Environmental groups need a cleanup

There is a number of IRS registered tax-exempt ‘charities’, 501(c)(3), reviewed in a recent Senate investigative report.  Beware of groups that send your hard earned money where you may not have intended it to go, or don’t fully disclose where it goes.  We must check charitable organizations with a ‘fine tooth comb’ to be sure they deserve our donations.  The investigative report linked is very informative and only 23 pages.  I hope you peruse its contents.

U.S Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), Ranking Member of the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee, has released an investigation of the financial and political actions of charitable and environmental organizations.  The organizations in the report claim to be non-partisan. However, the investigation leaves much for us to question.  My overview information below is from the linked report.

The report begins by discussing how environmental activism receives millions of dollars from other charitable foundations.  Inhofe points to a December 19, 2007 Wall Street Journal article which states:

“Because the IRS doesn’t require 501(c) organizations to detail election spending or to list contributors, it’s difficult to track their political activity.  The Journal analyzed data on 30 separate 501(c) groups active in elections from 2000 to 2006, culled from a variety of sources.  The data show that the 30 organizations spent at least $155 million on the 2006 elections, nearly twice what they spent in 2000.”

There are three types of tax-exempt organizations.  501(c)(3) is tax deductible to the donor and has limited lobbying authority.  They primarily educate the public or fund research associated to their organization.  Be aware that 501(c)(4) organizations are not tax deductible, and generally are very active in lobbying for laws that support their group agenda.  These organizations often give and receive money with the 501(c)(3) and 527 organizations and is not subject to disclosing donor rules.  Political organizations registered as 527s are required to disclose donors and can promote, but not endorse, candidates.

In summary of the above, individuals and foundations give money to 501(c)(3)s, that money can than be redistributed to 527s and 501(c)(4) organizations.

The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is registered as a 501(c)(4).  The report describes how the donated money collected by their associated groups flows into the LCV and used “to campaign against anti-environmental candidates”.  They publish a list of candidates they consider anti-environment called “the Dirty Dozen”.  Their latest spree of advertising against candidates was in 2006 and targeted 15 candidates, 13 Republicans and 2 Democrats.  LCV and their affiliates spent $27 million on ads.  The 2008 list is still being compiled.

Another group in the report is the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a 501 (c)(3).  The NRDC also has affiliated organizations and moneys are transferred for political uses donors would not generally know about.

A group we are quite familiar with in New Jersey is the Sierra Club, which is a 501(c)(4).  There is also the Sierra Club Foundation, a 501 (c)(3); and the Sierra Club Voters Education Fund, a 527.

“It’s not hard to understand why the Sierra Club’s web of affiliations, or “non-affiliations,” becomes so intertwined.  A brief glimpse at the activities of Carl Pope, Sierra Club’s executive director, shows a tangle even more convoluted than the organization that he spearheads.”

The report lists nine organizations that Cole has “played a major role in” over the last five years.  The Sierra Club is supporting 169 candidates combined for the U. S. House of Representatives and the U. S. Senate .  Only four of those promoted are Republican.

Greenpeace has a worldwide membership of 2.5 million.  Their affiliations and connections to other organizations is equally concerning as to where donations actually wind up.  Support of the Democratic Party is indirect, through interaction with other groups that promote candidates.

The Environmental Defense Fund also has connections to multiple environmental and partisan political groups that back the Democratic Party.

The report discusses a few powerful foundations that are donors to environmental groups.   Mentioned foundations include PEW, Heinz, and Turner.  The notes in the report also contain charities that are under these foundations.

The environmental organizations mentioned are mutually linked by the Partnership Project: another supporter of the Democratic environmental agenda.

Round and round the donator’s money goes.  Where it winds up who knows?  I think my part will be to go down to the river with a bag and do some cleanup myself.

Wisdom from the real Washington

“It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.” - George Washington

Stop and repeal

In January 2002 then Governor James McGreevey signed Executive order No.1, “Project Labor Agreements (PLAs)”.  This order requires public entities to use labor agreements for public projects and is “a form of pre-hire collective bargaining agreement”.  Paying extra for union wages and benefits and other costs has added approximately 30% to improvement projects.  Listen to Steve Lonegan’s Taxpayer Minute calling for repeal of PLAs.

