Citizens becoming aware of New Jersey’s Government

The Republican Task Force for Fiscal Responsibility was held at Hunterdon Central on Wednesday. The turn out was very respectable, and the presentation interesting. We learned a lot about the ‘condition’ of New Jersey, some history, of course discussion on the toll draft bill, and State structural and functional issues.

Because of irresponsible government spending and borrowing, and judicial rulings our State now faces a budget that must be cut to the bone. Although past Democrat and Republican administrations have played a big part in putting our State in the present tailspin, Corzine has made the situation much worse. Assemblyman Richard Merkt stated that Corzine rejected $2.2 billion in spending cuts (71 items) in 2006, and $1.4 billion in cuts (81 items) in 2007. Already this year he has approved $600 million more in spending. Assemblywoman Marcia Karrow added that since 2002 there have been no checks and balances in our State. She was referring to the dominance of power by one party in all branches of government, who often rejects Republican bills designed to cut spending.

The toll plan draft bill is 80-pages. Karrow noted that the document has no audit or oversight provisions and, “It is as ambiguous as it is long”. “Buried in the Fiscal Notes of the bill there is a statement that the Governor has an undisclosed amount of money to pay for professional services.” This statement was prompted by a question from the audience who asked how Corzine could spend $7.3 million of taxpayer money without any approvals. Karrow added that this is a large sum of money being spent that is not a line item in the budget.

Merkt pointed out that if this bill passes we would be turning over 10% of the State’s income flow to the Public Benefit Corporation (PBC). He stressed that if it passes the bill cannot be repealed, and it would be bad for all citizens in New Jersey regardless of their party affiliation. “We can’t let it happen, because the price is too high.” A member of the audience noted that under Corzine’s plan tolls are being converted to a general fund issue when they are supposed to be used for roads.

Assemblyman Doherty wants everyone to be aware there is a petition opposing Corzine’s plan.

The financial dilemma we are in now is the result of a breakdown of Democratic structural and functional foundations. Doherty said under the Constitution, Government is limited. Merkt added that the government is being stolen from the citizens, and rights to vote on borrowing have been taken away. “Our Legislature is not a functioning Democracy.” The Task Force reports that in 2007 the Governor authorized $11 billion, only $1 billion of that was approved by the voters. Also, in 2008 Corzine has announced plans to issue $2.5 billion in bonds for Abbott school districts, another scheme forced on the taxpayers by the courts rather than a constitutional legislative vote.

We are all wondering, after this blitz of spending, what draconian cuts will be proposed? Will the cuts Corzine proposes be fiscally responsible, or a means of punishing citizens for pressure against his toll scam? We’ll find out on Tuesday when Corzine presents his Budget Address.

“United we stand”

Do you question the consequences of Governor Corzine’s Financial Restructuring Plan, and the motives behind the scenes? Like many of us you may feel powerless to defend the future of your children and grandchildren against paying the debts we have allowed to be incurred in our generation. We watch daily news accounts of new State Government hiring, wasting, and unnecessary spending here in New Jersey. Also announced by Corzine are cuts that are intimidating and threatening in nature.

I hope you will join the fight announced today by Americans for Prosperity (AFP) to stop the ongoing assault against our quality of life. There are already a number of taxpayers and businesses that have elected to take a stand against government control and mismanagement.

 

Campaign Committee to Stop the Toll Hike

Governor Corzine has announced his Campaign Committee to push his Asset Monetization Scam. The list is a Who’s Who of New Jersey beneficiaries of government largesse when Trenton politicians are handing out the hard earned taxpayer dollars they have expropriated from our wallets.

Now it is time to fight back. Americans for Prosperity is recruiting business leaders, community activists, religious leaders and elected officials willing to serve on our Campaign Committee to Stop the Toll Hike.

Now is the time for all good men and women to step up to the plate. Please contact me at steven.lonegan@afphq.org if you want to be part of this historic effort.

Join the many, the proud, the defenders of taxpayers.

Gas attack

NJ Policy Perspective (NJPP) has announced that they consider a gas tax discussion a “welcome development”. Their report keys in on driver related taxes and fees as a source of new revenue that would total about $2.8 billion a year.

Discussed in the NJPP release are higher gas taxes, doubling and tripling gas registration fees, doubling driver license fees, and increasing the conservation fuel fee. The statement also suggests applying sales tax to the already taxed gasoline, tax on tax. This also adds to the burden of gas station owners to yet keep track of another tax.

One of our NJ’s ‘last stands’ against being number one in the comparable state negatives department is our price of gas. We are once again under a tax attack that is being supported by NJPP who states on their home page “they are a resource for citizens who want to get involved to make New Jersey a better place”. I do not see how raising any more taxes and fees will make New Jersey a better place. Nowhere in the NJPP statement is any discussion of cutting spending.

