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Trump's Busy First Week as President of the United States Summarized

WASHINGTON, DC- Much to the dismay of his liberal opponents, but to the pleasure of the other half of America who supported this new president, Donald Trump’s administration outlined the President’s first 7 days, full of accomplishments, executive orders and policy decisions.

PRESIDENT TRUMP’S FIRST WEEK OF ACTION

  • 15: Presidential Actions to begin fulfilling his promises to Make America Great Again.
  • 11: Diplomatic conversations with foreign leaders to promote an America First foreign policy.
  • 4: Members of President Trump’s cabinet sworn into office.
  • 3: Stakeholder meetings to get input from both workers and business leaders on jumpstarting job creation.
  • 3: Engagements with members of Congress to discuss his agenda.
  • 3: Visits to federal agencies committed to protecting our homeland and ensuring our national security.
  • 1: Official White House visit by a foreign head of state.
  • 1: Reception to honor law enforcement and first responders.
  • 1: Proclamation supporting National School Choice week.
  • The President’s team followed through on his commitment to action, by:
    • collaborating with 28 federal agencies and departments on a near daily basis.
    • discussing legislative items with at least 75 House members or their staffs and 35 Senators or their staffs.
    • making initial contact with governors in each state and territory, and having in-depth discussions with 32 governors or their staff.
    • discussing issues with 22 state attorneys general.
    • beginning outreach to our nation’s largest municipalities and tribes.

President Trump Used The Power Of His Office To Follow Through On His Promises To The American People

WITHIN HOURS OF HIS INAUGURATION: President Trump moved to protect Americans from ObamaCare, government regulations, and future bailouts.

  • On the evening of his Inauguration, President Trump sought relief for Americans from the cost burdens of ObamaCare.
  • Through a memorandum issued by the Chief of Staff, all new regulations were frozen to protect job creators from the crush of new government rules on their businesses.
  • President Trump put a stop to a reckless action that would have reduced funding for the Federal Housing Authority after it was bailed out by the taxpayers as recently as 2013.

MONDAY: President Trump fulfilled his promise to immediately address trade and jobs by withdrawing from the harmful Trans-Pacific Partnership, put in place a hiring freeze, and protected taxpayer money from funding abortions overseas.

  • President Trump protected American workers by withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
  • To stem the tide of an ever growing government, President Trump put in place a hiring freeze on federal civilian employees.
  • After years of taxpayer money being spent to promote abortions abroad, President Trump reinstated the “Mexico City Policy” to ban such usage.

TUESDAY: President Trump promoted job creation by jumpstarting the construction of two new energy pipelines, requiring the use of American-made materials and equipment in building those pipelines, and reduced the regulatory burden on America’s manufacturing and construction industry.

  • President Trump began the process to finish construction on the Dakota Access Pipeline after a series of delays.
  • After years of delays, President Trump signed a presidential memorandum to revive the Keystone XL pipeline.
  • To make sure Americans benefit from infrastructure projects, the President signed an executive memorandum requiring all new construction and repair of pipelines to use American materials and equipment.
  • President Trump ordered the Commerce Department to streamline and reduce regulations affecting U.S. manufacturing to help bring factories back to America.
  • To jumpstart much needed infrastructure projects, President Trump signed an executive order to speed up the environmental impact review of projects.

WEDNESDAY: President Trump followed through on his pledge to protect America’s borders and end the lack of compliance with immigration laws.

  • Following through on his commitment to protecting the American people, President Trump signed an executive order to improve border security, particularly through the construction of a physical barrier on the southern border.
  • President Trump signed an executive order to ensure that immigration laws are enforced throughout the United States, including halting federal funding for sanctuary cities.

FRIDAY: President Trump followed through on his top priority to keep America safe.

  • President Trump signed an executive order protecting the United States from foreign nationals entering from countries compromised by terrorism, and ensuring a more rigorous vetting process.
  • President Trump issued a presidential memorandum to direct the Secretary of Defense to review our readiness and create plans to rebuild the U.S. military.

