of Referendum Funding

by Your News June 6, 2019

By: Your News

The High School North field renovation, one of the significant projects associated with the Rebuilding Our Schools Initiative/referendum and Energy Savings Improvement Plan (ESIP) is underway. Signs are being produced to post on this and several other work sites reminding residents that the ESIP-based projects have no impact on Toms River taxpayers.

June 6, 2019 0 comments

Community News New Jersey News Politics Schools

Attorney General Grewal Visits Toms River North

by Breaking Local News Report June 6, 2019

By: Breaking Local News Report

TOMS RIVER-High School North hosted New Jersey State Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, who spoke to political and legal education (PLE) students about government practices and his experiences as AG.

In attendance for the special guest appearance, which was hosted in the school’s media center, were Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, Board Member Jennifer Howe, and school and district administrators, as well as local media. The attorney general posted about his visit via Twitter, and additional photos from the event are below.

June 6, 2019 0 comments

MIsc. News

Toms River School District Continues Fighting Murphy Budget Madness

by Your News June 6, 2019

By: Your News

TRENTON— Members of the statewide Support Our Schools (SOS) coalition will visit state legislators at their local offices during the week of June 3-7, for an SOS Call to Action. The organization represents a range of constituents – parents, teachers, township committee members, principals and superintendents – advocating for a truly fair school funding formula.

According to Michael Harris, Southampton Township School District superintendent and one of the founding members of SOS, this week’s legislative visits are among the coordinated steps the 75 member school districts are undertaking to change the school funding formula to benefit all New Jersey public schools and students.

Representatives from SOS school districts will be visiting the following legislative districts this week:

District 1
District 2
District 4
District 5
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
District 23
District 24

Today, leaders from Toms River Regional Schools met with representatives from legislative districts 9 and 10. Superintendent David Healy, Business Administrator William Doering, Board Vice President Russell Corby, and TREA President Scottt Campbell visited Senator Christopher Connors, Assemblywoman DiAnne Grove, and Assemblyman Brian Rumpf at the District 9 offices in Forked River, where they were joined by leaders from Stafford Township Schools. Then, the TRRS team visited Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblyman David Wolfe in Brick, where they were joined by Superintendent of Brick Schools Gerard Dalton.

“Thousands of students, parents, educators and community members who will be severely impacted by the proposed funding formula have rallied on Trenton twice,” said Toms River Superintendent of Schools, David Healy. “Now we’re taking what we believe is a reasonable message to fairly fund every school, directly to our local legislators. We’re aiming to put faces to our cause and share our stories.”

In addition to delivering the attached letter to their legislators, the SOS districts participating in the visits will urge their legislators to take action on the following:

Continue to increase funding to underfunded districts;
Increase state allocation for educational funding overall;
Provide immediate fiscal assistance to school districts where state aid has been reduced and educational programming is being negatively impacted as a result;
Increase special education extraordinary aid during the current budget cycle;
Begin funding special education based on a per pupil basis, as opposed to a statewide census basis;
Formulate a bi-partisan, joint committee of the legislature to review and update the funding formula (SFRA) including, but not limited to, the following elements: what constitutes adequacy, consistent calculation of local fair share; and,
Extend the timeline from the current 7 years to 12 years for reducing state aid to districts.

SOS applauds the steps the New Jersey state legislature and Governor Murphy’s administration have taken over the past two years to increase funding to underfunded school districts. However, the reduction in state aid to approximately 175 school districts without a review and update of the School Funding Reform Act (SFRA) will have a catastrophic effect on educational programming in many districts. In order to truly restore fairness and support to all public school districts and the students and communities they serve steps must be taken by the legislature.

“SOS has spearheaded a monumental, groundbreaking effort in terms of uniting New Jersey’s public school districts from every corner of the state,” said Harris. “We are seeking a fair, sustainable path forward, and we pledge not to pit student against student, district against district or community against community.

