I have changed the way I present “Comments to Jerry’s Blog”. Instead of adding his blogs here, I have started creating specific pages for the most recent of his blogs. On the main page title bar of my blog, you will find entries titled “Jerry’s Latest Blog” and the date. If you wish to make comments, you can click on those links and it will open up the string to do so.
I hope that this makes it easier to follow and comment on the latest of Jerry’s ”wise” (?) utterances.
When are people in Plainfield going to wake up? JG cannot be trusted to look out for anybody but himself!
Anonymous Says:
October 1, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Funny, your blog has so much more information about the 22nd district than Green’s blog, and he’s been around forever. I guess it says what he thinks of the people who elected him.
Anonymous Says:
October 1, 2009 at 4:35 pm
“I hope that in moving forward Bo will spend more time talking about the issues that are facing the people in the 22nd District.”
I hope that moving forward Jerry Green will spend ANY time talking about the issues that are facing the 22nd District.
“He knows nothing about the housing issues, health issues, job issues, or tax issues facing the State of NJ.”
And you do, Jerry? My taxes haven’t gone down, have yours? What are you doing to try to keep taxes in Union county under control? What exactly do YOU have to say about any of the issues above?
“Bo just runs around Plainfield trying to get anything negative in hopes that this will help him get elected.”
Your whole blog sounds pretty negative to me, Jerry.
Nudeal Says:
October 1, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Jerry Don’t try to make us believe that you got the grant. AS for the endorsements as long as they get their annual great raises and perks why would their leaders support anyone else- A big SO WHAT
Anon. Says:
October 2, 2009 at 8:27 am
A UEZ Award isn’t really a grant. It’s the State giving the City permission to use money that Plainfielders paid into the UEZ Plainfield fund in sales taxes.
I am a huge supporter of Police and Fire personnel…and would never disparage their effort and commitment. But…is it really any surprise that the Police and Fire Unions would support maintaining the status quo?
anon Says:
October 2, 2009 at 10:15 am
Jerry Green has one son who is a Plainfield firemen and another who is a Union County Undersheriff, so it’s no surprise that he would be endorsed by their unions.
But does his fatherly pride and concern conflict with the people’s interests? As chair of the Assembly’s Local Government Committee Green should be doing everything he can to lessen the tax burden on municipalities throughout the state. That means taking on the unions and their constant raises and guaranteed pensions. Does anyone think that Green would ever go against his son’s interests or the unions who have voted for him for twenty years?
I have no problem with the idea of unions but in New Jersey it’s no longer a fair fight between the state-or-nationwide unions and the much smaller municipalities, who negotiate the best they can but are often beat up by the union’s public relations and the arbitration system that usually rules against the towns.
Among all of the other reasons to vote Jerry out this might be the one that will do us the most good in the long run.
Jerry’s Latest Blog
Dated: Friday, October 2, 2009
Corzine hit a home run last night. Daggett did a very good job as well. The comments that I have received in regards to Chris “I Made A Mistake” Christie, however, were that he was a total embarrassment to the Republican Party. He had no answers and no plan, in fact it seemed like he was mad at the world. Now I see why Bo and Marty are running away from him, unfortunately, it is a little too late. It is obvious, from his remarks last night, that Bernice Paglia must have written his speech.
Last night Chris Christie, Marty Marks, and Bo Vastine made it very clear that they are against gay rights. They made it very clear that they are against gay marriages. They have now gone to the church community in an attempt to get their support against anyone that supports the gay community. Now they have the church community in the State of NJ passing around petitions; treating members of the gay community as if they are criminals. Unfortunately, we still have people in the gay community supporting them, when last night they publicly turned their backs on them. They feel the gay community is an embarrassment to society. Wake up Plainfield! The gay community has brought pride and respect to the City of Plainfield, so why are we allowing the Republican Party to treat these individuals like this?
Ps
Wake up Bo and Marty, you don’t know who is in your family that someday may need you to understand how they feel. However, being the conservatives that you are, you could probably care less.