President Trump Has Held or Scheduled 11 Conversations With Foreign Leaders To Promote American Interests Around The Globe

  • On Saturday, President Trump spoke with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico and discussed respect for the sovereignty of both nations.
  • On Saturday, President Trump also spoke with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the importance of strong U.S.-Canada ties.
  • On Sunday, President Trump spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to discuss opportunities to strengthen relations.
  • On Monday, President Trump spoke with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi of Egypt, expressing his commitment for a new push in bilateral relations.
  • On Tuesday, President Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to strengthen relations and cooperation.
  • Today, President Trump spoke again with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico to discuss bilateral relations, border security and trade.
  • Tomorrow, President Trump is scheduled to speak Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of with Japan
  • Tomorrow, President Trump is scheduled to speak with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany.
  • Tomorrow, President Trump is scheduled to speak with President Vladimir Putin of Russia.
  • Tomorrow, President Trump is scheduled to speak with President François Hollande of France.
  • Tomorrow, President Trump is scheduled to speak with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia.

Four Of President Trump’s Nominees Were Confirmed By The Senate And Sworn Into Office

  • Last Friday, retired General John Kelly was sworn in as Secretary of Homeland Security.
  • Also last Friday, retired General James Mattis was sworn in as Secretary of Defense.
  • On Monday, former Congressman Mike Pompeo was sworn in as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
  • On Wednesday, former Governor Nikki Haley was sworn in as Ambassador to the United Nations.

Following Through On His Commitment To Job Creation, President Trump Held Stakeholder Meetings With Business And Labor Leaders

  • On Monday, President Trump met with labor leaders to discuss his plans to renegotiate trade deals and put Americans back to work.
  • Later on Monday, President Trump met with manufacturing leaders to discuss how to bring factories and manufacturing jobs back to America.
  • On Tuesday, President Trump met with key industry leaders to discuss how the auto industry can bring back American jobs.

President Trump Held Meetings Or Spoke With Congressional Leaders To Discuss His Agenda

  • On Monday, President Trump hosted Republican and Democrat congressional leaders and chiefs of staff at the White House to discuss the upcoming legislative agenda.
  • On Tuesday, President Trump met with key Senate leaders to discuss his upcoming choice to fill the Supreme Court vacancy.
  • On Thursday, President Trump spoke at the Republican congressional retreat in Philadelphia.

President Trump Spoke At The Headquarters Of The CIA, The Department Of Homeland Security, And The Department Of Defense

  • On Saturday, President Trump spoke at CIA headquarters and told a raucous crowd that he’d have their back as he thanked them for their service to the country.
  • On Wednesday, President Trump visited the Department of Homeland Security to reinforce his strong belief in protecting America’s borders.
  • On Wednesday, President Trump visited the Department of Defense to highlight his commitment to rebuild our military.

President Trump Hosted U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May

  • In hosting his first foreign head of state at the White House, President Trump welcomed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Theresa May.

As One Of His First Actions After Inauguration Day, President Trump Thanked American Law Enforcement And First Responders

  • On Sunday, President Trump held a White House Reception to honor and thank law enforcement and first responders who helped make his Inauguration safe and successful.

President Trump Proclaimed National School Choice Week

  • On Thursday, President Trump renewed his commitment to expand school choice for Americans by proclaiming January 22 through January 28, 2017, as National School Choice Week.

The President’s Team Is Following Through On His Commitment To Action

President Trump’s team has worked to ensure his team is in place at various departments and agencies and working to implement his agenda:

  • The White House Office of Cabinet Affairs made 140 calls to 28 separate federal departments and agencies to collaborate on various issues.
  • Cabinet Affairs personally met with 10 Cabinet nominees.
  • Cabinet Affairs coordinated the swearing in of four cabinet members this week by the Vice President.

President Trump’s team has worked to ensure his legislative agenda is well-received in Congress:

  • The White House Office of Legislative Affairs met or spoke with 110 congressional offices or elected representatives in 75 House and 35 Senate offices.
  • Vice President Pence had several in-person meetings this week on Capitol Hill.