“Today’s SOS Call to Action for Legislators is driving our messages home, and it is a request for real action for full, fair funding that treats every student as a precious resource worthy of our best effort and investment,” said Harris.

June 6, 2019 0 comments

New Jersey News Politics

Governor Murphy to Receive “Governor of the Year” Award

by Breaking Local News Report June 6, 2019

By: Breaking Local News Report

It’s not an episode of the Twilight Zone or fake news published by a Toms River election candidate, but indeed a real thing that is actually happening. There’s a group of biologists meeting in Philadelphia this year that actually are going to award the man with such a prestigious award.

At the end of the press release issued by BIO, you’ll find out why.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Governor Phil Murphy will receive the 2019 Governor of the Year award this evening from the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) in recognition of his dedication and leadership to strengthening New Jersey’s bioscience industry. The award will be presented at the 2019 BIO International Convention in Philadelphia.“I thank BIO for this prestigious award, which is truly a tribute to the thousands of New Jersey entrepreneurs working to create life-saving and life-enhancing therapies and medical devices that will benefit the global community for decades to come,” said Governor Murphy. “Through our vision for New Jersey as the State of Innovation, we have committed to supporting biotechnology startups and companies of all sizes as they choose to locate and grow in the Garden State. We greatly appreciate the partnership of the biotechnology sector as we work to ensure that scientists, researchers, and other innovators have the resources they need to succeed.”

Making New Jersey into the State of Innovation is one of the pillars of Governor Murphy’s plan for a stronger and fairer New Jersey economy. Since taking office in January 2018, the Governor has launched several initiatives and programs aimed at developing opportunities for emerging technology and life sciences companies. Among these are the creation of NJ Ignite, which provides rent support to startups moving to collaborative workspaces; a proposed New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Fund, designed to supercharge venture capital investment into Garden State startups, and the proposed expansion of the Angel Investor Tax Credit Program, which would provide a refundable tax credit equal to 20 percent of an eligible investment made into an early-stage New Jersey technology or life sciences business and a bonus for investing in underserved areas or a women or minority-owned business.

“Governor Murphy is a tireless advocate for initiatives that support the unique needs of early-stage companies. He has successfully enhanced New Jersey’s stature as one of the nation’s most vibrant biotech clusters through strong support for policies that benefit a pro-job and pro-biotechnology environment,” said Jim Greenwood, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BIO. “The Governor’s leadership in this field will continue to benefit his state and region, in terms of jobs and innovation, for years to come.”

“Governor Murphy is one of the innovation ecosystem’s loudest cheerleaders and strongest advocates,” said Debbie Hart, President and CEO of BioNJ. “Having a governor that champions our causes and understands our vision that ‘Patients Can’t Wait,’ is a tremendous value to our life sciences community.”

“Governor Murphy took office with a vision to create an environment where young biotech companies can flourish,” New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan said. “Since then, he has actively engaged with the life sciences industry, finding ways to support biotechnology businesses at their earliest stages, spur innovation, and create jobs for the people of New Jersey.

“New Jersey has much to offer the biotechnology sector – from the small startups to the large pharmaceutical companies that call New Jersey ‘home,’” ChooseNJ CEO Jose Lozano said. “Our talent-pipeline is second-to-none and, under Governor Murphy’s leadership, it’s growing stronger every day. We are pleased to see BIO recognize Governor Murphy’s commitment to this vital industry.”

June 6, 2019 0 comments

New Jersey News Politics

GOP Boss Starts His Job at Ocean County Election Board

by Breaking Local News Report June 5, 2019

By: Breaking Local News Report

TOMS RIVER-Ocean County GOP Chairman, Frank B. Holman, III took his oath of office and began his new job at the Ocean County Board of Elections on Tuesday. Holman was sworn in by Ocean County Clerk Scott Colabella and Freeholder Virginia Haines who facilitated Holman’s election victory.

