Politics

Political news from around America.

BREAKING: Republican U.S. Congressmen Shot at During Baseball Practice, 5 wounded

ALEXANDRIA,VA-Dozens of gunshots rang out from behind a dugout at a DC area baseball field at 7 am this morning, hitting Congressman Steve Scalise, of Louisiana and injuring Congressman Roger Williams, of Texas.

A female Capitol Police Department officer was shot in the foot, according to Rand Paul.

Williams was injured while running and diving into the dugout, seeking cover, injuring his leg.

Three others were shot, but not identified at this point.   Witnesses reported a man asking if the softball players were Republicans or Democrats and returned a short time later, firing what they said were between 50 to 100 shots.

Congressman Brad Wenstrup, an Ohio Republican, said he felt like he was in Iraq, but with a weapon.  He said Scalise was on second base and dropped to the ground after being shot.

Congressman Jeff Flake of Arizona said people were running in every direction after the shooting started.

“He had a lot ammo,” Flake said, adding the gunman was sheltered behind the third base dugout, shooting onto the field.

“We were doing practice and a number of people were batting and fielding and all the sudden we heard a very loud shot, the gunman was by the third base dugout and had a clear view of the field,” Flake said.

Flake said one staffer was shot in the leg and was administered first aid in the dugout.

Scalise dragged himself from second base further into the field to put distance between himself and the gunman, then was motionless according to witnesses.

Once capitol police officer subdued the shooter, Hart and others ran out to administer first aid, including Wenstrup, an U.S. Army Iraq war veteran and doctor.  Alexandria police also responded quickly to the scene.

“He was firing rounds all over the place,” Wenstrup said.  He said the shooter, who was wearing jeans and blue shirt was moving from position to position shooting into the field with his rifle, eventually switching to a handgun.

Two Capitol Police Department officers were on hand as part of Steve Scalise’s security detail.

“If Scalise wasn’t here, the Capitol Police officers would not have been there,” Wenstrup said. “It would have been a lot worse.”

The Republican congressmen were practicing for a Thursday charity softball game against Democrats, raising $650,000 for underprivileged kids in DC.

25 members of congress were on the field at the time.  Scalise suffered a serious injury, but is now in stable condition.

Chief Michael Brown of the Alexandria Police Department said within three minutes his department had three officers on scene to engage the shooter.  Brown said five individuals were transported to the hospital.

Matt Vederosa, Chief of the Capitol Police Department said two officers were on scene for a security detail and were able to immediately engage the suspect and said it is too early to release any further details.

The shooter was apprehended and the extent of his injuries are unknown.

Hart said an African American Capitol Police Department officer was shot in the leg, but continued to engage the shooter.

“The Vice President and I are aware of the shooting incident in Virginia and are monitoring developments closely,” President Donald J. Trump said. “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders, and all others affected.”

 

 

Huge chocolate heist lands N.J. crime boss behind bars, feds say

EDGEWATER – A borough man has been identified by the FBI as a leader of an alleged organized crime ring wanted for extortion, fraud and stealing 10,000 pounds of chocolate, authorities said this week. Razhden Shulaya, 40, was a leader of the crime group Shulaya Enterprise, which orchestrated a variety of illegal activities, according to Joon…

Trump responds to Comey testimony: He's a leaker

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday offered his first official response to the Senate Intelligence Committee hearings featuring former FBI Director James Comey, who he fired while the agency was investigating potential ties between his campaign and Russian officials. Trump used his favorite platform, Twitter, to claim “total and complete vindication” and noted that Comey…

How Democrats Help Big Pharma Keep Drug Prices High

Wide majorities of voters want public officials to reduce American medicine prices, which are the highest in the world and have become a key driver of skyrocketing healthcare costs. And yet as politicians including Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders have continued to call for a crackdown, corporate power players have successfully blocked even minimal reforms —…

Hillary Clinton Used Black Prison Labor in Arkansas

Twitter users have reacted with surprise and fury over excerpts from Hillary Clinton’s 1996 book It Takes A Village. On June 6, Jeanette Jing, an activist with over 33,000 followers on Twitter who supports Clinton’s Democratic opponent Sen. Bernie Sanders, shared two pages of the work in which Clinton reminisces about the black prisoners who worked…

Mulshine: N.J. November Election Pits Nobody Vs. Noone

Jack Ciattarelli was handing out leaflets to commuters at the Bridgewater train station late yesterday when an elderly gentleman approached him. The guy had driven to the station to talk to the candidate about the dismal conditions on the Raritan Valley Line. The candidate for governor nodded sympathetically as the guy insisted that it is just…

Guadagno, Murphy Win Primary Elections

TRENTON, N.J. — Phil Murphy, the wealthy former ambassador who plowed $16 million on his own money into his campaign, brushed aside his five Democratic rivals and Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno prevailed after a tougher-than-expected challenge from a three-term assemblyman Tuesday night as they claimed their party’s nominations for New Jersey governor. Victories by the front-runners…

Christie's Number Two, Guadagno Dumps Last Minute Robocall on Joe Rullo

TOMS RIVER-A robocall being made this evening across New Jersey, claiming to be “John” from Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno’s office went out to voters tonight asking them to vote for Chris Christie’s number two and against Ocean County resident Joe Rullo.

“I’d also like to inform you that Joe Rullo has absolutely no chance of victory whatsoever, so if you had any inkling of an idea of voting for him…you’re wasting your time,” the caller said.

“They must be worried we’re going to win,” Rullo said.  Rullo said voters in New Jersey who want to drain the swamp still have a few hours to vote and urged them to pull the drain on eight more years of the Chris Christie administration.

The Guadagno team has not yet issued a statement regarding this robocall.

https://www.facebook.com/ShoreNewsNJ/videos/1076333472466370/

 

Could Lakewood Vaad Endorsement Sink Guadagno, Column C Republicans?

LAKEWOOD-Four years ago, the Lakewood Vaad, an influential group that essentially controls the Orthodox Jewish bloc vote here endorsed Governor Chris Christie and hardly anyone noticed.

This year, the Vaad’s robocall to urge Orthodox voters to vote “Column C” was recorded and leaked to the public by am Orthodox watchdog who calls himself the First Amendment Activist.

The bloc vote, along with his overwhelming support base in the county is what helped to propel Christie into another four years in office that November.  Christie regularly cited his Ocean County support as the push he needed to get over the finish line in both of his elections.

It’s no secret that securing the Ocean County vote is critical to any Republican that wants to win higher office in New Jersey.

Just four years ago, the Vaad was an organization contained to Lakewood.  Most outside of Lakewood didn’t know, or even care what the Vaad was, or who they endorsed, because their choices did not affect their own towns.

Fast forward to 2017, Ocean County is a county divided by fear.  Fear that the Lakewood Vaad and the Orthodox Jewish community is on a mission to “take over” neighboring towns of Jackson, Toms River, Brick and Howell.  Now, the Vaad’s influence not only affects Lakewood, but all five surrounding towns.   Residents are now paying attention, but are voters? And will they come out today in the rain to make their voices heard?

If it was 2013, the Vaad’s endorsement of the establishment column C Republicans, such as Guadagno would have been the icing on the cake to secure their wins.

This year the Vaad’s blessing could be the kiss of death as for the first time in many years, Ocean County’s “Column C” Republicans are facing serious primary challenges.

It was Ocean County gubernatorial candidate Joseph Rullo who viewed Guadagno’s endorsement by the Vaad as, “selling her soul”.  Rullo said his message was not a religious one, but one that emphasized his platform of not engaging in any negotiations or deal making with any collective voting units, whether it’s the religious power brokers at the Vaad, influential union leaders or party bosses.  Rullo said at the end of the day, if he wins, he doesn’t want to owe anything to any of them, or have it appear that he’s in anyone’s pocket except for the people of New Jersey.  Rullo said he wasn’t interested in reaching out to the Vaad in the primary election, or any powerbrokers for that matter.