President Trump’s team began outreach to our nation’s states, municipalities, and tribes:

  • The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs made initial contact with the governor’s offices in all of the states and territories.
  • Intergovernmental Affairs held detailed discussions with the governors or their staff in 32 separate states.
  • Intergovernmental Affairs made initial contact with 22 of the 50 state attorneys general.
  • Intergovernmental Affairs has begun outreach to America’s largest municipalities, such as Los Angeles County and met with the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
  • Intergovernmental Affairs made contact with the largest tribes in the country and has begun outreach with many leaders.

Trump Gives Mad Dog Mattis 30 Days to Deliver Preliminary Plan to Defeat ISIS

Donald Trump has given Secretary of Defense James “Mad Dog” Mattis 30 days to deliver a preliminary plan on how America will proceed to eliminate ISIS from Syria and Iraq.

“The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, is not the only threat from radical Islamic terrorism that the United States faces, but it is among the most vicious and aggressive.  It is also attempting to create its own state, which ISIS claims as a caliphate,” Trump wrote in a memo to Mattis.  “But there can be no accommodation or negotiation with it.  For those reasons I am directing my Administration to develop a comprehensive plan to defeat ISIS. ”

“It is the policy of the United States that ISIS be defeated,” Trump added.

ISIS is responsible for the violent murder of American citizens in the Middle East, including the beheadings of James Foley, Steven Sotloff, and Peter Abdul-Rahman Kassig, as well as the death of Kayla Mueller.  In addition, ISIS has inspired attacks in the United States, including the December 2015 attack in San Bernardino, California, and the June 2016 attack in Orlando, Florida.  ISIS is complicit in a number of terrorist attacks on our allies in which Americans have been wounded or killed, such as the November 2015 attack in Paris, France, the March 2016 attack in Brussels, Belgium, the July 2016 attack in Nice, France, and the December 2016 attack in Berlin, Germany.

ISIS has engaged in a systematic campaign of persecution and extermination in those territories it enters or controls.  If ISIS is left in power, the threat that it poses will only grow.  We know it has attempted to develop chemical weapons capability.  It continues to radicalize our own citizens, and its attacks against our allies and partners continue to mount.  The United States must take decisive action to defeat ISIS.

 

JFK Boulevard Paving Part of $1 Million Grant Received by Berkeley Township

BERKELEY –  Mayor Carmen F. Amato, Jr., is pleased to announce that Berkeley Township will receive nearly 1 Million Dollars in grants from the State of  New Jersey.

“I am pleased that we will be receiving $712,380 in Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Funding, administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority along with a $275,000 grant from the State of New Jersey, Department of Transportation in Local Aid Infrastructure Funding.” Mayor Amato said.

“The 712,380 grant awarded through the Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund (HDSRF) will be used specifically at the Beachwood Mall site.” Mayor Amato said.

The funding will be utilized to investigate areas of concern identified in past preliminary studies. The proposed Remedial Investigation (RI) scope of work will be done into two (2) phases; the front portion, which consists of the former mall site with the second phase of the proposed RI activities being on the back portion, which consists of the Former South Brunswick Asphalt Plant.

“This will funding will enable the Township to get a full and complete picture of what is on the site, which will assist the redeveloper in remediation.” Mayor Amato said.

T & M Associates, the Township Planners, will be doing the work associated with the HDSRF grant.

“The $275,000 grant awarded from the State of New Jersey, Department of Transportation in Local Aid Infrastructure Fund, funded the work for the resurfacing of JFK Blvd and Atlantic Ave.” Mayor Amato said.

“I want to thank Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno and her staff for their assistance in making sure Berkeley Township received this critical funding for this project. With 271 miles of municipal roadways, JFK Blvd, was by far in the worse condition and needed to be resurfaced badly. This funding enabled this to occur and we are grateful.” Mayor Amato said.

Local Officials Silent on Joint Base Water Testing

JACKSON-As Joint Base MDL officials go door to door in Jackson Township trying collecting water samples from residents to see if their private wells have been contaminated by fire retarding chemicals used on the base for over 30 years, officials in Jackson Township are silent on the matter.