Holman, whose firm takes in over $6.3 million per year in public funds from Democrats and Republicans took the position which pays $20,000 annually, replacing his predecessor George Gilmore.

Holman’s election campaign was turbulent as reports of intimidation and harassment by public officials against voters holding government jobs were frequent.

Photo by Ocean County Clerk’s Office.

June 5, 2019 0 comments

Community News Government News New Jersey News Politics

Orthodox Vote Pushes Mo Over the Hill in Toms River Mayoral Vote on Election Day

by Breaking Local News Report June 5, 2019

By: Breaking Local News Report

TOMS RIVER-Maurice “Mo” Hill secured the Republican nomination over his opponents on Tuesday and he had a little help from the township’s newest residents. Organized into a bloc vote behind Hill, now a sitting councilman on the township committee, Hill received an overwhelming majority of votes in districts with large Jewish Orthodox voter bases.

In District 52, along Whitesville Road, south of the Jackson-Lakewood border, which includes the Tallymawr development, Hill received an astonishing 72.4%. In other districts where neighborhoods have been turned by the influx of Orthodox Jewish residents, Hill outperformed his opponents with a combined margin of 3 to 1.

Hill narrowly won the majority of the township’s voting districts, but the strong showing by the Orthodox community gave him a commanding victory over his opponents.

Earlier in the week, Hill came under fire after it was learned how deep his outreach in the Orthodox community was when it was revealed that nearly 20% of the signatures on his campaign nominating petition filed in March came from the Orthodox community, including receiving prominent support from Synagogue developer Scott Gartner. Hill also received support from the Toms River Jewish Community Council (TRJCC) which is essentially the “Vaad” of Toms River. Vaad means “council” in Hebrew.

After Hill’s win, Heather Richards-Barone, an independent candidate for council lashed out at Hill and voters in Toms River.

“Thank you to all who actually voted,” Barone said. “Not a chance we had against the money Mo Hill had and team from the Orthodox vote and money. So you got what you voted for, goodbye Toms River!”

Now Hill will enter a fierce race against a Democrats who will no doubt focus on Hill’s alliance with the Orthodox community.

He will go into battle with residential home builder Matthew Lotano, Joseph Kopp and Kevin M. Geoghegan. Geoghegan lost his most recent election to Democrats in 2017.

Hill received over 70% of all votes in much the North Dover section of town. Joseph Coronato received 20% and Daniel Rodrick received 10% in those neighborhoods. Results were more balanced throughout the rest of Toms River. Coronato fared well in coastal communities and along the town’s southern border.

June 5, 2019 0 comments

Government News Police Blotter Politics

Rabbi: Hurricane Katrina Was Result of Gay Pride Parade

by Breaking Local News Report June 4, 2019

By: Breaking Local News Report

LAKEWOOD-June is officially recognized as “gay pride” month, one rabbi in Lakewood is not happy about it and wants to boycott all gay pride events. Rabbi Yehuda Levin called upon “fellow Jews in Lakewood” to protest a gay pride celebration hosted by the Lakewood BlueClaws.

The rabbi’s announcement comes days after the Lakewood Orthodox Jewish community began promoting a “Love Thy Neighbor” initiative across Ocean County where faith leaders were urged to deliver acts of tolerance and kindness to counter the “hate and divisiveness” that currently afflicts the northern parts of the county.

The program was started by former Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato and is being continued by Bradley Billhimer.

“It is important to spread the message that we are all different people, but our differences do not make us enemies,” Billhimer said in a press release.

WATCH VIDEO: Rabbi Calls for Boycott of Gay Pride Events

Love thy neighbor, to some in the Ocean County religious circle apparently excludes the LBGTQ community.

Levin has also called for a boycott of the Ocean County Library for hosting LBGTQ themed activities throughout the month.

Further, Levin, cited the landfall of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 as being linked to a gay pride parade being hosted, calling the storm “a foretaste of God’s anger” and “courting its final outpouring on the day of judgment”.

