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Education, New Jersey Department of

Position Data – 2009 Budget (State/Federal/Other)

Direct Educational Services & Assistance
•Bilingual Education-2
•Programs for Disadvantaged youth-10
•Special Education-82
Operation & Support of Educational Institutions
•Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf-193
•Positive Learning understanding Support Program-12
Supplemental Education & Training Programs-22
Educational Support Services
•Educational Programs & Assessment-64
•Grants Management-18
•Professional Development & Licensure-43
•Service to Local Districts-50
•Early Childhood Education-19
•Student Transportation-6
•District & School Improvement-48
•Facilities Planning & School Building Aid-21
•Student Services-15
Education Administration & Management
•School Finance-45
•Compliance & Auditing-33
•Administration & Support Services-164

GENERAL INFORMATION

SCHOOL DISTRICTS - 616
ABBOTT DISTRICTS - 31
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS - 2,012
SECONDARY SCHOOLS – 412
CHARTER SCHOOLS – 61
PUBLIC SCHOOL ENROLLMENT ‘08/’09 - 1.39M
FULL TIME CLASSROOM TEACHERS - 109,930
STATE AID ‘08/’09 – 8.3B
MEAN (AVERAGE) SALARIES ‘07/’08
•ADMINISTRATORS & SUPERVISORS - $129,407
•CLASSROOM TEACHERS - $59,950
•EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES - $65,991
•DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS - $154,426
•PRINCIPALS - $118,075

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
LEGAL COMMITTEE
LEGISLATIVE/ADMINISTRATIVE CODE COMMITTEE
URBAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE
STRATEGIC PLAN/RETREAT COMMITTEE

COMMISSIONER

SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE COMMISSIONER
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
OFFICE OF SCHOOL ETHICS COMMISSION
•CONFLICTS OF INTEREST FOR SCHOOL OFFICIALS
•CODE OF ETHICS FOR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
OFFICE OF CONTROVERSIES & DISPUTES
•COMMISSIONER APPEALS (FORMALLY STATE BOARD OF APPEALS)

DIVISION OF FINANCE
OFFICE OF SCHOOL FUNDING
•STATE AID SUMMARIES
OFFICE OF FISCAL POLICY & PLANNING
•DISTRICT-WIDE BUDGET
•ACCOUNTING & FISCAL GUIDANCE
•COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
•AUDIT INFORMATION
•PRIVATE SCHOOLS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
•NJ LOCAL AGENCY PROCUREMENT LAWS
•USER FRIENDLY BUDGETS
OFFICE OF GRANTS MANAGEMENT
•PLANNING
•SUB-GRANT IMPLEMENTATION
•OVERSIGHT & COMPLIANCE
•ENTITLEMENT GRANTS
••TEMPORARY EMERGENCY IMPACT AID FOR DISPLACED STUDENTS
••NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND
••PROJECT SERV
••IMPROVING AMERICA’S SCHOOLS
••SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY GRANT
••CAPITAL EXPENSE
••INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION
••CARL D PERKINS VOCATIONAL & TECHNICAL EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT
••CLASS SIZE REDUCTION
••EVENING SCHOOL FOR FOREIGN BORN STUDENTS
••EMERGENCY IMMIGRANT EDUCATION PROGRAM
••WHOLE SCHOOL REFORM MODELS & GRANT FUNDS
OFFICE OF TRANSPORTATION
OFFICE OF BUDGET REVIEW & FISCAL MONITORS
•SCHOOL BASED BUDGET

DIVISION OF FIELD SERVICES
COUNTY OFFICES (21)

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

DIVISION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
OFFICE OF PRESCHOOL EDUCATION
•PRESCHOOL EXPANSION & ENHANCEMENTS GRANTS
•EARLY LAUNCH TO LEARNING INITIATIVE
•EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM AID ADMINISTRATION
OFFICE OF K-3 EDUCATION
•FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN SUPPLEMENT AID