Our original news story was read over 100,000 times and shared thousands of times in just a few days, with hundreds of readers expressing their displeasure and their intent to not support Guadagno, but how far down-ballot with that fervor run and will those who are commenting on social media actually show up to vote today?

If they do, damage could be significant in several Ocean County races including the District 12 primary in Jackson where Senator Samuel Thompson’s Row C team could face Vaad endorsement backlash in the polls.  Thompson last year drew his own criticism after voting in favor of the $14 million annual subsidy to fund a private school bussing consortium in Lakewood.  That pilot program was rolled out this year, but could it soon be a template to be used in neighboring towns of Toms River, Jackson, Brick and Howell?   That has some voters worried about Thompson’s future plans.

In Toms River, the Row C establishment line is facing a powerful challenge from Lavallette police officer Justin Lamb in the township’s waterfront first ward.

If offline candidates can muster a good showing on Tuesday in the polls, it could turn Republican politics in Ocean County upside down.  In the past, challengers couldn’t compete with the party money, but this year is a case study that solid platforms and a strong conservative approach could weaken the establishment’s grip on county politics and allow the residents of Ocean County a seat at the table, not longer the dogs that beg for scraps from the floor.  Wins could embolden other Republicans seeking to normalize politics and to remove the rampant nepotism, cronyism and patronage to seek office in future years.

In a few years, analysts might look back as June 6, 2017 as  the spark of the Republican Revolution in Ocean County, or the party leaders could look back and laugh it off as the year the people thought they could rise up against their power, but failed, because Facebook fervor doesn’t win elections.

The destiny of Ocean County’s Republican landscape is now in the hands of the voters.

 

Report: New York Times Loses It; Says No Editor, Oversight Needed

The New York Times decided to eliminate the newspaper’s public editor position because the outlet believes it has “outgrown” need of the internal oversight, publisher Arthur Sulzberger Jr. informed employees in a company memo Wednesday. Liz Spayd, the publication’s sixth and final public editor, is set to depart Friday from The Times when her position expires,…

Hillary: 1,000 Weaponized Russians Exposed Her Corruption, Cost her Presidency

Hillary Clinton spoke to Goldman Sachs for the very simple reason that she got paid, the former Democratic presidential candidate told an audience at Recode’s annual coding conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Clinton took the opportunity to blame numerous players for her election defeat on Nov. 8, and also to justify her use of the…

MSM: Christie Drinks "Fruity Beer with Orange in it"

The other day a friend of mine forwarded me a photo of the governor sitting at a bar in Point Pleasant Beach just after Hurricane Irene in 2011. The reason he gave me the photo was Chris Christie’s recent attack on me in which he said that I should “start writing earlier or start drinking later.”…

Report: Lacey Elected Officials Give Themselves 40% Pay Raise

FORKED RIVER – Elected officials in all-Republican Lacey Township just quietly voted themselves a salary increase in excess of 40%, public records obtained this week revealed. According to documents provided by Lacey officials in response to an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request Thursday, salary increases for the mayor and township committee were authorized as a…

First mounds of sand pumped ashore to start massive beach replenishment project

ORTLEY BEACH — The first mounds of sand for one of New Jersey’s largest beach replenishment projects started being pumped onto Ortley Beach this week as Shore towns on the northern Ocean County peninsula, which for decades had fought hard against engineered beaches, relented after Hurricane Sandy. After having at least two projected start dates fall…

Vaad Opponents Call for End to Lakewood Corruption; Hope for Election Win on Tueday

LAKEWOOD-This week Rabbi Yisroel Schenkolewksi, of the Lakewood Vaad sent out a robocall to Lakewood Orthodox Jewish voters urging them to vote in Tuesday’s primary elections to secure the power of the community’s united bloc vote.\

Schenkolewksi said “Let us stop those who are trying to divide us and weaken us.”

Three Lakewood men, disagree with that robocall and feel that Lakewood’s, “Corruption Must Stop”.  They are challenging the Vaad sponsored candidates on Tuesday.

Aaron Hirsch, Yosef Travis and Avraham Sharaby are challenging the Vaad’s influence in local government in this year’s primary election for township committee.

“We need a change in this town,” Sharaby said. “Many people want it. Many people are asking for it.”

“I am young and have been involved for many years with activism within the community.  I feel as a representative on the Township Committee I can represent the thousands of young families that live in Lakewood and they can feel that they have a voice representing them, as well I understand that the seniors need quality of life and deserve the best for all that they have contributed to our generation,” Travis said.  “I see traffic as a big issue in Lakewood, the traffic problems are being caused by improper planning. I believe smart growth,  and a planned and coordinated way of properly building that won’t affect the residents’ quality of life can be accomplished.”

The trio hopes to win over Lakewood voters and defeat the Vaad’s candidates on Tuesday and, according to Travis, “Make it a great place to live for the great residents.”

 

Rullo: Guadagno "Sold Her Soul"; Secures Powerful Lakewood Orthodox Bloc Vote

LAKEWOOD-The influential political power brokers of Lakewood Township,  the Lakewood Vaad, have announced Kim Guadagno as their candidate of choice for governor of New Jersey in Tuesday’s Republican primary election.

Photo of Kim Guadagno with New Jersey Orthodox leaders. Note: Her face was intentionally blurred according to a report. Click photo to read about that.

In a report yesterday on the political news website, Ocean County Politics, editor Gavin Rozzi broke the news through a video published by Lakewood’s “First Amendment Activist” of a robocall sent out by Rabbi Yisroel Schenkolewksi, one of the Vaad’s religious and political leaders.

In the call, Schenkolewksi urged Lakewood’s Orthodox voters that a vote for Guadagno, Lakewood’s large bloc vote remains powerful.

“Let us stop those who are trying to divide us and weaken us,” Schenkolewksi said.

Guadagno’s opponent in the election, Ocean County resident Joseph Rullo wondered what offers or promises Guadagno made to Lakewood in return for the endorsement.

“It’s so corrupt how one guy can cut a deal to get 13,000 votes for promises after elected in Lakewood,” Rullo said.  “Kim sold her soul….Lakewood is a sanctuary city with no rules.”

The news also doesn’t sit well with voters in the Republican stronghold of Ocean County where an ongoing confrontation exists between Lakewood’s growing Orthodox Jewish population and the surrounding gentile townships of Jackson, Brick, Toms River and Howell where Rullo is showing strong against Guadagno and the other Republican establishment candidates.

In a new SaveJersey poll, a shore area conservative blog site, Rullo is leading the pack with 41% of voters.  Rival conservative Steve Rogers polled with 22% with Guadagno and her establishment arch-nemesis Jack Ciattarelli trailing with just 14% and 16% respectively.

In the latest Shore News Network poll, consisting mostly of Ocean County residents, Rullo received 51% of the votes and Guadagno 27.8%.   Ciattarelli (8%), Singh (7%) and Rogers (5%) all trailed.

Rullo hopes his conservative platform and open support of Donald Trump resonates with the New Jersey voters on Tuesday.  He backed the president in last November’s election and has been a staunch supporter of Trump since his announcement in 2015.

Rullo said he feels most of New Jersey’s Trump supporters will be behind him, while Guadagno, Ciattarelli and Singh compete over the balance of the establishment type voters in the state.

 

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Fearful Toms River Republicans go Low Against Primary Challenger

TOMS RIVER-A campaign of mudslinging and personal assaults has been ongoing against Justin Lamb, a Lavallette police officer who is challenging Jersey Shore pizza magnate Maria Maruca for her seat on the Toms River Council this November.  Those attacks were increased this week, just two weeks before the June 6th primary election.

Lamb, an independent Republican has been challenging what he calls the “status quo” in Toms River and the establishment Toms River GOP organization.

His campaign calls for the end of the status quo, nepotism, cronyism and patronage in Toms River and for a more conservative approach to governing the township, but local party  Republicans aren’t happy about it.  They have engaged in a smear campaign that is reminiscent of turn of the century Haelig style politics.

Through aggressive and negative campaign mailers, personal public information searches and direct personal attacks against Lamb, the Republicans are hoping they can squash Lamb’s growing momentum across the township to save their ward 1 seat on the council.

