Will Rogers once pointed out that in politics, even if you’re on the right track, you can still get run over.
This may be particularly true in regards to a plan proposed by Gov. Jon Corzine and State Senate Pres. Richard Codey to provide private lanes on the N J. Turnpike. One plan calls for privatizing lanes for exclusive use of trucks and buses, while another would create express car lanes for the length of the Turnpike.
Corzine just can’t get over the concept of selling off the Turnpike to somebody, even when the public already pays taxes and tolls for the privilege of driving on the state-owned road.
Bayonne Assemblyman Anthony Chiappone is not supportive of this initiative, but would support other money-saving measures as long as residents along the southern portion of Hudson County get a new Turnpike extension bridge to ease the traffic congestion.
Codey and Union County power broker state Sen. Ray Lesniak are talking with the governor about the issue.
While the state is looking for a “pain free” way to pay its debts, the hidden additional fees could backfire on Corzine if voters see them as a way to get around general opposition to the state selling off its assets.
State Republicans were critical of the recent budget because it failed to deal with the state’s need for transportation infrastructure improvements.
What if there are private truck and bus lanes? With increased costs for fuel, trucks and buses will have to raise fees to cover the increased tolls, and while state officials might call private roads “pain free” as opposed to the state raising existing tolls, for most consumers it amounts to just another hidden tax – not much different from then Gov. Jim Florio’s effort in 1990 to tax toilet paper.
Former Assemblyman Louis Manzo said financial gimmicks won’t make up for lack of real reform, such as shifting the burden of schools from property tax payers to income tax, or putting off repayment of the state debt until better economic times. Manzo is wary of plans that would keep private the bonding details of these state generated proposals. Before there are legislative approvals, he has asked for a full accounting of all business dealings, from bonding agents the hospital used in financing to construction contracts awarded to show who exactly benefits most.
Mason wins information case in Hoboken
Hoboken Councilwoman Beth Mason won a decisive victory in court last week in her effort to force Hoboken University Medical Center to open its books to the public. The court not only agreed with Mason’s contention that the public had a right to know details of the financing because of taxpayers were “on the hook for $50 million” if the hospital fails, but also that City Council caucus meeting notices failed to disclose pertinent information about possible actions when discussing the hospital.
“The end result was that concerned citizens…were deprived of a basic right, that being the right to be present and to offer critical comment and oversight,” the judge said.
The judge ruled that information Mason requested should have been given because it “significantly impacted” the city’s bonding guarantees.
The court also said that the hospital’s response to Mason’s requests for information was “inadequate.”
“As stressed throughout this decision, the stakes were high, not only for the city of Hoboken, but its taxpayer citizens including plaintiff Ms. Mason,” the court decision said.
Shopping around in Jersey City
Sean Connors said he recently met with former Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler to discuss a possible place as a council candidate on a Schundler-for-mayor ticket in spring of 2009.
“He had called me and wanted to see what I thought of his candidacy, and he wanted to get a grasp on what I would like to do if I was elected to the Ward D Council seat,” Connors said. “The meeting went very well with no commitments from either one of us, but the door of communication was left open for the future. I have also been in touch with Harvey Smith. Although he did not commit to running, he wanted to get together to share a cup of coffee or two and go over some ideas for the future. I think at this point, for me, I should keep all of my options open for the future.”
For more on Jersey City’s potential mayoral candidates, see the cover story in this weekend’s Jersey City Reporter.
Another Secaucus mayoral candidate?
Secaucus may have another candidate for mayor next year, as the town’s public defender, Peter M. Weiner, ponders a possible run in November 2009.
This would add his name to a list of mayoral hopefuls that include incumbent Mayor Dennis Elwell and Councilman Mike Gonnelli.
Former Board of Education member Tom Troyer said he has spoken with Weiner about the possible run.
“I asked him if he is a contender or a pretender,” he said. “I hope he’s for real. But I pointed out that he will take away votes from Gonnelli if he runs.”
Some local political people are asking if Secaucus Deputy Mayor John Reilly will run again next year.
Michael J. Makarski, recently elected to the Secaucus Board of Education, has been seen at council meetings taking notes. This suggests that he may be running for council. If so, he would be running in the 3rd Ward where Reilly serves as councilman.
Cunningham taps Martin for chief of staff
State Sen. Sandra Bolden Cunningham has named Christian Martin as her new chief of staff. Martin will replace Tralonne Shorter, who will move to Washington, D.C. to become the public policy director for the National Network to End Domestic Violence.
Martin is a graduate of Princeton University and expert in municipal affairs, working previously for the Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. Most recently, Martin worked as the State Government Committee aide in the State Senate Majority Office.