The Township council did not provide any further details on the water testing and the issue was not brought up by any residents.

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Township Billboard Enterprise Back on the Table in Jackson

JACKSON-In 2009, Jackson Township’s elected officials expressed a desire to build billboards along Interstate 195 to generate revenue for the municipality, but that initiative never really left the ground.

At the January 24th council meeting, Council President Ken Bressi attempted to resurrect the 8 year old plan and asked township attorney Jean Cipriani to again look into the legal ramifications of a township run monopoly on advertising billboards.

Councilman Ken Bressi was lukewarm to the idea.

“I went through a list of stuff that we have concerns for and that if we’re even going to look at this, we have to get all that data,” Council President Ken Bressi said.  “I’d like to see how my peers feel about it…and make some decisions on it.”

“Where do you want them permitted? Only on public land, on certain roads, on certain sections of roads, absolutely we can do it,” Cipriani told the council.  “But in terms of the size, if you’re going to keep that size, you have to think about where it makes sense to have them and the proximity you would allow them to be in.”

Under the original plan, only the township would be allowed to install and build billboards and only on township property.  Bressi wanted to know how to keep private landowners between township owned lots from building their own billboards.

“What if the township as lot A and H, what if somebody has one in the middle, can we stop them from doing it?” Bressi asked.  “That’s why I went through all these questions with counsel and what kind of revenue they can bring in.”

The township seeks to enact spot zoning that would allow billboards only on lots owned by the township, which would require a change to those lots in the existing master plan.

The township owns 3 or 4 lots along the I-195 corridor according to Township Clerk Eden.

“I know the original concept was on township properties, I’d like to follow through with that,” Councilman Nixon said.  “We might want to ensure that what we’re doing and the advice to what is spot zoning and what isn’t.”

The then Democrat majority council didn’t support the billboard plan in 2009.

Former councilman Howard Tillis said at the time, he drove from Belmar to Jackson along I-195 through Jackson’s exit 21 and he didn’t see any billboards.

“I see it as roadside graffiti,” Tillis told the council in 2009.

The council felt the township should be the only ones in the billboard market because, “Nobody wants to drive down 195 and see wall-to-wall billboards.”

“This issue is certainly a positive to the township from a revenue perspective and as an economic development driver as we look to the expansion off the 195 corridor and what could ultimately occur in the six flags area as they continue their success, hopefully in the future…I think there’s some value in us proceeding in the near future on it.”

Billboards have come up several times over the years as a way for Jackson Township to generate additional revenue.

Residents over the years have also had mixed opinions on the billboard experiment. According to OutdoorBillboard.com, the going rates for monthly advertising per billboard on I-195 can bring in anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 per month, not including cost to purchase and install the billboards or maintenance or other costs the township would need to invest in, including marketing material, graphic design, engineering, customer management services and other expenses involved in operating a billboard business.

The township has yet to release any financial plan or analysis on such an enterprise.

The topic is expected to be addressed again at the next meeting on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14th.

Photo: Google Maps billboard in nearby Millstone Twp.

Council Members to Sit in at Future Meet the Mayor Sessions

JACKSON-The Jackson Township council on Tuesday said they will begin providing oversight at Mayor Michael Reina’s  monthly “Meet the Mayor” sessions where he meets in a group setting with residents who may have concerns about township activities or who just want to come out and meet the mayor at town hall.

“I think it’s important that residents that come with administrative concerns, I’d like to see, as a concerned resident myself, I’d like to be in the audience to make sure that they follow up in the proper venue and they take their concerns to the mayor,” said Councilwoman Ann Updegrave.

Council President Ken Bressi gave the oversight a green light.

“I did speak to the mayor on that and he will be extending invitations to council members,” Bressi said. “And there will be no more than two of them, we are aware of that.”

“Riiight, no more than two,” Clerk Ann Marie Eden said.

The comment was in reference to a caucus meeting where some residents objected to the entire township governing body meeting in private in December for a political caucus meeting.  Although allowed by law, that caucus meeting raised more than a few eyebrows in the township.