Last week, the Republicans slammed Lamb for the defeat of a lavish $14 million taxpayer funded fire headquarters in downtown Toms River.   Lamb was publicly against the expensive endeavor, but in the end, the township residents voted overwhelmingly against the project.   Lamb, and township voters were immediately branded “Anarchists” by GOP leaders.  Councilman Brian Kubiel, who also serves as a Fire District No. 1 administrator backed the project, which he claimed would save tax dollars in the long run and could provide as a future home to paid firefighters.    Many voters felt the $14 million price tag was too high and the station too large.

Then came a report out of the GOP headquarters in downtown Toms River that Lamb, a veteran police officer had a negative confrontation with a Toms River police officer who was responding to a noise complaint at a house party.   Police recorded Lamb’s condescending remarks to an arriving officer.  The two had a short spat, but it was quickly resolved and no charges or summonses were issued.   The GOP said the report was found through an open public records (OPRA) search they conducted against Lamb.

This week, we obtained a copy of that OPRA request.  It was submitted by Sherri Pollina, a resident of Jackson Township who has close and personal ties to Toms River Councilman Kevin Geohegan and former Jackson Township Police Officer Brian Geoghegan.

Pollina, according to our own records search is a relative of Brian Geoghegan, and Toms River Councilman Kevin Geoghegan.     We attempted to contact Pollina to inquire about her interest in Toms River’s Ward 1 election campaign, but she has not yet responded to our request.

Pollina’s request had the markings of a witch hunt.   In her public filing with the Township of Toms River, she requested, “All accident reports listing Justin Lamb as a driver or passenger; copies of all summons issued to Justin Lamb; Any report or incident in the police CAD system [database] with Justin Lamb as a victim, reporting person or in the narrative mentioned.”

Sources close to the department also said similar requests were filed in Berkeley Township and Lavallette.

Pollina amended her request to include Lamb’s Toms River address, “Any police response to 109 [Lamb’s Toms River Address] Avenue and the disposition can also be emailed to me,” she wrote.

Toms River Republicans have previously disputed Lamb’s official residence at Buerman Avenue, yet requested Lamb’s activities at that address.

Days after Pollina received Lamb’s police records from the Toms River Police Department, which contained no record of violations, summonses or arrests, the records were in the hands of the Toms River GOP who used them to launch another attack on their challenger.

This week, mailers were sent out across ward 1, paid for by “Continued Prosperity PAC” citing Lamb as a Fake candidate and a Democrat, warning voters to “use caution”.  That PAC was traced back to the offices of Bellu Memoli in Toms River, an influential professional services firm that has received public contracts from many Ocean County municipalities over the years.     The firm is the home of Toms River political power brokers Carmen Memoli and Juan Bellu.  Bellu, the recently ousted Toms River GOP chairman also serves as the chairman of the Toms River MUA. His partner, Carmen Memoli serves as the MUA’s vice chairman.

Lamb, a veteran police officer, used to verbal abuse and unprovoked altercations, isn’t bothered by the personal attacks against him by his opponent, Maria Maruca.

“Here they go again,the GOP hit club, my opponent’s puppet master,” he joked about the relationship between GOP Chairman Robert DiBiase and Maruca.  “My opponent’s 13 year legacy is high taxes, slow recovery, and neighborhoods in decline all while she sits silent and waits for the next photo-op.  It’s time for someone to be elected by the people, not handpicked as she was in 2004.”

Lamb also used the opportunity to slam DiBiase’s attacks against him.

“To the GOP club puppet master: The voters tell me YOU are on life support, I strongly believe it,” he added.

Lamb then got back to the issues at hand.

“The voters want change. They demand representation that will boldly serve them, not just talk,” he said.  “They do not want to be betrayed again by a firehouse tax increase disguised as a public safety necessity. I will never vote for or stay silent on any tax increase, because I believe in small government at all costs.”

 

 

 

Reagan's 11th Commandment All But Forgotten in Toms River GOP Primary

Sad Republican is sad.

TOMS RIVER-Republicans in Toms River have long adhered to the 11th commandment, an often spoken, unspoken rule that is cherished by many party loyalists.  It was created by GOP’s most revered leader in its over 150 year history, President Ronald Reagan.  Reagan invented the idea of the 11th commandment during his 1966 campaign for governor of California.

“Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican,” he said.

In recent weeks, that commandment has been shattered and is now scattered in broken pieces across the township’s bayfront and oceanfront properties as the hotly contested ward 1 Republican primary election has turned into a knock ’em dead, mudslinging bloodbath.

In what is being described as a hit piece, issued by Toms River’s establishment Republican Club against Lavallette police officer Justin Lamb, elected Councilman George Wittmann is the latest in a line of party Republicans coming out against Lamb.

Wittmann said Lamb was unqualified to be a councilman over a 2015 dispute he had with a Toms River Police Officer over a noise complaint at an Ortley Beach residence where Lamb was in attendance.

According to a police report, also released by the Toms River Republican Club, Lamb had a disagreement with a Toms River officer, however no complaints or charges were ever filed and the matter was never revisited.

Lamb said the incident was a non-issue and just another attack in a barrage of negative campaigning against him by the Republican establishment to keep him from getting the party’s nomination.

“This release by my opponents, just the latest in a long line of mud-slinging and dirty campaigning, was not a surprise. I spoke out against the deficit in their carefully crafted budget, and they scrambled to amend the budget and close the gap,” Lamb said.  “I spoke out against the extravagant and opulent firehouse proposal, another backdoor tax increase, and in an historic voter turnout – and a very lopsided vote – our community shut those plans down. It appears that I carry the voice of the people, the township council follows my lead, and my opponents have no real ideas of their own.”

After that vote, establishment Republicans called the residents of Toms River anarchists for voting against the lavish $14 million facility and blamed Lamb for influencing the vote.

Lamb added that since he started campaigning on local issues, the Toms River Republican Club has been relying on personal attacks and mudslinging.   Lamb also questioned the club’s use of what he described as party attack dogs, while his opponent, Maria Maruca has remained mostly silent during the campaign.

“With less than three weeks to the primary election, the GOP establishment is running out of time to derail my campaign with dirty politics,” Lamb added. “My opponent remains bizarrely silent during this campaign, and I’m still not sure that she has a plan.  Her attack dogs keep barking insults, but we will continue to rise above it. They want to keep their status quo, but I want reform. I want us to do better.”

“I will continue to stay on-message and to fight for the issues that matter in our community. I will continue to discuss plans to curtail unnecessary spending, decrease property taxes, and fight an overwhelming heroin epidemic in my neighborhood of Gilford Park,” Lamb said.  “While the establishment strives to keep Ward 1 stuck jogging in place, I will continue to work on ways to move forward for a better Toms River.”

The 11th commandment, issued by Reagan is important during political primaries, because the former President felt if Republicans attacked each other during their primary elections, those attacks would be used against them during the general election against their Democrat opponents.

In March, during a gubernatorial showcase hosted by the Ocean County Republicans, Ocean County Republican Chairman George Gilmore reminded those candidates of the 11th commandment before they spoke to the audience and those involved in the current mudsling were all in attendance.

 

 

 

Toms River Voters Say No to $14 Million Firehouse

Voters on Saturday voted in a special election to build a $14,000,000 firehouse in Downtown Toms River.  The effort was touted by Toms River Fire District 1 Administrator, Brian Kubiel, who also sits on the Toms River Township Council.

The fire district lobbied residents for the past few months to support the new three story building, but the voters rejected the plan.    The district said the existing buildings were in need of repair and offered logistical problems for the fire companies that use them.

The defeat could also give insight into voter direction for the upcoming June 6th Republican primary election for the hotly contested first ward.

The vote was seen as a victory for Republican council challenger Justin Lamb who has been fighting town hall in recent months to reduce spending.  Lamb hopes that the defeat carries into a win for his anti-establishment campaign to win over township Republicans.