Posted by Assemblyman Jerry Green at 5:07 PM
Jerry…perhaps you could have your writing staff re-read some of my blogs regarding the gay community. I have made mention a number of times that I have a brother-in-law who is gay. I have also stated many times that I beleive everyone in this country deserves equal rights regardless of their sexual orientation, religeous beliefs or ethnic background.
If you are going to make claims about my positions…at least get a little bit close to the TRUTH. Oh that’s right…the TRUTH is something that you continue to struggle with.
Bo Vastine
NFS Says:
Submitted on 2009/10/03 at 9:44am
Another broken promise by Corzine that gay marriage would be on the ballot this fall.
Jerry “Dumped His Dumps” Green also states: “They feel the gay commnity is an embarraseement to society”. How in the heck does Green know what anyone “feels?
The Corzine campaign is running nothing but a fear factor campaign and Green keeps it going.
I’ve left numerous comments on Green’s blog and none of them were published. That tells me Green has no use for anyone else’s thoughts or positions. He only wants to hear himself talk.
Good luck to your team Mr. Vastine. I took the liberty of posting your blog sites on my blog site so those who may want to get information other than campaign illerature can read and comment for themselves.
Another broken promise by Corzine that gay marriage would be on the ballot this fall.
Jerry “Dumped His Dumps” Green also states: “They feel the gay commnity is an embarraseement to society”. How in the heck does Green know what anyone “feels?
The Corzine campaign is running nothing but a fear factor campaign and Green keeps it going.
I’ve left numerous comments on Green’s blog and none of them were published. That tells me Green has no use for anyone else’s thoughts or positions. He only wants to hear himself talk.
Good luck to your team Mr. Vastine. I took the liberty of posting your blog sites on my blog site so those who may want to get information other than campaign illerature can read and comment for themselves.
Anonymous Says:
October 3, 2009 at 9:38 AM
This guy get more unbelievable every time he opens his mouth. If he thinks the gay community is going to back him because of his remarks – which are as usual not well written-he really is out of touch.
Jerry, why would anyone believe you now? You have been talking for 20 years with nothing to show for it. And now, you decide to talk?
Thank goodness we have to listen to his drivel only for another 5 weeks.
Rob Says:
October 4, 2009 at 8:30 AM
I would no more want Jerry Green’s assistant on “Gay Rights” than I would want Jerry watching my wallet, which by the way he and most of the legislature have done a terrible job. Jerry Green’s continuous use of the phrase, Chris ” I made a mistake” Christie is an obvious sign of an ignorant person. The difference between Christie and Corzine is that Christie will admit he made a mistake. Corzine won’t and that’s for sure. Everything from Corzine’s most recent comment about unemployment, ” If you don’t like the unemployment rate in NJ go to North Dakota” to his lovely “GIFT” of a couple million to his ex girlfriend Carla Katz head of the union he was negotiating with FOR US. If Jerry Green had an ounce of sense, Corzine’s record alone would be enough for me to keep my mouth shut. But, Jerry jumps on the party bandwagon and proves his inability to think without someone telling him to. And the whole ” I would rather concentrate on getting Corzine reelected rather than become the Speaker… Please… they hadn’t considered him for a moment and he knows it. And, I am sure there was a loud round of laughter going around the room when someone might have mentioned his name. And as a GAY AMERICAN ( thank you Jim I am corrupt McGreevey ) I DON’T WANT SOME VILLAGE HALF WIT SUPPORTING ANY CAUSE OF MINE –Stay away Jerry.
Jerry’s Latest Blog
Dated: Tuesday October 6, 2009
Anonymous Says:
October 6, 2009 at 7:46 PM
Jerry Green today boasted on his blog about the rebate checks that are currently going out to seniors (for which Green credits Corzine). I just though it would be worth mentioning that under Chris Daggett’s plan, those rebates would be higher and would be coupled with lower income taxes.
Tell Us Your Position Jerry…On The Record.