By law, no more than two council members may meet together at the same time to discuss township agenda or policies under New Jersey’s sunshine laws that prohibit the majority of a public body to meet in private.

In checking with past notices for meet the mayor sessions, nothing suggests council members have ever not been permitted to attend.

Updegrave is currently serving her second year of her existing four year term.

The next meet the mayor session is scheduled for Monday, January 30th.

 

 

 

 

 

Trump Discussed Stronger Partnership with India's Prime Minister

During a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, President Trump emphasized that the United States considers India a true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world.  The two discussed opportunities to strengthen the partnership between the United States and India in broad areas such as the economy and defense. They also discussed security in the region of South and Central Asia.  President Trump and Prime Minister Modi resolved that the United States and India stand shoulder to shoulder in the global fight against terrorism.  President Trump looked forward to hosting Prime Minister Modi in the United States later this year.

Toms River Dune Update: Replenishment to begin Thursday

ORTLEY BEACH-After losing nearly 75% of the community’s dune and sand berm protection in this week’s passing nor’easter, the township announced replenishment efforts will begin on Thursday.

“Our Engineering Department says Cardinal Construction will be importing sand starting this Thursday to shore up the dunes in Ortley Beach and Normandy Beach,” the department said in a release.

 

Toms River's POW/MIA Chair of Honor Dedicated

by Toms River Township

TOMS RIVER-A “POW/MIA Chair of Honor” was dedicated today in a ceremony at Toms River Town Hall.

Mayor Thomas Kelaher, Bob Smyth from Congressman Tom MacArthur’s office, members of the Toms River Veterans Commission, American Legion Post 129 and Rolling Thunder NJ Chapter 2 were among those in attendance.

POW/MIA Chair of Honor Program is intended to support POW/MIAChairofHonor.org’s main mission by bringing daily reminders of the POW/MIA issue to towns across the nation. A POW/MIA chair in any location is to remain perpetually empty to help people remember that even though our soldiers are not here, there is still a space for them.

Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher stated, “This empty seat will serve as a constant reminder of all the sacrifices made for our country by soldiers who were held prisoner of war or were listed as Missing in Action and whose remains have not been recovered.”

Since World War I, more than 91,000 service members are unaccounted for. The chair and related items were donated by the Rolling Thunder NJ Chapter 2 and are now on display in the main lobby of Town Hall.

Toms river's pow/mia chair of honor dedicated

South Seaside Park Dune System No Match for Nor'easter

BERKELEY TWP-They saved South Seaside Park from the brunt of the Atlantic Ocean’s surge during Superstorm Sandy and the recent nor’easter that passed through the state Sunday and Monday were no match for them either.

The dune system in South Seaside Park did their job this week. They protected the coastal residents in this small oceanfront community between Seaside Park and Island Beach State Park.

While some areas, including Ortley beach suffered as much as 75% loss of their dune berm system during the storm, the South Seaside Park system fared well.

“Thanks to our public works, parks department and beach staff, I’m pleased our dune system once again provided protection for our residents in South Seaside Park,” said Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato.

South seaside park dune system no match for nor'easter

Berkeley Mayor Credits Township Workers for Speedy Cleanup After Nor'easter

BERKELEY-Berkeley Township, according to many published reports this week had nearly 3 inches of rain during the recent passing Nor’easter. It was the highest total rainfall amount of any town in New Jersey, according to the National Weather Service.

High winds brought down trees across the municipality over the two day storm, but today, Mayor Carmen Amato announced that by noon Monday, all of the roads had been cleared by township workers.

“As of noon, Monday we had some minor flooding in the back bay areas,” Amato said. “Three trees were knocked down and our parks and recreation department had quickly cleared them.”

Amato also thanked the township’s police officers, first responders and OEM services for their efforts during the storm.