“The voters of Ward 1 spoke and they spoke loudly, thank you for the turnout,” Lamb said tonight.  “I need you all one more time on June 6th. I will work every hour of everyday to make sure we are safe and sound.”

Lamb is facing off against incumbent Maria Maruca who is seeking re-election.

In the past week, Maruca’s campaign team went on the offensive against Lamb in a series of inflammatory attacks against the political newcomer.

The referendum for the new firehouse was defeated 535 votes to 306.

For now, Fire Company No. 1 will continue to use the 120 old Robbins Street station and Fire Company 2 will continue to operate out of the 90 year old Water Street station instead of jointly operating out of the proposed 32,965 square foot facility.

 

 

 

 

Jeff Sessions tells U.S. prosecutors: Push for more, harsher punishments

Consistent with Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ tough-on-crime approach, the Justice Department has issued new guidance to federal prosecutors that rescinds “inconsistent” Obama-era charging and sentencing policies and requires that defendants be charged with the most serious, provable charges possible. The new guidance, issued by Mr. Sessions late Thursday to federal prosecutors across the country, will likely…

Guadagno: Christie would make a good FBI director

NEWARK — Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno may be distancing herself from Gov. Chris Christie as she runs for the Republican nomination to succeed him, but she didn’t scoff Wednesday at the idea of Christie becoming the new head of the FBI. President Donald Trump on Tuesday fired James Comey as FBI director. Christie has a background…

Agudath Israel Files Lawsuit Against Jackson Township for Religious Discrimination

JACKSON-A series of laws and ordinances enacted by the township of Jackson in recent months has led to Agudath Israel of America filing a religious discrimination lawsuit against the town.

In March, the township passed two ordinances aimed at limiting the building of schools and banning the construction of school related dormitories.  Township officials cited quality of life concerns for the residents, but Agudath Israel claims the ordinances were adopted to hinder the constitutional rights of the influx of Orthodox Jewish residents to the township.

“The adoption of the Ordinances was motivated by discriminatory animus against the Orthodox Jewish community, they treat religious educational institutions differently and worse than various nonreligious assembly and institutional uses, they unreasonably limit and exclude religious educational institutions from the Township, and they make housing unavailable within the Township based on religion,” Agudath Israel claims in the legal filing.

The organization, which represents Jewish interests nationwide said Jackson Township’s elected officials have been trying to “Build a Wall” around the township to deter Jewish residents from moving there.

“The Ordinances are the latest action taken by the Township in a long campaign to erect a wall on its border with Lakewood Township, where many Orthodox Jews live, in order to discourage them from moving into Jackson,” the lawsuit continued.”

The lawsuit also claims that Mayor Michael Reina told residents not to sell to Jewish residents.

“Its Mayor has told residents ‘Don’t sell’ to the Orthodox Jewish community, its township council president said that a suggestion that Orthodox Jews move into communities such as Jackson was ‘reprehensible,’ and referred to the community as a ‘threat’ to Jackson, and noted that the Township Council ‘is on the same page”’ with a community that harbors substantial hostility toward the Orthodox Jewish community,” the lawsuit claims.

In the meetings Shore News Network has covered, Reina always made it clear that the township has no right to restrict who can and can’t buy homes and said if residents were concerned about the home sales, the only option was to not sell their homes.  Reina often told distraught residents that they lived in America and it’s not anyone’s right to tell another who they can and can’t sell their homes to.

The lawsuit also targeted Republican Councilman Robert Nixon who said of the growth of the Jewish population in town,  “The threat can be eliminated if people held their ground and refused the offers being made on their properties and remain committed to Jackson Township and their neighbors.”

Nixon has been on the frontlines of the township’s battle against the Orthodox Jewish growth in the township.

Jackson Township officials have not yet responded to the lawsuit.

The 35 page filing released today by the Lakewood Scoop can also be found on our Shore News Network and JTOWN Magazine Facebook pages.

 

 

Suspected Point Pleasant Aspiring ISIS Terrorist Stabbed Mom's Dog Because it was "unclean"

A Point Pleasant man who was accused by the FBI of providing material support for ISIS was caught after police were called on a report that he had stabbed his mother’s dog and threatened to kill her.

According to the Point Pleasant Police Department, officers arrived at the residence for a report of a male subject threatening to kill the family dog.

Responding Point Pleasant Police officers set up a perimeter around the residence and attempted to make contact with the male resident.

“During our attempt to negotiate, 20 year old Gregory Lepsky emerged from the residence and was taken into custody,” police said.

According to a report in the Asbury Park Press, Lepsky told first responders he wanted to kill the dog, because under his view of Islam, the pet was dirty.

He also stabbed himself.  Lepsky was transported to Brick Hospital to be treated for a self-inflicted laceration.

The family dog was located within the residence alive, however, sustained a significant laceration to his back. The dog was immediately transported to an area veterinary hospital.

A large knife was recovered from the suspect’s bedroom that was believed to have been used in the attack on the dog. Detective Scalabrini of the Point Pleasant Police Department charged Gregory Lepsky with Terroristic Threats 2C:12-3a, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose 2C:39-4d, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon 2C:39-5d, Criminal Mischief 2C:17-3a and Animal Cruelty 4:22-17c(1).

Through the course of this investigation, information was developed to connect Mr. Lepsky with ISIS and a potential plan to build and use a pressure cooker bomb. Detectives from the Point Pleasant Police Department commenced a joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.

Gregory Lepsky, 20, of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, will appear in federal court today to face allegations that he planned to construct and use a pressure cooker bomb in support of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Lepsky is charged by criminal complaint with one count of attempting to provide material support to ISIS.

During searches of computers and other digital evidence linked to Lepsky, law enforcement found evidence of Lepsky’s plan to build and detonate a bomb as part of his support for ISIS. During several social media communications, Lepsky told others that he intended to fight on behalf of ISIS, and that he would, if necessary, become a martyr by driving a “bunch of explosives” to where the “enemies” could be found and blowing himself up.

 Law enforcement also located a series of instructions that had been published online by another terrorist group that gave specific, step-by-step instructions on how to build a pressure cooker bomb, which coincided with the delivery to Lepsky of the pressure cooker a short time before his arrest. In addition, law enforcement recovered a message forwarded by Lepsky from another ISIS supporter stating that if a westerner could not travel to Syria to fight for ISIS, he could conduct a terrorist attack in his home country using improvised explosive devices.

How Lakewood became a worldwide destination for Orthodox Jews | Di Ionno

It is Friday in Lakewood. A few thousand young men in black suits and wide-brimmed black hats are rushing toward Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG), the world’s largest yeshiva outside of Israel. Parking in the vicinity of the school is as impossible as finding a spot in Hoboken or Jersey City. Students circle in their Toyotas, Nissans…

NJ Governor Christie Vetoes Dem Bill that Sought to Block President Trump from Being on 2020 Ballot

TRENTON-A bill approved by the legislature in the blue state of New Jersey that could have kept President Donald Trump off the ballot in the Garden State in 2020 if he doesn’t release his tax returns.

“This legislation would prohibit general election candidates for President and Vice-President from appearing on a ballot in New Jersey unless they file a copy of their federal income tax returns for the five most recent years with the Division of Elections and would also prohibit any elector from voting for President or Vice-President unless the candidate complies with the bill’s requirements. This is clearly unconstitutional. The United States Constitution sets the rules in this regard to prevent politics like this bill,” the governor told the senate on May 1st.

The Presidential release of tax returns is a relatively new practice in the history of the United States with President Richard Nixon.   No law requires anyone running for office to release their tax returns.

“Unwilling to cope with the results of last November’s election, the Legislature introduced this unconstitutional bill as a form of therapy to deal with their disbelief at the 2016 election results, and to play politics to their base. Any claim to the contrary is belied by the press releases its supporters issued immediately upon its final passage and the plain language of the bill,” the Governor continued.

Tax returns are now an issue in the 2017 election to replace Governor Christie with Democrat millionaire Phil Murphy’s refusal to release his own tax returns.  Murphy, in December held a brief viewing of his returns for reporters, but under the law aimed at Donald Trump, Murphy’s “viewing” would not have satisfied the law vetoed by the Governor.