“A dire warning: Hurricane Katrina which occurred in 2005 on Southern Decadence Day when a gay pride parade was supposed to be held but was stopped when the dam burst,” Levin said. “Homosexual conduct is the worst form of sinful behavior.”

Levin said the upcoming gay pride event hosted by the Lakewood Blue Claws is totally unacceptable.

“What’s next in Lakewood, white supremacist having rallies at the Center Square in the name of free speech?” he asked. “Where does someone get the chutzpah to sponsor a gay pride night in town?”

Levin was angered because gay pride events are being hosted in family-friendly venues such as the BlueClaws baseball game, bowling alleys, malls, shopping centers and “even Ocean County College”.

June 4, 2019 0 comments

Jersey Shore News

K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital & Ocean Medical Center Recognized for Excellence in Lactation Care

by Your News June 3, 2019

By: Your News

Hackensack Meridian Health K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital and Ocean Medical Center were recently recognized for excellence in lactation care by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE) and International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA).

K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital and Ocean Medical Center received the IBCLC Care Award in recognition of staffing professionals who hold the prestigious International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC) certification and providing a lactation program for breastfeeding families. In addition, both Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals demonstrated that they have recently completed activities that help protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

“As a Baby-Friendly Hospital, our team is committed to promoting and supporting breastfeeding,” says Cassandra Leahy, MSN, BA, RN, LCCE, IBCLC, clinical program manager, BFHI, director of Clinical Services, Center for Breastfeeding, Lactation Services, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital. “Our families have access to breastfeeding education classes, lactation consultants, support groups and care at our Center for Breastfeeding. We want to help all families in New Jersey meet their infant feeding goals and achieve breastfeeding success.”

Roberto Issler, IBCLC chair of the Board of IBLCE, recently stated, “Agencies that are awarded the IBCLC Care Award have dedicated their efforts to promote and provide a lactation program that makes expert assistance available when the breastfeeding family needs it. This is achieved through encouraging and informing breastfeeding families about the benefits and management of breastfeeding as well as training health care professionals to assist families achieve their breastfeeding goals.”

“Breastfeeding is not only incredibly important for babies, but also for moms. Babies receive the right nutrients to help them grow and develop, fight off infection, and improve digestion,” says Joanne Simonetti, RN, nurse manager, Maternal Child Services, Ocean Medical Center. “Moms benefit from stress reduction and increased bonding with their newborn, faster recovery from giving birth and it may even help in lowering moms’ risk of diabetes, breast and ovarian cancers.”

IBCLCs focus on preventive care, so they are available during pregnancy to assess and provide information on how to successfully initiate breastfeeding. They continue that assistance after the baby is born by helping families overcome breastfeeding challenges, providing accurate information, and continuing to support them as their baby grows. They assist families returning to work or school, help families in more unusual situations such as breastfeeding more than one baby or nursing a sick or premature infant, and help train nursing staff to manage basic breastfeeding care.

According to Mudiwah A. Kadeshe, president of ILCA, “IBCLCs work tirelessly in all corners of the globe to help parents provide optimal nutrition to their children. We are proud to recognize some of these IBCLCs through the IBCLC Care Award, which highlights the significant contributions of IBCLCs to improving global health outcomes at the local level.”

In addition to finding IBCLC professionals at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital and Ocean Medical Center, families can also find an IBCLC near them by visiting www.ilca.org. Follow the “Find a Lactation Consultant” link and search for an IBCLC by postal code, city and state, or country. For more information about the IBCLC Care Award program, contact IBLCE at [email protected].

-END-

ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
Located in Neptune, New Jersey, Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center is a not-for-profit teaching hospital and the only Level II Trauma and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in Monmouth and Ocean counties. It is home to K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital – the first children’s hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties. With more than 1,200 physicians and dental staff in 60 specialty areas, Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s team provides quality care in a patient-centered, environmentally-friendly setting.