You speak of a clear public record on the issue of gay rights…however, even the most politically active residents of Plainfield have no idea what your position is. For the record…why not come clean now so that we all can know without a doubt…Jerry, what is your position on Gay Marriage?
I am not sure what you are referring to with the local churches. Maybe you were daydreaming? I have not met with anyone in the clergy, nor has anyone from our campaign….about any issues!
As far as the tax burdens placed on the residents of New Jersey…they were created by you and your running mate “Stender the Spender”. As my blog today demonstrates…you and Stender have rubber stamped a collective $15 BILLION in new taxes for the residents of New Jersey. Perhaps you can explain how your votes to continuously raise taxes are the fault of national politicians.
You also talk about the rebate checks for seniors…what happened to Corzine’s rebate checks for all New Jersey’s tax payers? After all…it is our money. Do you really expect us to give Corzine credit for giving rebates back…to some? If you and Stender weren’t so quick to rubber stamp tax increases…we wouldn’t even need a rebate.
As far as your record of results for the 22nd District…Muhlenberg Hospital comes to mind…your compensation from the Alman Group (Solaris as a client) comes to mind…the Monarch debacle comes to mind…the PMUA comes to mind…your highly profitable sale of property in Linden to the UCIA comes to mind…and your suffocating taxes come to mind. What else is there that we need to know about your record?
Your record clearly demonstrates that you are more about Jerry…than you are about the voters. Why don’t you tell the person writing your blog to give us a straight answer?
Anonymous Says:
October 7, 2009 at 10:30 AM
From Jerry’s blog –
“Where do they stand on towns that block opportunities for more affordable housing for their residents and community?”
Jerry, you publicly stated that Plainfield has had enough affordable housing and you want to stop supporting more. Is that still your stance
JG Blog –
“Where do they stand on Abbott funding? The courts have since agreed with the formula we use in New Jersey to educate our children. Yet, their candidate, Chris Christie claims it’s a waste of money.”
Jerry, didn’t you vote against Abbott funding, and aren’t the courts in the process of abolishing it because in part of your vote? Which will make Plainfield taxes increase by thousands?
Jerry’s Latest Blog
Dated: Friday October 9, 2009
Anonymous Says:
October 12, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Thanks Bo. You are doing a big service by having this comment section on your blog.
This is my response that I sent to Jerry regarding his nonsensical post about Muhlenberg which will not be printed of course:
“”“10 positions cut at Muhlenberg satellite ER.” But the actual Courier News headline, both in print and online, was “10 positions cut at Plainfield satellite facility at former Muhlenberg site.”
That’s quite a difference, isn’t it?”"
SED – Satellite Emergency Department
There is no difference – you’re playing with semantics. Quit playing and arguing with your constituents and JUST REOPEN MUHLENBERG – that’s all we want.
And while you’re still playing around – why don’t you inform the public of that joke of a task force you supposedly formed and it’s function?
fedupatlast Says:
October 13, 2009 at 12:49 AM
It is time for Plainfield residents to say “enough!” We cannot withstand another four years of the current administration’s (and Assemblyman’s) lack of vision and competency. The Monarch condos, the PMMUA, the Connolly landlord fiasco, the property tax yearly debacle, the Muhlenberg disaster, the cheapening of our downtown business district. How long will we watch this city decline? What a shame – Plainfield has so many assets just waiting to be managed properly. Let’s have the courage to vote the current politicians out of office and make way for new thinkers.
Jerry’s Latest Blog
Dated: Friday October 16, 2009
Jerry’s Latest Blog
Dated: Friday October 16, 2009
anon Says:
October 18, 2009 at 10:11 am
You did a pretty good rebuttal of the first two paragraphs, but how about the last? I know that you’ve laid out many ideas in your blog and in your speaking engagements, but in this form of debate you have to answer the questions as they are asked, even if redundant, lest you look like you’re avoiding them.
Jerry’s Latest Blog
Dated: Friday October 23, 2009
I wasn’t able to copy the two (2) colors that are on Jerry’s actual blog. The main text is written in his typical green color and the lead paragraph is written in blue.