Senator Stephen Sweeney wants more in his sponsorship of bill S817, “Labor peace agreements”.   He wants to include any projects “in which a public entity has a proprietary interest.”  The bill was introduced in January and will cost us even more if it is not stopped.

Enlightening COAH/Highlands videos

Higlands Legislation COAH Discussion Pt1 by Frank Hannan

Higlands Legislation COAH Discussion Pt2 by Frank Hannan

Highlands Legislation COAH Discussion Pt2 by Frank Hannan

Higlands Legislation COAH Discussion Pt3 by Frank Hannan

Higlands Legislation COAH Discussion Pt5 by Frank Hannan

More power to the people

The New Jersey Legislature started back from their summer break yesterday.  I’m sure we will be quickly inundated with renewed activity.   There are many bills that were left in limbo for the summer that I will be monitoring.  Here is one bill that would be a dynamic win for the taxpayers.

Assemblyman Michael Doherty introduced bill A-1880 early this year.  The bill “Requires public referendum prior to issuance of general obligation bonds by local units”.  Counties and municipalities would be required go to the local voters for approval of borrowing under the bill.  The proposed bond ordinance, as put before the voters, must also specify how the local unit will be repaying the principal and interest on the bonds.

There are a few exemptions to the voter requirement.

The provisions of the bill would not apply to the issuance of “special emergency notes,” refunding bonds, bonds issued by a distressed municipality to pay a judgment resulting from a court order, or borrowing by a county in anticipation of State or federal aid for the establishment of a county college.

“Special emergency notes” would empower the local unit to borrow without approval from the voters if a critical repair or replacement is needed, or if there is an unforeseen serious incident that must be funded.

The New Jersey State League of Municipalities opposes the bill citing several reasons.  The League believes “the additional requirement of a referendum is not in the public’s interest”.  They believe the current Local Bond Law already includes enough safeguards and adding voter approval could delay the process and increase costs.  The League also feels there now exists enough opportunity for the public to be involved in the local bonding process and can challenge an ordinance in court.

I believe bills that promote more voter involvement will ultimately help restore patriotism.  These days, citizens feel powerless even when they get involved.  The political establishment can be overwhelmingly complex, and intimidating to many citizens.   To require the public attend multiple meetings, review budgets, formulate petitions, gather signatures, or take a town or county to court is beyond the scope and time limitations of most taxpayers.

Since county and municipal spending directly and greatly impacts our property taxes, we should closely monitor the activity on this bill.  I will post crucial updates, as we need a return of power to the people and this bill would be a giant step.

Doherty also sponsored a constitutional amendment ACR-151 that strengthens the State Constitution Debt Limitation Clause.  The amendment, approved earlier this year by the Senate and Assembly, is another step forward in regaining some power for the taxpayers.

Additional info

Please see my comments added to “Clean Elections – The Final Chapter”

http://alicesrestaurantblog.com/?p=135

A day that changed our lives

During the day and the days that followed the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 I was tuned to the many shaken people that my life converged with.  Many lost a loved one.  Others were in New York on that morning.  We all lost what we held dear as a perceived innocence of our country.

This paragraph recounts the morning of terrorist attacks.  In New York, a plane hit each of the once proud Twin Towers.  When the first plane crashed into the North Tower at 8:46 am most thought it was a terrible accident.  But, at 9:03 am the South Tower was the target of attack.  We knew now that this was no random accident.  At 9:37 am a broadcast stated that Flight 77 crashed into the west wall of the Pentagon.  The South Tower was the first to fall at 9:59 am.  Then it was announced that a Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, PA at 10:03 am.  Passengers on this flight heroically challenged the hijackers and thwarted the terrorists’ plans on their intended target, reported as Washington, DC.  The second of the Twin Towers fell at 10:28 am.  In a matter of a few minutes we stood aghast as an icon of the New York skyline vanished. In total upwards of 3,000 innocent people lost their lives; almost 700 were from New Jersey.