Steve Lonegan, Executive Director of Americans for Prosperity NJ (AFPNJ) has countered the NJPP statement. He rightfully states, “The problem isn’t that our taxes or tolls are to low – the problem is that state government spends too much”. Lonegan compares NJ to our neighbor, Pennsylvania. The budget in PA is smaller than ours, even though the land mass is six times larger and the population is forty percent higher.

The higher the cost to operate your vehicle, the less money there is to reinvest in the NJ economy. What the NJPP proposal will do is increase the amount of money the State of NJ can waste and abuse, and decrease the amount we have available for purchases. Let us not forget that this will also raise the price of consumer goods when truckers pass on the increased fuel taxes, registration, and licensing costs.

Photo courtesy of Americans for Prosperity NJ.
Get yourself a DON’T HOCK OUR ROADS sign here.

Goliath plan needs to be slain

The Republican Task Force for Fiscal Responsibility held their first town hall meeting on Monday. Although the turnout was not high, there was another meeting in the area that addressed Mansfield building issues. Also, many people in this area look at the Governor’s plan as a toll increase and generally don’t think it will have much affect on them. This outlook is wrong. There are numerous issues with Gov. Corzine’s Fiscal Restructuring and Debt Reduction Plan, formally Monetization Plan, in reality Toll-road Scam. Four NJ Republicans presented an overview and addressed numerous questions from the public.

The Gov. wants to bond (borrow) $38 billion against future toll revenue. Understand that all numbers are as fuzzy as our vision of ninety-nine years into the future. Everyone’s statements are limited as well to what is told in the 80-page bill. There is enough in the plan that is exposed that makes your hair stand up. But, it is what is untold and unknown about this plan that we should really fear. Corzine has stated that ½ of the money will be used to pay off existing state debt. Other ‘proceeds’ from the bonds will fund transportation needs for decades. There will be drastic toll increases from 2010-2022. From 2023-2085 inflationary increases are scheduled. If the 24-year extension option is taken it will run from 2086-2110.

Since there is a dedicated funding source (tolls) the bill is not required to go before the voters. This is a way around Article 8 in our NJ Constitution. Corzine’s Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) will be the manager of toll-roads. The PBC will be set up as a nonprofit entity. Since nonprofit groups are not subject to rules of the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), we will not be privy to any financial information from the PBC.

Assemblyman Michael Doherty said, “Wall Street is salivating over this”. Doherty stated that debt to be paid off includes bonds now held at a low interest rate of 3.5%. The new bonding will be at a higher interest rate. Doherty feels NJ is being used as a laboratory. He also stated that there are serious systemic flaws in NJ. Corzine is looking for a Wall Street solution instead of addressing the real issues.

Assemblywoman Marcia Karrow brought out that the PBC members that will be paid as though they were working for a corporation. The Plan draft is 80 pages in length and Karrow stated, “There aren’t a lot of answers on the surface”. The Governor will have full appointing powers except for two positions which will be chosen by the House Speaker and Senate President. One question from the audience prompted Karrow to address some fiscal issues. The budget for 2007-2008 added $1.2 billion dollars to the structural deficit. She and Merkt both have State capping bills in the Legislature. The State Legislature needs to take back the power.

Assemblyman Richard Merkt suggested some ways the state could save money. He pointed out that Corzine has signed off on $600 million in spending in just the last month, and that this should be repealed. Eliminating the one-third taxpayer-increased cost to pay for prevailing wage contracts could also save more money. Merkt also stated that there was $7 billion more spent than taken in yearly and this makes the problem a spending one, not a revenue issue. But instead of cutting, Corzine not only wants to raise tolls but also borrow on our future. This toll deal is an incredibly convoluted approach to the State problems. NJ needs structural change, not just disciplinary change. None of the bonds to be paid off under Corzine’s restructuring were entered into under full faith. Merkt also believes that it is a Commerce Clause violation to give NJ citizens a toll discount. According to Merkt this $38 billion bond scheme could translate into $300 billion at the end of the full term of 99 years.

Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande discussed the way Corzine presented the numbers as though obligations were all due tomorrow, when actually they are actuated over time. Aside from the toll increases, businesses like Wakefern Foods are anticipating high increases in consumer goods from this plan. She called this Plan an “unfair and regressive tax”.

It is imperative that the citizens of NJ understand the full consequences of allowing Corzine’s scam plan to become reality. Corzine’s plan does not stop at raising tolls. It will also raise the cost of consumer goods, drive people and truckers onto side roads, cause more exodus of business out of New Jersey, change financial possibilities for our future leadership in NJ, and put the present debt onto our grandchildren. We ultimately are responsible for Governor and Legislators to follow through on “For the people, By the people”.

For more information about the Republican stance on Corzine’s toll plan, visit. To see the schedule of educational meetings visit PolitickerNJ.