To me…it actually looks like Jerry (rather his ghost writer) wrote the glowing text himself. I don’t know that anyone…anywhere… (Other than maybe Dottie Gutenkauf) has ever used the terms “Magnificent Jerry”…and “the finest public servants of our time”?
Strangely enough, I can’t find any record of an endorsement on their website. Do you really think Jerry would be capable of creating a false endorsement out of desperation? Does Linda know that she has been dragged into this charade?
In his 20 years in office it took his current desperation to finally state a position (although he has backed away from it already)…are we to believe that he has been a champion of these issues for all of these years but never told anyone? Seems hard to believe that Jerry is capable of doing something…anything…without patting himself on the back.
Regarding change…I think the Courier News summed it up pretty well…”Green and Stender are part of the problem. There’s no way around that” & “Green and Stender are precisely the types of enabling Democrats who should be weeded out of the Assembly”.
I read the endorsement of Green and Stender from Garden State Equality and was sad. It’s quite possible that both of the incumbents have done good things for the LGBT community, but how does that trump all of the other issues for all of the other interest groups? Should we vote based on what’s good for our tribe alone?
How about taxes? How about schools? How about pay-to-play? How about the deficit? How about infrastructure? How about jobs? How about property values? How about transit? How about crime, gangs and drugs? How about the mess in Plainfield City Hall?
Do none of these things matter? Or, like the public employee unions, are we only interested in what we can get for ourselves?
Thank you for spelling my name right, but please don’t give me credit for things I haven’t done. The endorsement came from Garden State Equality (I received their email and I suppose Jerry and Linda did too). I have never used the words you falsely attribute to me. I can’t imagine why you are using the GSE endorsement to attack me–or why you want to single me out for those snide and gratuitous remarks.
You are correct…I have edited my comments to reflect a more ironic tone.
Congratulations GSE… selling your soul to kiss up to Jerry Green…now that is taking the low road. Wow, Jerry wants me to be able to get married…do I also get to participate in no show jobs, jacking up taxes, stealing money out of the State Employee’s retirement fund, causing our state to go broke, passing endless inane laws that do nothing but cost the taxpayers of NJ money ??? Oh..No..I don’t ??Mmm… must be because we are on the ” in ” like Jerry and his buddies. Surprised Assistant Mayor Sharon isn’t running around french kissing a bunch of lesbians for votes to prove how “GAY SUPPORTIVE” she is as she needs every vote possible so she hang her noose of ineptitude around the citizen’s of Plainfield’s neck for 4 more years.
Ironic is Gutenkauf complaining about snide and gratuitous remarks when she makes the same kinds of comments about a letter posted by republican William Michelson when he aligns Pivnichny with New Democrats. This broad brush that she is using to paint New Democrats as Republicans is dishonest and misleading and I thought she was a better person than this. She is probably talking about a few individuals whom she doesn’t like but she is too cowardly to name them. If she is calling the two dozen members of the New Democrats who are on the democratic committee republicans I would like to know what evidence she has of this. I know some of them (Nat Bender, Miss Macaluso, Miss Dorothey Henry, Rebecca Williams, Christian Estevez, Ursula Liebowitz, Frank and Elizabeth D’Aversa, Councilman and Amelia Mapp, and Rick and Belinda Smiley, Shep Brown and Barbara Kerr. None of them are republicans so what is she talking about? She calls the New Democrats “a bunch of lying sneaks” but refuses to call the mayor who used to be a republican, by the way, a “lying sneak” which we know is true, given the information that has come out lately. That is hypocritical. No new Democrat has endorsed Pivnichny and many new Democrats sit on the city council so I guess she is calling McWilliams, Storch, Carter, Burney and Mapp lying sneaks and Republicans too. why is she holding them responsible for Michelson trying to tie the republicans to them? She is pathetic.
At least I sign my name. And Bo–are you ever going to post my response to your reply?