Emergency responders courageously rallied, 411 died in their efforts. Thousands have developed illnesses related to the poisonous particles in the air.  Depression and grief set in as the realization that there were few that survived in the rubble.  Families of the missing posted pictures of their loved ones, desperately hoping to locate them. Thousands of people donated blood, even after it was apparent that it would not be needed.  Supplies and money flooded in from those that felt desperate to help in some way.All of us experienced the tragedy as a nation.   September 11 is imprinted in our minds and hearts.  Planes were ordered grounded, leaving the sky ominously clear.  When an occasional plane did pass over it was suspect.  Everyone was on heightened alert, and many were living unnerved in anticipation of another attack.  Duct tape was flying off the shelves from fear that there would be a biological assault.  Dams were on heavy patrol and the reservoirs were closed to the public.

Less than an hour from New York a number of people from my area were directly and uniquely affected.  Those who were in the city found it difficult to escape with traffic at a halt many did not find a way home for two days.   Directly after the assault cell phone service was unavailable leaving families waiting for news from loved ones.  Disbelief, depression, anger, guilt, fear, and shock paralyzed those most closely affected.  The general populous of citizens solemnly continued their daily tasks taking time to comfort others.

Almost immediately American flags were hung on bridge overpasses, a sign that our nation would survive and unite.  This action began the healing process and a reaffirmed of the commitment to protect our homeland.   September 11, 2001 was a day in history that altered our lives individually and as a country.  Our freedoms, impressions of the world, and personal views have changed shaping our lives in a different direction.

We should remember this anniversary date.  It is in compassion to the families and responders who continue to be profoundly affected. There are many who are risking their lives to defend and protect the USA.  For all of us it should be a reminder not to shirk our civic duties to defend our Democracy.  As we move forward through this day and beyond, each of us should commit a portion of their lives to understand and preserve the Constitution for generations to come.  If not our Country will one day topple to the insidious powers of those who despise us.  It will collapse as suddenly as the World Trade Center towers, as we are left to wonder how this could happen.

The past cannot be changed, but the future can be sculpted by our commitment to be more diligent in our choices to elect those who mirror closest to our Constitution.  As citizens we must hold our politicians in the light, examine their records and demand them accountable for their actions.  To do less would be an insult to all that have fought and sacrificed before us, and those that now suffer deeply because of their losses.

If the events of September 11, 2001 have taught us anything it is the ability of Americans to come together in a crisis.  Like no other country on this earth we have the ability to react to a situation and help one another, and countless others in other countries. The events that occurred during the terrorist attacks on this nation brought people together in a common cause, and they showed their compassion, strength, and ability to step up and help others no matter what their religion, race, or political stand. That intensity of solidarity slowly faded and is now a memory each year on the anniversary of those horrible attacks.

What we as Americans need now is to renew our commitment to each other as citizens to act on the events that are changing our lives and our country for the worse.  The attacks now are on our Constitution, our economy, and our way of life as the greatest nation on this earth, and they largely go un-answered. Only we as citizens can tell politicians in our states and Washington that “We The People” run this country.  If we have half the passion that existed immediately after 911 we could determine our destiny and put this country back to the greatness its people deserve.

A few days of invigoration

The past few days have indeed been busy, away from the computer.  I will have several items to report in the coming week.  Saturday was an incredible day.  As Hanna rolled by amazingly well over 100 citizens attended the RightOnline blog training seminar.  Steve Lonegan director of Americans for Prosperity New Jersey (AFPNJ) sponsored the event with 14 speakers providing a wealth of information and education.   Here is a brief on the lineup of great speakers. There is a lot of great writing in the many links I’ve added and do hope you will explore.

Interesting discussions of the threats to freedom were highlighted.  John Fund author and columnist for the Wall Street Journal discussed the political prospective.  Phil Kerpen  director of policy for AFP is also a contributing editor for National Review Online and Chairman for the Internet Freedom Coalition presented threats from a policy perspective.  Not only are spending cuts to our bloated government needed, they must be accompanied by structural reforms to the systems that created the monster.

Matt Lewis contributing writer for Townhall.com educated us on the enormous powers of online writing.  Through blogging, news not covered by the media, information can be brought into public view and provide a different perspective.  Online writing brings media and politicians into the ‘light of day’.  It is a great tool to promote change and accountability.