Thank you 101.5

Thank you to 101.5, the Jersey Guys, and all the staff for the fabulous flight of pigs over the State House in Trenton in opposition to Gov. Corzine. You, the legislators, and taxpayer supporters who spoke represented the majority of citizens on this day. This was one mighty powerful afternoon.

There is a great story with a video at the bottom in the Asbury Park Press.

Below are a few select clips from Friday. The last two bring up an alarming question.

Casey Bartholomew - “He (Corzine) looks at you as his personal pocketbook.”

Left to right: Ray Rossi, Ray the Prize Guy, Steve Lonegan.

Steve Lonegan - “No new tolls.”

“Oink”

I was able to snap this picture before the police demanded the dummy be removed. The stick holding it up was not allowed. Interesting, since they checked no one for weapons. It leaves me shaking my head. But than so does the whole ’sham plan’ conjured up by Corzine.

Ray Rossi on left.

Senator “Jersey Joe” Pennachio on right. - “Governor Corzine if you can’t do it, step aside.”

Who is this? He shows up all over at grassroots events, camera in hand. Makes one wonder if they are from Corzine’s office. Are opponents of Corzine being monitored, maybe for retaliation or harassment? Stalin and Mao used these tactics to intimidate.

Another ‘photographer’ who shows up at grassroots events. I must say they both do look out of place. Does anyone have any information about these two? With so much money and power at stake in New Jersey, one wonders how far the administration will go to control the citizens.

“The Flying Pig Coalition”

Below is a clip from NJ 101.5 about what is planned for tomorrow. There is also lots of other great information on their site. I believe this will be the biggest New Jersey event of the decade and one you don’t want to miss. 

“STAND UP AND BE HEARD! Join New Jersey 101.5 along with Jim Gearhart and The Jersey Guys as we rally the people of New Jersey to stand up and be heard on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8 at 12noon on the steps of the State House in Trenton.

We are inviting everyone throughout the state to gather and voice their opinion regarding the 800% proposed Toll Hike Scheme and the lack of spending cuts being made by the current legislators.

Signs, banners, buttons and shirts are ALL encouraged at this rally.

The Governor stated that, “Pigs will fly over the Statehouse before there’s a realistic level of spending cuts that can fix this mess.”

Now, be there as New Jersey 101.5 and the people of New Jersey make PIGS FLY OVER the Statehouse as a show of outrage and solidarity!”

Go Ocean County!

The Ocean County Americans for Prosperity (AFP) seminar hosted by Steve Lonegan, Executive Director was held on Feb 2 in Toms River.

At this event there were about 250 people and all of them were pumped about defeating the Governor’s plan. Many of them went to the Governor’s meeting later that day and had the true knowledge to give him a hard time – now we just need to make sure we continue to build opposition before Corzine is able to enact this disastrous plan. For more coverage on the event visit AFP. It includes a video. There is also a link at the bottom of this site to a great article from the Asbury Park Press.

Bob Grant of WABC came to the event, just as a regular activist, but was kind enough to say a few words to the crowd. It was a great event and Steve Lonegan is going to continue with these until we can beat this plan like we beat the ballot questions.

Visit AFP to find out more about the upcoming seminars and events.

Corzine taking taxpayers for a ride

Gov. Corzine’s train ride jokes are on the same amusement level as joking about his car wreck, his failed marriage, and his costly Katz fling. His spewed putrid ‘jokes’ show total arrogance and lack of empathy toward the pain that taxpayers in our State face on a daily basis. And those he rode with on the Chamber of Commerce train who are his followers are no better.

The NJ Chamber of Commerce has come out in support of the Governor’s Monetization Financial Restructuring Plan with some listed recommendations. I also note that in the first paragraph there is a disclaimer. “The Chamber Board of Directors understands that we are still in the early phases of a long-term process and our initial reaction, after reviewing the information available at this time, is to be supportive of the Governor’s initiatives.” Fact is until any of us see a bill to read, the Governor can Power Point all he wants. Means nothing.

A lot has transpired over the last few weeks. Corzine has now named 33 of the most rich and powerful to his steering committee that is headed by former Congressman Bob Franks.

Two non-profit groups have announced support for the toll plan. Save our State NJ is newly formed as 501(c)(4) organization that will be marketing Corzine’s pet scheme. Corzine has already passed an undetermined amount of money to Save our State NJ. Alliance for Action is a non-profit coalition of numerous businesses and unions that is endorsing Corzine’s plan.  The coalition’s president, Philip Beachem was also named as a member of the steering committee.  What we have is a financially rich governor who can throw around tons of money and position people to play Monopoly.

Corzine also gathered public workers to rally his plan in Bergen County. “He told the audience that his plan to increase highway tolls and freeze state spending is essential if the state wants to fulfill contractual salary obligations and fund pensions for state employees, including firefighters and police.”