Dottie,
How come you never advertise that you and Joe were the founders of the Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee, and that you’ve both made a pilgramige to worship at the grave of Lenin?
Interesting how “DottieG” at 9:15 thinks that signing her name makes her comments about calling Democrats who disagree with her support for the awful Sharon Robinson-Briggs “lying sneaks” okay. I recognize a few of the names and they are not by a long shot Republicans.Estevez is working on the Corzine campaign exclusively and I am sure that the Bender family would be shocked to learn that their son is a Republican, and they are New Democrats as well. Bo tell this woman to go write her own blog so she can write whatever she wants to support the mayor and Jerry Green. You have no obligation to publish her reply. She sounds like a lying bully just like Green.
You’ve read the latest Two Smoking Barrels? It might be an interesting question for JG on Wednesday night whether he endorses such sentiment from his supporters.
http://twosmokinbarrels.blogspot.com/2009/10/jerry-all-signs-are-there.html
Bo, you are on the “down low” I guess. I just read the post and this person, Two Smoking Barrels, seems to be dangerously unhinged. I am still trying to figure out how anyone with an alleged Bachelor’s Degree in English could say that his favorite writers include Charles and Emily Dickens! I suspect that the BA is in his mind. His written English skills are so poor that I find it hard to believe that he majored in English! He is a mental case.
Who the hell is Emily Dickens??
TwoSmokinBarrels = Nut Job
Regarding JG’s last blog….he would have everyone beleive that he has for his entire business career never asked a liquor company sales rep, when he owned a bar or store, “What can you do for me?” For those not in the biz that translates into how many points will you kick back to me if I buy from you? no more needss to be said…..
Jerry’s Latest Blog
Dated: Wednesday October 28, 2009
As he points out, there’s no doubt that Jerry has the edge in experience over Bo, but that’s not always as important as potential. For example, John McCain had the experience, but the voters clearly went for Barak Obama, who has the potential.
Yes, I know, Bo’s no Barak, but even on a rare good day Jerry is twice as far from Barak as Bo.
Rsponse to JGs latest rant:
“I don’t feel like I should have to answer personal attacks from someone who just moved here from Texas.”
OK Chronic Bitcher, how long must someone live here before you will answer them.
Hillary Clinton was accused by Republicans of being a carpetbagger when she ran for the US Senate as a new resident of New York.
You’ve stooped to their level, but that’s nothing new for you.
See my blog “Dottie Gutenkauf thinks everything is Great!” dated 10/27/2009
Comment sent to Jerry’s page regarding the October 25th reposting of the Dottie Gutenkauf piece:
Your TOS (Terms of Service) violation for using Dottie’s letter, and the “My Central Jersey” logo has been seen to the C-N.
Limitations on Linking and Framing. You are free to establish a hypertext link to our Site so long as the link does not state or imply any sponsorship of your website or service by us or by our Site. However, you may not, without our prior written permission, frame or inline link any of the content of our Site, or incorporate into another website or other service any of our material, content or intellectual property.
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/section/TERMS
Jerry comes from the “Rules only apply to others” school.
From now until the election…I will post the most recent blog of Jerry “What’s in it for Me”…on this page. The most previous blog will then be moved to the bottom of the page on the “Comments to Jerry’s Blog”.
This was a message I left for Green. He won’t post it but I thank you for posting it.
———
Mr. Green,
You don’t really want things to get better in Plainfield. You couldn’t. You and the rest of your team sit idle as the Mayor, PMUA and school board take our hard earned money. Why not introduce some legislation? That is what people such as yourself are elected to do correct? You lost my support a few years ago. I hope by the next election you lose everyone else’s. It’s obvious that you won’t post this but that’s OK it will be posted to Bo Vastine’s page. Just remember, when it’s proven those who sat by or took part will be like Bryant, James, etc.
JGreen; 1-6-10
Gay Marriage Debate
Reading Bo Vastine’s response to Cory Storch’s blog today shows that he clearly stays within his Republican circles of friends when discussing the issue of gay marriage.