Berkeley mayor credits township workers for speedy cleanup after nor'easterBerkeley mayor credits township workers for speedy cleanup after nor'easter

Lacey Police and Fire Department Honored for Saving Woman’s Life

by Chief Michael DiBella, LaceyPD

LACEY-On Tuesday evening, January 17, 2017, the Lacey Township Board of Education honored Police Officers Anthony Sarno and Christopher Meyler, along with Forked River Firefighter Edward Barker, Jr., for saving an elderly woman from her burning home November 25, 2016. During the Lacey School Board meeting, High School Principal Greg Brandis spoke about the incident and honored all three alumni for their actions, providing each with a certificate.  Several officers from the Lacey Township Police Department, along with members of the Forked River Fire Department, Mayor Peter Curatolo and Committeeman Gary Quinn were present. Officer Sarno graduated in 2003, Officer Meyler in 2007, and Edward Barker, Jr in 2010.

The incident occurred on Friday, November 25, 2016, at 12:09 a.m. Officers Christopher Meyler, Anthony Sarno, and Julie Barcalow responded to the 1800 block of Serpentine Drive in Forked River, in regard to a fire alarm. The fire alarm notification was followed by a second call, from a neighbor reporting heavy smoke coming from the residence. Upon Officer Meyler’s arrival, he observed a large concentration of flames coming from the rear of the ranch-style home. Officer Meyler located two adult female occupants (visitors from Massachusetts), who advised that they were able to exit from the fire, however, the 81-year-old female homeowner was still inside. Officer Meyler soon discovered the woman was trapped inside the attached garage. Officer Meyler broke an exterior garage window and entered inside in an attempt to reach the homeowner.  Officers Julie Barcalow, Anthony Sarno, and Scott Keefe arrived on scene to assist.  Officer Sarno entered the garage, along with two Forked River Volunteer Firemen, Rob Anderson and Edward Barker, Jr.   The four of them were able to successfully transfer the woman homeowner outside through the garage window.  The homeowner, and the two female visitors from Massachusetts, ages 64 and 35, were transported to Community Medical Center for smoke inhalation.  Officers Meyler and Sarno were also taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

In addition to Officers Anthony Sarno and Christopher Meyler, both Officers Julie Barcalow and Scott Keefe were recognized on December 9, 2016, by Chief Michael C. DiBella for their actions involving the November 25, 2016 fire. In addition, I would like to acknowledge that Forked River Firefighter Rob Anderson was as instrumental as all in saving the woman’s life. Furthermore, I need to acknowledge Forked River Fire Chief Raymond Brandmahl for his actions November 25, 2016.

I would like to thank the Lacey Township Board of Education for taking the time to honor the involved police officers and firefighters. Additionally, I would like to once again honor all of the involved police officers and firefighters who helped save this woman’s life back on November 25, 2016. In addition to our officers, our Emergency Services Personnel are truly an asset to Lacey Township and I thank them.

The below photos depict the certificates provided by the Lacey Township High School to Officers Anthony Sarno and Christopher Meyler.

Report: Lacey, Stafford, Lakewood and Toms River lead Ocean County in Tax Hikes

TRENTON-A report by New Jersey 101.5 shows that tax rates in Lacey Township, Stafford Township, Toms River and Lakewood far out paced their neighbors in 2016. The report shows Lacey Township with a 4.9% increase, more than double the state cap imposed by Governor Chris Christie.

Stafford Township saw a 5.4% increase, Lakewood residents saw a 5.1% increase and in Toms River the increase was 5.3%, blamed mostly on the loss of tax ratables from the barrier island in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.

Toms River Township’s barrier island community of Ortley Beach was ground zero for the devastating storm that obliterated entire neighborhoods, many still trying to rebuild.

The least impacted tax rate of a large town in the county was felt in Jackson Township where the administration of Mayor Michael Reina (R) kept the rate down to 1.90%, despite already having the highest tax rate amongst the larger municipalities in the county after years of excessive tax increases in prior administrations.

In Brick, Ocean County’s only “blue” or Democrat controlled township, the 2016 tax increase was 3.01%, 1.01% above the state’s 2% property tax cap.

Photo: Gary Quinn, Lacey Township committeeman and a former mayor of the small township of Lacey where the average tax increase for families was over $500 per year.

You can read NJ101.5’s full report here.