Moody’s upgrades Weehawken’s credit rating; Union City removed from watch list
Weehawken has been lifted out of junk bond (or “speculative grade”) territory by credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service as of Dec. 27, according to a story at NJ.com. Weehawken-issued bonds were downgraded to junk status in July, 2010.
Moody’s cited several positive changes in relation to Weehawken’s $5.04 million in general obligation debt: its continued waterfront redevelopment, its decreased reliance on tax-anticipation notes for cash flow, and a reported surplus of $271,000.
Separately, on Dec. 21 Moody’s removed Union City from its downgrade watch list after the city received restorative aid from the state.
Five New Jersey municipalities retain their junk status: Harrison, Collingswood, Salem, Irvington, and Camden.
Election commission files complaint against Weehawken mayor and council after five years
The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission has made a complaint against Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner and his council members, alleging they made $32,000 above the $36,000 yearly allowable contribution limit dictated by election law in 2006, according to NJ.com.
The complaint alleges that the “Weehawken & You 2006 Re-Election Fund” made $8,000 and $60,000 donations to the “Weehawken & You Civic Association” and the “Weehawken & You Action Committee” respectively, which generated the overage.
The complaint also states that candidates who knowingly donate excessively can face penalties of up to $150,000.
Turner said Friday that he is unconcerned about the complaint, since he thought it had been resolved in 2007 and that the town has heard nothing from ELEC for five years – until Dec. 28 when the complaint was sent.
He said that in Nov. 2006, after running unopposed and spending little money on the campaign, he was advised by town attorneys and accountants to combine the funds from the re-election account with those from the ongoing political action committee.
Shortly thereafter, ELEC notified the town that they had combined the accounts too early (before Jan. 2007) and advised them to un-combine them, which they did.
Turner stated that ELEC then sent them a letter stating everything was fine.
“Frankly, after five years of absolutely no correspondence, I think they’ve got their paperwork a little mixed up,” Turner said.
He said he believes his groups will most likely have to compile their records and correspondence in order to provide ELEC with what they need to fill in whatever they are missing.
Weehawken Weekenders to hold bingo bonanza
The Weehawken Weekenders will hold their Lucky Leap Year Bingo Bonanza at the Royal Manor in Garfield on Feb. 29. The price per person is $45, which includes music by Peter Lieberman, comedy by Uncle Floyd, a family-style dinner, transportation, and gratuity.
For more information, call the Weekenders at (201) 319-6059.
Hudson County seeks child advocacy volunteers
Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocate group (CASA) seeks volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. Hudson County has nearly 700 children in foster care; most have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect.
CASA uses trained community volunteers to provide assistance to children while helping to move them toward safe and permanent homes. CASA and its volunteers speak for children in court, serve as fact-finders for judges, and safeguard the interests of children in the foster care system.
An informational session will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Room 400 of the Hudson County Administration Building at 595 Newark Ave., Jersey City, for those interested in learning more about the program and the role of its volunteers.
For further information, please call (201) 795-9855, e-mail mgarcia@hudsoncountycasa.org or visit www.hudsoncountycasa.org.
Senior Center to hold feng shui seminar
Weehawken’s Senior Nutrition Center will hold a “Feng Shui for Health & Harmony” seminar on Thursday, Jan. 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for residents ages 17 and up.
The seminar will present crystals as tools for meditation and contemplation and how they can enhance personal energy.
To register, call the recreation department at (201) 319-6061 or email recreation@weehawken-nj.us.
Weehawken’s ‘lizard guy’ will return
The “Lizard Guy” will return to the Senior Nutrition Center at 203 Highwood Ave. with a plethora of creepy-crawly critters on Thursday, Jan. 26 between 6 and 7 p.m. Children and adults who live in Weehawken are welcome to partake of the educational fun.
Registration to be held for free performing arts classes
The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc. will hold registration for its professional theatre training program for children ages eight and up from Monday through Thursday, Jan. 23 to Feb. 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Jose Marti Freshman Academy, 1800 Summit Ave., Union City.
The workshop will provide free ballet, jazz, hip hop, salsa, tap/rhythm, singing, and acting classes.
To register, children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Registration fee is $25 per student, but classes are free and open to all Hudson County residents. All of the instructors are professional performers. Adult classes in Salsa dancing are also offered at no cost.
For information, call (201) 864-7149 or visit www.GraceTheatre.com.