Ocean County Governor’s favorite, Republican Joseph Rullo, an avid constitutionalist said Democrats should start worrying about fixing the problems before them and less on individuals’ income tax returns.

“The Democrats front runner hasn’t released his tax returns only allowing reporters a peek at a designated time,” Rullo said. “I will not release my tax return as a private citizen. The state has more worries than mine and Trumps tax returns like fixing New Jersey.”

Rullo has been a staunch supporter of Trump since his candidacy began and blasted the attempt by the Democrat majority legislation to use their office to make a political move against the President.

There is currently no law that requires any candidate for office to release his or her tax returns.

Who is Kim Guadagno and why is she running to succeed Christie as N.J. governor?

The first state-sponsored debates for Democrats and Republicans running for New Jersey governor will be held May 9. Leading up to that, NJ Advance Media is profiling the four Democrats and two Republicans who have qualified for those debates, leading off with this simple question: “Why are you running?” WEST LONG BRANCH — After spending the…

Trump lands in N.J. for weekend stay

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump returned to New Jersey late Thursday for the first time since becoming the nation’s 45th president After joining Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City, Trump took off for his golf club in Bedminster, where he is expected to spend the…

Murphy pitches plan to fix NJ Transit that could include new tax

TRENTON — Phil Murphy, the Democratic front-runner for New Jersey governor, on Thursday unveiled his plan to overhaul problem-plagued NJ Transit — and he didn’t rule out instituting a new tax to help fund the agency that runs the state’s bus and rail system. Murphy said the plan — which he called a “multi-hundred-million-dollar proposal” –…

More than Half of New Jersey Republican Voters Undecided for Next Governor

TRENTON-A new Quinnipiac University poll released this week shows that 51% of New Jersey’s Republican voters don’t know who they are going to vote for on June 6th as their party’s choice to succeed Governor Chris Christie.

Of the remaining 49% of decided voters, 23% said they are voting for Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, who served as Lt. Governor under Christie for the past seven years.

North Jersey assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli was showing at 12% in the poll and Ocean County candidate Joseph Rullo had 3%.

“The news that they’re supposed to elect a governor this year doesn’t seem to have gotten through to a lot of New Jersey voters,” said Maurice Carroll, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll.

The poll was not good news for the Lt. Governor’s prospects of being the next governor with more than half of her party still not on board with her candidacy.

The poll also revealed that Democrat candidate Phil Murphy would “trounce” Guadagno.  In the poll Murphy received 50% when people were asked, “Who would you vote for today?”

Guadagno received just 25% of the overall vote from those polled, with 21% saying they either don’t know or don’t care at this point.

 

 

Guadagno: Never Underestimate a Woman with a Gun

TOMS RIVER-Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno is under fire this week over a comment she made back in March at the Ocean County GOP Governor’s forum at the Days Hotel in the Atlantis Ballroom.

At that event, Guadagno was addressing Ocean County’s Republican elite and stared down her opponent, Jack Ciattarelli and said, “Never underestimate a woman who carries a gun.”

Guadagno was referring to her right to conceal and carry in the state of New Jersey being a former sheriff and prosecutor.

Although just a parlor room comment amongst friends, her opponent Joseph Rullo took exception to that comment this week while addressing some 300 gun owners in Jackson Township.

“Everyone should be able to carry a gun in New Jersey, Kim,” Rullo said in front of the Jackson based Central Jersey Rifle and Pistol Club.  “But we don’t even know where the hell you stand on the second amendment…we don’t know where half of them stand.”

Rullo said later that Guadagno’s double standard on gun control puts New Jersey residents at risk, offering protection only to a select and chosen few.  He said every woman in New Jersey should have the right to arm and protect themselves, not just a select few.

Rullo is an avid gun rights advocate and is challenging Guadagno in the June 6th Republican primary election.

 

Joe Rullo Challenges New Jersey's Assault on Gun Rights in Jackson Township

JACKSON-New Jersey candidate for Governor and Ocean County resident Joseph Rullo spoke Wednesday night in front of a standing room only crowd at the Jackson Township based Central Jersey Rifle and Pistol Club about the citizens’ right to carry and conceal in the Garden State.

Jackson Township is New Jersey’s third largest municipality by square miles with over 100 square miles of land, most of protected pinelands and wetlands, making it one of the top hunting destinations in New Jersey.

It’s a town where each deer season cars and trucks line the roads near the thousands of acres of protected open space.  It’s one of those few places in New Jersey where a deer stand in the woods or a duck blind in an old cranberry bog is a common sight.

Rullo spoke to some 300 of those avid hunters and gun rights advocates at the club’s regular meeting.

Rullo took aim at Democrat politicians such as Senator Cory Booker, the former mayor of the City of Newark, where violent crime in that city is five times greater than elsewhere in the state for promoting restrictive gun control laws that Rullo said only empowers the bad guys.

During his speech he also took aim at the length of time it takes for law abiding citizens of New Jersey to obtain a firearms permit.

“In this town, you can’t get your gun permit approved in six months and that is inexcusable,” he added.   “As governor I will work immediately with the New Jersey State Police and chiefs of police to help make the process quicker and give them the resources they need.”

Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno was also in Rullo’s crosshairs.   At the March 8th Ocean County GOP nominating convention, Guadagno bragged about being a female armed with a gun, a right she shares with few other women in the state.

“Never underestimate a woman with a bulletproof vest who carries a gun,” Guadagno bragged before her opponent Jack Ciattarelli and the Republican establishment present at that event.  Rullo agreed with the Lt. Governor, every woman should be allowed to arm and protect herself, not just the political elite.

“Everyone should be able to carry a gun in New Jersey, Kim,” Rullo said in front of the Jackson gun club.  “But we don’t even know where the hell you stand on the second amendment…we don’t know where half of them stand.”

Rullo said that the government is so worried that everyone will apply for conceal and carry permits, but said that isn’t the case, instead said even if few people actually applied, it would be a deterrent because criminals and terrorists won’t know who is armed and who is not.

He doubled down on his commitment to conceal and carry, saying if elected governor he will turn down his right to be protected by armed security if the average resident can’t be afforded the same protections.

“I will not be protected by guns financed by taxpayers when the people of NJ are sitting ducks stripped of their rights to conceal carry,” Rullo said today.  “I will hire my own personal protection if it is necessary with my salary. The irony is I believe my life has been in more danger as a candidate with so many controversial issues.”

“I have over 100,000 social media followers from all my pages pages combined and as many candidates receive threats during the campaign,” he added.  “I don’t have the state police watching over me at most events if the Lt. Governor is not at the event.”

 

 

 

140 Lakewood Teachers, Faculty Receive Rice notices

LAKEWOOD-The besieged Lakewood school district suffered another blow this week after 140 public teachers and faculty members received a Rice notice regarding their future employment in the district.

The story was reported on the Lakewood Scoop this morning.

Laura A. Winters, the district Superintendent sent the letter on Tuesday, stating the district will be holding a meeting at 6:30pm on Monday, May 8 and, “will discuss and may recommend action(s) which may be of interest to you.”

Teachers may opt for the meeting to be held in a public meeting.  Teachers were asked to sign the form and return it to the superintendent.

The district is facing a $15 million budget shortfall and may end up laying off at least 100 teachers according to previous reports.

RICE notices inform public employees of an impending meeting to discuss an worker’s employment.

 

With Rullo Endorsement, Lamb Vows to Challenge Status Quo in Toms River

PELICAN ISLAND-This weekend, Joe Rullo, an anti-establishment Republican candidate running for Governor of New Jersey in the June 6th Republican primary election endorsed political newcomer Justin Lamb for Toms River’s Ward 1 council seat.

Rullo spoke on Lamb’s behalf at a campaign kick off at Pelican Island Bay Club.  Rullo, an avid supporter of President Donald Trump said not only does New Jersey need to drain the swamp in Trenton, but said what good is draining the swamp in the state capital without like-minded Republicans serving the local communities.