During Corzine’s pitch to the state’s mayors included a warning. I call it a threat. Here is the article reported in the Asbury Park Press. “If the plan isn’t approved, he warned, property tax rebates and state aid to municipalities could be in jeopardy.”

Would you bet that the lusting over the possibility of the State allowing sports betting has some effect on casino’s backing of the Corzine toll plan?

The Governor is a creature with a spending habit, once allowed he will tend to continue in the pattern. He has increased the State debt and obligations since elected, and all actions to date show he continues to spend. And there are a lot of cronies willing to be rounded up to enable his plan, whether directly or indirectly paid, for their support.

Taxpayers are growing increasing angered with Corzine’s pompous attitude of economic self-righteousness. There have been many great citizen submitted suggestions deserve more than his fleeting comments. The electorate should demand our constitutional right to vote on his massive borrowing scheme, that Corzine calls “financial restructuring”.

“The numbers walk and talk”

Gov. Corzine wants to collect approximately 38 billion dollars this year by selling bonds against seventy five years of future toll revenue. He plans to use half of the money to pay down state debt and the rest for infrastructure repair and upgrades. Tolls are not scheduled to increase until after 2009.

Sunday night AFP-NJ Executive Director Steve Lonegan, Assemblymen Michael Doherty and Richard Merkt, held a very informative Telephone Town Hall Meeting. There were a number of important issues and concerns brought into the light of day during this teleconference.

Doherty discussed the issue of more money being borrowed before any cuts to spending. He also brought out that there will be no increased toll revenue to make payments on the interest on the Monetization bonds until after 2009, when the tolls are scheduled to increase. We taxpayers will be hit for an estimated 4 billion dollars interest due on the bonds during the time gap. Some of the bonded money will also be used to pay State debt that is now borrowed at a low interest rate. Taxpayers will be paying for the increased difference in interest from cashing in on the low interest debt and replacing it with higher interest debt. As far as the needed infrastructure repairs, “Within the last year the Transportation Trust Fund was replenished with 8 billion dollars.”

Merkt described Monetization as, “A massive perversion of what toll roads are supposed to do.” He conveyed that Corzine’s plan is contract debt that ultimately will cost 110 to 120 billion dollars. Merkt suggested that the state cap spending, incur no new debt, and roll back 20% of recently authorized spending.

Lonegan believes the new bonds will carry an interest rate of 7% or more. He noted that, “The numbers walk and talk”. There is already 11 billion dollars of authorized not yet issued debt in section D-3 of the 2007 State Debt Report . He also expressed the following concerns. There will possibly be deals from Corzine to get votes for the plan. The ‘found’ money may be diverted and used for growth of Government and taxpayers will be responsible for paying for this growth. Many drivers will use alternate roads, called shunpikes, to avoid toll roads.

I would encourage everyone to gain some valuable education on Corzine’s Monetization by joining in on the Americans for Prosperity TeleTownhall Meetings.

Monetization will affect every taxpayer, their children, and grandchildren in NJ. The purchasing power of every NJ citizen will be degraded when higher trucking toll costs are passed on to businesses and ultimately consumers. And, obviously those who use the toll roads will have increased commuter and travel costs. Taxpayers who live on shunpikes will see more money going into repairing local roads, and will suffer from more traffic congestion.

Is NJ still in America?

In October of 2007 Steve Lonegan, NJ State Executive Director of Americans for Prosperity (AFP), was in full swing with a campaign against the State ballot questions for the November election. The Attorney General’s (AG) office was also in the midst of an investigative operation.

Digging for information, employees of Bogota, Lonegan’s neighbors, his business associates, and personal contacts have been questioned. According to Lonegan, those being questioned were told, “Don’t tell Lonegan”. Black Audis from somewhere have been taking pictures and notes. Subpoenas are flying.

Then, Lonegan was arrested, as reported in my post “Arrest that man”. He was peacefully handing out literature outside the public Monetization affair in Cape May on January 20. Middle Township has since apologized for the arrest. Supporters of “Don’t hock our roads” who were present were quite intimidated and did not contest. Instead they moved away in shock, fearful of the scene they were witnessing.

Bogota has been ordered to copy records, and has been doing so for weeks, at taxpayer expense. One subcontractor for Lonegan was subpoenaed before the Grand Jury, told he was there by mistake, and two weeks ago called in for failure to appear. Good thing he got a receipt when he was there in December.

Lonegan is requesting the AG “come out of the shadows”. Certainly in America a citizen has the right to know why their neighbors and associates are being interrogated and subpoenaed, in essence putting Lonegan under a veil of suspicion.

The Lonegan family has been living under this intimidating cloak since October 2007. One State representative after another has been employing powers that we Americans should question. It is our duty to insure any method governing authorities use in an attempt to snuff out grassroots opposition will be a failure.