DIVISION OF EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS & PROGRAMS
OFFICE OF ACADEMIC STANDARDS
•K-12 CONTENT STANDARDS UNIT
•TITLE IIA UNIT
•NJ PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PORT UNIT
•RECOGNITION PROGRAMS UNIT
••STANDARDS REVISION PROJECT
••PARTNERSHIP FOR 21ST CENTURY SKILLS
••ACHIEVE THE AMERICAN DIPLOMA PROJECT
••STANDARDS CLARIFICATION PROJECT
••AMERICAN DIPLOMA PROJECT-SECONDARY MATH PARTNERSHIP
••HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING PROFICIENCY
••CONTINUING EDUCATION
•ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
••COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
••SOCIAL STUDIES
••WORLD LANGUAGES
••TECHNOLOGICAL LITERACY
••CAREER EDUCATION & CONSUMER, FAMILY, & LIFE SKILLS
OFFICE OF LANGUAGE ARTS LITERACY EDUCATION
•GOVERNOR’S EARLY ACHIEVEMENT IN LITERACY
•LITERACY ESSENTIAL FOR ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT & SUCCESS
•SPECIAL EDUCATION LITERACY RESOURCE
•EVEN START FAMILY LITERACY GRANT ADMINISTRATION
•OFFICE OF READING FIRST
••INTENSIVE EARLY LITERACY
OFFICE OF MATH & SCIENCE EDUCATION
OFFICE OF PROF STANDARDS, LICENSING, & HIGHER ED COLLABORATION
•SECONDARY EDUCATION REDESIGN
•PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS UNIT
•TEACHER QUALITY MENTORING
••LICENSURE & CREDENTIALS UNIT
•••STANDARD CERTIFICATE
•••EMERGENCY CERTIFICATE
•••PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATE
•••PROVISIONAL TEACHER PROGRAM TRAINING UNIT
•••CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY
•••COUNTY SUBSTITUTE CREDENTIAL
•••LIMITED CERTIFICATE FOR FOREIGN TEACHERS
OFFICE OF CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION
•CARL D. PERKINS CAREER & TECHNICAL GRANT ADMINISTRATION
•GED PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
•SECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION
•TITLE V NCLB ACT ADMINISTRATION
OFFICE OF EQUITY, EXCELLENCE, & INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS
OFFICE OF CHARTER SCHOOLS
•CHARTER SCHOOL AID ADMINISTRATION
•CHARTER SCHOOLS OVERSIGHT

DIVISION OF DISTRICT & SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
OFFICE OF ABBOTT SERVICES
•ABBOTT PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
•ABBOTT-BORDERED DISTRICT AID
OFFICE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT & IMPROVEMENT SERVICES
•EQUALIZATION AID
•ADJUSTMENT AID & STABILIZED AID
•STABILIZATION AID 2
•STABILIZATION AID 3
•PRESCHOOL EDUCATION AID
•EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM AID
•EARLY LAUNCH TO LEARNING INITIATIVE AID
•PRESCHOOL EXPANSION AID
•SECURITY AID
•LARGE EFFICIENT DISTRICT AID
•AID FOR DISTRICTS W/HIGH SENIOR CITIZEN POPULATION
•ADDITIONAL FORMULA AID
•INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLEMENT
•NONPUBLIC TEXTBOOK AID
•NONPUBLIC AUXILIARY SERVICES AID
•NONPUBLIC HANDICAPPED AID
•NONPUBLIC AUXILIARY/HANDICAPPED TRANSPORTATION AID
•NONPUBLIC NURSING SERVICES AID
•EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
••DISTANCE LEARNING NETWORK AID
••NONPUBLIC TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE
•EMERGENCY FUND
•INSTITUTIONALIZED CHILDREN-UNKNOWN DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE
•ADULT EDUCATION AID
•DRUG ABUSE EDUCATION FUND
•STEROID TESTING PROGRAM
•SUPPLEMENTAL CORE CURRICULUM STANDARDS AID
•POSITIVE LEARNING UNDERSTANDING SUPPORT PROGRAM
OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING & OPERATIONS
OFFICE OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