Erik Telford from RightOnline.com  and Michael Illions a powerful activist from Conservatives with Attitude! taught us the basics, called blogging 101.  A blog can be created and writing done about local level news such as a school board, or local government.  If ones interest is more national the blog can be written on how these federal issues impact families, citizens, and the economy in your area.  Blogs can address and counter the bias of traditional media.  Eric talked about making YouTube videos and using Flip cameras.  I will be checking into a flip, sounds like a valuable non-costly tool.

Virgil Huston, founder of Kudzu Media gave us a taste of podcasts that are recorded shows.  They can be done as monologues, panel discussions, call in shows, or interviews.  Although very interesting I will be leaving this task (at this time) to blogs such as Conservatives with Attitude! who do a great job with podcasts.

William Beutler represented New Media Strategies and provided us a lot of insight of the workings of Wikipedia.  I’ve always wondered how Wiki was kept so professional and upstanding.  His presentation answered a lot of questions.  He pointed to a New York Times article, “Don’t Like Palin’s Wikipedia Story? Change It”.

Aaron Marks, President of Three Group Media and blogger talked about social media and networking. We saw one aspect of networking in action right at the event as we were entrenched in exchanging information and soaking up new knowledge.

Trent Seibert discussed investigative research and reporting.  Trent is credited for exposing the enormous energy consumed by Al Gore.  He uses public records such as state business registrations, court records, local campaign contribution records, and even FBI public records to gather information.

State Senator Steve Oroho spoke about those who live off the state systems and how they work the bureaucracy.  Oroho takes a tough stand against bloated government and state borrowing without voter approval.  He is a powerful advocate for the citizens and taxpayers in New Jersey.

Ralph Benko is the author of “The Webster’s Dictionary: how to use the Web to transform the world”.  It will be available in the next few weeks.  Ralph pointed out to us that 5% of the populous has the power to change the world with the tools available around them.  I found this statement amazing.  This brings us to one of the 5% with the power.

Steve Lonegan has a proven track record of the ability to effect change.  His experience and knowledge of economics and proactive conservative measures covers vast ground that is outlined in the Wikipedia link.  Lonegan’s book “Putting Taxpayers First: A Blueprint for Victory in the Garden State” is highly recommended reading.  Lonegan ‘practices what he preaches’ in his book and one can see this in action through the many successes he has administered winning for taxpayers.

Many thanks to Steve Lonegan along with RightOnline for this wonderful gathering, and all the speakers and staff who made this event dynamic.  The culmination of the evening was a fabulous barbecue graciously given by the Lonegans.  Hanna was a mere inconvenience on this invigorating day.

“Clean Elections — The Final Chapter???”

Comments added to below video September 14, 2008.

Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts has suspended the Clean Elections Pilot Program in New Jersey until the courts have made their final rulings. The Office of Legislative Services in New Jersey recently declared that ‘rescue money’, an attempt to even out the field against an opponent, is unconstitutional. Couple this with a federal court ruling also declaring it unconstitutional in Arizona’s program. The Star Ledger reports “Robert’s spokesman, Derek Roseman, said, “The speaker is hopeful that we might be able to see this program return for 2011, but what congress or the courts do in the meantime to make that return possible remains to be seen.”

We need to keep our eyes on this. Speaker Roberts may try to resurrect the program with revisions. Another Star Ledger report describes the cost to taxpayers, “If last year’s costs were applied to all 40 legislative districts, clean elections could cost taxpayers at least $64 million. And that’s not including primaries.”

It is most interesting that Mr. Roberts had a “Secret Meeting” with an “Unofficial” subcommittee, the location of which was never found, and immediately afterward the program was suspended. State government operating in secret and behind closed doors is a slap in the face to the taxpayers. Naming the program “Clean Elections” and spending millions of taxpayer dollars only adds to the level of distrust we as citizens have for many of our elected officials.

To understand more about the power Speaker Roberts holds see my prior post “Holders of the power to purge”.

02 Sep 08 | | Pork | Read on | Comments (0)