I have lobbied, spoken out, and even been quoted in the newspaper as to my position on gay marriage. Since Bo feels that this group of people are sick because of how they choose to live, then he does not have a clue to as who supports them, and who does not. In both my inner circles as well as publically I have supported gay marriage. I did not begin my support of this issue during this past election.
Last year when Garden State Equality, a gay rights group, had a huge event in our State, I was invited and recognized by the organization as one of their key supporters. I have gone around the State in support of their efforts.
Unfortunately, Bo Vastine does not have a clue as to this issue of the State level.
Let us stop playing games with this issue: either you support it or you do not. It is obvious from Bo Vastine’s remarks is that he does NOT support gay marriage. He needs to send that sort of definitive answer as opposed to playing minds games.
Bo Vastine is the same person who ran for a seat in the Assembly and was too embarrassed to wave his Republican flag.
I was taught that if you do not have anything nice to say, you keep it to yourself.
Therefore, Bo, if you are not support this initiative, be quiet. I say this because upon reading and hearing Bo Vastine’s remarks against gay marriage, it is unnerving because you can feel the hate and disdain he has for gay marriage.
This is for his rant on saving / restoring library funding.
You’d rather protect the PMUA than the public libraries. Stop defending them. Restore our library funding now. You could take millions from the PMUA and they would still be operational but this time efficiently.
JGreen; 3-9-10
Straightening Out this Freeholder Fiasco
I have been reading Dan Damon’s blog for the past couple of days, and the reason why I have not responded earlier was the fact I was meeting with local elected officials, community leaders, and county officials dealing with Rayland Van Blake and what is best for Plainfield. , making sure Plainfield has a representative for the Freeholder Board.
I would like to begin by telling those watching as this issue unfolds, that Dan Damon with his misinformation, did more harm to Rayland Van Blake, than anyone else. Three years ago when I supported Rayland for Freeholder, we went before the screening committee of Union County to get the endorsement to run on the Freeholder slate. Some local chairpersons voiced their concerns about him as a councilperson, but I reassured them that he had a lot of potential, and that by giving him a chance, he would gain their support as well as get the job done.
Some chairpersons and Freeholders felt that that was not the case. With that, there was the possibility that he would not receive that same support he did three years ago. I have met with elected officials within the City to bring this concern to their attention, as well as prepare to support another candidate if the City did not support Rayland. I would say 80% of the people I have talked to were more concerned with Plainfield having a candidate on the ballot this year. The only time the issue with Linden came up was when people felt that Plainfield could not come up with a solid candidate. The issue was that any disorganization on the slate could hurt the entire ticket.
So we all agreed on Linda Carter as an alternative. At no time did I or other leaders in the City of Plainfield, not stand up for the City. When the County agreed they could support Linda Carter, we all agreed so. Unfortunately, the information the blogs have been receiving is not true. I made it clear to Rayland that if he could get a majority vote from the municipal chairs in Union County, then I would have no problem being the swing vote for him.
So today, I am calling all 20 chairs in support of Linda Carter being put on the County Democratic slate for Freeholder this year.
Posted by Assemblyman Jerry Green at 12:49 PM
“Posted” to Jerry’s blog today
Hey Jerry – Why don’t you stop “blogging” and spend some time dealing with the issues we are plagued with in the city. The taxes are extremely high for the services we receive! I’m sure this won’t be posted since it doesn’t jive with you actually taking public input. You might as well take off the comment feature to your blog. It’s MISLEADING as many of the things you do are!
JGreen; 4-30-10
Friday, April 30, 2010
Governing for Bloggers 101: Asking for Clarity Isn’t Asking for Take-over
I was happy today to see while reading Doc’s blog that residents are all in favor of something being done to resolve this issue with the Board of Education.
Doc has asked me to explain my communication with the Commissioner of Education’s office as well as the County Superintendent’s office. That communication has been over the phone and constant for the past six months. The conversation also included former Commissioner of Education Lucille Davie. In fact, this week City Council President Annie McWilliams has asked me to set up a meeting with the State and County to discuss the legal ramifications as to the Council’s ability to review the budget.