DIVISION OF STUDENT SERVICES
OFFICE OF PROGRAM PLANNING & ACCOUNTABILITY
•SPECIALIZED POPULATIONS
••INTEGRATION ASSISTANCE AID
••TARGETED AT-RISK AID
••COMMUNITY RELATIONS-JEWISH FEDERATION COMMITTEE
•••PROGRAMS FOR DISADVANTAGED YOUTH
OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
•AUTISM IN-DISTRICT PROGRAM GRANTS
•SPECIAL EDUCATION IN-DISTRICT GRANTS
•SPECIAL EDUCATION CATEGORICAL AID
•SPECIAL EDUCATION AID
•BUREAU OF BILINGUAL EDUCATION
•EVENING SCHOOL FOR THE FOREIGN BORN
•SPECIAL CATEGORICAL AID
•VIOLENCE PREVENTION
•SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION & EDUCATION
•STUDENT CONDUCT
•COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH EDUCATION
•HIV/AIDS EDUCATION
•FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION
•CHARACTER EDUCATION
•SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
•EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
•NJ COMMISSION ON HOLOCAUST EDUCATION
•COMMISSION ON ITALIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
•NEW JERSEY AFTER 3-ADVISORY COMMITTEE
•EDUCATIONAL ADEQUACY AID
•HIGH EXPECTATIONS-LEARNING PROFICIENCY
•MISCELLANEOUS GRANTS-IN-AID
•EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY AID
•LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER-EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
•POSITIVE LEARNING UNDERSTANDING SUPPORT PROGRAM
•SERVICE TO LOCAL DISTRICTS
•COUNTY OFFICES OF EDUCATION
•NJ QUALITY SINGLE ACCOUNTABILITY CONTINUUM
•REGIONALIZATION INCENTIVE AID
•CONSOLIDATED AID
•AID FOR ENROLLMENT ADJUSTMENTS
•ABOVE AVERAGE ENROLLMENT GROWTH
•COUNTY VOCATIONAL PROGRAM AID
•DEMONSTRABLY EFFECTIVE PROGRAM AID
•DISTRICT & SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
•EXTRAORDINARY SPECIAL EDUCATION COSTS AID
OFFICE OF EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
•NJ 21ST CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS PROGRAM
••BEFORE SCHOOL PROGRAMS
••AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
••SUMMER PROGRAMS
••WEEKEND AND NON-SCHOOL DAY PROGRAMS
•SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES
••COORDINATED SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM
••HEALTH ASSESSMENTS
••SCREENINGS
••SERVICES TO STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
••COMMUNICABLE DISEASE & INFECTION CONTROL
••OTHER HEALTH SERVICES
••MANAGING CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS
••REFERRALS FOR ASSISTANCE
••ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY
•NONPUBLIC SCHOOL SERVICES
KATZENBACH SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
•KATZENBACH SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF ADVISORY BOARD
•REGIONAL SCHOOLS FOR THE HANDICAPPED (11)
•NJ UNIT OF THE RECORDING FOR THE BLIND & DYSLEXIC
•LEARNING THROUGH LISTENING PROGRAM
OFFICE OF RESEARCH, EVALUATION & ASSESSMENTS
•OFFICE OF STATE ASSESSMENTS
••SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULA DEVELOPMENT COSTS
••STATE & LOCAL DIAGNOSTICS
••HIGH SCHOOL PROFICIENCY
••DISTRICT STATE AID PROFILE
••GIFTED & TALENTED PROGRAMS
••STATE ACTION FOR EDUCATION LEADERSHIP PROJECT
••PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE PROGRAM
••TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM REVIEW
••TEACHER ACCREDITATION
••TEACHER QUALITY COUNCIL
••ALTERNATE PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENT (DISABLED)
••GENERAL EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
••CORE CURRICULUM CONTENT STANDARDS
••EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS & ASSESSMENT
••NJ ASSESSMENT OF SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
••STATE COLLABORATIVE ON ASSESSMENT & STUDENT STANDARDS
••SPECIAL REVIEW ASSESSMENT
••GRADE 8 PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENT
OFFICE OF RESEARCH & EVALUATION