The team’s commitment to excellence has earned Jersey Shore University Medical Center numerous accolades, including being named the #4 hospital in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report for 2018-2019. The medical center’s clinical research program and longstanding commitment to medical education is evident through an affiliation with Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University and a new affiliation with St. George’s University School of Medicine. Jersey Shore University Medical Center serves as an academic center dedicated to advancing medical knowledge, training future physicians and providing the community with access to promising medical breakthroughs.

Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s programs and services have received numerous national recognition, including designation as high-performing in cardiac, stroke, surgical and oncology services.

Jersey Shore University Medical Center recently completed the HOPE Tower Project – a $265 million 10-story medical office building that provides a new healing outpatient experience. Guided by a patient-centered approach towards care, and informed by the latest medical breakthroughs, HOPE Tower includes advanced imaging services, a clinical academic center, innovative stimulation laboratory, state-of-the-art amphitheater, specialty physician offices, a nine-level parking garage, and a 58,000 square foot cancer facility. The new cancer facility features a range of comprehensive treatment options, including surgical specialties, medical oncology, and the most advanced radiation therapy and minimally invasive interventional therapies. Nurse navigators guide patients through every step and provide an extra layer of support and coordination.

ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER
Located in Brick, Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center has been ranked #8 in New Jersey and #17 in the New York Metro area by U.S. News & World Report in 2016-17 and 2017-18. Serving southern Monmouth and Ocean counties, Ocean Medical Center is an advanced care hospital that offers the convenience and easy access of a community hospital with the high technology advances and expertise of a major medical center featuring expert care coordinated by a team of top specialists in emergency, cardio vascular, women’s health, cancer and orthopedic services. Delivering on this promise, Ocean Medical Center recently opened an innovative medical-surgical floor equipped with 36 private patient beds that integrates technology and design to transform the patient experience and empower patients to return to their lives as soon as possible. This forward thinking renovation project completed the $82 million expansion including the 44,300 square foot state-of-the-art Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Emergency Care Center and a new comprehensive Cancer Center. Ocean Medical Center officially became a premier community-based teaching hospital with the launch of its inaugural class of family medicine and psychiatry residents. Future medical education developments include the addition of an Internal Medicine residency program in spring 2019. The medical center provides 24/7 obstetrical hospitalist coverage and a dedicated obstetrical emergency department to enhance the continuity of care for women and their infants. Certified by the Joint Commission as an accredited orthopedic program, Ocean Medical Center is a designation for orthopedic joint replacements where more than 1,000 joint replacements are done annually. Other key services include: designation as a Primary Stroke Center; brain lab neurological surgery, DaTscan and advanced imaging technology; da Vinci® robotic surgery; general thoracic and vascular surgery; one of the nation’s most advanced cardiac catheterization laboratories and cardiac services; acute care of the elderly; and critical care services. The medical center has achieved Magnet® recognition, one of the highest and most prestigious distinctions a health care organization can receive for nursing excellence and high-quality patient care and has received the 2018 Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award for superior safety performance. Ocean Medical Center received the highest score in the hospital network for team member engagement in the Great Places To Work® survey. Additional certifications and awards include: 2018 Get with the Guidelines® continuous quality improvement awards for Heart Failure Gold Plus Award, Stroke Gold Plus and Stroke Honor Roll Elite Awards, the 2018 ACTION Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award and the 2016 Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award. The medical center also operates the state’s first satellite Emergency Care Center in Point Pleasant, the Ocean Care Center, and hospital-based programs at Jackson Health Village.

About IBCLC Professionals
As allied health care professionals with the leading internationally recognized certification for professional lactation services, IBCLC professionals work in hospitals and birthing centers, clinics, public health agencies, private practice, community settings, government agencies, and in research. There are currently more than 31,000 such professionals in 110 countries worldwide that are IBCLCs (www.iblce.org). The IBCLC certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). NCCA accreditation represents a mark of quality for certification programs.