Rullo said he sees the same passion to make a positive change in Toms River that he saw a year ago in Donald Trump, an outsider willing to go against the grain.

“What good is all of that going to do unless we have great people like Justin here?” Rullo asked the hundred or so attendees at the event.   “We need to drain the swamp not only in Trenton, but we need to drain the swamp of establishment Republican politicians.”

Rullo said Lamb’s experience as a police officer is a quality missing in politics.

“He understands and respects the law,” Rullo said.

Lamb said he and Rullo spoke about topics and issues and thanked and accepted his endorsement.

“The experience this past month has been difficult at times, but we’re doing good things,” he said. “Challenging the status quo is not easy, but that’s what I’m doing.  I’m going to challenge the status quo.”

“Being a true Republican is talking about the challenges and not to sit and let things go,” Lamb added.  “You can’t just sit and let things go and be comfortable, you have to challenge yourself.”

 

 

Establishment Republicans in Toms River Launch Attack Against Primary Challenger Lamb

TOMS RIVER-A press release issued by the Toms River Republican Club, the political powerbrokers of the community, criticized fellow Republican opponent Justin Lamb, just days after Lamb thanked the town council for holding the line on taxes in 2017.

Lamb, an Ortley Beach resident and Lavallette police officer running against incumbent Maria Maruca in the June 6th Republican primary criticized the township council, calling the all-Republican council out for raising taxes in previous years, but backtracking on a 2017 hike after his open criticism.

The township council, in April submitted a new budget that lowered spending by nearly an additional $1,000,000 after Lamb’s criticism.

The township establishment Republicans grilled Lamb for only criticizing the municipal budget while  making no comment on a school board tax hike.

“Lamb pans the zero tax increase by the Republican Kelaher team, fails to criticize the HUGH[sic] tax increase levied by dem controlled BOE,” a statement issued by Toms River Republican Club Chairman Robert DiBiase read.  “Members of the Toms River Regular Republican Club are pushing back against political newcomer, Justin Lamb.”

Lamb responded quickly to the attack by the Republican power base.

“This unfounded criticism does not surprise me in the slightest,” Lamb said.  “Regardless of what a local club spokesman may opine, I have not slammed a zero percent municipal increase, rather I’ve questioned the township council’s leadership prior to my announcement and the tendency to react hastily to the challenging issues facing Toms River.”

“His candidacy is fundamentally questionable,” DiBiase said.  “I see no measure of credibility here, his actions so far seem intentioned only to help Democrats in November.”

Lamb responded to say the township Republicans, including the club chairman, who he noted is also employed by the township,  are trying to squash his right to legally challenge them in a Republican primary election this June.

“I find the attack on my eligibility to run for office, a right bestowed upon me through the United States Constitution, completely baseless,” he added.   “I’ll continue to focus on the real issues our community faces and not on personal attacks. I will keep driving the agenda going forward and hopefully, the so-called Republican establishment will continue following my lead on addressing these issues.”

Lamb, a Republican is running against incumbent Maria Maruca in the June 6th Republican primary for Toms River Township’s Ward 1 council seat.

 

 

 

Trump's 100-Day Wins the Media Will Downplay

President Donald Trump started taking heat for his first 100 days performance several weeks before the symbolic deadline even approached. It seems to matter little to pundits that no one expects much from anyone in the first 90 days of anything. But when the number hits triple digits, new presidents endure their first judgment. The arbitrary…

Rozzi: With Drone Ban Ordinance, Toms River Council Flies to Unconstitutional Heights

Tonight, the Toms River Township Council will consider an ill-advised and legally questionable ordinance that would severely limit the ability of citizens to operate drones in accordance with federal law over the skies of the township. The ordinance should not be passed because it is preempted by federal law and its provisions deprive individuals and journalists…

Opponents Blast Guadagno Tax Plan as "Short Circuit" and "Rearranging Deck Chairs on Titanic"

TOMS RIVER-This week Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno unveiled an immediate property tax relief proposal which promises tax cuts for middle class families.

Guadagno called her tax relief program a property tax ‘circuit breaker’ by capping a homeowner’s property tax bill to a percentage of their household income, but campaign rival Joe Rullo today said that her plan will short circuit because it relies on an audit of state finances that has neither yet been conducted nor is guaranteed to free up the $1.5 billion necessary to make it work.

“Like a circuit breaker for electricity, which automatically stops the flow of electricity after exceeding a safe capacity, the property tax ‘circuit breaker’ kicks in if the school portion of a homeowner’s property tax liability exceeds 5% of their yearly household income,” Guadagno said.  “The homeowner will receive a direct credit on their tax bill for any amount exceeding the 5% threshold. Depending on the school district, average savings under this plan would be $1,000 annually.”

“The administration of Christie and Guadagno has missed revenue projections for years,” Rullo said. Rullo said the plan is nothing more than typical baseless Trenton posturing and smoke and mirrors that voters have grown weary of.  Rullo said Guadagno’s “circuit breaker” plan, like most other plans that promised tax relief for New Jersey residents is bound to short circuit an already overloaded breaker box.

Rullo said the plan relies on too much on an audit that hasn’t yet been conducted and will probably not turn up the $1.5 billion needed to support the plan, adding that gimmicks such as the Lt. Governor’s “Circuit Breaker” plan are what have driven New Jersey to its current state of affairs.

Instead of addressing the major problems in New Jersey headon, Jack Ciattarelli said the plan is dangerous and irresponsible.

“The Lt. Governor’s so-called plan is disappointing and akin to rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Proposing a $1.5 billion property tax plan by saying it will be paid for with undetermined savings and assumed revenue growth is both dangerous and irresponsible,” Ciattarelli said.  “This kind of proposal is a continuation of the failed economic and fiscal policies of the last 7+ years that have led to 11 credit downgrades, the highest property taxes in the country, and a record number of people fleeing the state.”

Ciattarelli said few hardworking Jersey residents would actually benefit if her plan was to go forward.

“The Lt. governor’s plan is also flawed in that it provides zero tax relief to many middle-class families. Based on her own projections, a family where a public school teacher is married to a police officer would be considered ‘too wealthy’ to benefit.” he added.

 

 

Taking on Town Hall in Toms River: Lamb Criticizes New Budget as Political Posturing Ahead of Election

TOMS RIVER-Justin Lamb, who has been taking on town hall this week in his bid to unseat establishment Republican incumbent Maria Maruca in the town’s coastal first ward issued another release today, this time criticizing the township budget.

Initially posed as a tax increase, Lamb said a last minute budget change to show a zero tax increase was nothing more than political posturing during an election cycle.

“As the primary challenger, it is gratifying to watch the Township Council mirror the sentiments I expressed in my opening Facebook post over two weeks ago,” Lamb said.  “The property tax burden placed on our residents, especially those living in our beach and bay communities has been totally unacceptable. With 50 days left until the primary, the Township Council’s posturing is obvious and the Republican voters will not be fooled. The time has come for an outside Republican voice to enter the fray and lead, rather than take a reactive position.”

Lamb said the budget is beyond numbers on a spreadsheet though.  Being a resident of the barrier island, where some 600 homes have yet to be rebuilt from Hurricane Sandy nearly five years ago, he said the budget is also about the losses those residents endure and the hardships they face trying to rebuild their homes.

Lamb said many of the difficulties are the result of policy decisions made by the elected council.

“What is truly disappointing to me is hearing the stories from dozens of Ward 1 residents who faced overwhelming difficulties in dealing with our township in rebuilding after the storm,” he said.  “The burdens placed upon these hardworking folks through the policy decisions by this Township Council has in itself kept the so-called “hole” in our tax base intact five years later. Our residents are simply fed-up and I do not blame them.”

Lamb invited residents to discuss the important issues facing ward 1 voters on his campaign facebook page:

Candidate Criticizes Toms River Council over Airbnb Legislation

TOMS RIVER-Seaside vacationers looking for a place to spend a few days on the barrier island in Ocean County these days are turning to Airbnb to find short term summer vacations rentals.