CHIEF OF STAFF
ASSISTANT TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR STATE BOARD
•OFFICE OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION & HUMAN RESOURCES
•SOCIAL SECURITY TAX PAYMENTS
•TEACHER QUALITY ENHANCE GRANTS-STATE MATCH
•STATEWIDE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
•PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
••TITLE 1 ACCOUNTABILITY
•TEACHER PREPARATION
•PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & LICENSURE
OFFICE OF EDUCATION & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
•EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION & RESOURCE CENTER
•STUDENT REGISTRATION & RECORD SYSTEM
•NJ SMART
OFFICE OF FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY & COMPLIANCE
•OFFICE OF FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY
•OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE INVESTIGATION
••INVESTIGATIONS
••CRIMINAL HISTORY REVIEWS
••INTERNAL AUDITING
••SINGLE/GRANT AUDITS
••EARLY CHILDHOOD COMPLIANCE AUDITS
••EARLY CHILDHOOD ENROLLMENT AUDITS
OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES
OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
OFFICE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
•SCHOOL BUILDING AID
•NEW FACILITIES TRANSITION AID
•SMALL CAPITAL PROJECTS
•SCHOOL SECURITY UNIT
OFFICE OF STATE BUDGET & ACCOUNTING

President Grover Cleveland

“A government for the people must depend for its success on the intelligence, the morality, the justice, and the interest of the people themselves”.  President Grover Cleveland.

President Grover Cleveland was born on March 18, 1837 in Caldwell, New Jersey.  The family moved to western New York when he was three years old.  Cleveland quit school before completion to help support the family when his father died.  He taught school for a year then attained a clerk position in a law firm.   After passing the bar and entering the practice of law he decided to become politically involved.  His record as an honest politician won him the positions as Mayor of Buffalo, Governor of New York, and ultimately President of the U.S.

Cleveland was elected for two nonconsecutive terms as the 22nd (1885-1889) and 24th (1893-1897) President.  “Cleveland’s admirers praised him for his honesty, independence, integrity, and commitment to the principles of “classical liberalism””.  Many members of his own Democratic party along with unions were not pleased with his outlooks, which included limited government, personal freedoms, and rights of property.

Cleveland’s Cabinet consisted of eight advisors plus Vice President Thomas Hendricks.  One hundred ten years later, President Bush’s Cabinet includes Vice President Richard Chaney and the heads of 15 executive departments. There are also five members who at serve at “Cabinet-level rank”.  In New Jersey, Governor Corzine’s Cabinet count is larger than the federal government, at 22 members!

After retirement Cleveland returned to New Jersey and died on June 24, 1908 at his home in Princeton.  Soon after his death, the Democratic Party adapted the term “social liberalism” to align the name better with their agenda of social programs.

Assemblyman Doherty for NJ State Senate

State Senator Leonard Lance has won election to the US Senate and Assemblyman Mike Doherty would like to fill the vacated State Senate seat.  Doherty currently represents the 23rd district that encompasses Hunterdon and Warren Counties.  As a voter in Hunterdon, I have a ‘bird’s eye view’ of Assemblyman Doherty, and consider myself fortunate to have him as my representative.

Doherty has also been a strong advocate for the citizens of New Jersey.  He is a very proactive fiscal conservative, consistently voting against increased taxes and wasteful spending.  The proof lies in his voting record, legislative actions, and defense of our country and our constitution.

When Governor Corzine was pushing his 800% toll hike plan, Doherty actively campaigned against the proposal.  He has also been vocal about the affect of the mandated COAH obligations on citizens and municipalities.  Doherty proves he is an ally to both taxpayers and businesses through his proceedings against onerous state actions.

My friends at Conservatives with Attitude (CWA) have endorsed Assemblyman Michael Doherty as candidate for the State Senate in the 23rd district.  The CWA press release includes affirmative statements from bloggers and leaders in support of Doherty.

NJ – Unfriendly to all

From flora to fitness, business taxes are not the only way for New Jersey to apply their business unfriendly attitude.  There are other ways to increase dedicated sources of revenue to justify growth of government control and powers of our Governor.  What we have in the legislature is an array of bills that add even more pressure to businesses in the form of registration fees, educational mandates, administrative costs, and increased regulations.

Licensing of landscapers recently gained approval by Governor Corzine signing bill A-2146 into law, P.L.2008, c.77.   The state now requires Landscape Architects be certified by a respective board in the Division of Consumer Affairs, in the Department of Law and Public Safety.  For certification the applicant must have at least a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and work experience of four years.  The certificate must be renewed biennially and participation in continuing education is required.