June 3, 2019 0 comments

Government News New Jersey News Politics

And Just Like that The Toms River Republican Mayoral Primary Has Officially Landed in the Toilet

by Breaking Local News Report June 3, 2019

By: Breaking Local News Report

TOMS RIVER-They say there’s no honor among thieves. The same can be said of politicians. This weekend, the campaign for Maurice B. “Mo” Hill for Mayor of Toms River broke an agreed upon truce with his opponent, former Democrat Daniel Rodrick. Hill’s campaign resurfaced a 2017 video of Rodrick telling locker room jokes with a constituent while canvassing Toms River in that election where Rodrick was running as a Democrat for township council.

This year, Rodrick and Hill are running opposition Republican candidacies for mayor. In the beginning, both camps agreed to a political cease-fire, coordinating their efforts against the candidate backed by the Toms River Republican Club, former Ocean County Prosecutor Joe Coronato. Both Rodrick and Hill double-teamed Coronato throughout the campaign, attempting to tie the former prosecutor to former GOP Chairman George Gilmore, even though all three candidates were closely affiliated and allied with Gilmore prior to the primary. Rodrick took the campaign one step further and fabricated a conspiracy theory that Gilmore and Coronato were behind a plan that sought to build an “entire city the size of Hoboken” on the Ciba-Giegy superfund site.

Township officials, including Councilman Hill all sharply disputed Rodrick’s claim. Despite multiple attempts to solicit Rodrick for further evidence of the claim, none has surfaced. Even Rodrick’s makeshift political ally Hill couldn’t back Rodrick’s claim.

Front page of Rodrick’s political newspaper mailing.

The Ring video posted was published by Art Gallagher, a Monmouth County Republican political operative and blogger who is being paid by the Hill campaign to publish blog posts and mailers against Hill’s opponents, was being passed off as news through the Monmouth County political blog in which he operates.

Residents offered mixed reactions to the 2017 ring video resurfaced by Hill’s campaign days before Tuesday’s primary election, many criticizing Hill, Gallagher and even the homeowner who released the ring video for political intent.

In the video, a homeowner references a joke Rodrick made about the man killing his wife, along side Democrat operative Jon Salonis. Salonis works as a public information officer for Carteret Democrat Mayor Dan Reiman.

“You didn’t think that was a good joke?” Rodrick asked the homeowner.

“Don’t fart in public because some jackass like this man will use it against you. Glad this pig is not my neighbor,” said Toms River resident Doreen Longo.

“So much for running a “positive” campaign,” Christian LaCicero said to Gallagher. “Is that what Mo paid you $7,635.29 for? #fakenews.”

While Maurice Hill was out of town on vacation earlier this month, he dispatched Gallagher to pick up a $25,000 check from Coronato’s campaign after a judge ordered the campaign to give Hill his fair share of a previously disputed campaign account, so far, Hill’s campaign has paid Gallagher nearly 25% of those recovered funds.

Others criticized the candidate for over-politicizing a two-year-old joke and inserting social justice warrior style political correctness into the Republican primary.

“It’s a shame we now live in an age where political correctness is the main goal,” replied Chem Lisitski. “Anyone could make a mistake in an effort to reach out and make a new friend with a bad insensitive joke but I guess if you want to have a career as a politician you can’t be too funny or at least you have to be a good comedian that is politically correct.”

“The video never shows Rodrick saying anything wrong. Unless I’m missing something,” said Justin Delaney.

Some Republicans questioned Hill’s call out to Monmouth County Republicans for support in his Toms River election.

“Monmouth musings getting involved in ocean county politics….. all thanks to MO Money,” said Drew Chabot.

In recent weeks, Monmouth Republicans have been trying to assert their influence into Ocean County Republican politics in the wake of Gilmore’s political departure. Insiders suggest Monmouth County GOP Chairman Shawn Golden is making a power play ahead of his 2020 run for Governor in which he needs to secure Ocean County support in order to get the nomination. That support might not currently be in his favor after he oversaw several years of crushing losses for his party. Under Golden’s rule, Monmouth County elections have swung to Democrats year after year.