Airbnb is a San Francisco based firm that connects rental property owners directly with potential renters through their iphone, mobile devices and online.

The service allows travelers to book accommodations worldwide, directly with the property owners.

The Toms River Township council has recently attempted to regulate Airbnb style rentals within its borders, restricting short term rentals under 30 days on the mainland year round and limited airbnb rentals to a period between April 15th and September 15th on the barrier island.

Justin Lamb, a Lavallette police officer who is challenging incumbent councilwoman Maria Maruca in the township’s first ward called the ordinance a knee jerk decision.

“The Township Council’s overreach in its hastily delivered Airbnb measure illustrates the type of bad decision making that needs to end now. The ordinance as delivered was a knee-jerk reaction that was short-sighted and showed the lack of understanding the governing body has with our residents. After coming under fire by our Ward 1 residents, they now are quickly working to undo the draconian course they prematurely took,” Lamb said.  “As a strong Republican, I believe that any restriction on individual property rights is not consistent with the same conservative principles our Township Council members now claim to be running on in this primary election. With that being said, the council’s unwillingness to craft an ordinance that balances the interests and concerns of every resident in Ward 1 should not be tolerated. This type of knee-jerk decision-making must end now. The residents of Ward 1 deserve a more transparent and rational governing body.”

Toms River’s first ward is split between the eastern portion of Toms River on the mainland and the township’s barrier island communities.

The township is scheduled to host a public hearing to revise the airbnb ordinance on April 25th at 6pm at town hall.

 

Underdog Hirsh Gets Column A on Ocean County Primary Ballot

On Monday, Ocean County Clerk Scott Colabella drew names for ballot positioning for the June 6th Primary Election.

Political newcomer Hirsh Singh won the drawing, securing column A.  Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, the Ocean County GOP establishment nominee will be in column C, flanked by Jack Ciattarelli (B) and Joe Rullo (D).

Candidates will appear in the following order – Hirsh Singh – Column A; Jack Cittarelli – Column B; Kim Guadagno – Column C; Joseph Rullo – Column D; Steven Rogers – Column E. Democratic Gubernatorial candidates will appear as follows: Mark Zinna – Column G; William Brennan – Column H; Jim Johnson – Column I; John Wisniewski – Column J; Philip Murphy – Column K; Raymond Lesniak – Column L.

Rullo Calls Guadagno, Ciattarelli Career Politicians, BS Artists in Facebook Live Message

The battle for New Jersey’s Republican nomination for Governor got hot this week after Ocean County candidate Joseph Rullo called his opponents “bullshit artists” and “career politicians” in a Facebook live message.

Rullo used the 40 minute session to call for an end to career politicking in New Jersey and played his Trump card again with his supporters.

While his opponents Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli continue to fight over establishment GOP support across New Jersey, Rullo doubled down on the everyday New Jersey resident who isn’t vying for political appointments or contracts in the event of a November win.

https://www.facebook.com/Rullo2017/videos/1322138681154810/

Rullo reiterated his support for conceal carry legislation, tougher stances on illegal immigration and out of control taxes in the Garden State.

He also told his supporters that when his opponents were turning on Trump, he has stood behind the President from beginning to present.

In the video, Rullo again expressed his displeasure of the state being last in many important categories, including among the highest gas prices in the nation, highest property taxes, highest exit rate and highest cost per mile of road in the country.

Rullo has won 10 out of 10 online polls this year, including a poll conducted by the Asbury Park Press.

 

 

 

 

 

Report: Anti-Trumper "Loser" Lonegan Ready to Choose Between Guadagno and Ciattarelli

 

Nearly a year ago, President Donald Trump had no loving or kind words for New Jersey’s perennial political loudmouth, Steve Lonegan.  At the time, Lonegan was an outspoken “Never Trump” provocateur, campaigning viciously against the President during his campaign, even going as far as being a political commentator on the liberal news network, MSNBC.

Lonegan used the MSNBC spotlight to take shots at Trump whenever he could and is now on the long list of “Never Trumpers” backing the party’s establishment candidates for governor in New Jersey.

Lonegan has a long history of being on the wrong side of political races in New Jersey and at the Presidential level.

“The only kamikaze effort,” Lonegan said of Trump in a Philly Magazine interview last summer, “is going to happen in November, when Donald Trump takes the Republican Party down to a resounding defeat.”

He was of course wrong, and Trump dismissed Lonegan as a perennial loser.

“He’s always lost,” Trump said of Lonegan in a Star Ledger interview. “He’s a loser. … Always been a nasty guy. He loses. He’s a loser.”

Trump said he knows Steve Lonegan well.

“You have a guy named Lonegan,” Trump said. “I’ve known Lonegan for 25 years in New Jersey. The guy’s a loud-mouth guy.”

Today, InsiderNJ announced “Loser Lonegan” is ready to pick a candidate to endorse in New Jersey’s Republican primary election for Governor and it appears he’s going to back one of the two establishment candidates, Kim Guadagno or Jack Ciattarelli.

In a strange twist of political fate, it appears the self proclaimed outsider may be looking to get back on in the inside after his multiple failed political campaigns over the years.

The Lonegan endorsement could also be a blessing in disguise for pro Trump candidates Joe Rullo of Ocean County and Steve Rogers of Nutley, both working hard to win over the non-establishment Republican voters in New Jersey.

 

 

Toms River Republicans Face Primary Challenge from Police Officer

TOMS RIVER-Justin Lamb, a Lavallette police officer, is challenging the Republican establishment in Toms River, taking on incumbent Republican Maria Maruca in June’s Ward 1 primary election.

“I can no longer sit on the sidelines and watch our community continue to suffer from the current administration’s inaction and lack of vision,” Lamb said in a campaign statement.  “While I am not a professional local politician, I have served in the public eye as a police officer for 15 years.”

Lamb said during his career as a police officer, he has successfully navigated governmental procedures and challenges at the local, county, and state level.

“In addition, my experience as a police officer and past experience managing a small construction company allows me to recognize the need to form strong relationships with the citizens and the local businesses of our community,” he said.  “These experiences, along with my legal education from Rutgers University, ensure that I am the effective advocate that our community needs.”

Lamb described himself as a lifelong Republican and has lived in Toms River for 8 years.

“The rising property tax burden on Ward 1 residents, especially those residing in our beach communities and along the waterfront is unacceptable and needs to be challenged,” he said. “The layers of bureaucracy that exist in Toms River need to be reduced and streamlined.”
Also running against Maruca and Lamb is political newcomer Chris Grimes.

Republicans Choose Incumbents in Toms River for 2017 Council Election

Press Release by Toms River Republican Club

The Toms River Regular Republican Club (TRRRC) Trustees announced today that incumbents Maria Maruca, Kevin Geoghegan, Jeff Carr and Dr. Al Manforti received organizational backing to run for Toms River Township Council, the party announced.
The process included a screening committee endorsing the ticket and forwarding those recommendations to the TRRRC Trustees, who unanimously approved the slate. The ticket was then put in front of the full membership for approval and received no opposition.
“We are honored and humbled to receive the unanimous endorsement of the TRRRC to run as a ticket for Township Council again this year,” said Councilmembers Maria Maruca (Ward 1), Kevin Geoghegan (Ward 2), Jeff Carr (Ward 3), and Dr. Al Manforti (Ward 4) in a joint statement.
“We look forward to running on both our individual and collective efforts to rebuild and grow our local economy, keep property taxes stable and under the statemandated cap, advocate for school funding reform, and continue to battle against unfair and onerous affordable housing mandates that rob towns like Toms River over the freedom to responsibly plan and develop our community as we see fit,” the group added.
“Republican leadership has helped to make Toms River a great community in which to live, work, build a business and retire,” said Bob DiBiase President of the Toms River Regular Republican Club. “This is an exceptional slate of solutions-oriented, conservative-minded candidates that we are confident can both win in November and govern our town effectively over the next four years.”