Bill A-1355 (47 pages) is the ‘answer’ to issues outlined in by the State Commission of Investigation (SCI) 72 page report titled, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: New Home Construction in New Jersey”. The 4 page press release from the SCI includes key recommendations.  The bill, referencing the report states, “cited serious construction deficiencies in new homes built in New Jersey, including such defects as improperly installed walls, beams, roof trusses and foundations, as well as improperly installed vent systems and pipes”.  “The SCI attributed these deficiencies mainly to low-quality materials and inferior construction practices.”

The bill includes creation of a Construction Trades Licensing Board within the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety.  It covers an array of duties preformed by building contractors and contractors dealing with swimming pools and spas, specialty trades, heating ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration, underground utility and excavation, and roofing.  Toward the bottom of this bill appears this statement:

 “49. The following statement shall be provided by the local code enforcing agency office to an owner requesting a construction permit for work on their residence without the services of a licensed contractor.”

“State law requires construction to be done by licensed contractors. You have applied for a permit under an exemption to that law. The exemption allows you, as the owner of your property, to act as your own contractor with certain restrictions even though you do not have a license. You must provide direct, onsite supervision of the construction yourself. You may build or improve a one family residence.  The building or residence must be for your own use or occupancy. It may not be built or substantially improved for sale or lease. If you sell or lease a building you have built or substantially improved yourself within one year after the construction is complete, the law will presume that you built or substantially improved it for sale or lease, which is a violation of this exemption. You may not hire an unlicensed person to act as your contractor or to supervise people working on your building.  It is your responsibility to make sure that people employed by you have licenses required by State law and by county or municipal licensing ordinances. You may not delegate the responsibility for supervising work to a licensed contractor who is not licensed to perform the work being done. Any person working on your building who is not licensed must work under your direct supervision and must be employed by you, which means that you must deduct F.I.C.A. and withholding tax and provide workers’ compensation for that employee, all as prescribed by law.  Your construction must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, and zoning regulations.”

I find the contents of this 49-page bill most concerning.  Apparently the state failed in its duty to protect the citizens, and well-paid inspectors dropped the ball.  Now it will be on the back of businesses to take up the slack, which of course will create additional costs to consumers when buying or remodeling a home. Where were the state inspectors we paid preciously to oversee building compliance?

Another bill S-1240, “Creates limited licenses for general barbering and for barbering and hairstyling within the practice of cosmetology and hairstyling”.  General barbers, barber-hairstylists, licensed beauticians, and licensed barbers will have to undergo various requirements to obtain the limited license.

For jewelers, there is bill A-3337.  The applicant will have added costs of a background check and fingerprinting, an application fee, and yearly renewals.

Bill S-2164 is for the licensing of fitness professionals.  There are course requirements, continuing education requirements, and biennial renewal of the license through the Division of Consumer affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety.

At a time when so many businesses and taxpayers are struggling to survive, our state continues attempts to add more burdens.  What this translates to is increased costs for the consumers and less desire for a business to continue or to open.  As costs escalate, and the economy tanks, there is a normal need for citizens to ‘do it your self’ or do without.   Less profit margin and less consumers equals less business.  Competition is a critical aspect that produces a healthy economic environment that benefits all.  When consumers stop spending, businesses crash.  Businesses crash and so go private sector employment.

Governments also rely heavily on the taxes from a robust business environment.  Public sector jobs are put at risk when government tax income declines.  We are all in this one together.

Above are just a few of the bills that could hit our businesses and personal pocketbooks.  One can review bills and monitor their activity on the New Jersey Legislative web site.  There is a wealth of information on this site, a ‘free’ college education.  To be vigilant we must explore our state and government and be proactive in our involvement.

Consider connecting to a good grassroots organization.  I recommend checking Americans for Prosperity (AFP), which is a national organization with many state divisions, including AFP-NJ.

Thank You Veterans

Weird NJ Visits Lucy the Elephant

Hefty amount helps only a few

Regular price $739,000, special price for 5 select public workers $253,500.

The Star-Ledger has reported on a controversial housing offer.  It is based on one’s occupation.  “Only people who work for the City of Hoboken, the Hoboken Board of Education, the Hoboken Housing Authority, or a Hoboken charter school are eligible to apply.”  The rational behind the idea is that Hoboken requires certain workers to live in town and they need ‘affordable’ housing.

Again, reported by the Star-Ledger, “Hoboken municipal workers making between $61,000 and $92,000 for a family of four qualify, Bado said, and families of four will be given preference.”