While Hill’s call to “fake news” was called out by voters, last week, Rodrick was called out by voters for publishing and mailing a “fake news” newspaper to Republican and independent voters, claiming Hill has made a secret deal with an Orthodox rabbi and reinforcing his conspiracy theory that Coronato was building a city on a federal Superfund site.

Coronato has remained silent on the back and forth between Rodrick and Hill this week, but called out what he says is “fake news”, if not election fraud.

“Many received a fake newspaper in the mail called the Toms River Tribune,” Coronato said. “Be aware, it’s not real, I’m warning you about election fraud right here in Toms River.”

“It’s 100% fake, being paid for by Democrat Dan Rodrick, a known liar who is currently being sued for defamation in Superior Court on a fake news claim out of Brick Township,” Coronato said. “Rodrick is a liberal Democrat who endorsed Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton and Phil Murphy, then he switched parties to Republican. Now he’s running against Republicans because he didn’t get what he wanted here either, don’t let him get away with all of this.”

In that case, Rodrick is being represented by the firm of Gilmore & Monahan.

Coronato referred to Rodrick’s lawsuit filed by former Bernie Sanders “Tinder Girl” Robyn Gedrich who claims Rodrick slandered her in a previous incarnation of a fake news website being operated now for his Toms River campaign.

“During this campaign and in past elections, Democrat Dan has shown he will do or say anything with no regard to fact or truth,” Coronato said.

June 3, 2019 0 comments

Community News Government News New Jersey News Politics

Freeholder Haines Received Large Campaign Donations Prior to Chairman Election

by Breaking Local News Report May 31, 2019

By: Breaking Local News Report

TOMS RIVER-Was quid pro quo in play when it came down to the endorsement of a new chairman for the Ocean County Republican Party? New Jersey Election Commission filings by Freeholder Virginia Haines, who insiders say was the architect behind the endorsement of Frank B. Holman, III received sizable campaign donations from Holman’s firm prior to the election. Haines also received financial contributions from the law firm owned by Jerry Dasti and Assemblyman Gregory P. McGuckin.

Haines’ campaign has raised $52,634 to date.

Prior to the election, Holman donated $1,200 to Haines campaign.

Dasti and McGuckin’s firm donated $5,200.

Haines also received $5,200 from former Ocean County Chairman George Gilmore’s GOPAC election fund.

We reached out to Ocean County GOP Executive Director Tom Bonfonti to ask about the donations made by the key figures in Holman’s rise to power, but have yet to receive a response.

Haines came under fire for her defense of Holman’s firm taking in millions of dollars annually and donating tens of thousands to New Jersey Democrats, saying “That’s just how it’s always been done”.

May 31, 2019 0 comments

Government News Monmouth County News New Jersey News Politics

Gavin Rozzi Slams Monmouth County Freeholders for Bad Faith and Lack of Professionalism with Public Records Access

by Phil Stilton May 31, 2019

By: Phil Stilton

FREEHOLD-Gavin Rozzi, developer of “OpraMachine.Com“, an online website that puts public records at the fingertips of everyday citizens who might find New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act confusing and daunting. Rozzi’s website streamlines the OPRA process for ordinary people to quickly and conveniently request and receive public records they seek. Additionally, it creates an online archive of those requests, further limiting the burden of government clerks across the state who may find themselves fielding multiple identical requests at times.

Rozzi told Freeholder Director Tom Arnone, “Opramachine.com is a service that is used by attorneys, businesses and other stakeholders from the public in order to ensure that they are able to access government records that are maintained or kept on file by government agencies.”

Rozzi said the county’s actions against the public was a blatant attack against the people of Monmouth County and said because the county erroneously released confidential information to OpraMachine.com, but it was of no fault of Rozzi or his website. Once contacted by the county of the error, Rozzi said he immediately made sure the information was removed, although he was under no legal requirement to do so.