I would like Doc to feel free to reach out to the President of the Plainfield Teacher’s Association so that she can explain to him that I have spoken to the State and County on behalf of the City of Plainfield. Because these are personnel issues, I have refrained from mentioning names or even commenting in fear of impeding lawsuits.
The Commissioner’s office as well as the County Superintendent’s office has agreed to participate in a conference along with myself, the Mayor, Council President and Council to discuss the budget issue.
I have made sure to take the necessary steps to make sure that I neither did nor said anything to violate anyone’s rights. The conversation I had with the Commissioner was one that led both of us to agree that until this issue is resolved, there is not room for personal comments to be shared in public; a stance that I will respect. The Commissioner’s office is very aware of the concerns of the residents of Plainfield regarding the Plainfield Board of Education’s issues.
So Doc, feel free to check up on me doing my job; reaching out and facilitating progress, clarity and resolve by using the proper entities on the State level within the 22nd Legislative District.
Ps
Someone has mentioned my support of a slate of candidates for the Board of Education. I made this known publicly and privately, that I supported these candidates PERSONALLY, as a Plainfield taxpayer, and that I did not publicly endorse them or have my name used within their campaign. I find it very insulting that when I go out of my way to offer support to a slate as a Plainfield resident, that all at once that slate becomes my ‘team’.
JGreen; 5-7-10
Friday, May 7, 2010
Protect Our Public Libraries
Posted by Assemblyman Jerry Green
Yesterday I had the opportunity to host a hearing to discuss avenues of solution regarding the governance, operation and participation of residents within homeowner’s associations, a hearing that was the bi-product of testimony heard during our February bi-partisan state hearing.
The hearing was very successful wherein both the association management as well as residents voiced their concerns and opinions regarding their establishments.Updated: Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Budget Reductions to Library Programs Announced by Governor Chris Christie
State Funding For Library Programs FY07-FY11For more information on the FY State Budget and its impact on libraries.
In his budget address on March 16, 2010 Governor Christie announced a 74% cut in library funding from FY10 to FY11
This cut:
ELIMINATES Internet access and electronic journals in hundreds of libraries
ELIMINATES the delivery of materials from other libraries to you – more than 3 million items were delivered in 2009
ELIMINATES 50% of State Aid to public librariesLoss of these programs will put more pressure on local property taxes. The $10.4 million in library programs cut from the Governor’s budget represents little more than $1 per person in state funds.
Although I was privy to these proposed cuts, the rally yesterday showed me the drastic effects these cuts will have on the library community within the entire state of New Jersey.
I have met with Mayor Robinson-Briggs to discuss some of these concerns locally, as to the impact these cuts will have on the Plainfield Public Library, and we are going to follow up with a meeting that I have suggested with the City Library Board to discuss what the City of Plainfield can do to help the library.
In visiting the library within the last 30 days, one issue I felt we could deal with right away was the appearance around the library. The mayor agreed and then scheduled for the Public Works Department to clean up the area, which to my understanding, has been done this week.
If anyone has any ideas or information that I can use when I sit down with the members of local and Statewide library communities, please reach out for Jeffrey Williams in my District Office, (908) 561-5757.
Before the meeting however, as I was walking through the State House Annex, I heard a large crowd outside assembling and protesting. Since they piqued my interest I decided to walk outside to see library associations, librarians, those who frequent libraries, and those sympathetic to the cause, outside protesting Governor Christie’s proposed budget cuts to public libraries as well as Assembly Bill 2555.
This is an issue that is dear to me because for one, Plainfield Public Library is an apple of the community’s eye. When I walked outside and witnessed the protesters rallying against Christie’s proposed cuts to public libraries as well as Assembly Bill 2555, I made sure to get some fact sheets and wanted to share them with my Legislative District.
Below are some facts presented by the New Jersey Library Association