This is a nice $485,500 windfall for select public workers who make comfortable incomes.  These are discounted purchases, where rentals would have sufficed.   In the converse, the private sector and other public workers are disallowed from participating in the ‘lottery’.  Perks like this swing the pendulum of private vs. public total compensation (salary plus benefits and perks) even more askew.

How did the owner of the building make up for the over $2.427 million discounted on these five units?  This is a hefty amount to help only a few.

Excessive spending for schools

The Schools Development Authority (formerly Schools Construction Corporation) is working on building five new high schools in New Jersey.  They are allocating more than $750 million of the $3.9 billion borrowed earlier in the year.  For more information, see my prior posts on the school borrowing 1 - 2 - 3 - 4.  News 12 New Jersey interviewed Donald Trump, Steve Lonegan, and David Sciarra about the cost of constructing schools in NJ.

“Studies show that the average cost of an American high school is between $35 and $45 million. In New Jersey, the average cost is $60 million, yet the new high schools approved for construction each have price tags of over $100 million.”

The video contained in the News 12 interview compares Trump’s $200 million towers to the new schools now being built.  In Union City the new school construction cost was $180 million, “The most expensive school ever built in New Jersey”.  There is a football stadium on the roof!  Sciarra, Executive Director NJ Education Law Center, defended this by saying that it was a pilot project and would also serve community groups.  Phillipsburg will be building a new much needed high school at the projected cost of $175 million.  Trump got his money’s worth out of labor and materials in constructing his very big towers.

Americans for Prosperity NJ director Steve Lonegan says, “These are staggering amounts of money”.  I agree.

Obama’s first test

The voters in the USA have spoken.  Our nation has such distaste for the road our country is on that we have chosen to test uncharted waters.  We have reached to the left of what our beliefs have been on the elements of democracy toward an even more mixed economy.

President Elect Obama has been blessed with an eloquence of speech, vigor of youth, and demeanor the majority has proven it desires.  As a country, over the next few years we will certainly find out much about our newly elected 44th president.

Obama has presented his positions.    What these positions mean to our daily lives, the future of our children, and the direction of our government are yet unknown.  We will learn his depth of wisdom, his purity, and his discretion.  He may unite the people of our country, or divide us further.

If he goes to far in his desires of distribution, we will be further fragmented.  There will be no reason for the private sector to strive, because personal success will be futile.  Released today is an ominous report of job losses for October.

In New Jersey businesses are so taxed already that the state is no longer a premier state for a company location.  Many of NJ’s smallest businesses struggle and are sending the state more in tax revenue from sales and employer taxes while the owner benefits little.   The rate of small business failures is high.  This is after the personal monetary and physically grueling investment of owners, putting closure beyond the loss of a job.  Return on this investment may take years to recoup.  What would be the reason to own a business if the ‘pay-day’ would never come but instead again be subject to even more tax?  The ones that survive have to self-pay health insurance or do without.  If there is any retirement plan it is not guaranteed.  The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) presents facts that show the importance of cherishing our small businesses.  Here are two of the many they present:

“Small business produces roughly half of the private Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and creates, on average, about two-thirds of net new jobs annually.”  “American small business is the world’s second largest economy, trailing only the United States as a whole.”

What comes to my mind is Newton’s Third Law of Motion, with a different application.  “To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.”  In this case, a government acts, businesses react.

I sincerely hope that the national shift is not a mirror image of what NJ has become to the residents and businesses.  Our NJ business losses have been high, and the unemployment follows.

One key to where Obama will lead us is the selection of cabinet members.  According to the Star-Ledger there are two New Jersey politicians being considered for positions in the Obama administration.

“Gov. Jon Corzine said this morning he has not spoken with anyone in the Obama transition team about becoming the next Treasury secretary, but did not reject the idea.

Corzine is not the only ranking New Jersey politician in contention for a senior position in the Obama administration. Corzine’s incoming Chief of Staff, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa Jackson, has been tapped to co-chair Obama’s transition group overseeing the federal Environmental Protection Agency, according to three New Jersey democrats familiar with internal discussions.”

For many citizens in NJ, Obama’s first test will be eliminating Corzine and Jackson from his list of possibilities.