The freeholder board admitted their confusion of the internet and technology and how it is being used to request public information. “We published information of our employees and that is tragic,” board attorney Michael D. Fitzgerald said.

The county said an honest mistake was made, but despite a court decision, still blamed Rozzi and Opramachine.com for the public posting of the information.

“People make mistakes, that does happen,” Fitzgerald said and worried that OpraMachine.com will eventually morph into a commercial service, which also has no bearing on OPRA laws or the court case.

“This is not my first time at the rodeo,” Rozzi told Fitzgerald after the Fitzgerald said the county intended to appeal the judge’s decision. “That’s just going to be an additional waste of county resources, limited resources that would be better served put into investing in county programs and putting up a smoke screen to violate the laws even further.”

Rozzi accepted Fitzgerald’s challenge and said he was confident the law will side with him, but added that it would be a foolish action that will do nothing but waste taxpayer money.

He added that the county suffers from ignorance of technology and explained his technology to the board.

“I am extremely disappointed by the lack of professionalism and acts of bad faith by the county on this matter,” Rozzi told the board. “If you intend to appeal, we’ll take this as far as it needs to even if we have to go to the Supreme Court.”

“All the stuff you said, I’m not discounting or disputing, because quite frankly, I don’t understand any of it,” Freeholder Director Arnone said. “And I don’t want to.”

May 31, 2019 0 comments

New Jersey News Politics

President Trump Praises Career of Former Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato

by Phil Stilton May 30, 2019

By: Phil Stilton

TOMS RIVER-Joseph Coronato served as Ocean County’s prosecutor until last year when he was sacked by Governor Phil Murphy simply for being a Republican. Despite his best efforts to appeal to the Murphy administration based on his accomplishments and merits, Murphy instead installed a Democrat to the position shortly after taking office.

Now, Coronato is running for Mayor of Toms River in a heated Republican primary election. Coronato now, is getting support from an unlikely source, President Donald J. Trump.

Trump wrote Coronato in April thanking him for his service to the Ocean County Community, specifically in his role combatting the growing drug problem that plagues the county.

“I am pleased to commend you on your successful tenure as Prosecutor of Ocean County,” Trump said. “I am grateful for your many years of dedicated service upholding the rule of law, and I appreciate your tireless efforts to combat the opioid crisis.”

Trump continued to praise Coronato for his dedication to his job. Coronato led the charge in New Jersey that now allows prosecutors to charge drug dealers for murder in overdose cases.

“I hope you take great pride in the contributions you have made to ensure the well being of the people in your community,” Trump said. “I send my best wishes to you and your family.”

May 30, 2019 0 comments

New Jersey News

Tax Problems Continue Plaguing Ocean County GOP

by Phil Stilton May 30, 2019

By: Phil Stilton

POINT PLEASANT BEACH-Paul Kanitra, a Point Pleasant political lobbyist who says his firm takes in over $1,000,000 annually is in trouble with the IRS. The IRS claims Kanitra owes $151,541 in unpaid taxes and wants their money.

Kanitra doesn’t dispute that he owes the money, but the scenario has become a familiar one in Ocean County GOP circles.

In 2008, Toms River Councilman, now Assemblyman Gregory P. McGuckin wrangled with over $125,000 in tax liens. He was running for mayor and had to drop out of the race because of it.

Earlier this year, Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore stepped down from his position during his court battle with the IRS over a tax dispute.

Now, Kinatra is facing his own legal challenges heading into Tuesday’s primary election against incumbent Mayor Stephen Reid. Kinatra said he is working on resolving his IRS tax woes, but that’s not enough for Reid, who called upon Kinatra to drop from the race.

“That’s a real problem. He just ignored paying his taxes for three years,” Reid said in a Patch story. “Someone like that should resign right away.”

May 30, 2019 0 comments

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