Hard Rock plans to create 3,000 jobs, invest $375M in Atlantic City property

ATLANTIC CITY — They’re going to rebuild this city on rock and roll. The former Trump Taj Mahal is receiving a $375 million facelift that will turn it into the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City. Officials anticipate the project to bring 1,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permeant jobs. The opening is anticipated for summer…

Christie to Amtrak: We want our money back

New Jersey will stop paying the rent to NJ Transit’s landlord at Penn Station New York until Amtrak guarantees the Northeast Corridor is in good repair and may sue to get 2016’s payments back. Gov. Chris Christie directed the state Attorney General to stop making the $2.5 to $5 million in monthly rent and maintenance payments…

March Madness in Ocean County: Top Craziest News Stories You Might Have Missed

2017 has been a very strange year here in Ocean County in the news.  Here’s our list of the top 10 craziest stories in case you missed them.

Million Dollar Heroin Man Released via Bail Reform Act
A Manchester man caught with a million dollars in heroin is back on the streets hours after a coordination law enforcement operation takes him off the street thanks to New Jersey’s bail reform and speedy trial act.  Read it here.

St. Patty’s Day Drunk Driver’s Crash Caught on Video
Watch as a pizza delivery driver’s dash cam captures this reveler crashing into the median in Silverton.  Read it here.

Deranged Man Shot by Toms River Police
Toms River Police forced to shoot a deranged man in apartment complex standoff. Read it here.

Accused Pedophile Weeps as He’s Sent to Jail
A man accused of sexual crimes against children in Little Egg Harbor finally incarcerated after outcry by the public and local chief of police, Richard Buzby.  Read it here.

WOBM Radio Host Drives into Multiple Park Cars, Nothing to See Here
An odd story about money and power as a WOBM Radio host drives into several parked cars and eludes police, yet the media which receives advertising dollars from the  wealthy host’s philanthropic organization remains silent. Read it here.

Ocean County Sheriff’s Officer Charged with Stealing Coke
Sharing a Coke took on a new meaning in Ocean County in March after a Sheriff’s Officer was charged with stealing cocaine from an evidence locker for his own use.  Read it here.

Gymnastic Coach Charged with Child Porn
A local gymnastics coach who teaches young girls charged for possession of child [censored]ography.  Read it here.

Letter says no Goyim at new Lakewood Shopping Plaza
A letter written by a Lakewood resident condemns the thought of non-Jews and Jews interacting at a newly proposed shopping plaza. Read it here.

Anti-Trump Protesters Scuffle on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk
Watch as these anti-Trump protesters engage Trump supporters at the March MAGA March in Seaside Heights.  Read it here.

Finger Flipping Quad Rider Caught
A quad rider who vandalized a local school and flipped off the security camera was identified by police.  Read it here.

A Dangerous School Bus in Lakewood
Watch as this school bus driver in Lakewood just can’t wait in traffic like everyone else.  Read it here.

Barnegat Bay Pirate Ship For Sale
A replica pirate ship that sails the Barnegat Bay went up for sale. Read it here.

Ritacco Style Politics Blocked by Toms River School Board
The Toms River School Board blocked a move to appoint Ritacco tied firm to a $97,000 appointment. Read it here.

Little Egg Harbor Jumps Off Florida Overpass
A Little Egg Harbor Man jumps off a Florida overpass after pushing a cop down in the sunshine state. Read it here.

Man Exposes Himself to Point Pleasant Teenage Girls
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Statement Against Gentiles in Lakewood Shopping Center "Walked Back"

Yesterday, we reported on an article posted on the “Take Back Lakewood” website in which a post on the page claimed to show 1,200 signatures in opposition to a retail mall project in the Cedarbridge office park.

Along with the petition was a letter from an unsigned resident highlighting their opinions against the development, citing things like teenagers hanging out, boys and girls co-mingling, gentile (non-Jewish) owned shops and other reasons.

The letter also referred to non-Jewish residents as “goyim”, those who are not Jewish, many non-Jews feel it is a derogatory term.  The letter referenced the potential presence of goyim within the shopping plaza as “terrifying”.

Read full article here.

Today, Take Back Lakewood is walking back its claim that the letter and the petition were connected and the original article was pulled from the website.

“We have now spoken with the organizer of the petition who clarified to us that the petition had 2 simple lines on it – as written on the text of the petition page – it reads (in a mixture of hebrew and english) : ‘We are requesting from Cedarbridge Corporation to withdraw from their involvement in making a shopping center in our town’.”, TBL, stated.

“The intention of the organizers of the petition related to the fact that the Yeshiva (BMG) was founded upon and espouses certain values. Those values include living a life of austerity and shunning materialism in the pursuit of living a life dedicated to the service of God. Many in the yeshiva community choose not to eat out in restaurants (yes even kosher ones) choose not to indulge in nice cars or name brand clothing and instead dedicate their time and efforts in the service of God. Most do not have a TV in their home and many do not have internet. Some don’t even own a cell phone. They are entitled to choose to live their lives in that way the same way America allows individuals to choose how to live their lives. While they would not tell others how to live their lives and indeed many many people in Lakewood do live a more luxurious lifestyle with nice houses, cars and nice strip malls, they felt that it was unbecoming of BMG to tarnish it’s name by suddenly changing gears and promoting materialism since in this case, BMG/Cedarbridge was the applicant and developer. If a private developer were to apply for a mall that they would not object. The reality is that private developers have been building stores all over Lakewood and the BMG students have not objected to that. Their concern related to what they felt was a weakening of the yeshiva’s values and a lack of practicing what they preach in regard to materialism,” TBL continued.

“Furthermore, the intent of the letter which was written by an individual,  was not to say that non Jewish stores should not be allowed in Lakewood. When BMG was initially accused of promoting materialism through a shopping center that would be built in the middle of a predominantly jewish area, some of the concerns related to the fact that there would surely be tenants who served non kosher food, draw traffic to the area on Sabbath when most stores in the area are generally closed, and possibly have stores like Victoria Secret etc which would display pictures of scantily clad women that would generally not be preferred by the ultra orthodox. Again, the primary objection related to the fact that BMG was the developer. It would be analogous to a Catholic Church building an abortion clinic,” the statement continued.

“No one in Lakewood is trying to deny business opportunities for gentiles,” TBL added.

You can see the full post on Take Back Lakewood’s website.

Although the letter and the petition are now alleged to be disjoined from each other, the letter highlighted the deep cultural divide between some in Lakewood’s Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community and the surrounding communities which must be overcome as the Orthodox community expands into neighboring towns.

The original letter is published below:

 

Ocean County Freeholder Vicari Now Faces Republican Primary Challenger

TOMS RIVER-Ocean County Freeholder Joseph Vicari is now facing a primary challenger for the Republican nomination for his seat in the June primary.

Vicari, who received the endorsement from the Regular Republican Organization of Ocean County, will have to now campaign against Jenny Heinz of “Ocean County Conservative Republicans”.

Little is known about Heinz, except that she is a resident of Manahawkin.

Hassan was listed on the unofficial county candidate filing list released by Ocean County Clerk Scott M. Colabella on Monday, the filing deadline for candidates.

 

 

 

 

Report: Protesters Defiant at Lakewood Planning Board Meeting

The Lakewood planning board attorney, according to a report on Joyce Blay’s News & Views threatened to put protesters in jail at a recent meeting in the township.

Since last year, Deutsch and other residents opposed to over-development have attended public meetings of Lakewood’s planning board and the Lakewood Zoning Board of Adjustment, not as development application objectors, but as public policy protesters.

At the March 21, 2017 meeting of the Lakewood Planning Board, retail advocate Herschel (Harold) Herskowitz took a seat behind Deutsch in the audience. Both men, seated next to the aisle, held up protest signs.

In a telephone interview with NJ News & Views later that evening, Herskowitz said he was not intimidated by Jackson’s comments during the meeting.

“I said, ‘Mr. Jackson, please, I want to be arrested!”

Read the full story here.

Related:

https://youtu.be/YAvBCxe9HjE